Artful Italy is a wonderful book. I checked out Florence and Venice first because those are the cities that I really know. I was daring Artful Italy to come up with something I didn't know. And it did.. The Stibbert Museum which sounds like a delight I missed entirely. But the thing I really regret is not knowing about the Bomarzo Gardens, a bit of a trip from Florence; as a teen I was always after the odd, hidden statuary that you turned a corner and came suddenly upon.. Both sound like winners and make me eager to return to a place I thought I knew well.
Artful Italy's prose hits just the right tone, conversational without being condescending, funny without that guidebook jokiness that can be so off-putting. And it sometimes can take your breath away. When the 17th century architect , Borromini is compared to an origami master, suddenly we see again how Mannerist architects have turned stone into paper - to give just one example. And you have a nice discursive air that proves always to have a real point to it. The book is unique and a pleasure. It will make those who know Italy start looking for cheap air fares, and even those making a first trip to Italy will find the book valuable.

Even if one never travels to Italy, there'd be no harm in reading this book. It is well-written, entertaining, and loaded with fun and interesting facts. I disagree with the notion that this is a tour or travel guide; what it is in fact is a semi-scholarly appreciation of Italy off the beaten path. (It is meticulously researched and documented, to boot.)

Ann Brandon must be a kick at a cocktail party. Historical examples trip off her tongue and add just the right humor, import, and context for each bit of art appreciation. Reading this book is not a necessity for travel planning; the volume is a standalone orchestration of Ms. Brandon's love affair with Italy.

I have a few qualms with the book, but they are merely intellectual disagreements with some of its premises. First, I would not focus so much on art, but on the whole invisible lifestyle of the Italians, the life that "turisti" probably never see. I would also go beyond visual arts, and talk about music, as well as the culinary and design arts. Even in the visual arts there is so much architecture that one could find off the main trails. But Brandon promises more books in this vein, and will no doubt address these topics.

Second, I do not feel that the Parco dei Mostri qualifies as a hidden treasure. I consider it an excellent yet run-of-the-mill tourist attraction. A lot of people go there.

Finally, I disagree with the glowing assessment that Vasari's "Lives of the Artists." I have always considered this book at best uneven. It apparently draws its inspiration from Diogenes Laertius' "Lives of the Philosophers," which suffers from a similar spottiness in insight and accuracy. If I had to recommend a book that does what Brandon purports Vasari's does, it would be Burkhardt's "Civilization of the Renaissance."

All these quibbles aside, anyone who wants to learn about Italy should buy and read this book. It does not disappoint. I learned so much from this book, and it was if Ann Brandon was telling me what I learned in a personal conversation. So warm is her style of writing that it just makes for a quick and delightful read!

This book is for all visitors to Italy-even the jaded few who feel they have seen it all. Ann Brandon has covered
so much art that most of us have neither seen nor heard of. I was totally captivated by just reading the book, Ms. Brandon has great writing style and wonderful detail covering all of the pieces. What I found most exciting was visiting sites that I hadnt been to before-expanding upon the content. This book isnt just about museums!!-

This book is great because it covers various diverse areas in Roman life. It describes how the Romans had orgies, ate, cooked, drank, fought, worshiped, seduced each other, cheated on their partners, attended games, voted, made money, treated their slaves, accused others in court, defended themselves from accusers, cursed their enemies, praised gladiators, respected their ancestors, married, divorced, adopted, wrote, watched plays, studied in school, et cetera, et cetera... This book is by no means another lengthy discussion on the social history of Rome. Instead it's made up of short introductions by the author and numerous original excerpts from ancient time with plenty of footnotes for better understanding. And many of the excerpts are quite juicy and funny. A good toolbook for both serious historians and leisure readers.

An extraordinary book, it alternates concise, cogent discussions of every aspect of Roman life with equally concise, cogent and elegantly translated short selections from Roman sources that illuminate the topic, serving both as a window on the lives of the Romans and as a comprehensive introduction to the wealth of Roman literature and documents that have survived. I was always entertained and often surprised and moved by the insights the book offered into Roman attitudes about government, religion, family life, economic striving, military affairs, and much, much more. Ranging from the laments of dramatists about the short attention spans of their audiences to the complaints of neighbors about the noise of early morning classes for school children, the book is so comprehensive - and Rome has so pervasively influenced our lives today - that a selection even explains why for over two thousand years grooms have traditionally carried their brides across the threshold.

Students may not always like reading the primary sources, but the organization of this collection makes it easy to assign relevant text and skip the unnecessary materials. A good why to expose the class to the ancient's view of themselves without overwhelming them with reading. Best if used in conjunction with a good solid historical explaination of Roman life and history.

I just love this little cookbook! If you are a cookbook lover like me you will have to have this one. Now I am able to use all the candy bars in those warehouse club pack! Would make an excellent gift as well!

I had dessert duty at our family get together, so i made the Three Musketeers pie....a huge success, so rich and delicious.. this book is a must for any cookbook fanatic like myself.. and an excellent gift for your friends and family.

Many of the recipes are easy to make which is perfect for people like me who hate baking. The book would make a perfect gift.

I was dying, ha ha, to read Ms. McMillan's book and got tired of waiting for the paperback, so I ordered online, used, from Amazon.[com] I was not disappointed. Her Civil War mystery series is getting more in depth.
This time the story seemed to focus more on Narcissa and less on Judah; it seems like the last book had more of Judah and less Narcissa; which I suppose is as it should be. Poor Brit Wallace isn't mentioned in the attempts to get you to interested in these mysteries (jacket cover, publisher summaries, etc)---however, as the newspaperman from Britain in Richmond, he is just as much a "detective" as the other two.
I kept going back and forth between Brit and Cameron Archer; which would be the better suitor for Narcissa? Theres plenty of tentative romance to keep us on tenterhooks for a few more books; do we have to wait that long?
The story does have more of the hospital and nursing aspects; we learn about smallpox in the city of Richmond and the possible threat of an outbreak when a contaminated jacket is stolen.
Ms. McMillan kept me guessing but I was grateful that I could actually figure out "whodunit" before she let us in on it.
Isn't that the goal of every mystery reader? To figure it out before the author lets you in?
Anyways. Very good. She has a way of writing that makes you feel like you're really there. I don't know what it is. Thats why I was a bit out of sorts at the end---I thought it ended abruptly.
Is that another typicality of a mystery series?
Looking forward to buying a used hardback of the next book! :)

Smallpox breaks out in an American city. The country is at war, and the ethics of combat in question. Has the horrid disease been loosed intentionally? And by which side? Have children been enlisted in this war? The plot lines in "Civil Blood" could be lifted from today's headlines, but this is a mystery about Civil War Richmond (published months before 9/11/01). For all its eerie relevance to the present, this book is rooted unerringly in its era. Ann McMillan's well-drawn characters never warp out of the 1800s. They deal with the anguish of their own war and their own time. A mystery of substance. Another brilliant installment in McMillan's series.

In 1862 the American Civil War heats up with the Northern Army nearing the Confederate capital of Richmond. However, a greater threat to the lives of military in the area and the citizens of Richmond occurs when small pox is the cause of a death. Soon other deaths and accusations of germ warfare follow.

Southern nurse Narcissa Powers, English reporter Brit Wallace, and former slave healer Judah Daniel look for the source of the deadly disease. As they separately dig deeper, each one shares the findings with the other. No segment of the city from the elite to the slums or of the two armies escape their evaluation as the trio tries to prevent an epidemic from happening.

Fans of Civil War novels will, upon reading CIVIL BLOOD, play trumpets in tribute to the author for an entertaining historical who-done-it. The story line starts off very powerfully as a vividly graphic opening hooks the audience while introducing the lead characters. The tale slows down a bit during the investigation because the key players literally exchange notes from their respective interviews even though that technique smoothly blends into the main theme. However, the story line ends with an incredible finish that will fully satisfy the audience, sending them marching to the nearest bookstore to purchase Ann McMillan's previous historical mysteries.

Harriet Klausner

I hope I never need the information in this book, but it is a good reference to have on hand. Everything from childhood diseases to food poisoning to anthrax is covered, in a way that is easy to understand. A useful resource for "regular people".

From Anthrax to the West Nile Virus and all forms of common and uncommon diseases in between, Perlin and Cohen present this must have information in an easy to follow format. They deal clearly with such topics as current and horrifying as bioterrorism as well as the more common yet equally deadly hazards of under cooked chicken and beef. This book is an excellent source of practical information for families and belongs next to the aspirin and other medical supplies.

It is most appreciated what the authors did in putting such complex information in a format that is understandable for the average person. I think there is a great need for such a work. I wish the authors great success with this book and the ones to follow.

I love Ann's book. As a Christian writer, I read a lot to get my own creative juices flowing, but this one hit me where I live--as a half-crazed mom of two wanting nothing more than to be a good servant of Jesus and a decent wife and mother to boot. Ann Kroeker pulls it all together: She gives you the tools to begin and good coverage of the methods to True Sanity through the madness, regardless of where you are in your faith walk. Check it out!

I think I need to read this book again! What an amazing book written by a mom of three young daughters - and she still has her intellect together enough to be reading the heavier-weight Christian books! These books mine the depths of the Christian faith. Yes, they take extra effort, but I believe that if we make that effort, we will be rewarded by having a richer devotional life.

After I wrote my last review, the author wrote me an email, which was just great! I want to write her - and now I don't have her email! So Ann, if you're reading this, please email me again (click on See More About Me for my email address)! I have a couple questions for you about some of the books you were reading.

If you're a mom who wants a little more depth to your devotional life, this book is for YOU!!

This wonderful book contains many helpful and very practical ideas about how you can connect with God in the midst of busy motherhood. The author knows how it is - she has 3 small daughters.

Included in the book are comments from a number of moms in different situations and having children of different ages - these women commented on the topics in each chapter and their suggestions were great too. You won't find perfect, saintly women with perfect lives - but you will find workable solutions for finding quiet time in your busy life.

The author discusses journaling and tells about how that has helped her spiritually. She also gives ideas of where to get journals, different types of journaling, etc. (For more on journaling, see the "about me" section above and look for my review of "How to Keep a Spiritual Journal" by Ronald Klug.

At the end of the book, Ann lists MANY books she recommends on all the subjects the book touches on. This bibliography alone would be worth the price of the book!

My only complaint? It would be great to have the author's email address in the book so grateful readers like me can give her feedback!

Scarborough's forte lies in creating books with intriguing plots, believable main characters, and lots of humor. This book is no exception. The idea of genetically-stored memory that can be downloaded into someone else's personality is an updated version of an old SF plot device, but the author takes the concept and makes it her own. The main character, Leda Hubbard, a forensic anthropologist and wannabe Egyptologist is a classic Scarborough heroine--an ordinary woman, competent and a little dissatisfied with her life. The other characters range from the delightful (Duke, Leda's macho philandering father) to the repulsive (Mr. Rasmussen, the true villain). Some of the characterizations are a little thin, and the plot could have been fleshed out in spots, but there are enough wonderful moments to make this book a rewarding read. Duke's fate alone is worth the price of the book. As with Scarborough's "Fairy Godmother" books, everyone gets their just desserts at the end, and there is an element of "they all lived happily ever after." Perhaps a bit pat, but that's part of the pleasure.

To tell the truth it was the cover that caught my attention as I was browsing though the new books at the local library. I then sat down to blow through the first few chapters to figure out if the book was worth checking out. Well needless to say, I sat there in the libary till closing time!

Leda Hubbard has been obsessed with being a Egyptologist and joining a dig. The navy being the only way Leda can get her PHD, which she finally gets in forensic anthropology, but still can't find a dig that will take her, Until she recieves a mysterious invatation to work with a man named Chimera. Not one to look the gift horse in the mouth Leda heads of to Egypt.

Our heroine, Leda, is one for always getting in trouble, for the right reasons of course. But in the end, her reward is something beyound anything she ever imagined as a young woman dreaming of Egypt.

This is a book that is definately worth the reading time!!

The cover art really drew me to this book, as I have not read much before by this author. I was pleasantly surprised to find that it was a very enjoyable read; a suspenseful science fiction novel filled with espionage and action. The idea of cloning from ancient DNA is not new (Jurassic Park, need I say more) but the idea of "blending" personalities inherent in DNA was a new twist, handled very well. The archaeological aspects in Alexandria were also well described and made for some vibrant settings.

One of the highlights of this novel was the way Scarborough develops her characters into unique individuals that are easy to associate with, both good and evil. The protagonist and antagonist(s) are people that truly act out according to their personal beliefs and values-a very human trait which often gets left behind in science fiction works. I highly recommend this book-entertaining, engaging and full of plot twists that keep your interest.

Circle of light was very enjoyable. I liked that the story was something different. It was not just love or mystery. I enjoyed the realness and the supernatural feelings I got from the book.

Wow! Circle of Light is quite a book! It had me so scared at times that I had to force myself to put it down and take a break. Well-written and purely fascinating. Emily sure knows how to get your mind going! Rock on!

Here is a book that can you make aware of the light and dark forces that surround all of us. Frightening enough to make even the biggest of paranormal skeptics doubt their beliefs. Powerful enough to creep into your mind when you're alone in your thoughts and in your dreams sending cold chills up and down your spine. The story of Madison and her journey through life had me totally captivated from cover to cover. Emily Ann Roesly has written this book enabling you to feel the raw emotions of Madison, the sheer terror she experiences, the overwhelming sadness and frustration, to the heartwarming happiness as if you are actually there, with her circle of friends. The contents of the book stay with you even when you've turned the last page. Excellent work Emily! I am looking forward to reading your next book.

I really enjoyed this book, although it is not my favourite BSC book.I liked the way Ann Martin made Claudia's personal experience reflect her family expierience. Claud eventually realizes thet the way she feel s about a girl in her class is the way her Aunt,Peaches,feels about claud. Not the best BSC book i have read but still very very good. You'd be mad not to read it!

it's very funny and entertaining for a book that came later in the series and as we all know the books that came later in the series were never as good as the older ones so yeah bottom line it's a good read

Yeah!!! One of my favorite characters has a new cousin! How exciting! My two cousins were born last year and I'm soooo happy! I enjoyed spending my time with them and with my aunt and uncle. It was great. It's too bad that Claud fought with Peaches. She must feel upset. Do they get a long again? You'll find out when you read CLAUDIA AND THE WORLD'S CUTEST BABY. You'll love it!