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Simon & Schuster Quick Access with E-book Access Package
Published in Spiral-bound by Prentice Hall College Div (10 August, 2000)
Author: Lynn Quitman Troyka
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A Writer's Reference
Quick Access is truly a reference for any writer whether they are just beginning to write or have been published. I have found the content to be searchable and user-friendly as a reference for a college student, and I plan to keep the book as an aid for writing papers for school or job reports.

The information is organized in a concise, logical format starting with tips on how to begin writing and later concluding using the Modern Language Association's (MLA) approved format for citing sources. However, even if I did not need advice on how to begin writing or citing sources, I would still find this guide useful. Included in the guide are explanations about sentence structure, paragraph structure, and even basic word usage (for example, the difference between accept and except is defined). Quick Access covers the slight differences which can make a writer stronger and proficient.

Quick Access is designed to be read as a reference book and not cover-to-cover. The table of contents located in the front of the book helps to locate general information quickly and the index in the back helps to locate specific information. No matter which topic you have questions about, there is a corresponding section which can be found with ease.

There are several sections which can be of use to certain writers with various skill levels. For students, reference to MLA format is extremely useful. But students not only find MLA format useful, but also the section about writing a research paper. For the beginning writer, thesis structure along with sentence and paragraph composition provides insight about where to begin and how to continue. And for the experienced writer attempting to hone their skills, the sections regarding punctuation and mechanics, and document design would further develop their writing. No matter which level you consider yourself, Quick Access provides references to improve your talent as a writer.

For the business professional, the Document Design segment contains helpful suggestions and guidelines for creating professional writings that are not research papers or essays. Electronic email and memorandums have become a readily used form of communication in today's information age. Although there is no set standard format, Quick Access guides writers in writing a clear, logical, and professional document which can impress any reader whether they are a boss or a client.

Among the many sections, one is devoted to suggestions for multilingual writers. This section advises speakers of foreign languages on the technical aspect of the English language. The book continues in the same logical order by stating the rule and then proving and exemplifying its use. While this does provide some insight into how to develop skills for writing in English, Quick Access does not dedicate itself to instructing multilingual writers in the English language. It is primarily a reference, which severely limits the depth in which it is able to explain the fundamentals. A writer of another language may find the guide too brief in the multilingual section and therefore, find Quick Access not as useful as English speakers.

In today's information age, writing is important. Expressing ideas can be difficult and tedious, but Quick Access has the information to guide and direct any writer in the direction of an expert. I recommend this book to all those student, business, and professional writers who wish to enhance their abilities.

Say "Yes" to Quick Access
Lynn Quitman Troyka's Quick Access is a useful and accurate guide to many elements of good writing for high school and college students. As a college student, I found that the book was a straightforward tool that I could turn to for any type of assignment to critique and improve my own writing. It is very well organized and covers many relevant topics in a concise, but in-depth form.
The color-coded dividers and table of contents outline everything that is covered in the book in a way that makes things very easy to find. The dividers mark chapters and writing tactics such as sentence and word structure, research, documentation techniques, and many grammar basic and advanced rules.
The examples used by the book ranged from simple to complex and were all labeled clearly and had comments about the examples nearby in bold.
There are two parts of the book that stand out in my mind as being the most helpful; chapters 26-28 and the "Punctuation and Mechanics" section. Chapters 26-28 summarizes the most important techniques covered in the MLA Handbook in approximately forty pages. The "Punctuation and Mechanics" section is quite helpful, too. It not only discussed some basic grammar rules, but also detailed etiquette regarding when to use capitals, italics, and abbreviations that I was unaware of.
The book works well with its companion website, which I thought supported many of the book's concepts very well with additional examples and explanations. The site was not functioning every time I tried to use it, but that has nothing to do with content.
I would recommend the book for any student or writer, for that matter, who is trying to learn to achieve their best writing possible, both in style and in form.

A Quick Review
Ignoring all of the aesthetic appeals that writing possesses, a writer must think about the proper format of the paper as part of the presentation of the writing. In particular, students as writers, such as me, must follow certain guidelines for writing assignments. The requirements for proper format, though, are constantly changing and are often difficult to attain. However, Lynn Quitman Troyka has composed the Quick Access (QA), a reference book that provides student writers with guidelines to the writing process and proper formation techniques. Because it presents the technicalities of the writing process in a user-friendly fashion, the Quick Access aids student writers in writing mechanically accurate compositions.
In outlining the actual format of the QA, the writer is able to see that the QA takes its readers through the entire writing process. The first section of the QA, entitled "Thinking and Reading Reflectively" discusses the way in which readers turn themselves into writers by extracting something meaningful from the text that they read into something even more profound on paper. I found this section particularly useful with eliminating writer's block. Troyka encourages her readers in this section to actively read by taking notes along the margins of the book. This technique helps to later trigger the mind of thoughts that were derived from the reading that can later be reflected on in writing.
Continuing on to the next section of the QA, the writer is introduced to the "Writing Process", which includes instructions on processes such as brainstorming, outlining, thesis and body composition, transitional topic sentences, and formatting conclusions. By applying all of these techniques to my writing, I was able to compose much more organized papers with coherent ideas that weren't lost in my overall message.
The next two sections of the QA, "Sentences" and "Words", continue to discuss the details of the writing process. The following sections of the QA elude into the mechanics of writing. Research techniques are noted along with the proper methods of citing and composing bibliographies. For instance, in dealing with bibliographical citations, Troyka provides a list of all of the possibilities of bibliography entries on pg. 139 and then continues on to offer an example of each possibility, a reference technique that has proven to be extremely helpful to me in particular. I am currently a freshman at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. In living in D.C., I have been introduced to several new sources for research, including the Library of Congress where I was required to research an article from 1837. Upon having to cite this source in my bibliography, I was able to find an example of how to do so in the QA without having to look at any other resources. The final sections of the QA are pure reference that center on grammar rules.
While this appears to be an abundance of information, the QA is easy for writers to direct through. Each section of the QA is labeled and contains a list of contents on the inside cover of the information in each section. The actual information in the QA is broken down into sections that highlight specific points that Troyka wants to emphasize. After explaining certain techniques, Troyka always includes random examples of what she was just explaining. For example, after explaining transitional sentences, Troyka includes a list of words that aid in using this method on pg. 36 of the QA. By doing this, I was better able to understand the concepts that Troyka was discussing and more easily apply them to my own papers.
Quick Access is an extremely useful source for college students. I have been able to use the QA as a guide that has helped me transfer from "high school writing mode" to "college writing mode" in which writing is more of a thinking process. The QA is also a reference book that applies to any subject for any paper. I've used the QA for both History and English papers, and I will most likely continue using the QA as a source for further writing assignments that I'll encounter in the future.


Time for Truth
Published in Paperback by Berkley Pub Group (1979)
Author: William E. Simon
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Good Book By William Simon!
When you begin reading this book it turns into an interesting
read. The book is authored by William Simon who served as the
Secretary of the Treasury under Presidents Richard Nixon and Gerald Ford. Simon relates to you his beliefs and philosphies about the free market system.Simon had done well with this system
becoming mega wealthy.Simon attempts sucessfully to warn the
American peopleabout the unbreakable connection between economic
and political freedom.He warns that the expanding state is taking these freedoms away. A very interesting read by a very
wise man. Read this book. You will like it.

Remembering Mr. Simon....he was a formidable intellect....
With the passing of Mr. Simon I was reminded of his book, A TIME FOR TRUTH. I read this great book 20 years ago while picking up what was remaining of my horrific beginning foray in college and working full-time in the vaults of Morgan Guaranty (J.P. Morgan).

I credit Mr. Simon's book with helping to turn my life around and giving me the paternal leadership I was lacking. It's a marvelous book about how our illustrious and bellicose Congress of the United States dupes the American public with it's tax and spend policies and offers us a chance to reaquaint ourselves with our great founding principles. Without principles we are nothing...

In 1986 while in the USMCR I had the privilege of meeting Mr. Simon while pulling guard duty at a MC Scholarship Fund dinner. I was thrilled.

My sincere sympathies go out to his family.

Outstanding overview of economics
A must-read for anyone concerned not just about our country's economic future, but about personal freedom as well. Easy to read, trenchant, and incisive. William E. Simon comes across as one of our nation's greatest (and most overlooked) thinkers.


Victory in Our Schools
Published in Paperback by Bantam Books (03 August, 1999)
Authors: John Stanford, Robin Simons, and Albert, Jr. Gore
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Required Reading for All School Administrators & Parents
This book should be in every school library in the world (in translation, where necessary). Stanford tells us how to make public schools really work.

I was at first a bit put out by his advocacy of "running schools like a business," having all too often heard that phrase as an excuse for placing cost reduction above all other goals. But Stanford clearly recognizes and strongly emphasizes that the correct BOTTOM LINE for a school is STUDENT ACADEMIC ACHIEVMENT! The proper test of a proposed expenditure is its anticipated effect on SAA (Student Academic Achievment) per dollar spent. Projects should be prioritized by decreasing improvement in SAA per dollar.

The most important qualification for a school administrator is not knowledge of teaching, but ability to be an effective LEADER. The successful school administrator must have the LEADERSHIP to get several constituencies enthusiastically involved in achieving a high level of SAA. These constituencies include not only teachers, school staff, and students; but also other government entities, parents, businesses, the media, and the general public.

The leader should practice management by support rather than management by intimidation. The intimidated will concentrate on keeping a low profile and covering their backsides. The leader can benefit little from such people, because no leader can provide all the needed creativity. (S)he must encourage and reward constructive suggestions from teachers, staff, students, parents, businesses, other government entities, and the general public.

In the three years before he lost his battle with leukemia, Stanford caused an enormous improvement in the Seattle Public Schools. His methods and practices could be employed in any school system, with great benefit not only to the students, but also to teachers, staff, businesses, and the public. But also read "Radical Equations," by Robert P. Moses. Moses' book complements Stanford's. If you are a parent of school-age children, or expect to be, and you want the best possible education for your children, you need the Algebra Project, which was started by Robert Moses, and is described in his book.

Both books should be required reading for every school administrator and everyone involved in the selection of a school administrator.

Required Reading
I found Stanford's book to be a blueprint for educational reform. He was not merely a theorist; he was an activist who took his vision from the black board to the the hearts and minds of the students. He didn't propose, he purposed. Read this book...you need to read this book if you are unclear about the means, if you need to know HOW to enact change in the bureaucratic jungle of miasmic, lackluster schools.

What I enjoyed reading about was how he emphasized having a heart for the students, caring for them with compassion and keeping their interests at the center of all educational activities. Next, I found that he wrote persuasively about running schools more like businesses than the anachronistic centers of regurgitation. Finally, I was energized by his results; although he only had three years in Seattle schools to enact many of his plans before his hard passing, the momentum has started.

This needs to be on the book shelves of administrative offices of schools across the country, but it needs to be read by anyone concerned about how to engage our students for higher achievement in learning, now.

An optimistic reformer...
Stanford's book is an easy read about reforming public education. He is no fan of charters or vouchers, which he thinks draws money away from public education. He also believes that increases in funding must be tied to student and system performance and not granted because the public "ought" to support educational levies.

This former director the the US Military Logistic Command knows how to marshal resources and arguments for reform. His strongest point is his systems perspective--that is, all the systems of the schools must be aimed at one fundamental objective. His was to develope a "world class student-focused learning system by 1999." He tied this statement to every plan made within a complex 47,000-student system. He does not provide the testing data to substantiate his plans, but he gives great examples of an achievment-oriented system development.


Winning Strategies for the New Latin Markets
Published in Hardcover by Financial Times Prentice Hall (16 August, 2002)
Authors: Fernando Robles, Francoise Simon, Jerry Haar, and Victor J. Menezes
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Winning Strategies is a Winner
The book is a must read for anyone serious about strategy in Latin America, or anyone
interested in the Hispanic segment of the U.S. market. The authors have a deep understanding of Latin culture and business and are able to explain clearly and objectively the risks involved in Latin America, while at the same time presenting an unbiased picture of the unlimited opportunities in the region. They also provide the reader a road map for avoiding common mistakes when doing business in the region and present some innovative tools to develop sound strategies in the market. The book's content definitely lives up to its title. Winning Strategies for the New Latin Markets is a clear, thorough, and convincing state-of-the-art volume that will prove indispensable to executives, business students, and others interested in the Latin American and U.S. Hispanic markets.

Eugenio Sevilla-Sacasa

A Must Read Before Investing In Latin America
This timely book is a must for anyone contemplating investing or trading in Latin America. It offers the most complete insight of the region's business/economic climate. Moreover, it serves as an excellent guide to avoid the many stumbling blocks often encountered by many U.S. businessmen in formulating a business case or strategy. The chapter on 'Reaching the New Latin Consumers' is most instructive. Here the authors' thorough analysis on identifying and reaching the consumer is vital to any business case. Too often U.S. companies fail to fully understand the Latin consumer in terms of demand and purchasing power. The Mexican and Brazilian case studies presented are outstanding. Again this gem of a book is indispensable to anyone interested or planning to go after the 600 million population south of the border.

corporate executive
For anyone interested in business in Latin America, this book is an instant classic--a seminal strategy book, in the mold of Porter, Ohmae, Hamel, and Prahalad. It's original and innovative conceptual framework, comprehensive statistical data, and rich and insightful cases will prove invaluable to executives, consultants, professors and students. Although the Latin American region is currently experiencing a "rough patch", scores of firms continue to implement winning strategies and reap huge benefits. Robles, Simon, and Haar illustrate these strategies with tremendous insight and depth of analysis.As Latin America recovers economically and growth takes off, as it eventually will, this book will serve as an indispensable road map for companies doing business (or considering business) in the region.


Alone: A Poetic Journey into Despair
Published in Paperback by 1stBooks Library (1999)
Author: Simon Moses
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Alone from my view
Back in 1999 I went with Simon to a typically forgettable South Florida housing community around an artificial lake to take the cover photo for "Alone: A Poetic Journey Into Despair." The first 24 of the 25 photos I took we eventually found unsuitable, but number 25 was perfect. The photo, as it turned out, came to symbolize the poet's separation from humanity. Across the lake, people were blissfully living their lives, while he, "the constant hitchhiker," could only watch on from afar.

Simon had leaped down an embankment and I took the picture. An instant later: a bird glided past the shot - low, shimmering, and reflecting magically on the lake in the early morning sunshine. We both knew that if we could have photographed the beautiful image of the bird flying over the lake with Simon in the picture - it would have been a magnificent addition to the cover photo. But alas: it was not meant to be.

When someone reads "Alone: A Poetic Journey Into Despair," it seems to be absolutely devoid of any hope. A bird is sometimes regarded as a symbol of hope, such as when Noah in the Bible, sees the olive branch in the beak of the bird, and knew that - at long last - land is near. It is also a symbol of human potential. People have been dreaming of flight by gazing wistfully at birds since the beginning of time. Studying the flight of birds has led to our conquest of the air, and, by extension, the moon. One day it will lead us to the stars.

So does it follow that our failure to capture the bird in the photo, representative of the idea that these poems are devoid of hope? Do these poems display nothing but wasted human potential? No! I think not. I - who have known Simon for so long - and have been involved in numerous fiascos to promote his poetry sees the restless seeker in his poetry. Year by year, I've seen him persist, and I've seen the same dark poetry lead to ever growing success.

It is like what Kahlil Gibran said in "The Prophet": "You can only know as much joy as sorrow has been carved into you." "Alone" shows Simon's exploration of his own despair and that of others. It is important to recognize the fact that he has survived and tenaciously still persists towards his goals, even though he has had to overcome many failures and a lot of other negative occurrences.

"Alone: A Poetic Journey Into Despair" is not a "Nevermind" or "Closer" (Nirvana and Joy Division, respectively) which were signposts of lyricists racing towards self-destruction. It is far more comparable to "Dark Side of the Moon" or "Disintegration" (Pink Floyd and The Cure, respectively)where
the lyric writers were able to touch the void and not self-destruct, but rather turn their beautiful darkness into commercial and critical triumph.

Oh realllly. James Dean's cousin liked it
Like great blue's music, Moses takes us to the very bottom. Only at rock bottom does one know they are bound for the top. I would recommend this book to anyone. My only regret is that I did not keep in touch with this man-child poet of giggling darkness.

Alone, were all alone
An excellent book by Mr Moses. It takes you to a place unknownst to man where one can feel totally helpless yet feel the comfort of the author knowing that we are not the only ones out there alone.


Alternatives to Economic Globalization
Published in Paperback by Berrett-Koehler (15 November, 2002)
Authors: John Cavanagh, Jerry Mander, Sarah Anderson, Debi Barker, Maude Barlow, Walden Bello, Robin Broad, Tony Clarke, Edward Goldsmith, and Randy Hayes
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Essential reading on globalization
Drafted by a committee of 19 (but sufficiently well edited to read as if it were written by a single author) this book provides a well-argued, detailed and wide-ranging analysis of the consequences of economic globalization (the term corporate globalization is also extensively used in the book) and an examination of alternatives and the action required to move towards those alternatives. It has succeeded brilliantly, and deserves very close study, whether or not you agree with the drafting committee's views.

This is no extremist anti-corporate, anti-capitalist text, although it does clearly come to the conclusion that the vector of economic globalisation that we are on is neither inevitable, desirable nor sustainable. It is notable for arguing at the level of underlying principles and their practical consequences - it makes explicit the assumptions underlying corporate globalisation and questions them. This, in itself, is a valuable service as so much of the 'debate' in the media proceeds on the basis of bald assertion of essentially fallacious economic dogma.

The report starts with a critique of 'corporate globalization'. The term itself is useful, because the term 'globalization' has become something of a 'Humpty-Dumpty' word ('when I use a word, it means exactly what I want it to mean, neither more nor less'). 'Corporate globalization' describes a process driven and promoted by the large global corporations which, whatever its other consequences, gives primacy to the benefits that will flow to global business.

The critique identifies eight key features of corporate globalization:

1. 'Promotion of hypergrowth and unrestricted exploitation of environmental resources to fuel that growth
2. Privatization and commodification of public services and of remaining aspects of the global and community commons
3. Global cultural and economic homogenization and the intense promotion of consumerism
4. Integration and conversion of national economies, including some that were largely self-reliant, to environmentally and socially harmful export oriented production
5. Corporate deregulation and unrestricted movement of capital across borders
6. Dramatically increased corporate concentration
7. Dismantling of public health, social, and environmental programs already in place
8. Replacement of traditional powers of democratic nation-states and local communities by global corporate bureaucracies.'

It demonstrates each of these propositions and explores who are the beneficiaries of application of these policies. One of the complexities of trying to follow the arguments of the pro- and anti- globalisers is that both use statistics, both from apparently authoritative sources, that directly contradict each other. It is almost as if the two sides inhabit parallel universes that operate in different ways. Suffice it to say that the report puts forward convincing arguments in support of its case.

The critique proceeds to a devastating analysis of the impact of the World Bank, The IMF and the WTO, the three pillars of corporate globalisation, over the last four or five decades.

The report then argues ten principles for sustainable societies, as a basis for identifying ways of realising these principles in the subsequent chapters of the report. It argues that these principles 'seem to be the mirror opposites of the principles that drive the institutions of the corporate global economy.'.

One of the minor problems in the debate is that, whereas 'globalization' rolls easily off the tongue, 'the principle of subsidiarity' is neither easy to say nor obvious in its meaning. The report contains a chapter on the case for subsidiarity, and it is a strong one. The counter argument is almost entirely concerned with power. While there are many elements of conflict between corporate globalisation and the principle of subsidiarity - local control - they are not entirely antithetical. But the reach of the large corporates would unquestionably be reduced.

You may or may not agree with the arguments in this report, but they deserve serious attention. They are well and carefully argued, they represent (in fairly sophisticated terms) the views of a growing number of people around the world who believe that current beliefs and institutions serve them poorly, and they show those who wish to promote change a path for doing so.

recommended by anarchist grad student at snobby grad school
This book is excellent for all those who think we can do better-that small farmers needn't be driven from the land, our water needn't be polluted, people need not go hungry while others are overfed genetically engineered chemically altered junk food, etc. It has great thinkers presenting clear, well thought out ideas about what's wrong and what we can do about it. It helps when getting in that classic argument of keynesianism/communism v. neoliberalism because it outlines the thrid alternative very well. I am a grad student and I used it for a paper i wrote recently refuting neoliberalism and it was very helpful. I highly recommend it! Also, look into Maria Mies. She is the anti-capitalist-patriarchy bomb, yo.

This Book Shows That Another Way IS Possible!
A friend of mine who is involved with Rabbi Michael Lerner's Tikkun Community movement recently gave me a copy of Alternatives to Economic Globalization: A Better World is Possible. I'm not an expert in this field at all, but I found the book worthwhile and very accessible. (So accessible that I read the entire thing in a week!) The writers include Jerry Mander, David Korten, Lori Wallach, and many people working around the world in the anti-globalization movement.

What makes the book really important is the positive solutions and alternatives offered. The authors offer real ways to put into practice the Tikkun Community's first and second core principles (interdependence and ecological sanity, and a new bottom line in economic and social institutions).

I think other Tikkun readers, progressive-Democrats, Green party members, and thoughtful people everywhere---who want to see the world change from how it is now to how it could be---would want to read a book outlining specifics of how to create sustainable energy, transportation and food systems. And Alternatives to Economic Globalization does just that. I can't recommend this book enough (in fact I've already bought several copies to give to some of my friends).


The Secrets of Tarot
Published in Paperback by DK Publishing (01 December, 2000)
Authors: Annie Lionnet, Dorling Kindersley Publishing, and Simon Fielding
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Quite good!
For such a little book, it is loaded with Tarot history and helpful information on the definitions of each card and suit. I especially enjoyed looking at the wide variety of sample cards from various decks. Lionnet also presents several different layouts, besides the usual "Three Card" and "Celtic Cross", that encourage diverse experimentation.

Another helpful item was the collection of "sample readings" at the end of the book. Lionnet applies each layout (i.e. Jungian, dual Options, Celtic Cross, etc...) to a specific Querent and then discusses each card in the spread in relation to the other cards.

A handy book for either the casual or the merely curious, this would make a great gift.

Convenient
This is a sweet little palm-sized book that is perfect for reading on the bus or train or during lunch breaks or between classes. It's small size makes it convenient to carry with you anywhere. The print is also rather small so you might not want to give it as a present to someone with less than excellent vision.

GREAT FOR BEGINNER
So, your intrested in starting tarot? This tiny book has loads of information for those who are unfamiliar with the tarot. It tells you all kinds of spreads and gives meanings for the cards. I like this book because it had pictures of the cards from many different decks. This could help a beginner choose which deck looks good to them!


The Torso in the Town: A Fethering Mystery
Published in Hardcover by Prime Crime (06 August, 2002)
Author: Simon Brett
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the best of the series, so far...
Of the three Feathering mysteries so far, I liked "The Torso in the Town" best. And not because the mystery at hand was a more complex or intriguing one that had me breathlessly turning the pages until I reached the denouncement at the end of the book, but rather because of the three, this was the one in which we get to really appreciate the differing personalities of Carole Seldon and Jude, as well as to appreciate the friendship that has sprung up between them.

Carole Seldon is suffering from the after effects of the end of her love affair with pub owner, Ted Crisp, and she's depressed. And she's also begun to slide back to her former reclusive and reserved ways; enough so that her friend and neighbour, Jude, is quite concerned about her. So that when at a dinner party at Pelling House (in Fedborough, a neighbouring town to Feathering), the discovery of a mummified torso is made in the basement of the house, Jude naturally feels that the solving of this latest mystery is exactly what Carole needs in order to work her way out of her depression. Trying to figure the identity of the torso, when the body was secreted in the basement, and who the possible murderer could be is a sure fire way to get anyone out of the doldrums. And thanks to Jude's relationship with the current owners of Pelling House, and Carole's tenuous one with one of the previous owners, the pair are sure that they will make some headway in figuring out who killed whom and why...

"The Torso in the Town" proved to be a really enjoyable read. The joy to be gleaned from this novel, however, was not from the mystery at hand. On the whole, the mystery took quite a while to unfold, and Jude and Carole did spend a lot of time circling around the same few points over and over again. No, the joy to be gleaned form this novel came from the manner in which Simon Brett brought the character and flavour of these two small river towns, and all the colourful characters that inhabited them to life. I especially enjoyed Brett's social commentary on the changing times and the petty preoccupations and foibles of several characters. But what I enjoyed most (and what really pulled this novel together) was watching Jude's and Carole's friendship deepen and grow stronger, and watching Carole "thaw" out of her rigid mold.

For mystery buffs who enjoy samll town cozies, "The Torso in the Town" is a read that should not be missed.

A complicated search for the killer
Simon Brett's novel, Torso In The Town tells of a historic village, newcomers, and a mummified torso which turns the party into a morgue. The mystery involves all in a complicated search for the killer.

The Fethering mysteries continue
In this third of the Fethering mysteries, Jude, is present when a mummified torso is found in the basement of a friends house. The arms and legs and clothing are missing. In an effort to help the 14 year old boy who found the body, Jude agrees to investigate the mystery. Carole has retreated into a shell after breaking off her relationship with Ted Crisp, and Jude sees the investigation as a way to open her up again. They find a town divided between the "chubs" or locals and the incomers who think they know all there is to know about the town. The body turns out to be the missing wife of a failed businessman of the area, and of course, he is the prime suspect. Soon after he turns up dead and the mystery deepens. The danger also increases for Jude and Carole, and they must find the murderer before he or she finds them.

This is a very good series. The retired civil servant and the new age healer make a very good team. The author has depicted the atmosphere of a small town invaded by tourists and retirees admirably and the mystery is very good.


Wanting Another Child: Coping With Secondary Infertility
Published in Hardcover by Lexington Books (1900)
Author: Harriet Fishman Simons
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Helpful But Incomplete
Harriet Fishman Simons's description of how it feels to have a child but be unable to have another exactly mirrored how I have felt, and I think the book was very perceptive in describing the unique sorrow that faces parents who want so much but cant have another child. Her description of the differences between how women and men deal with this problem is particularly good and corresponds to how I have felt and how other women I know have felt. I cried reading this book but found it cathartic. However, my one complaint about this book is the relative neglect is gives to the issue of secondary infertility stemming from multiple miscarriages rather than the failure to conceive. I have searched for books that deal with this issue--and I think this is not uncommon for women suffering from secondary infertility. The issue of whether to keep trying, the fact that in most cases the doctors cant give you any reason for the failure, the toll that miscarriage places on your marriage and on raising your child, arent really dealt with except for passing references.

Highly Recommend - it REALLY helped me!!!
Where was this book when I REALLY needed it!!! They need to reprint this because there are so many people who could benifit from this book. I have dealt with my secondary infertility for 8 years from childbirth complications. I have never really felt like I "fit in" with the infertile childless and the people who could have more kids. If you are in that spot that I would not wish on my worst enemy I think this may be the book for you!! I recommend this book with 5 stars. It may bring on some tears but that is part of the process of coming to terms. You will read about how other ladies have dealt with other peoples pregancies, caught between two worlds of the fertile and infertile, how families do not really give the support you hoped for, how you feel that your infertility and the second dream child you had in your mind and heart will never be and you have to mourn for that child you will never have, validating your idea of what is a family, adoption as an option, and accepting an only child family. It really helped me out a lot to realise I am not alone and validate my feelings that I have had the past 8 years. If you are a good friend or family member dealing with secondary infertility get this and read it then pass it on to your friend. She/he will feel so good that you cared enough to give it. It really was a healing book for me and I am sure it would be for others. It was written by a RESOLVE counselor. It is an EXCELLENT book for husbands to read because they see this differently in a lot of ways and this book will help them see the wives point of view. I highly recommend it and you will be 100% happy you got this book plus a lot more peaceful. Please reprint it!!

An Excellent Read for Those Coping, or if You Know Someone
I had no expectations when I opened this book, having read a number of books on infertility. What a pleasant surprise to discover that Ms. Fishman Simons knows the subject of secondary infertility so well and provides in her book just what couples experiencing this very much ignored problem need for guidance. While reading it was emotionally difficult at times, I found many perspectives that matched what I had felt and some insightful comments on how to get past secondary infertility. I highly recommend this book to anyone coping with secondary infertility, certainly as a beginning to "recovery," and to family and friends of the secondary infertile couple.


Amy the Dancing Bear
Published in Hardcover by Doubleday (1989)
Authors: Carly Simon and Margot Datz
Amazon base price: $13.99
Average review score:

Beautiful illustrations and a warm and caring storybook.
This is a cute and funny story of Amy, the dreamer and her patient and loving mommy. Margot Datz's illustrations created a pretty and colorful display of the landscape surrounding a gingerbread cottage on the Vineyard. Complete with mauvey wisterias and the detailed picture of flower seeds just sprouting in egg cartons on the window sills in Amy's bear's house. The whole book looks great. Elegant and a timeless story for children and their mothers.

This is a great book
I received this book when I was 3 years old. I am now 16 and to this day, I love this book. I always loved Carly Simon and if you like her music, you will love her wonderful book. I am buying it for my niece Victoria, and hope she will love this book as much as I do. It shows the love between a mother and daughter while also using your imagination. I love it!

A Joy to Read Aloud
As a parent, I found that I got as much enjoyment out of reading this book to my daughter as she enjoyed being read to. The illustrations are a delight, and, just like the text, reveal something new with each reading.


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