Death Books

...i've read numerous conspiracy books, but this one is certainly one of the better. very well written. ... good read.

Danny Casolaro was a relatively wealthy individual who decided he wanted to become a writer. He already had a few articles published in various magazines when he first learned about the PROMIS software. Basically, PROMIS is a database program with amazing flexibility and statistical abilities and can also be used to predict future trends, submarine locations, etc. This software was developed by private individuals with some help in funding by the U.S. Department of Justice. However, the government decided to [take] the program instead of paying for it and began to market it as their own. This information is widely known and well-accepted and much documentation of this exists (including a successful lawsuit by the software developers that was later overturned on the flimsiest of grounds through the interference of the powers that be). However, when Casolaro set out to write an article about the robbery of the PROMIS program by the government, potentially to sell it to a computer magazine, the deeper he dug, the more sinister things became.

First of all, he learned that the DOJ had a backdoor added into the program so that the U.S. could access the files of whoever they sold the PROMIS program to, including the governments of Israel and Canada. This led to further revelations and meetings with various informants that further revealed a complex web of deceit leading down some surprising avenues. Casolaro now changed his plans to writing a novel, perhaps even presenting it as fiction in order to avoid scaring off publishers. But before this happened, Casolaro was found dead from what was an obviously staged suicide and many of his notes disappeared.

This very well documented book (that also verifies and is verfied by information published elsewhere) chronicles Casolaro's story, citing many excellent sources, including court records and affidavits. It also attempts to recover and recount some of the information about the conspiracy Casolaro began to call "the Octopus" because of its many, long-reaching tendrils. While it is not always clear Casolaro was on the right track (Casolaro himself often took note of what information seemed manufactured to mislead and discredit him), it is clear he was onto something big given his subsequent murder and its sloppy coverup.

Casolaro might have led a comfortable life as a mediocre writer publishing the occassional article, but because of his sense of justice and the need he felt to uncover the truth, he was ruthlessly murdered. This book is a wonderful epitaph to two courageous men (including co-author Keith who mysteriously died from knee surgery).

...i've read numerous conspiracy books, watched the videos, et. cetera, but i dare say this is one of the better!!! certainly, a must read for any conspiracy bluff! go get 'em, tiger.

Kenn and Jim's magnum opus. (RIP, beloved friend to humankind.) This book is as scary as they come, and stranger than fiction. As a conspiracy writer, I found myself shaking while reading it. THEY are real, and THEY can do and have done horrifying things. The Octopus is the Matrix vivified.

This book is especially important for anyone who still naively believes "there are no conspiracies." The word "conspiracy" means "to breathe together." Only two people are needed to make a conspiracy, and this book will leave you breathless.

Danny Casolaro is a heroic figure who bravely and, perhaps, foolhardily attempted to foil the Octopus, whose tendons reach into the most intimate parts of all our lives. He should never be forgotten. Thank goodness for the valiant likes of Kenn Thomas and Jim Keith for telling his story. Movie studios should be clamoring for this highly untold story - but they are no doubt part of the Octopus. Danny, Kenn and Jim should be lauded for their audacity and courage in bringing forth this treacherous tale of murder and mayhem. Such valor is akin to that of Gary Webb in his expose of CIA drug-dealing.

Carry on, fellow warriors for truth.

Acharya S; Archaeologist, Historian, Mythologist, Linguist; Member, American School of Classical Studies at Athens, Greece; Associate Director, Institute for Historical Accuracy; Director, Center of the Research and Study of Theology; Author, "The Christ Conspiracy: The Greatest Story Ever Sold"

Jim Keith died after knee surgery on September 8, 1999. He was a dear friend of mine and an important person to the world. The loss is immeasurable. He was not just the co-author of The Octopus, but a dharma combatant who demonstrated time and again that the world is far more multi-dimensional, far more interesting, than the pablum that usually passes for news, information and normal discourse. Unfortunately, it is also far more dangerous.

Rumor has it that Jim may have been killed because he mentioned the name of the physician who declared Diana was pregnant at the time of her death. I have long noted the connections between Diana's death and the Octopus. Diana was the subject of Jim's last column for Nitro News, which has been linked via the web site of my magazine, Steamshovel Press, for the past couple of weeks. Nitro News has not been accessible since Jim's death, although I reached it just before receiving word of his passing.

This rumor may be nonsense. Casolaro may have committed suicide. It is the way of the Octopus. It exists but it doesn't exist. These are blood clots or suicides or non-suspicious homicides or real accidents. They just happen to cluster coincidentally around a certain set of facts or a certain perception of an organized conspiracy.

And if Jim Keith did not die as a result of a conspiracy, then I'm sure he would want us to make it look that way!

I hope all will remember Jim Keith for his good humor and for his fearlessness. He wrote what he knew and he let the chips fall where they might. He lived on the edge, where I usually tried to catch up with him. I hope he taught me enough about the place to keep up the work to which we were both committed.

Thank you again. Remember Jim!

Kenn Thomas

On That Day by author and illustrator Andrea Patel is a treasure of a book for families, libraries, and especially schools. Through the images of the media almost every citizen of the world became an unwilling participant in the tragic events of September 11, 2001. On That Day is a tribute to the power of goodness in the world that compensates for even the most destructive events. As an elementary school, our students benefit from annual reading of this story to help each young citizen construct meaning and create the history of 9-11. Ms. Patel's selected text engages all listeners and is inspirational to read. Her colorful, collaged illustrations suggest the text's images while offering a spring board for further discussion. As you read the author's notes, you will recognize your own feelings from "that day." This story is not only well crafted, but also timeless, in that it can transcend to related topics of peace, hope, and love. In addition to being a Reading Rainbow selection, On That Day is destine to become an award winner. We wait for future efforts from this writer with great anticipation. Andrea Patel truly is a very gifted author and illustrator who shares her stories brilliantly

This is a wonderful and beloved work. My family lost one of our own in the South Tower on the 104th floor. When I read this book by Andrea Patel, I was deeply moved. She takes an event that is a tragic wound for the world, and transfigures it into a beautiful message of hope. Wonderful not only for children, but for adults. She does this through creative and unique art blended with heartfelt words that evoke soul and healing. Thank you Andrea for such a special gift.

I came across this book a month ago. The words haunt me -- but in a good way... "on that day, the day when the world felt like it broke." That's exactly what it felt like. The author opens a window to the young to help explain the "reactions" of adults and gives perspective. It's a big does of HOPE for children and adults. A beautiful book that stands up beyond the anniversary of September 11th. Timely -- but also destined to be a classic.

When this book was shown to me in its originial copy, i was blown away! I couldnt believe that the author could have envisioned something so amazing! I was astonished by how she captured the tragedy of Sept 11th in pictures and gave words that matched so perfectly in how to teach your child about something so unthinkable. I think that every public school that deals with children from age 3-7 should have this book as a teaching aide in their school. If only people interested in buying this book could have seen the reactions it got from college level students, they would see how much this children's book really helps to understand tragedy. This is a MUST BUY!

As a teacher of young children I was searching for a book about September 11th that was appropriate for their emotional, perceptual and intellectual levels of development. This book was pretty good. In fact, it was the best I found. Then why did I give it only 3 stars ? In her text she wrote "The world...got badly hurt." In fact, the world did not get hurt badly. AMERICA
DID. I currently teach children from Pakistan, Jamaica,
China and Guyana, as well as The United States. Working with international families for two decades, I have learned that Americans often misperceive our tragedies as world tragedies. What happens in America IS important, but other nations experience tragedies that we barely acknowledge. So I "substituted" America where Ms Patel has written "the world" and the parents were satisfied. The children still understood that something very sad and scary happened to Americans that day, they still understood that they have the power to make the world a better place. And they understood that no matter where we live in the world all children (and grown ups) need to have books of hope. Most of the message is excellent, very empowering to children; and the art work is superb. I encourage people to buy the book, with the advance awareness of its American egocentricism.

What an ordeal Matthew has overcome, he shows remarkable faith.
From childhood to adult he has "watched" those heartbeats, because, for him, they often go awry.

Now he sells the devices that help stop sudden cardiac death. A real testament to someone using their own product!

If you liked this book, try another on the same subject, written from the perspective of a spouse (me!) of a sudden cardiac arrest survivor. It's called A HEART TOO GOOD TO DIE: A shocking story of Sudden Cardiac Arrest

I am a Pacemaker/ICD nurse and was recommended this book by one of our reps. I LOVED this book...and read it in a day. I can't wait to share it with my husband and teenage sons, my friends and co-workers, and our church youth group leader. I will definintely recommend it to my patients...and plan on purchasing extra copies just to share.

Matt tells his story with so much clarity...I just felt like I knew him! There is never a hint of self-pity, instead there was a focus on how God has a plan for our lives and by releasing our own plans and fears to God, we can find hope. His faith in Christ is presented in such a way that it couldn't help inspiring believers and nonbelievers alike.

"One Beat at a Time"--simply put is riveting book. The author grabs the reader and tells an incredible story of hardship, uncertainty, and leaves the reader with questioning themselves: what is really important in life?
The manner in which this story is unraveled reveals insight into what it would be like to live each day as if it were your last.
As a physician, this book has provided insight into the daily thoughts, feelings and fears of patients that have similar conditions (implanted defibrillators and being at risk for sudden cardiac death). What is striking is the positive attitude and fortitude the author incorporated into his writing. One cannot help but empathize for him and his family.
I would highly recommend this book to patients, family members, medical care workers and everyone looking to put their own lives into perspective. After reading this book, I feel I learned more about the vulnerability of life and the need to prioritize the way I live.
Without revealing too much, my favorite parts were about how these events in his life psychologically impacted the people around him.
Secondly, one part of the book that struck a chord with me was on Page 34. He states that "None of us lives the perfect life.....we all do things in life that depart from the choices expected.... This part of the book really go to me in that, sometimes people are lead to believe that wrongs committed are reasons for current misfortunes especially in circumstances that are beyond control such as medical events. In my life, this dealt with these feelings I had about an illness that occurred in my mother when I was a child that I felt I caused by my wrong actions.
As a cardiologist "in-training" I verify that this book is very accurate. As a person and a family member, I recommend this book to anyone to "put their own life in perspective".

Thomas E Vanhecke, MD
William Beaumont Hospital

I read this book in 3 1/2 hours. I was hooked from the beginning acknowledgments to the last printed word. I literally could not put it down until I had devoured every word. It was as if Matthew Noble was in my living room telling me the story of his life...and I wanted to hear about it! I was moved to tears at times, laughter at times and always inspired. I realized that my few "struggles" in life could in no way compete with the daily chore of "living" that Matthew had to deal with every single day of his life. He is an inspiration to behold and a man filled with courage, strength, and devotion. I recommend this book as a "MUST READ" to anyone and everyone...period. I promise it will make you evaluate your own life as it did for me. I want to thank Matthew for sharing his amazing life with me and with the world. I look forward to reading anything else he may be working on.

I enjoyed Matthews story of his personal struggle and survival with an early implanted ICD. He has lived with his for over 10 years, and it gives hope to those like me who have just received theirs. I had a massive heart attack at 40, and my ICD gives me and my family the peace of mind to go on living, just as Matthew talks about. This book is good for your soul.

The Pit is a wonderful fantasy, rich in detail, Eastern spiritual philosophy, and little archaisms that enhance the imagery. Jim Melvin expresses this story in a well written, easy to read format, and does a great job of breathing life into Triken and its inhabitants. I think he accomplishes what every writer hopes for with a book like this: he left me wanting more.

I picked up Jim Melvin's Death Wizard Chronicles based on the great premise and thoroughly enjoyed the novel. The characters and creatures pulled me into a mystical world unlike any I'd encountered in other Fantasy novels. Great debut.

In a world saturated with fantasy novels, Jim Melvin's The Death Wizard Chronicles shines above and beyond the rest. With a fast paced exciting feel, The Pit caught my interest quickly and held on tight as I traversed the world of Triken!

Jim Melvin steps into the realm of high fantasy authors with the ease of a master. A strong plot, smooth transitions, and fast paced, The Death Wizard is sure to capture the attention of the reader, and not let go long, long after the last page has been read. If you're looking for good old fashioned adventure, an ingredient most new authors forget to include in this genre, then The Death Wizard is a sure bet!

I am not the eloquent writer, but I will try to describe what I feel is the best book I have read since LOTR and IMHO a greater work. The journey that Jim Melvin has started me on is fantastic. I just finished Book One and am waiting on the arrival of Book Two. Just take a moment and peek into any page of this fantastic series and you will be forever enraptured! The characters come to life and Jim captivates you with the most complex detail. You are taken to the land of Triken in mind and in heart! I am a true fan of his work!

i've read all the death dealer books, own all them for several years. they have a special place in my mini-library of roughly 50-75 books. they are one of the series that i continuously reread. like the previous reviews, they are hard to find, but once you acquire them, they (to me) become more precious than gold. i've found all of them in a book store, or have had to order them through this website and barnes and noble. read the books, then you'll look at the new books differently.

This is by far the best epic fantasy I have read since reading Conan thirty years ago. It has everything: It's full of what you'd expect from the old style sword and sorcery novels. It is written well enough to be up there with the best of them, and kept me hooked from beginning to end. After finishing Prisoner of the Horned Helmet, I bought the rest of the books in the series and have never looked back. I envy people with the talent that James Silke has.

I wouldn't say I am person to read fantasy books nor a ficton reader to begin with. My father has a huge collection of books. I was looking through his books one time I saw four books with really cool covers. I was looking at the books to read one for a High School Book Report. So I picked up the first one because of its awesome cover. Read the book in one day! Couldn't put it down. Then I read the 2nd one the next day and so forth till all four were done. It's a shame the books are not easy to come by any more. I was fortunate my dad had already had all four. This is by far the best series I have ever read or will read!

i am a fantasy buff to the max and have read literally thousands of books in the fantasy sci fi genre. i own quite a bit of money and spend the majority of it on books. but one day while looking in a used book store in san antonio texas i purchesed the death dealer series and have not bought another book since. i feel now that no book will ever compare in shear brillance of imagery and wording. James Silke is a true artist and genius. i would do anything to read more books from him. i have tried to purchase the mint condition set of these books but to no avail. and to this day my original set are my most prized possesions. if Mr Silke is reading this please publish more on the tale of Gath of Baal and Robin Lakehair and Brown John. i would seriously do anything to read more stories. i had thought at one time you may write an off branch of the years Gath left Robin between book 2 and 3. but i am afraid not. to anyone looking for the perfect book this whole series is it

thank you, kyle whiting

I am not an avid reader who spends time reading books. I like to do other things with my time. Then one day i was at the library and saw the cover. I said,"I'll get this one." Before you know it I had finished the book in 2 days, no other fantasy books have ever kept me readin like this except for the dragonlance books and so i looked for the 1st and 3rd books in the series to complete my readin but to no avail. All in all this book is fantastic, so if you are looking for a great fantasy novel this is the one to get. Dont take my word for it, read the other reveiws(and the book)and you'll see what i mean.

After reading the first few pages of the heartwarming story,
Purple Love, one of the main messages for the book became evident. Susan Faith emphasized the deep devotion a mother has for her daughter. It was truly beautiful to see the quality time Sarah's mother shared with her. She not only was a teacher to Sarah, but a true friend. Because of their open relationship, it allowed mother and daughter to discuss a variety of difficult subjects such as life and death. As a retired educator, I saw many children suffer emotionally and academically due to the lack of parental attention. Without such a relationship, life and death issues would have been difficult to approach.
This book would be extremely useful to parents and teachers.

"You NEED to read this book, mommy!"
Janyne L.

Purple Love is a sensitive story about a loving relationship between a mother and child that allows open communication. It serves as an excellent basis for family discussions about life, death and memories. Death is a difficult subject, and this book would be very helpful as a begining point. The illustrations are lovely. Faith and Saski make a good team.

In an age that is no longer gilded, Purple Love will become a classic. As families struggle through the destruction of the WTC and the loss of countless lives, Purple Love can step in and be a source of inspiration, closure and hope.

The extraordinary illustrations of Goro Sasaki and the timeless message of Susan Faith will urge your family to take a new look at death . . . but more importantly, a closer look at the miracle of life itself. The loving, trusting relationship of Sarah and her Mother may cause parents to stop. Slow down. Think about teaching life's true lessons. Love. Trust. And, a child's place in the universe.

In "Purple Love" Sarah learns that the cycle of life does indeed go on. As adults, we learn to contemplate a different message to confront the inevitable task of helping our children understand death. Purple Love is just that refreshing vehicle to offer alternatives in discussing life's most difficult subject, with hope and love at the center.

Purple Love is a story that provides comfort to those in mourning by embracing death in the celebration of the circle of life. Susan Faith cultivates the concept of a perpetuating energy that transforms with the passing away of one life form, but dissipates to support and inspire many others. This is a concept deeply rooted in current scientific theory while incorporating Faith's own healing and spiritual thought. A wonderful book that allows the reader grieve, but also provides a spiritual outlet in which to proceed and prosper.

This is a great book. Everyone who is dealing with or has delt with the loss of someone should read this book! It will help them.

this book was great..this book should be read by everyone who has delt or is dealing with death

This book contains 50 eulogies (Rupert Brooke by Winston Churchill, Malcolm X by Ossie Davis, Robert Kennedy by Edward Kennedy, etc.); 42 letters of condolence (Herman Hesse to Thomas Mann, James Michener to his friends, RAF pilot to his mother, etc.); 50 elegies (songs or poems, by Langston Hughes, Emily Bronte, Noel Coward, etc.); and 110 epitaphs from the graves of Thomas Jefferson, T.S. Eliot, Hilaire Belloc and others -- my favorite:
"Here lies Jane Smith, wife of Thomas Smith, Marble cutter./Monuments of the same style, $350."

The selections are touching, and although it would have been nice to have name and location information about the epitaphs, the book is still an eloquent tribute to one of life's most difficult times.

Ms. Harris shows uncommon sensitivity in her choice of authors. I was moved to tears of joy and sorrow on several occasions. Without a doubt Ms Harris's work will rank as one of the most thoughful and provocative volumes of how we, as human beings, deal with grief and ultimately move on.

This is a great book. Everyone who is dealing with or has delt with the loss of someone should read this book! It will help them.

I found it interesting I used the chant nam myo horenge kyo before heart surgery, and surgery was cancell instead I had tests done I"m Ok.
no surgery...I feel great. i did not need it after all...
read it try it thais method works!

Now that I have learned the mantra, I have been able to use it to calm myself during the day when I have free-floating anxiety and at night when my mind starts racing and I can't sleep. It has been another great tool that I have added to my chest of coping devices. This book is a boon to menopausal women like myself.

In this guided manual Mr. Atkins demonstrates the awesome power of Nam-Myoho-renge-Kyo in combating any affliction proving anyone & everyone can benefit from use of this universal Law. The secret is not just to eliminate suffering but in that very suffering is replaced with pure joy. Marty Ward ( "The thing you must do; what you must achieve; is to do the impossible.")ELEANOR ROOSEVELT

Charles Atkins has written another moving and insightful book on the ancient faith of Buddhism as it relates to the practical issues of illness, death, addiction, and emptiness. These are the timeless themes of Buddhist practice and philosophy articulated anew by each generation of practitioners. Atkins, drawing on his extensive practice and life experience, brings alive these ancient teachings for the modern reader. The role of thought and one's inner life in manifesting a life condition of health and well being is treated with particular insight. Though informed enough to offer wisdom to the experienced practitioner, the novice will find a wealth of practical advice on how to develop their own practice.

I have followed author Charles Atkins' blog on fraught with peril (an eclectic Nichiren Buddhist website) for some time, and enjoyed his earlier book, "Modern Buddhist Healing". Atkins has been writing for years, but his recovery from stage 4 Hodgkins Disease using the techniques he outlines in this book sent his work charging off into explorations of healing prayer. Atkins is a firm believer in the power of our lives to heal our bodies, but is not flakey or "woo-woo" in his discussions. For example, he is a strong advocate of seeking out the best medical treatment available - Atkins is not a "faith healer". His work is highly personal and takes his readers on a fascinating tour of his worldview and the role of powerful prayer.

I was sorry to see that Atkins' publisher did not see fit to allow a "search" of this book here in Amazon.com, so I will list some of the Chapters for those readers who are trying to decide if this book is "for them":

The Wheel of Samsara / Birthing; Aging and Illness; Dying and Reincarnation

Your Mind as Your Vehicle Towards Healing

Directing Your Journey - Practical Techniques/ The SOund of Visualization; Affirmations are Crucial; Practical Visualizations; For the Children

The School of Buddhism which Atkins has followed for years posits that we all possess what is called a "Buddha Nature" or pure core. As he writes in the chapter on Meditation and Science: "Because we are all intrinsically divine at the core, our prayers, intentions and affirmations, no matter what kind, resonate with the universe as if ringing a great bell". Atkins has had a lot of success "ringing" his own universal "bell" and wants very much to teach others how they can do it too. I hope the "buzz" on this book will let it reach the hands of those who will be helped by it.

This book caused me to think of people and places I hadn't thought of for the past 30 years. I served with Delta company Sept. 1970 till July 1, 1971. Keith Nolan told a story that should have been told long ago. After reading Sappers in the Wire I was upset with some of the things that were said about Delta. But I now realize that not everyone will recall events in the same light. It has a lot to do with where you are at in the chain of command. This book caused me to get in touch with quite a few of my wartime brothers. It has also help me to remember things that were in the back of my mind, THANKS Keith for telling at least part of The Professionals story of 1970- 1971. I will re-read this book over and over, because each time it helps me remember more.
SFC Joseph H. Wolfe, Jr. US Army (Ret)
Charleston, SC

AASIGNED TO COMPANY "D" 1/46, 196 INF, I KNOW MR. NOLAN HAS TONS IF INTERVIEWS AND DOCUMENTS ON THE SUBJECT, FSB MARY ANN, I BELIEVE THAT VOLUMES COULD AND SHOULD BE WRITTEN, AS WELL AS, PHOTOS, NOT TO STOP SHORT OF A FEATURE FILM.....

This book helped me remember how lucky I am to be here to read it. I was amazed at how much detail he found in his research, best one Ive read on viet nam and what it was really like. Thanks mr. Nolan

The war was winding down but for the men of the 196th LIB home was just a distant dream. As a member of Charlie Company, I can attest to the accuracy and fairness the author treats the grunts of LZ MaryAnn. I only pray that we will never see a war like VN again.

AASIGNED TO COMPANY "D" 1/46, 196 INF, I KNOW MR. NOLAN HAS TONS IF INTERVIEWS AND DOCUMENTS ON THE SUBJECT, FSB MARY ANN, I BELIEVE THAT VOLUMES COULD AND SHOULD BE WRITTEN AS WELL AS PHOTS, NOT TO STOP SHORT OF A FEATURE FILM.....

I bought this story for my 3-year-old niece after her dog died. I read it to my girls before giving it to her and my 5-year-old and I both cried. The book is a very touching example of a girl's relationship with her dog. The pictures are excellent and the words simple enough for many ages. My sister said she found it helpful to help her daughter with the experience.

This box of Kleenex book is about a young girl preparing to say goodbye to her beautiful dog LuLu. She, like the young boy in I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU describes how she and the dog grew up together and have been lifelong friends. She recounts how she and her beautiful dog played together, yet lately her dog no longer can see or hear or move around comfortably. LuLu becomes lethargic and spends a lot of her time sleeping.

LuLu eventually dies and the girl's mother tells her the sad news. The girl goes through the usual and expected grieving states of sadness and anger. Her father tells her that she can pick out another dog, but the girl insists that LuLu in her healthier days is the only dog she wants.

Like the boy in I'LL ALWAYS LOVE YOU, the family buries LuLu in their back yard. To honor the dog's memory, they plant a cherry tree over her grave. It is then when that tree is in blossom that the girl can finally say goodbye and fully accept the death of her beloved dog. She even gets a new puppy.

This is a very moving and wonderful book that might even make you cry. It was especially poignant for me because as a child I had a terrier mix who looked a lot like LuLu and I was quite sad when she became old and infirm and died. She was a wonderful dog.

This is a book that will help ALL ages move through and recognize the grieving process. Excellent books like this and I'll Always Love You, Old Dog and the Christmas Wish, Jasper's Day and The Rainbow Bridge: Pet Loss Is Heaven's Gain help children AND adults realize that not only is it okay to be sad, but it is understandable and even accepted. Anger is often part of the grieving process, especially when a beloved pet dies. This astute author reminds all readers and listeners that these feelings will eventually pass and in time the child and others who loved the pet can think fondly on the animal with love and happiness.

I give this book the highest possible endorsement. People of ANY age who have ever lost a pet or who have a pet near death will find comfort in this book.

To Corinne Demas, I say a heartfelt (with tears in my eyes) THANK YOU!

In this heart-felt book, a young girl must learn to deal with the impending death of her beloved dog, Lu Lu. Told in first-person style, the little girl and her loyal dog have been friends for many years. Lu Lu wags her tail when the girl comes home from school, and they spend hours playing together. However, the little girl has noticed that Lu Lu is unable to do many of the things she used to. She's getting old, and she's lost her sight and hearing.

The little girl seems to realize what's happening to her best friend. She has to carry Lu Lu outside and feed her food and water to her. Lu Lu has lost most of her energy, and she spends most of her time sleeping.

Finally, the sad day arrives, and the girl's mother tells the little girl that Lu Lu has died. The little girl is sad, but she's also upset and angry. Her father tells her that she may have another dog, but she only wants Lu Lu back the way she was when she was a puppy. The family buries Lu Lu in a box in the back yard. The following spring, they plant a cherry tree over Lu Lu's tiny gravesite. Only then can the little girl say goodbye. She even gets a new puppy to love.

This is a very touching book. My family has a terminally ill dog, and this book helps young children to understand the grieving process in losing a beloved pet. My children have known our dog their entire lives, and great books like this one help them understand that its ok to be sad, upset, and even angry when a pet dies. The most important thing that this book points out is that eventually, the anger, pain, and sadness will eventually go away, then the child can look back on their times with the pet with happiness.

I give this book my highest recommendation. Children and adults who have lost, or are going to lose a pet will find its story touching and moving, and the ideas contained inside will help with the grieving process; not just the process for children, but adults as well.

Saying Goodbye to Lulu is a wonderfully written and illustrated book, depicting the thoughts and emotions surrounding the last days and passing on of a beloved pet. It captures the feeling that most pet owners have as our pets age; that we want our pets to be back the way they were when they were younger and healthier. The pictures and descriptions show Lulu's days and activities in the present time, and the things her young friend does to accomodate Lulu's infirmities, in a loving and matter-of-fact way. Interspersed are pictures showing Lulu during her younger days, and pictures showing her and her young friend growing up together---pictures any pet owner can relate to.

When Lulu passes on, the book captures the sadness that lingers, until finally, time has made it possible for our young friend to open her heart to a new little life to love and cherish. We are left with the feeling that we can continue to love our departed pets, while having the ability to love a new one as well.

Thankfully, our pet is neither old or sick; however, my daughter still loves the book. In the book, the changing seasons is a gentle metaphor for the life cycle. Highly recommend!