Massachusetts Books

I love both of the American Patriot books and am anxiously awaiting the third. They turn the history of our country into a story of amazing heros and heroines. I am a home school mom and am considering adding both Daughter of Liberty and Native Son to our American History curriculum. The books entertain while they enlighten. The best way to learn. These are now my favorite historical fiction.

I enjoyed this book very much!! The first story was amazing and the second book picked up right where the first one left off. Elizabeth is sent by Washington to continue spying among the British. Jon on the other hand is sent into indian territory to try to convince the indians that Wasington needed them. Jon was captured and became a slave. Elizabeth has no idea if he is dead or alive. The only problem I had with this book was the fact that I now have to wait so long to find out what happens. A must read and a tender story.

Native Son is the second book in author J.M. Hochstetler's The American Patriot Series, and is every bit as magnificently composed as the first. Picking up where Daughter of Liberty left off, Native Son reprises the suspenseful setting and believable characters of book one and indelibly seals the heart of the reader to the author's work.

With Patriot's identity exposed and a huge price on his head, he is no longer of any use to the Revolutionaries as a spy--but his previous experience living with a tribe of Native Americans qualifies him for an even more dangerous assignment. Oriole, however, has not yet been exposed and therefore must remain behind to continue gathering intelligence for General Washington and his troops. The intertwining of these two stories keeps readers riveted to their seats from the first page to the last--and anxiously awaiting book three.

J. M. Hochstetler's second book in the American Patriot Series, Native Son, draws readers into the compelling first chapter. Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton meets with George Washington to discuss the patriot troops' readiness for war against trained British soldiers.

Meanwhile, doctor's assistant Elizabeth Howard ties down a wounded man and helps the doctor amputate the man's gangrenous leg to save his life. As a patriot spy working in a Tory hospital, Elizabeth faces constant danger of discovery.

Although Jonathan and Elizabeth determine to marry at the earliest opportunity, circumstances and General Washington's orders conspire to separate them. Carleton heads into Indian Territory, while Elizabeth stays behind. They believe God has inspired their commitment to the Patriot cause, but as the separation stretches to months, each struggles with how it will affect their relationship.

When Carleton's negotiations with several Indian tribes turn sour, the Mohawks take him prisoner. Elizabeth wonders at Carleton's fate as time passes with no word from him. As she continues her work, one of the men helping her discovers her true role and threatens to expose her as a spy. Faced with danger at every turn, both Elizabeth and Carleton draw strength from the God they trust. But will it be enough as the pressures they face slowly change each of them and each continues to wonder about the fate of the other?

Native Son holds as much historical detail as the first book in the series, Daughter of Liberty. However, Hochstetler's clear writing and obvious research make both books intriguing reads. The detail in the medical scenes is exquisite and gave me an eye-opening understanding of Revolutionary War-era amputation and medical care. Fascinating details also enhance the scenes in which the Mohawks hold Carleton prisoner and in later scenes when he lives with the Delaware Indians.

Although Carleton and Elizabeth spend most of the book separated by many miles and different cultures, the strength of both characters easily carries the book. For fans of historicals, this series is a must. Watch for Hochstetler's third book in the American Patriot series.

Native Son, the second book of The American Patriot Series by J.M. Hochstetler, continues the saga of Brigadier General Jonathan Carleton and the woman who has stolen his heart, Elizabeth Howard. Each has pledged allegiance to General George Washington. Elizabeth's spy mission sends her gathering information among the Loyalists, while Jonathan's orders send him deep into Indian territory. When Elizabeth learns Jonathan has been captured by the Indians, she tries desperately to gain information about the man she loves. Unable to learn of Jonathan's fate, she is forced to continue life with the uncertainty of whether or not he yet lives. Jonathan's life changes drastically when he becomes a slave to the tribe that captured him. He must make decisions that put him in battle against the people to whom he has pledged his allegiance.

Hochstetler examines a little-known aspect of the Revolution by following the hero Jon to the West. People think of the Revolution being fought in Boston and along the East Coast, but there was trouble in the West, too, with the English, the Indians, and the settlers. Hochstetler lets us see that part of the war through Jon's eyes. Again the reader finds the war-tossed couple, Brigadier General Jonathon Carleton and spy Elizabeth Howard, separated by choice for the good of the new country and your heart breaks at the sacrifices these two make for the ultimate good of many. After Jonathon is sent to Indian territory, Elizabeth ends up in Boston. With wars of all levels--spiritual, emotional, and physical-- pressing on them, we feel the anguish they must endure. Rumors circulate and both characters must pretend they care nothing for the other. The story is set in 1775, and the reader is immediately folded into the setting, riding along enjoying every bump and bruise. Even when Carleton is captured, the reader hopes all will be well, although chances are pretty much against that.

Elizabeth and Jonathan, the star crossed lovers in the previous book Daughter of Liberty, have the perfect conflict: the American patriot and the British officer. Now they are being kept apart as Elizabeth is pressed back into service as a spy for General Washington. Elizabeth is the perfect society lady, listening in on secrets in Boston, occupied by the British. Her hair-raising exploits sneaking secrets past the ruthless British blockade are the best part of the book. Jonathan, who has a price on his head, can trust no one. He goes West where he was reared and meets the Indians- not all of them friendly- he knew as a child. So wedding plans are put aside while each sets out to carry out the mission Washington has assigned them. As the months pass in silence, Beth wonders if he is even alive. Should she begin to consider a life without him? And as Jonathan is taken farther and farther away from Beth, he fears he will never see her again. How can he go back to her while the war still rages? The British want him dead, and his new life with the Indians has even made him an enemy of his own countrymen. Is their Christian faith and trust in God strong enough to see them through?

Native Son is an intensely moving story, impeccably researched and excellently written. It is an intricate look into some aspects of the birth of our nation, and the struggles and temptations faced by two unforgettable characters. J. M. Hochstetler expertly weaves a tale of historical fiction with a romance that must survive the trials and dangers of the times. Outstanding! -- Erika Osborn, Christian Book Previews.com

A friend at work loaned me her copy of this book. She lived in La Veta and knew, or had met some of the people who used to live in Libre (Adrienne, for one that I can remember). I became instantly enthralled in the story and found myself procrastinating at the end of the book to keep from finishing it. Although I was 10 in 1968, I've always had a hippie spirit. My husband and I sold everything in 1979 and moved into our Ford van with our 6-month old daughter and headed to Ouachita Mountains in Arkansas from Nebraska to "live off the land". We built a little homemade house like some of the ones described in the book. Our chickens laid eggs in our dresser drawers. Our cat had a litter of kittens in the bed beside us while we were sleeping. We heated water on a woodstove made out of a 55 gallon barrel. We scratched out a garden spot in rocky soil. Lived on nothing. Had an outhouse, etc. So I could relate to a lot of the book and enjoyed seeing how our lives might have been different in a communal setting. Besides, who could not read this book after seeing that front cover photo?

This book is a rare gem. For those of us who experienced the hippie generation firsthand it is both nostalgic and cathartic. For younger folks who wonder what the heck we were thinking back then, the answer is in this book. One of the things I loved most is that it has no particular agenda; it is simply an honest and objective chronicle of what life was like for the author in an early seventies commune. The writing is captivating; it reads like a novel.

I was born in the town of Walsenburg in Huerfano County, Colorado. So when I heard Ms. Price being interviewed on Colorado Public Radio, I knew I had to read her book. And I'm so glad I did. I was too young to fully understand what was happening in the counterculture but reading about Libre has helped fill that gap. But moreover, I loved reading about my birthplace from such a different and interesting perspective. I knew the Huerfano only through the eyes of a child. Now when I return and drive those quiet roads as I recently did, I have a much broader understanding and a much deeper appreciation of why so many of us love it.

I have a good friend who was immersed in the counterculture in the 1970s. I've been reading a variety of books about the movement as a way of understanding him better (I have also read "Sleeping Where I Fall" by Peter Coyote and "Wild Child").

Rather than presenting a rose-colored, nostalgic view of that time, this book provides a clear-eyed view of Ms. Price's reasons for joining Libre and an excellent description of the many personal and practical issues of communal living.

In contrast to "Sleeping Where I Fall," I thought this book did an excellent job of presenting a woman's viewpoint of the counterculture movement.

The ending is inevitable but oh, so bittersweet.

Bravo!

I saw this book one afternoon while visiting my mom in Denver. I picked it up and read straight through it. I lived in Libre, in a dome as a child with my sister, mom and dad. The book was such a different perspective of life at Libre than I remembered. I remembered the hardships of Libre. I remembered the Nature, the other children, things that children pay attention to. Now I am a mom and realize that my perspective on life is vastly different than that of my childen. Roberta has given me a different experience of Libre, not better or worse, just different from when I was a child. As a child it was home. It held no political, cultural, or social significance to me. After reading the book, I can now appreciate Libre more.

A literate and pyschological thriller that definitely keeps you in
suspense until the end of the text, Skin Deep is guaranteed to satisfy.
Even if you have it all figured out, you will
still be shocked in the final pages. The flashbacks that allow you to understand and even sympathize with the child, the police procedures which show the often plodding and time consuming,
but effective work of investigations, the horrors of the crime scenes, and finally, the emphasis placed on the ideals of beauty all combine into an A plus read.

Skin Deep by Gary Braver is a mystery which captures the reader's attention from the very beginning and won't let go til the very end. Well written with a fascinating plot and very interesting and well developed characters. Full of action and great dialogue.

I have been following Gary Braver's writing career since I discovered that my college fraternity brother was an accomplished author. However, in those days I knew him as Gary Goshgarian. I just finished Skin Deep and it is by far his best creative work to date. Although it is primarily a murder mystery, Gary never strays too far from the medical thrillers he is known for. I will not reveal any more than that with regard to the plot. This is a book you simple cannot put down. I will anxiously await his next novel. I highly recommend that you go out, buy a copy of Skin Deep, and lose yourself in this wonderful thriller.

Braver has done it again. And this is his best. "Skin Deep" is so easy to read and yet he keeps you guessing. Braver makes you believe that every character is suspect. Watch out for the ending. It will make your jaw drop.

Gary Braver has done it again. Having read all his books he just continues to amaze me. After reading FLASHBACK I could not wait for Gary to write again. I wondered how could he do better. Well he has. You will not be disappointed. In fact, you will beg him to write another one. The book is excellent and is well written. His ability to develop characters is absolutely outstanding. The way in which Gary formulates the conflicts within the protagonist is stunning. SKIN DEEP covers an array of intriguing themes. His attention to detail is remarkable. The accuracy of his forensic science concerning the murders clearly demonstrates he did his homework. The physical and psychological profiling provides the story with significant depth and credibility. It is a must read. Do not deprive yourself. Get the book. You will not put it down until you are done. Fom the first to the last page, you will be captivated and surprised.

Go meet him at a book signing. He is an extraordinary person and a gentleman. You will immediately realize why he is a tremendous author.

You have to view his narrative regarding the book at his website.

Hello avid readers of true stories. I appreciated The State Boy's Rebellion, as I too was a victim of the mental health system when I was 8 years old. I remained institutionalized for 10 years; even though authorities were informed I was not retarded. Like the kids in The State Boys Rebellion, I was deprived of my civil liberties, denied an education, and horribly abused. If you want to read a remarkable story of the human spirit to survive horrific odds, read my true story. You'll be glad you did.
Charles A. Carroll, Author, Victim/Victim's Advocate
HARD CANDY: Nobody Ever Flies Over the Cuckoo's Nest

A must read for anybody. I am currently employed at one of the said institutions in MA and heard of this book through a co-worker. I have worked here for over 20 years, long after they stopped admitting people. The residents that currently reside there get the best of care available and the staffing ratios way outnumber the amount of clients residing here. I am in no way condoning what happened to Freddie and all the other state children, I just wonder how some of the residents would have turned out if not institutionalized. My supervisor and I have roamed through the old dormitories and found a wealth of info and pictures. Some of the pics show young children about Freddies admission age that looked scared to death, it brought tears to my eyes to think of what these poor kids went through and reading Freddie's story helped me better understand just exactly why these children were admitted. When I started working here, over 1,000 residents lived here, now we have under 300 and the remaining people really do benefit from the care they receive. I just could not comprehend why some of the residents were there 20 years ago, now I know. My family has welcomed in a former resident in the shared living program and it has been benificial to both him and my family. After reading the "State Boys Rebellion", my only regret is that I never got to meet Freddie Boyce. In my eyes, he and all the other state children are true heroes for surviving the great injustice done to them. In closing, I have to truly say that I have been humbled.

Michael D'Antonio has provided us with a very interesting book that he has subtitled "The Inspiring True Story of American Eugenics and the Men Who Overcame It". There is no doubt that he cares tremendously for his subject, but this is not a comprehensive history of the Eugenics movement or even of the the State Boys Rebellion at the Fernald School for the Feebleminded.

From a journalistic perspective, this is a tremendous piece of writing & investigation. Evaluating the events primarily through the eyes of Fred Boyce, the author skillfully weaves in the stories of fellow inmates at the Fernald school and the events leading up to the rebellion. Unfortunately, the key point that I see as the "rebellion" only gets about 4 pages of treatment, with regular references to the people involved in the riot throughout the rest of the book. Boyce's life is traced up through the time when the book was written, and is a compelling story.

From a historical standpoint, although there is no clear thesis, the book obviously was written to educate the reader about the Fernald school and a few key residents that were able to make great strides in their lives and lead a relatively "normal" life after being released from the institution. The most interesting argument the author presents is that some of the medical experiments conducted within the confines of the Fernald school were reflective of Cold War America, where government aims included furthering science in an effort to find a way to defeat the Communists.

Overall, this is a very interesting book and an easy read. The story is enthralling, and keeps the reader entertained throughout. If the reader is looking for a comprehensive story of the American Eugenic movement, this is not the book; I believe there are probably better scholarly works out there that address eugenics in America. I would recommend this as a book to start one's understanding of eugenics and how this one school in the Boston area plays into the bigger picture.

I never gave the imposing Fernald School campus much thought, even though the house I shared with my friends was literally across the street from the large brick buildings. It was not until I researched the effects of radiation on soldiers during the Cold War that I learned Fernald's dirty secrets. I immediately bought this book, and it filled me with rage and despair. D'Antonio's style is not preachy, nor does he editorialize. He allows the recollections of those who were there to speak for him. Wherever he can, he uses several sources to shade each event, from conversations with the boys, to the memories of the staff members, to the cold, un-enlightening medical records from the school. As others have said, the story ends not in misery but in triumph. It is a cautionary tale about society's complacency and willingness to let the horrors of our past remain behind the locked doors of our crumbling institutions.

The State Boys Rebellion tells the story of the Fernald State School in Massachusetts. Michael D'Antonio does a great job of telling the story through the eyes of Freddie Boyce, a child that grew up in Fernald. The story is quite chilling, specially to those of us who did not live through that time period. It is disgraceful that we, the United States actually started Eugenics, although I was taught in school that Nazi Germany was the creator. This book should remind us that as a society, we sometimes leave out the bad stuff our forefathers did, even if they meant no harm. I would highly reccomend this book to anyone, but it will touch the heart of anyone with a child who is considered "special".

A fun read! I smiled all the way through it! Like a previous reviewer, I can't wait for the sequel. As for his family who share the same vacation memories, he has given them a treasure in the form of a book.

Delightful! This book would make a good family movie with Graig T. Nelson playing "Captain" Dad!I'm sure I will never get to see Cape Cod; however, after reading Rick's book, I feel I have been there. Thanks Rick!
"Aunt Marge" Robicheaux

Laugh out loud funny! You will absolutely enjoy this book. A must read and so well written! It also warms the heart with the stories of family and brings back your own memories of family vacations past.

Family vacations can be fun times to remember, especially when the distance of years softens even the most stressful calamities from the past. This book documents the Cape Cod adventures of a Pennsylvania-based family over the course of the last thirty-five years. Author Rick Seidel is quick to remind us that he's grown up to be a doctor, not a writer. But his passions for both his family and for that special sandy Massachusetts peninsula come through loud and clear with his well-chosen words.

For four generations of Seidels, the annual one-week summer destination has been the town of Truro, just south of Provincetown. The men launch their boats into Cape Cod Bay from Pamet Harbor and settle in for some fishing. The women spend time sunbathing and going shopping / people-watching in Provincetown. The kids go one way or the other, or find their own interests to pursue. And so, Rick's stories include details of fishing, boating, and other beach-oriented activities, like the best method for ordering lobster. It's the history of one extended middle-class family; and yet, these are vignettes we can certainly all relate to. The volume concludes with 26 pages of b&w family photos that give us a chance to see in person the main characters who appear in the rest of the book.

"Sunsets and Shooting Stars" is a fun and quick read that should appeal to Baby Boomers, fellow Cape Cod vacationers, and anyone who loves the beach. It's the kind of memoir that makes you want to write your own.

There was a smile on my face the entire time I was reading. I do not know what I enjoyed more, the authors detailed chronicle of the profound love for his childhood vacation spot or for his family. I can not wait until there are enough memories saved up for part two!

This book sweeps you back in time and holds you there till the very end. The elements of suspence, romance and history are perfectly intertwined to make the book one I didn't want to put down. The author's attention to detail in the individual scenes brought to life the Revolutionary War. This is the perfect mix of entertainment and enlightening. I loved it and will read the next in the series.

I'm incredibly impressed with the quality of this book and this author. Picture something between John Jakes and Diana Gabaldon, and you have Daughter of Liberty - a sweeping story of the beginning of the American Revolution AND the satisfying growth of a relationship that is fraught with impossibilities...and danger.

Rushing ahead to act without thought to God's will has consequences. Most often, negative, painful, and life-scarring. Yet we've all done it.

This is what connects a reader's heart to Elizabeth Howard, the main character in Daughter of Liberty, the first in The American Patriot Series, masterfully written by J. M. Hochstetler.

Elizabeth portrays the essence of innocent and faithful daughter to an established Boston family stalwartly supporting the Whig party. All the while, she is passionate for the patriot cause and dons the role of Oriole-elusive rebel spy.

Life takes an unexpected turn with the arrival of Captain Jonathan Carleton. He's magnetic, handsome, and a Redcoat. Elizabeth's traitorous heart is completely captured... a complication she hadn't counted on, especially when the first shots ring out in Lexington and Concord.

More than just her heart is at stake during the first skirmish of the Revolutionary War. The lives of many depend on Elizabeth. But has she truly learned to wait on God's will, or rush ahead in her own power to save the day?

J. M. Hochstetler's story delivers to the reader not only a page turner, but a wealth of education about the beginnings of the War for Independence.

For someone like me who is not a fan of historic fiction and who honestly believed I had already read more than enough accounts of our country's revolutionary period, I was pleasantly surprised to discover The American Patriot Series by J. M. Hochstetler. The first book in this excellent series, Daughter of Liberty, was also the first book I had read by this particular author, but I knew right away it would not be the last. Within moments of turning to the opening page, I was captivated by this story of the brave and daring Oriole, a spy for the American Revolutionaries with a secret that could change the course of a nation, and Patriot, another spy with a most amazing secret of his own.

Hochstetler not only weaves a suspenseful tale of courage, intrigue, and romance, but also decorates the pages of this exquisite novel with some of the best writing I've come across in years. This book was well worth the read, and served to push me on to the second book in the series.

"The crack of the pistol's report came from directly behind the courier. Sizzling past so close to his ear he could feel the heat of it."

With these words, and the impact of a rebel fieldpiece, J. M. Hochstetler's Daughter of Liberty bursts onto the historical fiction scene.

Twenty-year-old Bostonian Elizabeth Howard sympathizes with the patriots' struggle for freedom from English oppression. Her convictions set her at odds with her parents' pro-British sympathies, and force her to live a life of lies and deception. By day she is a debutante, by night she is a spy.

Ruggedly handsome Jonathan Carleton was born in England, but is now a wealthy Virginian landowner. He's committed to serving his country, but to which does he owe his allegiance? As a member of the British regulars he stands for everything Elizabeth despises.

From the moment these two meet, their attraction is fiery and dangerous, and neither Jonathan nor Elizabeth suspects the other's true allegiance. Are they destined to remain enemies forever?

Add to this conflict a villain out to get both the hero and heroine, and a final plot twist that will delight fans of the Jane Seymore version of The Scarlet Pimpernel, and you've got a truly interesting read.

The Revolutionary War makes a great setting for the realistic plot and action Hochstetler incorporates. Fans of American history will appreciate this novel as a painless way to learn more about the lives of such famous historical figures as General Thomas Gage, General John Pitcairn, Paul Revere, and Dr. Joseph Warren.

Although I am a fan of historical fiction, I was a little overwhelmed with the depth of history included in this book. The emotion of "disgust" was also used too frequently in the prose for my taste. However, the plot, the lively dialogue, and the character interaction-especially the romantic development-are fabulous, so don't let the historical details stop you.

excellent book--lists nearly every green space in the boston area, checks locations with animal authorities to verify leash laws, provides excellent synopsis of each area and suggestions for trails, paths to take. Fun to read--my lab and I have found countless new spots to run and day trips to take thanks to this book. Probably the most read book in my house.

As the owner of 3 dogs this is the best book I've ever bought. My copy gets so much use that the pages are starting to fall out. The ratings of the different parks/areas a perfect. It is a wonderful reference for finding places where dogs can run leash free.

Invaluable Information. My dog and I have been to so many of the places listed in this book that we otherwise never would have known about. Each park has a very descriptive summary. They even mention places to lodge or eat with your pet. Getting out with your pet is a great way to explore nature, get some excerise and bond ever so closely with your best friend and this book shows you where to do it. I can't wait until a central and western MA area guide is released :)

If you're a dog parent, you tend to know the green spaces around where you live, but when you go afield, you need a guide. This book is invaluable for telling you where to take your dog in Boston and the surrounding towns. If you have a dog and you are looking for an apartment or for real estate in the Boston area, you absolutely need this book.

The only criticism I have is that the book is retriever-centric, meaning it favors parks with bodies of water and ball-throwing possibilities. Different types of dogs need different types of parks; some need good squirrel-chasing capabilities, some need a large fenced area so they can run, some need to be able to swim, some need puppy play-groups, and some need to go where other dogs don't go. The book's ratings favor swimming possibilities, but if you read the descriptions, you can get a sense of whether or not your dog will like a given park.

I live by this book. My dog and I try to visit at least 3 new places a month, besides our old favorites, and this book is what we use. One note: Lynn Woods is now an on-leash spot, as of the summer of 2000. But don't worry, there are many other great spots you can go offleash, even close to Boston, the city that never met a leash law it didn't like. I only wish this book covered all of Massachusetts, or even southern New Hampshire! Maybe the authors will sleuth out a few more places to enjoy, hint, hint. One note: you may want to bring a road atlas with you, because sometimes street signs are down and not replaced, etc., especially in smaller towns. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough. My dog is so happy, visiting these great places, and so am I. And the scenery at some of these places is just beautiful. You and your dog will love it.

We just lost our Golden Reteiever of 10 years totally unexpected due to cancer. She ran off to die. We were able to find her and bury her in our backyard. "Amy", the Golden in the book is like our Chantal who loved the Gulf beaches. For any Golden owner, this is MUST have book to help with the loss of the best breed of dog I've ever encountered.

I laughed and cried when I read this book. Vanderbilt truly depicts life with a Golden. My son was devastated when we lost our twelve-year old Golden; I sent him this book so he could, like the author, reflect on the joy of having one of these incredible dogs in our life. The author truly touches the sacred moments we share with these beautiful creatures. A must read for Golden owners.

You don't have to own a golden retriever to read and really enjoy this beautiful book. As a dog lover that I am, I read anything which has to do with dogs regardless of breed. This book is similar to "the dogs of our lives", a book which touches your heart and brings tears & laughter as you read it. Thank you Mr. Vanderbilt for sharing your memories with us.

This is a beautiful, honest book about a family's love for their Golden Retriever. While the humans in the story are skillfully drawn, the central character is Amy--a loving and loved Golden Retriever. I cried at the end of the book. The lesson of the book is that a much loved dog can have a dramatic impact on a family's life--even if she isn't a search and rescue or therapy dog.

I will admit right off the bat that the Chatham neighborhood that Amy and her human family inhabit is also my neighborhood. But I am sad to say that I never met Amy who sounded like a wonderful dog. All dogs are wonderful, in my book, and certainly in Arthur Vanderbilt's book "Golden Days." This is one of those tales where, although you know how it ends, you still weep at the end. Months later, certain scenes-- such as Amy's unusual love of bananas-- stick in the memory so that you feel you really knew Amy. "Golden Days" is a book about a golden retriever and it's also about those golden days of summer in a certain special place that Arthur Vanderbilt knows very well. I recommend this book for anyone who has ever cared for a dog. For anyone who has ever loved Cape Cod. In fact, I recommend this book, which is profoundly moving without being sappy, to everyone!

I found this book because of an interview in The New York Times of the author, Kathy Harrison, and another book she had written on Preparedness. While the book on Preparedness was a very useful, enlightening book, it was this one, One Small Boat, that has me hooked on her as an author.

Her true accounts (another book I will read, One More Place at the Table) of what it is like to be a foster parent are inspiring. The traumas that are inflicted on some of these children are chilling, but this book provided a glimpse into what a patient loving foster parent can do to help them. It also can show what they can not do, no matter how much care they give. There is a frightening story of two children in her care who will need far more care than any foster parent can give. Ms. Harrison had to make the decision to send one away because of the havoc she was causing.

I started reading it before bed at about 11:00 p.m. and it was 2:00 a.m. when I finished it. Very good book. I would like to know if Daisy did okay after the book was over, but I guess we'll never know?

I enjoyed this book, but the story is very sad. This author did a great job of portraying the foster care system from a parenting perspective.

I love this book!!! It is very easy to read and is well written. The author has fostered hundreds of kids in her lifetime. Daisy is a foster child that is very special for many reasons, she is a challenge, she is from a well respected family and has extended family that loves her. This is the story of one special little girls turbulant begining and her recovery in foster care.

This was a very perceptive and honest protrayl of the challenges and heart warming experiences a foster mom faces with each placement. As a foster mother, I identified and empathized with her stories and situations of individual cases. She speaks from her heart. I would recommend this book to anyone who does foster care or who is interested in doing it, or who just wants a peak inside what it is like for us and the foster children we love and care for.

No doubt the best book on ODE by a master!! Ecuaciones Diferenciales Ordinarias (Fondos Distribuidos) Kiseliov Krasnov is another great book! Translated in English!! Like Spivak's Calculus on Manifolds, thin but good!!!

This is a classic in the field. Excellent presentation and geometric perspective of dynamical systems. Most definitely a book to be kept as reference.

Well differential equaitons are all about change, and this book changed my life. I read this more than 30 years ago, and all the mathematics I know, I mean really know, I learned from this book. Along with Aristotle's ethics, it is probably the most important book in my life.

I had always hated d.e.'s until this book made me see the geometry. And I have only read a few pages.

I never realized before that the existence and uniqueness theorem defines an equivalence relation on the compact manifold, where two points are equivalent iff they lie on the same flow curve. This instantly renders a d.e. visible, and not just some ugly formulas.

He also made me understand for the first time the proof of Reeb's theorem that a compact manifold with a function having only 2 critical points is a sphere. If they are non degenerate at least, the proof is simple. Each critical point has a nbhd looking like a disc. In between, the lack of critical points means there is a one parameter flow from the boundary circle of one disc to the other, i.e. thus the in between stuff is a cylinder.

Hence gluing a disc into each end of a cylinder gives a sphere! It also makes it clear why the sphere may have a non standard differentiable structure, because the diff. structure depends on how you glue in the discs.

What a book. I bought the cheaper older version, thanks to a reviewer here, and I love it. No other book gives me the geometry this forcefully and quickly. Of course I am a mathematician so the vector field and manifold language are familiar to me. But I guess this is a great place for beginners to learn it.

One tiny remark. He does not mind "deceiving you" in the sense of making plausible statements that are actually deep theorems in mathematics to prove. E.g. the fact that in a rectangle it is impossible to join two pairs of opposite corners by continuous curves that do not intersect, is non trivial to prove.

Hence the staement on page 2 that the problem is "solved" merely by introducing the phase plane, is not strictly true, until you prove the intersection statement above. All the phase plane version does for me is render the problem's solution highly plausible, and show the way to solving it. You still have to do it. But it was huge fun thiunking up a fairly elementary winding number argument for this fact.

Good teachers know how to deceive you instructively by making plausible statements that a beginner is willing to accept. I presume a physicist, e.g., would not quarrel with the statement above about curves intersecting.

This is the best differential, equaitons book I know of if you want to understand what they are, as opposed to learn to calculate canned solution fornmulas for special ones. He even makes clear what it is that is special about the special ones, e.g. linear equations are nice not just because the solutions are familiar exponential functions, but because the flow curves exist for all time,...

This is an amazing book. Arnold's style is unique - very intuitive and geometric. This book can be read by non-mathematicians but to really appreciate its beauty, and to understand the proofs that sometimes are just sketched, it takes some mathematical culture. This is the way ordinary differential equations should be taught (but they are not).