There had to be something to all the praise over at Oldiesmusic.com about this book. So I bought it and now I understand. This is one truly different and fun trivia book. You know all those "multiple-guess" (yawn!) trivia books? Thankfully, this isn't like those at all! This one has funny categories and it's actually humorous! There are clever cartoons too that oldies lovers will really appreciate. Just take a look at the cover art, hahaha!

Spread the word, this is a super fun book and why it's not available in "real" bookstores is beyond comprehension. My college reunion is coming up and I'll bring this along with my lava lamp and Desiderata poster to set the mood. ;->

Best $... I ever spent on a trivia book, I must say!

Hohoho

I consider myself to be a bit of a trivia buff, from history to TV to music. At least I did before I got this book. Barb Jastrab has assembled a set of "tests" within the book to help you determine whether you are a "player" or a "pretender" in the world of trivia. Once you begin, you can't stop! It's funny, it's enlightening, it's humbling, and it's full of "DUH I should have known that" moments. Challenging and fun, well balanced.

I do have one complaint, Ms. Jastrab. You are responsible for eight hangovers this past weekend.

Your book and an eggtimer became the fodder for a drinking game of sorts after an otherwise civilized dinner party. Yes, I know better, but it seemed like a good idea at the time. Anyway, at my age, I suffer a bit more than I did in my youth after such foolishness.

We have all agreed that next time we do this, we'll play for orange juice. But play again we must! Thanks for a great book and a fun challenge.

This book is not only fun, but hilariously funny at times and so well put together!! The author, Barb Jastrab seems to have had as much fun writing it as I have had trying to solve it. A very
challenging and fun book. One I would recommend to anyone who enjoys oldies music!

Dreams flow into Istanbul from all corners of the Ottoman Empire to be sorted, interpreted, stored, or acted upon by an enormous bureaucracy of faceless figures. Wheels operate within wheels: nobody really knows what is going on except a few puppet-masters at the top. The innocent scion of a high, powerful family begins work in the Tabir Sarrail, that cavernous palace of endless blank corridors which, like Dr. Who's Tardis, is much bigger inside than out. Sinister goings on, always just out of sight, almost out of earshot. Mark-Alem learns as he goes. His meteoric rise may have ominous significance. Maybe not. He has to make sense out of the senseless. He has to give meaning to the meaningless. Interpretation is everything, but a wrong twist could lead to fatal disaster. Are his fellow workers in on some dark secrets that he has failed to decipher ? Or are they just as they seem, friendly and struggling ? The world of power dazzles and depresses simultaneously.

When is Ismail Kadare going to get the Nobel Prize ? I have asked this before. THE PALACE OF DREAMS is yet another masterpiece by this Albanian author. It has links to 'The Three-Arched Bridge', another of his great novels. While the tenor of THE PALACE OF DREAMS is entirely different from the latter work, they do the share the enviable quality of operating on several levels, which to my mind, always indicates the highest craftsmanship. The present volume resembles Kafka more than a little, perhaps also is reminiscent of Sartre's play 'No Exit'. At one level it is such a nightmarish fantasy, a bad dream played out in a couple hundred pages. At a second level, Kadare succeeded in writing a magnificent replica of the workings of secret security agencies within the administration of Communist era nations like Albania. Part terror, part nightmare, he sets his story in the 19th century Ottoman empire to avoid personal repercussions (the book was banned in Albania anyway). 'Anyone who ruled over the dark zones of men's lives wielded enormous power.' Dream Palace or Sigurimi, the Albanian security agency ? It does not matter. By linking the protagonist to the Quprili family, a genuine Albanian-born dynasty of Ottoman officials and administrators, and to the recital of Albanian folk epics, Kadare ties the dream palace to actual history in a very clever way. The voice of the people must eventually be heard--it is only a question of when. This is a most clever book and Kadare fans should not miss it. If you haven't started reading him yet, you could well begin here.

This book is a testimony to the imposition of power on people - in this case, the controlling (and crushing) of potentially rebellious dreams against the State. Kadare does a good job of creating the tension that reverberates throughout the book. I was gripped with suspense and fear everytime Mark-Alem walked in silence through the dark, creepy corridors that stretched for miles on end. That really gave me the chills. Kadare also has a good grasp of his words. The interpretation of the book (originally in French) is superb - very easy to read, and manages to deliver the story in good style. The story is engaging, and it draws you into the world of the Tabir Sarrail, where reality and dreams are indistinguishable. It makes you want to finish the book in one sitting.

This is a small masterpiece of a book. "The Palace of Dreams" is the place where the dreams and nightmares of all the citizens of the Ottoman Empire are obsessively examined by experts, looking for omens and potential threats to the state. This is the premise of this provocative, hallucinating voyage into the absurdity and ultimate terror of totalitarian power. "The Palace of Dreams" is a powerful examination of fear and of the way it eventually turns a man's soul into stone, into another lifeless fragment of a monstrous sacrificial stone. A sinister allegory. A unique book. Don't miss it.

I have had this book for 3 months and still have not put it down. Great source to I.D. all kinds of china and the date codes. I can't wait for Volume 3!

I have been using both of Mrs. Conroy's books extensively for the past 2 months in preparing for the biggest research project I have ever done with restaurant, railroad, steamship, and hotel china. Book 2 on the date codes has been a lifesaver. It was not until about 2 months ago that I really realized just how much time and effort she had put into it making these possible. Having a handy reference (especially for backstamp dating of pieces) is beyond valuable. It is a "masterpiece."

A superb reference book for the serious collector / dealer. The appendix sections devoted to distributors, restaurants and hotel chains are special interest. Often collectors interests are in a narrow field - such a book helps to widen their appreciation of other collecting opportunities.

I read this book in one sitting, literally! I bought it today and just couldn't put it down. I've always wondered what it would be like if I could go back and meet my great grandparents. This new bookseries, The Hourglass Adventures, answers that question. Rosemary comes from a long line of grandparents that share her first name, but most of them have nicknames. In the first book, Rosemary Rita goes back in time to 1870 by means of a magic hourglass. When she looks at a postcard that was sent to her great-great-great grandmother, Rosemary Ruth "Rosemarie", who is referred to as Rosemarie in the book, and tips over the hour glass, she is sent back in time and helps her great-great-great grandmother solve a mystery. Of course Rosemary can't tell Rosemarie that she is her great-great-great grandmother... so Rosemary tells Rosemarie that her name is Rita. This is a wonderful book, and I can't wait to get number 2. This is a book series that you will keep for always and will read over again. It's so imagnative and wonderfully written... a must for anyone who always wondered what it would be like to go back in time and meet your ancestors!

What a delightful book! This book should appeal to any girl with a sense of fun and adventure. Well-written and a real "page-turner", the book blends whimsy, adventure and historically accurate facts in a most engaging way. The lead character is a person that any young girl could easily relate to, and her adventures leave you wishing that you, too, had a magical hourglass! I was particularly impressed by the use of links to the accompanying website- what a great way to use kids' interest in "playing on the computer" to encourage an interest in reading the printed word! I highly recommend this book!

Just finished the first; can't wait to read the others. I have 2 young daughters and can't wait til they are old enough to enjoy these creative, interactive, intelligent books.

I was charmed by the characters, the feeling of the Keys, the sparkling dialogue. Cant wait for the next DINAH -- please hurry up!
A bargain -- and a good read, too.

I read Barbara Arau's novel in nearly one sitting because I loved it! The dialog is so authentic and the people so believeable (maybe she knew people like this???) She had me laughing throughout. My only comment to the contrary is that, as a 300-pounder myself, weight shouldn't necessarily be a hinge for humor.

Someone's in the Kitchen With Dinah is a great "whodunnit".
Humphrey Bogart's "Key Largo" is the setting for this adventure on fictitious Webb Key. It's well written with subtle clues that keep you guessing! I was unable to put it down because I just HAD to discover who the real villian was.
Barbara Arau has an uncanny ability to put you in the shoes of her protagonist; you can smell the ocean, see the palm trees, the docks, the boats...her descriptions really transport you to the Florida Keys. I think it would be a wonderful movie: a fast paced nail biter during the hurricaine scene. Get it. You won't be disappointed.

This is my second Barbara Freethy book ("Some Kind of Wonderful" is Fabulous!) and I will now look for all of her books. This book weaves a great story around Lisa and her ex-husband Nick. Lisa finds herself babysitting for her ex-sister-in-law, Maggie, when Maggie is burned out and needs some time alone. Lisa is about to marry Raymond, her much older boss, in one month. Nick shows up to help with the extended babysitting and thus begins their journey to work through painful past events and ever present attraction. I really enjoyed the way the author blends Lisa, Maggie, and Raymond's stories together and I found the ending particularly good. This is a quick, enjoyable read with interesting characters.

A wonderful story about family, about how to deal with the feeling of losing someone you love badly. You will love it....

Here's one for the Keeper Shelf! ONE TRUE LOVE never disappoints. Once again, Ms. Freethy is right on target, leading us on a touching journey of timeless love rediscovered and giving us that special touch of magic that has become her trademark. NOT TO BE MISSED. I'm really looking forward to her next one, THE SWEETEST THING!

Poppy reaches out to everyone and anyone. Regardless of whether you are religious or not, this book will connect with some part of you like nothing else. It is an inspirational story of a former movie actress who loses faith after a life full of heartache and loss, only to gradually find it again in an unexpected and quite mysterious vistor in her darkest days late in life. It took me by surprise how much I enjoyed this book, and I'm sure it will surprise and touch you, too.

Such a powerful story for such a small book. I was truly impressed with the messege this story had to give. I can only hope that when I am old I have a little angel to help me along the way. This story will touch your heart and uplift your very soul.

Poppy, Angel of Love is a well crafted and inspiring story of love. I do believe that people come into our lives for a reason and I believe there are angels out there watching over us. This story shows that miracles do happen and that we are not alone. A must read for inspiration and hope.

Good idea, this book focuses on real issue, an is very good in enhancing communication. My family an I have started our own family court.

This is a great way to get issues placed on the table. My husband is notorious for leaving the place a mess. I cited him and he got the point without an arguement. He understood my position and even complied to the restitution.... I Love this booklet! I am going to even try checking off a restitution code to add excitement in our marriage of 23 years. Why cite them all the time, let them know they are appreciated and just check off the restitution... thanks to the authors of this book... The authors apparently know what it takes to keep a relationship going!!!!! 5 stars to them.

A great way to bring those little or big issues that cause faltering relationships to the table. Well worth the small investment.

I was influenced to buy Barbara Walker's first and second "Treasury of Knitting Patterns" by the high praise they received in the customer reviews. I am not sorry I bought the books, but I am moved to make these remarks for other potential buyers. These books, while containing a truly astounding number of knitting patterns, should be considered as professional references, and are best be borrowed from the libray if you are a beginner. While it is true that some of the patterns could be worked by a determined beginner, the sheer number of patterns and the complexity of many patterns, in my opinion would overwhelm a beginner. I agree that many beginner knitting patterns are dull, all in stockinette stitch and could be improved with a more interesting textured pattern, but there is no need to own these books unless you are truly a professional. Borrow them from the library for inspiration; ask a more advanced knitter to help you choose some of the simpler patterns and copy those pages only. I gave the books four stars because they are very scholarly encyclopedias of knitting patterns that should not be lost and no professional knitter's library would be complete without them. However, the books ARE dated; the photographs of the swatches are in black and white only and are very small. The black and white photographs do not show the two- or three-color patterns well at all. (See "Knitting with Novelty Yarns" for examples of how modern photographic technique can display knitted swatches.)

I have these knitting stitch treasuries, and the Walker books are the best of any of the stitch dictionaries I've used.

The Second Treasury is especially nice for cable work. If you like to knit your own socks, you know that a basic sock pattern can be dressed up with one or two cables and made into something very special. If you like Aran or Fisherman style knitting, these cables can add a unique touch to your own design as you combine them into a fantastic textured work.

Taking basic patterns and adding stitch designs is one of the easiest ways to personalize what you knit and make a few patterns endlessly useful to you. I recommend the Walker treasuries for the great, clear black and white photos that show the stitch texture, and Walker's comments on where such stitches are useful. In addition, she has more Mosaic patterns (color work in garter) than any other designer. If you are into this type of colorwork, this is an essential book for your library.

Barbara Walker outdid her own classic reference book in the "Second Treasury". It's cram-jammed, chock-a-block with patterns that make your fingers itch to get hold of some yarn and let your creativity run wild. Unlike the reader in Arlington, WA, I would never categorize this book as a "professional reference"; it's a must for anyone who likes to knit, from novice to expert. The genius of Barbara Walker's knitting books is her crystal-clear instructions and explanations; she makes it easy for anyone to follow. Many of the designs in the "Second Treasury" are quite simple and any beginner could do them with no trouble; once you develop more skill and experience, you can move on to some of the harder patterns. There are enough designs in this book to satisfy the rankest novice or the most experienced pro. I also found the black/white photographs very helpful in showing the design details much more clearly than color photos would. (In fact, some knitters make the mistake of combining too many pattern stitches with too many colors in one garment, and ruining the effect.) Like the first "Treasury", the "Second Treasury" is very well organized into different pattern groups, and includes some new groups such as mosaic patterns, which are really quite simple but the color effect is stunning. Both "Treasury" books are invaluable references that will provide enough inspiration for a lifetime of enjoying this craft.

In New Orleans 1797, Alain Devereaux watches as his bride is struck by a wagon as she lovingly approaches him on their wedding day. She perishes in his arms and he knows he must find some way to be with her again....so he willingly consumes a sorceress's magic potion which puts him in a deathlike sleep. Of which he will only awake when his beloved is reborn in another life.

In New Orleans 2000, Danielle Curtis is the current female descendant of the sorceress and the tradition has been handed down through the generations to protect the 'sleeping' male at all cost. Even if the cost is happiness in her own life. Dani's fiancee dumps her and she feels unloved and unwanted and lays the blame on the lifeless male body in her attic. As she kneels before his prone state, in despair, he awakes from his 'sleep' and Dani must now help him find his true love in thirty days or he will cease to exist.

From page one, I was intrigued and totally into this fantastic story. The hero is to die for....gorgeous and so endearing, my heart went out to him. The heroine is spunky and dedicated, regardless of her own feelings....she deserves her heart's content. Together, this couple entranced me! This story is why paranormal fans love this genre!! A highly recommended book!

A little magic, a little romance-why do they always seem to fit hand in hand? Danielle Cutis has spent her whole life caring for Alain Deveraux. Her career as an Olympic swimmer was sacrificed to care for him, her fiancé left her because she was unable to travel on assignment with him; her needs have constantly been subjected to his. Oh he has his good points: he is sexy as sin, handsome as all get-out, and a quiet houseguest. Maybe what really gets under Danielle's skin is the fact that her tenant is over two hundred years old and fated to sleep naked in her attic until such time as his long-lost love is reborn and of age to return to him. If anyone is to blame, it should be Danielle's long ago ancestor, Odette, who gave Alain the sleeping potion and promised her family would protect him in his sleep. It has been a legacy passed down from generation to generation of women and it is fate it seems that intervenes to awaken Alain on the day after Danielle's fiancé walks out. Now Danielle finds herself dealing with a very sexy Frenchman who knows nothing of the modern world, yet must find the reincarnated form of his love within the next thirty days or he will fade into nothingness. A thoroughly engaging tale of romance with a twist of modern day magic. I must confess that I figured out what the ending would be early on in the book, but found the ride to get there was well worth the trip. I liked the spin on your typical romance novel and enjoyed the play between characters. The author added two cats with more personality than half the real people I know and it just added icing to the cake. I can't say enough about this book and how much I enjoyed it, excuse me while I go surf amazon.com for her previous works...

Aimee McLeod Reviewer

Highly Recommended

A little magic, a little romance-why do they always seem to fit hand in hand? Danielle Cutis has spent her whole life caring for Alain Deveraux. Her career as an Olympic swimmer was sacrificed to care for him, her fiancé left her because she was unable to travel on assignment with him; her needs have constantly been subjected to his. Oh he has his good points: he is sexy as sin, handsome as all get-out, and a quiet houseguest. Maybe what really gets under Danielle's skin is the fact that her tenant is over two hundred years old and fated to sleep naked in her attic until such time as his long-lost love is reborn and of age to return to him. If anyone is to blame, it should be Danielle's long ago ancestor, Odette, who gave Alain the sleeping potion and promised her family would protect him in his sleep. It has been a legacy passed down from generation to generation of women and it is fate it seems that intervenes to awaken Alain on the day after Danielle's fiancé walks out. Now Danielle finds herself dealing with a very sexy Frenchman who knows nothing of the modern world, yet must find the reincarnated form of his love within the next thirty days or he will fade into nothingness. A thoroughly engaging tale of romance with a twist of modern day magic. I must confess that I figured out what the ending would be early on in the book, but found the ride to get there was well worth the trip. I liked the spin on your typical romance novel and enjoyed the play between characters. The author added two cats with more personality than half the real people I know and it just added icing to the cake. I can't say enough about this book and how much I enjoyed it, excuse me while I go surf amazon.com for her previous works...

Aimee E. McLeod, Reviewer