If on one hand as I was saddened by all the mistakes in the book, on the other hand I found some funny (e. g. that the medieval scientists believed that the planets and stars were alive or inhabited by gods, etc.)

The meat of the book does exactly what it says, it introduces the reader to the most advanced scientific principles of today. However, what I became even more interested in, (although I was plenty interested in the new ideas) was the epistimological difference between newtonian physics and quantum physics. In sparked in me an interest into the philosophy of science.

The length of the definitions of the ideas range from a half a page to three and a half pages. There is somewhere around 200 different "new ideas" of science that it introduces. All the definitions are written well with exceptional clarity, (which I was glad to see because I would of been lost otherwise.)

Jane wonders how her beloved, deceased spouse would handle rejecting a work by one of her top writer's, Roger Haines. She tries to persuade Roger to rewrite the novel, but the egotistical author refuses. Instead he demands she sells his work. Before she can draw a conclusion on what to do next, Jane, with the help of Nick's cat Winky, looks into the disappearance of the MISSING MARLENE. She soon uncovers a secret life that places her and her son's cat in danger.

The debut of the Jane-Winky amateur sleuth series is an entertaining amateur sleuth tale. At first look, the story line seems simple, but actually have several interesting twists. Fans will enjoy Jane's exploits and Winky's assistance, while the support cast makes suburban New Jersey appear real. However, though Evan Marshall provides the sub-genre with a fine mystery, his talent shines when he uses current scenarios for Jane seeking a solution to flashbacks into her past. This provides readers with much character insight and motivation while propelling the plot forward. Fans will want more novels starring this new amateur duo.

Harriet Klausner

...I stayed up late to finish MISSING MARLENE!

Although I'm not an avid mystery reader, I found myself finishing the book in one sitting. Marshall kept the suspense building right to the end. I won't give anything away, but I guarantee you'll be left guessing right up to the last page.

For all you aspiring mystery writers out there--both the author and hero of MISSING MARLENE are literary agents. Keep a look out for tips on the ins and outs of agenting and how to and how NOT to deal with your agent.

Also, you may want to take a look at his nonfiction title, THE MARSHALL PLAN FOR NOVEL WRITING. It clearly lays out the novel-writing process from start to finish--helping you avoid beginner pitfalls.

This was not its only outstanding characteristic. Not only does this book address the vegetable garden, it also tackles anything the home gardener is likely to face. Houseplants, trees and shrubs, ornamental plants as well as productive plants. It covers general topics, such as crop rotation, in addition to specific plants. And it is all arranged alphabetically, and nicely cross-indexed, so that you can nearly always find what you need.

The first and second time I bought this book, it was as a gift. I finally had to get it for myself as well. It is the best I have found so far.

The editors feel that 26 of the entries form the core of this extensive resource and can be divided into four categories: Gardening Technique, Organic Garden Management, Food Crops and Ornamental Plants. For a beginner such as myself, I found these fundamentals extremely helpful in outlining the basics of gardening. I was easily able to apply the knowledge gained in these fundamentals to particular entries, such as roses or radishes.

Sidebars offered with many of the entries spark ideas that the average gardener may not already be taking advantage of. For example, when I was reading the Bean topic, I found an interesting inset on growing fresh sprouts right in your kitchen. And under Herbs are several helpful side entries including herbs commonly used as home health remedies.

Illustrated for clarity in all the right places, this book is sure to become one of my favorite year-round reference guides.

It necessarily points to the greater issue of why we as a society must label some of our members "mentally ill," "DID/MPD," or any other "disorder" rather than examining the larger responsibility we all carry to acknowledge that we have many different parts and voices within us; that this is not to be relegated to only those officially bestowed with this labeling, leaving the rest of us to deny any of this phenomenon within ourselves. And, that the clients/patients, insurance companies and medical and mental health professions are each caught in certain roles that keep the underlying issues from being thoroughly addressed by the group as a whole, and keep the clients/patients "disordered," a phenomenon we should all find insulting to our intelligence.

I recommend further reading that is essential to understanding and challenging the entire concept of DID and MPD as "disorders" found in only some of the population ... and invites the everyday "normal" person to explore, learn from, and delight in the discovery of their various internal selves (sub-personalities, energies) in their internal systems. This literature allows an understanding that we are each and all a complex system of parts that comprise a whole - as individuals and as a society. And that those so labeled have led the way to this discovery in their brilliant capacity to survive unspeakable torment and horror that the rest of us can only imagine.

Drs. Hal and Sidra Stone have authored these contributing books that I recommend: Embracing Your Inner Critic, Embracing Ourselves, Embracing Each Other, Partnering, among others. Begin with the first on the list - it is excellent and also appears to be simplistic while it addresses true complexity.

When you live with DID....and you try to find more information to help your loved ones and significant others to understand, often the books you find are so techinical. This book is written down to earth and understandable. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more. Whether you are a Multiple or a *singleton*....this book will be one that you want.

"Amongst Ourselves" has a profound ring of truth and authenticity. What struck me most was how respectful the book is towards individuals with DID. The authors understand this condition from the inside out, and explain it in a simple, logical, straightforward manner (that might conceivably be harmful to the egos of certain psychiatrists). Their down-to-earth, practical viewpoint takes the "spookiness" out of the disorder. Since essentially all individuals with DID underwent childhood trauma, and trauma exists in all gradations of severity, one would expect correspondingly many gradations of DID. I consider myself sub-clinically DID (I can argue my way through the DSM IV criteria, with some stretching). DID metaphors illuminate the survival function of psychological quirks that previously baffled me, and provide practical strategies for coping with them.

I highly recommend this book to anyone. Even if you do not have DID, you may gain radical insight into your internal psychology.

Chance Qualtrough, one hunk of a rancher,is concerned for Hallie and her kids and let's her stay in his aunt's house. Something about Chance makes her trust him and this begins one humdinger of story that never lets you go.

Great characters, intense suspense, and a delectible romance. Makes me want to read all the Primrose Creek historicals to find out about the ancestors! Wow, I'd better get busy.

Don't miss this book!

Suzanne Coleburn,Winner of the Fairy Godmother of Romance 2002

The modern people of Primrose Creek still possess that timeless quality that helped to build the fictional town during the pioneer days from Women of Primrose Creek. They embrace Hallie and her two precocious twins Kiley and Kiera, even though Hallie possesses a dangerous secret that could bring turmoil and heartache to the close knit community.

The story of Chance and Hallie has romance, adventure, humor, intrigue, and mystery. This is a good book to curl up with on a rainy day and get lost in the mystique of The Last Chance Cafe.

However, what is really unforgivable is the sloppy presentation of the book. What a shame, too. Poorly designed and poorly printed, it's a horror for the eye to read. Why didn't someone hire a professional graphic designer to put this book together!?!? Printing errors abound such as severe color varations and overprinting. For example, the colors on one of the pictured costumes, Gold Sensation, vary from a lemon-yellow to a deep orange-gold from one photo to the next -- photos that had been laid out right next to each other on the page! Graphic layout of the book was also very poor with additional sophomoric mistakes -- literally dozens of spelling errors, typographical, and grammatical mistakes -- that lead one to believe that the book had been slapped together moments before going to press. Even costumes, such as "Pink Lightning", failed to catch the proofer's eye, being misspelled as "Pink Lightening" throughout the book. It doesn't take a professional to figure out that these kinds of mistakes could have -- should have -- been caught before publishing. A really poor effort for such a proud subject; surely Gene Marshall deserves better.

For a beginning Gene collector the book MIGHT be a good reference, but you might want to WAIT for another book to be released (or, perhaps, a corrected second-printing of this book). Better yet, research Gene online and find out even more from the thousands of great Gene collectors out there.

I don't have a problem with those that have strong religious beliefs, but when it shapes the way a book is written, it carries that undertone. For example, when Marshall Brian talks about sex, he explains that it is not an option for teenagers. That is a very unrealistic view. Even if he doesn't believe its a good idea for teenagers, express that, then follow it up with... "if you decide to have sex, this is how to be safe." Whether or not he thinks they should, it will happen, and the author shouldn't be in denial about it. Another thing is, he acts as if marriage and children is the end all, be all. The point is, he only discusses one path for teenagers to follow. He never discusses gay teenagers, and they do exist, whether he wants to admit to it or not. Some people are not interested in marriage or children, and in this day and age, a lot of people stay single when they are older.

It's great how he breaks down the money situation, like how much money you need to move out and start on your own, and how to develop your talents and skills, so it can help you in the job situation later. However, sometimes, it seems that he leans toward money being everything, or the most important thing, which isn't true. There is a lot more to life than being successful in a job and making money. He never mentions having fun, building self esteem, enjoying your time being young. It's like he is presenting a life that looks good "on paper," rather than what is good for the individual.

He also talks down to the teenagers quite a bit, saying things like: "As a teenager, you are fairly naive about the real world," and "most teenagers also life in a protected dream land created by their parents." Maybe that's true for some teenagers, but I feel that in the new millenium, teenagers are more aware about what is going on arounnd them.

He is the president of a software development firm and taught computer science. He seems to make some good points and it is easy to understand. But, in the future, I think that he is better off writing books having to do with what he is best at. Not everyone can write books for teenagers. You need to provide more than one option, or at least, get to know teenagers, so you know what's important to them.

As others have pointed out (most of them criticizing), the author speaks VERY bluntly to teens. A big part of his message could be summarized thusly: "You, young person, think you know everything. You know nothing." The truth of this statement should be obvious to everyone who has left the teen years behind (both chronologically and maturity-wise). I can only conclude that those reviewers who were offended by this message were either teenagers, or adults who have never grown up. To all others, Brain's thesis is so self-evidently true that no debate is needed.
I also disagree with reviewers who believe Brain's value systems intrude. First, he did NOT say "sex is not an option" -- he said precisely the opposite, that it IS an option (then he explains why it is a bad choice from several perspectives, not just a religious one. In fact, the reader can infer that Brain is a Christian but it is not certain that's true; this book is not even remotely focused on a religious perspective).

In summary, this book is a treasure chest of helpful advice to teens. I only wish it had been available to me as a teenager.

Overall, an A+. Kudos to Dave Libertone and Prentice-Hall!