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.

More Nitty-Gritty Grammar and its predecessor, Nitty-Gritty Grammar, are simply terrific! The team of Fine and Josephson have created a duo of books which gently teach an elusive subject and yet entertain the reader.

Imagine a book with a CNN-style scroll at the bottom of each page. Follow the scroll and learn something new in grammar or refresh yourself on something half forgotten since high school. Then, viola!, the scroll also gives the reader a page reference to read more.

Go a step further. Check out the cartoons (good ones like Baby Blues and Heathcliff) for more grammar pointers. Who woulda thunk it? Cartoonists as grammarians!! Wonderful!

Fine and Josephson make their points without insulting the student nor overburdening the teacher. Nitty-Gritty is well organized and well explained. I have used these books very successfully in tutoring adults. A recent forty-five year old student, Cheryl, remarked she followed her book's CNN ticker in her text and "couldn't get enough of it." I agree with Cheryl.

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.

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 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!

I read Nitty Gritty Grammar, and found it to be the most readable and entertaining book of grammar I've ever read. It probably is the easiest to understand and most complete, also.

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.

I hate dating but when it comes to long-term relationships, I'm a pro! So, if I wasn't in a committed long-term relationship, I was floundering in the dating pool until I mysterously found someone compatible to me. This book helped me make sense of what was going during the dating stages and explained why I was able to move so quickly past them.

I also highly recommend this book to the divorced or widowed who haven't been in the dating scene in quite some time too.

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.

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."

As a member of the international support group for parents whose children have died, I heartily recommend this book to anyone who has experienced the death of his/her child. It is a book that is best read after a few months have passed since the loss; however, it is the best organized and most thoughtful book I have read on the topic of parental grief.

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.

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!

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...

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.

This is the only book you will ever need to buy for learning individual embroidery stitches. Never mind it was written with a bent towards silk ribbon embroidery. With hand embroidery becoming a lost art, especially in quilting, references are becoming harder and harder to find. I have spent alot of time (and money) accumulating a large library of turn of the century instructional embroidery references and in comparison, Judith Montano's book is right on the money. It is the most complete, comprehensive, and easy to understand book on the market. My first copy is so worn out, that I purchased a "back-up" just in case! It is a nice portable size with a spiral binding. FABULOUS for laying out flat when your hands are otherwise occupied with needle and thread. This is the ONLY stitch dictionary you will need to buy!!

The most complete how to book on using silk ribbon for embroidery. Written by world reknown author, teacher and lecturer Judith Baker Montano. Read it in French Japanese or English. This book shows each stitch with a how to line drawing as well as a blow up of it within a piece of finished art work. Judith's palette is one of a kind, her jewel toned floral designs are easy to duplicate with this timeless referance book. Everything you need to get started working with wonderful silk ribbons that are now available at most sewing and craft stores. Embellish a tuxedo jacket lapel, a pair of velvet flats, a matching pendent and more when you learn the how easy it is to do this wonderful handwork that began in the 1700's. Full color photos. Even a section for left handers. Judith even shows how to create your own unique designs in a wonderful chapter at the end. What a find

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.

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.

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.

This cookbook is a complete reference for cooking risotto, the classic dish of northern Italy. With 120 authentic recipes, covering everything from risottos with cheese, vegetables, meat, seafood, and fruit, there is definitely a recipe for everyone. You might try a tasty Risotto con Porcini e Rucola (mushrooms and arugula) which is one of my favorite recipes from the book, or perhaps a nice Risotto Rosso alle Vongole (clams in red sauce). The recipes are easy to follow, contain ingredients that are readily obtained, and most offer variations as well. As the Italian Food Host @ BellaOnline, I am always looking for books that share recipes containing ingredients that everyone can find.

Also included in this book,are also chapters that contain important information on risotto ingredients and traditional preparation methods. Although I found it disappointing that this book contained no photographs or illustrations, which would only have enhanced my opinion of this book, I feel that if you love risotto, you'll enjoy this book. When it comes to risotto, this book has everything you could ever need!

Any risotto lover would love this book and want to try all the recipes.I have tried a lot of them and they were all delicious and the recipes easy to follow.

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 in the market for my first horse, and thanks to Ms. Dutson's book I have a much better idea of what to look for. I highly recommend that any and all potential horse buyers get a copy of Getting Your First Horse. From the introduction through the final page it is full of interesting, often humorous, information. I am so glad I read it!

This book helped me quite a lot in understanding what to look for when shopping for my first horse and in knowing what to ask the vet who did the prepurchase exam. It also prepared me for the time and expense that come with horse ownership. It enabled me to make a good choice and to assess my own limitations. It contains lots of information that a first-horse owner needs to know without overwhelming the reader with terminology or facts that might be confusing to a relative novice. I highly recommend it for anyone who feels ready to purchase a first horse.

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.

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.

This has been quite a year for great knitting books. And Cheryl Oberle's book on shawls is not to be missed.

The photography is really outstanding. Cheryl models her shawls in such a way to show the beauty of the shawl and at the same time make an artistic statement.

The shawls represented are quite varied; most are done, however, in sport weight yarn. This is convenient for those who don't want to attempt a project in cobweb-fine laceweight yarn. However, directions are given if you do want to change the yarn weight to suit your tastes.

The schematics include a layout of the shawl shape (oblong, diamond, triangle, etc) and the lace patterns are charted in many cases. There is a nice section on techniques.

All together, a really fine volume in the folk series from Interweave Press.

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.