Karel Kurst-Swanger has published a book she co-wrote, Violence in the Home: Multidisciplinary Perspectives (Oxford University Press, 2003). "This important book reviews the most current theoretical explanations of family violence and then links theory to practice," reads the publisher's description. "It looks at the systems and institutions that interact with families, which are mandated to provide protection and services, and explores the current debates surrounding family violence and public policy. In addition, Kurst-Swanger explores the role of power in abusive relationships and considers the short- and long-term consequences of abuse."

"Most people have no idea how prevalent the various forms of violence are and how many children, adults and animals are affected by violence in the home," said Kurst-Swanger in an article in the Post Standard (Owego, N.Y.). " . . . Violence in the home is such a pervasive social problem that most scholars and practitioners consider it a public health issue. It is a phenomenon that involves rich and poor, all racial and ethnic groups, and has endured from one generation to the next." Kurst-Swanger is an assistant professor in the department of public Justice at Oswego State University. She and her husband, Russ, have two girls, Lindsey, 11, and Brenna, 5. The family lives in Endicott.

Carl J. Crawford has published Embracing the Family: Achieving a Loving Balance in Family Dynamics (SterlingHouse Publishers, Inc., 2003). "Embracing the Family examines broken family relationship in order to reveal how they can be remedied by the power of love," reads the publisher's description. "Through fascinating case histories, the author demonstrates how making positive choices, confessing mistakes, and communicating openly and honestly can bring about amazing changes in damaged family dynamics. His guiding principle: To strengthen the family, parents must embrace love as the essential energy of the universe and commit themselves to spiritual living. His book: An informative and inspiring guide to resolving family problems, restoring healthy family dynamics, and preparing young people for life."

In his mid-40s, Crawford switched from a career in the broadcasting industry to become an ordained minister and prison chaplain. He earned a BS in sociology at Binghamton University and completed his master of divinity degree at Lancaster Theological Seminary. This book is based on his thesis for his undergraduate degree at Binghamton.

Crawford describes his current job as "teacher, chaplain, dorm parent, camping skills director, magician and music teacher" at Hampshire Country School, a private boarding school in Rindge, N.H. For more information about Crawford and his book, visit his website at http://www.embracingthefamily.com/.

Ryder Syvertsen '69, MA '71, author of the Mystic Rebel and Doomsday Warrior action/adventure/sci-fi novel series, has had his books re-issued as e-books through Eagle One Media (www.eagleonemedia.com/). The Mystic Rebel series consists of six novels about CIA operative Bart Lasker, who travels to Tibet on a mission but "remains behind, disobeying orders, to wage a personal war against the brutal Red Chinese oppressors," as the publisher's description reads. Hunted by assassins aligned with both the KGB and the "Company," Lasker eventually morphs into "a fearless avenger from out of the West, transformed from mortal man to . . . Mystic Rebel."

Doomsday Warrior is a 19-novel saga that takes place in the year 2089. The main character, Ted Rockson (alias 'Rock'), is "The Doomsday Warrior," according to the publisher's description. "He fights back against the Russian invaders who now control post-World War III America -- a land decimated by nuclear missiles from Russia's first strike."