Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite

Mr. Carroll, I offer you my condolences. I can only imagine the pain you have suffered.

My first reaction to Rabies Mom was that the author was angry. Well, he has a right to be angry. Courts may say they rule in the best interest of the children, but that is not always true. The rulings are usually on the side of the mother.

Pat and Jeannine Carroll had six children together. Their marriage was rocky. (It is unfortunate that couples continue having children when their marriage is not stable.) Divorce was eminent. Jeannine appears to be more unstable than the marriage. She has an affair with Sam, the handyman. After Sam dies (possible suicide, possible murder), she has an affair with his friend, an ex-con, Jimmie. Between alcohol and drugs, she is strung out most of the time. The oldest children come to live with Pat. The younger children are raising themselves without supervision. They are living in poverty. Shannon contracts rabies after being a bitten by a bat; tragically she dies. Pat shares the story of her illness. His heart wrenching pain is evident. Concerned with the welfare of his youngest children, he seeks custody. The fight is a slow, uphill battle in a court system that rarely respects fathers. It is difficult to remain objective after reading this book. My heart aches for the children. I have little compassion for a mother that places herself first.

Pat Carroll has presented his side of this sad story. He does so in an emotionally-charged manner. His triumph should bring hope to other fathers fighting for their rights. This book is a must read for anyone seeking custody of their children.