I not only have this book but also have Alices book, Cookies and Brownies. Her recipes are wonderful, from there taste to there beauty! The instruction in the book is easy to follow. I would recommend this to anyone that loves chocolate (Who Doesn't) One of the other reviews on this book stated that she must have used a machine to make the chocolate ruffles. I was lucky enough to attend a class at Sur La Table (an excellent cookware store) the instructor was Alice herself! We learned exactly how to make the beautiful ruffles by hand. It was not hard and they turned out beautiful. Like with any good cookbook you have to read the instruction carefully. With a little bit of practice the ruffle technique can be done beautifully. You will impress your family and friends with your creations from using this wonderful book. I would recommend highly to anyone wanting to learn about chocolate.

If you love things chocolate and like to make them, then this is the book you have been waiting for. Personally, my obsession is truffles. I have been searching for years for a domestic equivalent to the bittersweet truffles I used to buy at chocolatiers in Paris, but to no avail. Everything I could get in SoCal was either too sweet, too old, or not chocolatey.

Not so here. These recipes produce truffles just like the ones I remember from France: a grown-up treat, not the over-sweetened, over-flavored, dried-up disappointments we have imported or made here. I have only tried the recipes for truffles, but I plan to work my way through the rest of the book, recipe by recipe, the cakes and pastries too. Truffles are so easy to make! Excellent technical information on the handling of chocolate from a writer who is obviously sharing her inside tips. Do what Alice Medrich says, and you can't go wrong. Good mail order sources, copious (and luscious) photos and illustrations. Also, an inspiring and colorful story of someone with an idea who just couldn't let go of it no matter what. In an oversize format, the book itself is a pleasure in the hand and a literal feast for the eye. I plan to give it to friends for Xmas

Book covers: introduction, Alice's thoughts on ingredients and chocolate, cakes, tortes, mousses, truffles, brownies, where to buy stuff, and techniques. I've tried both truffle recipes (they are very easy and can be done in 1.5 hours!) and both are excellent. Alice has since modified the French chocolate truffle recipe to include mixing the eggs with boiling water (instead of water in the chocolate) to keep it safe from salmonella. A beautiful book, with tons of incredible photos and glossy pages. One thing that struck me though, was that a few of the chocolate ruffles shown were obviously created using an automatic "ruffle maker" (you grind them out circularly from a cylinder of chocolate) instead of by hand as the rest of us have to do, and as she describes in the book. That irritated me a little. I think for total beginners there are better books from which to learn which equipment to buy, to learn about ingredients, and the like. For instance There is no section on how to cut your cake into 3rds (not as easy as it appears). It's hard to give more specific examples, it's just a general feeling that some of the things in the book are not totally easy to do. But I love the concept of the desserts that Alice has designed, the recipes look correct, and the 2 I've tried were great. And out of the 4 baking books I own, this is by far the most beautiful. Compared to Pie/Pastry and Cake Bibles and Baking with Julia I feel this book is less suited for the beginner if it's the only book you get - if you have more baking books than this book is wonderful. This book is also well-suited for the intermediate who wants to further develop style in creating desserts and also familiarity with chocolate.

As a child therapist I found this book to be very helpful. I recommend it to all my parents who are divorcing. It is in plain, straightforward language. This book can help the millions of parents who need some insight into what the reactions of children are when their parents divorce. The book discusses developmental, co-parenting, and a plethora of related issues. His style is compassionate, lighthearted, and genuine. A must read for parents who are divorcing and professionals who work with these parents.

I have read a number of books for divorcing parents, and this is by far the best. The range of information given is enormous (460 pages!) and covers almost any situation you can imagine. This is the ONLY book I have seen that discusses how to help infants cope with divorce. Neuman's discussion of the needs of children has given me the motivation to avoid fighting with my ex, even when he makes extremely aggravating remarks. His suggestions have also helped me keep my son's father involved; in fact, he spends much more time with our son than he ever did when we were married. The example dialogues are very helpful, and reflect the diversity of real families. Neuman is careful to avoid stereotypes, for example he gives anecdotes about deadbeat moms as well as deadbeat dads.

M. Gary Neuman is a truely gifted author. His insights and information found in the Sandcastles book helped my family through an extremely difficult time in our lives. The understanding that my ex-wife and I walked away with helped us set the pace and tone for a more healthy future for my family. Although we won't be a couple anymore, Gary helped me see that we will be a family on many levels. It was a gift in a time when life seems vcry difficult for all of us. I can't thank him enough and I even have bought copies for my parents, ex-inlaws and my siblings. It has certainly become one of the most important books I have ever read. I would love to hear him speak if he is ever in California. Please inform me. Thank you to M. Gary Neuman for his reserach and depth of understanding the ever changing families in our country. A book LONG OVERDUE!!!!!!

Patricia and Stanley have created a beautiful story of life and love, offering many inspiring possible answers to humankind's many mysteries. Is this a big part of the UFO or alien mystery? Of the origins of our existence? How comforting and uplifting to read this book and feel its love and sincerity. It is such a pleasure to find it written so well, a treat to all the senses, I savored every paragraph. A few years ago I "dreamed" I was on a ship with people whom I loved and was so ecstatic at the reunion after so long apart from them. I cried out to stay, not to be made to return to earth. This dream haunted me for days and I remember it vividly to this day. For me, Ships of Song spoke directly to my heart, urging me to remember more......the oneness of All That Is.

This book is for anyone who has ever feared the "end of the world" scenario which many prescribe to. The authors present a provocative view of the history of mankind, and offer us an equally provocative description of "the ascension" of mankind. It's a pleasure to read, and the characters have remained with me since I was first introduced to them. This book will leave you with a sense of peace, awe and excitement about all that's to come!

Purchasing this book was a true gift to myself of time and space, aptly provided by these talented authors. An oasis of peace, love, and true value! An adventure into remembering who I really am, and my spiritual values, even while living this busy, confining earth journey! KUDOS to the authors! A true GIFT!

It's no wonder this short little novel stood in the Argentine bestsellers list for about 27 WEEKS. I too read this book in one sitting, but not because of its lenght,(even though it helps)but but because its so good and so well written that I literaly went out and bought a copy for each of my friends for christmas last year and each one stated that it was the best gift they had recieved. The cover might be a bit tacky but hey never judge a book by its cover. there are so many things to say about this novel that there isn't enough room to write about it. All I have to say is buy it, it's worth every penny.

I love short books that pack a wallop, pull you in and just refuse to let you go, demand that you read them at one sitting - I think of "The Bridge of San Luis Rey" by Thornton Wilder, "Night Flight" by Antione de Saint Exupery, and "The Reader" by Bernhard Schlink. I have now added "Sultry Moon" by the Argentine writer Mempo Giardinelli to this exclusive club. This is a gripping tale of one man's fascination with crime - a fascination which leads him to commit several crimes during three days under the hot "sultry moon" during December 1977, in the early days of the Argentine military dictatorship, which is a background to this story but not its central focus. Ramiro, the central figure of the story, is drawn into a vortex of crime, conscience and punishment as ineluctably as was Raskolnikov in Dostoyevksy's "Crime and Punishment". Looking for something a little bit off the beaten track to grab you one rainy (or even sunny) afternoon? Go read this extraodinary book. I think you may be repulsed but you will definitely be fascinated.

In just over 100 pages the reader is taken to places so torrid it is hard to breathe. I have never experienced a character like Araceli-so wild and yet unfathonable in her awakened sexuality. Ramiro is a truly doomed man for starting the process and he brings on his ultimate madness. I have always liked south american writers- Garcia-marquez and others. If Mempo Giardinelli continues to write with the intensity he does in this book of passion gone awry he will get much recognition.

I first read "We Don't Die" several years ago after a close friend had passed away and a co-worker recommended I read George Anderson's story. I thought I knew how to grieve, as I had lost several family members and friends over the previous few years. I was overwhelmed. As soon as I finished the first book, I read "We Are Not Forgotten". His communications are truly healing, even for those who have not had the fortune of meeting with him. Reading his books reassure us that dying is not the end and that loved ones are not forever gone. And for those people who don't particularly enjoy reading, let them know that his books are very simple and extremely fast reading. This should not be missed.

All the books by and about George Anderson are excellent and MUST READS for anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one. To be read with an open mind, - but in my case,(a former MAJOR skeptic) I literally began calling some of the people in the book and others that had met with him and was assured by ALL of them that the readings in the books were accurately reproduced. One suggestion - read "WE DON'T DIE" first, then "WE ARE NOT FORGOTTEN." "OUR CHILDREN FOREVER" is also excellent, and "LESSONS FROM THE LIGHT" is worth reading as well. Read the books & do your own research about George- he's been put to the test on TV (Donahue;Unsolved Mysteries/48 Hours) and they are worth having on tape.The readings in the books are very impressive, loaded with details he could not possibly have about strangers- it's easy to be skeptical and believe only what you can sense yourself. But George (who was close to death himself as a child)proves there is something MORE. And IF he were a "Con"- he wouldn't still be doing this at such high demand after 19 yrs. Read. Take comfort. Research it yourself. Speak to those who have spoken to him. "We are not Forgotten" includes the story of David Elliott's father's reading (he was also interviewed later on TV).This was a skeptical man who began his journey to George thru the "We Don't Die" book. THEY SAY ONLY DEATH & TAXES ARE CERTAIN. WRONG. Some people may cheat on their taxes, but none of us can cheat death.And until it affects us, we forget how many people are in pain everyday from grief.It doesn't end at the funeral, AND it does NOT end 2 weeks (or months) later either.Grief can last months, years, or a lifetime when you lose a loved one. If you have lost a loved one and are feeling the pain of the loss - read the books about George Anderson.They are worth reading AND re-reading!!! Open your mind and your heart. When you lose someone you love sometimes faith is not enough; proof is needed that your loved one is alright and George Anderson's books and readings help provide that. Excellent.

George Anderson's books were a life saver for me and my family. After the unexpected death of my brother last year, these books helped us through the grieving process. The information offered so much hope and ultimately strengthened our spirituality. Joel Martin did such a wonderful job of proving George's credibility in George's first book, "We Don't Die", that we were compelled to read all his others. I highly reccommend these TREASURES to anyone who lost a loved one or who just needs to know more about life after life. I am eternally grateful to people like George Anderson. Not only has his gift helped so many people, but George's pure goodness shows through in his work. Because of George, I now know that my wonderful brother will live on forever, watching over us.

The Goddess Path by Patricia Monaghan can serve as encyclodia, a compendium of myth, lore, history; guide and companion on a journey of discovery and healing; and oracle! Close your eyes and open the book at (seeming) random, see which goddess or cluster of goddesses (such as the muses and the maenads) has a message for you at this moment. Enter into relationship with her, culminate with one the ritual suggested by the author or be inspired to create one. The rituals Monaghan outlines speak to our time, our personal and social condtions. They work for both individuals and groups. They provide excellent tools and ideas for counselors and therapists in supporting their clients' path to healing and wholeness. A beautifully crafted, wise, and moving resource for those new and for those well-traveled on the goddess path.

Patricia Monaghan has an excellent series of books available, some encyclopedic in nature, that are comprehensive AND fun to read (when do you ever see those two together?). I use them in my classroom at the college level in courses where we discuss myths or goddess themes and find myself reading on (and on and on) because the books are well written and interesting to the general reader as well as someone who refers to them for academic use. I recommend Monaghan's books highly.

The Goddess Path is a wonderful book for anyone seeking a more intimate contact with feminine deity. What I found impressive about this text is that unlike other psuedo mystic new agey books on similar topics, it is historically accurate and does not resort to blasphemy by treating the Deities as some kind of telephone directory service (i.e. Call on Kali for banishment, oh and if you need futher assistance, make sure you call Isis for further spiritual enquiries.) This book gives in depth information, but not too academic to the point where it would become inaccessible to a larger audience. The author possess a lively and sometimes humourous writing style which I found very appealing. Another bonus is the questions at the end of each chapter aimed for personal contemplation. I would recommend this book as a guide for women's healing or spiritual groups as I am sure that this book would provide interesting discussion and the revelation of deeper personal truths for the reader

Validating requirements is a tough job especially for someone like me that is not intimately involved in the project. I'm called in to review requirements for quality. Sure, I can use the checklist that appears in so many requirement type books. This is the FIRST book that talks about looking at all the requirements and checking to see if you have any gaps in knowledge. The way the author categorizes requirements, it is easy to follow and so simple to implement in any size organization for any type of project. I will be able to help the team way before design begins. The cross-checking techniques will save me time and the company money.

Most requirement related books are tied to a specific method. This book is not! Ms. Ferdinandi talks about what needs to be captured to build a system. Therefore, it works with any method. This is an excellent book for us eXtreme Programmer types that are responsible for requirements, design and coding! The book provides a great checklist of questions to ask the users reducing the need to recode later.

"I'm new to the requirement process. I found this book very useful in explaining the process and the best way to organize all the requirements. However, the book is worth its weight in gold because of the appendices. Specifically, Appendix B that provides a well thought out list of questions that should be asked of the users for the Internet system. I'm also going to try this on my next non-Internet project as I can see how it will be valuable for any type of project."

My Professor used this text and I find that it is easy to understand and read. One of the feature of this book is that at the end of every chapter, the author would include her opinions and at the same time, she will relay what happened in Europe or U.S. at that particular time. For instance, in 1700-1800, China was ruled by the last empire- the Manchu and it was also during this time that the Americans gained independence. To me, it's always nice to know what happened during a particular period in the opposite side of the world.

I would strongly recommend this book for anyone who wants to know more about the Chinese history as it's very easy to follow.

This richly illustrated book (the maps are detailed and in color) is a fantastic survey of China's history from prehistory to present day. And it doesn't suffer from paying excessive attention to the modern era either, which is a fault in many Chinese histories (including Fairbank's). Excellent. Ebrey is a Sung specialist and a social historian with a PhD from Columbia.

Customers who are wondering whether this book is worth the price may do well to ask themselves if China is important enough to merit study. I'm afraid it is. China is the world's second largest economy, according to the CIA, worth $6 trillion in Purchasing Power Parity and almost 60% as large as America's. (In nominal GDP China is in fifth place, just ahead of France.) According to the World Trade Organization, China is now the world's fifth largest trader (in both exports and imports of goods and services), after the US, Japan, Germany, and France, and just ahead of Britain, which is sixth. (If the EU is counted as one unit, China is fourth.) China has the world's third largest stockpile of nuclear warheads, and has a highly developed ballistic missile technology (which is also reflected in its well-developed space program). The Pentagon believes China will improve its nuclear deterrence in both quality and quantity. China is one of the world's largest oil producers, with proven crude oil reserves larger than America's, according to the US Dept of Energy. Needless to say, China is the third largest country in territory (America is almost exactly the same size) and the largest in population, and has the veto on the UN Security Council. Two key facts make China particularly important in the future: its economic growth rate, which is the fastest in the world, and its population growth rate, which is kept under control (which is in fact lower than America's) and thus will help raise the average standard of living. In either respect can India, China's closest competitor in the future, compete. By one estimate China's economy will be equal in size to America's in twenty years' time. (See Gregory Chow's "China's Economic Transformation" available here on amazon.com.)

So China is a very important country, both politically and economically, and will be increasingly important in the future. Some people are already calling China the second most important country in the world. But what fascinates many people is the fact that China has lasted so long as a country. Indeed China's history as a unified state is ten times as long as the United States's own. China is one of the most ancient of civilizations. Unlike some of them - such as Babylon - China not only has survived, but it is still thriving. People like Margaret Thatcher, Henry Kissinger, Paul Wolfowitz and Jack Welch are already predicting China to become a superpower within a generation.

To understand such an important country, one must know something about its history. And this book is an excellent guide. I recommend it to all who wish to know more about China. I have yet to find a general historical survey of China as accurate and suitable for the beginners as it is fun and pleasurable to read, as this book.

This presents a very good overview of Chinese history that is both understandable and enjoyable. The pictures and photos add much depth to what can sometimes seem a linear reading of history. After you read this book, you will want to board a plane for Xian.

1) First, the dynasties in chronological order: Zhou, Qin, Han, Tang, Song, Lio, Jin, Yuan, Ming, Qing.

2) Zhou (770-240BC) is an era of constant warfare and power struggles. Confucius and Lao-tzu (creator of Daoism) are born during this period. Their writings have an enormous impact on Eastern thought and governance. The famous terracotta warrors also date back to Zhou.

3) Qin (221-206BC) and Han (202BC-220AD). This is the start of China as an empire. (pg 60) Trate routes reach all the way to Turkey, The population is 58M in 2AD (slightly larger than contemporary Rome). The great wall starts construction.

4) Tang (581-907) unifies what is now considered modern China.
They link Northern and Southern China by huge canals and inter-regional trade floursihed. Chang'an becomes the world's largest city. Culture and the arts start to thrive.

5) Song (907-1276) is not able to control East Asia like Tang or Han. They broker deals with neighboring states for a shaky peace. The status quo continues. By the 11th century, China is outpacing Europe in terms of "agricultural productivity, industrial technology, and sophistication of commercial organization." (161)

6) Ghengis Khan (1162-1227) creates huge lightning force of calvary that eventually covers 2/3 of Asian continent. Some of the cities under his (and grandson's) control: Beijing, Lhasa, Moscow, Kiev, Ormuz, and Baghdad. The divisions between Mongol ruling class and Chinese are kept clear by law, status, and language. The Chinese resent this alien rule.

7) Ming (1368-1644) is founded by Taizu, who is was the first commoner to become emperor in 1,500 years. (191) The population continues to grow, but the country is not entirely under control. Mongols attack from the North, while the Japanese attack from the east.

8) Manchus (1644-1900) from Manchuria (east of Mongolia, above Korea) create the Qing dynasty. They govern efficiently. They force their subjects to adopt the Manchu hairstyle (shaved heads with braided hair in the back) as a symbol of their loyalty. Trade with Europe increases exponentially. By 1800, Europe was buying 1/7 of all Chinese tea. This eventually leads to the Opium wars. Various colonial powers all vy for a piece of China.

9) Sun Yatsen, Chang Kaishek, Mao Zedong round out the rest of this beautifully illustrated book.

Matthew "Quinn" Quinlan delivers diamonds, not women, in the Australian bush country. His impeccable honesty and extreme responsibility has earned him just the necessary reputation for lawyer Sidney Faulk to entrust Quinn with Olivia St. John, a governess who has inherited property in Africa. Despite Quin's warnings, Olivia will not be dissuaded from her dream running her uncle's boardinghouse.

Olivia's years spent working as a governess might not have prepared Olivia for dealing with a harsh life in the bush, it did teach her value of independence. In an attempt to discourage Olivia from traveling into the bush, Quinn demands his own personal price: a kiss a day. He assumes a gently reared woman would flee such an arrangement; instead, the joke is on him as their mutual attraction rages out of control. But Quinn comes from a street rat background and cannot imagine himself as part of anyone's happily ever after.

Author Patricia Wadell pens a marvelous historical romance with A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH. While Quinn is a typical alpha hero with his strength and control, he conceals a fascinating background and wonderful vulnerabilities. Olivia likewise exhibits remarkable strength and self-control in the face of incredible challenges. Rather than whining about the disrepair of her inheritance, for example, she rolls up her sleeves and gets to work. Her terrific fortitude earns the respect of those around her, particularly an intriguing secondary character by the name of Echo. Author Wadell's memorable characterizations and fantastic landscape result in her best novel yet! DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH earns the WordWeaving Award for Excellence.

Diamond in the Rough is a wonderful, sexy read with very believable characters in a fast-paced romantic adventure. Quinn and Olivia are well matched, true to life, and just plain charming. I loved the hero in this book - he is so REAL and captures your heart, flaws and faults included. Olivia is a persistent young woman who keeps chipping away at his heart, bit by bit, day by day during their adventure. I laughed out loud at the way she brings this stubborn hero's heart around by the end of the book.

Patricia Waddell's talents shines in this one. Don't miss it.

Set against the backdrop of Cape Town, South Africa in 1883, during the beginning of the diamond industry, Patricia Waddell has written a story full of the excitement and danger that was experienced by those who lived it. This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. You will enjoy following the journey of these two stubborn people, Olivia St. John a former governess, and Matthew "Quinn" Quinlan, as they try so hard to do what is right for the other.

Highly recommended.

This book is clearly a labor of love, but it really helped me understand why Dr Bach insisted "Keep it simple". Sure, every emotion is catalogued here, and every essence described, but the fact that there are hundreds of essences that are not clearly differentiated makes choosing more, not less difficult. After spending 3 fevered days on this book, do you know what I did? Went back with relief and renewed appreciation to my little Bach pamphlet and colored wheel, and selected a few essences, trusting that they would heal me. Less is more, when it comes to flower essences.

I read this book front to cover. It's a great reference book on Flower Essences, both English and North American, but the discriptions on the actions of each flower are new information on how spirit issues can effect the emotions and the body. I had never read any psychological work that took this perspective and I found it very useful and tremendously insightful. Even if you don't choose to buy the flower remedies, the analysis of the problems and possible causes are often enough to motivate the spirit toward change. Additionally, I'm greatful to the Company who produces these remedies, as they include local flowers to the U.S.A. Dr. Bach said "the cure to your disease lies in your own back yard", yet all that the Bach Flowers offers is from Europe. FES has all the North Amercian Flowers discribed in the book and in flower remedies. I particularly enjoyed looking up my Grandmothers favorot flowers and reading about the issues they assist in. I found that often they spoke to a long term family dynamics that existed for 3 generations, the flower preferrences were the intuitive attempt at my grandmothers cure. It's fun to look up your favorot flowers, and see what issues you may be working on. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in flower remedies, spiritual/emotional issues or thier connection to plant energies. The book is extremely well written and organized. Thanks :-)

I bought this book and I was not disapointed. I own serveral flower essence books, but this one is the best and the one I cannot do without. It cross references every emotion from feeling disconnected to Mother Earth to Anger to Problems connecting with your father. You name it, it's cross referenced here. The book is timeless and modern at the same time. It has a great introduction on flower essences, the whys and wheretofores, and explains each English (bach) & North American essence in detail and with care and insight. It is a privilage to own this book.