5 comments about Maid of Heaven: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc.

1. I've read many books about France's Partron Saint, Joan of Arc, but never seen one like 'Maid of Heaven' by Ben Kennedy. It is Joan's life portrayed through beautiful poetic form. Mr. Kennedy does an amazing job of putting such a lyrical story into capitivating lyrical form. It is the kind of book that catches your attentiion, and then never lets go. Once I started, I was compelled to continue to the very end. The poetry is lovely and well versed, and the historical perspecties reflect an accurate accounting of Joan's amazing story. Most importantly, Mr. Kennedy doesn't neglect to include the spiritaul perspectives and implications in his work, and we are all the better for it. I highly recommend this lovely and most original approach to Joan's life.



2. The symbolism in this poem is awesome! The whole battle of light verses darkness in the life of St. Joan is beautifully portrayed throughout Maid of Heaven. The very first stanza references St. Joan's birth on the Epiphany and from there her great spiritual journey unfolds in a way that make it clear what the focus of her life was: serving God.
   
   If you only read this poem as a history of Joan of Arc you will come away with a good understanding of the major events in her life. BUT if you allow the poem to take you deeper you will transcend beyond the obvious conclusions about St. Joan of Arc and better understand why she truly deserves to be called a saint.



3. Everyone knows of the general legend of Joan of Arc - a young and illiterate girl hears voices from God and leads France against the invading English. "Maid of Heaven: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc", however, tells the complete and through story of a sixteen year old girl who rose up to stand against insurmountable odds. Nonfiction, but written and reads like fiction, "Maid of Heaven: The Story of Saint Joan of Arc" is expertly composed and highly recommended to world history shelves and for anyone who wants a complete understanding of this enigmatic teenage girl who was anything but.



4. Maid of Heaven was the third book I recently read about Joan of Arc. While I don't typically read poetry (that is I may be a bad judge), this particular poetry was definitely not to my liking. The book was essentially a short biography of Joan 's life told in a manner that seemed forced and not particularly appealing; the poetry aspects seemed almost non-existent to me other the some basic rhyming (I have read some really good poetry, some that captures your imagination and lets your drift into deep thought, not this one). The reason to add this review was to provide some counter-balance the 10 other 5 star ratings (!?) -- you may love this, but the book didn't excite my imagination at all.



5. Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RNE87Q7CFIJMO Great inspiring video about Joan of Arc with historic pictures.

5 comments about The Way to Rainy Mountain.

1. Momaday spins together pieces of Kiowa myth and image interweaved with tales he heard as a boy. Poetic, tragic, unforgettable.



2. This book is deceptively short: it can be read in about an hour, but you find yourself going back and reading its various passages and thinking about them long afterwards. Momaday tells a story of the Kiowa Indians by tying in three aspects: folklore, actual historical events and his own family history. The book's format underscores this, with the first, folkloric item printed on one page, and the historical and personal reflections in separate paragraphs on the facing page, all set in different fonts. Not meant to be a comprehensive account of the Kiowas, it is rather an attempt to express the author's own feelings and his own view of his heritage. In this he largely succeeds, as he writes poetry in a simple yet powerful prose form. The only shortcoming for me were the illustrations (done by Momaday's father), which seemed to add little to the overall narrative. Otherwise, "The Way to Rainy Moutain" is a very unique and worthwhile book.



3. The Way to Rainy Mountain by N. Scott Momaday; illustrated by Al Momaday. Highly recommended.

   Rainy Mountain, a "single knoll [that] rises out of the plain in Oklahoma," is an old landmark for the Kiowa people. It is a land of bitter cold, searing heat, summer drought, and "great green and yellow grasshoppers." It is a land of loneliness, where the Kiowa were drawn after a long journey from the northwest through many types of lands.

   The Way to Rainy Mountain is about the journey-in myth, in drawings by Momaday's father Al, in reminiscences, and in historical snippets. All reveal aspects of Kiowa culture, life, philosophy, outlook, spirituality, and sense of self-the beauty and the desolation, how the introduction of the horse revolutionized Kiowa life, the story of Tai-me, and the richness of the word and the past. It is a literal journey as well; Momaday, in Yellowstone, writes, "The Kiowas reckoned their stature by the distance they could see, and they were bent and blind in the wilderness."

   This is a small gem of a book, beautifully written, illustrated, and designed. It has moments of insight, beauty, and sadness, as the ending of the Sun Dance, telling as the sun is at the heart of the Kiowa's soul-a soul that survives in every word and drawing of The Way to Rainy Mountain.

   Diane L. Schirf, 3 March 2002.




4. In his writing, Momaday creates a vibrant sense of how stories are expressed through living words within vital communities. His brillant blending of mythology, folktales, oral history, historical descriptions, and personal reflections all connect in a fascinating story about finding one's way in life's journeys. The writing is so vivid and the book is so animated that patient readers will connect with what Momaday presents, provided that they choose to share in the reflective silence that he offers on the way to Rainy Mountain.



5. Mr. Momaday's voice in his collection of stories is priceless. He tells of the Kiowa's legends, follows them up with facts, and includes his own reflections on what it means to be Kiowa, Indian/Native American, human. The inclusion of his father's artwork makes this an even more impressive volume.
   
   I was fortunate enough to meet Mr. Momaday at a Western Writers Conference where he gave readings from this collection. And, not being a writer myself I felt out of place. It was Mr. Momaday's voice (think James Earl Jones), and his notice of me (the only other Indian/Native American in the auditorium) that mesmerized me. I've been a fan ever since.

5 comments about I Thought We Were Making Movies, Not History (Wisconsin Film Studies).

1. Here is one of the most successful producers in the business who started from the bottom and worked his way up to having the biggest, best, independant company in the world. The Mirisch Company. I cannot say enough about reading this book, I was riveted, I received the book on a Sat.and couldn't put it down till I finished it. Wow, what an education I got. Can you imagine having the foresight to have on your regular staff.
   Billy Wilder, Norman Jewison, John Sturges, Blake Edwards, Fred Zinnemann.
   
   John Moio



2. This is an amazing recollection of how movies became a business and magic happened with humble beginnings by the Mirisch family, especially Walter.
   
   Enjoy your incredible reading journey.



3. This book contains some innaccurate references to films and people Mr. Mirisch worked with and my copy didn't contain an index. Very little is information is given about Mirisch's early childhood or his teenage years as a film usher. In one passage, he states that he turned down a teaching position at the University of Wisconsin because he thought the head of the department was anti-Semetic. Mirisch thought a remark that "there are very few other jobs open for an Academic like you" supported this idea. Often the reader can get lost in some very technical jargon about film financing and investing. In simple terms this could mean: If the film flops, the director and the cast take the blame and if the film is a success, the producer makes the most money and takes credit for it. A researcher should read this book to check the accuracy of film titles and names mentioned. Example: Monogram's film series was The Teenagers, not "The High School Kids."



4. Although I have yet to finish reading this book (I am about 1/4 way through it), Mirisch tells the history of his family and how they came to carve out careers in different aspects of the movie industry. Along the way, Mirisch relates anecdotes about various well-known stars of yesteryear and gives details as to how several of his films came into production. For anyone who has an interest in the film businesses and its related history, this book is a 'must read' that accomplishes remaining clear of bogging the reader down in any superfluous technicalities.



5. This is a book that should have been filled with fascinating stories but instead is the Dragnet ("Just the facts, maam") version of one Hollywood producer's history. After working with some of the greatest movies stars, you would think Mirisch would have some great insight into the egocentric business or some incredible stories. But what you get in this book is just a year-by-year, movie-by-movie, bare-boned, accountant-like recollection of his films.
   
   The first hundred pages involve a little of his background and the large number of insignificant films he made in his early years. As mentioned in another person's two-star review of the book, Mirish seems ultra-sensitive to perceived anti-Semitism, twisting a comment made by a professor at University of Wisconsin to mean Jewish Mirisch wasn't welcome there (if you read it carefully, the professor was actually offering him a scholarship that Mirisch was dragging his feet on accepting and was giving him some needed honest advice).
   
   There are a few interesting stories in the book, mostly about casting decisions. Tina Louise as the Marilyn Monroe role in the TV pilot of Some Like It Hot. Peter Ustinov originally signed to be Inspector Clouseau before Peter Sellers.
   
   He spends only 8 pages on West Side Story but 17 on the now insignificant movie Hawaii. He also has some memories mixed up--he claims Billy Wilder made "The Fortune Cookie" because he "was a great football fan and a regular viewer of Monday Night Football." Yet Monday Night Football didn't start until four years after the movie premiered!
   
   There are a few in Hollywood who don't come off looking so good--Steve McQueen in particular--but even then the author handles them gently and obviously doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings with this book. He never takes advantage of the chance to go back and rethink some of his casting choices (such as the miscast leads in West Side Story). Instead almost everyone he worked with was talented or wonderful.
   
   For what sounds like a fascinating life, this book is suprisingly dull. You will not learn much that hasn't been told better elsewhere. Mirisch sounds like a really nice guy but in the end he's just in a business where the numbers are what matter. And he really wasn't making much "history" as the title claims.

5 comments about A Thousand Days in Venice (Ballantine Reader's Circle).

1. This is the sort of romantic story you expect in the movies, not real life. To find your great love, almost by accident, in Venice, while walking through Piazza San Marco, seems impossible and yet that's exactly what happened to the author. Sharing this lovely story gives us all a chance to dream. And it isn't just ordinary sharing, but beautifully crafted description of a place that boasts an extraordinary amount of beauty. Not all is wine and roses for this implausible couple--eHarmony would never have matched them up--and yet it works on many levels and thanks to Ms. DeBlasi, we readers are allowed a glimpse into an inner life in Venice which leaves us wanting more--and luckily, following stories by Ms. DeBlasi provide that.



2. This is a fabulous - - fiction or non-fiction - I am not sure which - book. Almost a fairy tale type book. It which makes those of us who have never visited Venice - yearn to do so. I wanted to walk where she walked and especially eat all the delicious foods she describes. A fantasic risk she takes in moving there to be with "the stranger" and the story winds through their getting to know each other in a daring yet believable manner. The romance of it all brought tears to my eyes many times. I loved it. Can't wait to read the next in the series.



3. I love Marlena's Book, all of them! Please write more.... I'm waiting! This book, A Thousand Days in Venice, is another one of her magnifico writings, which is also a true memoir of her life. I like to read a book that is "real life" happenings! I've been taking two tour groups to Italy twice a year now for seven years. I also travel to Italy and France to the markets for my store. I love the markets, especially in Italy. And, Marlena describes them well. My extended Dad, is born and raised in Sicily, and now lives in Tuscany, which is wonderful! I am in Italy as much as the United States. Marlena describes Venice, as well as the many other places in Italy, so well. Reading her books, puts you right there with her, and that's a wonderful thing when reading! I also like the balance in her books; she doesn't talk too much about food, but keeps a balance. Lately, I've read too many books about Italy, that are so boring and too much like the others out there. Not Marlena's books, true stories of her life in Italy! They really entice me to keep reading and reading until the end! Thank you so much Marlena for sharing your life with others, especially those who are in love with Italy! You have probably seen me around Orvieto, Venice, and many other places, especially my big sign that reads, Decorate Ornate.com! That sign has been North to South many times. Keep up the writing, I have enjoyed your books so much! I highly recommended "all" of your books to my customers, especially those of them that go on my tours and love Italy! They have the same compliments too, wondeful book, and when is the next one?
   
   Stephani Chance
   Decorate Ornate
   Gladewater, TX



4. The main character of this book Marlena, a chef from St Louis, is visiting Venice for one of the many times she goes there. This time , a Venitian ,as she comes to call him, notices her and her life changes forever. This memoir tells of her life setting up house with the Venitian, her forays into the markets and her recipes and meals. De Blasi has lovely words to describe the scenes and the smells and the tastes as she explores Venice with her new husband. Some of the description may be over the top but Melena lives life that way.



5. What a wonderful little novel! If you love Italy as I do, you will love this story as it leads you through the day to day life of this interesting and colorful heroine throughout the city of Venice. Diplaced, lonely, living in this city that couldnt be further away from Saint Louis, Missouri in every way, she builds a new life for herself. The story is full of cooking, eating and enjoying the food of Venice as well as the people who live there.

5 comments about Expecting Miracles: True Stories of God's Supernatural Power and How You Can Experience It.

1. This book is an exciting story of the marvelous events that happened when Heidi and Roland Baker committed their lives to dependance upon God and sought to love Jesus Christ to the fullest. It also is a window into seeing the intense price paid by these 2 committed members of the Family of God. God's character of healing, provision and liberty from evil spirits is clearly revealed in their persons and work. It challenged me out of my comfortable assumption that I knew about love and propeled me into confrontation with my deep hunger for more intimacy with Jesus Christ and to see God's character demonstrated in my life with signs and wonders. The book is a record from various blogs and diary like entries that testify to the immediacy and transparency of their ongoing ministry of dependance and service. It is compelling in it's testimony to the aunthentic character of life sold out to God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. If you are "stuck" in ineffective Christian life and know that there is "more" - read this book. If you are dissatisfied with your judgements that the Christian life is all fake and hypocritical and wonder how it has survived through the centuries -- read this book. If you dispair in thinking tha



2. A simply beautiful love song of a book to the Lord. God, continue to pour out your blessings on the work of this couple and all their associates in Jesus' name.
   
   Truly a must read for every believer!



3. I fully excpect to not just witness God's miraculous Power but to walk in it as well! Read this book and your faith will come up into a new dimension! God can handle whatever your situation is and He will make His Face to shine on you!!! TRUST Him!



4. This book won't collect any prizes for great literature, being essentially a journal and a collection of blogs, but the story it tells is amazing. I couldn't be more impressed with Heidi and Rolland Baker. They are just ordinary people who have said, "Yes, God" and laid their lives on the alter, letting God work through them to do His will and bring His kingdom to the poorest (but richest) people on earth. It is both inspiring and convicting, because it reveals what incredible and mind-boggling things the Lord can accomplish through anyone who has died to self and is totally yielded to Him. The Bakers are a living portrait of the love of Jesus in action.



5. A Great Book on how God is moving in signs and wonder and how you can too!

2 comments about Urban's Way: Urban Meyer, the Florida Gators, and His Plan to Win.

1. This is not one of those typical chronicles of a special season that delves about as deep as speeches at a booster club confab.
   
   Author Buddy Martin - in this authorized biography - delves into the life of Urban Meyer and produces an excellent exploration into what may have appeared to be an open-field scamper from the mid-level head coaching ranks to leading one of the most storied programs in the rich history of college football.
   
   But a cursory glance of a career hardly tells the real story.
   
   With his family roots in a state that is a hotbed for football - Ohio - Meyer was a solid athlete for Saints John & Paul Catholic School in Ashtabula, a defensive back for the Cincinnati Bearcats - graduating in 1986 - and a minor-league prospect in the Atlanta Braves farm system.
   
   The real challenge, though, was on the horizon, as Meyer entered the collegiate coaching ranks, spending 1986-2000 in a variety of capacities with Ohio State, Illinois State, Colorado State and Notre Dame. Martin tackles these oftentimes frustrating years for Meyer, where self-doubt and concerns about a stalled career are juxtaposed with mentors like the legendary head coaches Earle Bruce and Lou Holtz.
   
   When the door opened in 2001 for a head coaching opportunity at Bowling Green State University in Ohio, though, Meyer placed himself on an amazing fast-track in the rugged profession. Two seasons at BGSU landed him the head coaching post at Utah, where his teams - in 2003-2004 - tallied a 22-2 mark and two bowl victories, including the Fiesta Bowl.
   
   And the next logical step was tackling a major program, with several opportunities on the table - including his dream job at Notre Dame - but Meyer accepting the task of bringing glory back to the University of Florida.
   
   The exploration of the National Championship season is outstanding and Martin's reporting of 2007 has more important gems than the continued media focus on Meyer's harsh comments concerning "The Celebration."
   
   Covering Meyer's game plan for life - personal faith and philosophies - and playbook for the turf wars - the breakdown of the Spread Offense is a must for any fan - Martin shows the continuing growth of a true educator.
   
   Meyer is not just achieving victories on Saturday afternoons in "The Swamp," he is a role model to each player on the biggest field of the all....life. Ultimately, that is Urban's Way.



2. Got my husband this book as a gift for his birthday. It arrived right on time. He read the first 200 pages waiting for his turn at jury duty, and is really enjoying this book. He said that although there's nothing amazing about the writing style, it has a lot of really great insights into the coach and the team ... a great behind-the-scenes look at Gator Football.

5 comments about Queen Isabella: Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval England.

1. This was a great read. For those who have read the author's other books on British monarchy this one will not disappoint. It is a compelling and engaging narrative that sheds light on a historical character I knew very little about. The story of Queen Isabella's reign in England is well worth the effort.



2. The book is heavily laced with facts to establish a place in the Medieval World. While the character of the heroine stands out clearly, sometimes the factual context surrounding events is daunting.
   It's a good read although a little too heavy on historical detail particularly in lists of "guests" or of "persons in attendance."



3. I really tried to like this book. Inasmuch as I am an avid student of history and enjoy the tangled web of early to mid twentieth century English history, this book seemed right up my alley.
   
   I can't say that it is a bad book, but upon reflection, perhaps the most telling fact is that it took me so long to finish it. A book of this size generally takes me about a week to finish, reading for an hour or so each night before bed. Most nights, however, found me nodding off in less than half the time. Weir's style can best be described as a dry recitation of historical facts with frequent asides in which she injects her own analysis. Hardly scintillating entertainment and simply not lively enough to keep me awake.
   
   From the standpoint of substance, I can't say that I agree with her efforts to rehabiltate the universally condemned Queen Isabella, the wife of Edward II of England. Isabella conspired against, overthrew, cheated on and likely participated in the murder of her husband and sovereign. According to Weir, she was simply misunderstood and unfairly judged. To my knowledge, she is the only one that believes so.
   
   In order to back up her position, Weir not only spins facts to the benefit of the Queen, but she weaves many out of whole cloth and disregards the numerous facts which clearly implicate her in the crimes for which history has condemned her. In an attempt to absolve the Queen of the crime of murder, she even trots out the old, roundly rejected canard that Edward II escaped from his captors and lived the remainder of his life as a hermit in France. This despite the public, state funeral in which the body and face of the King were clearly displayed and visible to thousands. As if an escape somehow lessens the crime of ordering the murder in the first place.
   
   Even in the cases where she concedes guilt on the part of the Queen, such as her adulterous relationship with Mortimer, she pardons the Queen, holding her to current standards as opposed to those in which she lived. In this regard, she clearly states that were Queen Isabella alive today, she would be viewed as a strong, independent woman, deserving of praise and not scorn (You go, girl). Nice theory, except for the fact that she didn't live in current times. In her day, regicide was perhaps the greatest crime and sin of the day, and adultery by a royal woman was universally punishable by death.
   
   I've read several of Weir's works and to date am not impressed. She seems to be on a personal crusade to rehabiltate the reputations of various women of the Middle Ages that for some reason or another have been judged harshly by history. I've never been a fan of revisionist history and particularly when the revisions are politically or socially motivated. This book is not only not particularly entertaining, but it's not even good history.



4. This is a History book. So it has just the facts, M'am. A very good History book and therefore lots of niggling details...and every detail has multiple perspectives gathered from letters and writings of the time and are based on the authors religious or nationalistic views. It is a slow read that you can put down and easily pick up again, as you will want to work your way through this beautifully written and richly informative history as seen through the mind of a very interesting queen. It covers the period of English History from the late times of Edward I (late 13th century) to Edward II and the the beginning of the reign of Edward III (mid 14th century. There is no plot so the fun is in the interesting details and analysis of those Medievil times.



5. I will admit to not being an expert on Queen Isabella. I have never read a biography on her before, so when I picked up Alison Weir's book in the store I had nothing to compare it to and enjoyed it immensely. There is wonderful period detail here, especially in the beginning, and I think the reader feels a measure of sympathy for Isabella, whose husband wasn't interested in her sexually (or emotionally it seems). My favorite part of the book was when Isabella (finally) took a lover and decided to make a stand against her husband with him. Part slighted young woman, part Lady Macbeth, Queen Isabella is a very interesting read with a few theories about Edward II's "death" I hadn't heard before (whether or not they could be accurate I can't say).

No comments about Asunto de familia (A Private Family Matter): Memorias (A Memoir).

5 comments about To Own a Dragon: Reflections On Growing Up Without A Father.

1. In his typical laid-back style, Donald Miller explores the effects that growing up without a father had on him. To Own a Dragon must be understood within the genre of "memoir." It is not meant to an exhaustive exploration, only what the author felt and dealt with while going through the event he is writing about.
   
   I appreciate Miller's honesty, his straight forward approach the what a child experiences. I grew up without a father in the home, and found this to be an enlightening and encouraging read. I found myself constantly saying, "I am not alone! I am not the only one who feels this way."
   
   I highly recommend this book to anyone who struggles having grown up without a father. It will not answer all the question...it may not answer any of the questions...but it will let you know that you are not the only one.



2. To Own A Dragon is, I believe, one of Donald Miller's best books. He is more well known for Blue Like Jazz and Through Painted Deserts, but I think this one is one of his most insightful. He has always been very honest about the fact that he grew up without a father and this book dives into that story much deeper. As one who grew up with a distant father the book was very healing and spoke to me by someone who knew what it was like.
   
   This is a wonderful and healing book for anyone, male or female, who is struggling with a father never present.



3. Even for those had a father growing up, there are still things a human father will fail at. Miller helps us to comprehend the greatness of the word "Father".



4. As an educator with both parents still together after 50+ years, this book is a HUGE insight into what more and more young men face growing up without a male role model. Often our words reflect our own experiences, which can alienate those we are trying to help.



5. I would rank this book 3rd out of the 4 books that Miller has written. It is still fabulous, but not as geared towards me as Through Painted Deserts and Searching for God Knows What. And I am anxiously awaiting the release of Let Story Guide You, which, contrary to our order sheets, has not come out yet, but that's not the point.
   
   In this 192 page book Donald Miller and John MacMurray explore the spiritual significance of what it is like for a male to grow up without a Father figure. They then go on to explore Miller's personal experience of allowing God to become that fairy tale like figure in his life. Thus, the title of the book comes from Miller saying that having a father was like owning a dragon, "nothing more than a fairytale."
   
   As usual Miller's writing style captivates the reader. The way in which he subtly draws his audience in a exposes his inner thoughts and feelings is fascinating, not only as a reader, but for anyone who has ever aspired to write anything(which is about 83% of you, I know)
   
   He explores the problem of misguidance for those who grew up without a father, the discipline needed to become as one under a father, and then he goes into the humanity of spirituality and the true key to masculinity/manhood. The chapter on manhood was really powerful.
   
   Again, Miller explores a whole new region with his uncanny ability to articulate his streaming conciousness, as prompted by the simple things in life, in a profound and mesmerizing way. I recommend this book to, obviously, those who grew up without Fathers, or a Father who was not a spiritual leader. But I believe that anybody can find some worth within the pages of this book. It will make you scratch your whiskers in thoughts.

5 comments about Let Me Hear Your Voice: A Family's Triumph over Autism.

1. the most honest look at her story and the trials and tribulations that came with it. EXCELLENT READ



2. Maurice enlightens the mind to the real world. The struggles that her family endured to help their children and the future of autism on research development. She writes this from the time when blame was placed upon the mother. She tells how she dealt with her emotions of that blame. This is an excellent book for a parent of a child with autism or an educator alike.



3. A wonderful and very quick read! I recommend this book for anyone with a child, friend or family member with autism.



4. I chose to give a reaction to the book because I found myself having many while I read. Overall, I felt the book was like an infomercial for the Lovaas method.
   
   What I did enjoy about the book was watching Catherine outline her own journey. Her stages of grief were so clearly apparent and moving. I also enjoyed finding myself with a renewed energy around behavioral therapy. She also showed that parents have to work with and partner with professionals for their child's success. Often, parents want their child "fixed" by professionals. Lastly, the interventions broken down by developmental area at the back of the book was excellent. I have recommended many of those myself.
   
   What I did not enjoy about the book was that it seemed outdated. While this is not a criticism of the book itself as it was appropriate at the time she wrote it, it is a concern because parents may read this book to find inspiration or guidance in this day and age when many things have changed. Therapists (at least in California) no longer believe in psychodynamic therapy to treat children with autism. As a matter of fact, Freudian therapy, which she mentioned several times, is considered antiquated even for typical people. Her book was packed with obvious bitterness toward the classically trained therapist and toward what seemed like the Psychology "establishment" in general. Then she spoke of the Lovaas techniques repeatedly under the framework that her children were recovered. Many parents looking for answers may interpret this as a cure. I don't believe autism can be "cured" so much as the symptoms can be managed through constant work and attention.
   
   Toward the end of the book, she advises fighting for what a parent wants and how to do it. I think the "how to" is important, such as gathering documentation and presenting facts, but the legalistic attitude I have issue with. Some parents may have to escalate their case into a battle, but I don't believe it has to start out that way. I have found in my practice parents, with whom I have never worked before, walk through the door with aggressive attitudes. While I appreciate their spirit, it sends up red flags. I work for a private agency and we are not "required" to choose to work with every family that calls on us. As a result, if we find parents "difficult" in the beginning, we try to be empathetic to their situation, but we may choose not work with them at all. What's even more frustrating is that these parents may not be difficult at all, but the guidance parents get to fight for everything all the time may send a different message.
   
   I felt the book may send false hopes of cures using the behavioral methods and a fight fight fight orientation that may cause professionals to get the wrong idea about families. I think there are more current books that can give stories of inspiration such as Temple Grandin's Thinking in Pictures.



5. We are the parents of a severely autistic adult and the founder of a school for autistic children.Katherine Maurice's book accurately and sensitively portrays a search that mirrors our own.One of the virtues of the book is that,like many parents, she has tried alternative therapies for her autistic children and analyzes them dispassionately and objectively. Her children benefitted from Applied Behavior Analysis, as has ours and the children in the school we founded.However,the positive results are not universal or complete, and the final cures for autism await the progress of advanced neuroscience.