In case anyone missed the PBS special The Botany of Desire which premiered Wednesday, October 28, 2009, you can still watch the entire program online. It's incredible. Book turned documentary. BOTANY OF DESIRE is a documentary which tells the utterly original story of everyday plants and the way they have domesticated humankind. An interpretation of the relationship between plants and people. This two-hour documentary explores plant evolution and takes viewers from the potato fields of Peru and Idaho, the apple forests of Kazakhstan, and the tulip markets of Amsterdam. View online in it's entirety: here This is another related program by the same presenter on LINK TV (a cable access channel) which is timely: Deep Agriculture Traditional methods of agriculture in most developed nations have long ignored environmental concerns. Factors such as soil erosion, water shortage and the impact of chemicals on bio-systems have been overlooked in favour of massive crop yields and cheaper food. But what impact does this have on our health and our environment? View online in it's entirety: here __________________________ Sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and witness the evolution of an Organic Kitchen Garden.

Casey, I had been part of a discussion of this book when it first came out. I had a different reaction than most. I loved Lisey's Story. Yes, the beginning was slow, but after a certain point I got so wrapped up in what was happening to Lisey that I read chapters in the morning before I went to work and rushed home to read more after I finished work. You will see that many people have differing opinions, but that book hit home with me, for what it's worth. Bigack -- I saw the new book of short stories and plan to buy it. I'm glad to hear it's getting good reviews. Duane -- I'm happy you mentioned that book, which is titled Different Seasons. Those two stories ("The Body" and "Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption") and their film adaptations ("Stand By Me" and "The Shawshank Redemption") are two of my all-time favorites. (I'm afraid I didn't like the other two stories in that volume.)

For children the entire Judy Moody series are $1.99 each. Here is a link that might be useful: judy moody

Stacey, I loved The Stand. Originally as published. I think professional editors are professional for reason. That being said, I think my most favorite Stephen King book was a little known one he co-authored with Peter Straub (who wrote Ghost Story). This has been one of my all time favorite books - both for it's fantasy and it's horror. Several studios have tried to make it into a movie/mini series. I think Ron Howard is the latest to attempt it. I would recommend it as equal, but different, to The Stand. Both in my Stephen King Hall of Fame. 4 1/2 stars on Amazon from 623 reviewers: Here is a link that might be useful: The Talisman