This account is very real and true to life. I know because I have lived through an almost the exact same case as Mr. McQueeney. If you are a father, you owe it to your child to read this book. It accurately accounts what can happen to you if an ex-spouse decides to use against you what has become known as the "nuclear weapon of the custody battle."

Read this book to know what can happen to you. Be prepared so you won't be blindsided. The same thing that happened to Mr. McQueeney happened to me. Knowing the way these cases work ahead of time would have saved me tens of thousands of dollars and spared my son the agony of his mother's abuse.

Harlan Hatcher's intricate history of northern Ohio, encompasing the early days of the Connecticut Land Company in the closing decade of the eighteenth century to the industrial growth period of the early twentieth century, uses a combination of first person narrative and biographical anecdotes, as well as other primary documents, to support and enhance a story that is both informative and enjoyable. In his remarks in the foreward to this revised edition, George Knepper describes Hatcher as having "the novelist's touch," an ability to infuse the story "with the human interest that brings life and meaning to the factual account". Beginning with a piece of western wilderness territory just south of Lake Erie, reserved by Connecticut for itself out of the lands deeded to the federal government in 1786, the surveying, settling and growth of "New Connecticut," the state of Ohio, is a fascinating story of vision and optimism by men of courage and resourcefulness.

The real strength of Hatcher's work is that demographics and dates, while important and recognized, take second place to the words of the people who shaped Ohio, lived in and loved it. He has managed to breathe life into Ohio's story and make what could have been a dusty narrative come to life in the accounts, letters, and journals he quotes. Hatcher's obvious respect for this, his native state, permeates the text and only adds to his credibility. In his closing remarks he summarizes this viewpoint, saying: ". . . the Western Reserve, aware of its background and of its strategic position at the heart of America's industries, rich in education, drama and the fine arts, rooted in the past but with its head erect, faces with equanimity the destiny which persistantly unfolds before it." This is a must read for every student of Ohio history.

Tomie dePaola is back with the fourth installment of his marvelously charming and warmhearted 26 Fairmount Avenue series. What A Year picks up right where On My Way left off, September 1940, and for young Tomie, this was the very best time of the year. September brings the beginning of first grade and Tomie's sixth birthday, with a class party and special presents. Then on to his first trick or treating Halloween and a favorite costume, Thanksgiving with the extended dePaola clan and a trip to the movies to see Pinocchio, Christmas, with pageants and presents, almost ruined by chicken pox, and the first New Year's Eve he stayed up past midnight to ring in the new year. And through it all, Mr dePaola fills his engaging memoir with well remembered and entertaining details, events, and anecdotes. Written in an easy to read, conversational style, and enhanced by delightful black and white sketches, What A Year is perfect for youngsters 7-11, and makes an even better read-aloud story the entire family can share together. Told with great insight, wisdom, humor and love, the 26 Fairmount Avenue series just gets better with each new book. As Tomie writes in his diary on the first day of the new year..."I wonder what 1941 will be like?" We can only wait for the next installment to find out.

THE WIDENING CIRCLE: A Lyme Disease Pioneer Tells Her Story. By Polly Murray. St. Martin's Press, 321 pp., $23.95 By Ann Hirschberg Infectious disease sleuths are supposed to be lab-coated AIDS researchers or Dustin Hoffman types in "hot zone" suits as seen in "Outbreak." A genteel, New England landscape painter and mother of four does not fit the picture. Yet this medical pioneer uncovered Lyme disease, the fastest growing infectious disease next to AIDS and the number one vector-borne disease in our country. The "Widening Circle" in Polly Murray's title refers not only to the expanding tell-tale rash which is the sure sign of Lyme disease, but to the research that has had to reach further and further to find the answers to this insidious tick-borne scourge. The "Circle" also encompasses the incredible numbers of medical professionals to whom Lyme disease sufferers are sent by uninformed doctors who can't or won't try to treat them. After an incredible range of symptoms and many hospital stays for pain and procedures for the whole Murray family, Polly was told the illness was "all in her head." Her doctor became furious when she approached the health department with her findings that not only her family, but a large cluster of people in her Lyme, Connecticut area were afflicted. He accused her of "stirring up trouble." Murray's intelligence and persistence led her to more research and finally to Yale University in 1975 where her findings were considered researchable by the doctors there. "They were spirited, like archaeologists who'd unearthed an intriguing artifact, some bit of pottery that promises even greater riches will surface with just a few more turns of the spade. "I certainly shared their enthusiasm. On the other hand, I'd been "in the field" for a while, and I knew it wasn't going to be easy to figure everything out so fast. Whatever this illness was, it was complicated, in that it involved so many systems of the body, and my instincts told me it was going to elude definition for some time to come." Twenty years later, the search should have come to a happy ending with the advance of medical technology and millions in grants for research. The definitive test for Lyme disease and the "magic bullet" treatment should have been discovered. Sadly, there is still no conclusive, reliable test for Lyme disease. Grants are sparse and the medical archeological "spades" are turning slowly. It is known that early treatment with antibiotics can arrest the disease. Left untreated, patients face the horrific sequalae Murray and her family still endure. Though the disease has been reported in all 50 states, most doctors are not well informed and many are still saying," You can't have that in Ohio" and "There has never been a case reported here." The Ohio Department of Health Vector-borne Disease Unit figures stand at close to 500 reported cases. Though many doctors are not reporting cases (too much paperwork), the Centers for Disease Control case numbers showed a 58% increase in the U.S. in 1994. Polly Murray's measured journey through this painful odyssey continues. Her tenacity and reasoned clarity shine through her writing. Along the way, you get to know her wonderful family, two of whom became doctors: a heroic accomplishment, all things considered. Murray continues the search for answers and has become not just a symbol, but a dedicated educator. She addresses medical professionals and researchers, including an appearance at Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, where one son was a student in 1989. "The Widening Circle" goes beyond a tale of medical sleuthing. Murray knows the patient's struggle with Lyme disease and the parent's anguish. This book has much well researched and first-hand information for physicians and patients. She examines the need for education, collaboration, and respect, and explains why these are required not only of researchers, but of physicians treating Lyme disease patients in order to deal with this puzzling affliction.

Early in the history of this country a few hardy souls set out to establish a town they could call their own. Windsor, CT was first surveyed and then platted to show ownership, and thereby a vested interest in making a "stopping place", their home. The maps included in Volume I give a detailed view of where one family lived in relation to another. Volume II goes into great detail--more than 900 pages, outlining the relationship of one family to another. This volume provides great genealogical information for the more than 200 families who lived, married, and raised families who have since spread throughout the United States. The descendants have since populated many parts of the country and can trace their ancestory back to "The History of Ancient Windsor Connecticut."

This makes a great source of information for those who have an ancestor named in these volumes.

Just finished reading this book. Great! The idea of buying the "wrong house" and what it can signify is a really good story!

The author really shows some sides of our humanness that can't always be expressed. She shows an example of wanting something from our partner which we are not even sure of. Her character then gets the recognition that she needs from an unlikely source.

There are some really good characters in this book, both female and male.

It's a good read!

I'm 12 years-old and I thought this story was very exciting. My older brother read it also, and he said it was great. It is about a fifteen-year-old boy who is eager to go to war. However, it ends up being the most horrifying life a young man could have. I would give six stars if I could. Since I can't, I'll write it down: six stars!

In Hannah's Winter of Hope I got scared when Ben got captured by the British Red Coats. But Hannah kept up her courage that Ben would come back some day and she talked to her dog Captian about it. And just when they didn't expect it one of Ben's friend's came with some news but to find out what kind of news it was read this GREAT book.

This book is really good.I like this book a lot.This book is about a family that their house got burned down . So they had to live in there father's shop. Then the Britsh came and took their son Ben and put him in a prison ship so he couldn't get free. Until the day came when they let Ben free. I like the part when Ben came home and his family was really happy and they were all glad that he was home and safe .

This is a great book. It was during the Revolutionary War. The British burned down their house. The British captured Ben, Hannah's brother, and he became a prisoner. They had to live in their dad's workshop and they suffered some horrible consequences during the terrible winter. Finally, Ben was set free and he struggles to get home.They had a welcome home party.
They all had tears in their eyes.

I simply consume books, and if I like the book I can read a whole book in a short period of time. I had read the Simpson book prior to Murder in Greenwich, and simply could not put it down! It was even hard to go to work. I started this book one evening about 7:00pm, went to work the next day and finished it about midnight the next night. Mark Fuhrman has a style that will keep you mesmerized. Plus, I find him very compassionate. Our system has become so political, it's a wonder that we catch and prosecute anyone. What a shame! It seems that justice would be the main objective. Both the Simpson case and the Moxley case are just a reflection of each other. Money and politics come in ahead of justice. Mark, please give us a book on the Ramsey case! Let's get the true story.

I have searched the internet to send a fan letter to Mark Fuhrman. Hopefully, this review will reach him.

Mr. Fuhrman has found his new career; investigating unsolved murder cases. Using his masterful detective skills, Mark solves the Martha Moxley murder case explaining his conclusions every step of the way. Martha's was a horribly vicious killing whose investigation was bungled by the police from the beginning and stonewalled by the Skakel family with the possible help of the Kennedys. Mr. Fuhrman is to be commended for courageously taking on the Greenwich, CT establishment as well as exposing the coverup orchestrated by the Skakel family lawyers. We hope that some day soon the Moxley family will see some justice delivered for their daughter's horrible murder, and we look forward to reading Mark's next book.

Having read this book two years after its initial publication, this reviewer was aware of the book's conclusions regarding the tragic murder of Miss Moxley, as evidenced by the massive publicity surrounding the indictment of the alleged murderer. Yet, such knowledge does not diminish the book's value as a comprehensive study of the case. The two most valuable elements of the book are 1) the evidentiary findings, and 2) the book's instructive quality. Knowing that the average reader possesses little knowledge of homicide investigations, Mr. Fuhrman greatly enhances the narrative of his story simply by taking the time to explain, in layman's terms, all of the elements which constitute the how and why of proper procedure in such matters. Moreover, by contrasting these with the initial "investigation" by Greenwich police, Mr. Fuhrman provides the reader with a clear explanation of why no meaningful progress was made toward solving the murder. To his credit, the author harbors no apparent glee in exposing such ineptitude. Indeed, he proceeds to offer a very detailed, step-by-step chapter explaining how the investigation should have been conducted from the very moment of discovery of the body of the victim. To his further credit, the author emphasizes, on more than one occasion, the importance of gathering evidence before proceeding toward the profiling and identification of possible suspects. In the end, Mr. Fuhrman manages to offer a full narrative of the events surrounding the case, manages to educate the reader in the various aspects of homicide investigation and revelations inherent in evidence, manages to provide his own solid investigatory findings and, finally, to name a suspect based upon said findings, absent any preconceived opinion. This reviewer highly recommends the book to anyone interested in this particular case and/or those seeking a definitive study of the procedure for competent homicide investigation and the importance of evidence in developing a sound profile of the murderer.

Although I am well past the age this book is intended for, I must say this is one of the finest pieces of historical fiction I have ever read.

One of the favorite books of my youth was "Calico Captive" which was also written by Elizabeth George Speare. Recently, in a fit of nostalgia, I purchased "Calico Captive" and, on a whim, I also grabbed "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" simply because it was by the same author and also set in colonial times. I felt I could use some light, escapist reading material in order to take a break from my usual heavy fare of military history books.

Anyway I started to read "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" at around 9:30 in the evening. At 2AM, I finished it. I couldn't put it down! After the first few chapters the book becomes a real page turner. I had to find out what would happen next. Would Kit ever adapt to the austere life of the Puritans? How would the situation with Prudence Cruff pan out? Would Kit marry William? Would John marry the girl he truly loved? Would Uncle Matthew ever soften? And, of course, what would happen if the Puritans found out about Kit's friendship with a suspected witch? I was just blown away by this book- one of the enjoyable reading experiences I have had in a long time.

Have you ever read a book that was so good it made you feel you
were going back in time? That is how I felt while I was reading this book about a 16 year old girl who has to move to the unfamiliar Connecticut colony to live with her relatives because her father has died and she has nowhere else to go. Everything is so different from her sunny Carribean home where she has lived most of her life.

This book takes place in 1687 in a small town in Connecticut called Weathersfield, a stern puritan community. Kit Tyler, the 16 year old, comes to live with her Aunt and Uncle after her father's death. Even after she settles in to her new life, she starts to feel caged like a bird. She is unhappy and unliked by the townspeople because she acts so differently. For example, she wears expensive silk dresses, knows how to swim and becomes friends with the local witch. She meets the local witch, named Hanna, in the meadows, by the swamp, the only place Kit can feel completely free. Her association with Hanna and the fact that Kit is different form the townspeople cause her to be accused of witchcraft. Can she prove to them she is not guity of witchcraft before it is too late?

The reason I like the book was because of the strong, action-filled plot. I also liked reading this book because it had portrayed the time period in which it took place accurately. The book seemed very plausible that a town in those days could panic and accuse a stranger of being a witch. I also liked the book because I liked the main character. Kit is someone that I would like to have met because she is independent, and wants to be accepted for being different. One thing I didn't like was the town's atmosphere. The atmosphere was dark, and strict, and loaded with witch hysteria.

I would recommend this book to people who like the genre of historical fiction, and particularly the time period of witchcraft. This book would appeal to those in sixth to eighth grade who are studying this time in American history. This book is more for teenage girls than boys given it female main character and narrator. There is also a love story in the subplot that would appeal to those who like romance. If you have read and liked the novel "The Scarlet Letter", this is another good book to read.

The climax of the story is when the main character is tried for being a witch. This review is not going to give away the outcome of the trial, but it is a strong finish to a well told story that will not disappoint the reader. I guarantee it! The conclusion will leave you feeling that almost anyone could be found guilty of breaking strict traditions in this stern peritian community where this book takes place. Can Kit escape the town's accusations and find happiness in this cold region, so unlike her native home?

The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spears was a great novel. I think it was very heart touching and reflects many peoples lives today. It has life morals and teaches about friendship, courage and love. The book also shows how people lived in Colonial times.

Spears did a wonderful job bringing her characters to life. They each had there own personalities and feelings. For instance, Kit was very wise but stubborn throughout the book. She came to America to live with her Aunt and Uncle and was at first rich. She had many fine clothes and could swim. A very different character from Kit would be Matthew Wood. He was very serious about everything and doesn't believe in nonsense such as witches or Hallows Eve. He was also very fierce and political man. He fights and tries to get everyone to do or believe what he does. He sticks to what he believes in and does not give up until he has proved everyone else wrong. For example, he will never change his religion and people against are forbidden from the house.

Spears also had a good plot and kept the novel full of suspense and action. It was also very adventurous. In one event, a plague gets the village people angry, causing chaos and a witch-hunt. They go and finding the witch not there burn down her house. Where was the so-called witch? Was she really a nice old lady like Kit made her seem? Who saved her from the village and brought her to a safe place? Read the book and you will know the answers to these suspenseful questions. Another great event was in the courtroom. While burning the house a lady finds a hornbook belonging to Kit with her daughter's name, Prudence on it! In the courtroom, they decide the punishment and if Kit is really a witch. Does her Uncle stick up for her? Will Prudence come help Kit? Did Kit really write the name?

I hope that after reading my review on The Witch of Blackbird Pond by Elizabeth George Spear you will read the novel. It taught me lessons on friendship, and bravery. It was filled with happiness, sorrow, and love shared by all of the characters and the reader. Thus, read the novel and prepare to be taken into the novel yourself!