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This book was good- it would have been great if two out of the three main characters weren't so grating on the nerves. While older sister Nessa was portrayed very accurately as a nagging, uptight, meddlesome worrier...after a while I just wanted to scream!! Half of the nagging was unneccessary for the plot or character development- and it just left me aggitated.

However, the younger sister, Bree, is what really took away from this book. The lack of reality that went into developing this character is mind-blowing. O'Flanagan is almost partronizing any reader who attempts to learn about Bree....does O'Flanagan honestly think that Michael was ever Bree's "boyfriend?" Let me just say, the continuous referral to Bree's "ex-boyfriend" (whom she ALMOST, but never did kiss- at the age of 25....) left me wondering just how immature the writer, or the reader, was expected to be to believe this. At first I was able to dismiss it, thinking this continuous reference to the guy she "loved" after three dates, who was her "boyfriend" even though they never even kissed, was O'Flanagan's way of expressing Bree's immaturity and lack of experience. However, when the seemingly worldly sisters started referring to Michael as Bree's "ex-boyrfriend" I just about stopped reading this book altogether.

Aside from this, the only character that really did it for me was Cate. But unfortunately, the author only skims the surface with her, and we are left seeing her through other character's eyes, rather than directly into her.

The plot was great. I can only imagine how wonderful this book COULD have been with better characters.

In Ireland, of the three Driscoll siblings, Nessa seems to be the one to have it all together. She has lived in comfort as a Riley with Adam for almost a decade and they have an eight year old child. Her sisters Cate and Bree are poster girls for failed relationships.

However, Nessa believes paradise may be lost as evidence mounts that Adam is cheating especially when she consults her horoscope. Nessa wonders what to do as economically she cannot just dump Adam. She has no one to turn to for advice as her mother lives on the other side of the once emerald isle; Cate the crabby one is having problems with her boyfriend radio host Finn over her pregnancy; and finally Bree the mechanic has a host of trouble as she can't get to work on time though Adam keeps her supplied with repairs and the father of her boyfriend is in love with her.

HE'S GOT TO GO is an entertaining relationship drama starring three solid female protagonists about a decade apart in age and even further distanced in how they see male partners. The story line effortlessly swings back and before between the three women though the concentration is more on Nessa, but does not neglect Cate and Bree. The characters are all well developed, not just the three Driscoll sisters. Though the ending ties up for the most part the lives of Nessa and Cate and to a lesser degree Bree, it feels much too crammed inside a short climax. Still the audience will enjoy this fine tale and want to seek more works by Sheila O'Flanagan.

Harriet Klausner

Three sisters in Ireland - Nessa, 34, Cate, 30 and Bree, 25 -- are all experiencing man problems of varying degrees.

Nessa is the homemaker with a loving husband of 10 years and a precocious young daughter. Cate is sales director for a major sports shoe company, living with her media-star boyfriend Finn. And Bree is an auto mechanic who travels the word, happy to be footloose and fancy-free.

Bree starts to mull over why she has so many guy friends but no real boyfriend, and decides to rectify the situation. Nessa starts to suspect that her husband is having an affair, despite all her efforts to be perfect. And Cate finds herself pregnant, which is sure to derail her and Finn's career plans.

Despite their differences, the sisters rely on each other --- but not without judging each other --- so they can all be happy at last.

This stands out from all the other chick-lit in that it has more heart, like the works of Marian Keyes. It is wonderful --- and makes you want to visit Dublin!

This is a little book! Do not expect hours of engrossing reading. For most people this can be read in the car on the way down to the rocks. However the information it does offer is very good and thorough, though obviously limited in the number of topics covered.

The reason to buy this book is in the chapters about belaying and rope tricks. The section about equipment is quite extensive as well, but unfortunately there is a lot of information here that is either incomplete, just plain wrong, or prone to misunderstanding. Therefore I would advise not to trust just this book as your source of information about gear.

I think this book should be added to 'Sport Climbing' to make one complete reference for sport climbing, but at the moment we will have to stick with two separate volumes.

If you are a beginner starting out of the gym onto the rock, definitely get this book, if only for the belaying hints!

Climb safe! Slim

This book takes the scariness once associated with the clip and go routes. This book has greatly improved my climbing. Thanks

The drawings alone are worth the $6 cost. Considering that this and Robyn Erbesfield's "Sport Climbing with Robyn Erbesfield" (possibly overpriced at $14.95, 92 pages, paperback) are the main books on this new facet of climbing, you can't go wrong with John and Duane's. They advise that this book is NOT for beginners, as clip-and-go routes under 5.10b are the exception and it does NOT teach you how to clasp holds and use your feet. But they do cover all the basics of sport climbing in sufficient detail to help you get into this arena

This book has a great title, but ultimately lacked much substance. The information provided was very basic and not very useful. It didn't describe methods for finding a good fit between oneself and one's therapist, but rather cautioned the reader numerous times not the sleep with your therapist nor see a therapist who wants to sleep with you (duh). What about answering 'how do you know if your therapist is right for you?' Or 'when should you seek out a different therapist?' Or 'how can you be sure to make your therapy productive?' No such basic questions were adequately addressed.

I am impressed by the author's clarity of thought and clarity of expression. This small book is based on serious research and appropriate use of quoted material from professionals in the field. Unlike a lot of other how-to books I've read, this does not use what is to me obviously made up situations and quotes from "ordinary people"; I appreciated the honesty and underlying respect that the author shows his readers. And Sherman has a great sense of humor. An excellent guide!

I don't remember how I came across this little treasure, but I'm sure glad I did. Like a lot of people, I used to think that anyone who went into psychoanalysis ought to have their head examined; but since September 11, I've been reassessing a lot of things in my life.
Self-help books have their place in the best of times, but in this crazy mixed-up world sometimes only a professional can give the necessary guidance that'll get you back on track. There are a lot of different therapies out there and this book has helped me to de-mystify them. Hey, what you you might need isn't what I might need, and Carl Sherman can help you to choose the appropriate one to meet your particular needs so that you'll get the most of your therapy.
Don't think you can tough it out by yourself; even a tough guy works better when he's got a good team behind him.

I've enjoyed the 4 part series of this storyline - 4 best friends who promise to help each other find a husband upon their 30 birthdays. The stories were funny, crisp and the twists refreshing. But this particular book was only average. It didn't live up to book one and two, but it'll do for a middle entry.

Back in high school, the quartet of friends believed in the sanctimony of romance and vowed to help each one find a cherished loved one if they had not married by thirty. As the young ladies turn thirty, none of them have attained the eternal ring. Thus, the matchmaking has begun in earnest resulting in Raven (LOVE'S FUNNY THAT WAY) and Charli (I DO, BUT HERE'S THE CATCH) obtaining their heart's desire.

The team chooses her high school sweetheart Kirk Larson as Sunny Bleecker's target. The former Stanford professor is a widower with a toddler while Sunny is still the waitress she was when he left for California to go to college. To Sunny he remains the sexy person who was her only real boyfriend. Yet the attraction between them remains strong, but turns into an adult love. Still, he grieves his beloved first wife, making a permanent relationship between them unattainable.

The third "Wedding Ring" novel, ONE EAGER BRIDE TO GO, is a warm contemporary romance that continues the fun of the first two novels. Sunny lives up to her name while Kirk provides angst as he struggles between his love for Sunny and his love for the deceased Linda. The story line is entertaining especially with visits from the other threesome trying to make the impossible become possible. Fans of the series will eagerly await the final installment as the young women merge their talents to find a loving husband for the last to turn thirty, twice divorced and world class skeptic Amanda.

The four women have been best friends since kindergarten. When they graduated from high school, they formed THE WEDDING RING CLUB, agreeing to find each other husbands if any of them are still single at age thirty. Little did they suspect just how complicated that agreement would become twelve years later. ONE EAGER BRIDE TO GO is the fantastic third segment of this four part miniseries by Pamela Burford.

Giving their virginity to one another, Sunny and Kirk were inseparable during high school. Since graduation, Sunny hasn't had another serious relationship because she always finds herself finding others lacking in comparison. So while Kirk went away to college in California, Sunny remains in New Jersey working at as a waitress at the local diner and waiting for Prince Charming to arrive. But not many Princes frequent the Wafflemania. Twelve years after high school she still waitresses at Wafflemania and waits for the perfect man to take her away from support hose and pink polyester uniforms.

Sunny's the most eager member of the Wedding Ring, eagerly awaiting her introduction to love and marriage. But she's immensely dissatisfied when her buddies reintroduce her to her old flame. The Wedding Ring was supposed to bring her a new man, not a specter from her past. She wants a new man, not this recycled stuff!

A widower, Kirk came back to Long Island to raise his eighteen-month old son. When he shows up at Charlie and Grant's wedding, he and Sunny are the ones to catch the garter and bouquet. As he slides the garter up Sunny's leg, they both know the fire of attraction still smolders. Kirk warns Sunny that he's not the same sincere man she remembers, but she disregards the warning, ill suspecting the secret that could drive them apart.

Sunny's charming transformation of the bride passively waiting for Prince Charming to discovering one's own abilities makes ONE EAGER BRIDE TO GO a wonderful read. The frequent reminders of previous books, and the tantalizing glimpse at the last unmarried Wedding Ring partner also lends a depth and warmth to the novel, making it wonderful in its own right, while richer and fuller as part of the series. These characters are both memorable and uniquely individual. I can't wait for the last book of the miniseries, FIANCÉ FOR HIRE. Very highly recommended!

Elkind, David. (1984) . All Grown Up & No Place to Go. Reading, Massachusetts: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company.

Reviewed by: K.N.B. of SJC

Elkind's book discusses many of the issues that face adolescents each day. Even though the book was written in 1984, the topics Elkind discusses are still a concern for many children, parents and teachers. Now, fifteen years later, there are even more things that we all need to worry about. Some of the issues that Elkind covers are: substance abuse, sexual activity, suicide, crime, value systems, puberty, family structure, media, pregnancy, school systems, stress and peer pressure. He gives many examples for each concern. Some are fictional. Others are actual life experiences that have come out during interviews. Elkind writes about both Erik Erikson and Jean Piaget when he discusses what needs to be accomplished mentally in the teenage years. He briefly mentions different phases of life in terms that are easily understood. In fact, the entire book is easy to comprehend. Elkind really keeps the interest of the reader. His use of personal life experiences is truly captivating. Unfortunately, some of the stories are sad to read about. Growing up in the 80's myself, I was never aware of how common some of these issues were. This book makes me realize that the incidences that occur today occurred back then as well.

I was looking for a book to learn how to deal with the teenage crises facing our nation. This book showed a lot of negative views. It was very informative but usually showed only one point of view.

This book is what you would expect if you are familiar with Barney and company. The good news is it teaches your child(ren) about fire safety in a non-frightening way, while entertaining them. The best news is that you can do your own voices and you don't have to listen to B.J.!

Young children will find this book a delight. However, the content is only suitable for very young children and many people may find this book quite boring if it is not directed to the proper age group.

The information was good for the most part, however, some information is outdated.... for example, the book states that only 3 states consider laser an "unqualified legal seal" for determining speed. This information is outdated according to the Judge in Oregon Court today!!!

None of the ploys indicated in the book helped me at all in court and I was calm, prepared and articulate. I observed others in court yesterday and today to have had more of a reduction in fines, than I did,when they did not testify at all in their own defense!

The decrease in fine I received today hardly covered the cost of the book, never mind the hours of reading, researching the law library and observing trial proceedure.

I think it would be wise for Attny Brown to update the book in the near future!

The author's description of defenses to speeding tickets is very clear and detailed. He describes the classes of speeding laws and the procedures for dealing with each class. Both lawyers and nonlawyers will find it very useful.

Disappointed. Illustrations are not as beautiful as the work done in "So Many Bunnies." Text doesn't flow...too contrived and the last word of each page's rhyme is on the next page...which makes the reader/listener have to decide whether to linger over the scene or turn the page to finish the rhyme. Modes of transportation are depicted well, but on most pages the bunnies don't have the charm they have in "So Many Bunnies"...they are pretty much secondary in many of the illustrations, so if you liked "So Many Bunnies" for the rabbits, you may be disappointed in this edition. Opening and closing spreads have the charm I was expecting throughout the book.

Bunnies on the Go is a great book for preschoolers. My 2 1/2 and 4 1/2 year old grandsons love So Many Bunnies so I brought this one home from the library. Perhaps because they are boys, they don't care if the illustrations are cute little bunnies but what really holds their interest in this book is the figuring out which vehicle will be on the next page. There is a visual clue and a rhyming clue--they find this aspect of the book highly entertaining--and I thought it was pretty clever too. They just love it when they know the answer. As an adult I wonder how many times would they want to read this book since it doesn't take long to know what comes next, but children love repetition so I recommend buying this book.

This book is short but gives good insight to the horror that the Jews of Warsaw suffered in the years of Nazi occupation. First hand reports from diaries and interviews make this a good selection.

This is an inside view of the revolting treatment of Jewish people during the Nazi reign of terror, and the story of those who resisted. The Warsaw Uprising was an underground resistance movement of young people who decided to not go down without a struggle and fight. They did not believe that God wanted them to lay down so they fought an impossible war against their captors.
Incredible stuff.

The book uses letters, documents, and accounts from survivors to document the times. The book serves as a reminder that tolorance and respect for people as individuals is a paramount key to halt man's seemingly inevitable downward spiral into hate and violence. No matter if the scapegoat of the day is Jews, Muslims, Witches, Communists, or terrorists the world needs more respect and peace.

While I enjoyed the selections of Whitman's poetry, and the speaker's voice, I thought the background music was a little overpowering and repetitive. Good use of rain and water sound effects. Overall a good experience, and a pleasant introduction to Whitman's poetry.

This audio book gives a good overall introduction to Whitman's poetry- if you do not feel like tackling his monumental _Leaves of Grass_ first hand. Of course if you have read the Leaves, it is a nice bit of review and recollection. The cosmic consciousness of our greatest transidentalist poet shines through in it's strength, naturalness, and purity. This is not weak and delicate stuff.

There are fairly long interludes of nature sounds (bird song, insects, frogs, and running water and waves) and gentle guitar music between the poems, which gives the listener time to get into a receptive frame of mind, and to reflect on what was just heard. The reader, Lyn Dalebout, has a pleasant and expressive reading voice. I personally didn't find the background music and sounds during the readings to be distracting.

The poems included are:

A Clear Midnight,
A Prairie Sunset,
After the Dazzle of Day,
Excelsior,
Nature and Democracy, Morality
Song at Sunset,
Song of Occupations,
Song of the Open Road,
Song of the Rolling Earth,
Song of the Universal,
This Compost,
Voice of the Rain

Remember- cheer-up slaves and horrify despots!