I've been cooking for nearly 40 years and have a library of over 50 cookbooks. If I could only keep one, this would be it! An essential for anyone who wants to know how to do more than boil water. Everything you need to know to cook--and cook well--is in this book.

I confess, I've never really believed any cookbook jacket information before but in the case of The New Doubleday Cookbook I can tell you it's all true! It IS the most complete, up-to-date cookbook I have ever found and it always has the answer to all my cooking questions. I can choose from over 4500 simple or sophisticated recipes each one with its own calorie, cholesterol and sodium count and there's tons of handy information about new foods, multiethnic ingredients, new equipment, basic and special cooking techniques, food additives, nutrition ...just about everything anyone wants to know about buying, preparing, cooking and presenting food. This is my favorite kitchen companion now and I know it's the ideal gift for friends and family...beginners, brides and experienced cooks too.

I bought this jewel because it was recommended in the "Cooking for Dummies" book. I also bought many others, but this the one I always turn to. Why? Because every recipe I've tried has produced a stellar end result. Candy (great penuche), meats, vegetable dishes, seafood...it's all good. Best of all, everything is explained so that even a "dummy" like me can follow along.

This is the one cookbook I own that is truly indespensible.

I have yet to read a lesbian mystery that even comes close to the Micky Knight series. Not only is the plot well-written and realistic but the mystery of Micky Knight's life itself is just as compelling. The reader is periodically given glimpses into Micky's past which helps sheds light on her present actions and adds more character depth. By the end of the book I couldn't wait to pick up "The Deaths of Jocasta" (second book in this series) to find out what happened between Micky and Cordelia. All four books in the Micky Knight series can be difficult to find, but it is well worth the time and effort. You will not be disappointed!

This book (and the other three in this series) are the best written mysteries I've read. The characters are well developed, the plot is twisted and interesting, and the psychological drama is intense. This is a dark story that goes far beyond the plot of a simple cliff-hanger mystery.

This is one of the best mysteries I have read in a very long time. Redmann manages to pull the reader along through three interwoven tracks: 1) the basic mystery that PI Micky Knight is dealing with, 2) the daily and often amusing life Micky lives, and 3) the mystery of her past and how she became who she is.

The story line is well-written--I mean, it has DEPTH. So many mysteries are fun fluff. Redmann manages to weave a tale that is so much more than just a mystery. Micky Knight's smart-ass, oddly observant point-of-view is funny and catchy, but under the cool quips, the character is DEEP.

I had a tough time getting hold of a copy of this book and the next one in the series, but I don't regret the trouble I went to. I can't wait to keep reading! And I agree with Litterati: if Knight were straight, people would be tossing aside their Grafton and Cornwall and Paretsky mysteries in favor of Redmann's!

Jolly good job!
:) Lori L. Lake

I never heard of the I Spy books until my daughter dragged me to a book store. She picked up the xmas book and we sat there for an hour and only got through 3 pages. The pages are so pretty and contents challenging even to me. I loved it.

The books in this series are wonderful. My child and I spend hours hunting for the hidden items in the pictures and making up our own riddles to solve.

This book is most remarkable for wonderful photographs filled with Christmas treasures. Traditions fill the pages in the form of antique bears, ornaments, craft & decorating mess, and cookies. The vibrant colors on some pages are contrasted with muted tones on others. And the fun of each page is to find the rhyming objects, play your own I Spy game or just rev up the Xmas spirit!

I first read this book when it was published back in 1980 - I still have my original copy! I received it through my school's book order program. Even today, 19 years later, I still reread this book! What a treasure it is! Gail and her horse, Candlelight, are transported back in time to a neighboring estate. There she becomes friends with Hilary, a lonely girl who is vacationing for the summer. Although Gail realizes that she cannot stay in "Babylon" forever (although she does consider it on page 104!), she enjoys her brief journey through time. This is an incredible book! If you can get your hands on it, do not let it go!

I found this book at a thrift store and I still consider it one of my most valuable "finds." Three years later, it is still fresh in my mind. A story of time travel and how hard it is to start your life over in a new place. It tells of how hard it is to let go of something very dear to you, but how sometimes, you have to. Although I have not read it in two years, I still remember the feeling I got when I traveled back 100 years to a place long lost to time and space.

I first read this book when I was in the fourth grade. I must have read it about five times that year! But then the local library copy was lost and I never found it again. The point of all of this is that even though I am now a college freshman who has not seen this book for ten or so years, it continues to be fresh in my mind. It is a creepy, tantalizing tale of a girl who moves to what was once the caretaker's cottage on a huge estate called Babylon. The property includes a decrepit carriage house in which she finds various implements from the old Babylonian estate. Later, while exploring in the woods on her horse Candlelight she discovers an old gate. When she goes through it she is transported to the old Babylon, a hundred years ago, there to learn the story behind its fall and why it is calling her back through time.

I can't say enough about how wonderful and haunting this book is. It has followed me all these years, fragments of its text surfacing in my mind every so often. Even though I have never found it again, I know that Babylon is waiting for me, just behind the next tree.

Victoria Holt was one of my favorite authors when I was younger. A master storyteller, she would consistently weave a story that would have the reader turning the pages. This work of historical fiction is one of her best. Riveting from beginning to end, this fictional autobiographical account of the life of Marie Antoinette is superb. Written in the first person, with little dialogue, it is the rumination of a life that was to end tragically. Pampered, spoiled, and fun loving, the beautiful Maria Antonia of Austria metamorphosed into Marie Antoinette of France upon her marriage to the Dauphin, who would eventually become King of France, the ineffectual, but benign, Louis XVI.

This is her story, grounded in historical fact and set within the framework of history. This work of fiction about the life of Marie Antoinette, as seen through her own eyes, is fascinating, as it captures the flavor of those uncertain times and the events that led to the French Revolution and the end of the monarchy in France. It is a reflection on how Marie Antoinette's own behavior influenced the fate of France. Indulging in the excesses of the day, she initially gave little thought as to how her actions might affect the people of France or the monarchy. By the time she realized that her actions and excesses had wide spread political ramifications, it was too late, and the fate of her and her husband was sealed. No amount of personal regret could change it.

This book will be enjoyed by those who enjoy good, well written historical fiction. It is little wonder that this book spent two months on the New York Times Best Seller List. It is simply historical fiction at its best.

If you are intersted in the French Revolution, Marie Antoinette, or just want a good read, this book is the one to read. If you like this book and become interested in royalty, or you already are, Victoria holt wrote tons of other books on British and some Spanish, French, and Italian royalty under the pseudonym Jean Plaidy, so try those.
This book is a fictional memoir written by Marie Antoinette between 1789 and her death in 1793. It covers her whole life (sympathetically) and dispells the rumor that she said "Let them eat cake". Read this!

I read this book in 1973!? It was so wonderful that I planned my trip to Paris around Marie Antoinette's homes - the Grand and Petit Trianon at Versailles for one stop. The author writes historical fiction so beautifully that you can't help wishing to run to Europe and experience the lives of the queens you've read about!! I'll never orget this book - and others by Victoria Holt!

After reading numerous books on plastic surgery I would have to say that this one is the most complete. This book is page after page of fascinating information. It covers more than just the surgery itself, but also the before and after, the cost and even how to find a surgeon. Dr. Loftus did a fabulous job of covering every aspect and articulately explaining each procedure so that even the layman could understand. I highly recommend this extraordinary book to anyone who is considering plastic surgery.

As someone who is considering liposuction, I was impressed with how helpful this book was. It explained the difference between traditional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, including a detailed list of all the pros and cons for each. It also explained issues about the recommended cannula size, large-colume liposuction, areas where liposuction should and should not be performed, the effect of liposuction on cellulite, where you might gain weight following liposuction, and the list goes on. Compared to other books that focus strictly on liposuction, this book surprisingly contained deeper, clearer explanations...and from a more objective perspective. There is no question that if you are considering liposuction - or any plastic surgery procedure - you owe it to yourself to get this book. By the way, this book is incredibly comprehensive in terms of risks and DOES NOT downplay them. At least 5 pages out of each chapter is dedicated to potential complications!

As someone who is considering liposuction, I was impressed with how helpful this book was. It explained the difference between traditional liposuction, ultrasonic liposuction, and ultrasound-assisted liposuction, including a detailed list of all the pros and cons for each. It also explained issues about the recommended cannula size, large-colume liposuction, areas where liposuction should and should not be performed, the effect of liposuction on cellulite, where you might gain weight following liposuction, and the list goes on. Compared to other books that focus strictly on liposuction, this book surprisingly contained deeper, clearer explanations...and from a more objective perspective. There is no question that if you are considering liposuction - or any plastic surgery procedure - you owe it to yourself to get this book.

Jean coaches in a clear, cut-to-the-chase manner that makes this book highly readable & a fabulous reference to return to time & again.

It works brilliantly, whether you are a boss or an employee. Like the best Dear Abby columns, Jean's counsel is packed with humor that makes even the hardest advice easy to understand & implement.

With the boom in new start-ups, I would recommend this as a must read for every new manager confronted with the human factor in the workplace. You'll find Chapter 8 particularly valuable.

I will admit I was skeptical when I picked up the book but I quickly found myself laughing and learning. In a light, funny and to the point "Dear Abby" style Jean answers tough questions about today's changing workplace. Covering everything from when to conduct business durng a business lunch to how to deal with the gum-smacking co-worker, Jean sheds light on many issues. Using real life examples, she gives the reader tools to get ahead in the workplace. No matter what your line of work there is bound to be something in the book for you.

Dear Jean is one of the most useful books for dealing with the everyday antics of the workplace. Jean stresses the importance of personal responsibility that is so often missing in today's employees. To get her career started in the right direction I gave my daughter a copy on the day she started her first real job.

Jean's writing style makes reading this book an absolute joy. Every office should keep a copy for reference.

As a small-town west coast preteen in the 60s and self-absorbed teen in the 70s I was peripherally aware of the "pop" scene in New York City (mostly from my mother shaking her head over the photos and stories in "Life" magazine). When "Edie" was published I ran across it in a book club review and it just sounded intriguing. I ended up reading "Edie" so many times the cover practically fell off. Then a few years ago it mysteriously vanished from my bookshelves -- did I lend it to someone who was as morbidly fascinated as I by the tragic rise and fall of "Warhol's little queen" (as the Cult song says)??? One thing's for sure: Edie was a victim of Warhol's astounding ego -- or madness -- sucked into the black hole of his twisted little soul. Of course, she came from a long line of borderline personalities in a high-society family. The excesses of the 60s were absolutely the end of the road -- or rope -- for many of these types. As one who "missed" the whole self-indulgent and uncontrolled scene, after reading "Edie" I finally realized that I'm much better off having just read about those times. It's a real collage of that generation's high-fliers and fringe dwellers that will not cease to amaze. So why am I writing this review now? I just heard the song I referred to earlier, the Cult's "Edie," and I am now ordering a new copy of the book. Plimpton's word-of-mouth writing style brings the viewpoints of so many people who were there it's like theater in the round, or something -- you see and experience the scene from every angle. You don't hear just from the heads and freaks, you hear from the spectrum of New York's inhabitants, plus many of Edie's kinfolk. I recommend the book to anyone who likes to see how the stranger half live and who wants to experience the story-book coming of age and final degradation of a fragile, lovely girl who was caught in the sordid vortex of the pop culture.

It's funny how a person's childhood experiences can set a person up for success or failure as an adult. However, in the case of Edie Sedgwick, her failures as an adult were definitely unfunny. I loved that this book relied only on quotes from the people who had met/known her. Exceptional research into every stage of Edie's life to uncover people who experienced her in each incarnation and brilliant editing make this an extremely special biography. It is evident that the choices the adult Edie made which were ultimately destructive were foreshadowed by events in her childhood. I don't think it's necessary for you to be fascinated by the scenes Edie lived through to enjoy the book. If you approach this as a psychological study of an individual, it becomes mainstream reading, not just a pop-culture chronicle.

The oral history form is perfect for "Edie" little-girl-lost, who streaked across the '60's horizon like a falling star. Despite her grace, fragile beauty and charisma; Edie Sedgewick was almost born to be doomed even before the drugs did her in.

She was born into a wealthy old family that had a history of instability. Her father, also breathtakingly beautiful, had crushing psychological problems. Two of her brothers committed suicide. Her mother was ineffectual with her large brood. She was raised on an isolated ranch with her seven siblings with almost no contact with the outside world. When she hit Cambridge at 18, she was pathetically ill equipped to be in the larger world.

I couldn't agree more that she found herself in the midst of horribly decadent people. Andy Warhol gets a particularly bad rap in this book, but to me, he was no better nor worse than his hangers-on, just a shade more self-absorbed. What really saddened me was that I don't think it really mattered who Edie took up with. She was destined to spin out of control. She had no focus, no inner strength, and was dangerously self-centered and delusionary.

"Edie" is compelling reading whether or not you have experienced the '60's. It is good to keep in mind that Edie herself and the contributors to the book all were a part of a very small stratum that whistled through this confusing decade. They were no more representative of the rank and file than Emmerin is representative of this decade.

Such a lovely child, such a terrible waste.

If you are looking for a wonderful combination of Basquiat's work and biography, this is the book to own. This book is full of many beautiful color plates of his work, as well as the story of his short, successful, but tragic life as an artist who had his brief moment in the sun before succumbing to the drugs.

THE best book on Basquiat out there! A very talented New York artist that started out doing graffiti on the New York Subways as SAMO and instantly became famous after one day meeting Andy Warhol and giving him a postcard of his artwork. They became quick friends and Warhol had a great influence on his very short career even though Jean-Michel's work is totally different. Jean Michel died tragically from a drug overdose. Cool little known fact - He dated Madonna! Great photos of the Jean-Michel and an incredible extended chronology in the back of the book. Best yet info on the artist existing anywhere in the the book. Color plates of his art work are superb, large, and mostly one per page, incredible color. I highly recommend this book if you are a fan of Jean-Michel or his friends Keith Haring, Kenny Scharf, or Andy Warhol.

This is a great book with many of Basquiat's paintings and drawings. It also has various essays by art critics and people who knew him. I suppose the reviewers who slammed Basquiat also think anybody could knock over a couple of paint buckets and be Jackson Pollock. The genius of Basquit in my mind is his ability to create truly beautiful paintings while painting in a seemingly uncontrolled, primitive (I hate that word) fashion. The way he layered colors, and added details is incredible. My favorite is "Untitled (Skull)" 1981. Here is a brilliant example of how Basquiat combines dissarray, ugliness, harmony, and beauty all into the same striking painting. I know Basquiat idolized Hendrix and ultimately went out much like he did, unable to cope with his talent and the attention it brought. To me Basquiat's painting very much mirrors Hendrix's musical talents. They both created wild, noisy, seemingly unharnessed, unpolished art. But to the careful, sensitive observer the true beauty and magic is revealed.

IN THE LAST BOOK OF THE THREE, ROSIE AT FIRST IS CONVINCED THAT CAPTAIN RAIDER LYONS DOESN'T LOVE HER, BUT WHEN THE UNEXPECTED HAPPENS, SHE REALIZES THE TRUTH. THIS BOOK WAS THE PERFECT ENDING, AND THE EMOTIONS CAPTURED ON PAPER SEEM SO REAL. THE SORROW OF ROSIE IN FOWEY, THE NUMB DEVASTATION AT THE COVE WITH RAIDER, THE SURPRISE OF FINDING OUT ABOUT OCTAVIA AND BAPTISTE, THE HAPPINESS OF FINDING RAIDER'S TWIN, AND THE LOVE RADIATED THROUGHOUT THE WHOLE STORY. AT THE END OF THIS MAGNIFICIENT BOOK, I HAD TEARS IN MY EYES. WHAT ALSO PUZZLES ME IS THE NAME OF THE FATHER, JOHN LYONS. IN THE 1990 BOOK THAT MS. FERRIS WROTE, ACROSS THE GRAIN, THE PHOTOGRAPH OF HER ON THE BACK FLAP OF THE DUST COVER WAS TAKEN BY A JON LYONS. IS THERE A CONNECTION? OR JUST COINCIDENCE? ALSO, I'VE BEEN WONDERING ABOUT THE DEDICATION PAGE. TO A.G.F. DOES THE 'F' STAND FOR FERRIS? THE WHOLE TRILOGY, OR WHAT YOU MAY CALL IT, WAS DEDICATED TO THIS MYSTERIOUS PERSON. THIS ONLY ADDS TO THE MYSTERY OF THIS EXTRODINARY BOOK. I HOPE THAT EVERYONE GETS TO READ ALL OF THEM, INTO THE WIND, SONG OF THE SEA, AND LAST BUTNOT LEAST, WEATHER THE STORM. THESE BOOKS, ESPECIALLY WEATHER THE STORM, TRULY TOUCHED MY HEART, AND EVEN THOUGH THIS MAY SOUND CORNY, ROSIE, RAIDER, AND EVERYONE IN THESE BOOKS WILL LIVE IN MY MEMORY AND HEART AS REAL PEOPLE FOREVER. MAY GOD BLESS THIS GREAT WRITER.

I loved this book! It is the best of of the series. It was the first American Dreams series that I read and it makes all the others look not so good. This is one of those books that you can't put down till your done and once your finished you want to read it again. I only wish it were easyer to find!

A very satasfying book. If you've followed the adventures of Rosie and the pirate captain know as Raider through "Into the Wind" and "Song of the Sea", this book is a trasure. A lot gets wrapped up, sometimes too easily and tidily, but this is a book that, when I finished, left me grinning like an idiot. It's really worth the effort to try and locate a copy of this book. Best of the American Dreams series!