Through the exquisitely described details (however minute in relevance to the story they were) in her book, I was able to envision myself at the scenes of her past. I am not even going to begin to presume that I understand or empathize what the author, or anyone else in her immediate sphere went through as the events of her past unfolded before you in the book. However, her words struck a chord in my being I hope will not stop vibrating. I am one of the "normal kids" who would have had no other information about multiple personalities, other than the abnormal psychology class some college students attend during their studies. It is because of Carole Smith's book that I will forever be open minded and compassionate to those who are different from myself. It is because of her book why my horizon has broadened.

I just finished reading this book yesterday. This book helped me so much in dealing with a foster child trauma survivor recently diagnosed with multiple personalities. It gave me the perspective that I needed to continue and to know that my instincts, too, are right on track. Guess that comes with loving the child and with answering the call that God has made in our hearts to be an instrument of healing, to, at least, try. Carole Smith is a Saint who answered the call, like Mother Theresa. How else could she have hung in there for so many years? I'm ready to cave in after one year!

A scary but necessary account of one childs horrible beginning to life and one womans brave quest to save him. Beautifully written. Carole shows poise, and restraint at a system that did little to help her. Through her stories you see the real deal in mental illness and how you are treated. This is a book that everyone working with children should read.

This book is a great start for medieval cooking made easy. The recipes are easy to use and well formatted, and it's very friendly. I highly recommend it!

This is a great collection of well documented and authentic period recipies. I've tried about half of the dishes in this book, and I have only had one I wouldn't do again. The recipies are laid out so that one sees the original, in the original language, a modern english translation, and then an ingredients list and directions. I'm not a great cook, but I have had a lot of luck with pieces from this book.

There are other aspects that will appeal to medieval recreators, as well. Especially useful are the charts showing which foods are and are not period, and ideas of what to take to a potluck besides bread.

All in all, I found this to be my favorite medieval cookbook - and I have a number of them.

This book is a great resource for anyone who is interested in what Medieval people ate (it wasn't all giant roasts!) or for anyone who wants to try a cuisine that hasn't shown up in all the trendy restaurants yet.

The book is written particularly for people who do various sorts of medieval and renaissance re-enactment, but its easy format makes it useful even if you've never seen someone in armor and don't plan to. Main dishes, sauces, vegetables and other categories are all laid out, and, unlike many "medieval" cookbook interpretations, the original text is given as well as a modern version so that the cook can make his or her own interpretation if they don't like the one given.

This book held my interest from start to finish. Once I started it I could not put it down. I had to get to the next chapter to find out what would happen to Alex next, or what will Alex do to his foster parents next!! How will the next event be handled. What other abuse could this poor boy be subject to. This book is extremely graffic, the details of his abuse are given in detail. He suffered physical, sexual, emotional and even ritual abuse. I believe Alex, I believe his foster parents. Some of you may not. Whether you believe the story or not, you'll gain a great perspective about MPD, and you won't be able to put the book down! This book is about a boy's abusive family, most are about girls. I applaud Alex for his courage to heal and to tell his story.

I am reading every book I can find on the subject of MPD. The honesty in Magic Castle helped me know I am not alone with the problem. I read this book and felt a surge of 'I can do it' and I am grateful it was written and published. Thanks, Alex, for your courage.

This is a great book for those who are curious about MPD/DID or in any way involved with MPD/DID. It is an enlightening and frightening glimpse into the life of a survivor. After reading this book, I feel I have attained a better understanding of multiple personality disorder and it's effects on the survivor as well as the supporter. Although this book is very detailed and somewhat graphic, it is an intelligent and easy read (no clinical jargon). I commend Mrs. Smith, Alex and all involved on the honesty of this book. Alex's bravery during the writing of this book is a true testament to his inner strength.

Jack was a friend of mine. I first saw him perform Thanksgiving night, 1979, up the stairs at the O-P Screen Room in lower Manhattan. He called it a Jungle Jack radio adventure and he read into a big old microphone from pages stored in a shoebox. He had a belly dancer whom he called Scheherezade Thompson read from Somerset Maughn's Rain. The audience was tiny and appreciative, but it went on for hours and hours. I felt privileged to be there, like I was watching the dust settle at the edge of eternity. This collection of essays about Jack is a necessity, because it can evoke his world, and it was a fascinating one. His humor and his eccentricity and his seriousness are all reflected in this collection. Today he is spoken of as a gay icon, but Jack did not regard his gayness as political. He was about glamor. I wish this book wasn't so expensive, because that will put off some of the folks who would benefit most from this. But it's worth it, folks. And, by the way, thanks a lot, Jack.