As many have reviewed before, there are simply not enough stars that I may account to this book. It is indeed a story about abuse, eventual strength, and redemption. I wish that I could say that Mr. Kiser's story was not true, but, alas, it was. Perhaps if not only just his eventual redemption, the fact that many, perhaps thousands of people out there will be helped and informed about child abuse that occurred in orphanages in the past. As well, it will help many and inform many on the subject of child abuse, in general. Indeed, Roger Kiser was a beautiful, special boy and I am sad that noone ever told him that in his childhood. Ah, but he grew up to be a wonderful man, husband, father, and-author. He has opened the door to the often not talked about subject of child abuse. And I will forever, absolutely truly be grateful to him, for that. Not enough stars, for this book. Not enough stars, at all.

I have read "They Cage the Animals at Night," and all of David Pelzer's books, including "A Child Called It." Hearing about, "Orphan," I tried every major book store from Eastern Canada to Ontario and could not find the book. Finally, some time ago, a client lent me a copy but I am still not certain why the book does not see to be available in Canada.

Roger's story, like others of childhood abuse, is horrific, gut-wrenching and not an easy read. As a counsellor and adult survivor of child abuse (although certainly not to the extent of these cases) I have listened to hundreds of stories from the adult survivors I have counselled over the years.

"Orphan" definitely ranks near the top of the list of the most extreme and worst cases documented. While the physical wounds heal, the emotional scars last a lifetime. One can learn to face, accept, forgive and live with the past, but the pain forever lurks beneath the surface. It is not always present, it no longer plays havoc with our lives if we choose not to let it, but it takes only a simple, innocent reminder, i.e., a particular scent, colour, personal characteristic in someone, or a childhood memory to momentarily bring back the pain as if it happened only yesterday. Those survivors who have learned to live with these feelings, have found the tremendous courage it takes to heal, and the strength and wisdom to go on to live productive and, yes, happy, fulfilling lives despite all odds.

The story of Roger Dean Kiser is one such story. You will feel his pain, weep for his lost childhood and say a silent prayer that he not only survived but was given a second chance at life and happiness. I am sure adult survivors everywhere would say, "Thank you, Roger, for telling your story. May eternal peace and happiness follow you in whatever you do, wherever you go." For all it's shocking horror and attrocities, the author's courage and honest writing style make this book deserving of not five stars... but all the stars in the universe.

This book should be REQUIRED reading for anyone that comes into contact with children on a regular basis. Every childcare worker, educator, orphanage staff member, child psychologist, pediatric doctor/nurse, daycare worker, religious leader and parent should read this book before raising or working with America's most precious commodity -- our children. With his "child's eye view" Roger is able to convey the pain and heartache that too many children have suffered at the hands of those who are supposed to care for them. Child abuse in our society must stop if we are to put America back on track and this book should be the first step. "Orphan" will put into words some of your most horrifying nightmares when you think of yourself as a child or even your own children, lying peacefully and safely in their warm, cozy beds. Roger has a message that the public must see up-close -- close enough for them to begin squirming...and then do something about what is, unfortunately, a gripping and terrifying reality for many of our children. Definitely five stars...definitely a keeper.

I visit family in St. Croix (US Virgin Islands) yearly, and I have looked at a number of books in order to learn the names of the numerous fish I see when I'm snorkeling or diving. This one makes identification easy, with beautiful pictures and the all-important "Distinctive Features" sections, which give you tips on how to distinguish one fish from the next. Make no mistake: this book is the easiest to use and the most comprehensive one I've seen. I'm online to buy the other two books (Reef Coral and Reef Creatures).

When I first received this book as a christmas gift from my mother,I was shocked. It was spiral bound,but twice the size of a norma fish identification guide. At 424 pages & 670 photos,it is rather spectacular. Although I have only seen it in pictures,the west atlantic is my favourite underwater landscape,and therefore,it was a great honour to own this book.
The book begins with an introduction to fishes in the caribbean and the ecology of the reefs. A massive ID book is needed to identify fishes on the world`s second largest reef area.
Different from most other fish ID books,it is a rather special one that is dividing the fish into groups based on look rather than relationship. I`ll go through these groups one by one in this review.
ID group 1 is Disks/Oval,featuring some of my favourite fish,making a perfect beginning of the book.
Butterflyfish,angelfish,and surgeonfish can be found here.
Every description includes a short description of colors and gender differences,if any,distribution,family,size,depht and reaction to divers,and natural habitat.
The photographs are accompanied by b/w drawings of the silhouettes.
The second one is a rather large chapter,covering the silvery,stream-lined ocean hunters like barracudas,porgies,mojarras,dolphins,mullets,and the large predator cobia. Not very colorfull,but still majestic.
The 3rd chapter includes Sloping Head/Tapered body,with snappers and grunts as the main families.The grunts can be rather varied.
The 4th one includes Small Ovals,where the damselfish and chromis can be found. There are no anemonefish in the caribbean,but these are closely related to those. Also included here are the hamlets,which are all subspecies of one species.
These are very colorfull and cute little critters. The next chapter is Heavy Body/Large Lips,including the largest bony fishes here - groupers,of which the jewfish can weigh 900 pounds!
These are clumsy,but still charmy fishes. Except 30 species of those,the little fairy basslet,the most beautifull fish of the caribbean,is included here too,yellow and purple.
Swim with Pectoral Fins,which is ID group 6,includes the varied family of parrotfishes and wrasses,which are very colourfull. The Hogfish can also be found here,the character of the caribbean. ID group 7 introduces Reddish/Big Eyes,with the big-eyed squirrelfishes and the small,but beautifull cardinalfish.
ID group 8 treats the Small,Elongated Bottom-Dwellers,whose beauty is often underestimated,especially the cute gobies. The sailfin blenny is one of my favourites. Here,we can also find the yellowhead jawfish,which is a famous fish here too. Odd-Shaped Bottom Dwellers includes the toadfish and the funny-looking flounders & batfishes,who walks on their fins!I am very fascinated by the looks of the strange frogfishes. Odd-Shaped Swimmers (chapter 10) includes the pufferfish,which can fill themselves with air,and the funny-looking trumpetfish. Also found here are the boxfishes,who are covered with armor,except for their fins,eyes and mouth. They can have very beautifull colors. The triggerfish can be found too. They are colorfull,although agressive inhabitants of the coral reefs. So are their close relatives,the filefishes.
And finally,the cutest fish in the Caribbean,can also be found here. It is the little yellow porcupinefish,less than an inch in size. The famous jack-knife is also found in this chapter. It looks like a cross between a scalare and a chromis!
It is believed to be the juvenile form of the web burrfish.
The 11th chapter is the Eel Deal of the book. Here comes the snake eels,beautifull but mysterious bottom dwellers. And last,but not least,the venomous moray eels also lurks in this chapter. The 8-foot green moray is the most famous,while the most scary one is the viper moray with huge teeth!I love moray eels,so this is a paradise for me!
The final chapter "Sharks & Rays" deals with the ultimate UW predators. But not all sharks a fierce. In fact,the whale shark is one of the friendliest fishes in the world,reaching a size of 60 feet and harmless to everything but plancton!The nurse shark is also a character of the Caribbean. Other ones included here are the manta ray,lemon shark,mako shark (the fastest fish in the world)and the dangerous tiger & bull sharks.
This is a chapter I would have liked to expand a bit,but as many sharks are not reef dwellers,I understand why they did not included the great white and/or the Megamouth.
Over all,now I have gone through all chapters fastly,but you have to see this book to really enjoy it. When I go to the Caribbean or Florida,I will bring this book and see how many fish I can identify.
So go get it!

This is the authoritative reference for reef fish throughout the Florida, Caribbean and Bahamas area. The most complete book on reef fish that I have seen, it is easy to use and beautifully illustrated. Each fish has it's own full color picture along with a line drawing that points out the defining characteristics of that particular species. With a plastic cover and the pages treated to resist water it can be taken to the beach or onto the boat without much concern about the water damaging the book.

Each entry has complete information on the fish from size, depth, range and habitat to the level of concern that a diver should have for their safety around the fish. Whether you snorkel, scuba dive or engage in other activities around a reef, this is the best book to have to identify the fish. This book can also be purchased as part of a three part set that also includes the Reef Coral Identification and Reef Creature Identification texts, each of which is equally as excellent as the Reef Fish Identification book.

This is the best book on Walt Disney World that I have ever read. It includes current,comprehensive planning information and tips that are 100% reliable. Also, it even includes reviews by a 7 year old child for each ride and attraction. My somewhat fearful 9 year old was able to go on any attraction that "Allie" said was OK! Every restaurant recommendation was perfect and even my husband said we would go right by the book because everything it said was "just right." Our vacation was as magical as "Passporter" said it would be--and now we have a nice keepsake since I wrote on the journal pages each day!

For years now I have been planning our family vacations with meticulous details, excel charts and lots and lots of research. In order to gather all the information I needed I would have to purchase several books and scour the internet. Now I only have to buy one book when I plan our trips, The Passporter! If I were to write a book, it would be like this one. It contains exactly the information needed to plan a well organized trip. The daily pockets in the back of the book are genius and store all tickets and printed confirmations. Even if you're not as detailed-oriented as I am, the Passporter provides information in a way that is clean and easy to read (and entertaining too). I am so glad I discovered this little gem! I have even purchased the Disney Cruise Line edition for my first cruise. So, if you are going to WDW for the first time or the thousandth, this is a great resource to ensure your vacation is smooth sailing!

This is a wonderful guidebook with tons of information! Much more info than you will find in other WDW guidebooks - and I've read them all! It is especially helpful in choosing a Disney resort and has tips on which buildings/areas to request. The book has reviews of each attraction and restaurant that are very helpful. If you're planning a trip to WDW, you must purchase this book. You won't be able to put it down!

Having been to WDW several times, and always purchasing a guidebook before leaving to get recent updates, I came upon Rita Aeros book, Walt Disney World for Adults by accident. I initially purchased the book for the coupon values and was disappointed when discovering they were no longer valid. I intended to return the book after discovering the expiration of the coupons but decided to check out the website before I did. This was the BEST decision I could have made. Not only did I keep the book and read it thoroughly, but I have discovered a wealth of information on her web site. It is truly the most informative, user friendly web site you could possibly find anywhere. I have already saved hundreds of dollars using the information I have gleaned. This book and its accompanying web site are unsurpassed for value. Rita Aero's book has done a marvelous job in breaking down all the different areas of WDW (hotels, transportation, restaurants, theme parks, etc.). with honest evaluations, in an easy to read and comprehensive style.

This is the book that has it all. Resorts, Restaurants, Parks, Attractions, Night Clubs, Sports, Kids, Family, Groups, Discounts, Charts, Ratings, Reviews, Tips, Tricks, Secrets, etc, etc.

The information in this edition is still fresher and more accurate than any 1999 guidebook, and I should know, I visit WDW at least four times per year. Other guidebooks are just repackaged every year with a new cover.

Note: I found the Animal Kingdom chapter in this edition to be a bit weak, but I found marvelous AK information on the book's website.

This is the only book to have ever included useful coupons, but they expired recently. The book's website has lots of good electronic coupons in the Readers' Clubhouse. The clubhouse has excellent information and wonderful community! I saved $768 last trip. NO other guidebook (and I have them all) can match the quality of Rita Aero's work, and no other major guidebook has a website or a supporting author. This one is a MUST HAVE!

Thanks for the magical vacations, Rita!

Rita's book is the best guide book written to date. We found it very informative and the coupons in the back were wonderful! We used most of them. The maps were extremelty helpful! We copied them and handed them out to all our family members. We have been going to WDW twice a year for seven or eight years, and have purchased many books, this book is outstanding!

This was my favorite book as a child in the '60s. I recently re-read it and realized why: the key theme is the acceptance by the conventional of the "Unusual." The narrow-minded vs. the open-minded. The extremely narrow-minded parents balk at the "unusual" color of the pink motel, and declare that they will paint it "gray or brown or white" as soon as possible. The children, more open-minded, love the color of the motel and actively seek out the unusual. Of course, by the end, even the parents have loosened up under the spell of the Pink Motel, and somewhat nervously accept the Unusual.

It's clear to me that one reason children embrace this story is that it reassures them that there might be a place for them in the world, no matter how unusual they are: i.e. adopted, too bright, extremely isolated, gay, or the "wrong color" (depending on where they're going to school).

Beyond that, it's just a terrific story, swiftly told, with great illustrations. The weather-vanes are especially charming.

As a third grader in Minnesota in 1958, this book made Florida seem like the most exciting and exotic place in the world. The ensuing mystery that evolves with the inheritance of an old motel, the discovery of the odd guests that come to stay there and a mysterious alligator make it memorable. The two curious kids who lead very ordinary lives back home, keep looking for adventure at every turn in the story to make this vacation one to remember. A delightful tale that every summer vacation should live up to! The book was a childhood classic to me and when I moved to Miami, FL in 1986, every side trip to Sanibel, Captiva, Key West, etc. required extra time searching for the original site of The Pink Motel. I wanted to see (or imagine) the setting of the book that gave me such enjoyment.

I have always been a voracious reader, and this is one of my early favorites that stands out in my mind among many others. I practically wore my library card through checking out this book (until I finally got my own copy!). One of the biggest joys for me was discovering that, when my mother was a child, this was one of her favorite books, too. Clearly, The Pink Motel stretches across generations, and it's not easily forgotton.

I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone planning to visit Disney World. I received my book just days ago, but have been enjoying it along with other members of my family. But I knew I would love it even before I got it, because, I had read a previous version of the authors Disney World guide about seven years ago. We followed her tips for the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and MGM and had a marvelous time. Following her tips made our trip a real time to remember-it saved us time, saved us stress and probably saved us money. All I can say is if you tackle Disney World with your kids without reading this book and using its well thought out tips, you will be sorry! Excellent, excellent book.

Since we take so few vacations, I like to make sure they're planned well so everyone gets the most out of them. I bought 3 Disney books (Unofficial Guide by Sehlinger and Birnbaum's 2001 edition too) but this is the one I found most useful for planning a trip with a 4 & 6 year-old. The tips saved us $1000 on room costs alone! The reviews of the Disney and off-site hotels offer useful details not found on websites. The excellent ride reviews feature details to help parents determine if it's too scary for your child (tells you if dark, noisy, surprise elements, etc) - not just a generic "may scare children under age 5" warning. The book is fun & easy to read... and with her realistic advice for visiting Disney with kids, you'll have more fun and be less stressed-out on vacation than if you did it without her book.

We used this for many months before our vacation last year. It was almost drenched with highlighter markings long before we left for Florida. When we got there, it was like our Bible as we toured the parks. It has everything you need to know for Disney and beyond. Her sense of humor is most amusing and she does let you know where to eat without losing your mind or cookies with toddler in tow. So buy it and then keep it, because you will write notes in it and after your trip it will become almost a souvenir of sorts with all your little articles and receipts etc, tucked away in side. You will look through it a year or two later and laugh at your comments about whatever you were thinking at the time. We had teenagers and toddler and everything worked out great, she has some real tips that do everyone good, not just the kids. Mom and dad won't lose their mind trying to please everyone. We are heading to Universal as well this year, so we will definitely be buying her Universal book.

Bill Belleville's sublime story of the St. John's River was a book I could not put down. A modern version of William Bartram's Travels, "River of Lakes" truly catches the history, geology and flavor of life along the St. John's River. For those of us who have grown up on the river, and who have played in its creeks and springs since childhood, it was an absolute joy to read. I hope that Belleville (who also makes films about rivers) makes a film about the St. John's based on this book. Hang up your hammock by the river, sit back and soak up the beauty of this poetic odyssey. If you haven't seen the St. John's before, you will want to now!

Bill Belleville invites you aboard an allegorical raft as he explores Florida's St. Johns River. I was glad I accepted his invitation. With him as your guide "discover" this river with its many surprises and wonderments. With Belleville you learn how much of the "old" has survived modern day Florida and how important it is to preserve what remains. It is a wonderfully written book and before you know it you are caught up in Belleville's storytelling and when his story is finished you wish there were more bends in the river to travel and more tales to read about.

Bill Belleville travels the length of the St. Johns River from south to north, a rarity for rivers in North America, by houseboat, kayak or whatever means necessary to travel the river and many lakes through which it traverses. The book is an excellent balance between the natural and human history of the river and the river valley. The human history focuses on the early settlers, the growth of agriculture and lumbering as well as the later growth of tourism. It disusses some current problems with pollution and sprawl. The unique nature of the St. Johns truly comes across in the descriptions of the natural history. It has narrow passages through subtropical vegetation and then goes through a number of lakes, large and small, all of which have their own personality and unique characteristics. To me, the most interesting part of the book were the dives into the cave from which the many spring come to the earth and are the point where manatees often gather. Well-written, lyrical with just enough ironic humor to make you enjoy the trip.

I met the author at a Renaissance Festival in South Florida. It was a chance meeting, since I was looking at swords at Blacksword Armoury, and his book was on display. He said he had been performing Hamlet at the festival and had come over to the sword booth to sign books after the show. The artwork was beautiful so I bought it. After talking to Mr. Fox (the author) I was very excited to start reading the book. I have to say the beginning moved a bit slow for me, but suddenly it picked up pace at breakneck speed. I found myself reading it in small increments. I do that when I am reading a good book and I don't want it to end too soon. The story just got better and better as the book went on. I am not a big fan of Romance but Mr. Fox wove a romantic tale through a tapestry of history. This book contains all the elements of an excellent, compelling story: history, adventure, excitement, intrigue, and very multi-dimensional. It is very well-written, and well - researched. I found myself very moved by the tale, and excited to get his next book. Mr. Fox - Hurry up with your next book!

It took me a couple of chapters to get into it, but I was hooked. I enjoyed the way the author incorporated a lot of local sights and scenes, and really enjoyed the storyline as a whole. Mr. Fox has an amazing ability to transform ideas into visual images. This is an excellent story and a wonderful book. This is historical fiction at it`s best.

Ronald Fox's book "Oaken Rings" gives the reader a look at medival life from a modern view point.I was surprised at the amount of detail that the author was able to give and still create characters that you could empathize with in the story.After reading the story I had to share the book with other friends and family.All of them have been greatly impressed with the book.I can't wait to see where he takes his hero next.

I started TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS on a Thursday afternoon andfinished it at 5 a.m. on Friday -- my first novel all-nighter sinceSILENCE OF THE LAMBS. Marine Biologist Doc Ford, Florida's most compelling, unromantic, anti-hero is at the top of his form. Nearly two decades ago, on Marco Island,FL, a brilliant 14-year old girl dug up an Indian grave and found a golden medallion once worn by the king of pre-Colombian Florida. A few months later, she's found dead, hanging from a tree. Now, 15-years later, someone's dug-up the grave and it's up to Ford and buddy Tomlinson to find out why. Based on a true story, the tale that follows is brilliant, compelling, terrifying and sometimes hilarious. I laughed and actually wept. Tomlinson steals the show as usual, but Ford is also elevated: He does psychedelic mushrooms and briefly re-meets his true soul mate -- two solitary islands among ten thousand in this touching, metaphorical tale. The real star, as usual, however, is the strange place called Florida and no one is better than White when it comes to capturing it on paper.

Randy Wayne White does indeed deserve the crown of successor to John D. McDonald. You don't realize how much better White's fiction is until you read Tim Dorsey or one of the other South Florida wannabes.

Doc Ford is at it again with his nutty sidekick, Tomlinson. Unlike "North of Havana," where Tomlinson's eccentricity becomes a nuisance, "Ten Thousand Lakes" makes the loveable hippy a nice contrast to Doc's more subdued (and ultimately lethal) manner.

The plotline, about a Spanish medallion with a cursed and spotted history, moves along briskly with an action-packed finale. Doc Ford's penchant for violence stays within the realm of believability and his survival tactics are exciting.

A fast and satisfying read.

Mr. White has the ability to capture the atmosphere of Southwest Florida as well, if not better than Jimmy Buffet does through his many songs.He is a master story teller that takes the reader along for a ride, with you being next to Doc Ford from Page to page. This book, was impossible to put down. Mr. White's ability to make the reader understand the effect of uncontrolled civilization on the barrier islands; to the fury of an approaching hurricane, leaves one, with a great admiration for the man, his imagination and intellect. I encourage all to read Ten Thousand Islands, and then continue the adventure with the entire Doc Ford series. I can hardly wait for his next work, fiction or non-fiction. Randy Wayne White truly loves Southwest Florida and his work shows it.

This is my first novel by Timmothy Mccann but it will not be my last. Even thought this book took me a while to get into it, once I did it was good. It was filled with emotions, adultery, friendships, lies, deceit. All good things come to an end though, just like in real life. The characters were well fully developed, and well described. Poor Micheal, can't win for lose. Nothing comes easy for him. I really felt sorry for him. Maybe he learned his lesson. Joi, she was kinda confused. But overall the story was a good read. I do recommend it.

Joi Weston's world is spinning out of control. Her marriage to businessman Phillip Evans is stale and her acting career is in the toilet. She finds herself at a crossroad, not exactly sure of the road that she should take. Joi and Phillip have experienced a very painful tragedy and instead of it drawing them together it tears them apart.

Michael Brockmier is a sexy writer with a secret. By chance, he meets Joi and in that instant he thinks that he has found his soulmate. The fact that Joi is married is inconsequential to him and he is determined to have her at any cost. Michael's major issue is simple ; it's all about him and what he wants. Michael does not care who his actions harm as long as he is happy.

In Timmothy McCann's latest novel Emotions, he makes you feel every possible emotion. Love, hate, lust, pain and many more emotions are brought to the surface in this book. The characters and their development throughout the story is awesome and watching their metamorphosis is like watching a caterpillar transform to a butterfly. I highly anticipate Timmothy McCann's next literary contribution and highly recommend that readers take a chance on Emotions.

Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks

These Emotions are not for the faint of heart at all. The reason I write this is becasue I have read two of the authors previous three previous novels and with each I saw him take his skills with the pen to another level. So when I saw this title my jaw dropped. I am not one easily moved to tears nor am I one apt to busrt out laughing while reading a passage in public. I ended up doing that with both of his previous works and I can assure you the EMOTIONS were as strong as ever in this appropriately named novel.

Mr. McCann is a great story teller in the traditional since. That is a given. He can write lines that are as smooth as silk that too as a given. But what amazes me and what sets him apart from many other authors is his ability to weave in a message with out beating you over the head with it. What I also loved about this novel was the fact that the ending was mixed with a little hope--a little spirituality and a lot of EMOTIONS. I wanted to read fast to see what would happen and then I found myself slowing down just so I could savor each page.

Thank you Mr. McCann for giving us one of the best novels I have read in years. You make me weep. You make me smile, you make me feel so many Emotions.