On this cold, winter day in January, I'm reading More Nitty Gritty Grammar. Who would have thought that a grammar book could be entertaining? Edith Fine and Judith Josephson have found the perfect formula. Similar to their first book, Nitty Gritty Grammar, this one is organized in an appealing, accessible way. I actually enjoyed testing my grammar skills with the quiz. Their compilation of nationally-syndicated cartoons addressing grammar issues adds visual interest and levity. They explain the rules, state the exceptions, and give plenty of examples. It's an excellent resource guide for yourself or for a friend. I highly recommend it.

Fine and Josephson, the funny gals who brought us Nitty-Gritty Grammar Guide are back! When I saw their new book, More Nitty-Gritty Grammar, I snatched it from the bookstore shelf before some other English teacher could elbow her way in. More Nitty-Gritty Grammar wrestles the most challenging grammar problems to the mat. My seventh grade students and I have benefitted often from the authors' clear, concise explanations. We like the cartoons too! I whole-heartedly recommend More Nitty-Gritty Grammar to anyone who wishes to become a caretaker of the English language. Join the movement!

There has never been a friendlier invitation to master English usage basics than Nitty-Gritty Grammar until its new companion, More Nitty-Gritty Grammar. I recommend them for all my community college students. Not in the ivory tower crowd, authors Fine and Josephson are, however, astute observers of language ills and, if laughter is the best medicine, most-palatable healers. Their topics are relevant, their well-researched explanations straightforward, their examples fresh and funny. My students agree.

So...last night I read through the vast majority of Nitty-Gritty Grammar and I gotta tell ya (this is a relaxed review), I liked what I read. In fact, I picked it up again tonight and found what I believe to be the best page -- 86! I have often erroneously used et. al., i.e., and e.g. I knew there was a difference and just never took the time. That's why this book is good. It reads like a good trivia book...lots of gems of knowledge packed in a tight, quick reference format. The ticker-tape tips at the bottom of each page in the shaded section are very handy. The book's organization is strong, as I would expect. For people on the go and who need quick references, such effective organization is crucial. Cartoons are additive, but the book could surely stand on its own. It's a dynamite guide in keeping with the easy-reference approach of the AP Stylebook. Nothin' fancy - "Just the facts ma'am." See page 27 - Sherrie (my wife) and I have a question about a grammar rule and eagerly await guidance. It seems there may be an exception to the who/m rule. For example, if we ask, "Whom shall I say is calling?" It's the rule, right? Well then, if we rephrase it, we would say, "I shall say he is calling," but not, "I shall say 'him' is calling." So, is that an exception to the rule? I wonder...if in the second edition, there might be an "exceptions" page - even if what we ask here is wrong and there's an easy answer...I'm sure there are exceptions to some rules - perhaps it could be set up like a trivia section. Sherrie (my wife), who has her degree in English and is currently and ESL instructor, REALLY liked the book - its whole approach. She wants to keep it on her grammar shelf and I want it for my public relations work. Looks like we may need a second copy!

This book is accessible and fun. Being a careless letter writer, I am often corrected by my grammarily sound offspring. I sat down in my kitchen with the book intending to skip through a few pages. I found it impossible to stop reading.

This one resource is all anyone would ever need to become skilled in the use of our puzzling language. The ticker tape "links" at the bottom of each page are ingenious and invaluable. This book does indeed get down to the nitty-gritty of grammar - and if schools don't use this one, they are making a big mistake!

Thank God my mother sent me Nitty-Gritty Grammar. I'm a business man who works on Wall Street, and I have found NGG to be an indispensible (and fun) reference book. I use it constantly when writing my research studies and memos. I recommend it for anyone in the business world who has to write more than his or her name.

This book is a very comprehensive look into the patterns and behaviors of dating and relationships. It was very insightful, especially the intial courting stages. After finishing, I was amazed that people actually get past all the obstacles that can prevent a relationship happening. I could recognize almost all the patterns/behaviors, especially "the swtich." I can't say any of it would discourage me, but am more aware of scenarios that arise. And its an easy read.

I found this book to be extremely helpful. My boyfriend and I are both separated and of course have had moments of ambivalence and doubt combined with feelings of extreme love and closeness and major fear. This book has taught me that ambivalance and doubts are a normal part of any relationship. Relationships are a dance of moving forward and backward all the time. Just because someone is having doubts or isn't sure, doesn't mean the relationship isn't a wonderful one. This book has kept me hanging in there because now I understand that what we are both feeling and going through are a normal and expected part of any healthy relationship.

Three months into every relationship I've ever had, the person I was dating would freak out, demand space, insist on seeing other people, or tell me he wasn't ready to get serious. Before reading this book, I thought I was choosing the wrong people. Now, thanks to _A Fine Romance_, I know it's nothing personal -- it's just a phase. This is the single most helpful book about relationships I've ever read, and I'm not exaggerating when I say that it's dramatically improved the quality of my love life. I've been known to call it my "secret weapon." Forewarned is forearmed!

Being an intelligent woman of the nineties, when I lost my son in a terrible accident I looked for an intellectual way to survive. This book helped me discover that I wasn't going to survive, but adapt. That adapting my new life without my child was not going to require intellect but basic instinct. The same instinct that made me a mother, is going to see me through the rest of my life without my child. They should give this book out as part of grief therapy. It should be required reading for any professional that works with parents that have survived their children.

This terrific book is intelligently written, orderly and pracitcal. I have to add, though, after reading the last review (and it broke my heart) that bereaved parents in her situation need the book When Your Friend's Child Dies by Julane Grant. This is the book for family and friends and I would suggest giving a copy to your church library or office. The pain of losing our child is so compounded by the ignorance of others. A book so small (they will read it) and so easily understood that it will absolutely change the way your friends and family accept your loss. Because it is "Forever After."

This is not easy material to read that is certain. The loss of a child changes people forever and hearing the insensitivity of people ("you'll get over it" / "get on with your life") just compounds the pain of reading through these interviews. Truly the human race today isn't much suited to dealing with grief and loss. We are not taught what to say, how to be compassionate, etc. One parent who lost a child was consoled by someone who said that they had recently lost a dog and understood how they felt! It's too much sometimes, but this book is certainly worth reading and would be a life line to someone who actually suffered the greatest loss of all.

When I came across this book in my church's library a week ago, I wasn't too thrilled with it. Somehow, I ended up checking it out, but my expectations were not high. I expected either a boring, dry chronicle of Russia's history or a sappy, overdone love story. Well...a week later I can assure you that that is definitely not the case. "The Crown and the Crucible", set in the 1870's, is essentially the story of two families who represent the two basic types of people that were in Russia. There is Anna Burenin, a 17-year-old whose family has always been peasants, and there is 15-year-old Katrina Fedorcenko, whose life has been that of a high-ranking Russian aristocrat. Anna and Katrina's lives become intertwined when Anna goes to the Fedorcenko household to be a kitchen servant, and by a remarkable sequence of events, becomes Katrina's personal maid. But other things are happening as well in this novel. We see how unstable life was in Russia, and read how even Viktor Fedorcenko (Katrina's father) had to guard what he said around the tsar, whom he had known since childhood. Segei Fedorcenko, Katrina's brother, also has problem. It seems that he and Anna are beginning to fall in love...and how could ever be easy since he is an aristocrat and she is a maid? And the brutal war in Turkey over Russian territory only intensify his not-so-loyal thoughts toward the government. "The Crown and the Crucible" is a magnificently written story that expertly blends history with the lives of people. The characters themselves are wonderful, and I loved seeing the changes and growth in all of them...most notably Anna's Christian influence on Katrina. There is no character who you do not like and begin to know "personally" and nothing fake about the characterization. There are few books that are so well-written, historically accurate, and filled with characters you can't forget. I'm certainly glad I came across this book! And, of course, I desperately need the sequel now...

Once you finish reading this story of a set of young adults coming of age, you will immediately want to start on book two. You see, this is what happened to me, except I didn't know about books three through seven until I was well into book #2! I finally finished the series earlier this year and consider it to be a major accomplishment (and a very fulfilling one). I must say that after book seven I was disappointed that I will no longer be hearing of Anna Buerenin and the illustrious characters that touched her life.

This series is typically categorized by bookstores as "religious fiction". I will say that there is an underlying message about God (after all religion plays a huge part of Russian history) but it was simply woven into the story subtly and relevantly. I have read other Pella books and found this to be the case with them as well.

This book was the start of my infatuation with historical fiction and I am thankful for it. I do recommend all seven in the series - read them, although it may take a while!

I have always loved Russian history, and I found these books an excelent way to learn more about it. After reading the series, I got the opportunity to visit St.Petersburg, Russia where much of the story takes place, and I was amazed at how accurate the books had been in history and setting. The books are so well written that you feel like you are part of the story. The characters seem like your best friend and you never want to put the books down. I found myself reading in eery spare moment I had and before I read these books, I hated to read. These are great books for teenagers to read because of their clean content. You will not be disappointed.

This book is not very good. It's all line drawings, some photos, boringly presented and basically an adhoc production. Boring and uninspiring. It's written because Montano in her Crazy Quilt Book (superb!) tells how embroidery is the make or break deal in a crazy quilt but this book does not live up to those expectations.

Instead try Lucinda Ganderton's a Stitch Sampler, where colour threads are used and everything is easily viewed or if a Montano is what you are seeking go for the gold and get her Crazy Quilting book, where the main stitches are detailed and her methods outlined. Just pass this one by.

I borrowed this book from a friend and now have to buy one for myself. It has easy to understand directions to do every stitch imaginable on crazy quilts or other types of embroidery projects. It is simply a wonderful book with great photos of the stitches.

This book is an excellent gift to give an embroiderer of any level. It's a pretty little book, beautifully illustrated, and a sound stitch guide. The stitches include those suitable for a beginner, but even the experienced embroiderer will find a new stitch or two. The stitch illustrations are good line drawings and the completed stitches are photographed. In addition to the stitch guides, the author includes photographs of completed works that are truly inspirational. She also includes several pages of victorian stitch combinations that are unique to embroidery books presently in print and that create wonderful effects. Finally, this book incorporates a nifty innovation - it's spiral bound so that it lays flat while you're using it

The author has presented a straight forward,plain talking approach to dealing effectively with potential negatives which are often exaggerated by the media and accentuated greatly in the absence of facts. While the author speaks from the standpoint of an industry that is often subject to hypercritical reviews,the information has validity and purpose in virtually any situation involving the necessity to communicate publicly concerning unpleasant,distasteful, or downright volatile circumstances. The management of the Exxons,Enrons,Arthur Andersens,etc and many of the Nation's public figures would be well served by abiding by the principles put forth in the book.

Ms. Hoffman's book, "Keeping Cool on the Hot Seat", gives a comprehensive perspective on turning a negative situation into something positive. As an educator, I found this book to have great application not only in the public relations world, but for anyone who needs to proactively communicate with other persons about delicate situations. As a small business owner, my husband was able to recall numerous situations with customers when he could have functioned more effectively had he been aware of the principles and approach to the management of crises.
Ms. Hoffman writes with wit and a definite expertise on her subject. Colleges and universities should consider this text for training future business leaders, and it should be required reading for any persons who deal with the public on a regular basis.

Judy Hoffman's book is a great tool for PR Directors and Public Affairs Directors at colleges and universities to use to prepare or update their Crisis Communications Plans. Her book is easy to read with great tips, including her "10 C's of Good Crisis Communications." I can't imagine a better resource to utilize than this book. If I am ever faced with a tragedy on our campus, I would first turn to my Crisis Communications Plan and then re-read this book.

Risotto has been a dish that I have loved ever since I was a child, and this book not only includes a truckload of recipes, ranging from the traditional to the truly creative, but it's also prefaced with an interesting account to the origins of this fabulous Italian creation. Not being a cook, I enjoy this book for its straightforwardness and lack of pretension. Risotto is also a versatile dish that can be easily prepared with various vegetables, cheeses, fish, beef, etc. As such, the chapters are broken down according to the kind of risotto one would like to prepare. This also makes the book easy to understand and thoroughly enjoyable. It takes a lot for me to invest in any kind of cook book, so if I say this one is worth it, I mean it.

I love this cookbook. I have found that its variety and ease of use make it indispensable in the kitchen. We have made over 50 of the recipes and have found our favorites. I highly recommed this book for anyone who likes to eat well. I have bought my second copy for myself and numerous copies for friends and family. I am sure you'll enjoy it as much as I have. Happy risotto

Great book for anyone who wants to excell at making risotto. I have tried many recipes and they all turned great. What a find for people who, like me, find risottos to be one of the great dishes ever!

I am a horse owner and I found this book to be not only informative but enjoyable to read. With so many other books on the subject of owning horses they are so dry that they do not hold your interest long enough to impart their information. Ms Dutson not only informs you but makes reading about things you think you know fun. Sometimes along the way you realize you learned something new.

I think everyone who is thinking of buying a horse needs to read this book before they jump into the horse ownership boat. We all have known people that think that buying the horse is the most expensive part of owning a horse, whereas we know that it is not even close to the most expensive part of being a horse owner.

I applaud Ms Dutson for her thorough inspection of all aspects of buying your first horse. For someone who has already purchased my first horse I wish that someone had given me this book before hand so that I could have made a more informed choice. Thank you, Miss Dutson

This book is an excellent resource for all horse owners and prosepctive owners -- even provides wonderful browsing for former horse owners and general horse lovers, like myself. It contains a wealth of practical information, put forth in a well written, well researched, and well designed package. Ms. Dutson obviously knows her business inside and out. She even imparts a few insider tips, for instance suggesting a prospective buyer arrive early to look at a horse -- to see what he is really like. As well as being informative, this book is funny and a pleasure to read.

I was lucky enough to read a galley edition of this book, one that had author Judith Dutson's original title; "How To Buy A Used Horse", (which should give you an idea of her really funny but really practical approach.) I've never met a horse that didn't frighten me, but I learned SO MUCH from the book. Things that actually interested me. Did you, for example, know that horses do not automatically submit to having their reins thrown over a fence, as in the movies? Did you know that a horse seen rolling in a field is just having a good time? Funny, sensible, even exciting to read. A gem.

This book was purchased for me as a gift. My favorites to knit have always been small items. That is, until I received this book. The pictures are beautiful, and the patterns are clear and easy to follow. Most of them come in both chart and written instructions. I have read the descriptions of the myths and legends surrounding these works of art over and over again. Also, there is a wide variety of shawls, from small triangles to very large squares! I have to mention that there is a few errors, and if you look online you can find the corrections. I would suggest that anyone who knits order this book....and be prepared to start knitting yourself a shawl!

Shawls are a great thing to knit. Even for beginners, the lack of shaping (armholes, etc.) allows for a project that can be elegant when finished and is often deceptively easy to make. Shawls are in the fashion news and Cheryl Oberle's book couldn't be timed better.

This is primarily a pattern book. Cheryl's designed 25 terrific rectangles, squares and triangles drawing upon international traditions (and her own imagination). She includes a brief history of the tradition as an introduction to each shawl. The photography is wonderful. As for Cheryl being the model, the story (straight from Cheryl's mouth) is that Cheryl was demonstrating how to wear the shawls to the model. The photographer said that there was no way the model would ever wear the shawls as gracefully as Cheryl -- hence Cheryl the model.

My only reservation on this book is that it's light on technique. There's a small opening segment with everything one needs to know for the book. But, if you aren't looking to make one of the shawls, this isn't the sort of book you're likely to use as a reference or source of inspiration for your own designs.

Skill range -- advanced beginner to expert.

I found this book to be excelent. Not only do they have some of the best patterns I have seen in a while. But it also gives you the history of the shawls. The patterns are easy to follow. With clear instructions. It also contains line by line and charts for the patterns. Which make them great to follow. With shawls from The Faroe Islands, Ireland, Japan, America, Iceland, Victorian England, Russia, Scotland, Mexico, South America, Norway, Native America, The Himalayas and Spain. Also three others that are called variations. This book has somthing for everyones tastes. And in the back of the book it gives the yarn sources used in the patterns. Containing addresses, telephone numbers and web sites. All of the shawls are pictured with the aurther. They are done with a clear picture of the shawl. You can truly see the work on them and their is also a drawing of all of the shawls. So you can see the shape of the finished product. I truly like this book. I think the story that comes with each one is truly inspiring.