Thicker Than Water (Heartland #8)

Book Description

Amy's father is scheduled to visit Heartland. Amy hasn't seen him since he abruptly left the family following his debilitating accident. Eleven years and countless tragedies later, Amy doesn't know how she feels about him. She wonders if he could even be her father after having been absent for so many years. But his arrival affects Amy in a way she had not anticipated. She sees so much of who she is in him. And when she watches him work with horses, she realizes that what they share goes beyond blood.

Customer Reviews:

Great!!!.......2005-09-13

This one was on of my favourite book in this series!Its about:Amy's dad finally comes to visit heartland.Amy doesn't want to meet him but Lou does.Well Amy and her dad get along together suprisingly well while Lou keeps a distance from her father because she doesnt want to admit that she is scared of horses because of his accident.I love the way Amy and her father get along together in this book.You mus DEFINETLEY read this one!

great.......2005-04-21

well, ms. namesshouldchange, if u read the books more throughly, maybe youll understand wat the titles r saying. for one day youll know: 'one day youll know when good times r here.' love is a gift: 'love is a gift- and it heals us all.' u should read them more better. well anyways, this is a super book. amy and lou's father comes and visits them. can horses bring amy and her dad 2gether? READ THIS BOOK!!!! I TOTALLY RECOMEND THIS BOOK AND THIS SERIES!!!! :)

Titles...........2004-03-21

The Heartland stories are good, but the titles are very weird. I mean, "Thicker than Water?" What does that have to do with horses? "One day You'll Know?" "Breaking Free?" "Love is A Gift?"
No offense or anything, but these titles should change or something.

Horses are the best.......2004-02-06

Could you imagine getting frightened and abused horses to trust again?

If you enjoy horses than Heartland Thicker Than Water is a book for you. It's a kind of novel that you never want to put down. This book is about a girl named, Amy, a 15 year old horse trainer who tries to get frightened, and abused horses to trust again. She is a very kind, concerned, yet confused person. She and her family live on a horse farm in the hills of Virginia. There are a lot of conflicts in this novel, but the most important one is that Amy's dad, Tim, whom she hasn't seen in 12 years, is coming to Heartland. She feels that he should just stay out of her life, because she is still angry at him when he abandoned her and her family. Her sister Lou feels totally different. She feels that Amy and she need to give him a chance.

I found this novel wonderful, and amazing. I liked it so much because I feel that Lauren Brooke did an awesome job of describing the way the characters were thinking, it was almost as though I was in their heads. I also enjoyed it because it had so much suspense that I couldn't wait to turn the page. You could almost see Amy's mind and heart fighting between loving and hating her dad.

THIS IS THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-01-14

Put this on your wish list right now.
Heartland just gets better and better!!!!!!!!

Average customer rating:

My 1st book by P.J. Parrish, but not my last.
What a great book - what a great series!
A Great New Series!
Spellbinding
Loved It!

Thicker Than Water
P.J. Parrish
Manufacturer: Pinnacle
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0786014202

Customer Reviews:

My 1st book by P.J. Parrish, but not my last. .......2006-01-30

This is the first of Parrish's books I've read, but I've already ordered two more.

First off, I loved her protagonist, Louis Kincaid. He's damaged, which makes him interesting, but he's also possesses a deep streak of morality, which makes him heroic. On top of that, the plot is well done and nicely layered. Then there's the Florida atmosphere, which is great. Being a Florida girl myself, I can't tell you how many authors get this wrong. But Parrish does a great job. As I said, I'm ready for the next one.

Patricia Lewin, Author of BLIND RUN, OUT OF REACH, & OUT OF TIME

What a great book - what a great series!.......2004-06-22

I loved this book -- Louis is my hero and I like the fact that the books take place before DNA fingerprinting - it makes it so much more of a mystery than just sending in a sample of DNA to the lab. These authors know how to mix atmoshpere and mystery - I can't wait to read their next book!!

A Great New Series!.......2003-09-02

I admit it--I do not usually like female mystery writers. I also do not usually like books written by committee (in this case a team of two sisters).

I picked up 'Thicker Than Water' on the basis of a recommendation I read on one of Amazon's lists. I am glad I did. Parrish's books, with the exception of the first, are published as paper back originals. If ever an author deserved hard cover treatment, this one does.

I am also wondering about the lack of professional reviews of the Parrish books on the Amazon site. I wonder why this author is not getting the attention she (they) truly deserve.

The series has a mixed race protagonist, Louis Kincaid, who, like the best of the fictional detectives, is conflicted about almost everything in his life. The books are set in the 1980s before DNA and widespread use of computer technology. Smart move.

'Thicker Than Water' is rich in character development and sense of time and place. It is as well plotted as anything currently on the mystery best seller lists.

In this book, the horrific 20 year old rape and murder of a beautiful young girl may be the key to solving a present day homicide. The man convicted of that murder, and recently released after serving his time, is the prime suspect in the current slaying.

Kincaid believes that the thoroughly unlikeable Jack Cade, the man convicted of the rape and murder, may in fact, be innocent. He forms a shaky alliance with Susan Outlaw, Cade's court appointed attorney.

This book is filled with fully developed characters. Even the bit players have been created with great care. The childhood friend of the murdered girl is one of the most touching characters in the book.

I think the Kincaid series has great potential.

Buy these books.

Read them.

Recommend them to your friends.

Talk them up to your local booksellers.

Kincaid deserves hardcovers and a publicity team working on his behalf.

Spellbinding.......2003-07-01

P.J. Parrishýs ýThicker Than Waterý is the fourth Louis Kincaid and second set on Floridaýs West Coast. It is terrific.

Louis Kincaid is a refreshing protagonist with a deep sense of honor, principal and integrity who looks for those traits in others.

Since the legal system may not always get it right, sometimes Louis Kincaid nudges justice a bit just to make certain.

Upon release after serving a twenty-year rape sentence, Jack Cade is accused of a murder that occurs shortly after his return.

Cade is a vile man, but Louis Kincaid picks him up as a client. It appears the two crimes are related---but Cade may have been set up for both of them.

Suspects abound---with twists that seem to absolve everyone you suspect

As the odds against Louis Kincaidýs quest mount he shows more determination in seeking the truth.

Wonderful pacing holds you to the final chapter before you realize whodunit.

Louis Kincaid continues to grow as a character, the supporting cast is robust and the Florida setting is appropriately steamy.

Loved It!.......2003-04-17

P.J. Parrish has written another novel that glues you to every page. Once again, we get Louis Kincaid at his best. The story was intriguing and moved at an excellent pace. I don't recall reading a novel that had so many twist, which is one of the main reasons it holds your attention. Louis does an excellent job again and I think PI suits him well. I just love how his mind works and he puts all the puzzle pieces together. He may have come to the wrong conclusions at times, but he never stops seeking answers. I love that about him. Very sad when you learn Kitty's story, such an innocent. I really admired Louis' dogged determination to see justice done and allow her to rest in peace. Looking forward to reading what comes next, especially if it involves Louis, a true hero.

Average customer rating:

OK
A Masterpeice of Darkness
Great author, mediocre book
Disturbing...
A very good read, but not a light one

Thicker Than Water
Kathryn Harrison
Manufacturer: Bard
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0380731568

Book Description

Isabel is the unwanted daughter of charming but irresponsible people who married in haste, divorced just as quickly, and distanced themselves from one another--and from her. Left to her grandparents' care, longing for her elusive, glamorous mother and for a father she barely remembers, Isabel's agony erupts into perverse and dangerous rebellion. A compelling novel that lends new meaning to Freud's "family romance," THICKER THAN WATER brilliantly illuminates how fragile the line is between family love and the darker sides of passion.

Customer Reviews:

OK.......2001-09-19

Kathryn Harrison is one of my favorite writers, but of all her five books this is the worst. In substance it is nearly identical to "The Kiss", which is a superior piece of work.

A Masterpeice of Darkness.......2000-05-05

Kathryn Harrison's debut novel is a masterpiece of darkness. In the same lyrically beautiful words that read more like a poem than prose, Harrison magically weaves a tale of a daughter who is both forgotten and clung to. Although melodrama abounds in this book, Harrison has it all well under control and the characterizations and pacing are just perfect. This is a book that will haunt you, years after you finish the last word.

Great author, mediocre book.......2000-05-05

I feel that Kathryn Harrison is a great author, as I was an instant admirer/fan after reading her novel "The Kiss".

Though I'm not sure if "Thicker Than Water" or "The Kiss" was written first, I found this book to be self-indulgent and repetitive. No matter what order they were written in, they deal with a subject matter all too similar. Perhaps Harrison didn't exercise her demons the first time and decided to take another long-winded stab at it. I give this book four stars because it's very well-written. One star off for pure redundancy. Just my two-cents.

Disturbing..........2000-05-05

The first book I read by Kathryn Harrison was 'Exposure', which I loved. I picked up 'Thicker Than Water' expecting to love it, too. I ended up giving it to a friend of mine - my initial reaction after finishing it was that I couldn't deal with having it on my bookshelf.

After a couple of years (and after 'The Kiss' came out - which I read and, oddly enough, loved) I picked up 'Thicker Than Water' again. It still disturbed me, but I think it disturbed me less knowing that it was based on something that had occurred. (Notice that I say 'based'...all the critics denouncing Harrison for writing an 'autobiographic account disguised as a first novel' are, in my humble opinion, full of it.) I think what bothered me in the first place was that someone could just make up such a thing...that someone could, with merely the power of their imagination, make it seem so real. Which Harrison does. She has a gift for bringing the reader inside her head.

The only reason I give it 4 stars as opposed to 5 is because, as I said, it disturbed me.

But sometimes it's good to be disturbed.

A very good read, but not a light one.......1998-12-11

I read Kathryn Harrison when I'm feeling dark and moody. Her excellent books, including "Thicker Than Water," tend to deal mainly with familial relationships that are anything but picture-perfect. I would not recommned her work if you're just looking to kill time with a light-hearted read, but, if you want something that will haunt you, and maybe even make you think a little, pick her stuff up. She's worth it.

Thicker Than Water (Mordecai Young Series, Bk. 1)

Average customer rating:

Cleverly written Romantic Suspense
Wonderful
Romantic Suspense that Rocks
A Solid Romantic Suspense
Two Thumbs Up!

Thicker Than Water (Mordecai Young Series, Bk. 1)
Maggie Shayne
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0778322432

Customer Reviews:

Cleverly written Romantic Suspense.......2006-11-04

News Anchor Julie Jones will do anything to keep her past a secret. If the truth ever got out, she could lose the most important person in her life- her daughter Dawn. For sixteen years, she has paid to keep her true identity unknown. That is until her blackmailer is killed on the very day she is making her last payment. Someone knows and is after her. Her only ally is her biggest nemisis, Sean MacKenzie. Another reporter who is all too clever at exposing the truth and may be her only hope to stopping a madman. Unfortunately, the two have been competing with one another for so long, that neither one of them knows what to do when they suddenly find themselves attracted to the other. Can Julie trust Sean enough to expose her deepest darkest secrets? Will it be enough to prevent the unthinkable from happening?

Thicker Than Water is a non-stop romantic suspense. The bickering and comical antics between Julie and Sean only feed into the romantic tension between them. I couldn't turn the pages quick enough. The author does a good job of leading into the sequel "Colder than Ice"

Is it worth buying?
Yes.

Wonderful.......2006-09-07

Since the other reviewers have done such a marvelous job of explaining the overall plotline of Thicker Than Water, I will simply say that I couldn't put this book down. It's fast paced, well-written, and downright chilling. I loved the characters, the concept, and basically everything about the story. I can't wait to read the sequel.

Romantic Suspense that Rocks.......2005-01-11

Thicker than water is romantic suspense that will rock your world. The story is a tale about one woman's attempt to escape her past, and then her fight when the past comes back to visit in the form of a maddened cult leader. As she struggles with the troubles that start to rise, and the ramifications of the truth of her past, she finds herself striking a strange and delicate alliance with a rival journalist that explodes into a powerful attraction that threatens her as much (if not more) than the villain.

I don't want to ruin this by giving out too many details, because when you read it, you will be guessing every step of the way, surprised with every page turned, and sucked into the story before you even know what hit you! The villain is particularly believable because he has human qualities we can recognize and understand. His intelligence and his ability to surmount obstacles makes him a formidable opponent, and the heroine and hero are that much stronger characters as a result.

When the truth of the past can no longer be suppressed, a confrontation between the heroine, her friend, her daughter, the villain, the hero, and the ghosts of the past arises that will leave you breathless. The most terrifying aspect of this book is the fact that it could literally have been ripped from the headlines : Cult leader gone bad. Government attack gone bad. People going to ground, living another life, always wondering if they are one step ahead of the past they are trying to escape. The most satisfying aspect of this book: Love happens. You can't rationalize it, nor can you fight it. When it comes, it comes hard, strong and takes no prisoners. The relationship that develops between the hero and heroine is at once achingly delicate and wildly passionate, and completely believable.

This book is succeeded by a second in the series, that I highly recommend: Colder than Ice. (see my other review) Both are a worthy investment of your time, and will leave you thinking about many facets of the book long after you are done.

A Solid Romantic Suspense.......2004-06-07

This was a very well written romantic suspense. The subject matter was a religious cult and the impact it had on the life of a woman (Julie) and her child. The cult was eradicated many years ago, but stories about it and people associated with it resurface in Julie's adult years and she is forced to revisit the pains of her past. She is a strong woman, who is drawn very well, and can be tender at times, aggressive, fun, and loving, especially towards her daughter. Her romantic pairing is with her television reporting rival, Seth, who eventually helps her sort through her past demons. The book was very lively, particularly because of the verbal sparring between the two main characters. Although the subject matter (the religious cult) was a bit weird at times to read about (particularly towards the end of the book) it was woven in really well. I enjoyed this book, would recommend it, and look forward to reading more by this author.

Two Thumbs Up!.......2004-05-02

Sixteen years ago, sixteen-year-old Jewel's abusive father killed her mother. If this isn't a good enough reason for a girl to runaway from home and live on the streets, then there isn't one. While living rough, Jewel meets Lizzie, another runaway and they become close. The girls learn about a haven for runaways and decided to go there, however unknown to them their haven is more like a prison and it's messianic like cult leader, Mordecai Young, has a lot in common with David Koresh. The girls realize their mistake, but by the time they get around to planning an escape, Lizzie has delivered a baby girl, Sunny, fathered by Mordecai. The girls decided to get on out of there and to raise the baby themselves, but just as they're about to escape, the FBI raids the cult, Lizzie is killed, but not before making Jewel promise to raise Sunny, and the cult and its followers go up in a Waco like conflagration.

Flash forward sixteen years. Sunny, now named Dawn, has grown into a nice girl raised by Jewel, who now calls herself, Julie Jones. Julie is a respected on-air newscaster for a Syracuse, New York television station. The station has just hired sleazy, radio shock-jock Sean MacKenzie as her co-anchor and she's not happy about it as there is apparently nothing Sean won't do for a story, no depth he won't slink to.

Then somehow a slimeball named Harry Blackwood, brother of a state senator, finds out about her past and attempts to blackmail her. Julie goes to confront him only to find the senator's brother dead and now she's in trouble, because who do you think the number one suspect is? And who do you think Julie's number one ally is going to be? Yep, you guessed it, our estwhile, scumbag, shock-jock who gets more respectable as we turn the pages, until he winds up with almost hero like status in this book that had me fooled by several red herrings. Ms. Shayne is one heck of a writer as far as I'm concerned. She writes about believable characters that grow and change. She does her homework and gives us believable background and she gives us a believable story that seems like it's straight from today's headlines. This one gets a big two thumbs up from me, I can't wait for the movie.

Average customer rating:

Thicker Than Water (Doctor Who)
Paul Sutton
Manufacturer: Big Finish Productions Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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Live 34 (Doctor Who)

ASIN: 1844351599

Average customer rating:

Too Cosy for Comfort
Who am I ?
A GOOD SERIES CONTINUES
Nice easy going series
Looking forward to the next one

Thicker Than Water
Rett MacPherson
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312334087
Release Date: 2005-02-10

Book Description

When genealogist Torie O'Shea returns home to New Kassell, Missouri, from a vacation in Minnesota, she finds two surprises: first, her mother-in-law is coming to town, and second, her mentor and boss, Sylvia, has finally passed away at the age of 102. Grief-stricken and further distressed by her mother-in-law's unannounced visit, Torie is dumbstruck when she learns that Sylvia has left all of her worldly possessions to Torie including the Gaheimer House, which houses the local historical society. With gigantic boxes of artifacts and paperwork dating back to the 1920's to sort through, Torie is quite overwhelmed.But cleaning out Sylvia's things, she finds something strange: an old postcard from the late twenties, addressed to Sylvia, with a photograph of a little girl on the front and an ominous message on the back. Torie quickly becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the mysterious photograph. Who is the little girl? And where was the photograph taken? Unable to make sense of her discovery, Torie's suspicions deepen when she learns that Sylvia hired a private detective and installed a security system just prior to her death. Was Sylvia's death natural or intentional? As Torie resolves to find out the truth, she learns that some of the people in her town are not necessarily what they seem to be, and it becomes clear that somebody wants her silenced.Filled with the intricate stories and engaging characters that have come to characterize her mysteries, once again, Rett MacPherson delivers a fascinating story that promises to delight fans and newcomers alike.

Customer Reviews:

Too Cosy for Comfort.......2007-02-19

There was just too much here to believe. An eccentric 102 year old millionairess disinherits her family, and leaves all her money to her part time assistant, genealogist Torie O'Shea. Shortly thereafter, Torie becomes the object of jealousy and hate. Someone beats Torie up with a baseball bat in broad daylight in a very public place, but no one, including Torie sees the attacker. Even the ending was not like something that would happen in "real life". I read the entire novel, but when I finished it I asked myself "why?"

Who am I ?.......2005-10-18

Torie explores her relationships with the ghosts of the past and the relatives of the present. She comes to grips with her mother-in-law and her feelings for Sylvia. She also makes some unique decisions about the future. This was great for seeing our Torie as a force for the next generation.

A GOOD SERIES CONTINUES.......2005-06-20

I felt this was one of the better books in an already very good series. I have always enjoyed this particular writer and this particular series and she, the author, seems to be getting better and better at her craft. As with the other Torie O'Shea
Mystries, we have a mixture of history, mystery, domestic life in a small town and humor. This novel moves fast and has some nice twists. It can certainly be classified as "easy reading" and I found it quite enjoyable. If you are looking for a good, light read, one to take pleasure in, then I highly recommend this one and do hope the author keep them coming.

Nice easy going series.......2005-04-27

I love Tori O'Shea, somehow I can so relate to her. I like the way that this book was pulled together and really enjoyed the fact that we learned so much more about Sylvia. I also liked the fact that Tori became her own person in the end. If you have not read this series, you might want to start with the first so you will be familiar with all the characters. Keep them coming Ms. MacPherson.

Looking forward to the next one.......2005-04-12

Having read the entire series, I find it intresting that I identify with Torie as much as I do, even though my life is nothing at all like hers.
I deducted a point for the heavy-handed way in which Rudi's mom was handled, as well as for limiting Eleanore's "columns" to only a couple early on - I've always looked forward to them during my reading. That leads into a point that struck me as contradictory - perhaps another reviewer could clear it up, aqnd if anyone feels I'm "giving away a plot twist" I apologize (although I really don't think so): Eleanore's column says it is unfair that Jalena wins a contest "no longer living in town to move to Wisteria to be with her new husband" - later Colin mentions he's going to run for Mayor against the incumbent. Ummmm .... he's not a New Kassel resident yet no one in the story seems to question that? Are "mayors" in MO elected county-wide or something?
A kudo to Torie for "doing the right thing" at the end! I knew she would though.

$Thicker Than Water: A Gracious Thanksgiving\A Healing Of The Heart\The Devils Advocate$
Average customer rating:

Good reading
Amazing
Inspirational!
Three-In-One Delight
Family ties...

Thicker Than Water: A Gracious Thanksgiving\A Healing Of The Heart\The Devils Advocate
Kendra Norman-Bellamy , Maxine Billings , and Linda Hudson-Smith
Manufacturer: Kimani Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1583146466

Customer Reviews:

Good reading.......2006-06-20

I thought that this book was very interesting. I never knew the special kinship that twins have and this book brought it all to light. I now look at twins differently, also it gave me a new awareness of siblings and sibling rivalry. I really did enjoy this book, I had not read anything by Kendra Norman-Bellamy or Maxine Billings previously but now I am looking for some more of their works to read and enjoy. I was already familiar with Linda Hudson-Smith and she held true to her style of writing. Congratulations to all three authors for a work well done.

Amazing.......2006-02-15

Kendra has done it again! I am consistently amazed at how "complete" Kendra's stories are; reaching so far beyond the surface every single time. I love her stories and the way that she ministers through them. Kendra has a way of telling you a good story and in the midst of it, she gives you something solid to walk away with. It is clear that this talented author is also a talented minister - because that what her stories do, minister to you! Wow what an awesome gift.

Inspirational!.......2006-01-30

The stories in this novel were very emotional and inspirational! Great read for all!

Three-In-One Delight.......2006-01-10

My book club members are big fans of Kendra Norman Bellamy so we took a cue from "Three Fifty-Seven A.M." and determined that any book that she was a part of, whether she was the sole writer or not, would be worth the read. We were not disappointed with "Thicker Than Water." Perhaps we are bias, but all of our favorite story in the anthology was "A Gracious Thanksgiving," which was the story that Kendra wrote. But each of us enjoyed all of the stories represented in this book. There are few bonds that are stronger than that of siblings and when they are twins, that just makes it more secure. These three stories deal in the lives of twins who are facing issues that can make or break them for life. All of the stories offered a different message and that was what made this book so thoroughly entertaining. We highly recommend it.

Sheila Givens
Two Tons O'Fun Book Club
"Big Girls Just Do It Better"

Family ties..........2005-12-31

Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Tsunamis. The tragic events of September 11, 2001. These are all disasters, natural and man-made, that have devastated our country, our nation, our families, and our lives the past few years. It's at times like these that the importance of family becomes even more profound.

In the newly released anthology THICKER THAN WATER, authors Kendra Norman-Bellamy, Maxine Billings and Linda Hudson Smith introduce us to three sets of twins who are facing some personal trials that could affect the rest of their lives. Even though their issues aren't of the magnitude of the disasters mentioned above, their issues force them to confront past demons and put them to rest, which in turn make them realize the importance of forgiveness and the importance of family.

I really enjoyed this anthology. Each story was heartfelt and dealt with issues that were real, and ones that we may have personally faced at one time or another, or know someone who has. If you're looking for a heartwarming read this holiday season, be sure and pick up a copy of THICKER THAN WATER. I'm sure you will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Renee Williams
TRR Guest Reviewer

Is Blood Thicker Than Water?: Crises of Nationalism in the Modern World

Average customer rating:

Concise, yet illuminating

Is Blood Thicker Than Water?: Crises of Nationalism in the Modern World
James M. Mcpherson
Manufacturer: Vintage
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Amazon.com

"This is the story of a geographically large country in North America with a federal form of government," begins James M. McPherson, and after several pages describing how two separate regions clash with each other in an unstable union, the reason for the vagueness becomes clear: he could be talking about either the United States before the Civil War or Canada today, with its French-speaking minority in Québec fitting uncomfortably into a larger fold. "There are striking parallels in the experiences of these two North American nations," writes acclaimed Civil War historian McPherson (Battle Cry of Freedom) as he tries to apply his specific knowledge of that conflict to Canada's modern predicament.

The Civil War, he elaborates, pitted the South's sense of its own ethnic nationalism against the North's more universalist idea of civic nationalism; McPherson sees these same forces at work in modern Canada: "Many southern whites believed as strongly in their ethnic difference from Yankees as the Québecois believe in their ethnic differences from English Canadians." And while he does not believe Canada is in immediate danger of plunging into war, he warns that "deep seated tensions remain." Is Blood Thicker Than Water? is a slim but learned volume that will interest readers who believe the past has much to teach the present. --John J. Miller

Book Description

From Pulitzer Prize-winner James M. McPherson comes a brilliant and passionate examination of nationalism in today's world, and its effects on the stability of the world's countries, big and small.

Since the end of the Cold War, nationalism has re-emerged as one of the most powerful forces in the modern world. Students of nationalism have analyzed two principal categories of this phenomenon. Ethnic nationalism is more familiar and easier to define; it broke up Yugoslavia into four mutually hostile ethnic nations. It split Czechoslovakia into two nations. It threatens to do the same to Canada. In contrast, civic nationalism defines national identity not by presumed descent from an ancient bloodline with its own language, culture and genetic purity but by citizenship in a national state and loyalty to its political institutions.

James M. McPherson focuses on the American Civil War and Quebec's bid for separation from Canada as case studies in the contest between these two strains of nationalism, and offers both implicit and explicit comparisons to modern counterparts.

Is Blood Thicker Than Water? will finally give us the perspective to look at this phenomenon clearly and objectively.

Customer Reviews:

Concise, yet illuminating.......2000-05-02

Perhaps my only criticism of this book would be that it is too short. Even though McPherson is a historian who specializes in the Civil War period of American history, this short essay is a very useful contribution to the study of nationalism. The main reason is that it focuses on nationalism where most of today's intellectual elite says it doesn't exist: in the United States and Canada. Although written as something of a "warning" for Canadians, i.e. that they may be facing the same problems today with Quebec that the U.S. did in the 19th century with the South, McPherson refrains from stating that the problems of Southern nationalism in the U.S. have been resolved. Also important is his analysis of civic and ethnic nationalism, meaning nationalism based on loyalty and pride in common legal, state and civil institutions as opposed to nationalism based on common language, culture and "blood ties." While McPherson sees the former as a more positive phenomenon, he correctly points out that even it can often engender the same type of fanaticism and inspire people to act violently, just like the latter. Finally, perhaps most fascinating aspect of the book is its exploration of early expressions of American nationalism, e.g. in the speeches and writings of Thaddeus Stephens among others, which could be the basis of a longer and more comprehensive study.

Thicker Than Water: A Kit O'malley Mystery (Kit O'Malley Mystery Series)

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Thicker Than Water: A Kit O'malley Mystery (Kit O'Malley Mystery Series)
Lindy Cameron
Manufacturer: Bywater Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1932859403

Book Description

"Kit O'Malley is smart-mouthed, sharp-witted, and sexy."-Val McDermid

Kit O'Malley, the Australian PI with the mean right hook, is smarter, tougher, and more dangerous than ever, and she is on the scene when a corpse belonging to a member of a notorious Melbourne crime family is found at her local bar. Asking the right questions of the wrong people sees Kit and her friends dragged into serious danger. Blood Guilt and Bleeding Hearts, the first two Kit O'Malley mysteries, are also available from Bywater Books.

Lindy Cameron lives on the Mornington Peninsula outside Melbourne, Australia.

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Courtesy of Teens Read Too
You Must Take a Bite into this Book--It Rocks!
Vampires Suck

Thicker Than Water
Carla Jablonski
Manufacturer: Razorbill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1595141235

Book Description

Seventeen-year-old Kia barely survived her parents' divorce several years ago. Now her mom is in the hospital battling cancer and Kia is stuck with her workaholic father, leaving her searching for an escape from the everyday horrors of her life.

She finds this escape with a group of people acting out a dark fantasy. These “vampires” spend all night in dark clubs, wearing gothic outfits, and even baring fake fangs. But when Kia meets Damon, she begins to wonder if maybe a true vampire exists among them, one who could be the answer to all of her problems . . .

Customer Reviews:

Courtesy of Teens Read Too.......2007-01-08

Kia feels powerless over her life. Her mom is dying from cancer, and no matter how many times Kia visits her, her mom never seems to get any better. On top of that, Kia is stuck living with her father, who is a joke of a parent. It's like he doesn't even know how to be a dad because he's so absorbed in his work. To help her deal with the pain, Kia sometimes resorts to cutting herself. It's not some petty cry for attention; Kia keeps her cutting a secret. Even from her best friends, Carol and Aaron.

One day, at the hospital, Kia meets a girl named Hecate, whom she connects with right away. Hecate introduces her to a new scene, opening Kia's eyes to a whole new world. An underground world where vampires rule. Where people dress up in elaborate Victorian costumes, with red contacts and fake fangs. Carol and Aaron find the vampire gothic club scene more than a little disturbing, but Kia feels more at home in the dark vampire world than anywhere else. These people seem to understand her in a way that nobody else does. They don't judge her, but just welcome her and support her. Plus, Kia's first night at the club introduces her to Damon, a captivating vampire DJ.

There's something about Damon that is so intriguing that Kia can't stop thinking about him. She finds herself returning night after night, just hoping to see him and hoping to feel his touch. Damon is very important and respected member of this vampire world, and just knowing that he's chosen Kia, singled her out as his own, gives Kia a rush.

As her mom becomes weaker and weaker, Kia immerses herself deeper into the vampire culture, though she doesn't quite understand all of it. Kia withdraws from her friends, Carol and Aaron and starts ditching school. It's not like her dad has any idea what's going on in her life, since he's always on business trips.

The more Kia learns about the vampires, the more curious she becomes and the more she thinks that Damon just might be the answer to all of her problems. All clues point to Damon being a real vampire.

Carla Jablonski does a fantastic job in blurring the lines of fantasy and reality as she shows how impressionable Kia is and how quickly Kia's life changes as her wishful thinking impairs her judgment. Although everything will never again be as it once was, Kia needs to learn to deal with her life, however unfair it may be, rather than running away from her problems.

Reviewed by: Amber Gibson

You Must Take a Bite into this Book--It Rocks!.......2006-08-04

This is a great book for adults and kids alike!
Carla Jablonski's writing shines in this novel that blends reality and imagination for both her characters and for her readers. The protagonist, Kia, is a teenager who delves into the club world of goths and vampires. With her father too busy for her and her mother in the hospital, Kia is left on her own to explore the world and discover the fine line between life and death. Along the way, she meets Damon, a truly intriguing character who, by all appearances, is a vampire and the answer to all of Kia's problems.
Jablonksi's characters are so real and engaging. Jablonski really opens the door to Kia's mind so that the reader feels that they are right there with Kia through her episodes of cutting, visits to the hospital, and her foray into the world of vampires. Like Kia, the reader takes the journey of doubt and questioning to that of belief and reality. This makes for an awesome read.
I couldn't put the book down and stayed up all night to finish it. I want to read all of Jablonski's novels! And I want to know more about what happens to Kia!...a sequel???!!! "Thicker than Water" is definitely in my top ten list of best books EVER!

Vampires Suck.......2006-04-03

The novel really delves into the vampire cult world. It is not for the meek of mind. Kia is a goth girl who's mother is dying or cancer and she cuts herself to release the pain. She finds another way to escape by going to vampire clubs and parties and she gets sucked, no pun intended, into an underground cult of followers who live the vampire lifestyle. There she finds new friends and an attraction to the infamous DJ Damon. As she gets pulled into this sub-world all her life around her falls apart. I read the whole book in one night and I must say I could not put it down. Overall it is a very good read and gives you a glimpse into an otherwise unknown world.

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