Few role playing games capture the feel of their genre perfectly in both feel and game mechanics. Call of Cthulhu by Chaosium is such a superb game, that it has endured six editions and over 20 years publication. At its core is the Cthulhu Mythos created by master Howard Philips Lovecraft who wove stories based around a pantheon of alien gods, powerful and diabolic beings whose merest incarnation would shatter the tenuous grip we have on our 'mundane' world where things like night gaunts or shantaks are minor horrors compared to Yog-Sothoth, Azathoth or Great Cthulhu himself. Around these beings are often cults- dangerous underground societies who want nothing more than to see their fabled masters arise from ages past and walk the Earth again.

At it's core Call of Cthulhu is a rather mechanically simple game and characters are easy to put together so long as care as taken to understand what skills are needed with regard to the kind of game the Keeper is planning to run. Once your character is complete, make another one and don't get attached to either of them. Seriously, played smartly, most characters can and will survive physically in tact, mentally, however is another story. As the game progresses and as more and more elements of the Mythos are revealed, characters begin to have their sanity chipped away at. If they are strong (and lucky), they can overcome these lurkers in the darkness and restore some of their lost sanity.

Characters can also learn magic from a vast list of spells, some are good, most are not as good. It's important to know how to bind a dimensional shambler before you summon one. Spells and magic items can be the focus of adventures as characters race to prevent a cult from obtaining an artifact that will be used in a ritual to summon Cthugha for weenie roast in Central Park one warm summer night.

The beauty of Call of Cthulhu, aside from it's relative cheapness compared to other games (you only need the main source book to begin play), is that it can cover very nearly any era-1890's, 1920's (Lovecraft's era), and the present day, and good Keepers will go to some lengths to make sure their players understand what is and is not possible in the various time lines. Plus there are numerous web sites that deal with Call of Cthulhu and offer a host of resources for players and Keepers alike. It's easy to find historical information based on almost any location in the world that a Keeper may plan to run his or her campaign.

Most importantly is the mood of the game itself. I've played Call of Cthulhu for fifteen years and most of the games have had great suspense, excitement, and were a lot of fun. I've played it by candle light in the dead of winter, something that adds so much to the atmosphere. Good keepers can build suspense that, like a good novel, will make your skin crawl with a healthy dose of other-worldly fear. It is also important to remember that Call of Cthulhu isn't a meat grinder that chews up and spits out characters as fast as the players can roll them up. As an alternative to swords and sorcery or lightsabers and blasters, Call of Cthulhu is an excellent RPG. Additionally, I highly recommend the works of H.P. Lovecraft as source material, plus their darn good reads.

After Playing AD&D for 5 years , i yearned for a new challenge then after one day reading a review in a Dragon Magazine I found proof that there was something more challenging. CTHULHU. I went out and bought the 4th Edition and was hooked. This Book was the 3rd version of the rulebook that I bought and I was hooked yet again as they are written so well.
The amount of information and detail in this edition is outstanding and with the addition of the actual "call of cthulhu" story , many first time Mythos readers will understand some of the nuance behind what made HP Lovecraft the ultimate horror writer of our time.
Buy this book and create game sessions that will make your players, laugh, scream, cry and scream even more.
You will understand why it is the ultimate game when you kill 28 charcters in one session and your players are still lining up to get back into the game with a mad vengeance.

Call of Cthulhu is an oustanding role playing game book based on H.P. Lovecraft's stories and is a recommended pick for any who enjoy horror roleplaying. Black and white illustrations pack this encyclopedic reference to Lovecraft's many settings and monsters, while outlines of game resources and information are specific to the Call Of Cthulhu scenario. Highly recommended: outstanding and packed with information.

I Do is my absolute favorite Love Stories book.

Jane and Adam are worst enemies. Adam is the school's star lacrosse player. And Jane, who is the school's top sports reporter, is his harshest critic. Unfortunately it turns out they are going to be in Jane's cousin and Adam's step-brother's wedding as the maid of honor and the best man. As they get thrown together in hilarious situation after situation they inevitabley get to know each other better and start to fall in love...

OMG! This book is the best. Can anyone say soulmates? I love the way Adam and Jane were just absolutely perfect for each other. If they were real people you know this would be a relationship that would last. Make sure to read Chandler's other books.

This is definitly one of the best stories in the series! Elizabeth Chandler did a great job with this book. It's full of twists and unexpected surprises. My favorite scene is the one-on-one lacrosse match between Adam and Jane(Daisy). If you enjoy reading romance novels, this is the book for you! Even if you hate to read, try it because I know you'll love it too.

I'm not into love stories at all. But my twin Bro Andrew bought me a few of these books, because his (Ex) Girlfriend Sandra said these books were great. I think this book is well written, and the characters are so realistic. I let (My only) girl mate Raquella read this. She told me she was falling for the character Adam. I give this 10 stars. It was a really great book! :P

If you have any curiosity about the world of the schizophrenic mental patient and about mental hospitals, this book is a must read. Lori Schiller does an excellent job of describing that world in much descriptive detail as she experienced it during the 1980s. And she chronicles her descent into deeper and deeper illness and then her amazing recovery after she is placed on the dangerous drug, Clozapine. I could have used a scene or two with dialogue, but as a true personal account, the book is good even so. Lori Schiller's loving parents had the money or perhaps the insurance coverage to sustain her for years in private hosptals. One needs to note that for every Lori Schiller who amazingly recovers from schizophrenia, there are thousands of hopeless patients on back wards of state hospital who, unlike her, will never recover and will never be able to write about their worlds. Lori is a miracle-child in every way.

This is a beautifully written book about a woman's battle with schizophrenia. She begins by describing her descent into the illness and the confusion she experienced. Somehow Lori Schiller manages to describe her experiences with the illness so that you can always see the person inside the mental illness. This is not an easy feat but invaluable for professionals in the field. The most moving scene, to me, was her description of being in a psychiatric hospital and hearing a baby crying. She was frantic because no one would help the baby-yet the baby wasn't real. This is what mental illness is like and why it is such a painful experience. My favorite part of the book was that she reaches a point where she is successfully living with schizophrenia. Too often we forget that people can live with this illness. Not everyone is forever doomed to a halfway house or psychiatric hospital. This is a book every mental health professional should read, especially if you are considering work with the mentally ill.

when i first heard about this book several years ago, i could not wait to get my hands on it. the story attracted me as it is my own story. and i was not to be disappointed. never before had i read a book that so expressively described my own illness. since it first came out, i have read it many times. this book is honest and direct and tells our story as it needs to be heard, for lori gives the true and painful portrayal of how a psychotic brain manifests itself through behavior. i was glad that she told so forthrightly of her experiences in the hospital. it is because of such honesty that people like us can learn to tell our own stories and demystify society's understanding of mental illness, particularly schizophrenia. through this telling the unfair stigma that has been placed upon us is exonerated. i also liked that the people in her life told their stories as well, for an illness such as this affects all involved. i am grateful to lori and amanda for helping me to gain insight into my own illness and understand better what my family and those closest to me have endured and still endure. i highly recommend this book to anyone interested in gaining an honest understanding of mental illness and the impact on the individual and their loved ones.

I first bought an earlier edition of this book in 1993, the year I ran my first NYC Marathon. If you want to get immersed in running this is THE book to buy. This new edition gets even better. It's accurate, concise, thorough, well-organized, and motivating! Detail-oriented people will love this book. I recommend it for those who are seriously interested in learning everything about running and the details and preparation that go into training & racing. Even if you're not into racing it's still a great book because you get details on proper clothing, shoes, etc. (or you can buy the authors' other book, 'Beginners Guide to Running. . ." )

I can't say enough good things about this book. I recently ran my first marathon, on a slow, hilly course in San Francisco, in a time I was really pleased with, and only because of the advice from the Glovers. From big picture psychological issues to the most mundane details, I found myself constantly turning to this book and finding the right answers. Everything from diet to race day details are covered in here, in a concise, conversational and accessible way. I would unreservedly recommend this book to any beginning or intermediate runner who is looking either to improve their times in shorter races (5K, 10K, etc) or run a first (or faster) marathon -- or, if you just want to get in shape and enjoy a running program, the book is still great (although it is focused a bit on racing).

I read and bought more than 200 books on sports and martial arts. When I received the book and read a few hours, I told myself that I really got an "excellent" book. I can say "The Competitive Runner's Handbook: The Bestselling Guide to Running 5Ks Through Marathons" by Bog Glover, Shelly-Lynn Florence Glover is best book I have ever read. I can't believe that a book at that price could cover almost every aspect about distant running in such details. Despite having a keen interest, I am no expert in sport and definitely not in a position to say that that book outdoes all the other books on the same subject. But, as a reader with keen interest in sport, not necessarily only distant running, I couldn't find something that is lacking. If there is something I could humbly ask the authors to include, maybe a number of photos showing the posture of stride and posture of the good runners together with an analysis of the angles of body and the limbs. In fact, the authors have given a lot of description about the ideal running forms. The simplicity of use of language, a lot of valuable information and step by step programme making you feel that the authors are personally coaching you. I even promote it to some of the friends who do not have a keen interest in distant running because it is just not only for the distant runners, it is an interesting book to read. Of course, I will still buy some books by other authors. Given I could afford to buy only one book on distant running, that book is definitely my choice.

What a terrific story! My daughter (10 yrs) and I read this book together during our nightly ritual for reading before bedtime (together), and each night we had difficulty putting the book down, wanting to just keep reading to see what would happen next! The author writes in such a way that it makes one feel as if they are right there, living the story along with the charecters. When everyone at Kate's house is fast asleep the Doll family comes alive, inspiring the imagination and for some of use remembering a time when we too wondered if our dolls ever came alive when we weren't looking!

A great story, with wonderfully animated charecters, a good mystery and fun suspense that'll keep tickling your funny bone, especially when the Captain (a real live cat) decides to investigate the dolls, or a real spider almost the same size as one of the doll charecters, crawling a wee bit too close for comfort, truly awakening the imagination with the authors knack for giving just the right amount of detail to keep your mind wanting for more...

I'd recommend this book for anyone who enjoys sharing great stories with their children, especially moms and daughters.. even for adults who have a passion for dolls. Excellent, will be one of my favorites for a long long time.

I am a doll lover, and am always looking for books like this. I got lucky here; a favourite author, favourite illustrator, and a favourite subject. The story is a lot of fun too; Annabelle, an eight-year-old doll made nearly 100 years ago, has to deal with two events at once; worrying about the mysterious disappearance of her Aunt Sarah fifty-five years ago, and dealing with a family of plastic dolls that has been bought for the younger sister of the girl who owns the old dollhouse. It is funny, lively, and a lot of fun to read. I loved it and hope they write more books about the two doll families.

I've just started reading chapter books to my 3 and 5 year olds at bedtime. This is our second such book to tackle. The Doll People is just wonderful because of the number of illustrations sprinkled throughout. Impatient little ones only have to wait a page or two before another wonderful illustration takes them deeper into the lives of the dolls. The story is really fun and I find myself wanting to read ahead after the kids fall asleep. We are two thirds through the book (library's copy) and I'm online to buy our own today! It's a great book, that will likely become a classic.

I have read all the Cheney Duvall books. Although I have been frustrated with how the series has gone along with Cheney's and Shiloh's relationship this book finally put an end to the question of how Cheney actually felt about Shiloh. This book takes place on an Hawaiin Island where Shiloh's family was supposed to have come from. He goes there to find out more. Cheney finds out some disturbing news about Bain Winslow the man who brought Shiloh to the Island. She goes trying to convince him to come back when a volcano thought to be dead errupts. They are caught on the Island trying to find a way off. At the end, Cheney finally decides that she really cares for Shiloh. I am looking forward to book eight coming out. I wrote Gilbert Morris when the series came out he said that there would be eight books in this particular series. I'm curious to see how they wrap this series up.

Wow! What can I say? Island of the Innocent was totally awesome. I can't wait for the sequel. Let me tell you, when Shiloh came back to save Cheney, I was thrilled and scared to death. Wouldn't it be just like an author to make something horrible happen right when the good parts are beginning? Thankfully, nothing horrible happened to Shiloh and the book continued. This book was slightly different from all the other Cheney Duvall books ( I own them all). The writing style was slightly different. That makes me wonder, did Lynn Morris write more of this book than the others or did Gilbert Morris just change his style a little? Not that I mind, I still think the book is excellent. I thought it was totally completely awesome when I saw how the authors had tied in the Winslow series written by Gilbert Morris into this series. I'm guessing that with a couple more Cheney Duvall books, they can make it fit right into the Winslow series. Anyways, my biggest question is WHEN IS SHILOH GOING TO BECOME A CHRISTIAN AND MARRY CHENEY? I mean, by now, we know that they love each other and should be together. I don't want the series to end but I feel as if I have been waiting a long time for those two to speak their hearts to eachother. Well, that's pretty much all I have to say, so I'll end it with a couple words. If you haven't read this book and the others in the series, READ THEM!

This was an awesome book. It had its shortcomings, but in general it was great. In this book, Shiloh Irons, Dr. Cheney Duvall's nurse and a former pugilistic champion, has sailed from San fransisco to Hawaii with a young man named Bain Winslow (sound familiar, diehard Morris fans??) to try and find out more about his family. (when he was an infant he was abondoned on the doorstep of an orphanage.) Cheney, still in Frisco, discovered disturbing facts about Winslow. So disturbing, in fact that she decides to sail to Hawaii herself to warn Shiloh, and ends up staying on the island. Then, a "dormant" volcano decides that naptime's over. Cheney and Shiloh, along with some friends, find themselves racing for their lives, trapped between a river of molten lava , a burning jungle, and shark-and-jellyfish-infested waters. Of course, through it all, Cheney depends on God for strength to make it through it all. I think that this is the most exciting book so far... Gilbert and Lynn Morris have that talent of writing that makes you feel like you are right there with the characters. I was screaming and sobbing and praying right along with Cheney. Anyway, it was a fantastic book, but who's with me in thinking that Gilbert Morris should hire a new editor??? And someone please, please tell the authors to hurry up and write the next book!!

Of all the books I have purchased for my son, this is has been the most encouraging. I have been teaching my son phonics on my own, and sounding out words on a flashcard was becoming dull. I knew he understood the basic concepts of reading, but I couldn't find anything interesting to him that he could actually read. Bob Books are amazing! The little storybooks are THE perfect first reading books for any child. They feature simple, easy-to-sound-out three letter words with interesting storylines. There are 12 mini-books which progress phonetically as each book has been completed. Included are character finger puppets, which I recommend saving for after the books have been read the first time (so the child can focus). The puppets provide extra motivation. My son adores these books. He read the books the very first time I opened the box! Both mommy and son are thrilled! I strongly urge parents to jumpstart their children's reading with these books.

I gave Bob Books to my son when he was four years old and quite proficient with his letters of the alphabet. He started reading, and he has been doing so ever since. Bet I don't have to tell you how happy it made me feel (althought now we have to stop at the library almost every day and pick up new "Easy Readers"). The Bob Books start with very simple words that can be sounded phonetically without knowing any of the rules, and then progress gradually, usually adding one or two new sounds per book. The books are very short and very simple in meaning, able to hold children's attention and giving them a huge sense of accomplishment upon completing each book. They are color coded for easy recognition of different levels. Excellent also for children learning English as a second language (my son). You can't go wrong with them, trust me, I am a savvy buyer.

My son started reading on his own and was having trouble getting through a whole Dr. Seuss without help. I wanted something more basic. When I looked at the Bob series, I thought it might be too basic, but it came highly recommended, so I bought it anyway.

First books out of the box, I was very disappointed. The binding is the same quality as a []magazine - staple through folded sheets of paper. The stories were so boring. The pictures so simplistic. Line drawings that look like someone doodled them during a boring meeting at work.

Then I watched my son. He actually read the words. Read every word. No making things up when the word was too hard. No making things up when he thought he knew what was next. He actually read.

And since the words were simple, he was able to pay attention to the story at the same time. On the other books, he was reading the words - but not getting the story. With the Bob books, he laughed and giggled. He is getting practice now. When he gets to where he can read the whole first series without a mis-step, we'll start the second series.

Reading take practice and going through the simple stuff until you can read words at a time instead of letters at a time is great. Boring as all get out for the grown up - but great for the kid.

Do NOT get these books for a 2 or 3 year old thinking that they can learn early. They will just tear the books up.

Do NOT get these to read to your kids. You'll just fall asleep.

DO get these when your child is ready to learn on their own. They will love the satisfaction of reading a whole book themselves. And you will enjoy seeing them get better with each reading.

I honestly thought I was wasting my money. I can honestly say that I was wrong. This was worth every penny and then some. I now know what my daughter's first book will be....

A wonderful story, and told in just the right voice. When I began the book I thought it was only a contemporary boy-and-his-horse story. But unlike most of the genre, it is much, much more. The boy and his horse are the cornerstone, but the story expands way beyond them to involve an interesting variety of people. This is not a children's book, but my 11-year-old daughter was soon captivated and sailed through it in good time. ("Is Old Black going to die?" she asked, teary-eyed. "Read on," I said.) One does not need an interest in horses to love this book. Readers with a keen eye will savor the precious little clues planted along the way, like Easter eggs hidden for the purpose of being discovered. The dozens of illustrations are simply marvelous. Early in the story, Old Black, the horse, is being readied to go off to his new life with the boy Jim Bradley. The part where the cowboy Buck Jones (I just loved him!) is stoically, silently bidding farewell to his dear, longtime friend, the horse displaying his own feelings about their parting, is as touching as any scene I've ever read. It was some minutes before I could go on. You will not miss the absence of profanity, sex, or unnecessary violence here, although that long, dreadful scene in the woods ends with violence aplenty. I found it completely called for and applauded when the criminals got what they deserved. I was drained at the end of the ordeal in the woods, and Aunt Hazel and Uncle Harry strolled onto the scene just when I needed an uplift. I still laugh when I replay that scene in the bathroom: a furious, hissing snake, two grown men and a boy "overcome by the most sustained and idiotic laughter Norma had ever heard." Like another reader, I felt that the scenes arising from Aunt Hazel's Alzheimer's disease were handled with sensitivity and good taste. My grandmother had the disease and I really believe I could have applied some of Jim Bradley's instinctive strategies to bring her some happiness if I had read OLD BLACK while she was still alive. Uncle Harry's exasperation with his wife's condition, his inability to deal with it effectively until Jim showed him the way, was sadly familiar. I feel sure that the author has experienced the anguish of being close to someone with Alzheimer's, to write about it with such delicate insight. The scene at Richter's store where likable old Walter Mehlmann gleefully rehearses how he will waltz through his theoretical last days was a fine piece of humor. Walter's influence on the other men present was hilariously realistic. So realistic, in fact, that after reading that part I found myself rummaging the kitchen for junk food, the more cholesterol laden and otherwise unhealthy the better! I wish I knew where to get some real country cracklings. Fat ones, Reinhard. I like FAT ones! Every character in the book played an essential role. They were so well developed that I could clearly see them in my mind as they came onstage, always true to their distinct characters in actions and speech. Old Black was not a superhorse, as so many fictional horses are. He had limitations and faults, which only made him more "human". OLD BLACK breathes with vibrant life, and did so even while I cried during that sorrowful part with the death and the funeral. It was an experience that gave Jim Bradley (and me too) a better, if bitter, understanding of life. The story is uplifting, happy, dreadfully sad and hilarious, and the ending is just perfect. Throughout, this intricate novel is entirely credible. I agreed to some extent with one critic below - that the book suffered a little in organization. But that defect was overwhelmed by a superb plot, clearly drawn characters, vivid action scenes, settings (I was right there in every scene: seeing, smelling, feeling), and the author's often touching insight into people and horses, especially that lovable Old Black. This is the kind of literature (I call this book literature) that can put a teeny edge on the reader's good side. It is the kind of story (too rare, today) that can open the eyes of young people to the reality that being good, responsible kids can be rewarding, and they can still have fun. This story is much too special to be confined to adult fiction. I would love to see an edition of OLD BLACK written especially for young readers.

Old Black is a great book and a great story. I bought the book first and foremost because it was a horse book but then I was caught by the book itself. It has excellent drawings and artwork on the book jacket, the inside cover pages, at the beginning of the chapters and within the book. Even the paper it is printed on is unusual, a very high quality paper. When I read the story I could not put it down. The story is well written with a good range of issues from bigotry to Altzheimers. It is a good read not only for adults but younger readers too. I have talked so much about this book, that now my husband and some friends are going to read it. Most of them are not into horses and certainly are not into reading about them. It doesn't matter though you don't have to be into horses to enjoy this book. Young people and families face these same situations today. Since I purchased the book, I have kept it out on an end table so if I have any spare moments I can pick it up and read it. Anywhere the book falls open to is a fine place to start reading but I do have some favorite sections. I like the episode about the standoff with Jim, Old Black, and Sheriff Martinez against the drug dealers at Klanke's Mill. I also liked the part when Old Black receives a much deserved award, and the gentle way Jim deals with his Aunt Hazel, who has Altzheimers and there are many more.

Read and enjoy.

I'm a horsewoman, but I don't often find a good story with a horse as a main character. The authors don't often get their facts straight. This one did. Every detail that was explained was correct down to the smallest little thing.

Old Black, the book, was a bigger book than it seemed. I counted about 35 characters counting Sam the Rodesian ridgeback dog, and, of course, Old Black himself. Not one character escapes my mind's eye. I knew them every one. Even the reporter, Paul Hardesty, was memorable, and had only a cameo (but important) appearance. Oscar and Ruby, I fell for them hard. Salt of the earth. And how I cried when ... but read it yourself. I could see why the author took that route, it was a big step up the ladder to adulthood for Jim. It took me a long time to read the whole scene because I had a hard time seeing anything.

The author truly introduced every character. And that isn't so often the case.

There was some extravagant adventure in this story, but I never once had to suspend disbelief. Old Black the horse was not overplayed into a super horse, either. Nor was that wonderful little boy Jim. And wasn't Alexandra something? Uncle Harry was right, she's a little princess. And speaking of Uncle Harry and Aunt Hazel, everybody who knows someone who has a loved one with Alzheimer's should get a copy of this book. I know in my heart that Jim's therapy would be beneficial.

There are some real heartbreaking scenes and events in this book. And some funny ones too. I thought I'd die laughing over Mr. Mehlman's "theoretical last days." And the incident involving the snake in the bathroom. My husband came in to see what I was laughing about. I told him I had been bitten by the fabled laughing snake. (Of course, he didn't get it until HE read the book.)Wasn't Harry's reaction something a man with a good sense of humor would come out with? And I can understand Matt and Jim laughing themselves sick.

I finished Old Black, lay back on the pillow and relished it a while, then started right back on page 1.

Am re reading Facing Autism and taking down notes and checking off what gave Ryan in Lynn Hamiltons book leaps forward in his development. I really feel like this book is a must read for any child or doctor of an autistic child as it covers not only educational interventions but dietary and biological interventions. After reading all that is available through the various organisations and parent groups I find that I can be very confused - Lynn Hamilton takes all of the available treatments and states how and why they work and where to find the appropriate information and/or persons to further investigate those options. I found Lynns practical knowledge and perserverance to be very inspiring - I didn't feel like this was a one off miracle story but rather a very thoughful and methodical approach - there are so many oneoff stories in amongst all of the different approaches to autism but very very few stories of steady improvement across all areas of a child's life - education, diet, biomedical etc etc.

I have found this a must read, and am recommending it to anyone with an autistic child so they can see positive results from someone who has kept looking for answers and uncovering lots of options that are available to anyone to try with their child - so many of the biomedical ideas we will now persue - I was totally unaware of how to even where to begin in this area - or I have attempted to begin a few times before only to be confused and have retreated again. The style of writing is a great combination of getting to know Ryan, so that one may compare to ones own child, as we all do and then three quarters of the book is practical information, including a what to do now list, which saves so much precious time - this is my number one book - it is a book that I will be giving to our childs teacher aide, teacher and anyone else in his life as it gives anyone a great overall picture of how multifaceted this disorder is and what can be done about it to give a child the best possible quality of life. Thanks for such a great contribution to my life!

This book should be on the shelves of all professionals dealing with the diagnosis of autism in children, so that they can hand it over to the parents who have just received the news.
Lynn Hamilton, the mother of an autistic child herself, deals first of all with the difficult time parents experience as they come to terms with their child's condition. But she then goes on to do what many so-called experts in the field do not do - she tells us what we CAN do, rather than leaving it there. This book covers the essential topics of diet, supplementation and biomedical treatments such as anti-fungal therapy and secretin, which made a big difference to her son's condition.
There are comprehensive lists of helpful websites. She gives details of various resources for Occupational and other therapies.
She also gives an overview of the main educational approaches, in particular describing more fully how a home-based ABA programme has greatly helped her son, who is now in mainstream school. While she, herself, is based in the USA, this information, and contact addresses for training courses and support groups, is given for other countries too.
However, although this is indeed an 'essential guide' and handbook containing all the information you need as you start to investigate how to help your autistic child, it is also much more. In a very down-to-earth, honest and readable manner, Lynn Hamilton shares her own experiences...........her hopes, fears, pain and ultimately her joy in her son's triumph over many of his former difficulties.
I read this book about 15 months after my own son's diagnosis, by which time I had accumulated a great deal of knowledge, and collected piles of printouts from the Internet! However, in this one volume, there was still much for me to learn, as well as a welcome encouragement to continue to have a great deal of hope for my child.
Lynn's faith shines out from this book, and it has certainly helped to lighten my own path through this maze that is Autism.

A friend bought me this book shortly after one of my twin daughters was diagnosed with Autism. I was touched by the gift, but after reading the book I have thanked my friend many times over. The book is a very easy read & I managed to finish it within a week. That is really saying something considering how hectic my life gets dealing with twins & one who is a special needs child. Lynn Hamilton does a great job explaining her life experiences along with giving accurate information on therapies and treatments. There are many times I still thumb through the book to look up a phone number, name or web address. There is so much information packed in this book. At the time I was very new to Autism & her book was the best starting place for my family. I have recommended this book to several friends who have children with ASD. I have also encouraged family members to read it so they have a better understanding of Autism & how it effects families.

John Lennon posthumously narrates his life, with input by Yoko Ono, former wife Cynthia, sons Sean and Julian, and friend Elliot Mintz (those other three guys declined to participate). Film certainly captures moments; his youth, Beatlemania, Yoko, the "Bed-in", his deportation troubles, etc. But other unsavory elements aren't mentioned; such as his brief heroin addiction, and even though May Pang offers comment, his affair with her is only touched on briefly. Am I poo-pooing this? No. I'm just describing it. There's a few moments of uneasy premonition, such as when John laughs when a fan letter predicts an assassination attempt, or when he states that fortunately he doesn't know the future. Highlights include verbal judo between John and cartoonist Al Capp, as well as the music and a peek into his treasure trove of home movies. A must-have for fans, and a rough demo of "Real Love" opens the movie, which the other three Beatles completed in 1995.

I am a huge fan of John Lennon, so I had to see this movie, and Im glade that I did! It really showed him as he was in private, or in public, altough some things about him were never mentioned thast I thought were essential to understanding this man. It showed his agressive, as well as his gentle side. I did cry at the end, when his blood stained glasses go flying, I just broke down. word of advice, have a box of tissues at the end. The nudity is not all that bad, you never really see anything(just barley) you wouldin't see in a pg-13 film, except for a few brief seconds, and the swearing is minimum.I reccomend this film to all John Lennon fans!

I'm a huge John Lennon fan and this film just made my day. It was the most unbiased film on him I've ever seen. Usually it's either Yoko just going on about John or the other Beatles moaning about him. This was a positive movie to watch and enjoy.