Presented as the story of an "indefatigable mother's fierce love," Pamela Richardson's A Kidnapped Mind: A Mother's Heartbreaking Story of Parental Alienation Syndrome (Dundurn 2006) is a memoir of losing her son, Dash, during an eight-year custody battle, then ultimately to death. With an introduction by a "divorce and custody consultant" named Dr. Reena Sommer, this harrowing tale of domestic strife attributes the estrangement of Richardson's son to "Parental Alienation Syndrome" as triggered by the cruel and insidious "brainwashing" of her son by her ex-husband. Published in the wake of Richardson's ex-husband's death, A Kidnapped Mind could have educational value for anyone who cannot imagine the prolonged treachery of an ex-spouse. The Vancouver author formerly worked as a minor television personality before marrying her second husband.

BOOKS:

A Kidnapped Mind: A Mother's Heartbreaking Story of Parental Alienation Syndrome (Dundurn 2006). $24.99 1-55002-624-0

[BCBW 2006] "Advice"