L Books

Reading this book was like having dinner with R. L. Stine. I live in Columbus, Ohio and R. L. was raised right outside the city limits.

This book is told through his voice and being the great story teller that he is, he captivated me with even the smallest facts about his career.

He is honest about his downs and ups and is humble about his own success.

I was so sorry when this book ended, it felt like my friend had to leave after sharing such a wonderful visit with me.

This is a great resource for book or oral reports!

It Came From Ohio is a book about Goosebumps author R.L.Stine, and his life from a child to an adult. This book tells many funny and interesting facts about the R.L.Stine that most people do not know. For instance, did you know that before he wrote Goosebumps, he wrote for magazines and a T.V series? Well now you do! If this sounds interesting, or if you've always wanted to know about R.L.Stine than this book is a must-read!

This autobiography is awesome! I am in the middle of it right now and it gives a lot of information about Robert Lawrence Stine's life. I can't wait until the next chapter!

This book is really fun & interesting. R.L. Stine tells about why he likes scary things. You get to see his early works he did as a child. You also get to find out what "R.L." stands for and when his birthday is. Very informative! If your child is an R.L. Stine fan, this is the book for them.

I like this book because it had large type and I found it very easy to read. This would be a good book for readers who are not so advanced yet, because here you don't have to worry about difficult words. It's also funny and the pictures were a great addition to the book. It really stuck to the "My Life as a Writer" part of the title, because it just says how R.L. Stine has been writing all his life, from little comics to magazines and finally to books, and the rest of it, which wasn't all that much, was about his family. This is the perfect book I know about that will help fans learn about R.L. Stine, so I suggest you read it and see what you think.

First there was the Thomas Guide, then the book on shortcuts and now finally LOS ANGELES FIRST CLASS. I have been working in the entertainment indusrty for ten years and this is the answers to hundreds of questions that I needed to answer and FAST. From jets to pets, every chapter of this book is filled with useful information and the companies included are people who are going to get things right the first time. My only fear is that my boss gets her hands on it, it's user-friendly layout makes it too easy.

This is a wonderful compilation of shops and services that celebrities have patronized. Ms. Elias has done a wonderful job putting together her career experience with Hollywood stars by divulging their little secrets on where they shop for toys, where they dine, where and who does their hair and other goods and services that they take advantage of.

You'd be surprised at some of the places they go. You may just run into these stars buying Barbies or getting a bikini wax next to you. Can you imagine a hairstylist using the same pair of scissors that were used on Bette Midler to cut your own hair? Or Bette Midler's mermaid tail brushing up against your dinner jacket at the dry cleaners?

Even if you don't use the book for needed services, it's a fun peek into the lives of your favorite celebrities. Buy this book!

This book is a fabulous, time-saving resource for all Angelinos. Worth the read for usefulness and great entertainment! Highly recommend.

Although I can only afford to use this resource occasionally,
I have many friends who are already turning to this conscise, well written reference book on a frequent basis.
Bravo Ms. Elias!

I've worked as a personal assistant for over 15 years and this book contains exactly the information that has taken me 15 years to compile AND MORE! Anyone who works for people who expect the best should buy this book and impress their boss by having all the best resources! This will save any assistant years of research and the added benefit of the peace of mind in knowing that everyone listed in this book are competent of delivering on their promise.

The book is an excellent resource for anyone who owns a macaw and provides valueable insight to those considering a macaw. Considering it was published in 1996, the information is still practical and worthwhile. I do not agree with the opinion about hybrid macaws but it is minor compared to the vast in-depth reading it provides regarding husbandry, geographical information, physiological information, etc. A must-own for anyone who loves these magnificent birds!

I found this book to be very informative regarding almost all aspects of owning and living with a macaw.

I love this book it has beautiful pictures, lots of information on everything. I would recomend to to any bird owner...

...after reading and seeing all the information that is given, it was well worth it. This book has 100 times more information than any of the other books on macaws. It was definately worth the price.

Although three people are listed as being the authors of this book, the impressive list of contributors as photographers, design, consultants, collaborators and acknowledgments goes on for three full pages.

This is a huge book (534 pages with the index starting on page 511) that certainly appears to cover everything about the large macaws that anyone would want to know.

The book is divided into three main parts with several chapters in each part. The first is Aviculture, written mainly by Joanne Abramson, the second is Veterinary Medicine, written by Brian L. Speer and the third is Conservation, written mainly by Jorgen B. Thomsen.

Over 300 beautiful colour photographs are used throughout the book submitted by 77 photographers as well as many detailed drawings by Marsha Mello.

Nutritional analysis charts are provided for nuts, seeds, fruits, vegetables and pelleted diets.

It would be much easier to say what is NOT in this book than to list everything contained herein. Other than the fact that there is nothing written by myself, (grin) I could not think of anything else that could have been included here.

This book IS very expensive, but if you have a Macaw - or even if you love Macaws, you should really see if you can get your hands on a copy. I am sure that you will realize that it is worth every penny.

This is a great little book all about lavender. It contains lots of information and beautiful pictures about the many types of lavender available. If you were to only buy one book on lavender, make it this one.

Of the five books on growing and using lavender, Robert Kourik's book provided the most practical information on growing lavender. It is well written and nicely punctuated with beautiful photographs.

Lavender is my latest garden discovery -- easy to grow, hardy, useful, beautiful.

Grew up with vast fields of French lavender as a child and lavender is a daily part of my life still. Love this book because it gives so much useful information on soil requirements, watering and best type of lavender to grow where you live. There is also a great recipe section in the back part of the book with the Buttermilk Lavender Bread and Lavender Lemon Shortbread (which is a cookie) being two recipes that even the most manly of men would even enjoy. Beginning on page 112 the author has given a Farms and Garden listing for throughout the states Canada that carry lavender items. On page 116 the author provides a good map of the United States and the different growing zones for those interested in growing lavender. Will also note the book is beautiful and one that I love to simply pick up and re-read often.

I enjoyed this book because it didn't assume you were a botanist, but explained things in a way that answered my questions and yet wasn't too simple. Compared to the several other of the Lavender books that I have purchased I felt that this one was the most complete, it had a nice breakdown of the lavenders and good sections on growing. It is a book of substance and readability. My advice is that if you want a book to get you started and only want to buy one book, get this one.

As a language arts teacher, I read 2 or 3 books a week. I am constantly searching for well written, relevant, and riveting novels. This book delivers. I highly recommend this book for 9-13 year olds.

On vacation our family read this book out loud for our library's book club. My husband and I (40+ years old) and my two boys- 10 & 6 both adored this book. In the span of 160 pages we all had the opportunity to learn life lessons, grow to be more brave, laugh and most importantly learn about how love will always conquer hate. We do not live in a very diverse area of the country and this book was a wonderful way to introduce to our children the stuggles that African Americans have had to deal with and why civil rights are so important in this country. I had a lump in my throat when the book discussed how the Bicentennial was being celebrated and not all Americans were still being treated as Free. It isn't a book I would have ever had known about without our wonderful librarian and it will be one that none of us will soon forget. Don't be deterred by some of the serious subjects dealt with in this book, there were far more laughs than most books have. It was entertaining and a joy to read. It is a great book for parents and children.

(one last thought...I would not have liked my son to read this book without us because he would have never fully understood why there was such hate for a 10 year old black girl and why grown men dress in sheets. As disgusting as it is that people practice such hateful acts it is a reality that exists and children who are old enough to understand should not be sheltered from truth. The sooner we can educate our children about equality the better this world will be. )

I bought this book for Christmas for my 10 year old (4th grade). He will read a chapter and then come find me and read it to me all over again because he thinks it is so funny. He has to read 1/2 hour everyday for school requirements and he will continue to read this book for over an hour. Gets him away from the computer and GameCube games. Hurray.

I bought this book because I loved the front cover and the blurb on back. The cover depicts a jar of something yellowish-green, reminding me of "The Secret Life of Bees." Perhaps I should not tell this about myself, but I will--I did not "see" that spider until after I completed the book and looked at the cover again to decide how the picture fit into the story. Then I saw the spider and the green color (grass through the jar). Wow. I decided then that the story really is about fear. Fear of spiders was near the top of Gabriel's list of fears. Frita convinces him to adopt this spider as his pet.

The blurb on back summarizes the story as a friendship between two fourth-graders moving up to fifth grade, two unusual fourth-graders, one white boy and one black girl. Then I thought about the book again. Not fear. The book seems to be about fear, and it is, but the real intangible character is integrity. The book is about integrity.

Frita Wilson is the only African-American in their small school in Hollowell, GA, not far from Plains, where Jimmy Carter hails. The story takes place during the summer of the campaign for president in 1976, a time when integrating is taking place all over the South and racial strife is evident.

Gabriel King misses his Moving Up graduation to fifth grade because some racist bullies physically prevent him. As a result, Gabriel decides he will not go to fifth grade housed in a separate wing, fearing the bullies. He will just stay in fourth. Frita makes it her summer's goal to liberate them of their fears. Even in victory over various levels of fear, Gabriel "knows" all along that his fear of bullies will not be liberated and he is not going to fifth grade.

They defeat some fears on the list and some fears win. The saddest loss occurs near the end and becomes the impetus for winning the big one. Not willing to be a spoiler, I ask you to read this most enjoyable book. Friendship is a big winner. Family love and unity are big winners. But the biggest winner is integrity. So are Gabriel and Frita because they have this integrity all along.

Having written all this, I feel I must voice my one misgiving about the book. Although it really is a cool story with racism and specific racists taking hits (in a law-abiding way, not through violence), I cannot help but question this friendship between Gabriel and Frita. No matter how I look at it, I just cannot see it happening. Not because of skin colors, but because of age and sex of the children. Boys and girls in the fourth grade just aren't best friends. They certainly don't spend the night with each other in the same room. Parents just would not allow this closed door thing with a boy and a girl of this age. Having stated these things, I still endorse this book--with four stars, not five.

I read this to my 7 and 9 year old boys. We couldn't put it down. It now ranks among our favorites with Tale of Desperaux and Ida B. A true treasure of a book.

This is an important book for two reasons. One - it explains Lincoln's success as a great communicator. Two - it offers a template for those who wish to influence people and events with their words. The book dissects Lincoln's method of writing, his thorough preparation and his eagerness that the reader obtain the right interpretation of what he has written. A fascinating study.

Lincoln's Sword: The Presidency and the Power of Words (Vintage) I enjoyed this book immensely.

Author Douglas L. Wilson once again hits the bull's-eye, this time with a painstaking study of Lincoln's rhetoric (the President's personal "sword"). This book should appeal not only to persons interested in the Great Emancipator, but to those interested in the craft of writing. Wilson takes us step-by-step through the process Lincoln used to hone some of his most famous statements, a journey revealing principles of clear writing. Wilson shows that Lincoln's clarity of expression wasn't effortless, but resulted from hard work.

Bold in concept and careful in execution, this work is a gem. Lincoln's constant revising, his sense of what was appropriate in given situations, and his surging command of the language over decades impress the reader. Wilson's understanding of the context of Lincoln's deployment of language is impressive. Cautiously revisionist.

Lincoln's Sword illuminates the power and clarity of Lincoln's words. Even if the reader is not a Lincoln devotee or scholar, this book's treatment of Lincoln's speeches are clear, concise and pleasureable. This is a book that anyone would enjoy reading.

I listened to the Burl Ives song when I was a little girl. Now that I have my own little boy, I was so happy to find the song in a sturdy board book. You can still find Burl Ives singing "Little White Duck" on iTunes. :)

This is probably my 14 month old son's favorite book. We read (sang) it three times in a row today. I think it helps that the illustrations are incredible, and the lyrics flow nicely.

If you're looking for a baby gift, Little White Duck would be a great choice.

I bought this book for my 21/2 yr old daughter after her Kindermusik teacher read it to her class. The children loved all the animals and quickly learned to anticipate with excitement who is coming next. The rhythm of the words is delightful, and I find myself humming it throughout the day. A real classic that every child should read.

This book is great. I sang this book to my babies when they were only 4 months old, and they loved looking at the pictures. They still love the book and song. We always sing it in the car. After months of reading this book, we put it away for a couple of months but brought it back out when we started sign language. It is fun signing with this book with appearances by a little white duck, green frog, black bug, and red snake sitting, swimming, and playing in the water.

Even if you don't know this song, the rhythm of the lyrics, the story, and the illustrations will keep your child's attention to the end.

The fact that it's been pc'd (everybody lives in the end because it was "just a play") is fine. It's less likely to be traumatic (as opposed to, say, Go Tell Aunt Rhody) for a small child.

Another keeper.

(*)>

Shakespeare this is not, but a book for girls between 9 to 12. My daughter Rena is 12 years old. My younger daughter Sarah is 10 years old. They both loved it. I heard the author talked about this book on the radio and wanted to get my girls something they can read with a positive message. The bible it is not (thank God), but it has strong themes on faith and prayer that are demonstrated in a way preteens can understand. The main character is Lucy, a girl who wants to fit into a new school. Like girls who are 12 years old, she's worried about her looks and making friends. My girls loved it because Lucy's real enough, but the situation she gets into are magical. That's why this is a good children's fiction book. I would give it a higher rating if there were more books in this series.

It's been almost an year since September 11. So many books have now been written about it. I bought this book since it was the first fiction book written and published about the September 11 tragedy. It captures everything in such detail, bringing me back to those horrible moments. Although I don't really like to dwell in the past, this is one event that I'd like to remember. From such a terrible tragedy came some of the most faith and pride-building works by ordinary people. Lucy and the Liberty Quilt, written and published just a month after September 11 by first-time fiction writer Victoria London, is one of those works.

Having been through a year of loss myself, I wanted to retreat back into the days when I was a young girl. So I read a lot of classic books reminding me of those days such as A Secret Garden, Little Women, and Nancy Drew. I picked up Lucy and the Liberty Quilt, as well, and read this book from cover to cover in one sitting.

The intertwining of fantasy, fiction, and faith in this book combined with elements of growing up in today's times is very good. I especially liked how September 11 became a natural part of this book. Published a month after September 11, the fictional retelling of the event made it so real, I was brought back to that day. I congratulate this new author for being the first children's fiction book author to realize how significant and historical it is to incorporate September 11 into a book for children. The inspirational message in this book helped me see how important it is to take positive action and move forward.

I know this book has slowly made its way to classrooms across the U.S. and some readers who have read the book have actually started making their own September 11 memorabilias. I share the sentiment with one of the reviewers here that this book will become a classroom and childhood classic.

It has been some time since 9/11. Now I hear the media is going to make movies and television shows base on 9/11. I've lost a friend at the World Trade Center, and it still hurts. Prayer has hurt me through, and reading some good books. Lucy and the Liberty Quilt is one book I read with my niece at the time. She seemed to be drawn into the story as much as I did. The discussion sheet found on the site was helpful, too, despite what opinion you have on 9/11. I highly recommend this book, not just for its sensitive portrayal of 9/11, but for its inspiring story. I'm not surprised The School Mental Health Alliance recommended this twice for school curriculum.

It's been a while since September 11, and many would like to put it behind. But we're constantly reminded of it when we go through security checks at the airport and watch the news. Lucy and the Liberty Quilt takes place at the time of September 11, detailing the event from a 12 year old's point of view. At a time of crisis and chaos when grown ups are reduced to a state of shock and helplessness, Lucy and her family find hope and safety through prayer. Although she is just a 12 year old, Lucy is empowered by the discovery she has a role to play as one of the Gifted Girls. Through imagination and through symbolism, Lucy's self-esteem and confidence is strengthen so that she can be propel into action and not let fear control her. Though some may not get the subtlety of this smart series, Lucy and the other Gifted Girls books are deeper than other books for girls, but has adventure and enough issues like friendship and growing up that would keep the interest of any girl up to age 13 or 14. Other recommended books is the Emily Cobbs Collection.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1C2DXV4W56AAS

About the Book: Men Don't Listen
is a very well written and easy to read book. It is a recipe book on how to make a very good relationship and keep it. The title of this book is a definite attraction for all female readers, but I truly advise both genders to read this book. It teaches women as well as men to stop, listen and learn all those little things that chip away at our relationships, after all, men and women alike spend so much time and worry in regards to healing their frustrations where their inability to understand their partner is concerned. Men Don't Listen has it all. This book will take its readers from A to Z in what steps are worth climbing to meet one another at a very equal level. One may consider this a self-help book in relationships. They would not be far from the truth, in fact it will even take away any false ideas that our world has managed to implement in your brain and take you to a realistic level of what men and women are really about. I enjoyed the romantic section of this book; it added a nice desert to the dinner so to speak.

Recommendation: Womensselfesteem.com highly recommends this read to all women and men regardless of your relationship. It is a very positive and informative book on living a very happy relationship. Thank you Wayne, for requesting a book review by womensselfesteem.com, it was a very entertaining, not to mention valuable read.

I feel this is a must book for both men and women but even more so for women to read. Women have an easier time expressing their feelings and needs and I feel this book will help them understand men better and give them the tools to help draw out the man in their life if they are having any problems communicating. I am presently going through a divorce after a very long marriage and I know if I would have read this book several years ago maybe I could have saved my marriage by knowing more about how my husband was thinking and not giving up because I could not get through to him and us growing apart. The book was written from the personal experiences of the author which makes it even more useful and practical information to learn and hopefully helps the reader not make the same mistakes in their lives. I know I have learned some valuable insight into a man's mind in reading this book that will hopefully help me in any future relationships I am lucky enough to have. Thank you Wayne for sharing your life with the rest of us in an effort to help us avoid the mistakes you made in your journey through life!

This book should be read by all men and women. There is something for everyone to take away from it. The list in the book are very helpful and gives you a place to start. Women if you can get your husbands to listen to you for one minute ask them to read this book it could very well change there whole thought pattern . I loved it. Great Job Wayne!

Ah, what a great book! Being involved in Relationship Workshops, I feel this book is absolutely a must to read by women as well as men. It certainly offers insight into the world of men who listen but have found it difficult to feel. Women you must read this book! It will give you a greater understanding of men. I will indeed suggest reading it at my Relationship Workshops. Pattimari Sheets

Last week, I finished the novel, The Moanin' After, by L.M. Ross, and thoroughly enjoyed it to the last drop! Delectably delicious!

"Please sir, may I have some more?"

Now, I don't want to tarnish the ending for those who have still not purchased the novel however, let me first say that people are sleeping on an exceptionally talented author. During my e-mail correspondence with Ross, I discovered the book was not selling favorably. So on that note, go buy the book and support this gifted writer! There are no excuses!

In The Moanin' After, Ross focused primarily on David Richmond, dancer extraordinaire, fashionista and former member of the boy band Da Elixir as well as exclusive heir to the group's royalties. He is haunted by the passing of his best friend as well as the "hemorrhoidic" desperate Faison "Browny" Brown, another member of the group who will do anything to achieve fame and fortune. While contemplating the meanings of life and love, David is reunited with Bliss Santana, a tortured soul who comprehends his pain but embodies secrets of her own. Lastly, David's sanity is challenged when he meets Kindred, a vision of purity, like sunshine after a fresh spring rain. But is he genuine or simply a manifestation of David's grief?

The last few chapters were so powerful that I simply cannot give anything away. The story line and plot twists added a fourth dimension to the characters and reached the depths of my soul. Ross evoked strong emotions, something that NEVER happens when I read a book. Most emotional scenes merely scroll insipidly past my eyes but throughout those last chapters, I stopped reading and began FEELING! I experienced a mental orgasm of sentiment, an authentic catharsis and I'm left in absolute admiration and amazement!

Ross informed me that the book was structured such that first time readers weren't left wondering about the first book, Manhood: The Longest Moan. The flashback scenes were particularly beneficial as I read his previous novel a year ago. While there were numerous grammatical errors, Ross surpassed his peers and shined through with an astounding story and extraordinary prose. His poetic roots were woven throughout the story and he succeeded in crafting a thoughtful and eloquent conclusion worthy of the greatest writers.

I really can't type anything more except: "go buy this book!" The length of both novels may discourage some unsophisticated readers however, if one is willing, you won't be disappointed. L.M. Ross has done it again and I'm quite sure this will not be the last we hear from him!

For the two weeks that it took me to complete this novel I felt as though I was holding a beating heart in the palms of my hands; the heart that belonging to that of Mr. L. M. Ross. "The Moanin After" was worth the wait and a moan that was needed. Ross proved that there is life after death, life after tragedy and life after disease. Ross makes us aware of the fact that no matter what may happen, life indeed goes on. This was more than just a novel. It was a lesson on life with the most important point being that your life speaks whether you are dead or alive. Each day we live we create our own legacy with a permanent marker that will be our story until the end of mankind. Love was another important lesson in this story. We each love and desire to be loved in our own unique way and if we stopped to understand this in others, most of us would realize that the love we desire is right in front of our eyes. Also, Love is not a quitter. It endures through the toughest of times. You can't break up with love.

Although the first novel was titled "Manhood," this story was David's manhood. David had to cope, accept and embrace. David the dancer was used to using his legs to dance, but now David had to use his legs to simply stand. While David appeared to have lost his rhythm he never struggled with the beat.

Once again, Ross has mastered the art of placing the reader inside of the story. I felt as if I was one of David's ghost; watching him, listening to him and following him. I fell in love with David in "Manhood the Longest Moan," but here in his moanin I began to respect and honor him.

This is a timeless masterpiece.

I like to think that LM Ross writes books just for me. They always seem to land on my desk at just the right moment. They always seem to speak exactly to what I am experiencing. I can wrap myself up in them like blankets and feel related to, understood...and the things that I don't understand are explained to me.

A sequel to a book as great as Manhood: The Longest Moan had to have been a scary task to tackle. It was a grand work of poetic fiction that conjured the greats: James Baldwin, Toni Morrison, Ntozake Shange. What makes the sequel as equally brilliant, is Ross' resolve to not duplicate the voice of the first novel.

The Moanin' After speaks with a new timbre. The story of David, Tyrone, Brownie and Face continues, even beyond the grave for two of the characters. David's voice is more primary in this work, and the tone is deeply spiritual, ethereal and esoteric this time around. I don't want to give the storyline away, but I must say that the story centers around the awakening of David, there is a riveting return of Bliss Santana, and a surprising twist involving Tyrone that should tweak the interest of anyone who read the first book. If you haven't, then you must begin with Manhood and continue with Moanin'.

The feelings of grief, heartache, friendship, love, connection, resolution and salvation are palpable in every word. These characters live, breathe and dance through Ross' brilliant storytelling until they are palpable. This is the kind of writing contemporary fiction writers are incapable of...and Ross truly has no contemporaries. He is head and shoulders above the rest.

L.M. Ross's The Moanin' After is a book about choices--choosing to live, choosing to die, and choosing to forgive. In this, Ross's second novel, we follow his protagonist David on his harrowing journey through grief. Ross beautifully shows us that grief is not a solitary process. David touches lives in his quest to understand and accept the deaths of his friends Face Depina and, most importantly, Tyrone Hunter.

And author Ross also makes choices. Ross has grown as a writer since his first novel. In it, Manhood The Longest Moan, Ross used his gloriously beautiful figures of speech to excess. He created six or eight metaphors, similes, etc., and strung them together. In The Moanin' After, Ross wisely chooses the two or three best of his creations to make his points. And he makes them amazingly. The reader can revel in his descriptions. A poet at heart, Ross knows his subjects: jazz, New York City, gay life, and what it means to be a Black man. His word portraits rapturously evoke, sometimes bringing chills down the spine.

If anyone deserves a deal with a major publisher, it is Ross. An editor at Little Brown, Simon and Schuster, Clarion, or any of the other "big" publishers could work with Ross and turn him from a very good writer into a great one. The man knows how to use words in a commanding and beautiful way. He truly deserves better than his present editor and publisher.

His current publisher apparently is dedicated to bringing African-American writers to the marketplace. What a fine and noble goal! But when every page has five to fifteen errors, how can this publisher be taken seriously? The reader is forced to wade through sentences filled with repeated words and words left out. Time and time again, verbs of two different tenses (think "was"/ "were") are both given, as if the reader might want a choice in the sentence. Or could it be the editor or proofreader couldn't make the choice him or herself? And the commas! My lord, my lord...they are just thrown in willy-nilly. Someone needs to send this editor a grammar book--STAT!

L.M. Ross needs to be read, not decoded. If there is a publishing god out there, please let Her send an angel to plop Ross's next manuscript on the desk of an editor familiar with the English language.

Ross serves the gay community, the Black community, and the community at large with his humanity and his word paintings. Read The Moanin' After--it has power and grace. And after you read it, pass your copy on to your publisher friend...you know, the one who sits in an ivory tower office in Manhattan, waiting for the next great African-American author.

I just finished L.M. Ross' latest gift to the world. Once again, Mr. Ross has given us a profound gift and another taste of his genius. I LOVED The Moanin' After. Far too often these days, African-American authors of "gay" material or otherwise, tend to write for (what seems to be) readers with a 7th grade education, at best. Not this writer! He really takes you on an emotional journey, in which maturity and intelligence is a must; as well as some experience in that indefinable condition known as the human heart. As with his brilliant work before this - Manhood, The Longest Moan - again, Mr. Ross made me think..and not just coast along, when reading. How refreshing. How challenging. How adult. How REAL! He made me use my brain, and more importantly - my heart! Congratulations, Mr. Ross. You deserve KUDOS! If you crave intelligent, adult reading with raw and heartfelt emotion - this one's for you! We need more from you, Mr. Ross! Thus, we wait.