Writers Books

I have briefly looked over some biographies about Marilyn Monroe and have got upset, but this book is the most touching I have read. There is not much truth that is told about the great baseball legend Joe Dimagio and his love for Marilyn. However, it is the Hollywood industry that makes up lies and untruths about her in ruining her image. We need to give credit to the author for being a caring and generous man who deeply respects Marilyn's memory. She would be in approval of this book because it can help her rest in peace. People need to know the truth and should really get to know that she is a good lady.

More than 600 books have been written about Marilyn Monroe since her death in 1962. While most of them have focused on the theories surrounding her apparent suicide at age 36, author Gary Vitacco-Robles focuses his new book on the actress' last home. Cursum Perficio: Marilyn Monroe's Brentwood Hacienda/The Story of Her Final Months reframes and redefines Marilyn through the context of her efforts to establish a secure home following a childhood spent in a succession of foster homes. The author theorizes that the actress was trying to correct her past by putting down roots of her own. While several previous authors depict her final months as tumultuous, Vitacco-Robles provides evidence that suggests Marilyn was trying to pull her life together and give it some personal meaning. During the spring and summer of 1962, Marilyn embraced her newfound domesticity by pulling weeds in her garden, writing recipes in her copy of The Joy of Cooking and actually using the pots and pans in her kitchen. The book contains actual photographs of the house, interspersed with realistic renderings of the home by artist Brandon Heidrick. The author divides the photos and illustrations with floor plans for each room and includes pictures of an architectural model that depicts the entire property as it appeared in 1962. After she purchased the 2,300 square foot house, Monroe began extensively researching authentic Mexican design, landscaping and furnishings in an effort to slowly transform it into the home of her dreams. She arranged for an 11-day trip to Mexico where she painstakingly selected fabrics, tapestries, painted tiles, pottery and art. Monroe met the native artists who had made by hand the objects that she would later display in her home. Vitacco-Robles is donating a portion of the royalties from sales of this book to Hollygrove Children and Family Services, formerly the Los Angeles Orphans Home Society, where Marilyn Monroe lived as a child.

There has been some confusion about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. According to the publisher, Iuniverse, the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. The publisher says that vendors will continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. Having seen this book, the quality of photo reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. It also includes professional, "photorealistic-style" illustrations by artist Brandon Heidrick depicting the interior and exterior of Marilyn's home and furnishings. The images serve as a "virtual tour" of Marilyn's last home similar to the author's website.

I've been confused about the second edition of this book and the sales information on this site. Having spoken with the publisher, Iuniverse, I learned that the hardcover edition offered here is actually a "second edition" released in October 2003, although the release date printed is still listed as 2000. This is because it is a "re-do" under the same title previously released by the publisher. The new second edition cover for the paperback and hardcover depicts Marilyn standing beside the gates of her home and sell respectively for $20.95 and $30.95. The first edition was only published in paperback with a different cover for $11.95. I understand that vendors would continue to sell the first edition paperbacks until supplies depleted. I have both the first edition and second. The second edition contains new images, new chapters, re-worked chapters and information not included in the first. The quality of photo and illustration reproduction in this new version are far superior than in the first. All around, it is a better product and a great, new look at a lasting legend!

When I first received my copy of Cursum Perficio: Marilyn's Brentwood Hacienda, I wasn't sure what to expect. Much to my surprise, I was enthralled and fascinated by the details of Marilyn's final months, so eloquently chronicled by Gary Vitacco-Robles. Void of any media hype and speculation about the cause of her death, Vitacco-Robles explores how Marilyn searched and found the perfect place to call home...a respite from the choatic life she led in the media spotlight.
You will journey with her as she went on shopping sprees for furnishings and ornaments in a quest to make the only home she ever owned a reflection of herself.
The book contains a vast collection of actual photographs, as well as impressive photo-recreations of the home's interior as it looked in 1962 and now.
I applaud Vitacco-Robles for a superb testamant to the woman so many longed to know. This book reveals a whole other side of Marilyn that has never been revealed.
A MUST HAVE for any Marilyn enthusiast!

I bought this book several months before our trip to Amsterdam, and it got me so excited about our trip. The photos are beautiful, and the design is engaging. Although we did use several other guides (as well as internet research), this was a very useful tool that made our visit a great one.

This DK book has an incredible foldout architectural walk of Amsterdam. Only DK could have conceived of such an innovative way of presenting this walk.

I found this to be one of the best books on the market. If you are looking for a comprehensive guide to get around the city this book is a must. I do quite a lot of traveling in Europe and always pick up a "Eyewitness Travel Guide" since they have more in depth history, plenty of pictures, and take you on guided walks throughout the city. You are provided with lists to the museums, restaurants to suit all tastes, and hotels ranging for tight budgets to high class. I would recommend this book to everyone. Have a great trip!

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Summary:
Every Dorling Kindersley Guide has been a great and interesting book... and delightful to have and use, even if you are not traveling to that location, but are only interested in learning more!

The Guides are well organized in a logical and easy to follow manner. They are beautifully illustrated, well developed with accurate information (it is unusual for hotel and restaurant information to be that accurate), have enough history to help the reader understand the people and cultural background, and have a lot of useful travel information and useable maps in the appendixes.

The really great attraction to this book is several fold; it is:
............Very complete
............Easy to read
............Beautifully and artistically completed
............Good shopping, safety and other tips
............Gorgeous photographs too numerous to list.

Specifics:

The guides are organized as follows:

How to use this guide
Introduction to Historical and Geographical information
............Introducing Amsterdam
........................Amsterdam on the Map
........................History of Amsterdam
........................Amsterdam at a Glance
........................Through the Year (events, holidays)
............Amsterdam Area by Area, each section includes:
........................Introduction to street by street area
........................Detailed pictorials of area buildings
........................Architectural drawings, pictures, cut-aways of buildings
........................Specific stops, historical monuments, churches, buildings, etc.

Travelers Needs - includes full list with rankings and notes
............Hotels
............Restaurants, bars, cafes
............Shops / Markets
............Entertainment

Survival Information
............Practical
........................Tourist info., Etiquete, Personal Security and Health
........................Currencies, Telephones, misc info.

............Travel Information
........................Planes, trains and automobiles, signs
............Street Maps
............General Index
............Phrase Book

Discussion:
The book begins with "Introducing Amsterdam", including a complete map, a review, the city's history, and Amsterdam through the Year - including events, etc.

For the specific areas it provides an "At a glance" overview, then has subsections of specific blocks, or sections, then specific locations, churches, historical monuments, bridges, galleries, etc.

Architectural reviews include various views, and cutaways; given greater understanding and better perspective. They are all attractive, if not works of art - honestly.

The travelers' Info. offers good and valid info. on prices, currencies, customs, important words, etc. I used the reviews on hotel's restaurants and nightclubs, etc. and found they were useful and accurate, and helpful with my touring and site decisions

The books are so well thought-out that it has multiple maps, with various lookup tables, and the book's flaps are designed to be used as bookmarks for map pages.

Conclusion:
Each book in this series is a great help, and beautiful collectible resource. As the President, CEO of an International Meeting Planning Corporation we have many resources and techniques to learn about places we have meetings / groups at as well as the cities and sights. But, as a traveler, this book really is top notch and I would recommend it to anyone going on a personal trip, or wanting to learn about a city, or location. We have used some of these books to augment our research to investigate cities for our groups.

After reading some reviews, I bought two guides (just in case), since DK Eyewitness Guide was labled as "expensive". But I wound up using only DK Guide. It has everything you need. The information is easily accessible. The maps are great. Just perfect for a quick reference. You'll find yourself refering to it again and again while walking the streets of Amsterdam (I just couldn't deal with reading long pages of information (probably very useful) in Frommer's Guide).

The selection of restaurans was great. Every restaurant rated in this book that we went to was a hit.

THIS BOOK WAS ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL,THE RELATIONS AND RELATIONSHIP THESE 2 INDIVUALS SHARED WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! I KNOW THAT THIS IF FICTION ( MAKE BELIEVE) BUT DAMN HOW I GOT CAUGHT UP!!! I DON'T KNOW IF I'M P.M.S.ING OR WHAT, BUT THIS BOOK HAD ME GOING THROUGH THE SAME EMOTIONS AS THE CHARACTERS !!! TOO INTENSE!!! TO THE AUTHOR I LIKE YOUR STYLE!!! I'LL DEFINITELY BE CHECKING OUT MORE OF YOUR BOOKS AS WELL AS YOUR PROFILE PAGE, THE MEN GURRRRL!!!!!! TO EVERYONE OUT THERE THE BOOK IS SOMETHING SPECIAL,LOVELY!!!! THE PROFILE IS THA BOOOMMM!!!!

OMG I loved this book! I like the flow from little Alyssa's crush to Toni and Jonas's story on how they met. I am glad Jonas found Ms. Wright and I was happy to see the charactors from the previous books. Keep up the good work Adrienne!

She has fas become one of my favorite authors. Her books always deliver. I actually haven't read the pre-quels for this novel, but luckily she included enough info for me to get through it. The characters were funny and relatable. He was initially being driven by his need for revenge against his ex, while she was just a hard nosed lawyer trying to get her private practice off the ground. There was passion, humor almost everything I believe an romantic novel should have.

WOW! GREAT! AWESOME! WONDERFUL! FANTASTIC! There are not enough one-word adjectives to describe this book!!! Extremely well-done, Adrianne...as usual.

'Feel the Fire', the third book in the Unforgettable series, picks up where 'The Beautiful Ones' left off, and tells the story of a heart-broken Jonas Hinton and his journey in finding "Ms. Wright".

Coming behind the success of 'Unforgettable' and 'The Beautiful Ones', 'Feel the Fire' does not disappoint. Continuing in the same interesting way of story-telling as the first two books, Ms. Byrd takes the reader on a passion-filled 'Harley' ride to happily-ever-after. Sparks fly between Jonas and Toni and the chemistry between the two is so amazing, you are not going to want to put this book down and when you are finished, you're going to want to start all over again!

Both Jonas and Toni have issues that they need to deal with, but 'Feel the Fire' is certainly a story of "a funny thing happened when I wasn't looking..."

I am definitely looking forward to the next one!

Feel the Fire indeed!!!
In this book when get to catch up with the characters from the Beautiful Ones. Jonas was left at the alter and really hasn't healed. Jonas plans to seek some "revenge" on Solomon the man who took his bride away thinking that this will put him on the path to getting over Ophelia and then he can truly heal. The revenge plot doesn't heal him. A woman by the name of Toni takes care of that. Toni on the ohter doesn't "do" relationships and she keeps Jonas at arms length but of course that doesn't last for long. The sparks fly between these two Toni and Jonas were HOT together. One word MOTORCYCLE. Run to get this book! You will not be disappointed!!

I believe the events in this actually took place!
I would tell everyone to read this eyeopener!
Onec you start reading, you can't put it down!
Good job and best wishes to the author.

I loved this book!!
I couldn't put the dang thing down until I was finished reading it!
I hope there is a follow up to this story.
It sure tells it like it is!!!

Innocence Turned Deadly is a book everyone should read. As the author says, "It's mostly true!." and..thjat is what makes it so frighting!
I have had the pleasure of hearing Mr. O'Finioan on a couple of radio interviews, and he is great to listen to!
I can't wait to read his nect book!!

This is one compelling narrative that I just couldn't put down. Mr.O'Finioan is a natural story teller, and he relates his experiences as a covert agent for law enforcement with the ability to raise the hair on your neck. Readers are given insight into the underbelly of both law enforcement and criminals. You decide whether they are separated by a fine line.
Ginger Corbett

This remarkable first novel of Duncan O'Finioans brings to mind another first published in my lifetime, CATCHER IN THE RYE. INNOCENCE TURNED DEADLY has the same classical input into today's circumstances as CATCHER'S had those years ago. The urgency lies in the factual information such as when he writes about the Gestapo. Believe it. It is the Truth.

This is a 50 card deck created by literary escort, Naomi Epel who would get writing advice/ideas from the authors that she toted around. She used an index card system where she had wrote phrases or questions. When she was feeling stuck, she'd pull out a card to induce ideas.

The cards have words, suggestions, ideas to help pull you out of being stuck or to spark your creativity with your writing. Accompanying the cards is a book that is slightly larger than the cards. The book contains suggested uses for the cards and meanings. I like in the introduction where Naomi says: "The spontaneity of pulling cards freed me from having to be too self-directive and my writing began to flow."

I have enjoyed using the cards and the book is interesting. I have been keeping the cards beside my computer when I write, and sometimes when I take a break I'll shuffle and see what comes up. This morning when I went to my computer, (after reading a book that had me thinking about writing down some goals)I looked at the cards sitting atop a pile of books. The top card facing me read: "Set realistic goals." -Wow, maybe they're psychic too!

The cards and book come in a nice box. Mine haven't been back in the box since I got them. This is a great gift for writers or anyone who enjoys creativity and expanding their thinking.

I bought the book used here sans cards and the book itself is interesting. It has about five references to the wonderful writer Julie Smith whose work I'm reading now as a result. She's terrific and until now I had not considered myself a mystery reader.

A few of the topics/ideas in the are common sense (well, actually they all are), but I am surprised at how having them in one place is inspirational. I wish I had this book on my writer's retreat last weekend for a craft lesson presentation.

The edition I have is a small paperback and has a colorful, interesting cover. It would make a great gift.

So, in short, I recommend the book as a gift for writer friends or for yourself to nurture your creative side. I'm so torn between the two, I'll buy another copy.

These pretty cards are an excellent device to jump-start ideas when that sneaky writer's block comes up. Great for brainstorm sessions and getting ideas organized. This is a fun tool for those who love cards - playing cards, tarot decks, and affirmations. Creative minds will have a blast using this "ingredient" in their recipe of book writing!

My soon-to-be published friend Debra introduce me to The Observation Deck -- which I now lovingly call "a writing class in a box."

This is not new, published in 1998, so I was late to join the fan club, and when I tell other friends about it, some look at me patiently and say: You just found it now!

The idea (should you choose to accept this mission) is to use the deck of get-off-your-duff cards to urge you out of writer's block.

This may sound melodramatic, but it has changed my life -- as a writer, editor, listener and observer of people, places and things.

When writer's block hits, pick from over 20 cards that might say: Take a walk; or zoom in and out; explore the underside; follow the scent.... You get the idea. My favorite is: EVERY SINGLE CHAPTER.

The purse-sized, 160-page book has a chapter on each of the "pushes" on the cards. My book is highlighted in yellow, with X in red and Q for wonderful quotes. I read a little, think a lot, and then an idea, or a new way to look at an idea that has been rumbling and grumbling around in my head pops into my thought process.

If you are wannabe writer (or better writer), this would be a great self-gift or for family or friends who are writers.

"The Observation Deck" is a cute boxed set from Naomi Epel for writers who suffer from writers block or other inspiration malfunctions.

The set from Epel contains 50 cards meant to inspire thoughts, stories or other ways of thinking during the writing process. A little book is also included that contains techniques that have worked for other writers such as "Eavesdrop" a little trick apparently used by famous writers like F. Scott Fitzgerald, Eudora Welty and many others. The book is more effective than the cards and I would like to see that thought continued in larger volume by Epel.

This set is a nice handy tool to have at hand when doubting your worth as a writer. Grab it for inspiration but rely on your own observations.

The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus is an invaluable authority for writers! I have just completed my first book, and I would not be as proud of the finished work were it not for the help I received from this volume.Not only does it help in selecting the "perfect" word for a particular phrase or sentence,it provides tips and other valuable information on the word so that you will remember it if you need it again,but since there are so many words to express your creative ideas as a writer,it is unlikely that you will have to use the same word repeatedly.
I love this volume!I would not think of writing anything of substance without referring to it, now that I have found it.

Super cool. Super useful. I just wish I had enough room left in my suitcase to take it back to the USA with me. I guess i'll have to buy another.

I have used a number of Thesaurus versions in the past, but have never encounterd one so complete and helpful. Since my first published book, I have been studying a number of books to improve my writing skills. Too often prose becomes boring to editors, agents and readers alike. The Oxford American Writer's Thesaurus has helped me keep my work fresh and non-repetitive. I would have paid twice the price. Every writer should own one.Tommie & Grope

This thesaurus contains a plethora of useful synonyms.However it is not a replacement for a good unabridged dictionary.Inclusion of spelling aid would upgrade it to five stars category.

Despite some reviews, not every thesaurus is for writers. Some are simply mean't to give the average person a few alternatives, and are quite limited. This however is different. Exhaustive even. Something a writer can greatly benefit from when needing to express themselves in a totally unique way. Keeps one from becoming repetitive.

This series is great and this was another chapter in the ongoing story of Maturin and Aubrey. Their adventures are of another world and provide a great contrast to other books.

This entry in the Aubrey-Maturin seagoing saga was probably my least favorite that I've read so far in this series. My quibble was with the novel's plot, which was pretty thin and derivative of other action novels and movies. And Diana Villiers, Dr. Maturin's love, is starting to remind of the character of Irenee in The Forsythe Saga. Everyone is always talking about how fascinating she is, but darned if I can see why. On the plus side, as always O'Brian serves up amazing historical details and makes Jack and Stephen witty and real. And the on-going story of their lives advances to a very eye-opening and surprising ending. So you can bet I'll look forward to the next installment of this series.

The focus is on Stephen Maturin in this seventh installment of the Aubrey-Maturin series, which, though it isn't the best or most exciting of the first seven books, is still a ripping good read. Returning to England following their escapades in North America, Aubrey and Maturin try to settle into life at home -- Jack with his family and Stephen with his scientific pursuits -- but their pasts catch up with them, compelling them to join forces for a spur-of-the-moment mission to the Baltic. Will they succeed? Will they overcome the old problems that dog them? And just who is the surgeon's mate? Read this tale of spying, diplomacy, and (of course!) naval combat to find out.

Patrick O'Brian's scope of imagination is staggering. We are now into the seventh book in his series, and Captain "Lucky Jack" Aubrey and surgeon/naturalist/spy Stephen Maturin continue to find themselves in realistic-yet-dire circumstances of a personal, military, and intelligence nature. Through it all, these two characters never seem like invincible juggernauts, but instead very human, very capable men living by the best their wits and luck can offer.

At the outset of the novel, Aubrey and Maturin need to flee the New World for the old, but find themselves hard-pressed to do so. Thanks to Dr. Maturin's single-handed destruction of French spy networks in Boston (including a wee bit of murder), a wealthy intelligence figure hires ships to track down the fleeing Maturin. The result is a thrilling chase off Nova Scotia and the nearby waters - while I prefer Aubrey's sinking of the Dutch 74 the Waakzamheid in "Desolation Island," this chase is one of the most thrilling in the series so far.

And the joys of this novel don't stop there. O'Brian once again finds various ways to inject humor into his novel. Dr. Maturin hits a personal and professional high (as a naturalist) when he gets the chance to address a body of learned scientists in Paris . . . only to bungle the presentation horribly. Aubrey allows himself to be seduced by a wanton woman while celebrating his escape from the jail in Boston, and is confronted with news of the natural biological result of such a transgression. Maturin and Aubrey are accompanied on many of their adventures in "SM" by the Swedish captain Jagiello, a supremely attractive young man, and Aubrey finds himself at a loss as to why the women fall all over themselves for this young buck when they could have a sailor "with the handsomest set of whiskers in the fleet." There are joys in this novel that you just don't find in most swashbuckling thrillers.

But at its heart, "SM" is an adventure yarn, and O'Brian does not disappoint. In a story that sweeps from the New World to Paris to Denmark to the infamous Temple Prison back in France, Aubrey and Maturin find themselves thrown from one pan into another fire. And God bless them for it!

Confession time. THE SURGEON'S MATE is the fifth book in the "Aubrey/Maturin Series" of seafaring novels that I have completed; however, it is the seventh book in the logical series order. Having subscribed to receive the entire series, I began reading the books in the order that they arrived, assuming that the publisher would send them in proper sequence. Such turns out not to have been the case, and some of my discontent with other volumes I have reviewed derived from the fact that I had missed some events because of reading the books out of order. Allow my experience to stand as evidence that, for maximum enjoyment and even comprehension, these books should be approached in their logical sequence.

I have now edited those earlier reviews to correct any misstatements as to the books' places in the sequence of novels and have removed comments pertaining to missing events that actually were addressed in preceding volumes. Nonetheless, I find that my overall assessments of the books remain unaltered. I feel that Richard Russ (Patrick O'Brian's real name) is essentially a "three star" author. When he writes of naval engagements aboard men-of-war, sloops, frigates, and the other fighting ships whose maneuvering capabilities are largely at the whim of the prevailing winds, he is a most engaging author. However, when he delves into the interpersonal relationships of his characters, he is less successful in engaging his readers.

Two other continuing weaknesses in Russ' writing are his heavy use of now-archaic seafaring terminology that often clouds the meaning of the passage and his frustrating lack of time transitions. The first problem could have been alleviated by judicious use of explanatory footnotes. The latter could have been corrected by use of transitional commentary. As it is, however, in one sentence, the captain may call for one of his officers, and in the very next sentence he is speaking to that officer. It is as though a time warp has occurred and the officer has materialized next to his captain at the very moment he is called for. This annoying truncation of time appears in each of the five volumes I have read thus far, and I fear it is a weakness to which the author is blind and may well continue throughout the series.

By itself, THE SURGEON'S MATE, while subject to the general criticisms I have mentioned, is, by and large, readable and engaging. Is Russ/O'Brian improving as he writes additional volumes, or am I becoming accustomed to his style and more accepting of it? In either event, I found this volume a much faster and more intriguing read than some of the others I have already encountered. The single most perplexing thing about this book is its title. There is no focus on any "surgeon's mate" whatsoever, and where Russ/O'Brian found his inspiration for the title remains a murky mystery! (Some reviewers have identified the title as referring to the character of Dr. Stephen Maturin; however, he has hitherto been described as being much more than a naval surgeon, being a skilled physician while a naval surgeon was essentially limited to chopping off shattered limbs. If this is indeed Russ/O'Brian's intent, then his choice of title essentially demotes Maturin from his former position, which is not, I think, the author's intent.)

If, gentle reader, you are determined to read the entire Aubrey-Maturin series of novels, you will certainly not want to miss this one. However, you will perhaps enjoy it most if you have read the preceding six volumes first. On the other hand, if one is interested in merely sampling Russ/O'Brian's work, this would not be a bad example to choose, although I would still suggest reading at least the first work, MASTER AND COMMANDER, before delving into any of the succeeding books, including this one.

Fell in love with the characters and the story is one that you don't want to end!!! I read the whole series Uncle Sean, Lance and All Over Him in 2 weeks. Ron Donaghe Did it again with this one. A Must Read

I just don't have the words to describe what a heartfelt, tender, genuine recounting this novel is. This is my first foray into the works of Ronald L. Donaghe. He uses the rather clever stylistic device of a fictional narrator, a "writer" who happens to stumble upon 2 journals and a letter when he is tearing down an old barn. Each of the journals is penned by Will Barnett, the first when he was 14 and the second when he was 17. The letter is addressed to Will from his Uncle Sean. By having the writer "edit" and "polish" the first journal, Donaghe gives himself the liberty of creating a narrative flow that wouldn't be realistic in a real-life journal, yet still maintains the voice of a somewhat naïve 14 year old. The second journal, written after Will has had two more years of education and has applied himself to his writing skills, is said to be simply "transcribed."

The journals begin Christmas of 1968 with 22 year old Uncle Sean, recently released from a mental hospital after a tour in `Nam, coming to live on the farm with the Barnett family. 14 year old Will is smitten with his Uncle and senses that he is broken somehow and yearns to be able to help him.

The New Mexico locations are real and I have no doubt are recalled from Donaghe's real life experiences. The story is emotional and heart-rending yet never becomes overly sentimental or schmaltzy. Will and his Uncle share a secret, and that special bond gives each of them the strength to move forward with their lives. Uncle Sean is a marvelous character. He cares deeply for his nephew, and uses kid gloves to gently let Will down as he heroically tells him they can never be sexually intimate, but someday he will find that special someone.

1969 was a pivotal year in American history - The moon landing, Woodstock, the Stonewall riots - A perfect setting for this story, and the reactions to homosexuality are blisteringly accurate for the time period.

Ronald L. Donaghe has been writing since 1989 and has penned 10 novels. After reading Uncle Sean, I can positively say I plan to read every single one of them.

The reader first meets Will Barnett, the narrator of this short novel, at the age of fourteen, when his Uncle Sean, recently returned from Vietnam, comes to stay with his New Mexico farming family. The first third of Ronald Donaghe's narrative, told by the younger Will, is the best, as the boy gradually makes discoveries both about his handsome uncle and also about himself. Without crossing the line into an incestuous relationship, Uncle Sean leads Will to a sweet and poignant self-realization scene. After this, the older relative is relegated to an offstage role as Will must carry on without him. His subsequent chance encounter with the beaten and abused Lance and their falling in love is told with equal poignance, though one might feel that Will finds his true love just a bit too easily. Still, in an age where homosexuality, the Vietnam war and erotic crushes on same-sex relatives remain dangerous, taboo subjects for novels aimed at young adults, Donaghe's spare, economical prose treads this delicate ground with remarkable verisimilitude, taste, and emotional truth. This novel ought to be in high school libraries all over the nation--it's too bad that conservative machinations will undoubtedly keep it out of many.

This is the first of Ronald Donaghe's Will Barnett Journals. Donaghe is a highly regarded author known for his work in gay 'coming of age' stories.

Here in Uncle Sean, Donaghe introduces 14 year old Will Barnett. Will's Uncle Sean comes home from the war to live with Will's family as he heals from his traumatic frontline experiences and the death of his closest buddy in the military.

Will becomes infatuated with Uncle Sean and starts to realize he has strong emotional and physical feelings for his Uncle. And, being fourteen, Will is terrified and attracted by his confusion about his feelings for Sean.

The story is set in rural New Mexico and Will has few resources or supports to talk over his feelings with. Uncle Sean proves to be his strongest role model as well as the object of Will's affections.

I really appreciate the fact that Donaghe's novels are not sexually graphic. As a result, I feel that Uncle Sean and some of his other books are perfect for a school or local public library.

Boys and Girls today need to be able to privately find out of they are alone in their feelings of being diferent and books are one of the safest places they can do that. While it may seem that many schools have all sorts of Gay and Lesbian student support services, these are mainly in urban areas and there and many kids still suffering through adolescence not knowing where to turn. Donaghe's books are among those I would recommend as a non-threatening and non-graphic resource that I would comfortable recommend to kids in schools, or to their parents.

Beyond its value to kids dealing with coming to terms with being gay, Uncle Sean is just plain good story telling. Highly recommended.

James J. Maloney
Saint Paul, Minnesota USA

The first book of a trilogy, this deceptively simple, easy to read book has a way of getting under your skin and remembering all the good things in life. It's about decent people making choices, sometimes simple, sometimes complex, but in an environment of love and sustaining values. The book speaks to the heart and celebrates the goodness in people. Not that there aren't people who make bad choices, but, more often than not, the love and support of family has been missing for them.
Once you read 'Uncle Sean', you will want to read 'Lance' and 'All Over Him' so I recommend buying all three books at once, and settling down to enjoy yourself.
Ron Donaghe captures exactly what it meant to be growing up, discovering you are gay in a small town, but his writing speaks to all of us.
Finally, write the author and let him know what you liked (or didn't) and why. He is great about responding.

Not your typical how-to-write book, but rather as the subtitle indicates, how-to survive and thrive as a writer. As I read, chapter to chapter, there were numerous times when I felt as if the author was speaking directly to me. All of the time, I felt I was receiving sage advice from someone who had been there, done that and come out the other side; someone further along the path willing to take a moment and share from his own struggles and successes in overcoming the various problems writers encounter on their writing and publishing journeys.

This is book is going on my books-on-writing keeper shelf. I highly recommend it to anyone who writes or wants to write.

One of my goals is to read every book on writing. I'm into my fourth year. There are very few books now that catch me by surprise and say something different. Rogers' book,

Of all the books I've read on writing, and there have been many, this is the one that addressed my real problem; my fear of not being able to summon up enough self-desipline to write my story. If this describes you...read this book. With the loving approach of a kind-hearted surgeon, Rogers gently pulls back the layers of writer's angst to uncover the size and shape of your particular "tumor". He then gives you, not feel-good pep talks, but practical excercises that liberate you from your black mass. I'm confident I will finish my book and be published, and when I am, Bruce Holland Rogers will be listed in my acknowledgements.

Book from a professional fantasy-writer and teacher (creative writing). The book contains columns, with advice how to avoid the slushpile of daily chores and keep at it, keep following the serious urge to write. This book adresses the possible emotional and psychological needs of the would-be-writer who wants to endure and stick to his writing.
As this is a book of columns, pieces which appeared earlier in a serialized form, there are some minor points which the reader needs to remember when using Bruge Rogers book as a guide to a writers existence.. Writing as the ancient rethorians maintained is as much about grammar, logic and ethos as it is about pathos (emotions).
Many aspiring authors do not lack ideas, but they do not know how to express themselves, or have not gained mastery of language as a working tool.
A book to buy if you are not looking for a work on the art of writing, mastery of language, style and the logic of building a narrative.

As a beginner who has been trying to stop procastinating, and start writing - I'd almost given up hope. After two years and having read at least a dozen how-to books on the writing craft, I gained a lot of knowledge on how to write. After reading Word Work I finally gained the knowledge that allowed me to write. In Word Work, Bruce Holland Rogers takes your fears and concerns about writing and buries them. He explained why I was procastinating and gave me the techniques to overcome it. Rogers takes all the excuses we give ourselves about why we can't find time to write and he shoots them down one by one.

This book is a must for all of you who say: "One day I'm going to write a novel", and for those of you who have lost your way. I highly recommend it

If you want to write stories of any kind, you want this book. I borrowed it form the library, but I didn't want to return it. I bought my very own copy right away.

This book is great for anyone interested in writing for children, actually, it's great for anyone interested in writing fiction! It's an easy read and has loads of great information. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone.

Nancy Lamb's books explores most if not all facets of writing with a focus on children stories. Very dense, her book offers enough information in each topic to get you started writing and to understand story structure. An excellent primer for beginners, the books serves well for experienced writers as a refresher. Lots of golden nuggets in each page. It is a book that will not remain on your shelf collecting dust. It's not the end all book on writing but will save you time and money from buying poor quality how to books on writing. Her style is very straightforward. She offers good examples to make her point as well as exercises at the end of each chapter geared to either the writing of your story or an element that raises your awareness to good writing. Buy the book. You won't be sorry.

If you need a writer's guide , buy this one, no matter what you write or for which public. It's full of usefull and simple examples and exercises. The language is clear and humoristic. This book contens all you need to know about crafting unforgettable stories. I use it to rewrite my crime story manuscript and it makes rewriting something close to fun. And that is something unvaluable as you may already know. Buy this book, pick up your pen and join the creazy community of wannabe writers.

There is always more than one way to approach something; including writing. Nancy Lamb covers everything from writer's block to crafting your story. This is THE most valuable book on my writer's shelf and I refer back to it constantly.