Judy Reeves' latest writer's helper is chock full of supportive hints, tremendous insights and guidelines to forming, participating and getting the most out of a writing group. In her clear, concise and genial manner, Ms. Reeves breaks down the "ins & outs" of what writing groups can offer to either neophyte or established writers. It is apparent that Ms. Reeves has garnered much understanding and is excited to share information on how to participate in a writing group-the pages and margins of this book are brimming with assignments, suggestions, prompts, quotes, checklists, everything a writer might need to get going. This book walks the reader/writer through scenarios and suggestions, offering advice of how to start or find an established group and what to do once you are there. She hits on some of the basics, like how to make time to write in our busy lives, to understanding the "Qualities of a Good Group, all the way to dealing with the dreaded "Bores, Whiners and Thugs." She's masterfully included a "how to" guide for the process of reading and critiquing other's people's work. Her "Guidelines for Writing Practice" are worth the cost of this book alone. As with her previous book, "A Writer's Book of Days," Judy Reeves goes for the bull's eye and gets it.

Judy Reeves' latest writer's helper is chock full of supportive hints, tremendous insights and guidelines to forming, participating and getting the most out of a writing group. In her clear, concise and genial manner, Ms. Reeves breaks down the "ins & outs" of what writing groups can offer to either neophyte or established writers. It is apparent that Ms. Reeves has garnered much understanding and is excited to share information on how to participate in a writing group-the pages and margins of this book are brimming with assignments, suggestions, prompts, quotes, checklists, everything a writer might need to get going. This book walks the reader/writer through scenarios and suggestions, offering advice of how to start or find an established group and what to do once you are there. She hits on some of the basics, like how to make time to write in our busy lives, to understanding the "Qualities of a Good Group, all the way to dealing with the dreaded "Bores, Whiners and Thugs." She's masterfully included a "how to" guide for the process of reading and critiquing other's people's work. Her "Guidelines for Writing Practice" are worth the cost of this book alone. As with her previous book, "A Writer's Book of Days," Judy Reeves goes for the bull's eye and gets it.

Judy Reeves' latest writer's helper is chock full of supportive hints, tremendous insights and guidelines to forming, participating and getting the most out of a writing group. In her clear, concise and genial manner, Ms. Reeves breaks down the "ins & outs" of what writing groups can offer to either neophyte or established writers. It is apparent that Ms. Reeves has garnered much understanding and is excited to share information on how to participate in a writing group-the pages and margins of this book are brimming with assignments, suggestions, prompts, quotes, checklists, everything a writer might need to get going. This book walks the reader/writer through scenarios and suggestions, offering advice of how to start or find an established group and what to do once you are there. She hits on some of the basics, like how to make time to write in our busy lives, to understanding the "Qualities of a Good Group, all the way to dealing with the dreaded "Bores, Whiners and Thugs." She's masterfully included a "how to" guide for the process of reading and critiquing other's people's work. Her "Guidelines for Writing Practice" are worth the cost of this book alone. As with her previous book, "A Writer's Book of Days," Judy Reeves goes for the bull's eye and gets it.

This is an excellent book and I'm very glad that I purchased it! It features a multitude of quilt patterns, some traditional and some more contemporary. The book shows a color photo of each quilt, and has complete and easy-to-follow rotary-cutting instructions for each project. Each quilt has a difficulty-rating, shown in terms of "spools" (i.e., one spool = beginner, two spools = intermediate, three spools = advanced) so that you can gauge if a particular project is within your range of skills before you begin. You will love seeing all of the many quilts that you can make with this book! Anyone who enjoys rotary-cutting and speed-piecing will LOVE using this book!

If you look through this book and can't find dozens of quilts that you want to make right away, then you are too picky! I couldn't believe that I actually fell in love with most of the quilts in here. Usually when I buy a quilt book there are lots of patterns that I know I will never do. But with 101 quilts in this book, you will never run out of projects. I like how each one is rated a 1, 2, or 3 based on the difficulty level. And there are lots of instructions so even if you are new to quilting you will probably do just fine. Every project is shown in color, and the best part is that there ARE 101 quilts! The are all different, not just 10 quilts that are shown in 10 different color schemes to make 100 quilts. The best is the charm quilt - 1062 different fabrics are needed. Of course, you may not have enough fabric to make one but the picture in the book is beautiful to look at! Most of the quilts are easy to make with what you've got at home already.

I've been a quilter for about two years. I like to rotary cut, and machine piece and quilt my projects. I want things done quickly! I also prefer traditional quilts to the more modern style. If your quilting style is similar to mine - or if you're just getting started in the quilting world and looking for a style - you'll enjoy this book. Nancy J. Martin is my favorite writer on quilting. The quilts are beautiful, the instructions are clear and concise, AND there are color pictures of each quilt (that's my favorite part). The quilts are rated according to difficulty (but none are really THAT hard to make). The beginning of the book has a nice "basics" section and the book ends with a short section on finishing methods. I've got so many new ideas for quilts now - i'm off to the fabric store! Great book!

Patricia has done a wonderful job of creating a book that will serve as a perfect introduction to French food and cooking. Her balance of recipes and anecdotes make this one of the few cookbooks out there that you could actually sit down and read cover to cover without actually preparing any of the food, and still come away feeling like you've gained something. Most of the recipes are very simple and easy to put together, as most Bistro food is, and yet quite delicious. Of special interest to the Francophile is the appendix listing many of Patricia's favorite Bistros throughout France.

If you only own five cookbooks, this should be one of them. The recipes are pure pleasure -- comfort food at its finest. I have taken years of French cooking lessons and still turn to this book every time I want to make a simple meal for my husband & I to enjoy after work. If the only recipe you tried were the one for Mme. Caretet's potato gratin, it would be worth the purchase of the book. Everyone that tries them says they are the best potatoes they have ever had. But don't stop there -- the book presents you with a wealth of eating adventures.

My wife and I own many cookbooks, but none has come close to giving us the pleasure we have found in so many of the recipes in Bistro Cooking. We are both rank amateurs in the kitchen, but we have been able to handle virtually every recipe we've tried in this book (I did give up after three attempts at the potato pie from L'Ami Louis). The book includes Ms. Wells' favorite recipes from France's great bistros. Mind-blowing potato gratins, delicious fish recipes, hearty stews, unbelievable roast chicken, a strange but fantastic dish of poached eggs served with a simple red wine sauce, winning desserts, it really goes on and on. Ms. Wells is a great writer, very entertaining, and the book is full of wonderful tips. Even seven years or so after we bought our copy of Bistro Cooking, it's always a special day at our home when we make something from this cookbook.

This book is head and shoulders above the rest of its type. It is a superb "how-to" gardening book, which provides detailed information on general techniques as well as specific instructions for various types of plants. It also presents extensive information on landscape/garden design

I found this book to be amazingly helpful. I love being able to look up a plant, bulb, or seeds I just bought and finding the right conditions for raizing them. There is information about every aspect of gardening. There's even a basic Bontony section. The only thing I find a little distracting is that it uses the latin names for plants so I always have to start at the index. It has been a great addition to my home library.

This book as a reference is great. It provides me, the novice and working my way up gardener, with a great source for understanding the fundamentals of gardening. However, I think I'm going to purchase one of its sister books, American Horticultural Society A-Z Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. The A-Z provides more details about specifc varieties which can be helpful when you're selecting plants for your garden or simply trying to learn more about a specific plant. I believe the A-Z also contains much of the information contained in this one altough it is not as encompassing from a general perspective.

I have always insisted on baking with only the finest ingredients whenever possible, including real butter, fresh cream and extra sugar in everything. Not only are the recipes in this book delicious, but it's the best reading and most fun I've had with any other recipe book. Thank You Rosie!

If you make anything from this book for someone, they will think you are a fabulous baker! Rosie's desserts are so wonderful it's impossible to describe them in words. The recipes are extremely easy to follow. The brownies are fudgy and rich. The Chocolate Mouse Pie in Toasted Pecan Crust is dark and dense. The Broubon Bread Pudding melts in your mouth and the Traditional Cheesecake a' la Reuben's is so creamy. The techniques in this cookbook are so clearly explaned even an inexpierenced cook will have fantastic success with the recipes.

If you like homemade satisfying sweets, this is your cookbook! The author makes it interesting with her down-to-earth comments, and the recipes are very easy to follow. I have had success with nearly all the recipes I have tried---the chocolate layer, carrot-pineapple cake, cream cheese poundcake, yellow layer, and the Soho globs are very good. The brownies were a little intense for me; however, that recipe would certainly please the "serious" dark chocolate eater. You won't go wrong on this book---enjoy!

Well, this is a superb book for children on the first day of school. The story tells about Sara Hartwell and how she does not want to go to school. She is worried that no one will like her and is extremely nervous about all the things people get nervous about on the first day of school. Mr. Hartwell with much fighting gets Sara to school as the princial is waiting on her to take her to class. When he shows her to the room you find out that Sara is really the teacher! It definitely a new perspective! This is a great way to start a discussion with students about how adults also get nervous and scared and share how they deal with those feelings. I use this book as a great story starter and have my first grade students write about what they have ever been nervous about and have them share and learn from each other's stories. Excellent job Julie Danneberg and Judith Dufour Love!

How would you manage a whole new class every year? In First Day Jitters, by Julie Dannenberg it happens. It's about a person who doesn't want to go to school. She wonders "Will they like me?" You find out. I liked this because it was a surprising book. I also liked it because it wasn't obvious what the surprise was. You know its not only kids that are scared. Find out the surprising ending, you never know what you might discover.

Favorite characters: Sarah, Mr. Hartwell, and Mrs. Burton

Everyone has had it, the fear of that first day of school. This is what First Day Jitters is all about. But this book puts a humorous twist on those fears. The ending will warm your heart, no matter if you're eight or eighty years old.
Colorful pictures that follow that first day of school you remember, only this time with a surprise ending. This is a great book for kids that are nervous to go to school, or adults who want to read books about their childhood. You really can't go wrong with a book like this.

This book was incredibly nice! I've never read a book written by Judy Blume but know I know she is a very good writer This book tells about life. I think it is like real life because it talks about three ordinary girls that have some problems. Stephanie and Rachel are best friends until they meet a Vietnamese girl named Alison. These friends have to face some problems that can end their friendship. The book was easy to read. It kept me very interested and I didn't want to stop reading it. I think I can compare these friends with the friends I have. I also have best friends but not only one. I also have many other friends that are really great. The story was very realistic because It talked about changes that happen during the ages of 12 and 13 years old. I hope that who ever reads this review will read this book Just as Long as we're together. How I said before it was a GREAT book.

Just As Long As Were Together was a pretty close to real life kind of book. Friends get into fights, right? I found the book a really realistic book. I did because it sounds like most girls' lifes in this world. This book, is about young girls' who are bestfriends, then a girl moves into the condo (I think it was) across a pond from one of the girls. They end up getting into a fight and then become friends once again. They get into so many incidences,and are into this guy that goes to their school.The first sentence "Stephanie is into hunks", kind of caught me off gaurd. Not many books, or authors actually start off a book like that. That's why I thought it would be a pretty interestiong book to read, and boy was I right! Any book that starts off like that can grab your attention and grab you in. I loved this book and I highly recomend it to everyone, that likes Judy Blume or not. It's sophisticated yet, childish, so it's a perfect book!

I read Just as Long as We're Together whenI was in 7th grade. I'm now 23 years old and I have to say that I have grown up reading Judy Blume. Just as Long as We're Together was such a great book for me as I began Junior high school. everything Judy addresses in the novel is ultimately true. I cannot believe that some parents are so afraid of such honesty. But then again parents who have to read books before their children do are letting their children miss out on a lot of wonderful novels if they decide that their children are not to read them. At an age where kids are experiencing sex issues at younger ages, books like Just as Long as We're Together by Judy Blume, offer new insight to these issues and often the only advice that some children are able to receive. Thanks judy for helping me through!

If you feel guilty or angry or depressed about the loss of a loved one--whether death occurred suddenly or after a long illness--this little book will enable you to deal with these emotions and the full range of others following a loss. Even though I had accepted that eventually I would lose my parents, the death of my mother was overwhelming. I read many chapters & verses in my bible, watched uplighting programs in the middle of the night, but my true comfort came through "Hello from Heaven!" I would love to see my mother, and the Guggenheims indicate that all of us may have the opportunity to experience the closeness of a loved one who has departed for a better, more glorious, and incredibly unimaginable place for us. The encounters that they researched & described are so uplifting and comforting, and their own personal comments about the experiences of others are like frosting on the cake! How wonderful to read something by writers who come across as very humble in their writing, but who offer so much hope and comfort for those of us left behind. Thank you, Bill & Judy!

This book proves out unequivocally that our loved ones and the love they have for us continues on beyond this life, beyond this place. Ms. Guggenheim reports that the spirit of the departed person and the love that it has for those who still remain, grows and flourishes upon the spiritual realms. This is made abundantly clear as one reads of the documented stories within this wonderful book of those who have been contacted in some way by their deceased loved ones.

What a blessing and a comfort this book is! To know that our loved ones not only live on but that they desire to communicate this to us is a true joy and a balm to the heart.

Congratulations to the Guggenheims for having the heart and soul to undertake a project of this magnitude during a time when after death communications (ADC's) were barely understood or talked about openly at all. Kudos to Judy and Bill!

I have read this book numerous times...usually when a loved one has died or when a friend or loved one is dealing with terminal illness. It has brought many, including myself, so much peace of mind. (I have had similar experiences as those described in the book). It has become a mission in life for me to share this book with others and ask them to share as well. It is not a religious or "psychic-type" book, just truly beautiful stories written by real people, not offensive to anyone. It answers a lot of questions as to Heaven and afterlife. I always tell the person about it and ask if they would like a copy. I have given out approximately 25 books so far - in many different circumstances - and am ordering another 10 tonight. No one who reads the book can ever fear death or dying again. Grief and anger for loss of a loved one is lessened. I HIGHLY recommend that you start your own "mission" with this book! Bill & Judy......how about that sequel!?

Hey! If you're bored and can't find a good book, look for this: Judy Moody was in a mood.Not a Good mood.A Bad mood by:Megan Mcdonald. Let me tell about the main character : Judy Moody. She is a girl who isn't too girly, if she was too girly, she would hate venis fly traps, plus she wouldn't have a best friend who is a boy. To tell the truth I think I'm telling too much about this book. I might tell you everything so I'm just telling you this....(this is the part that is funny) when Judy got...... well uses a fake hand, in a toilet for her brother, but when he found out I giggled in my mind. Like I was saying, I have to get to the point: read it it's a great book for girls,but if you don't like it you might be a boy.The reason i like it is because it's realistic. I don't like too funny books, plus I didn't know, but the Moodys (Judy's main family) lives in Virginia. Well, this is a really great book. If you want to know, just read it!

Every parent and teacher of third grade children should read this book to themselves then with the kids! What a fresh perspective of childhood from a grown-up. This is the way eight year olds talk, think, and act. I see it daily in the halls at school. Judy Moody sees and tells about life in a way that makes the reader laugh out loud, moan over toads, and remember all of the joys of being eight. Friendships gained, little brothers tolerated and mysterious parents all combine to make this book a must for every home and school library. The faculty and staff of our school love it so much that our copy of Judy Moody, which arrived last week, is already showing signs of wear and tear.

This first book in the Judy Moody Series is very funny to read and the illustrations fit right along with the "mood swings" of Judy Moody.( Get where the name came from?) Judy starts 3rd grade with a bad mood but when she learns they are going to be doing a collogue about themselves her imaginative juices are surfaced.

I laughed a lot during this book and it is really a great book to enjoy with a family. I especially liked the part about the T.P Club( I won't tell you what T.P. stands for!). That was hilirious. I recommend this book to all ages because everyone deserves a good laugh and it doesn't have to be within the 6-10 age limit because ... I loved it!