This is the best cookie book I have ever found.

1. First and foremost, the recipes. Simply put, they turn out right every time and yield delicious results. This is the only baking book I have ever found that provides consistently reliable results on every recipe I've tried. No guess work, no hit and miss. What more could you ask for? Plus, there is a wide variety of recipes here - every kind of cookie you could hope to find.

2. The format. Lots of pictures, with the name of the recipe and page where it can be found clearly identified for each picture. Also, the book is divided into chapters that make sense. The book has a hard cover, to withstand years of kitchen abuse and to make the book readily identifiable on the shelf, and a spiral binding, so the pages lay flat. Bravo to the publisher for making this a very usable, practical cookbook. Plus, the pictures are wonderful. They were taken when the goal of food photography was to make the food look like actual food, not high art. These cookies look like something that could come from your own oven.

3. The nostalgia. I remember so many of these recipes from my childhood, and you probably will too. It was so fun to reminisce about the various recipes and the memories they invoked.

I nearly fell over when I spied this book on the shelf at the local bookstore. What a wave of fragrant christmas cookie dough memories! My mother has the original 1963 book. Its pages are marked with baking stains and a green felt tip marker that indicates favorite recipes with "good" and "great". As children, my siblings and i would gather around this book, much like the Sears Christmas Wishbook, and choose the cookies we would help my mother bake that year. We also daydreamed about how this cookie and that bar would taste... and who could forget the sight of that gingerbread house with its gumdrop decorations and gobs of frosting. This year, I am ordering four copies of this book [as gifts from my mother] to us four kids who were swept away each of our childhood years by its spell and the magical aroma of an oven full of holiday treats.

I've had a copy of the original Betty Crocker's Cooky Book, 3rd printing since 1966. I use it almost exclusively when baking cookies - it has all the favorites we grew up with! Pictures of each cookie are included and all recipes are fast and easy. An exact copy (same printing) went for big $$ on e-Bay. I wouldn't trade mine for anything. I highly recommend this cookbook to all cookie lovers, especially now when it's back in print and you can get your own new "original."

My fourth grade teacher, Miss Morris, read this book to our class in 1960. We were all mesmerized and couldn't wait for reading time everyday to find out what adventure Nancy & Plum were in for this day. They were truly inspirational children. No matter what happened to them, they could find humor and gratitude in all things. I found this book again in 1990, when I called the publisher and they gave me the number of Betty MacDonald's daughter. We chatted and she sent me her personal copy. I was thrilled. My daughter, now 22, has cherished this book, as well, since she first read it. Nancy & Plum takes me back to a time when life was innocent and uncomplicated, times were good and fourth grade was the best place to be!

In 1981 my 3rd grade teacher, Mrs. Frohning, also read "Nancy and Plum" to our class. I'm not from Ohio. I lived on Vashon Island. Just like the author, Betty MacDonald! I'm sure Mrs. Frohning read it to all her third grade classes. The old hardback copy she had was well worn. It is such a well-told story, a whole class of 8-9 year olds were anxious for the time of day that Mrs. Frohning turned the lights down and read to us. Each of us could relate to the distinct personalities of Nancy and/or Plum. At a time in our adolescence when everything seemed to be exaggerated we loved their antics and the exaggerated personalities of all the characters. My kindergartener and 2nd grader are now at the age that they can appreciate it, so I was delighted when my mother put a copy in my Christmas stocking. After 20 years mom remembered that I loved the book

I have loved this book ever since my third grade teacher read it to us in the 1960's. It has been out of print for so many years, and I have never known why. I have read it to my fourth grade classes and it has become one of their favorites. A definite "must-read".

Many may feel it out-dated or unrealistic. How refreshing to read a book without foul language, un-needed physical abuse, and to even find a happy ending. Nancy and Plum sits with my Little House, Box Car Children, and Judy Blume "Fudge" books.

When is someone going to make this into a movie?

I couldn't believe it when I found this book on Amazon, I wasn't sure it was the one until I read the review about kissing your elbow. That did it, everything came back and now my daughter will be able to read one of my very favorite books. Maybe she too, will lie in her bed at night twisting her arms to try and kiss her albow, I tried so hard, and was sure one day I would be able to do it.

What can I say about this book? One of my child hood favorites! It has been forever since I've read it, and seemed to have lost mine a long time ago. My story is much like the lady who is just below me. A story read long ago and far away, and so much better than the drivel today! Thankfully, like The Hobbit, I never forgot the title. It made a real impression on me. One of the best parts is Gloria the little dog figurine turning into ... well, just read and you will find out. There was something about kissing elbows, and the villan's name was Belinda. I need to desperately reread it to refresh my memory, however. But this was one of the stories that stuck out most to me when I was a kid. Hardy Boys are good, but a good faerie story is always excellent. One of my chief desires is to be a published fantasy author. This is one of my inspirations. I fell in love with the characters, while at the same time desiring to create characters of mine own. This process is now in development, as I write my own (adult . . . no sex, just aimed at adult) fantasy trilogy.

For the High Schoolers, read Alfred G. Graebner Memorial High School Handbook of Rules and Regulations by Ellen Conford

When I read this book as a child, I knew it was something special! I think I did a total of 5 book reports on it throughout my elementary school years. I've been looking in every old bookstore for years and thought I would never see it again! That's why when I finally found it on Amazon, I ordered two copies! Every young girl should read this book, or even better, every mother should read this to their daughters! Because of this book, I never gave up trying to kiss my elbows or fly. Hold your breath and see if you have better luck than me.

I loved this book! Ever since I saw my first episode of I Love Lucy, I've been fascinated with Lucille Ball. I just had to know more about her. I found "Love, Lucy" in a store one day and I begged my mom to buy it for me. Well, she did, and I loved every minute of reading it. It's like she's talking one-on-one with you in a way. In "Love, Lucy", Lucy talks about her marriages, her children, her family, and her work. Although alot of details are left out (mainly because she didn't want to hurt anyone's feelings), the descriptions of the events in her life are amazing. My mother couldn't pry me away from reading this book with a crowbar, and she still can't whenever I re-read it. I was also overcome with emotion at some points in reading this wonderful memoir. The way she talked about her love for Desi Arnaz was so touching. I've never heard anything like it before. I started to sob a little when Lucy described the day she filed for divorce from Desi, and I'm not a big crier. It was so sad that everything happened the way it did, and that they couldn't work things out. I'm glad that she found happiness in her second marriage, though. I was also stunned when I learned that Lucy had hidden this for over thirty years until her children found it in with some old files about four years ago. Imagine writing something like this that you know everyone in the world is dying to read and then putting it away! Well, in a way I respect Lucy's decision, because I wouldn't want to hurt the feelings of any loved ones that were still alive that I had talked about. And sometime soon I am going to get a copy of "A Book", by Desi Arnaz, because after all there are two sides to every story. Before I go, I want to thank Lucy's children, Lucie Arnaz and Desi Arnaz Jr., for letting their mother's millions of fans take a peek inside of her private world. The book could have been easily just tucked back into the files and forgotten about. Taking it out and publishing it was great idea, and I know that no matter what, I'll always love Lucy.

Lucille Ball's autobiography, Love, Lucy, is the perfect place to find the truth about her and her life. She starts with memories as far back as she can remember and ends in 1962 after her marriage with Gary Morton. She wrote this very well and keeps you interested. It can be hard to put down sometimes! I really like Love, Lucy because it is easy to read. I also think I enjoyed this book because I am a fan of Lucille Ball's. It is always neat to learn about the life of a famous actor/actress. Lucille was very wrong to think that "nobody would want to hear any of this stuff!" This is a book for any Lucille Ball fan to have and to read.

This book is probably the best one I've ever read. Finally, a book about the legendary Lucille Ball in her own words. When she talked about her crumbling marraige and her final kiss to Desi, I swear I cried.It was clear that she was deeply hurt, and Desi was too. It was also clear she didn't want to hurt him, for she still cared deeply for him. She didn't give that many vivid details about their fights, but she gave enough details to paint a good picture. It was obvious that she loved him and that he loved her, but in the end thay just weren't meant to be together. It is a comfort, though, to know that in the end she was finally happy again in her lasting marraige to Gary Morton. The hardest part is to finish this book and realize that she is no longer here. That's the part that really got to me, for I really love Lucy, and always will.

Darlene Arden knows and loves toy dogs. She writes about them with thoroughness of research, a sense of humor, and answers to questions that you'd never think to ask but are glad she did. Did you know that toy dogs have been referred to as "barking bedslippers," that Chihuahuas are particularily susceptible to hydrocephalus, that small dogs are harmed by second-hand smoke, that toy dogs live longer and are more vulnerable to geriactric diseases, and that the hairless varieties need sunblock on a bright summer's day? Her book is full of such important information, especially if you have acquired or plan to acquire a toy breed. The drawings and photographs of these toy breeds and her description of the wonderful eccentricities of each breed make the reader more fully understand why owners of toy dogs love them so. Best of all, I could resonate with Darlene Arden's assertion that "a toy dog can be a character without becoming a caricature." Good job of writing!

The Irrepressible Toy Dog by Darlene Arden is a fantastic work on our little friends. I could not put the book down until I read it from the beginning to the end. The photos are excellent in quality and well worth the cost of the book alone without the wonderful insights and research results that the author gives us in this wonderful book. My experiences with my two Maltese dogs which are my preferrence in toy dogs are now put to words by this very loving and talented author on Toy Dogs! I highly recommend this didactic work from Darlene Arden for any owner of a Toy Dog.

Of any book I've read about dogs -- and perhaps is out there to read -- Darlene Arden's "The Irrepressible Toy Dog" is the absolute best.

From the first sentence I felt as if she knew me! Knew my puppy. Knew my questions and fears and frustrations. But the best part is, she put me at ease.

Honestly? No book taught me more about the care of toy dogs and at the same time, made me feel so comfortable about my concerns. I guess when a writer loves her subject you can tell.

You just know that Darlene Arden knows and loves toy dogs top to bottom. I didn't think it was possible to love my own puppy more, but I do because I understood more about him after reading "The Irrepressible Toy Dog".

I guess I'm writing this because I want everyone who is thinking about owning a toy dog, or even already has one like I do, to get the same information I did. In the same way I did -- from someone who is so smart and didn't make me feel dumb.

Ronni Warren Ashcroft

Recommended to anyone who is interested in the breed. I don't even own a Sheltie yet and I've read most of the book. It's a wealth of information to digest, so I recommend people to get it BEFORE the dog. The only thing it doesn't do is bark! It's full of interesting information, and it spans from the history of the breed to the career (herding) dog. Breeders and pet owners alike should get this book to make the most of their dog.

Of all the breed books I've ever read this book on shelties is the best. I've heard from many different people that it is considered the sheltie bible. I can see why. This book is excellent for the pet owner or the serious breeder. It covers illnesses, grooming(detailed w/pictures), birthing(including how to deal with complications), selling, buying, dewclaw removal, history, conformation and breed standard, etc. If you have a question about shelties most likely you will find the answer in this book. Want to know what you will get if you breed one color of sheltie to another? It's in there.Want to know how long until your puppies are due? In there. How big will your puppy get? Try the chart for an informed guesstimate. Some of the information can be used with other breeds as well. I applaud the authors. I only wish I could find one like this for my other breed of dogs.

"Sheltie Talk" is the best Sheltie book out there, in spite of it's age (1985). I keep hearing rumors that there will be an updated edition, but I haven't seen it yet. I keep hoping.
This book has more information than most people will ever need about the breed, and it's very accessible even to the novice owner. Give this one 'paws up'!

I picked up Skip E. Lowe's book on the recommendation of a friend, but had no idea that I was in for such an amazing read. In addition to having some unforgettable stories to tell, he is able to share them with complete emotional honesty, which provides surprisingly human insight into this larger-than-life world in which he has lived. I recommend this as a "must read" to all who are interested in learning about the Golden Days of Hollywood, the truly fascinating character once known as Sammy Labella, and the ups and downs of an unconventional life. By relating his madcap adventures and the lessons he has learned, Skippy does the best job I've ever seen at creating a road map for the road less travelled.

My friend suggested I read this book, knowing how I love to read true stories about Hollywood Celebs. I did not really know much about the author except I think I've seen his cable show a few times. WOW! What a surprise. I could not put this book down. From the very first page, I was hooked on the very interesting and colorful life of this amazing man. And his travels and adventures are a hoot. And I emailed about 10 of my friends and insisted they purchase this book--I am not giving my copy away.

I hope Mr. Lowe doesn't stop at just this book...I believe he has a few more books in him.

Lashella

Having been a child actor myself, I could well relate to the tale masterfully told my Mr. Skip E. Lowe. What a story!~

What I loved most about Skip's life story was that he did it all himself! Travelling the world on no money except what you make at the clubs takes guts baby!

Those who follow their hearts desire and explore the road less travelled always win my heart. Skip is a wonderful man, a sort of little wizard. Skip e Potter. HA! I laughed so hard at certain points of the book that I peed my bloomers. Sometimes, it was so sad I cried a river of tears.

But it was always haute entertainment. I sincerely recommend the Boy with the Betty Grable Legs for all lovers of life, travel, bohemia, and the great show people and the great, great legends, (our teachers) like Skip E!

Wright, Betty Ren. (1983). The Dollhouse Murders. New York: Holiday House. I like this book because it is a simple mystery children ages 9-12 can read and enjoy. The book is a very interesting realistic fiction book. While visiting Aunt Clare in her Great grandparent's old house, Amy discovered a wonderful dollhouse in the attic. It is the replica of her Great Granparent's house. Everytime Amy visits the attic eerie things happen. Strange noises come from the dollhouse, lights are on in it and the dolls have been moved from where she had left them. Amy is very frightened, but she wonders if the dollhouse is trying to tell her something about the murders of her Great Grandparents 30 years ago. Amy wants to solve the mystery. On a stormy night Amy and her sister make one more visit to the attic. They watch as the Grandmother doll gives them a clue about the murders. They tell Aunt Clare what the doll revealed to them. Together they solved the murder mystery of that fateful night 30 years ago.

In the beginning it takes place in a town called Claiborne. Later in the story the setting moves to the countryside near Claiborne where Amy's Aunt Clare lives in an old house. Amy, the main character, feels like her parents treat her unfairly, so she runs away to her Aunt Clare's house. At Aunt Clare's house Amy notices that dolls in a dollhouse move mysteriously all by themselves. The dollhouse is a miniature copy of her Aunt's house. But nobody believes Amy about the dolls, except her sister Luanne who also sees them move. It's like the dolls are trying to show the girls how their grandparents were killed a long time ago. What's not to like about the book! It kept me guessing right up to the end. I also liked that it was a mystery but was not full of violence and lots of people dying. It was also interesting to see how the characters change in the story. In the beginning of the book some people expect Amy just to play with her sister and other people understand that it's hard for her. Amy is frustrated. By the end of the book, Amy learns to appreciate her sister and her mom.

This is about a responsible girl named Amy who got tired of watching her sister Louann Treloar. In the beginning Amy runs away because she is losing friends because of Louann. When Amy finds out that she is going to stay for a few weeks at her aunt's house, she asked her how her grandparents died. Her Aunt didn't seem to happy about talking about her parents. But when Amy finds out about the dollhouse she lies so her aunt won't worry. I would recomend this book to others because, it's scary at some parts, but it is a wonderfull mystery book that is cool.

I was given this cookbook as a shower gift 48 years ago. In spite of having 50+ cookbooks, including two newer B.C. editions, I still use this one very frequently. The chocolate cake page 133 is spattered with batter and the book opens almost by itself at the pie crust page 299. It has been used so much that I had to have it rebound at least 25 years ago. It is 21st century appropriate for the cook in a hurry and for entertaining with all the great hints on appetizers and the "How to Prepare" section.This one being looseleaf is even better than my original as it is a bound book. I'm ordering a new one for myself and two for shower gifts. I will write my personal thoughts on specific recipes and sections into the ones I'm giving for gifts. If you have only one cookbook your entire life, this is the one to have.

My Mom bought her original copy as a new bride in the early 1950's, at the Liberty House department store in downtown Honolulu. As I grew up in the 1960's, this was the book she taught me to cook from. I now have her copy, rather worn for wear, and was absolutely delighted to find this reprint, faithful to the original. The recipes still stand, especially those wonderful cake, bread and cookie recipes. I hope my daughter (now four) will take away as many wonderful memories of this book as I have.

Please, don't let the fact that this cookbook pre-dates such modern conviences as the microwave oven and food processors drive you away from this book! There are short cuts, methods and recipes that you simply will not find anywhere else. Unlike a lot of modern cookbooks, this volume accepts the fact that not everyone is a kitchen whiz--so it explains EVERYTHING; from how to bake a chicken (time, temperature, preparation of the bird, type of pan, seasonings) to how to cook fresh vegetables (quite an education if all your mom used was canned or frozen!)

This cookbook promotes healthy eating without the guilt trip that a lot of modern cookbooks put you through. It even has suggestions of how to stock a kitchen if you are just starting out (originally for new brides, but hey, you can adapt!) I really like this cook book. Even more important--I USE this cookbook! And no, I'm not a a stay at home wife; I'm a career woman! So if it doesn't work or takes too long, I don't do it! It's a great working cookbook and a great reference cookbook--one you can pull off the shelf and use when you wonder how Mom did it! Bon appetite!

"Drawing? No, no, I can't draw. That's the job of artists." Isn't this what most of us say when someone talks about drawing or art? What we don't say is that we also have a secret wish that we can draw like an artist. If you are one of these people, grab this book and you will be amazed by what you can draw by following the author's assignments. She really teaches us how to SEE what's in front of us, rather than by our preconceptions. You learn not only how to draw but a new way of seeing your inner self: being creative and artistic -- something you always are but you didn't believe that you were before reading this book and doing all those drawing exercises

When my wife, an artist, received this book recently as a gift, we both had a good laugh over it, for Emma is self-taught and extremely talented in many areas of artistic expression. Good-natured and a voracious reader, she cracked open the book and was pleasantly surprised by what she learned about herself and the way humans visually perceive things. Drawing On The Right...can't turn no-talents into featured artists at big-city galleries, but it can open the doorway between the creative mind and worried hands and allow those who "can't draw a straight line" to find delight in doing simple portraits or design where there was little aptitude for these things before. Emma thoroughly enjoyed the simple exercises and her work underwent an immediate leap towards the refinement of her style. It also helped her experiment artistically with styles she'd never explored before. I relented and read it myself, amazed at my own progress with simple line drawings and determining the placement of shadow. She'll always remain the artist, but now I can better express my own ideas on paper with brushes or graphite, sketching for my own enjoyment or giving her outlines she can flesh out for me with colors and shadows. Not entirely an instructional guide, Drawing...reads nothing like a boring textbook and ventures into fascinating studies of people who've suffered brain injury and how this affects perception. A fantastic and highly recommended book for artists (even great ones), art therapists, art teachers, beginning artists, or anyone who ever thought they had no talent or couldn't accomplish anything. This book gives hope where there was none before, can boost self-esteem, and improves near-perfection in art.

I'm an Architect, and as a student I discovered this book. Before I read it and followed the exercises within, I thought I couldn't draw. This book focuses on "seeing" like an artist, rather than on technique - anyone who can see and hold a pencil can draw well following her exercises. I'm now teach architecutal drawing, design and sketching, and use the book in my classes. Highly recomended.