Many times in life we come across books and stories that resemble real life in certain ways. Often they only resemble real life in passing, but can't seem to hold a candle to the real thing. Unusually, this book can and does a comparitively good job at doing just that: holding a candle to the real.

This beautiful story resemnbles life in a kind of symmetry. The author is incredibly skilled in the way he chooses words and constructs sentences, paragraphs, and pages of a glowing, real life. This book is touching, remarkable, and wholly likable. If you enjoy literature that is true to life -and the truer it has never been- then read this book.

Take it slow. Savor each movement and chapter until you come to the end. When you finish, then stop. Think about it and remember it in your heart, because this is the kind of book one can be touched by intimately and come away not sad, but enriched.

And may you enjoy it as much as I have.

This was my first Patrick Gale experience and will certainly cause me to try another. A most powerfully crafted and original story, filled with sadness and taboo subjects, yet warmly sympathetic to human weaknesses and perceptive that it is so often what people fail to tell their loved ones that represents their strongest feelings. Tragedy unfolds with riveting and tender sensitivity.

As an avid reader of fiction, I expected very little from this casual purchase, but not since Chabon's "The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" have I been so captivated by both the story and style of a modern novel.
The reviews below give you all (and unfortunately in once case, too much) of the detail of the story. But Gale dissects the British version of the 'American Beauty' family dysfunction while weaving the emotional turmoil and mystery of the best of Ian McEwan. His 'prison' metaphor is incisive without being blunt, never giving the slightest hint as to how these somewhat damages souls will resolve - or even survive.
And while I'm extolling Mr. Gale's writing, you might want to check out a much earlier work of his - 'Kansas in August': a very different novel, without doubt, but one that is a true charmer - witty and fun, but still skillfully crafted with twists that delight to the final page.
Do yourself a personal favor: read 'Rough Music' - you will never forget it.

I give this book three stars because it is fun to read and it is a good mystery story. The book is about three kids that snowboard. One day a snowboader is on a double diamond who bumps into a skier and breaks his leg. The owner of the ski resort bans snowboarding. Who did it? You can find out if you read Deep Powder, Deep Trouble.

This book is soooooooo gnarly(cool) it will blow your pants off!The part thats really cool is the ending.you just HAVE to read this book to find out the ending!just to give you some things about this book:if you see a word is like werid look in the back at the lingo section to know what it means. Or you can look in the dictionary if its not there. so thats my advice! Get this book I tell you!

This book is about a thirteen year old boy named Jamille who wants to prove to his dad that snowboarder's are not a problem to skiers. Someone wants to prove him wrong. Things start going bad in the Hoke Valley Resort(his dad owns it). Jamille and his two friends want to get to the bottom of the problems before snowboarding is banned from Hoke Valley. Who is the culprit? Read the book and find out.

I begged my dad to buy me this book because of the cover and the review on the back that called Gale Zoe Garnett, the book's author, "a female Salinger." While Roanne is not exactly Holden Caulfield in a bra, I could totally relate to what she was going through.

Roanne Chappell is a 14-year old Canadian girl who feels suffocated by her artist mother. She wants to be known by something other than "Del's daughter." She hungers for a world of her own, an existence entirely separate from her mother's. Roanne runs away to the home of D.D.A.(Didi), a renowned cartoonist whom she idolizes, and who turns out to be a lovable, gay, French dwarf.

As Roanne continues her adventure, travelling to California and even swinging by Mexico, Roanne meets quite a number of unusual characters, including Pascal, Didi's photographer brother, Gabe, an old friend from "clown school," and Gilbey Tarr, a gorgeous, Southern "teenage goddess from outer space," who soon becomes Roanne's best friend. These people all help Roanne learn important life lessons, as well as find the wonderful individual hidden from beneath her mother's shadow.

Roanne is unlike any character ever written. I think it is wrong to liken her to Holden Caulfield, for she does not possess Holden's jaded view of the world. Roanne truly is "visibly amazed" by everything she sees.

Although the book's ending was quite abrupt, and the period in which the book is set was not clearly illustrated, I still consider this one of my favorite books. Like Roanne, I often feel the need to run away and forge a world that I can truly call my own. Roanne is not afraid to explore unknown territories, such as her sexuality. You'll be glad the book is written in first person, for Roanne's original blend of coined expressions and Canadian jargon will have you laughing out loud.

Read the book. It will truly amaze you.

This book was amazing. I suggest to anyone who wants to take an adventure, to take it with this 14 year old girl. She is incredible and the way the story was written was in a way that you don't want to put it down. It took me only a few days to read because all I did was keep my nose in the book. If you put it down, you want to know what's going to happen next and you never want it to end.

I thought it was an insightful book about relationships and I was amazed by Garnett's development of Roanne's character in the midst of a circus-like collection of characters. As the novel progresses and Roanne matures, the author subtly alters the character's voice and the reader experiences what's happening as though you were there. It is not your usual "coming of age" novel by a long shot. All the characters are risk-takers and it's how they interact that makes this novel adventurous, erotic, scary at times, but essentially life-affirming. I eagerly await Ms. Garnett's next novel.

I read this book straight through-- more as a history of the legal system in the colonies and the United States than as a reference book. I was engrossed by the stories behind many of the cases. Some of the cases I recognized from law school. It would have been much more interesting to know the "story" behind the cases when studying them in school, although I am certain my law professors would discourage the notion of letting "unnecessary facts" get in the way of legal analysis. (Hey, that is the kind of things lawyers like to say... :o)...)

This book provides a resource like none I have been able to find previously. When read chronologically, the cases give one another a sense of historical context often absent from the study of the law. And the law-- as a reflection of society-- makes an interesting way to study history. Although I knew it cerebrally, it was amazing to read of women being arrested for voting, courts deciding whether persons from Africa were human, mentally ill women being routinely steralized, and convicted killers hanged by their necks within days of their convictions. And this is within the last 125 years! That we have come so far, so quickly gives hope for our future.

So... Why only four stars? Two reasons, as the title demonstrates: This book is desparately in need of an update and an edit by an attorney. As for the datedness, this book stops in 1994. While it includes the trial of the officers who battered Rodney King and the William Kennedy Smith rape trial, it was published prior to some cases that have transformed the ever-changing legal landscape over the past ten years. The criminal and civil trial of O.J. Simpson, the mutilation trial of Loreana Bobbitt and her sucessful insanity defense, and the Louis Woodward/"Nanny Murder" trial with its questions of overcharging and judicial review of jury verdicts belong in this volume. I felt as if I had watched a movie, wanted a sequel, but there was none coming.

Technically, the use of legal terminology was not always correct. For example, post-trial motions are referred to as appeals, and vice-versa. These are small details that irked me a tad as an attorney, though I doubt they would distract anyone who didn't attach specific meaning to these "terms of art."

This is a excellent, enjoyable, almost-addictive read. And it has accomplished more than any of the "true crime" books to which it could be compared but which it greatly overshadows: It has made me want to learn more about several of the cases in the book and several other cases I remember from law school. A book that can entertain, educate, and stimulate is a wonderful thing.

Great American Trials gives a two or three page summary of the most well known trials in American History. The editors begin with trials from more then 350 years ago and end in the mid-1990s. The consistant quality and detail found in this book is remarkable. It is a very good reference book and an interesting collection of stories as well.

For example, do you know what is spectral evidence? Spectral evidence was the belief that the Devil could appear in a person's form, but ONLY to people the devil wanted to tomment. No one else could see this image.

Since only the tormented could "see" this image, only they knew who the Devil was working with. What would happened is a tormented person lied? Or was crazy? The Salem's Witch Trial was one result when this type of evidence was used.

From this starting point, this book again, and again, teaches the reader amazing facts and laws from our past. The best part of this book is how easily each story flows. You read this book because each story is enjoyable. At the same time, you learn about U.S. History and U.S. Law.

Some things in our past, like the Salem Witch Trial, was shocking to most people today. Other things, like the "Amistad" trial, (called "U.S. v. Cinque"), where black slaves were freed by the American Courts in the 1830s, may fill you with pride. Still other cases, where ministers are on trial for slander, 200 years before Jim Baker, remind us of the enduring and consistant qualities of men.

All and all, this book is fun, easy to read, and a fun trip into our past. I would think it would be especially interesting to teacher, lawyers, and anyone with a love of history.

I have used this book in a high school law class for the past three years. Although I use other materials, the structure of the book is a wonderful way to teach history, while learning basic law concepts. For example, the facts of the Sickles trial always "hooks" the students, yet it serves as a wonderful way to teach mens rea and actus reus. My students after studying Dr. Mudd's trial learn more about the Civil War than in a standard history class.

This book is not what I was hoping for. I've downloaded free training plans from the internet (Troy Jacobson in particular) that were just excellent, with scheduled workouts spelled out clearly. There is too much guessing and jumping back and forth between chapters, appendices, and training charts in Gale's book. Not to mention typos and missing information. This is not a user-friendly book. 3 stars at best.

My book is a mess. The cover is torn, the pages are all curled up, and who knows what I spilled on page 265. Obviously it is well used. When I wanted to do a marathon it was simple to find a easy plan to follow. It went something like "Run 5 miles today". Then I got interested in triathlons and life got complicated. Now I was dealing with lactate thresholds, zones and phases. Life is too busy, I just want to know what to do. Gale's book is perfect. It translated that complicated stuff into "run 5 miles up a hill today". I used one of her plans for my first triathlon (a 1/2 IM) and another for my most recent (FL IM). I am signed up again for FL IM and the only thing I will do different is follow the plan closer.

I bought this book and several others to develope a training plan for an off-road triathalon. This was the book that most clearly layed out a plan for me to follow. The book has many different training plans for many different multisport events. I was able to find a plan that focused on the the events in which I was competing and in the time period I had to train. I modified the plan a little to meet my schedule. This weekend I completed my first triathalon and I could not believe how good it felt. I had a blast. Make a plan and put it into action. Good Luck. Brian

There is much to appreciate about this first novel by Allison Johnson.It is a well told and engaging story about family relationships,facing the past, forgiveness, love, and starting over. I laughed, cried, and identified with the characters in this book , especiallly the tough on the outside ,but tender on the inside heroine, Carolyn. Johnson especially excels at creating vivid word pictures evoking all of the harshness and beauty of the desert landscape, and in capturing perfectly the bittersweet relationship between a less than perfect father and a grown daughter who suddenly becomes responsible for caring for him. The characters and this story remain vivid in my mind and heart,despite the fact that it's been over a year since I finished the book. I highly recommend it,and look forward to more of Ms.Johnson's work in the future.

I read "The Way Home" primarily because it is set in Palm Springs, in Southern California, a fascinating area which generates unique energies. I stayed with it because Johnson is a gentle and skilled writer...there's more than a hint of Eudora Welty in her. She writes quietly but compellingly, demanding more and more of your attention.

The characters are just as they should be...where they should be...doing what they should be doing. I wasn't bowled over by anything, just very involved with the timely and vital family problems...the kind that can test your agility and slowly break your heart. They are the kind of problems you know you'll deal with it and be the wiser for their challenges.

Johnson's characters are vital. Palpable. They linger long after the book is back on your shelf. They are people you expect to bump into in town. You'll want to ask more about the Native American lore and lifestyle of the area, about Tahquitz, about the geography. You'll want to go out with Rex to watch him work the windmills. You'll want to find out when Johnson's next work will be out.

With a rare glimpse of the non-glitzy side of Southern California living, Allison Johnson invites the reader to the sun-baked deserts of Palm Springs for an incredible journey down one woman's path of self-discovery. Using the familiar but not redundant themes of family responsiblity, career woman struggles, sibling dynamics and frankly a sit-up-and pay attention love story, Allison Johnson's use of topographical prose, humor and well-layered characters makes "The Way Home" a real page-turner.

This book is a great summer read with it's inviting and easy material, but snow birds will also find relief in the literally bone-warming descriptions of canyons, patio-side chats and cowboy guided horseback riding trips at sunset. For those struggling with the tough questions about caring for an aging parent - you will find kindred souls and heart-warming dialogue that address this growing branch on the family tree. A real achievement, and I look forward to more work by a writer who clearly understands women, the elderly and life lessons learned on the journey that take us all our own way home.

First, let me explain that I absolutely adore Gale Gand's show Sweet Dreams and I love her Butter, Sugar, Flour, Eggs cookbook. I've made a lot of her recipes and they always come out great. But, this book has too many ingredients that are hard to find, unusual, time-consuming, (you get the picture). Also, it doesn't help matters that our home is totally alcohol-free. I'm probably not the best choice to write a review for this book, however, I am an avid cookbook collector, baker, cook, etc., and I felt I needed to cast an opinion to keep the reviews "fair and balanced."

I've for long time been a fan of Gale's, but only recently discovered her partner, Rick through his amazing new book, "Amuse-Bouche."

So wanted to check out more of his culinary wizardry, and found it to be of same high, creative quality.

This is quite a collection of hearty, flavorful food, meant to stand up to beer brewery atmosphere. Yet it is all very stylistic and well prepared.

To date few dishes prepared are winners, e.g. Roasted Vegetable-White Bean Chili; Grilled Portobello Mushrooms with Polenta Cakes, Mesclun, and Balsamic Sauce; Roquefort and Pear Salad with Grapes and Spiced Pecans; Provencal Lamb Shanks with Roasted Vegetables, Roasted Garlic, and Tapenade.

This is fun food to serve during winter and those fire in the hearth nights when a hearty meal and drink hits the spot.

Just an unusual, well-done, useful work from cover to cover. Don't forget the great desserts by Gale!

I have gotten so many great meals out of this book. I recommend it completely without reservation.

Some of my favorites include the lamb ragu, the pear salad, and sweet ptotato- apple puree.

I have used it some much t he binding has broken and I need a new copy.

The only other books that come close in use are the Hugh Carpenter books.

This book is not one that you quickly get through. It is very slow and dull in both story content and happenings involved. I would not and have not recommended the book since I purchased it. Actually, I threw the copy I purchased out because I did not want to subject anyone else to the boredom! If you are one that likes slow moving and unreadable books, then this is the one for you. I did not find it the list bit funny or have any true emotion over the book at all -- except for the fact that it is a waste of money!

The last reviewer is truly out of her mind. If you don't like romance and humor, or if you're looking for non-stop action, then, no, this is not the book for you. (In fact, romance as a whole is probably not the genre for you.) But if you enjoy character-driven fiction, likeable and believable characters, witty humor, affirmation of loving family ties, and sweet, romance that sweeps you along to the very last page, you couldn't find a better story anywhere. I like romances, but unfortunately most of them aren't that smart. MacDonald's books are all extremely smart, in a wonderful way. This book is fabulous, as are the others in the series.

The absolute best of the Salinger Sister books. The whole "Rent-A-Yenta" concept worked so beautifully. She can help everyone else's lovelife go smoothly while hers is a riot from beginning to end. This is a definite must-read for anyone looking for a good love story with great laughs peppered throughout! The laughs range from slapstick to subtle. Very well done.

This compilation is an excellent example of the wasted potential that the US has sentenced to it's prisons. Within the covers of this book you will be brought to tears one moment then horrified a few moments later. You will be shown incredible human cruelty coupled with acts of caring and kindness. I was shocked at the depth of despair that these men and women experience.

I do not mean to say that the authors of these essays and poems should all be released from the penitentiary. Many of them deserve to be there. What I am saying is that everyone should read a book like this. Especially people involved in the judicial and law enforcement communities. We should educate and give hope to the men and women in our prisons. Because, as you will read in the book, a man without hope is a man who doesn't care anymore and a man who doesn't care anymore will do anything.

Concerning a volume such as this, there is sometimes the expectation that the voices will be all too similar because the environments in which each is writing are much the same. This collection sets most of that concern aside. Each of these incarcerated voices retains an identity despite surroundings that would have it otherwise. Do they speak for all those behind bars? I doubt it. Here introspection is at work, likely the first time for many of these prisoners. It's difficult to believe that so many others, out of control, will ever achieve such a state,or even want to.

It is easy to write off what these folks have to say-- but our nation needs to hear about the injustice of our prison system

In her book, Gale Hayman shows us how to look great. She begins by telling us about style and fabric. There are certain articles of clothing that should meet basic standards before purchasing. She gives us that criteria. From her book, I have learned: 1. How to care for my skin and not spend a fortune. 2. How to dress like a million and not overspend. When I wear a garment that was recommended from Gale's book-- heads turn. My hair isn't different, my personality hasn't changed. Most of us look good in stylish classics, the proof is in the head turning. Try it yourself and see how many glance your way.

As a Career Coach for women, I can't say enough good things about this book! Ms. Hayman's simple yet elegant approach is wonderful for all women, no matter what age, body type, financial status. This book is recommended reading for all my clients.

I received this book last Xmas and it has definitely improved the way I feel about myself and how others perceive me. It is very down to earth and thus especially good for teenage girls who often are confused about what to wear. It definitely helps take all the fear girls often have about diving into clothes and makeup. This book will also help the girl who has gone overboard polish her look without loosing her sense of style. But by far the most important chapter is the last one which talks about feeling good about yourself. This book is PERFECT for correcting some of the stereotypes portrayed by magazines that emphasize money, perfection, and fads. Easy to read, interesting and good illustrations. A great pick!