I am sorry to see Phoenix Island is currently out of print. I have an old, worn copy that I have read at least five times. It's a story of survival by people who have nothing in common but their plight. A respected scientist and his wife, a criminal, an artist, a lawyer, and several other characters find themselves stranded on an island after a nuclear blast triggers a tidal wave. Their survival depends on them working together, to remember everything they may have forgotten they ever knew. It's an adventure, a romance, and a survival guide all in one. I've always felt this book would make a great movie. Stephen Spielberg where are you?

Raising a Child discusses all the forms of muscular dystrophy, so JDMS only gets scant treatment. Even so, most of the book is useful and practical. The introduction suggests it not be read cover-to-cover, but used as a chapter-by-chapter reference to find advice on the specific topics covered. Each chapter does stand alone in this way, but parents with a newly-diagnosed JDMS child may want to read the first six chapters right away.

The book begins with a description of common reactions to an initial diagnosis: shock, numbness, denial, anger and grief. There are good suggestions for handling these stages, including dealing with stress and having creative and enjoyable outlets for parents and children. Another very useful chapter follows: the author thoroughly discusses getting a correct diagnosis and finding a primary doctor who is both caring and knowledgeable. The author warns us against doctors who are arrogant or controlling or who don't take enough time to diagnose a rare condition. In this case, a second opinion is called for. And in many cases, a specialist may be the best doctor for your child, an option that should be discussed and also should be covered by your insurance.

Choosing and communicating with your medical team is crucial, and there are common-sense suggestions such as keeping a notebook, using a tape recorder, and keeping a record of tests. One critical characteristic of good medical professionals is they seek out and respect the observations of parents and children. Parents can also help foster good communication, and there are good suggestions in this area: being on time for appointments, using good phone manners, and giving an occasional thank-you note or small gift.

You'll find some good information on dealing with insurance companies in one chapter, including keeping a meticulous paper trail of medical information and insurance documents and finding help, if needed, in handling insurance problems.

The author presents some very wise advice on maintaining a perspective wider than the disease; both by remembering your child's other mental and physical health needs and by considering the recreational and emotional needs of all family members who are affected, including the parents. One contribution to your child's sense of well-being and independence comes form his ability to do things for himself, so every step you can make in that direction is very important. Detailed discussions of hygiene, assistive devices, travel and safety considerations make this part of the book very practical.

The author includes tips on coping with the emotional ups and downs of your child. Often, children can only express themselves by bad behavior. The best way to deal with children's anger and fear is to pay attention to non-verbal as well as verbal cues and let them know you understand. In some cases, outside help may be a good idea. Other strategies for parents are realistic goal-setting, focusing on what the child can do, and letting him take as much control as possible. Along the same lines, children must be treated as normally as possible, and this includes discipline. There are practical suggestions for mealtime discipline, chores and acknowledging triumphs.

One important chapter for school-age children with muscle problems talks about helping parents and children cope with the delicate balance between having their needs met and being as normal as possible. In this case, parents often have to be a strong advocate for their child, sometimes meeting reluctance on the part of the school. At times, it takes a great deal of attention and monitoring. The whole issue of over-all advocacy for your child is also discussed, with pointers to help, including building a support system and using professional advocates when necessary.

Other chapters deal with keeping a healthy outlook, living in the present, and dealing with the possible death of your child. A glossary includes a discussion of genetics, disease information and possible chores for children.

There are several notable omissions, in this reviewer's opinion. Faith is only mentioned as an afterthought, while most parents find it an important part of coping with a childhood disease. The author's specific knowledge of JDMS is not impressive. Most troubling, though, is the lack of any mention of the Internet as a possible source of information, advocacy and support. Not one e-mail address or link, or support site is listed. For a book published just a few months ago, this is an egregious failing.

A showcase of early century postcards featuring the Historic Architecture of Charlotte, NC. This book is great for history buffs and postcard aficionados alike. It chronicles, in photographs, the urban development of a southern town, and the subsequent demolition of that town to make room for the emerging city development. Sadly some beautiful buildings and homes were destroyed in the process. "Remembering Charlotte" does a wonderful job of resurrecting those structures once more.

Even though we're quite late in the series by this book, it's still a decently entertaining read. Sarah and Max get pulled once again into the crazy world of Countess Lydia Ouspenska. This time instead of forging, she's taken up restoring-- working for an eccentric group of restorers who've patterned themselves on a Renaissance guild. The only trouble is that their treasures keep disappearing after the group has restored them.

The Max and Sarah novels are characterized by their eccentricity and likable characters. It will never be mistaken for being thought-provoking, but it's a good way to pass a few spare hours.

I was very impressed by the life of Rigoberta Menchu. Her story is told with great depth of feeling but completely without sentimentality. There is background given on the Mayan culture which I found very interesting, that made her struggle so much more meaningful. This is really a great book for middle school ages to learn about current issues in Latin America, and about indigenous struggles.

This is my 10th book by Ms Charlotte and it was written in 1977 so is dated thereby. It is hard to believe that Denny was so turned off by her loving Mother for no reason that I could figure. Maybe life in 1977 was badder than in 2002. The scene where Isabel goes to the house, hoping to find her daughter, is horrendous. The last page or so was weak when Mother and daughter come together. Forgive me, Charlotte, if you ever see this. I love your work and you have really grown since 77.

I read The Samoyed. I thought it was a interesting to find facts about the Samoyed in the past. I think it would be a great book for kids that are doing research on a Samoyed. This was about Samoyeds in the past and now days. Native Americans cut off Samoyeds tails so then Samoyeds could not survive. They need their tails when they sleep to keep their noses warm. So many Samoyeds died. Now that people know they don't cut their tails off. Samoyeds were also used as sled dogs in races and traveling.

Definitely one of the better books on screenwriting. Not only can you find techniques on writing but also interactive exercises to jumpstart the creative process. You can work with either a pre-conceived story to develop the plot or use the book to find that story waiting within yourself. It points out areas that you had not thought to question and in doing so can lead you in fresh new directions. The best part about that is that they are not the authors questions that have opened up the script. The author has merely taught you a new line of thinking. Using this approach has a greater and longer lasting effect on your writing.

The kind of book that gives "teen fiction" a good name: light, but not frothy, with plenty of emotion and drama.

Original characters with an unusual backdrop: the tropical city of Darwin in the Australian Northern Territory.

My wife and I read this on holiday -- and everyone staying with us wound up reading it as well, including two teenagers who both read it three times.

Looking forward to more from this author.

A great peice of local history! SHOT DOWN describes in some great detail some of Casper Wyoming's first murders. A great book for historians, Genealogists, or anyone interested in Wyoming or the west