Originally published in 1982 when Conran was 50 years old, this book is as great today as it was when first written.

The story chronicles the lives of five women, four of whom meet up at a Swiss Finishing School. It follows the their growth to maturity as each one carves a successful future for themselves. However, their lives are laced together by a shared secret!

Lavishly descriptive, you will be seduced by the glamour as well as the hard realities that the five women have to endure. Ultimately, it is a book about friendship and what it means to be a woman. Conran writes with heartfelt understanding and accuracy. She is first rate!

I believe a wealth of Conran's life experience (and cultural awareness) is evident in the development of the characters. And, I can honestly say as a man, that my understanding and empathy for women has changed for the better.

Shirley is a real woman and she writes from a real womans perspective. The intimacy, pain and passions of the characters are viewed from an intimately feminine standpoint. I feel I have shared something of what was in the authors mind and the minds of the characters in this magical book. Thankyou Shirley.

I am only 14 and this is so far the best book I have ever read. I thought it was very interesting and the end (I won't give it away) was great I have read it twice already and I will probably read it again if you like romance and plot twists read this book. You won't be sorry you did.

I think this is one of the most well-written books I have ever had the pleasure to read. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who wishes to read a good book with an enthralling plot!

This is one of those books that once you start you can't stop. A Highly enjoyable reading experience.

I saw the Lerners on The Today Show talking to Katie Couric and was impressed by what they said. I read their book and was even more impressed. I'll echo what a previous reviewer said -- this is a great resource.

In today's every increasingly expensive and complex health care system, the consumer needs all the information possible to insure adequate medical care at an affordable price. Lerner's Consumer Guide To Health Care is just such a guide to saving money and time (as well as minimizing frustration and anxiety) when dealing with doctors, hospitals, insurance companies, and health care management (HMO) systems. By carefully reading what Paul and Julie Lerner have presented within these pages, anyone can save money on their medical care and prescription drugs regardless of their malady or situation; obtain the best treatment medicine has to offer even within a managed care system; avoid medical mistakes from happening within the context of their own treatment; acquire referrals to the right specialists; and profit from knowing what health care system managers never want you to learn. Lerner's Consumer Guide To Health Care is a "must" for anyone having to deal with any aspect of the medical establishment in American health care today!

I was impressed with this book that allowed me to access, quickly and easily, information that might have taken me quite some time to track down. It's well organized and gives great referral information--for example, on 'risk pools' that was invaluable. Highly recommended.

Captivating reading. Toni's story of her life growing up and understanding the beautiful spirits surrounding her is so amazing. This book provides the reader with a comforting look at the prospects of spiritual enlightenment beyond this earth plane. At the time of reading this book, my father was very ill and the reality of losing him was overwhelming. I was very blessed to have Toni Lynn Wood and her spirit family help me personally and through this book throughout a very difficult experience. I recommend this book to anyone ready to embrace spiritual guidance and contentment as you walk through your journey in this life.

This first book is a most fascinating story about a woman who has devoted her life to serving others. The author has done a wonderful job of relating those incidents in Toni Lynn Wood's life as a spiritual healer that have prepared her in many different ways for the work she ultimately chose. Her unusual experiences and own personal suffering have provided the drive and compassion to bring the gifts of the spirit world to those in need of healing, comfort, or encouragement.

The book describes the eight spirits who work through Toni and explains how each of them came to work with her and what their specialties are. Through the author's incredible interviews with Toni's spirit family, I have learned much that has helped me immeasurably on my own spiritual path.

I personally have been helped repeatedly by the healing, guidance, and protection of these loving healing ministers who work through Toni. I consider myself very fortunate, to say the least, to have met her and also to have been able to take advantage of the invaluable information offered in the "Living in Both Worlds" series of books. I can't recommend them highly enough.

This book made it easier for me to understand how a medium really works with the spirit world. It is well written and very humerous in areas. I really love the authors style of writing. It will make you laugh and cry as you learn about the life of this healer, Toni Lynn Wood. I loved it and I know others will love it as well.

This book is a real treat, both visually (the illustrations are gorgeous) and narratively (the rich plot is sure to keep adults as well as children enthralled). My 10-year-old daughter loves it, and each time I read it with her I notice something in it that I hadn't noticed before - which is rare indeed for a children's book. The story, which has been told for more than a thousand years in Central Asia and the Middle East, doesn't batter the reader with clumsy morals, but instead seems to offer something subtler and, I suspect, of far greater value. It revolves around a boy who finds and achieves his heart's desire with the help of a magical wooden horse that carries him on its back as it flies through the air to wondrous places. Readers of this marvelous book are sure to soar right along with them.

The notion that certain folk tales, "mere playthings" might have more noble capacities is beautifully exemplified in this ancient tale.This story appeared in a collection of tales, "A Caravan of Dreams" some 30 years ago and I am now delighted to see it turned into a richly illustrated, children's book. The story has multiple meanings, and can evoke deep examination, such as children's grappling with the tensions between technology and more simple realities, academics and practical views. A school librarian I visited in Seattle, WA, places this book in a section called "For Readers of All Ages" because she realizes that there is a genre of picture books that has many layers and can appeal to all. Teachers realize the great need to help children learn how to develop thinking skills and this story allows children a situation that they can reference when trying to explain certain issues they might not otherwise be able to verbalize. It gives them a story which acts as vehicle on which to hang their experiences. This is a function of certain folk tales that surpasses the usual moral endings we are more used to expecting. We are all storytellers, and use story to explain our sitations and make the complex simple. There is a genre of tales, "The Magic Horse" being part of this genre, that allows the reader an opportunity to experience insights into his/her own psyche that are often hidden by more dominant patterns. The fact that this is done in an entertaining fashion, often confuses the reader into thinking that this is just a "mere plaything." But stories can have many levels of capacity, just as orange juice is refreshing, tasty, and provides Vitamin C. Idries Shah spent years collecting and making available these amazing tales, intuitively understanding this was something needed in our evolving culture. They are like nothing else I have ever read. And this one has always been one of my very favorites. One can learn so much about oneself and others by reflecting on this story and using it as a mirror to see one's hidden prejudices. And, the tale itself echoes the notion that things that appear to be "mere playthings," like magic horses, are really much more powerful than we realize. There are children's books with messages, morals, and meaning. "The Magic Horse" is an instrument that both entertains and helps the reader "learn how to learn." But to give the story away would be like trying to "Send a kiss by messenger." It's a story that I will keep on reading to kids.

There are so many mysterious twists and turns to the telling of this amazing and complex story. I read this book to all my classes (third graders). The kids hang on every word in spellbound silence. How important in this technological, materialistic culture for our kids to be exposed to the very notion of a "heart's desire," to the idea of life as a richly complex journey with multiple dimensions and possibilities beyond our wildest dreams - possibilities that we must stretch ourselves to discover and realize. I highly recommend this book for kids of all ages.

I checked this book out at the library a year ago and once I finally read it I have been searching everywhere for it. It was the best book I have ever read. Ms. Gage has a wonderful talent in storytelling. I agree with another review that it does start out confusing but DO NOT give up on it!!! This book delivers romance, mystery, you name it. I felt like I personally knew all of the characters. Never before has a book come to life the way this one did for me. You will feel the pains and the joys of every character you meet. I cried and laughed with them through it all. I recommend this book to anyone! Buy it!

I read this book probably more than 10 years ago. I loved the characters and the story. I could not put it down. When the story I ended, I actually missed it.

I read this book a few years ago, I haven't yet had a chance to reread it. From what I remember, my impressions from it were ones that will linger a long time. I felt what each character felt, and the images that were conjured up in Gage's word were spectacular. I honestly recommend this book for anyone who wants a little bit of everything on their plate. This is one book that you will want to stay up late at night with... it's that good!

There comes once in a great while an actor or writer that grabs you from the first time you see their work. From that moment on, you know you will see quality work from them. Julie Elizabeth Leto is such a writer. She is a charming, fresh voice in the romance field, and I love how her characters are very down to earth people; they are your friends or someone you know. She is able to imbue them with a vitality that lets them leap off the pages and into your heart.
Private Lessons is quirky, typical Leto, with sexy, intriguing characters that is written with incisive sharp wit. Grant Riordan is a stuffed shirt. He is an investment broker with a firm that deals with elderly clients who abhor scandal. The firm already has weathered one such front page sex to-do and definitely does not want another. Grant has been pegged to live in the firm's property for a year, and is under the constant spot checks of his boss. Worse, is the old bat across the street is a local reporter for a gossip columnist and she is watching Riordan like a hawk hoping to find more dirt on the firm.

Grant's brother Gus springs a small bachelor party at the house - with Grant sweating bullets, and the nosey neighbour already calling Grant's boss reporting there are too many cars outside. Just as the boss calls to inform him he is coming over to check on Riordan, in walks Harley: the hired stripper. In the fuss that follows Harley informing she refuses to perform, she is knocked on the head and when awakens cannot recall who she is.

Grant is stuck with Harley, since he cannot call the police knowing the questions about a missing person would attact notice of the press and his boss. He has to maintain this stuff shirt life because his ex-wife took him to the cleaners. He needs the job, despite all the extra hassles, because he is fixing up his grandmother's home so she will be able to stay in it until she dies.

In spite of the problems presented by Harley, Grant is immediately attracted to her. He knows she came supposedly to be a stripper for the party, but she seems just the opposite. She is intelligent, well-educated and presents a caring, upright mind.

Harley and Grant are delightfully charming people that will have you smiling and laughing at their predicament.

Leto pulls the hat trick again!!

I recently discovered the author Julie Elizabeth Leto. I was so impressed with her style of writing that I am now searching for her earlier titles.

In Private Lessons, Hailey (aka Harley)was desperate for some quick cash and decided to accept an offer to substitute as a stripper for her cousin. The gig was a bachelor party at the company owned home of banker Grant Riordan. Upon entering his home and after a slight accident Harley developes amnesia. (Now we all know that the amnesia bit has been played to death but Ms. Leto's writing style prevents the story from becoming just another amnesia story.)

Grant allows Harley to stay at his home to rest and recover her memory. What follows is a well written story of two very likeable characters as they fall in love.

This story was published as a Harlequin Temptation Blaze. The series is known for very sensual, sexy stories and Private Lessons surely delivered on that account. If you like quick, fun, sexy reads with love scenes that are steamy, don't pass this one up.

For the life of her, Harley couldn't remember if 'professional stripper' was part of her résumé. Not after an accident at the client's house left her without her memory. She figured she had to be, given the state of her dress and the bachelor party she'd been hired for. But something about her struck host, Grant Riordan, as being totally out of synch with the picture she presented. He offers to let her stay at his house, a quiet place where she can rest and regain her memory. But resting is not quite the way things work out.

In a sizzling story of true first-love, the author makes us privy to the characters' sensual awakening. Grant, divorced from a cold, corporate wife, had decided that the loner, stuffed shirt life suited him just fine, until 'Harley' showed up at his door the night of a bachelor party for his co-worker. From the moment Harley entered his life, Grant felt his heart begin to melt. First with concern, then with something much stronger, for there was no denying the strong sexual tension simmering between him and his houseguest.

Harley's heart began to pound each time they came close, until the their attraction could no longer be denied. Grateful for his generosity and caring while she attempted to patch the holes in her memory, Harley made sure nothing she did threatened Grant's position in the community or his job. Little did she know that for Grant, none of it mattered. She had come to be the overriding reason for his living. But what would happen when she did recover her lost past? How could they reconcile the two opposed worlds from which they came?

Private Lessons is one red-hot love story. Be prepared to turn up the air conditioning. I may never look at hot tubs or swimming pools quite the same way ever again. And I won't reveal anything further, except to say: The ending will leave you breathless.

I bought this book as sort of a joke, because it sounded so typically California sufer dude. And it is, but it is also awesome. Children love the colorful pictures and rhythmic language. Adults never get tired of reading it to the kids because it is so funny. This book now forms the centerpiece of my standard baby gift for new parents (along with a beach pail, swimsuit, or other appropriately aquatic-themed item). Everyone who's received one has told me they and their children love it.

My kids like the book so much that they drew their own pictures of rhinos surfing. Best of all, they are bugging me to take them surfing with me.

The book is colorful, funny and teaches kids surfer slanguage in a fun way and at a fun pace.

k55@pacbell.net

Rhinos who surf is a colorful, exciting adventure into the world of surfing. As a surfer myself, this author accuratly captures the lingo of the surfing world in a fun way. I keep buying more and more copies for mu surfing friends.

I was very pleased by the large number of high-quality reproductions. Still, as far as I'm concerned there should have been *more*. The book contains (a rough count) about 280 pages containing text or mostly text, out of about 630 total pages. However, I'm very happy with the book.

Best book, I have ever bought

The problem with art books is that they go out of print too quickly. This is a beautifully presented book on Rauschenberg that was released with the big retrospective at the Guggenheim in 97/98. Barnes and Noble still had copies avaiable as of Sept. 99, so check there -- they were even discounted!

The worst part about this book was that I couldn't put it down. The characters were so realistic they practically jumped out at me, especially Matt and Gina. I found myself relating so perfectly to Matt that I experienced his problems as if they were mine. I LOVE that in a book! On top of that it was frighteningly realistic. It was scary because I really think this is where America is heading, and I saw things in the novel that are already happening! It's definitely a must-read for anyone concerned about our future and it will REALLY make you think.

The Shadows of Babylon has realistic characters living in frighteningly realistic settings. Is the government taking over the personal lives of the characters? Is this set in the future or is it happening today? The action is non-stop and holds the reader until the end. If you like Frank Peretti's writing or the Left Behind series, you will certainly enjoy The Shadows of Babylon.

The Shadows of Babylon is a must-read for those who want to know where we're heading with political-correctness and anti-fundamentalist propaganda. This book keeps you wondering what happens next and keeps you interested in the characters throughout. It's a blend of Frank Peretti and the Left Behind series.

In a similar manner to Paula Scher and Charles Anderson, one of the main themes of Art Chantry's work is to take old images and give them a twist. While you can see an echo of this look in almost every graphic design award annual today, Chantry has been working in this style since the late 70's. And while many have borrowed his approach, few have been able to imitate it with the same sense of grit, humor, color and power.

True to the title of the book "Some People Can't Surf" there isn't one website design to be found, but that may not be a bad thing as Chantry is a master within his medium. A very large body of work that spans three decades is showcased which includes everything from his very first poster design for a school concert to promotional work for major Hollywood record labels. One pleasant surprise is seeing quite a bit of logo design work which involves the charm and craft of hand lettering. In end Chantry reminds one of a later day Milton Glaser with a punk rock point of view.

At some points the book can become too crammed by trying to jam several posters onto a page by shrinking them down to matchbook size, however the work holds up pretty well under the strain. This volume would be valuable to any graphic designer looking for inspiration or anyone who is a fan of the Seattle music from the 90's.

...is that Art Chantry's groundbreaking artwork (and yes--unlike some snooty traditionalist art-weenies--I DO consider graphic design to be "art"!) is more often than not gobs more compelling than the work of the people who have directly benefitted from his work (i.e. most of the so-called grunge bands from the Pacific Northwest). Yet almost nobody outside of Seattle, Tacoma or underground graphic-design circles knows who the hell he is, even though almost everyone has seen his work in one form or other (The Sub Pop logo is one example that immediately comes to mind).

In early 1991, I discovered and became obsessed with underground garagepunk & instro-surf music, the most exciting of which was coming out of the Pacific Northwest, and specifically Estrus Records, in Bellingham, Washington. It was the Estrus label that started my appreciation, and later, reverence, for Art Chantry's ir-reverent style of graphic design. When Nirvana's "Nevermind" was released later that year, the wall that previously kept mainstream riffraff from crashing "our" underground party came crumbling down, and as a result, grungy Northwest music had become suddenly (and inexplicably) marketable. The sudden onslaught of new bands inspired by this alleged "rebirth" of punkrock quickly caused the quality of Estrus' releases to assume an inversely proportional relationship to the quantity of records they put out (well, that's MY theory, at least...). Simply put, the really good music on Estrus soon became a rare commodity. Thankfully, what didn't change was the brilliant package design that thier slabs o' vinyl and silver frisbees were encased in. Art Chantry was responsible for the bulk of these designs, and is the only reason why a big chunk of my record and CD collection isn't fermenting in some used-record store somewhere. His artwork transcended the actual product it was emblazoned on, and made it worth keeping even if the music it promoted was supremely lame.

Chantry's work led me to notice and gain an appreciation for artists such as Stealworks' John Yates, Frank Kozik and even Roy Lichtenstein. But as great as those artists are, Chantry's work is the perfect amalgam of irony, humor, subversion, obnoxiousness and kitsch, and no one that I'm aware of has yet to outshadow him in this regard, even though he is without a doubt a man with many imitators. In fact, many people directly point the finger at him for popularizing the now passè movement in "grunge" design and layout. Whether this is actually true or not is debatable (although it certainly makes sense), but "Some People Can't Surf" is interesting in that it showcases a non-"grunge" (god, I hate that term) side of Chantry that most people would be very surprised to see. The same man responsible for some of the most outrageous and iconoclastic posters and album covers in music history was at the same time designing nondescript logos and brochures for boring, faceless corporations--biotech companies, architectural firms, airlines, etc.--and it's extremely interesting to see this real-world dichotomy brought to light in this book.

Another notable section of the book recalls the time when Art creatively attempted to get around a draconian 1994 Seattle anti-postering ordinance by posting up 'zine-like tabloids to telephone poles instead, ostensibly daring the city to attempt to fine him for what is fundamentally a First Amendment issue. As someone who firmly believes that graphic design and traditional "art" are not mutually exclusive, I found it refreshing to read this shining example of how designers can use their talent to actively influence and challenge the cultural status quo, instead of simply generating pretty pictures for passive consumer consumption.

When I first saw Art years ago in the documentary film, "Hype!" (which I also HIGHLY recommend), talking about the early Northwest music scene, and then proceeding to chop up his super-rare (and super-expensive) posters with a paper cutter, it completely validated what I always thought--this man is an ironic and wonderfully irreverent genius. "Some People Can't Surf" bolsters this fact even further, and I enjoyed reading this book's narrative at /least/ as much as looking at all the cool, full-color images of his brilliant work. I highly recommend this to any graphic designer who is tired of all the c.r.a.p. that tries to pass itself off as "cool", "grungy" or "retro" nowadays.

Thee-anti-cool-subversive-godfather-backroad-bar-b-que shack-genius. If you are in school but this book. If you are over 50 buy this book. If you are successful buy this book. If you are struggling-steal this book.