One of the most influental political science works written in the post World War II era; the original edition of Essence of Decision is a unique and fascinating examination of the pivotal event of the cold Cold War. Not simply revised; but completely re-written; the Second Edition of this classic text is a fresh reinterpretation of the theories and events surrounding the Cuban Missle Crisis; incorporating all new information from the Kennedy tapes and recently declassified Soviet files. Essence of Decision Second Edition; is a vivid look at decision-making under pressure and is the only single volume work that attempts to answer the enduring question: how should citizens understand the actions of their government?
#188686 in Books Macy Beth 2016-10-18 2016-10-18Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.50 x 1.13 x 6.50l; .0 #File Name: 0316337544432 pagesNATIONAL BESTSELLER The true story of two African-American brothers who were kidnapped and displayed as circus freaks; and whose mother endured a 28-year struggle to get them back.
Review
67 of 70 people found the following review helpful. The very fact that I have been able to live my life NOT acknowledging this terrible history in my hometown is proof of my whiteBy CustomerI have followed Beth Macy's writing for decades. She was a feature writer for my local newspaper; and I always looked forward to her articles. So I knew she would tell a compelling story in her new book "Truevine" -- the story of two albino African-American brothers exploited by the circus in the early 20th century. But I didn't expect to learn more about myself in the process.In part; I learned how oblivious I have been. I have lived all these years in Roanoke only having a an idea that the truths of racism existed. I can recall the unrest at my elementary and middle schools when they were finally integrated; and I remember wondering why it was such a big deal. I have never considered myself to be racist; and I judge others for being bigoted. I have felt moral outrage by the racism that was so unabashed in George and Willy's day and still does exist; but in truth; I have always thought that the most violent and blatantly racist events happened/happen in "The South". I chose not to know about the lynchings that took place in Roanoke at the turn of the century; and the prominence of the KKK here; led by a member of the very church I now attend. I mean; I kind of knew; I suspected it could have happened here too; but I didn't REALLY know. The very fact that I have been able to live my life NOT acknowledging this terrible history in my hometown is proof of my white privilege -- the white insulation from the truth.I'm thankful for the stories people shared with Beth Macy; especially Janet Johnson and Mabel Pullin's honesty in the chapter "White Peoples Is Hateful". Macy is the kind of deep listener who folks can trust enough to tell her important things. Thanks to those folks and to Macy for this gift of the truth.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Terrific Historical read; loved it!By CustomerI enjoyed this book and though it was a bit different than I was expecting; I learned so much about the curcus; exploitation of people with disabilities and deformaties. I live in Roanoke; Virginia; and to this day; sadly; it remains very much a segregated city. I've often wondered why it is so; and this book actually helped me understand why; starting from how Roanoke came to be; from a village of 500 people. It started up geographically segregated; and racial tensions were extremely high ; including every citizen; I'm those days.The story of the brothers touched me; as their lives were ones of unofficial slaves for decades. Their mother was a remarkable woman; showing fierce determination and perseverance to locate her kids; and over the next 40 years; make their lives better. I'd say; she was also a shrewd investor for her era. Wow; she socked money away for the boys and bought land and a home.Enough can't be said of the unspoken hero; Nancy! Loved her big heart which showed throughout the book.Ms. Macy has opened my eyes quite a bit to racial discrimination; and how the African American community is affected.Great book! Highly recommend!Happy ending too.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Macy's Book Breaks Down Legend; Lore of Muse BrothersBy Beth BirdLiving near Roanoke and having read Macy since her reporter days with the Roanoke Times; I am a fan who couldn't wait to get my copy of Truevine once it became available. It is a compelling story with local (to me) history and landmarks. An interesting read!Thoroughly researched; as was Factory Man; Macy comes across as a bit of a crusader for civil rights in her second book. She presented the facts well; I wish she had taken a step back and let the facts speak for themselves once presented; instead of going a step further and becoming an interpreter also.
