Product Description
Juvenile theft is a common form of delinquent behavior that most children participate in at least once.For the majority of juveniles, theft is merely an isolated incident.For a smaller population of juveniles, theft is a part of ?fitting in? with a peer group, and will be ?outgrown? by young adulthood.For a very small percentage of these delinquent youth, theft is a central part of a developing criminal lifestyle, and they may continue to steal or commit other illegal activities as adults.Many of these chronic delinquents will end up in jail or prison. ... Read more

Product Description
ATTENTION READERS! THIS BOOK IS NOW A PRE-QUEL! BE SURE TO READ "PILL-BILLIES" AFTER READING THIS BOOK!
NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR: Hi readers! Thanks for checking out The Bridge Burners! I want to give you a head's up about my style of writing: it is rough and raw.BUT you have to read this story in order to fall in love with it's sequel, Pill-billies.The two are now meant to be read together!Enjoy!(July 2010).
This third release by Jacob Ray will have you on the edge of your seat for eight hours of reading straight!! In this speedy thriller, Ray tells the story of a kleptomaniac on the run, stealing his way through life and living in constant fear, the narrator/protagonist--Christian Barnes, rips off a rehab clinic Staff before fleeing to Mendocino, California to hide in a lean-to/stash spot/cabin in the woods he built and retained as a thief's lair of sorts. He survives by stealing and conning both locals and tourists out of everything he can. While hiding out he rediscovers a carport he dug while on drugs, and he resumes his project, digging so far he hits rock, then, he digs deeper still until he finds a cave the size of a small cathedral. He destroys the cabin and firepit and moves everything into the cave. His descent deeper into the earth is reflective of his downward spiraling psychosis, as he aims higher with his craft of conning by stealing the ultimate prize!! This book contains tons of passages about surfing and the ocean, but they play second to the main story about an addiction to instant gratification that goes unchecked! Christian slowly becomes Freud's Id in human form, bent only on instant satisfaction to every wish and desire. Ray takes us deep into the remorseless mind of this master thief, as the pages ignite!! The Bridge Burners is a must read for any fan of character driven fiction, get ready to have a panic attack reading this one, which is dedicated to Stephen King.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great page turner! Freud's id put to great use!
I would just like to start by saying that when people write a review about a book I would appreciate some feedback on the storyline and not a comment on whether a book is good or bad according to your own biases.I have read many books that many people have thought were wonderful and must reads but I found the writers style to not be of my own taste but I've never said that someone shouldn't read it.It's up to their own taste.
That being said, I greatly enjoyed the plot of this novel.The mere fact that I wasn't sure about the characters intentions kept me on the edge of my seat.The twist and turns of the story really draw the reader in and make you want to know what happens next!I think the only complaint I could possibly have about it which is a compliment in itself is that the novel ended too quickly!
Ifyou enjoy thrillers and quick reads this is a great novel to read!

Don't waste your time!
This was the worst book I've ever read!There was no substance to it and the author needs to hire a proofreader! I've never seen so many mistakes!

Very early Clive Barkerish!Genuinely disturbing
The book is a little slow to develop but once it hits a stride (around page 5) you will find it hard to put it down.It is a page turner, as are all ofJacob's books- Though there is a raw, unsophisticated element about all these self published books they are entertaining. I have heard it said that being boring is the greatest crime, Mr. Ray is not guilty of that to say the least!The main character is to me a Barkeresque monster, mostly human but terribly off and in quite a disturbing way.I am a HUGE fan of that late 80's era horror, the really gruesome stuff and surreal which I consider Clive Barker to be the master of, and this is just right down that alley. It is a good little read.The disintegration of the main character's own self defined "morality" and I use that term verylightly is a real roller coaster ride and I have to say there are a few parts that straight up offended and disturbed me.I hope that those parts DO NOT get edited out. America needs a kick in its holier than thou pants and just in general- GET OVER YOURSELF! This is a story of a very sick individual indulging himself and becoming more disgusting yet better atself justifying his crimes.It is not for everybody, obviously, some people are going to not get it, some are going to be offended. And some people should write their own books, proof read them and then break their arms pattiing themselves on the back for how great they are. They should not however write reviews of books that they admit they didn't read.That should be a prerequisite for writing a review. That you read the book! Amazon makes me sick and they will delete my review because they do not tolerate criticism.They run this website like Pravda, it says what they want it to say, they push who they want to push and they do not let you speak against their policies on their forums.So to the reviewer who deletes this-You are Big Brother. You are the Censor. You are the knife in the back of the first amendment-You are the heart and soul of Fox News and all that is destroying this country.Sleep well knowing that the truly intelligent aren't fooled. ... Read more

Product Description
In the nineteenth installment in the popular mystery series, the village of Pickax experiences a rash of petty thefts and the murder of a flashy newcomer, sending Qwilleran off on his own investigation into the crime wave, with feline sleuths Koko and Yum Yum sniffing for leads. 200,000 first printing.Amazon.com Review
Lillian Jackson Braun never seems to run out of ideas for herpopular series of mysteries featuring journalist Jim Qwilleran and hisfeline cohort, Koko. In this latest, The Cat Who Tailed AThief, Koko again exhibits his preternatural intelligence bytrying to tip off Qwilleran to important clues to a murder.ThatQwilleran is not possessed of the same mental acuity as his cat iswhat makes this series work. Braun may not be noted for refined prose, perceptive characterizations, or stunninglyoriginal plots, but what she does do well is cats. Fans of felines ingeneral and Koko in particular will find this book, the 19th in theQwilleran series, almost as irresistible as, well, catnip.Some wouldeven say it's purr-fect. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

A Cat WHO book
Lilian Jackson Braun is an outstanding author and this is one of my most favorite book series.The book was shipped almost immediately and is like new.Although, I normally check out her books from the library in hardback when they are published, I purchase paperback copies later for my library so I can read them again later.My library now has a copy of all of Ms Braun's books thanks to Amazon.com.

what a mistake
Yes, it was definitely used, VERY used. Came on time, however. I was looking for an audio book and chose that category, so this must have snuck in there. Order says "book" so my mistake. You'll want to be more careful than I was when shopping for audio books (which I do all the time). Rats. Total waste of $5 (book plus shipping).

Beware the Sharp Dressed Man
Strange things are happening in Pickax. Items are disappearing at an alarming rate. Then the bridge club has $2000 stolen from the charity jar.

More mysteries abound including "what do Scotsmen wear under their kilts?"

Koko tries to tell Qwill many times what is going on. He knocks books off the shelf and resorts to acting out what is happening with YumYum.

This episode of "The Cat Who Series" is very enjoyable. I loved reading all the tall tales and how the writer incorporated that into the climax of the book.

You will love this edition.

Haggis Anyone?
There's something very odd going on in rural Moose County and that something is thievery. The people of this area just aren't used to this kind of behavior and normally don't bother locking up anything but the times they are a changing. At first it isn't anything big that goes missing and most people including Jim Qwilleran can't understand why anyone would steal a pair of cheap sunglasses or a bag of old clothes. Then things get serious when the local banker who is a newcomer to Pickax City is killed in a mugging. Since the murder occurred while that banker was on a business trip to a big city down below however most people just write it up to how terrible things are in big cities. The ever-alert Koko however smells a rat.

As the plot thickens there is as always lots of other action in progress. Qwilleran and Polly have an argument over her cat's name, which prompts him to write a column in the local paper about the subject, which brings in a deluge of postcards with appropriate names for cats. The area is planning a huge ice festival, which is threatened by the possibility of an early thaw. Qwill and the cats are ensconced in the Indian Village apartments for the winter because their barn is so hard to heat and they end up living next to the radio weatherman whom Qwill does not care for. The weatherman, Wetherby Goode by name has been a background player in this series since the action moved to Moose County but in this installment he plays a major role and he and Qwill become fast friends.

When one of the leading citizens of Pickax dies the action becomes fast and furious and Qwilleran doesn't believe it was natural causes for a minute. Koko has been trying to tell him all along but as usual he just didn't get the point. Koko ends up being so frustrated that he starts walking over to Yum Yum and bopping her on the head like it was her fault that Qwill is a little dense at times.

All in all this entry into this lovable series will keep you guessing while at the same time tickling your funny bone as you read of the antics of the local residents. People of Scottish decent will particularly like this book as the normal Scottish flavor of the stories is kicked up a notch and Qwill finally makes his public debut in a kilt.

In the end of course the guilty are thwarted and justice prevails but this road to justice is one of the most enjoyable journeys that you will ever take.

Fantastic Story to Read When It's Cold Out
When new banker, Willard Carmichael, and his young wife Danielle move to Pickax, they are the talk of the town. Literally. Especially with the rash of petty thievery that began the minute the two of them moved in. However, now Willard has been murdered in a suspicious mugging Down Below (in the city), and Qwill begins to investigate, seeing as how Willard's house-restoration project has now conveniently fallen into the hands of Danielle's flashy cousin, whose rich wife suddenly kicks the bucket on their honeymoon. Now, with Koko and Yum Yum's help, Qwill intends to catch the murderer, and the thief, before anyone else loses their life.

I will admit that I bought this book mainly due to the fact that it's takes place around Christmastime (my favorite time of year), and that it featured a deaf cat (I have a deaf cat), even if only for one sentence. However, I received quite a surprise, as I absolutely adored the book, and have now become a Lilian Jackson Braun fan for life. Qwill is an interesting, and exciting character, who's constant work on his articles for the MOOSE COUNTY SOMETHING, keep the reader quite entertained, as well as his work on collecting stories for his newest book. Koko and Yum Yum are also fun characters, who spend their days playing, and being quite vocal. Cat lovers will adore this book, as will all fans of cozy mysteries.

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Product Description
Psychologist Dr. Will Cupchik is a leading authority on usually honest and well-functioning adults who compulsively shoplift and/or shop. This book offers legal and mental health professionals, and laypersons, detailed information related to understanding, assessing and treating these 'AtypicalTheft Offenders'? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Why Honest People Shoplift and Commit Other Acts of Theft
I have done a lot of research online on the subject matter and have read a few books, I would say this book is by far the best read for me.The book offers me with a lot of insight.I understand my problems and therapy process a lot better.The book also makes me more aware of what triggered my destructive behavior in the past.I felt my therapy was going no where until I read this book.I would say this is a must read for anyone who has the problem and for any therapists who are treating clients with this problem for the first time.

So GREATI couldn't put it down!
I have worked in the retail security field for years, and found this book to be right on the money. His insight into the mind of the shoplifter is incredible! If you work in security you HAVE to buy this book...

Shoplifting "facts" by Cupchik appear questionable.
Fair book with very large font.Cupchik makes some generalizations that are questionable.Most of his writing is based on two studies that he has authored with a very limited sample, and these are slammed into a strongpsychoanalytic theory for discussion.Although the text is thoughtprovoking, more validation is needed to test his conclusions.Overall,fair book.

A book you will feel is wrtitten for you, about you.
Will Cupchik's book is turning my life around. An absoluteMUST READ for anybody with a shoplifting problem, habbit, adiction. Ifthis is you, or anyone you know, please, please buy this book (don't steal it :-)). I wish i had read it years ago. Upon purchasing i found it harder to put down than any book i have ever read. I felt it was wrtitten about me, for me. I have been arrested three times for shoplifting and i can proudly say, i will not offend again and truly beleive it in my heart Thanks Dr Cupchik. ... Read more

Product Description
Brooks Sigler draws us into a world of petty theft and juvenile rebellion as a way of dealing with her colorful, yet dysfunctional family, including her peeping Tom father, and overbearing, clueless mother. What results is edgy and pushes the boundaries of adolescent delinquency. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

ok read
This is an ok book. Could have been so much more. Due to the cost of this book, I'd pass

loved it
I don't know if you've read this book before but if you haven't...well you should! I thought this book was fantastic! It featured many taboo subjects and an awesome story line.
Throughout the book we basically follow the life of the main character Lila. She is such a snarky character that I couldn't help but think that the author (Brooks Sigler) must be a hilarious person in real life. I couldn't come up with this stuff if I tried!
Now back to Lila....she comes from a well to-do family and attends a private Catholic school. Well things aren't always what they seem from the outside. Brooks created a fun work of fiction that touches on this "nice" family's secrets. For example, you learn about peeping toms, kleptomania, teacher/student relations, overbearing parents, and lots of other interesting "stuff!"
One word to describe this book....Scandalous! (In a good way!) It's a real page turner and I give it five stars!

An Enjoyable Read!
( Columbia, SC) Five Finger Fiction, by Brooks Sigler, is a simply amazing debut novel that hooked me from the first chapter. It is sure to be one of my favorites for 2009. The characters and this tale will live on in your memory long after you've finished this book. I found myself making notes throughout so I could reread my favorite parts. I could not read this book fast enough and was cheerless when I finished it--the signs of a great book. I can hardly wait until Ms. Sigler publishes her next book.....or provides us with a sequel!

fiction as strange as truth
In Five Finger Fiction the protagonist/narrator brings us up to speed on her life, beginning with pre-adolescence and ending in her adult present. She's a guarded girl, preferring to listen rather than speak, and to see rather than be seen (that is, until she more-or-less decides what kind of statement she wishes to make by choosing how she is seen). But to the reader she lets her guard down immediately, revealing her struggles as a daughter and her mechanisms for coping. The result is an engrossingly self-reflective series of snapshots of a girl working to establish her own direction.

Some readers may be concerned with the moral status of the protagonist by the end, but that concern would miss not only the driving force of the story (which is more concerned with self-understanding than any kind of justification or rationalization) but also the subtlety of the character's self-evaluation. Brooks Sigler does not write in black-and-white; this is a story about navigating a world with many more shades than that.

Five Finger Fiction is entertaining but also provides material for a deeper discussion if desired. This is a strong debut for Brooks Sigler and I'm already planning to read her next book, whatever it is.

An enjoyable read
Five Finger FictionI just finished reading Five Finger Fiction by Brooks Sigler. I really enjoyed being brought back in time to the 80's with all the fashion descriptions and all the different songs playing throughout the story.I finished the book in 2 days. Mostly because I needed to know what was going to happen next.I just wish the ride was a little bit longer.I look forward to future books by Brooks Sigler. ... Read more