Fletcher Books

This book provides a powerful example that thinking out of the box can open up a new perspective on a conflict that had seemed to be unsolvable. And this book is an example that academic research can lead to applicable and practical results.

The conflict between work life and family life is as old as the industrial age. We all know it and we all experience it in our daily life. The four authors, all of them experienced researchers, have or most of their lives tried to better understand this conflict and its underlying story. But with this book they went a step beyond traditional approaches. Based on case studies they unveil a number of assumptions on which this conflict is based. They challenge norms and traditional thinking. Career choices, life opportunities, values and reward structures are based on a specific western type of thinking that historically has been shaped by white, married, middle-class men. The result is a system that dominates most of our work-life and effects our private life, that of men and women. The authors question this system from two angles. First, they analyze the often painful struggle between having a life and a career, and how individuals are trying to balance the two. Second, they show that the widely believed assumption: "this system is bad for us but good for the organization" does not hold true. Organizations and work processes are often inefficient and the individual behavior that is based on these norms don't move the whole organization forward.

This book does not make the mistake of ending up with an easy answer. The authors identify leverage points for significant change in organizations. The book has helped me to rethink basic assumptions about work and organizations in the industrialized world and to see new potential for change.

This book provides a powerful example that thinking out of the box
can open up a new perspective on a conflict that had seemed to be
unsolvable. And this book is an example that academic research can
lead to applicable and practical results.

The conflict between work life and family life is as old as the
industrial age. We all know it and we all experience it in our daily
life. The four authors, all of them experienced researchers, have
for most of their lives tried to better understand this conflict and
its underlying story. But with this book they went a step beyond
traditional approaches. Based on case studies they unveil a number
of assumptions on which this conflict is based. They challenge
norms and traditional thinking. Career choices, life opportunities,
values and reward structures are based on a specific western type of
thinking that historically has been shaped by white, married,
middle-class men. The result is a system that dominates most of our

work-life and effects our private life, that of men and women. The
authors question this system from two angles. First, they analyze
the often painful struggle between having a life and a career, and
how individuals are trying to balance the two. Second, they show that
the widely believed assumption: "this system is bad for us but good
for the organization" does not hold true. Organizations and work
processes are often inefficient and the individual behavior that is
based on these norms don't move the whole organization forward.

This book does not make the mistake of ending up with an easy answer.
The authors identify leverage points for significant change in
organizations. The book has helped me to rethink basic assumptions
about work and organizations in the industrialized world and to see
new potential for change.

As a coach and consultant to attorneys struggling to make
the business case for effective and usable work-life practices, I found this book to be an invaluable tool and resource.
Law firms are bastions of gendered assumptions about ideal
workers. The insatiable demand for ever-increasing billable hours makes developing and maintaining a normal life outside of work an extraordinary challenge, particularly for women attorneys. "Beyond Work-Family Balance" clearly articulates the tacit gendered assumptions underlying current law firm work practices and effectively establishes the connection between gender equity and workplace performance.
I wish the managing partners of every law firm would read this.
I'll refer all of my coaching clients to it. At least it will
confirm that it's the system - not them - that has the problem.

This is a book we have all been waiting for. After decades of reflection and debate about how best to develop innovative, high performance organisations, on the one hand, and how to enhance gender equity and work-personal life integration on the other hand, this book tells us that the two are not only compatible, but mutually dependent. Written in a non technical and thoroughly engaging style, the book argues that work practices and norms which are inequitable are also ineffective. The authors have the rare knack of presenting a deep and thoughtful analysis in such a clear way that their argument seems simple and obvious.

The heart of the problem lies in the gendered assumptions that underpin many everyday working practices . The authors point out that assumptions based on traditional masculine values and life situations include the defining of commitment in terms of long working hours that preclude time for family or personal life, and the valuing of stereotypical male competencies, such as heroic action and firefighting, above interpersonal and other competencies regarded as more “feminine”. Drawing on action research in a range of organisations they demonstrate how these assumptions and the practices that follow from them, undermine effective performance, but are so taken-for-granted that we rarely question them.

What really distinguishes this book is that the authors go beyond identifying problems to provide a well tried method for bringing about meaningful change It does not offer one size fits all solutions but does provide a process for reaching tailor made solutions. Their method of Collaborative Interactive Action Research (CIAR) includes examining working practice and the assumptions that sustain ineffective practices and gender inequity and then thinking collaboratively with work teams to come up with innovative solutions to what they call the “dual agenda”. The case studies used throughout the book are based on experience in a wide range of organisations so that everybody should be able to identify with at least some of the situations described. This should leave limited room for the traditional cry of “it won’t work here”.

For all those readers who are interested in organisational performance and change and in gender equity, whether or not they have already made the connections between the two, this book will make compulsive reading. Even the most cynical will find it difficult to totally disregard the central message that gender equity and effective performance go hand in hand.

The long-awaited, "Beyond Work-Family Balance," is finally out! Many of us have been waiting for
the better part of a decade for a full treatment of the worklife
integration experiments at Xerox and elsewhere, and this is it! If you are
looking for a book to get you charged up about the business case for
work/life programs, go elsewhere. If you want the most honest, detailed
account of attempts to make the business case successful in practice, this
is the book for you. The basic argument starts with integration: we cannot
improve things unless and until we are willing to bring the public sphere
of employment and the private sphere of home together, a process that can
range from embarrassing to painful. The second ingredient is the dual
agenda of improving business performance and gender equity. The tightrope
involved in carrying this dual agenda into the workplace is what makes the
book interesting, powerful, and realistic. The authors argue that an
interactive research approach is required to make the dual agenda work,
with the researchers listening and learning almost as much as the
participants in the business world, a process that requires constant
feedback, reflection, and communication. Indeed, an entire chapter is
devoted to lessons for research teams wishing to pursue research while
applying a dual agenda to themselves. Sometimes the dual agenda succeeds,
and employees and managers learn how to improve the functioning of
workplaces for all participants (yes, stockholders even benefit). But the
fundamental honesty of the authors leaves us wondering: is it worth it?
Fortunately, I think the answer is yes, but the authors leave us in no
doubt as to the incredible amount of work required.
The one question left hanging concerns unions, since the parallels
between many labor-management cooperation initiatives and the integration
approach are multiple (if not perfect), but unions are not mentioned.
Well, that leaves something for the next book. Incredibly well-written,
brutally honest, and extremely insightful! A must-read for academics and
practitioners alike.

Well written book with good examples. I am recommending this book to many of our residents and fellows !

This is an essential book for any physicians or other medical personnel interested in evidence based medicine and reading of the medical literature. It is extremely well written and presents the materials in a coherent and understandable manner. It uses excellent examples to illustrate its points. We are using this text to introduct our first year medical residents to clinical epidemiology.

Clinical Epidemiology has been considered the new 'Basic Science' to medical students. This book offers a excelent approach to main problems found by beginners in this vast field of knowledge like how to deal with Statistics and with the huge number of papers published. With a easy language this book is good option to get started in this branch of Medicine now called the 'Science of the Art'.

Clinical Epidemiology has become a core element in the understanding and treatment of human illness. Defined as a method of generating valid conclusions from clinical observations, clinical epidemiology arms health practitioners with skills essential for modern health care. As a Physical Therapist (PT) I am often asked to render a diagnosis based on clinical hypotheses with "soft" measurements like pain, distress and function loss; how can I ensure that my diagnosis is correct? Traditional practice encourages the health care student to believe that knowing enough anatomy & physiology will somehow optimise health care outcomes. This book not only challenges that view but it also arms the reader with the knowledge and applicable skills to interpret research and also to ensure that any work you carry out is robust and in keeping with EBM principles. A highly recommended text and great value for money. A must for lecturers, student PT's and anyone who wonders how they can improve their critical analysis of health care practice. Don't treat patients without a copy on your shelf (assuming of course you read it...osmosis is NOT a recognised learning tool).

The authors explain the basic principles and basic concepts of clinical epidemiology in a clear and understandable way. Examples for each subject make reading pleasant and easy, contrary to what one may expect in a book of this kind.
I recommend it for every person who is related to the health sciences and interested in obtaining the best out of medical literature.

Fletcher's book demonstrates how teachers learn from their students and has used a clever format to lead us through her adventures in educating her students.

Entertaining and enlightening.

Dickie Anderson
Author/Columnist - Amelia Island - Florida

I recommend this book for teachers and those thinking about being a teacher. More importantly, I recommend this book to everyone concerned about our education system. Ms. Fletcher accurately describes the dedication and efforts of teachers working under very difficult conditions. Now, more than ever, our schools need the support of the public in our efforts to prepare our students for a challenging world.

Fletcher vividly describes what we, as teachers, see each year in our classrooms! I related to so many of the vignettes. As a 11th year teacher in a public school, I have had many of the same characters in my classes. Teachers, students and administrators are sure to enjoy this book! Pre-service teachers would gain from the insight and sensitivity.

I loved this book and the author's warm, authentic voice. We hear a lot about troubled U.S. schools, but this novel shares an insider's perspective. Fletcher creates a mix of humor, everyday realism, traumas and sudden joys. The Florida setting is truly drawn, as are the outspoken characters,from the angry Rochelle to impish Luscious, and tormented Yasmina, among others. It's also a 'coming-of-age' story about the young teacher, managing to do her job in a climate of racial distrust and tense emotions. I hope we get to see many more books from this writer -- she knows her craft and has something to say that's worth hearing.

Author Dorothy Fletcher claims the book is fiction, but surely it is not! As every teacher can attest, these are the students who inhabit--and haunt--every high school classroom in America; yet the characters come across as individuals. The teacher's first encounter is with an impatient, sarcastic junior who announces herself as "Rhodezzzzia." (The intonation is perfect.) The final encounter is by the bedside of Rochelle, a shy student with AIDS, who dies "one week shy of her seventeenth birthday." In the intervening months, the students gain confidence in their abilities, question their values, give up on school, and face some harsh realities of life. Along the journey of one school year, Mrs. Fletcher guides you through the lessons of some of the greats, such as Edgar Allan Poe, Sojourner Truth, T.S. Eliot, and Maya Angelou. She also teaches you about human nature--both adult and adolescent. Read The Cruelest Months! You will laugh aloud, but keep a hankie nearby. You will need it.

I truly enjoyed this book. The train murder mystery was a real cliff hanger. Thanks

There are very few things that have a stronger romantic hold on people than do trains. The "Iron Horse" has captivated people for far longer than any living person can remember and trains are a mainstay of the entertainment industry. Just think about how many songs, movies, TV shows and books feature trains, the list is just too long to remember. There are also numerous clubs for those who take the fascination with trains just a little farther than the rest of us do. It is a railroad excursion held by one of these clubs that provides the setting for this very entertaining book.

Cabot Cove insurance agent Reggie Weems is vice president of one of these clubs and invites Jessica to be his guest on one of the club's excursions in British Columbia. On the first day of the trip, club president Alvin Blevin goes into convulsions and dies very unselfishly setting up a mystery to be solved. Blevin, despite his selfless act that creates our mystery, is very unpopular with most of the club members so the suspect list is very long. At first though, Jessica is the only one who suspects foul play but she, being a mystery writer, has done a lot of research on poisons and immediately recognizes Blevin's symptoms.

To add even more romance to this story, the agency that is charged with investigating the murder is the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Mounties. Once RCMP Detective Christian Marshall gets the autopsy report and learns that Jessica was absolutely right about the poison he begins to take her sleuthing seriously and ends up relying on her for many of his clues. As for Jessica, her curiosity is running at full throttle and she ends up in quite a bit of danger before she finds the path that leads to the guilty party.

This is one of the better books in this series, but with trains and Mounties it couldn't possibly fail. The scenery along the train's route is beautifully described and there is even a lady on the train who carries a book about wildflowers so she can point out the different species of flora that the train passes by. The characters, and some of them are indeed characters, are believable and well thought out and this mystery really draws the reader into the story, much more so than in some of the other books in this series. Best of all though, despite numerous red herrings the reader actually has enough information to solve the mystery before Jessica does so. There are some sub-plots that information is withheld on, but the Blevin murder is solvable. Mr. Bain has a tendency to withhold information but he does a splendid job with this book.

If you only read one "Murder She Wrote" mystery, this might well be the one that you should choose.

As a member of a train group, this mystery hit close to home. I enjoyed it greatly as I have with all the other Murder She Wrote mysteries. The best thing about the book is the way the author wrote it in Jessica Fletcher's authentic voice. If you've ever watched Murder She Wrote, Jessica has a very distinct way of putting things, and the way she acts. This is all continued in the books.

This was probably one of the better MSW books, as I had a difficult time figuring out who done it. There was a MSW special on TV about 10 years ago with many of the same plot twists and turns about a train murder (only this one was set on an Amtrak train). Pick this up for a good mystery read which may on the surface look like an easy simple mystery, but is much deeper.

This new mystery will have all Murder She Wrote fans up reading until the wee hours of the morning. I enjoyed this book immensely and was sad when the story ended.

The characters in this tale will have everyone guessing on who the perpetrator really is. I was wrong every time, if that says anything.

As Jessica Fletcher gets older, her knack for solving crime is still in tact. There is a scene on the train that Jessica will never forget. It's a life and death situation as she stumbles upon different clues to unravel who is behind the ghastly murder.

As the series chugs forward, the plots get stronger and unforgettable. "Destination Murder" is no exception. Don't let this mystery pass by.

Cabot Cove, Maine murder mystery writer Jessica Fletcher agrees to accompany her friend Reggie Weems, a train hobbyist, to the Track and Rail Club's annual meeting in Vancouver. Members of the group are going on a three day journey on the Whistler Northwind train run by B.C. Rails. The chairman of the club is Alvin Blevin, a high-power Vancouver lawyer who is very unpopular with certain members of the group.

On the first day of the train ride, Alvin goes into convulsions and dies. Jessica is certain that he was murdered and she doesn't hesitate to tell RCMP Detective Christain Marshal that she believes he was the victim of strychnine poisoning. When a toxicology report proves her right, the detective asks Jessica to determine which passengers had the best motive for wanting him dead. The problem with that task is that almost everyone had a motive, which makes ferreting out the real killer next to impossible.

Most mystery novels have more than one suspect but in MURDER SHE WROTE: DESTINATION MURDER, the count is more than the fingers on two hands. All the suspects have very credible motives which is why the RCMP detective enlisted the help of the amateur sleuth who has had a successful track record in finding killers on previous cases. Amateur sleuth lovers, especially series fans, will definitely enjoy this exciting who done it.

Harriet Klausner

This is a great book--especially if you are struggling to find meaning in your life. The real life stories will inspire you and give you hope. A very unique book.

I love this book! Each person has a different story of how they have taken a tragic or difficult life circumstance, and created purpose and meaning from it. It shows that sometimes our "curses" are really blessings in disguise, and gives hope to anyone who might think life has given them more than they can handle.

This is really a book that shows you how people have prevailed over all of life's obstacles. Your life perspective will be changed after you read this book -- for the better! Very inspiring!

This book has touched my heart so deeply. As I have read the stories and thought of the hardships the authors have survived from makes me know that no matter what we all have a special purpose in this world. If fear doesn't hold us down we can be anything and help those around us find their best. What an encouraging life changing book to help speed our growth along our own personal journey. A special thank you to all the co-authors for your willingnes to share such personal sorrows and joys..

The book "Don't Miss Your Boat" was very inspiring because each story has given my life more purpose. I was reminded that there are many ways in which one can change their life and thus make a difference in their own or other's lives. Most chapters brought me to tears as these authors took their severe or mundane circumstances in life and made their "world" and the "world of those around them" totally positive and filled with hope.

Jane Fletcher has again piqued my interesting.

Her characters are believable. Witchcraft for the good is a nice concept.

I felt like I was left wanting. I can't wait for the next book to be published.

Tevi is the oldest daughter of Red, who in turn is the daughter of the Queen of Storenseg. In this matrilineal society, the women are the warriors and the men are small, weak, and serve in roles as housekeepers, babysitters, and servants. Tevi does not belong. She is awkward-not good with a sword or any type of weapon-and the leaders of Storenseg do not believe she possesses any useful leadership skills. Her younger sister, Laff, is far better suited for power and ruling. Unfortunately, Tevi makes the mistake of revealing feelings for a woman, and in this profoundly heterosexist society, that is cause for death or exile. Like the ugly duckling, Tevi is a disgrace in the eyes of all her people.

Rather than sentence her own granddaughter to death, the Queen sends Tevi on an impossible mission to recover a chalice stolen under odd circumstances. In anguish, the 19-year-old woman embarks upon a journey to other lands. In classic Quest form, Tevi goes out in the world and this is when the fun starts. While learning new skills and finding talents she didn't know she had, she encounters wayfarers, sorcerers, enchanted castles, witches, wild animals, dwarves, and magic-and Jemeryl, who is a young Sorceress who not only saves Tevi from a terrible fate, but also proves critical in formulating a search for the stolen chalice. As it turns out, Tevi's quest has much further reaching ramifications than anyone back in Storenseg ever imagined.

Originally published as Parts One and Two of Lorimal's Chalice, this new incarnation leads off a series that will include a second book, THE TRAITOR AND THE CHALICE (June 2006), which comprised Parts Three and Four of Lorimal's Chalice, and the all-new third book, THE EMPRESS AND THE ACOLYTE (October 2006).

THE EXILE AND THE SORCERER is a mesmerizing read, a tour-de-force packed with adventure, ordeals, complex twists and turns, and the internal introspection of appealing characters. The author writes effortlessly, handling the size and scope of the book with ease. Not since the fantasy works of Elizabeth Moon and Lynn Flewelling have I been so thoroughly engrossed in a tale. This is knockout fiction, tantalizingly told, and beautifully packaged. It receives my very highest recommendation.

I waffled on 3-1/2 versus 4 stars. I think I eventually get frustrated with Jane Fletcher. She hits some marks with such power, and so perfectly, that it's a noticeable contrast when she breezes over other issues or scenes that I would have liked to see expanded. Some things seem to come to resolution too quickly, while others take most of the book to develop. But mostly, these are quibbles.

The structure of the society within this book is detailed and interesting, pretty much a must for a fantasy novel. The Protectorate is an ability-based society in which wealth is not inherited. The main social divisions seem to be whether you are a sorcerer or not, and if not then you join a Guild. The sexes are more or less equal, and the people are pretty fluid as to their choice of sexual partners. Into this world stumbles Tevi, freshly exiled from the isolated island country of her childhood in which women rule by dint of strength, embodying many of the worst traits often decried in patriarchy. This whole set-up presented an interesting contrast of societies, and made for a lot of conflict and character drama. (As an aside, it's always nice to read a lesbian fantasy novel that doesn't gloss over the existence of men).

The author shows great facility with language, and is a joy to read. She had a distinct and pleasant narrative voice. My biggest complaint is probably that she often tells us what the characters are feeling, versus describing the emotion. Also, at least for this book we don't really get any romance between the characters until the very end.

Still, a good read over all and a great beginning to this series. I am eager to see how Jem and Tevi finish Tevi's quest.

She is not new but she is new to Bold Strokes Books. I like that because I can read straight trough the whole series.
I just finished this on and was so very happy to finally find a lesbian (sci-fi or adventure) writer that is as good as any main stream author. Reading this book made me think of Robert Jordon's Wheel of Time Series. Not that the books are similar but that they are both awesome authors.
This book was very well written. My escape was total and complete. I couldn't put it down.

A lot of people swear that Jane Fletcher is the goddess of Sci-fi writing. She seems to almost have a cult following. But whenever I read the synopsis on her book covers, well - they seemed a little too much fantasy. But, on the advice of friends, who assured it wasn't too far into the fantasy realm, I bought the book.

To say her story was good is an understatement. It was good on so many levels. The story flowed smoothly and seamlessly. There was nothing that jarred me out of the story for even a minute. The story caught and held my attention, not in the riveting - edge of your seat sort of way - but just waiting to see what happened next. This story had so many different levels to it.

Without giving away any spoilers:

- it hits home to anyone who -

**grew up without that 'blood is thicker than everything' or 'family must always stand together' belief
**grew up being different - whether it was being gay, too skinny, too fat, too smart, too dumb - or anything that made you feel different
**grew up always being told you weren't good enough, or smart enough
**has ever been truly alone in the world
**has wondered why you are here
**has ever been betrayed by someone you trusted
**has ever been abandoned
**lost your faith in others
***and I'm sure there are other places it hits that didn't touch my soul. Yet it leaves you hoping, believing that goodness and honesty will win.

It doesn't hit so hard it hurts, but it hits hard enough to actually make your heart skip a beat when you recognize yourself; or when you emphasize with the character.

It's not a fast & easy read, as are many lesbian literature books. This isn't 'fast food.' It's a gourmet meal to be consumed, and every bite savored.

Now, of course, I must go out buy the sequel. (and then start on her next series)

This review concerns the new (revised) Doubleday edition of the book, published in 1999.

Here is a book that is quite unique in my experience. I don't think I have ever read a book that has offered so much initial frustration, which has ended up turning out quite so well. In the first couple of chapters I was sure I was not going to be able to finish it. I put this down largely to poor editing, but I think there may be the added factor that this edition involved a major revision of an earlier work and that the two were not married very happily together. Yet the book soon strikes out on a new path, and on another level, as we leave the Manx and Cumbrian origins of Fletcher Christian behind, and begin to learn some of the details of that murky event known to history as the "Mutiny on the Bounty." One thing is obvious and it is to the author's credit, as he is a direct descendent of Fletcher Christian (and, something which will appear obvious given the nature of life on Pitcairn at the time of the first settlement, of several of the other mutineers): he makes a very bold attempt not to hoist Bligh on too high a yardarm, in spite of the man's obvious and well-established shortcomings. Indeed, he allows Bligh to hang himself in the book, which is something he seems to have tried very hard to accomplish in real life.

The book's last section of three concerns the personal odyssey by author Glynn Christian back to Pitcairn in search of traces of Fletcher and a greater understanding of some of the legend which grew up around him and his fellow conspirators of over 200 years ago. It is well done, and if we are a bit frustrated by the results, it's not because the author didn't try hard enough. In fact, this is a very successful project from every point of view, even if I did think at first that it was going to be "another island book," like the one on St-Kilda I read many years ago and still haven't digested to this day. Anyone interested in the Bounty story must read this and all those interested in the history of the Pacific, or even just plain family history, will probably enjoy this very much. After initially wanting to almost burn it, I now find myself giving it my highest recommendation. It's quite unique. By the by, it's interesting to reflect on the book's title. Ordinarily, one would think it referred to Pitcairn, the ancestral home as it were; but I rather fancy it refers to Tahiti instead, that fabled place from which some of Glynn Christian's other ancestors sprang.

I found FRAGILE PARADISE to be one of the best biographies I have ever read. The amount of research GLYNN CHIRSTIAN gathered about his famous descendent was just mind blowing. I often wonderd about FLETCHER CHIRSTIAN'S life before his days on the bounty. Having seen all of the movies based on the mutiny I never really felt that hollywood told his story with any accuracy at all. We never really get to know who CHIRSTIAN was and why he did what he did and the price he had to pay for his actions. Also I discoverd while I was reading this book the information about his family in ENGLAND and thier roots which hollywood often chooses to forget about when telling the story about the bounty muntiny. All in all if you like the story of the mutiny on the bounty you'll love this book.

This is by far one of the best books about the infamous mutiny on the Bounty. Glynn Christian is a descendant of Fletcher Christian, the leader of the mutiny. His researches into the family history is fascinating (if a bit overwhelming at times), but it's the new information about the voyage of the Bounty, the behavior and character of Captain Bligh, the nature of Tahitian society, and the mutineers on Pitcairn Island that makes this book a treasure trove for fans of the Bounty story. While it does not replace any of the previous works on the subject, I can say that if you have read those but not "Fragile Paradise," you are missing out on a very important piece of this amazing story.

As someone who has a great interest in the history of this strange adventure, I ordered the trilogy book on The Bounty and loved it . Afterwards, I ordered this one and I'm really glad I did. As informative and well written as the original book was , this one seemed to fill in some important insights and details about the personalities and the everyday life of the sailers plus a lot of the Tahitian customs . It started out pretty dry and dull to be honest but once it got going, I couldn't put it down. This guy has done his homework and then some ...it truly is an impressive book. Totally recomended !!

A new edition, by the same author, is due out in 2000. New research gives a clearer picture of the tension aboard BOUNTY after sailing from Tahiti, there is more evidence about Bligh's method of captaincy and, for the first time, a full chapter on the Tahitian women, who they were, how they thought and how, even though overlooked for two centuries, they are crucial to the survival of Christian's remote settlement on Pitcairn Island.

This documented history of destroyer development up through World War II and beyond fleet employment of the Fletcher Class of fighting ships plainly reveals a careful and scholarly work of its author. This is no collection of salty sea stories but a revelation of the true roots of "small boys", first in the Civil War and later as they served the cruisers, aircraft carriers, and amphibious ships, particularly in the Pacific Theatre, under the leadership of ADMs Nimitz, Halsey, and their ilk and later in the Korean and Vietman Wars.
What I appreciated about the book was that it is fully annotated with reliable sources, has a large bibliography, a more than usually complete index, and, for those who served aboard Colahan, a crew muster data base to the extent those who served could be identified. Whether you are a hardware or history buff, the author has achieved his goal of answering the questions: What are we a part of? and how did this come to be?

I served on the U.S.S. Colahan in the early 1950s, know the author personally and was the primary proof-reader of the book while it was being written. I have read every word in it, twice or more times. It is an excellent book of naval history, and at the same time an exciting saga. As I was proof-reading the chapers, one by one, I would become captivated by the stories themselves, particularly those accounts of World War Two, of the Tomcat Squadron going ahead of the convoy or task force to intercept and destroy Japanese aircraft. The book includes additional accounts of naval battles of that era, in which dozens of American and Japanese ships were lost, to gunfire, to attack by aircraft or even to violent weather. The typhoons of the Pacific ocean can be and were deadly at times.

There were four ships in the squadron with the DD658. The other three were given or sold to other countries, but the Colahan was used for target practice off the coast of California. I wish someone someday would find the ship, just to get underwater photos of it. It probably will never happen, I am sorry to say. But for now read about the ship, the squadron and the war itself in "A Fletcher's Story."

...

I served with Mr.Galligan on the USS Colahan during the Korean War. His coverage and story are one of the best I have read.

Galligan's self-imposed cause and effect guidelines coupled with his apparent devotion to research leave little to one's imagination in reading this superbly organized accounting of COLAHAN's history. From an immense pool of historical sources he has carefully and methodically gleaned far more than the origin, purpose and destiny of a single FLETCHER Class Destroyer; he has included well rationalized motivation behind world events that effected COLAHAN's responsibilities. One need not be a historical enthusiast to acknowledge and admire this exceptional book.

Joe Galligan has done a great service for Fletcher-class destroyer fans in general and USS Colahan DD-658 fans in particular. He explores the development of destroyers and details the entire 23-year history of the Colahan (1943-1966). My book, "The Original Tomcat," deals with the ship's Pacific War adventures in the mid-1940s, and Paul Adkisson's memoirs, "Anchors and Eagles," gives a lively account of the Colahan in the mid-1950s. Neither, however, can match the scope of Joe's "From Stem to Stern."

The book was recommended by my daughters teacher and it is very good- especially for budding writers.

I was told to purchase this book for an English Education class in "The Teaching of Writing" in college. I love this little book! It's very simple and would recommend my high school students to read it before any personal writing they complete. The book was shipped quickly and I was definitely pleased with the easy-to-understand format.

My son has some challenges getting his ideas on paper...he is being tutored by a retired teacher who is a reading specialist. She just loves this book for my son. They already completed the HEART project and it is coming along pretty well, can't wait to see the finished project.

"How to Write your Life Story," by Ralph Fletcher, presents an interesting and entertaining introduction to writing about the most important people in the world--yourself and your family. You can get additional ideas from larger books, but this little book, written for young people, covers the most important points about writing an autobiography.

It debunks a few common lies that people use to convince themselves they don't have a story worth telling--that you have to be a famous celebrity, have an amazing life, or be old and gray.

You already have everything you need to start writing: a character (yourself), a setting (places you have been), and a plot (the events that happened to you). Fletcher recommends making a list of memorable events and then writing about the ones that seem most interesting. These events will probably be the ones that are told and retold every time the family gets together.

He suggests gathering up the artifacts that have soaked up your personal memories and holding them in your hands until the memory rises to the top. Drawing maps of important places in your life, and a heart map of the things that really matter to you, will help you uncover the treasured and terrible tales you want to tell.

Whether you choose to write a group of vignettes, a chronology, or a multi-genre collection of short pieces, you can always switch to another form until it feels well-suited to the story you're trying to tell. The most important message in the book is that writing about your life will help you understand it better. So, read the book and start writing.

Excellent resource written for young students. I teach fifth graders and read to them regularly from Fletcher's other books... A Writer's Notebook in particular. How To Write Your Life Story brings the task of memoir to their fingertips -- makes it feel doable, important, and exciting. Fletcher cites two of my favorite authors of other resources: Katherine Bomer and Barry Lane, whom my students know well by the time we finish our inquiry into memoir. Many examples of writing from Fletcher, and other 4 - 7 grade students enrich this book and bring it home. Great for read aloud, introducing mini-lessons, or even as a class reading book if you can swing a whole set. Any teacher who investigates memoir or autobiography with young students should have this book in the classroom.

Ralph Fletcher is a wonderful author with great ideas for teaching writing. His books are infinitely readable!

Similar to other Fletcher writing books
Excellent to use with writing lessons--esp. at the beginning of the school year

This charming little book offers a solid, user-friendly introduction to the fundamental steps of the writing process. Fletcher uses a clear and simple prose style to lead young readers through the creative writing process, from generating an idea and writing the first draft, to rereading and revising, to proofreading, editing, and publishing. Along the way, he discusses the importance of finding a suitable place to write, strategies for brainstorming, and methods of overcoming writer's block. Also included are several author interviews to provide alternative approaches to the writing process as well as a bibliography of recommended fiction and writing-related nonfiction. Beginning writers of any age may find inspiration in the practical strategies and encouraging sentiments set forth in this simple but elegant guide.

This book is unique in that it talks directly to kids about writing, in a personal rather than a "textbook" manner. I can't think of any other books for kids that do this (other than the others by Fletcher listed at the end), and it is so valuable! The book is also simply very interesting and well-written.

This book is not about the craft and mechanics of writing, but about how to establish that all-important *habit* of writing. It's about all the elements that enable and support a person to actually write. I don't know whether this book or "A Writer's Notebook" by Ralph Fletcher should be read first; they are both so important. I'm thinking of having my students read them concurrently.

I love the fact that Fletcher does not teach "the process," but rather encourages kids to find their own process. He cautions students not to "prewrite the life out of their topic" through excessive prewriting. It is also made clear, through the book's inspiring interviews with children's writers, that the processes that these successful writers use differ greatly from each other. One of the authors says she would never talk about her topic before writing about it, because "ideas bring with them an energy to write them. If I talk about them instead, I lose that initial energy that's crucial." I am a prolific writer, have almost never written an outline (before writing) in my life, and have always disagreed with requiring kids to do so (see Peter Elbow books for more on the process I use - freewriting).

Some of the topics this book goes into are where to write, finding an idea, brainstorming, getting started, amount to write, rereading, handwriting vs. using a computer, research, rough drafting, revision, and the proper place of grammar and spelling (definitely never "disturb the flow," when you're writing well, to deal with them). In all these topics, a variety of options are given, with liberal use of quotes from both kids and adult authors.

Fletcher makes it clear that "getting an idea" and "getting started" are two distinct activities, and not necessarily related. It's common to have a great idea that you never bring to fruition, and even more common to just start writing, with no ideas initially. In fact he goes into the value of writing "just a bunch of slop," and valuing it as a form of "exercising."

His overall message is that although some people are born or inspired writers, for most people, writing is hard work. You have to live a full life to have material; be conscientious in capturing those inspired thoughts and moments in your writer's notebook; do the tough work of writing something bad as a first draft; be open to "radical surgery" type revision; reread your own work incessantly; solicit feedback; be a careful editor; and look for appropriate places to publish.

Lastly, I read this book as a mother of three and a teacher who supervises homeschooling families. Since reading this (and Fletcher's other wonderful books: "A Writer's Notebook" and "Live Writing"), I haven't been able to stop writing poetry myself (which is not something I normally do)!

Mr. Fletcher wrote this book as a how-to for younger students, but anyone can get something from this book. It does a great job of walking the reader through a step-by-step process of how to be the best writer possible with an easy to follow format and many helpful ideas to accomplish the process. I think the point Mr. Fletcher is trying to convey to his reader is that writers are not mysticals who exist in a far off wonderland; they are everyday people, and anyone can be a writer-all it requires is releasing the energy of talking on paper. I think this book would be a beneficial part of any classroom library because it's a quick read and packed with ways to start out even the youngest of writers. The section of this book that is dedicated to expaining what students do when they are facing problems writing, will help other students relate to this book.