Lifestyle Books

An emotional and disturbing tale of scoutmasters who have deceived whole communities, the boys they've molested, the parents who were somehow oblivious until it was too late, and the scout officials who didn't understand their own policies and for years underestimated the scope of the organization's problem.

Something a previous reviewer seems to have missed, and perhaps one of the reasons these things often go unreported, is that these guys aren't always forcing themselves upon the youngsters. Sometimes the men are master manipulators who convince the boys that what they are doing is normal and that they care for them more than their own parents. This is the case with one of the main characters in this book. Of course, this isn't always the case. Sometimes they use intimidation and fear to keep the boys quiet.

In any case, years later some such boys grow up to be abusers too and there is a cycle that goes on. This is also detailed in the book.

Fortunately, the Boy Scouts have put into place new policies in recent years, probably in part thanks to this book. Basically, it is against BSA policy for adult leaders to ever be alone with a boy or sleep in the same tent with boys. Also, leaders now have to go through a criminal background check.

Unfortunately, the fixes won't stop every molester, especially when parents aren't on the ball. It's important that the parents be aware of these rules and not just always trust the leaders to be following the rules. There was one story in the book of a group of pedophiles who worked together to start a scout troop, so if you see a troop where none of the leaders are parents you should be cautious. Make sure to know who these people are.

Finally, the main character in this book was not just a boy scout leader, he was also a junior high school teacher, and many of the boys he molested were not scouts. Bottom line is that parents should in general not trust other adults to be alone with their kids and watch out for any warning signs.

I think parents and community leaders should read this book to have a better understanding of the problem.

A word of warning to the reader: this book includes graphic details of molestation and can be disturbing.

Patrick Boyle does a masterful job of illustrating how adult male homosexual pedophiles could fool whole communities of parents into thinking they had the best interests of their boys at heart while at the same time were intimidating their boys into having non-consensual sex right under the parent's noses. It's chilling to learn how the parents defended pedophile after pedophile as being "falsely accused" or "good men" while often refusing to take the boys' word that the Scout leader had coerced them into having sex. When I read the newpaper articles about how the Roman Catholic church hid their pedophile problem for years, as did the Boy Scouts, I see the same play but with different actors. If you want to get an insight into how pedophiles think, work, and act, read Scouts Honor. Don't, however, make the mistake of thinking that when the Boy Scouts got rid of their pedophiles, the pedophiles quit molesting. They are probably just "working" another youth organization using the same methods they used to infiltrate the Boy Scouts. Good book.

As a victim and scout myself, I found this book to be an investigative feet with stories from all sides. It is a must read if you want to know how so many molesters can offend the nation's most trustworthy and honest youth in the worst way.

I wish there were books like it that dicussed abuse in other organizations such as church, and sports.

I have a shy little guy. An adorable story!!!! I thought it might be a little long for a 3 year old, but he sat through it and enjoyed it. Still, probably the right length for children ages 5 and up.

Young Sebastian is so shy that he barely speaks aloud, even though he has a lot to say. When he finds a pair of roller skates on a park bench, he practices with them for days. As his skating slowly improves, he also finds confidence to share his knowledge and feelings. The illustrations capture Sebastian's joy as his face and world brighten. Part of the book's charm is that change doesn't come immediately for Sebastian. He builds on small successes, and can hardly believe the wonderful changes in himself.

Sebastian's Roller Skates is an award-winning picturebook by Joan de Deu Prats about a very shy young boy who has a lot to say but can't bring himself to talk much. One day he finds a pair of old roller skates in the park - and as he tries them on and practices, he learns not only how to skate, but also much more! The whimsical color illustrations by Francese Rovira are the perfect complement to the entertaining story about growth and self-discovery through applying oneself to a new talent. Highly recommended.

Sebasstian is a "tweener." He's way past elementary school age (especially in his own mind), but not yet a real teen either. People don;t know what to make of him, and he doesn't always know what to make of himself. Saying what he really feel doesn't come easy: The neighbors tell him how tall he's become, "and Sebastian would look at the floor, nod his head, and blush. (Really, what is one SUPPOSED to say to such self-evident remarks?) THe barber asks him if he likes his haircut. Sebastain whispers, "fine," but he really think his head looks like a bolwing ball, and that the barber better not to THAT again. At school, Sebastian knows the capitals of Burundi, Iceland, and Mongolia, but he doesn't answer the teacher's questions. Perhaps Sebastian's disconnect between thought and expression concerns his feelings for Ester--curly-haired, honey-eyed. He'd never even spoken to her.

One day, while walking home through the park, Sebastian finds some abandoned roller skates. He tries, he immediately falls, and he concludes, "Skating is not for me." However,the next day can stand on them before falling. At this point, author Joan de Deu Prats could have gone onward and upward, tracing Sebastian's slow but sure development into a sure-footed skater. Fortunately, she's more talented than that: Yes, Sebastian slowly improves, but when he sees skaters better than him, he's stops and goes home.

They say that necessity is one Mother of Invention (Frank Zappa is another), but here it's a runaway dog who inspires Sebastian. Grabbing the running dog's leash, he's in the zone, bounding across a bridge and jumping a ditch, Before he realizes it, Sebastian has "skated through the whole park!" Without even trying, almost Zen-like, Sebastian has mastered something without trying to master it. Sebastian's formerly grey mood bursts into a collage, they fill the lobby of his apartment complex, and pour out of his mouth as he speaks. Even though he's still a tweener, smaller--smaller than grown-ups, maybe not even noticed by him, Sebastian's confidence and perseverence have grown immeasurably.

Things come full circle at the conclusion: He TELLS the barber that he "doesn't want his head to look like a billiard ball," he answers tough geography questions, and, in his most important step, he asks Ester to go skating with him. Their eyes meet, she shyly agrees, and the page spills with orange, red, and purple hearts, light and free. 'SEbastian' tackles a difficult age with skill and aplomb. Not only does De Deu Prats understand the tweener psyche, but she respects it without over-dramatizing. Of course, skating doesn't melt all tweener anxiety--no one thing could--but Sebastian's path implies that it's possible. SHe seems to suggest that adults shouldn't judge kids by their "cover,"--there's much more going on--and that adolescents shouldn't label themselves either...a change is gonna come. The drawings are open, colorful, and match the emotional content: Rovira superbly depicts thoughts and settings--the inside and the outside. This superb book will appeal to kids both younger and older than the pre-teen Sebastian.

I loved it! I planned to read a chapter or two before bed and ended up sleep-deprived because I read the whole thing. I couldn't put it down.
I loved:
- The narrator's strong voice - I felt as if I'd sat down next to a fascinating stranger who was filling me in on the juicy details of a story I'd read about in People magazine.
- The setting - Manhattan is brought to life through specifics that will make a non-urban reader feel as if he's a part of the action.
- The story - It's filled with suspense and great twists experienced by likeable characters.

I highly recommend it for kids and adults - fun read!

The authors of this book are real storytellers. Once the action begins it never stops until its over. Kyle and friends are on the job even when they're not. And the ending? What a surprise. It seems as if anyone can write a book these days, but these two authors tell a story. Hats off and kudos.

"Secret Agent" by these talented authors is a favorite book in our house, so we eagerly awaited the sequel, "Secret Agents Strike Back."
We were enthralled again. It's another clever adventure in New York City with smart, funny and caring teenagers who reflect those real qualities in kids. The portrayal of strong relationships between parents and teenagers is realistic and touching. And the adult friend of the secret agents, romance writer Percy Percerville, is hilarious. Don't miss this or anything else Johnston and Spizman produce.

Teenager Kyle Kyle Parker pulls his group of junior detective friends together again to solve another mystery. This time it conerns the mother of his friend, Lucinda Winston, the brainiac who secretly adored Kyle in the last book. In their search for clues and answers to the mystery Kyle and his friends scour New York City, and the book pulsates with the sights and feel of the big apple.
While it's quite amusing, the subject matter is not: a stolen formula which might cure cancer and the plagiary by an unscrupulous collegue never is.
A sure-fire hit for young readers.

SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE: FAMILY AFFAIRS
JEN CALONITA
Contemporary Young Adult

Rating: 4.5 Enchantments

Kaitlin Burke's life is finally back to normal--or so it seems. Filming of her movie Pretty Young Assassins is finally over and she's back on set of Family Affair, but things are about to get shaken up when a fresh new face joins the show. At first, Kaitlin thinks the tabloid stories about her are once again being leaked by her arch rival and co-star Skye McKenzie, but when Skye begins to be targeted as well, all fingers point to the hot new co-star Alexis. Can Kaitlin keep her cool while the hot new diva does her best to oust her from the show or will things finally reach a boiling point?

SECRETS OF MY HOLLYWOOD LIFE: FAMILY AFFAIRS is definitely one of my favorite books of the `Secrets Of My Hollywood Life' series. I really liked how Kaitlin and Skye were forced to become `frenemies' in order to survive against the hot newcomer turned diva Alexis. The scene with Kaitlin and Skye leaving the set near the end of the book marks my favorite scene of the series. Truly had me laughing at loud at where the two of them actually ended up. I look forward to seeing how Ms. Calonita continues their `frenemy' relationship in the next book.

[...]

Kaitlin is back! She's just finished her big movie with her career and her boyfriend still intact! Now she's off to what she does best. Staring in the nighttime soap, Family Affair. Everything is going great! That is until newcomer Alexis starts stealing some of Kaitlin's limelight. Is Kaitlin simply jealous or are there more forces at work?

Like its two predecessors, Secrets of My Hollywood Life: Family Affairs, was a fun and fast read. These books are impeccably clean, so I wouldn't be cautious about sharing them with younger readers. And even an older reader like me can enjoy them. I think I find these books so entertaining is because I know, when I see a People magazine on the shelf while I'm waiting in line at the local wal-mart, I can't help but pick it up for its celeb gossip! Who wouldn't want to be rich and famous (besides the already rich and famous). These books are an "insiders" look into the Hollywood scene! Even though Katlin isn't a real celeb, I'm still able to get my People fix when I read these books. I also really liked the fact that Kaitlin is dealing with real like issues like getting her drivers license, studying for the SATs and worrying about her friends going off to college.

Kaitlin Burke is back to spill more secrets about her life as one of Hollywood's hottest young stars. Filming for "Pretty Young Assassins" has wrapped up and Kaitlin's back on the set of "Family Affair". But this time, there's an even bigger problem than co-star Sky Mackenzie. There's a new girl on set, Alexis Holden. Everyone seems to love the new star, all except Sky and Kaitlin, who are convinced Alexis is out to destroy their careers.

I enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this is by far my favorite and I couldn't stop reading it. Kaitlin is such a great character. She's likable and realistic. She's not spoiled and despite being a celebrity, she's facing normal problems, like driver's education and deciding what she wants her future to be, something all teens can relate to. Kaitlin's just another teenager, despite starring in a popular TV show, and she wants the world to know she's more than just a popular actress.

I also really liked seeing Sky in a position other than Kaitlin's nemesis. In the first two books, this rather two-dimensional portrayal of Sky annoyed me, but in this book, we see another side to the girl and if she's not exactly likable, she's understandable. The other characters are entertaining as well, though not especially nuanced. I enjoyed the writing in this book; Kaitlin's voice is strong and friendly, and the references to designers and other celebrities are nicely worked in. I also loved the script excerpts and tabloid articles that were interspersed within the narrative.

Basically, I loved this book. It was just what I needed after two AP tests. It's fun and cute and CLEAN. Hallelujah that there's a young adult series with a moral standard. This entire series is definitely worth reading.

This is the third in a series of books about a fictional teen tv and movie star and what it's like to be an "it girl." I am an adult who is reading these books along with her 14-year-old sister. I enjoy the books. After she read this one, my sister said she thinks it's the best of the three. I can agree with that. One thing I like is that, as opposed to adult-oriented "hollywood insider" novels, this one shows the perks and strains of being famous and what it's like to be on the inside of the Hollywood machine without throwing in the coarse sex details and the jaded pessimism that comes of living in an image-obsessed, self-oriented society.
So, I can recommend it. I give it five stars for being a success in its genre. It's a fun, non-challenging read that will make you appreciate being boring to the tabloids while making you wish you could get the spa visits and free gifts the celebrities get. It's fun.

Thank goodness for Tim Egan and his wit. The animals' expressions when the farmer tells them about "lions" is priceless. I've known a few farmers in my life and many are very serious, so an animal rebellion for levity is truly enjoyable. Too many picture books today bore the adult reader, this book will make you laugh. The cow crowing like a rooster gets my son every time. And nothing is funny about corn.

Serious Farm is a seriously good childerns book. The illustrations fantastic and teh story is even better. Important messages about how family members need each other and the need to smile and laugh once in a while. Book length is just right as well. Not too short as to not really count as a bed time book and not too long. A charming book.

This book is not only an offering of great comic satisfaction, but it has an excellent message in it as well - while being serious can be a good thing, it is also a good thing to have some fun ("all work, no play..."). The illustrations are golden and the expressions speak volumes. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who seeks a not so serious look at being serious.

We just checked this book out from the library and I'm planning on buying it now. It is a very cute book with great illustrations. My 3 year old wants to read it over and over. I would highly recommend it.

Even though this book was written in 1986, I found pages and pages of wonderful ideas, that I am going to start working on today!

This is a great book to have in your collection.

A very readable and confronting book. My daughter is just starting out in the world of finance. I must get her to read this whilst she is still 23. Out of print now - lent to me by a friend who is starting a new career at 50 - it is never too late to confront yourself with real goals.

This book contains the secret to life! It truly defines the necessary steps and disciplines to succeed. Jim spells out all the secrets, from setting goals to "putting it on yourself" when you let up a little bit. This book is available in an updated version from Jim Rohn International and hopefully will be available soon from Amazon. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

If you're feeling down about life then this is the book you should turn to for inspiration and motivation. I stumbled on this book in a library and just couldn't put it down. Jim's philosophy for achieving success are excellent, and I try to live them everyday of my life. Of all the books I've read, none has had a greater impact on my life than this one. I highly recommend this book if you want to change your life for the better.

I've read all the Cheetah Girls books and Shop in The Name of Love is by far the best. When Chanel gets hold of her mother's credit card she maxes it out and acts like she's large n in charge. She also steals and lies to her freinds and mother.
It teaches an important letter to young Divettes in Traing.
Also read Book 1- Wishing On A Star.

Shop in the name of love is a very good book. It teaches you some of the lessons of life, what kinds of people to watch out for in life, how to deal with siblings,how to be a good friend, how to deal with obsessions, and how to be a better person.This is also a very interesting book. After reading it, You will make it your favorite book just like iI did , you will want to read it over, and over again, and you'll want to get all the Cheetah Girls books.

i liked this book becuase it is definitely cheetah-licious!i like the fact that they have no profanities and teaches you a lesson. it makes you feel good and like a divette-in-trianing.i also liked this book because i can read it anytime and not get in trouble or feel disgusted. i'm not used to reading non-sci-fi books so this is a surprise for me.i hope whom ever reads this feels the same way i felt.

I love that each of the cheetah girls book are in a different characters voice and that each of the five characters are so different. I'm latina, so I love the character Chanel who is dominican like me! Shop in the Name of Love is in chanel's voice and she is like a lot of chicas in my neighborhood--``adobo down'' as she says. i hope a lot of other chicas like me read the cheetah girls books. they are coolio!

Honk! Honk! This is another great book by award winning author David Macaulay.

Ever thought what would have happened if...? This is one of those stories - only better - because David goes into overdrive telling his hilarious story about how one action by one person changes the days and lives of many others. As is David's trademark, they story is of course very funny. It starts oh so innocently! Albert and his horse June are going to the market. On the way Albert cuts a line that is obstructing his way on the road. Well, that's when suddenly all mayhem let's loose and the day will take an unexpected and turbulent turn for various people and pets from then on. David takes us places where usually only kids can take you with their fantastic imagination - and it is a fantastic joyride all the way to the end. Surprise and laughter brought to life by brilliant illustrations of funny characters and animals.

If you like this one, be sure to check out his other great kid stories like "Angelo" and "Black and White".

The book Shortcut provides an exciting, humourous read for both children and adults. Seemingly unrelated events contained within nine short chapters are shown to affect each others outcomes. Even after 3 readings of Shortcut with my 5 year old son, we continue to joyfully discover the connections between events. Shortcut is a fun book for an inquisitive child and the reader.

I have been reading this book aloud to small groups of children for about three years. And every time I pull it out, I discover yet another clue, hiding in plain sight in the illustrations. The story starts deceptively simple: Arnold and his horse June take their melons to market. But soon, more characters enter, and my young audience (and older listeners) is challenged to keep them all straight. Because the actions of one, always have consequences for someone else. (Is this life, or what?) But you have to look closely at the pictures, because most of the real story is there. (And seeing June, with her horse shoes off, her feet up, and her mane in curlers, is priceless) ENJOY.

Following up his success with the eclectic and Caldecott award winning, "Black and White", from 1990, author David Macaulay decided to write another multiple narrative infused picture book. If you've read "Black and White", you may remember how this kind of story works. Characters from different tales affect one another's lives and the reader has the joy of seeing how an action on the part of one person creates chaos or delight on the parts of others. The result is a meticulously crafted series of delicate vignettes, perfectly suited for the child reader. This is basically the equivalent of picture book jazz. And it works.

There are eight major players in this tale (two of whom are non-human) and Macaulay has presented a helpful chart of each and every one at the beginning of the book. When it begins, an older gentleman named Albert is going with his horse June to the town for market day. On the way there, and unbeknownst to him, he inadvertently affects every other character's life. Because of Albert, Professor Tweet loses control of his hot air balloon and unwittingly saves Clarinda's escaped cockatoo. Because of June, Patty must search for her pet pig Pearl. Then there are the stories of the Sybil (a dead ringer for the little old lady from Pasadena) and Bob, the unwitting deep sea diver.

Even as I looked through the pictures a third and fourth time, I still was able to locate clever little thoughts and details that I hadn't noticed before. The narrative in this story jumps between each character rapidly, sometimes double backing to clarify a situation or storyline. Probably this book will do best with those kids that are endowed with a little bit of patience. I can see this story striking some as being incredibly frustrating. After all, if you don't realize that each story is affected by every other story, a first read through is going to strike the child reader as disjointed and awkward. If they manage to grab ahold of the tale and get into it, however, they'll be enjoying a whole new kind of picture book. This is the kind of book that will prepare its younger readers for future books with eclectic narratives. For the kid that's still reading picture books but has a mind that likes clever details and stories, this might just be the perfect choice.

I've just begun reading this book. I'm only in the beginning of the book, and already it's made a major difference on my life. I've been a cronic one to always reflect on the past. Reading this book, Chapter 1, talks about 'living in the moment' I never looked at life that way. Since reading this section, my life has become calm. I just can't put the book down. I've ordered the book for a friend who is also going through a hard time. I hope it helps them as much as it has helped me.

The brilliant simplicity of Health Realization and the wisdom of Joe Bailey, makes this a book that will continue to change your life long after you've finished reading. Taking the principles of this philosophy that is so helpful in all aspects of life and focusing it on the univeral challenges any couple trying to have a relationship encounter can make a huge impact. Regardless of the state of your relationship, you will benefit from and love this book

I just finished reading Joe Bailey's "Slowing Down to the Speed of Love" and it has really helped to change my life. Not only do I see relationships in a new way but I see my whole life differently. I feel quiet, at peace, people say they've seen a change in me. I highly recommend this book. Give it a try, I think you'll like it too.

There are thousands of books on relationships, but Joe Bailey's book is a gem. Joe talks straight to your innate health and wisdom. When you read this book something feels incredibly right. It is simple and profound. Slowing Down to the Speed of Love provides a deep understanding that goes beyond techniques that may lose relevance. This book is about "timeless love" and helps you "be present" and alive in a way that truly makes for a deep and fulfilling relationship. When couples come to me for help, I always recommend this book.! Thank you Joe for a rare and special gift to me and my patients.
George E. Patterson, Ph. D., Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Consultant

When I was in fifth grade, I thought this was the funniest and most entertaining book in the world. Twenty years later, despite high school, college and law school, my opinion of it is just as high. This is a wild, wacky, cult-classic that kids, young adults and even parents can read, enjoy and re-read over and over.

The sequel to _The Snarkout Boys & the Avocado of Death_, the book features the return of snarkers Walter, Winston and Rat, as well as Uncle Flipping; Osgood Sigerson and Dr. Sacker; the Mighty Gorilla; and that rascally Napoleon of Crime, Wallace Nussbaum. Just as the young snarkers discover the Dharma Buns Coffee House and a rising Transylvanian poet, the city of Baconburg begins to be terrorized nightly by something dark and fast and ... furry? A werewolf?! Quick, grab your stuffed Indian fruit bat and defend yourself!

Just as in _Avocado_, Pinkwater writes simply and clearly, deftly weaving the different plot-threads into a (literally) blazing finale. Quite simply, this is a great, often gut-busting, blissfully zany ride. (I only wish he'd write another one!) I ordered a copy off the internet, read it twice, and am donating it to my local library so that kids can enjoy it just as much as I did, back 'in the day'. Praise St. Barbara of Blint, five burning stars!

Sequel to The Snarkout Boys and The Avacado of Death, this is another great book by D.M. Pinkwater. While it obviously couldn't compare to the original, simply because the first was SO good, this book is still great. I read the Avacado of Death when I was in middle school (for the first time at least), and didn't discover the sequel until I was in college. So naturally that's a rather long time and my expectations were a little high I'm sure. Still, it was great to see all the characters again, and see Walter and Winston having another adventure. This book is fun to read and I highly reccomend it.

When I read this book in my early nubile childhood , I thought it was just a pretty darn funny piece o' work. Now that I'm a wee bit older and wiser I look back on Snarkout with a sort of awe, respecting it for the sheer genious and underground artistry. Werewolves, crazy speeches, donuts, hotdogs, cult movies, bitter rejects and terrible poets. Every man woman and child should experience belly lauaghter. It deserves to be the first cult classic childrens book.

Snarking: sneaking out when your parents are asleep, esp. to go to the theater and see the latest (or oldest) movie. Master snarkers Winston, Walter, and Rat have the technique down pat and somewhat uneventful until one night when Rat decides she wants to go to the Dharma Buns Coffee House. That night begins an adventure replete with werewolves, poets, borgelnuskies, the Napoleon of crime, and other assorted good guys and bad guys.

The town of Baconburg has never seen such a hodgepodge of people and adventures. At least not since "The Snarkout Boys & the Avocado of Death." But as long as they don't run out of Indian fruit bats, everything and everyone should turn out okay.

First published in 1984, the story doesn't seem out of date for young people born in the past few years. But to adults, parents, even young senior adults, some references bring a sense of nostalgia: Drive in movies, shopping malls. Although this is not the first in the series, the story stands alone quite well -- it actually makes one want to find the rest and read/listen to them, too. The action is swift, the characters interesting, and the plot complicated in a witty, twisted sort of way.

Pinkwater takes the reader from the familiar to the bizarre to the impossible in just a short ride. He's created a weird alternate reality that is fun for readers of all ages. In his narration he rushes headlong from beginning to end, leaving the listener breathless and tickling your fancy.