This book consists mostly of extremely lengthy excerpts from trial testimony as recorded by the husband and wife authors, who attended the McMartin trials.

The book does not follow the standard true crime formula and takes some diligence to read. There are hardly any breaks in the text or chapters in the trafitional sense, so stopping in a convenient place can be difficult.

The authors do a good job in showing how the overzealousness of the L.A. County D.A's office lead to the abuses suffered by the defendant's in the McMartin case.

However, at times the authors go off on what seem like paranoid tangents as they rail against what they perceive as the ritual child abuse industry.

If you saw the HBO movie about this case, the book is an interesting companion and goes into more detail.

With all the publicity surrounding the McMartin preschool trial, now over a decade removed, one would suppose that the definitive book on the subject-and this is certainly the definitive book, and a good one at that-would be a best seller, but it didn't happen. Why? Because the public wanted a villain, somebody to hate, and what they got were some innocent people wrongly accused. With that kind of result the public lost interest. The Jon Benet Ramsey case sold a lot better because the public had clear targets for its hate, John and Patsy Ramsey. Here, Ray Buckey was to be the designated fall guy with his creepy glasses and his nerdish style, but he wouldn't fall because he was clearly innocent of the sensational charges against him. So the public was stuck with no clear villain on whom to vent. The real villains, as graphically revealed in this book, were the press, the prosecutors and the social workers, especially Kee MacFarlane, who indoctrinated the children into describing perverted events that never took place.

This was written from the trenches on a daily basis when the overwhelming tide of public opinion was that of a lynch mob desperate to hang Buckey and his family from the nearest tree. The Eberles built a strong case in blaming the media for poisoning the public's understanding of the case, partially through incompetent reporters, and partially through a media lust to sensationalize. Part of what's interesting about this book is how it presages the O.J. trial, especially in the incompetence seen in the district attorney's office. Ira Reiner was D.A. at the time with Garcetti as a critical underling. It is scandalous that they would find the need to use a paid felonious informant to bolster their case against Buckey. He was a five-time loser, no less, who previously had falsely testified for the prosecution in exchange for favorable treatment. Also stupid was the prosecution's use of an incompetent and prejudicial child abuse "expert," Dr. Gordon, who said that he possessed "the largest collection of photographs of children's anuses in the state of California." [p. 106] The authors estimate that 97.5 percent of the people in L.A. thought Buckey was guilty. The sad truth is what he was really guilty of was being a young man who liked to work with preschool children. Now THAT ain't natural was what a large number of people thought. I hope we're getting over that prejudice because what our children need are role models and guides from both sexes.

The book is peppered with courtroom asides from an unidentified lawyer. Here's one of the most pertinent from page 105, a exchange between a friend of the Buckeys and the lawyer:

"They're putting on witnesses who they know are lying. They concealed exonerating evidence. Don't we have enough criminal conduct by the prosecutors to put them behind bars?"

"It doesn't work that way," the lawyer laughed. "The law is just for the little people. When we break the rules we go to jail. When they break the rules they go to lunch. And maybe get a promotion if they do it right."

"But what about the law?" the woman gasped. "What about the Constitution?"

"I'm afraid that's just one of those nice, comforting fantasies like the tooth fairy. There are only two classes of people. Those who hold power and those who do not. And in any dispute the guys who hold power will decide which way it's going to go. And if there's any problem the rules go out the window. I hope you understand that this is not about child abuse, just as McCarthyism was not about Communists." Amen.

I LOVE THIS NOVEL!

The reason I think this novel is so great is because I completely agree with the author's view that it was the McMartins that were abused not the children. This family was wrongly accused of child molestation by a mentally disturbed woman. They had everything they owned in the world taken from them. They were thrown jail for years without bail. Yet this family kept their heads up high and they never gave up.

I also liked the author's up beat writting style and their bitter irony. They never talked down to the reader. Also they always kept an open mind as far as ideas that were different from their own beliefs.. That is probably what kept the reader reading.

BUCKEY RULES!

I thinkthis is a good book

I think it's a good book !

Ron Young's book on patinas would be particularly helpful to artists working in bronze. It is an overview of how to achieve most of the more common colors used. For the professional craftsperson, there are some interesting chemical combinations and application methods. It is clearly written and very informative. Well worth the money.

Shirley has developed a book that will encourage beginners to take the plunge and chart their own designs; but offers little assistance in taking the designs to the next level of complexity and sophistication.

Beginners, be reassured; it really does require few tools and little artistic talent for you to successfully chart your own designs. Shirley lays out the steps to success in a logical fashion; complete with many helpful (and pretty) drawings, photos, & watercolors. This book would be an excellent tool for you.

Intermediate-level designers who are searching for techniques to improve their designs may not find this book helpful. The designs shown in the book are fairly small and primitive in style. There are no partial stitches, fiber tweeding, or medium to large scale designs. There is no mention of using fewer strands of fiber to denote background distances, or half stitches to achieve a similar effect.

I only gave the book 3 stars because I found the book disappointing: I have been charting small-to-medium designs for several years and was looking for techniques to make my designs more 3-dimensional. If I was just starting out I would probably give the book a 4-star rating.

Shirley Watts always delivers what she promises, in this book she simplifies designing cross-stitch and makes it look very easy and possible even to the novice.She explains the whole process right from the beginning:from choosing your design ,to drawing it,developing it (she even explains lighting and shading),implementing it and even the finishing techniques that apply to almost all projects. She also has valuable tips on choosing the right materials and colors to enhance your project even further

Create Your Own Cross Stitch is for people who want to start their own project and create something unique, but do not know where to begin. From the book I found out that one does not need many tools to get a project done. Everything is kept very simple. The book offers some simple, but very effective things that one came make. Finishing touches for most projects do not require much effort. Size and complexity of a project are left to the individual to decide, so everything depends on dedication. I would especially recommend this book to people who have been cross-stitching already.

Dancing in the hype. This book is all fluff - there is not any real truth to grasp. Don't waste your money - or the quick click on amazon will be a regret. And will you really take the time to send it back?

"Dancing In the Light," in my opinion, is Shirley MacLaine's best book. She builds upon the success of "Out On A Limb," and treats us to her spiritual odyssey, info. on how her spirit guides helped her, her relationship with her parents and lover, and kids. Truly this is her best work. Bottom line? Buy it now!!!!!!!

I really enjoyed this book. Shirley MacLaine reveals her spiritual journey. She examines her relationship with her parents and lover. She delves heavily into reincarnation and gets help from her spirit guides. The book is very well written. Her exploration leads to Santa Fe where she has a life altering experience. I found myself laughing and crying within while reading this book. It's one of my most cherished books in my large collection. If you found yourself reading this far, maybe you really should buy the book.

First impression: disappointment. The pages appear to be reproduced on a color copier, with text distorted on every page. A drop of water smeared the ink. The binding is inexpensive plastic spiral that's not going to last. Columns in charts don't line up, with size 6 numbers appearing under size 18. Pin fitting a muslin suddenly appears in the middle of adjusting the paper pattern. Instructions require buying a measuring kit from the author. The section on adjusting fashion patterns is skimpy.

On the positive side, the photos are good and the instructions clear. There are good tips, such as instances on when to add ease and adjusting the curve of darts.

The majority of the book is how to take measurements, adjust the pattern by cutting off the seams and moving the seamline, pin fit a pattern, and pin fit a muslin. The measurement info I had in another book, and muslin fit is included in the Vogue fitting patterns which you need to buy to use The Art of Sewing A Custom Fit.

I bought this book based on a positive review in Threads magazine, hoping to get that one single fitting reference. There is good info as well, and I would have given it 3 stars if it were $12. I was expecting the depth you find in Threads' fitting column--that's entirely missing. Definitely not worth the price.

I just received my copy of Sewing a Custom fit. I was looking forward to a useful addition to my fitting tools - but what disappointment to find that this book is only in yards and inches. The whole world - besides America uses the metric system and what a pity that there are no metric instructions for this book. Pity - as this spoils an otherwise useful book.

I am the author of this book and want to answer a review I saw here. If there are any mistakes in the book please let me know. I will correct them and send you the correction. If your binding wears out, send me your book, I'll rebind it no charge.

I want to share a letter I recieved from a customer about my products.

Your video on welt pocket and bound buttonholes is excellent. No question you are a first rate teacher. You have answered many of my questions and clarified a lot for me. I do have two questions. 1. Do you know of a mail order source for cotton organdy? 2. If you do need to use a fusible on the wrong side of the pocket opening, what do you suggest? I would like to order your collars video and am anxious to fine tune my construction of collars. Since I sew for my family, your materials (I own both of your books) have been quite valuable to me. Marie from California

I picked up this book in the bookstore based on the words "she becomes a hero". I love reading books about female heros. In the book, I don't believe Megan turned into a hero, but I enjoyed the book very much anyway. Megan is 3 or so when we first start the book. I thought the author did a very good job of capturing the thoughts of a 3 year old. Megan turns into a very mature person faster than most people because she has a very hard life. The only complaint I had about the book was the fact that it was sometimes hard to follow. I'd read one paragraph and then in the next paragraph I wasn't sure if there was supposed to have been a period of time in between it. Aside from that, the book was very good.

"The great writings are as wine, mine are water, available and enjoyable by the many." -S.L.Clemens Which is a good way to categorize these books. The previous reviewer seems to have missed what made the same book exciting and enjoyable to me. Megan's evolution perhaps captures my interest being realistic, paralelling my own so closely. The logical conlclusion is, that without a common frame of reference, some people can't imagine themselves into a story. There's little joy here. Ocassional humour, but this story is of unpleasant happenings in an imperfect world. That Megan can grow up without being overwhelmed by her experiences and ddestroyed or twisted is the victory. "I've found that just surviving is a noble fight." -B. Joel To my mind, the most fascinating part of the book is the glimpses of history so old it's myth: the 20th century and the apocolyptic war which drove the world back to the bronze age. Throw in a little evolution of psychokinesis and you have the general setting. More swords and political intruige than wizards and spells. Actually, there isn't a wizard or a spell in the whole thing. This story, like Stirling's 'SnowBrother' set the stage for the main characters eventual alliance. Taken as a whole, the 'prequels' are better for adding dimension to the novels 'Sabre & Shadow' (originally released as 'The sharpest edge'... but S&S is enhanced and superior), 'The Cage' and 'Shadow's Son'. Good standalone books, but best read sequentially.

...and that's out of thousands.

I cannot recomend this novel highly enough. Possibly the best I've ever read. Back in '92, I almost decided to not buy "Shadow's Daughter" when I stumbled across it on a bookstore shelf - I was soon very glad I didn't.

This would be fantasy, if you're one of those people who care. Set in the 4900's (Fifth Millenium) AD, after global collapse of civilization in the 2000's.

I am extremely impressed by Meier's skill at making her characters seem REAL, especially in the way she's able to convey a character's inarticulate thoughts in text. A great story, and with moral/ethical messages (for example, on justification) if you care to look for them. This is not a "nice" book - no Xanth here - expect nastiness at least on the level of Drake - but all done so POWERFULLY that it can only draw you further into the story. It's not PERFECT (as Haldeman said, no book is) but, imo, it is a masterpiece.

Meier is, as far as I know, an unknown. Someone this good shouldn't be.

the play Shirley Valentine was boring, and pov, who wants to read about some old crump who talks to the wall? not me......

This is the SCREENPLAY - not the stage version. Beware! I thought I was ordering the stage play. It's still a nice book though, with lots of notes and background info.

Shirley Valentine is a lovely character. She is a woman who started her life with fire and promise, and who found herself in her kitchen talking to the walls. Not because she is mad, but because her life is loveless, predicatable and dry. Until her friend takes her to Greece and her life changes, in many ways.

This is an absolutely delightful story. We can all identify with Shirley and her need to have a life with a little more meaning, and we can all cheer her as she goes about getting it. This is a poignant, sad and funny story, and it is a modern classic.

I purchased this title thinking it was a suitable read for adults. What I received was a book suited more for youngsters. More importantly I expected to read authentic, documented accounts of pioneer survival (definitely the impression given in the description). I was disappointed to find the book is actually a collection of fictionalized accounts of Mormon experiences. At the end of each story the author deploys a few sparse sentences to indicate the actual events that sparked her imagination - definitely not what I expected or wanted. The author has storytelling talent and therefore the book might be enjoyable for young adults interested in historic Mormon fiction, however I found it frustrating.

This book is really good for a lot of ages. It has stories where kids are telling it from their point of view, and it makes it more understandable. The stories in it have a lot of action and a lot of good endings! This book would be fun for anybody who likes things about pioneers and what happened to them, or just for people who want to read a good book!

This book was luckily not what I expected of it. I thought it would be another boring history lesson on pioneers and their struggles. Instead it was a fun book with stories based on true pioneer accounts. The author gives helpful references on what is true in the accounts given. I read it in one sitting and was excited when the next book, "Isn't That Odd" came out. If you are looking for an historical book more exciting than most, this is the one for you.

This book is mistitled, it should be Days of Our Slaves because Dessa and the slave have no choice but to give into their istresses sexual and emotional demands. An inequality of power through one human being actually being the possession of another cannot broker to a "love story". Though touched on as an issue. Thsi book decides to take the cheating/easy way out and equate this power imbalance to "love". Deplorable. I studied/worked on this book in a high level college class that related Slave Narratives and Sadomasochism. This book does play around that area, as does the Black Book by Mapplethorpe and Langston Hughes travel books. THe Slaves Narratives/Incidents in teh Life of a Slave Girl is a stronger book though I have issues with that as well.
Don't get me wrong I appreciate the strength fo the writing AS writing. However I have studied and taught African American literature so I have a keen understanding as to the problems, one of which is that if it is African American pablum is tllerable within the genre now. The freedom of mass publication and right to produce literature has been reduced to normalized American pablum. Therefore this kind of literature has availed itself to the destructive consequences, which is thorough criticism and dissection.

Williams has taken us into the mind and soul of a slave and recreated Dessa's experience with a searing feeling of authenticity. This is a notable piece of fiction; it should be part of history courses studying slavery.

I recently picked up an old copy of Dessa Rose and began to read. Although I found it slow in the very beginning, it became one of the few books I can truely say I couldn't put down. Anyone that is interested in slavery should read this book. It is an eye opener for sure.

In this play, the wife of Heracles (Megara), his three young sons, and Heracles' father Amphitryon are in danger of being killed by the usurping king of Thebes Lycus. Lycus wishes them dead since he had killed Megara's father, King Creon, and taken his throne and Lycus doesn't want the three sons to grow up to avenge the death of their grandfather. Heracles is absent on his trip to Hades and is believed by many to be dead (since noone has ever returned from Hades). But, Heracles returns in time to thwart and kill Lycus. Unfortunately, the goddess Hera, who has always had a hatred of Heracles, sends the minor goddess Madness down to drive Heracles temporarily insane. In his fits, he kills his wife and sons. When sanity returns to him, he realizes what he has done and how immoral the gods are. Euripides is once again pointing out that the Greek gods are not an acceptable standard for moral behavior. Man can serve as a standard, and this is exemplified in the play by Theseus, ruler of Athens.

In this play, the wife of Heracles (Megara), his three young sons, and Heracles' father Amphitryon are in danger of being killed by the usurping king of Thebes Lycus. Lycus wishes them dead since he had killed Megara's father, King Creon, and taken his throne and Lycus doesn't want the three sons to grow up to avenge the death of their grandfather. Heracles is absent on his trip to Hades and is believed by many to be dead (since noone has ever returned from Hades). But, Heracles returns in time to thwart and kill Lycus. Unfortunately, the goddess Hera, who has always had a hatred of Heracles, sends the minor goddess Madness down to drive Heracles temporarily insane. In his fits, he kills his wife and sons. When sanity returns to him, he realizes what he has done and how immoral the gods are. Euripides is once again pointing out that the Greek gods are not an acceptable standard for moral behavior. Man can serve as a standard, and this is exemplified in the play by Theseus, ruler of Athens.

I love this play. In particular, I find Theseus' comments of friendship to be very moving. Amphitryon's courage at the beginning of the play was very memorable. Overall, Heracles is a very memorable play