Advanced Accounting with CDROM

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Advanced Accounting with CDROM
Paul Fischer
Manufacturer: Thomson South-Western
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Accounting | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Accounting | Accounting & Finance | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0324154453

Average customer rating:
Advanced Accounting with CDROM
Paul Fischer
Manufacturer: South-Western Educational Publishing 01/31/2003
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000N5NDOM

Book Description

Information is being generated at an astonishing rate, thanks to a proliferation of increasingly sophisticated technology tools. People are more informed and more connected than ever before, but the price is stress and a pervasive sense of overload.

In such chapters as "The Connection Conundrum", "Launch the Search Engine Within", and "Your Digital Divide", the authors offer practical solutions for simplifying life, slowing down, and finding time for family, friends, and even a vacation. Through a process of self-analysis, self-insight, and priority setting, readers create individual solutions for achieving life balance.

Customer Reviews:

still relevant 5 years later.......2006-07-27

The book was written at the end of the dot com era, perhaps as a reaction against the intense high-tech stress undergone by many people. It is now 5 years later, but the text is still relevant. After all, while the dot com era is now clearly seen as overly inflated, the technology did not go away after the crash. In fact, it has continued to improve, and no doubt the stress levels are still present for many people.

So the book's advice about maintaining a balance between your professional and social lives is very germane. It is also worth keeping in mind, when, and not if, another cycle of high technology frenzy spins up.

Dot Calm: The Search for Sanity in a Wired World.......2001-09-07

It was great finding a book that offered helpful suggestions in a very readable style to the problem of staying in touch without getting overwelmed by our high-tech world. Best of all was the insightful nature of the book. The distinction between balance and congruence was so important. The authors recognized the reality of human spirituality and the blows it can suffer in our wired world. A fine book for anyone who has caught the wave of techno-communication but still wants to stay sane.

Dot Calm - The true meaning of life........2001-06-29

The frantic pace of our world is overwhelming. Technology is able to keep us connected 24/7 and many of us have allowed it to invade every minute of our lives. No wonder we experience personal systems overload! This book really delivers what is implied in its title Dot Calm. We are all seeking to balance our work, home, family, community....you name it. Dinnocenzo and Swegan have done their research and offer practical advice on how to discover and reconnect with what is important. We can choose a better way and this book guides us in that process. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to reclaim their life.

A Promise Delivered.......2001-06-18

I can not count the number of products and services that have come my way heralded with much hype and false promises of their value to the user. That's been especially true of self-help guides. You know the ones that promise you'll be a changed person, if only you buy the book and implement its recommendations. Well, at long last one of those books delivered on the promise. The foreword states that "you'll find these pages to be filled with practical, how-to advice .... step-by-step formulas for finding ...and keeping balance in your life." As a poster child for the insanity of the wired world, I really did not know how to break out of the strangle hold it had on my life. It became easier and easier to rationalize absolutely crazy behaviors related to my out- of- balance existence. The authors of Dot Calm were surely writing about me or so it seemed. I expect many of its readers will feel the same identification with the analysis of being over-connected, over-worked,over-scheduled, over-informed and ultimately OVERWHELMED. It's a book you'll read in one sitting and then reread many times as you take back control over your life. Thanks to the authors for delivering on their promise.

Dot.Calm brings some High Tech Calm.......2001-06-16

Just as Ms Dinnocenzo introduced me to sanity and organization trying to be a telecommter in a wired world in her 101 Tips for Telecommuters, I realized a missing piece. And I found it in Dot.Calm. She explained problems that I could not put into words. But the best part of the book was her and Rick's four specific solutions for dealing with technology when you must be able to communicate with others you don't see. She addresses the real human problems in this techno world. Now I feel like a survivor who can communicate successfully and make money doing so!

Calma.com / Dot Calm: La Busqueda De La Serenidad En El Mundo Globalizado / the Search for Sanity in a Wired World (Paidos Plural)

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Calma.com / Dot Calm: La Busqueda De La Serenidad En El Mundo Globalizado / the Search for Sanity in a Wired World (Paidos Plural)
Debra Dinnocenzo , and Richard B. Swegan
Manufacturer: Ediciones Paidos Iberica
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Time Management | Skills | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Interpersonal Relations | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Stress Management | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Occupational & Organizational | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Spanish | Foreign Language Nonfiction | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Book Description

A well-loved guide for landowners, conservationists, and youth group leaders on how to plant trees, improve wildlife habitat, stop erosion and otherwise work with (rather than against) the wildness of the land.

Customer Reviews:

A fulfilling guide to almost anything you need to know.......2003-07-25

If you are an Earth-goer that enjoys nature, this is a must have. This book will tell you everything from rehydrating wetlands to sprouting wild seeds, like acorns and pine cones. It will also inform of some of the DOs and DON'Ts of nature. In one segment the author, Margolin, states that you shouldn't bother making a dam for nature will always do her best to overcome obsticles. Also, keep in mind the small praire animals. There are sections in there for making homes, while not harming the land they all live on. If you don't believe me, you must get it. Now, don't just get the book, USE it, and encourage other to use it as well. It is one of the best natural guide books to keep around your home.

Full of need to know outdoor ideas.......2003-07-25

I will say if you are an Earth-goer it a definite to keep handy. In this book, you will learn everything from rehydrating wetlands, to sprouting wild seeds like acorns and pine cones. It is great reference to get you started in the good fight of Earth preservation. In one segment the author, Margolin, mentions making dams and states that is near impossible, for nature is meant to overcome it own obsticles. This book will tell you the DOs and DON'Ts of helping the wild creatures and the land they live on. You must see it your self to even believe all the useful knowledge this guide contains. So I will say, just get the book. Not only buy the book but use it and encourage other you know to use it also. If more people tooks these sorts of books to heart then we wouldn't need help in the wild, but in this day and age we need the extra boost.

Product Description

The editors present a state of the art overview on the Physics of Space Weather and its effects on technological and biological systems on the ground and in space. It opens with a general introduction on the subject, followed by a historical review on the major developments in the field of solar terrestrial relationships leading to its development into the up to-date field of space weather. Specific emphasis is placed on the technological effects that have impacted society in the past century at times of major solar activity. Chapter 2 summarizes key milestones, starting from the base of solar observations with classic telescopes up to recent space observations and new mission developments with EUV and X-ray telescopes (e.g., STEREO), yielding an unprecedented view of the Sun-Earth System. Chapter 3 provides a scientific summary of the present understanding of the physics of the Sun-Earth system based on the latest results from spacecraft designed to observe the Sun, the interplanetary medium and geospace. Chapter 4 describes how the plasma and magnetic field structure of the Earth?s magnetosphere is impacted by the variation of the solar and interplanetary conditions, providing the necessary science and technology background for missions in low and near earth? orbit. Chapter 5 elaborates the physics of the layer of the Earth?s upper atmosphere that is the cause of disruptions in radio-wave communications and GPS (Global Positioning System) errors, which is of crucial importance for projects like Galileo. In Chapters 6-10, the impacts of technology used up to now in space, on Earth and on life are reviewed. The book concludes with an outlook on the future of space weather research and projects in the timeframe until 2015.

Coronal Disturbances (International Astronomical Union Symposia)

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Coronal Disturbances (International Astronomical Union Symposia)

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Astronomy | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Astrophysics & Space Science | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

Solar System | Astronomy | Science | Subjects | Books

General | Science | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Professional | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books

Science | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 9027704910

Dynamic modeling of coronal transients and interplanetary disturbances: Final technical report

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Dynamic modeling of coronal transients and interplanetary disturbances: Final technical report
R. S Steinolfson
Manufacturer: University of Alabama in Huntsville
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0006Y84OY

Effects of coronal disturbances on the ionization state of the solar wind final report for the period 15 August 1983 through 14 December 1984 (SuDoc NAS 1.26:175997)

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Effects of coronal disturbances on the ionization state of the solar wind final report for the period 15 August 1983 through 14 December 1984 (SuDoc NAS 1.26:175997)
G. L. Withbroe
Manufacturer: Smithsonian Institution, Astrophysical Observatory National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Goddard Space Flight Center National Technical Information Service, distributor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00010KV80

Average customer rating:

A WONDERFUL Book for Youth & Adults

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies of the World

Best handy guide for horse Identification

Best horse breed dictionary that I have seen!

Simon & Schuster Pocket Guide to Horses & Ponies
Maurizio Bongianni
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Horses | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
General | Nature & Ecology | Science | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Dogs

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Cats

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Trees

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Shells (Nature Guide Series)

Simon & Schuster's Guide to House Plants

ASIN: 0671660675

Book Description

Practical, concise, and comprehensive, Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies is an ideal guide to the vast international variety of horse and pony breeds. Background information on everything from coats and head markings to breaking and rearing provides an introduction to this encyclopedic reference of major breeds. Each entry for the more than 170 breeds covered includes details of the breed's history, its place of origin and current geographical distribution, functions, aptitudes, and notable physical and temperamental characteristics.

Beautifully illustrated with full-color photographs and handy visual symbols, this stunning, authoritative book will prove invaluable to the amateur equestrian and the professional jockey or trainer alike.

Customer Reviews:

A WONDERFUL Book for Youth & Adults.......2001-11-08

I am 37 years old and this is probably my favorite book. I show Breyer model horses and so I am always looking for good breed assignments outside of the Breed assigned by the Breyer company. It is colorful, full of useful facts (color , origin etc) as well as having common and extremely rare breeds as well.

All & all a wonderful book ~~ Renee

Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies of the World.......2001-02-26

Re: Hardback version. It is really a shame that the hardback version is out of print. This is an outstanding reference guide for anyone whose life has anything to do with horses. It is a handy size (small) accurate photos, very detailed informaton on all breeds from many areas of the world. A terrific resource for all. I own it and wanted to give copies of the hardback edition to others for gifts.

Best handy guide for horse Identification.......2000-04-27

if you need a consise guide to horses, this is the book to buy, great colour pictures, and a though list of all conformation points of well known and rare breeds. use as a guide for easy distinction or research

Best horse breed dictionary that I have seen!.......1998-11-19

I have been riding horses for fourteen years and this book is the best guide to breeds that I have found yet. The pictures are of quality horses and the breed descriptions are informative and enlightening. It is a must for every horse lover.

Book Description

Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW offers a frank, balanced look at the evolution of the company, starting even before its early days as a Philadelphia-area independent group called Eastern Championship Wrestling in 1992 and extending past the death of Extreme Championship Wrestling in 2001. Writer Scott E. Williams has pored through records and conducted dozens of interviews through records and conducted dozens of interviews with fans, company officials, business partners, and the wrestlers themselves to bring readers the most balanced account possible of this bizarre company.

Customer Reviews:

starts with a bang and ends with a flush.......2007-06-08

started out pretty good shows how Paul Heyman "Robbed Peter to pay Paul" and so on after awhile you forget who owes what and how much to who and really you stoping caring you just want it all to end really expected more i am sorry guys i really liked the ECW but in the end it sounds like E C DUH!

great.......2006-07-19

Great book about the true ecw, i read both books on ecw, the other being the rise and fall of ecw by wwe and i give this a slight upperhand because it seems to be slightly more straight foward, if you have to pick between the two, pick this one otherwise read them both! ECW ECW ECW!!

ECW! ECW! ECW! The Whole Story........2006-07-10

ECW! ECW! ECW! - A chant reserved only for the sadistic collection of wrestlers that represented the unique brand of Extreme Championship Wrestling between 1993 and 2001. Even years after the death of this company, many wrestlers are still living off the name they made for themselves performing in an ECW arena. In this book, Scott E. Williams sets out to tell the real story behind the hardcore revolution that was ECW. A company that was repeatedly raped and pillaged by the "big two" for many years, yet held its ground in the bloodiest battles of the wrestling war - that is until the Extreme soldiers grudgingly laid down their weapons in 2001 and threw in the towel.

ECW was always a complex beast. Current fans are under the impression that Paul Heyman was the backbone of the ECW's existence. But he will be the first to admit that the land of Extreme was not built by his vision alone. Scott E. Williams takes readers back to the beginnings of ECW, before it was "Extreme" and even before it was "Eastern." An astonishing look back at its humble beginnings as a struggling Philadelphia promotion called Tri-State run by Joel Goodhart, which had a very brief shelf life. A man by the name of Tod Gordon picked up the pieces and continued the tradition under the banner of Eastern Championship Wrestling. Eventually Paul Heyman came on board and the era of Extreme was born. That's all I will tell you, as you will have to check out the book to read all the fascinating accounts of what happened in between.

Many of the recollections of ECW alumni are a figurative drop-kick to the balls of WWE's revisionist history of ECW that was shoved unceremoniously down our throats during the months leading up to ECW's "One Night Stand" PPV and the release of WWE's "Rise & Fall of ECW" DVD in 2005. WWE is perhaps the only group of people who cannot handle the truth about ECW. But that's neither here nor there and is an insignificant detail in describing this book. All I will say is, when you're finished reading this book, you will know the truth behind Vince McMahon's claims that he secretly supported ECW financially throughout the years. Let me just say that you truly cannot believe everything you see or hear on TV.

The only complaint that I was left with at the end of this book is not really a complaint at all. The one thing that bothered me was that this book was almost TOO well written. Scott E. Williams used words that I've never seen before and utilized sentence structure that often had me reading certain paragraphs twice to grasp the concept. Scott is a wonderfully creative writer with moments of brilliance, but come on Scotty you're writing for wrestling fans, you got to dumb it down a little! That may as well be filed under compliment rather than complaint.

Rating: In conclusion, buy this book, purely for its mind-blowing original content. 9/10

Reviewed by Obsessedwithwrestling.com's Brad Dykens

Half-assed.......2006-06-06

Hardcore History is not a bad read as such. Lots of the quotes are fun, and you do get a feel for how important and exciting ECW was for action-starved hardcore fans in the early to mid 1990s. Scott Williams' research is a joke, though. He misses out key matches and angles, and gets others confused beyond belief. Anyone who really followed the company would spot these errors a mile off, and anyone else could check them in 30 seconds just by Googling show names. For the *real* history of ECW, John Lister's "Turning The Tables" is still the gold standard.

ECW is what this book says it is.......2006-06-06

ECW is truly what this book says it is. EXTREME. As a fan of ECW wrestling, it tells and shows the true side of ECW. It tells readers what exactly is the ECW organization. Along with ECW, this book also tells what the Tri-State Wrestling organization was about, too. This book is great for someone who wants to learn a little bit more about wrestling and ECW. I hope this review was helpful to anybody who wants to learn more about wrestling. Thank you!

Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW

Average customer rating:

Good focus but some bias mars it
Decent book, questionable research...

Hardcore History: The Extremely Unauthorized Story of ECW
Scott E Williams
Manufacturer: Sports Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Wrestling | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

History of Sports | Miscellaneous | Sports | Subjects | Books

General | Sports | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1596702257

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Good focus but some bias mars it.......2007-07-10

While generally excellent in detailing the rise and fall of ECW even better than the DVD, this book does have some missteps that mar it. As noted by others, devoting an entire chapter to Brian Pillman is baffling as he was just a blip in the history of the company and ignoring Austin and Foley is equally strange. However, what does hurt the otherwise excellent reporting is the anti-WWE and even anti-Heyman bias that sinks in, ignoring how great One Night Stand was and putting the focus on the "Hardcore Homecoming" shows, ignoring the fact that many wrestlers did both shows. It's one thing to hear Paul Heyman's heartfelt stories on keeping the company going, another to hear Shane Douglas call Benoit and Guerrero "footnotes" in ECW history and demand $100,000 to do One Night Stand.

That bias shows in the new paperback with the chapter on the WWE revival of the brand. Most of the stories sound like they came from second-hand sources and seem to go out of thier way making Vince McMahon sound more like his on-screen "Mr. McMahon" persona. There are no citations so it's hard to tell how much is true and how much is just rumor and speculation. They also ignore how Hardcore Holly won respect from ECW fans with the match where he fought on after suffering a hideous gash on his back.

Again, it's a great look at parts of ECW that were overlooked by WWE. But the bias and the decision to ignore some important elements and blow minor things up into major importance does hurt it. A good read but, unlike what Williams might like you to think, it's not the final word on the company.

Decent book, questionable research..........2007-05-05

Although I enjoyed this book as an alternative-perspective history of ECW, there are a few factual errors within... not many, but enough so that it makes me question the reliability of other information.

For example, in the chapter that talks about the first ECW PPV, Barely Legal, Hardcore History mentions that it opened with a match between the Dudley Boyz and the Eliminators for the ECW Tag Team titles. This much is correct; however, the book describes the match as being one in which Perry Saturn, with a legitimate broken leg, defied doctors' orders and actually worked the match (after he and John Kronus came out to the ring ostensibly to forfeit the belts to the Dudleys), even getting the pin in the match. While this incident did take place, it was not at Barely Legal - rather, it was at the next major ECW Arena show following the PPV, Wrestlepalooza '97, where it closed out the show. (The Barely Legal match was essentially a glorified squash of the Dudleys, meant primarily to showcase the Eliminators' incredible precision double-team work.)

In another section discussing the first ECW One Night Stand PPV, Francine is mentioned as coming out with Tommy Dreamer to be his manager that night. In reality, Dreamer came out with no manager, and Francine actually did a run-in where she attacked Dreamer during his match (leading to the surprise return of Beulah MacGillicudy to make the save).

There are also a few passages that ambiguously suggest things happened a bit later than they did in reality. For instance, the Blue World Order is first mentioned in a section detailing the events of early summer 1997, as if it began then, when in fact the BWO had all but run its course by that point, owing mostly to Stevie Richards needing time off for injury purposes. While the book doesn't actually say the BWO started at that point, the placement of this section certainly implies to someone who may not have lived through the ECW era that was the case.

Admittedly, I myself did not notice too many of these errors, as most of the book covers a time period where I was not able to follow ECW. However, the fact I can point out such errors in the sections I was familiar with make me call other areas of the book into question, which is probably not what author Scott E. Williams had in mind.

Setting these nitpicks aside, Hardcore History is an entertaining read, and does a credible job of painting a picture of what ECW was like behind the scenes, even if some of what happened in front of the cameras is slightly misrepresented. Fans of Paul Heyman might not appreciate it as much, since the book tends to paint a less-than-flattering picture of the man at times, but Williams really does try hard to be fair in his assessment of what he and his interview subjects percieved to be Heyman's strengths and weaknesses, both as a creative mind and a businessman.

There are some editorial decisions that may raise an eyebrow or two, such as devoting a full chapter to Brian Pillman's very short ECW tenure in 1996. While Pillman's attempts to work the entire industry were undoubtedly a landmark moment in the business, one of the first high-profile cases of kayfabe being well and truly broken in the public eye, the truth is that Pillman, with all due respect to his memory, appeared on only a couple of ECW shows, and his impact on the company was relatively minor in the end. This chapter would not at all be out of place in a book detailing the way the business changed during the '90s -- and in fact, should have been even longer in such a book -- but for a history of ECW it feels a bit weird to have more pages devoted to Pillman's antics than are used to tell the entire story of Barely Legal, undoubtedly one of the biggest watershed moments in the company's history.

Overall, I found Hardcore History to be a good, if flawed, retelling of some of what went on in ECW that the fans weren't necessarily privvy to. It should not, however, be taken as a complete and accurate account of ECW's history, but as a companion volume to some of the other ECW-themed books out there, it makes a good addition to your wrestling bookshelf. Worth checking out, but it should no more be the only book you buy about the history of Extreme Championship Wrestling than WWE's own book should be considered the definitive, unbiased history of the company.

This softcover version contains a new chapter focusing on WWE's 2006 relaunch of the brand, which will speak to any old-school ECW fan's frustration with the way WWE has treated this property since they brought it back. The entire six-month devaluation of the ECW brand under WWE's auspicies -- from a promising start in June to a December PPV that can only be described as a disaster of epic proportions -- is detailed in all its, er, "glory," as are Paul Heyman's clashes with Vince McMahon over the creative direction of the revived product.

Book Description

A journey of geological discovery through the diverse landforms of the north and west Highlands of Scotland which offers the answers to many questions of interest to visitors and local residents alike. The author is an expert on this region. He has spent many years teaching the subject at university and has written a whole series of scientific papers on it.

The Highland heavy-mineral sand deposit on Trail Ridge in northern peninsular Florida (Report of investigation - State of Florida, Bureau of Geology ; no. 84)

Average customer rating:

The Highland heavy-mineral sand deposit on Trail Ridge in northern peninsular Florida (Report of investigation - State of Florida, Bureau of Geology ; no. 84)
E. C Pirkle
Manufacturer: The Bureau
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Book Description

Thirteen-year-old Casey's mother always said that Casey's sixteen-year-old sister marched to the beat of a different drummer. But it isn't until Briana runs away with an older boy that Casey begins to understand what her mother meant. When Briana returns home alone and pregnant, Casey and her mother try to help Briana come to terms with her options.

It was already complicated to think about Briana's choices and then things change suddenly again. When Briana is in a serious accident, Casey's mother sees things one way. Although Casey understands her mother's reaction, she feels she must try to convince her mother to make a different decision. Casey needs to grow up fast and do what she can to maintain Briana's legacy. Will she be able to make her mother understand that there is only one way to accept Briana's gift?

Customer Reviews:

A West Virgina Librarian.......2007-10-10

This was a great book it tells the story of Brianna her gift was her baby girl. It also tells the story of how her sister an ill mother handle the lose of Brianna but how they band together to care for Brianna's Baby.

HOLY COW POOP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-04-29

the book's really GOOD!fantastic! It is about a girl named briana who thinks she's in love with a guy,who is reall a no good loser,and she moves to L.A. Her mother and her sister Casey are devastated but they get through it. then Briana shows up on unexpected 8 months later and sh's pregnet!
Her mom wants her to give the baby to people who want to adopte but BRiana doesn't want that to happen. Trajedy strikes later and Casey feels lost.Her sister was always there for her, but now Casey need to be there for Briana and her baby. Can a 14 year ols handle it?
Lurlene di a wonderful job on this book and if you liked this book, you should read other books by Lurlene McDaniel. She is amazing!!!!!!!!

Another absorbing read from this talented author.......2007-01-05

Thirteen-year-old Susanna (Sissy to her family) hasn't had much luck with the month of December. When she was six, her dad died in a horrible accident at work. At eight, her mother was diagnosed with a debilitating arthritis. And most recently, her spirited older sister, Briana, decides to run off to Los Angeles with her boyfriend.

So this year's December also will be a depressing one. Briana sends postcards at first, but all too soon there's no word at all. Sissy depends on her best friends, Melody and Stu, to help her through the lonely days of missing her sister, and practicing her flute passes the time as well. Somehow life goes on.

Then, just before school starts the following year, a pregnant Briana shows up at the front door asking to come home. Briana's boyfriend, who she's better off without, is long gone; she absolutely refuses to track him down for child support. Briana is determined to make a good life for her baby and soon gets a cashier job at Wal-Mart, saving up for everything her baby will need.

Sissy is so ecstatic that her sister is home, and she's really looking forward to becoming an aunt. Her relationship with Briana has grown some as well. Instead of tagging around after Briana, admiring Briana from her little sister status, they are more like friends, pouring over baby books and following the baby's progress together. Sissy even volunteers to redecorate the new nursery, painting the walls lilac with green trim, and she loves to play her flute for the unborn baby.

But without warning, Briana falls deathly ill, and Sissy and her mom are faced with some impossible decisions. To make life more complicated and confusing, Sissy's friendships with Melody and Stu are changing; Melody seems distant, and Sissy starts seeing Stu differently, in a "guy-type" way. She wishes that their friendship could return to normal, but deep down she knows it will never be the same. This year's December approaches with even more sadness and despair than ever --- and with one of the greatest gifts ever offered.

Lurlene McDaniel has written quite a few novels for young people, including The Angels in Pink trilogy and LETTING GO OF LISA. As with her previous stories, BRIANA'S GIFT centers on serious life-changing events that really hit the heart hard. McDaniel's characters are as life-like as her plots, and her storylines keep the pages turning. Another winner from this talented author!

--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of FINDING MY LIGHT and THE BLACK POND.

Another warm McDaniel story of life-threatening problems and new beginnings........2006-12-10

Lurlene McDaniel's BRIANA'S GIFT tells of an older sister who runs away with an older boy, then returns home alone and pregnant. When Briana becomes ill, Sissy sees her mother's choice as wrong - but can she advocate a different course at the holidays? Another warm McDaniel story of life-threatening problems and new beginnings.

Briana's Gift.......2006-10-17

Thirteen-year-old Susanna (Sissy to her family) hasn't had much luck with the month of December. When she was six, her dad died in a horrible accident at work. At eight, her mother was diagnosed with a debilitating arthritis. And most recently, her spirited older sister, Briana, decides to run off to Los Angeles with her boyfriend. So this year's December is a depressing one as well. Briana sends postcards at first, but all too soon, there's no word at all. Sissy depends on her best friends, Melody and Stu, to help her through the lonely days of missing her sister, and practicing her flute helps pass the time as well. Somehow, life goes on.

Then, just before school starts the following year, Briana shows up at the front door asking to come home. But she's not alone --- she's pregnant. Briana's boyfriend is long gone, and she's better off without him; she absolutely refuses to find him for child support. Briana is determined to make a good life for her baby, and soon gets a cashier job at Wal-mart, saving up for everything her baby will need.

Sissy's so ecstatic with her sister home, and she's really looking forward to becoming an aunt. Her relationship with Briana has grown some as well. Instead of tagging around after Briana, admiring her from her little sister status, they are more like friends, pouring over baby books and following the baby's progress together. Sissy even volunteers to redecorate the new nursery, painting the walls lilac with green trim, and she loves to play her flute for the unborn baby.

But without warning, Briana falls deathly ill, and Sissy and her mom are faced with some impossible decisions. To make life more complicated and confusing, Sissy's friendships with Melody and Stu are changing; Melody seems distant, and Sissy finds she's seeing Stu in a different way, in a "guy-type" way. She wishes their friendship could return to normal, but deep down, she knows it will never be the same. This year's December approaches with even more sadness and despair than ever...and with one of the greatest gifts ever offered.

Author Ms. Lurlene McDaniel has written quite a few novels for young people including THE ANGELS IN PINK trilogy and LETTING GO OF LISA. As with her other stories, BRIANA'S GIFT centers around serious life changing events that really hit the heart hard. Ms. McDaniel's characters are as life-like as her plots, and her storylines keep the pages turning. Another winner from this talented author!
--- Reviewed by Chris Shanley-Dillman, author of Finding My Light and The Black Pond
---Courtesy of Teenreads.com

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