12 - The Michigan Daily - Wednesday, August 6, 1997 'Life Isn't Fair' offers poignant mix of graduation advice 6 Life Isn't Fair Harold Hill Perigee Books "You are not going to 'go forth.' You are going to take that damn hat off and you're going to get a job." This wise piece of advice, spoken by Bill Cosby to Southern Methodist University's graduating class of 1995, is one of many great quotes included in Harold Hill's book, "Life Isn't Fair." "Life Isn't Fair" is a collection of history's most memorable commence- ment speeches in the last 300 years. Full of wit and wisdom, the book con- tains pieces of advice, life observa- tions and humorous jabs from speak- ers at various high school and univer- sity graduation ceremonies. "Life Isn't Fair" would serve as a wonderful present for a graduating student or anyone who has had to sit through a long, dry commencement ceemony. Its quotes serve not only as a way to look at graduation, but also the greater picture of life. The quotes are arranged by sub- jects such as "The Real World," "Jobs," "Challenges" and "Success." Each chapter is chock full of memo- rable commencement sound bytes from people such as Ann Landers, Isaac Asimov, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Ronald Reagan, Booker T. Washington and Bob Hope. Bill Cosby appears to be the most prolific entertainer asked to speak, having been cited several times in the book, speaking at several different universi- ties.. The commentaries in the book cover myriad points of view and sub- jects. But most are eloquent and speak about life and graduation in an amusing manner. One great quote that strikes a nostalgic chord: "Think what a better world it would be if we all, the whole world, had cookies and milk about three o'clock every after- noon and then lay down on our blankets for a nap." (Barbara Jordan quoting Robert Fulghum at Middlebury College, 1987). Another quote that speaks truthful- ly to everyone's heart: "At the end of your life you will never regret not having passed one more test, winning one more verdict, or not closing one more deal. You will regret time not spent with a husband, a child, a friend, or - a parent." (Barbara Bush at Wellesley College, 1990). A word of warning about the dan- gers of flaunting wealth comes from Russell Baker, speaking to the class of 1990 at the University of Miami. He said, "If you want to waste a per- fectly wonderful lifetime becoming filthy rich, at least have the good sense not to offend the neighbors by praising your own selfishness. Neighbors are the kind of people who do jury duty" And a hilarious quote, to which most graduates can relate, was spoken by Bill Cosby at Brown University's 1985 graduation: "Commencement means to go forth. 'Forth' is not 'home."'" :< :": ^'>"Life Isn't Fair" is an eclectic and thought- ful book that is fun for any soon - to - be graduate or ex- graduate to read. Its quotes can often be inspiring, humorous, helpful and enjoyable. In short, "Life Isn't Fair" tells you much about life without forcing you to endure 300 years of long, tedious ceremonies. - Julia Shih The Intruder Peter Blauner Warner Books It's so hard these days to write a compassionate and engaging book with characters that people care about. Especially when the main char- acter is a hotshot defense lawyer. But with a lot of skill and a well-crafted plot,. Peter Blauner has created a mas- terpiece with his thriller, "The Intruder." The novel follows Jake Schiff, a suc- cessful defense lawyer who has a seemingly perfect life: a big house, a beautiful wife and son, and a career on the rise. But when his life becomes intertwined with that of John Gates, a disturbed heroin addict with nothing to lose, he has to decide how far he will go for the sake of his family's safety. At first glance, it would appear that "The Intruder" is just another page- turner, thrilling but easily forgotten. On the contrary - this novel is thrilling, but also is full of depth. Blauner takes a profound look at human nature while creating an exhil- arating tale about the carrying out of justice. He weaves a suspenseful plot with intense subplots dealing with psychological recovery, drug abuse and the struggles of homelessness. Blauner creates an interesting book that speaks with integrity and hon- esty, while fulfilling all the expecta- tions of a terrifying thriller. In "The Intruder," it is never clear who the antagonist is because, like so many cases of criminal defense today, everyone has some reason why they committed their crimes. John Gates can blame the untimely death of his daughter for his drug abuse; Jake can rely on the justification that he had been severely provoked to action; and Philip Cardi, a Mafia hood, is able to blame past sexual abuse for his vio- lent behavior. But strangely enough, Blauner leads readers to feel sympathy for almost every character in the book, making a person wonder what justice really is, and why people treat each other the way they do. "The Intruder" is also not without its moments where readers' hearts start pounding and they can't put down the book. Its many unexpected plot twists and its exciting surprise ending hold on tightly to the reader and aim to please all thrill seekers. The most gripping part of the book comes when Jake becomes the one on trial for a crime he did not commit. Meanwhile, crack addict John Gates, previously a dangerous pest but one who now holds Jake's fate in his hands, is desperately struggling to regain his life with a newfound passion. Along with the rest of the novel, the quick pace and the impossible odds incurred by the two men's fight for survival make for an exhilarating read. Rarely does a suspense thriller come along which is so stimulating on so many different levels. But Peter Blauner does an incredible job by making "The Intruder" not only excit- ing, but also delightfully profound. * So don't judge this book by its cover. "The Intruder" may seem like a shallow thriller that will be easily for- gotten once the last page is turned, but it is actually a tale which will stay with readers long after they put it down. - Julia Shih Share our At EDS, we're not just "some big computer company," we're a consulting firm, an informa- tion services provider and a business partner. From banks in Belgium and manufacturers in razil, to the doctors, grocers and insurance agents in your town. 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