Goes

If you have a Rottweiler in your life you will be especially predisposed to admire the Carl series by Alexandra Day. Her artwork is extraordinary and worthy of framing and you really do not need any text at all because the pages are so self explanatory and well done. I like the way the pictures evoke a simpler time and remind us of the 1930's or 40's. The stories are charming and sweet and Carl the Dog is a loveable lummox who deftly manages baby and keeps them both out of trouble. Unfortunately, Rottweilers get a bad rap when they are in truth, the most loyal and attentive family dogs. Rottweilers are wonderful with children and will always protect a child.

I am giving my son and his wife the entire series as gifts because they presented me with a Rottweiler GrandDog 6 years ago. These adorable books are tomorrow's collectibles you can buy, keep and read.

Me, now that I'm two years out of my abusive relationship, I occasionally re-read it to see how far I've come!

The book also includes practical (not rosy) descriptions of what abused women can expect if they file for a restraining order, stay at a shelter, bring in the police, etc. There's also advice on choosing the right person to confide in, the right counsellor, and the right advocate.

If you have (or suspect you have) a physically or emotionally abused friend or relative, you owe it to yourself and to her to read this book.

The writing is crisp and clear and laugh-out-loud funny, sitting just up a notch from David Sedaris. Kennedy tells stories of youth with a self-deprecating style that never shifts to the excessive or whiny. The only restriction here is the point of reference to the generation of which Kennedy is a member. Baby-boomers will have a hard time with some of the material, but they shouldn't shy away. The quality of writing is strong enough to entertain-and very much so.

Well worth the purchase price-you'll get at least three reads out of it. I'm keeping on eye on Kennedy for his next project. Let's hope he turns to fiction.

I found this story compelling with a strong central character - George's adventures are more about the journey than the destination, and as always, it's great fun tagging along as he encounters the basic trials and tribulations of life, faces them, and overcomes them. I liked his brush with our health care system even better than his foray into corporate America, but the plucky monkey handles himself with aplomb no matter what circumstance he finds himself in.

One wonders a bit why George really did eat the puzzle piece in the first place - if he's smart enough to get work you could presume he knows the difference between a puzzle piece and a viable food source, but this small matter didn't distract from my enjoyment of the piece.

Oh, the kids liked it too - highly recommended for kids of all ages.

This is where the excellence of the book ended. It was extremely redundant, telling almost the same story over and over with a slightly different twist. I was quickly bored. It was obvious that it was a collection of short antecdotes written for her newspaper column and not a cohesive book. I was determined to finish it and was only able to tough it out to the end because of the perseverence I've learned from being a Quad Wife.

It was appalling to read that her husband is kept a virtual prisoner in the living room of the house they live in. No adaptations have been made since 1994 to make the rest of the home accessible to him? He has a life of watching TV? What is that all about?

I am also wondering why a woman who says she is intelligent did not seek out the available programs which provide excellent, in home assistance to people with disabilities. Had she taken advantage of such programs, both she and her husband would have much improved lives.

When Donavin returned to college in the fall, although his heart and mind were with Jasmine, Angela Troublefield entered and had other plans for Donavin. Angela Troublefield was a member of the elitist Epsilon Sigma Chi Sorority on campus and a Hawks cheerleader. When Donavin ignored Angela's flirtatious "come ons" Angela would not be deterred
and found every chance opportunity to be available and went so far as to spend a dry night with Donavin after a fraternity party. Donavin, in a weak moment, decided to give Angela some "play" and was stopped dead in his tracks when he saw her in a compromising position with a basketball superstar.

Jasmine, in New York, had her doubts about Donavin, but was determined to stay true to her feelings and commitment to Donavin, however, life just did not want to cooperate. A chance meeting with Angela at a homecoming coronation put the two of them in a fight over Donavin and landed Donavin, along with his fraternity brothers, in a near expulsion from the university.

This novel was a mindless story with no meaningful plot, and the ending was predictable. The characters were shallow and not fully developed. The author used a tired theme that has been through the wringer one too many times for this reviewer.

Helen Banks
R.E.A. L. Reviewers

This is an easy read where we find Donavin in the mold of a suave, debonair ladies man, full of charm confident on his ability to play the women and not be on the wrong side of love - until he meets Jasmine DeRoche a beautiful woman and sexy doyenne who sweeps him off his feet. After a whirlwind romance they are destined to go separate ways for a while and this is where the action really begins! As in any relationship of grand proportion, trust and understanding will be the base for not only lasting friendship, but a guarantee for a long romance.

The author does a credible job in illustrating points of contention on those subjects, but really allow the book to add flavor along the way while interspersing the antics of friends J.R. and Spoon to the mix. In my opinion, what make this a good read are the storyline and the author's ability to combine different elements to tell a simple story. I harkened back to how he's able to meld comedy, love, family, friendship, and how it all comes to fruition with a believable end.

Witness the Billion Dollar Playboys, as Donavin, Spoon, and J.R. dubbed themselves as they play the game of hunter capturing the game. A serious twist to the plot occur when Jasmine enters the picture reassuring that the boys have met their match, especially Donovin.... but it doesn't stop there. Mr. Diggs gives it a sense of realness, managing to keep the narrative moving and fresh. The comedic exchange adds a good muse to insure this one of the better short books I read this year. Rest assured this book will demand a sequel, or for the author to not tease us with brevity at the expense of a longer novel. I look forward to his next offering with great anticipation.

Don't be fooled by the appearance of this 192pp book. It confirms that big things really do come in small packages. That's the Way Love Goes is packed with LOTS of laughs and heartwarming moments. As you laugh at the antics of the BDP, you may hate their acts as playas, but you'll love and respect their loyalty for family and friends. Though you'll miss the BDP as they ride off into the sunset (as the book ends), the author definitely gives you an appetizer of his talent and makes you want to come back for more. I look forward to his future works.

This is a quick, satisfying read of love for family, friends, and fun!

This book, comprised of a myriad of criminal cases, is one of the most compelling and fast-paced books you will ever read. If it you don't find yourself with a renewed sense of conviction regarding justice and truth in the legal system, then you might consider checking for a pulse.

Given the recent advances in pathology, forensics and DNA, "Actual Innocence" should be required reading. Clear and concise, this book will appeal to everyone from housewife to lawyer alike. Truly one of the most important works written in recent years.

This book is the most comprehensive look at the causes of wrongful convictions and the benefits of DNA testing. It is also a compelling book that uses real stories and makes you question whatever you think you knew about the criminal justice system and its "infallibility."

Other reviews on Amazon.com for this book say that it is boring and slow moving. I really don't think these reviewers read the same book that I did. I guess maybe these readers were expecting an intiguing story with a cliffhanger at the end. I think that the book does provide that and more, it just happens that real life is scarier than fiction.