Finally a cook book that reads like a family album. Not only authentically Syrian American foods, but stories of the authors childhood memories and loves. I have tried many of the recipes and the results are spectacular. Easy to follow instruction, I feel sometimes like 'grandma' is in the kitchen teaching me. Thanks for this wonderful slice of your life, and for a book I will use for many years to come. Now I can enjoy my favorite Syrian foods at home without going to Paterson!!

"A Taste of Syria" is a wonderful collection of Middle Eastern recipes and a special treasure for those of us who are third and fourth generation descendants of Middle Eastern families. I grew up in Brooklyn and remember fondly the wonderful Syrian cooking of my paternal grandmother and the many wonderful meals eaten at her home. As a teenager and young adult I tried to cook my favorites among these meals but my grandmother's instructions were basically - "a little bit of this or that; you need to see how it tastes or feels." After several unsuccessful efforts, I gave up trying to cook most of these meals and truly missed these wonderful, healthy foods of my childhood. This book has given me back those wonderful recipes and memories. The recipes are clear and provide step by step instructions with many pictures and lots of useful information. The names in Arabic and English and the information on where to get the ingredients are particularly useful. I have tried several of the recipes and they are terrific and taste just the way my Grandmother made them. I have also shared this book with many of my relatives and non-Middle Eastern friends and family who also enjoy this food and are excited that they now can try these recipes. The authors have done a truly outstanding job and I thank them for keeping alive a very special part of our heritage and capturing the essence and quality of Middle Eastern cooking for all.

"A Taste of Syria" is must reading for any one who enjoys terrific Middle East cuisine. Not only is it the first truly authentic, homespun Syrian cook book published in decades, this outstanding book impressively captures the texture and the life of the Syrian American community as it pertains to its culinary traditions.The authors present delicious Syrian specialities, capitalizing especially on the internationally acclaimed cuisine of Aleppo.And there are two helpful indexes -- dishes are listed by both their Arabic names and their English names. This yummy cook book has it all--how to conveniently prepare tasty lamb, seasoned vegetables, yogurt, as well as favorite staples like Hummus, Baba Ghanouj and Tabouli.What I especially like about this book, which spans two cultures, are the easy-to-follow cooking instructions. This innovative cook book is such a delight I'm seriously considering changing professions and becoming a chef!

A masterful telling of the joy and trials of family life and child rearing while touching upon some of the deepest questions we have all asked of ourselves. Extremely well crafted language and intelligent insights make this book and intriguing journey through the lives of this large family. Tranel uniquely weaves multiple facets into the telling of each child's life-generational, historical, sociological, birth order, location and happenstance. The connection between each child's early disposition and interests to their adult life is an interesting and intriguing study, causing the reader to examine their own history.

Another enjoyable part of the book is the beautiful word portraits of life in the high country of Montana and Wyoming, along with side journeys to Iowa, New York, Alaska, Europe and many points in between. In reading this book, I became genuinely excited about some of the insights I gained into the rearing of my own children and my own up-brininging. More importantly, Tranel keeps hitting on how she rationalized, justified or just accepted through faith her position in life and the lives of her husband and children.

The importance of all the little events that compose our lives becomes more evident-from family dinners and holiday traditions right down to a certain piece of clothing or seemingly small event in one's childhood. Riding alongside these events is always the question of faith and life's lingering questions (What if? What could I have become?)-the understanding of which helped keep Virginia Tranel focused on a rich and satisfying career, that of raising ten children. This is a beautifully written book with rich detail allowing the reader to side with each child as they grow and to experience and even envy the Walton-like life of toboggan rides, seventeen foot snowmen, raising horses and cows, fresh baked bread, chaotic vacations and all the nooks and crannies of each family home. A thoroughly enjoyable read.

I just finished reading Ten Circles Upon the Pond, and found it to be most excellent. Being familiar with all the places that Virginia Tranel described in the book made it a fun read for me. I know Dubuque, Billings, and Miles City all very well. It was well written. Rather nostalgic but not maudlin. Sentimental, but not mired, and most enjoyable. Virginia Tranel pulled it off very well. I sort of feel that most memoirs are either self deprecating or self-aggrandizing, so it was very refreshing to see a self-criticism that was fair and yet fun to read. All her characters (kids) came alive as I read the book, and I felt as if I actually knew the whole family. I really would love to drive over and spend an afternoon with Virginia, as I feel we have a lot in common, even though I am more the age of her oldest kids. The book was not perfect, however, I felt that Ned was sort of underplayed, and some of the drama of raising kids was downplayed, but that may not be so bad if she decides to ever write a sequel. I guess I give it about a 96%, which is good, as I have only ever given one book I read a 100%. This was the 59th book I have read this year so far and the second best.... not bad for a first book by an author.

One would not expect a book about a family to be so gripping, but Tranel does such a great job of weaving her own story with what is happening in the culture that it becomes more than just a memoir. It is a story of me as well; the eras in which I lived and my challenges as a mother. A great Mother's Day gift that will make you weep for joy and longing--longing for the comfort and support that only a family can provide.

I became interested in "Ten Sisters" when I noticed that the story took place in my home state of Illinois, but specifically central Illinois. I just graduated from EIU which is located in Charleston and just next door to Mattoon. Reading about the Waggoners in those towns was such a joy, but meeting nine of the sisters was an even greater honor. They signed my book at the mall in Mattoon and were extremely gracious at my interest in their stories. I wasn't able to finish the novel before I met them, but even so, reading the chapters after I had met the authors gave the book a personal touch. I was in disbelief at some of the personal trials they went through. It is amazing that any of them survived so much heartache and uncertainty! My favorite aspect of the book is how Jenny and the older sisters wrote about the same period of time, but by the time you get to Vera's, Audrey's, and Doris' chapters, you are set in a completely different timeframe with completely different lifestyles. It is amazing how so many different stories come out of one very close, very special family. They told me that they will be coming out with an audio version of the book and they'll be featured in a popular women's magazine in Nov. or Dec. I'll be sure to check it out, and you should too!

I really don't like to read...let alone do a report on something that I have read! I don't know why, but I actually like doing it for this book...... It has some really funny, sad, and just odd things in it. I mean who would have a pet goat as a kid? I am in Highschool and lots of my friends and teachers were all dying to read this book. I would sit in class and read bits and pieces and the kids around me would always want to hear more...it was weird! Stuff like having a boxing ring in the front yard, or ten sisters sleeping in one bed not knowing who wet the bed in the morning...for some reason that sparked their interest???? Then there was the sad stuff in the book that was described in detail. It really made me learn a lot more then I already knew about these ladies, it's like stepping into their shoes (although they didn't wear them too often) I really like the book, after I read it there were just soo many things to tell about it in the report I did for my sophmore English class that it ended up getting an "A"...which is odd for me! :) This book is great...there are just soo many things to like about it, so many stories. The part I really like about the book though was that sometimes the sisters had different view points about the story, it was kinda neat to see what each one said about certain things...if they remembered or included it. And living in Iowa, it was a big highlight of my life...not many things can do that here! thanx-AM

Courage comes at an early age... these women had it in 1942 and even today display that same courage. As I know each one of these women personnally, my review may be a bit biased...but anyone that reads this work will see that I am only telling the facts. Each sister is a remarkable work of art. This book is a true "Love story" about "Family" and the meaning it gives to our lives. "Divided" as a family at such an early age has given great meaning to "togetherness" as each sister worked their way from mid 20th Century to present day.... Their style of writing is free and bold as they tell of perceptions and feelings. Just to get ten sisters to sit down and author a book together is almost fiction. Yet again their spirit of "one for all" won out, and I, a reader won too. This book is "true LIFE" at its worst, and best

I loved this book. I needed to find some recipes to use the milk I already have in my food storage. I never realized there were so many ways to use powdered milk. I was so excited with the taste of the recipes that I made seven of them in two days. I also used the evaporated milk recipe in one of my families favorite deserts. It was a real hit.

I am one of the author's 12 children. Growing up with powdered milk was the best. We learned the many uses of dry milk and how to use it. Now, being married I wouldn't be without it. I give it as gifts for all occasions. This book contains everything from fruit smoothies to cottage cheese to pancakes and desserts. Growing up, I thought that dry milk was a staple in everybody's home. I was wrong. With this book, it could be a staple in your home, one you wouldn't want to live without.

I actually helped her to bind this book, and I want to tell you that I think this cookbook is a must to have in your food storage. Not many people know what things you can make with powdered milk and this helps you out. I echo the words of the publisher. (:)

How could historians have overlooked such an important and colorful piece of American history? The book is a fast read and filled with vivid descriptions. Once you read it, you won't be able to believe that something like this happened in America.

This book is probably the most complete and balanced view of the Mine Wars in West Virginia, an almost unknown yet significant part of American history. It details how and why things happened and gives very vivid accounts of the struggles of the day in the coalfields. This was the largest insurrection against our Federal Government outside of the War Between the States, and was the only time bombs have been dropped from planes on American soil. A must read for anyone interested in Appalachia or coal mining.

I really enjoyed this fascinating account of the coal wars of west virginia. Not enough has been reported about the events that occured there, and this book sheds light on the subject.

I bought this book for my boss who designs houses. He and I were happily satisfied with the extrordinary details of the homes in this book. You will love the architecture, interiors, country settings, furnishing, and colors of these homes. All seem to have been meticulously cared for and lived in. You will be transported back in time as you turn the pages and wish you could visit and stay a while in these homes.

I don't think there are any floorplans, but the book is awesome for the pictures of each house inside & out.

Wonderfully photographed, just the right amount of text, good cross section of houses around the state.

This book transported me back to my home state of Virginia (my Florida driver's license is only 14 months old) in an almost visceral way. I recommend it not only to Virginians but to anybody who wants to travel through a doorway into a more genteel place and time.

Filled with lavish full-color photographs and satisfying historical descriptions, this is the kind of coffee-table sized book that you want to curl up with and linger over.

The exteriors of the homes, photographed to reveal telling architectural detail, are also shown in their natural surroundings. You see the Virginia rivers that flow beyond the front lawns; the lavish beds of tiger lilies in full bloom; the grazing horses in pasture; the paper-white dogwoods blossoms at their peak in spring; the shade-dappled pea-gravel paths hemmed in by generations-old boxwoods that you can fairly smell. One estate in particular - Westover - reminded me of many childhood visits to family friends who lived in a very similar faux plantation house named Wilton on the banks of the James River in the Varina district of Henrico County.

The interiors of the houses are revealed in full clarity. Entire rooms are photographed, as well as details of construction and furnishing: chair rails, paneling, china settings, chandeliers, secret doorways, period furniture, fabrics and paintings on the wall. You feel as if you would like to sit in that bay window and savor the view to the outside; relax in that chair by that fire; explore that winding spiral staircase all the way to the top; play a hand of cards at that card table with the silk-inlaid top; drink brandy out of that crystal goblet; sleep in that four-poster bed under that bedspread; run your hand over that polished bannister railing.

The accompanying essays convey the history of each house, its architectural uniqueness, and the chain of ownership into the present day. Long enough to be informationally satisfying but brief enough to retain reader interest (no mean feat!), the prose serves to cre! ate a bridge into a past that has nonetheless been kept intriguingly alive by the stewardship of the current owners of these houses and grounds. The 27 homes profiled, built during the historical periods of English Colonial (1690-1720), Colonial (1720-90), Federal (1790-1830) and Antebellum (1830-60) are scattered through Virginia's Tidewater, Piedmont and Blue Ridge Mountain areas.

Breck Montague, owner of the English Colonial estate Toddsbury in Tidewater Virginia's Gloucester County, says that "When I turn down the lane on my way home, I turn my car radio off and roll down my window. I smell the humus of the forest, and I feel the peace and tranquility of the place." Indeed, that feeling of place and quietness permeates this entire 215-page book, and time spent with this sumptuous volume is practically guaranteed to lower your blood pressure.

Because Toddsbury and the other homes in Virginia Country are in private hands and not on public tour, this book will prove especially useful to historians, designers, architects, landscapers, and antique and art lovers. Virginia Country is well suited for either library or private collections.

AUTHOR INFORMATION: Articles by Betsy Wells Edwards have appeared in lifestyle, business and equestrain publications. She lives with her husband and son on a 19th century farm in Goochland County, Virginia. Taylor Dabney's work has appeared in numerous publications and exhibits. He has been a recipient of the Virginia Commission for the Arts Photography Fellowship and was named in 1987 to the top-five list of new photographers at Photography Magazine's annual awards convention.

As a native Virginian, I don't know why it took me so long to discover this book. It's a great reference to have for both residents and visitors. I spent the first two hours just looking up points of interest and trivia about the Old Dominion. Virginia has so many historical sites that touring the state is like taking a class on the formation of America. A tourist can visit Revolutionary War Sites, Civil War Battlefields, scenic old towns, and the beautifully restored great houses, like Mount Vernon in Alexandria , Monticello in Charlottesville, Oatlands Plantation in Leesburg and, of course, the James River Plantations. Williamsburg is a must see for everyone.

This book's Introduction gives a little background of Virginia and some general history. The handbook is then divided into the five regional areas of the state. They are the Northern, Central, Coastal Plain, Southwest and the Shenandoah Valley. Within these divisions information is given on the counties and major cities. In each place, the historic sites, annual events, shopping places, museums, hotel accommodations, recreation areas, dining and local transportation are all listed and given detailed descriptions.

I think that the best way to truly critique a guide book is to read about an area that you know pretty well and see how the authors handled that region. All of the major sites were mentioned in my area and the accommodations and things to do were all covered. I checked out the restaurants listed and there were eight mentioned. I would have left out two. One major restaurant was not included. Other than that minor point, the authors gave a pretty accurate description of my area. This book is very concise and I believe it to be a very helpful guide to traveling in the great state of Virginia..

"Recommended for visitors who want to research a trip ahead of time and take the book along for repeated reference. Covers the parks, scenic highways and historic attractions of the state, including tips on everything from shopping and dining to hotels and entertainment. An excellent destination guide." The Bookwatch

Comprehensive coverage of the state for visitors and Virginia residents alike. The rolling hills of horse country, Shenandoah Valley, the Blue Ridge Mountains and numerous wineries are among the state's offerings. Here's a guide to the national and state parks, the cities, towns and villages. Accommodations and places to eat, along with historical sites and attractions.

The Virginia Hostess is a fabulous guide for anyone! Whether you are an experienced chef or a novice, this cookbook is more than the average collection of recipes. It features themed chapters with beautiful historic sketches from Virginia. Each chapter has complete menus for different occasions, including showers, children's parties, formal dinners, picnics, holiday occasions and more! An educational and comprehensive wine selection section is included. I highly recommend this beautiful and resourceful cookbook and entertaining guide!

The menus ideas are terrific! I enjoyed all the recipes and was glad to have a cookbook that covers most any occasion. The layout is superb and makes a great bridal or hostess gift. This book has really made my life a lot simpler when I am called to entertain. I own a lot of cookbooks but this one is well worn and used often.

I've owned this book for a couple of years now, and have reallyused it alot! It has great recipes in it, but in addition, it hasmenu and entertaining suggestions, a list of Virginia wineries, and even ideas for kids' parties. (Who knew how to make face paint?) I also like the fact that it comes from a community service organization, so I know part of my purchase price went to a good cause.

This is a great book for a number of reasons:

1.It is short and practical.

2.This book is surprisingly thorough. I thought that this book might be too tactical and too focused on Microsoft Windows. It turned out to be full of general principles that could be applied in any software design situation. In fact it is full of information that would help any type of design process.

3.This book is well written and easy to read. I enjoyed reading this book.

4.Most of the principles in the book are timeless. Even though the examples are dated the principles can be applied today.

5.This book is written by someone who has had a huge impact on lots of real world software. The book reflects a lot of successful experience with high profile products. It is obvious that the author knows how to work with engineers and designers under high pressure situations and still manage to ensure strong design.

This book is a good introduction to the principles of interface design and how it affects the usability of a software product. It includes many examples and illustrations of the ideas outlined in the book. The content is easy to read and the full-color graphics are high quality. I think it is well worth reading and very helpful for both programmers and designers. My only caveat is that due to Howlett's work experience at Microsoft, many of her examples involve Microsoft products that follow the Microsoft interface standards. These standards may be limiting to some software products. But I was impressed with the overall quality of the information.

I wish programmers of many applications I use had read this book. It provides significant insight regarding how the interface affects the user; any programmer who reads the book will have happier users.
The book proves its own points via its own beautifully done "user interface".

Virginia Beach can be a bit overwhelming and this book made my trip less stressful.

I didn't actually walk any of the suggested walks, but did see many of the sights highlighted in this book.

This little book is packed full of information. It's arranged in a logical manner and it's inexpensive. What more can you ask for?

a great manual for a insider's look at a otherwise typical beach resort. the author shows you how with a little foot work you can visit first hand things that have a little more signifigance than a tacky t-shirt shop.

As a resident of Virginia Beach I found new insight into the area. This informative guide is packed with history, information on natural resources and local trivia. I was not surprised to see Jackson's credentials. She knows her stuff! Congratulations Virginia Beach!