Books with author Robert Burns

Set in the peach country of north Georgia during the 1930s, D.J.’s Worst Enemy is the story of a twelve-year-old boy deeply at odds with himself.It seems as if D.J. Madison would prefer to make enemies than friends. His pranks have a mean-spirited edge to them, especially those he plays on his tag-along younger brother, “Skinny Little Renfroe,” and his know-it-all older sister Clara May. D.J.’s friend Nutty is content with the friendly rivalry he and D.J. have with the four Castor boys who live nearby. D.J., however, would rather fight them for real than just wrestle. But, what D.J. does and what he feels inside are two different things. He knows that times are hard enough for his family. He really wants to act better toward them―toward everyone―but is not quite sure where or how to start.Finally, D.J. goes too far. He seriously injures Renfroe and then ruins Clara May’s chances for a coveted community honor. Rather than get even, both Renfroe and Clara May turn to their family for support. In their strength D.J. finds his own, and vows that he will no longer be his own worst enemy.

This collection of interviews celebrates women's participation in national and private expeditions to Antarctica. Based on 130 interviews the book ranges across the first women scientists to visit Macquarie Island in 1959, to contemporary 'winterers'. Given the extent to which men have traditionally marked out the territory, physically, socially and psychologically, how do women experience an Antarctic stay, what attracts them to remote places, and how do they depict the stunning beauty of Antarctica itself. Who are they, how do they speak of their work and their experiences, and what are the effects on their lives of working in Antarctica? Robin Burns has not only talked to women from many different backgrounds in order to answer such questions, but has also been a summer expeditioner herself to gain authentic experience of her subject. The result is a comprehensive account of women in Antarctic expeditions.

In this story, Renfroe Madison, who was first introduced in D.J.’s Worst Enemy, is three years older. It is Christmastime, and while Renfroe’s spirits are high, he is more conscious than ever of his selfish streak. With the family’s worn-out Christmas tree angel―hung by Renfroe on their smokehouse door―acting as his conscience, Renfroe tries half-heartedly to curb his selfishness: Should he have split a 75-cent store credit more evenly instead of buying a 50-cent knife for himself and 25-cent one for his brother D.J.? Should he have given his lasso to three neighbors who got only an apple, an orange, and a candy bar for Christmas? Should he have given his yo-yo to Nutty, a good family friend? Renfroe didn’t really enjoy the yo-yo, and Nutty got nothing but clothes for Christmas. Then, a smile from a handicapped boy redeems Renfroe. He spontaneously gives the boy his brand-new Mickey Mouse watch―“the finest thing I’ve ever owned myself”―because of the happiness it will bring to its recipient.Renfroe’s struggle to come to terms with himself is paced by the activities of everyday farm life, as well as by a hilarious Christmas pageant, an experiment to increase milk production by singing carols to the Madisons’ cows, and a longing for the snow that seldom falls south of Atlanta.