Frank Books

Another well-written, factual and informative book by Dennis Griffin.

This book details the life and crimes of Frank Cullotta before he became an informant and briefly covers his life after the witness protection program. It covers in depth the friendship between Tony Spilotro and Cullotta from their early days as juveniles on the streets of Chicago to the glitter of Vegas.

The chapter on Bertha's was particularly engaging, where the robbery is first covered by the FBI/Metro's version of events and in the preceding section; Cullotta gives his account of the robbery before and after arrest.

Cullotta makes the distinction between his role as informant to that of `rat' Sal Romano, as entirely different situations. His was a matter of self-preservation, while Romano's was to purposely set out and trap unsuspecting mobsters. It is Frank's belief that they would have got away with the robbery at Bertha's, were it not for Romano.

While I don't condone crime, I couldn't help but feel relieved when Cullotta makes it out alive after becoming a government witness and now leads a relatively normal existence in an undisclosed location.

I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in true crime, particularly in Las Vegas.

An absolute great read! Mr. Griffin gets right to the point with his painstaking research in this book. Anyone would have to be afraid of a guy who would whack you if you looked at him wrong. A can't miss buy!!

Intense, graphic, and action-packed, "CULLOTTA" by Dennis N. Griffin is a must read for all fans of true crime.

In this no-holds barred biography of Chicago criminal and Las Vegas Mobster Frank Cullotta, Dennis Griffin delivers a powerful and detailed account of Cullotta's life. From his early days when he meets the man who would become known as Tony the Ant Spilotro, through his many years as a Chicago criminal and Las Vegas Mobster, and the events that led to Cullota's decision to become a government witness, "CULLOTTA" brings the reader into the inner core of The Outfit and the life of organized crime through the eyes of a man whose life was connected to and revolved around many of the important Outfit players.

"CULLOTTA" is a first for me because I've never read any true crime books, nevermind a comprehensive biography of someone with ties to organized crime. I approached "CULLOTTA" with a fair amount of trepidation. Could I enjoy a book I assumed would discuss in detail the activities of mobsters and career criminals? I couldn't even sit through one of the Godfather movies. But after reading the foreword by screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi, who consulted with Frank Cullotta for the Martin Scorsese film, Casino, I had to know more about a man who could talk about murdering Jerry Lisner with about as much emotion as he would have if he were ordering his meal from a fast food joint.

The amount of research Dennis Griffin did for this biography and all the interviews he performed, in addition to, Frank Cullotta's contributions to the project made "CULLOTTA" the excellent book it is. I'm ready to go out and purchase Griffin's other books on crime and law enforcement in Las Vegas so I can know more about the other players involved.

"CULLOTTA" delivers a chilling and exciting glimpse into the life of Frank Cullotta. And despite all of the crimes that Frank committed over the years, the reader finds herself rooting for Frank's life on the straight and narrow to succeed.

Cullotta has to be one of the most prolific criminals in the annals of both Las Vegas and Chicago organized crime. You'll feel like Father Confessor reading this book, where he purges his soul in what has to be the longest string of end-to-end confessions in the history of (dis)organized crime. In this book he joins forces with retired policeman-turned-writer, Dennis Griffin, who dutifully recounts each score and every hit with the cold accuracy of a Seargant Joe Friday writing his police reports. Griffin's style is perfect for this kind of book. There are no high-flown metaphors, "just the facts, ma'am."

While I had second thoughts about paying honest dollars to an admitted life-time thief and killer, I didn't mind giving a few bucks to Griffin, and maybe we can keep Cullotta off the streets with a few royalties from his life story.

Here a career cop has managed to write a good book with the unusual help of his natural enemy, a career criminal and big-time mobster. As for Cullotta, he has managed to somehow outlive most of his enemies, while coming clean with the G, getting witness protection, reduced sentences and now dubious celebrity. He even re-enacted one of his most infamous hits in Scorcese's "Casino" while he was in the witness protection program. Who says crime doesn't pay?

This is one career criminal who seems to have nine lives and then some. He gives the details on each caper in this joint effort that was released simultaneously with the Family Secrets mob trial in Chicago, in which all defendants were convicted on all counts.

Cullotta gives a rare glimpse into the inner workings of the dysfunctional family of crime figures during the mob's heyday in Chicago and Vegas. All the usual suspects are in the book, but seen up close and personal from the perspective of one of their own...the only one that got away.

True crime is fascinating. It has been the background of countless newspaper headlines, books, TV series and movies.

Over the years, there has been a gradual trend toward more truth in "true crime" literature and more realism in the visual depictions of crime figures. Joe Pesci's brilliant portrayal in Casino is far more penetrating and revealing than were those of Edward G. Robinson. The popular series, Sapranos, is far more realistic than the old Untouchables program.

I'm not sure why others are so intrigued by crime and criminals, but I wonder most what motivates criminals and how they justify and rationalize the bizarre acts they commit. Beyond all the drama and entertainment, I wonder what makes gangsters tick.

That's why I found Dennis Griffin's CULLOTTA so fascinating. It is a compelling look into the mind and motives of a classic criminal. He approaches this subject with the discipline of a seasoned reporter, objectively telling both sides of the story in plain English. He doesn't add anything for dramatic effect. He doesn't embellish. He doesn't extrapolate. He doesn't try to impress you with his prose. Like the old TV crime show, Dragnet, his motto seems to be "just the facts, ma'am." (Griffin's background, by the way, is not as a reporter, but as a police detective. Nevertheless, his journalistic approach puts most modern "reporters" to shame. He has written a series of books about Las Vegas and the famous mob figures of the 1970s and 1980s. Each one is better than the previous.)

His latest work, CULLOTTA, is a natural progression of more truth in true crime that began with Mario Puzzo's prize winning book, The Godfather.

While The Godfather was a fictional account based upon real characters, CULLOTTA is a concrete account of a real crime figure. It is the most realistic account of organized crime I've read to date. No small part of that credit goes to the co-author and subject of the book, Frank Cullotta. Though a career criminal in every sense of the word, this mobster, turned government witness, seems to display a candid honesty that has endeared him to the enforcement officials who hounded him and the writers who tell the stories.

As it says in the first line of the foreword, written by Nicholas Pillegi, who wrote the screenplay for the movie Casino, "Frank Cullotta is the real thing."

So is Denny Griffin. That's why he has become my favorite true crime writer.

this is not only a book about an era in the beginning of the career of bruce, but a book about friendship as well. very nice photos. i recommend it to bruce fans

1978 was a key moment in Bruce Springsteen's career, and Frank Stefanko was there to capture it in black and white. In these photos, you see a rock star breaking out, but still struggling and working his [tail] off. Stefanko had not even heard the Darkness album when he took the photos that would lead to its cover (and the cover of The River), but he captured the mood and the tone perfectly, of both the music and the musician. Even if you're not into photo books, if you have an interest in Springsteen, do yourself a favor and get this book.

This book engrosses you from the moment you start reading you cant stop.I am giving this book to my clients and friends as it makes the perfect gift for Bruce Springsteen fans.I was also very moved by Authors tribute to his late wife Sheila and feel there may be another story there Frank ?

Just thought everyone would like to know that the cover photo was taken in front of Frank's Men's Hairstyling on Kings Highway in downtown Haddonfield, New Jersey!

This is a wonderful book. The photographs are uniformly compelling and insightful, as is the text. The reader is treated to a rare, unvarnished glimpse of an American hero about to "burst like a supernova." The images are timeless, and harken back to a simpler, perhaps more poignant time -- before MTV and the Internet changed the way we obtained and enjoyed our music. The author's spare text is thoughtful without being intrusive; a perfect compliment to the compelling images that accompany it. The text conveys a straightforward warmth and appreciation for the author's subject that are both refreshing and inspiring. This is a book to pore over, savor, and return to. Thank you, Frank, for sharing your gift -- and thank you, Bruce, for recognizing his genius, and for allowing us a little glimpse of yours.

Of all the Frank Peretti books that I have read, this is my favorite. It's easy to read and follow and the story is scary and exciting. The mysteries and the plot twists make sure that you won't put it down until the very last page. The vivid descrpitons make you feel like you're really there! I can totally read this book over and over and over again, and you should read it too.

I'm a huge Cooper Kids fan. Anyone--young or old--who likes adventure, will love these books. They are innovative and contain incredible plots. In this particular one, a motherless archaeological family plunges into the jungles of Central America to unearth an ancient--and utterly evil--Mayan secret. Surrounded by faceless enemies, they battle the sinister forces of nature and of man's depraved heart. This is an excellent book, tied with THE TOMBS OF ANAK. READ IT! (And check out the other CooperKids books, too).

DR.Cooper and his 2 children are looking for an anchent kingdom they run into many problems along the way even close to death.Will theyre trust in god save them?Youll have to read it tofind out!

It's Frank Peretti's brilliant novel writing skills...condensed! It's a super-cool family of archeologists--minus a mother--who investigate phenomena in the spirit of Indiana Jones, only with a Christian perspective. A nice alternative to the gore and junk in the Indiana Jones movies.

This one will freak you out. A disease that makes anyone super-strong and loony as Michael Jackson (maybe even worse). This is one of the toughest battles the Coopers have had to fight before...can they survive The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey?

The book is cool, but loads of creepy stuff. There's a lot action too. Definitely lives up to the Cooper Kids genre that Peretti has going.

Parental Warning: Almost Indiana Jones stuff here. Skeletons are everywhere, deadly, raving diseased people, Hostile Natives (of COURSE they'd have hostile natives!) and nasty "carvies". Pretty intense, but pretty cool.

The author of this series is Frank Peretti. Of all the books that he has published, this is one of my favorites. This story is about three Christians named Dr. Cooper and his two kids, Jay and Lila. They go on an archeological dig in Central America in the tomb of an ancient warrior king with strange guards called Mucay-Tochetin, that wander around the land that surrounds the tomb. There are also flying slugs whose skin has slime on it that is as deadly as acid! Will they all fall under the curse, or will the caravies get them? Although this book has no illustrations, Frank may as well have done them himself with his awesome writing. The suspense will kill you as you turn the pages wondering if all of the Coopers will come out of each adventure alive! I liked this book as a Christian because Dr. Cooper shows strong faith in God. He turns to Him in his most weak moments and receives strength in one way or another. I strongly suggest reading this awesome book. It will make you perspirate with fear! I have read the book many times and this is worthy of a Newbery award. May the curse stay away from you!

This story was a real page-turner, and one of my top three favorite Cooper Kids Books. Trust me, YOU WILL NOT WANT TO PUT IT DOWN!

Archeologist Dr. Jacob Cooper and his two kids, Jay and Lila, land on a mysterious island in search of a missing missionary, who was rumored to have drowned in the area. They meet a man who declares himself the missing man, but from his strange actions they suspect something is wrong. And what about the mysterious "curse" on the island?

What happens next is for you to find out.

Also check out The Tombs Of Anak and The Deadly Curse of Toco-Rey, books three and six in the Cooper Kids Series. Awesome books!

This, in my opinion, is the best of the series by Frank Peretti. I would rate this 10 stars if I could. It is a mixture of Indiana Jones, Hardy Boys, and Accidental Detectives. It is the most exciting of the Cooper books, yet it isn't scary, and it isn't gruesome. I reccomend this book to anyone over 10, because it is pretty intense.

Escape from the Island of Aquarius by Frank Peretti

In hopes of finding a missing missionary the famous Cooper Family were sent to locate and retrieve him. The family consists of the father Dr. Cooper, the daughter Lila, and the son Jay. The search began when a crew on a vessel found a dead body in a raft, looking thoroughly they found a note of the missionary, MacKenzie and a stone tablet with the symbol of Aquarius. Reaching the island they were greeted by a stranger with a mask yelling at them to leave. Following his trail they were led to a village, there they found MacKenzie ending up leading all the villagers. Not convinced by MacKenzie's charade the Cooper family investigated by sneaking by his hut, and learned of his impersonation of the reverend. Overall I would rate this book a 3 out of 5 because the personality of the book curves from bad to good too quickly.

This was the best in the series! It was really, really suspenseful. I like how it ties into the coming end times-about how the antichrist (no capitilization needed here,) will deceive people to become his followers, making them think he is a god or something, although he isn't a god at all. This is a wake-up call. We do not know when the rapture is becoming! In this book, the Coopers are trying to escape from an island that is literally tearing lose from its roots! But with the dangers from the tyrannical leader of the island and earthquakes, will they escape? And who will listen to the truthful message that they have to bring? Will they rescue the people from the tyrannical leader? And is this leader the kind missionary they expected to find? The suggested age level of these books is ages 10-14.

It's Frank Peretti's brilliant novel writing skills...condensed! It's a super-cool family of archeologists--minus a mother--who investigate phenomena in the spirit of Indiana Jones, only with a Christian perspective. A nice alternative to the gore and junk in the Indiana Jones movies.

In this book, Dr. Cooper and his kids visit the island mission of a missionary by the name of Adam McKenzie. However, it seems that things are amiss on the island. Their friend has become a patron of local myths and superstitions, and become involved in native rituals. Dr. Cooper is suspicious, and carefully investigates. What he encounters is not at all what he expected! With his life, his children's life, and island parishioners' lives at stake, the Coopers must all rely on Christ to help them Escape From the Island of Aquarius.

For the parents: This book doesn't contain as much death-and-skeleton type creepiness, but some more bizarre events that before. Still, as I said in my other reviews, I read them as a child, and loved them. I'd recommend them for any kid 10 or older.

Our world is increasingly technologized; leaving us sitting, inactive before the glowing screens of computer and TVs. We forget the joys of fresh air and physical movement, even when we feel the need to exercise, it is usually for the habitrail machinery of the gym.

Forencich challenges us to rethink the way we move, and rediscover our innate play instinct. Read this book and lead by example: get out there and have fun!

I had so much fun reading this book! Perfect for all of us who sense that some very simple shifts in perspective on health (and being human in general) could be the secret remedy for our bodies and souls in this ailing culture. I really hope that parents, teachers, coaches, healthcare practitioners and especially young people all over America will read this book and pass it along. Frank Forencich has shaken out the insanity from the American jar of health and fitness information, and then refilled it with purely sensible wisdom. This book offers something much more important than a new exercise routine or fad nutrition advice - real empowerment to start living life fully, the way our biology always meant for us to do. The great physique, extra energy and high spirits follow naturally.

There are very few books written about the potential influence of our primal heritage on our current lives, and there are even fewer that are written so accessably and entertainingly as Frank Forencichs Exuberant Animal. This is a book for everyone and the sheer "sense" of Franks wisdom on this subject shines through the pages. Thought provoking and offering genuinely new insights....and some great stories. Don't go thinking this is some obscure science book...take one on holiday, it might get you off the sun lounger.
Bob Wood, Physical Solutions, UK

I have been teaching fitness and outdoor recreation for more than two decades, and have come across only a few books that are supportive about using a creative, nurturing, and playful appoach to encourage people to get moving. Not only is this book packed with wonderful information, it was also truly a pleasure to read. The concepts presented in the Exuberant Animal, are also very similar the pholosphies practiced in the Nia Technique (another book available on Amazon.com) The Nia Technique: The High-Powered Energizing Workout that Gives You a New Body and a New Life. If after reading the Exuberant Animal, you are motivated to exercise in a way that is creative, playful, and full of joyful movement, look to see if there is a Nia studio in your town and you will find yourself playing and dancing through the rest of your life!

As someone with decades of being "rewarded" for sitting still in thought-work - by parents, teachers, bosses, and the hypnotizing eyes of the TV and computer screens - Exuberant Animal helps wake me up from insidious trance of "my mind is separate from and more important than my body." Frank's essays are playfully sculpted snowballs thrown at my subconscious limiting beliefs. In each, Frank lobs a first bracing splat of fresh perspective, then circles us with the latest thoughts from movement physiology, neuroscience, evolutionary biology, anthropology, and universal notions of spiritual quest. Like one of his conditioning play games, I delight in catching more snowballs from all sides until I have to take a deep breath, laughing at how crazy-upside-down I've been living my life. I'm left with inspiring insights about small and easy things I can do throughout the day that add up to a big difference. I don't need to overhaul my lifestyle with the "discipline to achieve" fitness. I simply need to have FUN tuning into the playful, moving, sentient animal I am meant to be.

I like how this book shows how Gehry's architecture progressed from his Senior Thesis Project to his recent works. It's interesting how simple his architecture once was, to how much more complex it is now. Buy this book, you will always enjoy it.

i did not have a good impression of gehry until i got this book. i got it because i had to know what this guy is thinking when he comes up with what i thought was "ugly" stuff (i now feel ashamed to admit that). now i see the beauty of his work.
my eyes have been opened. i now have a greater respect for what he is doing.
the photography is amazing...the book provides sketches and insight into what gehry is trying to do.
must have for architectural students/interns

This book represents all what Frank Gehry is. With beautiful photos and good texts, you can know all work of this that's one of the best architets of actuality. Frank Gehry's Complete Works must be bought and read, it's like a bible of desconstrutivism architetury. The price is wonderfull and the quality too. I love it.

This is a book to people who have a bad idea of gehry work, like i had, because is amazing how the author made an retrospective of gehry work with so much quality and quantity work. And remember, this book is really "cheap" because is very good. IN MY OPINION, JUST BUY IT!

Architecture is my first love although I am a Art History Major. So without any dobt I knew this publication would be right up my ally. To say the least I was not dissappointed. A brief, illustrated synopsis was given on all projects right up to the current "Music Experience" extravaganza. One point I found of particular interest was that in most of the Bios it gave the Budget that Gehry had to work in. It is a massive book and printed on top quality stock. One that will last a lifetime in my Library. It is a book worthy of any one interested in cutting edge design. Although alot of the projects are in Europe as they seem to be more accepting of his progressive designs the commissioned works in America are just as fine. I can only anticipate the "New Guggenheim"in New York.

Here is Sinatra stripped of everything who leaves me knowing he has deserved my love and admiration all these years. With Sinatra, he drove himself through life going after whatever he wanted and risking the consequences. We get to look at his ups and downs and his prides and his falls. We see him suffer at love and sing about it. We see him finally, after all the aborted tries, finally sink himself into a relationship with his last wife that kept him happy until he died.

Life for Sinatra was all or nothing at all and he did life his way and fell into lots of tender traps and led some into his own tender traps, like one famous movie star I will let you discover on your own.

What so special about Nancy's book is that she is amazingly organized and objective in her account of her father's life. And the CD, well the CD is everything. You get to hear Sinatra on Sinatra, unabashed.

Everyone on the planet needs to buy and read this book to learn what life can be when you go for it all every day!

Kudos to Nancy for a biography well, well done.

This book has excellent pictures with the most vital information for a biography project. A great buy and great read for interested fans of Ol' Blue Eyes.

No wonder this book is so thick- it's filled with numerous photos of Frank Sinatra, his family, and friends over the years. I love looking at these pics, and so will any other Sinatra fan. There is detailed info throughout the book as well. This is one worth having in your collection.

This scrapbook is a real treat to any true SINATRA fan.It is full of pictures of everybody who was important in his life from his parents to collaborators like arrangers NELSON RIDDLE; all his wifes from NANCY to BARBARA;the legendary LOUIS B. MAYER etc.Better than most biographies because it is based on facts not rumours.The early pictures from his beginnings are alone worth the price.I was fortunate enough to get this book at the third of it's price and i went through it very fast because once you open it, you simply can't take your hands out of it.If FRANK became the singer of the past century, it's not by accident, he worked hard at it.I was particulary touched by his loyalty to his true friends.FRANK SINATRA is a mirror of his country. He was the son of immigrants who lived the AMERICAN dream to the fullest.Where is the AMERICAN dream today now that it's last legend is gone?Let's not complain too much ,because everything that FRANK SINATRA ever recorded is now available on cd.Nostalgia when you think of it is a very good thing.SATURDAY is not the loneliest night of the week anymore thanks to the chairman of the board.If you are not already a fan, this book should do the trick.

I had to get this book after seeing how low the price came down.The original price was 40 dollars. Nancy Sinatra's book on her Father has everything in here.I couldn't believe Frank weighted 13and a half pounds when he was born on December 12,1915.The Doctor ripped and scarred his ear,check,and neck,plus puncturing his eardrum.Frank wasn't breathing,so his grandmother Rose held the baby under cold running water until he gasped his first breath and cried.This book is like a Diary.It goes from year to year,sometimes month to month.All of Franks movies,records,concerts,TV shows,songs,and the name of the songwriters are in here,plus hundreds of pictures,starting with Frank's baby photo, ending with a touching family photo taken in 1996.There's a wonderfull picture of Marilyn Monroe taken with Dean Martin sitting ringside at the Sands..All of the stars are in here,and family pictures we've never seen before.If you are a Frank Sinatra fan,you have to get this Book.Its huge,and the pictures are fantastic.

I originally read this book in 2003 when it first came out. I found it to be of great help in my practice. I saw it on the shelf the other day and had a few moments between patients and began reading it again. I did not realize how much I had missed in my initial reading. Like great wine it gets better and better.

Dr. Fehr never disappoints. His down-to-earth, no nonsense approach makes his knowledge and experience extremely accessible, not only to students and professionals, but for anyone with a keen interest in understanding human behavior. His honesty is as refreshing as his insights are brilliant.
What's not to recommend!!!!

I have just finished reading Dr. Scott Simon Fehr's Introduction to Group Therapy: A practical guide (2nd.Ed.)and was amazed on how much I enjoyed a text book. This book was given to me for a birthday present and even though I am a psychologist, I thought, "Why would someone give me a text book for my birthday?" After all I have been out of school for years but truly I am delighted this person did. This book was beautifully written with an engaging style that is seen in few text books and part of the engagement is due to Dr. Fehr putting himself out there and talking about his personal experiences running groups. It too is a funny book. I roar when I read his first group experience in a state psychiatric facility. Simply because I could identify and it brought back a flood of memories. Well done, Dr. Fehr

Dr. Scott Fehr has done it again! Brilliantly written and skillfully crafted, his breadth of knowledge, keen insight, and experience permeate from every page. Introduction to Group Therapy is the most comprehensive and practical guide on the subject of group therapy. A must have for aspiring and seasoned clinicians.

Every once in awhile, a book comes along in our field that sheds new light on an important topic in a clear, understandable manner without diluting the information. Dr. Fehr's practical guide to group is one such example. He has provided something for everyone, from the beginning group therapist to the experienced clinician. His real life vignettes highlight technical aspects of conducting group therapy, provide the reader with often poignant, sometimes funny, and highly illustrative examples of various group phenomena, and bring to life what too often in our field is dryly presented. Dr. Fehr's communiction style challenges us, makes us laugh, take pause, reflect, and ultimately come away feeling revitalized in our work with groups. His review of the history of group therapy is the most compelling I have ever read. A must read for graduate students and senior group therapists alike.

Don't go around Thailand thinking you're smart without reading this book first. I've heard of similar stories as outlined in the book. But, as the author would suggest it, you still want to play, just make sure you know the rules.

Jasmine Fever is the authorative reference for anyone who wants to be able to watch his/her backside while traveling in Thailand, or other places in Asia. You won't have to wish that you knew then what you know now. Even tourists who are not on the prowl for a sweetheart are sometimes met by a new "friend" who has a "sudden misfortune." Frank Visakay has cleverly nailed down clearly what is really happening underneath it all. Frequent visitors to Asia are sure to laugh out loud while reading it.

Anyone considering any kind of Thai relationship needs this book. The well written book was easy to read and understand and very enjoyable. The author must have seen many friends tricked by Jasmine Fever to be so keen in its description. I am buying additional copies for my friends who want to know what Thailand can be like.

Every person traveling to Thailand should have a copy of this guide book to social intercourse and interaction between the sexes packed with good solid advice. These true stories will help you avoid social faux pas & worse. True stories of love, romance, and disaster will keep you thoroughly entertained. Learn what the ordinary guide books have left out.

You know you love Jasmine Fever when you keep smiling and nodding your head in agrement as your reading. Jasmine Fever is filled with short impact stories that keep you page turning.
This book has more valuable knowledge than Tuesdays with Morrie. I may never get to Thailand but This entertaining read is filled with World Wide knowledge. New York City is also the land of smiles and the author expresses wisdom that can be used anywhere anytime. Important reading for not only travels but for all of us. We need more of this kind of honest tell it like it really is book !!!

I found this book to have valuable insights into some ways that friends and acquaintances can show their love and support to parents who have lost a child. It's sometimes hard to know what to say or do when we want so much to show that we really care. Cathy and Frank James tell readers some of the things that friends did that gave them comfort as they share their very personal story of grief and unimaginable loss. It's been several months since I read this book but those things have stayed with me. I'm thankful that they had the courage to share their story.

I bought this for a friend after the loss of their daughter. It was very helpful.

As the older brother of an 18 year old fatal automobile accident victim several years ago, I was interested in reading about how another family in a similar situation dealt with this type of grief. The authors had an interesting method of delivering their message and sharing their feelings. Instead of telling a fluid, chronological story, they opted to share their perspectives by writing their own sections in alternating fashion. Most of the book focuses on the life of their daughter as opposed to the grief they felt after losing her, keeping the tone as uplifting as possible. I wish them well in their ongoing recovery.

Cathy and Frank James are good friends of mine. I watched their son and daughter grow up and was privileged to share with them their children's accomplishments.

Unfortunately, the price of friendship came due all too soon when their daughter was taken tragically in her youth. If I had the benefit of reading such a book at the time of her death, I, in a small way, would have been better able to help them. I now see that by their writing of this, they want to, as much as is humanly possible, to help others who have such a tragedy befall them - truly one of the most Christian acts I've witnessed in my lifetime as they lay bare their very souls attempting to do so.

I'm far from being a religious man but, this being said, I see that a force larger than them moved them to write this book.

Walt Rauch

I was fortunate enough to meet Frank & Cathy at a national TCF (The Compassionate Friends) conference and they told me that they had written a book about their daughter. I feel this is a great book for almost any breaved parent. Although you do not need to be a Christian to appreciate their story, that would only make it better for you. No one can tell the story of loss and extreme grief better than a breaved parent. Very moving story with some very good ideas on how to cope with the loss of a child. (Personal opinion, not an indorsement by TCF)