Young Adult Books

From the moment I first read the synopsis I was intrigued. Time travel, a Scotsman, fantasy and true love are all wrapped into one novel.

In Time Masters we discover that there is a Creator God who created races both Muiraran and Human. Then he ordained that they must co-exist and intermarry in a very unique way for the future of both races. Muirarans contain special abilities, that when placed in loving submission to a human mate can change the course of history.

Time Masters: The Call is a fast paced and interesting story centered around two individuals, one human and one Muiraran, who are destined to change the world. Only together can they stop a great evil.

While being drawn up into a fascinating story, I also found myself captivated with the spiritual concepts in Time Masters. The spiritual concepts were told in a subtle way and beautifully woven into the fabric of the story.

Another thing that I loved about Time Masters was the depth of the characters. My favorite character was Shona, the Muiraran maiden. Everything about Shona's character makes you desire to see her protected and cherished. This adds to the suspense of the story as forces conspire to capture, control and even experiment on her. This also draws the reader into the conflict and heightens the intensity of the struggle. Dallan becomes a larger than life hero, as despite his struggles and bitterness over his situation, he begins to uncover his desire to protect and cherish Shona.

Time Masters captivated me and I highly recommend it. I found the premise creative, the theme of virtue uplifting, the writing descriptive and the story highly engaging.

When I first read this book's description, I thought it reminded me a little of Doctor Who. Timelords, Time Masters, sound kind of similar? Sure.

The comparison may stand, but you'll need to add a few random elements to the mix. A fierce Highlander, a dozen cats, a grinning African, several worried chaperones, chocolate chip cookies, an antique weapons shop, an alien race, a gruesomely evil villain and his clueless hirelings, and a plentiful supply of cliffhanger climaxes. And that's not even the half of it.

You will need to be fairly tolerant of grammar and sentence structure best described as "original". However, this is certainly part of the author's effervescent style, even if it tends towards chaos at times. The rambunctious storyline is so ''out there" that its daring expressiveness is just one more aspect to leave you shaking your head in disbelief. But dinna fash yerself - the writing style is certainly vivid and gripping, including a particularly evocative rendering of the hero's Scottish dialect. Good job!

The plot will keep you on your toes for sure. You can sense how the author must have had an exciting time writing it. There are many scenes that are curiously poignant, and many profound allegorical images of things like justice, sex, music, faith. But the deepest comments are those regarding the state of being in love, being intended for the other, giving your heart away, and finally sharing one heart. All this across the breadth of three time periods - a distant past, an even more distant future, and one something like our present day.

A zany mix of cliches and genres, often hilarious, quite possibly the wildest journey of your life, aud certainly anything but predictable. If you are able to turn a blind eye to a few anomalies, I think you'll enjoy this rip-roaring tale very much indeed.

The story moves so swiftly that I had to catch myself reading too fast and had to slow down. Each sentence kept me in anticipation and each chapter delivered. It DID satisfy. I was thrilled to have read a great story that left some things to your imagination. It did not include vulgar and nasty details of sex and murder. These are things that really take away from a story. Instead, the author brilliantly wrote the details and climaxes to affect your heart, mind, imagination, and dare I say, soul?? I found myself lost in each character. There is depth. A book about battling evil, virtue, loyalty, strength, true love, a Creator, masculinity, femininity, meaning and purpose. I absolutely cannot wait for the next in the series. Meanwhile, I will read this book over again. I highly recommend this read. Is it possible to be satisfied AND want more??

Book One of "The Call" series, Time Masters is a fantastic, sweeping epic. In the year 3698, a terrible civil war is on the brink of erupting. To prevent unthinkable ruin, Dallan MacDonald must inherit the responsibility of being a Time Master - yet to earn the title he must earn the love of the nigh-otherworldly Muiraran Maiden. Stolen away as an infant and hidden in another time, she rejects the truth of her nature, and earning her love will be no small task! A race against time to prevent the destruction of civilization ensues, in this dramatic and absorbing saga of heroes, villains, love, and hatred.

Time Masters was a really fun adventure, surprisingly so. When I saw that it was over 500 pages, my heart dropped. I thought,"Oh, no. It better not be boring or I'll never get through it." Hurray! It as anything but boring. I was excited about getting back to it when I had to pull myself away for duties like meals and sleep (but I didn't do much of that). I found it easy to become immersed in the world of the 3600's and the different time/cultures that Dallan and sweet Shona inhabited. I was impatient to see them finally get together and save the world...or would they be able to do it in time? Marvelous character development. I see this as a book for both teens and adults. Now I am looking forward to the second book in the series.

This is the first of Martha Brooks books that I read and it is still one of my favorite books. Her characters are real and the way this book explores what happens to a family in the midst of grief while still trying to go on with their lives, will appeal to teens as well as adults.
If you like books by Sarah Dessen, you will love this book.

I loved the book. It was really something I could relate to. I could put myself in Sidonie's place and feels what she felt. Her stress, emotions and problems were really common in the teenage years, so i knew how she felt. She was dealing with her mother's death and there was alot of details that made it interesting. It was written in a way that I could understand, it wasn't too complicated. And it was also written in a way that I could feel like I was there. It doesn't have a boring place in the book and there's always a cliff-hanger everywhere. I think it was a wonderful book!!!

This book rocks! I've read this books a million times and it's still as good as the first time i've read it. This book is about family relationships, and love. It's a really good book for mature 12 year olds and up. It's a story about a girl who becomes interested in the boy across the street. Read it and find out what happens.

i am a big reading fan, and this is one of the best reads ever. i love this book so much. you laugh, you cry, and it has a totally awesome story. too bad its not a series

I think this book was really good and really easy to relate to. Sidonie was a really brave and independent teenage. The stress and problems she dealt with is really common in teen years. It was a happy yet sad story at the same time. It really shows that when you're feeling bad, family is always something you could count on. It was a wonderfully moving story, it showed that you shouldn't blame yourself for someone's actions. I liked the way it described everything in a way that I could understand it but without TOO much details. I think it was a great book and I could probably relate to it later on in life.

I came across this book while searching for books on sports psychology and motivation. I coach boys lacrosse, but after reading a few excerpts, I knew that Coach Dorrance had some interesting ideas and I bought the book. Even though he focuses on soccer and women's soccer in particular, his ideas and observations apply to any team sport and were facinating and very helpful. His approach to fitness, practice, and competition were especially thought provoking, and while seemingly simple, have shown great results. Good read and highly recommended for coaches of all sports.

Anson Dorrance provides an excellent framework to guide young adults in developing character, leadership and respect for others. This book is about much more than soccer...it is a guide for life.

If you are considering coaching at any level, this is a must read. Anson translates his passion for soccer into an enjoyable and easy read. His honesty regarding technique, strategy and motivation will improve anyone's coaching ability. Highly recommended.

This book is amazing. It is absolutly irresistable. A must read for all. Perfect insight.

Don't know anything about Anson Dorrance personally, but I love his books. There is so much great information. He really conveys his philosophy of how to become a great soccer player, and how a player should conduct themselves in high school and college. I enjoyed this book from a coach/parent standpoint, but I really think high-school age players could benefit from this as well.

what if everyone knew your name in the book i could connect to it. i ask other people to help me make my decisions but they dont fuully make my dcisions for me. haley is 15 and she moved to hilsdale new jersey and go's to hillsdale high.she hengs out with the most popular girls in school and lives next door to her crush. she goes through her upe and downs/ but she's getting every bodys attention after she changes and she's getting reese's attention too. who knows! the main idea of this book is when your choosing your choices it's like making choices for what you would do and you woul face the concequences. the scene that i most reemember from the book is when haley goes to coco's house and they (coco and whitney) want to give her a makeover. when they're finished with her whitney says she looks hot and from then on she has a sanse of style and everyone knows her name.

This was a GREAT book. Okay, so actually, you get to choose your story so i guess anyone can say it's a great book. I mean who deosn't love to choose what happens?

I guess its not that fantastic, but it's original, which I love. So many people these days have similar books. Ugh! It's a great book and it's definitely worth the money because you can read it over and over and over. It's like 4 books in one! Haven't read the next book, but I can't wait!

;)

I loved this book! It was interesting and fun to read. I really liked the way you got to choose what the main character does. I would recommened this book to someone who is 11 years old or older and someone who is ready for an adventure. This book is worth your time and money.
-Taylor, 12

The book What If... Everyone Knew Your Name by Liz Ruckdescel and Sara James was a realistic fiction novel about a girl who's family takes a road trip, moving from the Golden State of California to the Garden State of New Jersey. She moves to a new school called Hillsdale High and needs to know how she can fit in.
Haley Miller, the 15 year old going into a public school for the first time is scared and ready to be friends with anyone she can. While she wishes she didn't ever move, she meets a neighbor whom she thinks is very god looking. She befriends him and others while the story takes its twists and turns.
I really liked this book because of the way it was, how you got to choose what she did. It really makes you feel as if its you living in the book, not Haley. The book takes you through the up and downs of high school and you get to control everything; her friends, her grades, her love life, her future. You don't know how it will turn out either, so that makes it suspenseful, just like real life because you never know what life will throw at you next. For all you know in the book, Haley could be invited to the next big party, and make a bad decision and drink, or you could have her not take the drink and it turns out the stud she's looking at, doesn't like alcohol either.
I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait to read the other one like it called "What If... All the Boys Wanted You." It sounds just as interesting as the first one they wrote and I can't wait to see what that book throws at Haley this time.
I strongly recommend this book for any teen who likes books that will take them through the happy, and not so happy parts of high school. Some of these things in the book can really teach you some stuff you can use in real life, like many novels about teens. So if you are into real life situations, I defiantly recommend this book to you. It was a great read, and I couldn't put it down until I finished it.

WHAT IF...EVERYONE KNEW YOUR NAME is an interesting idea. It's a lot like those Choose Your Own Adventure books you read as a kid. The story is about Haley, a fairly average fifteen-year-old girl who has just moved to suburban New Jersey and is starting at her first public high school. She starts out average, so that the reader can pretty much choose everything that happens to her as the story goes on.

You make every little decision for her, even the ones that seem really minor, like riding the bus to school or getting a ride from her father. You decide who she wants to be friends with and what crowd she wants to be a part of. You decide everything about her.

While an interesting idea, and fairly well-written, this book isn't for everyone. If you're all about finding out what will happen, this book might not be for you, because you decide what happens. It's a cool concept, though, and a fun read, especially since you can read it more than once, with a different story and outcome. The characters aren't particularly three-dimensional, but I guess they have to be simple enough so that it is believable that they would make any one of the very different choices you choose from. This book is fun, but not a must-read.

Reviewed by: Jocelyn Pearce

THIS IS THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ! Even better than the classics the teacher in my school tells me to read. I really liked reading this book, wish it were longer even though it's already 300 pages, but I wished it went on forever because it was really good. I haven't read a book in more than 3 months and this book got me back to reading. After I finished, I was kind of upset I finished the book, it's too good. I'm so glad I bought this book!

I read this book when I was young and read it again recently. It was even better. I have read many books and none have given me the feeling of this one. The review that calls it "slow building horror" is right on the mark. Completely engrossing and unsettling. Here is a VERY short description. Bryce moves to an isolated old boomtown. Ancient legends, town history, and an old indian woman who "sees" things all take part in unfolding the truth of a horror that Bryce sees is gaining power as events in town get stranger. Although the novel is aimed toward young adults, the plot and idea of this book would be interesting for anyone. Also, if you read this, is it just me or does it seem that Steve Zell makes a lot sexual references that are sort of creepy and off and definitely don't go with the book? When I read it I was trying to see what the relevance of some were and just couldn't see any even though they are blatant and numerous. That was the only thing about the book that I didn't like. Email me at scoulo1@lsu.edu if you agree because I really am curious to know if I wasn't the only one.

The story was suspensful and fun. The characters were well defined and the surroundings and events were very well described. I could taste the warm, Indian bread! I seriously could not put the book down. I truly enjoyed this book!

The story was suspensful and fun. The characters were well defined and the surroundings and events were very well described. I could taste the warm, Indian bread! I seriously could not put the book down. I truly enjoyed this book!

From the title "WiZrD", I assumed I would be reading a fantasy book. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that this is a horror novel set in modern day Arizona, includes a cast of humans (alive, dead, and undead), and incorporates colorful, actual legends from both the Navaho and Anasazi cultures. The book gave me many of the positive impressions I had while reading "It" by Stephen King, e.g., teenagers battling supernatural forces, characters you care about, and some spine-tingling imagery. However, unlike "It", "WiZrD" builds, from the start, to a thoroughly fitting and imaginative ending. Zell has a real talent for creating a large cast of characters, each of whom are unique, each fitting like a puzzle piece into the overall story, and each contributing to the eerie climax. In general, I was very impressed with this book and highly recommend it. Zell shows great storytelling skills that I hope will only improve in his next work.

Robin Jarvis' Wyrd Museum Trilogy is a fantastic blend of Fantasy and Horror with interesting characters and a great story line.
Jarvis starts his trilogy with the slightly more easy going, "The Woven Path" which is an exiting journey into the the past life of an old teddy bear. Neil Chapmann and his family move into the Wyrd Museam as his father takes a job as a caretaker. While exploring Neil comes across a room filled with mysterious treasures and meets Ted, the reincarnation of a world war two American pilot. The two of them are sent back in time by Ursula Webster one of the three sisters who own the museum. They end up in London during world war two. Unfortunatly an ancient power has been unleashed on the city and Neil and Ted only have a little time to finish their quest before the demon finds them.
This is a great book although it may be frightening for smaller children.

This book is about 11-year-old Neil Chappman, whose parents just recently got divorced and he now lives with his father. The father got a job as a caretaker at a creepy museum. Because the father hadn't much money, Neil and his father had to live at the museum. While exploring the museum, Neil got sent back in time where he had to save the lives of 4 people.

I liked this book because of the way the author used descriptive language, as well as the amazing characters that the author developed. This is a great book for anyone who loves fantasy and adventure stories, but it has some scary bits in it so it's probably not for little kids.

This story sends chills trough you, but I`m not completely shure how much little kids enjoy it, because there is quite a bit of describing and I`ve found out that the youngsters don`t really find that amusing - it bores them if it seems too long. Shure they can identify with Niel (a boy sent back to war-time London) and the Teddy, but him actually beeing a grown man must confuse them.

I enjoyed it nevertheless - the Webster sisters anre creepy without any other stuff happening, and the father is so adorably helpless. The Story itself is well writen too and will probably not dissapoint you. Try it.

The Wyrd Museum trilogy has some of the most spine-tingling moments I have ever come across in juvenile fiction. While it is probably a little too gruesome for the 9 and under set, it provides plenty of thrills and chills for everyone 10 and above.

When you have grown weary of the exploits of a certain young wizard, come and visit with the Webster sisters for a magical tale of a more sinister sort. Nothing in or around Hogwarts has ever been this creepy!

A must read!!! If they made a movie out of this, it would probably outsell Lord of the Rings or Star Wars. It keeps you on the edge of your seat and you simply can NOT put it down. If you like books with mystery, action, comedy, horror, drama, romance or ANYTHING of everything all three of the Wyrd Museum books deliver and keep you wanting more!!!

This story takes place at the Comfort Zone Camp. Teens talk about how they miss each of their parents and how losing a parent can affect your whole life. They help each of the teens with their struggles. They all share each of them stories that remind them of their parents.
This is a heartwarming story! They explain how always remembering you parent help. I know how it feels because losing my dad was I very hard thing for me and this book help me through hard times because knowing that there are other kids and teens that they are going through the same thing I'm going through. And somehow that helps me!
I think anyone who had lost a parent should read this book because they will know that a lot of teens have feelings after a loss of their parents. And that every person should be heard.

I'm biased as a longtime volunteer at CZC who travels 13 hours from Toronto, Canada every year just to be a part of this wonderful place. I purchased the book and read it cover to cover in one morning, took me about 2 1/2 hours. I sat down and was compelled to write Lynne a very personal four page letter expressing everything that came to mind reading the book and how much she (and the camp) means to me. It was an awesome experience as much because alot of the names & stories are familiar to me and because I can relate personally to almost every chapter but truthfully it's because I found answers to questions I had been asking elsewhere in my life, even at my age (36). I'm also a survivor of childhood loss, losing my dad at the age of 12 years old. I Highly recommend this book as a resource for parents, caregivers & teens alike!

As someone who has had the privilege of volunteering with Comfort Zone Camp and who also experienced the death of a sibling during childhood, I am more than impressed with "You are not alone: Teens talk about life after the loss of a parent." Throughout the book, Lynne does an amazing job of conveying the stories that numerous teens have trusted her with. The book is amazingly honest and powerful. As always, I am impressed with the campers, volunteers, and everyone who is a part of Comfort Zone Camp.

All other books that I've read about this subject EXPLAIN teen grief... but none that IDENTIFY with it. This book did that. Excellent!! *****

I was 20 years old when I lost my parents within 9 months of each other. Lynne's book as been a great help to me despite this happening to me and my siblings a long time ago. I am a big buddy at the Comfort Zone Camp and it's one of the most fulfilling things I have ever done. Now with Lynne's book all children can be reassured that in time they can heal and have a happy and healthy life. We are the proof of that.
Great job Lynne!

You can find this book in an updated version in Amazon with the same title. If you are seeing this review in November or December 2007, you might even get a great discount from Amazon while it is in presell--32% off the list price and then another 5% before it is in print! Although the price went to full price after Thanksgiving keep watching as it may go on special again. If you put the book in your shopping cart and the price goes down it will automatically be reflected!

The new edition is at the printer right now.


The new book has the same content, but it's got an updated cover and the inside is easier on the eye to make it a more comfortable read.


So, mosey on over and have a look. You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way Be sure to keep in touch with me and let me know how you like the book, how it's helped you, and what else you'd like me to write about. You're invited to check out my blog at AuntLaya dot blogspot dot com for more from me.

With love and blessing,
Aunt Laya

Author of the best loved self help book for young adults, "You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way"

I'm not done reading this book, but so far, I'm elated that I purchased it. The book is very simple to read and Aunt Laya provides many of her personal life stories which is always delightful. I would highly recommend this book to any teenager, and also adults as the book offers heartwarming inspirations. You have nothing to lose and alot to gain from reading this book. You cannot go wrong with purchasing this book..at all! She doesn't say anything harmful, uncomforting nor dangerous for the human spirit. The price is reasonable for such a book. I suggest reading this book before bed, or after a relaxing shower. Your mind should be very relaxed, if not, you may have to read something twice! Enjoy ;-)

Aunt Laya Saul is a wise, witty and wonderful person who genuinely cares about helping her readers become independent adults . . . who become that way by minimizing the mistakes they make.

Will young adults listen to anyone other than other young adults? In some cases, they will. The same advice that will be rejected from a parent (as part of young adult rebellion) may be very welcome coming from someone a little more emotionally removed. Aunt Laya Saul tries to play that role and does a solid job.

You will find bits and pieces of the Bible and the best self-help books in You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way. For that tiny minority of young adults who have figured out that they would like to learn by ways other than falling down, this book can save years of reading by distilling so many other sources into bite-sized pieces. "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." That's the philosophy behind this book.

How about for young adults who need good advice but don't realize that someone else's experience can be a good teacher? The only hope there is for a young friend to recommend this book . . . or better yet, give it as a gift for a birthday or other non-threatening occasion.

The best way to introduce a young adult to this book who isn't looking for self-help is to read a story or a brief section to them aloud. I suggest starting with an intriguing part that isn't too personal . . . like the butterfly story on page one or Sam's Sandwiches on page 46. Then hand the book over and say something like, "There are a lot of other good stories in here too."

Then, in the secret recesses of the young adult bedroom, the delicate, but fascinating, material on sexual relations, making and keeping friends, suicide, drugs and alcohol abuse, and finding a soul mate can be explored in peace and quiet.

As I read the book, I tried to remember myself at around age 16 with the questions I had then. It never occurred to me to look for a book to get answers, but if it had, Aunt Laya Saul would have been an excellent source. And I would have avoided some major bumps in the road if I had learned these things through a book rather than by bumping my head on the road of life.

I commend the author for creating such a well-intentioned book that delivers on its premise . . . and I hope the book sells well for her.

The book's main limitation is that it doesn't have contemporary material that connects to the young adult world. If Ms. Saul ever redoes this book, I suggest that she co-author it with a young adult.

As I read the book, I kept comparing it to Life Strategies for Teens which was written by Jay McGraw (Dr. Phil's son) in 2000. No one knows how to talk to a young adult like another young adult.

Aunt Laya Saul's "You Don't Have to Learn Everything the Hard Way" is an inspirational and motivational book for young adults. As parents of teens undoubtedly know, adolescence is a tough time for everyone. Teenagers often feel uncomfortable as their hormones rage and their bodies change. They worry about their popularity and they feel pressured by the need to grow up too fast. In some cases, adolescents are frightened, depressed, lonely, and totally stressed out.

Laya, who has a master's degree in applied psychology, imparts words of wisdom that come from her professional expertise, personal experience, and from famous people whom she quotes liberally throughout the book. In easy-to-read language and with many pertinent and entertaining stories and anecdotes, Laya covers a lot of ground. She discusses such topics as developing a positive attitude, handling difficult challenges, establishing healthful and long-lasting relationships, and adjusting to the inevitable changes that life brings.

Laya doesn't shy away from the tough issues of suicide, sexuality, and drugs. She counsels teens to think hard before they give in to peer pressure and to choose their friends wisely. She lets teens know that it is not a sign of weakness to seek help from parents, teachers, and spiritual advisors. The world is a tough place and it is not easy to grow up these days. Laya's book can be a useful tool to ease the difficult journey from adolescence to adulthood.

When I was growing up, I can honestly say that I don't remember ever hearing about "self-help" books for teens. If they were out there, I simply never heard about them, and no one ever pointed me in their direction. Maybe if I had gotten my hands on a book as well-written as YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEARN EVERYTHING THE HARD WAY, I would have had a better guideline to base my choices on. Thankfully, this book is available now, and it's a resource that every teen and pre-teen should read. Aunt Laya Saul is never preachy, she doesn't tell you what's right and wrong, she never says you can't make mistakes. Actually, the author is very adamant about that fact that each young adult should make their own decisions, and that you can learn from your mistakes. But as she also points out, there is still something to be learned from the mistakes that have already been made by others. Just as you know that jumping off the Empire State Building would be a bad idea (as shown by those who have tried it), you can realize that doing certain things will only bring you harm by seeing the results they've already had in other people's lives.

The book is laid out in four main categories, with many sub-categories in each one. They are:

Attitude, which includes Believe In Yourself, Everybody Has Something, Trust Your Intuition, Defining Boundaries, Don't Panic, The One Percent Adjustment, What Do You Expect?, It's Your Choice, and Accountability.

Challenges, which includes Failure-Missing The Mark, Handling Regret, Trusting The Hard Times, Pain And Suffering, Alcohol And Drug Abuse: Self-Medication, Sexual Abuse, Suicide, and You Are Never Alone.

You And The World, which includes Reflections On Relationships, Family, Friendship, Communication, Gossip, Be Nice, Feedback, and What You Really Need To Know About Sex.

Gaining Altitude, which includes Because You Are Noble And You Can, Forgiveness, Lend A Hand, You've Got To Stand For Something, Live Your Dreams, Changes, and The Gift of Time.

There is also an introductory letter from the author, a final word, a section on recommended reads and a bibliography, acknowledgments, how to contact the author, and an author biography.

This is a great book that you can give to the teen or pre-teen in your life. Or if you're a young adult looking for a handbook to get through the tough times of adolescence, pick up a copy of YOU DON'T HAVE TO LEARN EVERYTHING THE HARD WAY. I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

Imagine your a little boy going to school and playing by the rules. Then all you have to do is use the bathroom and then in seconds your gone. Taken by a person who claims that he is your dad. You probably think that this is unreal and foolish but not Matt. He was that little boy he got so scared and began to ask himself the unthinkable Am I going to die? Will I see my mom again? I would think that a 5 year old wouldn't have to go throught that.Do you?

Matts dad, Denny Thurman, dresses up as a UPS Delivery man and goes to Matts school and kidnaps him so that he can take Matt to his sisters and make his sister feel sorry for him and want to give him money. At the same time that Denny is taking Matt to his sisters, Bonnie is leaving her school to go get Matt from his. MAtt and Pookie, his dog, are nowhere to be found in this great book. It was the best book i have ever read! I didnt want to put it down!

It all started when Denny went to Matt's house to get a dog in Matt's so he could make come to his car by telling him that the dog has been runned over.Later Matt wanted to go to the restroom Denny left the dog tied on the post with Matt not noing.The other day Denny told him if he Matt wanted to go to the baseball game he said yes.Bonnie's friends told her if she wanted to go to the game she said yes. When Matt went to the game Bonnie saw Matt,but Matt did not see her.Then they tried to escape from Denny but Denny saw them leave so he got them back.Denny tried to get Bonnie killed, but Matt did not let that happen.The police took them back home safely.

ABDUCTION is an excellent suspense novel with a lot of good information about what families go through and can do in the event of an abduction. Peg Kehret combines a tremendous amount of facts throughout the tense narrative, such as the fact that most kidnapped children are taken by non-custodial parents and how an Amber alert works.

But the story is the real draw here. Matt, a kindergartener, goes missing from his school. His kidnapper is his biological father, a man he's never laid eyes on. Denny Thurman, Matt's dad, is a gambling addict whose latest scheme involves "borrowing" money from his sister and brother-in-law to raise his son.

Thirteen-year-old Bonnie, Matt's sister, gets caught up in the search for her little brother. Kehret pulls the reader into Bonnie's world, sharing her helplessness and frustration as well as the sharp fear that fills her.

The pacing is frantic as the reader flips back and forth between the scenes involving Bonnie, Matt, the kidnapper, and a few extra characters (like the elderly couple that finds the abandoned family dog, Pookie, and decides to take him home).

The climax of the book is exciting and uses a lot of the Seattle setting shown in the novel. Bonnie is a true heroine, but she's not of the Wonder Woman variety. She uses her wits and her heart, and stands her ground with the kidnapper to protect her little brother.

ABDUCTION is a great read to share with a pre-teen or even to be read to an aggressive third- or fourth-grader who likes being read to. My son and I enjoyed this book a lot, but some of the tense scenes made him nervous. He couldn't stop thinking about Matt and his situation until we turned the last page. More than that, he knows more about Stranger Danger and that there are a lot of agencies that look for missing children.

The Amber Alert goes off. You turn on your T.V. faster than a man running across hot coals. Someone has been reported missing. Abduction is a scary thought, especially when you are very young. Most of us have been told to never to talk to strangers. Unfortunately, an eight-year-old boy named Matt encounters this situation in Abduction!
Matt was excused to go to the bathroom one day at school. On the way, he met a stranger. The stranger lied to him and told him his dog Pookie was hurt. He said Pookie was in the car, and Matt went into the car. He doesn't realize his father kidnapped him.
The eight-year-old struggles through many hard times while he was a hostage to his dad, who also was his mom's ex-husband. Matt realizes his father gambles often, and because of that, he loses money frequently. His dad tells another lie, saying his mom and sister were in a car accident and died. In Abduction!, the author shows the importance of family and not talking to strangers. This book is filled with adventure, sadness, and happiness. It teaches a valuable lesson to go along with the twists and turns of the exciting plot.

If you think that you might benefit from "therapy", listen to these programs. A large part of the effort of therapy is getting an individual to open to themselves, to see themselves as they really are, as a precursor to making changes in their life. Caroline Myss' recordings of "Energy Anatomy" and "Advanced Energy Anatomy" open the door to that introspection, giving you a framework in which to see your past life, and present actions. True, you may not agree with everything she says. But I guarantee you will find yourself nodding in agreement over and over again, at the insightful ways she presents the workings of human minds and emotions. And you will find Caroline Myss offering you answers to many of the questions you've asked yourself ("Why do I do this?" "Why did I do that?") over the years. I'm not recommending you forego therapy, if you really need it. Professional therapy can be very valuable. But I am saying that Caroline's recordings are a terrific way of getting in touch with yourself, and seeing yourself clearly (maybe for the first time), regardless of whether you want to pursue professional counseling, or not. And because (as Caroline says) the mind and emotions are prime determinants of the health of the body, this is an excellent series for anyone interested in taking good care of their body, and creating the best health possible for a vibrant and very happy life.

Caroline's wisdom is remarkably shared with examples that I can understand and encompass. This is not my first Caroline Myss tape, but it has helped me more than I can write. I'm from a family of "victim" archetypes and I have a tendency to overspend when I'm letting my "child" archetype have control of my thoughts. Caroline's tapes have helped me make positive changes in my life that I would have taken years to even comprehend before these tapes. Buy the CD version because you will want to listen to the lessons over and over.

I listened to the first Energy Anatomy set and loved it, so I bought the Advanced set. I was disappointed. There is less actual material, more pontificating. Fewer real life stories, more bold, brazen and mostly unusable assertions. Above all there is far less charm, humility, humor and humanity. Myss must have a clientele of new-age noodle heads who enjoy being berated. Or maybe she's just sick of her audience. But she says a lot of things like "you have no idea what the consequences of any action will be, and your foolish to think you do". Well, if that were true, getting from your bathroom to your car in the morning would be impossible, right? She says "you have absolutely no idea how much you've been influenced by the social mind." Well, actually I've given this quite a bit of thought, Carolyn, but then you wouldn't know that because YOU HAVE ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA who I am.

Also, content-wise, I don't find this to be about "advanced energy anatomy" at all, but about archetypes, which is a bit of a different subject. Pass on this title and listen to her previous work, before fame made her arrogant.

Described as Advanced it means exactly that. But, most chapters in the series of 9 CDs are easy to follow and really don't need too much previous spiritual reading. The material reveals what the listener is ready to hear no matter the stage of a person's inner development. Listen to chapters that appeal most to you. And when they appeal to you. You will be sure to learn something you've never heard before, gain new perspective you've never had before. And if you were to listen to the lessons again at another time, you will be sure to still pick up new insight only because your own experiences and spiritual maturity add to the experience of listening to this series.

Mysticism is being able to see the unseen world---to see the invisible world. Mysticim is deeply cultivated insight. Carolyn Myss teaches you through Advanced Energy Anatomy ways to cultivate your insight and presents mystical insight in easy to understand monologue. She is truly a leading teacher of our times. Her speech is easy to follow and her samples are always practical and involving.

The introduction and discussion archetypes can help you understand your self better and your relationships with others and the world better.

The lessons on creativity and spiritual vocations are inspiring. Being able to see your creativity and your dreams interwoven and inseparable can help you understand yourself better and seek fulfillment...at the same time realizing your divine potential.

The discussion on survival, creative and visionary intuition was only one of my favorite new discoveries.

For those who seek to heal themselves and maybe even others, this audio set is very, very enlightening.

So much wisdom and insight is found here! Don't just listen, take out your notebook, post it notes or journal and write the best of what you hear.

Of the many spiritual readings I have endeavored, here is a series that is well worth your money. For practicality, for spirituality... for joining heaven and earth within you...don't miss this series!

Caroline Myss at her best!! The most profound answers to the questions you didn't even know you had asked.
I listen to this series over and over and highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking to live in accordance with their higher truths.