I have not had the opportunity to put any of the recipes to use. But I am a fan of Williams-Sonoma products and own many of his easy to follow and tasty recipes. The book is in good condition and free of foul mildewy smells! Such was not the case with another used book Chuck Williams Thanksgiving and Christmas. The recipes and pictures look attractive but the smell keeps me from using it.

I've made a few recipes ou tof this cookbook and so far my family has loved them all (and some of them are fussy eaters that never like to try anything new). The marinades are so simple to make and from there the meat just needs to sit and marinate before throwing it on the grill - very easy!! At my fourth of July BBQ I was able to very easily assemble three of these recipes in a very short period of time in the morning for an afternoon celebration while still having time to prepare a bunch of other things. So far I've tried: Teriyaki Chicken, Lemon Chicken Breasts, Curried Pork Sate, Scallop and Mushroom Brochettes - all very good!!

This cook book has to be one of the best. I have made several dishes and everyone has been a hit by my family and friends. The recipes are easy to follow and alot of the prep work can be done ahead of time. I definetly would recommend this book to others and I have...enjoy.

I love to read in the same way that some people love eating chocolates. Just as they disregard warnings as to caloric intake in making their selections and opt for the largest, darkest,or prettiest piece in the box, so, too, I disregard the admonition not to judge a book by its cover and often select a book by its size, heft, and cover. Guilty Pleasures meets all of my superficial criteria: it has a pleasing fit to the hand, a weight perfect for horizontally-inclined literati such as I, and an eye-catching cover filled with colorful shoes such that one's eye is drawn to the authorship on the suspicion (unfounded) that this is Immelda Marcos' work. Of course, as my chocoholic friends might say, "the proof is in the pudding" and the quality of a book is in the reading. Just as a square of fudge delights as it melts and clings to the palate, Guilty Pleasures delights the mind. Eight women writers unrepentantly share the joys they find in ordinary and not so ordinary pleasures running a quixotic gamut from taking antidepressants to applying toenail polish, from crossword fanaticism to extorting money from one's parents. The writing is refreshingly witty, wicked, and wise. Although these small gems of essays are assembled of necessity in an order, I recommend reading them haphazardly. After all, what chocolate lover would adhere to the map on the candy box, eating all the creams first before proceeding to the nuts? There are enough strictures in life! Just open the book and enjoy at random. And, yes, the next time you need to tote a small gift somewhere, you might forego the candy and bring along a copy of Guilty Pleasures. Think of it as a book lover's fudge!

These authors have tapped into a huge vein (keg?) of human experience. Each essay details a different furtive joy, and I could feel their pleasure even in the ones I couldn't identify with myself.
There are no morals given; no helpfull hints; just honest enjoyment of many things that may not fit our public personas or enhance our professional images. Before I even finished the book, I found myself mentally starting to examine my own guilty pleasures. It's so nice to know that I'm not alone in admitting that I do get a thrill out of a few somewhat dubious activities.
My daughter keeps dipping into this book, too. Obviously, it's appeal is multi-generational.

All the confessions in this book are deliciously guilty and are expressed in the picturesque language of poets and the best of literary writers.

This book is awesome! I absolutely could not put it down. I have two children who fight all the time and It hasn't been easy trying to resolve conflicts without taking sides . Unlike other books I've read, this one gave me numerous tips and advice that I can use in real life situations.
I am very happy that I purchased this book and I just bought Nancy Samalin's other books as well. Love and Anger has made a huge difference in my life.

How lucky I was to learn of this book when my second child was a newborn. I've read many good books and articles about sibling relationships, but this is far and away the most practical and insightful guide I have found. Using examples from real families, Ms. Samalin illustrates typical conflicts that arise between siblings and parents. What really sets this book apart from others is that she goes on to suggest, in very specific language, alternate ways to approach these conflicts to defuse them peacefully. Reading this book was like talking to a friend who understands -- and who happens to be an expert in conflict resolution. I now give it to friends as a baby shower gift when they are adding siblings to their families.

I strongly recommend reading this book for the first time when you are pregnant with your second child. Then, keep it handy and refer to it often as your children grow. Nancy Samalin offers both insight in understanding and practical advise about handling sibling relationships.

Catherine writes with an insight into the human soul. She makes me smile and then I'm left with a gentle inner strength - just having shared a moment in Catherine's world. The reader will feel a kin-ship with her chosen subjects whether you are living the rush-hour life or retired. "The House That Frank Built" is a reminder that it isn't the perfection, size, or cost of the house that makes it a home, but the lessons of love, respect, understanding, and tolerance learned in this not-so-perfect house that are important. Her gems of wisdom will delight you and give you cause to look in, through, and beyond the mirror of life. Whether she brings a tear to your eye or a smile to your lips, this is truly an enjoyable book for a second and third read, etc.

As comics find the humor in everyday life, Ms. Bauer has found the beauty there. Every essay reminded me that life is indeed full of love and gentle humor and worth the effort. How refreshing to read about the joy of life and not the tragedy - a tribute to the human spirit.

To me essays are strolls through a writer's perceptions of life and people. Bauer's writings are easy on the mind. Reading them is like walking through a beautiful garden fragrant with gorgeous blossoms, overreaching trees and sparkling fountains. At the same time some have a humorous twist that brings a chuckle or two. When I need a lift or a laugh, One Day On Earth, A Third Eye view is a favorite reference And, Bauer's third eye sees life through a clear lens. I love her style and commonsense views. ~ Jo Peddicord, Author and Syndicated Columnist

This is a great read! Salton's creation of the community living in, on and around a medieval cathedral is among the best worlds in fantasy writing (Salton has studied the Middle Ages extensively). I really enjoyed her characters, and the vignettes of cathedral life. "Noble Task" transcends the limited categories of children's books, fantasy books, and holiday books. It is the tale of Raphael's search for purpose in his life, and his noble quest to understand his own identity.

Salton's writing is engaging and a pleasure to read. Her book does not deliver its plot in a heavy-handed way, as some holiday books do. She tells a wonderful, magical story about love, faith, personal identity and community that will stand the test of time as a classic.

It's been a long time since a book has so absorbed me. Ms. Salton's style of writing is completely refreshing-while this is a children's book, I did not find the language condescending at all. Her character development is rich and full; I was truly disappointed when the book ended and I had to say goodbye to these wonderful creatures!

My 9 year old was also enthralled with Raphael-he practically swallowed the book whole! And while some of the language was a bit of a stretch for him, he enjoyed and understood the book thoroughly.

How often do you find a book that you can truly enjoy reading with your children! Make Raphael and the Noble Task a traditional holiday (or anytime) read in your house and you won't be disappointed.

This is a wonderful tale of a very personable chimere (who is not a gargoyle) who wants to find his way in the world - his Noble Task. I think that we are all looking for a Noble Task.

Raphael finds friendship and magic and love in his world even when he is confused and uncertain. I think that there is much to learn from this story and it is interesting to both kids and adults. Alot of the language is funny and quirky, which I liked alot.

Anyone who got interested in the Harry Potter books will also like this story because it has great characters and magic, too.

I have reread this book 3 times, and each time I find that the stories make a difference in my day. I am beginning to use it as a daily reminder that my actions and kindness waterfall to anyone I encounter, whether it be in person, on the telephone, or even in my e-mails.

I am so very grateful that Margot Silk Forrest realized that our world is in desperate need of kindness. Her book is perfectly written, contains wonderful stories, and I hope she writes Volume 2!!

Get this book...and keep several copies handy to share with others!!! Let's ALL help her change the world!!!!

What the world needs now...is a short course in kindness. I loved this book. The stories made me both laugh and cry in recognition. I felt changed somehow, softer and kinder. But mostly, this short course in kindness reminded me that the heart is indeed a muscle that feels a lot better when stretched.

...I read it cover to cover. I loved it. It's well-crafted and real, and has some new ideas worth considering. It opened my heart and made me feel lighter about life, which was no small task. I got a kick out of the "call to arms" in the last chapter. I'm giving copies to colleagues, friends and family. This one's a gem.

999 Officer Down: The Russ Reiker Story is the true tale of Russ Reiker, an heroic street cop of Phoenix, Arizona who served for twenty-one years before suffering a life-threatening injury while on duty. Against all odds, he survived, but shortly thereafter one of his closest friends and fellow officers lost his life. 999 Officer Down vivdly recounts the career of this dedicated policeman and how his job was to change his life forever. Superbly written by Catherine Marfino-Reiker, 999 Officer Down is compelling and highly recommended reading.

999 Oficer Down by talented writer Catherine Marfino-Reiker is a powerful story about triumph and tragedy-- The before and after account of the worse shoot-out in the history of the Phoenix Police Department-- A story charged with human emotion that will have the reader swiftly turning the pages of this 'Must Read' book!

I found this book to be very interesting, as it was my first experience reading of an Officers life. I found it intriguing the way the chain of command is initiated and followed through. There are rules and codes of procedures when even talking to your superiors. I thought that in itself had to be stressful for the officer, always having to know what to say and how you have to say it to your superiors, as not to ruffle any feathers. I find the officers are a close knit group, they look after their own, no matter what.I would recommend this book to all people in the field of law enforcement, their families and friends.

A beautiful, seamless blend of yesterday's memories and today's realities I was drawn to follow Ella through her dysfunctional childhood to the one place in her life where she makes a conscious decision. She pulls herself together and takes charge in an effort to find Simon, her missing brother, following her instincts and trusting her strengths. Becoming responsible for her destiny instead of constantly being dragged through the dirt by life's past experiences. It reminds me how fragile and random life is and how brave we sometimes have to be to overcome our weaknesses. A deep and powerful read.

I am ashamed to say that I had never heard of Catherine Ryan Hyde until I saw a trailer for the movie Pay It Forward. I picked up a copy of Pay It Forward (because we all know the book is always better than the movie) and in fairly short succession I read Pay It Forward, Electric God and Walter's Purple Heart. Having liked all three of those titles very much, I tracked down a copy of Funerals for Horses and all I can say is... wow.

Ella's search for her brother and her stubborn cling to sanity will move most readers. But this story will definitely touch any reader whose childhood is something that he or she longs to flee and forget. If your childhood was a place of terror and pain, you will read this book as if you are coming home. You will say "Exactly. That is exactly right."

And if you like horses, well, that's just gravy.

This novel is one of those hidden gems of the literary world. Be glad you are on this page and found it. Read it. You won't regret it.

I've never read anything like it. The author created a unique plot balanced between reality and insanity. While searching for her brother, Ella reminices about her childhood. She uses her past to guide her to her brother. Because of her disease, she slips in and out of reality and into here own world of illusions. It's so in depth and exhilerating. I didn't want to put it down. A wonderful job by Catherine Ryan Hyde.

This is the tale of an extended clan, and the extended clans around them, in an Egyptian "alley." The book completely draws the reader into the desert setting, which somehow transforms everything by way of prickly heat... families, rulers, poets, princes, and the main characters themselves, all rise and fall, coming and going, eternally shape-shifting, like the sands. This is a family story, and an epic, set among the village poor. The Harafish is an excellent introduction to the literary tradition of Egypt and the Arab world; for another example of excellent fiction from an Arabic culture, though a bit less traditional and more political, try reading something by Saudi expatriate Abdelrahman Munif.

Mahfouz is not well knowin America, but should be. The Harafish is the epic novel of the al-Nagi family who rules a particular alley in Egypt over multiple generations. (The "harafish" refers to the common people of that same alley). The book's chapters each encompass a generation of leadership by some descendant of the original Ashur as-Nagi, a gentle and pure physical giant, filled with pious and spirit-filled humility. His off-spring, and theirs as well, vary widely in their emulation of this great man and their stories are fascinating and quite unique. Each story's characters are vividly painted for the reader and all of the generations their good guys and bad guys. The entire book will captivate the reader and the simplicity of the read will remind you of books you read in childhood. However, the story themes are not to be thought of as childish- but rather as timeless and transcultural. Greed, piety, fidelity, cunning, love, lust, faith, and compassion all rolled together in an easily read documentary of one family's influence on many. An absolute joy to read. Mahfouz is one of my favorites!

The rise and fall of generations in an Egyptian alley is the focus of Mahfouz's great parable. The story covers many themes, and evokes much thought while remaining extremely interesting. Arabic writing is great fun to read, and Mahfouz's story telling skills generate curiosity and a need to check out his other works.

I couldn't put this book down while reading it, but yet I can't remember much a couple of hours after finishing it.
The author selects nice topics and interesting reinterpretations of the famous Red Riding Hood Tale, with nice illustrations: My favorite one are the advertisements and the picture of the wolf, tranvestive, "pregnant" with Riding Hood.
The book is sometimes repetitive and it was hard for me to distinguish the different points the author was trying to make with each chapter.
It is too bad the author said she could not write everything she managed to get through extensive research. One wonders whether she left out things that might have been more interesting.
In any case, it is a great for those who like folktale analysis.

As a layman to the fairy tale culture, I found Catherine Orenstein's book fascinating. She brings the eqique tale, which we all know in detail, to the forefront explaining its cultural and historical context. For instance, the initial yarn was told during Louie IV's courtyard as a warning for young girls to protect their virginity. Its usefulness continues today and is now seen promoting products around the world. Catherine Orenstein makes a powerful case for Red, and other fairy tales, impact on society.

This book puts a unique spin on a common children's fairy tale that many of us grew up with. As she states in the book this story starts out rather baudy and morphs as our morality changes through time. Little Red Riding Hood becomes younger and younger through the years with first starting out as a young woman undressing and crawling into bed with the wolf, until now where the woman singlehandedly defeats the wolf herself.
I like this book because she brings in historical context of this tale. It is amazing how many tales may have originated from the French Court during its heyday. Cinderella, which also started out much differently, Rapunzell, are all noted in this book. I hope the author continues writing about other tales as she did this one. Her style makes it hard to put this one down.