Florida Books

If you know Suzanne Farrell you will love and respect the lady even more after reading this book. Many artists can relate with her experiences and feelings. I'm sure anyone who was in the arts in college knew of someone who had this type of relationship with their teacher.
Honesty and truth abounds in this volume. Ms. Farrell has an accurate memory of the past. We have proof of that in her restoration project of Balanchine "lost" ballets. She is putting together choreography that she danced in her early twenties.
A remarkable lady!

Farrell had a rather dramatic climb into the spotlight so this is not the book to learn how a young dancer makes her way up through the ranks. It's also a little I-danced-this-then-I-danced-that, which makes it hard to remember important roles early in her career. That being said, she is a brilliant dancer, with an unusual career and the truest sense of Balanchine's choreography. If you're interested in Balanchine, American Ballet or the New York City Ballet, this is a must.

Suzanne Farrell was often regarded as Balanchine's ultimate "muse", although she was neither the first nor really the last. Balanchine in the 1960s became obsessed with this willowy, mysterious dancer, and choreographed many ballets for her. Their personal relationship was much gossiped about. But Balanchine was married (to another "muse", Tanaquiel le Clerg), and Farrell was a staunch Catholic. Eventually, she married another dancer, and left the New York City Ballet. When she returned 5 years later, Balanchine's personal obsession was over. They worked professionally till his death but it seems as if Balanchine never became emotionally invested in her again. Farrell for her part loftily insists that the relationship was consummated through "dance" and not the traditional way. One wonders if it was this remoteness and unattainability that made Balanchine so hurt when Farrell married and left the company.
Farrell's book is a moving personal story, and I'm too young to have seen her dance but surviving videoclips make it easy to understand Balanchine's obsession. She was indeed a beautiful, electrifying dancer. However, like a lot of singer autobiographies, Farrell can't help but sound a bit self-centered. She was isolated at the NYCB due to resentment from the other dancers, but it seems impossible that she'd remain so completely oblivious to the company's other members. Thus, 1960s mainstays of the NYCB like Edward Villela, Patricia McBride, Karin von Arnoldigen, that all figure so prominently in any chronology of the NYCB, are completely absent in Farrells story. From someone reading her book you'd think Balanchine choreographed solely for her, that she was the only important ballerina in his life, and that the company essentially revolved around her. This is not a criticism, but it's something to keep in mind when reading the book. I'd suggest also getting a biography of Balanchine, to keep this in perspective.
To Farrell's credit, she never self-aggrandizes or vilifies anyone. She admits Balanchine could be selfish and smothering, but overall she treats him very sensitively. She is also fair about her mother, a typical stage-mom. Overall, this is one of the best autobiographies of a dacner that I've read. Its candid and personal. However, like most autobiographies I wouldnt read it as an entirely accurate history of ballet either.
As an interesting footnote, Farrell's frequent stage partner and new NYCB dancermaster Peter Martins fired Farrell from teaching at the NYCB after a blowup in the late 1990s. In a preview of the book Farrell mentions the firing.
Farrell's co-writer was Toni Bentley, who's also written a fascinating personal account of being a NYCB dancer.

I stumbled across this book by accident almost a year ago and have been touched by it ever since. I'm not sure that I can explain the specialness of this of this story but it feels like a real life fairy tale. You can feel Ms. Farrell's emotions and passion of what it must have been like for her to work with her teacher, George Balanchine. What a dynamic duo they must have been together. I would recommend this book to everyone, whether you have been exposed to ballet or not, as a special glimpse into a very public but very private life. Truly a lovely story.

i read this book as a young adult, when i was entrenched in the rigours of technique and training and it inspired me in many ways. from farrel's honesty and dedication to her art to the descriptions of balanchine as both a person and an artist. i love this book and i highly recomend it.

This is a perfect compliment to Horses of Proud Spirit. Horse Lover or not, this will have a place in your heart!Wow......the stories of these horses and donkeys are amazing! Kuddos to Proud Spirit Rescue and dedicating your life to giving horses a respectful retirement and being there with them to the end.

I got this book for my mom, who LOVES horses. I got her the first one and she loved it, even though it made her cry every time she read a story. So, I figured I'd make her cry again and get her this one, and Yes, she loved it and yes, she cried.

A truly remarkable book from one of the best authors of today. Heartfelt, inspiring and brimming with compassion and love, Melanie's writing reflects her deepest emotion, bringing the sounds of trotting, galloping horses right out of the page. With her we cry and laugh while gaining a deeper respect for the animals that share our planet. Superb in every respect. The purest love is what a person gives to something or someone simply for the joy of sharing it.

Another great book by Melanie. Hoof Prints is as colorful as the first, with new true stories about the great horses and people of Proud Spirit. I laughed and I cried. After I finished the book, I went out to the barn and hugged all my horses. We give it 2 hoofs up!

This is not only a great collection of stories about horse rescues; it speaks of the love and respect for animals that is the driving force behind all those who devote their time and resources to rescue and rehabilitaiton.

For women, girlfriends, wives, and mothers of all ages. Sarah takes everyday events that happen to us all and turns them into good humor stories. The stories capture your interest and sparks your own memories. You do not have to be in the military "family" to relate, you just have to be in a family. Easy to read, large print, broken into a few pages per section so it is easy to set down and pick back up. Good for both young and old. This is my first Sarah Smiley book, but won't be my last. I plan to buy this book as christmas gifts for several of my military and non-military friends.

One of my best friends sent this book to me as a special treat - and that it was! It sits on my bed side table and you better believe that it is never used as a coaster. I read from it nightly and enjoy each of the stories. They are even great to go back and read time & time again. My husband has also enjoyed hearing different excerpts that I share with him. This book would make a lovely book to give to someone, but be sure to get one for yourself as well! It's a must have!!

I was introduced to Sarah's articles by a friend, and now I'm a fan. Her book stays in my gym bag because I love to read 'I'm Just Saying' while I'm working out on the eliptical. It helps me pass the hour quickly. I tend to giggle out loud at her light, fun humor, so I have recommended the book to ladies working out near me! I hope she keeps writing, because I will be looking for more anecdotal stories on family, children and the fun side of life.

The collection of stories in "I'm Just Saying" speaks at once with wisdom, humor and vulnerability about life as a military spouse. As Sarah documents both the mundane and extraordinary aspects of her life, the reader feels like Sarah is an old friend. "I'm Just Saying" is a book that captivates you right from the beginning. Hats off to Sarah for writing a book about military families that speaks universal truths. This book is going to be popular gift for everyone on my holiday list this year!

Sarah Smiley writes in a way that makes the reader feel as if she or he were sitting with Sarah over a cup of coffee hearing about her day. The short essays in "I'm Just Saying" are snapshots of every day life for a very real woman. She might happen to be a military wife but her experiences are common to all women and she shares them in a way that are not only entertaining, but make you feel a lot better about your own mistakes and relationships! Sarah is friend, though I've never met her, and I love seeing myself in her writing.

As a fairly new resident of Florida I look forward to Robert Haehle's NGA email each month, with his great advise & tips. This book is a "must have" for anyone new to tropical gardening, as well as, the Southern natives. The information & beautiful photos are especially helpful in identifying what is in my yard & what I would like to add.

While no one book is perfect, this revised edition has a lot going for it. It has interesting chapters on Florida's climate and different plant communities, e.g. seaside, interior sections, etc. Then it gives an excellen t and concise description of plants, e.g. DAHOON HOLLY (Ilex cassine)with a GOOD COLOR PHOTO. I have one in my backyard. It gives all the relevant information in a clear and concise way: height, light, bloom,etc. Habitat was extremely helpful, i.e. usually found near streams and swamps. I started making sure it got more water! It is on my shelf next to "Florida Landscaping Plants Revised Edition" by Watkins and Sheehan, and between the two, I think I can usually find some helpful information.

I am the co-author of "Native Florida Plants". The new revised edition was printed in early 2004. The new book is not listed on www.amazon.com I think the problem may be the different ISBN number. The new ISBN number is 1-58979-051-0. The book is available from National Books Network at 1-800-462-6420. We hope to see our book on www.amazon.com very soon. This is a great site to get new and used books. I am a customer. Robert Haehle

Great book. Shows many pictures of native plants, trees, shrubs, flowers, vines, etc.
Also talks about how they grow, best areas, etc.
While this book will show you all the native plants in Florida, it does not touch (of course) on plants that WILL grow in Flrodai, of which would be an even bigger book.
Still very useful & will stay on my shelf for many years.

Native Florida Plants is NOT out of print! A new, updated edition was published early this year, and includes additional plants, an updated source list, and a list of family names. Hope it appears on Amazon's website ASAP. (I am the co-author.)

I found this a fantastic guide to finding many of the hidden gems that we all take for granted when visiting Disney World. You blink you will miss them. I like some of the history and meanings behind many of the items that I would have missed otherwise. I think this guide would be great to entertain and the teens on your trip.

This lets you see the ins and outs of Disney. It lets you look at Disney in a different way. It's just fun and it's great. So it's great fun!!!!!

My husband and I are avid Disney goers, visiting at least once a year. We always try to find something different to do when wer're there (i.e. tours around the parks). This book has provided that new fun thing to do on our next trip. It asks a lot of questions and you really have to hunt for answers. There are differnet levels of hunts so it's great for kids, teenagers, or kids at heart. Enjoy!!!!!!

I'm sure this is a perfectly wonderful book and I'll give it 5 stars based on how well it's written and how much fun it looks like it would be. However, I bought this book along with the Hidden Mickey's book and we soon learned it was impossible to do both, so we chose looking for Hidden Mickeys. I think the Treasure Hunts would be a lot of fun for large families, church or school groups.

This book is a necessity for anyone who visits WDW. We have been 11 times now, and thought we knew everything. WRONG. We had more much fun on this last trip using this book than ever before.

If you look around at WDW, everyone is hurrying, running, to get to the "next" thing. What you may not realize is that every step IS the next thing.

WDW is not just about shows and rides. It's all the little details that create the whole fun effect. We had never even stopped to read all the handprints in front of The Great Movie Ride, examine the fountain in front of Muppet Labs, notice all the details inside Country Bear Jamboree, or a million other things. Treaure hunting gave this trip so much more and really made this trip more "magical" than ever.

Since we spend a lot of time in the Indian River Lagoon, this book has become our go to as soon as we get home from a day's boat trip. The pictures depict each creature accurately and the written descriptions clear up any questions about variances in color, shape, etc. The format is clear and concise as is the table of contents. There aren't many resources on creatures of this area so it's wonderful that Paul Humann and Ned Deloach saw the importance of putting together this fabulous guide.

I bought this book for a gift for my husband (and my family) because he is always telling us of all the creatures he sees when he is diving for lobsters when we go to Florida in December. Now we can enjoy the pictures and see what he is talking about. This is the same book that sells for more money at the dive shops. The pictures are wonderful. Glad we were able to find it here!!

This is probably the best reef creature ID book out there for Florida, the Carribean and the Bahamas, but buy the third edition instead. Semi-hard cover.

I bought this item for my trip to the Caribbean. I'm a marine biologist by training, and I loved this book because it gave information above and beyond just identification. It also tells you how likely it was that the critter you saw was the one pictured in the book. Then there are lists of all the species in the back, with space for you to record when and where you saw it. I had so much fun combing this book after snorkeling to identify all the organisms I had seen! What a great investment! I also like this book because it arranges species by their scientific classification. It could have been a bit more thorough, though--i saw plenty of organisms that aren't mentioned in this book at all.

i think its a really good book because it tells you almost every thing you can see in the ocean. I really like it.

Artifacts is well written. The setting is interesting and vividly described. The main characters are quirky and multi-dimensional and represent the kind of people that I would like to know. The author apparently knows about the field of archaeology and knows how to weave this knowledge into a good mystery. Based on this book, I bought the second in the series and enjoyed it, too.

A rivoting mystery about a strong female lead character with a problem: money. The story keeps you turning pages and leaves you satisfied while avoiding caricatures. Yes, Faye is a loner, but what detective worth his or her salt isn't? She's a scofflaw with morals, and her supporting cast is finely and sympathetically drawn.

Evans weaves in a multi-generational plantation history of Faye's home, Joyeuse Isle (cleverly named from a Debussy composition), perched on the hurricane-prone Gulf Coast of Florida.

Satisifying to feminists, history buffs, those with an interest in archeology and meteorology, and just plain old mystery lovers.

The author's background as a scientist, musician, and mom help her create a believable and well developed world full of characters to care about. Fans of Sue Grafton, PD James, and Sara Paretsky will enjoy this book.

I can hardly wait to read Relics, Faye's next adventure.

Artifacts is one of those books that isn't written, it is crafted. It is Evans' first book and it is packed with descriptive detail, multiple plot lines, and interesting characters with lots of back story. This book is a page-turner as the reader gets sucked into Faye Longchamp's struggle to save her historic home, solve the murders of two co-workers, solve the mystery of the disappearing skeleton and... but I don't want to ruin it for you.

Faye is a fascinating character. She has a background in archaeology and knows that the illegal artifact hunting she is doing to generate cash and keep her historic home in the family is wrong, but she is desperate. She is without family and doesn't have much of a support group or a safety net, but she has a goal and she is determined. Evans has given us so much detail about Faye and her situation that the reader has a great deal of empathy for her and her plight. As events unfold, Faye has to make some hard decisions. Evans clearly plotted this book carefully and keeps Faye's choices true to her character - she doesn't take the easy way out and leads the reader down paths that are sometimes unexpected but feel right.

This book is a delight to read. It is a wonderful blend of the past and present and, along the way, you learn a little bit about archaeology, flint-knapping, historic homes, slavery, and the illegal trade in artifacts. This is the kind of book you recommend to everyone you know - and anxiously await the author's next book.

Favorite character? That is a hard one. Joe, Liz, and Magda are all friends of Faye, are great characters, and are all given great moments in which to shine. I think it has to be a three-way tie. Did I guess it? Yes - but that didn't detract from the book one bit. Will I read another? Just as soon as it comes out!

[...]

Archaeology student Faye Longchamp is struggling to keep her ancestrail home of Joyeuse on Florida's northern gulf coast by illegally digging up artifacts on federal lands and selling them on the black market. However, one day she unearths a human skull and it doesn't look like it's been in the ground for a couple hundred years, more like only three or four decades, so it's not fresh, but not an artifact either, and judging by the head wound, this woman met a violent end. She decides to try and find out who the dead woman was on her own, as she can hardly go to the police and confess that she'd found the skull by illegally pot-hunting.

Then the next day two students on a legitimate dig she'd been working on wind up missing, then their bodies are found in shallow graves and she has to wonder if their deaths are tied in with her own dead person. And, of course, there is a very bad guy out there who wants to keep this all quiet, so Faye is in a spot of trouble.

ARTIFACTS won the Benjamin Franklin Award for Excellence in Mystery and it is easy to see why. This is a story that will keep any mystery buff glued to his chair till the reading is finished. A darned good debut, one you won't be able to put down, that what this book is.

As an archeology-phile, I was predisposed to like this first mystery by Mary Anna Evans. But there is so much more there than just archeology and mystery. Her characters are decidedly physical and real, the disparate elements of her plot, with the helping hand of Fate, dovetail perfectly to keep you reading until all the loose ends have been woven into place.

Faye Longchamp is a tough, smart, gutsy heroine who still savors her few chances to be feminine. Joe Wolf Mantooth, the simple-hearted Indian who shares her home, is a complex, realistic hero. It takes all the wit and strength that either of them has to get through what life throws in their way.

When the book opens, Faye has discovered the remains of a murdered woman while doing some illegal "pothunting" on Federal lands. She can't rest knowing the woman is alone and unavenged, but how can she report her discovery without sending herself to jail? By researching the "case" on her own, until she thinks she has the solution.

But almost immediately, two students working on a legitimate excavation with Faye are shot to death and buried in shallow graves. Does it have anything to do with Faye's find? While she works to make enough money selling black market artifacts to keep up the property taxes on her ancestral home, Joyeuse, she is dogged by the spectre of a man who has killed before, by the large-scale artifact thieves operating just a short distance from her, and by the outside world which has only suspicion for people who live without need of society or technology.

"Artifacts" is a smashing story, blending excerpts from the journal of several generations of former owners of Joyeuse with the contemporary occurrences which Evans weaves into a perfect, but never simple, tapestry of a story.

Edna Buchanan has written a multi-faceted book about many of the crimes in Miami and the nearby area from her career as a crime reporter for local newspapers.

She wrote about her childhood and the journey that led her to journalism.

The author related how publicity usually aids in solving cases and apprehending the guilty,but not always. The "Pillowcase Rapist" was used as an example where that tactic failed.

Victims are not always located. Like in the case of Christopher Wilder where two of his victims' bodies were never discovered.
The disappearance of a 17 year old girl was an unsolved mystery. The poignant story of her mother's courageous search in dangerous locales and her timeless determination was another side to that story.

Edna Buchanan documented the carnage of the race riots that resulted after the McDuffie police brutality-murder case.

There are a number of true life,colorful characters in "The Face had a Familiar Face" that make this book entertaining and hard to put down.

I WOULD GIVE THIS BOOK 4 1/2 STARS BECAUSE I WISH IT WOULD HAVE HAD SOME PICTURES. THE STORIES WERE REALLY DIFFERENT AND NOT SURE I WOULD LIKE TO LIVE IN MIAMI, FLORIDA.

Edna is a great (and very funny) speaker. Her writing is just as good. If you want to learn exactly what a crime reporter does and learn it in a truly very amusing book, this is for you. I read this book before I heard her speak. I expected that the talk would be boring (i.e., couldn't be as good as the book), and was I wrong! She kept all of us laughing for about 45 minutes. If you ever get a chance to hear her speak, don't hesitate! If hearing her appears to be extremely unlikely, you are in luck because you can read her book! Seldom do I laugh out loud while reading a book, but I did while reading this one. If I ever hear the song "I shot the Sheriff" I know I will start laughing out loud again. This is light reading and you won't regret the time you spend!

I finished this book in 2 days. I found it different from most true crime books I read, but very interesting.

First book. Mesmerizing. Tough, critical, witty, a read-to-the-end book (forget sleeping for about two days). A tough lady who won the respect of law enforcement and fellow novelist. Humorous, sad, caring,
historical and factual with no sugar coating. Just the facts, Ma'am! Street smart. If you don't have a member of law enforcement in your family, you need to read this book to garner some idea of their lives.

If you are a newcomer to Orlando, this book is great. For a long time resident, this book contained places I mostly have visited before and a few I didn't know about.

Great Dates offers time saving suggestions, an inspiring variety of dates, and a very usable format. Author Kristen Manieri reminds us all to keep the focus on what is truly important - those we love.

I gave 52 Ways to newlyweds friends of mine recently who loved it. We all remarked how busy we all were and that it is difficult to have the time to come up with an idea, let alone go through with it. Now, I use Manieri's book as a resource and reminder that date night is a must!

This is exactly the sort of Guidebook that Orlando needs. For too long, we who work in The City Beautiful have been asked: "What's there to do besides Disney??" Well, here's a book that tells you just what's out there, all presented in a detailed, yet easy-to-access format. There's lots of life beyond the theme parks, and Kristen tells you how to find it. You'll never run out of fun and unusual things to do while in Orlando, whether you're a resident or a visitor. Enjoy!

Great Dates Orlando is a must have for any Central Floridian. I was amazed at all of the hidden treasures that Orlando has to offer and with the weekly newsletters, I am always up to speed on upcoming events around town. From wine tastings to kayaking, candy making to hot air balloon rides, there is something for everyone's personality and budget. Not only do I enjoy spending these great dates with my boyfriend but I have also found it is a perfect way to spend a day with the girls! Thanks Date Diva for taking the guessing out of great dating.

DeMilly III, Walter A. "In My Father's Arms: A True Story of Incest", University of Wisconsin Press, 1999.



The Unthinkable



Amos Lassen and Cinema Pride



When one thinks of societal taboos, incest is high on the list. We know that there many forms of incest but sexual relations between father and son is unthinkable. Walter Milly, in his short memoir, "In My Father's Arms" is one of the few accounts available on the subject. This book tells a story so horrible that it is sickening to think about. I found it extremely hard to understand the lies and the trickery involved in being a serial ale pedophile. The book is beautifully written and the language is pristine but it is still deeply disturbing. The book is a study in how evil triumphs. We have a loving family which is plagued by a man so dangerous that we cannot conceive of such deep evil.

I am sure that many of us are not aware of the large number of male survivors of incest--we rarely hear about them. Milly's story is compelling and extremely informative about father-son incest. His vivid descriptions are disturbing but in reading them, I found it easier to understand multiple-personality-disorder. His father maintained great control over him and the incest was clothed in utmost secrecy.

The material in this book is hard to take but the story never really becomes maudlin. I was surprised to read of how sympathetic Milly is towards his father and the author's ability to convey a bevy of emotions clearly and candidly is absolutely amazing. Milly's father did terrible things and he was a horrible man but he is also a study in ambiguity. The tragedy of this incest was tragic for both father and son. I don't understand it and I never will but the demons in the father's mind were so powerful that he could not conquer them.

I am sure that his was not an easy book to write. Yet it was written beautifully. Milly's sad story of his abuse and his relationship with his father and how he dealt with it is an accomplishment in itself. Losing innocence and disturbing memories are very difficult to write about--they are personal. I cannot imagine a life like this and the way the book conveys the pain of the kid is hard but real just as its impact on his changing body.

I find memoirs and autobiographies to be interesting and full of intrigue. A writer who puts his own story on paper and shares his life with others. It is hard to think how Milly wrote this and even more important that he was wiling to share this story. His sensitivity and his pain are real and sincere and they pull you in. As a child he could not tell his story to anyone. He knew something terrible was happening and he had to suppress it. As he matured and realized his own sexual identity, he became even more confused. Did he become a homosexual because of his father? This we don't get but we do get a whole lot

more.

It is impossible to walk away from this book untouched. In gaining understanding of incest, we hurt but if that hurt can prevent future incest then Milly's memoir is a valuable piece of literature. If not, it is a fascinating but depressing read.

"The eyes scream what the lips dare not whisper" -- these are images of father-son sexual abuse that no one should have to live with in their head and Walter de Milly and other victims should not have to live with alone.

Walter de Milly's short memoir remains one of the precious few opportunities to truly experience the utterly horrifying truths of father-son incest in all its sickening complexity and to understand the rank evil lies and trickery of an unstoppable and selfish serial male target pedophile. Deeply disturbing in its beautiful poetic prose; tragically ultimately lacking in the crucial summary naming of this "father" as exactly the unspeakably sick monster that he was, a pedophile who belonged in prison or a mental institution. In My Father's Arms remains a study in the triumph of evil -- nevermind a pedophile father's "mental illness" -- enabled in a deeply disturbed "loyal, loving and sentimental" (and tragically naive) family. You will never forget Walter's Southern story of a dissociative and multiple personality disorder producing "good" family, and he and other shattered victims of the X-Files insidiousness of father-son incest and male target pedophiles will never be out of your prayers after. The classic People of the Lie by M. Scott Peck and the astute Intimate Worlds by Maggie Scarf are both wise companion reading. Highly recommended.

Walter de Milly gives a voice to male survivors of incest. His story is compelling and highly informative of the experience of father-son incest. He has shown great courage.

His descriptions vividly illustrate the experience of dissociation and splitting. This book has given me the clearest understanding of multiple personality disorder. Through memories he explains the psyche of his father (which is very disturbing), and how his father maintained control over him and secrecy over the incest. We also learn about the culture he grew up in through the reactions to his homosexuality, the keeping of secrets for the purpose of upholding social images, and the belief that incest is a fantasy and not a reality.

The reaction of his parents and psychiatrist to his homosexuality and emerging incest memories is heart breaking. He deserved so much more than how he was treated and misunderstood. The difficulties of dealing with incest compounded by the discovery of his homosexuality (being different, having crushes in high school), and then to be misunderstood and put through therapies to make him heterosexual, while his father (a pedophile) was praised as a great man.

Throughout the entire book we catch glimmers of hope, and ultimately he is able to end the secrecy and to triumph. He reclaims himself from the lies and abuse. I even began to feel compassion towards his father. He was a sick man, and he was not able to fully face the truth of what he had done before his death (though he never denied that he abused his son or the other boys). The treatment he received disturbed me. I wish there had been a way for everyone in the family to receive better psychotherapy.

Walter de Milly writes beautifully. I loved reading about his connections to other people, and especially his friendship with Wallace.

Currently trying to understand my own past, De Milly's story is told with such clarity and care, that after I put it down (i read it in one sitting) I felt comforted. De Milly confronts something most of us try to keep quiet, and he does so with grace and compassion. The book, undoubtedly a reflection of the man, is painfully sincere. Thank you Walter De Milly for opening the door for so many of us.

As you can well imagine, this material is rather hard to take. Mercifully the book isn't too long, and by that comment I simply mean that the author is never verbose. He doesn't allow his story to become maudlin. What struck me most was how sympathic the author is with his father. He is able to convey a myriad of conflicting emotions - confusion, anger, love - with a clear and candid style. What his father did to Walter and all those other boys was horrendous and, some would say, unforgivable. What this book did for me was to communicate the ambiguities in his father's character. This was not just a tragedy for Walter, but for his father as well. Don't misunderstand. I'm not condoning his father's actions. No, I'm just saying that one can understand and feel a certain pity for someone obviously afflicted by demons too powerful to fight or conquer. This is a very special book, both sad and optimistic, objective and pointedly direct.