this book is truly the best book, like another reviewer said, you cant even describe how great it is. i am planning to go on a road trip across nz after reading this book, it is my favourite story ever and it is wonderfully written.. you will fall for asher and want to befriend rosie and pip. i have read this book so many times over so it is not just a story you read once. if you read one book in your life make guitar highway rose the one.

This book is absolutely incredible, my favourite book ever. I'm not a big reader, but picked it up one afternoon and refused to put it down. This book shows freedom and acting on impulse and I guess that's why I loved it, out of a stressed life running away and being free, bohemian and hippy-like.

i have only read this book in german, because thats where i come from, and its one of the greatest books i ever had. The story is simple, but how its wrote and the persons are so nice and beautiful described. no, thats not what i wanted to say. the truth: you cant describe this book. you can fall in love with asher, you can wish you were rosie, but you cant describe that book. do you know what i mean???

Here is an excerpt from a journal entry written while reading this book:

"This is the most difficult book I have ever read. Jennie Nash is a wonderful writer, and she says beautiful things. It is SO powerful though - so vivid - that I can't take it. I cry page after page. I just lay it down a few minutes ago, b/c I literally could not read the words through my tears. I have always had trouble reading about blood, sickness, wounds, disease ... you name it (no, I don't think I will ever be a doctor. You think?), so I am queasy as I read her description of the gaping wound in her abdomen and throwing up while literally holding her stomach in."

Any book that can make me feel that much deserves 11 hundred stars, not 5.

I bought and read this book after my mothers diagnosis with breast cancer,and I have to say this is one of the most realistically heart-wrenching books I have ever read. Any time I ever heard anything about breast cancer,I never paid attention, but little did I know the impact it would have on my (and especially my mother's) life. Breast cancer is one of the most physically,and emotionally draining things you can go through.As my mother's sole caretaker I didn't know what to do to help her.I bought this book as my mother was going through one of her most difficult times,and this helped brighten her spirit. It also gave me tips on what to do to help my mother out and make things more comfortable for her. Even though I am still very young,this helped me realize breast cancer is an epidemic,and you never know when or how badly this will affect you. I liked this book so much I bought two copies,in order to give one to my mom's friend who had also suffered this monster known as cancer. I RECOMMEND THIS TO ANYONE TOUCHED BY THIS DISEASE, IN ANY WAY, SHAPE,OR FORM.

As a young, 31 year-old, breast cancer survivor, this book touched more emotions pertaining to my life, outlook and feelings than the hundreds of other books I have read on breast cancer. It focuses on the lives of young breast cancer survivors, all our options for chemo, radiation, breast reconstruction. Jennie explores our relationships and the meaning of our lives. Breast cancer makes you take a step back and re-examine your life and what you want it to mean. Breast cancer makes you re-examine your relationships with spouses, children, parents, siblings, etc. Jennie fully examines these ideas in this book. This is a delightful book for young breast cancer survivors, but Kleenexes are a must for this 2 hour read!

This is one of those books that will come to you when you are ready. It is a book about our birth right to be in touch with our true self. To be able to look to no other for anwsers that have always been there. To be able to have and more correctly to allow ourselves to have every desire. It is a book to help you see that you have always had your higher self/God within not more than a breath away. The book is just the start of endless information that will set you free. Free from your inner torments of critism, to know that you are the pure spirit that you came into this world. I would recommend this book for those who are tired of depending on others to for answers and peace of mind. I have spoken to Marsia Nelson (a session), she is warm and wonderful. She is very efficient and gets to the heart of the matter. She is therapy at warp-speed at a level of safety.

Martia Nelson is a gifted writer unmatched by most. In her riveting book, Coming Home - a return to true self, she captures vividly the purpose of our being on this planet and how to best use the time that we have here. Martia is truly a spiritual teacher in the purest sense of the word. Many cheers for this wonderful work! Ten stars! Rodney Groves, author Journey to Enlightenment, Jacaranda Press, Nov 1998.

Reading this book has helped me to change my perspective which I have been trying to do for some time. I immediately could relate to and understand the truth in Martia's words and am greatful to her for sharing her knowledge with the rest of the world. Thank you so much.

...Which I know sounds like hyperbole, but I've yet to read such a detailed world fleshed out with such elegance and ease. The writing is never intrusive--unforgettable characters like Lady Thondi and Brota make great entrances and are given thorough descriptions, but it never feels like the author is just stretching his characterisation muscles. This book seethes with tension and explodes periodically into some great action sequences, but it's perhaps most satisfying as love stories intertwined. No spoilers, but the scene where Jja washes Wallie after his humiliation, or Katanji with Diwa, or Nnanji wooing Thana--these thrill me every time I read them.

You're missing out (especially if you write fantasy) if you judge this series by its cover art. ;)

This three book series is fantastic! A must read! A great love story to boot!

The Seventh Sword is a great series. I couldn't put the books down. Wally Smith dies on earth and wakes to find himself in the body of a master swordsman, living another man's life in another world. Suffice it to say, his 20th century values don't quite match those of the man's body he is inhabiting, which makes for some interesting turns as he runs into people who recognize him...

I was intrigued by the title of Karen Mueller Bryson's book, and who wouldn't be? The English speaking world has been mightily affected by the metaphor of Oz. "Hey Dorothy You're Not in Kansas Anymore" does not disappoint.

A young woman loses her father in a freak accident. She is one of a family with enough peccadilloes among them to keep any reader fascinated. She decides she will sleep her pain away, her mother decides she will run away with a cult, and brother decides to bury himself in his achievements and try to ignore the whole mess. The pain in this family is palpable but so is their zest for living. Those who loved "Bridget Jones's Diary" may like this book even better. It has the snap of the new genre called chick lit to which "Diary" is a prominent member; like "Diary" it explores the pain that twenty-somethings often experience in a society that isn't keen on letting them grow up.

What makes this novel better is that Our Dear Dorothy is just more likeable than Bridget. She is not quite so needy, quite so miserable, is just less of a cookie-cutter character all around.

What makes this novel move along so quickly is the authors background as a playwright. The dialogue is quick and convincing. The grounding is much like a theater production. The settings are sufficiently presented but do not dominate.

Mostly the humor is so natural. I laughed out loud three times in the first two chapters and chuckled even more often. All in all, it's a good lesson that the absurd may be found in the most agonizing of situations and that it works ever so well as a healer.

(Carolyn Howard-Johnson is the author of "Harkening: A Collection of Stories Remembered.")

HEY DOROTHY, YOU'RE NOT IN KANSAS ANYMORE
By Karen Mueller-Bryson

This book is a humorous account of grieving (or lack of) by one family as told by the daughter Dorothy. Unable to grieve over her father's recent death, Dorothy tells the story about her life with her brother (Jude) and her mother (Mrs. Robinson), and how they all cope with the father's death in their own different ways. It is a 'tongue in cheek' satire mixed in with shades of the movie classic Wizard of Oz.

In the adventures of Hey Dorothy, You're Not In Kansas Anymore, you can't help yourself laugh at the humorous overtones as the family disposes of their father's remains; and, how the mother tries to destroy a well-known coffee shop (called Buckstars) that she thinks is evil and trying to take over the world.

Karen Mueller Bryson has written a delightful story. If you want to read a refreshing, light comedy, you will want to add this book to your personal library.

Reviewed by Bobby Ruble

A magical delight of a book. Funny and satirical. Impressive for a first novel. Filled with memorable characters like Mervyn O'Roy and Dorothy's mother, Mrs. Robinson. Dorothy's misadventures tickle the funny bone as well as answer that age old question: What happens to Dorothy when she grows up? This satirical look at the modern adventures of a grown up Dorothy, give us hope that life can be a romantic romp for those who are willing to suspend their disbelief. She calls herself ordinary. But Dorothy Gale Robinson proves she is anything but ordinary in this tour de force. Her caring and concern shines through her modern sense of cynicism with laughable consequences. A satirical look at the Wizard of Oz, gives us the joy of following this Dorothy on her equally riotous adventures. Settle down in a comfy chair, pick up this book and read to your heart's content.

I bought this book about a month ago and followed everything the book said.It will take awhile but I believe I will be prepared for Y2K.I took all of my husbands money to buy a power generator.I have been burying food in the backyard.I bought 30 sf freezer and have filled it with Bird Pies.I plan on going out and buying 6 months supply of drinking water next week.I know we are facing armaggedon but with the help of this great book,I think we will be one of the few survivors.

Whether or not the Y2K Millenium Bug turns out to be a frightening fact or fabulous fizzle, emergency preparedness is a topic that everyone should investigate -- especially families with children at home. You never know when sudden financial down turns could make food purchasing difficult, or a severe winter storm could keep your family confined to home for an extended period of time, or even an earthquake could cause the need for emergency essentials on hand. While I'm not sure what I personally feel about the outcome of the Y2K computer problem, I do see the common sense idea of family preparedness to be a good approach for anyone to seriously consider. Having a well-stocked rotating pantry that's replenished from items purchased in bulk and on sale is also a great way to save money on your family's regular expenses (Y2K or not!). I appreciated the author's detailed list of suggestions for items to store ahead (whether you're planning a storage system to last for one week, six months, or a full year+).

Thank you, thank you for a "woman's perspective on Y2K. It was such an encouragement to learn that there are lots of other women who are frustrated by their husband's cavalier attitude at what could be a significant problem. Fortunately, my husband has started reading it and says that "maybe she has a point . . ." He really is taking it serious now since "60 Minutes" said it could be bad. The recent segment they ran solidified what Karen and other Y2K writers have been saying about this impending crisis.

Thank you for a well-written and helpful resource.

I would recommend this book to anyone (especially members of the gay, lesbian,bisexual and transgender community) looking to find a deeper spiritual path. I especially enjoyed the well-written accounts of queer archtypes in various spiritual traditions.

I have always considered myself spiritual, but my sexual orientation conflicted with my religious upbringing. And although I had heard of homosexual shaman in the American Indian culture, I never saw myself as having a sacred calling or history until I read this book. The book or some of its content needs communicated to all people. Almost everyone in the GLBT community should be able to see themselves in at least one of the ten sacred archetypes described. The book had a profound impact on me and I hope it will for you too.

Christian has managed to make me believe and understand what I somehow knew but had either forgotten or could not fully express even to myself.

The book would better be titled "The First world squeeze", because if we go by the parameters of this book, what we find is a purely First world crisis.This crisis infact looks like a boon for the labour-cheap thirdworld or developing countries. But, combined with the on going hi-tech revolution, it could mean a elite class in the third world also. This is the sort of reality we find, as we observe the yawninig gap in the developing countries also, between its rich and poor. So, it looks like that the world's poor are being pitted agianst the rich and privileged few of the world more and more as the Globalization advances. Going by the present trend in polarisation of the classess world wide it looks-the day is not far off when the working class of the world would rise in unison, to deliver a death blow to the global capitalist system- as predicted by Karl Marx 150 years back.

I read Global Squeeze when it first came out. It's much more realistic than any others I've read since. (Future Perfect, Maestro, Independently Wealthy) I can see no hope for our middle class due to the job exports in all occupational categories. For the latest real world view read Business Week, Feb. 3, 2003, "The Global Job Shift."

We are in real trouble.

This is a very effective piece of economic reporting and must be one of the most acute pictures of 'capital in the raw' that I have read, a desmerizing tonic to the endless litany of neoliberal triumphalism. Neither Marxist, nor doctrinaire, it unwittingly scores a bullseye of indirect marxist analysis of the one-and-the-same process that is the invariant of the capitalist system. This isn't even a radical statement. Slogans one way or the other are stopped in their tracks by facts here, and facts that induce momentary helpless shock, quite short of firebrand indignation. We don't live in a global democratic system. Therefore we don't live in a democratic system. Capital has beaten the pants off sentimentalism here. Democracy so-called is a good front, but otherwise an inconvenience to the predators described herein. The author produces one horrendous
statistic about forty thousand people controlling 81 trillion in assets. Capital.
Not much more needs to be said.
Your move, unless you are powerless, a democratic nobody. Checkmate?

For anyone who's every been different, ever been mistreated, and ever wanted to run away (I know I have), this is the book for you. While Lucy does get to indulge in her every dream, we get to see, by the end, the consequences she has to pay for her actions. Realistically written, Lucy the Giant is filled with flawed characters and authentic dialogue. The already engrossing story is made even better by the setting of the Pacific Northwest - Sheri Smith paints a picture of a stark, but beautiful Alaska and the danger and excitement of the sea just as well as she evokes the emotions and actions of her characters. Wonderful story, guaranteed to tug at the heartstrings.

Lucy is a real page turner! I couldn't put the book down once I started reading. The heroine is a strong and believable character. She has had to grow strong due to living with an inattentive, alcoholic father and no mother. She is ackwardly taller than the other students in school. Her life takes another tragic turn which leads her on a great adventure away from home, where she must live and act as an adult. I think teen-aged readers, both girls and boys, can identify with Lucy on many levels. What teenager doesn't have family issues and/or some feeling of physical ackwardness? The character inspires by being strong, yet vulnerable. It is also refreshing to read about a teenage girl with more interesting thoughts than worries about boys and clothes. This is an adventurous yet "real" story that both teens and adults can enjoy! I can't wait to see more books by Sherri L. Smith.

An enjoyable read from start to finish! Terrific detail and a strong voice make this book really unique and believable. Many teen readers will relate to Lucy's struggling to play the role of an adult with parts of herself still a kid...all in the context of a high seas adventure. A great follow-up for kids who loved Avi's The True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle in grade school! One of the best YA's of the the year so far, I hope this author gets the accolades she deserves!

This was a moving account of a brave young girl and woman surviving a horrendous time in history. I was interested in reading it because I've been researching the Nazi occupation of Czechoslovakia as my grandparents and father were born there and left before the Nazis completely took over. The writing is clear and it reads like a thriller. I am amazed that the author survived but she used her intelligence and her strong will to do so. Definitely worth reading.

This is a wonderful memoir about a twelve year old girl who witnesses the prelude to the Holocaust and is smuggled out of Czechoslovakia a few months before the German invasion of Poland starts World War II. In England, she is bounced around from school to school until finally settling in London. She deals with coming of age during a time when she did not know the fate of her parents, was forced to move from residence to residence during the bombing and V-1 attacks on London, and grieved over the deaths of young expatriot friends who had volunteered to to fight against the Nazis. At the end of the war, she makes an ironic return to Berlin and Prague where she first experiences the effects that the Cold War will have on the remainder of her life. The author also manages to subtly but profoundly provide a testament to the courage of her parents.

Displaced persons constituted a large body of people affected by World War II and have continued to do so in the wars since. Farewell to Prague is one of the best accounts of what it is like to experience the anger and insecurity of leaving one's home and never being able to regain one's previous sense of community. This is an excellent book for adults who want to understand the importance of perseverance in the face of bitterness and loneliness. The book would make an excellent gift for teenagers who would benefit from learning to appreciate what they have in life.

'You have to start something with a bang!' said Miriam Darvas, author of the recently published 'Farewell to Prague.' The book is written as a memoir that chronicles her harrowing childhood in Nazi era Europe. In it, she masterfully tells the story of fifteen years, at times horrific and other times hopeful, beginning when she was just six years old. The book reads like a suspense thriller, and keeps the reader riveted ' right from page one. In the opening pages, Darvas lays a shocking foundation with a story of her childhood love, Kurt Blumberg. The event that occurs is so dreadful that 'I still sometimes awaken in the night to the sound of screams and the smell of blood,' she said. 'My life, thereafter, became a series of aimless wandering directed by people I did not know and events I did not understand.' And therein lies the story that follows. Shortly after her young friend's death, and with nothing but the clothes on their backs, the family escapes to Prague and establishes a new home and life. Six years later the Germans arrive in their city, and her mother and father send twelve-year-old Darvas, unaccompanied, to make her way to England. Darvas writes of her final departure from her mother: 'The mass of bodies crushed the air out of me. Mother pushed me through a cluster of people hanging from the train doors and forced me into the corridor. Some unknown hands hoisted me into the luggage net. Through the top of the window I saw my mother's head disappear in the crush of the milling crowd. I waved frantically through the open window. If only she would turn to wave. 'Mother!' My cry was lost in the tumult. Oh, please dear God, let her not be lost to me, I prayed. I sensed this was my last good-bye to her, and feared I would always have to remember her being swallowed by the crowd'' Alone but for the help of strangers and a headstrong will to endure, the young girl makes the journey to England on foot, train and boat. As if the experience forged in her an unshakeable courage, her approach to life in the years that follow, though they remain rampant with near-misses and hard luck, is nothing short of astounding. 'I would never again go anywhere that I did not want to go,' she writes. 'I knew what I wanted: to study history at London University. I wanted to comprehend the events that created this war and gave rise to Hitler with his despotic hold over countries and peoples.' Perhaps an adventurer above all else, Darvas at one point decides to travel into Russian-occupied Prague to visit her sister and learn the fate of her family. Her means of escape from the country, as borders were closing during her stay, is the essence of what a desperate life she had come to lead. An emotionally charged story written in beautiful English, 'Farewell to Prague' stands on its own in the realm of Holocaust books. It is a view into a life practically incomprehensible to most people today, especially considering Darvas's age when she experienced it. 'When you live under the stress of war,' she said, 'civilization disappears. Most people who live in a civilized society don't realize it's a veneer, and it all goes the minute disaster occurs.' 'Farewell to Prague' is the author's first book.