In Cancer Ward, Solzhenitsyn tells the story of a memorable cast of diverse characters, many of them presumably drawn from his own experiences in such a hospital wing. The book focuses largely on two characters, Kostoglotov, the ne-er do well exile, and Rusanov, the party member who works as a mid-level official in Personnel. Some of the most interesting passages concern their verbal disputes in which the rest of the cancer patients take sides. Cancer Ward is not political in the way a book like Animal Farm is, but few could miss the way Rusanov's naivete and loyalty is used to mock him. In spite of this, the book is timeless because it deals with the very personal struggles of individuals, which allows the reader to identify easily with the characters. Cancer Ward is thought-provoking and is definitely worth reading, although one should probably read it by the fire and not on the beach.

I read this biography because I love history and Joseph Smith is, like it or not, one of the most important figures in American history. The book is readable and well-researched. There is a great deal of speculation on Joseph Smith's life and any work written about him will contain "facts" that are disputed. This is partly because there are gaps in the record, and partly because the LDS church has been less than forthright.

Reading through the other reviews, I think I may be one of the few is not either Mormon or aggressively anti-Mormon. I think many of the glowing reviews on this page were written by people who would and want to believe anything bad about the Mormon church. Conversely, most of the ridiculous "one-star" reviews were written by Mormons who seem to have not read the book. It is convenient to comment on a book you haven't read by pushing forward a rebuttal book you have, such as No Ma'am, That's not History.

No Man Knows My History is widely viewed as the definitive book on the life of Joseph Smith. If one wants to know what is NOT history, check the many white-washed versions of Smith's life that are available from members of the LDS church.

This is another great album from Dwight Yoakam. While not quite reaching the amazing heights of "Buenos Noches..." or "Gone," "Population: Me" has some very nice moments. Exception to the Rule, The Back of Your Hand, and Planes and Boats and Trains are all highlights. The duet with Wilie Nelson is also good, although not exceptional. Late Great Golden State is probably the song the album could do without. The sad thing is that you will most likely have to buy the album to hear these songs - "country" radio probably won't touch it. Shame on them...