Marc Cramer's book, Imperial Mongolian Cooking, rings true. Too often ethnic cookbooks err by either presenting recipes with ingredients and utensils so exotic that unless you happen to be travelling through the Khyber Pass, they are impossible to achieve. Or, cookbooks are so generic and bland that you'd wish you had eaten out rather than bought the book. Marc Cramer's Imperial Mongolian Cooking happily attains the golden mean where new techniques are introduced clearly, but with a combination of herbs, oils and spices that refreshes the palate, delights the nose and satisfies the appetite. I cooked a five course meal for my fiance -- who happens to be Mongolian -- using this book. I picked out recipes that reminded me of what I had eaten during my own travels to Central Asia, Inner Mongolia and the homes of my Ukrainian and Russian friends. Each dish -- from the lamb shashlyk in Georgian Plumb Sauce to the Uzbeki walnut cookies -- rang true. "Saihon oo!" he proclaimed, which is Mongolian for "Excellent!"

The book's only weakness is that I would have appreciated some drawings on how to fold cookies and shape pastries. Perhaps that is something that can be easily rectified when the book goes into its second edition.

One last note, for those who have thought for food and would like food for thought, I would again heartily recommend this book. Mr. Cramer does a wonderful job of mixing in stories of his family's Mongolian Russian roots and highlights of Mongolian history and culture into his excellent tome. Enjoy!

I was looking for something fresh and original when a friend told me about Imperial Mongolian Cooking. My curiosity got the better of me and I found I loved the book and the recipes. This is a very unusual cooking in concept, because it explores the cookery of Genghis Khan's empire, which included two dozen countries, but the recipes are carefully selected, easy to follow and just terrific. Loved it. Would I recommend it? Absolutely.

Just when I was beginning to lose hope of ever finding a genuinely interesting cookbook there's finally a fresh and original collection of recipes for us jaded cooks to enjoy. Imperial Mongolian Cooking is a collection of truly delicious recipes from the various countries that constituted the empire of Genghis Khan, including Asian and European dishes. The dishes are wonderfully exotic and tasty but they are also remarkably quick, easy, and economical to prepare. And fun, too. I really enjoyed the author's engaging introduction, which had as much flair and spirit as the recipes themselves. The chapters that followed really brought home the bacon with some truly imaginative recipes that were clearly written and resulted in some delightful meals. No, I haven't yet cooked everything in the book but I can always try. It's worth the effort because this cookbook really delivers. I especially enjoyed shashlyk, a Georgian-come-Russian shish kabob of marinated lamb that's smothered in delicious plum sauce. My wife loved the Persian spinach salad and the little ones wolfed down the Central Asian samsa walnut fritters like there was no tomorrow. If you are looking for a cookbook with a difference, you can't go wrong with Imperial Mongolian Cooking. This is one of the best cookbooks I've ever bought. Bravo!

I found this book an insiration not for Christianity but rather for a sence of relief. In the book the author uses his powers of writing to teach us and clearify for us what the words in the bible really mean. Never once in this book did I feel like the idea that the belief in Jesus was the only thing that would give me salvation. I think that this book is good for anyone who is looking for a little peice of mind about the idea of our sins and what Christianity has done to people in todays society. After reading this book I once again felt like I could have a beliefe in a higher power without being Christian.

I've not completely read this book, but what I read so fra is amazing because it's my story. I was led to this book in an old used book store and was not told to read it until recently. To my amazement the same Man that talked to Marc was the one that I believe has been talking to me. I let a friend read the book first and she did not tell me the content, but I kept telling her about the Man that's been talking to me in meditation and dreams then she told me that this was my story. I have not been led to read more, but when the time comes I know it will only be a reminder.

This book is the most enlightening book i have read, i recommend it to all who have the opportunity too read it. Jeshua's words written through Marc are inspirational. You will finish this book to realize a new found outlook on all that we are so blessed with. The beauty of it all we are truely wonderful joyous souls. Read this book and you will see the light

The source of "The Fire and the Rain" lies, as is common knowledge in The Mahabharatha. It is an obscure story which a certain sage narrates to the Pandavas, and to a lay reader, passes off as insignificant.

What however, Girish Karnad has done is to transform it into a masterful piece of drama by depicting conflicting human emotions through the characters. It is an excellent combination of the elements--human, metaphysical and supernatural that constitute the core of the play. Karnad successfully makes use of the divine element--especially in the climax where the hero holds a conversation with the Gods, and the final result of the rain pouring on a drought-ridden land.

The play also focusses both on the negative and positive human emotions--jealousy, betrayal, deceit, as well as selfless love (evidenced by the hero and the heroine, Nittilai)and sacrifice. The hero, like most of Karnad's heroes is a man torn between moral righteousness, love and duty. It is interesting to trace this path of the hero to its fitting end.

Karnad has stated that "the play lived in my mind for 37 years" before assuming its present form. It is in short, a splendid culmination of his creative intelligence. As stated earlier, the story is so obscure that none gives a second thought to it, and to translate the same to a play requires immense skill, which is evidenced by the book. It only shows that with each of his play, Girish Karnad is only getting better.

A must read!

This is probably different from other book reviews because I have read the play, and seen an excellent theater production of it too. It is the combined effect of the two that remains in my mind; during both phases the experience was gripping and the effects linger even today.

I have waited for a long time for Girish Karnad to return to his roots in theater, after his sojourn in the world of cinema and commercial movie making. In my opinion, he has exceeded all expectations. The Fire and the Rain is a complex play that weaves contemperory and ancient, Indian and European themes and metaphors.

It is a must read (and perform) GrecoVedic tragedy for theater buffs of all cultures around the world. It is so insightful in its observation of fundamental human behavior, and theatrically so malleable that its relevance to local contexts and audiences, worldwide, will be obvious. It is truly a play for global audiences, transcending political, cultural, and geographic boundaries.

I haven't read a better book in recent times. It's another great piece of work from a person so talented. A must read.

I have to say that this is the best N/A, no matter what anyone says. One of the hardest things to do with this series is to think of an original plot. Marc Platt always seems to do it though. I realize that this is hard to get a hold of, so if anyone would like to buy my copy, e-mail me at Efurch26@msn.com. I would be glad to share it with other fans.

How good would it be if Virgin were able to reprint this book so that more than a handful of readers around the world were able to read this penultimate NA (and one of the top 4 in the entire series)? It would be very good. This book is impossible to obtain. I have only (hastily) read a friend's copy, and I am waiting on a search from the people here at amazon.

If you haven't read most of the NAs (and especially Cat's Cradle: Time's Crucible), you will be lost with this book. Still, Marc Platt paints his normal elegant landscapes and writes a very entertaining plot. The novel doesn't slow down in the middle as Time's Crucible did and the details were much clearer (except for the big flashback sequences which were vague and hard to follow by design). I found some of the revelations a little disappointing and the links to "Enemy Within" were very tacked on. Still, it was a fun read

The story is engaging, with a very sensible moral attached to it. It is the perfect book for young readers or children who are starting to learn to read. The pictures are captivating and the work that went into them were obviously a labor of love.

I personally know two little readers who love this author very much.

Marc Sutherland's Macmurtrey's Wall is a superbly presented picturebook of a giant named MacMurtrey, who was stronger and braver than every other living thing. Believe that conquering everyone was the path to happiness, MacMurtrey challenged the one force that defied him: the sea. He set to cage the sea itself with a wall - but his plan held great hidden peril, and the true path to happiness is not always what it appears to be. An engaging story with a soft-spoken moral, Macmurtney's Wall is very highly recommended for elementary school and community library collections.

The pictures were wonderful - each one like having a fine piece of Art. The central character's endless pursuit of greatness and final realization that friendship and community is a far greater accomplishmnet than outrageous (and harmful) showings of physical strength could be easily translated to today. I loved the that the book has an ancient fable-like feel but was produced and created by a 21st century author.
Very high quality and meaningful book. I highly recommend.

This great little book is the perfect pocket guide to Marc Anthony! Johns displays everything you've rever wanted to know about Marc Anthony in this great 80 page book. Though it is an older publication (and much has happened to the singer since, like his second english album entitled "Mended", and the birth of his son) it contains some great info about how the crooner began his amazing career. It also contains some wonderful photos that you just can't find on the net! A must-have for ANY Marc Anthony fan!

I have known about Marc Anthony since he first started and he only keeps getting better. I have enjoyed his music as well as finding out about how he got to where he is! He's a lovely man and I wish him the very best! Loved the book!

Who doesnt love him? his music is sensational, his songs are meaningful, and not to mention....he's gorgeous! this book is wonderful because it tells all about his childhood and family. he is a very great man, with a great heart. and you can definetly tell that in this book.

What a delight! This book humerously delivers anecdotes of "brotherly love"! As a mother of two boys, I found it very endearing. My oldest son must have been able to relate to Ant's big brother's methods of tender teasing. I've never seen him laugh so hard. Hurray Besty Cromer Byars, we'll be looking for more of your cleverly written "brother" stories!

"My Brother, Ant" has the stories of the boy who is afraid of the monster under his bed, who draws a picture on his brother's homework, who insists his brother read a story the way it's written, and who writes a thank you letter to Santa in July. It is also the story of his older brother who vanquishes the monster, who finds a solution to the picture on his homework, who finally begins to read the story the way it's written, and who takes dictation of the letter to Santa. This book accomplishes something that most easy readers do not: it appeals to the younger child for whom this level of readers are generally written, but it also appeals to a slower reader of an age group several years older. Ingeniously, it has all of the best features of an easy reader: many sight words but an easy vocabulary--including recognizable compound words, and short sentences amidst a lot of space on the pages. Best of all, it's funny, and the dialog and pictures are magnificent!

My Brother, Ant, written by the great Betsy Byars, and Illustrated by Marc Simont, is sure to be just the ticket to encourage your child to enjoy reading. Unlike the sing-songy, uneventful easy readers of days past, this story is delightful and engaging.

Ant's older brother tells the story, and while he is often exasperated by his younger siblings "ANT-ics", the love shines through. The words are simple, but they are woven skillfully to create an enjoyable read. Mix that with the humorous, jump off the page illustrations and you've got a winner!

"National Parks of America" is a wonderful collection of photographs from the National Parks in the United States. David Muench does a marvelous job capturing some of the the most beautiful places in the United States. His photographs include the Alaskan National Parks, the Grand Canyon, the giant redwoods in Redwood National Park, the giant sequoias in Sequoia National Park, the natural bridges in the national parks in Utah, Carlsbad Caverns in New Mexico, Old Faithful geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Isle Royale in Michigan, and the Great Smoky Mountains in North Carolina and Tennessee. There is a map of all of the places in the National Park System, and an essay by Stewart L. Udall, former Secretary of the Interior under Kennedy and Johnson, and James R. Udall. I cannot recommend this book enough. You must see it to fully understand what an outstanding book it truly is. It made me want to visit these places as soon as possible!

This is the book with the most beautiful pictures of America's National Parks I have seen so far. The print quality of the photographs is excellent. I have given this book as a gift to many of my friends and relatives!

This is one helluva book. Thank you Kutti. The photographs would make an nature enthusist drool with sheer glee, the text by Udall brothers is so refreshing, makes you wanna follow their paths. David's large format photographs are guaranteed to take your breath away. It did for me..Amazing..and the book is big and heavy..with the highest quality paper possible. Buy it..I am planning to get some camping equipments really soon...:))

This is a great little book, and possibly the best overview available of the long and fascinating history of this region. There are Pueblo villages encountered by Coronado in the 16th century that are still inhabited today, and Simmons skillfully portrays the interactions over the centuries of these and the other cultures that have mingled in this harsh region. Those readers who are inspired to study this subject in more detail (and that will probably include most who read Simmons' book!) may then want to delve into a longer classic such as Paul Horgan's "Great River."

This book was a very easy to read book.It displayed a different perspective about the history of New Mexico and it's people.Also,many significant events New Mexico helped shape are described in detail.The book covers the different periods in NM in a clear and focused manner,from Spanish conquest to Statehood and beyond.This book is perfect for persons wanting to learn about NM and the southwest.

I loved reading this book. It presented the highlights of the rich history of the southwest from the Spanish colonization to the recent decades in a essay-like tone that is very readable. The story itself is exotic and very compelling,as anyone who has lived in or vistited the area should know. I imagine that Mr. Simmons is the "dean" of New Mexico history. His knowledge of the broad sweep of centuries of history, comprising numerous diverse cultures, is impressive. More impressive is his ability to convey his personal feeling for the subject matter. A reader can tell by his personal epilogue about camping in the New Mexico desert that Mr. Simmons loves working in the shadows of the Conquistadors, the Pueblos, Navajos and American mountainmen and pioneers. This book brings the history alive. I am on the hunt for other books about southwest history, and for books by Marc Simmons.

A refreshing change from other "nutrition" books, you'll find yourself rethinking your attitude about food. David's focus is more about HOW to eat than WHAT to eat. This book is a different approach than you've probably encountered before, but if you read it and give it some thought, I think you'll conclude that it most definitely makes sense.

I had the good fortune of meeting the author at Canyon Ranch, where I had a nutrition consultation with him. I can honestly say that the hour I spent with him has changed my approach to food. I left with practical suggestions to change how and what I eat, and as a result I eat more, weigh a bit less, and enjoy my food more than ever before.

Not a magic bullet, but I'd recommend this book to those with an open mind who are tired of the same old diet book fare, and want to consider a new path.

One of the traps which many of us fall into when we become aware of the relationship between nutrition and health is that we establish a set of dietary rules according to which we label foods as either "good" or "bad." Once a certain food has been assigned to the "bad" category, we might even become critical of ourselves and others for desiring or eating that food. The more zealous we are in our conviction that we have found the one right way of eating, the more limited we become in our understanding of food and our interaction with it.

This title sets out to dispel the myth that there could ever be a standard dietary system guaranteed to meet everyone's nutritional requirements. The author, a nutritional psychologist, approaches his mission from a truly holistic perspective. Rather than proposing yet another ideal diet based on the perfect composition of specific nutrients, he explores the multidimensional dynamics of nourishment, reaching far beyond the purely scientific and chemical aspects of nutrition.

Although he does not deny the impact of eating high-quality foods, Mr. David invites the reader to consider other factors which are equally significant in determining whether a meal is truly nourishing: The less tangible "ingredients" of a meal, such as the consciousness with which it is eaten, as well as the ambiance of our surroundings, and the people in whose company we dine, are all part of the nourishing experience and profoundly affect the body and mind on both the physical and subtle energetic levels.

"Nourishing Wisdom" suggests that choosing the "right" foods is less important than eating whatever one chooses wholeheartedly and with awareness. To be fully nourished by food, we must experience it through both the action of chewing and the sensation of taste. Our nutritional requirements are continuously changing with variables such as age, the environment we live in, and nature's seasons. One of the exercises described in the book is listening for body feedback, which allows the body's intuitive wisdom to determine which foods would be most nourishing at a given time.

Each chapter in this highly readable book features a summary of the main points discussed, as well as suggestions for how the reader could work with these in his or her own life. Someone who has a weight problem, for instance, will find the chapters addressing the connection between food and love, and the application of affirmative willpower, most helpful. And nearly everyone will benefit from the revelation that the digestion and assimilation of foods are affected by the body posture which we assume during a meal -- finally a valid reason why one should not slouch at the dinner table!

A sympathetic, educated voice on the relationship between nutrition and the spiritual life.