5 comments about The Last Time I Wore A Dress.

1. Having come from an abusive home, I can relate to what Daphne/Dylan must have felt and how he behaved while trying to cope with his Gender-Identity and the far-from-sympathetic world around him in the 1980's. I came out as gay in 1970 and then as Transgendered in 1993, after having wrestled with "my self-knowledge - vs - what other people tried to make me act like" for MANY years prior -- it was a rocky hellish road at times, but (despite the abuse!) my parents accepted me (grudgingly at times) for who/what I was. I have nothing but kind words for those Tansgendered friends of mine, who like Dylan, persevered through their own private torment, and who accepted me for who I was and for how I identified myself.
   
   I applaud Dylan for having the inner strength to keep going - keep going, no matter the present torment, no matter how horrible the present situation is - keep going forward with your own goal in mind, no matter how clear-cut or nebulous it is. This book has and will inspire others out there who "think they are the only ones" going through this.
   
   We may have come far but in too many parts of this country, children and young adults -- who are trying to reconcile their birth gender with their personal gender identity -- are still being put thru a living nightmare; parents abusing, insulting dismissing them from their households, with no nurturance, no desire to understand their own offspring; even their classmates, teachers, strangers, even friends turning against them. It takes HUGE inner strength to rise above all that and to keep going, keep going forward.
   
   This book will shock, inspire and galvanize. I hope it also EDUCATES those who harbor any prejudices against transgendered individuals, ESPECIALLY those who treat patients with Gender Identity "Disorder".. Since the beginning of time,the spectrum of Masculine and Feminine has run through ALL genders in varying degrees, and not necessarily always corresponding to the individual's birth gender.
   
   In today's civilized and educated society, it is abut time that young people like Dylan are raised with compassion and understanding instead of with psychodramatic brutality. It is my hope that this book also reaches out to those in Child Protective Services as well as those professionals in the fields of Therapy.



2. Scholinski attempts to attack the mental health field in her memoir "The Last Time I Wore a Dress." She asserts that she was held through her teenage years because she was not feminine enough in the eyes of idiot doctors. However, I found little evidence of her tomboy nature contributing to her hospitalization. Scholinski never considers the consequences of her actions, she is dishonest, histrionic, and self-absorbed. It is a lack of maturity, not femininity that causes Scholinski's downfall. Amazingly, Scholinski never sees her actions as having anything to do with the state of her existence. This short, simple, and repetitive novel is a memoir of denial.



3. it disturbs me when people read memoirs, especially those geared at or focused in psychology, and take it upon themselves to diagnose the writer. that is not dylan's(daphne's) intent (dylan is fTm and is currently living in washington dc). this is a memoir, most importantly...a first-hand creatively written perspective and critique.
   
   having met and visited with dylan at his studio in washington dc, i know that the reality of a tormented past is ever-present. his art reflects this. not only does dylan wrestle with demons of his past, he still must fight against the close-minded bigotry that some people have portrayed in these reviews. my understanding of psychology has always been that of a people-science...a science committed to helping people live good lives. it is not a science of manipulation and judgments, such as the reality that dylan had to face.
   
   my only hope is that you read this book and realize that it is neither fact nor fiction, but one person's perspective on his reality. we cannot fault him for that...only applaud him for sharing his voice.



4. I enjoyed this book. I only give it three stars because it did get a bit redundant towards the end, thus boring me a bit, but it's an excellent read for anyone who has suffered through the trials of being trapped in mental health "treatment."
   
   I also felt that somewhere along the course of the book, the author lost her passion for telling the story. The descriptions became vague, there wasn't as much life breathed into the storytelling.
   
   HOWEVER, Daphne has all of my respect. She seems to have come out of this ordeal intact. She is accepting of who she is and doesn't seem to hold hatred or ill will for those who have harmed her. I never felt heat from her words-- she simply told it how it was. I salute her.



5. Daphne Scholinski wore the label of "inappropriate female" for much of her life. As a tomboy youth, she was often mistaken for male. On one grocery trip, a clerk caught the "boy" for using the women's restroom. When the clerk confronted Daphne's father, instead of correcting the clerk, her weary father slapped her hand: "Bad boy. I told you to stop doing that."
   
   In 1981, at odds with her raging father and abandoned by her free-thinking mother, 15-year-old Daphne was committed to a psychiatric hospital, at which a treatment plan was designed to help her identify as a "sexual female." Over one million dollars (you read that right) of insurance money was spent on three years of make-up lessons, encouragement of flirtation with males, and points for hugging male staff members. Daphne was indirectly blamed for all her family's troubles and told that her depression and confusion were symptoms of her improper gender identification. Desperate for a mothering relationship, she latched onto nurses, begging to be adopted by the most compassionate one, and attempting suicide when her efforts were rebuffed.
   
   In a series of institutions, Daphne busied herself working the system to earn more privileges. To entertain themselves, she and other patients competed to shock the staff and get unusual diagnoses added to their charts. Their every movement was already analyzed and reduced into psychobabble, so why not? Daphne often embellished alcohol and drug abuse to make her case more interesting, but she realized she was out her league when she was transferred to rehab. All the while, a host of therapists and staff failed to identify sexual assault in Daphne's life, both before and *after* entering treatment. At age 18, when Daphne's father's insurance money ran out, she was discharged as no more "appropriate" a female than when she entered, but without a traditional high school experience or preparation for the world, and a few more years of victimhood under her belt.
   
   Daphne Scholinski survived institutionalization with her intelligence, sense of humor, and sassy rebellious spirit. Every time she was transferred, she felt hope few her new situation. She writes that she knows she was lucky to be middle-class and be offered treatment, instead of being kicked onto the streets. As an adult, Daphne channeled her traumatic past into an artistic career, and now lives as Dylan Scholinski in the San Francisco area (Dylan's identification as male occurred after the 1997 publication of this memoir). I only discovered Scholinski's gender identity when I started composing my review, and in many ways, Daphne's "actual" gender identity is irrelevant to this story of the failure of the mental health system to help a depressed youth and her family.

5 comments about The Grace Kelly Years: Princess of Monaco.

1. Due to the very good reviews on Amazon and because this book says to be a glimpse of the exhibition on Grace Kelly in Monaco (I was unfortunate not being able to visit), I bought this book. As already mentioned by others, it does have a very nice and high quality look and feel, but still, it did not meet my expectations. Being a Grace Kelly Fan, I am sort of disappointed to find many pictures one can already find in many other publications on her. The personal items are very interesting, but there could be more.
   This book is officially accepted by her family, and it is quite understandable that the image of Grace Kelly had to be a positive one, just like she had wished, as one of her quotes in this book states. But another of her quotes also shows, that she did not seem consistently happy with her fairy tale image, to which she herself had some cause. Is this maybe a glimpse of one extreme in her personality? I think it would have been possible to show more of a "real" person, and maybe the exhibition this book is reflecting did so. If so, this book was not made with care.
   I have read some unauthorized biographies on her and even if they sometimes seem a little too much, too dirty, too revealing, they still appear to describe the life of a human, the ups and downs, the possible reasons for the choices made in life. This book is the absolute contrary, and even seems to be desperately trying to disprove all other books written on her. One example: one nice, short thank you letter from Jacqueline Kennedy-Onassis makes the impression of a harmonious friendship. Other biographies claim their relationship to being quite disturbed, Jacqueline not at all being fond of Princess Grace. Well, maybe the exhibition had more to tell on this issue, so I would have rather seen more letters Grace Kelly wrote than thank you notes from her co actors and other celebrities written with typing machines.
   Maybe it would have been better just to display as many pictures as possible from the exhibition, with very little text and without any tendentious comments. This would have let the book be more open and would have let the spectator make up his own mind. But it seems that was not the intention.



2. Una verdadera joya que no debe faltar a ningún admirador de la actriz y princesa más hermosa que haya habido nunca.



3. I have been searching high and low for the longest time, for books, posters etc on Grace, and have always come up with very little.
   Until, the 25th anniversary of her death.
   This really is a must for all Princess Grace fans, the presentation of the book is stunning and contains images of her I have never seen before, nearly a full picture of her to a page. Great storytelling also.
   Really, THIS is THE book you must own!
   Great price and quick international shipping too.
   Thankyou Amazon!



4. lush product with beautiful previously unseen photos, but family whitewash of anything slightly controversial is ubiquitous



5. I read in other reviews here that this is the Official Guide of the Princess Grace Exhibit in Monte Carlo. It is deservedly so. It has SO MANY pictures of Princess Grace -- both in her movie career, and as Princess of Monaco. The book has heft and weight,,,a true "coffee table" book, if ever there was one! There are wonderful pictures from the Kelly Family Album, of Grace as a child, pictures of the print advertisements she did, whilst working as a model, (though from a wealthy family, Grace Kelly preferred to pay her own way, whilst studying at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. The AMDA, by the way, does NOT allow any student to act in a speaking role, of any kind, whilst a student at the Academy...so Grace took on modeling jobs.) Various telling quotations, and actual letters, (both type-written and hand-written), from those who knew her best, and from Grace Kelly herself, are featured, as are many full page portraits, some of her without makeup of any kind, (she still looks regally radiant!)
   
   The "Hollywood" part of Grace Kelly's life takes up slightly less than half the book. The rest is devoted to her life as Princess Grace of Monaco. Her telling quote about Rainier give insight into their relationship: "When I married Prince Rainier, I married the man and not what he represented or what he was. I fell in love with him without giving thought to anything else." When Princess Grace's life is described as a "fairy tale come true", it has ALL the elements! This quite is given a full page, as is a double-portrait of Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Interestingly, (and unlike any other royal portrait of it's kind I have ever seen), the two of them, are seen in PROFILE, one behind the other -- but the Ruler, (Rainier), is BEHIND his consort, (Grace), showing perhaps, how much he loved her, as well!
   
   Informal family portraits, with Grace, Rainier, and their children, formal and informal portraits of the Princess, her clothes, her jewels, and photos of various formal and informal occasions, (wherein are also seen other leading characters of this era -- such as Jacqueline Kennedy, Charles de Gaulke, and Pope John Paul I, amongst others, are also seen.
   (One small correction, if I may: on page 227, Princess Grace is shown to be pictured with "Queen Irene of Greece". Her Royal Highness Princess Irene of Greece is a gracious and accomplished personage -- but was always a Princess, and not -- to my knowledge anyway -- ever a Queen of Greece.) There are only two other (minor) criticisms I have of this book: 1) It is, perhaps of necessity, VERY heavy, (weighing at least four pounds), and 2) The captions of the photos -- though wonderfully revealing, are written in very small print. Perhaps this was done so that the photos, not the captions, should be the focus of a reader's attention....but still, as many of Grace's growing legion of admirers are, sadly, coming up in years, (and I'm one of them), the captions, I feel, should have been in even slightly bigger print....
   
   These small criticisms, however, do not dampen my enthusiasm at all for this otherwise perfect book -- nor would they stop me from recommending it to any other admirer of Her Serene Highness! SO much wonder is inside this book! For instance.......
   
   A detailed picture of the gold-and-pink suit which Grace Kelly wore for the civil marriage ceremony, (which preceeded the religious ceremony, and during which, she officially became a Princess), is shown -- along with a formal portrait of Grace wearing the elegant outfit. Covers of magazines, (from "Paris Match" to "Good Housekeeping"), featuring Princess Grace, (sometimes shown with a very happy Prince Rainier), are shown on one page.
   
   Towards the back of the book, are descriptions of the various rooms in the Princess Grace Exhibit, (of, as I have said, this volume is the official guidebook). Described are, the "Philadelphia Room", "New York Room", "Hollywood Room", "Hitchcock Room", "First Meeting Room", "Weddingf Room", "Ballroom", "Room of Friends", "Princess Room",
   "Nursery and Family Room", "Private Garden Room", "Secret Woman Room",
   "Glamour Room", "Patron of the Arts Room". and "Royal Room". On the page facing these last two rooms is a intriguing portrait of Princess Grace, in profile, looking out at the New York City skyline at night. It was taken by another multi-faceted, multi-talented, and intelligent woman: Gina Lollobrigita.
   
   Further towards the back of the book, is an excerpt from the book, "La Veritable Grace de Monaco", by Editions Pygmalion. giving excerpts from various chapters, and an overview of Princess Grace's life. A two page spread follows -- a thoughtful portrait of a mature Princess Grace -- on whom the passing years have left barely a mark -- staring out of a latticed window, with a grand piano on her other side. Princess Grace truly wished to return to acting, (and did, in fact, appear in several documentaries, as herself) -- but the pull of the fact that she was now a Princess, not only of Monaco, but of the Catholic Church itself, plus the desires of the people of Monaco that their princess be a princess only, and not an actress -- kept her from doing so. Yes, she did have a fairy-tale life...but in her life, as in those of most people, sacrifices had to be made to make it as it should be.
   
   A filmography of Grace Kelly follows, and after that, notes on the personal letters shown in the book. Lastly, there is a bibliography, and an index.
   
   It is a tribute indeed, to all those who produced this sumptuous book, that it is SO inclusive of every aspect of the life of Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco. From a family photo of her at two, with her brother Jack and sister Margaret, through a photo of her on the cover of a booklet, "25 Typing Shortcuts", and some very "Marilyn Monroesque" photos of Grace in 1955, (taken, in fact, by Milton H. Greene, who took similiar photos of Ms. Monroe), through extreme close-up pictures of the various dresses Princess Grace wore through the years, through family pictures, and formal portraits, great events and small....all are here, described and pictured in the greatest of details.
   
   This is the penultimate Princess Grace book -- as well it should be. It is a treat for those fortunate enough to read it. And it is a tribute to those who created it -- most especially, the woman who lived it, Her Serene Highness, Princess Grace of Monaco.

5 comments about The Girls Who Went Away: The Hidden History of Women Who Surrendered Children for Adoption in the Decades Before Roe v. Wade.

1. I bought this book for a friend who had been sent away. I could not quit reading the stories. Thanks to this author for brining out these stories. They have a healing element for the women who went away and for their families. If you think your mother didn't want you, read this book.



2. An interesting but limited account of mother's from a small geographic region. Assusmes a revisionist/deconstructionalist version of history. The tales range from sad to tragic, but never takes on the issue of individuals personal responsibility and accountability for actions and hence the whine, woe, victim status. Complete with the common anti-male slant. As an adoptee from 1967 reunited with my mother, we both agree, this is the trite Hollywood version trumped for a Lifetime Channel audience that paints these mothers as helpless controlled victims forced to be dimwitted- not on this side of the Mississippi. My birth mother made a tough choice for her own interests, own's up to that choice and like actual women from the era would have kicked the teeth in of anyone who challenged that decision.



3. I am a 36 year old adoptee who was reunited with my birth mother in my early twenties. Although we enjoy a wonderful, close relationship, the topic of my birth is still exquisitely painful for her to discuss. Reading this book gave me a better appreciation for how hard the decision to relinquish me must have been. I would like to thank Ann Fessler for her work.



4. Being a birthmom myself, and being reunited with my daughter for a little over a year, has been such a new experience for us all. I am so grateful she is alive and well, though we have a long ways to go for healing. I am fine with this, as I understand her view point, as she is healing too.
   
   I read this book in one sitting, was so drawn to this, and was amazed by the other bmom's experiences, it is a must read for anyone involved in the adoption triad.
   
   We bmom's feel the pain, and as birthmoms' should have a voice, not to bury the lost of their own child, voluntarily or not. Quite a few people still in today's world accept the amother and the achild, but the bmom, still shunned by today. I know this, because I am still being judged. Even though I am telling quite a few of my daughter. Just now I don't care what other people think, where before I was so ashamed on so many levels, and was never allowed to grieve.
   
   This book helped heal my heart with the compelling stories that birthmoms' do have a voice, and the pain of relinquishment voluntarily or not, and living with the loss. Thank you for publishing this book and for these brave Bmom's for sharing their stories



5. This book opened up so much for me. It really showcases what being pregnant and young/unwed meant in my mothers generation. In my generation I saw pregnant girls by the dozen walk through the halls of my high school, thinking why would they keep there babies they are 16 and 17 years old. I recongize now just how huge it is that are allowed to stay in school. Now I am so thankful that sex was talked about in my health class, and while contraception wasn't a big point in the syllabus, it was there. I think this book showcases just what we can improve on as a society.
   
   This book is really a must read for all poeple.

4 comments about Jackie Ormes: The First African American Woman Cartoonist.

1. Nancy Goldstein has struck gold with this biography of Jackie Ormes. Ormes is a Black cartoonist who drew cartoons for Black newspapers during the 1940's and 50's. She also made a foray into early Black doll production.
   Goldstein writes about the tribulations of Ormes and her contemporaries making satire during a time of repression, belittlement, bigotry, and official investigations. Through it all, she shows that Ormes continued to raise the consciousness of African-Americans despite their hardships.
   This book is a must-read for any students of Black history.
   Larry Bush



2. What a great book! Jackie Ormes not only made history but created and drew some wonderful characters as well.
   
   This is a well thought out book which gives us enough information to keep us interested but not enough to bore us to tears. Good job!
   
   From her birth to the birth of her art, Jackie seemed destined to draw and create. It was fortunate for all of us that she was able to practice her art and creativity in a such a way that overshadowed that fact that she was an African American Woman in a time when it mattered and was held against her.
   
   Now we can read and see some of her triumphs and give praise where it's due.
   
   If you enjoy the history of comics or cartoons, this is a must have book.



3. As graphic novels continue to gain respect in the literary world, there is a corresponding renaissance of interest in cartoonists of the past.
   
   How fitting that a work about Ormes would also manage to be both engaging and educational.
   
   Please read the rest of the review on Indigo Editing's blog:
   http://www.indigoediting.blogspot.com/



4. The story of Jackie Ormes is unique that she was female cartoonist at
   time when that field was solely male. Secondly Jackie Ormes was an
   African American in a field predominately white. With two strikes
   against her, what does Ms. Ormes do but hit a home run. She was a
   timely and politically correct artist who kept herself and her work
   contemporary and relevant with her African American community at a
   time when they were neglected in the mainstream white papers. Jackie's
   work was artistically well done with dialogue and a story line to keep
   her readership ready to read the next issue.
   
   The research done by the author Nancy Goldstein was thorough and
   the writing keeps the reader's interest focused without losing a beat
   page after page.
   
   I wish that someone would publish her columns in a single volume
   so that today's readers could get a feel for this talented artist
   who needs to be recognized for her consistent and her ground breaking
   work that would allow other female artists to follow in her foot-
   steps. I highly recommend this scholarly book to anyone interested
   in the field of writing, cartoon artwork, and in African American
   history.

5 comments about Fifty Acres and a Poodle: A Story of Love, Livestock, and Finding Myself on a Farm.

1. Told in first person, with lots of humor, but a deep side as well. The big questions come to mind as this 30's something gal consideres a move from city dweller to farm hand, from girl friend to wife. Causes one to ponder about the meaning of love, life and friends. Well written, enjoyable story.



2. Fifty Acres & A Poodle is about the author Jeanne Marie Laskas' dreams of farm living. She wants to get away from the urban way of life and move to a place with beauty and fresh air. She feels there is something missing from her life. She takes a drive one day and spots her dream place. She goes through doubts and fears but finally decides to go for her dream.
   
   She and her boyfriend Alex move into the farmhouse, fix it up, get engaged and later married. They end up with a horse and a mule too! Not to mention they end up with some great friends.
   
   More than the basic story, I found this about the author's search for God, her true self and a live filled with love. She wanted to love and be loved. Those were the very things she felt were missing in her life and she found them at her farm. I found myself identifing with Ms. Laskas through much of the book.
   
   If you like memoir-type stories that are comical, honest, soul searching and about animals this book will not disappoint you. Invest in the hardcover as it's one book you probably will not want to part with after reading it.



3. I love this book and this author, I bought her second book and enjoyed it as well.



4. I heard about this book some time ago and finally ordered it. Once I began reading it, I just couldn't put it down. It was laugh-out-loud funny. I so enjoyed acoompanying the author as she lived her fantasy life on a farm. Don't we all wish we could run way to another life? Her description of her experiences were hilarious. I have recommended this book to many of my friends and intend to give copies of it as gifts. I especially loved her reference to the poodle as a "standard dog, not one of those little yappy things." Very funny!



5. Hi. I liked this story. The writer did a great job of telling it. One problem. The main character repeatedly uses the word "Jeezus" as a cuss word. Like if it's spelled diffently God won't know. It ruined the whole book for me.

5 comments about The Story of Ruth: Twelve Moments in Every Woman's Life.

1. I read "The Story of Ruth" about a year after I read "Scarred by Struggle," which is also by Dr.Chittister. Both books offer inspriation for dealing with difficulties based on a biblical story. The difference between the type of advice they offer, is that "The Story of Ruth," contends more with the daily struggles that confront us in our lives, whereas "Scarred by Struggle" offers advice more suitable to a particular setback, such as an end of a relationship, or loss of job.
   
   Dr. Chittister makes an interesting comment about the story of Ruth, in that though there is no blatant theophany in this book, one can not doubt that God is somehow present. For most of us, this will be our experience in life. God is present to us and speaks to us more often through the actions of others, than a Monty Python-type voice hailing from the sky. Likewise, we are called to do our best to try to create God's kingdom on this earth, by using our abilities and resources to help others and ourselves. Essentailly the story of Ruth is the story of women, who do all they can to help themselves, despite the fact that they are at a disadvantage by lacking male family members, and one of them (Ruth) is a foreigner and the other (Naomi) essentially is a stranger in her homeland, as she had lived outside it for so long. Despite the odds, they maintain their faith in the future, and eventually their welfare not only vastly improves, but they become the ancestors of David.
   
   This is a great gift for girls who are reaching adolescence age. Or perhaps for any woman who is feelign a bit run down by life. The illustrations are gorgeous, and the message is optimistic. It is book that encourages hope in life, no matter how daunting one's station in life may appear to be, and reinforces the adage attributed to Augustine of Hippo that to be successful one must work as if every thing depended on one's self, but pray as if every thing depended on God.



2. Jam packed with wisdom and insight for all people. A must read for all women and one that you will read many times. Sure wish I had this guide when I was a young woman. Plan to use as a discussion book for a spirituality group. A fabulous book to give as a gift.



3. Disappointing! Gosh, this book was just not up to some of the previous books written by Sr. Joan Chittister, OSB. It would be better if she wrote less but higher quality books. We know she is capable of doing greater things.
   
   The reflections on Ruth focused too much on activist social justice issues, and not what other women might actually think or feel. It was like the author is in a vacuum, and not able to even place herself in to the role of Ruth or her mother-in-law. After reading a few pages, I started to flip forward looking for the good part; faster and faster until I reached the end.
   
   Even the art work didn't save this book. The art was simple and one dimensional - childish. Great art can save a moderate book. When the art is stunning, rich in detail and content, the reader is able to "read" the art. And, drink it in with the eyes. A well written icon can tell a fabulous story! Alas, this was not to be that kind of book.



4. After reading the reviews here, I purchased this as a gift foy my lovely 19-year-old granddaughter. When I received it, I decided to read it first to see what it says, and I found it was not as wonderful as I expected from the previous reviews. I have not yet given it to Emily, but I look forward to hearing what she thinks of it.



5. I ordered the book to research for a paper in my Master's Program. I loved it and have loaned it out several times already. It is illustrated beautifully and written well. I am so glad I purchased it.

5 comments about The Heart of a Woman.

1. The heart of a woman was not an easy read for me, i just couldn't get into it, it did not grab my attention.



2. I have just finished The Heart of a Woman and I could not put it down once I started it. Angelou lays bare for all of her readers her heart, her life and her truth. What an amazing life she has lived. I read some reviews that criticized her for her honesty in regards to whites during the 60s. It was the 60s, racial barriers where still up strong and bared anyone of color from living the lives they so richly deserved, why should she be criticized for this? Would it be better that she lied and said how wonderful life was for blacks in this country during that time? It wasn't and that is the point that she is making in this book. That is the point that she is making as an African American woman, called to the forefront in the battle of discrimination.
   I had to look on the cover to see when she wrote this book, it was 1981, how sad that in 26yrs we still see white America carrying the flag of superiority! I am truly glad that Angelou is still walking this earth to see that though the gains for civil rights are slow coming they are coming,regardless of what her criticizers are saying. Because if they are criticizing her for telling it like it was, then there is still a long path to journey to get us beyond the need for civil rights.
   If you want to know what the 60's Civil Rights movement & Aparthied in South Africa was about this book will give you an accurate picture of one womans involvement. Two thumbs up for Angelou!



3. Another slice of Maya Angleou's memoir, The Heart of a Woman, brings you through her hardships of raising her son Guy in California and continues during her move to New York City, her stint in the Harlem Writers guild, her intimate involvement in the Civil Rights movement, her marriage to South African Freedom Fighter, Vusumzi Make and subsequent move to Egypt, Ghana and ultimate divorce. A book that will speak to men and women on all levels, The Heart of a Woman is truly a phenomenal read.



4. i was so excited to get this book. it arrived fast and was in good condition. thank you



5. Maya has such an impeccable method of penning and conveying her prose!! This was a wonderful installment in her biographical sequence(s). I recommend this book to ALL (those mature and aged enough to handle the sometimes-explicit subject matter) because it brings so many pieces of American history together in such a uniquely stated manner!

No comments about Surprised by God: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love Religion.

5 comments about Blonde Ambition: The Untold Story Behind Anna Nicole Smith's Death.

1. You know I really don't follow any of the tabloids or the television shows devoted to celebrity culture, but when I saw Rita Crosby interviewed on Fox I thought I'd give Blond Ambition a leafing. Somewhat comically, the anchor said to Crosby during the segment, "I saw the title and thought it was about you." In a way he was right because this is a most subjective account of Anna Nicole Smith and her death. I usually don't mention much about an author's style as I'm no Hemingway myself, but I found the writing here to be quite poor. It was a brief text but I kept putting it down due to how ponderous it was. I don't see Smith as having been a bad person so much as I consider her as an individual who could not control her impulses. Oh, I do think that charade with Mr. Marshall was reprehensible but I would never expect honor from a Hollywood star.
   
   The narrator seems to have a high amount of respect for Smith which amazed me. The corresponding vilification of Howard K. Stern and Larry Birkhead also made no sense. Personally, I would not want to associate with either of those two guys, but they strike me as being no different in their qualities from Smith. They are scammers and societal free-riders who associate who other scammers and societal free-riders. Isn't this to be anticipated? Should this discombobulate us? Further, Crosby's take on her subject's addictions was absurd. She blamed Stern for the drugs Smith did which is fallacious. Smith was an independent, autonomous human being who was responsible for her own actions. Even if Stern obtained them for her (and whether he did or not I have no way of knowing) she still had a choice before taking them. Being addicted to a substance is both debilitating and a challenge, but even low will-power fellows like me managed to quit smoking. It was not easy but preserving your life is worth the suffering it entails. Of course, survival was a priority for me, but, as we see here, it isn't for everyone. The thing that puzzles me most is why anybody admires celebrities in the first place. I'd be no more likely to look up to them than I would a grouper or a mockingbird. I'll never comprehend the allure these rich folks have but this book will not add to anyone else's collective understanding of that phenomenon either.



2. Excellent condition, everything you say is true. I will be purchasing more. Prompt and courteous service. Thanks :) Jan



3. I am a firm believer that Larry Birkhead is a good Dad to this baby.
   I somehow have doubts in the "sex act" that supposedly took place with Larry and Howard. The obvious disdain that the two men have/had for one another make this unbelievable.
   I believe it to be true that Howard is sneaky, dangerous man who liked to control and manipulate, and not to be trusted. He very well could have been the one to take the lives of Daniel and Ana Nichole. Sad for this baby who now has no Mother to grow up with, nor Brother.
   Sad Book, Too bad they could not have had the intervention that they needed to save their lives.
   I think Rita did a good job writing this book. It does hold the readers interest, and moves pretty smoothly and quickly.



4. If you are a Anna Nicole Smith fan this is a book for you. I read the book in one sitting. This is a book that you can't put down. You will definitely enjoy it. It's worth the money



5. This book was a dreadful read, confusing, bias and with no cited sources to back up startling allegations. I was disappointed and turned off!

3 comments about Running with the Devil.

1. Kenna Jones cannot believe her instant attraction to this man who "claims" to be one of Jerry's friends, but there is absolutely no way that she can deny those feelings. Kenna met Jerry a year ago while she was escorting him around Sturgis. Kenna really is not an escort, but she needs the money to pay for grad school.
   
   Drake March is an undercover DEA agent trying to bring down a ring of drug dealers who go by the name of Diablo. Kenna is the agency's only connection to the group since Jerry ended up dead. Drake wants Kenna, but he does not mix business with pleasure...usually.
   
   Drake "convinces" Kenna to be his escort like she was for Jerry as he attempts to find out exactly what she knows. Kenna is not happy about being forced to be Drake's escort, but he promises to pay her and she needs the money to pay for school. As Drake and Kenna work together their attraction becomes too much to ignore. Drake brings out a side of Kenna that she has never experienced, but she worries he is only attracted to her "Kenna" personality not the real person. Drake cannot believe he has let things go so far between them, but he just wants more and more of Kenna. As the investigation heats up, Kenna's life is put in danger. Will their relationship be strong enough to survive or is it just the circumstances that are making their emotions run so high?
   
   Running with the Devil was a hot, hot, hot read!! Kenna is a sexy woman who seems a little naïve about the world around her. Drake is smoking sexy and pretty much all man who believes in getting the job done at any cost. The sexual tension between these two was great and I really enjoyed the Sturgis backdrop. Lorelei James knows how to write fun, sexy, and hot stories with characters you want to get to know better. I absolutely loved Running with the Devil and I cannot wait to read more Lorelei James!
   
   Gracie
   Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed



2. A fast paced, erotic adventure straight out of the movies, RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL is an edgy thriller of mistaken impressions and undercover lovers. Drake and Kenna are a perfect match in every way. They are passionate, opinionated, cynical and intelligent. He is a cynical undercover agent who tends to believe the worst of people while she has a serious trust problem as well. It is an action packed journey with numerous twists and turns to solving the murder and finding love. The emotional connection is poignant and the sexual chemistry is volatile. The secondary cast is a well rounded group indicative of a traditional Sturgis Bike Rally. One wonders if author Lorelei James visited there on more than one occasion. All in all, RUNNING WITH THE DEVIL is well worth the time and money invested. If you like suspense and passion, you will love this one.



3. I generally like books by Lorelei James, but this book fell short for me.
   
   Drake March is a very strong sexy undercover DEA agent trying to bring down a ring of drug dealers. Kenna Jones agrees to be an escort for Drake recommended by her cleint last year, Jerry. Kenna met Jerry a year ago while she was escorting him around Sturgis. The information and details were very well written. The author either did some very detailed research or spent some time in the Sturgis area.
   
   Drake and Kenna have good overall chemistry and good sensual chemistry, but what lowered my rating on this book was Kenna's lack of brains and common sense. I don't enjoy reading about a main character that is so gullible and stupid.