For several months I had been searching the shelves in bookstores for a publication that would even mildly address (and attempt to explain) the romantic feelings that I have towards my shrink. I never expected to find any books on that exact subject because I figured only a fool could fall "madly in love" with someone who never discloses anything about himself. You would think that the therapist would fall for the patient since he gets to know your heart and eventually expose your soul. I felt guilty and dirty for feeling inexplicably attracted to him. Then I came across "In Session" and realised that in no way shape or form am I alone. I couldn't put this book down. Not only was it a fascinating read, it was extremely therapeutic.I recommend this book to any woman who is feeling unusually compelled - to the point of distraction- by the patient/therapist relationship. How I'd love a sequel from the therapists' point of view.

This is without a doubt the most incredible book I have ever read on any aspect of psychotherapy, transference and the therapeutic relationship. Thanks to Deborah Lott's book, I will never be the same. I am both a client and a soon to be graduate student in psychology. This book was lifechanging. It showed me the way to achieve the deepest therapeutic relationship with my therapist possible and in doing so, the deepest healing is occuring. I always believed I had a open honest relationship with my therapist and this is true; however, this book allowed me to see that there were some things I was not saying and feelings I was not expressing, that I needed to. Some that both shocked and scared me. I did not realize this because I had driven these feeling and thoughts underground (particularly ones involving erotic transference, since both my therapist and I are female and heterosexual). These feeling became 'secrets' in my therapy, that prevented progression to even more deeper levels of the therapeutic process. Ms Lott's book opened my eyes to what was going on, helped me understand I was not alone, that these feeling were common and normal and inspired me (despite great anxiety and fear) to confess these feeling to my therapist; to say everything I had been holding back and by doing so experiencing tremendous relief. I have had a very close, deep therapeutic relationship with my therapist for almost 4 years, that just became closer and deeper than I ever imagine. I never knew the fear and anxiety that holding this 'secret' had created. This book and my therapist's reaction of total acceptance and understanding released me from an emotional prison. I was freed to experience trust, freedom and happiness I had not known before. All therapist, clients, prospective clients and student of the disciplin should put this one at the top of their reading list. Ms. Lott's contribution to the field, and to clients as well as to therapists is remarkable considering that she is not a therapist; something one would never know had she not said so in her book. I look forward with great anticipation to her next book.

If I could give this book a 10-star rating, I would -- without any hesitation! The relationship developed between women and their therapists is so unique, powerful and virtually universal among women in therapy; ironically, it's rarely given public attention or focus, even in the therapeutic session itself. Lott (the author)is not a therapist, nor does she attempt to portray herself as one; rather, she is a journalist/author/woman who knows how to ask thought provoking questions that make for extremely interesting reading. This book is easy to read (I couldn't put it down!) and easy to identify with (there are real-life stories throughout). If you are a client and are uncertain how to talk about this important relationship with your therapist, this book can become a great vehicle for opening a deeper level of communication and understanding between the two of you. If you are a therapist, it's a great book to recommend to your clients, too. It's a continually thought-provoking book, almost guaranteed that any client and/or therapist who reads it will strongly identify with it.

Better than the first in the trilogy, I read this book in two sittings. This book focuses on both Ampris and the Sri-Kaa, but I found myself growing bored with the scenes of palace intrigue which interrupt the more-compelling Ampris story line. The Viis empire starts to fall apart towards the end of this end of this novel, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion in the third book. My only other complaints are that the rescue scene at the end of the book felt rather contrived, and that too many scenes are left without detail, where depictions of gore and trauma would have made for a more vivid picture, at the risk of making the book unsuitable for younger readers.

I loved it! This is a great book and it lives up well to the first of them 'The Golden One' This one also ends leaving you hanging. But I truely believe Debi's next will be just as great. Debi ( I hope you don't mind me calling you that) I have one question for you if you ever read this please answer. Will there be anymore, now ofcourse there will be the end of this, but what about AFTER that, will we here more about Ampris? I think that after this you sould do more books about Ampris and Co. Because I read many fantasy books and this is one of the few that really reach my high standers. Thank you.

Deborah Chester's "Crimson Claw" is a sci-fi novel with a definite historical feel to it. While the story was about the conflict between the slave races and the master race,set on a different planet in a different time, I always got the feeling I was reading about the Gladiators of the Roman Empire. This is not a negative criticism, just that the story had a very real flavor to it.

Additionally just about all her characters seem very real and that is disturbing. I found it very difficult to hate most of her bad/evil character because she gave them so much dept. And it made a lot of their motivations very understandable. Chester has a knack for getting into all her characters heads and while the story is about Ampris, it could have also been about Elrabin, Israi, or the Kaa.

Surprisingly however, two minor characters who play a big part in the book get the short shrift. Halehl, her trainer we really know nothing about. And an early antagonist Sheri, her early bunk

mate, who I kept expecting to see in the ring.

One thing that bothered me was that Ampris's team "The Blues" were supposed to be the reigning arena champions, but they cheated big time in a number of ways. Chester gave little attention to the possibility that they could or would ever get caught. At one point in the book Halehl threatens to sell Ampris, but the thought that Ampris might reveal their cheating techniques never comes up.

Another thing that is not clear is why is the Viis empire crumbling. Sure they are not fixing things, the economy is collapsing and they are a ruthless race. But why? Their motivations for allowing all this to happen boggles my mind. Perhaps it will be more explained in the last book.

Minor quibbles' thou. The book is a very quick read and completely engrossing. And after you are finished you will want more. A book kinda sorta similar to this book is McCaffrey's "Freedom Landing" trilogy. However while that book purports to be about runaway earth slaves from a master alien race, it is really a book about colonization.

lewis@qnet.com

I picked up this book just to peruse it. However, after standing in the bookstore for over an hour, completely riveted, I purchased and finished it in two days. Although I was skeptical at first that another telling of the Jonestown tale could be of interest, I found it surprisingly entertaining, enlightening, and poignant. Like many others, I believed that the people in Jonestown must have been fools or worse. Layton's honest and eloquent account of her years under the influence of this brilliant deceiver, however, show how any one of us could have been seduced. I am thankful to Ms. Layton for having the courage to write this painfully revealing story. As a father, I feel wiser and will make certain that I teach my children to think for themselves.

Deborah Layton's book is a painfully honest story written by a woman whose youthful search for meaning brought her under the spell of a seductive preacher. It is not just a book about Jonestown; it is a book about a soul in search of something beyond herself, her journey into hell, and her eventual escape and redemption. Ms. Layton bares all to the reader in a way that makes one almost blush at what you are shown. That style makes it difficult to put this book down. You can sense, and often smile at, her youthful feistiness and willfulness; she was among the kids who counted the money and had a lot of fun doing it at Jones' rallies. Yet, you suffer with her inability to speak up, to be other than subservient when 'Father' Jones subjected her to indignities in the back of a bus: you wonder about the disconnect between her fine mind and the awful reality she had bought into. Almost palpable is the troubled relationship between the adolescent girl and her parents, early on; and later the intense love and finally the regret that came with knowing that her own mother, who also fell under the sway of Jones, was left behind in danger. In the end, you fret and worry when, at last, she decides to escape and you turn each page, captivated by the suspenseful retelling, hoping against hope that she makes it! Of course, it's no secret that she makes it; but the book suspends reality and leaves you praying for what you know already happened! That's good writing.

Seductive Poison is an important book for at least two reasons. First, it teaches us that truly decent people seeking to find an outlet for their altruism and meaning for their lives are susceptible to the self-aggrandizing - a lesson that all should learn, early on. Secondly, it teaches us not to set aside our reason and common sense, even in the search for and in the name of faith. This abdication of reason, and the ease with which we set it aside, is potentially our most fatal flaw.

Seductive Poison is a book I assumed would have no affect on me. The whole Jonestown thing was a historical event that, to me, showed how some people will swallow any big fish story. HOWEVER, I have found Deborah's memoir to be enlightening and, even more than that, a story so intense and honest I was ashamed of my initial reaction. I was able to identify with many of her youthful feelings of loss, lonliness and sorrow. Through her wonderful story telling voice I was taken into the 1970's with all the unrest. When college-aged boys and parents alike were terrified of the ravages of the Vietnam war. When everyone was searching for meaning in a seemingly unbuoyed time. And suddenly, Jim Jones was cleverly present with answers. It is what garnered him so many youthful followers. If anyone wants to understand the era of the 60's and 70's Seductive Poison will do that and much, much more. One of the most impressive non-fiction books I've enjoyed in a long time.

Blue Willow is the first book I read from Deborah Smith. I saw it first here at ..., i was convinced by it's book review that only recently bought it from a book sale shop. Unfortunately, I cant' find it in any of our leading (national)bookstore. Blue Willow is a great book, I love it! I fell in love with Lily and especially with Artemas. It made me laugh and cry! It's hard to put it down. This book will be worth keeping, reading all over again and again, and I'll definitely recommend it to friends. As Blue Willow was my first, it's definitely not my last.

"Blue Willow" is an outstanding book! I've read it three times and am working on a fourth. I always find new things. I'm sure no matter how many times I read it I'll love it. The details continue to make me laugh and cry. I love falling in love with the characters all over again. It's a great book, worth reading.

Without a doubt Deborah Smith is my favorite author. I first discovered her when I read 'A Place to Call Home'. I was thrilled when she followed it up with 'When Venus Fell'. Since then I have picked up her earlier books. Therefore you might find it ironic that I purchased 'Blue Willow' last year but just this past week read this wonderful book. No one develops characters better than Smith. You will find yourself doing those necessary jobs with the book tucked under your arm just in case you get a few minutes to read more. So why did I put off reading this book? The reason is the same as ordering other desserts between the times you indulge in your absolute favorite one. Her writing is so incredibly rich and emotional that I need to wind down with lighter romance books before I pick up another of her novels. I worry that she could truly spoil my tastes for other authors.

I absolutely loved this book! Being an incurable romantic this story made me smile a lot, laugh quite often and even cry. This is a love story with real life people and problems and adjustments. It is the story of Will Parker, an ex-con who had a difficult life growing up. He was abandoned by his mother, spent many years going from foster home to foster home when he finally ran away at the age of 14 to become a loner drifting here and there doing what he needed to survive. He comes to a small town in Georgia to try to start over when his past comes back to haunt him. He answers an ad "for a husband" trying to find some way to start over. The woman who placed the ad is Elly Dinsmore - a woman the town believes is crazy, she is simply trying to keep her farm and raise her 2 sons with a baby on the way after her husband dies. At the beginning their relationship is strictly practical, Will is able to do the heavy work on the farm while Elly provides him with meals and a place to sleep - the barn. They soon begin to like each other as they go along their ways and realize how special each are as people as to each other. I really liked this book because they are real people, each with a past that keeps coming up to hinder their progress and taint their futures. They get to know each other and realize how special the other is and how much the other can do to fill a void in their lives. The book also doesn't end with them falling in love but continues to show how they grow together to love each other, to overcome the continuous obtacles in life that seem to want to keep them apart. It is definitely a love story but also a story about second chances and how important it is to give people a chance, not to believe what is said or to judge simply on their past but to judge a person by themselves and what they are today. A wonderful book, you won't be sorry you've read it.

I truly loved this book! I wish I could have given it more than 5 stars that it deserves, this story made me smile, laugh and even cry. Will Parker, an ex-con who had a difficult life growing up, his past comes to haunt him. Elly's husbands dies leaving her with two boys and another on the way, The town thinks of her as crazy Elly but Will thinks of her has a beautiful person that he wants to get to know, I love these two characters. You will fall in love with Will, reading this book leaves you feeling good. I wish that LaVyrle Spencer would come out from hiding and start writing again. Her words are missed so much.
Happy Reading Lisa : ) Smile

I was about 15 when I read Morning Glory for the first time. Since then I have read it about 6 more times. It is the first book I read by Lavyrle Spencer. The characters in the book really captured my heart. It was like I was a part of the book as well. The story of the ex con coming to town and finding Ellie's ad, then they hit it off so well was great. I am a sucker for romance novels, and this one is one of my favorites.

Deborah Davis has combined startling facts & bereaved parents feelings exceptionally well. As the Mother of a stillborn son 9/11/97, I find this book to be the best I've found to date (and I've read at least 20!) Ironically, the author indicates in her book that she is not a bereaved parent ... usually books written by non-bereaved parents are "just facts" and tend to be rather cold. Deborah, however, excells in describing the intense emotions we as bereaved parents feel after the loss of a child and has included excerpts from bereaved parents which offer comfort and hope, helping the "we're not so all alone" feeling of our grief. Thank you, Deborah.

Deborah Davis did something for me that I needed...she validated my feelings about the entire ordeal my husband and I have gone through. We made the agonizing decision to induce labor to end the pregnancy after our baby was diagnosed with a terminal birth defect. I have been feeling guilt, anger, jealousy, despair, and fear about the future. Deborah Davis touches on all these issues in this book. Interjected throughout are personal testimonies from other parents who have gone through a loss, so it helps to know others have experienced the same feelings. The author also validates the fact that a loss is a loss, no matter if the baby died before birth or after. This is SO important for the reader to be told, I know it was for me.

Nothing will bring back my baby, but this book has helped me throughout my grieving and healing process. I was hesitant about which book(s) to read, but now I know that I won't need to read anything else.

Empty Cradle, Broken Heart is an excellent resource for bereaved parents. Debra Davis takes parents step by step through the grieving process and helps them to realize that they are not alone in their pain. Reading Empty Cradle, Broken Heart helped me to recognize that my feelings were not strange and that it is okay to grieve for my daughter in my own way and in my own time. Chapters include: grieving and emotional recovery, painful feelings, affirming your baby, you and your partner, your family, and support networks. Debra encourages parents to realize that they did the best that they could for their baby. When you feel that no one understands the pain you are going through, read this book, it helps.

It's easy to see how I am going to be bringing this book with me to every appointment with a new hairdresser. Most stylists just do not get trained on how to cut and care for curly hair without forcing the hair to imitate straight hair. Having fought with my hair in my youth and wanting to make peace with my curls, I share a variety of the hair stories collected in this book, primarily the one where we all wish we could get along with our curly hair.

The tips and info Lorraine Massey has collected in CURLY GIRL are very wide ranging, and will work for professionals as well as the hair owner. She identifies many variations to curly hair and the differences between the types of curl. Her cutting pointers are really spot on, and tips for controlling frizz are practical and really work.

I'm really looking forward to seeing what my hair becomes after reading this book. I've experiemented with non-commercial skin care techniques before, and her theory that detergents can safely be dropped from the curly hair care routine permanently is an intriguing one. Botticelli curls, here I come....

Of course, I don't fall perfectly into one of the three curly types she identifies. I'm somewhere in between Botticelli and wavy. I tried the "shampoo with conditioner" thing, figuring why not, it won't cost me anything. It took me one day to realize it is NOT for me. I wash my hair every day (with shampoo). I have to - my hair gets limp and feels dirty if I don't. The "washing with conditioner" experiment made my hair feel and look lifeless, frizzy, and just plain bad. I know you're supposed to give it time, but there was no way I could stand another day with such horrible-looking and grimy-feeling hair.

That being said, I decided to try the wavy hair routine, which allows the use of a gentle shampoo on the scalp. This seems to be working rather well for me. My hair and scalp feel clean, and my hair is beginning to have more bounce and better curl separation.

There are several recipes in the book, which use readily available ingredients. (So far I've only made the Lavender Mist, which I love). I also like the fact that she provides you with a list of ingredients to look for in a shampoo, conditioner, and styling gel, rather than merely naming certain brands/lines.

Overall this book is a good resource, filled with (mostly) helpful tips. I also enjoyed the "confessions" of fellow curly-haired gals. After reading this, I have a much greater appreciation for my curls and a better understanding of how to care for them.

As anyone with naturally curly hair can tell you, managing your hair can be a trial. I have in the past undergone chemical straightening, sleeping on huge rollers, blow-drying with boar-bristled brushes, tight braiding and ponytails, product overkill and finally, a resignation to my unruly locks. The trouble is, the majority of hairstylists don't truly understand the nature of curly hair and rarely can give very good advice on products, care and treatment. Curly hair is too often treated as simply uncooperative (or defective) straight hair, which it isn't. This book helps fill the void. Although I felt I was getting "close" to figuring out the best regimen for my hair, this book clued me in to the best way to care for my hair and scalp. Although I was skeptical about giving up shampoo or even leave-in conditioners, after three months of shunning shampoo, brushes and towel turbans, my hair looks better than it ever has in my life, and is easier to maintain now that I'm not fighting my hair's natural inclinations. I should also mention that my hair is not evenly curly, but that I have three different textures/ levels of curl covering my head. My hair looks much more "unified" now.

The author doesn't name any specific products but gives the reader guidance in choosing the best conditioners and gels for their hair, as well as a whole section on homemade hair treatments for eliminating buildup, deep conditioning and perking up tired locks.

If you have naturally curly or kinky hair and are sick of abusing your hair with heat and chemicals, or have become a hair product junkie in search of that "magic elixir", or are just ready to let go and go natural, give this book a try and see how much easier caring for your "goddess hair" can be!

... What it lacks in reading material it more than makes up for in photographs. The detail shown makes you appreciate even more, if it were possible, the skill that went into the model making. I spent many happy hours admiring the finite details that this book highlights brilliantly. Also the opportunity to see prototype models as well is more than welcome, giving an insight to the creative process. Overall, I would say that this is an essential purchase for SW fans. But, until we get a book that combines both in depth narrative AND crisp photographs then the ultimate Star Wars book is still waiting to be written.Oh, and it's size and weight makes it murder to read in bed!!

What can I say -- this one's reeeeeeeally cool. Packed with tons of rare photos that I've never seen, chock full of excellent reference material on vehicles and costumes. A bit light on real meaty info, although I did find out a few things that -- gasp! -- I didn't know before (which is saying quite a bit since I'm kind of a sponge for useless Star Wars info...my friends refuse to play SW Trivial Pursuit with me anymore ^_^). The book's real strength is the behind-the-scenes shots: for example, there are five pages dedicated to the building of the prototype Star Destroyers *alone*, and seven pages packed with tons of photos of the development of Boba Fett and his costume. And if the contents of the book alone aren't worth the hefty price tag (which they are), the book itself as an artifact definitely is. Beautifully huge and heavy, very high-quality paper, well-made, excellent construction and layout, complete with a nice sturdy slipcase which is equally well-designed with a large flap that opens and closes with a metal clasp. If you wanna take the plunge on just about the ultimate pre-Special Edition Star Wars tome, I definitely recommend this one to my fellow hardcore SW fans.

This excellent work has two versions: the Japanese version is published by Take Shobo Publishing Inc. at 1995, retail price is 20,000 yen, roughly equal to US $150. This version has a serious number printed on the last page, so the amount of copies should be limited. Another is English reprint version, which is out of stock for a while, but it should not out of print (I hope so). The most important feature causes the Star Wars fans "must have" is that there are more than 2000 pohtos in this book (including hundreds never published before) and the quality is very nice (Japanses version is much better than the English one). Otherwise, the content of both versions is identical. Since this book is photos-oriented, I suggest the Star Wars Collectors looking for the Japanese Version at first (but it is hard to find now), the English one is second option.

This book is great! So far, my favorite in my child's collection. The rhymes are fun to read and the illustrations by Steven Kellogg are amazingly cute. I plan on buying more books by the same artist.

My daughter loves this book, and so does every kid who visits our house! I read it over and over, with it's rhyming text and wonderful illustrations, I still enjoy it even after all the readings.

Is your mama a llama I asked my friend...? This phrase is repeated through out the book giving the intended audience of a pre-schooler the chance to assist in "reading" the book.
The sing-song verse clues the listener and reader to what each species Lloyd's friends are.

I have read this book to my pre-k to 1st grade classes and all have loved to join in the reading AND have requested to read it again and again!

This is a great book for the emergant reader.

"I'll try and do anything and be anything you want if only you'll keep me." This is how "Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery begins.
Anne Shirley is a twelve-year-old girl who is brought to Green Gables only to find they were expecting a boy. The Cuthberts however, are one over by this queer, imaginative girl with bright, red hair and decide to allow her to stay.
Green Gables is a lovely, little farm just outside of a small town on Prince Edward Island called Avonlea. It is surrounded by fields and forests, which hold many surprises for adventurous Anne.
Throughout this book Anne's fierce temper and wild imagination often get the better of her, but she usually manages to squeeze out of these scrapes.
Anne's melodramatic nature and fiery temper keeps you interested as you read this marvelous book.
Montgomery's humorous writing style gives life to the characters so that you feel like you are meeting them in person.
I think that this was a wonderful book filled with humor, drama and tears. I would recommend this book to anyone that has ever had a dream and loves a good book.

If you were an orphan and all your life you continued to move from house because no one wanted to keep you,then finally,all of a sudden you find someone who actually likes you and wants you. That's exactly what L.M. Montgomery's novel Anne of Grenn Gables is about.

Anne Shirely is a smart talkative,very imaginative little girl who lived all over until one day the Cuthberts of Avonlea,Canada adopted her. Deciding to kepp her didn't come easily. They finnally did decide and she was so happy about it. During her stay she got into lots of trouble. Anne then has something that happens that is very nice but sad. In order to find out whatg happened,you will have to read the book.

I liked Anne of Green Gable because the character was very smart and had a big imagination. I also liked it because the plot was excellent. I recommend the book to anyone who is into reading stories with lots of plots and if so you will sure love this book!

Anne of Green Gables is one of my all-time favorite books. Anne is a person almost everyone can relate to in some way or another. Anne is launched into the "depths of despair" as soon as she finds out the horrible truth that the Mathew and Marilla really sent for a boy from the orphanage. Her fiery temper gets the better of her at some of the worst possible times. Such as when she vows that she will never forgive Gilbert Blythe for calling her carrots, as if smashing a slate over his head is not enough. This is a wonderful book that L. M. Montgomery has really shown her skill as a writer and novelist in. I have read the entire Anne of Green Gables Series and am also, like another reader, saving them all for my daughter some day. If you want a book that you can thoroughly enjoy, this is the one, although I have one warning that you may have a hard time putting it down.