No comments about Lost Youth.

5 comments about Long March to Freedom: Tom Hargrove's Own Story of His Kidnapping by Colombian Narco-Guerrillas.

1. This book is the diary kept by Thomas Hargrove during his 300+ days in captivity after being kidnapped by Guerrillas in Columbia.

   While I believe that the book contains exactly what was in Dr. Hargrove's diaries, the way it comes together in the book is ingenious. The way the book came together, you can feel emotionally everything Dr. Hargrove goes through. In the beginning, the diary entries seem slightly upbeat as it seems the ordeal will not last long. As you read on, boredom and sickness set in. As the days drag by, there are many highs and moments of hope as well as many lows and letdowns that could crush a person's will to live. This book has it all!

   This book gives the reader a sense of what it is like to be kidnapped and held against your will. As you read, when Dr. Hargrove is happy, the reader is happy. When Dr. Hargrove is bored, the diary entries are boring and the reader gets kind of bored. When crushing blows are dealt to Dr. Hargrove, it makes you feel sick inside.

   The only thing I would have liked to see in the book is a little more detail on the ransom negotiations. It would have been great to read from the point of his wife and children, what happened during negotiations, how it happened, and what they were feeling.

   If you want to read about the story of a captive who was held for 300+ days, this is a tremendous book. However, just as I said before, when days get long in captivity, the diary entries are not that interesting. Even so, it was well worth reading the book from cover to cover.




2. Thomas Hargrove's "Long March to Freedom" was the primary source of inspiration for the blockbuster hit, "Proof of Life," that starred Meg Ryan, Russell Crowe and David Morse. The movie is a spinoff of his book. However, don't expect the book to discuss anything other than his experiences as a hostage. The book is mostly comprised of the journals he kept while kept hostage for the 11 + months.

   I've had the opportunity to view Dr. Hargrove's journals first hand. The writings are almost impossible to comprehend unless you are an ant as he wrote small words and sentences to maximize his limited ability to write. Needless to say, I can't begin to fathom what it must have been like. Yet, his words give me all the imagination I could ever want. It is a sad tale, but a real one that is packed with his very real experiences. His strength, wit and personality saved him.

   As others have stated in other reviews, his journal gives you the feeling that you are right there with him. You can mentally picture where he is with his descriptions. Unfortunately, the movie doesn't focus enough on him as it does with a ficticious love affair, but it does capture some of what I imagine by reading his book.

   Today, he continues to better humanity and we should all be greatful for his humanitarian efforts. Unfortunately, there are those that aren't as greatful as they should be. If you are lucky enough to meet Dr. Hargrove as I have been, you'll be simply amazed by the man and his lifetime of experiences around the world!

   I HIGHLY recommend this read. It is one you'll not soon forget!




3. "Long March to Freedom: Tom Hargrove's Own Story of His Kidnapping by Colombian Narco-Guerrilla," is a harsh account of a long ordeal. Hargrove is a a nice guy. He's in Colombia as an expert agronomist to improve agricultural output. Prior to Colombia, Hargrove worked in Vietnam and the Philippines...hence he knew of the many dangers of working in foreign countries. Moreover, he was well aware of the wave of kidnappings in Colombia but nevertheless chose to continue his work.

   Parts of Hargrove's diary are heartbreaking while other sections are pathetically boring. Consequently, this book lacks the backbone of a true narrative. One is subjected to the day to day ordeal of over 300 days of captivity. If anything, this book is glaring evidence of the brutality of this guerrilla captors. Fortunately, Hargrove does march to freedom and he is able to publish his diary in captivity. I would love to see a follow-up book with Hargrove's inner thoughts and reflections apart from his diary.




4. Given the topic I bought this book with much anticipation. I felt sorely let down. The author and the editor missed an opportunity to make this a truly fascinating account of what happened. Instead, after the opening of the book detailing his background and his capture, until the end detailing Mr Hargrove's release, it was a dull detailed account of not much happening. Nothing was mentioned of what his family were enduring, or of the efforts to secure his release and any negotiations going on behind the scenes. Whilst the approach taken accurately describes and conveys what Mr Hargrove was going through and how he got through each day, it made the book feel like it was lacking the balance of what was going on with his family. What would have made this book far more interesting is if it had also included details of the efforts made on his behalf to release him interspersed with the account of his captivity.



5. The author's year-long kidnap experience in hands of the FARC, Latin America's most prolific kidnap group/army, accurately portrays how one is held and treated by this particular terrorist organization. The movie, Proof of Life, with Russell Crowe and Meg Ryan, is based upon Tom's kidnap but the movie obviously took literary license with the sex and shoot'um up. Tom kept a secret diary and was able to recount with great accuracy the typical daily life of a kidnap victim when taken by the FARC. I consider it a must-read if one wants to understand the psychological challenge of surviving such an event.

1 comments about Don't Take My Child: A Parent's Guide to Keeping Our Kids Safe.

1. I write this review with a heavy heart. My name is Sally Richards and I was the agent on this project. I was a personal friend of the late Don Richard and helped him conceive this book idea. Don Richard and co-author John Brodie worked very hard through this material that you may find difficult to read. But, this book may very well save your child's life. Even though I don't have children, after reading this book I now tell friends (who are parents) about things that they never considered risks before. I'm not talking about being paranoid, I'm talking about protecting your children from preditors who walk among us. It's a fact. 140,000 names were listed in the Department of Justice missing Person's Clearing House, about a third of those were children.

   There are people who find your children a great temptation for their sexual fantasies and murderous thoughts. That's a fact. All you need to do is read the long lists of child predators who have been released into your neighborhoods (you can go to your local police department and demand a list) to know that this is not paranoia. These people cannot be "cured," and often when one is captured for an abduction, they're often repeat offenders. There was something in their past that pointed clearly to the fact that they would become pedophiles, or one day be capable of murder. Arm yourself with this book and the study of cases and predator behaviors and you will be in a better position to identify risks and protect your children.

   The words inside this book may be difficult to read; these pages tell the story of the many years of research Don and John conducted that details the thoughts and actions of men who treat children as objects of sexual pleasure. When I did the first round of editing on this book, I remember thinking how terrified I would be if raising a child in these times. Don and John were very close to their work and, at times, I had to tell them to back away, to be objective, but it was even hard for me to not loathe the people they were writing about. Finally, we came up with a book we thought told the story in a fair and helpful way that educates parents about the patterns and methods of child abductors/molesters.

   Read this book and keep your children safe.

   California Senator Richard Rainey, John Philpin, PhD, Forensic Psychologist, Francis Koopman, Esq., Lieutenant NYPD (retired) and US Senator Dianne Feinstein all endorse this book.

   Proceeds from this book will go to the Amber Foundation for Missing Children

   Sally Richards,
   sally@sallyrichards.com

No comments about A Series of Unfortunate Events #5: The Austere Academy: Or, Kidnapping! (A Series of Unfortunate Events).

5 comments about Alice in Jeopardy.

1. The jeop genre depends on a heroine who has no common sense and insists on proving that at every plot juncture. It's hard to imagine this came from McBain.



2. This book was to be the start of a new series of mysteries by Ed McBain - but, alas, he passed away in 2005 after only completing this volume.
   
   This book studies the crime from the perspective of the victim, Alice Glendenning, who must take charge of her life when her two children are kidnapped and held for ransom. Alice and her sister are well-drawn characters as is her sister's husband, Rafe, a truck driver and ex-convict. The plot is clever and the clues are difficult to spot and the mystery and the ending are very satisfying.
   
   I will miss Ed McBain/Evan Hunter very much.



3. Alice in Jeopardy, by Ed McBain (who recently passed away), is an exciting novel about family, kidnapping, police and the press and what happens when no one really knows what's going on. Alice, recently widowed, comes home from work and finds that her kids are not home. That evening, she hears from a kidnapper: "I have your kids, don't tell the police, or they die."
   
   Alice struggles with what to do, and decides at first to not call the police. However, soon the police, and the FBI become involved in an investigation to get Alice's kids back. McBain tackles the story from many angles, and spends a lot of time developing the character of each. There are quite a few scenes that are meaningless to the plot, but add a lot to the character development. The cast of characters include a well-meaning housekeeper/nanny, an older man who treats Alice like her child, a ditzy blonde involved in an accident that won't leave Alice alone, Rafe, the brother in law of dubious character, the well-intentioned police, and of course, the kidnapper(s).
   
   In Alice's opinion, the investigation is being messed up, and it is true that the police make mistakes, but I'm never really sure they messed anything up. Kidnapping investigations never go as planned. I think the FBI and police did a good job. If anything, McBain illustrated the problems law enforcement has sometimes working together.
   
   The primary problem I had with the book is I never really felt Alice was actually in jeapordy, nor her kids. McBain spends so much time on other characters, you never really get the sense Alice won't get her kids back. Almost no time is spent on the kids. A story line involving the kids and their dilemma would have added to the suspense. Another thing that bothered me is a comment made about Bush and the economy. It's fine for characters show political opinions and many did. But one comment struck me as ignorant: regarding Eddie's job as a stockbroker "...you used to be able to make good money as a stockbroker until Bush got elected and the economy went to heck." That bothers me for several reasons. One, presidents aren't powerful enough to instantly change the economy. Two, the economy has improved vastly since Bush got elected according to the numbers. Three, the 9/11 terrorist attacks are what did all the damage to the economy.
   
   Aside from my politcal disagreements, I really enjoyed this book and am sad that McBain has passed on. I've read several McBain, Hunter books that aren't part of his 87th precinct series and enjoyed them all.
   
   FYI, I can't believe this is only the third review of this book. I'd think more people would have read it.



4. Since the book's first part you'll know who snatched the kids. So that makes the book a little bit boring and disappointing at the end when you read what you already knew. The story has too many characters and stories that doesn't have to be there, for example:
   
   Rafe and his girlfriend.
   Alice's run over.
   The FBI implication.
   And the press implication among others.
   
   In spite of the above points you can read the book and have a fairly good time reading it albeit is not a good thriller



5. Since the book's first part you'll know who snatched the kids. So that makes the book a little bit boring and disappointing at the end when you read what you already knew. The story has too many characters and stories that doesn't have to be there, for example:
   
   Rafe and his girlfriend.
   Alice's run over.
   The FBI implication.
   And the press implication among others.
   
   In spite of the above points you can read the book and have a fairly good time reading it albeit is not a good thriller

5 comments about Somebody'S Baby (Hardcover).

1. The book is a nice combination of the (somewhat unrealistic) mystery involving the 30 year old kidnapping and the more realistic characters and their relationships. As her past becomes revealed, Snow's personality, attitude, problems, etc. become understandable. I like for stories to reflect, as I believe our real lives do, how everything that happens to us affects who we are.



2. A wonderful storyline which, unfortunately, could also be true. You couldn't help but feel Snow's pain at her mother's deathbed confession, leaving Snow feeling that she has no identity at all. As Snow's search for her biological mother comes to a close, the mystery of the woman who raised her for the past 30 years is just starting to take hold. The author had a wonderful story going here until the end, when you are left hanging. I have never liked books that leave open storylines. Even if it is part of a series, or if there is going to be a sequel, each book should be self-contained and with completed storylines. I feel like I was left reading half a book. I do hope the author has plans to do a sequel and put closure to this.



3. I picked this book up at the library. The title caught my eye and also the description of the story's content. The beginning of the book is exciting and rather sad when Snow's mother confesses her crime of kidnapping. I thought the book dragged until Snow meets her real mother and then cried when she decribed how much they looked like each other. I rejoiced with Snow and her biological mother throughout the rest of the book and when I had finished was surprised how much I actually enjoyed the book. Great summer reading!!



4. This is the first book that I have read from this author. I saw this book in a book store and finished it within the same week.

   The story is about a young woman whose mother just had a heart attack and is dying and her last wish is to see her "daughter" before she dies. On her deathbed the mother tells the daughter, Snow that she kidnapped her from a supermarket in New York, 30 years prior. Snow- not believing the mother, until the will is read, realizes that she was a missing child to another mother in
   New York City. Snow goes on a search for her "missing Life" and her biological Mother.

   Great story telling- moved fast and kept you interested throught the whole book. I would recommend this to everyone.




5. In this story, Snow Devane learns a shocking secret from her mother before she dies of a heart attack. Ann Cook tells her that she kidnapped her from a supermarket 30 years before, and that she never was her mother in the first place.
   
   Hardly believing her mother's words, Snow knows she must check it out. The only way to do so is to go through all of her mother's things in the attic, and find out what information she can. As she does so, Snow finds out that things don't add up. So probing into her mom's business affairs, and with the help of her best friend Katie, they find the truth. After that, it takes a search through the police department to find out who Katie's biological mother is.
   
   I enjoyed the book thoroughly, and would recommend it to anyone wanting a different type of mystery. And it really is.

No comments about Petnapped (Animal Inn, No 8).

3 comments about The Golden Compass: Movie Storybook (Golden Compass).

1. a series of children's books about killing God (It is the anti-Narnia) . From what I understand, the hope is to get a lot of kids to see the movie - which won't seem too bad - and then get the parents to buy the books for their kids for Christmas.
   
   Here is additional info
   
   The movie is produced by New Line Cinema. This movie is based on The trilogy: His Dark Materials.
   The series' author, Phillip Pullman is an avowed atheist and supporter of the British Humanist Association and an Honorary Associate of the National Secular Society. the books point to strong anti-religion and anti-God themes. Although literary works are subject to interpretation, Pullman leaves very little doubt about his intentions when he said in a 2003 interview that "My books are about killing God." Conservative British columnist Peter Hitchens labeled Pullman "The Most Dangerous Author in Britain."
   You can find more on the snopes website: http://snopes.com/politics/ religion/compass.asp



2. To "Child Advocate"-I personally would like my child to have an open mind and be able to enjoy the things she likes, not what people tell her to enjoy. Keep your closed minded opinions to youself with the rest of the sheep you are part of.



3. I have not seen the movie but I knit and am geeky enough to make my daughter a Princess Leia buns hat. From the previews, I saw a lot of great knitwear for this film: Lyra's leggings, vest, coat and hat to name a few. This book has great high quality photos from different angles that let you better see the costuming. A great source for re-creating the knit items for yourself or others.

No comments about After the Abduction.

5 comments about His Bonnie Bride.

1. I truly think a person can never go wrong when reading a Hannah Howell book. Her writing is just amazing and she's a talented storyteller.
   
   I first read this book years ago, when I first started reading romance books. At that time it was called AMBER FLAME and it was one of my favorite books by her (one of many!) I don't know why the title was changed when it was reprinted but it's still a wonderful book.
   
   You first meet the heroine, Storm, when she, her brother and cousins were taken hostage by the hero's family when her stepmother decides to go watch the fighting between the English and the Scots. Storm helps patch up a wound that Tavis's father has and with the ransom paid, are able to return home.
   
   Seven years later, Tavis comes upon Storm being attacked by the man her stepmother is trying to force her to marry. She ends up being a hostage again but because her father and brother are away and because she refuses to listen to her stepmother, Storm is actually happy not to return home. While waiting for the ransom to be answered, Tavis gives his word that he won't try to lure Storm to his bed until then. Things change when the reply they get is basically the one Storm knew was coming.
   
   But it's not all smooth sailing for Tavis and Storm. There's an ex-mistress of his who won't go away, the man who wants Storm for her inheritance, the stepmother who wants to force her to marry Hugh, the possibility that she's going to lose those she loves the most and the fact that their families have always been feuding.
   
   One of the things I liked the most was the interaction between the hero and heroine. Sparks flew each time they were together. And the smart-alecky (is that a word? LOL) comments Storm had when she didn't like something just made me laugh.
   
   This is a book not to be missed!
   
   Mad



2. This book was wonderful. Full of passion, desire, and yes pride. Storm was a great character. I loved her honesty and yes, her passion. I like to see a heroine have passion and not be ashamed to admit it or show it. I loved the dialouge between Storm and Tavis, I loved the things he said to her. There was never a dull moment in the book. I read it in one long sitting yesterday. This is a book I happily add to my collection.



3. This was a very good book. I would have given it 5 stars but I thought the ending was dragged on a little to much.



4. Let me start by saying I love Hannah Howell. I'm first in line whenever she releases something in the Highland series. I've read and re-read all of her work. But this book was different.
   
   The story itself is good, a typical Howell romance with enough conflict to keep the reader happy. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most disappointing books I have ever read. Normally Howell's head hopping is smooth, but His Bonnie Bride reads like a "how not to" for romance authors. The shifts between point of view, sometimes within the same paragraph, left me frustrated.
   
   And Howell violated one of my biggest no-no's. The hero calls the heroine a "[..]" Unforgiveable.



5. Childish and formulaic writing troubles this novel, which abounds in cliches that you usually encounter from first-time romance writers. You have the typical heroine who can do almost anything, with her catlike eyes of unusual hue and her ability to wrap absolutely everyone and everything around her, like some kind of tremendously powerful magnet. Friends and enemies alike come to adore her. She comes to the rescue time and again, until you roll your eyes by the time everyone is singing her praises. And only one thing keeps the story going through all of this--the oldest cliche of all: The Hero Who Just Can't Seem To Get The Words "I Love You Too" out. Been there, done that a hundred times before, and sometimes, a heckuva lot better than this effort.