I first saw most of these sites when I was fifteen (7 years ago), but Brooke shows them in a whole new way. By photographing them empty of the hoards of people usually in, above, outside, and underneath the city, and using only black and white photography with perfect lighting, he brings a stunning, cool, serenity to the hot, crowded, volatile, emotional city. I happen to love the intense, 90 degree, crowded, tense Jerusalem; those are probably the reasons I have had such a long and passionate love affair with the city, but Brooke's view is not to be missed. In short, buy this book for its unforgettable, striking, devastatingly beautiful images, but get on the next plane to Israel and experience it for yourself as well. I currently only have it on (perpetual) loan from my university library (...because I re-check it out every three weeks), but it is currently on my amazon wish list, and will hopefully join my permanent library soon! Thank you, Steven Brooke, for taking me back to my spiritual home so beautifully.

Like his earlier classic work "Views of Rome", Brooke presents visual poetry of the architecture and monuments of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. The composition and lighting are flawless; the images are stunning and unforgettable. Not just a "coffee table" book, but one to re -visit and appreciate over the years.

the author's extensive research adds a level of insight and depth that no other book on this subject can offer

I purchased this book when in graduate school in Chicago, Ill. Along with Caribbean Style, which is by another publisher and still in print, this book offers beautiful color photos of the real Miami "style". If you are looking for the tropical look this book is an excellent reference as well as the variety of architectural styles prevelant in Miami. It is also a nice reminder of the residential lifestyle of Miami not often seen by the tourist. Along with Caribbean Style, this book ranks high on my list as a book I keep pulling off my book shelf.

I believe that the photographs capture the essence of Savannah. Susan Sully has provided us with a sketchbook of Savannah's mystery and charm. The over the top decorating schemes are perfectly matched to the quirky and brooding characters who inhabit these fabulous southern mansions. Every photograph evoked a glimpse of a place we would all secretly love to share.

This book was quite a surprise. I read only the back cover when it was presented to me as a rather interesting book. I wasn't quite sure what to make of it and then I started to read it. It was fast paced right from the start. The writer didn't waste 2 chapters explaining in detail the charaters and background... and for me that was a wonderful thing. The story flowed well and I couldn't seem to put the book down, even when I knew I had to.

This is a must read for anyone that likes romantic adventures.

It literally took me mere hours to read this captivating novel by Brooke Stevens. This incredibly magical story blanketed the reader in a tightly woven world of dreams and nightmares from the very first words until the end and even then there is a hunger for more. If you read one book this year- READ THIS BOOK! Every person with a soul will make a strong connection with the story and its main character- you will never want to leave the world of The Circus of the Earth and of the Air.

This book operates on an entirely different plane than most other novels. It is an action novel that's simultaneously psychological, mythological and emotional. The many scenes, which are almost entirely visual and exquisitely beautiful, operate on multiple levels. Proof of this is the way the story and characters seem to infiltrate the reader's dreams. For myself and most of my friends who read it, we found it nearly impossible to put down or to stop thinking about for that matter. It is an experience that you will not forget.

I love books about young women that overcome devastating obstacles, fight their oppressors, develop self-worth out of harrowing circumstances. So I was encouraged to read Tattoo Girl because it offered this precise mix. Throw in a little horror, a serial killer, wow. But I was disappointed by the writing (sophomoric), the characters (bland), and the plot (less than riveting). If you like this genre and don't mind being bored for some of the novel, give it a try. I hope they make the movie especially gruesome - that would help to lift the book out of its contrived doldrums.

A thriller about a girl, a woman and to a lesser extent a dwarf trying to reconcile themselves with their pasts. The writing is simple, deceptively plain almost, but somehow it has a dream-like quality that makes what's happening in the book feel like it's happening to you-it's extremely believable, though the story is highly imaginative and ultimately powerful. I haven't come across a more captivating novel in many years. I read a review of it that said that it is as much about being sad as it is about being frightened, that's a very good description. Having just started the author's first book, I'm finding it similar in many ways. I believe this writer is a master of suspense, but he's doing more than just making you turn the pages. The novel was passed along to me at my office. I'm glad it was.

Our book group of five women and three men finally agreed on something: this is one writer who can tell a story and also one with her own vision. A mystical world with characters representing something much more than the individuals that they are. We decided that the novel is spiritual even though it seems to target religion. Ms. Stevens shows how love can be found in the most unlikely places and its power to reverse the most egregious of betrayals. The coincidences in this book have a deeper meaning, are part of the mystical atmosphere, something unspoken is hidden between the sentences. Confession: a few of us skipped to the end because we were so anxious to find out what happened. Our problem in general has been books that are either too literary, artsy and deadly boring and pretentious or too fast paced and cheesy. We all finished this one which is saying a whole lot right there.

I have an abiding interest in homes on the sea. I've ordered a batch of them. When I saw this book, I assumed that it was a book about a variety of seaside homes of varying architectural styles. I was disappointed to find that it was a book about a single community in Florida, most of the homes being done in an architecturally consistent style. If you're looking for a book of relatively contemporary homes in Florida, this might be of interest to you, as it's well done from that perspective. Otherwise, I'd look at the other available titles, many of which are quite beautifully done.

This book is mostly a historical account as Seaside, the development in the panhandle of Florida, is being developed. It mostly shows photographs of the different houses built so both architects and designers can get an intimate view. It is a great book as a reference for building in the Florida vernacular...

This exquisitely-photographed book about the 80-acre northern Florida community is the perfect antidote to the winter blues or for anyone wishing to take an armchair trip to this breathtaking beach area. Located approximately 70 miles east of Pensacola in the Florida panhandle, Seaside was featured as the perfect city in the movie "The Truman Show" starring Jim Carrey. The movie itself was dreadful, and the real star was Seaside. ( )