Education Books

The less expensive version of this book has a different title: Dreamers, Discoverers and Dynamos : How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School.

We have been searching for The Edison Trait online today since the copy we are using is due back at the library. Fortunately we discovered that it has been retitled and is now sold as Dreamers, Discoverers and Dynamos : How to Help the Child Who Is Bright, Bored and Having Problems in School.

My wife has kept the library copy until it is overdue and has a hold on it. This is the most excited I have seen her about a book since we were married. She has found some very practical tools to help us with our children.

Pharmaceutical drugs are only one line of defense in treating ADD. Drugs can alter brain chemistry but the patient is fundamentally the same personality. Medication alone will only go so far. A combination of prescriptions and psychotherapy yield better long-term results. Thomas Edison owed his life to his mother who believed in him when the schools kicked him out at 6. There is something to be said about love ... love itself can rewire the brain of a "problem" child.

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DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE THE EDISON TRAIT? by Lucy Jo Palladino

He was a boy who learned only by doing. At age six, he had to see how fire worked and accidentally burned his father's barn to the ground. The next fall he began school, where he alternated between letting his mind travel to distant places and keeping his body in perpetual motion in his seat. Because he was distractible and restless, he did not last long in a formal classroom. His teacher called him "addled." Eventually, his mother had to home-school him. As an adult he would recall: "My father thought I was stupid and I almost decided I must be a dunce."

The core of his learning was his passion for experiments. As his new teacher, his mother gave his talent free rein. At the same time she infused him with the disciplines of study. With time and determination, he mastered his runaway mind. He grew up to become a prolific inventor, bringing the magic of electricity and sound recording into the world. He either invented or improved hundreds of practical conveniences. It is said that Thomas Alva Edison succeeded where others failed or never tried, because it was his nature to dare.

Today, a growing number of children have that nature to dare. Like young Edison, they are easily distracted and disorganized, but also wildly imaginative and inventive.

They have minds that are at home with meanderings and leaps of vast proportions. They make unexpected, sometimes startling, connections.

QUALITIES OF A CREATIVE MIND
There was once a man who drove a truck on a road through a town and got stuck under a bridge that had a low clearance. The men of the town gathered around the wedged truck to think of ways to dismantle the truck or the bridge. Finally, a young boy came up and asked, "Why don't you let some air out of the tires?" That is what they did, and the truck went on its way.

This was a child who had the Edison trait. He saw an element of the scene that no one else saw, because they were busily and systematically focused on what to them was relevant to the solution.

An Edison-trait child:

Expects the Unexpected
A child with the Edison trait makes sudden, astonishing connections. Because his inner critic disallows neither the ridiculous nor the sublime, he can be innovative, ingenious, and fascinating. He can see ordinary things in extraordinary ways, which is the very essence of creativity.

His sense of humor is disarming. It stems from keen perception and the ability to see things from a different perspective. Sometimes he exhibits the kind of straight-from-the-subconscious humor that makes successful stand-up comics so funny. He blurts out ideas that are just under the surface, things that most others would have automatically censored.

Thinks Autonomously
This is a child who stands up for his own ideas, especially when they are uncommon or nonconformist. He is an independent thinker and does not rely on the opinions of others to form his own judgments. In a matter of personal interest to him, he stands firm with conviction, even in the face of strong opposition.

Hyperfocuses and Persists
When the Edison-trait child is intrinsically motivated, he has formidable mental power. If he is working on a project that is his own brainstorm, he is determined, tenacious, and persevering. As if by magic, he can work for hours involved in what he is doing. He finds ways to overcome barriers; his passion sees him through. In matters of his own choosing, he has inner direction and resolve.

Is Diverse and Intense
Edison-trait children are pluralistic, nonconforming, and multifarious. Once they begin to speak on a topic of their choosing, clear your calendar ... you'll be here for a while. Flights of fancy are common. One thing leads to another, though sometimes the connections are not apparent to the rest of us.

Has a Mind That Is Holistic
The Edison-trait child notices and reacts to things from any and all directions, so he is likely to have a global sense of places he has been. Take this child to the shopping mall and he'll probably be able to lead you back to your parked car.

Lives on His Own Schedule
Time passes slowly for this child when he is not engaged in an activity of interest. Otherwise, watch out! When an Edison-trait child works on a project of his choosing, he is dedicated and determined.

Loves to Come Up with Ideas
Some do this slowly and dreamily. Others are like kernels of popcorn popping. Many do both. They have qualities of being both a whimsical Dreamer and a high-charged Discoverer or turbulent Dynamo.

DOES YOUR CHILD HAVE THE EDISON TRAIT?
All children are imaginative and enjoy make-believe, but children who have the Edison trait live even closer to their imaginations. It is their lifeblood.

Children manifest the Edison trait in various ways. Some are quiet and reserved and live in their own worlds. Others are loud, interruptive, and bold.

Your child may be a Dreamer, a Discoverer, or a Dynamo. Or he may combine features of any or all of these patterns.

Dreamers drift from place to place, on a schedule of eternal time.
Discoverers have to find things out for themselves and do things their own way.
Dynamos are always in motion, with a flair forsurprises, power, and speed.
To see how closely your child's patterns match the profile of children with this trait, take a moment and think about him since his earliest days. Then ask yourself these questions:

If your child is a Dreamer
1. Does he get absorbed or intensely involved in his own ideas much of the time?
2. Is he prone to saying things out of the blue?
3. Does he procrastinate to an extreme?
4. Are his interests and activities eclectic?
5. Does he start at least three projects for every one he finishes?

If your child is a Discoverer
1. Is he easily attracted to sights and sounds around him?
2. Is it vital for him to express his opinion?
3. Does he crave novelty, power, and excitement?
4. Is he always ready to speak, especially if you're talking?
5. When he wants his own way - which is almost always - is he relentless?

Or, if your child is a Dynamo
1. Does he get aggressive or intensely emotional about his own ideas much of the time?
2. Is some part of his body always in motion?
3. Are chances to run and climb as vital as the air he breathes?
4. Does he have boundless energy, enough for about three children his age?
5. Do you find yourself wondering if he lacks common sense?

The more "yes" answers you gave to these questions, the more reason there is for you to read on.

DREAMERS
Dreamers are mind wanderers. These Edison-trait youngsters seem to be lost in timeless space. From time to time, they have blank expressions on their faces or may look a little dazed. Actually, they are floating through one or several ideas in another realm, a world of their own.

I dwell in Possibility
A fairer house than Prose,
More numerous of windows,
Superior of doors.

Like Emily Dickinson, the author of these words, Edison-trait Dreamers are self-styled visionaries and poets. They have an ephemeral quality, a digressive style of thinking, and an inclination to see things from an unusual, even quixotic angle. In the classroom, after a lesson is taught, the Dreamer may not give the expected response, so others presume he just didn't "get it." But ask him and you'll find out that if he was tuned in, he probably "got it" all right - in an entirely unintended or uncommon way. He produces the kind of answer that makes you think twice.

Dreamers like sensory experience. They are drawn to color, sound, texture, taste, and fragrance. Often, Edison-trait Dreamers remember odd and seemingly unrelated facts and details, knowledge of an idiosyncratic nature. Seldom can they say exactly why they are drawn to these particular thoughts or recollections, but their fascination can become intense. What appears as spaciness to us is felt as absorption by them.

DISCOVERERS
Discoverers are Edison-trait adventurers who must blaze their own trail. They are high-spirited and have to see "what would happen if . . ." They are spontaneous and they must do things their own way.

Discoverers are multi-sensory, usually with a strong preference for visual input. This is a child who craves, and often creates, the stimulation of power, surprise, or diversity. He wants to explore his own ideas and express his own opinions. He wants life to keep him interested. If he does not find people stimulating, he will stimulate them, usually by provoking laughter or anger.

Discoverers like to live in the moment, without giving too much mind to what will happen in the future. Typically, they are not planners. Discoverers live with the attitude that they'll discover what's going to happen when it happens. That's what makes life interesting.

When a Discoverer is on the trail of an idea or project of his own, he feels a sense of urgency or impatience. During these times the Discoverer may "hyperfocus." He pays attention to what he is doing with an unusual degree of intensity and to the exclusion of all else. Discoverers also "multitask." Multitasking means doing more than one thing at a time. Dreamers and Dynamos hyperfocus and multitask, too. But Discoverers do it more.

DYNAMOS
Dynamos are fuel-injected speedsters. They have erratic spurts of energy. They overexcite easily, and when this happens, trouble is on the way.

In some ways, a Dynamo is also a Discoverer. He is impulsive. He acts first and thinks later. Like the Discoverer, the Dynamo loves power and speed. And like the Discoverer, the Dynamo is strong willed and immovable in his position.

The distinguishing feature of the Dynamo is his boundless physical energy. Dynamos keep their bodies in motion, one way or another, almost all the time. They walk, run, skip, kick, climb, jump, bounce, leap, bound, pounce, bolt, dash, race, sprint, dive, swim, splash, and fly.

Dynamos act with gusto and zest. They are risk takers and daredevils. And they are constantly entertaining. Life in their company is never dull.

THE EDISON TRAIT IS LIFELONG
The Edison trait is a personality characteristic. It endures. As Edison himself did, people with the trait have to make good matches between their aptitudes and their life work.

TURNING THE LIGHTS ON
As the parent of an Edison-trait child, you have probably asked yourself some variation of the following question: "If my child can recall the entire roster of the 1955 Brooklyn Dodgers, why can't he remember that eight times seven is fifty-six?"

To better understand your youngster, picture him wandering through an empty house alone. Most of the rooms are dark. One or two are well lit. When your child enters a bright room, he is filled with enthusiasm to explore. He remembers those bright rooms and develops a strong preference for them. Of course, the way you see it, he should be able to turn the lights on in any room, if only he would use the light switch. When you ask him to and he doesn't, a strain of tension develops between you.

From his point of view - and this is his house - his lights are wired differently. In the past, your Edison-trait child has tried to use the same kind of switch he sees others use, but to no avail. He senses that he doesn't operate the same way. He has a different configuration. Problems start getting solved when you work from his blueprints, not yours. You empower him to figure out his own circuitry, and the rules and methods to turn his lights on.

CONVERGENT, NO - DIVERGENT, YES
Having the Edison trait makes some things easier for your child and some things harder. The things that come easy are

Thinking up wild or unusual ideas
Standing up for, feeling strongly about, and getting involved in those ideas
Making things up, and imagining the future
Trying things out
Starting new projects
The things that come hard are

Focusing on someone else's ideas
Letting go of his own ideas
Remembering things he's been asked to do
Practicing skills repeatedly
Finishing things
The things that come easy are divergent thinking skills. In divergent thinking, one thought stimulates many others; thinking branches out. The things that come hard require convergent thinking. In convergent thinking, many thoughts reduce to a single one; thinking funnels in.

Read the lists again. It is no surprise that Edison-trait children will not shine in a typical classroom, or on the playground, or in most forms of organized sports. In settings like these, their chemistry sets them apart. They are the exceptions to our implicit rules of how children should think and perform, rules that say they should behave like uniform convergent thinkers.

CONVERGENT THINKING AS THE NORM
It is a natural human tendency to assume that all minds work the same way. We tacitly agree that all minds should naturally be able to follow through on one idea at a time, from beginning to end, with attention to detail. We call convergent thinking the norm and we presume it's what comes naturally if a brain is "normal." Divergent thinkers are viewed as having "attentional problems."

We label convergent thinking as right and divergent thinking as wrong. We base the methods we use to train our children on this premise. We expect children to focus in a linear fashion for as long as we say they should. This is true at home and at school. And at school, as class sizes get larger and children get more diverse, a teacher's tolerance for a student's divergent thinking necessarily diminishes. The same curriculum gets taught to all students in the same way and at the same pace.

The brains of Edison-trait children are misunderstood, not inferior. As students they are attentionally disadvantaged because we punish, and fail to appreciate, their unique creative slant. They get blamed for not completing desk work in the allotted time. They are scolded for not staying in their seats until recess. They are forced to work at an unsuitable tempo, and then get graded down for poor handwriting, and errors in grammar, spelling, and math facts. These outcomes are inevitable artifacts of a mismatched approach.

We teach to their weaknesses, not to their strengths. We insist that they see things our way, but we won't see things theirs. These children are stunningly divergent. They are on a quest for discovery, exploration, and stimulation. Surely we can be flexible and accommodate their style. They can and will develop convergent skins, but only if their desire to learn is protected and kindled with success.

WE CAN HELP EDISON-TRAIT CHILDREN DEVELOP SKILLS

We Can Guide Them to Motivate Themselves
These children need extra incentive and stimulating rewards. They need to experience success so that they can believe in it. They need reasons compelling enough to keep up the extra effort to get through the glass maze.

We Can Communicate - Think and Talk - in Their Language
A child with the Edison trait needs to feel he's in control. He will accept help only if it does not threaten his autonomy. He is prone to feeling crowded and seeing adults as overbearing.
The Edison-trait child is easily overwhelmed. For this reason, he needs clear direction, phrased in brief, concise messages. He needs his workload assigned in manageable portions. He needs structure, simple categories, and prominent visual cues.

For this same reason, he needs frequent breaks and relief from tension. He responds best to a calm and steady voice, devoid of emotional charge.

The Edison-trait child thinks in images and stories. He needs instruction that is attractive and captivating. He responds to metaphors and identifies with characters he likes. Creative approaches work best. Humor is a strong ally.

Your goal is to value your child's divergent thinking, while at the same time teaching and encouraging him to think convergently. With guidance and support, he will learn how to concentrate, shift focus, and do things in sequence. He'll make his own ways to organize his thoughts, words, papers, time, and money, to follow through, plan, schedule, and stay on track. He will come to appreciate conventional wisdom and the merit of reflective thought.

BRIDGES, NOT FENCES
Pretend for a moment that when babies are born, they already know how to talk. Right from the cradle: "Hello, Mother. Hello, Father. Please feed me. I'm hungry."

Now let's say 80 percent of the babies in the United States are born speaking English, but you're a parent of one of the 20 percent who speak a foreign language. You know you must help him to learn English somehow, so he can get along with everybody else. But it's clear your little guy likes his language better than yours.

He learns barely enough English to get by, but no more. He prefers the sound and the flow and the feel of his own tongue. He doesn't know how much of your language he can learn, even if he tries. And why should he try, when everyone acts as if he already should speak English fluently, and people make a bigger deal over his failures than his efforts?

At first, you forbid your child to speak his language. That doesn't work.

Next, you reward him when he speaks only English. That works some, but it's a strain on everyone.

Finally, you make a commitment to learn and appreciate the language he speaks. You enter his world - through his sounds, his words, and his expressions. You don't insult his language; you find what is beautiful and useful about it.

At the same time, you acknowledge every attempt he makes to speak English - regardless of whether he succeeds or not. You let him know you recognize his efforts and his desire to communicate with you. You tell him that you see his courage and his hard work.

And then, a funny thing happens.

The more good you see in his world, the more good he sees in yours.

You build bridges, not fences.

You become enriched by your knowledge of his language. And he grows in his motivation to learn yours.

Excerpted from Dreamers, Discoverers and Dynamos by Lucy Jo Palladino

I now understand my child so much better after reading this book.

This is a very compassionate book about smart but difficult to manage children. These "Edison-trait" children are spirited, passionate children who are very intense and hard to live with. The author calls them "divergent thinkers", who are very creative, imaginative, and see things in a different way than others. They have problems focusing on others' ideas and letting go of their own. School can be very frustrating for them. For example, they don't like practicing skills repeatedly. I found Chapter 12 on School to very helpful. It gives some good tips to help these children succeed at school and to feel good about themselves regarding school. There are ways that parents and teachers can help them and provide encouragement without the child feeling labeled or stigmatized. There is also a large section in the book on ADD and ADHD. The author writes "While just about all children who have ADD have the Edison trait, not all children with the Edison trait have ADD." While they share the same traits, such as being easily distracted, disorganized, and disobedient, in the child with ADD, these traits are excessive and disrupts his functioning. The problems are more severe in the ADD child. This book is very compassionate regarding the needs of the children. It provides hope for parents.

This is the first book I have EVER found myself in. I have always been fascinated by psychology, but have never fit into anyone's theory or box. I have usually found myself relating to the negative characteristics of two opposite types in someones personality groups. My spirit was broken by well intentioned parents trying to make me fit in with what is supposed to be "normal" in our society. Lucy Jo Palladino has seen in children what so many professionals refuse to, or cannot see. I saw Dr. Palladino on TV promoting this book and was drawn to it because at that time I was beginning to see the hopelessness in my 2yr old son that I remembered feeling as a child, but never did understand. Dr. Palladino understands how my brain works. I never understood it, I just knew I was different but didn't know why. The book is invaluable now that my son is 5 and I need guidance on how to teach him self control and discipline. It's not easy, but the methods in this book help me nurture and teach to his strengths instead of trying to change the very nature of who he is. The biggest surprise in this book was that I found out my husband is also an Edison thinker, just a very different one than I am. He's a dreamer and I and my son are discoverers. By the way I don't label lightly, this book seems to be written about my family. Is there anymore out there about this? Is there any way to write to the author? I am so thankful for this book and would recommend it to anyone who thinks their child might be in this book. It could literally save their life. I am very fortunate that my attempts to check out of this world that did not accept or understand me were not successful.

This is a GREAT book. The authors have done an outstanding job bridging the EMS and medical aspects of disaster management with the IMS system. Surely a must include text in any disaster training program

As I scrambled to meet the direction of my CEO to get our disaster plan updated in order to deal with the pressing threat of terrorism it was recommended to get this text by a peer. After reading this book, I can say without a doubt, that it is one of finest disaster works I have ever been exposed. It has taken complex issues and presented them in a real world method that makes comprehension and application quite easy. Frankly this is a must have reference for emergency service and management personnel in public and private sectors. Outstanding work!

This is a GREAT book. The authors have done an outstanding job bridging the EMS and medical aspects of disaster management with the IMS system. Surely a must include text in any disaster training program

Outstanding work that takes you through a logical and sequential path concerning the application of Incident Command for EMS/Ambulance/Rescue operations.

Without a doubt the best text on the subject that I am aware of. Great reference and operational manual.

Well written and informative. Good review of incident management system. The information provided regarding disaster medicine is from the EMS response point of view and is useful for Emergency Physicians and Disaster researchers from the point of view of understanding EMS response in disasters. This book should be part of the overall collection of any physician working in area of Disaster Medicine.

This book is great! It is very informative; it answers varies questions about ELLs. It provides a lot of knowlegde about ELLs, very detailed!

This book addresses all your questions about English Learners in a practical and concise book! It's also written by two incredible authors that are always up to date and informed about bilingual education. Everyone should own this book!

This quick reference covers all the basic facts behind educating English Language Learners (ELLs). It is good for educators who are new to educating ELLs. This book also is great for supporting educators learning to become advocates for ELLs with colleagues in their communities. This book provides quick answers to the most common questions from scholars known for their advocacy for ELLs.

This brief, well-documented outline of essential research information is invaluable to parents, teachers and policy makers.

I often am asked where teachers should begin to learn about bilingual learners and their experiences in our schools and now I have a definitive answer! This book is a perfect entry into the field with the comprehensive information necessary for teachers (or anybody really) to begin to understand some of the unique challenges as well as incredible strengths bilingual learners bring to our classrooms and schools. It's fantastic to have so much information couched in such a readable format that isn't bogged down with overly academic jargon. I love this book!

This book is excellent guidance on how to communcate effectively with your son, yet also applicable to other family members. John's brillantly grounded approach works. He provides tools to break the cycle of frustrating circular arguments and reoccuring confrontations, which quite frankly, works with anyone. I've circulated the book amongst friends here in England, France and the States and the feedback has been the same, "can I keep this copy for future reference?".

I was hooked right away reading John's descriptions of boys who were so similar to our son. I was so encouraged that someone could see our problems and provide a reasonable plan to help us reconnect.

John identifies 6 ways that we parents repel our sons - Reacting, Micromanaging, Lecturing, Moralizing, Reiterating and Threatening - and then outlines what to do instead.

He provides a couple of invaluable tools: 1. Speaking to your son in a 90 second window, and 2. Using shoulder-to-shoulder communication. Both of these tools maintain connection and avoid your son's withdrawal.

John says at the end of every chapter, "And then the chase is on." It's chokes me up each time I read it and realize that all of the time, effort and resources spent are all worth it for the sake of my son.

Miraculously John Davis came into our lives during our son's and our family's power struggles in high school.
We learned and grew because of John's strength, wisdom and love. We are forever grateful and recommend ANYONE who knows a teenage boy to read this book and follow it.
There you will find your heart and your son can be the man he strives to be...noble, tender, worthy.
Mandy Vogel
Baltimore, MD.

As a single mother of a teenage boy, I was deeply moved by the empowerment of this incredible book. Author John Davis reveals the struggles and adversity his young clients have faced and the victory each of them have worked so hard to achieve! His vision and dedication to working with young men is inspiring. This book provides essential tools for every parent dedicated to developing the character of their sons (even daughters!) as well as guiding you through the process of overcoming the "very real" challenges our sons face in today's society (drugs, alcohol, sex, anger, peer pressure). John Davis is an authentic writer ~ his book is poignant, emotional, uplifting, raw, and very direct in teaching parents what to look for when there is a breakdown, either physically, emotionally or in communicating with your son. After reading this book, I have a clearer understanding in knowing how to "reach" the heart of my son and the best way to respond when challenges arise! John Davis has given all of us an incredible resource!! I have no doubt "Extreme Pursuit: Winning the Race for the Heart of Your Son" will be the marker in which all other parenting / relational books will be compared!

I'm a 23 year old student at Seattle Pacific University, I'm healthy, active, emotionally intelligent, and I have a wonderful relationship with my parents. I'm not bragging, I promise, it's just that I didn't always have these skills. This is a sincere thanks to John Davis for being a key player in my life when I was at vulnerable ages and places. You see, I'm a graduate of John's 2Xtreme counseling program. What this means is that much of who I am and many of the skills I've acquired, came directly from my relationship with John Davis. When I was struggling with finding healthy ways to connect with my family as a teenager, John and I were hammering out concrete ways for me to talk with my mom and dad. When I started making bad decisions in high school, John and I went to work on those issues. I was blessed with a friend who walked through the pain with me, and mentored me back to a place where I could start making positive changes in my life. This is the most concise testimony I can make about John's work. There's so much more that is needed to do the man justice, so here's my email address: aldrin@spu.edu I feel so strongly about furthering the message of John's work that I will gladly return questions from parents.
While reading Extreme Pursuit I was taken back to the office where we used to do our sessions. I was taken back to the literal cliffs that we rappelled from together. I was taken back to the Andes that John and I actually climbed together in the summer of 2003. I was taken back to the times when John and I had nothing else to say, so we just cried instead. And I'm not ashamed to say it. I'm also not ashamed to say that when I saw my name in John's book, I was giddy like a school girl. I'm seriously passionate about this message because it's a manual full of tools and advice that literally changed my life, and in no small measure. Know that this book is not a quick fix for you and your son. It never is with kids like us. This is an opportunity for you parents to crawl down into the adventurous and sometimes painful adolescent years that are so poignant in a boy's life. Trust me, your son wants to be your friend. He wants to make you proud of the young man he's becoming. The wealth of knowledge I find in Extreme Pursuit can help foster the relationships that are most important to you, and to your son.

I read the 2003 paperback edition. Having read previously the 2002 Sexual Selections: What We Can and Can't Learn About Sex from Animals by a liberal feminist biologist, one could get the impression, women can't ejaculate. Reading that, I had had it with false information and ordered this book to make sure. The choice of literature may have been a bit arbitrary, as there are numerous books on the subject available by now (in 2008).

Clearing up the myth of female ejaculatory denial by giving precise and easy-to-handle instructions is worth 5 stars already. I mean, really: Here we are in the age of finding traces of water on Mars, but can't find the well in our lover's or our own vagina! The book touches upon the control of ejaculation without orgasm, orgasm without ejaculation and multiple orgasms in both, females and males. The author doesn't provide instructions for males, though and remains tentative on the ways for males to achieve all of this. Which is partly a good decision, as the one way she is referencing is the Taoist procedure of "inhibitatory ejaculation", which can turn out to be risky to your health, if not adequately taught. And many books which specialize on that issue actually fail to do so. However, there are other and easier ways of "alternative" male orgasm, which she isn't even mentioning. But then again, all of the latter isn't really the content of the book according to its title, so that's ok.

Chapter 7 claims to be for both: Male and female lovers of women, but on a closer look I would say, it's not REALLY going beyond heterosexuality. I am a bit sceptic that you would have to take anything out of the vagina for ejaculation in every single case. For sure, she doesn't write anything about the possibility of female ejaculation via sole or added anal stimulation. The book is mildly repetitive and might have suffered not too much without the sex kitsch fiction included here and there, though I wasn't really bothered by that either.

I seriously considered subtracting more than one star for the blatant disregard for safer sex. The main reason why I ordered this book was actually to find out, wether the female ejaculate carries the HI-virus or not. As of 2003, according to the author, no studies have been done. Which is a scandal, but hardly the author's fault. Yet, there wasn't really a study of the consistency of the female ejaculate either. That didn't stop the author from carrying it into a lab for analysis. Which begs for the question, why she didn't carry an HIV-positive female's ejaculate to the lab, too, for analysis. Recognizing the lack of such studies, she's is giving the following (PSEUDO) safer sex advice: If you are HIV positive, tell you lover! That advice (alone) is problematic on so many levels, including that many HIV-positives don't know that they carry the virus, but are especially virulent shortly after their own infection, that I have to complain most vehemently against that ill advice and the tip to "flood your sweetie's mouth". It gets worse still when she writes about stains on the bedsheet during parts of the menstrual cycle. She doesn't really specify, what causes these stains, but by all available suggestion, she's referring to menstrual blood. If not, she is making the mistake of not clarifying that. Her advice for the lover against such stains: "Gulp it down", for "swallowing could be the tidiest option available". If this book and similar ones with the same utter neglect for safer sex turn the public into a wave of stained female ejaculate gulpers, the AIDS pandemic has the potential of reaching new and unseen peaks.

I know this criticism is a downer. The message is: Enjoy the new found ecstasy and engage in it responsibly. Till the time, studies of stained and unstained female ejaculate have been proven as harmless as saliva or a male's precum, act wise and refrain from mucous membrane contact with it.

You may be interested in reading The Science of Orgasm and Bonk: The Curious Coupling of Science and Sex.

Im 28 years old, and up until recently I had only vague knowledge of the G-spot, and I thoughjt female ejaculation was a myth.After all If it existed I would have been doing it for years...

But I have, and didnt realize it.That fluid after sex that wet my husbands boxers, and other things wasnt just alot of lubrication it was leaking ejaculation.

About a week ago my husband shared with me a video clip that he found via internet of a women squirting enough fluid to drench the wall.I was amazed, and a bit jealous I must admit.It looked like the most amazing orgasm, and I wanted to do it myself.

I bought this book after research on the web about the subject.The internet has alot of info , but not enough to "teach" how to do it with control.

Honestly I havent recieved the book yet, but I read enough info on amazons "look inside" option.I used that information to "practice", and after 30 minutes of using the tips inside the book, I did it TWICE.

It is an amazing experience, I cant stop smiling, I called my husband to tell him "guess what I just did?".I cant wait to show him in person.

Im still very interested in reading this book and learning even more.In fact Im more interested now that I know it is 100% possible.

Be prepared, there is alot of fluid.More than I was prepared for.

This was an awesome book, I would highly reccomend it for all ladies once they have reached puberty. It is very informative and knowledgable in the female body and ejaculation!

This is a great book for women and couples who really want to learn and understand how to please yourself and your partner sexually.
To say that I am pleased on what this book has done for me is an understatment!

When I first heard about female ejaculation I was a bit skeptical. Now I am a very satisfied believer. This book covers basic female anatomay and the different types of orgasms a woman experiences. She gives detailed instructions on how to stroke and achieve ejaculation. I wanted to surprise my husband and thought it would take some practice to be able to ejaculate. I was wrong. I followed her instructions and gushed in pure pleasure. I couldn't wait until he got home to show him. Needless to say it was a great night. He loves it when I squirt on him. It makes a great massage fluid.

I would recommend this to anyone wanting to learn how to female ejaculate, or wanting to add a little spice to your love life.

This book, from my opinion, is really sad and heartbreaking, i mean, someone torturing and starving dogs to death, not to mention dogs dying, is bound to break anyone's heart. However, the book has its happy parts, which i enjoy.

This book changed my life!
It really made be want to go out and save every little puppy. But I realized it's impossable to change every puppy's life, so I should just try to be the best possable pet owner I can be.

Thank you so much for writing that novel. It was heart breaking and heart healing at the same time.

I love this book because I love animals and especialy dogs. If you like or even love animals you should read this book. Right now my teacher is reading it to my class because of my reccomondation. If you get sad about animals dying you might not want to read this book.

Eleven-year-old Margaret "Maggie" MacKenzie has grown up around animals. Since the death of her parents when she was a toddler, Maggie has lived with her veterinarian grandmother, Dr. Mac, and helped out around her clinic. It has always just been her and Gran - along with a younger veterinarian named Dr. Gabe - working side by side. But, suddenly, Gran has given three new kids from school - Brenna, David, and Sunita - along with her starstruck cousin, Zoe, the chance to volunteer alongside them. Maggie, however, has been placed on an extremely short leash, and been banished from the clinic until she pulls her grades up. Maggie couldn't be more disappointed. She knows everything about animals, while these new volunteers couldn't tell a lab from a golden retriever. It doesn't hurt that she's amazing with animals - especially dogs - and knows all the tricks to keep them calm, and make them happy. Unfortunately, with her homework so out-of-control, Maggie is forced to obey Gran's rules, and steer clear of the clinic. That becomes quite difficult, however, when various puppies begin making their way into the office, brought in by concerned owners. Each puppy is much too small to be away from their mother, and all are extremely sick. Maggie can't stand to see the puppies so close to death, and knows that there must be something she can do to save each pup. But the fact that she's just a fifth grader makes her feel as if there's nothing she can possibly do. As more and more pups pour in, however, Gran begins to suspect that something fishy is going on. And, with a little investigating, she discovers that each puppy was purchased from a scraggly old man at the Penn Street Farmer's Market. It's obvious that each of the dying puppies are malnourished, and mistreated, and Gran is convinced that the man is running a puppy mill. Maggie can't stand to see anymore pups end up hurt. So, pushing all thoughts of homework and extra-credit reports out of her mind, Maggie begins to devote her time to locating the puppy mill owner. While she's displeased to be forced to work with other volunteers, Maggie knows that one person can't solve a mystery as big as this one alone, and enlists the help of her new co-workers to help her track down Mr. Evil. But as she hits more and more dead-ends, Maggie begins to panic, and becomes convinced that, if she doesn't locate the puppy mill soon, more puppies will die!

Aside from Ben M. Baglio's ANIMAL ARK series, it seems that there are so few book series for middle readers that revolve around kids helping animals. Laurie Halse Anderson, however, changes that, with the release of her VET VOLUNTEERS series. While the lead character of FIGHT FOR LIFE, Maggie, seems slightly spoiled, and self-involved, the reader can certainly see where she may feel displaced by the introduction of new volunteers to the clinic. Her evolution from beginning to end is a large one, and certainly shows how much she grows throughout the course of the book. Maggie's compassion for animals, paired with her resistance to do homework, will certainly appeal to readers - especially those who find themselves on a crash course with bad grades. While Maggie's interactions with the other volunteers, as well as Dr. Gabe and her Gran, are quite enjoyable, and really give the reader the chance to choose a favorite character. I really must commend Anderson for her interest in penning a series for young/middle readers, that teaches the importance, and value of an animals life. With all of the animal abuse cases in the news nowadays, Anderson creates an outlet for animal lovers, that shows that they are not alone in their determination to save their four-legged friends. Her characters are interesting, and the dialogue is perfectly age-appropriate. Even more wonderful is the fact that Anderson includes a wide array of information regarding animal rights, puppy mills, and various animal rights laws that give readers the chance to learn more about the subject discussed. While the subject of puppy mills is fairly heavy, and the content of FIGHT FOR LIFE is oft-times gut-wrenching, it is a subject that needs more attention brought to it, and Anderson does just that within the pages of FIGHT FOR LIFE. A tear-jerking story perfect for animal lovers!

Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

This book was so good, I read it twice in 1 month! After I bought it, I didn't want to waste time so I started to read this book, in 3 or 4 days I was totally surprised that I was over already! This book is great for people of all ages and parents, this book may help your child relize the seriousness of a pet. Thats why I rated this a 5 star book. (also because they didn't have any higher ratings.)

Great intro to the concept of home education with a heavy emphasis on the Charlotte Mason method. I re-read this little treasure regularly to keep myself on track. Loving books as much as I do tempts me to compile quite a list of Books We Must Have for School. The CM way of thinking ensures I stick only with the best, the essentials. I highly recommend it!

I first read this book because it was written by Susan, one of Francis and Edith Schaeffer's daughters. Little did I know that it would become the foundational book to becoming a homeschool parent when I decided to take my youngest child out of the public schools.

One doesn't need to be homeschooling their children to appreciate this book. Susan writes in the same warm and friendly way as her mother. However, if one is homeschooling and using the Charlotte Mason "method", this book is an essential volume to have in your library.

If you're a Charlotte Mason fan, you can't pass this one up. It is my favorite book on Charlotte Mason & is full of wonderful parenting advice. Really, all parents are teachers, not just homeschooling parents. This book offers great insight for all who spend time caring for children.

As one preparing to homeschool, this book was this kind of thing that has been spurring me on to ponder, philosophize and dream about both the general approach I will take, and the beginnings of many specific ideas.

For those who are disenchanted with the high pressure standardized-testing mentality prevalent in classrooms today, this book explains the educational philosphy of Charlotte Mason. It is God-focused (Susan is the daughter of Christian apologtic Francis Shaeffer), natural, and relaxed. It is a must-read for any classroom teacher, homeschool parent, or school administrator.

that's new edition (39ª) is diferent of the 37ª. in this new edition the anatomy is broached in chapters of topografical anatomy and not sistemic anatomy. Topografical anatomy is most interesting for a medicine.

The 39th edition of Gray's Anatomy covers all aspects of human anatomy as well as integrating a comprehensive amount of additional information including histology, embryology, physiology, and pathology. Put together by renowned scientists and clinicians, this iconic book is a must for any medical student. This book is IT!

i bought a used copy and its such a big book that its spine does take a beating and its worth getting it new and with the dvd and the subscription. if your gonna use all the resources its so worth it, but the book is well laid out and easy to use, the pictures are well done and the text is well easily scanable for fast reading

This is an AMAZING book to say the least. I have to say, that this book is not for someone who is just starting in the medical field, as it is written in complex medical terminology. However, if you are in the medical field, than this book is a great reference. Every section of the body is broken down to the most minute detail. And the illustrations/pictures are absolutely amazing; they make learning anatomy fun and a little easier. I have to give kudos to all the authors and illustrators of this text... well done! It's also good to do exercises with ;)

Totally distinct from earlier editions is the radically different organization of this classical textbook: the human body is no longer described as containing different systems - the skeleton, the vascular system, the nervous system,...- but the body is now divided in regions. The reason for this radical change, chief editor Susan Standring (King's College, London) explains, is that in the real world, practising clinicians in their daily practice use a regional approach, rather than a systemic view. Therefore, it is understood that the new, 39th Edition of Gray's Anatomy is more adapted to the needs of surgeons, radiologists and other clinicians, than to medical students or scientists interested in the area of human anatomy. However, there is some consideration of the editors for a section `systemic overview'. So, the endocrine system, the blood (haematopoietic) and immune system are not entirely overlooked.

In particular, when regarding the master gland of the endocrine system, namely the pituitary, readers should know that this organ may be found in the `region' of the diencephalon (Section 2.1.). So, neuroanatomists may rejoice that they finally regained control over the capital region of the human body, and over all body functions regulated by this region. Unfortunately, unlike the 38th Edition, the editor of this section has decided to relapse into a terminology that was already obsolete 15 years ago. `Chromophobic' cells belong to the dark ages when new imaging techniques were still looming for their curious but ignorant discoverers. Bibliographic references are reduced to a baseline level. This would result in insufficient source material for research purposes, but, on the other hand, the references are concise enough for users that may feel comfortable with a general slowing down of scientific progress.

However, many, many advantages of the newly revised topics may be found in this 39th Edition. For those interested in the anatomy of the pelvic floor, the inner ear, or the organization of the peritoneum, Gray's Anatomy will meet their expectations. Also shortcuts to topics like assisted fertilization, preimplantation embryology are included, although it never has been easy being both at the cutting edge and also a textbook that bridges the generation gaps. Therefore, together with many, I will be looking forward to the 40th Edition.

Wilfried ALLAERTS
Biological Publishing A&O
The Netherlands

Delivery was excellent and the book, as all Charlie and Lola books, is quite entertaining.

My daughter (2 1/2) loves this book. She has me read it to her every night before bed along with 2 other books. This book has remained constant along with Charlie and Lola's I am not sleepy and I will not go to bed. There is always something you missed the first or fifteenth time around when reading this book to your little one. Very well written and a lot of fun. Also just came across the Charlie and Lola website. www.charlieandlola.com (excellent)

This is a really fun book that touches on the fears of a little girl getting ready to go off for her first experience with school. We loved it.

What child could possibly resist the charm of Charlie & Lola?

Children & parents alike will thoroughly enjoy reading this latest book of the series.

Lauren Child has created a series of books that are present & future classics.

An absolute must for bed time reading.

I just cant say how much I love Charlie & Lola...I think this is my fourth purchase of this very same book! I can't stop giving them to all the little ones in our lives. My daughter adores the characters. She isnt quite two but has been reading C&L with me for about 6 months. We also love the videos. Very sweet.

This particular book was fun to read as we got our daughter ready for her first daycare experience.

My goal is to have every Charlie & Lola book and DVD made. I love the innocence and imagination I see with every turn of the page.

The information provided in the study book is very good reading, especially for women's bible study groups. We currently are using this
for our church's circle group. We also purchased the study guide. I recommend it to anyone who hasn't read any of Beth Moore's books.

This book is great. It has really helped me focus on Jesus life here on earth. It has made me dig deeper to discover and wonder about the details. Beth Moore's applications of the passages have brought it to life.

So far this is my favorite Beth Moore book. I've already read it twice and am sure to read it again. She tackles a very familiar story with fresh insights just about every chapter. It's not a "preachy" book. Rather she makes you feel like you're a fellow learner with a good friend. Unlike some of her other books, this does not require looking up many references which makes it ideal to read when you're reading somewhere other than your desk at home.

I have been in numerous Beth Moore Bible studies and this is one of my favorites! This is the study of Christ's life in the form of a daily, personal study. It is 53 short chapter messages.

You can never go wrong with a Beth Moore study. She has a gift for opening the Word and revealing Truth!
I would not buy from this seller, however. It took almost an entire month for it to arrive.