Barbara Goodman-Scott was inspired by the foods visible in the markets and gardens of Long Island's east end. She uses her training as an artist and her instincts as a cook to create a collection of easy, yet flexible recipes that are sure to impress. The preparation of most recipes is, as she promised, no more exerting ..."than pouring another glass of iced tea". The dishes 'travel' well for pot luck suppers or spontaneous gatherings. The 'Asparagus Vinaigrette' and 'Roasted Red Potato Salad with Arugula and Goat Cheese' are easily prepared in advance and served at room temperature making it possible to enjoy the leisurely afternoons or spectacular sunsets of summer while enjoying gourmet-style cuisine.

If you like cat stories you will love this book. Couple trying to make a living as flower growers in the Cornish countryside. Throughly enjoyable.

It is a real pity that this book is out of print. I have a copy(that I bought on sale)and had hoped to get another as a present for a friend. The text is very informative and well written and arranged. The paintings are well printed both as to detail and colors and presentation on the pages. I have perused mine many times and loaned it to my watercolor instructor who was as taken with it as I am. If you can find a copy of this in a bookstore and are interested in watercolors, snap it up. You will be pleased many times over to have it in your collection.

I really enjoyed reading Christopher Paul Curtis's book Bud, Not Buddy. This book won a Newbery Award. I thought it was really good because it was adventurous. Bud, age 10, was living in a foster home in Flint, Michigan. His mom died and he does not know where his dad is. Bud's mom always would look at a blue paper. He knew that the man on the paper had to be his father. The people at the foster home sent him to the Amoses' house. He ran away from there. Bud wants to find his father. He met a guy named Lefty Lewis who could take him to his father. Bud was curious to find out if Herman E. Calloway is his father. You have to read this book to see what happens to Bud. So, if you are looking for a very entertaining book, you should read Christopher Paul Curtis's book, Bud, Not Buddy. I really hope you enjoy this book!

Bud, Not Buddy tells the story of 10 year old Bud Caldwell, a young boy growing up in Michigan during the 1930's. Bud's mother died when he was only 6 years old, and since he never knew his father, Bud was forced to live in a home for orphans between his brief stays in various foster homes. Bud carries a battered suitcase which contains all the things that are near and dear to his heart; a special blanket and pictures of his mother. Although it seems as if Bud has very little, he has a drive to find his father, using the clues he feels that his mother left for him. After a bad experience at a foster care placement, Bud runs away using the rules he authored "Bud Caldwell's Rules and Things for Having a Funner Life and Making a Better Liar Out of Yourself" to guide him. Will the clues really lead to his father? Will Bud finally find a place to call home?

While this plot seems pretty intense, Curtis has truly captured the voice of a 10 year-old boy. The book is filled with laugh out loud humorous scenes that make it a really enjoyable read. Curtis carefully slips in a great deal of historical events through Bud's experiences without disrupting the overall flow of the book. Bud's voice is one that will draw children into the story and this is truly a book that young readers will enjoy. Check out Bud, Not Buddy for a splash of history, a heap of humor and an overall good book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Bud Caldwell encounters many things such as hornet's nest, a big bully, and a train hop. This might sound foolish but there's always a reason for his remarkable actions and choices. I recommend this funny book for ages 8-12. I recommend it for ages 8-12 because it is neither a hard read nor an adult plot, but it wouldn't be interesting for teenagers. Nothing will stop Bud from finding his father. He always carries around many flyers of a band... will the flyers help him or work against his intentions? Bud is the main character, and a very confident ten year-old boy who has unlimited bravery. He has a lot of incorrect understandings, which, much of the time, turn out to be hilarious. He is named Bud, not Buddy, because his mother thought it would be more grown up for him. This book is set in the 1920's or 30's. Bud's courage and endurance taught me to keep on going, no matter what. Christopher Paul Curtis is a wonderful author, whose books are always a treat to enjoy. He writes his books in first person, just as a black child would. He has a lot of slang in his book such as, "My eyes don't cry no more." I think it makes his books a little bit of. I highly recommend this book in addition with, The Watsons Go To Birmingham-1963, for they are both funny and ad venturous. Happy reading!

I have read and reread all of Marlowe's plays, and this one, written when he was 24, is still my favorite. It dramatizes the fall from grace of Dr. John Faustus, a physician in 15th century Germany. Faustus is unsatisfied with the laurels of earthly fame, so to extend his knowledge and his power he sells his soul to the devil. The tragedy is that he doesn't get nearly what he thought he would, and in the end he descends to using his powers to play sophomoric tricks on country bumpkins. The final scene, in which Faustus realizes it is too late, and he is damned to hell forever, is one of the most terrifying, powerful and moving in English literature.

In the Faust legend, a man by the name of Faust or Faustus sells his soul to the devil for twenty-four years of worldly power. This legend has been told many times over by such writers as Goethe and Mann, but no doubt the most famous retelling, and probably the best, is the play, Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe.

The most prominent influence on Marlowe's version of the Faust legend was the social upheaval during the time period in which it was written. Doctor Faustus was probably first performed in 1594, a time of tremendous change in Europe. The Medieval times were over and the Renaissance was beginning, however, influences of both times can be found in the play. Doctor Faustus is a transitional play where beliefs from both time periods intermingle, sometimes with disastrous results.

Doctor Faustus, himself, is a man torn between two traditions. He is a man with medieval beliefs, but renaissance aspirations. When he first attempts to conjure Mephistopheles, Faustus believe that Mephistopheles was forced to come by his (Faustus's) words. In response, Mephistopheles says, "for when we hear one rack the name of God, abjure the Scriptures and his savior Christ, we fly in hope to get his glorious soul." Mephistopheles has, of course, come of his own accord, because he feels that there is a soul to be had. He states this blatantly, yet Faustus is clouded by his old beliefs and also by his desires.

From a medieval point of view, Doctor Faustus can be looked upon as a morality play; a play about one man who aspires beyond his God-given place in the world. On the other hand, from a renaissance perspective, this play is a tragedy. The Renaissance was a time of individuality unlike the Middle Ages where a man was trapped in whatever social class into which he was born. Faustus is "an essentially good man" by Renaissance ideals who believes he has reached the end of human knowledge and is thus justified is using the black arts to further his knowledge. As in most classical tragedies, his downfall is complete and is due to his pride.

After Faustus makes his deal with Lucifer, the question must be asked: Is there any way back for him? Faustus believes he is damned at the moment that he signs his name in blood, although he has many chances to repent during the course of the play. The first chance comes after his first conjuring. He says, "O something soundeth in mine ear, 'Abjure this magic, turn to God.' Aye, and Faustus will turn to God again. To God? He loves thee not." Something is pleading for Faustus to repent, but Faustus remains firm in believing God has already condemned him. Each time the Good Angel appears is yet another chance for Faustus to repent, but the Evil Angel continues to threaten him if he even thinks about repenting. If it were not possible for Faustus to save his soul, then the Evil Angel and his demons would have simply left Faustus alone to cry out in anguish to God.

The final indicator that Faustus could have been saved at any point over his twenty-four year bargain is given by Mephistopheles, himself, as Faustus's fate is sealed beyond irrevocability.

Christopher Marlowe's brilliant retelling of the Faust legend springs not only from his own creativity, but from the times in which he lived. Marlowe's life and times allowed him to create the greatest retelling of one of Western cultures more timeless stories. When put to words, the legend seems so simple, yet its possibilities and implications, as Marlowe proves, can be nothing less than monumental.

The story of the infamous Dr. Faustus shows depth on many levels. Marlowe explores the developing morality play genre while calling upon aspects of classic tragedy. The main character, Faustus, finds himself too intelligent for the sciences of mortal man, and pursues a god-like existence in exchange for his soul. Prodded and guided by Mephostiphiles, servant to Lucifer, Faustus explores aspects of nature and society that the common man only dreams about. The conflict within Faustus is the central focus of the play, and Marlowe challenges the reader to consider whether it is more worthwhile to pursue mortal prestige or eternal salvation

There's no place like Rome, where all roads lead to, and Marcus Didius Falco, ace Roman Sleuth, finds himself in another dilemma in author Lindsey Davis' "Two for the Lions." And Davis has no trouble maintaining her momentum in this latest of the Falco series.

This time Falco is working as a tax investigator, appointed by the Emperor Vaspacian himself--but it's no ordinary tax investigation! He's on the trail of fraud committed by the "bestiarii" (the slaugherers) and the "lanistae" (the suppliers for the gladiator games). This "game" is deadly and the affable (but quite competent) Falco finds that dinner for the lions may include himself! His pursuits lead him and his friend Helena to Tripoli--seems simple enough but first Falco has to render aid to Helena's youngest brother, who seems caught in the middle!

Riddled with bits of humor as well as first-form suspense, "Two for the Lions" also offers history-with-an-exciting-twist. In addition, Davis doesn't hesitate to take pot shots at the local bureaucracy, and politics, society (a real "Roman a clef"!). And she is sure not to disappoint her "legions" of fans! (Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Marcus Didius Falco's mystery series takes place in Ancient Rome. Lindsey Davis is a highly intelligent writer, so when you pick up TWO FOR THE LIONS expect to be entertained to the fullest. I found the mystery remarkable and matchless. The characters are distinctive, their personalities are well formed, and their appearances are successfully painted by the author's pen. I found the written atmosphere of Rome dramatic and complete. As usual, I found Falco's good nature and wit amusing, and Helena to be an impressive mate and saint. Falco is assigned to investigate tax fraud (hmmm, the world's first IRS man?). This leads him to a man who provides lions for executions and entertainment. When an unusual death occurs, Falco becomes sidetracked and finds assistance in his dearest, Helena, who helps him resolve the mystery. Helena finds her brother in trouble and takes care of Falco when he comes down sick (Does he take it like a man?). As usual, people, situations, and the political subterfuge of Rome will be Falco's obstacles in solving this one.

I found it to be a substantial read that took a lot of concentration. Ms. Lindsey's knowledge of Rome and its citizens is so comprehensive that at points I felt overwhelmed and needed a break. To her fans, I'm sure, the greater size and more detailed the book, the better. They soak up the atmosphere and dialect with no complaints, and I have none either, but it may be a while before I'm ready to pick up another. It's series I recommend for historical mystery lovers.

There's no place like Rome, where all roads lead to, and Marcus Didius Falco, ace Roman Sleuth, finds himself in another dilemma in author Lindsey Davis' "Two for the Lions." And Davis has no trouble maintaining her momentum in this latest of the Falco series. This time Falco is working as a tax investigator, appointed by the Emperor Vaspacian himself--but it's no ordinary tax investigation! He's on the trail of fraud committed by the "bestiarii" (the slaugherers) and the "lanistae" (the suppliers for the gladiator games). This "game" is deadly and the affable (but quite competent) Falco finds that dinner for the lions may include himself!

His pursuits lead him and his friend Helena to Tripoli--seems simple enough but first Falco has to render aid to Helena's youngers brother, who seems caught in the middle! Riddled with bits of humor as well as first-form suspense, "Two for the Lions" also offers history-with-an-exciting-twist. In addition, Davis doesn't hesitate to take pot shots at the local bureaucracy, and politics, society (a real "Roman a clef"!). And she is sure not to disappoint her "legions" of fans!(Billyjhobbs@tyler.net)

Aside from being a subversive expose of all that Hollywood hype, this book is extremely funny. The authors obviously love the bad movies they write about, but they aren't fooled by them. This should make you look at your local video selection in a whole new light!

Collaboratively written by the creators of the B-movie website ..., Christopher Holland and Scott Hamilton, Reel Shame: Bad Movies And The Hollywood Stars Who Made Them is an unflinching look at some of today's most popular stars, including Kevin Costner, Shannen Doherty, Sarah Jessica Parker, and more, and the truly gut-wrenching bottom-barrel movies they once made. Individual chapters group the movies by trashy genres ranging from chainsaw massacres to sexy sizzlers, and discuss alleged reasons why these now-great names allowed themselves to become part of some of the sleaziest frames to be served upon the silver screen. A humorous, tongue-in-cheek read Reel Shame is especially recommended for B-movie enthusiasts.

For all you bad movie lovers, this book is a must. The guys in charge love these movies and take their hobby seriously, and a lot of enter/info-tainement comes out of their labor of love. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves movies, be they bad or good, because it's something for everyone. Pick it up now!!!

'The Reaper' is a very well-written book, not that long to read, and evokes its desired ambience of a quiet English village quite satisfactorily. The plot is well executed. It's the characters that did it in for me.

The book is not, in my estimation, a mystery, though that is where I found it at my local booksellers. There is murder and mischief aplenty, even some suspensful moments, but we know from the very outset whodunit. This puts it in the 'Columbo' league, where we know the identity of the killer, and the fun is supposed to be watching them squirm. While I enjoy that genre of suspense, it is not done as well as it could be in the case of 'The Reaper'.

The story concerns young and handsome Reverend Otis Joy, who has newly come to preside over St. Bartholomew's Church in Wiltshire , England. The first chapter shows him murdering Bishop Glastonbury, and the subsequent disposal of the body. There are certain mysterious elements regarding Joy's past which come up, but then they are discarded for a little too long before being picked-up later on in the novel. A young, unhappily married woman named Rachel Jansen attends Joy's congregation, and is in love with him (in her own convoluted way). Their relationship makes for the bulk of the story. I say "their relationship", whereas it is more Rachel's inner thoughts regarding the ever-murderous Reverend Joy.

And that is what bothered me the most about this book. There was no protagonist. No one to "root for". On one side we have Otis Joy, who murders people as though he were swatting flies, and then Rachel Jansen, who is overly-obsessed with the reverend to be of any sympathetic interest to the reader. She borders on being flaky, and I found it hard to readily embrace a book with a remorseless killer and an in-love flake as its protagonists. *This also, by the way, differs 'The Reaper' from being completely like a Columbo, as in Columbo, the star is the protagonist, the anchor to the ship, as it were. There really isn't such an anchor in this book.*

'The Reaper' does serve up a surprise or two (one very big one, as a matter of fact), and it is written well. I just wish that there had been a driving force of good somewhere in it - a Holmes, a Wimsey, a Poirot, a Marple, a Dalgliesh.... heck, even a Columbo.

The Reaper is a humourous, but elegantly written story of a homicidal rector who somehow secures the reader's approval while radically culling his flock in a Wiltshire village. His first (?) victim, Bishop Glastonbury, is found in a deserted quarry with a naughty girlie magazine close at hand. The Bishop's last telephone call was to a 'Miss Whiplash' hotline. Meanwhile, Otis Joy, the guilty rector, is disturbed by Rachel Jansen, a parishoner, as he parades around his home dressed only in an apron! Getting the picture?

This book is a great fun read as the bodies begin to pile up and the reader is the only one who knows who's doing it. There's no mystery involved - Otis Joy is guilty of more deaths than the bubonic plague. We even learn Reverend Joy's motives. What holds the reader's attention is the lasting question, will he be caught? People are getting suspicious, and tongues begin to wag. And, of course, there's Joy's possible relationship with Rachel Jansen after her husband suddenly 'dies'... Will it happen? Can it succeed?

My only reason for not giving 'The Reaper' a five star rating, is because I felt we weren't given quite enough characterization of the main roles. If there'd been a four-and-a-half button, I would have pressed it. Nevertheless, 'The Reaper' earned Peter Lovesey the Cartier Diamond Dagger award and should not be missed. His other books (over twenty of them) include 'Rough Cider' and 'The Vault' - also well worth space on your bookshelf.

THE REAPER is one of the funniest novels I have read in a long time. Although it scarcely qualifies as a mystery (the only mystery is, "Will he get away with it?") the book certainly meets the highest standards for light well-crafted fiction with a lovely nasty streak. Be warned, however: it is impossible to put down.

I'm not really much of a fan of science fiction (I've only ever read one other sci fi novel and that's Lewis Shiner's "Glimpses," which is nothing like this) but I picked up this book because Orson Scott Card is a well respected cult figure, I found it on sale and the title sounded really interesting. Plus, despite my normal aversion towards sci-fi, I always like time travel stories (probably due to watching "Back to the Future" over and over when I was a kid) and I liked the way that was used in here.

The first half of the book mostly has the characters observing the past through thier TruSite machines which is intercut with segments from Christopher Columbus' own life. One of the things that I liked about the book was how Card made Columbus into a sympathetic human character instead of just treating him as a heroic figure. This book is actually a far better study of Columbus than either of the two critcally panned 1992 biopics "Christopher Columbus: The Discovery" and "1492: Conquest of Paradise." At times, though, I found the writing, especially here in the first part of the novel, to be a bit too heavy handed and complex. There are a few segments where Card gets way too bogged down in detail and this slowed me down considerably during the midsection of the book.

The second half of the novel, though, is fast paced and entertaining as three of the characters actually travel back in time to try and change the course of history. Here we get even more insights into the life of Columbus and although the whole "time traveller from the future is thought to be a God" is a bit of a sci-fi cliche, it is handled very well here.

So while I still haven't exactly been converted to a hardcore science fiction fan, I would reccomend this book to fans of fantasy, historical fiction and anyone who is interested in the subject of Columbus.

Pastwatch: The Redemption of Christopher Columbus is as good a piece of psycho-history as has been written. The main plot of this story - undoing the damage unwittingly wrought by Christopher Columbus - enlightens the reader about pieces of history that remain largely unexamined in a nation that celebrates Columbus Day as if CC himself were the first native. The evaluation of the actions leading up to Columbus' (largely accidental) journey to America, their repercussions and alternatives, stands with the strongest philosophical explorations of Card's best novels. Pastwatch is not particularly concerned with the development of any characters but Columbus, and even he is a little distant, but it is a rare instance where characterization is secondary yet competently executed. The only flaw (in my opinion) is two-thirds of they way through the novel when the time-travelers of the book, determined to help Columbus do it right, act on the majority wish of the planet's population against its more immediate well-being. Sadly, that most of the world is self-sacrificing may never be believable. As an examination of the seldom-told early history of Europeans in America, Pastwatch is an entertaining way to learn some disturbing truths that all Americans should know. As a work of fiction, Pastwatch examines the themes of responsibility, character and faith better than most non-fiction books focusing on those subjects. I highly recommend this book to any fan of science fiction, history or ethics. I can't say that about anyone but Card.

I admit that I've been a big fan of Card for many years, but have been disappointed by the last few books I had read. This one, in my opinion, redeems him. Highly original, never predictable, Pastwatch takes us where we've never been before. No science fiction cliches or super talented heroes, this novel is more a combination of mystery novel and history novel.

The planet Earth can no longer support life. The greatest minds and highest technology cannot provide an answer. The only option left is to change the past. But how? The chance remains high, that any change you make could only cause more suffering in the history of the world. And in usual Card fashion, Orson surrounds his characters with moral traps in which they must make hard choices with terrifying consequences. All this tension slowly building up until the final climax.

If you're a long time science fiction reader like me, who has grown tired of reading the same old Sci Fi themes over and over again, you'll find this novel unique, refreshing and hard to put down.