Fiction Review

Desert Medicine
by Judy Alexander
ISBN-10: 0825420083
Review by Heather Froeschl


When we share of ourselves with other people, we often find ourselves. It doesn’t take much to reach out and in the end the rewards are usually greater than the effort. In “Desert Medicine” by Judy Alexander, a newly single mother in transition discovers the giving and receiving of being an unselfish friend, but she also discovers herself, her truth, and her desire to trust again.

Laurelle is a mother of five year old twins. She works two jobs, is divorcing her cheating husband, and agrees to visit a homebound member of her church. Rhoda has terminal cancer, but her early life did more damage to her spirit. When Laurelle visits, Rhoda shares stories that tell of her growing up in Texas during the Depression and then in Calexico, California, as her aunt’s live in babysitter. With an abusive alcoholic father, Rhoda was lucky to have the escape. Laurelle listens, at first reluctantly, but then is captivated by this woman’s strength and determination to survive. She is learning about her own life though these tales as she applies certain lessons to her dealings with her children’s father and her impending divorce. Her current life carries on.

Invitations to singles' events at the church, meeting a man at traffic school, a new puppy, and the holidays all put Laurelle on an emotional roller coaster of ups and downs. Realizing that she is bringing joy to Rhoda’s life is a gift unto itself but Laurelle is also receiving support and love just when she needs it most. It gives her enough perspective to find these things within her own family too. Rhoda becomes an integral part of her children’s lives and just when she understands how close she is to this elderly woman, Laurelle begins to doubt what she’s been told. Can she ever trust again? Is there hope for love in her life?

Judy Alexander has written a captivating tale in two voices. Laurelle is someone whom many readers can identify with and her struggles are unfortunately too common. Her story is familiar and her character is likable. Rhoda’s tales are sprinkled throughout the book in a different font and dialect, giving her a charm all her own. Hers too is a familiar tale of a different generation. The plot of the book runs like a gentle but fast running river, deep and green, embracing the rocks of life and passing under the bridges that connect us all. “Desert Medicine” is a book you won’t want to put down but will be sorry to come to the end of. I look forward to more from this author in the future.

Children's Book Review

The Playdate Kids: Cosmos' Mom and Dad Are Moving Apart
by Annie Thiel
ISBN-10: 1933721049

When parents get divorced the children will often feel that they are to blame, in addition to being scared, angry, and sad. Help for the youngest children can be found in "Cosmos' Mom and Dad Are Moving Apart," by Annie Thiel, Ph.D. Geared for children ages 3-6, this book addresses every concern a young child might have.

Cosmos' parents don't get along anymore and are always arguing and sad. Cosmos is sad too. When his parents tell him that they are getting divorced he goes through the natural emotions and asks the important question, "Was it something I did?" Reassured that it wasn't, Cosmos begins to tell his friends at school, who also react in a natural way. Through the process, Cosmos learns some things about his parents, his friends and himself. Keeping his room clean in both homes is still going to be a parental concern, and spending time with both of his parents is still going to create a loving environment.

Dr. Annie Thiel knows how to address these issues, and so many more. Having over 30 years of experience as a child psychologist gives her the best possible role requirements to play as an author of this and other titles that will be of high family value. The story is simply written to directly answer the concerns of children in this age group. Straight forward and to the point, but friendly and engaging, children will relate to every word. The illustrations are bright and colorful and full of life, lending to an atmosphere of interest and potential personal growth for readers. I look forward to Dr. Thiel's other titles, which involve a new baby brother, moving, and a parent having to go to the hospital. It's about time that the youngest children's needs are addressed in such a loving and caring way. I highly recommend this title to family therapists, divorcing parents, and teachers everywhere.