I have read all of Betty MacDonald's books and highly recommend them to anyone who enjoys the wonderful release of laughter. The Plague and I is such an interesting book about the methods of treating TB during the 40's in contrast with the use today of antibiotics. She keeps the reader laughing at the antics of the staff and the patients at the sanatorium. I stuggle to slow down whenever I read any of her books because they are so much fun to read,that before I realize it, I have come to the end. The Plague and I is no exception. If you want to have fun and laugh alot and laugh outloud, get a copy. I had to wait 3 months for my local library to round up a copy. Sadly, all of Betty's books are out of print. I hope someone will do a reprint very soon.

This book is filled with an off beat sence of humor. It isn't the slap you in the face kind of humor but rather the kind of humor that hits you later. For example, I found myself smilingat something I read earlier in the day while cooking dinner. At the end of this book you feel like you know each of the people personally. I wanted a follow up to find out what happened to each person. It's that good.

Basically this book is about Betty MacDonalds stay in a sanitorium while she had TB. She can take such a serious topic that could be pretty morose and turn it into something interesting and funny.

When I was 15, I acquired TB and was hospitalized for 7 months. What a grim sentence for a teenager. A library assistant gave this book to me and it began my long love affair with Betty MacDonald's books. This is a favorite of mine. Her descriptions of the personnel and patients in the sanitorium are hilarious. Wit and a talent for the language makes each of MacDonald's books a treasure to be read over and over.

The Diaries of Adam and Eve is one of my favorite books. It's so gentle, funny, and deeply true I find myself loaning it to friends and giving it as a gift whenever I can. If you've not read Twain since Huckleberry Finn was forced upon you in junior high, this is a wonderful way to start reading Mark Twain's work again. If you've been looking for something to restore your faith in the worth of that whole man-woman thing, treat yourself to this book.

Although Mark Twain uses the story of Adam and Eve in the Book of Genesis as the framework for these "diaries," the biblical couple and his are two entirely different stories. Having said that, Twain's version is such a touching love story, especially as it is rendered in this recording, it is worth hearing (or reading) without making any comparisons to the first Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.

I mention this because a high school student recently inquired with me about Twain's views on religion, and thought that these diaries might shed some light in his beliefs. While I encouraged her to read or listen to Twain's account, simply because of the beauty of the story, I don't think they shed much light on Twain's religious views.

I did find it interesting that Twain's Adam and Eve barely mention God at all. Perhaps that is a notable observation on his views of religion after all.

Twain's tender observations on the nature of men, women and love is what makes this a moving tale. Walter Cronkite's commentary at the end makes one appreciate the story even more.

Even Mark Twain's ephemera charms. This well edited collection of separately written pieces creates the whole that Twain himself might have made. It features his most insightful depiction of a female persona, Eve, who is the one truly engaged protagonist in this glimpse into Eden. She is the seeker, the thinker, and the emotionally active partner -- in short, the whole person. It is no wonder that Eve names the animals and discovers fire, while Adam lolls in a tree and complains about her talkativeness. He is remarkably complacent for a miracle of creation. Twain imaginatively and humorously evokes the naivete and sense of wonder of these two innocents as they discover the world and each other -- learn, even, to recognize that they are human. The fact that God is just a voice, mentioned once or twice, and the Fall is the unfortunate incident that changes their lives demonstrates that Twain was not interested in a religious parable. These diaries are his reflection on the nature of male and female personalities and the bond that draws and keeps men and women together. Though it feels somewhat incomplete, the book is an enjoyable quick read. The editor's afterword recounts the history of these writings and connects the diaries to the author's own personal life, affirming its very personal nature. This is a lovely book to give to an engaged couple, a married couple, or anyone who enjoys Mark Twain's unique genius.

The Dream Book by Betty Bethards is the most empowering and uplifting dream interpretation book I have ever read. It has inspired me to be more faithful to my dream journal because I am encouraged by the symbols in my dreams. Dream symbol meanings in other books I have read have left me feeling discouraged and not wanting to face the "me" in my dreams. Bethard's book helps me to desire knowing more of "me." I gave my last copy to a good friend and am reordering another for myself and for another good friend.

Most dream books it seems are often very negative. This book, in my humble opinion, is truly positive and offers a great amount of insight into ones self, providing you are willing to look in. Ms. Bethards has taught me that all my dreams are about me and there are no scarry dreams only some messages from the other side need to be louder than others because we often refuse to look in the mirror and face life from the inside out. This book has truly been a tool for me.

I have read a lot of books on dreams , but what really made me like this one is the ease of reading. The book is not so large that I become overwhelmed by just looking at the book. Betty does a good job of keeping it simple but accurate. I use the book almost daily and would recommend to anyone. I found out about The Dream Book in the suggested reading section of Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life

What a joy it was to read Betty Dravis' book, Millennium Babe: The Prophecy. The book is filled with unique characters from David Wetterman, who sets the stage for all the events to follow, to the boby guards and the fans. The author brings every character "alive". This is definitely a "must read". The book takes you through a series of twists and turns and keeps you guessing on what will happen next. Not only did I find myself wanting to know the end result about the new babe, but equally as intrigued with the "love story" the author so easily weaves into the story line for Bitsy and David. The surprise ending is spectacular and definitely leaves you wanting more!!! Bring on the sequel!!!

Betty Dravis has written a story that has many interesting elements, including suspense and romance. It is a really suspenseful tale of scheming intrigue with a very original story premise. The plotline is interesting and unpredictable (what will happen to the Millennium Babe?), while the characters like Bitsy are people you like and care about. I look forward to the sequel!

Betty Dravis's book is a delightful tale. Within the battles for the "babe", we catch a glimpse of the human condition that so often prevails in our society--hysteria and fear of the unknown. What makes this story interesting and special is that Betty Dravis tells it with humor and a bit of sensitivity; and the characters themselves are caricatures, yet they are remarkably loveable and alive, and that is why it works.

--Carl Rafala
author of "Wildflower"

This book was a great read. The author tells a human story from a mother's perspective. The book is fast paced and is subfused with a subtle sense of underlying panic. A mother faces an islamic culture and a cruel husband both indifferent to her, and her handicapped child's needs. What saves her is not her Western ideology but her fearless determination to do what is right.

INCREADIBLE STORY, THIS BOOK IS A GREAT READ, I HAVE A LITTLE TIME AT THE END OF A VERY BUSY DAY FOR READING. BUT WHEN I STARTED READING THIS BOOK I MADE SURE TO HAVE TIME FOR IT. CONGRATULATION & MY BEST WIHES TO MRS. BALSAM. WOULD LIKE TO HAVE MORE OF HER STORIES IN THE FUTURE.

This story of the survival and triumph of a young woman in an alien cultural, social and religious environment holds your attention from the very first sentence to the last. The writer's style is very matter-of-fact and is quite complementary to the non-stop action in this book. She does an excellent job of pulling the reader into the story and so many times as I was reading I felt my blood pressure roller-coaster with the incredible experiences of the heroine. The characters and incidents are very well developed so I never felt like I needed to flip back to get re-oriented in the story. The main character, Andrea has quite a challenge ahead of her as she struggles to cope in a confusing environment, sometimes horrible, and sometimes wonderful. Her daughter is handicapped, her husband is not the man she thought she married, her enemies may just be her friends and vice versa. She never knows which way to turn and neither does the reader, you just HAVE to read the next c! hapter because I guarantee you the outcomes are not predictable. Needless to say the ending is the most fantastic and will really get your blood boiling! I HIGHLY reccommend this book to anyone who likes a good read about human nature with unconventional twists.

I have never wanted or known how to cook but I received this book for Christmas and not only can I actually make the recipes, but they turn out really well! I would highly recommend this as a starting cookbook if you are afraid of your kitchen. You can't go wrong.

Finally a true beginner's cookbook which deserves a permanent place in your kitchen. Betty Crocker's answer to customer requests for a beginner's cookbook is "Cooking Basics, Learning to Cook With Confidence".

This book features a nice variety of recipes including Italian Pasta Salad, Creamy Chicken and Dumplings, and Orange-Glazed Pork Chops. For entertaining there's Quick Guacamole, Tiramisu, and Strawberry Smoothies. It even shows you how to prepare an American Thanksgiving dinner from start to finish including appetizers and dessert.

Each recipe includes a full color photograph, nutritional information, and helpful tips pertaining to the dish's ingredients. Substitutions are discussed and there are suggestions to help keep the dish low fat.

What I found most impressive were the informational chapters on everything from kitchen utensils to classy centerpieces. So in addition to the fabulous recipes, the book contains handy information covering all areas of cooking and the kitchen.

This cookbook can take a college coed living on their own for the first time up and through the marriage years for it demonstrates cooking basics such as the proper way to cut an onion or how to cook an omelet, yet teaches the art of preparing Shrimp Scampi or Pesto Sauce. For all these reasons, I highly recommend this cookbook.

Being away at college I am subjected to "dorm food." My parents are therefore delighted that I come home and work out of this fantastic cookbook. The Pork Tenderloin is absolutely delectable and the salads are meals in themselves. This book is spiral-bound so it lays flat while you are working; you don't need to fight with pages that want to turn. I really like how every recipe has a full-color picture of what you are making as well as an easy-to-read listing of ingredients in the same spot on every page. The book was published by a distinguished text-book manufacturer (McMillan I think) and is set up identically to a teacher's guide for school. Basically, it's easy to read, simple to follow, and explains EVERYTHING with step-by step pictures in a specially designed techniques section. Although an experienced chef will find this to be an excellent selection of dishes even a beginner can use this book to cook like a pro!

This book is incredibly useful for creating a cheap candlemaking studio out of common items. It makes candlemaking accessible for the regular venturing hobbyist. It is meant to be owned. I recommend that once you get the basics of this book down that you also buy The Encyclopedia of Candlemaking Techniques A Step By Step Visual Giude by Sandie Lea to explore the more creative techniques in an easy approach. They are a must set.

I originally borrowed this book from the library and held it so long I owed money on it! When I started making candles, I didn't know a thing. With this book, I am able to determine how to solve my problems and when to just take my time--you can't rush a candle into cooling. Being an expert takes time, but I find that candles make easy and nice gifts, but may also come in handy for Y2K! You never know.

If you're serious about making candles for fun or profit, this is the book to have. I found technical information for candlemaking in this book that I could not find in other books. No glossy pictures, just good information. A great reference book. --Michelle

WHAT MAKES A RAINBOW? is a winner because it's clever, well-made, colorful, educational, beautifully illustrated and sturdy. (No, a child can't rip out the ribbons; however, don't give them any scissors! Ha.) Little Rabbit asks his mother, "What makes a rainbow?" and she tells him to ask his friends. He proceeds to ask: Ladybug/Red, Mr. Fox/Orange, Little Chick/Yellow, Mr. Grasshopper/Green, Bluebird/Blue, and Butterfly/Purple. (Where are the MRS.? Hmm.) Every page is predominantly one color and with each turn of the page, a shiny ribbon appears, each under the previous--an inventive idea! Love it.

At the end, Little Rabbit's mother reappears and says, "Now you know what makes a rainbow: RAIN, COLORS--red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple and SUNSHINE!" I like the way she suggested he ask others; this shows parents that sometimes it is best to allow your child to answer his/her *own* questions instead of telling them the answers--Stimulate their Imagination and Inquisitiveness! We can learn SO MUCH from others. I love the way this concept shines throughout the story. Great job all around Schwarz, Turner and Gondek--now THIS is Teamwork!

My daughter picked this out at [local store] among many wonderful books. She wouldn't let it go, she just HAD to have it. She has only done this twice; once with a stuffed kitty and the other--this book! WHAT MAKES A RAINBOW? would make a great gift! 8/10 stars....

I just picked this book up for my 2-1/2 year old daughter. She was so intrigued by the ribbons, just kept turning the pages, then flipping them back. As each page is turned, another color ribbon appears. The last page has a large pop-up rainbow (paper, not ribbons). The story is simple. Baby bunny goes to ask each of his friends "What makes a rainbow?" Each of his friends answers based on their own personal color (red ladybug, orange fox, yellow chick, green grasshopper, blue bluebird & purple butterfly). Baby bunny learns that rainbows are made up of rain, colors and sunshine. The text is easy, my daughter was repeating it after several readings and enjoys hearing me re-tell the story even without the book - as she calls out each color. The book seems pretty sturdy and I haven't had any problems with the ribbons, although my daughter has yet to pull on them very hard.

This is a lovely book. Each page adds a new ribbon to the pretty rainbow that is forming as you go through the book. I was fascinated by the way the ribbons were added. Very ingenious.

The colors are gorgeous and the story is cute. The drawings are charming. I find the book to be sturdy as well. I would certainly add this to my must have list of books for children. What a nice way to learn and review colors.

I bought this book for a college student away from home for the first time and she loved it. So I ordered a copy for my
brother too. After looking at I wouldn't mind a copy myself.
It has many practical easy recipes, great information on food storage and preparation as well as valuable laundry tips. This book is a great gift for anyone living on their own even if they have been doing it for awhile.

This book picks up where, "On Your Own For The First Time" leaves off. These two books paired together and your child is set! On Your Own gives advice for resume writing, insurance, credit, room-mates, interviewing, shopping for cars, leases, legal matters, personal investing, etc. These two books together make the perfect graduation gift or even for the newlyweds....

I love this book! Many of the recipes are for plain/simple foods, which is perfect for me. I really like that this ring-bound book lies flat or props easily in a bookrest for easy reading/access.

There are some fancier dishes but there's equal time given to basics - how to boil eggs, time pasta, etc.

This would be a great gift for someone who doesn't really like to cook but finds themselves having to more than they might think.

"Peter pan" is one of the best book I love. As like Wendy, when I was a child I loved Peter from my heart. He is a real child, never never grow up and know dirty or gain unnecessary wisdom.. I seriously wanted to fly away to the Neverland. I think it is very difficult to become an adult with innocence. The child grow up to forget how to fly and don't believe fairly or romantic things. So I hope I would be a child forever. I don't want to be an adult. I think this book is not only adventure, but also sad love story about Peter and Wendy. Wendy fell in love with Peter but he hoped her to be a mother. I wanted them to become happy. Child wants love but when he gets it, he is no longer a child. It is heartless contradiction. The last part of this story is very sad, I think.

The book 'Peter Pan' by J. M. Barrie is a truly beautiful work. It is never too cloyingly sweet or too harsh, and the child's perspective of the world is beautifully crafted. It does, however, bring you along on a journey to the Neverlands, and perhaps for a little while we can be reunited with our dreams.

Although Wendy seems a little prim, she is sweet and motherly. John was offhand and brave, Michael was tiny and believing. My favourite character was, however, Peter. The author really outdid himself on this one. Peter's innocent cockiness and love for dangerous adventures endeared him to me at once. He still has all his first teeth, and his first laugh - what more could we ask of him? His frightful happiness in danger reminds me of my seven-year-old self.

The book retains a magical quality right up to the last page. The midnight scene where Peter coaxes them out of the window has always stood out in my mind; there is a kind of magic in an ever-young boy, small and innocently cocky and always up to some mischief. The ending of the book is very sad, for only those who are gay and young and light-hearted can fly.

Definitely a book worth reading. Adults, trust me on this one: you might think you're too old to read this book, but once you do you'll find that a piece of Neverland still resides in your heart.

Driving with young children in the car quickly convinced me that it was unsafe to not give them something to listen to. After ten years I have collected a large (30+) bag of books-on-tape. I have also loaned them to others and asked for opinions. Peter Pan (read by Wendy Craig) is not only my favorite, but also the favorite of my wife and most of my friends. It is excellent for all ages (4 to 80) and even most hardened teenagers. Humour, presentation, ... a prefect 10.