I have made several of the recipes in this book and continue to be extremely impressed. So many times, books that are centered around a specific appliance are too complicated and show-offy - they seem to forget that the appliance is supposed to make life easier and write recipes that use too many ingredients (several of them unrecognizable) and too many steps. My crock pot cookbook (and my crock pot, for that matter) remain unused as a result.

This cookbook doesn't do this. Many of the recipes are quite simple, and if esoteric ingredients are called for they are explained and described and are the focal point of the recipe. More than any other cookbook, this book gave me a food education as well. I learned an incredible amount about rice and about a variety of cultural adaptations of rice without feeling like a captive audience.

Finally, this book is extremely well organized and easy to understand and follow. The shopping section at the end with internet sources to purchase ususual rices, spices, and vegetables was an unexpected treat. I am recommending rice cookers highly, and in the same breath, I make sure to recommend this book. In fact, the next wedding I go to, the bride and groom get a rice cooker and this cookbook. It's that good.

This book was exceptional, original and well-written. If you don't have a rice-cooker, go out and buy one. The book has lots of great recipes. It'll have you cookin' outstanding food in no time.

I bought a rice cooker, learned the basics of preparing rice and then wanted to expand my skills. So I bought a few cookbooks but this is the ONLY one that has recipes my whole family loves, so much so that we use it at least 3-5 times a week and never feel like we're eating the same thing.
The recipes aren't just for rice but for all sorts of grains and vegetables and fruits as well. In fact, I'm ready to throw out my crockpot because the meals prepared in the rice cooker are much better, don't have that overcooked, stewed taste you can get with a crockpot and have all the convenience and ease that I need with my busy schedule. The directions are clear and the recipes range from the simple (plain cooked grains) to the more complex (rice with coconut and currants... or grits with cheese and spices )
The ultimate test of a good cookbook, of course, is getting compliments and raves about the food. Every time I've made a recipe from this book, the food has been devoured quickly. We rarely have leftovers and my son's friends even make a point of looking in the kitchen to see if the rice cooker is turned on ( yes, the recipes in this cookbook are THAT good).

This book is truly a comprehensive collection of recipes. I work as a home economist, and this book contains most of the recipes that the public requests. It sits on my desk with my "easy-to-reach" references. As is typical of Southern Living cookbooks, recipes are presented in an easy-to-read, organized format that makes cooking a pleasure, even for the novice. I give this cookbook as a gift for weddings, graduations, and housewarmings. One of the best I've ever run across in my work. I have my own copy as well.

I have several Southern Living cookbooks including several years of the annual editions and the 20th anniversary edition. This is by far my favorite. The recipes are grouped by category rather than month as in the annual editions which I hate, it makes it hard to browse for a dinner recipe. One of the best things about this book is it has recipes for everyone from the beginner to the advanced chef. I can't name the number of times I have used the reference sections also. The substitution list is the best and I love the introductions and tips listed all over the book. Where the annual editions are really geared towards an experienced chef this book has so many basic tips that I would strongly recommend it for a beginning chef as well.

This is a no fail cookbook. It's the book I turn to when it "HAS" to be right. I have never been disappointed with the results of a recipe. Bon appetit!

La Leche League can sometimes have a reputation of harboring zealots, and "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" doesn't do much to dispel that reputation. This book, OTOH, is great: accurate, and very approachable. Most breastfeeding mothers won't need this book, and it is quite pricy, but if you work with mothers and babies in any capacity, it's a great book to have. (most mothers could use "So That's What they're For! Breastfeeding Basics" or "The Nursing Mother's Companion", or "The Womanly Art...") Information in this book is very straight-forward, easy to understand, very thorough and very easy to find. I like that. Most pediatricians and family practitioners could benefit from consulting this book on growth, milk supply, the hazards of giving a "relief bottle", and general ability to communicate with mothers.

I have read other books and this by far is the BEST one I have come across. It answers ANY question or concern I may have. I have found the answers I need in a matter of minutes and even when health professionals haven't a clue what to tell me. It has great information about pumping and storing breastmilk, what medications affect/don't affect your breastmilk, and so many other things that have helped me. This book is written like a textbook and instead of saying "you", it refers to you as "the mother." It is very easy reading, and I recommend this to a first time breastfeeder or a mom like myself who has breastfed before but didn't have all the information I needed. The book was very encouraging and interesting!

HI. I am writing this review because I absolutely love this book. I got it after taking a non profit groups volunteer phone counseling class for breastfeeding counselors, and it was awesome to have to look at. I used this for myself as well as moms that I counseled with breastfeeding. This book is an amazing source of information from problems with breastfeeding, to the jaundiced baby breaking down & explaining bilirubin levels to you, as well as proper positioning, thrush, sore nipples, relactation, adoptive lactation! Tons and Tons of information that any breastfeeding mother, volunteer breastfeeding counselor, IBCLC, or DR/Nurse would find as honest practical advice! I have used this with now 2 breastfed children and countless new moms!

Most cutesy management books last as long as a piece of chewing gum and like gum can stick to your shoe with minimum impact on one's thinking and performance. What's different about " "It" Happens", is its grounding in solid behavioral theory and the author's brilliance in tieing a fable to principles of change and the creation of resilience. The last part of the book pulls it all together with focusing questions and even provides a foam puzzle as a tactile reminder of the ebb and flow of the steps along the way.
Julie Smith has provided an important strategic tool that could spark improved responses to the uncertainties of today's world.

At first glance, this book seemed almost too simple to take seriously - - but then I began using its concepts and they were so effective that I decided to read the book again. The message in this book is profound, and I believe that Dr. Smith's concepts for handling change are the most effective concepts I've ever used. If you're struggling with how to truly handle change -- try the concepts in this book! They really do work.

Finally! A practicle guide for navigating change. The impact of other "change" books doesn't last long after the hour it takes to read them. But Dr. Smith's book has provided a tangible way for me to see change as part of the adventure of life. Not only did I learn something new from the book, I learned how to deal with change in a way that will change and grow as I do. And if you're an impatient person like myself and like to see the nuts and bolts of the message first, the book's main points are presented in the last third of the book. This section has also been great as a reference while I've learned to apply her ideas for change. Wonderful book. I hope she writes more.

I reviewed this book a long time ago, back before Amazon kept track of us... (I'm the one that mentions the astonished Mary over coffee).... The reason I wanted to revisit this review, though, is more than just because I wanted credit. This book is truly astonishing-- this Christmas, I had it out on the table as part of my holiday decor and the friends & family who looked at it were all delighted. I think my favorite part is still the same-- the way Vivas illustrates a real looking family with the classic story. But another thing that is important to me is that she shows Joseph taking active part in his child's nurturing (even if he is technically a "stepdad"). The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is the classic, poetic King James version. Love it!

For some odd reason, children's books based on the Bible often bring out the worst in illustrators. I've seen more bad drawing, syrupy expressions and cloying colors in illustrated Bible stories than in any other kind of children's book. That's why this book is literally a God send. The lovely King James text might normally be a little over the heads of the 4 to 8 year olds this book is aimed at, but Julie Vivas' illustrations bring it to life and make it something any child will want to hear again and again and again. I've read it for years to both of my children, as well as in classrooms, and it is always a huge hit. From angels with rainbow colored wings and army boots (a few of them riding the shepherds' sheep) to the crowds in Bethlehem literally dripping from the trees, this book is a delight. It's hilarious, but also very moving. One of my favorite pictures in the book is of the enormously pregnant Mary gazing at her belly in delight. And my six-year-old daughter adores the wide-eyed baby Jesus. If you only buy one Christmas picture book, this is the one to get.

This is my all time favorite nativity book. I have purchased additional copies for each of my three children and at least one classroom. Julie Vivas's illustrations are wonderfully fanciful and humorous. I love having a view of Mary being hoisted up onto the donkey and later, the naked baby Jesus. The story is a KJV and formal, which is in beautiful contrast to the illustrations. I highly recommend this book!

Our family has been visiting Sanibel and Captiva for more than 30 years, and this book is the most complete guide we can imagine. The writing is so good (I'm a freelance writer myself), the information is well-organized, and the photography is excellent. We bought it while we were vacationing on Captiva and have already recommended it to cousins and aunts and uncles who also fish and shell there.

This is a GREAT book! It's a real help not just to the visitors, but to the residents (like myself). I actually discovered a couple of trails on Sanibel that I hadn't heard of. The photos are great, I really enjoyed the poems by local writers, and the shopping & resource list was helpful as a resident. The reviews of the restaurants were on the mark. The book is a true flavor of Sanibel & Captiva without the PR that comes with each place marketing itself. It's so refreshing to have this kind of guide.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book cover to cover and learned a lot of things I never knew even after 9 years of coming to the islands. The book provided answers to a lot of questions I've always had, such as... how Sanibel ever managed to keep fast food places off the islands! I showed it to my uncle and aunt who live on Sanibel and they thought it was wonderful too. Looking through my copy wasn't good enough -- they are going to pick up their own. When I returned home, I loaned the book to a co-worker who spends 3 weeks each year on Sanibel. He can't put the book down!

I am an 11th grade history student who is very intellectual but has one problem- I cannot read nonfiction. However, when I read this book by Woodward for a class assignment, I found the book so readable that I was enthralled and even enjoyed reading through the engrossing decision-making and conversations. What's more, a reader feels like they get the real facts from the book and see the real reasons that decision makers act in certain ways; it is hardly a random action- these men take their jobs seriously and do it well. Cynicism I may have felt towards government has become more controlled and more muted after reading this book. I recommend it.

I found this book well worth the read. I quite honestly had forgotten many of the events surrounding the invasion of Panama and the Gulf War. This book brought it all back into perspective. Woodward's research and ability to tell the whole story gives you a "fly on the wall" status. He tries not to make any judgements either on the events themselves or the players involved. Woodward succeeds in laying it all out there for you.

I will admit Woodward does seem to have a bias toward Powell, but not enough so that you think he is forcing him on you. He doesn't paint an overly rosy picture of Bush, often leaving you wondering about Bush's decision-making skills or intentions. This may only be because he was not able to personally use Bush as a source.

I am a big fair of Woodward, so much so that I would even consider reading his shopping list. Overall this book gives the reader some very interesting stories about the military preparation and political decision making that led up to the Attack on Panama and the Gulf War. The book also gives you the details of the inner workings of the Pentagon and the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I do not think there is a current writer / investigative reporter that has the ability to get the inside information Woodward always does, at time I wonder if he does not pay people to take tape recorders with them to meetings. He provides so much detail and very useful explanations of the process that you really feel that you are there. He always puts together a great book and he has done it here again. I also have the book by the 1st Bush "A World Transformed", and in the book he states that for the most part everything in this Woodward book is correct, I do not think you can get a better recommendation then that. You will defiantly enjoy this book.

My husband and I purchased this little book for ourselves and for both sets of grandparents. The writing style is adorable. Each day gives us a glimpse at where our baby is in her development. The grandparents are ticled and feel like a part of the whole experience. We've also bought this as a gift for newly pregnant friends. It is also educational.

Countdown to a miracle is a spiral bound book that counts down the days to the birth of your baby. Each day tells a little something about the growth of the baby. You can track the baby's developement with ease, as this book sits up. I had mine on my desk and each morning I'd flip the page to read about the baby growing inside my belly. It's a book I'll cherish, and my baby will cherish, as I was able to write down the date. It's like having a little history book once the baby is born!

This book is great for any new mom. I have purchased it for both of my girlfriends the minute the found out they were pregnant. It is a great starter book, and it lets you check your babies development day by day. FANTASTIC!

i found the book very interesting and definitly a book any horse lover would love to read. the author knows her subject and her materiel. i would recomend the red colt to any one who needs a lift or enjoys a good story.

THE RED COLT is a very exciting chapter book for horse lovers; esp. Thoroughbred race fans. It has interesting characters, and is great for ages 8 up... adults too. Your kids and you will love it. My 10 yr. old actually sleeps with the darn book! Well worth the low price... Quite a memorable story. A must read....

Primarily written for children of all ages, but as a grandmother
of eight, I've read it myself more than once and love the bonding
between the teenage girl and the colt. Obviously the author knows horses and loves them very much. She includes a lot of exciting racing action and keeps you in suspense until the very end to find out if you will have a smile on your face or tears in your eyes. Hopefully there will be a sequel!

If this is your first Chinese book, it's kind of fun, but it doesn't take you very far. If you really want to learn Chinese, there are a lot better books than this. This is more of a stocking stuffer/[bathroom] book.

Not exactly a text on Chinese characters, this pocketbook is a great starter for those who have a curiosity of how Chinese writing works and don't want to be burdened with the extraneous info found in a serious textbook. Seventy-one characters frequently encountered by tourists are introduced but you'll wind up learning much more than that because many of these characters are also used in combination to form new compound words. The format is well-designed and makes the book fun and easy to use without being too simplistic. You'll learn the traditional and simplified form of the character, how these characters are rendered in the Western alphabet (i.e. the pinyin), and, thankfully towards the back of the book, how to write the character. Throughout the book are cultural tidbits and photographs of signs, ticket stubs, stamps, and advertisements which contains the characters introduced. This little book will take the intimidation out of trying to learn what far too many Westerners find as beyond their capacity to understand.

For the most part, Chinese is really two languages - a written one and a spoken one. One really cannot "sound out" written Chinese Characters, like they can with English. Most books for travelers to China dwell on the spoken language. This is actually a very good idea, because it helps you communicate and get around. But this book is different and fun, because it concentrates on Chinese characters which are beautiful and interesting.

I lived in the city of Shenyang, China for almost a year and a half. I dealt with a lot of Chinese people and Westerners that had been there for varying lengths of time. The Westerners had varying levels of oral Chinese language skills, but it was very rare for me to find a Westerner who knew how to read Chinese. The Westerners that I knew who could read Chinese were for the most part long time scholors on the topic or they learned it from their Chinese relatives.

I read this book, and learned most of the characters in it. I could not even come close to reading a magazine or newspaper, even those for children. But, I knew more Chinese characters than 95% of the Westerners that I knew in China. Most of these foreigners would be impressed when I could read the little I did. For most of the Chinese people I met, I was the only Westerner that they ever met who could read even a few characters. I'd figure a sign out, and they could not believe it. This skill was a great conversation topic, and I soon learned several other characters in the conversations that I had with the locals.

For the most part, this book is not required reading for someone who travels to China. In places where a lot of Westerners travel, many signs are in English, or pin-yin, or "Chinglish" (poor translations from Chinese to English.) But when I went to places less traveled, I can tell you that it was nice to be able to read the sign on the restroom door so I did not get into an embarrassing situation. (I had plenty of other embarrassing experiences without going into the wrong public toilet.)

I highly recommend the book. Have fun!