Nicholas C. Anagram

Title:	The Compass Has Eight Points Book One: Tammy and Rama
Author:	Nicholas C. Anagram
Publisher:	iUniverse
ISBN:	1-595-21839-3
Copyright:	2002
Reviewer:	Mike Gleason
Contact Information:	gleason.mike@verison.net
Category:	Fiction
Review:	First things first. This review is a little unusual for me. This book wasn't sent to me for review - it was loaned to me by a friend. While this novel isn't specifically about Witchcraft or Paganism, it is set in Salem, and gives a fairly accurate feel for the atmosphere of the "Witchcraft Capital" of the U.S. It also serves as a reminder that not everyone is able to express their feelings and experiences, for whatever reason, whether it be from a lack of terminology, fear, or any of a number of other reasons. It is also a reminder of how frightening it can be to have "occult" or "strange" experiences that you can't explain. People, especially children, don't know how to explain experiences that transcend their mundane existence. Sometimes it is because the experiences are inherently inexplicable. Sometimes it is because we fear we won't be believed. Sometimes it is because "modern medicine" finds a way to supress the experiences. Tammy and Rama try to integrate their unusual experiences into their day-to-life, and find themselves and their families, unexpectedly living in the same building. They discover that there have been several other instances of families coming together on a cycle of about 25 years. It will be interesting to see how this series develops, and to follow the growth of Tammy and Rama, and the other children.
Review submitted:	08 October 2002