This book is a work of sheer genius. It made me laugh and tugged at my heart strings. I have never read a book like this before. It's almost a hymm or prayer. She must have had help from the angels in the universe. I did not want to put it down. I wanted it to go on and on. Oprah Winfry should review it. She would love it. This is a gift for people from age 10 to age 100. This book should get the Newberry Book prize. It deserves it. I have read works of hers before. But this one takes the cake!

...

Kelly Easton is certainly set to be our next star of young female adult fiction. Her book is an absolute delight to read and digest. She captures beautifully the nuances of being a teenage girl and growing up in an uncertain world, America. Her use of language is gifted and insightful and utterly captures adolescence. It's hard to believe Ms. Easton didn't take her own diary entries from her childhood. That's how good she is!

Easton's The Life History of a Star is one the most amusing books I've read in years. The heroine, Kristin Folger is a wise, cynical, and vulnerable teengaer. Her observations on adolescence, the universe, and her dysfunctional family made me laugh out loud, and had tears in my eyes. A wonderful and compelling book. I have purchased several copies for my friends.

We have been in need of a series like Continuum Contemporaries for a long time. Unlike the watered-down reader's guides produced by York Notes (and in the US 'Cliff's Notes') these little books tackle text's which have gained something of a cult status in the late twentieth century, and do so from a perspective which is at once approachable enough for the recreational reader, and rigorous enough for the advanced student. It is therefore fitting that a text so widely, and wildly, misunderstood as Bret Easton Ellis's 'American Psycho'. should be included amongst the Continuum survey.

Julian Murphet is one of the foremost critics of Ellis's work, and what you get here are all the benefits of the breadth and depth of his knowledge, boiled down into a slim and precise volume. He provides us with a short biography of the author; an exploration of the narrative voice at work within the text; a discussion of the themes of alienation and reification and a survey of critical responses. He is, however, at his most engaging in his discussion of violence and politics, the real heart of the novel itself.

He tackles the central, consuming question of whether the protagonist Patrick Bateman ever actually commits the murders so graphically rendered in the text's pages, in a manner that is exploratory and revelatory without ever being proscriptive. Thus we see an argument develop from the tentative suggestion that 'everything could well be contained to the level of fantasy,' to the final assertion that the violence within 'American Psycho' is 'an act of language' and never really happens at all. He ties this argument in very neatly with an understanding of the text in its political context, seeing Bateman as a 'pin-up boy for the establishment Right' during the Reagan era, and reading the real 'murder' within the novel, not as that projected by Bateman, but rather as the 'murder of the real' the erasure of all social difference and threat - what he terms 'the gentrification of the city.'

Murphet rounds this off with a great critique of the film version of the novel, his genuine academic appreciation of cinema in general, making this more than just a fan's opinion.

No reader of 'American Psycho' will ever wholly agree with any one theory, and indeed it is the paradoxical beauty of the novel that is never really gives you a definitive answer either way. Murphet's argument is one reading, but it is a very convincing one, and this text is a must for anyone who remains challenged by, and curious about, this work.

Having read American Psycho several times since it's release, I'm surprised that it's taken somebody (anybody) this long to put together something (anything) that delves deeper into this book. This reader's guide is broken down into 5 sections (the novelist; the novel; the novel's reception; the novel's adaptation; and further reading and discussion questions) and is followed by brief notes and bibliography pages. Like Anthony Magistrale's The Shining Reader and David Sexton's The Strange World Of Thomas Harris, I can further explore my favorite books. A little extra credit for the fans and a little insight for those who are not.

Brett Easton Ellis shows a very dark character in the book American Psycho. The movie did not even begin to scratch the surface of Patrick Bateman's "odd" personality. After reading this book, the movie adaptation is unbelieveable. You understand the pain that Bateman is going through when asking for reservations. He is so deeply disturbed that he onoly lives for outward apperances. If you only read one book this summer, and you really want to be shocked, pick up American Psycho

I am normally turned off by unknown writers in the SF genere since many of them have basic inconsistancies that interfere with the storyline. However, this selection seemed to be well thought out. I found this book to be engaging and well researched, as well as action packed. Sylvester, the main character, becomes a hunter as well as the hunted and the tale follows his ups and downs as he learns more about his preys' limits and his own humanity that he finds slipping through his fingers in his quest for the Beast. The werewolves in this book have occult ties that never become cheesey as I have seen in other sci fi/horror novels, it is a realistic connection and makes it all the more gripping in that if werewolves did exist the connections that the author draws seem very possible. There are real characters in this book, even the "bad" guys are not painted in the usual black and white. No one is motiveless, and the main character has a constant struggle with his own drive and wether his self imposed quest is worth it. I myself snagged the book from a friend when she wasn't looking and found I could not put it down. I hope the author gives us a second helping.

A great story! Once I picked up the book I couldn't put it down. It is a very believable tale about an unbelievable subject. The main character is like anyone of us with horror in their past (and who doesn't have that?). He is not only lovable, but also to be pitied. He's made real by a gifted author. The author has done a masterful job bringing together the real and the unreal to make it seem all OH SO REAL. Can't wait for the sequel.

Who's afraid of the big, bad wolf? It certainly isn't the protagonist in this well-researched, sometimes gruesome, often intense quest-for-justice novel. Sylvester Logan James loses his father at an early age, and that really pisses him off. After his death, James makes a decision that will change his entire life;in fact, it will rule it. James becomes a hunter. A werewolf hunter. The youth has to struggle with many grownup decisions at a relatively young age. When most kids can't make a commitment to whom they're taking to the prom, James is making commitments to accept torture and pain as his only true friend. After all, his life has turned into a very dangerous game, and there is no room for sissies. Besides, when the Wolf is on your trail, there's nowhere to run. It's kill or be killed. Whenever you think you've got James figured out and you can map out his next move, he zigs when you expect him to zag. However, you never lose site of his objective: to kill as many of those blood-thirsty stalkers as possible. The thing that really sticks out in this book is the way the author paints pictures of places he's probably never been. You always feel like you're along for the ride. Occasionally, you feel overwhelmed with information only a true werewolf fan would understand, and sometimes you just feel sorry for the guy. Trouble just seems to follow him wherever he goes, and he never seems to get let off with a warning. There's always hell to pay. But don't turn your back on this guy. He doesn't bottle his anger very well.

I Dream a World is inspiring in its beautiful photography and the brief stories it shares about the women in the pictures. While it touches on their life stories, this book shares these women's thoughts. That is what draws me closer to this book each time I open it. The women inside, and the book itself, will make you think about your dreams and encourage you to work towards them.

No matter what your race or gender, give this book to anyone who needs encouragement. I especially enjoy recommending this book to young women who can learn a lot from the women within its pages.

I DREAM A WORLD is a most excellent book. The photographs of the women are like portraits of their souls. What makes this book so wonderful is that each woman's story is told in her own words. This is more of the real history. Everyone should read this book because it is not only black history or women's history, it is American history.

I truly love this peice. Not only is this book Quite inspiring it is very informative and based on the history of this country. I am trying to find a way to get contact with this photographer? if any on has information on an e-mail address or a residing address that would allow me to rite Brian Lanker, I would love for them to contact me. thank for your help! (he is related to me.)

Tamara Michele Saenz

Young Genna Whitworth and Eli Blaylock were told as children that they were wrong for one another. She was from wealth and he a poor Conch boy. Yet their friendship was fast until one violent night of fire and death tore them apart. Seventeen years later they are reunited under quite different circumstances. Genna flees from the unspeakable advances of her cruel brother-in-law only to be shipwrecked and rescued by the man she believd dead. As Genna slowly mends, she and Eli rediscover their past attraction, while he battles against honor in the matter of his fiancee, the daughter of his mentor and benefactor. Author Colleen Easton knows how to tighten the screws of her plot, how to box in her characters until the reader can't figure out how things can possibly work out. No predicable outcomes here, rather there are excellent twists and turns.

It was a time of racial unrest in Indian Key, Florida as the Seminole Indians, intent upon violence, swept through the settlement with fire and evil intent. Eleven-year-old Genna Whitworth shouldered the responsibility of her father's death that night, accepting the unending blame of her mother and sister. She didn't know her childhood friend Eli Blaylock survived, or that he also blamed her for that night. Years later, fate brings Genna and Eli together again, laying them at cross-purposes and tempting their hearts.

Jerimiah Hardy rescued the boy from a cistern, taking the twelve-year-old home to become part of his family. Eighteen years later Eli captains the wrecker that comes to the aid of a ship off of the Florida Reef. A woman, battered and nearly dead, captures his attention. Long ago he had decided that having answers to old questions would not matter anymore; that answers would only dredge up memories best left undisturbed. But Genna's presence stirs more than old questions for this man bound by honor and loyalty to marry another.

Author Colleen Easton pens an entrancing historical tale in DANGEROUS ATTRACTIONS. Easton's masterful storytelling sweeps readers away into a world by turns romantic and gritty, always compelling. A bird named Heathen, complex loyalties, and unexpected twists keep the plot moving along quickly, pulling the reader into an almost forgotten world torn by racial differences and rewoven by ethics and honor. From the moment their paths cross as adults, Genna and Eli are on a collision course with destiny, forced to deal the repressed secrets of the past and the dangers of the present. Their characters spring vividly alive with rich description and an impressive background. Secondary characters likewise sparkle, from the stolid Jeremiah and his secretive daughter, to Eli's entrancing first mate. DANGEROUS ATTRACTIONS comes very highly recommended.

Set in the Keys of southern Florida in the years of unrest before the Civil War, Dangerous Attractions is as verdant and steamy as the tropical islands about which it's written. A culture of taboos and prejudices direct the life choices and paths of its exciting and well-written characters.

Eli Blaylock, a Conch boy rescued at twelve after losing his father and brothers in a Seminole attack, strives to become worthy of acceptance, not only by his rescuer, Jeremiah Hardy, but also into the society which shuns his Bahamian bloodlines.

Genna Whitworth is plagued by the guilt of her perceived role in the death of her own father, lost in the same Indian attack. Marred both mentally and physically by the trauma, she has never married and has remained emotionally safe, hidden in a private world of her beloved wildlife drawings. But now, the greed and avarice of a wicked brother-in-law has threatened even that small security.

When a vicious storm and subsequent shipwreck throw Genna back into Eli's arms, the emotions, which boil to the surface every time the two old friends are close, jeopardize the honor and loyalty of both. Not only must this hero and heroine deal with the misconceptions of their shared childhood tragedy, but they must also face their current moral dilemma. Eli cannot go against his own pledge and the wishes of the now dying Jeremiah, a man who not only saved his life, but also educated Eli and helped him to start his own wrecker salvage business. Genna must, in turn, face her own sacrifices to regain her wavering self-respect.

Dangerous Attractions is a well-woven tale, a balance of honor and morality versus the desire for a lifetime of true love. But at what cost?

Colleen Easton has penned a story that tugs at one's heart while pulling the reader along through page after satisfying page. An eclectic and interesting cast of characters, including a foul-mouthed parrot named Heathen, each with their own issues, keeps the pace moving. A great read.

What a wonderful book! Author Richard Easton weaves a charming story and fast-paced tale that tells of two boys who learn how to build friendship in spite of enormous social barriers; who discover how to acknowledge their faults and forgive each other; who realize that by courageously doing the right thing, a young person can have a big impact on his family and the wider society. A Real American is To Kill a Mockingbird for kids. I plan to give it to each of my six grandchildren as an investment in their learning to love good books and in their simply learning to love.

I love the book! It is beautifully done, and the two young boys are wonderful characters that pull you in immediately. The entire time I was rooting for Nathan to make the right decisions and he did. Arturo is a loveable young man that has the dignity and enthusiasm for life that I wish all children possessed. Their relationship is the heart of the book, but the history and the social/ family tension is a wonderful thread throughout the novel.

This novel not only descriptfully shows the past, but also puts you in the shoes of an eleven-year-old, Nathan McClelland. There is very good character development, which makes the entire novel even more believable. This book is refreshing, and don't except to be able to put it down.

This book is written extremely well throughout. It is the kind of short book that you feel you want to and should just read all through, from front to back. I almost did (if it wasn't for starting it late at night!) It is almost exactly as the episode on TV portrayed it, which is also a good point. Well worth a read even if you're not an x-phile, if you are, then it's a must-read book.

This book is rally good because it has a good climax. The story they give is expression because Darin loved Mrs.Kiveat and he wanted to show her how he feels.Darin has power to make ligthing strike any time he wants.The book is good I recamended.

How is lightning so accurate to kill residents in a small Oklahoma town every time it strikes? Lightning can't do that...can it? Ask Darrin Oswald, a big video game wiz, but a big geek who has a crush on Sharon Kiveat, married to Frank Kiveat. His crush won't go too far...will it? Does he have any paranormal powers? Naw...that's Mulder talk, a boy can't make lightning. Right?

I watched Port Charles and fell in love, I read this book and was amazed. The openness, compassion, sorrow, power, and beauty of his words scar you. I'll never look at him the same again, but it's in a good way. As you watch him play Michael Morley, you realize the struggle he went through to be where he is today, as you watch him play Caleb Morley you realize the ultimate disappointment he must feel that he's made it for acting, not his real passion, writing.

Enjoy it while it lasts, this is a short but amazing book. I re-read every poem several times, and you'll find yourself doing the same, especially if you've ever seen him act!

I am a huge fan of Michael Eastons, have been for a few years. Reading this book, which Iwas lucky to get off eBay, I haveto say there is a great deal of pain in there, but some poems I laughed out loud at. I know thatI will be reading this book many more times--I liked it very much.

I have been the proud owner of this book since November of 2001.
My assessment of this book can actually equate with my
assessment of Mr. Easton's acting...both share that same
"balletic, graceful, poetic" quality. Mr. Easton's angst and
devastation at that period of his life is so heart-wrenching to
read about...but at the same time important for him to bring
these feelings to the forefront and express his deep "inner-
soul" through these writings. Mr. Easton's supreme intelligence
just shines through in both his writing and his acting. I am
truly honored and privileged to be able to view Mr. Easton on
an almost-daily basis on Port Charles...he brings immeasurable
joy to me and has actually been an inspiration to me and a
dear friend of mine to become expressive ourselves. His
passion for writing and his passion for acting shine through
in all of his endeavors...and I hope and pray we will be
having him for our viewing pleasure on Port Charles for a long
time to come. He and his acting partner, Ms. Kelly Monaco,
bring their characters to life like no other daytime couple
ever. In conclusion, I hope these demons he felt back then
are in the past and I wish him nothing but a peaceful and
happy life.

The book presents a wide range of business cases as well as scenarios where wireless technology is used or can be used. The author sometimes gets too excited about the potential of the technologies involved but she proves that, at least in some areas, wireless is revolutionizing business, creating business value by providing convenience, mobility, agility and improved data accuracy.

I probably sound like a paid endorser, but the truth is, this book is fantastic. It's written beautifully, contains riveting stories, and is packed with insights, ideas, trends, and more. It's written for anyone in business ready to cash in on the future. Wireless is the next big trend. This book shows you how to surf it to the bank. Get it. Get it right now. -- Joe Vitale, author of way too many books to list here, ...

I hesitated before buying Going Wireless because I didn't want a book about
how wireless works. Then I stumbled on the Newsweek review, read a couple
excerpts on the Going Wireless website and then bought it. My hunch was
right. This book is a real winner by cutting out the "geek speak" and
instead showing me directly how wireless can benefit my business. I highly
recommend it.

If you are good with crafts and building things and you are kinky, then this is a great book for you. The 99 different projections range from simple 10 minute creations to furniture that will take a few days to make. Cost to make also varies from a buck or two to over a hundred dollars. I gave this 4 instead of 5 stars because this is a collection of projects by several different people and thus the instructions vary greatly in terms of technical knowledge required to follow them. The "fundamentals" section which starts the book attempts to help those of us with less craft knowledge, but frankly it may not be enough help.

Kinkycrafts contains 99 "Do it Yourself" S&M projects organized into six major catagories: bondage furniture,... pain toys, flagellation toys, restraints, sexual toys and unclassifiable (items like tongue condoms and tool racks). Each project has instructions, a materials list, cost estimate, time estimate and a picture.

The pictures are useful to see the end product, the instructions are easy to follow, the materials lists are good to get your started and the cost/time estimates are fairly accurate. I am not a big believer that cheap S&M toys are a good idea as a I believe that they somewhat ruin the "ambiance" of a scene - many of these toys could not be mistaken for anything but a cheap substitute. However, if you can't afford the exorbitant fees charged for many S&M toys, this book contains may reasonable and safe alternatives.

Despite my reservation about cheap toys, the book was worth more than it's cost simply for the dungeon furniture layouts. These designs are fantastic and will save you many painful hours of trying to construct dungeon furniture that often can not be found unless you are near a major city. I have made four separate "pieces' based on designs in the book and each was a great success.

This guide gives instructions on making your own SM toys using mostly inexpensive materials. This book explains how to build up to 99 different "toys." If you can't afford expensive toys or like me are just too cheap to go out and buy them, this book is for you!