"The most compelling part of this book relates how Constance, who was named California's Woman of the Year in 1994, founded A Place Called Home — a youth center in South-Central Los Angeles that has become a refuge for inner-city gang members and gives them a chance to turn their lives around. APCH delivers many needed services, largely thanks to the author's hard work and commitment. Those who come through the doors can sign up for art, dance and music classes, homework help, sports and access to computers. But the bulk of this memoir is devoted to the author's struggle to deal with her father's sexual abuse; her mother's characterization of her as a fat, unattractive baby; three failed marriages; other troubled relationships; alcoholism, agoraphobia, smoking, a bout with cancer; and a traffic accident that nearly killed her. The author became sober through AA, forged a successful reunion with her alienated son and is currently in a loving relationship with a female partner. Although Constance has clearly overcome horrendous problems to get where she is today and should be applauded for her work with troubled teens, the detailed, artless and somewhat simplistic account of each obstacle is more numbing than inspiring. (Sept.) It's January 1988, and TV producer Cohen learns of the trafficking of Russian women into the U.S. to work as sex slaves. To help cover the story, she hires Kevin, a Russian-based journalist she hasn't seen in years but who happens to be the object of her longstanding, college-era crush. This sharp, fast-paced book chronicles how Cohen chases down the story (and Kevin) and details their ensuing disastrous relationship. She's swooning over him instantly, via their e-mails, even before she's traveled to Russia to begin covering the story; and although it takes her almost 200 pages to realize she's made a bad choice, readers will see red flags well before, when one of Cohen's friends cautions her to slow down. Plus, the author's admission that she's bulimic and on Prozac hints that her judgment might not be clearheaded. Still, Cohen offers a fascinating glimpse inside the world of newsgathering and of contemporary Russia. However, Cohen's apologies for Kevin's erratic, hurtful behavior get tedious: 'Give me a little affection and I forgive. Give me a lot of affection, I forget.' Even at book's end, it's hard to tell whether she's eliminating him from her life or letting him hover in the background, thereby keeping her from healing herself. Agent, Stephanie Kip Rostan. (Sept. 15)" Publishers Weekly (Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information, Inc.)

- Board of directors of APCH includes Will Smith, Jaida Pinkett Smith, Janet Jackson, Jasmine Guy and Arianna Huffington

Debrah Constance founded A Place Called Home in 1993. APCH now offers its youth members many programs including an all-day school in collaboration with the Los Angeles Unified School District; computer lab; music; art; dance; tutoring and mentoring. In September of 1996, with a growth in membership to 400, APCH moved to its present location-a 10,000-square-foot facility that serves over 4,000 children.J.I. Kleinberg is a freelance writer whose clients include individuals and corporations in the travel, healthcare, and design/print industries as well as a wide range of other businesses.