J Books

What can I say here that hasn't been said by everyone in the aquarium industry? Nothing...it's the standard template for information about corals if you have a reef aquarium. I will boldly say that it's foolish to not own this book if you own a coral. I'm crossing my fingers that Mr Borneman will put out a second edition. This is the be all, end all of coral and reef aquarium literature. Be smart and responsible and learn about your animals before bringing them into your house. Anything less is irresponsible and makes you "part of the problem". This is the first step to being an informed, responsible reef aquarist. Thanks so much Mr Borneman!

Great husbandry information, good (as you can get) identification, simple but sufficient biology of corals, and tons of beautiful pictures make this the single book on corals that I open anymore. I'm very glad it made it's way into my reef library.

This book is extremely deep in its explanation of all of the families of corals found in saltwater reef aquariums. Its a pretty heavy read, and I recommend something a little more basic if you are just getting into reef aquariums. This is my second book on corals, after a more basic and general saltwater hobby book. Had I not read the first one, I would have been a little overwhelmed by this one. Also, its a beautiful hardbound book that would do well as a coffee table book. The pictures of the corals are beautiful. I purchased it used, and the seller was punctual on delivery, with the book being in as good, if not better condition than was described.

An essential book for marine reef hobbyists, if you are interested in aquarium corals, this is one of the references you must review. Good pictures, extended information about each coral genus and quality information about coral care and maintenance in different types of reef aquariums.
Excellent quality-price relation for a book of one of the subject reference authors.

This book is simply "the bible" for corals. Not only it has an outstanding presentation (hard cover, deluxe paper, thousands of high-quality pictures) but also everything you need to know about corals. Great for the beginner, indispensable for the seasoned hobbist. If you are into reef tanks, you must own this book.

Being diagnosed with prostate cancer is difficult enough. Deciding on the right treatment can be down right excruciating. In some respects, choosing a treatment for early stage prostate cancer is like buying a car except that the stakes are much, much higher. You start out knowing you've got a number of good options. Then you collect a lot of confusing and conflicting information. You change your mind a lot, often leaning toward the last person or physician you spoke with. Fortunately for me one of the last things I did before deciding on a treatment was to read Bob Marckini's excellent book "You Can Beat Prostate Cancer ."

Frankly, I would have never known about Bob's book had I not lived in Jacksonville, Florida where proton beam therapy is offered at the University of Florida's Proton Therapy Institute (one of five centers in the United States currently in operation).

I was well into my research for a cure when I discovered Bob's book. What I found remarkable was that his story was my story, too. I gained great insight and comfort from his book. I can't tell how many times I would read a section about Bob's search for a treatment and think "that's exactly what I went through."
Most of all, it helped me further validate my decision to proceed with proton therapy.

Bob is not a doctor, but he is a prostate cancer survivor who did his research and tells his story in a very human and compelling manner. Even if you don't ultimately decide that proton is right for you, Bob's book is an easy to understand roadmap of how and why to take control of your treatment options.

If you have prostate cancer, do yourself a favor and read Bob's book before you make a decision that can affect the rest of your life.

Bob Marckini's book took me by the hand, so to speak, and oriented me to the world of the prostate cancer patient. Quickly, I became highly informed about the nature of my disease, and the pros and cons of the treatment options. I cannot thank him enough for all his diligent research, for his wonderful gift of making complex things simple, and for the humanity that comes through in every page. Reading Marckini's book made me feel as if I had a friend and advocate right there with me to show me the way.

I was recently diagnosed with an early stage prostate cancer. I immediately began a feverish internet research of treatment options and interviews with friends who had undergone various treatments.

The good thing about a cancer discovered early is the option of several treatment methods which can offer a cure. My dilemma was to choose the best treatment for my situation that also offered the highest quality of life.

I stumbled upon Bob's website and I was impressed by the large number of testimonials in favor of proton therapy by prostate cancer survivors. In my research I did not find a groundswell of support from treated patients for other treatment options.

I read this book from cover to cover and learned many new things about the various treatments, especially the variability in brachytherapy with seed implant distribution, placement and migration. This book should be required reading for every man facing prostate cancer decisions. Bob offers a wealth of insights on the quality of life after treatment which were shared with him during his many interviews with treated prostate cancer patients.

Read this book before finalizing your treatment decision - you won't regret it!

John Miller DDS, MSD

I purchased this book from this website on the strength of the reader reviews. I was not misled!
Having just been diagnosed in early July 2008 with Prostate Cancer, I was in shock. I too, received the same kind of feedback about being perfect for surgery, photon radiation and seed implants, as the author did. But reading this book armed me with so much information, I was teaching my Primary Care Doctor about Proton Therapy. And HE was getting excited listening to me!
Nearly everything written in this book is of practical value. The usefulness of the information is extensive for a non-text book.
This review is a little premature, in that I have not begun my Proton Treatments yet. I will begin treatment at MPRI in Indiana in the coming weeks. But, I will add to this or write another review in the future. Because it appears to me that reviews of this book are by extension, also reviews of Proton Therapy.
For today, I will just say that one could add another subtitle to this book that may read something like this:
Proton Therapy - The Cancer Treatment with the least side-effects and least risks of all other Cancer treatments available today!
or this: Proton Therapy - The Prostate Cancer Treatment that will leave you ready to work and live your life immediately after the treatments are done!
Stay Tuned. I'll be back with more.

You Can Beat Prostate Cancer
By far, this is the most decisive and practical book available concerning prostate cancer treatment and options. This book offered much reassurance and comfort during a time of great stress and anxiety, after I received my prostate cancer diagnosis. Mr. Marckini's book helped me to take a systematic and logical approach to exploring my treatment options with optimism and hope. Mr. Marckini offers an extremely well researched and step-by-step approach to investigating your treatment options while identifying with his own treatment insights and experiences.

I felt well-armed and equipped to ask the best questions of my primary medical doctor, surgical doctors, and radiologists with whom I consulted. After reading this book, I felt empowered to make a proactive and well-educated decision, rather than feeling powerless and overwhelmed by the amount of information I had to digest and the decisions I had to make. Because his book provides such sound information and is easy to read, I routinely make this book 'required reading' for any of my patients with prostate questions and concerns. This book provides a wealth of information and resources necessary for every man to make an informed decision.

The diagnosis of prostate cancer affects not only the one who is diagnosed, it also affects everyone with whom he is close. This book is a "must-read" for every man, (and family members and friends) faced with the difficult task of confronting a diagnosis of prostate cancer.

This book was pivotal in my decision for Proton Treatment for my prostate cancer. I am grateful to Mr. Marckini for this wonderful book and for my life changing experiences at the Proton Treatment Center at the Loma Linda Univeristy Medical Center.

Received this book in a timely fashion, arrived as expected. A little used but nothing that would disuade me from buying again.

I was skeptical about this book at first...but the storyline pulled me in. And I must say I'm happy I was pulled in.

Kudos to the author for coming up with not only this storyline, but the strong character/heroine behind the story. I don't know if there are many women out there who could've endured "the price of passion"....

Compelling storyline...you'll be engrossed from the first chapter to the last!!!

Where do I start? Where do I begin? Well for one thing, don't be fooled by the title of this book(smile). Ms. Palfrey is an excellent writer, and excellent storyteller. I first read this book in the late 90's early 2000's, and I have to say that it's better the second time around. Ms. Palfrey's style of writing is so down to earth, it's like you can visualize what she has to say. "Walter" needed his"%&@" kicked for all that drama he put "Vivian" through, and she's a class act for just dealing with him. "Marc"....whatta man,whatta man!!! Chapter sixteen where they (Marc and Vivian) finally do the do was so spicy that I had to throw cold water on my face!!! All the other characters in the book are exceptional as well, and "Sondra" from "Three Perfect Men" was an added treat. This novel started my love for Evelyn Palfrey books.

Walter is a very Passionate man. Walter also feels the need to spread the love to other's, woman outside his marriage especially. Being a Politician he is labeled as a person with a lot of power. Woman fall for men with money and power, plus Passion made him iresistable. His wife Vivian of ninteen year's married him for all the same reason's. But what is Vivian suppose to do when Walter birngs home a baby out side of the marriage? Should she stay or should she leave? If you were in this situation what would you do?

This book was good. I couldn't stop reading the book! Walter, man, if I was Vivian he wouldn't be alive! This was an awesome book. 5 stars!

This book is much like Prof. White's class at Northwestern, it sounds great at first, but if you actually stop and think about what is being said (ironically employing a lot of what White is recommending) you start to realize that it is just a collection of anecdotes and quotations that are intended to make you feel good and to get motivated.

This book isn't horrible and I am sure many new hires, fresh out of college, will feel good about what is being said and will gain some self confidence in the process. Unfortunately much of the statements in this book are corollary, have little or no factual basis and are not all that insightful, but rather common sense stuff. Call this book what it is, a self-help guide, a motivational text, but certainly not an insider's guide, nor insightful advice from a CEO.

This is a great book to read as soon as you get out of school. This book gives advice from a former CEO perspective and now excellent professor to the New Manager. I believe is a must read to anybody getting out of MBA school!

The book gives great tips that you can literally apply at work on day one. I was lucky enough to be able to take Professor's White New General Manager Class at the Kellogg School of Management, which allowed me to get double doses of advice. But regardless this book is a very easy read, gives very practical examples, and talks to the entry too mid-level manager. The book is great and I highly recommend it....and I am not being bias because I was one of his students!

The author was a successful CEO, and is currently a professor in organizational behavior at Northwestern. This background has made his advice uniquely valuable. I would recommend this book to anyone who is preparing for his/her first job.

CEO and Professor Bill White creates a wonderful toolkit to answer questions everyone in or going into the professional environment runs into. This is certainly a good resource for both those just graduating and those several years out. Bill's experience as a CEO and then as an educator at Northwestern gives him unique insights into the keys to success. The book takes a very common sense approach that will resonate well with readers. Having been in the workforce for several years now, the fundamental habits Bill outlines are spot on and serve as a compass for me even today. This book is a must read and will not disappoint.

Bill White provides timeless advice for anyone looking to succeed in the world. His words of wisdom apply not only for business managers, but for anyone wanting to get ahead in the world. Regardless of your job, regardless of your lifestyle, Bill breaks down some universal truths and helps you apply them to your life. You may have heard some of the advice before, but it will never mean as much, will never be as applicable to your life, as when you read it in Bill's words.

If you have an interest in nonprofit organizations and governance, I highly recommend this book. It provides theory and application of tools that can be utilized in any organization. Easy to read and to apply.

In this short book are some of the most trenchant, clearly-written statements on how to be an effective executive ever written. It contains some philosophical statements, more real-world examples, and most importantly, it details actions the executive can take to become immediately effective. I wish I had read this 20 years ago!

Other books like Good To Great and Built To Last are excellent, too, but are more strategic. This is the tactical book, beautifully and concisely written. If you want to be effective, buy this book now. It is brilliant.

I am still reading this book; there are so many insights that I find myself highlighting and writing them down; then I go back to review them over and over. For the person who wants to be an Effective Executive or just an effective individual I would recommend you read this book. You can just read this book you have to put the information into practice. It is a text book for the effective leader in you. You will go back to it over and over again to ensure you are doing the right things to become more effective.

Skip all the "hype" about leadership theory. Drucker is the king. Years since this book was written - it is all about Executive Effectiveness. Well isn't that the same as "leadership" but just without all the hype? You bet. Buy and read this and burn your leadership mental masturbation books.

If you're looking for concise, simple dialogue on what it means to be effective and how to parlay that into your work life, here it is. If you are looking for a fashionable, faddy, flashy Seth-Godin-type mantra to chant, you will be vastly disappointed and fantastically bored.

To those who are serious students of business and it's execution and are willing to do what it takes to be leaders, this is one of probably 3-5 books on the required reading list. Read through it quickly at your own peril, for amazing gems are buried mid-paragraph in the most seemingly innocuous paragraphs.

Now for the love of effectiveness, please buy, read and apply this to yourself so I don't have to do business with you sloths anymore!

I read this book years ago and I remember absolutely loving it. It's taken me years to find it again (I could never remember the title or author). I'm not sure I've ever read a book that has haunted me and disturbed me as much as this one.

A group of teens face an evil, deserted amusement park with rides and objects intent on doing them harm. Jenny, Dee, Michael and Audrey all set out to find Jenny's boyfriend, Tom and her cousin, Zach. Jenny constantly resists the charming Julian and proves herself as stronger than anyone ever thought her to be. Julian, who was introduced earlier in the series as the demanding and ruthless evil Shadow Man, shows that he has a much more caring and vulnerable side. Jenny and her friends face various obstacles and change along the way- their support, friendship and solidarity strengthening each other. The ending is bittersweet and, in my opinion, a tearjerker.

L.J. Smith should really consider writing a sequel to this series! The ending ends with some hope and really, I find the possibilities of what could be done now to be extremely interesting.

(Spoiler) What do you all think would happen IF Julian's name was carved once again? Would he be the same Julian with the same feelings, would he be as Julian was when he was first born, or would be another being entirely? These questions were never fully answered and I would love to know!

I do detest the ending however I don't think I'll spoil it for you but never the less still good story.

This entire Trilogy is just amazing. I was given a present of the first book when I was about 7 (10 years ago), and I immediately wanted the next two! I fell in love with Julian there and then, and was never able to understand why Jenny didn't just choose him! I've read these books over 20 times, and they're all falling apart. Everybody in the entire world should read them, because you're missing out if you don't. I highly recommend them. The last book is a nice finish, but it's incredibly sad. I wish it had ended differently! (...)

In the trilogy of the Forbidden game i thought that the first and third were the best books I've ever read, and although the second was good it didnt even compare to these. I thought the game was great but if I were jenny I'm afraid I would miss out on it because one look and a few words from Julian and I would run away with him straight away. The books were made to be so real that I'm still searching for my own door, call me sad but you have to admit if Julian wanted you, you wouldn't be able to resist!

This was the first LJS book I ever read and it awakened me. Never before had I realised what a book could truly do to a person. This, the final book of the Forbidden Game trilogy, really gives the reader an insight to all the characetrs. It shows how they have developed, especially Julian. It also brings out different feelingsof the main characetr, Jenny. She learns so much about Julian and learns to understand. This book is definatly the most important and is a wonderful way to end the trilogy.

This is my favourite book, only challenged by other of L J Smith's works. She is an amazing woman and it is well worth reading her stuff.

I read this book many years ago, and I don't remember much about about it other than the following: Its one of the best books of science fiction I have ever read, has one of the bests plots about time travel, and finally is one of Asimovs bests. So I highly recommend it if you like science fiction, time travel and/or Asimov.

Harlan is a technician and works for a political sort of organisation called The Eternals. They minister to time over tens of thousands of centuries, and try and keep it running with a minimum of adjustments.

People being what they are, Harlan decides to make a minor fiddle because of his feelings for a woman.

I probably first read this classic sometime in the late 1950s; certainly, it's the earliest time travel novel I can remember reading. Andrew Harlan, a native of the 95th century, is a Technician in Eternity, a member of a corps of self-appointed guardians of reality that exists outside of ordinary time. It's a highly stratified society and Harlan is a member of the caste that actually effects changes by making the "Minimum Necessary Change" at the selected point in time and space. Then he meets a woman outside of Eternity with whom he falls in love -- sort of -- and takes it upon himself to protect her from a Change planned for her continuity. Of course, it's a far more complicated matter than that, as Harlan finds out the hard way. In fact, the very existence and survival of Eternity is at stake. But maybe it ought not to survive. The writing seems a bit sappy now, a bit turgid, but styles and tastes change. The basic "time patrol" theme, however, has been riffed on by scores of subsequent novels and short stories. Some points seem rather naive to us now: The enormous size of the "computaplexes," even thousands of years in the future, a voice recording device that's still large enough to require a storage case and a separate microphone, and so on. (It's always surprised me how many Golden Age authors failed to anticipate the minute size of electronic devices so short a distance in their future.) But ignore all that and just enjoy the story for what it is.

Isaac Asimov has written a brilliant glimpse into the fragile psyche of man. In our neverending quest for knowledge and to seek the unknown, we take chances. In Asimov's future we have The Eternals to keep us safe from ourselves. The Eternals manipulate the timeline by altering any dangerous situations that may harm mankind in the long run. This creates a dichotomy as mans adventurous and sometimes self-destructive basic need to break free clashes with our conservative desires to play it safe. Asimov explores the end results of this clash with the central character Andrew Harlen. Harlen is the catylist as he unwittingly is played by both sides in a fascinating chess match of truly epic proportions. Some of the aspects of this story were later explored in Spielberg's "Minority Report", as in preventing future events from happening before they can do harm. The best Science Fiction is the kind that really makes you think and this book most assuredly does that.

Time travel is a great, speculative sub-genre of scifi. Although mildly dated this is book highly worthwhile. Asimov's storytelling and imagination are legendary due to works like this.

it took 3 weeks to have books. I have been buying things form Amazon. This is first time. No explanation.

This second book is a real charmer. With a little bit of everything, D.J. Machale reaches inside the readers emotionaly. He makes fantasies come to life inside these wondrous pages.

I won't be able to put an in-depth review since I read the book a while back and am on book 7 right now so my head is swimming with information from all the books.

The second book in the Pendragon series throws the reader back into the territories of Halla. As we last read, Bobby had gotten back to Second Earth to realize that his life there was over. When Loor and Press come to drive him away back to another territory, he once again leaves behind Courtney Chetwynde and Mark Dimond, the two who he had been sending the journals to.

This book has an even more enthralling storyline as you meet yet another traveler, Spader, a young guy from a territory completely underwater. You grow to like him and his "people-person" attitude.

This book continues to show Saint Dane's power, and just what happens in the beginning (I don't want to spoil anything, but it has to do with two floating cities) has a very eerie feeling to it.

This is a must have, as it connects the characters further along in the book and helps make way for book three.

I love this book for multiple reasons.
The first, I think, is because of one of the side characters, Spader. He's so dreamy!!! I love him soooo much!
The second is because the plot is just so fascinating. The idea that a world could exist that is completely on water is just so cool.
The third is because of Saint Dane, the evil dude trying to take over Halla(all existence, all times, all places, and all creatures, great or small). He's such an evil person I just could hit him. ARRGGG!
The fourth reason is because of Bobby. I think he's one of the funniest characters I've ever read about(yes, I'm saying he even tops Ron Weasley in Harry Potter!).
I love this second installment so much!
You should definitely surrender to your craving!! Way to go DJ!

I loved this book, it is fun and creative. I didn't want to put it down. This series is fun for all ages.

This book, read first when I was 14 years old, and since added to my adult library, read and re-read again, has stayed with me like so very few other books in my life.

I wont over-egg the review - Corbett wouldn't have liked that kind of lionising (good pun!) and he doesn't need it. Suffice to say I respect Corbett deeply, and often think of him. Unabashed admiration for this man is easy. All his books are worth your money, but start with this one.

Jim Corbett was an excellent writer and storyteller. Although I've read other stories written by adventurers and hunters that were Corbett's contemporaries, none were as interesting or as well told. My 11-year-old son particularly enjoys them. I would highly recommend any of Jim Corbett stories for teens or pre-teens as well as adults.

In the early twentieth century, British held South Asia was terroized by a number of infamous tigers and leopards. Entire villages were abandoned and literally hundreds of human beings found out they weren't at the top of the food chain. In the "Man Eaters of Kumaon", hunter jim Corbett describes in vivid and suspensful detail his hunt for tigers in Northeast India.
Corbett describes the perilous beauty of the jungle clad hills in the shadow of Nepal's majestic summits. He also masterfully paints an image of terror and suspense as he faces off against tigers, leopards, a bear, and a venomous snake. Even as he pursues his prey, he often comes close to having the tables turned on him. He also presents readers with a glimpse of the cultural spectacle and harsh life-or death realities in India under the Raj.
Corbett doesn't come across as very prideful. In fact, he even respects the animals he's hunting and often notes injuries or situations that likely caused them to hunt humans. I will warn potential readers that there are several rather gruesome scenes ranging from finding dead or injured humans to some of the hunting itself. However, I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in adventure, hunting, or both. It is well written, a fast read, and ultimately a powerful tale of man against beast.

Probably the best big game hunting book ever written. Will keep you on the edge of your seat and I do not recommend reading it while camping in the woods (especially if the woods happen to be in India). Corbett describes stalking man-eating tigers and often they stalk him. These are not made-up stories nor are they self justifying. Corbett ONLY hunted tigers that the local population asked him to, after dozens or sometimes hundreds of people had been killed. His descriptions are beautiful and picture an era (India in 1900-1930) that has long since gone. I have read it many times, the first when I was about 11 years old.

This book was written by not only a very brave man but a man that possessed great character and class. His only reason for hunting these Man-Eaters was to rescue the villagers from this ever present terror. He took no money for his efforts. Very exciting reading without ever a hint of bragging about his extraordinary gift of successfully hunting the most dangerous animals on earth.

I can't believe I missed out on this one as a child... but it's just as good coming to it as an adult. The perfect lazy Sunday afternoon book to read. Adults can also escape to the wilds of Lake Windemere (Lake District), to sail up the Amazon, do battle with pirates and search for buried treasure on Cormorant Island.

The year is 1929 and story is about four children - John, Susan, Titty and Roger (in age order) - who are holidaying on the shores of Lake Windemere with their mum and baby sister, Vicky. The children are an adventurous lot and love sailing in their boat, the Swallow. Towards the end of their holiday they persuade their mum to allow them on an adventure for a week. They're allowed to sail across to the island not far away and make camp there by themselves.

This is a great adventure for these intrepid explorers. They discover a retired pirate, camp, bathe in the lake, fish and cook for themselves, and are threatened by a rival group of bandits, the Amazons (otherwise known as Nancy and Peggy). All in all a great week of fun and adventure is had by all - brilliant to read about, although there are very few children who'd be allowed to do this now! Inspired by the author's own childhood holidays at the south end of Coniston in the Lake District.

This wonderful book was written about 75 years ago, but is still extremely popular today. It is ageless. I first read it as a nine or ten year old and have read it several times since then. The last time I read it I was in my late 50s or early 60s. Every young person should enjoy it immensely as a fictional story. But there are many moral and ethical issues that are slyly inserted into this novel. The biography of the author and how he came to write this book, which was the first in a series of 9 or 10 novels, is a fascinating story in itself.

The Swallows and Amazons series was one of my favorites when I was a child. The story, set in the Lake District of England where Wordsworth and other great poets grew up, is a gentle adventure tale about children camping out on an island and rigging a little sailboat. It is slower paced than children are used to today. But I think a sensitive boy or girl would find it reassuring that the children solve their own problems of navigation etc.

While it didn't bother me as a child that the language was distinctly British, as I'd been prepared by the Winnie the Pooh stories, and Wind in the Willows, I would recommend Swallows and Amazons as a bedtime story to be read aloud by an adult reader. The reader could then explain the language. A map of the UK would help too, as the story is set in the Lake District.

An adult storyteller might be interested in a biography of the series author, Arthur Ransome, who led an adventurous life - including work in the Soviet Union and marriage to a Russian woman.

Enchanting
It's hard to explain what makes this book so charming: The writing, the way the children and their relationships with each other are shown so clearly and believably, the very real adventures they have, the sense of place....but listing those traits doesn't do the book justice. It's also really funny in places! Ransome creates a world that is clearer and lighter and more enchanting than the one most of us live in -- but he's also written a realistic book. The Lake District DOES look the way he describes it, and there could be children like the Swallows and their friends the Amazon pirates.

The books are for all ages, and I think they are also inspiring and a good influence! They make me want to have adventures -- and they encourage parents by example to let their children have them. The parents in the books are responsible, teach their children well -- and allow them to adventure on their own. They can do that because they've taught the children to have good judgment and be responsible.

Arthur Ransome's own favorite in the series was WINTER HOLIDAY, which I also loved. Once the original characters leave the series, it loses its interest (for me, anyway) -- children who enjoyed the first books will also probably like Blow Out the Moon by Libby Koponen and all the E.Nesbit books.

About 60 years ago I read as many books from this series that I could find in my local public library. I had passed through a phase of devouring the Dr. Doolittle fantasy series (so damaged by the motion pictures using that title - how could they cast tall lanky Rex Harrison in the role of a short cuddly grandfather-like figure?) Another series in which, as an American boy fascinated by warplanes during the Worl War II era - I went on to become an aerospace engineer - I was enthralled, was "A Yank in the RAF", which I don't think would translate to the 21st Century very well. But the series that made the most impact on me was Ransome's Swallow family. As with Hugh Lofting's Doolittle, the author's drawings enhanced the books.

I have not visited there yet but I plan on touring Britain's Lake District (I don't think I was cognizant of where the tales took place, except I knew the children were British. They liked to drink ginger beer; in the US we had a ginger ale drink, but not ginger beer and I was curious to have some.) I have long wanted to live somewhere that would allow me to experience the thrill of mastering the small sailing boats of the story. The closest I came was living near the Pacific in California and near the Potomac River. But the boats in those regions were larger and not terribly accessible. I did go sailing with friends and tried to sail on my own in a marina with a rented boat (a too narrow and crowded venue for a novice just learning to tack and unfamiliar with how to dump wind from the sail when being carried in the wrong direction.) I have gotten to taste ginger beer. I have also used the children's means of including coded messages in their letters in the form of dancing stick figures around the page's margin (the secret was to ignore other parts of the figures and concentrate on the positions of the arms, which were standard semaphore code.) I introduced the code to one of my daughters when we were in the "Indian Princesses" organization. (Is the name and programs of that organization offensive to American Indians? I'm sure its founders weren't sensitive to the fact that American Indians still existed.)

I will introduce this series to my precocius 6 year old grand daughter when I think she is ready.