Product Description
A beautiful cop goes undercover--and under the sheets--to catch one of the biggest con artists in Florida in a sexy, steamy bestseller from the master of the erotic thriller.

"Fascinating."-- Wall Street Journal

"Perhaps the best such one since Silence of the Lambs."--Mystery Scene

From the New York Times #1 bestselling author of McNally's Dilemma and McNally's Risk ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Sullivan's Sting: A Biting Romance
Rita Sullivan, a cop hired to set up a sting on a petty thief, gets to do her job the old-fashioned way, in bed. But she winds up falling in love with the ne'er-do-well and before you know it, the lovelorn nerdy guy down at police headquarters, who also has a thing for Rita, is jealous. The aim of the cops is to nab the mastermind and his ring of thieves, but since Rita stops cooperating with her cop boss once she falls in love, it takes a little longer. Meanwhile, her criminal boyfriend's crimes get worse and you can guess he ain't gonna get married and settle down anytime soon. I enjoyed the book, although it lacked a certain animation.The author's series featuring Archy McNally are more entertaining.
However, Lawrence Sander's clever, zippy style is fun as always.

Great Cons, Great Read!
I was surprised by the negative reviews of Sullivan's Sting - it was a terrific read, and I highly recommend it.The plot is basically about a group of people, including members of the police, who are all doing scams on each other in one form or another.I thought the characters were complex and entertaining.Other reviewers didn't care for the ending because Mr. Sanders doesn't take the readers to the final action between the antagonists and protagonists.However, I thought it worked because it is obvious what happens to the characters, and there is a plot point he ties up neatly.His writing reminds of Elmore Leonard and to a lesser extent Carl Hiassen.I had obviously heard of Lawrence Sanders before, but for some reason his books never interested me enough to pick up.I plan to immediately go out and purchase as many of them as I can.

Sander's Sting
Loved the book for the first 338 pages but the last 10 basically destroyed it.Sanders books are usually well-plotted with interesting, if slightly dishevled, characters and situations.This one followed the same basic format but self-destructed in the end.He built characters who took turns scamming each other but at the finish, only the reader was scammed. Not a good effort from a writer who usually produces.

"The Sting" this book ain't
I picked up a copy of this book for $2 on a discount rack and I wasted my money. Character development was virtually non-existant with a storylinealmost impossible to believe. Everyone jumping into bed with everyone elseand everyone scamming from each other...including the cops scamming fromeach other. And practically no ending at all. After reading KING CON byStephen J. Cannell, I was hoping for something similar but no such luck.

Wanting more about Rita and David :)
WOW..I just got done reading Sullivan's Sting...what an amazing book, I could not put it down and when I finally did I jumped online to find if there was a follow up to it anywhere..I'd love to know? Amazing piece ofwork Mr Sanders Congrats :-) ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

No Storyline
I was disappointed in this book. What could have been an exciting account of the exploits of a very brave and innovative corp of British volunteer desert fighters was a collection of brief and disconnected accounts of battles and skirmishes during the war in Africa. Very little detailed description of the actual battles, some of which were obviously significant, with many men being lost or solid victories by these brave troops.

Spine-TinglingClose Shaves
Mike Morgan's "Sting of the Scorpion" is the riveting anthology of the Long Range Desert Group during World War II.Tapping his many contacts in veteran organizations, Mr. Morgan, author of The SAS Story, gathered and compiled exciting first person accounts of the LRDG's most interesting operations -- told in that famous understated British style.

In "Sting of the Scorpion", he proudly remembers many of the tough, self-reliant soldiers -- mostly from New Zealand, Britain, and Rhodesia, -- making up this colorful unit.

The LRDG was best known for its action behind Axis lines in North Africa. They focused on reconnaissance, desert exploration and mapping new routes, as well as occasionally ferrying spies and escaped prisoners.

Far behind enemy lines -- hiding close to the road -- LRDG patrols monitored the Axis convoys along North Africa's coast road, transmitting intelligence reports back to Egypt.

Other times. manning heavily armed 30cwt. trucks -- along side the SAS --they would suddenly strike, causing mass panic and destruction hundreds of miles from their own bases.

A typical LRDG raid would involve one force tying up an Italian fortified garrison while a hard-charging truck column blasted parked aircraft, hangers, supplies, and equipment.The wounded were quickly taken to secret airstrips for quick evacuation to Egypt by air.

Perhaps, the LRDG's greatest fear was attack by enemy aircraft.When attacked, all personnel would scatter immediately.The stationary vehicles were often all lost -- leaving the men on foot with very few supplies.

Mr. Morgan also presents gripping short stories of ambushed LRDG patrols -- stranded without vehicles -- and little food or water.Dauntlessly, theyslogged for miles on foot back to their own lines, surviving only with the help of friendly Arabs.

Later in the war,the LRDG parachuted behind the lines in Italy, as well as assisted partisan actions in German-held Albania, Greece, and Yugoslavia.

In the Adriatic theater, the LRDG traded in their desert trucks for small sea craft, shuttling on cat-and-mouse missions among the Greek Islands.They watched the coasts and channels at night, coordinating RAF air strikes and devastating Royal Navy MTB attacks on enemy shipping.

Cooperating with partisans in the Balkans, the LRDG resumed operations similar to those in the North African campaign.All Too often, the LRDG men were betrayed and captured.Mr. Morgan's short stories are filled with hair-raising chases, captures, escapes, and recaptures.The LRDG continued to harass German troops retreating out of Albania and Greece.

As the war in Europe ended, the majority of LRDG men volunteered to fight on in Japan. Mr. Morgan relates, "The glorious story of the LRDG, who won admirers from all sides during the war, came to a close after five action packed years and the famous unit was disbanded with great sadness, praise, and regret in 1945."

"Sting of the Scorpion" contains 65 excellent photographs, 2 maps, and 5 appendices:
LRDG Commanders and Patrol Designations
Honours and Awards
List of all serving LRDG Soldiers from the UK and Abroad
Patrol Commanders
Roll of Honour

Intoxicating STING!
This book is the amazing story/history of the LRDG, a WWII special forces unit that would probe the desert waste lands to conduct reconnaissance, pathfinding missions, mapping and survey ops as well as limited direct action missions, against Italian targets of opportunity. The unit also ferried the SAS into operations. This book is fabulously written and structured makes the read quite fast and easy. This story covers the LRDG birth in the desert as long-range patrol unit to the LRDG. It covers the personalities, evolution of the unit; operations, equipment and an inside look at many of the tactics and procedures employed at that time for mobility operations. Excellent book if you would like to see the roots of modern special operations. Well worth the read. ... Read more

Product Description
This photo-history of Schnellkampfgeschwader 210 and Zerstrergeschwader 1 Wespengeschwader in the years 1941-1944 shows for the first time in a single volume the many personalities, and the varied Messerschmitt and Junkers aircraft types flown by these units. Between the two units, they flew in more theatres of operations than any other unit. The work also contains a comprehensive loss/damage list for personnel and aircraft, drawn from the Deutsche Dienststelle records and the Quartermaster loss returns, and appendices covering reports on several combats by the actual participants, and extracts from three Flight Log books outlining the many tasks undertaken by the flying personnel of the unit. Drawing photographic content from mainly private sources, this work fills a gap in the overall documented history of the Luftwaffe in World War II. ... Read more

Product Description

Davis Miller is a puny, little mouse at Mount Tabor High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. At least that's what the other students call the 4' 7" senior. After years of being depressed, the sickly teen decides to take on an impossible dream. He decides to become a boxer. Then one day in 1975, Miller gets a chance to spar with Muhammad Ali, a bout that will change his life.

... Read more

Product Description
Fifteen hits from this supergroup and StingÕs solo career: CanÕt Stand Losing You ¥ DonÕt Stand So Close to Me ¥ Englishman in New York ¥ Every Breath You Take ¥ Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic ¥ Fields of Gold ¥ If I Ever Lose My Faith in You ¥ If You Love Somebody Set Them Free ¥ Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot ¥ Message in a Bottle ¥ Roxanne ¥ Roxanne Õ97 - Puff Daddy Remix ¥ Russians ¥ Walking on the Moon ¥ When We Dance. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good Songbook
Good songbook. Helps understand some of Sting's chords, alterations and chord transitions. It is also good to learn guitar accompaniament for popular songs such as The Russians, Let your Soul be Your Pilot, etc. You would also want to look for web versions of the songs and "combine" the two. If you love Sting and you would like to have dinner out with your guitar than this book can offere you a nice Menu and also help you learn some new "tricks."

Not for piano
This book was not what I was hoping for in terms of piano music although it may be good for guitar and vocal.Quite a few of the songs are just the background music w/o the melody line.I only enjoy playing about 4 songs from this book - wish I had bought the complete book of one of his solo albums like Blue Turtles or Nothing Like the Sun (but didn't, so could be the same issue!).Do we really need the Puff Daddy Remix of Roxanne?I don't think so.

Good yet, not excellent.
This is the first negative review I have posted on a book.This book isexcellent for piano, but for guitar?I think not.I thought this bookwould have tablature and chords, but unfortunately it only has chords. Don't get me wrong this book has excellent chords, just no tabs.For thosewho play piano and rythm or solo guitar this is a good choice.But forlead guitarist, look else where.Thank war veretans for all the have donefor us.HOO-YAH!!!!

An excellent collection of sheet music for guitarists
A songbook for piano/vocal/guitar which includes these hits by Sting & The Police:*Message In A Bottle *Can't Stand Losing You *Englishman In New York *Every Breath You Take *Walking On the Moon *Fields of Gold *EveryLittle Thing She Does Is Magic *If You Love Somebody Set Them Free *LetYour Soul Be Your Pilot *Russians *If I Ever Lose My Faith In You *When WeDance *Don't Stand So Close To Me *Roxanne I absolutely love it and it'sgreat for both beginning and advanced guitar players because it shows youall the fingering for every chord included in the songs.I definitelyrecommend this for anyone who wants to learn to play Police/Sting songsquickly and sound like an expert! ... Read more

Product Description
Paying for college is one of the great challenges facing American families.In this book, Dr. Robert Ronstadt provides a wealth of information for students and their parents about how to make college affordable.Surviving the Tuition Travesty contains over sixty recommendations for taking the financial sting out of paying for college.It also contains 30 misconceptions about higher education that can mislead parents and students. ... Read more

Product Description
This is it, the fourth book in the trilogy. If you haven't read the first three, you won't understand this one, and if you have read the first three, there's no need to summarize this one. Just more vampire nonsense. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

completely solicited review aka extortion for devlin 3
Greg Crites is a wonderful writer with a vivid imagination. I have loved every book that he was written and read.

Dunkin? we dont need no stinking dunkin....(yes we do)
Another great example of hackery from our dear sponsor Greg Crites! nice way to finish off the trilogy while leaving options open to extort more cash from us rum soaked sots! one problem though WHERE WAS DUNKIN?? I bet the fat man is pissed that Devlin upstaged him! ... Read more

Product Description
Get ready to rumble!

Discover the story behind Sting, the mysterious warrior of WCW. The established and popular Dorling Kindersley Readers tag team with the WCW -- one of the hottest leagues in professional sports -- in this great addition to the series that is sure to get kids reading. Sting in the Tail is a Level 4 book intended for proficient readers and features stop-action photos that capture the excitement of World Championship Wrestling. Lively age-appropriate text and an eye-catching layout will hold a child's interest, while fostering early reading skills. These 48-page books about fascinating subjects like pirates, mummies, and volcanoes are for proficient readers who can understand a rich vocabulary and challenging sentence structure. In addition to the stunning photographs, informative sidebars, and glossary, readers will find archival photographs and paintings. Averaging 4,500 to 5,000 words in length, Level 4 books are 40 percent pictures and 40 percent text. The Dorling Kindersley Readers combine an enticing visual layout with high-interest, easy-to-read stories to captivate and delight young bookworms who are just getting started. Written by leading children's authors and compiled in consultation with literacy experts, these engaging books build reader confidence along with a lifelong appreciation for nonfiction, classic stories, and biographies. There is a DK Reader to interest every child at every level, from preschool to grade 4. ... Read more

Product Description
It was a mystery destined for the Cold Case files.

A pretty teenaged girl from Brandon, Manitoba, named Erin Chorney steps out for coffee, tells her mom she'll be back in an hour...and never returns.

Her parents - separated in marriage but united in worry - turn to police for help.

Almost immediately, the rumours about Erin's fate begin to fly. Psychics with bizarre theories and suggestions. Shocking accusations and denials. Cryptic diary entries. Disturbing anonymous letters. Search warrants and surveillance.

Has Erin, whose young life has already been filled with several struggles, taken another turn for the worse and simply run away from those who love her? Or has someone stolen her from them?

These questions and many more would haunt a grief-stricken family, a determined but frustrated police service and a concerned community for nearly two years, and just when all hope seems lost – a last-ditch plan straight out of Hollywood.

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police take aim at the prime suspect in Erin's disappearance through an undercover sting operation the likes of which has never been done. The result is a wild, four-month ride into a dark criminal underworld filled with cunning mind games, shadowy figures, daring plot twists and Academy-award winning acting performances.

And an explosive ending that nobody saw coming.

Based entirely on true events, veteran Canadian crime reporter, broadcaster and best-selling author Mike McIntyre takes you deep inside one of the country's most memorable police investigations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Profound Ethical Questions Raised
This book chronicles "Abscam" and its repercussions. Abscam was a FBI sting operation in which Abdul, a fictitious, wealthy Arab sheik sought to achieve several things: asylum in the U.S., investment opportunities in the U.S. and help in getting his own money out of his own country.

FBI agents posing as associates of Abdul approached politicians for "help" in achieving Abdul's goals. What follows is a tale of deceit, corruption and lies as politicians responded positively to Abdul's offers of big money. The FBI's sting operation brought out many crooks and resulted in bribery and conspiracy charges. However, Abscam also raised many questions as to the FBI's entrapment tactics, even resulting in one conviction being overturned.

While shocking and disturbing, the story is nevertheless at times amusing. The end result is a comprehensive review of one of the biggest scandal's in U.S. history. ... Read more

Product Description
Throughout his musical career with the Police and as a phenomenal solo artist, Sting has commanded the world's attention as an innovator with enormous appeal.

Now this multiple-Grammy-winning icon channels his considerable talents in a fresh, new direction with this sharp re-telling of one of the most beloved stories in history.

Rock Steady is a modern spin on the tale of Noah's Ark. Sting has adapted the lyrics of his own song, and his unique poetry colors this classic story with the concerns of the new millennium. A timeless legend, the parable of Noah's Ark takes on a new significance in the light of Sting's creative genius. Rock Steady reminds us that human beings are blessed, and that we must protect the earth that has given us life.

Proceeds from Rock Steady will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the Brazilian rainforests and the cultures that thrive there. Amazon.com Review
While not exactly revolutionary, Grammy-winning musician Sting's retelling of the biblical story of Noah's ark is peppy and upbeat. A hip young couple read about an intriguing opportunity:

Volunteers wanted for
A very special trip,
To commune with Mother Nature
On a big wooden ship.

Adapting the lyrics of his song and adding geometric and bright-toned illustrations by illustrator Hugh Whyte, Sting has revamped an old, old favorite for a new generation, reminding readers that the planet's well-being is still in our hands. Proceeds from the sale of Rock Steady will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation, an organization dedicated to preserving the Brazilian rainforests and the cultures that live there. (Ages 4 to 8) --Emilie Coulter ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great Christening Gift
modern and biblical themed.just add a check and you have a great christening gift

Great kids book
I love the colors the artist uses and the simplicity of the geometrical
characters in this book. I think the story lyrics are good for young kids.
Even though it does not follow the actual Biblical story it is enjoyable.

Sting's music put to the page
Using the text from Sting's "Rock Steady," this book combines delightful images with Sting's rhythmical lyrics.Not for religious zealots (the text does not stick to that of the King James Bible)

Strange Book
I have three young kids and have read hundreds of children's books. Rock Steady appears to have been written by someone who was intoxicated. This book does not make sense. It is poorly written. I can see no purpose in writing a book this bad let alone purchase it. I have thrown my copy in the trash.

Manna From Heaven - For Your Inner Child
Sting's contemporary retelling of the biblical story of Noah's Ark is fantastic fun to read (or sing) to your children (or to your inner child).

The text is adapted from the lyrics of his song, Rock Steady, which is available on his ... Nothing Like the Sun CD. The artwork (by Hugh Whyte) is colorful and captivating.(Sting fans will especially enjoy the image of the young man wearing the black and yellow striped sweater - a treat for "Sting" fans who know how he got his nickname.)

Bible purists beware, however, as Sting has taken some poetic license with the biblical story.The plot follows a couple who respond to an add in the newspaper and join Noah to "commune with Mother Nature on a big wooden ship."While Noah informs that couple that he "heard God's message on the radio" and that there is more to the journey than is apparent to the eye, the story does not explain or allude to God's motivation or the biblical reason for the flood. (On the bright side, as your children get older, you can use this book as an example of Christianity's impact on contemporary culture.)

So buy the book - the proceeds go to a great cause - the Rainforest Foundation. ... Read more

Product Description
Featuring the music of Scott Joplin and the great classic ""The Entertainer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Fun Ragtime Piano
There are not very many easy "Ragtime" piano books available, so this was a great find. If you enjoy playing ragtime piano music and enjoy Scott Joplin's style, you will enjoy this book. Well arranged with all the hits from the movie "The Sting". Great book.

Great ...a true classic!
I gave this sheet music as a birthday present to a dear friend who plays piano (I don't).She absolutely loves it (and ragtime in general).She now plays it for us when we are visiting at her house...everyone really enjoys it! ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (1)

"Best of" Newpaper stings
This is a bit more then the light-weight book it might seem at first although it must also be seen in the context of the subject.

These are the tales of the News Of The World's (A British Sunday tabloid paper) `fake sheik' and the stings undertaken on a variety of celebs, royals and crooks.It's easy to be dismissive because of the newspaper concerned or this type of journalism but the reality is that the `fake sheik' uncovered some major stories over the years.It is amazing how many people were taken in my reporter Mazher Mahmood dressed like a sheik.Victims include Sven Goran Eriksson, Royals such as Sophie Wessex, Diana butler Paul Burrell, the directors of Newcastle football club and assorted TV stars, models and some very dodgy crooks.Told in brief chapters it is actually quite entertaining and an insight into the type of journalism but also the extreme greed of so many people.

Far more fun then it ought to be.

... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Gay romance and the murder of Sir Thomas Overbury
Quite a good piece of historical fiction. Elizabethan and Jacobean political machinations were complex and dangerous, and Hunt describes them, and the consequences of ending up on the wrong side, quite well.

Robbie Kerr (later Carr) is a young, rather unworldly, Scotsman, who catches the eye of Thomas Overbury, one of Cecil's spies. They form a liaison which will have dire consequences.

The narrator, Giles Rawlins, a cousin of Overbury, tells the story of how Kerr, under Overbury's tutelage, learns the ways of the Court. But there is more that King James wishes to teach him, and he becomes James' favorite.

Unfortunately, he also catches the eye of the spoiled daughter of the house of Howard, Frances Devereux, Countess of Essex, who through mommets and potions wins him as her lover, then wangles an annulment from her husband, on grounds of his impotence.

But Overbury hates her, and threatens to reveal that she is no longer a virgin, which will put paid to the annulment. So Kerr (now Robert Carr, Viscount Rochester and Earl of Somerset) tricks him into offending the king, and Overbury lands in the Tower.

It is Kerr's intent that this imprisonment last only until he and Frances are safely wed, but Frances has other plans. She wants Overbury gone, permanently.

From what I have read of this period, Hunt is quite realistic in his description of court life, theatre, the period's interest in the occult, and other matters. It's lovely to read a novel that quotes John Donne, Ben Jonson and others in an appropriate context. (Donne did, in fact, write an Eclogue and Epithalamion on the occasion of Carr's marriage to Frances Howard).

I must admit that I find it unlikely that Carr was the naïf that Hunt presents him as, but I suppose it's possible.

Gay Historical Fiction at its best!
A wonderfully written tale of rise and fall, love and murder, in the court of King James I of England.I couldn't put it down!If you like historical fiction, don't miss this one! ... Read more

Product Description
'Your job is as much a cultural ambassador as an educator.'With these words ringing in his ears, Richard starts his job as a JET (a participant in the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program) with high hopes of carrying out this dual role.Enthusiastically he embraces life in Japan, absorbs Japanese culture, learning the arts of the tea ceremony and the shamisen, makes Japanese friends - an ex-kamikaze pilot, a purple-haired tea master, mafia 'thugs', to name but a few - and immerses himself in Japanese philosophy.Young and idealistic, he sees a need for improvement in teaching of English, but when he tries to introduce changes he hits a brick wall. The teachers just aren't interested in new ideas. Reluctantly he realises that, to survive, he will have to stop rocking the boat and learn to accept the 'Japanese way' of doing things...This does not stop him asking questions though, and when it comes to the problem of bullying in schools, he refuses to let the matter rest. When his concerns are ignored - with tragic results - he blames himself. Should he have tackled it the 'American way' instead of the 'Japanese way'?Richard's experiences as a JET are fascinating, his evaluation of Japanese philosophy, culture and the education system sharp and incisive, and through the eyes of a 'young foreigner', an exciting picture of life in modern Japan emerges. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Poor Editing and Overly Long
This book is adequate--it is by no means "a masterpiece" as claimed by some of the reviewers (I question the impartiality of a few of the reviewers and wonder if they know Richard Kramer personally).The important subject matter of "When the Butterfly Stings" is diminished by over-exaggeration and tedious repetition.The first part is the fault of the author and the second part is due to poor editing.In addition to the many typos and spelling errors, this book is overly long at almost 500 pages, the bulk of which consists of the author raging against the institutions, cultural norms, and personality attributes he encounters while working as an Assistant English Teacher in Japan. I'm not saying Kramer was not justified in his outrage over what happened during his tenure in the JET program (he was), but the vital messages of the book were drowned out by his many tirades and tantrums, which were described ad nauseam.

However, this book does have many merits.I enjoyed learning about the JET program from an insider's perspective.Kramer does a good job of describing his experiences with certain situations (ie., his awful apartment, restaurants, work drinking parties, the tea ceremony) and I also liked most of his character descriptions.Still, the negatives were enough that I can only give this book three stars.

Wonderfully descriptive, thrilling and moving. A must read.
This book is in my view a must read for anyone interested in Japan, living and teaching in Japan, modern Japanese society and the remnants of its past which still permeate through to modern society.As a Japanese married to a foreigner living and working in Osaka,I am amazed at how well this book captures some of the more intricate facets of Japanese society.I do agree with the prior reviewer that Kramer can be a bit indulgent in his writing, but one must look at the events described as more than a mere struggle of East vs. West.What Kramer describes is no less than the brutal murder of one of his students by another student while those around him did little to aid.He presents the opposing viewpoints to his own thoughts and theories in the form of discussions with friends and colleagues.He disagrees, strongly at times with the conclusions that they reach, but he does present their viewpoints, fairly and one hopes accurately.One must also remember that in the end he did bow (no pun intended) to the will of majority and the result was that his student was murdered!To call this book "culturally embarassing" is to do it a grave injustice.To call Kramer culturally ignorant and unappreciative of the opportunties afforded him is completely baseless.In the two years of time the book spans the author passionately devoted himself to learning Japanese and traditional arts such as shamisen and tea ceremony.In end the end the discussions and arguments he had with admnistration officials were in Japanese.

The controvery created by this book is in my view one that is currently central to a struggle raging in Western philosophy and thought.Where is the acceptable line between being able to criticize and make better and being culturally insensitive and imperialistic?It is and always will be a fact and circumstance specific analysis, but Kramer in this book is in my view very safely on the correct side of the line in his analysis and conclusions.Personally, I wished he had been more aggressive in his approach as the end result may have been very different - as unfair as it may be to speculate on that score.

Finally, I have noticed over the years that foreigners interested in Japan are largely of two types.There is the "Japanophile" - who loves all things Japanese, is extremely defensive of anyone who levels the slightest criticism against Japan, is extremely proud of being able to speak more than a few words of Japanese and fashions himself/herself a "hen na gaijin" or Japan expert.On the other hand there are those who despite outward appearances to the contrary, deep down despise Japan as backwards, and no attempts to understand it or embrace it.They use it for what they can e.g. money, physical pleasures, etc.Neither is a healthy view.To throw away what you have, the cultural perspective you are coming from in the mad and arrogant hope that you will find the meaning of another is pure folly.Kramer, in my view has the rare talent to take his knowledge and experience and apply it with understanding and decency in the attempt to understand and improve.Unfortunatley, both categories 1 and 2 gaijin in Japan may not like this book as each will compare it to his/her own experiences with distaste, but it remains an honest testament and a must read for anyone interested in modern and ancient Japan.

Culturally embarrassing & arrogant. Past that? Good JET book
Arrogant, self-righteous, hot-headed and argumentative, are but a few of the traits exhibited by the author in his compare-and-contrast account of his experiences as a 2 year JET program participant. Kramer's accomplishment, though admirable, is colored by his culturally-uneducated interpretations of the differences between the American and Japanese society, educational systems, culture, and behavior.

When facing challenges, Kramer's solutions often point out shortcomings, or apparent inferiority of not only the education system, and its bureaucracy, but social behavior of the Japanese themselves. While discounting interpretations, and advice of his fellow JETs with rural, and international education backgrounds, Kramer offers his perspectives through the biased lens of the apparent cosmopolitan, and inter-cultural upbringing afforded him by his New York City education.

I strongly disagree with the conclusions of other reviewers that this book should be considered excellent literature, and that it is in any way objective. Kramer, though promising, will need to remove himself from his books, in order to gain them the credibility they need, and, yes, deserve, for a wider, let alone an international audience.

As a JET cultural ambassador about to set off on his own adventure, I am embarrassed to be representing America in the footsteps of the attitudes expressed in this book. This book clearly illiterates the litany of reasons why Americans are seen as culturally-shallow, arrogant and imperialistic within the international community.

Kramer's lack of objectivity in his experiences leave his writings vacant of the richness of cultural dynamics built over millennia of tradition in Japan, yielding a uniquely Japanese way of approaching conflict, and problems inherent in all aspects of a society. Kramer's book brutally robs Japan of its unique culture, in an Americanized attempt to analyze, and attribute the causes of the many preventable bullying incidents present in all schools, which resulted in the tragic murder of one of his students.

If you are expecting great literature, or a deeper anthropological understanding of Japan's educational system, and its people, this bookis not for you. If you are a JET seeking a glimpse of the kind of adventures awaiting you, this book indeed details a vivid account of the day-to-day life of a JET in Minamimatsuyama, Saitama prefecture. Kramer's unfortunately negative experiences, and biased opinions seem to overwhelm the numerous positive stories in his book. Do not let Kramer's overall negativity discourage you.

If you read past Kramer's arrogance, his book is full of fascinating, and beautifully visualized anecdotes, which bring you vividly in contact with several individuals, which afforded the author a priceless glance at the magical world of language, tea ceremony, and musical tradition. It is in these authentic experiences and conversations with Japan's per-war generation that Kramer's masterfully remembered conversations, and vivid literary style really shine through.

It is in moments where Kramer loses his basis for comparison does this book become a fascinating account of west meets east.

Enjoy.

Best guide for prospective JET participant
The description of this book does not do it justice.I read this on the advice of a friend not knowing what to expect (I am joining the JET program this year and I am a career 10+ teacher).What Kramer describes is a clear, objective picture of what to expect in terms of both living and teaching English in a junior high school in Japan.It is also hillariously amusing, with a great mix of anecdotes coupled with historic fact.

And that is only half of the book.The second half deals with the problem of bullying. As the reader is informed and spellbound by on the very first page, one of Kramer's students murdered another in the classroom.He describes the reactions of the BD. Bd. of ED., other teachers, parents, and most of all himself through the events leading up to the tragedy and its aftermath.What I found most interesting was both how it reminded me of events of my own career in the US and also how with all things there often is no right answer.It is the process, the struggle that gives merit to the experience.This book guides, its teaches, it shows a picture of what to expect as a teacher not only in Japan but anywhere because at the end of the day, people are people.

Brilliant, Outstanding, a Pleasure to Read
Richard Kramer has written one of the most moving and beautiful narrations about the cultural dichotomy between post-WW II Japan and a post-Cold War American trying to bring comfort and love to a hard and unforgiving culture.

I have read few books in my life that have moved me as much as "When the Butterfly Sings".Kramer has truly written a masterpiece - and I look forward to the broad distribution of this piece on a national/international level.

Kramer is most definitely a superstar in the making.It is exciting to see a work of art like "When the Butterfly Sings" in anticipation of what is to come from this future literary genius. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

All Stings Considered
Absolutely the best book about treating marine injuries with up to date and professional information. This should be a must for anyone spending much time in the water--professionally or recreationally. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Nice Try...
Although this is a reasonable attempt at a biography it suffers from thesame fate as all biographies on Sting - no cooperation or input from thesubject himself. So you are left with what appears to be regurgitatedinterviews, reviews, articles and general gossip as source material. Thatsaid, the book is innocous enough, has a few b&w photographs and coversSting's career up until the end of the Amnesty shows in 1988. Three stars,mainly for effort. ... Read more

Product Description
Matching folio to his masterpiece, including 10 pages of artwork. Features: If I Ever Lose My Faith In You * It's Probably Me * She's Too Good For Me * Nothing 'Bout Me * and more. ... Read more