In this second, updated edition, imagine being an adventure traveler setting out to explore the California Coast. Then imagine climbing in beside someone with intimate local knowledge of the coast and all its opportunities for outdoor exploration and enjoyment. With the Sea Beside Me is a guide book, a running narrative and a collection of travel literature vignettes, a book that can be read for entertainment before departing and then referred to along the road. From Santa Barbara to the Oregon border, Fischer points out the great places to camp, outstanding hikes, kayaking and surfing spots,...

Her Grand Plan traces a strange seven-year relationship between a student and teacher. Kelly, a pre- cocious fifth-grader who loves to write, is inspired by a new teacher who specializes in writing. She starts to consider him her best friend and finally decides on her two goals in life, becoming a writer and marrying this teacher, regardless of the plans he's made for himself. In this coming of age novel, Kelly goes through the complex changes of growing up, as the convoluted relationship between teacher and student continually changes, while she remains obsessed with her two life goals.