No comments about Long March to Freedom: The True Story of a Colombian Kidnapping.

No comments about Deliver Us from Evil: The True Story of Mexico's Most Famous Kidnapping.

5 comments about Baby Be Mine: The Shocking True Story of a Woman Who Murdered a Pregnant Mother to Steal Her Child.

1. I can't stand these ambulance chaser true crime books. Way too soon with no trial and very little information. The author barely squeaks out enough pages for this to be called a book and instead pads it with all sorts of filler from other unrelated cases. Poor writing and worst of all it's boring. Stay far away from this terrible stinker.



2. It was obvious the author went to great lengths to conduct interviews and put a great deal of research into this book. I had no idea there were so many c-section abductions which was a plus through the research Ms. Fanning included in the back of the book. I recommend this book to anyone that enjoys a well researched book.



3. I enjoy the writing style of Diane Fanning. I feel as though I know the people involved by the time I finish the book. I feel their anguish and pain of losing a loved one in such a horrendous way. The crime is what most true crime readers want to read about. With this case, anyone can probably guess the outcome of the trial. In my opinion there is obviously mental issues as with Andrea Yates in cases like this. I had no idea there were so many caesarian abductions so that information was a plus.



4. Diane Fanning, in my opinion, should either return to penning novels or enter the news or magazine writing arena.
   
   Most of her books appear to be written too soon and be woefully lacking in detail. I see people writing about her 'research' for this particular book; but I don't see the results in the book itself, at least with regard to this specific case.
   
   The book includes more research on this 'type' of crime; which appears to be prevalent, but the seemingly endless detours into other cases, coupled with the lack of information about this specific tragedy, are very distracting to the reader trying to glean information about the crime committed by Lisa Montgomery against Bobbie Jo Stinnett and her family.
   
   'Baby Be Mine' is an example of another incident becoming much too prevalent; rush-to-the-press, poorly-written, underdeveloped true-crime books that do not do justice to the victim's lives or to the genre.
   
   Thankfully the outcome of the crime was completely just, even if this book was not. Montgomery was found guilty and given the death sentence by the jury. At least there will be legal justice for Bobbie Jo's memory and family. A better-written book would have included the trial and its outcome.
   
   I would not recommend the purchase of this book as it leaves the reader entirely unsatisfied and feeling as though the entire exercise of the writing and reading was a waste of time. Bobbie Jo's story is not justly told in 'Baby Be Mine'.



5. While this book was interesting, I agree with the other reviewers who felt it was written too soon. If the author had waited for a trial, perhaps it wouldn't have been necessary to fill the book with pages upon pages of other unrelated crimes. While the "bully of Skidmore" story is interesting, it really has nothing to do with this case. Likewise, the death/disappearance of Bobbi Jo's relatives don't have anything to do with this case. All of the paragraphs detailing other women who had babies cut from their wombs, while at least similar to this case, really seemed to be added just to fill up space to make enough pages for a whole book.

5 comments about Twice Taken.

1. I was at a bookfare at my school and I was immediately drawn to this book because of it's title. "Twice Taken". I just had to read the back of the book and so I bought it. I was really satisfied with this book. The author was very good at illustrating details for the reader. I reccommend this book to anyone who likes to read mysteries and thrillers.



2. Susan Beth Pfeffer's Twice Taken carries overtones of Caroline B. Cooney's The Face on the Milk Carton/Whatever Happened to Janie? and Norma Fox Mazer's Taking Terri Mueller, but it also carries a life of its own. The main thing that sets Twice Taken away from the other two books is that it is mostly about what happens after the discovery, not the actually getting to the truth. Brooke finds out very early that her father has kidnapped her and that her mother is still looking for her, the girl they call Amy Michelle Donovan. Pfeffer chooses to focus on what happens after her mother and stepfather take her back to live with them.

   Twice Taken is told in the first person, which is fortunate because the reader would be having as big an identity crisis over Brooke/Amy as Brooke does if it were told in third. It's easy to see and understand Brooke's thoughts, but mostly Pfeffer does a good job of making us feel them. Most readers have never been in Brooke's situation, but they can relate strongly to jealous younger half-siblings, feeling left out, or being uncomfortable in a new school or situation.

   Brooke goes through all the stages you'd expect of someone in that situation: at first, hatred of everything and everyone; then slowly trying to branch out at school, but failing because her story has been so sensationalized; trying to build a relationship with her half brother Tim, who was born after she was taken, and her half sister Holly, who was just a baby then; and mostly, trying to figure out how she feels about her mother. Hardest is her conflict with her parents: she is angry at the way her mother treats her, hovers, and slanders her father, but at the same time she's mad at her father for taking her and depriving her of the chance to get to know her mother.

   One of the most likable characters, aside from Brooke, is her stepfather Mike. He's reasonable, patient, and a sensible stepfather to her, but at the same time his loyalties are of course with Brooke's mother. Tim and Holly are good foils: Holly is angry all the time and Tim is willing to accept his sister. At the same time, Holly's anger is understandable - her sister shows up after 11 years and gets all the attention, presents, a pet kitten, and a canopy bed.

   Like Pfeffer's other novels, this one doesn't end happily. Brooke isn't allowed to go back to her father. She's still not comfortable at school, Holly still doesn't like her, and she's still not sure how to get to know her mother. At the same time, there is the final discussion between her and her mother, and the hope that they'll be able to have a relationship one day, one that isn't so forced. The best part is her mother's realization that she will have to accept and like Brooke, and not Amy, the lost child who has been missing for 11 years.




3. A teenage girl who is babysitting happens to see a show on TV that changes her life. The show is about missing children, which she had never watched before. During the program she sees a picture of her dad and feels compelled to call the number on the screen. In a matter of minutes her life changes drastically, but the change also brings about many questions. Is she Amy or Brooke? Who really loves her? What is true? What is untrue?
   This book should be for mature readers only because of offensive language.



4. Again, Cathy apoints herself public czar or morality and parental dictator. But her definition of "offensive" isn't the guidepost for every reader or parent. If Susan Beth Pfeffer opted to use words Cathy considers offensive in a book with such gripping themes as kidnapping and custodial disputes, she was likely being honest, not vulgar. If a teen is in the midst of or has survived a bitter divorce within her family, she knows the word "Shoot," was NOT authentic vocabulary during that angry struggle. She knows the language Cathy calls "offensive" is often "normal" when it comes to divorce -- something half of all young readers will experience at least once in their pre-adult lives. If Pfeffer's book can help even ONE troubled child understand he or she is not alone in this painful experience, the language is aptly expressed, not offensive. Please ignore Cathy's desire to censor books not just for her own children, but for yours. Please read the book and decide for yourself.



5. Twice taken
   
   
   Brooke was just sitting at her house like any ordinary person alone would do. When she sees this show called still missing she sees a picture of a little girl so she felt sad. Until the unexpected happened the little girl with her father, it was she so she called the police and said I was on this show of missing people she was right it was she.
   
   The stories about how this young girl gets put up with her mother. They move to a new town and have to make new friends it's hard for her she's always crying. Until she finds this church group so then she becomes happy again. The church group really helps her cope with her new life. Never gets to see her dad again. She ends up liking a boy at the church group. Figures out whom it is you'll have to read it. I recommend this book to ages 12-any.

4 comments about BUDGIE THE LITTLE HELICOPTER (Aladdin Picture Books).

1. Budgie: The Little Helicopter is wonderfully illustrated and catches the child's eye with all it's bright colors. The story is intriguing and my two children, 5 & 6 at the time (now 7 & 8) were totally absorbed by it. My son slept with the book for weeks.



2. My Granddaughter received this book for Christmas two years ago when she was two. She still enjoys hearing the stories about Budgie. It is a throughly enjoyable book for children. The video is great too. Wish there were more of them.



3. This was the first book I can remember loving. I'm not sure whether I memorised it from hearing it so much and went from there, but Budgie taught me how to read at the age of 3. Sadly I haven't read it since, but I highly recommend it to children as the characters are so easy to love!



4. I bought this book because my 2 year old is in love with helicopters. I didn't bother reading past the first couple pages because I figured it had to be tame since the Duchess of York wrote it. I was wrong. The first few pages are fine, and then I found out what the story is about. A little girl is kidnapped and Budgie needs to help rescue her. There is even a picture of two men chasing after a little girl in pigtails. I stopped reading as soon as I realized what the story was about and deposited it straight in the trash. This book is inappropriate for children. Based on the pictures I just can't figure out what age group this would be appropriate for. I personally don't want to send my son to bed with nightmares.

5 comments about Safe and Sound (Jack Keller Series).

1. I haven't read any of J.D. Rhoades' other novels so when I started this one I felt like I had walked into an old-time, Saturday afternoon serial thriller at the beginning of episode three. A lot of things are going on and they all seem to have started in episode two, or maybe even one. A lot of different characters make brief appearances on the screen, some of them doing cruel and dastardly things to helpless victims. Other characters are in the midst of some kind of inner or outer turmoil of their own, turmoil that also started sometime in the past.
   
   Into this mix strides Jack Keller, a tough and mysterious man with a tough and mysterious past. He knows about guns, explosives, and war. Most of all, he knows and understands the cruelties that Mankind so casually and callously inflicts upon itself. And from the very first page of this novel, the puzzle that is Jack Keller, and the puzzle that is Life itself, begins to take shape before the viewer's eyes, slowly at first. Before long, however, the tempo begins to pick up. Soon the reader is being propelled forward at breakneck speed.
   
   Rhoades' descriptions of his characters, both major and minor, are sharply drawn and clearly delineated. They also have the feel of being dead-on accurate. His descriptions of settings are also sound and solid. Whether it's a Middle East desert or the Blue Ridge Mountains of the American South, the reader can taste the air, feel the grit, maybe even tap into memories from his own past.
   
   But regardless of the geography, Jack Keller's presence is always close at hand. His strength never falters, despite the stress (and there is lots of that in this story, as well as lots of action). And the confrontations between Keller and his nemesis, in this case a cruel and savage monster by the name of DeGroot, are always tense if not explosive.
   
   And like those old Saturday serials, once the climax is reached, once the crises have all been dealt with, Keller leaves the screen as he came on: a resolute loner, now returning to his own solitude. But you also know that he will soon resume his ready position, like a coiled rattlesnake, waiting for the next chapter, waiting for the next set of crises.
   
   If you like J.D. Rhoades, you'll want to grab this one quick!
   
   Russ Heitz
   russheitz.com
   MySpace.com/russheitz



2. Anyone who can do basic math knows that Harriet Klausner can't possibly read all the books she "reviews." But for this one, she gets plot points wrong that are settled in chapter TWO, so there is no spoiler alert reason to give a red herring. She says Keller must rescue a little girl from her father, but the Delta Force dad is dead early in the book, in fact we see him being tortured by the bad guy in chapter ONE, so she couldn't have read much. She completely mischaracterizes his partners, too. And as for the political agenda she tries to impose on the story she doesn't know...
   
   At least she got the star rating right. Dusty Rhoades is better than Lee Child, and could be as good as Stephen Hunter if he keeps this up. This is a can't catch your breath thriller with really good characters, so good in fact, that most of the good guys-- and guys trying to be good guys again-- are more interesting than the bloodthirsty killer.



3. I've been looking for a decent series since I stopped reading Spenser, and this is it. Read the first Keller, and was hesitant about the 2nd and now the 3rd, but in every one Rhoades has kept it up, kept Keller interesting, kept the past story as fascinating as the present, and moves everything along at a pace that won't let me put the book down. I've got my husband hooked on them, as well as my grandfather, and everyone I get to read them thanks me.
   
   I am ready for the 4th; bring it on, Rhoades!



4. Good book, thrilling, lots of adventure, and seemingly more intelligent then the character of John Rambo, but their was too much similarity between the characters, to be truly original. However, if you like the action packed bravado that their characters offer (and I do) then this is another book to add to the list.



5. SAFE AND SOUND, J.D. Rhoades's third Jack Keller novel, begins with a nightmare scenario. Remember that beginning. It's but a premonition of what is to come in one of the darkest --- and best --- novels of 2007.
   
   Keller's emotions have always trolled out where the buses don't run, and he finds himself slipping deeper and deeper into dark territory in SAFE AND SOUND. He is in the process of attempting to put a relationship together with ex-policewoman Marie Jones. Running a private investigation agency, Jones accepts a case that will have implications reaching far beyond its expected boundaries. She agrees to trace the whereabouts of David Lundgren, an Army sergeant who has absconded with his young daughter.
   
   Keller becomes involved in the search, quickly surmising that Lundgren has ties to the special ops community. Not even the Army, however, knows where Lundgren is; he has, in fact, fallen afoul of DeGroot, a dark force of nature skilled in the ways of the arts of interrogation and murder. DeGroot is on a trail that began in the mountains of Afghanistan and will end in the mountains of North Carolina. His trail will intersect with Keller's, with both men leaving --- and bringing --- death and destruction upon friend and foe alike with steel-edged certainty.
   
   More than Keller's happiness hangs in the balance; his sanity, already teetering on a fine edge, may well be lost to the abyss. And Jones, heretofore the shelter in the storm of Keller's emotions, is in the path of both men.
   
   Rhoades has a fine sense of irony that runs deep and true through SAFE AND SOUND, beginning with the title and continuing all the way to the very last page. The author's narrative, which reads much like that of Dashiell Hammett, is strong, stark and sure, just like his plot. One never gets lost, but one is never safe, either. This is a work of quality that hints of even greater things to come.
   
   --- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

4 comments about Child Lures: What Every Parent and Child Should Know About Preventing Sexual Abuse and Abduction.

1. I am sorry that I am not using this space to review this book. I have read it and would recommend it to any parent with children. I would also tell anyone who has the opportunity to see Kenneth Wooden speak take the time and go. He is wonderful to listen to and has a lot of valuable information.

   I am writting because I have a close friend who has two children that have been abused by their father. She can't find any reading material on this topic. If anyone knows of a good book please let me know so I can pass the information on to her.

   Thank-you very much.

   trgconstruction@voyager.net




2. The author does an excellent job in presenting the information needed to protect our children. We are presenting a child safety fair, and this book will be used as a door prize to those attending. Some of the information is frightening, to think that such monsters can exist in our society is unsettling. (Read the section concerning pedophile groups, you will understand!) It's time to make a stand against those that would corrupt our kids. This is a great place to start learning how. Read it & live it! Your kids just might be at stake! Thank you.



3. I have been in the helping professions for over thirty-five years, most of which has been in Child Protection and Family Advocacy. Kenneth Wooden's book, Child Lures, was a Godsend in protecting not only children, but adults. The hour or more that it takes for you to study it, could very easily save your life, or the lives of your children. It works, I have seen it first hand. Parents love it, abusers and abductors hate it.



4. This book is written so that parents and their children can interact while reading it. There are portions directed at children and portions directed to adults, with "tips" for each. By breaking the lures into categories it's easier for children to recognize them if they ever encounter one. And the "what would you do if..." scenarios are a good way for kids to discriminate between safe situations and those that might be harmful. Adults will,sadly, recognize some of the real-life predators mentioned throughout the book as they are matched with the type of lure they commonly used. One of the best books I've seen on this topic!

5 comments about Dream Lover.

1. I remember liking Virginia Henley's books, but I don't remember them being so dark. The main character was bent on revenge throughout most of the book and it was a little depressing. I can understand his reasons but it just wasn't fun to watch (read about ) him manipulate a young woman who had nothing to do with his unfortunate circumstances. Thank goodness it was a happy ending, but it wasn't always a fun ride.



2. I've only read this and The Marriage Prize so far and they really don't compare. I enjoyed both... but then I enjoy most any book I end up finishing. I'm easy to please. I was extremely angry with Sean and his being bent on revenge and willing to use Emerald at all costs to gain his revenge and even so I would be hard for me to forgive him for putting his revenge ahead of his love for her. But he does something to prove that he no longer is eaten up by revenge and saves the day all in one.



3. I am a great fan of Virginia Henley. She is such an intriguing writer. Her books have more "depth" than many other historical romance writers. What I mean is that she is a wonderful combination of the "old school" Roberta Gellis type books that my mother used to read (chock-full of history) and the more modern sensual writers. She taps into both of these worlds and provides her readers with full, believable worlds so that you can "feel" the period. Her characters are fully developed - whether you love them or hate them. (Lovable like Emerald in Dream Lover or absolutely a pain in the !@# like Jasmine in the Falcon and the Flower.)One of the things that captures me the most is that she uses astrology to build her characters and I have a wonderful time figuring them out (if she doesn't say it outright).
   
   I won't recap the story that's already been done. In Dream Lover Sean is the ABSOLUTE epitomy of the perfect Scorpio man. So wonderfully giving when they love you and so deviously vicious when they hate you. Every woman has an inner weakness for the natural domination of the witty, jealous, MMMmmm inherently sexy and sexual scorpio man. I think most romance novel heroes are modeled after the scorpio man but they fall short when writers don't touch on all of the aspects of his many-faceted nature. Sean's journey through optimistic youthfulness down into the depths of scorpio vengeance is SO realistically portrayed. The vengeful scorpio man doesn't have to be made to appear dangerous as so many authors attempt to do with their characters. He IS dangerous. And exciting. I found myself clapping over how well Ms Henley intertwined these characters. The love and loss and the holding onto that emotion through the years of suffering alone...This is my favorite Henley.
   
   If you don't like astrology skip this part. Ms. Henley please tell me if I'm right. Joseph is a Sagittarius while Amber is also a Scorpio - the unfortunate 12th house of her lover. She is his destruction while his brother is his "hidden benefit". Johnny is definitely a Cancerian man while Emerald is the most perplexing. She's either a Cancer with strong Leo or a Leo with strong Cancer. Cancerian because she holds on and has a watery emotional softness to her nature but the Leo in her inner strength of character, sunny disposition, pride, and loyalty to Sean. She was "born to indulge". Sorry about that ladies, but I've been pondering this one for a while.
   
   In either case I highly recommend this book. It is sensual, but also has a depth of emotion as the characters truly evolve and work their way through tragedy to find their joy and happiness. They learn how to let go and forgive and I found this a delightful read. My copy is two years old now and really dog-eared.



4. I'm conflicted about this Henley novel. I liked it to a point. The characters are fairly decent atleast, the heroine Emerald isn't spoiled and annoying like most. The hero Sean was a little annoying claiming to be the "Prince of Hell." I found the dialogue a little precious and actually laughed out loud during some parts which were not intended to be humorous. It was slightly dark as well which actually made it more interesting.



5. I am not a stranger to Ms. Henley's work. I've read two books by her before I read this one, so I knew what to expect, and I am glad I was not disappointed. Happy endings are so important to me in my reading. After all, fictional reading is the only place where happy endings exist. Despite all the obstacles the main characters had to endure, and they endured a lot, I was so glad they finally got their "happily ever after". "be careful of what you wish for",well if wishes and dreams end like this one, I say go for it.
   
   

1 comments about The Lost Child.

1. I grew up in the area of Montana whereof this book is written. In fact, I was there at the campsite where Mrs. Jaeger's daughter was taken during the time period covered. I was one of the children that Mrs. Jaeger came to realize were saved by the loss of Her Child at the hands of a man who had murdered several children through the years.

   I read this book cover to cover in a couple of hours. What a tremendous struggle and glorious victory over evil in this world because of this one woman's willingness to not only bear the cross, but to search the scriptures, pray steadfastly for guidance, and be willing to move forward in that process. A wonderful, wonderful book of love, spiritual growth, true Christlike compassion and forgiveness. I'll never forget it!

5 comments about Tuck Everlasting.

1. The first week of August has brought a terrible heat to the little village called Treegap. 10-year-old Winnie Foster dreams of running away from home and into the woods her family owns. When she finally dares to go, Winnie discovers the Tuck family and the secret they've sworn to protect: a hidden fountain that bestows eternal life. She is swept up in the Tucks' lives and must decide if she will help them keep their secret from a stranger who threatens their way of life.
   
   Natalie Babbitt's classic story forces readers to reexamine their own beliefs about life and death. Winnie Foster is forced to make some big decisions and, at times, she thinks and acts like someone older than ten. However, this fluctuation in character voice isn't as disconcerting as it would be in other texts; the story revolves around characters that are older than they appear. Tuck, the father of the family, speaks with a wisdom and sorrow that will stick with readers after they've finished the story. Babbitt uses a great deal of symbolism in Tuck Everlasting and the book can be read on multiple levels.



2. One hot summer day in August, 10-year-old Winnie Foster sits on the front porch and thinks about running away. She goes into the woods, but she finds a boy named Jesse Tuck sitting underneath the biggest tree in the wood. After that, she finds herself on one of the greatest adventures ever. She meets the rest of the Tucks, who have had a twist of fate and ended up permanently immortal. Winnie learns lots of things about the value of life from the Tucks, and I was very satisfied with how the book ended.
   
   Natalie Babbit has a magical way of turning a poetic novel into something that a sixth grader can enjoy again and again. I loved Tuck Everlasing, so maybe I will read some more of Natalie Babbit's work, such as Kneeknock Rise. If you enjoyed Tuck Everlasting as much as I did, maybe you should, too!
   
   ~Brooke G. 6th Grader at PWS Middle School~



3. During the summer since I had to read 2 books for homework, and I thought I'd try it. But even after 8 chapters I still didn't get it! I felt like going to sleep! I'd rather do a million math problem than read THAT!



4. MrLeonard, a reviewer wrote an excellent review of this book. This is a very disturbing book with themes that are utterly unsuitable for children.



5. A magic spring can cause a lot of trouble. When 10-year-old Winnie Foster finds out that the Tucks have everlasting life they have to take her home and convince her that living forever might not be as good as it sounds. When trouble arises, it's Winnie's choice to save the Tuck's, and the spring, from people who care only about themselves. Who would have guessed that a 10-year-old girl would have the choice to change the world...forever?