I read this book over 20 years ago as a young teen. I found it at my local library. It was the first book I ever seriously considered stealing from the library (no, I didn't, despite the temptation). Several years later, I tried to buy a copy for myself, only to find it was out of print.

More than any other book I've ever read, this book captures the uncertainty of female adolescence in a fantasy setting. Other writers, especially Andre Norton and Anne McCaffery have written novels that come close. But Knee Deep In Thunder challenged me as a teen, and continues to challenge me today.

Maris, the protagonist, must overcome obstacles and win against the bad guys, just as in most other fantasy novels. But she has to deal with the cost of making decisions, both positive and negative.

The imagery and construction of this book is compelling. Sheila Moon uses elements of Native American myths, along with classic fantasy components. Anyone interested in fantasy as a genre will enjoy this book.

I recommend this book highly, particularly to young women. The fantasy field has few feminine role models. Maris should be known by a much wider audience.

Fantastic book. One I read many times as a child and young adult from our local library. I went back to read it again as an adult and it had "disappeared". I finally was able to purchase two copies through our local book store (before I had internet and Amazon access), one for me and one for my sister. It's one of those books you can read again and again. At any age.

When I was eight, I read this book for the first time. I read Knee-Deep in Thunder at least twice a year for the next ten years. Then the library closed down and sold off all their books. I don't know where this book went, but I missed it. For two years.

Majesty, tragedy, myth, beauty, friendship and the eternal human search for meaning in a world gone mad power this book with an energy that I've never found elsewhere.

A cast of bugs, accompanied by two ragtag young people, shouldn't feel as real as this does, but each character somehow rings true. If you have not read this book, you are missings out on a real experience.

"How many a man has measured a new passage in his life from the reading of a good book. -Henry David Thoreau

Wrightslaw: From Emotions to Advocacy, The Special Education Survival Guide is a must have for ALL parents with a child in the special education system.
FETA helps to organize your thoughts, concerns and plan for your childs education. It gives you the ability to understand where the schools are coming from and how to build an effective relationship with the Special Education team. By doing this, you can effeectively advocate for your child. As the parent,you should be the "Project Manager" for your child as he/she makes her way through school. Through FETA you gain an understanding of HOW to do this. Special education systems and laws can at best be confusing and overwhelming, we parents need help in sorting it all out and FETA does that! We the parents of children in special education need to be equal players in the planning for our kids, NO ONE knows them like we do, and NO ONE will advocate for them like we will! FETA is an important tool in that process.
FETA also does a wonderful thing. It shows you how to organize all the mounds of paper that special education produces. I walk into meetings and seminars with everything I need at my fingertips.
FETA does someting else amazing, it helps you to understand the TESTING SCORES! Yikes, we all need help with that!
I can go on forever about this book, but I am running out of room. From special education laws, IEP's, resources, how to write effective letters, it its ALL in there! GET THIS BOOK!!

Learning to be an effective advocate for your special needs child IS work! Special education is a "right", but must be assiduously pursued. But there are definite tactics and strategies to assist the parent. From Emotions to Advocacy [FETA] is a wonderful map for every parent.

The book follows a logical and well organized road, beginning with preparing the reader for understanding the complex interplay of parents, schools, disabilities, and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and other disability laws. Among the important lessons that authors Pamela and Peter Wright teach are how to organize your files using a document management system, how to use private sector expert evaluations of your child and why they are essential, and how to understand the critical role of testing, percentile ranks, and the Bell Curve, and how to use those results to work for your child's "SMART IEP". The use of the "Columbo Strategy" to build valid IEP goals by asking "who, what,why,where, when, how and explain" [5Ws+H+E] is taught.

The critical skill of letter writing and documenting all conversations, agreements, and decisions with your school administrators is part of the strategy of writing calm, factual letters as if they will be read by a "Stranger". Lessons to bolster your self confidence and achieve results in IEP meetings are carefully discussed. The sample letters in the appendices and the numerous strategy discussions lay out how to avoid letting anger and other emotions interfere with keeping your focus on improving your child's education. Numerous other appendices and cross references throughout FETA provide additional resources, including the informative Q&As of the federal IDEA Appendix A.

As an attorney who has a child with special needs, I have benefited greatly from Peter and Pam Wright's insights and apply that knowledge in my own practice. FETA is the "how-to" starting point and compass for all parents entering the special education struggle.

This is the book that parents of special needs children have been searching for!

When a child does not "fit in the box", parents find that they must search for information on how to care for their child. Just when they have mastered the medical maze, the child begins school and the search for advice and knowledge begins all over again!

Children with disabilities who succeed in school have parents who learn to set aside their feelings and clothe themselves in the armor of advocacy. "From Emotions to Advocacy" assists parents in the journey through the special education labyrinth by giving them a focus. Parents learn accurate documentation and record-keeping, productive communication skills, effective tactics and strategies, and Pete and Pam Wright have put it all together into an easy to read, understandable package.

Parents who use the process and procedures outlined in "From Emotions to Advocacy" will avoid many of the pitfalls that entrap many parents of special needs children. I wish this book had been available in 1986, not only for my own use, but so that the hundreds of parents I have worked with since then could have benefited from it. If you are the parent or if you know of a parent of a special needs child, do yourself or them a favor. Buy yourself or them this book!

I have been yo-yo-ing for about a year with these last ten pounds. I lost a good 45 at first about three years ago, then 15 more with the discovery of this book. When i picked up the book for a second time i was 5'9" tall and 150 lbs, wanting to be 140. I had 20 days to do it, and was anticipating losing about 7-10 lbs, while leaning more towards seven because those last few pounds are always harder because I am no longer overweight. I have always had faith in this book, and the structure it provides does wonders for all areas of my life. I lost the 10 lbs. and am thankful that i went back to this book to do it. This is the only diet book that i would ever touch again because it just makes sense, and the suggestions that Dr. Miller makes are totally reasonable if you know anything about being healthy. This diet will work for you, no matter who you are,if you follow it.ANother great thing, it is very reasonably priced compared to the other best selling diet books. A a consumer, that is a posotive flashing red light as to the content of this book.

My mom, sister, and I bought the book and went on the diet together. My mom lost 2 pounds, I lost 5, and my sister lost 12! My sister having the most fat to lose. We all love the recipes in the back of the book. We find we don't have to cheat on this diet and we continue to drop weight. I am starting week 3 and have dropped a total of 9 pounds. The twice daily exercise gets tuff at times but the results keep me going. Also, I have to remind myself to keep my exercise comfortable and enjoyable...like the book says to do. I can do this diet as a way of life. Good luck isn't needed for those of you who buy this book. You will get the results you are looking for.

If you're reading this, our stories are the same and I know where you're coming from. Your search is over. This really, really works. From the beginning, the concept is SIMPLE. Buy the book, buy your groceries and just start! When I started six years ago, I lost 63 pounds in 3 months by eating 3 meals plus 2 snacks a day and walking twice a day (20 minutes each time). The menu is planned to charge up your metabolism and I felt the difference on week 1 (lost 12 pounds). By week 3, my clothes were really bagging and what a boost that was! Also, the menus are flexible enough to be appetizing for your family whether you're eating in or out.

This has been not only the weight loss plan that worked for me, but it has also been the basis for the low-fat eating lifestyle that is now embedded in me. I KNOW it will do the same for you! Good Luck!!!

Although one's search begins with an alphabetized listing, the main body of this thesaurus (its original concept) is organized by category. This means that to find a synonym for e.g., "trouble", you will not simply be presented a list all the possible meanings of the word but you can choose your search depending upon the sense you are looking for. If you mean "annoyance" you will be sent one place for synonyms (nouns, verbs, adj, adv); if your meaning is more "presume upon" you will be sent somewhere else. In the case of "trouble" there are about a dozen places to go in the thesaurus depending upon the subtlety of meaning you are looking for. If you are a writer, this reference work is a sine qua non. Look no further than here for the best thesaurus in the world.

These days it's tempting to believe that you can do without a printed thesaurus. Thesauri are available on the web and there are even thesauri built into word processors. But these are pale substitutes for Roget's sixth edition.

It is much more comprehensive than other Thesauri, but it is still very easy to use. The index in the back contains an alphabetical list of words, and with each, an associated list of finer-grained definitions. For example, suppose you want to describe someone as "mopey" but that word doesn't seem quite right. When you look it up in the index you'll find "sullen" "glum" and "unsociable." Obviously, these have somewhat different characters. Next to each there is a reference to an entry to synonyms organized by category (instead of alphabetically). These lists make up the bulk of the book. Thus, the entry for "sullen" will lead you to a list of words similar in meaning to "sullen," and so on.

What makes this thesaurus easy to use is that the index at the back of the book is complete, so you seldom if ever have the experience of trying to look up a word and then find that it's not there, so you have to try to think of a synonym yourself to gain entry to the thesaurus. Second, there are 330,000 words in the listing of synonyms by category. Considering that the average college student's vocabulary is 60-80,000 words, this thesaurus should satisfy you.

One final note: if you really hate to shell out the money for this book, at least consider getting a used copy of the 5th edition, which came out in the early 90's and it still servicable.

A dictionary of synonyms or a "thesaurus in dictionary form" (now that's phony titling) requires that you think of one of the words by which they sorted the language. A true thesaurus, though, while unfamiliar at first like any new and powerful tool, will let you find the word you are looking for when you can't think of ANY word to start. All you have to do is go to the area with the right sort of ideas and browse a bit. This book only gets better with time. Every writer of every sort needs a copy of this. (Oh, and the index makes a great spelling list for all the words science- and law-obsessed spellcheckers leave out.)

This is a great book that young people interested in their personal finances can relate to. Easy to read and presents many investing options with step by step instructions on what to do if you are still confused. It even includes a script for exactly what to ask for when calling investment firms. I would recommend it to everyone, you can never be too young to read this book because time is of essence. Would make a great graduation gift!

This is one of the best books ever written about money and managing it. Peter has written an easy to read book that is extremely interesting and fun. This is a great book for the under 30 crowd, I have already given it to a few friends who are in their mid-twenties and they have been thanking me and raving about it. He explains every concept clearly, which made this book a page turner for me and others I know who have read it. Most books about money and managing it have bored me, but I looked forward to reading it every chance I got. Peter really knows how to keep the reader interested in what he has to write. And one of the best parts about this book is that I learned so much more about what to do with the money I have and the money that I will now be saving.

I've read numerous finance and investing books, and it is clearly one of the best! I would feel terrible, like you do in the morning after "getting loaded" at the bar, if I picked this book up halfway through life, and didn't know half the secrets the author was talking about. Here are some specific comments that will help you decide to buy the book or convince you that being hung over (not reading this book) stinks.

1. In most finance books, the author gives numerous suggestions on what you should do with your money, but ultimately leaves the reader overwhelmed and indecisive. Not "Getting Loaded" because he still explains multitudes of options, but then sorts it out and gives clear advice my 12-year-old cousin could act on.

2. There are very few finance books written for the under thirty crowd. Even though the majority of his secrets (a.k.a. chapters) would still be helpful for any age, it's refreshing to read a book that even writes in a young adult dialect. Don't ask me to explain it, but you could tell the author grew up in The 90's. I would wager that the author is the youngest or one of the youngest finance author's around. There is something refreshing and genuine about reading advice from someone that is actually in the same period of your life, and not someone double your age.

3. Very quick reading because the secrets (chapters) are so short and to the point with clear explanations and examples. Also, the book is extremely organized with a repetitive format and icons, which helps with fast reading and ease of comprehension.

4. Another testament to his age, instead of a "Recommended Books" at the end of most finance books, he has a "Website Directory." Basically, he lists about 50 pertinent websites that are categorized by financial subjects (banks, bonds, car buying, home buying, taxes, legal advice, etc.). This may be worth the book alone. He does mention a lot of these sites in the chapters, but you don't have to go back frantically looking for them when needed. For future authors, this is much more beneficial to the reader since he can freely check out and learn from the sites, instead of having to buy another twenty-dollar book and spend a couple of weeks reading.

5. Since personal finance can be dry, jokes, quotes, and short stories are placed throughout that give the reader a break.

6. Very realistic. Besides the title, which the author explains and proves, there is no hogwash about becoming a millionaire in 3 months.

7. You can tell the author is a real down-to-earth person, by the simple way he writes, and his short stories that anyone can relate to. What I mean is that he is not a genius that pretends to teach people but really keeps all the true secrets to himself. Although I would feel awfully weird and it may be stepping over the line of "read-author relationship," but he even gives you his telephone number. Now after this book gets recognized, his agent may make him change this for his own safety, but he claims a real voice will pick up the phone. That's right, it's not a 1-800 number nor does he say a machine picks up. A REAL VOICE. WOW, that's a real author and person! (By the way, he also gives the standard email address and is very prompt responding).

8. All good reviews need some negativity. The one thing I question is if the author made things to too simple? I know for myself every time I pick up the business section of the paper and start reading about the million types of investments I just get a headache and close it up. Could investing and being so financially secure be as easy as he says and demonstrates? To give the author credit, to write about every investment would bore the death of the reader and would make for a 7,000-page book. Like I mentioned before, I've read at least 5 other finance books and still learnt a lot from this book. It's a great starter book, and then again a great finisher book to get people into action NOW. Lastly, I think the government upon a person turning 18 and becoming an adult should get a copy of this book. Our economy would be bullet proof to a recession. If you are in your 20's, get this book now and get real excited about retiring an easy millionaire (no hogwash) and living a financially comfortable life.

As a golf coach of over 20 years, I was eager to read Fred and Pete Shoemaker's, "Extraordinary Golf". For the most part, I would like to report that the book contains a great deal of constructive advice (mostly of the self-help variety) for the average golfer. The Shoemakers (and especially former PGA pro, Fred) seem to relate well to the problems that plague the average golfer, i.e. fear of embarrassment, lack of concentration, and the mental demons of uncertainty.

If you're looking for a book to help you with the physical part of the game, then this book is probably not for you. "EG" deals primarily with the cerebral aspects of the game and gives the golfer mental keys to follow. Especially helpful was the last section of the book which describes a number of exercises that can help the average golfer. I particularily enjoyed the section where the Shoemakers compare the ideal golf swing to the "act of club throwing". What other instructional book can you think of that has ever encouraged club throwing? You'll have the read it to believe it!

I'm sure some golf "purists" will shake their heads in amazement at some of the information in this book, but if the book is read with an open mind, then I think some benefits can be achieved.

I was originally given this book by a friend and told to approach it with a completely open mind. This book will help you explore your true inner self and how it relates to golf. I now have the ability to forget all my 32 years of golf mumbo-jumbo and "correct-swing" theories, and focus on experiencing and truly enjoying golf. I recently had the opportunity to take an all day seminar / golf experience from Fred and it changed my whole life and thoughts about the game. I am now re-reading the book again!!! Don't let this one pass you by...get the book and forget all the technical theories...the game and swing are in you, Fred simply helps you bring it out.

How many golf lessons have you taken where the (well intended) pro has filled your head with adjustments to your hands, feet, head, arms, back, chin, ball, brain, fingers and or grip? And, like a responsible adult, you respond to their instructions, strike the ball well while you're there only to revert back to your old ways a couple of days later? THIS BOOK IS FOR YOU! Fred Shoemaker is the first golf instructor I've ever read that has the courage to NOT try to tell you everything you need to do to change your swing. Instead, he gives you a simple, easy to understand APPROACH to the game of golf that enables you to really understand what's right and what's wrong. As a result of reading Fred's book, I now know my swing well enough to KNOW what I'm doing right and what I'm doing wrong -- so I can make my own correction. Whether your an "8" or "28" you should read this book now!

Dorothy L. Sayers' "Busman's Honeymoon" can be considered her finest "all inclusive" Lord Peter Wimsey novel. She skillfully combines the culmination of the Wimsey/Vane romance and a "domestic mystery". Whereas other of her novels (The Nine Tailors, for example) could be considered her best mysteries, this book is beautifully written. The reader is expected to have a passing knowledge of England at the time and the life to date of the characters, as well as a classically literate education. Don't let this put you off, however; the book stands perfectly well alone. It's old - it's not outdated.

As a DLS Groupie, I love all of her books, but especially those books that pertain to the Harriet Vane character. This book, as well as 'Gaudy Night' by Sayers, is primarily about the relationship of Lord Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane. The extraordinary thing about all of Sayers' books is her beautiful amd sensual use of language to paint a picture with words.

Based on a stage play co-written by Sayers, Busman's Holiday is Sayers last significant statement in the mystery genre--and a completely satisfying one at that. Like several other novels that involve both Sayers' sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey and mystery novelist Harriet Vane, the novel is as much a portrait of their relationship as it is a murder mystery, and while these two elements occasionally seem at odds in other works (most notably the unworthy Have His Carcass), Busman's Holiday strikes a perfect balance between the two as we follow the couple through the first few days of their honeymoon as they deal with the shock of marriage, domestic disasters, and an unexpected body in their honeymoon home's basement. As in other novels, Sayers draws a great deal from her setting--in this case rural England on the eve of World War II--and presents us with a memorable cast of supporting characters, and the result is as fine a novel as she ever produced, particularly notable for its wittiness and sly humor. A greatly satisfying finish to a highly enjoyable series.

There is, incidently, an extremely well-made 1930s film version of this particular work starring Robert Montgomery and Constance Cummings. Although Montgomery is not quite the image of Lord Peter Wimsey, he plays quite well, and Cummings is Harriet Vane brought to life on the screen. Sayers fans should enjoy the film almost as much as they enjoy the book!

Effective special education advocacy begins with knowledge. Peter and Pamela Wright are nationally known for their litigation and educational advocacy skills. This new work is a substantial contribution to any parent's or attorney's tool box.

The book and detailed index place a great deal of information in a compact, lie-flat, graphically pleasing volume. It provides more than 370 pages of the fundamental statutes, regulations, and U.S. Supreme Court decisions that weave the matrix of IDEA special education law and Section 504 law, as well as providing the educational record keeping rules of FERPA.

The authors introduce each basic source material with "overview chapters" to assist a lay reader. One of the best features of the book is the insertion of editorial content by the authors immediately adjacent to various statutory sections of text of IDEA. For example, on pages 76-77, the authors advise on the confusing area of manifestation determination reviews, suspension or expulsion, and interim alternative education settings.

As a practicing attorney advocate for children with special education needs, my interest in special education law began with one of my daughters, a child with a disability."Wrightslaw: Special Education Law" differs from other compilations, which bury the raw statutes in fine print in an appendix at the back of the book. It is an intelligent selection of the mandatory laws presented in a readable font and organized with user-friendly editorial overviews and commentary. With this new book, parents and attorneys have the actual law at their fingertips to dispell misinformation and (sadly) disinformation from administrators in local school systems.The Wrights have made a terrific contribution in assembling so much important material.

Reviewed by Malcolm B. Higgins,II. Law Offices of Malcolm B.Higgins,II, Virginia Beach, Va.

Pete Wright is the attorney who turned things around in special education by winning the famous "Shannon Carter" case holding that parents did not have to wait for lethargic or negligent school districts to help their children. Carter held that the parents could place the child at an out of district school and get reimbursment later, whether the school they chose was approved by state or local authorities or not.

I am an attorney who has handled literally hundreds of these special education matters.Be this book, I would have to carry an armful of materials to a hearing or an IEP meeting. Now its all in one paperback volume.

It is also in language the non-lawyer can understand. (and even lawyers). It is also laced with the Wright's wisdom from their many years as pioneers in this specialized field of law.

Don't go to a hearing or school IEP meeting without it.

Reviewed by William Laviano, Esq. Laviano Law Offices P.C. Ridgefield, Ct.

Prior to purchasing Pete and Pam's Book, "Wrightslaw," I was forced to look to a variety of resources in order to locate all of the pertinent educational laws, codes, regulations, and landmark special education cases. I now have one legal resource manual, a book which fits easily into a briefcase for travel to IEP team meetings, hearings, appeals, mediations, workshops, conferences and seminars.

I have purchased two books -- one for my own use and the other as a loaner to parents who cannot afford to buy their own. This book is a "must have" for knowledgable advocates, parents who want to know more about special education law, and attorneys who want a "one-stop shopping" legal resource.