Shortly after my own prostate cancer (PCa) diagnosis on 11/23/99, my treatment rendered me impotent. Besides the physical effect, the psychological impact on me was devastating. I prowled the Net looking for books or Web sites that addressed the problem and found that while there is considerable advice on PCa and treatment, the effect on the man and the relationship was, by comparison, ignored so I built a Web site to fill that gap.

In the two years since, I have become intimately familiar with the problem that men and couples face and can say that "Making Love Again" is one of the very best resources for any couple that must face the sexual effects of PCa treatment. What is exceptional is that the perspective of the companion - in this case, Virginia - is foremost. Every woman who lives with man effected by treatment should read it. She, and Keith, have filled a need and have recorded it with a style and honesty that is equally rare.

I read this book because my father is impotent from prostate cancer. I was surprised to discover that there were insights that helped my husband and I even though we are not faced with impotence. We have four children under the age of 7 and do not have a lot of time for the two of us. This book reminded me of the kind of relationship I want to have, and showed me that I/we need to make love regularly even if that means scheduling a "date."

I know that if my husband and I ever have to face impotence, this book would be a source of comfort, support and encouragement. It has certainly made me aware of the fact that curing impotence is more than just creating an erection. I will be more sensitive now to the complexities of my father's situation.

Thank you for having the courage to share your story.

For Virginia the decision seemed easy, Keith's fear of becoming impotent from the prostatectomy was irrational in relation to the possibility of dying. How could he even think that being able to have sex was as important as living? For Keith the decision was not as easy. With his male ego wrapped up in the decision and the importance of being able to have sex with his wife it just was not as simple. After deciding in favor of the operation there was a lot of adjustments to be made and Virginia found that things were a lot more complex than she had imagined.

In "Making Love Again", Virginia and Keith Laken invite the reader into their personal lives and the difficulties they faced as a result of his prostatectomy. Their thoughts, fears, hopes, and disappointments are laid bare to the reader as they openly discuss deeply personal questions and feelings. If you ever wanted to know what it is like to deal with impotence in a marital relationship this book deals with the emotional struggles that are not normally discussed openly. The power of a loving commitment, strength for the challenge, and hope shine through as well as a true commitment to help others through the copious listing of sources of help in the appendix.

Readers should be cautioned that because this book necessarily discusses sexual intimacy between two people some may find it too graphic at points. On the other hand, it shows the extent to which the authors are letting the reader into their personal lives. "Making Love Again" is a very highly recommended book for those going through concerns about a prostatectomy or any sudden impotency of a permanent or temporary nature.

This is one of the best books I have read!!!! It held my attention all the way through. I was so anxious to find out what was going to happen next that I kept jumping ahead then I would come back to where I was. I have 3 boys and I want all 3 of them to be just like Cain Farrell.What an amazing character. The story was absolutely amazing.It was sad, happy, and madning. I was so wrapped up in the story I was getting mad at the author. I was sad that the book had to end.

Righteous Indignation is an increadible piece of work by a truly fine author. Cain Farrell is one of the bravest characters I have ever had the pleasure of reading about. I found myself unable to put this book down, eager to know what would happen next. I highly reccommend this book. Just make sure you have a couple of tissues...

This book was excellent; I never wanted to put it down! The book begins with a carefree high school student named Cain, full of potential success - and trouble. As I read on, I could not help but fall in love with Cain. The reader stands aside and watches as he is 18 and imprisoned for a rape he didn't commit. As if that isn't bad enough, the alleged "victim" is the daughter of a powerful man who wants Cain's life to be destroyed. As the book unfolds, the reader discovers the hardships of tough prison life with Cain. Trapped in prison and thrown a few "curve balls," you watch as he struggles through his hardships, insists his innocence, and struggles to pull his life back together. The characters are very real; the reader grows to love some and hate others. This book is a must for anyone who enjoys reading! It has a little of everything; you will laugh, cry, and rejoice as you turn the pages.

I got this book when my father-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer's and it was a tremendous help. It provides very clear, practical ways to deal with problems that arise when your parents become unable to care for themselves. It's compassionate and heard-headed at the same time, so it not only helps you cope with the emotions involved in a difficult situation, it helps you actually resolve the situation in a way that is beneficial for everyone concerned. This is an indispensble guide for anyone who is grappling with how to care for an aging parent. I have given it as a gift to many people and they all say the same thing -- "I don't know what I would have done without it."

This book helped me through the roughest time of my life when my Mom became ill and was unable to care for herself any longer. I had to make the decision to place her in a skilled nursing facility. She was in and out of the hospital and the nursing home for almost 8 months before she died; and this book helped me to know what I needed to get her the best care she could have. God gave me the strength and this book gave me my sanity. I have recommended it to at least a dozen others who are facing the same difficult decisions, the guilt, the anger, and all the other feeling that no one but someone who is going through this would understand. This book reminds you that you are doing okay, and prepares you for everything that happens.. One of my friends told me that parts of the book are as if she wrote it herself. I read several chapters more than once...some 3 and 4 times. I truly believe my Mom and I had quality time together before she died because of this book. I could never have gotten through those last 8 months if I had not read it. I can't thank Virgina Morris and Robert Butler enough for writing it.

This is a wonderful book, and will be helpful for anyone facing the inevitable issue of parents or other relatives growing older and needing care of any kind. Easy to read through, as I have just done, it is also a wonderful resource to pull off the shelf as these issues manifest, from talking to your parents about what needs to be discussed as soon as possible, to knowing when to intervene and when to get out of the way, what questions to ask whom, and what to expect. Information about contacts and agencies is liberally sprinkled throughout the book, and a helpful index at the back helps you to find whatever you need at a moment's notice. An initial read-through makes you familiar with what the book has to offer, making it more familiar as the needs arise. Highly recommended.

Hi, I started reading V. C. Andrews' books about three years ago. I have read the Dollanganger series, the Casteel, the Cutler, My Sweet Audrina, and am now starting the second novel in the Landry series. I have always loved to read but I could never figure out what I liked to read the most, I liked it all. Then my dad found out that the movie version of Flowers in the Attic was coming on and insisted that I watch it! I loved it from the opening scene and watched it over and over. I finished that series and could not wait to start the next. I have enjoyed V. C. Andrews books so much, I believe, because they are a mixture of all kinds of writing. They are real in a fantastic way, they are humorous yet very tragic they are every kind of literature all combined into one!! If you have not read all of Virginia Andrews' books you should seriously think about it!!!!

I am only 14 years of age and have never really cared to read but once i read heaven and the books in that series i just had to read the rest of her books and i read flowers in the attic in 2 days i just couldnt put it down it goes into so much detail and there is so much love in it the book really tuched my heart it is great!

I have read practically all of virginia andrews books, and the new series carried on by her family. She always captures the moments so clearly, and does things that deep down we don't want to happen. I thoroughly enjoy her work she contributed so much when she was alive, and will continue to read the books over and over again. The most notable being flowers in the attic, this book is an inspiration in itself, and will always be my favourite.

I liked Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt by Deborah Hopkinson. It is a book about a girl who likes to quilt and make things. I like to make things myself. I think it's important to learn how to make things that means something to you or to people. This book also takes place during a time in America's history when there were slaves. I would have given this 5 stars, but it was too short of a book. If you like books about quilts and history, I also recommend Lucy and the Liberty Quilt by Victoria London. It also is about a girl who likes to sew things with meaning.

Sweet Clara is taken from her momma and sent to work as a field hand for Home Plantation. The work is hard and Clara dreams of going back to her momma. Lucky for Clara, Aunt Rachel teaches her how to sew, which means being a seamstress at the Big House. There she hears for the first time other slaves talking about the Underground Railroad that can carry them to freedom. But without a map of where to go, runaways fall prey to "paterollers." Then Clara gets the idea that a quilt could serve as a map to freedom once it is completed. Gathering information about the Railroad as she collects scraps of fabric to make her quilt, Clara dreams of the day it will be finished and she can travel the road to freedom with her loved ones.

Deborah Hopkinson's story assumes young readers already know about what slavery meant in the United States in the years before the Civil War. The focus on "Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt" is on the inventiveness and courage of a young girl in helping her people wind their way to freedom. What I like best about James Ransome's paintings are the evocative looks he always captures on Sweet Clara's face, which help tell the story as much as Hopkinson's words. This is an excellent book for young students to learn more about the Underground Railroad and the quest for freedom.

Sweet Clara and the Freedom QuiltThis wonderful book``Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt'' was by Deborah Hopkinson. The Publisher is by Alfred A. Knope. The illustrator is James Ransome. There are 15 pages and the intended audience is 7-11 for kids to read.
Sweet Clara was a very brave girl. She really wants to get back to her mother. Sometimes I like to make quilts just like Clara. I like it when Clara starts making the freedom quilt.But I do not like it when Young Jack escapes too see Sweet Clara.
I did like the book ,because it was freeing the slaves.

Virginia's essays can do it. My husband first learned of this book when a theologian read excerpts of it in a class. He bought it for me and it immediately became a treasure to us both. Little Miss Hudson will have you in stitches as often as you open the book. We have given "O Ye Jigs" as a gift more than once and will again. Our favorite part is 'Sacraments' (Poor little Melvin).

I first read this when first published, at about 10 yrs. of age. I appreciated some of the humor, but about 10 yrs. ago I found it again, at age 35, at a garage sale , and found it much more humorous. No one I have shared it with , can get through a page or two without laughing out loud. I also have received a news clip from 1963 from "The Oregonian" with a full history of the author, her heirs, and the story of the essays. It is very interesting. A wonderful book , delightful, especially for those with any type of church backround. A guaranteed giggle!

I'm 13 years old and my reading teacher, Mrs. Hunley, is reading us essays in the book. The book is hilarious and great. We haven't finished it yet, but I'm looking forward to hearing more of Virginia's stories. Some of the boys in my class are jocks and they don't want anything to do with reading, I'd be surprised if they've ever read a whole book in their lives, but anyways, even they look forward to reading about Virginia. The whole class laughs non-stop through her essays. I would recommend this book to anyone!

I ordered this book for my son for his 7th b'day. He loves anything to do with transportation, and discovered Mike Mulligan and his steam shovel first. He checked that book out of the school library every week for more than a month, then I helped him find Katy and the Big Snow, and he loved it just as much. I remember enjoying these books when I was a child, and I think it is wonderful that books like these still bring enjoyment to the children today.

At 51 years of age and very recently a first time grandfather with the aid of Amazon.com I started searching for my favorite stories from decades ago. All of Dr.Suess and the Little Engine That Could to Thorton Burgess's many publications that make me smile so many years later. Of all my past memories Katy and the Big Snow was one that I checked out of our local Library at least 3 times a month. It taught me that determination is most important in acheiving goals and that good things come to those who wait and endure. These are the types of books our younger generation should be reading instead of what is available on television these days. I hope someday my Grandchildren will come to enjoy this book as I have.

Wonderful childrens book, enjoyable machinery come to life displaying a snow truck as a child. Lovely illustrations although remincent of the 50's.