New Books

This Book is another must have. It is (in plain english) a insight meditation manual to help the beginner learn and the experienced meditator to review. There is real world advice and explainations that will greatly help you understand how to learn meditation. Though no book can replace a caring and experienced teacher this book can certainly improve your understanding. Also the Book Eight Mindful Steps to Happiness and The Four Foundations of Mindfullness go hand in hand with this one and I reccomend getting all there in order to have a much wider view of the practice. I am truly thankful to Bhante Henepola Gunaratana for writing such a life changing book.

I've been practicing Vipassana meditation for about 10 years. During this period of time, I read a lot of books and went to a reasonable number of retreats. But I was still missing 'the small picture'. Really. OK, now we are going to get enlightened and all but what do I do during my daily meditation? Concentrate on the breath and that's it? C'mon!

This book takes a very pragmatic approach to meditation. It explains every little detail that you need to know when you sit on the meditation mat. And gives you very good understanding of how concentration and insight work together to get you going in the daily practice.

But to me, this book gave me much more than that. Probably like every practitioner, I've been frustrated by the fact that most of my time on the mat is spent bringing my attention back to the breath from God knows where it was before. But Bhante explains to us that this is exercising your mindfulness! It is the mindfulness that realized you were in the weeds and it is the same mindfulness that brought you back! This gave me a huge motivation to keep practicing at a time when I felt like I was going nowhere.

Then, there are lots of other gems:

- The most important moment of your meditation is when you get up off the mat after you are done meditating.

-Don't bother with the path. Meditation will find its own path.

To summarize, this is the best meditation book I ever read!

Enjoy!

If you had to choose just one book to read on how to (and why for that matter) practice mindfulness meditation, this would be the one. Certainly read others, but start with and keep coming back to this book.

I havent finished the book yet but I feel if I practice the teachings of meditation as offered by the author it will lead to a much more aware and focused life. I really enjoy the way Joseph Goldstein writes and how honest he is about what to expect. So far I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

This was the first book on Buddhism I ever read, but it wasn't an interest in Buddhism that led me to buy it. Rather, I was in search of a book on meditation. But there were so many too choose from. The only reason I chose Mindfulness in Plain English is because it didn't have the word "meditation" in the title. I was not disappointed by my choice. By the second time through it I realized the power and potential Buddhism and meditation practice and how they could lead to a more peaceful way of life.

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in learning more about Buddhism in general and mindfulness meditation in particular.

Before our son was born, I bought this for my husband, an Eagle Scout, as a kind of joke. Once we both started reading, though, we were impressed with not just the practical advice, but also how all that useful information is conveyed with such wit and how it really does look and sound just like an old Boy Scout manual!

This handbook was surprisingly comprehensive given its size and how many pictures are in it. I was glad to find that it answered several questions on my mind as an expectant mom (even though I bought it for my husband) and it took a short time to read each section. I find the author really took time to lay out the important facts/options piece-meal so you can absorb the information. I have other books that cover the same subjects in long written form (which is also good) but when crunched on time, this one was succinct and touched on the key points you need. The humor is great but I think the visualizations and breakdowns are really the highlights.

I got my husband several books when we found out we were pregnant. This book is funny and useful. The artwork is cute. It is definitely written for men. My husband loved the humor and advice. A great baby shower gift! This book and Quarterback Dad were the best two of the books I got him.

My wife is a few months pregnant for our first child. I have been trying to be very involved and informed in all aspects of our pregnancy and into the child raising years. Although I am a teacher, I am very nervous about raising a child that I am 100% accountable for.

This book has provided not only the necessary information on most subjects, it has provided the much needed sense of humor. I was reading and laughing a lot, so my wiofe and family needed to have it read aloud so they didn't feel left out on my own little jokes. I highly recommend this to any father to be who needs info and laughs.

I purchased this book for my husband shortly after we learned we were having our first child. He was excited when it arrived and spent most of his lunch break reading. This book does not poke fun at the beer-drinking, football-playing daddy persona. Instead it is filled with pencil sketches that capture one's attention using real life satire. The sketches are comical, genuine, and endearing to the experience and associated responsibility.

We have received several other "for fathers" books since the pregnancy began, but this one is by far the best. It provides friendly suggestions that are applicable to real life - such as how a new dad can hold his baby while bathing him or her. I believe that my husband can use the suggestions in this book and I can relax knowing that he can manage all life's little challenges, even the slippery wet baby ones :-).

DRAGONSINGER shows off sci-fi/fantasy writer Anne McCaffrey at her best and most accessible. Of the three books which make up the Harper Hall trilogy, this one is my favorite and a book to which I've returned a bunchful of times. Only thing is, whenever I dust this off (or, come to think of it, any of the early Pern novels), I tend to go ahead and re-read the whole friggin' series. The Harper Hall trilogy, more so than any of the Dragonriders of Pern novels, is targeted towards a young adult audience, but it'll certainly charm a reader of whatever age. And if one is looking for a capable, extremely engaging role model, then look no further than Menolly of Half-Circle Sea Hold.

DRAGONSINGER picks up almost immediately from where Dragonsong left off, with Menolly arriving at the Harper Craft Hall to begin her harper's apprenticeship. A gifted songwriter/singer/musician and the young accidental mistress of nine gluttonous but ever loyal fire lizards, the shy and vulnerable Menolly finds herself near overwhelmed by her new circumstances. She's very conscious of her horribly scarred hand (which prevents her from playing her music) and her still woefully tender feet (from having outran Thread, deadly silver spores which periodically rain on Pern). At Harper Hall, Menolly meets and is intimidated by an array of stern and skeptical teachers. She faces the scorn of her fellow female students, with whom she must share room and board. Her unconventionality and her rare fire lizards mark her as a target of curiousity and envy. For Menolly, all this is almost too hard to bear. But she loves music and loves her fire lizards. And, it turns out, she has more friends than she thinks...

DRAGONSINGER, first published in 1977, is the second book in the Harper Hall trilogy, and, in my opinion, is the best of the three. It continues Menolly's coming-of-age tale and introduces the readers to a gang of winning characters, such as the quiet journeyman Sebell, the majestic, offbeat Master Shonagar, and the impish and ingratiating Piemur (who would take center stage in Dragondrums). Of course, the awesome and perceptive Masterharper Robinton figures in most of the Pern novels, and he makes his presence vigorously felt here. Who wouldn't want to work for someone like him?

Another neat thing about the Harper Hall trilogy is that it allows the reader to relive events in McCaffrey's other novels. Specifically, the timeline of DRAGONSONG and DRAGONSINGER coincides with that of Dragonquest (Dragonriders of Pern), so that, just as we revisited Jaxom's impressing of Ruth thru Menolly's eyes in DRAGONSONG, here, we get Menolly and Harper Hall's horrified reactions to F'nor's disastrous foray to the inhospitable Red Star. Later, the third Harper Hall entry, DRAGONDRUMS, would touch on events occuring in The White Dragon (Dragonriders of Pern Vol 3).

McCaffrey warmly covers a span of seven eventful days in Menolly's life, chronicling her transitioning from an uncertain, bashful young girl to a confident one with the world opened up before her. Menolly is tall and gangly and unsure, and so appealing. It's a joy reading of her overcoming her challenges, making new friends, and impressing just near everyone with her musical talents. My favorite moments would have to be the ones in which she's engaged in her music or spending time with her fair of fire lizards (and, believe me, both activities take up huge, huge chunks of the book). Scenes to look out for: the first time Menolly feeds her fire lizards at Harper Hall, the impromptu Hall concert during Threadfall, all the moments with Shonagar, and Gather Day. As ever, McCaffrey peppers her book with sightings of benevolent dragons, who constantly guard Pern against Thread, and their miniature and inquisitive cousins, the fire lizards. Actually, in this Harper Hall series, the focus is more on the fire lizards than on the dragons. McCaffrey lends Menolly's fire lizards their own distinct personalities, from the imperious Beauty to the nagging Aunties One and Two, to the beleaguered Uncle, to the aptly named Lazybones.

Compared to the other, more adult-oriented novels about Pern, DRAGONSINGER is a lighter, more intimate read, and not as intricately plotted. The stakes here don't shape the world, just Menolly's personal universe. But, I'll tell you what, you'll get caught up in it. DRAGONSINGER (and a whole mess of McCaffrey's novels, come to think of it) fits cozily on my shelf of comfort books. I normally have two copies of books which I particularly love. With DRAGONSINGER, I have three, two of which are pretty threadbare. Such a good read.

The harper Hall Trilogy is my favorite set by McCaffrey and interestingly the first books I read by her. I love dragons and there for dragon stories, particularly ones were dragons are not mindless monsters of destruction, so it would be odd for me not to like these books. The story is very original and the characters well written. If your not sure of getting into the Pern books, this is the series to read! Dragonsinger is a really strong book, despite being in the middle of a set. The story keeps going strong and the characters stay true to themselves.

I know I wasn't supposed to read this book first, but it was on the free book cart at the library. And I've wanted to read McCaffery for some time now. I'd give this book four a half stars. I'd like to have given it five. But I'll get to that in a minute. Her prose is elegant. Each of her characters is clearly defined. The main, Menolly, is strong and modest, but often bleek and insecure because of her background. Thus her behavior makes sense at times when she is overly passive when she shouldn't be. As well as apologizing for every little thing. However, her giving a shiner to Benis was priceless. I love the tiny info on the Fort Sea Hold, and look I look forward to getting clear description when I read DragonSong. The only problem I had with this book was there was no real action, besides the brawl at the Gather. Though I must say, the book was not boringt any time. But I did have to put it down from time to time because its lack of action.

Can't wait to read more McCaffery. I see why she's one of the leading authors in the SciFi/Fantasy genre.

Menolly is now at the Harper Hall. However, she is a geek/nerd and doesn't fit in with all the girls who like doing the standard chick things. Plus there just happens to be a bunch of fire lizards following her around.

She also has to deal with the problem of choosing or being asked to choose a specialisation and someone to be a mentor.

Menolly has achieved her dream of living in Harper Hall, despite the disadvantage of being born female. But she does not know how she will fit in and the fact that she accidentally Impressed nine fire lizards causes disruptions in class and jealousies from the other students. That she comes to realize her full talent as a musician, singer and songwriter and revel in the company of other musicians is the delight of this perfect fantasy novel.

This gem of a story is appropriate for creative girls and women of all ages, all creative endeavors because it says that the barriers the world puts in your way won't stand up to friendship, hard work and talent. I wore out two paperback copies before breaking down and buying it in hardback. Highly recommended.

First I listened to the book on audio. I liked it so much I got the book a year later andit it. Amazing story of survival. Hiding right in a Nazi officers home. WOW. What courage.

A must read for those who what to never forget.

Uplifting to what we can and will do for others when we have to.

Whereas the novel I mentioned in my title left me feeling cold (not to mention the author was a small child when she writes about her experiences, which must be grainy), this powerful account is simply written, but also written well. It's deliciously descriptive and emotional. I felt like I did walk in Irene's shoes, for I saw everything through her eyes (true, it was written in first-person point-of-view), instead of like watching a movie.

By the way, I think this would make a great film, though I am not sure if there is an actress beautiful enough to play Irene (who really should be played by a young, unknown girl, age appropriate, not a trashy pop starlet, who would degrade).

Through it all (being raped by two Russian soldiers and left for dead, becoming a German officer's mistress to protect her Jewish friends, etc.), Irene maintains an innocence that is refreshing, and when she loses her first truelove before they have a chance to marry, it broke my heart.

I will say I have an even dimmer view of the Catholic Church than I did before (not Catholics in general, just some of the politics of the religion), because when Irene goes to a priest to confess being a German's lover to save the lives of her friends, he says, "They are Jews", and I could actually hear the inflection in his voice that said, "They're just Jews", like they weren't worth saving. This un-Christlike priest refuses to give her absolution, which, from a doctrinal standpoint I understand, but not from a spiritual standpoint. Yes, Irene was sinning, but she was not committing crimes against humanity, and I believe my God is a merciful and just God and that He understands for He can see Irene's soul.

This deeply religious, courageous woman has earned my respect and her chronicle is hardcover worthy.

My 14-year-old daughter read this book and insisted that I read it. When I finally agreed, I could not put the book down. The story is so well told that you can can truly understand the experience of a 17-year-old girl in the midst of the horrible events. A compelling book that everyone should read and discuss.

I often think of this woman in my day to day life. She serves as a testament to all mankind that we must put others first and fight for the just cause. What she went through herself is quite harrowing. I am happy that she has been honored with a tree planted in her name at Yad Vashem in Israel. An easy read and a book that you cannot put down. She is truly inspirational.

Unlike most characters featured in such books, Irene Opdyke had no vested interest in helping the Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland. She began her work in small, timid steps, gradually growing more bold and forceful as she matured. The story is told in an entirely credible and sympathetic way, without forcing young readers to wade though long narratives of graphic atrocities. I found the afterward to be the most moving and memorable part of the entire book.

The definition of the word `requiem' is a musical service or hymn in honor of the dead. How fittingly that word rests with the subject matter of this novel. `Requiem for a Dream' is just that, a musical hymn in honor of those crushed and shattered dreams. When reading Selby's phenomenal (and I mean that in the most extreme sense of the word) novel about abolished hope and sheer desperation the reader is forced to face the ugly truth about our horrific society.

You ever read that novel or watch that film that just eats away at the pit of your stomach and pains you to your very core? You ever struggle to turn the page or fight to watch the screen because the onslaught of negativity is picking away at your spirit and bringing you to a dark and lonely place you never wished to visit? That is the feeling experienced when reading (or subsequently watching the Aronofsky film adaptation) this novel.

The novel opens by introducing us to four people. We have Sara, an older Jewish woman who lives for television. The opening scene depicts her son Harry, strung out as usual, stealing her television to pawn it for money in order to get his next hit. Harry also has a girlfriend Marion as well as a best friend Tyrone C. Love. The three of them enjoy a nice taste of heroin every now and again and will do just about anything to get it. Sara dreams of one day being on television, and when she gets to opportunity she grabs it by the horns. She is convinced to lose enough weight to fit into her favorite red dress, the one she wore to Harry's bar mitzvah. This leads her to diet pills which she quickly and dangerously forms an addiction to. Harry and Marion on the other hand begin to develop a plan to buy and sell heroin for a profit, that way they can one day by that little coffee shop and make a life for themselves. This little plan involves Tyrone as well, and as the dope starts pouring in, their idea of a small taste begins to grow until they can't stomach the thought of selling any of it but feel compelled to keep all of it for themselves.

The novel brilliantly portrays the mind of an addict; the `I'll never get that bad, I can stop whenever I want to' mentality that cripples the mind and fortifies the very essence of the domination of the soul. All four of these individuals are taken over and beaten down by the disease that is addiction. There is a scene where Tyrone is arrested and spends some time in the jail cell with an elderly addict, a man who is so far gone Tyrone is disgusted by him. Tyrone is determined never to be that man, never to become that dependant on the taste, but the first thing Tyrone does when he gets out is cop him that taste. He doesn't realize that he is already there.

The novel, like I mentioned, is horribly depressing and utterly frustrating, especially as the novel comes to a close and everything begins to spiral into oblivion. As we watch Sara, Harry, Marion and Tyrone's lives completely fall apart in a gradual yet perpetual tumble towards rock bottom we are left with the bitter taste of pain and misery in the back of our throats. Experiencing Sara's mental deterioration at the hands of the pill; watching Marion degrade herself to escape the sick feeling of withdrawals; seeing Harry cast aside his own well being in order to keep that high; watching Tyrone come to realize he is no better than the men he despises; all of this eats at our very being and transports us to a place unlike any we've ever been.

Like the movie, the novel excels when focusing on the female characters. Sara and Marion are by far the most sympathetic and interesting characters in the novel; with that said they are also the most depressing and utterly devastating to read about. Their final outcome is far from pretty and makes the reader feel helpless and alone; much like these characters.

`Requiem for a Dream' is far from pretty. It is dirty, gritty and at times unbearable; but there is no denying that it is a masterpiece; literature at its finest. Hubert Selby Jr. is a deeply controlled and phenomenally capable writer who understands the appropriate darkness of his subject; an author who takes something so terrible, so bleak and painful and makes it quite frankly one of the most important novels ever penned. In my humble opinion this is the type of novel that should be mandatory reading at any substance abuse rehabilitation center. After reading this grisly novel (and of course watching the equally grisly film) I could never even stomach the idea of drug use. In a world that glamorizes any and everything harmful to the soul, `Requiem for a Dream' stands apart as a very real depiction of all you stand to lose.

If you've seen the film, better fasten your seatbelts. Aronofsky went easy on you. I can't adequately describe what Selby achieved in this novel, or in "Last Exit to Brooklyn". He is capable of describing the most brutal things with apparent (but ONLY apparent) objectivity, but at other times he writes with astonishing delicacy. I can't even think of another writer who can do that half as well as Selby.

If you found the last 20 minutes of the film as horrifying as I did, Selby's account of the fates of Harry, Sara, Marion, and Tyrone will make you want to cry for all of them.

This is not going to be an easy read for a lot of people, but it's a masterwork.

It's just that good.

If you've read "Last Exit to Brooklyn," you'll be familiar with Selby's habit of not using quotation marks when he writes dialogue. But even if this is your first exposure to Selby, you'll figure out who's saying what pretty quickly.

And don't skip Selby's prologue.

As an aside: ELLEN BURSTYN WAS ROBBED! (As Sara in Requiem for a Dream, she really should have gotten an Oscar. I'm just saying.)

Hubert Selby Jr writes with in a way that is astounding. Bringing a story like this so heavily to life, to a point where it completely envelopes and engrossing you, all the while disgusting you is a great fete. I saw the movie, which is great in its own right, but not near comparison to the language of the book. Definitely recommended!

Selby's ability to capture inner monologue is incredible. You not only empathize, but you believe with each one of the characters. You hold on to the dream and it crushes you. Should be read in highschools everywhere.

You need to be ready before you read this book. Upon finishing this little dandy I was physically shaking. I can't think of any other book that has made of shake. The manic style and never ending punch in the face flow of this Hubert Selby Jr. masterpiece will stay with you for the rest of your life. If you saw the movie and so decided to not read the book, you are making a mistake. The book is a totally different experience then the movie. Each is a masterpiece in a completely unique way. It's amazing how real this book is. You will feel insane compassion for the lowest of individuals. You will want to reach out to these amazing characters. I don't know how Hubert Selby Jr. does it. His mind must have been a dark but beautiful and loving realm. If you want to be a book this one will make you its own. Read it.

Soul Communication by Zhi Gang Sha is a contradiction and an enigma. Based on one simple teaching - that everything has a soul and that all soul seeks to serve - it explains a core reality that Einstein was seeking to formulate, but does so in terms so simple that even a child can understand. Moreover, though completely unique, this book is eminently practical. A hundred years from now, when the skills it teaches - including Soul Language, Third Eye and Direct Knowing - have become more commonplace, "Soul Communication" will still be the revered classic. If you want a glimpse of the brightest new wave in the spiritual awareness that is sweeping the planet today, be sure to read this book. It is a profound gift to all humanity. Thank you, Master Sha.

Soul Communication is yet another treasure box of Master Sha. It reveals deep wisdom and tools how to connect heart to heart and soul to soul. For all those seeking for this incredible deep soul wisdom, in every book from Master Sha you will find it and receive so much more. The blessings in this book will support you and guide you safely on your own spiritual journey. It is another milestone to awaken humanity at this crucial point in time. Thank you, Master Sha, and all of those people who have worked on this book. You have blessed and nourished my personal spiritual growth.

Verena Myriam

Take time to develop a spiritual path-I recommend this book as well as FREE YOUR MIND by Sensei Anthony Stultz and BEING ZEN by Ezra Bayda.

While what I read seems very interesting, the reviews were pretty misleading, as they were all for the complete book, not for this short ebook that is basically a preview. It's one chapter, or part of one chapter of the complete book. This short does NOT give you the exact "how-to" of soul communication, but it does give you a sneak peek at what it's about for a fraction of the cost. Amazon really should keep separate reviews for the short and complete works.

So I read the reviews. With one or two exceptions, all the reviews were written within a week of one another and they all sounded remarkably alike. My guess is that students/followers of this author were sent a message after publication of this book asking them to write reviews. Who are these people trying to fool? I would expect his followers to like the book. I wanted to read what OTHERS thought of it. This completely put me off of buying this book.

The Cruel Sea, is one of the best sea/war stories that I have ever read. I was interested to see how well the movie followed the book. Naturally, the film had to condense the book, but it did follow the sequences of the story faithfully.

Written by someone who experienced WWII in convoy escort duty, The Cruel Sea is quite realistic in a double sense: You get the drama of the war as well as the times when war is dull or frustrating, for example when an officer dumps paperwork onto subordinates. Realistic without being cynical is a good combination.

And if you'd like to read another book on this theme but with more of the immediacy of the war, try C. S. Forester's, The Good Shepherd, the classic account of a single convoy at the height of the war with U-boats as told by the captain of a US destroyer. Unfortunately, new it seems to be available only in an overpriced but ugly reprint, so you might want to find a used copy. I have a paperback version that I reread every few years.

--Michael W. Perry, editor of Chesterton on War and Peace: Battling the Ideas and Movements that Led to Nazism and World War II

I read this book in spanish. The traduction was poor but still, I was able to flavor and sink myself into the reading from beginning to end. I highly recommend this book for those who have a devotion or at least an affection for the sea.
In my case, I am the son of a boat owner, was basically born on it but was cursed with unavoidable seasickness. Reading the chapter when the Compass Rose goes on its first convoy with extremely rough seas I felt identified. I could perfectly picture myself in the middle of the Sea of Ireland riding 20 feet waves in 30 knot winds on a tiny ship with leaks everywhere. Knowing what it's like, I suffered every single line of the narration.

I praise sailors of convoys during WW II, I can only imagine all the hardships and horrors they went through. Thanks to Mr. Monsarrat for displaying it!

This is a gritty, realistic (real warships), technically correct story about the entire war in the Atlantic. Life on board a corvette and frigate during the Battle of the Atlantic.

The unrelenting echo of the sonar punctuates this understated J. Arthur Rank film with a taut atmosphere of suspense. Novelist Eric Ambler's intelligent script remains faithful to Nicholas Monserrat's novel about the last voyage of HMS Compass Rose and all who sailed on her. The splendid performances of Jack Hawkins as her captain and Donald Sinden as his First Mate bring the novel to life, as do the performances of the entire ensemble cast, which includes Denholm Elliott. One of the best aspects of the Rank organization films of this era is the devotion that went into the delineation of even the minor characters.

Some viewers (an example being my son) may shun this picture because it was filmed in black and white. This is a shame, because "The Cruel Sea" is so absorbing that such details as lack of color become totally irrelevant. Simply put, "The Cruel Sea" is a masterpiece of cinematic art.

A gentle reminder of who we really are and why we exist. A must-read, at least once a year.

This is one of the incredible diamonds that has been created for the human race - a book that should be read by all world leaders to move each and every one towards an inner peace so that we can all experience results that will ensue from the outer manifestations arising from mediation, deep breathing and appreciation of every tiny step.

Sally Shields, bestselling author of, The Daughter-in-Law Rules, 101 Surefire Ways to Manage (and Make Friends with) Your Mother-in-Law!

Peace is Every Step takes you into a world of peace and happiness, and you need nothing to get there but your attention. In the simplest everyday tasks, the author shows us how to get the most out of our lives and experience true enjoyment. We don't have to do or have different things, we just need to pay attention to what we have and what we are doing now. Nhat Hanh gently leads us to this practice. This book has changed my life for the better. I will keep it and read it over and over.

this book is one of the best books I have read on peace and mindfulness.
I have brought so many copies for my family and friends.
Su Ong Nhat Hanh is my favorite author, and I highly recommend all his books :-)

Thich Nhat Hanh's book Peace is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life is an enlightening read!

The author does a great job of showing the inextricable connection between the mind, the body, and the environment. Mindfulness is an awareness of our living right now. It helps us to become and remain mentally and physically healthy and to live harmoniously in our symbiotic relationship with each other and our environment. Our survival on this planet depends upon it.

Hanh encourages us to be mindful in everything we do--for example, when we peel a tangerine eat it mindfully. He encourages us to feel the spray as we peel it. Smell the fragrance and feel the texture of fruit. Enjoy the taste and nourishment. Think of the mother of the fruit--the tree, its leaves, its blossoms and our connection with it and the environment.

The author encourages us to slow down, breathe, and live in the moment. Instead of being frustrated by the obstacles--red lights, traffic, layovers--that prevent us from getting from one place to another quickly, use those moments to practice Mindfulness.

I recommend this book to people of all ages and backgrounds. The author's writing style is simple and insightful. His aim is to promote peace, happiness, health, and wisdom. He did a great job!

American children went missing before and after Adam Walsh, but his was the first to gain national media attention. His parents were likable, educated and well-spoken, and Adam was kidnapped from the safest place anyone could ever imagine, from inside a Sears department store. The Walsh family's story could have been any American family's story. I remember seeing the original news stories, and the national TV interview of John and Reve Walsh, on the same morning that their son's headless body was found in a Florida canal.

The true story that John Walsh tells is about a family nearly torn apart by the senseless murder of a little boy, and the anger and rage that they turned into positive action and change, establishing the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and later, becoming host of the TV show America's Most Wanted, which has brought home missing children and helped police to solve murders and bring killers to justice.

The murder of his own child remains unsolved, but Walsh believes that he knows the identity of the killer, a homeless drifter who later died in prison, where he was serving time for crimes unrelated to the murder of Adam Walsh.

I've never read a book so gripping or heart wrenching. My condolences to you and your family Mr. Walsh; my heart breaks for you.

John Walsh has decided he is the voice for victims everywhere. The problem is, fewer and fewer people want him to be. Why? Because of things like this book.

He seems to ignore reality in favor of what he wants us to think.

I agree that this book is very sad and heart breaking. I can only begin to feel the sadness and heart break that this man and his wife went through. This book reveal that. I could only somewhat feel his pain because I have never been through it. This book proves that something good can come out of tragic happenings.

This book is more political then I thought. This man has accomplished a lot Worth the buy.

AS A MAN YOUR NOT SUPPOSED TO CRY, BUT I DID, READING WHAT HAPPENED TO HIS SON AND THINKING OF MY OWN SON I JUST COULDNT HELP IT! ITS A GREAT BOOK AND MAKES YOU WONDER WHAT YOU WOULD DO IF IT HAPPENED TO YOU!

In the book, The Pretender, by K.A. Applegate Tobias has a problem! He has morphed into a hawk, but he has gone past the time limit. Tobias' father, Alfanger, gave Tobias and his friends Rachel, Marco, Jake, and Cassie morphing powers to acquire animal's D.N.A, but he gave a strict warning not to stay in morph for more than two hours or they would be stuck in that morph forever. The Emillist (a queen hork bajir who helps all hork bajirs) gave him back his morphing powers. As soon as he was human he would forgot his entire life story. Next, he encountered a mysterious woman called Aria, who claimed to be a long lost cousin. When Axmilli-esgarrough-istill ( a.k.a Ax) and Tobias were spying on her, they found it to be a very bad situation. K. A. Applegate (a.k.a. Katherine Alice Applegate) has written over 100 books in the Animorph series. Her childhood included, loving nature, animals, and being a straight A student. Katherine was well-mannered and also very kind. My opinion is that this book is a ten star book because it's funny, adventurous, and is great for learning about animals and gets you to be more adventurous.

This book starts off simple about Tobias "The whole I'm a human stuck in hawk's body thing".But then he has problem with another hawk so their is not enough food for the both of them.Tobias goes to eat dead roadkill in front the school but then Rachel saw him do it and he's ashamed.Here where it's get intresting at Rachel's room at night she tells him some girl called Aria ask's Chapman where is Tobias saying she is his long lost cousin and she want's to give him a home.Then a lawyer want's to contact him about his real father's will.Also he has to choose does he want to live in a home and be human or be a hawk and live in a tree.Plus Rachel shows her true emotions and they do a Hork-bajir mission.

In this book a lawyer says he's discovered Tobias's father's last will and testement. Tobias finds out his father is Elfangor! There is also somebody that says that she is Tobias's cousin and she wants to adopt him. Read the book to find out what happens next!

I'm normaly not a big fan of Tobias books, but this is the exception, I recomened it to everyone. Tobias only lives because Visser 3 slips up big time. I was very suprised to find out who Tobias's dad is, and why he was on Earth, I would never have expected an Andalite Prince to run away and hid on Earth. But it dose, in my opinion at least, explain the way Tobias acts when he meets Elfangor, In "The Invasion"

Tobias Birthday is coming up and he's been called to an attorney's office to be read his fathers will...And a 'Long-lost' cousin supposedly just came back from Africa and she wants to adopt Tobias.Could it be true?Could Tobias really have a family?If he did,he would have to morph human,and stay that way. become a nothlit again...that would mean dropping out of the fight, No more Yeerks,Morphing,or Animorphs.....Well,he would still have Rachel,and they would BOTH be human.....But can he give up his new life as a hawk?Give up flying?Well,his Birthday is coming closer,and now Tobias is about to learn the Secrets of his past........................

I loved this book,espcially what Tobias learned about his father!When I read I just sat there and was like,Oh my Gosh!!!!!!Then I got the Andalite Cronicles and it kinda explained it.....Hmmmmmm,I wonder if Tobias will ever meet his Mother,Loren????????Anyway,This was definatly one of the best Animorph books,All the Tobias books are!They really show his feelings,and emotions,what its like to know that you will be trapped as a hawk forever,and now his feelings about Elfangor,how important he really was to him......I recomend this book,You'll probally be laughing,crying,and wondering right along with Tobias!!!!