title: A Sundog Moment
author:  Sharon Baldacci 
description: Michael and Elizabeth Whittaker seem to be the perfect couple. Then Elizabeth is diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, and their world falls apart. In this poignant novel of faith and change, the ripple of Elizabeth's diagnosis affects her relationships with the well-meaning people who love her: Virginia Mae, her domineering mother whose "emotional illogic was legend"; her overprotective husband; and her best friend Carol. Elizabeth finds hope and friendship in the Northern Neck Neuromuscular Support Group, but when the members dabble in marijuana as a possible aid to healing, disaster is just around the corner. Throughout her troubles, Elizabeth finds solace in looking for a "sundog" moment-a reference to a rainbowlike weather phenomenon in the sky that heralds change. Sundogs become symbolic for Elizabeth of her own transitions and the need for clarity in her faith. The author, sister of bestselling author David Baldacci, was diagnosed with MS 21 years ago, and her firsthand knowledge of the disease's spiritual, emotional and physical implications lends authenticity to her story. Occasionally, the writing feels too factual, and some sermon text, journal entries and letters slow the pace. An unlikely accident involving a young boy may strain credibility. Although the amount of profanity and use of "God" as an exclamatory will keep this novel out of many CBA bookstores, the same honesty should endear it to a wider audience. Readers, especially those whose lives have been touched by MS, should find solace and support in Baldacci's touching novel.<br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
zlib_text: **THE**
  
  ZOYA
  
   **FACTOR**
  
   **ANUJA CHAUHAN**
  
  *******
  
   **For Niret, Niharika,**
  
   **Nayantara and Daivik John.**
  
   _ **You are my world.**_
  
   *******
  
   **1**
  
  **'Zoya,** _ **chal**_ **, it's time to go.' Monita's husky voice had an edge
  to it. She sounded both totally wired and hugely relieved. I told her I'd be
  down in twenty minutes and jumped to my feet, smiling excitedly at my
  reflection in the mirrored wardrobe.**
  
   **The two of us had been chafing in the luxurious embrace of the Taj Mumbai
  for the last three days. We'd demolished tinfuls of salted cashews and
  trayfuls of fancy chocolate, sweated in the sauna, primped in the parlour, and
  watched television mindlessly. All with one eye on the massive bay windows,
  down which smooth sheets of snot-coloured water had been pouring for thirty-
  six hours straight.**
  
   **'It could be an award-winning ad for Coldarin or something,' Mon had said,
  gloomily surveying the rain that morning, lying on her tummy with her chin
  propped up in her