SURVIVING THE SILENCE is an informative book that emphasizes the need to tell of one's pains, sorrows, and experiences to other people who care and can help in the healing process. Through this book, Charlotte Pierce-Baker affirms that no one is an island and that people should tell the truth to those who can help them. Rape is not just presented as a criminal act that hurts only the women, but Pierce-Baker shows that it affects everyone the woman holds dear such as husband, children, parents, and friends. Anyone who is concerned about helping and comforting other people should read this book.

This book has helped me in ways too numerous to count. I have purchased copies for friends and recommended it highly to others. As African-American women we have the dual burden of sexual and racial violation. Our African-American men are suppose to protect us - not rape us! White men and society has been raping us for years and justifying it. Charlotte Pierce-Baker and the other survivors have laid the foundation of healing. From each of the stories I found Strength. I learned that I was not 'going crazy.' I learned that this inner turmoil of racial responsiblity, societial perceptions and the deeply embedded history of rape toward African American Women was not an uncommon pandemonium of thoughts. I listened and felt the pain and suffering. I discovered that the death of my former self 'REALLY DID HAPPEN' and this new Woman I have become must once again discover her strength. My strength. As my 1 year anniversary approaches, I am re-experiencing the symptoms. Yes, I am dealing with this unbearable pain, once again. But the worst part is over, because I survived! Loud and clear. I SURVIVED!

Also recommended: Can I get a Witness, Black Women and Depression; Yesterday, I Cried; Too Blessed to be Stressed; After the Silence;

It is incredibly powerful and intense. The end of each chapter, where Pierce-Baker responds to the survivors draws the stories together in a meaningful way. Also, this is the first book I have ever seen that gives voice to the men who support survivors of sexual violence. I read it in two days, despite work and classes, and I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the effects of sexual violence.

This book is designed for a teacher as part of the "Green Books" American Sign Language series; however, it is a very useful guide to ASL Grammar and Culture for anyone studying American Sign Language seriously (I, myself, am not a teacher, but have a copy of the book).

I was introduced to the book when I first began learning sign language, and it was very confusing to me. I would have benefited, at the time, much better from an ASL dictionary or simpler sign book. My recommendation to those of you who have just begun learning (or would like to learn) ASL would be NOT to buy this book just YET! Start with something less daunting and sophisticated (after all, it is designed for those already familiar with ASL and preparing a class curriculum).

What the book will give you is an excellent explanation of the sociolinguistic nature of American Sign Language--something you typically will not receive from a ASL Dictionary. For example: how sentences are structured, topicilization, rhetorical questions, relative clauses, expression of time, pronominalization, subject and object usage, the use of classifiers, locatives ... to name a few.

All in all, this is a terrifically detailed, well researched, informative and valuable book; yet, not for a beginning student.

Allan was the only one of the Grees who really wanted Cousin Fern to come from England to live with them at Pond Farm in East Texas. But as Aunt Lena said, "A Green is a Green, and Greens stick together." So Fern came. And with her came Juliet, a Champion silver poodle.

Pond Farm was never the same after that. Surprising things began to happen almost at once. A mysterious prowler, some unusual visitors, seven soot colored puppies, an unfortunate illness, the loss of half a valuable painting, a venture into business - all these brought new problems to the Greens.

But in training their dogs, Allan, Fern, Charley and Ann learn more than they taught, about discipline and fun. And after a few big surprises at the New Orleans Dog Show, the children and Aunt Lena found the answers to all their problems. The answers, of course, were supplied by the poodles - Juliet, Ravel, Lady, Ringo, Jujitsu, and the puppies - The Green Poodles who frolic through the pages.

The models for the Green Poodles lived at Poodhall Kennels in Nacogdoches, Texas. Here Charlotte Baker learned firsthand about puppy care, grooming show dogs, showing Champions and Obedience Training. Here also she met Ravel, a shy, kennelbred puppy. He needed the attention of one trainer, so he came to the author's home as a visitor; but as his Obedience Training proceeded, he soon took over both her home and her book. Watching from her desk top, he created a major role for himself. At the end of his course, Ravel achieved a permanent home, a place in literature, and his C.D. (Companion Dog). Miss Baker, on her part, finished the Green Poodles. You will meet Ravel and many of his Poodhall friends in the text and lively illustrations.

In private life, Miss Baker is Mrs. Roger Montgomery. She and her husband lived in East Texas, with Ravel and two cats.

This was an excellent book & I found it a valuable resource tool. She has detailed her banner & dance ministry....there are several full color pages of banners & dance outfits. She also has some wonderful suggestions for keeping your ministry on the right track. I loved this book & would reccomend it highly to those who have a dance ministry or are looking to start one.

Its appears this book is meant for a classroom setting as the book itself indicates there is a "teacher-text" and video involved. Overwhelming and confusing right from the start. Definiately not for someone unfamiliar with signing or someone trying to learn on their own.

This book is a fascinating study of the linguistics of ASL. I have read other reviews that commented about the book's complexity. Yes, it's true, this book is not for someone just starting to study the language. However, in a classroom setting, a student in a more advanced level will find the book quite rewarding to read. Dennis Cokely and Charlotte Baker-Shenk have produced a thoroughly researched set of books. So, to those interested, I say, " Don't shy away from the book's complexity, just be serious about wanting to learn it!" Not for those just wanting to learn 'hi, how are you'!

This book provides and excellent insight into Deaf culture and the proud rich history that created its present structure.