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Week of October 25, 1998

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THE DEATH OF OUTRAGE
William J. Bennett
Cover of THE DEATH OF OUTRAGE

THE DEATH OF OUTRAGE

by William J. Bennett · Free Press

7 wks on list

Today we see little public outrage about Bill Clinton's misconduct. With enormous skill, the president and his advisors have constructed a defensive wall built of bricks left over from Watergate: diversion, half-truth, equivocation, and sophistry. It is a wall that has remained unbreached. Until now. In The Death of Outrage: Bill Clinton and the Assault on American Ideals, former cabinet secretary and bestselling author William J. Bennett dismantles the president's defenses, brick by evasive brick, and analyzes the meaning of the Clinton scandals: why they matter, what the public reaction to them means, and the social and political damage they have already inflicted on America. For, despite Bill Clinton's position in public opinion polls, the most persuasive public arguments made by the president's supporters wither under the clear light of moral reason and common sense. The Death of Outrage exposes the fallacious and demeaning logic that argues our economic well-being is the only important measure of presidential performance; torpedoes the deep but wholly unexamined respect for European sophistication about "private matters"; and explains why the president's troubles are not the result of a "vast, right-wing conspiracy," but are the result of his own doings. The Death of Outrage shows How the president's actions, far from being irrelevant to the conduct of his affairs, have severely restricted his ability to govern. The unprecedented recklessness of the Clinton administration in everything from influence peddling to sexual misconduct to alarming tactics of intimidation. How the president and his defenders have exploited the natural tolerance of the American people -- and made a mockery of the rule of law. Why the Clinton scandals -- from the Travel Office, to Filegate, to the Rose Law Firm billing records, to the Lewinsky Affair -- are neither a creation of the tabloid press, nor independent of one another. Bill Bennett explains why presidential character matters; why allegations of sexual misconduct need to be taken seriously; why reasoned judgment is the mark of a healthy democracy; and why the ends don't justify the means. Explosive and hard-hitting, powerful in its logic, carefully reasoned in its conclusions, The Death of Outrage is directed at a shameful chapter of American history. It is an urgent call for American citizens to repudiate the deep corruption of Bill Clinton, and the corrupting arguments made in his defense.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS
Laura Schlessinger and Stewart Vogel
Cover of THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

THE TEN COMMANDMENTS

by Laura Schlessinger and Stewart Vogel · Cliff Street/HarperCollins

5 wks on list

Everybody knows the Ten Commandments, right? Let's see. There's something about stealing, lying, murdering...ah...but that's only three...what are the rest? More people claim to live by the Ten Commandments than seem to know what they are, let alone what they mean. And in this modern, jet-propelled, nuclear, genetic-engineered world, how important are they? Each day we make innumerable decisions about things that don't really seem earth-shattering in importance. So what if we break a promise? So what if we are married but find passion in another bed? So what if we are too focused on work, TV, or clubs to spend time with family? In The Ten Commandments, Dr. Laura Schlessinger, America's "Mommy" and the conscience of talk radio, reminds is that it is in everyday decisions that we give meaning to our lives or diminish it; and she shows us why adhering to the higher ideals and consistent morality found in the Commandments can create a life of greater purpose, integrity, value, and lasting joy. The Ten Commandment's are the first direct communication between a people and God. Designed to elevate our lives above mere frantic, animal existence to the sublime levels humanity is capable of experiencing, they are the blueprint of God's expectations of us and His plan for a meaningful, just, loving, and holy life. Each of the Ten Commandments asserts a principle, and each principle is a moral focal point for real-life issues relating to God, family, sex, work, charity, property, speech, and thought. These principles, and the Commandments they are based upon, are as relevant today as they were in Biblical times. Written in collaboration with Rabbi Steward Vogel, The Ten Commandments is a modern application of God's laws, incorporating lively discussion on the Bible and the Judeo-Christian values derived from it. Filled with passion, emotion, and provocative, profound insight. The Ten Commandments will move, enlighten, inspire, educate, and entertain you. You won't be able to look at even mundane moments in your life the same way again. I am the Lord, your God, who has taken you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slavery Acceptance of God as the ultimate author of morality and leaning of life. You shall not recognize the gods of others in My presence Beware of idolatry. Attaining money, power, stimulation, professional success, and accumulating possessions, while legitimate pursuits, are not the ultimate purpose of life. You shall not take the Name of the Lord, your God, in vain How we acknowledge or deny God and godliness through our words and deeds. Remember the Sabbath day to sanctify it Recognize the value of time by refocusing on the most important elements of life; family, obligations to others, prayer, kindness, justice, and decency. Honor your Father and your Mother The obligation to parents reinforces the concepts of treating others responsibly in spite of sentiment or situation. You shall not murder Each human being is the essence of uniqueness, yet equally created in God's image. Not only can a life by physically taken, but demoralization and humiliation can kill our souls. You shall not commit adultery Sexual relations are made special and hole through a consonantal marriage. The honoring of commitments provides the family stability necessary for individual growth and health, community peace, and societal welfare. You shall not steal Respecting the property and reputation of others provides mutual safety, peace, and prosperity. You shall not bear false witness against your fellow While we should keep far from falsehood, knowing when information could or should be shared can make the differences between destroying and helping others. You shall not covet Desire for the possessions of others destroys relationships and leads us to violate the other Commandments.

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LINDBERGH
A. Scott Berg
Cover of LINDBERGH

LINDBERGH

by A. Scott Berg · Putnam

3 wks on list
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PURE DRIVEL
Steve Martin
Cover of PURE DRIVEL
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JUST JACKIE
Edward Klein
Cover of JUST JACKIE

JUST JACKIE

by Edward Klein · Ballantine

1 wks on list

The animations of Japan’s Studio Ghibli are amongst the highest regarded in the movie industry. Their delightful films rank alongside the most popular non-English language films ever made, with each new eagerly-anticipated release a guaranteed box-office smash. Yet this highly profitable studio has remained fiercely independent, producing a stream of imaginative and individual animations. The studio’s founders, long-time animators Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki, have created timeless masterpieces. Although their films are distinctly Japanese their themes are universal—humanity, community, and a love for the environment. No other film studio, animation or otherwise, comes close to matching Ghibli for pure cinematic experience. All their major works are examined here, as well the early output of Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, exploring the cultural and thematic threads that bind these films together.

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EAT THE RICH
P. J. O'Rourke
Cover of EAT THE RICH

EAT THE RICH

by P. J. O'Rourke · Atlantic Monthly Press

3 wks on list

America's favorite political humorist leads readers on a hysterical whirlwind tour, from the "good capitalism" of Wall Street to the "bad socialism" of Cuba, in search of an answer to the age-old question: "Why do some places prosper and thrive, while others just suck?"

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HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS
Ann H. Coulter
Cover of HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS

HIGH CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS

by Ann H. Coulter · Regnery

5 wks on list

Annotation. The book that started it all. Written with Coulter's trademark irreverent wit, this bestseller is now available in paperback.

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THE JOY OF WORK
Scott Adams
Cover of THE JOY OF WORK

THE JOY OF WORK

by Scott Adams · Harper Business

1 wks on list

"I cried because I did not have an office with a door, until I met a man who had no cubicle." -- Dilbert A message from Scott Adams: I think the next wave of office design will focus on eliminating the only remaining obstacle to office productivity: your happiness. Happiness isn't a physical thing, like walls and doors. But it's closely related. Managers know that if they can eliminate all traces of happiness, the employees won't be so picky about their physical surroundings. Once you're hopelessly unhappy, you won't bother to complain if your boss rolls you up in a tight ball and crams you into a cardboard box. As soon as I noticed this disturbing threat to workplace happiness, I did some investigative work and discovered it wasn't confined to the issue of office design. Companies were making a direct frontal assault on employee happiness in every possible way! I knew there was only one thing that could stop the horror. It was time for another Dilbert book. It might sound corny, but I felt an obligation to society. People told me it was time for me to "give something back to the community." This scared me, until I realized that no one knows I furnished my house with street signs and park benches. So I interpreted the "give something back to the community" message as a plea for me to write this book and then charge the community to read it. In the first part of this book I will tell you how to find happiness at the expense of your co-workers, managers, customers, and--best of all--those lazy stockholders. The second part of the book teaches you my top-secret methods for mining humor out of ordinary situations, thus making it easier to mock the people around you. The third part of the book is made entirely of invisible pages. If the book seems heavier than it looks, that's why. Office Prank #44: Sounds That Drive Co-workers Crazy You can produce sounds in the office that will drive your co-workers insane. That can be very entertaining. Every co-worker is different, so you might have to experiment to find the sounds that are most annoying to your cubicle neighbor. It's worth the effort.

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CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD: Book 1
Neale Donald Walsch
Cover of CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD: Book 1

CONVERSATIONS WITH GOD: Book 1

by Neale Donald Walsch · Putnam

97 wks on list

In a world where organized religion fails to resonate with a growing number of people, Neale Donald Walsch's Conversations with God offers a refreshing and thought-provoking alternative. Delve into thought-provoking discussions on free speech, creativity, and discernment, as Walsch's empathetic and empowering words guide you towards a life of inner harmony and awakening. Unveiling the secrets to unlocking your true potential, this timeless classic explores the profound connection between humanity and the divine presence. With unwavering honesty and startling clarity, Walsch invites you to embrace love over fear, reminding you that you hold the power to transform your reality.

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A WALK IN THE WOODS
Bill Bryson
Cover of A WALK IN THE WOODS

A WALK IN THE WOODS

by Bill Bryson · Broadway

20 wks on list

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The classic chronicle of a “terribly misguided and terribly funny” (The Washington Post) hike of the Appalachian Trail, from the author of A Short History of Nearly Everything and The Body “The best way of escaping into nature.”—The New York Times Back in America after twenty years in Britain, Bill Bryson decided to reacquaint himself with his native country by walking the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail, which stretches from Georgia to Maine. The AT offers an astonishing landscape of silent forests and sparkling lakes—and to a writer with the comic genius of Bill Bryson, it also provides endless opportunities to witness the majestic silliness of his fellow human beings. For a start there’s the gloriously out-of-shape Stephen Katz, a buddy from Iowa along for the walk. But A Walk in the Woods is more than just a laugh-out-loud hike. Bryson’s acute eye is a wise witness to this beautiful but fragile trail, and as he tells its fascinating history, he makes a moving plea for the conservation of America’s last great wilderness. An adventure, a comedy, and a celebration, A Walk in the Woods is a modern classic of travel literature. NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE

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WORKING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE
Daniel Goleman
Cover of WORKING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

WORKING WITH EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE

by Daniel Goleman · Bantam

1 wks on list

Do you have what it takes to succeed in your career? The secret of success is not what they taught you in school. What matters most is not IQ, not a business school degree, not even technical know-how or years of expertise. The single most important factor in job performance and advancement is emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is actually a set of skills that anyone can acquire, and in this practical guide, Daniel Goleman identifies them, explains their importance, and shows how they can be fostered. For leaders, emotional intelligence is almost 90 percent of what sets stars apart from the mediocre. As Goleman documents, it's the essential ingredient for reaching and staying at the top in any field, even in high-tech careers. And organizations that learn to operate in emotionally intelligent ways are the companies that will remain vital and dynamic in the competitive marketplace of today—and the future.

Historical bestseller data sourced from the New York Times Book Review, archived by Hawes Publications.