A fabulous book that gives anyone a number of dicrections to search. I feel inspired to go ahead now because I've been give a starting point!

After spending 2 years in college, ill with something doctors were unable to diagnose, I knew it would be up to me to find my medical history. This book was the MOST HELPFUL BOOK in terms of helping me get started...where to look for information, agencies to contact, etc.

If you're an adoptee and looking for your biological parents, I HIGHLY recommend this book! It is an invaluable reference you definitely need.

I am a birthmother in the 18th month of my reunion with my birthson, and have read probably 15 - 20 books on the subject of adoption, just to try to get a better understanding of where the adoptee, the adoptive parents and the birthparents are all coming from. They all have a something to add to this very unique experience, but many left a lot to be desired. I found this book to be well grounded, well written and thought it had tremendous insight into the very emotional stages of reunion, and think it would benefit all connected to adoption. I wish I had found this book a year ago! Betsy

This is an engrossing and painfully honest account of a young woman's experience as an adopted child in our society. I found myself unable to put the book down. As I read through each chapter describing Kasey's experiences growing up in her adoptive home I thought, "This is a must read book for any parent or prospective parent. Especially, someone considering adopting or relinquishing their newborn." One of the most well written accounts I've read in many years. This one is not to be missed ! Thank you Kasey for sharing your very personal and painful experience.

Whose Child? is simultaneously moving and disturbing, for in her retelling, Kasey Hamner presents the complex fabric of human relationships with an unusual commonality of candour and compassion. Within the framework of a straightforward, direct style, the sense of alienation and loneliness which is a common experience amongst many adoptees is made even more accessible to those who know nothing of the experience and deepens the poignancy of the story.
Not every adoptee's story involves abuse. Even though I admit to not being able to imagine what the emotional consequences of such an experience can be, the emotional landscape is depicted with such clarity, that it was not difficult to either empathise or identify with many instances recounted in the book.
Reflections on one's own adoptive experience while reading the book is inevitable and Kasey Hamner's strength and courage in acknowledging the essential nature of her circumstances as they changed and evolved, are exemplary for anyone affected by adoption. "Whose Child?" is more than one person's story; it is a lesson in living life on life's terms, and speaks of an infinite grace in a willingness to accept and thereby, heal.

Once I had finished reading Whose Child, I mailed Kasey to thank her for having contributed a singularly important facet missing from the closure of my own adoptive experience: I wrote:
I received your books and have finished Whose Child? I found myself reflected in many of the pages and reading such an account of a life of pain has brought forward several questions, regarding my own journey... In as much as reading an account of someone else's pain can be pleasurable, I did enjoy the way you wrote it...

...Whose Child? has been a sincere lesson for me in fearlessness and I would like to thank you for that. It has given me unexpected insight and I am deeply appreciative of it...

Reading this book leaves much to admire.

I cannot believe how much I enjoyed this book. I am 19 years old and I am about to relinquish the child I am carrying. I am so glad that I read this book to help me in making my most difficult decision. I could not put the book down and found it both joyful and maddeing. Her adoptive parents should be ashamed of themselves. Kasey is a great gal who has come through so much. Now she is a psychologist who helps others. What a great ending as well. I will recommend this book to EVERYONE. I can't wait to read her next book "Adoption Forum".

Jenny Carroll's done it again. This exciting and hilarious addition to her Mediator series, Reunion was hard to put down and very pivotal in the series. Suze has adjusted to her new life in Northern California. Her best friend Gina is at her house for a few weeks now, and she's thrilled. But that's when the trouble starts one sunny summer day. After a tragic car accident, four high school students who were killed aren't exactly ready to leave the world yet -- their ghosts are still angry at the kid who got them killed, and they won't let everyone's favorite mediator, Suze, get in their way. But there's Michael Meducci, whom Suze is having a hard time getting around. Michael Meducci is a prodigal geek, but he's very different than what he appears. He tends to have a split personality -- and a split look. Suze is very interested in Michael's behavior, and she also has to deal with the four high school students, who were called the "RLS Angels" where they came from. Suze thinks she's gotten everything under control, but she is in for a lot of danger -- and so are those she loves and cares about. The Mediator #3: Reunion was undoubtedly the most page turning and funniest book in Jenny Carroll's witty and scary series, but not the best. This series is so thrilling and so much fun to read, I don't want it to ever end.

Susannah Simon is having a great time with her friend Gina, who has come all the way from New York to the small Californian town of Carmel-By-The-Sea to stay for a week. But when four ghosts show up, the ghosts of four good-looking, popular, athletic, academic, envied high school seniors, the fun starts to slide downhill. That's because Suze Simon is a mediator. It's her job to help guide ghosts to the afterlife, wherever it might be. Unfortunately, these four star students (nicknamed the RLS Angels, the RLS meaning Robert Louis-Stevenson High School, which they attended) will not depart to their next life until they destroy the one person who they believe killed them. This geeky, unpopular, bully-magnet boy from Suze's school: Michael Meducci. In the car wreck which took the RLS Angels' lives away, Michael was coming around the corner and caused them to swerve off a cliff onto a small beach, to be washed out to sea. They won't stop at anything to get revenge, and they aren't afraid to kill others along the way. Suze and Father Dominic, another mediator, aren't convinced that Michael Meducci, who is one of the top students in the entire school, could have planned to make them drive off a cliff. He doesn't have a motivation. Does he? This book was thilling, and hilarious! It was great to have another adventure with Susannah, Jesse, Father Dominic, and the rest of the characters. I can't wait for Darkest Hour, book four...

In Reunion Suze is as happy as someone like her can be. The reason: Gina has landed! Suze plans on making Gina's visit as great as possible filling it with fun, the beach, and cute guys. But of course Suze's plans end up changing. That is because the ghosts of four young people have showed up demanding revenge on the nerd who they think killed them. Seeing as these ghosts won't listen to her Suze has no choice but to protect "mega nerd" Michael Meducci. But one night while talking to the ghosts and checking out the crime scene Suze starts to think that maybe their deaths weren't accidental after all. And if this is true then Suze's life not to mention her friends and family's lives are in more danger than ever.

ANOTHER GREAT BOOK. Man I love this series. Ooh and we hear another intersting fortune from Madame Zara!

Maryanne Stahl tells a story the way we live it, in calm moments, quiet whispers, slices of memories. She presents a complicated life without relying on melodrama or a loud writing voice. Her voice is understated; it has no ego. She removes herself so we can see a family, one not too different from any family. In this way (at least for me) the book becomes a generic journey for all of us, particularly women who are pulled by maternal strings, creative urges and sexual longings.

Amanda, the protagonist, struggles with neglect. It has haunted her all of her life. Her recently deceased mother was a schizophrenic, and her presence throughout Amanda's life was diaphanous. Her husband has grown distant and may be having an affair. Her cherished daughter has left the nest. And on top of all of this, Amanda thinks she may be pregnant.

The setting is the Long Island beach where Amanda's family gathers for their annual family vacation. The story flows seamlessly, moving in and out of time gradually so that we gather the complicated pieces of history as we watch the family interact in the present. The mood is sensual, earthy, and peaceful, like Amanda who finds her comfort in the natural order of life-- the ocean, the fertile soil, the innocent animals.

Ms Stahl plants the reader like a seed, with fine detail, allowing imagery to help her speak to us, and it does. By the end we understand more than Amanda and her family. We learn about how one evolves, rejuvenates and finds answers in a life that is like that ocean--complex, teaming with hidden, interconnecting lives, fluid and forgiving, yet tumultuous and unforgiving at times. But always, always demanding respect.

A great read. Thoughtful. It will fly by, but take time to read it and think.

I came upon this book on a table of new fiction at our local bookstore not too long ago.

I had not read any of Maryanne Stahl's writing before this..and what a pleasant surprise.

I felt like I could relate to the whole family in this story--it is fiction but it runs so true you feel that you are reading a woman's diary. I am 35 (almost 36) and the main character being older doesn't matter; she has been my age/s all thru the book.

I can't wait for her next novel to come out. I hope it won't take a whole year!!

I loved this book. Maryanne Stahl has a style and expertise that raise this story of a woman trying to find her place in the world well above the simple romance it could have been. The protagonist's personal struggles--with her flagging marriage, a lover, her role as mother (and potential mother, because she might be pregnant), and the realization of her talents as a musician--are skillfully intercut with scenes from a childhood tempered by the mental illness of her mother. There is much going on here, and yet the book is a quick read. Almost too quick; I was sorry to put it down when I'd finished it.

Sue O'Neill
Author: Don't Mean Nothing: Stories of Viet Nam

This is an EXCELENT book! Anyone who has suffered, like me, with frizzy hair should read this - it will definitely make you smile. My mother brought it home to take to her library, and I ended up getting ahold of it and reading it. Franny B. Kranny is a great little girl and Harriet Lerner is a very cool lady! :)

I read this book to my 4 year old grandson and he loved it (and so did I). Franny is delightful as she struggles to find her own identity and her place in the family, while coping with her frizzy hair. Plus, the illustrations are great.

Franny B. Kranny with her wild frizzy hair will win the heart of any reader, adult or child! It's my daughter's favorite book. There's also an extra surprise you have to catch on the inside of the back cover. Helen Oxenbury's illustrations are brilliant!

My co-worker's brother wrote this book so I decided to support him and read it. Since I'm preparing for a trip to Ghana also I thought this book was interesting and Mr. Gaines' adventures were hilarious.

It is remarkable to think that this is Mr. Gaines first book! He has hit a homerun the first time at bat! After completing the book I was struck with a desire to experince Ghana for myself!

12 Days in Ghana is a superb publication! Once I started reading the book, I couldn't put it down. I was amazed that this was Mr. Gaines first publication. 12 Days in Ghana made me laugh and cry - he did an excellent job on incorporating emotions and humor throughout the book. His writing style made me feel that I was with him on his journey to Ghana. This book has inspired me to continue my research on my family history. I highly recommend this book to anyone planning a voyage to their Ghana or anyone who is planning to search their own roots. I am hoping Mr. Gaines will write a sequel to the book!

Brenda Jackson must dream in color. This book is a must read. I simply did not want to put it down. It is in paperback and the price is low, but the quality of her story telling skills is priceless. I was transported to a time in my own life by being able to relate to her very vivid way of setting the stage. Ms. Jackson has an excellent eye for details and illustrations. I felt as if I were there with the Bennett family.

I personally enjoy a book with characters that I can relate to. I think most readers will be able to put himself in the shoes of either Taye, Michael, Alexia, Raejean, Idella or Poppa Ethan...OR know someone else who fits their shoes. Ms. Jackson really knows how to turn up the heat on the steamy love scenes. She knows TRUE PASSION and ROMANCE.

Can you imagine a family reunion where the relatives have not all been together in fifteen years? Well that within itself makes for a lot of adventure. All families have secrets, rivalries, love/hate relationships, success, failure, tears, laughter, faith and hope. The Bennetts are no different as you will see once you purchase this awesome book. It is an easy read. You will laugh and cry. But most of all you will never forget this incredible family. This book also makes for some lively book club discussion.

Brenda Streater Jackson is famous for the sizzling tales of a well known family and the friends that surround them. She seemed to pour love, adoration, and respect into this family. Now here she comes with her debut Mainstream book A FAMILY REUNION. They call the book mainstream, but I really didn't seem to see a big difference except this book was longer. Ms. Jackson just continues to prove to the world that she is a wonderful writer. She tells a story so true to life that we can't help but relate with her characters and put actual faces to them. This book drew me in and I didn't want to put the book down until I was done. I started reading this book with the expectation that it was going to be a good book. Why? Because it is written by Brenda Jackson of course.
A FAMILY REUNION is a not a tale, but reality. It speaks on families and how the people in them relate to each other. While reading, I couldn't help but reflect on situations within my own family. The way the grandfather knew the children so well. The four cousins who are the focus of this story remind me so much of myself and several of my own cousins. Rae'jean, Taye, Alexia and Michael were all wonderful characters. Grandpa Ethan was the bomb! He reminded me of my own grandfather. I loved the way Alexia gave her grandparents the praise they deserved when she won her award. They were the driving force for her to keep singing. I no longer have any grandparents, I lost my last grandmother in March of this year. I will never forget all those lessons taught to me by her and my other grandparents. I also believe that scripture that states "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it.

If you have not purchased this book, please do so, you will not be disappointed. I am not sure what my favorite Brenda Jackson book is because I love them all. I will say: Eternally Yours, Cupids Bow (A Valentine Kiss Anthology) are right at the top.
Great Job Ms. Brenda!!!

This is Brenda Jackson's debut book to mainstream fiction. She follows behind some of the great romance writers, such as Donna Hill and Francis Ray who have embarked on the arena of mainstream fiction.
Brenda seems to have choosen something that is quite fitting for her, and that is a book about "Family". Yes, this debut book called A Family Reunion revolves around The Bennett Family. I think most of us who have ever attended a family reunion or more or less apart of a family period will be able to relate to this book. You know in any given family there always seems to be secrets and revelations that occur during family crises. Well this book does not fall short of that, it has all those components and even a few surprises and moments of tears too!
In any book you read there are major characters to a story, well this one is no different: There's Poppa Ethan, the grandfather, and four cousins who of course grew up together, Taye, Michael, Alexia and Rae'jean. Now there are many supporting characters that add to this story which of course makes it an outstanding book to read.
After many years from Grandma Bennett passing, Poppa Ethan wants to have this family reunion, which he allows his cousin to plan and get it all together. Now, Poppa Ethan is close to 90 years old but his memory is definetly in tack and he is not short on his stern words either!! What I found so enjoying about this book, I could relate to it and actually recognized some of my own family members. So is this a book you can relate to? Yes. Is this a book that is an easy read that will keep you up all night? Yes. Do I recommend this a book to read? Yes!!! Does it have sizzling love scenes? Oh, my, my...yes it does!!!
Now, some may think that it is quite a transition for an author who has written 8 romance novels and single stories for 3 novellas. No, it seems it has not been a hard task for Brenda Jackson. Actually she seems to demonstrate in her writing of this book that she is able to be like a master chef. She has managed to mix and blend both fiction and romance in this debut book and come out with a tasty treat. Oh yeah, to Brenda Jackson's most loyal followers of her romance books, she has not disappointed you by no means. This book, although it is her first women's fiction has all the components of sizzling love scenes. Actually I think they are hotter in this book than her romance books. Now figure that one out??
Again, to my namesake and friend...you done good girl! And by the way, I am very proud of you!! All of us here in Florida are very proud of you!!
For those who are being introduced to Brenda Jackson for the very first time, please check out her other published work, I think you'll be hooked just like the rest of her loyal readers and friends.
Her other published books: Tonight and Forever, Cupid's Bow, Whispered Promises, Eternally Yours, One Special Moment, Fire and Desire, Truly Everlasting from the anthology Something To Celebrate, Secret Love, True Love, Surrender, and Welcome To Leo's

I know I'm not the only one who's been waiting for this new Marketplace novel to come out, and believe me, it's worth the wait. And, at nearly 650 pages, it is a meaty story, filled with new characters who all feel like old friends, and as multilayered as fine Irish lace.

The first layer starts with two of the most popular characters in the Marketplace universe: Chris Parker and Robin (who was originally introduced in Book Two) who are reunited with passion and hot, hot sex that will fulfill any fan's fantasy.

If that's not enough to hold your attention, there are the guests: current and former slaves (and their families!), ages 25-85, attending the Reunion. Romances flourish, old relationships are rekindled, and casual sex adds to the mix of character development Antoniou is so good at. As we get to know them, we really get a deeper sense of the Marketplace, its history, and the passion that drives people to service.

Then, there's the staff at the hotel, which include a healthy mix of Marketplace slave trainees themselves. Their world is a throw-back to Edwardian times, with livery and proper formal dinner settings to memorize. For fans who fetishize service in an "Upstairs/Downstairs" style, the tales told in the butlers' pantry will keep you hot and begging for more. For the Chris Parker fans, learning that he trained in this very hotel himself will add a touch of depth to the already complex character he presents.

And if that weren't enough, we also meet a real Lord and Lady, who challenge and arouse Chris Parker as he attempts to entice them to join the special group of Master Trainers known as The Regents. And then (yes, there's more!) there's a papparazzi who's gotten word that there's a real-life slavery ring and wants proof.

Unlike previous Marketplace novels, it's best to be already familiar with this erotic universe before embarking on the journey through The Reunion. Antoniou helpfully provides a cast of characters at the beginning (there are over 40 of them!), reminding me of the old British editions of Agatha Christie mysteries. The division of the book into days of the week with pithy descriptors also brings back that earlier 20th century style of storytelling. (Azziz gets an offer he probably shouldn't refuse -- Chris Parker has a hobby -- Gunshots -- Desmond gets to the point --Amy has a plan -- Nigel gets a present) They are whimsical and sometimes cryptic, but also help the reader keep track of which day of the vacation we're reading about.

Mystery, sex, romance, service, passion, and Antoniou's amazing touch that brings these stories into such believability you'll be looking for a map of Ireland to find out exactly where this wonderful castle-turned-4 star hotel really is.

This is the latest book in the Marketplace Series. As with the rest of the series, it deals with service-oriented BDSM in a thoughtful, insightful manner, while also containing some of the best-written and hottest scenes you could ever want to read. Favorite characters from previous books, plus some fascinating new characters, attend a Reunion at a castle in Europe, a time for them to re-evaluate some of their past decisions and decide on new directions for their lives, while simultaneously fending off a plot by an unscrupulous reporter to reveal the existence of the Marketplace to the public.

If you're reading Book Five: The Reunion, you've most likely read the first four in The Marketplace series.

This is a great continuation of the characters introduced in previous books, with quite a few new individuals. I was a little confused in the beginning due to the amount of new characters introduced, but Antoniou does a great job of giving them strong traits and story lines, that by the end of the book I had gotten them all, erm, 'straight'.

It was wonderful to learn more about Chris' background, although it almost seemed anti-climactic. Antoniou was wonderful at dancing around exactly how Chris came to be who he is, I almost wanted that mystery to continue.

Also enjoyable in the book was the amount of differentiated erotic scenes. While much of the tension between the characters has been very 'intellectual', it's nice to see a lot of the physical tension written out.

Wonderful addition to the series, with a lot of the missing details filled in, and a great mystery sub-plot. Looking forward to more of this 'world' being further expanded in future books.

I've owned this book for four hours and have read most of it. I have experienced firsthand the shocking bias and injustice towards fathers, and undoubtedly have much more to face. This book is sadly ahead of its time. It cuts right through the political correctness, media ignorance, feminist propoganda, and false sense of equality most men feel they have. Farrell backs up his statements with facts and reliable data, and extends his credibility by explaining why he originally agreed with but now rejects the oversold feminist movement. Here in Iowa, Governor Vilsack has recently announced the creation of a task force to determine how fathers can play a bigger role in the lives of their children. While its name, "The Task Force for Responsible Fatherhood", makes it sound like a quest for any remaining gestapo tactics left unused against fathers, it appears to recognize that both parents can engage in the financial and emotional support of children. If the final report, due Spring of 2002, acknowledges half of what Farrell clearly explains, and half of that works its way into legislation a few years later, perhaps Iowa children will begin to benefit from the fathers they are being deprived of by malicious mothers, archaic family courts, ignorant social workers and psychologists, and lazy and greedy attorneys. If you want to be ahead of the times, Farrell is not only fair, he is right!

Thirty years ago I opened the first refuge (shelter) in the world for battered women and their children. I was aware from the beginning that there was a huge injustice being done to men. Domestic violence is not a gender issue. Violence is a learned pattern of behavior from early childhood. Governments, courts, social workers, probation officers turned their backs on the vital need for children to be loved by both their mothers and their fathers. I have just finished reading Father and Child Reunion and I am breathless with admiration for Warren Farrell's love and compassion for parents. I have always followed his work and his writings but this time he has surpassed himself and written 'the bible of fatherhood.' In very simple easily understood sentences, Warren Farrell manages to turn the often difficult and complicated concept into lucid prose. Farrell understands the human condition is fallable and woefully human but he does not pull his punches when he describes the last thirty years of destruction meted out to fathers and men in geneneral. This book should be made widely available to all markets. Anyone who loves children and wants to build a better world for them, should read this book and then send copies to their friends. Erin Pizzey

I am a social worker, and was a social work graduate student ( I had to drop out of graduate school due to lack of funds and no assistantship.

I am also a divorced, non-custodial father.

I have ready many books and research papers about social policy, child welfare, and child welfare practices. Father and Child Reunion is the best publication I read to date about divorce, custody, child support, and social policy. Dr. Farrell writes in a clear, concise, and highly readable style. He has also done his homework. The book is well researched.

This is book needs to be distributed to every family court judge, divorce court judge, and child protective custody worker in North America and the rest of the world.

I have remained anonymous for two reasons. First because my profession is about 70% female and operates under many if not all of the assumptions that Dr. Farrell deconstructs in his book. Second because I want to complete my graduate education.

Buy this book! Give it to your friends! Give it to sons and brothers and fathers and uncles and nephews!

The book is carried by cleverness and puns, which makes it enjoyable, yet light. This is not a book I would treasure or re-read to children, simply because it does not compel me to...it doesn't seem to strike any real emotions. The book is a series of poems with varying lengths, rhythms, and rhyme schemes--and many of the poems are too short to amount to much (to the author's credit, I think she has great ideas, but cuts them off too soon), and some of the poems flow better than others.

A playful work overall that I recommend if you are looking for a little language fun, and not a real story. I look forward to seeing this author's development in future books.

"Ewes/and rams/and little lambs,/arrive in buses, trucks, and vans./They travel far to meet their kin./Each cousin wears a sheepish grin./And as the flock begins to gather,/you will see they're really rather/odd, but in a woolly way./So stay-/each ewe, each ram, each little lambly-/stay and meet this close-knit fambly." Come enjoy the day with Odd Ephram, "...the cousin/that no one talks about./He traded in his woolly coat/and now wears sauerkraut", Aunt Eweginia, Sister Alabaster, "...with fleece as white as snow,/is a Kung-Fu master,/excels at Tae Kwon Do...", and Old Ramses, Little Bo Sheep, Felice, "...her wool is big and puffy./Says Felice,/I'm not obese!/Don't call me fat. I'm fluffy!", Uncle Abe Ram, Woolverton, and the rest of the flock as they brunch and lunch, play baa-dminton, and take a sheep dip in the lake. Lisa Wheeler's whimsical and charming poems are filled with puns, clever wordplay, and irresistibly endearing characters that will delight readers from 3 to 93. Frank Ansley's bold and bright artwork adds to all the fun as he captures each verse with expressive humor and wit. This is a captivating collection that begs to be shared and read aloud. So meet the flock, and enjoy a great day, because as with all family reunions and great books, the fun is over way too soon. "So long...farewool...good-baaa."

"Wool Gathering" has become a favorite book in our home. It unabashedly celebrates a wacky, wonderful sheep family. Each poem introduces readers to a new endearing character. My daughter's favorite is Aunt Eweginia who knits herself nude. You'll have a hard time choosing your favorite! Ms. Wheeler's impressive rhyming verse is enhanced by Ansley's charming illustrations.

This book will have your whole flock laughing out loud!