Virginia Books

What a fine performance from this hitherto unknown writer of nonfiction books. I cannot believe, having read this book, that I know--however thinly--what life must be like inside prison walls, and then outside in an altogether new kind of prison. Hopkins draws brilliant sketches of a life torn by inevitable forces of evil and goodness. Thankfully, goodness prevails. Even better, Evans Hopkins has lived to tell us about it. Kudos.

Evans Hopkins grew up in Danville, Virginia during a turbulent time in history when his town, like many, were resisting desegregation at every turn. As he entered into his teen years, Evans became more and more frustrated by what he felt was a black community that easily accepted the mistreatment they were forced to live with. This eventually led to his involvement with the Black Panther Party, an organization with ideals more in line with his hands on approach to obtaining civil rights. Eventually, his involvement with the organization increases to the point that he persuades his parents to allow him to move to North Carolina to live among the comrades at the nearest Panther chapter.

After working with the North Carolina chapter for a while, Evans had the opportunity to go to California and work at the headquarters of the organization. Deeply idealistic, he was quickly disheartened by the inconsistencies between what the party preached and what they practiced. Ultimately, he fled California, fearing for his life -- but this is just the beginning of a downward spiral. When he returns home, he must obtain employment not only to support himself, but also his newborn son and his then estranged girlfriend. He begins working for his father's landscaping business, but is frustrated by the meager wages and backbreaking work. Soon the lure of fast money wins over, and he finds himself facing a life sentence. The next phase of the book focuses on the difficulties of prison life and all of the life changes he encounters during his incarceration. Evans examines his choices and mistakes, and rediscovers his love for writing. Finally, he talks about his new beginning -- his life AFTER life. In this portion of the book, he shares about his period of readjustment to life outside of prison, changes among his family members, and his blossoming writing career.

LIFE AFTER LIFE is more than a memoir, it is a character study. What is more impressive is that Evans Hopkins is able to look back on his life and reflect with honesty and openess. He not only shares about his life, but he also puts the lives of many of the people he encountered in his journey into a meaningful social context. Written in an conversational style, LIFE AFTER LIFE is an easy read that touches on any number of important topics.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

"Life After Life" is a true and enlightening description of a young man's rage and finally his redemption. Evans Hopkins' well-written autobiography vividly describes his good and bad personal experiences. Many of them stemmed from his personal attitudes towards people he was in contact with. Fortunately, with support from his family and other positive people, he was able to a new look on life. These changes encourage Evans to have and practice more positive thinking and actions. His writing is an inspiration for lost people. It should encourage those who are failing to strive, to seek life's positive path.

This book is essential for anyone who agrees with the idea that the leaders of the Civil Rights movement didn't do all the work. Evans Hopkins writes in gripping prose about his life story, and is among the first to shed light on the Panthers from a first hand comrade point of view. The book not only is insightful but inspiration. It brings back to light the struggles of a time all but forgotten and is the best book in the new canon of works written by activist of the movement.
Not only is it a piece about the movement, it shows how the movement affected his life and virtually everyone's life. And it is truly a story of rage and redemption that provokes the reader to find the redeeming qualities in him/herself.
Must read doesn't say enough!!!!!

Life After Life is an exalting and dynamically written memoir that is destined for great literary achievements. This polished and brilliant author, Evans Hopkins, has revealed and characterized the epitome of growing up as a young man embroiled between manhood, family, and acceptance in a society notorious for its unjust boundaries and inequalities. His fascinating story will surely ignite your soul.

Mr. Hopkins was profoundly inspired to prove that life changes begin with self-motivation,love, and the courage to reintegrate into the environment that was eager to cast him out. With heroic pride and a strong will to empower himself, he has endured the litmus test for human consciousness.

We can all derive encouragement and insight from this extraordinary book. At best, the perspective wisdom to bear witness to positive change and influence others to recognize their own obligations toward a more harmonious humankind.

I was expecting this book to be touching and sad. I was feeling a little down and decided, what the hell... cry a little. Um. Not so much. I realize that what the author goes through each day is very serious and I'm sure sad in it's own right. But ya know what? He is living - LIVING - proof that life goes on and you just have to keep getting on with the getting on of living life to the fullest. He's funny - oh, he's got some dark humor about him - but he's really funny. I don't think I've laughed so much at a memoir EVER.

Shawn made me laugh - and yes, cry a little - for him, for his mother, for his wife, but mostly it was tears from laughing so hard. He's a bit twisted and well, I like that.

I did, however, learn a lot about his myriad of illnesses and about what it must be like living with them. He did an amazing job of educating his readers while being entertaining. A dark, serious subject has a bit of light to it. This is an absolute wonderful read. Read it.

Just finished the book in one sitting and I could not put it down! Shawn and Gwenn's story is so inspiring and the book is incredibly funny!

I had seen the two of them speak while I was a student at UVA and was inspired the first time too. Shawn has been an advocate, friend, Homecoming King, musician, husband, and author in 30 years on this planet. Much more than most people will ever do in 90. Do yourself a favor and buy this book right now! And then join me in anticipation of the next one!

Despite the hardships that he has faced throughout his life Shawn Decker has shown that it is possible to be positive, happy, and accepting- even when those around him did not understand or accept him themselves. Through this book Shawn uses his humor and intelligence to teach not only about HIV but about how to be a better human. As someone who has suffered through hardships of their own I know what a difficult task this can be yet Shawn pulls it off effortlessly and with grace. This book so captured my mind and my heart I read it in one sitting. I laughed, I cried, and I learned. Everyone should read this book.

This is a well-written book about living with a life-threatening disease. Decker writes with humor about the fear and adjustments he and his family go through as they come to terms with his disease. At times hilarious, often poignant, I loved it. I bought it for the people I love who are going through the same thing.

Simply a great book. The author is my age and I felt a connection in his stories. It didn't matter that I have not been directly connected to someone with HIV or Aids. The story has an amazing love story built in to a life full of love, support and true creativity. Excellent read!

I bought this book the first day it came out and enjoyed it tremendously. There's even the speech Homer Hickam made at the memorial to the Sago miners in the back of the book. I got to meet him at a book signing and he is a gracious man. There were a lot of people at the book signing who enjoyed Mr. Hickam's writing as much as me. He is without a doubt West Virginia's favorite author.

Most of the mining descriptions are accurate. The rescue I have some questions with, however, it is very intertaining.

I have sat and digested this book the best that I can. First off it is not by any stretch my favorite Hickam book I like all the Thurlow and Coalwood books better, with that being said though this book was still a very interesting read. I did not particualrly like either main character maybe thats my own fault just didn't like the personality of either Song or Cable. This book starts off with almost strictly a love story through roughly the first 10 chapters then it gets interesting. This is when Hickam saves this book, the suspense makes you want to finish the book in one sitting. I reccomend this book for anybody but Hickam fans should not open this book expecting another Coalwood book it is much different in both good ways and bad ways.

For those who enjoyed Homer Hickam's previous "tales" of life in Coalwood, West Virginia, you will not be disappointed in this latest work. The conflict between two recently-marrieds, in concert with the drama in the coal mines, makes for a fast-moving story that is dificult to put down. The author's best work, I think, has always been when he's writing about his beloved mountains and people of West Virginia. And though I enjoy Hickam's Josh Thurlow series, I thoroughly get involved with what he really knows best--life in a coal mine community! And one needs to know nothing of coal mining to enjoy the story because Hickam does a masterful job of explaining what goes on "down there." Order this book and enjoy the ride with Song and Cable and all the other colorful characters as they find out many things about themselves and each other in an exciting conclusion to a wonderful story. If this is a first-time read of Homer Hickam, I would certainly recommend going back to Rocket Boys, The Coalwood Way, and Sky of Stone. Those are all non-fiction, but they serve as a good background for Red Helmet, making it all the more enjoyable.

Homer Hickam, in "Red Helmet", transports us to the small mining communities of West Virginia. With characters that make us love them, laugh with them, wipe away a tear or two, and become a part of their lives, struggles, and mysteries, "Red Helmet" is a great read. Curl up on your sofa with a hot cup of tea and a blanket and be carried away to West Virginia!

CAN'T WAIT to use the information from the book to actually trace JEB's steps.

Fred Ray was kind enough to send along a review copy of his excellent book Shock Troops of the Confederacy: The Sharpshooter Battalions of the Army of Northern Virginia. Fred is the descendant of one of those sharpshooters, which is what got him interested in the subject.

To be candid, before Fred's book was published, I was not aware that such special duty battalions even existed in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia, other than references to Eugene Blackford's sharpshooters in the first day's fighting at Gettysburg. The book has changed that misperception of mine.

Fred Ray has written an exceptional book. It's a comprehensive tour de force of its subject, and one that should probably stand as the definitive word on its subject for a very long time. It's an extremely valuable and useful addition to the existing body of knowledge about the Civil War that was probably long overdue. The book is thoroughly researched and well-written. From my perspective one of the book's best features is the abundance of detailed, useful, and quality maps. Those maps address actions that have not been previously mapped. Fred drew the maps himself, and he did an excellent job it.

Of most value to the book for is its emphasis on the critical role played by the Confederate sharpshooters on many battlefields of the Eastern Theatre of the Civil War. Of particular value to me was the focus on the role played by the Confederate sharpshooters during the fighting for the Jug Bridge during the July 9, 1864 Battle of Monocacy. Before reading Fred's work on the subject, I had never seen any discussion of the role played by the sharpshooters in the fighting for the stone bridge on the National Road. Fred's analysis is detailed and comprehensive, and helps us to fill a big hole in our study of Jubal Early's raid on Washington.

I can't say enough good things about Fred Ray's book and can highly recommend it to anyone with even a passing interest in the subject. I guarantee you that you will learn something new. I certainly did.

In his book, Shock Troops of the Confederacy, Fred Ray covers a little known aspect of the Civil War. Napoleanic warfare was still the primary means of conducting battle during the American Civl War however, the sharpshooter units on both sides did remarkable work. These men received little mention but by all accounts were deadly adversaries and prized by their commanders. They were also the predecessors to the modern day snipers, currently at the forefront of the war on terror. The tactics and method of warfare used in Civil War skirmishes by the sharpshooter units are still applicable in the modern military.

Mr. Ray's work is an excellent reference for modern day students of the art of sniping, whether law enforcement or military.

Brian K. Sain
AmericanSnipers.org

Fred Ray has seized upon a little known aspect of Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and through extensive research has, incredible for 2006, developed his research to add a new wrinkle to its accepted history. My own research centers on only one of these battalions and my scope is therefore somewhat narrower, but I know that these sharpshooter units existed and that they were in reality utilized to their fullest. I would therefore probably be considered a pretty tough critic. Fred has independently discovered many of my own more focused sources and added many more to satisfy his premise.
His in-depth narrative incorporates proof ranging from mere mentions to laudatory thanks for the actions of the sharpshooter battalions in virtually every action from summer of 1862 through the end. Although the narrative is obviously meant to demonstrate the value of the sharpshooter battalions to the army, it presents a well-written, accurate military chronology of the war. His endnotes are rigidly supportive of the narrative and his maps are excellent and precise, again always supported by endnotes.
Fred Ray goes further than just the ANV, exploring weapons, opponents' sharpshooter organizations and similar tactics in the western Confederate Army of Tennessee.
I would highly recommend this book to any serious student of Confederate military actions during the War Between the States, particularly those who want to understand everything about the Army of Northern Virginia.

In this thought provoking book, the author starts out with a brief history of light troops followed by the history of the skirmishers of the Army of North Virginia. Although the Union side began the war with more and better light troops, they allowed them atrophy while the Confederates who faced them, learned from them. Innovation in the ANV tended to originate in Ewell's old division, commanded by Rodes. When the war began, the standard system was for each regiment to have one or two light companies sent forward as skirmishers. This had flaws. It was difficult to coordinate between all the companies, with Rodes' bad experience at South Mountain clearly showing the potential result. Soon, he formed for his brigade a special sharpshooter battalion to cover the front, and by the beginning of 1864 this was standard in every brigade in Lee's army. Because Lee's army was decentralized, innovation of this sort was encouraged and could spread. To enter a sharpshooter battalion, high standards of bravery and marksmanship had to be met so that the units did not become a collection of misfits. The men fought as light infantry, not as snipers in the modern sense, and used the best weapons available, including captured repeating rifles. The psychological effect on enemy infantry could be great, knowing that someone who was aimed at would likely be hit. The author's battle descriptions are quite useful. He shows how at Gettysburg Iverson's sharpshooter battalion got diverted into the low ground to face the Union XI Corps, which was threatening the division's flank, but with Iverson's brigade not protected properly, disaster resulted. At North Anna Confederate sharpshooters successfully screened the entrenchments, hiding them from view and allowing the Union army to unknowingly enter a trap. Most of the book covers the Overland Campaign and the '64 Valley and Petersburg campaigns, by which time new assault tactics were being developed to capture enemy pickets or assault earthworks. This, the author argues, shows a link to later infantry tactics developed by the German stormtroopers in World War I.. Unlike many other Civil War historians, the author is broad minded in looking at the broader tactical context - looking to events abroad both before and after the Civil War. The Franco-Prussian War, however, is given little attention. The author's interpretation of the use of Prussian columns differs with Nosworthy's, who believes that skirmishers were the main effort, with the company columns merely supporting them. So the author may over-emphasize the Boer War as a result. This is a minor flaw only; the book gives a good discussion of weapons and their accuracy and flaws as well as a good treatment of range estimation training. The book fills a void and should be a treasured volume to anyone interested in Civil War tactics.

"Why So Slow" is the most useful book I've ever read on gender issues. It is packed with evidence from psychology and sociology of the ways in which gender affects the way we judge and the way we're evaluated. I took an entire course on the sociology of gender, I found Valian's book more thorough and detailed. And while readable, it's meticulously credible, including citations for every fact. There's no soapboxing or ranting -- just reason and data.

I read the book 5 years ago, ended using it heavily for a thesis I wrote, and still end up referring back to the book every 6 months or so to retell some particularly interesting fact or study to others I know.

Valian is a cognitive psychologist. I saw her speak at a local university and was impressed by the breadth of evidence she presented re: how ingrained gender discrimination is in the thinking of both men and women, but also with her logical suggestions for addressing this problem. (She, as a matter of fact, was invited by women students and faculty to help them strategize how to get more women into higher positions.) In her convincing talk, I was struck by the evidence that discrimination is not something "done" by men to keep women down, but is, in fact, "done" equally to women by both men and women. So I got her book and was more impressed when I read it.

Valian presents experiment after experiment showing that women are held back by psychologically ingrained ideas held by both men AND women. She calls these gender schemas, which are a way for the brain to organize complex information. (They are close to stereotypes, but schema is a more neutral term). The evidence is fascinating and convincing. Examples: if a man and a woman of identical height stand in an identical height door frame, viewed separately and then rated, both men and women perceive the man to be taller. Or how a woman can make a suggestion during a meeting and no one hears it, but later a man makes the exact same suggestion and everyone hears it and thinks it's great. (Example after example you will all recognize and be disgusted by!) While the knowledge presented in this book is depressing, Valian ends with suggestions for ways to become aware of these fallacies in thinking and then actively counteract them within organizations.

I LOVE this book and it is a true eye-opener. It has really opened my eyes to what women have to surmount to get ahead when there are so many hidden negative assumptions ingrained in our culture. While it is written in an academic style and perhaps less accessible than a pop-psychology type or journalist-written book, one could read the introduction and conclusions to the chapters and skim parts of the in between text if it gets too heavy. (Like all academic writers she says her main points in the chapter intro, then presents evidence, then summarizes at the end of the chapters.) I highly recommend this book!

Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women, by Virginia Valian, is a book with a mission. It is not Professor Valian's objective in writing this book to discuss the issues of women in leadership positions with the limited number of other academics studying the issue. It is her objective to shake the people responsible for "the accumulation of disadvantage" of women, and to make them, or their supervisors, accountable for the recruitment and retention of women.

I know this is particularly acute, and action needed, at our nation's universities, where women tend to be recruited less often than men, especially in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) fields, and are promoted at a rate slower than equally qualified males. The book reviews relevant research, discusses the psychological issues involved in our development of "gender schemas," and discusses remedies.

I have heard Professor Valian discuss the issues raised in her book, and she speaks (and writes) with authority and conviction. This book, while not light reading, is written for the educated non-specialist. You can't read it and not be disturbed at how qualified and competent people can be considered unqualified or less competent.

This is a book to read, then get to work.

I waited too long to read Prof. Valian's book. Had I been armed with the knowledge offered in it earlier, I might have been spared some of the most unpleasant experiences and obstacles in my professional life. The breadth of the research covered, on everything from how young girls are channeled into certain careers or non-careers to the publishing patterns of men and women in academics, is its most impressive quality. I find myself referring to it often in everyday conversation, and recommending it to female friends and family members of all ages and levels of employment. If I have more confidence and a more positive outlook on my life's work now, it is in large part due to Prof. Valian's superb mega-study and her suggestions for moving forward.

If you're interested in the empirical findings which back-up many often dismissed feminist claims that women have a raw deal...then read this book.

Easy to read with some engrossing anecdotes (included only to illustrate, not prove, her points as pointed out by Valian herself), this book is a convincing tour guide of women's achievement in male-dominated professions.

My advisor in graduate school actually recommended this book with only one warning: don't read it when you're already depressed about the plight of women! By the middle of it, you might be ready to throw your hands up in the air and think the situation is hopeless...but luckily Valian includes a careful analysis of possible solutions. By googling her I also found out that she's making some proactive efforts (as a professor at CUNY) to put theory into practice. Bravo.

I've provided telephone support for new mothers for many years and have come to learn that nutritional support often ends mild to moderate mood issues. Hundreds of women have turned their postpartum symptoms around quickly after addressing nutrient depletion- I've seen them do so myself and I wrote a book on the subject.

When I got ready to write a second, more detailed book I found Dr. Raffelock's work and realized I didn't need to write anything. He already explained exactly why and how this phenomenon works in a way that made it understandable.

The emerging field of nutrition and maternal mental health bloomed with this book. You can gain great insight now by reading 'A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health'. To stay current you can read WellPostpartum Weblog, which is based on the premises in Dr. Raffelock's book and highlights research that corroborates this understanding. Dr. Raffelock has agreed to post his comments on the blog's articles, so you can continue to learn from him there. Enjoy your reading!

I purchased this book because my husband and I are planning a second child. Our daughter is now four years old, and I suffer from several problems postpartum that I have seen numerous specialists about. I am currently under the care of an acupuncturist and am definitely benefitting from the information in this book. I agree with the author 100% in that without the proper nutrition and suplementation, it is hard to recover from pregnancy. Here's to a very healthy second!

In the West there are a few misconceptions that need to be dispelled. The first is that your body does not have to go downhill after pregnancy. The second is that the postpartum period is a genuine time for recovery and should not be neglected. A Natural Guide to Pregnancy and Postpartum Health is so helpful. It really lays out a comprehensive and clear outline for your nutritional and supplemental needs during pregnancy and postpartum. The bottom line... women's bodies get depleted during pregnancy and postpartum which can lead to all sorts of health problems. The authors of this book have mapped out a path to really overcome these challenges. They have also created a line of supplements which are truly fabulous. I have used them all the way through my pregnancy and now postpartum. Thank you Dr. Raffelock and your wonderful team.... you are truly setting new standards for health in America.

This book gives so much information about biochemical processes in the human body, that most people will benefit from it. I have never had a baby, yet it was incredibly helpful to me. I've bought this book as a gift for many friends and I highly recommend it.

This book is so excellent! Everyone should read it, whether having a baby or not! It explains why our body needs certain nutrients and how easily nutrients can become depleted and stay depleted for years and lead to disease. It explains the "why" of things you're always hearing, such as don't eat sugar and flour, or eat more protein. Once you read it and understand how your body works, you feel really motivated to make the extra effort to provide your body with the foods it needs. Also, this book explains some very important things that you need to know postpartum. Especially, if you have a second child, the nutrient depletion from the first child will make your second pregnancy difficult if you don't start restoring nutrients as soon as you can. I wish I had known this before my second pregnancy. This book is very helpful! Get it asap! In our society there is hardly any acknowledgement of how much your body goes through in having a baby. POstpartum problems aren't addressed. Women are expected to have a baby and then be back at work a few months later. This book explains why you need to help your body recover, and what you need to do.

I own this book as well and in reading it to my grandaugther it brought memories of when I was young as well as seeing the excitement in her eyes. You have to read this aloud and it was truly a great experience for her. She always want to hear a story. I do believe we have to keep the stories alive in our children, the tones, the simplicity of life....a history.

I first heard of this book when I was in 5th grade (about 10-11 yrs. old)...I'm 28 now. My African-American teacher would read us stories from it. I remember enjoying the stories so much that I bought this book for my son about 2 yrs. ago. My son is almost 3 now & while he can't read yet, I know he will enjoy the stories as much as I have. This book comes with a CD & is narrated by the author & James Earl Jones...the narration was well done. I listened to the CD & I felt as if I had gone back in time. The narrators are so vivid & they really get your attention. The CD is definitely a plus & the book was well written. I really like that the stories have morals & life lessons that we can learn from. I recommend buying this version of the book because it comes with the CD. I also recommend this book for children 9 & up. This book would be a great addition to anyone's book collection. I hope my review is helpful.

I read this book when I was in elementary school and fell in love with it. Virginia Hamilton really captures the essence of West African story telling and transfers that essence into American form. As an educator and historian, the lessons in this book has stayed with me for well over 18 yrs and I suspect the lessons will remain with me forever. I recommend that this book is on the shelves of every African American family.

As a storyteller and folklorist/historian, it saddens me that so few children today know anything about the joys of hearing a good tale from a wise elder. In Black America in particular, generations of children (including my father, thank God) had the wonderful tales of Brer Rabbit, Little 8 John, Raw head & Bloody Bones, Wiley & The Hairy Man, and the People Who Could Fly (title story) told to them as today's children are familiar with Kim Possible and the Proud Family.

I bought this for my beloved niece when she was eight and pretty soon, she began entertaining the children of the neighborhood with these tales just as I did after listening to my dad and I still do during storytelling gigs today.

Virginia Hamilton (RIP) did a masterful work in leaving this beautiful legacy to a generation where it is fast disappearing. She does a good job in interpreting the likes of Wiley the Hairy man, Raw Head and Bloody Bones (the PC crowd occasionally complains about this being too scary for kids as well as Brer Rabbit-let these crybaby fools go ahead with that sickening Barney the Dinosaur and the care bears). The edition that I bought for my neice was before the CD with Miss Hamilton and voicemaster James Earl Jones came out, but I have younger neices and nephews (and hopefully my own children in the future) that I will certainly look out for this for.

Another reason why this collection is in such need is that often, African-American parents (rightfully) complain about the lack of wholesome entertainment for their children in particular. Unfortunately, most parents of today were not exposed to these stories as I was and this often leads to well-intentioned but foolish recent activities such as the NAACP here in Charleston (SC) complaining about the lack of Black Santa Clauses in the local malls. As Miss Hamilton and those of us raised in the folklore tradition know, we have enough good things of our own culture to pass down to children than to worry of the color of Santa Claus.

Buy this, reconnect with your children, and enjoy.

This book is a trifecta:

1. You get to hear the author read her own writing. If you want to hear Virginia Hamilton and James Earl Jones adding their own special lyrical beauty to the reading of these stories, then purchase this version. Considering that Ms. Hamilton died in 2002, this CD is a must have.

I think it is important for children to hear the author reading their own work. So if you can't get to a book reading by the author, this is the next best thing. And you get to hear it over and over again.

2. The illustrations are magical, delicate, and powerful. Every child (but especially black and white) in this nation should hear the stories in this book. Before they know color issues, they should get to know the beauty and dignity of brown skin. To hear the dignity, power, and humanity of their own heritage or that of someone elses, before a world of anger taints them.

3. At the end of each story is a brief history of the story: it's origin, and variations, and other facts that help the story to become more real and personal, especially for a child who wants to know more about their heritage. This will inspire them to ask questions and (if they're older) do research as it cause me to do.

This book is not just another tale of a personal fight with cancer. Rather, it is an account of Ms. Hansen's focus on cure for the sake of her family. She injects both humor and honesty during very harrowing times without minimizing the impact it had on her. As a physician, I believe that everyone in the healthcare field should read this book as it gives a very realistic perspective of the fears, wishes and hopes of someone facing a life threatening illness.

Plain speaking Virginia Hansen relates a harrowing tale of one family's battle against Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

This book makes two important contributions: One, it provides step by step real-world instructions for combating a vicious and persistent disease and secondly, it clarifies the uses of stem cells and stem cell applications. The reader can plainly see that stem cell research is not the "boogeyman" some would like us to believe.

Please note, this is not a medical "textbook" account of this disease; rather, it is a heartfelt monologue about a personal triumph over fear and uncertainty.

Michael and Judy

This book was such an inspiration to me as I felt while reading it I was actually there with Ginny. Not only informative but such honesty and the raw truth of what she endured will help me and others to be a better friend, mother, wife and all around person in the event that I have a loved one with such an unforgiving disease. She left me wanting so much more and I am sure she will deliver. Thank you so much Ginny for putting to paper such an incredible story and making it available for all to read and learn from.

As a physician, my ears perked up when I heard the author interviewed on TV last week. I met the author and purchased her book at a booksigning the next day. I later read the entire book in one sitting. It has the ring of authenticity, and is recommended to anyone, even if you think neither you nor anyone you know will ever get cancer.

The book is written in an entertaining, conversational, sometimes humorous, sometimes dramatic, style and always pure Ginny. Thank goodness for the health care giver who advised the author to keep a journal, this brings an immediacy to her story which is hard to duplicate.

Perhaps not the best book for hypochondriacs (a chronic itch becomes a clue to cancer), this book may save more lives than many physicians, simply by illustrating the importance of listening to what your body tells you. It also slips in tips on being assertive when managing your own care. Unlike most treatments of the subject, there is little or no bitterness over the usual early 'missed diagnosis'. Instead, the book is definitely upbeat. Her story demonstrates the importance of having someone with you at all times to serve as an advocate.

This book will be helpful to anyone who has felt uncomfortable knowing what to say when they learn that someone they know or care about has cancer. There are some inspiring heartwarming moments in this book that I will not divulge.

We have been privileged to share an inside look into what it's like to be a patient, and more importantly, what it takes to survive the sometimes bewildering hurdles that confront us when we are least capable of dealing with difficulties. Ginny obviously was blessed with that goodnatured 'cancer personality' which all too often seems to be afflicted with this adversity.

Author and cancer survivor Virginia Hansen has written a book that is not only entertaining and informative, but it is also inspirational. Her debut book "Stems of Life" is a personal memoir of her courageous fight for her life against cancer.

The author uses a simple narrative to weave her life experience. She shares the inmate details of her battle against Hodgkins Lymphoma in much the same way that one would have a conversation with an old friend. Her writing style allows the reader to feel like the author is personally relating her experiences to you. It feels like you are sitting cross the kitchen table having coffee together.

This book could become a life saver for some people but it is certainly an inspirational story for all people to read regardless if they are struggling with some life threatening disease or not. I was personally moved and felt a desire to learn more about this woman.

I first meet the author at the television studios of Channel 10 in Sacramento this year (2007) where we were both waiting in the greenroom for our on-air interviews. She came across then, as someone very special, even though she makes no pretense to be anyone other than herself. She is more than just a cancer survivor--she is a real hero! I feel privileged to have run into her and to have read her wonderful book.

The American Authors Association (AAA) has nominated this book for one of its yearly awards and gives it their highest book rating of FIVE STARS! I also personally endorse and recommend this book!

I'm not a science fan but I loved learning about the space program and the rockets. I read the book within a few hours. Nice job, authors.

I'm not a science fan but I loved learning about the space program and the rockets. I read the book within a few hours. Nice job, authors.

I really enjoyed learning about this private base where our rockets were developed. The writers made it so clear and easy to read. Neat!

I bet those two authors couldn't get on that base today. How lucky we are to have this book prior to terrorism. It gives a good feel on what goes on behind the scenes. The postcard photos are great.

I bet the authors wouldn't get clearance now to go to this government base...what with 9/11 and all the terrorism. That makes this book all the more valuable and treasured. Neat photos and fun info.

Having read the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to read Con's story and I was not disappointed. Ms. Kantra in a master of characterization.

I thoroughly enjoyed Con's story -- one of the best books I've read all year. Con is a very real-life hero, intelligent enough to think before reacting. He accepts that the heroine, Val, isn't a ninny but rather an independent woman who just needs a helping hand. I adored Con and can't wait for Sean's story! Hurry up September!

Virginia Kantra's writing is, quite simply, extraordinary. Humor, tenderness, action, sizzling sensuality -- this story has it all, and then some. With vivid, evocative prose, the author creates characters whose heartbeats become the reader's own. While sexual tension shimmers throughout THE COMEBACK OF CON MACNEILL, not once does it seem artificial or contrived, but rather a natural, explosive reaction between two brilliantly crafted characters. And her ability to tightly interweave the romance with other aspects of the plot is unsurpassed. Brava!

Virginia Kantra has joined my list of favorite authors, after I read a few other books and then stumbled across Book 2 of the O'Neill brothers trilogy (the first book is Kantra's second THE PASSION OF PATRICK O'NEILL; the third book is THE TEMPTATION OF SEAN O'NEILL). Another book MAD DOG AND ANNIE is a sequel to some of the events that take place in THE COMEBACK OF CON O'NEILL, although both books can pretty much stand on their own - which is the secret of a great series romance.

Kantra writes category romance, i.e. romances published in a monthly line by publishers such as Harlequin and Silhouette. I cut my eye-teeth on category romances (along with Georgette Heyer), but most of the authors I loved back then leave me cold now.

Kantra's second book of her O'Neill trilogy is set in a small town. Financial consultant Con O'Neill, with his lean clever face, has been forced out of Boston and his high-paying and high-flying job. Not only has he lost his job, but also his fiancee. Con comes to small town USA when he is hired for a job or project by the local bank president - to bail his daughter Val out of trouble with her restaurant. This is small potatoes for Con, but if he can pull off the job, he will get a badly-needed recommendation with which to stage his comeback to the world of high finance.

Con is not too enthusiastic. What does he know about restaurants after all? Pretty soon, he realizes that Val Cutler, the restaurant owner, is something special. Val has her own demons too - including being emotionally smothered by her too-helpful father and her distant mother. She wants to run a purely vegetarian show in a town where the usual call is for steak and fries. Con tries to reorient her cuisine with unexpected results. He then begins poking into the business's finances with even more unexpected results.

Woven into this story of a woman's effort to prove herself to her father and the town is the story of her friend Annie who is married to the local "golden boy" [For more on that, read MAD DOG AND ANNIE]. There is suspense, there is heartache, and there is the need to combat prejudices of all kinds - the town's against the outsider Con and for the local "star", Val's father's about his daughter's efforts to make her own living, and more. Throughout this, there winds a honeyed strain of sexual tension (along with tension of another kind) which brings the book to a dramatic close.

Con and Val's problems are not solved by the end. We know that life will be a struggle, and that Con will have to make a choice - between big-city glamour and fame and small-town success. Elder brother Patrick, his second wife Kate and their family make a brief appearance.

If you liked this book, try either the last part of the O'Neill trilogy or MAD DOG AND ANNIE (which tells the heartbreaking story of Val's friend).

After reading THE PASSION OF PATRICK MACNEILL, I had certain expectations for Con. He had to be strong, handsome, intelligent and most of all compassionate. His story had to have the same depth of emotion and character, the same intense and quality writing. That seemed a lot to ask, but I did anyway.
I wasn't disappointed. THE COMEBACK OF CON MACNEILL is just as well written as Patrick's story. Virginia has consistently given us strong men, and holding her to that, I'm looking forward to Sean's story, which is now on shelves.
For those of you who don't normally read category romance, this series about three brothers is one that might just make you change your mind.
~sue
Sue Waldeck
Road to Romance
http://www.roadtoromance.dhs.org