All the important issues are discussed in a non-frightening yet serious manner and without providing too much detail about what can happen during a sexual abuse encounter. My goal is to educate my male children about prevention of sexual abuse without enlightening them with details about what actually can and does happen during a sexual abuse encounter; there is an element of innocence I wish to protect at their young ages of two and five.

This is the sequence of the content of this story:
Privacy is defined and several examples are given, and private body parts are described as those covered by a bathing suit. The body parts for both girls and boys are named here using the proper terminology for both male and female genitals and the term "bottom" for the buttocks and anal area. The girl states she already knows that no one can touch her in any way she doesn't like, whether it involves her private parts or any other part of her body, such as not wanting to sit on her uncle's lap. Examples of touching that are enjoyed are given such as cuddling with a dog and dancing with Dad. Tickling is described as fun but that sometimes it can go too far and no longer be fun. The girl is encouraged to say "no" to anyone at any time if she doesn't want them touching her (in sexual or non-sexual ways without using the term "sexual"). The mother explains that it is the feelings of the girl that are most important, not the person who she is asking to stop or saying no to, because the girl worried that if she said no she would hurt the feelings of the other person. The mother warns the girl not to allow anyone to touch her private parts or take photos of them, and she should not touch the private parts of another person. The offending person is said to possibly be a stranger or someone she knows such as a friend or relative. The girl is told to shout "no" and to run the other way, then to tell the parent or caregiver or teacher what happened.

The only thing that I think would make this a more perfect book would be if the parent were talking to a brother and sister at the same time and if the example of touching that the child didn't like was not the stereotypical and common example of adult male with young girl. I'd prefer more examples to illustrate that a boy can be abused as well as a girl. I am amazed that children's books about prevention of sexual abuse never give the example that a boy can be a victim, or that both males and females can be an abuser. Lastly, the mother warns against older children inappropriately touching her and I think it should simply say "other children" as abuse can happen with both younger and same-aged peers. Despite these few issues, this is the best book that I have found to read aloud to my children and I do highly recommend it. Regarding my complaints, I realize that I can address these issues in conversations with my boys.

A couple years years ago I bought this book for a friend and just decided to by one for our family. My daughter was six at the time.

Recently we moved and the company-hired workers arrived. That afternoon as I was watching my children play together, I thought how cute they are - precious six-year old brother and eight-year old daughter side-by-side. I ran upstairs to the kitchen although the door was open between us and 6 other people were within earshot including their father and and an on-site manager.

My daughter came upstairs and told me that a worker put his hands in her pants. He began to lead her to a closed area. She lied to him; got away from him; and came to me. "Mommy, I remembered what that book, "My Body Is Private" said. I remembered that you told me anything inside my underwear is private.

Teach your chldren well. Buying this non-threatening book with a happy ending saved my daughter from ... who knows.

THANK YOU Linda Walvoord Girard. Although my daughter was tricked and hurt within seconds in her own home, you have saved a child.

Just as you teach a child to walk safely across the street without instilling fear of streets or cars, you can keep your child safe without instilling fear. My daughter was never afraid until she needed to be -- AND SHE ACTED. No secrets, no further abuse, no threats........ she saved herself through the knowledge she gathered through our reading this book together.

I am forever grateful to the author.

I was initially quite interested in the book, as the first few chapters happened quickly and the protagonist (Merlin, again) is a likeable guy.

The rest of the book, however, is just not too well written, and not too believeable. The plot devices are unimaginable, the dialog is choppy, and often times the author forgets to inform the reader of crucial details.

After all, a murder novel isnt a mystery if the author has not posed the "whodunnit" question with any talent; it's merely an obfuscated tale of events.

Skip this book, or pick it up second-hand and read it on a long plane flight. Its not particularly entertaining.

In his second Jack Merlin Mystery series, physician/author James Tucker has penned another hit!

From the first page until the last, Tucker pulls his readers into a tale of galloping corporate greed, professional treachery and murder most foul. Dr. Tucker knows his way around a hospital, a murder and he's well on his way to becoming quite a storyteller, too.

In HOCUS CORPUS, Jack Merlin has been promoted to chief resident at the prestigious Pittsburgh University Medical Center. He's still practicing magic and charming his patients. His relationship with Assistant District Attorney and fellow crime solver has progressed smoothly and things are going his way.

However, Jack's orderly life begins to unwind when he loses a young patient after a relatively simple procedure. The child's powerful father holds Jack responsible for her death and Jack must once again prove his innocence and find out who's behind the tragedy.

While trying to solve the child's death, Jack discovers a pattern in several unexpected and completely unnecessary patient deaths. Patients make it through surgery but die of massive infections just days later.

As they dig further into the mysterious deaths, Jack and Tory uncover a diabolical plot involving involves crooks of the worst kind, insurance companies and ruthless men who will stop at nothing to line their own pockets with the misery of others. How Tucker keeps all the story lines headed toward a plausible and ultimately satisfying ending is quite impressive.

I look forward to more Jack Merlin mysteries.

And, as mentioned by others, I don't think I'll be eating any Jell-O for a long, long time!

Enjoy!

This book took me just over a day to finish and like Abra Cadaver, I was kept guessing right to the very end. Tucker really knows how to put a suspense and mystery into words and this book a great read for everyone who loves a real thriller.

Dr. Merlin takes what seems to be four completely unrelated deaths and unravels a mystery that delves into the world of high priced insurance companies. Watching the novel unfold you read how Merlin puts his career and life in jeopardy to find out who is infecting these and other patients and the answers will really surprise you.

As with Abra Cadaver, this book has movie written all over it. I am beginning to become a real James Tucker fan and I cannot wait until I read his next novel. Again another excellent job!!!!!!

One thing to be aware of is that, other than the poem itself, a brief introduction, and some brief remarks by Robert Alter, the text consists mostly of very detailed translators' notes analyzing the verses line by line, even word by word. This material will be of interest to scholars of ancient Hebrew but perhaps not to the general reader. I read the book (sans notes) in about forty minutes -- and I have to wonder if I should have paid [amt] for the privelege. Nothing against the Blochs or their fine work, but I would have preferred more supporting material of more general interest.

It is never erotic or pornographic, but always poetic. That is probably why it was used over and over again by composers in vespers dedicated to the Holy Virgin, particularly the first poem : « I am black but lovely, daughters of Jerusalem » with the famous songs « Nigra sum » and « Pulchra es ».

This book has always been considered by the Catholics as an emanation of King Solomon and as prophecy about the coming of Jesus, about the Holy Virgin.

It is of course possible to see a metaphor in that lovesong, the Bride being Israel, the people of God, who have neglected their vineyard and were punished for it, who have sinned and are now repenting after the fair punishment. Then the Bridegroom is God himself.

But what remains - above and after all - is the marvellous poetic language to describe love and the loved ones. It is probably the Book that demonstrates best the fact that the Bible is speaking of real men and women and not of unreal, virtual ones. They believe in God, which gives them a higher vision and deeper meaning, but they remain human with their attachment to love, justice and peace, the three main virtues Jesus will bring us in the New Testament.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

This nub of the first pages in this 9-chapter, 48-page easy reader captures the conflicted feelings of Robin, the main Jewish character whose best friend Heather was Christian. Heather naturally wanted Robin to share the joy of Christmas. Robin wanted to share it too. But of course, being Jewish, her family did not have a Christmas tree, and she had to tell her friend, "There is no such thing as a Chanukah bush."

Things got worse in school, when Robin's teacher directed the children to construct holiday decorations and Sandy Goldstein sat next to Robin, making the ugliest paper chains she had ever seen. Then all the other children started talking about their tree decorations and Santa Claus. Robin felt so, so, left out.

At home, Robin had a conversation with her mother about different ways of being Jewish. Robin's mother finished by saying that if Sandy Goldstein's family had a Christmas tree that was their business, but she would not have one in her house. They lit Chanukah candles.

Then Robin's Grandpa entered. His union was holding a Christmas party and he wanted Robin to go. The story travels through another five chapters and 28 pages before the girls reach an understanding about one another and their holidays. And that understanding is truly magnificent.

This book shows children the respect that they can and should have for others of varied faiths. Children (and people) can be different, but nevertheless help and love one another, deeply.

And PS, this book is not just for girls. Our copy was a gift from a relative whose son loved the story too. Alyssa A. Lappen

On page 163 he notes: "A great portion of creation within the Creator's purposive will; there is also a portion of creation outside his purposive will, but this is there in accordance with his permissive will. " That "According to Christian belief, the connection between the human creature and his Creator is unique. All nonhuman creatures prefectly obey tye Creator's will because they have no self-determination."

"In contrast to Zen, for which all thoughts and all individual minds are the Only-Mind, the Bible depicts the ultimate thoughts of the Creator to be far beyond the capacity of created human minds to comprehend : My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than your ways, And my thoughts higher than your thoughts (Isaiah 55:8)" In such passages, genuine separation between the mind of the Creator and the minds of human creatures is clearly affirmed."

"Let me assure my Buddhist readers that to be a Christian does not require one to believe in a God who is like an old man with a white beard who flies through the sky on feathered wings." I think Christians need to be reminded of this as well.

On page 167 he reminds the reader that " The tranquility which Zen gives rests upon the realization that there is nonresponsibility to pursue what is "good" and to flee what is "evil". The essence of Zen peace is the glad acceptance of everthing just as it is." "For Zen, there is no sin. For Jesus, all have sinned." This is disagree with, since this is pure Paulist thought and a thought that has wreaked havok on humanity.

The author then notes wisely, I might add that most of the assertaions he makes are equally shared with his Jewish friends whos eunderstanding of the character of God the Creator comes from the Torah but NOT the Christian New Testament.He suggests that Jesus is very Budhhist in nature.