My new favourite cookbook, and I haven't even tried out the recipes yet! Everything about this book seems so fresh even though the graphics are items that are over 50 years old. The copy is vividly written, just reading the recipes makes you want to throw on an apron and get grillin! The titles of recipes are fabulous, such as "Slab o' Fun Barbequed Meat Loaf" and "Cheesy-Drippin, Garlic Fumin' St. Louis Salad" and the recipes are equally creative. I love how they take classics and give them a twist! There is not a single recipe in this book that I expect to find in any other cookbook. Even if the recipes didn't look delicious and interesting I would still want this book. It's a wonderful reference for the 50's kitsch collecter...all kinds of bbq items and pictures illustrate each page, all appropriately chosen. The graphics add so much! This is a gem of a book! I can't wait to display this wonderful conversation peice on my chrome bakers rack in my retro kitchen and have my friends over for a classic patio party!

Being an excellent cook myself, I read cookbooks more for ideas than anything else. This book not only gave me lots of ideas, it brought back memories of my Mother's cooking. Also, it wasn't filled with a lot of endless, useless, chatter.

This book has incredible graphics - 50's style. I've stood it up on my counter and everyone who comes over says, "Patio DaddyO!" Unfortunately, it hasn't inspired my husband to take over the tongs. Ah well. This makes a great gift for any BBQ'er or yourself - especially if you're into the 50's/ early 60's style of anything. Worth the low price and more.

This is such a fun book, plus it has some great summer recipes (easy, too!)! It's even just a "fun" read for us "babyboomers", takes us back to the good old backyard bbq days with the family!

I have been very pleased with this anthology, which is absolutely for people who love good poetry in a variety of forms and styles. Great selections by Yeats, Hopkins and Blake, and many poems that you may - like me - have loved once and lost, plus some that are less familiar but great finds. Happily no Rod McKuen or Susan Polis Schulz and also, happily, no T.S. Eliot. In other words, nothing mediocre, but also nothing effete and academic. McCosker is obviously very widely read, very open-minded, and has a love for the musical, the meaningful and the memorable. The notes on the poets are very good reading. Let's hope it will inspire some good poetry writing in the next generation!

If you like to read, you will delight in the book. If you enjoy words, you will revel in this book. "A Poem A Day" should be the next book in your library!

It does not matter if you have enjoyed poetry before today, because this is a splendid collection of poems especially selected to touch and tickle you. Poems of love and nature and joy and mundane; you will find yourself in these words.

The editors, Karen McCosker & Nicholas Albery, have done a wonderful job of selecting interesting and intriguing poems. The footnotes alone make the book worth the price because they only serve to draw you into the poets life, or experiences, or work.

I do not own or write poetry. I like words and reading. I love this book.

Read 'A Poem A Day.' You will regret not having this book yesterday.

I simply LOVE this book and pick it up every day to read a poem---that's how good it is. It's turned me on to many new poets and renewed my acquaintances with the old favorites. I was happy to see this gem on page 278 by Raymond Carver:

"And did you get what--- you wanted from this life, even so?--- I did.--- And what did you want?--- To call myself beloved, to feel myself--- beloved on the earth."

The power of the words shine through: the power of words to heal, strengthen, uplift, comfort, hurt, wound, enrage, succor and rejuvenate! This book is a celebration and a joy to read.

I enjoyed reading the words to Leonard Cohen's, "Suzanne Takes You Down", a favorite song from my past.

The poem, "from Jubilate Agno" written by Christopher Smart in the 1700's while in an insane asylum (about his cat!) was awesome and a must read for EVERY cat lover.

"The Falcon to the Falconer" by Jonathan Steffen blew me away. Here's a few lines:

"Unleash me from your hand--- And I will lance the light for you--- I'll cut a swordblade on the wind--- And pennant it with flight for you--- To signal I am yours--- If you will free me to be true to you. . ."

I could go on and on! I'm so happy that I found this book and recommend it highly!

I agree that 7 is a lucky number, not just for book titles or subtitles. The authors focus on "the thinking rather than feeling side of the human psyche, but their intent is to ultimately affect readers' emotional reactions through helping them reprogram their thoughts." New directions in cognitive therapy, such as this book, are helping people live better lives. I recommend this book highly -- it is almost as good as my favorite, The Positive Power of Negative Thinking by Julie Norem. Resiliency is a good name for adaptive, constructive strategies for dealing with negative thoughts and feelings. For those of us who don't want to be optimists, being 'resilient' is as good a label as 'constructively pessimistic' or any other.

I FEEL EMPOWERED READING THIS BOOK..I CAN PUSH THROUGH THE OLD
MATERIAL IN MY MIND THAT WEIGHS ME DOWN AND DISCOVER WITH A LITTLE EFFORT THAT I CAN CHANGE THE THINGS IN MY LIFE THAT ARE STRESSFUL AND CONTROLLING AND KEEP ME FROM LIVING A FULLER LIFE.
BELIEFS I HAVE CAN BE REEXAMINED AND MY ENERGY CAN BE USED TO PUNCH THROUGH TO FACE ANY ADVERSITY WITH RENEWED INSIGHTS I like
TO JUST OPEN THE BOOK AT WILL AND READ WHAT EVER I TURNED TO.IT IS ALWAYS EFFECTIVE AND CREATES NEW POSSIBILITIES IN THESE DDIFFICULT AND CHANGING TIMES. ITS A HOT READ ON AN IMPORTANT TOPIC.

As a psychologist, I have read a lot of self-help books. Typically, I'm disappointed by the flimsy substance and empty "pump up" aphorisms. I was prepared to think the same of The Resilience Factor -- but I was wrong. The Resilience Factor is based on years of scientific research into the "ingredients" of resilience and seven skills that can increase your resilience no matter how resilient (or un-resilient) you are today. The authors describe the work they have done with children, parents, and corporate employees and how these skills can improve your productivity and happiness. Better yet, the book is filled with vivid, compelling case studies (and a lot of humor) which makes the book a pleasure to read. I will recommend this book to all of my clients (and my family and friends). It's a must-read.

As both an adoptive mother and a published poet, I was interested in reading this book after I read about it on a e-group listserve for parents who adopted from China. I haven't been disappointed. This is a wonderful book, beautifully written, and can be enjoyed by both reader and writer alike. It has a wonderful added benefit: the proceeds from the book are going to a China orphanage fund. Kudos to the author for her words and actions!

The passionate messages in these poems arrive in the clear strong voice of a woman who will teach her adopted daughter to "build beauty/out of nothing but her body," who with her husband makes the long trek to China to find this child of their hearts, who can build a slow controlled fire at injustice, but who also wears a wicked smile as she builds a poem like a woman's body ("This Poem Has ..."). They are messages eloquently crafted, sent along distances of heart and geography. Messages worth reading again and again.

Karen Braucher indeed sends incredible messages-- messages about love, life, family, longing, memories, joy, sorrow, pain, journeys-- through the medium of incredible poetry. The book is short enough to read all in one sitting, but if you do, expect it top pack a whallop! It is full of beautiful, and sometimes startling, wordcraft, and is so powerful that it will stay with the reader for a long time. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in exploring life's journey. This book will take you on quite a ride!

This was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl. My mom and I used to go to the library just to get it and I always knew exactly where it was in the library. I don't know why we never just bought it. I guess being a library book made it more special. Recently (about 20 years later) I thought I'd surprise my mom with a used copy. First I couldn't find a copy and now I see this book is going for [$$$] I think we should be ashamed of ourselves for exploiting a beautiful children's story, ironically written about love and generosity, and turning it into what everything else seems to have become, an empty, profit-driven shame. I'd reccomend this book very highly anytime-- at a reasonable price.

I, too, first heard this book read on Capt. Kangaroo. I often checked it out of the library to read to my two young children. My father would push them in their strollers. He walked along when they learned to ride bikes and roller skate. Now at 76 years old, he is suffering from Parkinson's and has to be pushed in a wheelchair. My grandson, his great-grandson, loves to help push him. I want to get a copy of this book to read to my father and give to my grandson as a special memory.

I'm not sure how I got my copy of this book, but it has always been one of my favorites. I have had it since I was a little girl, and I was trying to get hold of a copy to give as a present to my niece, and also one to keep for when I have my own children. I suppose the fact that I am going to have to make do with the tatty old copy I have makes it all the more precious, and I'll be sure to keep it safe! I think its a lovely story and one all children should have the opportunity to read.

A very intrigueing, and facinating book - absolutly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful photographs. This one is hard to put down...MCB

A very intreging, and facinating book - absolutly wonderful and hauntingly beautiful photographs. This one is hard to put down...MCB

As soon as I found this book in a used book store, I knew I needed to buy it. I love all the images and reading through all the angel names. Whenever I feel like the world is rapidly becoming overwhelming, I sit down with "Visions of Angels" and it helps to restore my balance. I highly recommend it - a coffee table book, it is not!

I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Karen Irving when she came into my store for a signing. Appropriately in awe of standing near an author, I managed to mumble something likely incoherent, and yet she signed my book for me anyway.

I went home, turned on the kettle, and started to read "Pluto Rising."

First off, the notion of an Astrologer as the main character in a mystery novel intruigues. Done as well as Irving did, the astrologer leaps out of the page with sarcastic aplomb, and leaves you laughing. The wit in this book is wonderful, and quite surprising for a first novel.

Second, the plot itself was a keeper. Katy, our intrepid ex-psychologiest and now struggling astrologer, has a brief meeting with a man who wants his chart done, a man who seems quite scared and fragile. The same man then shows up dead.

Unable to stop herself, Katy Klein begins to Nancy Drew her way around the case, and let me tell you, her motivations are quite clear and her emotional responses are very human. Irving has a real flair for this character.

I've since read "Jupiter's Daughter," the second novel in the Katy Klein series, and this is a series I will definately follow. Both books are a strong read with a good mysery and - most importantly - a strong character base. Pick them up today, you won't be let down.

Ms. Irving's books are a sweet treat. I can't recall how I happened upon them, but I am glad I did. Her stories are expertly cast and have intelligent writing and sophisticated stories. Her writing is like smooth butter or fine silk. They are set in Canada, but don't let that bother you if you don't like settings outside the US. The protagonist is a psychologist/astrologer but if metaphysical things bother you, don't worry. It doesn't overtake the story, but for those of us who love it, it's a nice sprinkle of information. This writer certainly knows her astrology. The sleuth is also Jewish, which adds a nice dimension. Everything is PERFECTLY balanced and extremely interesting. Her writing is up there with Stephen White and Jonathan Kellerman, maybe even better. Her writing is fresh and smart, deserving of the attention they get. Start from the beginning just to enjoy the three that are out so far---or just dive in. I tell you, if you love mysteries, there is nothing missing from this series. Nothing. It's sophisticated, it's engaging, it's witty, it's profound, it's complex, it's simple, it's serious ... you get my point. It has all the elements of life, life with all of its wonderful mysteries.

Katy Klein is a witty and opinionated psychologist turned professional astrologer who also struggles to make ends meet for herself and her teenage daughter. Then she meets Adam -- a client who feels Katy can help him unravel half remembered terrors from his childhood. What follows is a gripping mystery as Katy uncovers dark secrets that targets her as a killer's prey. Highly recommended for mystery buffs everywhere, Pluto Rising debuts what promises to be a terrific series of truly gripping mysteries featuring unique astrological twists.

I received this book a few days ago and have basically read it from cover to cover.
I feel the information in this book is for the most part accurate. One thing that I think should be added into all companion animal informative books (whether it be a book such as this, made for the average pet owner, or a book as a tutorial for beginning breeders) is more information on reasons to NOT breed your pet. The overpopulation of companion animals in this country is outstanding. By educating the uneducated regarding breeding this problem can be brought under control. I was happy to see that it was mentioned to not breed your pet, however I think a more in depth discussion of it should have been added.
I thought the feeding guidelines were a little off as well, but I have seen much worse.

4 stars to Karen Gendron and Michele Earle-Bridges for a great book!

At my petshop I found this book It's my Bible and because I'm a devout follower do I get along so well with my rabbit. My only problem is the "Breeds" section. More text than pictures. This is a must for novice rabbit owners.

I've been raising two Californian rabbits for about eight months now as part of a 4-H project, and before I read "The Rabbit Handbook," I thought that I knew a lot about rabbits. When I started reading this handbook, however, I immediately realized that there was still so much more to learn about my animals! I really wish that I would've purchased this handbook when I first received my rabbits because it might have saved me a lot of time by teaching me some vital information: how to handle your rabbit, what to feed your rabbit, and how to check for common rabbit diseases. And besides this important information that every rabbit owner should already be familiar with, "The Rabbit Handbook" also covers topics such as the history of rabbits, the different breeds of rabbits (including which breed might be best for you), how to identify a good rabbit, how much room the rabbit needs in its hutch, how to clean and maintain the hutch, how to perform an inspection of the rabbit's eyes, ears, nose, teeth, nails, feet, and tail, how to breed your rabbit, how to understand your rabbit's body language, and much, much more. For the best experience in raising rabbits, every rabbit owner needs to know this information. If you own a rabbit and don't know some of the things that I mentioned, you absolutely need to locate a copy of "The Rabbit Handbook." If you're thinking of buying a rabbit, I recommend that you read "The Rabbit Handbook" from cover to cover before selecting your rabbit. Remember, knowledge is power -- this handbook will leave you feeling like a pro. "The Rabbit Handbook" is simply an invaluable resource for anyone remotely associated with rabbits and it is definitely a worthwhile investment for the benefit of you and your pet.

Most of these reviews nail this book quite well. The first half is delightful, the second half is heart-breaking, the ending is uplifting. There is nothing cookie-cutter about this book. The description of the stages of grief in this story is so masterfully written, so well articulated I would recommend it to anyone who has lost a loved one and can't bear the thought of living alone. This was a wonderful story, beautifully written. All of her books are really well crafted tales. Read them all.

I read this book last night and just had to write a review. Even though I know that anything I write would not do this book justice. This book had so much depth and emotion. The characters feelings so well described. Sensuality and heartache both off the scales. You felt as if you were feeling what they were feeling. I have never read a love scene written like the one Ms. Ranney wrote when these two characters first come together.

I am an avid reader of Historical Romances and picked this older book up at a yard sale and LOVED it. I am now on a mission to read more of Karen Ranney. This book is like a good movie you don't want to end. Every emotion is felt during this read.

This book is a work of art. I've never seen such beautiful photography in an exercise book. Excellent exercises for each area of the body (especially the back) and it's divided up nicely. Also, since it's spiral bound and quite large, you can lay it flat beside you as you work out. Great book when you need inspiration. She's a perfect fitness role model.

If you are looking for an introduction to fitness, need some inspiration, or are just trying to figure out how to get into the exercise mind-set...this book can show you the way. You will want to read this book on a regular basis to keep yourself motivated and your dreams of becoming fit alive!

Karen has a philosophy of exercise, which comes across in all her videos and especially in this book. She believes in controlled movements for maximum results. You will not waste one minute if you follow her instructions. She is known for inspiring millions of women with her best-selling workout videos.

Karen believes that people don't follow through with their fitness program because it doesn't fit into their lifestyle.

"Understanding that exercise needs to be a priority in your life is essential to staying on a program." --Karen Voight

As a Karen Voight fan, I have collected her videos and have found them to be the best on the market. Her book is also the best fitness book for women I have found so far. Each picture in this book is Karen! She actually posed for each shot. In this way, she can literally show you how to do each exercise.

This book has many pages of pure text, and Karen is an excellent writer. She gives four steps to get your fitness program on track and then dives into a chapter on how to find real satisfaction from exercise. In the next chapter, she focuses on weight loss and lifestyle. After discussing the five guidelines you must follow to achieve low body fat and defined muscles, Karen gives attention to each muscle group by providing a series of sequential photographs to explain the exercises. (pg. 32-87).

These pages contain exercises for the arms, legs, buttocks, abdominals and back. You will recognize these exercises from the videos, but this book is nice to take with you when you are traveling. The last chapter of this book contains 20 most-asked questions. You can discover everything from beginning to exercise to how often you should exercise. This book is designed to inspire women of all fitness levels. One look at Karen's sleek physique and you will be running to your workout room! Karen has truly found total fitness. The kind which heals the body, mind and spirit. Her Yoga videos are also quite relaxing, yet challenging.

During you workout sessions, you might start to see roadblocks and this might keep you from working out. Karen explains the possible causes for these roadblocks and gives the solutions so you keep motivated and Karen can keep her credentials as a Top Instructor. She really excels at motivation and you can also trust her to give you the best information on fitness. She is unquestionably the leader in the fitness world. The fitness-savvy stars of Hollywood are quite fortunate to have her to instruct them. Now you can also have her as your very own in-home instructor. Just put in a video or take out this book and Karen's motivational message will walk into your life.

There is great information here for both men and women...excellent stretching excercises for the back