its conviction that ADD/ADHD is a complex condition that can't be reduced to a single point of origin. Ken Vegotsky, one of the books contributors believes "It is unfortunate for children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD that the North American perspective tends to take a 'one-size-fits all' approach."

Most of the focus is on natural choices and options that are less intrusive than Ritalin, dextroamphetamine, bupopropin, and other drugs used to treat these learning disabilities. There is an impressive amount of information about the ten major drugs currently used, and their potential side effects. This includes an 'At-a-Glance Quick Reference(TM) Interaction Chart and Side Effects Reference Chart. In addition...

A preliminary study by doctors from Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Bronx, NY use of acupressure to reduce drug use, and even get children on Ritalin and dextroamphetamine completely free of these drugs - plus over 30 more chapters with powerful information from health care professionals on the inner ear/cerebellar-vestibular origins, healing the hyperactive brain through the science of functional medicine, essential fatty acids, thyroid gland and hyperactivity, environmental factors and organic acids, Chinese medicine, diet and nutrition, herbs, parasites and detoxification, mercury poisoning and chelation, homeopathy, Bach Flower Remedies, neurofeedback, music and guided imagery, exercise, tools to empower teachers and parents, plus more, including an overview chapter with an easy to use plan of action...

I discovered the full range of choices for dealing with ADD and hyperactivity and the first documented cure for autism and how it is linked to some cases of hyperactivity. From natural remedies and diet, to drug options and treatment plans, it is clearly and easily spelled out for your use.

Top experts from around the world include doctors from Lincoln Memorial Hospital, Bronx, N.Y. use of acupressure beads to reduce Ritalin use; Harold Levinson, M.D., successful treatment of 35,000 patients; Mike Lyon, M.D. protocols for the new science of Functional Medicine; the Feingold diet contributed by Jane Hersey, President of the Feingold Association, pharmacists clear explanation of the top 10 pharmaceutical drugs used by doctors, with easy-to-use-lists for side-effects and warnings, plus a quick reference drug-interaction chart, and top experts in the areas of herbs, essential fatty acids, parasites and detoxification, Chinese Medicine, pharmaceutical drugs, homeopathy, social and psychological tools, and much more are all tied together in the overview chapter on how to use this unique book.

Book includes a clear explanation of the top 10 pharmaceutical drugs used by doctors, with easy-to-use-lists for side-effects and warnings, plus a quick reference drug-interaction chart.

Social and psychological tools that empower parents, teachers, and ADD/Hyperactive children and adults.

An overview on how to effectively use the information in this book. Extensive listings of complementary and traditional support groups, resources for finding trained professionals, legal rights sources, books, music CDs, supplements, At-a-Glance Quick Reference™ charts, and more.

If you are starting to look for information or have already read several books on learning disabilities, this book is for you! Authors of numerous books in this area contributed clear and concise information in their own chapters. Each chapter is a solid description of what they use successfully for dealing with these learning disabilities.

A must have for anyone interested in successfully choosing those options which they are most comfortable with!

Fred Thompson's "Iced Tea" is a small and likeable volume filled with not only recipes, but everything you ever wanted to know about this summertime drink. He covers everything from the rules and techniques for brewing a great glass of tea (from which a great glass of ICED tea may be made) to what other countries like to serve in their iced tea glasses.

I learned quite a bit from this slim volume. For instance, why Southerners like their "sweet tea" so sweet (read the book to find out!) and how tea can be used in a fantastically good smoothie (again, read the book!). This would make a lovely hostess gift for some summer weekend at the beach!

I was ushered into the wonderful world of reading by a fantastic third grade teacher who read books aloud every day for 30 minutes. TV Thompson was one of the books she read to us. I was so fascinated by the author's creativity. I couldn't wait to sit and hear another chapter of TV's amazing story. TV Thompson travels through the TV and participates in shows for awhile, then he's zapped out of them again. I have never forgotten this book, and am searching for a copy. As I recall, it was out of print even then. TV Thompson reminds me of when I first started enjoying reading. I think it's a great book for all ages, and a wonderful book to start kids on. Thank God for teachers who care enough to introduce students to the wonderful world of books.

Felix Holt occupies a middle-tier in the critical estimation of Eliot's novels. It is often disparaged as the "political novel," or alternatively "the one where the legal subplot is way too complicated."

At first, this seems unfair. The early introduction of Mrs. Transome is a showstopper, heroine Esther Lyon fascinates, and the detailed evocation of 19th century rural politics is through Eliot's narrative magic made riveting.

But things do go awry in the second half. A big problem is Felix himself: an idealization of a political view rather than a detailed character, the reader loves him rather less than Eliot seems to intend. The legal schenanigans are intriguing, but the tortuous plot machinations through which Felix comes to be imprisoned are near ridiculous. And finally, Esther experiences her moral conversion rather too quickly and tidily, coming to seem just a sketch for Gwendolyn Harleth in the later Daniel Deronda. Indeed, by book's end the most compelling plot thread standing is that of the unfortunate Mrs. Transome.

But to say a book isn't as good as Daniel Deronda isn't much of a criticism. For all its faults, Felix Holt is filled with excellent characters, a strong story, and unparalled insight into both 19th century England and the more universal collisions of morality and politics.

This is my 4th novel by George Eliot (after "Adam Bede", "Middlemarch" and "The Mill on the Floss") and it has become my favourite along with "Middlemarch". "Felix Holt" is so marvelously written and gave me many hours of reading pleasure - I can't understand why it's not as highly acclaimed or well-known as Eliot's other novels.

If you're a fan of Victorian literature, then you mustn't miss this brilliant work. The story's set in the 1830s and is 1/3 focused on politics (i.e. a fascinating insight into the electioneering process and the fight for a Parliamentary seat between the Torys and the Radicals), 1/3 on family and sensational issues (e.g. illegitimacy, dispute over who has the legitimate claim on the wealthy estates of the Transome family and plenty of blackmail, manipulation and betrayals) and 1/3 devoted to a love triangle.

George Eliot wrote so eloquently and beautifully that many times I find myself re-reading a particular phrase in order to saviour its beautiful words. Each chapter also starts with either a beautiful poem or some well-chosen lines from Shakespeare/the Classics. Here's a favourite of mine from Chapter 45 (a poem by Eliot):

"We may not make this world a paradise
By walking it together with clasped hands
And eyes that meeting feed a double strength.
We must be only joined by pains divine,
Of spirits blent in mutual memories".

I confess that above all, it is the suspense over the touching love story that kept me turning the pages very quickly. The hero is Felix Holt, a passionate, idealistic young man who studies medicine but chooses to quit midway and forgo a comfortable future as a doctor in favour of leading the more righteous life (in his opinion) of an ordinary, poor workingman because of his scorn for wealth and its corrupting powers. Felix is described as honest, brusque, generous and highly intelligent. He's got "wild hair", dresses simple and to his own liking e.g. not wearing a cravat "like all the other gentlemen", and sometimes looks like a "barbarian". He patronizes no one and is rather unpopular in the town of Treby Magna where the story takes place. His political views are Radical (i.e. more severe than the Liberals) but his main concerns are for the well-being of the working class and especially the future of their children. (Read the excellent "Address to Working Men by Felix Holt" which comes after the Epilogue). Felix's good intentions land him in great trouble with the law later on when a massive riot breaks out among the drunk working class directly after the election and Felix is wrongly accused of being the leader of the mob.

Early on in the novel, Felix is introduced to the heroine, Esther Lyon (the beautiful daughter of a poor chapel minister) whose vanity and high-bred manner he scorns. He rebukes and lectures her constantly in that straight-forward and honest manner of his because he cares to improve her views on what are truly the important things in life. Esther dislikes him utterly at first... she cannot understand why Felix doesn't admire her beauty and graceful manners like other young men do. Esther is vain and proud (at least, initially) and has always dreamed of leading a better life, with fineries and beautiful clothes and servants to do her bidding. And Felix Holt is definitely not her idea of a lover! But Esther is not unkind or ungenerous - she loves her father dearly and treats everyone well. Gradually, she begins to see the true nature of Felix's character and noble aims, and holds him in great esteem, despite his outward looks and manners. But Felix has declared never to marry and if he were ever to fall in love, he would just "bear it and not marry" (preferring to "wed poverty"). Later in the novel, Esther is courted by the rich and handsome Harold Transome whose initial reason for wooing her is to save his family estates. But he doesn't count on falling in love with her subsequently.

Who does Esther ends up with finally: Felix or Harold? But take it from me that the romantic scenes between Felix and Esther are the most passionate and heart-wrenching I've ever come across in a classic literature - with many kisses and hugs amidst pure longing and despair, and scenes filled with beautifully spoken words of affection which brought tears to my eyes.

For many, many reasons, "Felix Holt" makes for a most brilliant read. I urge you not to miss it.

Some might say nothing can equal Middlemarch as Eliot's greatest work but I think that even if Felix Holt doesn't rank alongside it in literature, it should be given at least an equal status.

The novel deals with provincial politics in nineteenth century England through the mouthpiece of one of the best male protagonists ever drwan in literature by a female writer. As in all her books, Eliot is sharp in her details, the satire is poignant and she doesn't miss out on humor. Feminism takes a different turn here, with telling criticisms on the way females were brought up at that time and in many third world countries, still are brought up.

Eliot is never bitter, never hopeless, yet always realistic and idealistic with this difference: she doesn't let it get out of control. Fear not: mawkish is the last thing this book is. Some details might seem to be superfluous but it adds up to showing the literary prowess of this great woman, and is very helpful in letting you understand the real stuff going on at that time. A good, very well-written socio-political novel, that depicts the atmosphere of its time with more accuracy than many other books I've read.

Eliot does have the most amazing ability to get into her characters' minds. although this book is an all rounder in the sense that it comments on most social issues, the two main intimate themes of the books are personal to the central character, Felix, the most "alive" hero of nineteenth century literature: his politics and his love interest, in herself a very compelling and subtly drwan character.

Worth reading for all Eliot, Dickens, and Hardy fans. Will definitely give you two or three new opinions: even if the time period is different, much of the philosophy of the book is still very relevant.

The mysterious Fredrick Thompson left little biographical information in his wake, but Woody Register has taken the scant evidence and woven it into a revealing narritive of the man who made Coney Island famous. This book cchronicles an even more important story as well, the concepts of leisure and amusements in the 20th century. The theme park, theatrical spectacular, Vegas showroom and Broadway all own a debt to Fred Thompson's inner child. This book is a must for anyone serious about the business of fun.

As a lifelong resident of Coney Island,and the author of a recently published memoir entitled Remembrance of a Restaurant,or a Decameron of Dining,I share the deserved enthusiasm of all reviews for this life of remarkable showman,Fred Thompson. Unlike other reviews, mine is more intimate. Fred Thompson was an habitue of the finest restaurants of the period like Ravenhall's,Villepique's,Beau Rivage,and my parents notable landmark restaurant called Villa Joe's.A Little Bit of Naples in Coney Island.It was razed by urban renewal(1915-1975)As a boy, I recall his frequent patronage ,especially when he gave me season passes to Luna Park ,and a pat on the head.He was as modest as his imagination was flamboyant. He often had dinner talking to my father about my father's Boston Terrier championsI remember him as being always abstracted,away in thought. Mr. Register has reminded us in this biography of the great originals of that period of singular will and imagination. If I still had the restaurant I would invite Mr. Register to a drink on the house to celebrate this triumphant book suitable for a great showman.

Fred Thompson was the "kid" (he was in his early twenties when he built Luna Park in Coney Island) who first recognized that the American middle class in the early 20th century was ripe for amusement and fun, ready to embrace consumption, fun and leisure as a moral system. Here he is given his due as a great innovator (inventor of the theme park), and a great showman (Broadway producer of mega-extravaganzas). Woody Register's highly readable and extremely insightful book is not just about Fred Thompson (of which there is very little historical information other than press releases, scattered interviews and new stories about Thompson's endeavors and stunts), but is all about the break between the early industrial age (all about saving and putting aside wages for a rainy day, Victorian respectability, the patriarchal society and responsibility) and the dawning of the modern age of consumption (spending for the fun of it, disrepectable activities, the newly feminized office-based white collar man and irresponsiblity). Thompson was the first entreprenuer to sell the idea of childhood as a lifelong event sustained through the agency of the carnival, the theme park, the toy. His genius lay in combining the new conception of childhood as a time of "innocent joy" with the new era of comsumption for consumption's sake. A wild spender, he died penniless, still enthusiastic, still working on his next big project, a perfect exemplar of the new boy/man Peter Pan personality he was instrumental in creating. According to Mr. Register's Introduction, this work took him much longer to write than he expected it would. We are the beneficiaries of his extended and meticulous labors -- this book is sure to beome a classic cultural studies text.

This book is rather slow in the beginning, but worth it when one finally gets into it.

As a reader of modern times one cannot help but to compare today's standards to those of 80 years ago. Edie's husband is quite cruel to her. Whereas today there are so many ways for a woman to get out of a marriage like that, in those days, she was trapped. Even her family seems to turn a deaf ear and a blind eye to her husband's shortcomings, seeing only that she is a married woman, and therefore 'secure.'

The reader sees Edie become mature and insightful as the book moves along. In my opinion, however, there is not enough said about Fred, the reader never feels as though they 'know' him.

This story is haunting in the fact that it is true. One almost feels Edie's helplessness and hopelessness as she writes letters to Fred from prison, letters she knows he will never see. In todays American courts the appeals would have gone on for years and years.

Fred and Edie is based on the real life murder case of Frederick Bywaters and Edith Thompson who were hanged for the murder of Edie's husband Percy in 1920's England. Jill Dawson deftly blends factual material such as newspaper articles with fictional material in order to not only tell the tale of the lovers themselves, but to give the reader an insight into the lives of women during that era. How many women, like Edie, we wonder, married for stability and social conventions in order to find themselves trapped in loveless, violent marriages? Escape, appears to come for Edie in the shape of her sister's young boyfriend, Fred, with whom she has a passionate love affair. However, Percy refuses to grant her a divorce,a refusal that ultimately leads to the tragic deaths of all three of them.

Branded "silly and vain" at the start of the novel, we see Edie achieving emotional maturity and insight through a series of letters she writes to Fred from her prison cell. Issues of her culpability, sexuality and the role of women in this pre-feminist society are gradually revealed to us, leaving us wondering if she was a cold calculating killer or the victim of a society that denied her justice.

An artfully-written novel of what a British reviewer called a modern Madame Bovary, "Fred & Edie" is a compelling look at a crime that captivated England in the 1920s. As much a portrait of a changing era as a crime story, it is less about love than about dreams of love versus the harsh reality of a cruel, boorish husband. While at first Edith Thompson seems the "vain, silly" woman others thought her, the author beautifully develops and shows us her depth and longing until we are both transported and moved by her plight. Many images will linger long after the reader is finished.

Fred Thompson's "Lemonade" is a small and likeable volume that serves as a companion piece to his "Iced Tea" cookbook. You might wonder how much could possibly be said about lemonade, but Thompson gives you quite a bit of history of the drink--not to mention all sorts of permutations of basic lemonade, ranging from alcoholic to non, sparklers and spritzers, flavored lemonades, and more. It turns out that this traditional summertime drink is a wonderful springboard to all sorts of yumilicious beverages for year-round consumption.

This slim volume has great recipes, ranging from Strawberry-Rhubarb Lemonade to Tailgate Spiced Cranberry Lemonade to Vanilla Bean Lemonade. This would make a lovely hostess gift for anyone hosting a hot summer day's picnic!

Dr. Leo LeMat wants to paint Earps portrait but finds out he will have to use his gifted skill as a shootist first. you'll love this exciting book.

A pretty good western story, set on the border of Arkansas and the Indian Territory in the 1890s. It is a good read, however, it is pure fiction. If you are looking to actually learn about the historic characters portrayed in the book, go to the library and check out a history book. This novel strays from the truth in a pretty wide manner.

All in all, it is a fun story!

How many authors of Westerns use a 15-year-old orphan as the central figure who tells the story and pairs him with a dyslexic girl? That setup alone might be enough to interest some readers of this new Western. There's plenty of action, too. The author does a fairly good job of developing the story though much of the rest of it is more traditional. A wealthy and influential rancher whose sons make trouble for any who get in their way controls the town. A stranger from New York City happens to be in town when trouble is brewing for young Nate, the orphan. Jake, the stranger, ends up sticking around to see what he can do to even the odds. The struggle between these two sides, as in many Westerns, becomes the struggle between good and evil. Perhaps this might be one of the book's weaker points. It may be a little too black and white for some. Also the dialogue occasionally sounds a little unnatural. But with the setup the way it is and the interaction that occurs, this is a book worth reading.

This book was the first in the series that I purchased, but I definitely intend to buy the other two. The main characters, Leo and Jacque are well developed, the historical personalities they run into are represented accurately (having read biographies of Judge Parker and the real Dr. Lemat, who is presented as a relative of Leo in this book) and the details (food, tack, firearms, locations) are accurate. This is a pleasurable way for someone to learn about Ft. Smith and Indian Territory history without having to locate several of the hard-to-find books that the author's obviously studied to create this book.

Highly recommended and definitely a cut above many of the Western genre series.

First published in 1977 in the U.K., and written by British authors Fred Dreller and Roy Thompson, this was clearly targeted towards British fans of Country music, as it simply omits too many artists to be taken seriously as a definitive encyclopedia of the genre by any North American-based fan. Especially those of us who grew up listening to the Grand Ole Opry, Louisiana Hayride, Ozark Jubilee, or WWVA Wheeling, West Virginia on our radios.

Just a quick look at those artists, using only the letters A,B, and C of the alphabet, who rate no mention at all, tells you how limited this is: Derroll Adams; Buddy Alan [son of Buck Owens]; The Allan Brothers; The Anglin Brothers; Carroll Baker from Canada; Kenny Baker; Fiddlin' Frenchie Burke; Benny Barnes; The Bellamy Brothers; Boyd Bennett; Jeanne Black; Bonnie Lou; Claude Boone; Boxcar Willie [Lecil Travis Martin]; Rod Brasfield; Cousin Cecil Brower; Hylo Brown; Captain Stubby & The Buccaneers; Jenny Lou Carson; Claude Casey; Harry Choates; The Collins Kids; Jan Crutchfield; Sonny Curtis.

You can imagine, from the above, how many more, from D to Y are missing [Uncle Cyp & Aunt Sap; Kenny Vernon; York Brothers].

The "illustrated" part is, however, quite good, with many full-page colour and b&w photos of people like Roy Acuff [who wrote the Foreword], Gene Autry, George Hamilton IV, Skeeter Davis, David Allan Coe, Johnny Carver, and a nice shot of Mother Maybelle Carter and her daughters from their Columbia LP The Carter Family - Country's First Family.

In fact, the illustrations are what earns it 3 stars in my estimation.