We've all seen the movie, we all know the story, but not quite as many of us have read "The Exorcist" in its original form, which is the novel by William Peter Blatty. In comparing the book to the film, it can't be said that the book blows the movie out of the water as both have their pros and cons over each other but the book is certainly just as suspenseful, disturbing, and delivering, if not moreso, than the movie.

Telling the story of a 12 year old girl who starts showing signs of extreme mental illness and possibly split personality, her mother, a young budding movie star begins to see signs of possession by an other-worldly presence despite the fact that she is an atheist, resulting in her calling in one Father Karras, a priest/psychiatrist who has begun to lose his faith due to the tragic death of his mother, and Father Merrin, an older man and one of the few Jesuit priests who have actually performed an exorcism in this time period. The plot may sound cliche now, especially considering how many horrible rip-offs of this story, both in writing and film, have been made since its release (including two horrible film sequels), but you have to read this with a fresh imagination to truly appreciate that this was one of the first stories of its kind, not to mention that the author had the guts to include some pretty graphic language during Regan's Satanic ramblings.

Most notably about The Exorcist is that, despite the fact that the characters are not the best ever created, they are very believable, especially Father Karras, Chris Macneil, and Lieutenant Kinderman. Father Karras' struggle for his religious faith ties in deeply to the plot as he wrestles with his own beliefs and sanity to accept the fact that the little girl he is trying to treat may very well be possessed, even as his belief in God dies slowly. This theme persists throughout the story and even as Karras is faced with the demon personified before him, he still attempts to write it off as a disease of the brain dealing with repressed guilt. This struggle to dismiss the supernatural is very human and realistic and certainly makes for a better struggle than a lot of best sellers in the last 10 years. Father Merrin's battle with the demon which goes back further than it seems is also very disturbing and Lieutenant Kinderman's ramblings and ill health are also signs of well written characters.

In addition to the characters, the plot never ceases to develop and moves at a good pace, rarely stopping for unnecessary details or pointless inclusions, managing to hook the reader within the first 10 pages with the eerie introduction taking place in Iraq. The most notable scenes and incidents are during Karl, the servant at Chris's house struggle with his daughter's condition and the final exorcism against the demon, but the rest of the plot builds to these moments quite nicely.

One comparison to the film that the book also manages to include quite graphically is the inclusion of the possessed Regan's filthy, demoralizing use of language. She makes numerous references to religion which some may find disturbing, but her choice of words only make the belief that she is possessed stronger and more to the point. You don't have to have any religious beliefs or any opinion on demonic possession one way or another to enjoy this as its one of those "must read" novels for the horror fan and is a page turner whether you're Catholic and actually buy into the plot or hardcore atheist just reading it for the thrills. Anyone who enjoys horror is sure to find something in The Exorcist. It's before possession became cliche and is horror in its finest form.

I hadnt seen the movie when i picked up this book deciding to read it. Once i got into it i was absolutly hooked. I would have read it in one day if not for a few personal commitments,but whenever i put it down i couldnt stop thinking about it, i simply had to finish it. It's just one of the most compelling stories i have ever read.

You all know the story, an adorable 11 year old girl becomes possesed buy a demon, and her celebrity mother goes to every length imaginable to help her. The book is told in four parts, each builds up the tension until the stage is set for the exorcism, which occupies pretty much the entire final part. What is amazing about this book is the characters are so real, you can realte to them, you feel for them, you really get to know them. Chris MacNeil, the young girls mother, who grows increasingly edgy is the book goes on, she is very realistic in the fact that she would go to extreme lengths to help he suffering daughter; Father Damien Karras, the troubled young priest, who Chris turns to as a last resort, is suffering from a lack of faith in himself after the death of his mother, he blames himself, is utterly compelling, and very admirable, particularly is the final moments of the book; Father Merrin the aging priest who performs the exorcism is moving and comforting, you get the feeling that everything is going to be okay when he appears; Lt Kinderman, the police officer investigating a death that may point back to Regan, is amusing, and it is a joy to watch his bonding with Karras, his final scene with Father Dyer is bound to make you smile; and finally Regan, the 11 year old that gradually goes from warm hearted little girl to a truely evil demon, you really feel sorry for her during the self abuse scenes. You get to know the characters so well, that you really miss them when the final page is turned.

The book is bound to leave a lasting impression on your mind, it will shock you, disturb you, sadden you, move you, and if it doesnt entertain you then you must have something wrong with you. If you read this, and then watch the movie, the movie will seem empty, the book is so much better. The Exorcist is one of my favourite books, a highly recommended readthat has stood the test of time much better than the movie has. So get in you favourite chair, unplug the phone and and read it!!!! Well done Mr. Blatty!!

William Peter Blatty's classic, later turned into a major hit movie,one of those "required" readings for fans of horror. This book did for demonic possession what Dracula did for vampires; it provided a very well written, very disturbing classic with memorable characters that brought a lot of recognition to an underexplored subgenre. The major reason this novel works so well is that Blatty makes you care about his characters: An actress mother who loves her daughter very much,a gold-hearted child who is possessed by a vile demon, a Jesuit Priest questioning his own faith (this idea didn't become a cliche until AFTER Blatty's book), and a fasinating old detective with health problems. This novel not only disturbed a generation, it disturbed the Vatican who deamed it very plausible and terrifying. What is the most desterbing, however, is that this book has somehow managed to go out of print. If Dracula, Frankenstein, and A Tale of Two Cities have managed to stay unhaultedly in print, why hasn't the Excorcist?

This book begins when Annie and Blake Colwater take their daughter to the airport. The teenager plans to spend several months studying in London. On the drive home, Blake surprises Annie by asking for a divorce. Annie is shocked and totally falls apart. She leaves California and retreats to her hometown of Mystic, Washington. In Mystic, she meets up with her old boyfriend Nick, and immediately rekindles a romance. Nick has problems of his own and is haunted by his wife's death. Izzie, his six year old daughter is so upset by the loss of her mother that she no longer has the ability to speak. There are several different subplots going on and the author manages to juggle them quite well. The dilemma of the child Izzie was by far the most interesting and creative part of the book.

In a lot of ways this was quite an ambitious story, and Kristin Hannah gave an excellent account of the emotions that her characters experienced. She also wrote beautiful descriptive passages about the beauty of the Olympic Peninsula. However, Annie the main character was a little frustrating to read about. She was just too perfect. She's attractive, smart, thin, rich. talented, a great mother and a really nice person! Wow! I also had a difficult time believing that a wife would not have a clue to the fact that the man she was married to for 20 years had consistently been unfaithful to her for ages. Come on Annie, a man can't be working late every night! Perhaps that was Annie's flaw, she was so wrapped up in her daughter and in creating a perfect home that she ignored the signs of a husband who had little loyalty or real interest in his family.

You don't know what you're missing if you've never read a book by Kristin Hannah, and _On Mystic Lake_ is one of the absolute best books ever written. The characters come alive and endear themselves to your heart. Annie is down to earth and easy to read about. Izzie, the little girl who needs to find her way into the world again is precious and Nick is the type of character whom you wish you could jump into the book and give a hug to. _On Mystic Lake_ is by no means "lite reading". The main character, Annie, is getting a divorce from her husband who claims to love another woman. Trying to come to grips with her failing marriage, Annie returns home to Mystic to spend some time with her father. There she meets up with her first love, Nick, who chose her best friend over her, breaking Annie's heart. It turns out that Nick's wife (Annie's old best friend) has died leaving Nick and his daughter Izzie devestated. When the three first get together, it's sort of like the blind leading the blind. They are all so hurt that it is hard to see who needs more help. But, Annie brings healing to Izzie's soul, the little girl mends Annie's heart, and a love rekindles between Nick and Annie. Still, things are not that easy, and a conflict makes the world harder in Mystic. Kristin Hannah is an amazingly gifted author and her talent shines in _On Mystic Lake_. Her descriptive writing will take you to another place- a little logging town in Washington where mist floats above the ground and life moves at a slower pace. This is a beautiful book about three healing souls who learn that bad things do happen but you can get around them. I'd recomend _On Mystic Lake_ to anyone who enjoys putting down a book with a sense that the world is a wonderful place and they can do something to make it better.

Living in the Pacific Northwest, Kristen Hannah's On Mystic Lake truly made me appreciate the beauty of the northwest. Sure, it rains cats and dogs, but on a beautiful sunny day it can't be beat.

On the day that her daughter leaves for London Annie's husband of 20 years tells her he loves another woman and wants a divorce. Annie is devestated. After spending the past 20 years being "the perfect wife" and "the perfect mother" she doesn't know what to do with her life. So she goes home to Mystic, Washington, a small logging community near the Olympic penninsula.

When Annie returns she meets up again with her old friend (who married her best friend from high school). His wife commited suicide 8 months earlier and he and his 6 year old daughter are having a hard time coping. With nothing else to do, Annie offers to help him with his daughter.

Slowly Annie and Nick fall in love, but Annie is still married. After a few months Annie's husband decides he made a mistake and wants her back, but Annie isn't ready to go back.

This is a wonderful book about love, friendship, motherhood and finding yourself. This book is highly recommended and next time you find yourself in the beautiful Pacific Northwest remember that it doesn't rain every day, only 300 days a year.

I judge how good (or bad) a book is by how hard (or easy) it is for me to stop in the middle and put it down. All of Flynn's books I've read so far have been difficult to put down.

In this book, terrorists have stormed the White House. The president (barely) escapes into a secure bunker, but communications are cut off. Therefore, Presidential authority transfers to the Vice-President, who happens to be a spineless idiot.

Enter one MItch Rapp, a CIA operative. Rapp almost singlehandedly defeats the terrorists' plot and saves the president. (That's about all I can tell you without ruining the story.)

Note: Just in case you haven't figured this out yet, Flynn's books are a quasi-series. In order: Term Limits, Transfer of Power, The Third Option, Separation of Power. You don't HAVE to read them in that order, but some events will make more sense if you do so.

The only complaints I have about this book, which seem to be common to most of his books, are the totally unnecessary vulgar language, and also the way he seems to end the book(s) too abruptly. He does so well weaving a story, but when it comes to the end, it's almost like a ghostwriter takes over and completes the story for him!

"Transfer of Power" by Vince Flynn is an exceptionally well written, well paced action novel that is literally impossible to put down. "Can't put it down" is one of the most overused cliches in publishing but in this case it happens to be true. I devoured it in a handful of sittings. Rarely have I enjoyed a political thriller more.

The plot, which in a post September 11 world takes on new significance, involves the capture of the White House by a group of Middle Eastern terrorists and the efforts made to take back the presidential mansion. What comes in between is enough political intrigue and special forces action to satisfy even the most jaded of techno thriller fans.

My only criticism is that the character's that populate Flynn's book are a fairly standard lot for his type of novel. The protagonist of "ToP" Mitch Rapp, while a very engaging and likable character, is nearly indistinguishable from Tom Clancy's John Clark or Jack Ryan or any of the other black ops super spy's that are so common in this genre. Other character's suffer from the same sense of familiarity. The exception being the villain. Terrorist mastermind Rafique Aziz is a very well crafted foe for agent Rapp and is one the reasons the novel is so entertaining. I should note that while the characters are fairly standard I still found myself making a significant emotional connection with them

It's minor character flaws aside "Transfer of Power" is an example of the political/techno thriller at it's finest. It moves at lighting speed with not a single wasted page or sentence and packs a number of very satisfying moments. I highly recommend it!

I had passed Flynn's books many times but never quite got to the point of picking one off the shelf. Transfer of Power was the first novel from Flynn that I've read, and having done so, I 'm wondering why I didn't do so sooner. This book was outstanding! Although the events of September 11th brought an added dimension to the story, this book would have been compelling anyway. Flynn grabs the reader in the first few pages and doesn't let go. Transfer of Power is very tight and fast paced, with plenty of action, suspense, and plot twists. In the story, Arab terrorists have taken over the White House and hold the President hostage. As self-serving and power hungry politicians worry as much or more about themselves than they do about thwarting the terrorists, it is up to the US military, special forces units, the FBI, the secret service and terrorist hunter extraordinaire Mitch Rapp to keep focused on the objective of thwarting the terrorists and freeing the President. This book was almost impossible to put down. Now, on to Flynn's next work, The Third Option.

I've read this book many times, the first time about 9 years ago when my husband and I were about to move onto 10 acres and raise our own chickens ( which we still do.) As s fellow city slicker like Betty, her book helped me keep it all in perspective. I thought the setting went back much further than the 1940's and didn't even know the Ma and Pa Kettle movies were based on the book until much later. Now I'm looking for an original publishing of the book and can't find one. I'm told it's because the Ma and Pa Kettle movies have such a great following on cable TV. Just my luck. I discovered a jewel years ago and now it's in great demand. Does anyone know of an original publishing that is for sale? Or are we all looking for one too? Well, if so, we all appreciate true wit and a good sense of humor.

That's just one of the hilarious chapters in this treasure of a book. To explain the prejudice toward Native Americans, she simply had a fixed idea of what Indians would be like. When she met real Indians, they were totally different. I refuse to believe people would dislike this wonderful book simply because the Indians she met weren't shining specimens of their race. Anyhow, this book kept me laughing throughout. Never would you believe a pressure cooker could be so funny. Canning, chickens, bears, carrying water, more chickens, and Stove are all out to get Betty. Can she conquer them? Read "The Egg and I" to find out!

I love the way this woman can make me laugh. Not just a snicker or a little giggle but a great big uncontrollable (publicly embarrassing) belly laugh. I have read The Egg and I several times and I usually never reread books. Betty MacDonald's talent as an autobiographical writer is unsurpassed and I feel I really know her and her family through her wonderful books. Ms MacDonald went from a bustling and very social life in suburbia to the wild, isolation of the mountains to fully support her new husbands' ambitions in the egg raising industry, where the chicken ruled the roost. Her ability to see humour in drunken indians, smelly children, wild animals and her neighbours is a gift, and a gift I, for one, shall always treasure! If anyone knows whether Betty MacDonald is still writing or where I can find out more information about her I would love to hear from you. My searches so far have been unsuccessful.

Jennifer Holm's Our Only May Amelia is a touching account of a young girl growing up in the harsh Nasel River Settlement of Washington State. The characters in this story are so well developed that you begin to think of them as your own family. I experienced many different emotions while reading this story, sadness, anger, laughter, and frustration but never boredom. This story takes you for a ride and doesn't stop until the last page. I would strongly recommend this book for any reader who likes adventure with historical realism thrown in or for a classroom teacher beginning a unit on the settlement of America. There are many opportunities for learning about the history and geography of Washington State and Finnish immigrants.

I read this book on an airplane and I cried openly. I felt so lucky to have a chance to look across time and space into this imtimate view of a girl growing up at the turn of the century, based on a real person. I found the use of capitalization absolutely perfect in conveying the not only the meaning of the text but the emotional impact and the way May Amelia was internalizing what is being said to her. The present tense only made the perceptions more immediate, and I think all together the author's choices were extremely effective in successfully creating a true time travel experience for the reader. There were many characters, boys and girls, and they all were very distinctive. I would hate to think any girl coming of age would miss out on the chance to know May Amelia just because some people are sticklers for more traditional format, since this book really lights up the shelves of children's literature and I can't wait to read it out loud to as many kids as will listen. To the other reviewer: yes, Zachary Beaver is terrific, and I do agree that the National Book Award has promoted some sensational children's literature that surely rivals the Newbery, but there's no need to read one instead of the other. Let's be glad there are more forums to recognize the best of the best! I'll wager time will prove that Our Only May Amelia is among the more enduring and beloved female protagonists from the turn of OUR century! P.S. if you like this book, try The Birchbark House by Louise Erdrich, you'll like it, too!

Our Only May Amelia

Have you ever wanted something really bad and when you

finally get it, it's taken away? That's the kind oif situation May

Amelia faces, in the book, "Our Only May Amelia," by Jennifer L.

Holm. May Amelia is having some difficulty in her life. Her problem

is, she's the only girl in her family of 7 boys anmf shje's also the

only girl in her town! She's always wanted a sister because she

doesn't have any friends and she doesn't fir in well.

She also doesn't have a good relationship with her dad. She

she feels she won't be an outsider if there was someone else that

she could play with another girl. It seems in her town, it's very

unlikely to have as girl. May Amelia felt the baby was mostly her

baby because she spent more time with her than anyone else

did. May Amelia did eventually get a baby sister but then the

worst happened. The author puts it like this: "I out my ear to hjr

heart, I couldn't hear nothing, not the little pitter-pat." "I

started screaming Wilbert Wilbert Wilbert and every body came

running in from the barn. I said "My baby's dead!"

May Amelia always knew what to do and how to care for

her. But this time there was nothing she could do. This made May

feel guilty. She felt like she should have done something to keep

the baby alive. Everyone was worried including her father about

her she was acting different ever since the inicident. The were

worried that May would never be the same again.

Vince Flynn's latest novel revisits old characters and wraps up loose plot lines from previous books. In particular, his previous novel, The Third Option, concluded with major issues unresolved; now, in this book, Senator Hank Clark, a methodical behind-the-scenes sort of villain is up to additional mechanations to satisfy his desire for the Presidency.

On the side of the good guys are Irene Kennedy, the President's nominee for the directorship of the CIA and assassin/super-soldier Mitch Rapp. They are out to find out who were the conspirators from the Third Option and at the same time counteract a nuclear threat from Iraq. Add to this complications in Rapp's love life and there is a lot going on.

Flynn writes a generally good suspenseful novel, but there are imperfections, especially with pacing. It takes a while for any real action to occur, and then the concluding acts just zip on by; the book needs a faster start and a slower finish. Nonetheless, this should satisfy Flynn's fans and spy novel fans in general.

Picking up where The Third Option left off, Vince Flynn has another winner on his hands. Mitch Rapp and Dr. Irene Kennedy are back, along with the other characters from his previous two books, in a very compelling political thriller. Separation of Power is clearly another fast-paced page turner, bringing together several storylines with more than ample amounts of action, suspense, and geopolitical intrigue. Mitch Rapp desires to move on with his life, while simultaneously attempting to bring closure to the turmoil and lingering danger that carried over from the previous book. Dr. Kennedy is facing scheming politicians and business moguls who oppose her confirmation as the head of the CIA and desire to embarrass the President. The President must deal with Saddam Hussein and Iraq who are just weeks away from operational nuclear weapons. Flynn grabs the reader in the first few pages and doesn't let go. This is a must read!!! (But don't start with this. First read Balance of Power and The Third Option.)

I had been waiting for this sequel and didn't realize that it had been out for a while. I purchased it during my busiest month (May) and couldn't start it until Memorial Day weekend. Mr. Flynn did it again. The story begins only two weeks after his last story, The Third Option, ended. I really had to think back on all the events of that book, which I absolutely loved. This book COULD stand on its own...however, you'll enjoy it much more if you read Mr. Flynn's other books first. Mitch Rapp is back and better than ever. I love Dr. Kennedy. The President and Anna Reilly came out looking a bit weaker than the prequels. In fact, I didn't even like Anna in this story. She didn't resemble the cool reporter Mitch saved at the WH. But I loved Donatella, and I hope she'll be back. It was good to see Scott, the Navy SEAL, back in the story. The problem with the ending is that some of the loose ends have been tied up and I'm not sure where Mr. Flynn will go from here. I hope Mitch and Donatella can work together. I hope Scott is involved. How long can President Hays stay in office? Oh, I can't wait for the next one!!

Toni Morrison broke the mold when she wrote this book. Song of Solomon is a reflection of not just African-American spirituality, but of the spirituality of Americans as a whole. She reminds us of the meaning of identity, and the power of hope. Macon (Milkman) Dead, the hero, is the spoiled, lazy, and aimless son of a rich black man in Michigan. When learns from his father of a treasure his aunt Pilate had hidden years before, he goes on a search to find it. However, nothing in his life could prepare him for the journey on which he was about to embark. During this journey, he encounters some of the most colorful characters he would ever meet--his mentor and friend, Guitar, his cousins, and a whole host of other people. While I will not ruin the rest of the story for those who have not read this book, I will remind you that the only way to really enjoy this book (or any other book) is to keep an open mind, and expect the unexpected. With this book, Toni Morrison has earned her place in American women's literature and African-American literature.

I recently re-read "Song of Solomon" (for the sixth time) as part of a book club discussion and was once again taken aback by the book's power. It is a novel about coming-of-age and of self-discovery. But it is that and much, much more: In telling the tale of Milkman Dead and all of those that he comes in contact with, Morrison relates the story of not only Black America, but also the human spirit.

"Song of Solomon" is a complex story that borrows from history, African mythology (The Mwindo Epic of the Congo) and the rich tradition of American Literature. No other contemporary American novelist can compete on the same level as Morrison. Her writing is believeable, inciteful and always lyrical. "Song of Solomon" is clearly a must for any english professor's list of great reads.

I recently re-read "Song of Solomon" (for the sixth time) as part of a book club discussion and was once again taken aback by the book's power. It is a novel about coming-of-age and of self-discovery. But it is that and much, much more: In telling the tale of Milkman Dead and all of those that he comes in contact with, Morrison relates the story of not only Black America, but also the human spirit.

"Song of Solomon" is a complex story that borrows from history, African mythology (The Mwindo Epic of the Congo) and the rich tradition of American Literature. No other contemporary American novelist can compete on the same level as Morrison. Her writing is believeable, inciteful and always lyrical. "Song of Solomon" is clearly a must for any english professor's list of great reads.

[This is my review from four years ago, but it still applies.]

The Book The Lone Ranger and Tanto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie was very well written and enjoyable. It is a collection of inter connecting short stories that share similar themes and characters as well. It revolves around a few main characters including Victor the main character, and Thomas Builds-The-Fire an obsessive story teller. The characters are very well developed, in each story he builds on each character until you really feel as if you know them. The flaws to this are sometimes there are contradicting traits in different stories, but that is understandable with a collection of short stories. He seems to develop the settings enough but not to great detail, which is sometimes effective and at other times leaves you waiting for more. For short stories his plot development was excellent, as well as the way in which he compiled his stories, theses two elements combined kept me engrained in the book and were very effective in portraying theme. His overall writing style is very blunt, honest, and real, he also uses some elements of realistic satire to keep you interested and shocked simultaneously. I also saw hints of budding surrealism in some stories, but not enough to create an overall surrealistic effect; I think his usage of it is appropriate but as well developed as it could be. I enjoyed his style of writing because it gave me the raw and bitter truth behind life on an Indian reservation. He spoke so realistically and honestly, like he had been there first hand, which makes this book very good and effective with its portrayal. The themes are very apparent, and do not involve much reading between the lines, but are there and do leave an impact on you. The themes of differences and discrimination are very effective as well as the theme of the difference between modern and past Indians. Overall I really enjoyed his work, despite his minor flaws in development of character, and setting. I definitely recommend this book to anyone interested in Native American life, or someone willing to read an entertaining and powerful book.

The title itself is very intriguing. The title pits two famous american icons, who are indian and white, against each other. Sort of setting the stage for reservation life in the present day. A constant clash between races and rights. This collection of short stories, in my mind, is one of the best books published by a Native American ever. The author, Sherman Alexie, has a very distinct voice. He sets scenes very well and the descriptive language he uses is great. Each chapter brings a new adventure and a new lesson to learn. Alexie creates many interesting characters in Lone Ranger and Tonto but a few stand out. One is Victor who was left by his father at a young age and goes threw many adventures chronicled by Alexie. One of his adventures is very well depicted in the film Smoke Signals. The movie focuses on Victor traveling to Arizona to retrieve his dead Fathers remains. Smoke Signals focuses on my favorite chapter in the book anyway. A lot of issues are brought up between Thomas Builds-The-Fire and Victor. Their travels bring them closer together and many of their past conflicts are resolved. Usually I'm not a sucker for stories with corny happy endings but this one got me. I read this book for a school assignment and usually I don't like to read books issued by teachers as required reading but I liked this one. It isn't my favorite book of all time but I liked it. That is saying a lot because I don't read much outside of the classroom and getting exposed to new authors I like is always fun.

I initially picked this book up for two reasons--I liked Alexie's novel, Indian Killer, and more importantly because I live in Spokane, WA and have traveled extensively through the Reservations and towns that are described in the stories. The descriptions and the characters are very realistic, the names and places are not very fictionalized, and it makes me feel right at home. Fortunately for those readers not privleged to live in the Inland Northwest, the stories also teach a lot about Indian culture, the modern Native American and their heritage. It is a disturbing picture at times with too much alcaholism, violence, and racism, but underneath it all there is a great deal of love which makes the stories comforting and redeeming. Alexie has a lyrical voice, and when combined with his authenticsity, beautiful, rich stories are produced. Aside from those academic traits, he is also very funny, honest, and affectionate throughout, and those qualities are what I will remember about this book far more than the descriptions of familiar hotels on Third Avenue and the basketball games played between Springdale and Wellpinit. It is a great, quick read, and a wonderful way to pass an afternoon.

Why do we choose to keep the truth from the ones we love? When you keep secrets from family members, those secrets will eventually turn up when you least expect it. "Far From the Tree" by Virginia DeBerry and Donna Grant takes you on a soul-searching journey of one family who's forced to come to turns in facing their family secrets and relationships.

The storyline revolves around Odella, and her daughters, Celeste and Ronnie. The book takes you on an individual tour of each person's life, different personalities, and the way they view life itself after they have buried their father. Odella has secrets that she wants to stay hidden which involves her past and upbringing. Celeste is the controlling daughter who knows what is best for her mother, sister, and her family, only her way is not always accepted. Ronnie is a wannabe actress trying to reach that one big break only to find brick walls at every turn.

When they are brought together in North Carolina because of land owned by the family, they soon realize another chapter in their lives is about to be written. Harsh realities are soon revealed and they must now face their secrets and each other to begin the healing process.

I applaud Ms. Deberry and Ms. Grant on a very well thought out storyline and strong character development that allows you to relate to each person's reality on living and surviving. Towards the end, reading each page was heart warming and they grabbed you and made you realize how important family is, and further emphasized that patience, support, and trust are the ingredients in establishing a strong family unit.

Far from the Tree is a unique book, which is presented with great taste and a detailed precision from the beginning to the end. This is a book that will not disappoint you, but leave you with much food for thought and a better understanding on building family trust and relationships.

Reviewed by Kalaani
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

...this has been one of them. An entertaining, well-written tale of how one woman's demons have affected her and her family. As in their previous effort, Tryin' to Sleep in the Bed You Made, there were plenty of clues planted about what was going to happen, and as in that book they were so skillfully done that when things actually did happen I was caught surprised. There's a lot more subjects to write about than the looking-for-love type of story.

My only complaint is that math is clearly not the authors' strong point. It is not possible for a couple who married in 1957 to be married 44 years in 2000, since that time period only involves 43 years. It is also not possible for there to be a daughter not born until after the marriage to be 46 years old. Because of this I kept waiting for it to be revealed that Celeste was illegitimate and fathered by someone other than Will Frazier, and when I realized it was just an error I found myself annoyed. I think the editor should have noticed this; it would have been very easy to move the North Carolina years back from '57 to '53 without any affect on the story (there was no tie-in to anything historic.)

All in all, I enjoyed reading Far From the Tree.

If I could give this book a 10 I would. This to me was better than 'Tryin to Sleep...'. I totally enjoyed this book from the first page to the last. Della had a life before her daughters came into the world and she definitely wasn't finished living by any means. Ronnie and Celeste thought they had seen it all until they came to Prosper, NC. This book was like 'Soul Food' with better twists and turns and more drama. I cried and cheered at the end that the family came together. It is amazing what communication between family members can do and what harm secrets can create. I hope that every mother and daughter can read this book and get something from it. I too am beginning to realize that my mother and grandmother were women on their own at one time and it is nice thing to know my mother as a woman and not just "Mommy". So, if you are looking for a soul searching book, I highly recommend Far From the Tree. As Virginia and Donna say, we never really fall that Far From the Tree. Enjoy.