Roanie and Claire had such a special bond. My heart ultimately broke at the cruelty that Roanie had to live with because of his bitter alcoholic father, and because most of the small Georgia town he and Claire lived in often put the sins of the father on to the son.

Part one, with their story told in flashback style, was delightful. Claire was precocious and pampered from both of the town's premiere ancestral families, the Maloneys and the Delaneys, where almost everyone in town seemed to be a relative by some quirk of fate, yet her heart saw the good in Roanie Sullivan from a young age, much to the confusion and exasperation of her friends and family. Roanie is tormented and teased by some of the town, yet he and Claire become friends, a true sense of opposites attracting intellectually and through innocent love. The horrible act that would end up separating them for twenty years is heartbreaking, as neither gets a chance to say goodbye.

But two decades after, Roan is a much-changed man (yet, paradoxically, not much changed, at all) who can't keep Claire out of his mind any more than she could do for Roan, and he returns to their hometown in Dunderry, Georgia just when Claire needs him the most...as much as Roan still needs her.

While part one (with their childhood) was my favorite part of the book, by far, I did still enjoy the grown up Roan and Claire in part two. Do you want a novel that you can lose yourself in?

This one is it. So sit back and enjoy. I, for one, was disappointed when it had to end.

I am looking forward to reading his other books. Please feel free to e-mail any quesrions about the book!

(Or if you've read any of his other books e-mail me a review, please! Thanks.)

The title of the book refers to the metaphors he uses to describe his situation. The physical paralysis leaves him feeling as if he was trapped within a diving bell, as if there is constant pressure pinning his body into immobility. However, at the same time, his mind remains as free as a butterfly and it's flights are as random. In fact, he calls the chapters of this book his "bedridden travel notes" and, indeed, they eloquently relate his journey through memory.

Although Bauby's situation is obviously unique, this book has universal resonance because his condition is itself an apt metaphor for the human condition. It is the essence of Man's dilemma that our infinitely perfectible minds are trapped within such weak containers of flesh and blood. For most of us, at most times, this frustrating dichotomy, between that which makes us godlike and that which makes us mortal, lurks in the background; but the author has it thrust rudely into the foreground, where it necessarily dominates his existence. This makes it all the more remarkable that Bauby is able to "write" about his life with such great humor and generosity of spirit and with so little bitterness.

Public opinion surveys reveal an interesting contrast in modern opinions on the "right to die." Contrary to the accepted wisdom, the so-called right is favored by those who are young and healthy, but opposed by those who are old and sick. The very premise which underlies such a right is the belief that the quality of life experienced by the aged and the ill is so inadequate that they would willingly choose death instead. In fact, the evidence suggests that--despite the anecdotal horror stories with which all of us are familiar--people generally cling to life even in the face of suffering which seems unendurable to the well.

Bauby's book, for all the horror that we naturally feel at his status, is wonderfully optimistic and life affirming. Sure, there are a few moments of well earned self pity, but they are almost completely drowned out by the author's enduring hopes and dreams and memories. Jean-Dominique Bauby died two days after this book was published, but in it's pages, he left behind one of the great testament's to the splendor and majesty of the human spirit. In these times when people tend to complain about the pettiest matters, he reminds us that even when life is genuinely difficult, it is still quite beautiful and invaluable and well worth living.

GRADE: A+

This book has one simple message: compassion for others is the key to saving the world. A person doesn't have to be religious to do this. Indeed, there have been many abuses in history by people professing to follow one religion or other. The message he brings, however, is directly to individuals and it is call to move away from self-centeredness and care about others.

The book is a beacon of hope because it makes the reader feel that a better world is possible. He recognizes also that we are not perfect, but holds up the concept as these ethical values as a goal to aspire to. Its all about basic human goodness and striving to be a better person.

The way to enjoy this book is just to get into the flow of it. It's not an easy book to read because it lacks a lot of anecdotes. There is no dialog. And the paragraphs all seem the same size and say essentially the same thing. It is easy to be bored. But the message is so important that is it is worthwhile pushing on, feeling the tone of his words, and his message which, essentially, is the way to save the world.

I found the concept of divorcing spirituality from religiousity to be exceptionally refreshing. He does mention his Buddist beliefs, but maintains that all religions have merit; a concept frequently missed by a great number of religious writers.

The book is sparked with wry humor and anecdotes that made me feel like I was listening to a kindly old grandpa telling parables to children. Not exactly the voice one might expect from a spiritual and political leader. The pace of the book does meander, but in a charming kind of way, like a nice scenic drive.

I think this book should be required reading for high school kids, world leaders, teachers, parents, CEOs and well, OK - every literate person on the face of the earth. I plan to buy a couple more copies and send them to my friends and family!

The whole book is written in a simple and almost conversational tone is clearly aimed at a large audience. A far cry from the more technical books such as Path to Bliss, The Art of Happiness, The Meaning of Life form a Buddhist Perspective and even Kindness, Clarity and Insight on religion and meditation and more in tune with his autobiographical pieces like Freedom in Exile and My Land and My People, this book shines as a testament to a man who truly love humanity. As a point of method, the almost step-by-step approach lends itself to a friendly guru, of which is perhaps one of the more visible of his many personae to the western world. What is really important to take away from this book is his use of Tibetan roots and his transforming then into everyday language - making the issues and possible solutions accessible to the ordinary (as in non-technical) reader.

Miguel Llora

_Indy_ had had the imposing job of bringing the bomb "Little Boy" from San Francisco to Tinaian Island, near Guam, from where it could be sent to Hiroshima. After leaving the bomb in Tinaian, the ship was routed to Leyte in the Philippines, ready to take part in any mopping up action; but on 30 July it was torpedoed by the Japanese submarine I-58, and sank in twelve minutes. Astonishingly, for four days the Navy had no idea the ship was lost. _In Harm's Way_ details a surprising number of administrative errors and missed chances that would have saved most of the crew, but when the _Indy_ went down, no one but the survivors knew what had happened, and no one on land knew to worry about them.

1,196 men were on the ship when it was struck, and about 300 of them died immediately from the two torpedoes. Of the remaining 900, only 317 were eventually rescued. Sharks had, indeed, taken some of the rest, maybe about 200 during the four days the men floated in the Pacific. The fuel oil blinded and poisoned some, and some just went mad with blood chemistry imbalances and killed themselves and each other. The surviving doctor tried to minister to the sailors, but all he could really do was collect the dog tags of the dead, and when those proved so heavy that his exhaustion wouldn't let him carry them any more, he let them sink.

A patrol plane on another mission finally saw some of the survivors, and the belated, but heroic rescue took place. Captain McVay became the first captain in US history to be court-martialed for losing his ship as an act of war. It is clear that there was nothing McVay could have done to save his ship, but he was found guilty. The survivors, however, rallied behind McVay, a truly tragic figure, who was worried when he attended the first survivor's reunion in 1960; it was clear that he was respected and even loved by those who had served under him. Some members of families of dead sailors remembered differently, however, and McVay got hate mail from them. This was surely one of the reasons he shot himself in 1965. His crew has since tried to get his court-martial erased. Though his story is the backbone of this engrossing and terrifying book, _In Harm's Way_ contains satisfying doses of history and of heroics under unimaginable stress. It is a fine addition to the current flow of volumes on World War II.

This is Julia Quinn's delightful sequel to the equally enjoyable, The Duke and I.

Anthony Bridgerton has come to the decision to marry. He looks for beauty and intelligence amongst the debutantes of the London season. The stipulation being that she be someone he would and could not love. He chooses Edwina Sheffield, the declared beauty of the season. Edwina has let it be known that she will only accept a suitor approved by her older sister. Kate Sheffield, 21 and almost "on the shelf", knows of Anthony's reputation as a Rake and will not allow it. You can imagine the rest ~ perhaps NOT !!

For what would be a familiar romantic plot is deftly handled in Quinn's creative hands. Both have unresolved issues resulting from their respective parents' death. It adds a deep emotional edge to an already well developed lighthearted story. And waiting in the wings with her ever clever reports; is the intrguing "Lady Whistledown".Who is SHE??

I am happy to say that there are several Bridgerton's with stories to be told....I, dear reader, wait impatiently!

I've always loved heroines named Kate. They remind me of the Original-- the Kate from Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew. And indeed, Quinn's Kate is somewhat like her-- she pales in comparison to her gorgeous younger sister, and she possesses quick wits. And indeed, while Anthony woos the sister to woo his intended, he finds himself enthralled with Kate's spirit and quirky beauty. Luckily, Edwina is different from Bianca in that she is as beautiful inside as on the surface, and the two sisters' caring relationship is far from the dreaded Stepsister Syndrome. Anthony's psychological fear, a great motivator of the plot, is sympathetic and never veers toward the whiny or the bothersome; the humor of the story is not forced but allowed to proceed. I found myself laughing during the Pall Mall scene, and by the end closed the book with a light heart and a satisfied sigh.

P.S. The Duke and I, a previous book, introduces Daphne Bridgerton, Anthony's sister, and her romance. To a lesser subplot, Lady Whistledown (a regular staple in the Duke and I) makes appearances in The Viscount Who Loved Me... I think I know who she is. Is it any great hope to say that I think she will have her own story, and that I've a suspect for a hero?

Poor Erienne is just a pawn to the men in her life. First she is little more than a servant to her nasty father and brother, pawed over by potential suitors and then finally sold as a wife to the highest bidder. She is "bought" by the reclusive and masked Lord Saxton and cannot bring herself to endure the touch of this scarred and crippled man. He woos her gently, dispersing her fear with his constant familiarity. During his gentle courtship, Erienne's heart begins to beat for another man, a bold Yankee, Christopher Seaton. Christopher and Erienne have a rather love/hate relationship, but his pursuit of her is relentless. Will she give in to Christopher and forsake her vows to the strange but strong Lord Saxton? Who is trying to destroy the Saxton's and what of the vengeful night rider who roams the country at night frightening some wicked men? There is redemption for some characters in this novel and retribution for others. You will cheer for the loyal tenants of Lord Saxton and the triumph over evil in the end.

Erienne, though weak at times became a proud and strong woman by the end of the novel and I was satisfied that she did the best she could for the times she lived in. An engrossing read, dark at times but kept my attention to the end. I can highly recommend this.

What a wonderful book. I've cried and laughed, even though, I didn't think I would enjoy this book. I was thoroughly absorbed from the very beginning and couldn't put this book down. One of those books you should read once in your lifetime...if not twice.

Julianne

The characters are all people you find during your own lifetime: your friends, your aunt, your sweetheart, that woman you love but you can't stand, etc. Copperfield is the story of a good man in his learning through difficulties and setbacks.

No wonder it is still read and probably will stay alive through the decades: Copperfield has something to tell us all.

What I really missed in this book was the relationship and verbal sparring between Archer and Kyle which was one of my favourite things about Jade Island.

The heroine didn't seem like the type to attract a man like Archer. I'm still not entirely sure why he fell in love with her (other than the fact that she looks good in a bikini and the sex is really hot).

Wait for this one to come out in paperback.