Working for Your Faith - James 2:14 - 20

The Book of James has gotten a bad rap by many throughout history; particularly James chapter 2 where James says faith without works is dead and will not save you. Catholics believe this verse proves what they believe that in order to be saved, you need faith and works. Some Protestants believe that James is contradicting what Paul, John, and even Jesus said that salvation is by grace alone. What is Paul really saying in his book?