It Ain't Just Fiction
919797
For me, this collection was an attitude adjuster. It was an opportunity to acknowledge realities I have tried to suppress. Even though this was well crafted fiction, Ms. Alexandra knows what's real. Her stories are someone's reality. Many people.
Most times we read and slip into a different world, but with this collection you immerse yourself in a different way. It might not be your world, but it may be your friend's world. Or your play cousin. That boy you had that thing with once world. This collection gets you to think. It gets you to acknowledge situations for what they are. It makes you examine yourself. It makes you empathize. It should snap you back to reality. Because these stories are as real as they come.

Ms. Alexandra knows life. She knows people. This collection reflects that.
3222559
I read at least as much fiction as non fiction and this gem has elements of both. The prose is rich, dense and yet approachable. The subject matter is riveting by itself but the writing makes it even more enjoyable to read. I only wish the events portrayed within were fiction. Then I could continue to believe in the virtue of my fellow humans.
2704240
This is a remarkable and engrossing book.  It is not a sunny and stereotypical
fiction for young readers, but exposes the reality of life in poor inner-city
neighborhoods.  Readers won't forget its tragedies and triumphs.
1485941
This is not just a coming-of-age memoir about a fifteen-year-old girl. Neither is it merely a book about a Russian immigrant family's experiences in the United States in the early 1990's. And it isn't simply a book about the Romani -- one of the most mysterious widespread cultures in the world. It's all of these, and more. It is alternately touching, informative, colorful, and funny. Intensely personal, at times I felt as though I had found the author's diary and almost had the urge to look over my shoulder to make certain she wouldn't see me reading it. If you are at all curious about the Romani culture, it's a no-brainer -- read this book!
1952686
It helps to know that Preston actually followed the route of Coronado on horseback and wrote an non-fiction story about the journey(also a great book)  This knowledge of the land, its history, and its people, both past and present, inform this book and make it something more than the average thriller. The details about the Anasazi, Coronado, and the methods, personalities, and politics of Archaeology all come together to make this a wonderful read.
960801
The author puts truth and fiction side by side in an historical tale that is more nonfiction than fiction. Engaging and very real.
1466624
This book isn't you're typical Disney book...it's about 10,000 times better. It's about real life and presents a real person's view and opinion.

I love Disney (as does the author), but I'm also a realist. If you're like minded, you will LOVE this book. At the very least download a sample--you won't be disappointed.
121841
It was entertaining!  This is not a comedy.  It is more of a real life type of story.
2755565
This author obviously knows his territory.  He has created believable characters, put them in compelling situations, and while the narrative is not a typical crime or police procedural novel, nor perfect, it is worthy.  Appreciate the frank assessment of relationships, the toll police work takes on good men and women, and the willingness to tell all.
9030
As an old retired cop, I can relate to a lot of the main character's attitudes.  I found the book very enjoyable and interesting.  I highly recommend it, it's not your typical police novel.  Even though some of the plot is barely plausible, I loved the book.
949064
Chaim Potok has been my favorite author for decades. Though I am not Jewish, I am grateful and appreciative for his fiction as it has supported me through internal transitions similar to his own journey. This book is different from his fiction. It is not fiction at all. It is documented factual Jewish history from an early 20th century Soviet Union environment to its dificult impact for one family into the late 1990's. Not having been raised with a Jewish perspective or significant knowledge of their Common Era history, it has aided my understanding of at least some facits of their perspective and should reduce generalizations on my part that could result in communication stressors unknowingly.
3476718
Let me start by saying that I am NOT a non-fiction book reader in any way shape or form. BUT, this book was so amazing that (unfortunately) it read like fiction. You were mesmerizied by the drama, gripped by the human emotion and sorrowed by the resulting tragady. It is really the truth when we say that "true life is stanger than fiction". Richard Alan White can testify to it. He lived it. He suffered through it with the Filartiga family and we feel it in his words. DO NOT MISS READING THIS BOOK BECAUSE OF IT'S CATEGORIZATION; A WORTHWHILE BOOK CAN BE FOUND ANYWHERE! AND THIS IS ONE OF THEM.
3923964
This book is more than just a graduate course in French literature, and it is more than just a highly-select compendium of French sex, love, and affairs, and it is more than just a history of France from the perspective of morals, mindsets, and behavior - it is all three! The narration was well thought out and effective, and the narrator had a good (and subject-appropriate) voice.
1853028
not your run of the mill subject or writing. this book is intense, dark at times and very interesting. the characters are richly developed and believable.
I highly recommend it. it is not a light read however.
3539595
Although this book is technically fiction, one can't help think that as we read the characters and personalities that are developed by the authors, there are semblances to real people in Chicago.  As for the events that are described, while they are created rather than recollected, nonetheless if some of these things haven't happened, they could happen one day.

There have been many books dealing with lawyers, judges, and politics in Chicago, and others that deal with malpractice, but this book blends it all together.  It's a riveting story.

Authors Taxman and Robbins have created a book that grabs your attention on page one, and holds it until the last colorful page is read.  I loved it!

I can't wait until the sequel comes out.
2981870
Great book. Written as fiction but it really isn't.
3891030
I could not put this book down. It is non fiction y
That reads like fiction - great writing - and a story that needs to be told.