Like much of the writing of the author's mentor, Dr. W. E. Deming, this book is deceptively simple and straightforward, but contains some basic principles of leadership that have profound implications for the management of any enterprise.

Before proceeding, I have to reveal my bias. I have to good fortune to be friend of the author. Dr. Ed Baler. He and I co-facilitated several Deming 4 day seminars and have kept in touch over the years. It is doubtful that there is much that Ed would say about the subject of Deming's teachings with which I would disagree. This book, however, clarifies and extends those teachings considerably.

A variety of metaphors are used to present the basic concept of systems thinking and the implications of these insights for managers. Of those used, I thought the illustrations using the metaphor of the symphony the most helpful. Ed continually points out that it is the coordination of the talent contained within the orchestra that produces the sound. The interactions of the players produces an effect over and above the sum of each's individual efforts.

It is this concept of interaction that I think is made particularly clear. Some people use the word interaction to mean inter-relationship, but in the sense used here (and by Deming), it means more than that. The interaction is an effect over and above the sum of the parts. This is an important distinction as this book points out clearly, because the interactions must then be considered in any attempt to manage the enterprise as a whole.

The first part of the book is given over to some clarification of the nature of systems generally. They operate over time, they are far-reaching, they are nested within other, larger, systems, and, as pointed out above, a system is more than simply a collection of parts. As someone once pointed out to me, if you divide a pile of sand (not a system) in half, you have two piles of sand. If you divide a cow in half, you are not left with two cows.

The book then draws out the implications of these principles of systems for the human enterprise that operates at the core of any organization. It is disheartening to hear some managers continue to divide organizations into 'people problems' and 'technical problems'. Surely we know by now that these are all people problems and the technical state of the art at any point in time is usually given.

There is, in Chapter II, a discussion of the interaction between the individual and the enterprise which is right on the money and shows clearly one of the major problems with any policy of pay raises or advances based on individual rating and ranking. Separating the contribution of the individual and the enterprise is virtually impossible. The authors description of the 'Enterprise-in-the-Individual' shows clearly how the enterprise molds the activities of those who work in it, and the 'Individual-in-the-Enterprise' shows the converse.

More than half the book is taken up with a fairly specific discussions of the requirements of leadership given the foregoing. There are some general points made such as the echoing of Deming's caution about managing by visible figures, and there are some very specific suggestions such as the Interactions Matrix and it's list of "do's and don'ts".

Finally there are some specific examples of enterprises that have operated to one extent or another with these some of the principles as a basis.

All in all, a book well worth reading not only for those who manage enterprises, but also for those who help them. It would be nice to see similar, companion pieces on some of the other aspects of Deming's teachings such as variation and his Theory of Knowledge.

Dr. Baker has given us an excellent reflection on the theoretical and practical aspects of systems thinking. Drawing us from a strictly mechanistic view of organizations, he leads us to a deeper understanding of the social, interactive organization, and the differences such thinking will have on our managerial actions. Second, this is an important book for educators. If we are to reform education, we must do so by return ing to a theoretical basis for ensuing dialog. Dr. Baker offers us an invaluable contribution in this task.

Dr. Baker's book is an excellent contribution to the Deming legacy of systems thinking. Our mental shift from mechanistic to social, interactive concepts is well served in "Scoring a Whole in One". I strongly recommend that educators as well as managers in business take this book seriously. Systems thinking is essential to re-thinking education. Dr. Baker adds substantially to this task.

being a veteran and a rabid reader of Vietnam I now know I have read the best book ever written on the war. The ways of the men are just as they were and the discriptions of actions and non actions were perfect. It may be fiction but it is fact and any man that has served knows it to be. I certainly hope he can write another book as his abilitys are wonderful.

I begin by admitting that my comments must be taken with a grain of salt. I wrote the book: I'm expected to like it. If I didn't think it was worthwhile reading for everyone, I would not have submitted it to the publisher. but some comments may be helpful to the potential reader/buyer.

First, the setting of the book is early Vietnam (1966), before the craziness that occurred later (1969 on) and became the focus of the media and therefore of the war as a whole. None of that craziness existed when I served there in 1966 and again in early 1968. I suspect some who have read the book assume that because a story about the early days of that war contains no references to drugs, racism or the fragging of officers (note US Senator Max Cleland, D-GA) it must necessarily be some sort of whitewash of the "truth" which the national media created and promoted. I assure the potential buyer/reader that ALONE IN THE VALLEY presents an accurate, though fictionalized, account of that war as I experienced it. For my perspective on the craziness of the later years, you'll have to convience someone to publish the sequel. The reader should also understand that the book containes none of the Hollywood exaggerations which, in my opinion, render every movie about Vietnam unwatchable. I believed when I wrote it, and believe now, that war accurately portrayed is sufficiently exciting to hold readers attention. If I did not know for a fact that something actually happened, it is not included in the story.

Second, after the book was published I received a few letters from readers. The two which surprised and pleased me the most were from women who thanked me for presenting a story which at last enabled them to understand why some relative of theirs was unable to cope with the aftermath of service in Vietnam. Service in combat, whichever and whenever the war, has always made veterans different from other people. I am pleased beyond measure that my efforts have helped some people better to understand their sons, brothers and fathers.

Third, the potential reader/buyer should know that ALONE IN THE VALLEY was translated into Dutch and published in the Netherlands. It is an odd feeling to hold a copy of a book I wrote but cannot read. Perhaps less odd is the fact that the Dutch edition has sold more copies than the English edition, less odd because the Dutch people were spared most of the media coverage of Vietnam. Apparently they have a greater appreciation of the story I told. I mention the Dutch edition to inform those who read this that I am currently a published but unknown novelist on two continents.

Finnally, I urge everyone who enjoys a good book to read ALONE IN THE VALLEY because I sincerely believe thay will be both accurately informed and effectively entertained. Those were my only intentions in writing it.

Kenneth Waymon Baker

2/8th Cav (Abn), 1st Calvary Div (airmoble), Nov '65-Nov '66, RVN

1/505th Inf (Abn), 82nd Airborn Div, Feb-May '68, RVN

BSEd, UGA '70

MEd, UGA '72

I've seen 100s of war movies and read several war stories, but for the first time I feel I've gained at least a basic understanding of what it was like for the average "GI" serving in Vietnam and thus have gained a better understanding of the few veterans that I personally know. I have also personally met Mr. Baker (the author) and have had many long conversations with him. Although the book is written as "fiction", 90+% of the story comes from Mr. Baker's experiences in Vietman during his two tours of duty, not as a hero, but as a kid thrown into a frightening situation. I feel the book is valuable reading for anyone who has a friend or relative who has served in the armed forces in a combat situation or anyone who would just like a glimpse into that world which only those who have served can truly understand.

I have to say that I love dark heroes and J.T. Cutter is one of the best. He aslo has a vunerable side that makes you feel and cry for him. I also enjoyed the banter he and Brandy have throughout the novel. I couldn't put the book down and the writing style and characters has got me hooked on Baker's novels. I went out and bought some more. I used to not buy western style romances, but this novel changed my mind.

I was never the type of person to be into romance novels, not the type that is, until i picked up one of Madeline Bakers' books - this being the first one (I read it back in my freshman year of HIGH SCHOOL!) I absolutely love the way she writes!! You'd think she's indian herself, but she's not. When i start a book of hers, it's hard to put it down - i have to almost force myself from reading anymore - otherwise i'd probably get fired from my job :-() I started one yesterday, Feather In the Wind, and i finished it late last night, i just couldn't put it down! I've read other romance novels, all sorts of mushy-gushy, lovey-dovey types, but Madeline Baker doesn't even compare!!! Ms. Baker puts history along with the romance into her novels - that's one of the best things i love about her writing. It used to be V.C. Andrews that i searched out for, but it has definitely turned its way around to Madeline Baker!! If you love history, romance, and indians - you'll love ALL of her books!!!

I loved the book so much. I cried, I laughed. The ending is the best. Madaline Baker is Queen of Indian Romance books. I loved The Angel & The Outlaw.

I'm a longtime fan of Ms. Jacobs and hope that
"Flashpoint" is the start of a new series.
This novel is just the right blend of mystery,
suspense, and social commentary.

Be sure to read Ms. Jacobs' other recent novels,
"Star Struck" and "Double or Nothing".

in this fast-paced page turner. Ms. Jacobs manages to make every word count in Flash Point, her latest mystery entry. Thanks to the author's keen eye for detail, the reader sees the characters come to life on the page. And what charming characters they are---it's a pleasure spending time with Susan Kim Delancey as she tracks down the serial arsonist. Well researched, the author sets the scene so realistically I have a new-found respect for the men and women who fight fires daily.

Susan Kim Delancey is the Governor's Special Assistant for Arson Investigations, a political appointment that has her serve as liaison with all the counties in California. Right now she is investigating a series of arson homicides that have taken place in Sausalito, San Francisco, Daily City and San Vincente. She is trying to find out if the same person is responsible for the four incidents.

In each case the victim was a single mother who recently gave birth to a baby girl. No trace of the babies is found leading the press to dub the crimes the "Baby Snatcher Murders". Susan and her understaffed overworked team find a common thread even as the killer targets someone Susan loves more than life itself.

Nancy Baker Jacobs has a winning new series if FLASH POINT is any indication. The heroine is impossible not to like as she races from one horrific crime scene to another to find some answers that will stop a killer before he strikes again. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages until they find out who the perp is and why he is doing such terrible things.

Harriet Klausner

So often you hear the sports writers say "there's no such thing as a good baseball book or movie, just good baseball games." This is the exception. Real true to form. Deals with real life issues that even players deal with. There's just one thing that I find hard to believe and that is the way the Mets won game six. Other than that, this is a great baseball book.

I bought this for 2 bucks at an A&P checkout counter. It was worth 10 times that. Mr. Baker writes beautifully about the game. Our hero John Barr is more a Freddie Couples on spikes than Robert Redford, yet there are enough subplots to keep the reader curious....Contains one of the greatest descriptions of a perfect throw that you will ever read.

It is unfortunate that this book is out of print. In my mind, it is as stirring a book as "If I Never Get Back" or "The Natural" or practically any baseball book short of "Shoeless Joe." It's about a hybrid Dimaggio/Teddy Ballgame type player who is driven to excel by an almost psychotic urge to prevent things from happening before they happen. The book also includes a cast of memorable characters, from the Rickey Henderson-esque Old Swizzlehead to the shortstop Roberto Rodriguez, who knows two words on English, one of them being "you" and the other word being unprintable in a family website.

A great book; well worth reading if you can get your hands on it.

I'm a big Kyle Baker fan. Why I hate Saturn is the first thing that I lend to/buy for friends who "haven't read comics in a long time" or who are first time comic readers.

With "You are here", he's going over some somewhat familiar ground with some not quite convincing characters. I didn't have as many laugh-out-loud moments with YAH as I did with his previous two books. Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed it and think it was worth the money and is better than most of the junk that out there. However, if you're just getting into Kyle's work, pick up Cowboy Wally or WIHS first.

what fun!

when i first found this book, and began flipping through the pages with a friend- i saw the blood and the naked women, and began to think i'd gotten the wrong book. it appeared so violent and gang-bangish. i was WRONG.

once i began to read the story of the bambi-eyed nature lover, and her conning boyfriend who really just wants to erase the past and begin fresh (with a zillion obstacles thrown in his path), i was delighted!

the blood and naked women are still there (and that bit all depends on your opinions of violence, etc.), but the story is infused with such warmth, humor and fun, i was able to disregard the violence. but be warned, this graphic novel is not for kids, mature readers only!

for all of you mature readers :)- look forward to a delightful tale. the price is steep for a book you can read in less than an hour, so i recommend borrowing it from a friend, or the library (like i did).

enjoy!

Another great graphic novel (okay, a big, expensive comic book) from one of the premier talents in the biz, Kyle Baker. This may well be the best Baker has come up with yet, certainly outstripping the uneven charms and obscure plotting of "Why I Hate Saturn." In this one, Baker has drawn "cells" from an imaginary animated movie that's fresher and more thrilling than almost anything Hollywood's done in years. These are brilliant storyboards for a movie that cries out to be filmed, a film noir (despite its brilliant colors) that combines romance, action, comedy and violence in startling, artful and thoroughly satisfying ways.

Whenever I watch a supreme talent like Jordan or Tiger Woods, I'm always amazed how fluid and deceptively simple they make everything seem. The same can be said for Baker's Gold, a fast-paced and dazzling high-voltage romp through the Pacific Northwest, an absorbing and readable gem that cleverly disguises itself as a mystery. Fluid and deceptively simple on the surface, this novelis like a sly little drug someone has slipped into your drink--it plays with different layers of your mind well after you finished it. If this is the mark of a fine writer, then I believe we are being treated toone here, What itis we're being treated to is not just another mystery. If that's what you're looking for, you can get that from any hardboiled mystery writer who can follow a tight, linear formula. Baker's Gold is extraordinarily different. It's a masterful high-wire act that sticks itself out on a limb, dangles you there before dropping you in places you've never been. It's that good. The search for gold by Baker, a lost and wounded soul in retreat, is simply a brilliant metaphoric journey for the lost treasure hidden deep in his soul, the gold buried in all of us we are either afraid or do not know how to access. It's also about the ability not to be seduced by a mountain of foolsgold that preys upon our desires daily. There are mor lessons that come out of this book than you are even aware ofand like buckshot, they hit you dead on. Like Yossarian in Catch-22, we only get to know Baker as a character with one name. He's just Baker. I don't know why--maybe it's the simple sound of the name, Baker--but if it was Joe Baker or Tom Baker it wouldn't have been as effective. Maybe it's partly due to the fact that Baker is like a ship adrift; he is not too terribly sure who he is anymore or what he's doing in a world as perplexing as ours which makes his search for himself and the gold so endearing. And like Yossarian, Baker feels he is the only sane one left in a world gone berserk, even in a spot as remote as a corner on the Olympic Peninsula where there seem to be more nutcases running around than on an entire wing of Bellevue. He's not especially clever or brilliant. He's just another human being trying desperately to make sense of his life on earth and yet he knows exactly where he wants to be--on 20 acres of land hidden away in Washington. What I liked about Baker and the people whoinhabit his world is that they want nothing to do with mortgages and credit cards and interest rates. They moved to the Olympic Peninsula to live as independently as they can, going at it with a creed of volunteered simplicity which is so refreshing. They don't have 9 to 5 jobs and most don't have jobs at all. You get the impression that these are people who know all about septic tanks and solar energy, wells, pumps, and generators, and the last thing they know anything about is getting involved in a deadly mystery. As Baker muses at one point, "the world was too screwy a place to lock horns with, and whenever he did he never seemed to come out intact anyways. It always turned into a battle that managed to get the bestof him time and time again, and he suddenly felt he had been tired of waging war with everyone over every little thing that popped up. He had returned to the land to find his life again, not to trample over it in search for stolen money that meant nothing to him in the first place." That Baker was once a highly touted quarterback was a clever move on the part of the author who seems to know this character like the inner workings of a Swiss watch. When we meet him,Baker is stumbling around,plauged with uncertainty and a past he can't shake. As the search for gold intensifies, we see him become more self-directed, quick thinking,and determind. It's as if he has taken a snap at the 40 yard line, ducking tacklers and ready to stick a 60 yard pass into the endzone with no time on the clock. There is a classic confrontation towards the end between Baker and a Dr. Bennett that is stupendous--we get a glimpse of how cool and dazzling he must have been on the gridiron. I can take your best shot, he seems to be saying with a cocky grin, and no matter how many times you knock me down I'm going to come up firing and if you get to close I'll shove it right down your throat. You gotta love this guy. There is some beautiful writing here, and the author is quite a talented storyteller as well. He is very much in command when delivering his pitches and seems to be having a lot of fun with it as well. But most of all, it's a hell of a great read. What I fear most about this book is that Hollywood will get its hands on it sooner or later. It seems inevitable and I know they will screw up the ending big time as well as the entire concept of the novel. Please, Mr. Cohn, do everyone a favor and do not sell out to Hollywood. Say no to Disney and Orion and Miramar. If you really have to sell it,let an independent take it on. They're the only ones working with kind of soul and integrity. For thatis what this novel is--a work of soul and integrity. Keep it that way. You can live without the money. Baker's been doing it for years.

This book really won me over and took me in more deeply than anything I can remember reading in years. I honestly had a hard time breaking away from it and putting it down. It was like being on a train travelling through a lush, tropical landscape that keeps getting more spectacular and phenomenal the farther you go. From the first sentence to the very last, I was hooked and I felt as if the author had me under a spell. I fell in love with these strange and at time unforgettable characters, the graceful yet breakneck speed in which this story poured out, and how everything just enfolded. This is the first work of serious fiction I've come across with back-to-the-land type characters, some of them living in geodesic domes with leaking skylights, trying to make a go of it on 20 acres in the middle of the Olympic Peninsula until all sorts of hysterical zanniness, mayhem and a 40-year old deadly mystery consume their lives. It's funny, absorbing, wild, and intense, and the writing is crisp and riveting and at times acrobatic, packed with nifty metaphors the likes of which I've never come across that make reading this book a real joy. I once spent a month on Orcus Island in the San Juan's off the Puget Sound, somewhat in the vicinity of where this story is set. The author's descriptions of the Olympic Peninsula are so visual and sensual I thought I was almost looking at a snapshot of Orcus. I felt I could practically reach out and touch each fern and leaf in the forest and could see the flight of sparrows over the long rows of Douglas firs. I found it uncanny how the simplicity and beauty of his words could evoke such a detailed picture of the area. He is quite an artist and a naturalist with a deep love for unspoiled lands of the Northwest. This book is really one that everyone should read. It's dazzling.

This book really won me over and took me in more deeply than anything I can remember reading in years. I honestly had a hard time breaking away from it and putting it down. It was like being on a train travelling through a lush, tropical landscape that keeps getting better the further you go. From the first sentence to the very last, I was hooked and I felt as if the author had me under a spell. I fell in love with these strange and at times unforgettable characters, the graceful yet breakneck speed in which this story poured out, and how everything just enfolded like the petals of a flower. This is the first work of serious fiction I've come across with back-to-the-land type characters, some of them living in geodesic domes with leaking skylights, trying to make a go of it on 20 acres in the middle of the Olympic Peninsula until all sorts of hysterical mayhem and a 40 year old deadly mystery consumes their lives. It's funny, absorbing, wild, and intense, and the writing is crisp and riveting and at times acrobatic, packed with nifty metaphors the likes of which I've never come across that make reading this book a real joy. I once spent a month on Orcus Island in the San Juan Islands off of Puget Sound, somewhat in the vicinity of where this story is set. The author's descriptions of the Olympic Peninsula are so visual and sensual I thought I was almost looking at snapshots of Orcus. I felt I could practically reach out and touch each fern and leaf in the forest anc could see the flight of sparrows over the tall ridges of Douglas firs. I found it uncanny how the simplicity and beauty of his writing could evoke such a detailed picture of the area. He is quite an artist and a naturalist with a deep love for the unspoiled lands of the Northwest. Although the ending seemed to spring upon me a bit too quickly, I did love the way it ended even though several people who have also read it have disagreed. They felt no one would walk away from the gold at the end like Baker. But perhaps that's the point of all this as well as the real lesson here. Baker isn't just anyone. He is a sensitive loner and does view the world very differently, mostly from his heart. Wounded people do, I think. He holds the world very seriously, almost sacredly, and possesses an enormous capacity to want to live on this earth with love and only love, not with a million dollars of stolen gold. Nothing else matters to him or even comes close. And ultimately, if you don't have a heart of gold, then you really have nothing. Baker's my guy. This book is really one that everyone should get their hands on and read. It's dazzling.

In addition to being a meticulously executed illustrated art book, The Dalai Lama's Secret Temple: Tantric Wall Paintings from Tibet by Ian A. Baker, et al. guides the reader through some lesser known biographical details of Tibet's greatest Dalai Lamas and of the history of Tibetan Buddhist culture as a whole. The amazing drawings, many of which painted in an almost feverish surrealistic style, are accompanied by insights into the lore of the Dalai Lamas, with thoughtful excerpts from their writings. I am also much obliged as a book shopper to show my appreciation to the book's publisher, Thames & Hudson, for the excellent printing quality and overall layout and binding of this book, details which for me always work to enhance the message of a book and to demonstrate the seriousness and loving care with which the authors themselves have treated their creation.

Herein one can see unmistakable evidence of the ancient Secret Doctrine so well-protected by the Sacred Order of Tibet. It is a shame that this doctrine is lost in a proliferation of intellectualism and out-right black magic, but the clarity and powerful beauty of these images reveal that the doctrine exists for those who seek it. The writer even acknowledges with quotes from H.H. the 14th Dalai Lama the essential clue of White Tantrism; but this book isn't the place to learn that. A beautiful book, a tantalizing glimpse at a hidden science. For more information on the Secret Teachings of the Tibetans, read "The Perfect Matrimony" by Samael Aun Weor.

The Dala Lama's Secret Temple is a wonderful and insightful look into one of the most spectacular temples in Lhasa. Having just visited the Lukhang, I had the pleasure to personally view the murals. Many of which are unique to Tibetan paintings. And still very preserved. Better than I could have photographed myself, this book presents each of the walls paintings in the highest quality plates. Descriptions of the historical significance of the temple mirror the detail works of the painting. A nice addition to a library of Tibetan Art and Buddhism.

Many cookbooks on baking expect that we, the reader, either have culinary degrees or have plenty of time to create masterpieces worthy of a magazine spread. They seem to think we prefer the laboriously intensive creations that run $10 a plate at the finest restaurants. If that were truly the case why are our fondest memories of the baked goods created by our mothers (and fathers)?

In Susan Purdy's "The Family Baker", Mrs. Purdy takes us into her kitchen and shows us how to recreate those childhood delights, with all the guesswork tossed out. This is a no-nonsense cookbook. That is, there is very little idle chatter and lots of good information.

At first glance, recipes seem very long and involved. What you are actually seeing is the abundance of the information she provides to make sure that the results "never-let-you down". Beyond the usual ingredient list and steps, a list of any special equipment needed, advanced preparation options, the necessary temperature and cooking time to be used, and the expected yield are provided. A "For Good Measure" box appears in many of the recipes, providing specific tips or possible adjustments to further enhance the recipe. Some recipes also end with a list of alternate versions to increase your options. Mom's Apple Pie can become an Apple-Cranberry Pie, Kentucky Bourbon Pie, Apple-Raisin Pie, or Apple-Dried Cherry Pie if the mood struck you.

One of the first recipes tried was for Pumpkin 'n' Spice Muffins. If you have a small can of plain pumpkin puree, you probably have everything to make these tasty muffins. This recipe was easy to prepare and resulted in a flavorful muffin. These are not dessert muffins. As stated in the description, they would be great for breakfast or served along side a bowl of soup. They are highly addictive.

Experienced cooks will appreciate the wide variety of recipes provide. Beginning cooks and those who want to increase their skills will love the tons of information packed into this cookbook.

I can't say enough about this book. Each recipe reminds you of the baked goods you had as a child when family got together. They are all easy to make and come out fabulous. I own many baking books but this is the best one! Try the Swedish Almond Butter Cake it is amazing.

As I flipped through this book, the recipes sounded yummy! I have tried a few and each has been better than the one I just made! The oatmeal cookies are outstanding! I will keep trying more out!

The first time I read A time to love book 1 I was 14 years old. I went back to the library to try and Good-bye to love. They didn't have it. Years passed and one day am at friends house and am looking at her bookshelf and i run across A time to love, It all came back to me about Holly And Chris and how the book ended. She didn't have Good-bye to love so i came to amazon and i found it. I was so happy when i got it. Am 20 now so i reread A time to love before i read Good-bye to love. So i see a difference in the writing because its for younger crowd but the love and the emotions are there. I was so happy for Holly when she saw the city (New York) for the first time. All the stores and the traffic. Am a Newyorker so i loved that part. I loved the way Chris did not make her go or asked her about going to see a doctor when she was getting sick, b/c he knew that was not what she wanted. they saw so much in two weeks that i thought they were in the road for longer time. It makes me want to go on a road trip. If i can change one thing it would be to add one more chapter years down the road maybe 5 or 10 to see how Chris and her family were doing. Its a good read but get ready for the tissues cause you're going to need it towards the end of the book

I am the romantic out of all my friends. Once i started reading this book, i could not put it down! It was most certainly the best books I have ever read. This book and the first one was very moving and touching. The plot was great and the characters where like they were real because of the emotion. Like I said, the BEST! Jennifer Baker is one of my favorite authors and I'd sure be happy if she wrote another story similar to this. IN the end of this book, it left me in tears because it was so amazing! I cried so much, my mother had to come in my room and comfort me. I recommend this to all types of book lovers out there. You'd sure get hooked on to this!!

This book amazed. I always seem to be drawn to awfully sad books. I don't know why. I guess I like to cry! Chris Franklin and Holly Paige's love for each other was truly beautiful. I may only be 14, but true love was evident. I hope people will read this book and realize what we, people who live normal, healthy lives, take for granted. My greatest sympathy to those people who have a life threatening illness. I don't know how they can deal with it, it certainly scares me. Those people are so very courageous and I admire that. I take a look at my life and realize what I take for granted. This book made me realize that. Thank you Ms. Baker, your story has opened my eyes. I intend to advise my friends to reading this excellent book.