This is an excellent book, I recommend it to anyone who wishes to prepare wine from scratch. The book is written for the reader with knowledge of basic science concepts, especially a chemistry degree.

Jeff Cox does what so few writers can do; he makes viticulture so interesting that you won't want to put this book down. That's saying a lot!

The whole book is a masterful handbook for the home or small commercial grower. From selecting the vines and a growing site to planting, growing, pruning, and harvesting to making wine, Cox literally packs the pages with useful information, tables and how-to illustrations. Even his appendix on grape pests and their control is written as a trouble-shooting guide based on symptoms rather than cause. This is both refreshing and useful.

If you can only buy one book on the subject, this is the one to buy.

With enthusiasm and clarity, the author leads his readers, from the amateur to the accomplished winemaker, in his or her quest for flawless grapes and extraordinary wine. The process is not as daunting as it may seem. What matters most is finding the grape that gives wine you like and which thrives and ripens (consistently) in your climate. The author goes on to describe vineyard siting, soil preparation, culture, pruning, trellising, and pest control.

The second half of the book thoroughly describes the wine-making process: from crushing the grapes and pressing, to primary and secondary fermentations, racking, bottling, corking, cellaring, and evaluating the finished product.

This book will appeal to the person with a serious desire to grow grapes and make wine, the aspiring wine-making entrepreneur, the home gardener interested in the culture of grapes, the wine connoisseur, and the casual hobbyist. No matter what level of invlovement you want to have in the wine-making process, "From Vines to Wines" will satisfy your needs and curiosity.

Getting To Nantucket: An Artist's Journey is Kerry Hallam's lively and funny autobiography. Beginning in a frigid industrial town in northern England and ending on a picturesque New England island, Hallam's is a personal success story that engages the total attention of the reader as his perceptive eye and artistic spirit takes us from his dead-end job in London, to an accidental music career on the French Riviera and in German, followed by life as an itinerant artist across the United States. Like his watercolors, Hallam's biographical vignettes are vivid, memorable sketches. Getting To Nantucket treats us to an amusing account of an artist's evolutions; a series of hilarious predicaments involving celebrities, aristocrats, and steely-eyed gendarmes, along with a little light-hearted and insightful social commentary. Getting To Nantucket is greatly enjoyable reading from first page to last.

great reading!

I read this book because it referred to Nantucket---the place I now call home. What I hadn't anticipated, though, was learning from its pages that much of what makes Nantucket seem so special derives from what all those of us who discover it had to go through in order to arrive here. Mr. Hallam's tale truly is no mere "travelogue", but that of a journey, which both forms and reveals character by the sheer requisite of living through it.

And what a journey he describes! From the bleak, dismal North of England, Mr. Hallam managed to pull himself up by his bootstraps, shake off the dreary prospects of living the life expected of him, and embark on an odyssey of self-discovery through art and music. No matter what the circumstances, Hallam seems never to have lost a sense for what is sensual, what is vibrant, what is most human about the human experience.

Although the context of "Getting to Nantucket" deals with overcoming all of the challenges that daunted him, Hallam's witty narrative is utterly bereft of "doom and gloom". In fact, it is not only amusing, it's often hysterically funny. This is not a book to be read in a public library unless you are prepared to deal with hearing "shush!" repeatedly as you laugh out loud.

I wouldn't recommend "Getting to Nantucket" to my close friends... for the simple reason that I'll probably just get them each a copy. I will, however, have to keep mine in the car---so if I recognize Mr. Hallam from his photo on the dust jacket I'll have it on hand for him to autograph.

Got a degree? Got a family? Got a life? Then by all means, you need got money?

This entertaining, informative book is a lifelong resource of financial information not only for those in their twenties and thirties, but for those of us for whom thirty is but a distant memory. Written in a friendly, open style, reading got money? must be what sitting down and talking to Jeff Wuorio is like. From interest rates to bonds, stocks, budgets and home ownership, this book is chock full of information and handy websites for further research that is sure to become a critical reference for years to come. Of special interest are the tips on budgeting and saving for the future. Personal anecdotes further enliven the book, and one comes away feeling not only well informed, but awed by the wealth of knowledge that Mr. Wuorio possesses. It is clear from reading got money? that getting money and being successful in saving, managing and using it is not just for the well-heeled or the older generation. This book is number one on my list of holiday gifts for all the young people in my life.

Wuorio offers advice on most every aspect of a person's financial profile; credit cards, cars, homes, investments --- but does so in a straight forward and humorous manner. It was actually FUN and informative to read this book and I know that I'm more armed to make smart decisions on a myriad of money choices

Reading "Got Money?" is like sitting down with a friend and chatting about money--provided that friend is funny, lively and knows nearly everything about budgeting, insurance and 401k's. Whether giving advice on getting out of debt or explaining the intracacies of investment, Wuorio shows he has done his homework, and is anxious to share that information with 20- and 30-somethings. And like a trusted friend, Wuorio doesn't claim to be the final word on any topic, but ably directs readers to useful Websites for additional information. In short, this book is what every book on financial advice should be, but most aren't: practical, direct and -- dare I say -- enjoyable reading.

If you don't understand Grace, you don't understand the Bible.

Grace Pluse Nothing opened my eyes to what the Law was and what Grace is. We say with our mouth's we believe in Grace but with our actions we demonstrate the LAW. This book will help.

It works! Bob Coker, Canton, Illinois

The Lutheran theologians stated in the 1500's, "sola gratia"--"by Grace Alone." Just what exactly did that mean? Many books have been written on this subject--the most famous being Walther's "The Proper Distinction Between Law and Gospel." Jeff Harken's book makes God's Grace personal, he shows how it impacts your daily life as well as your eternal life. The chapters are set up so that the book makes a perfect devotional book--as well as an ideal "stocking stuffer."

I am reading this book for the second time and it is powerful. It sheds light on the difference between grace justification versus works justification. It is divided into 123 short daily readings that are illustrated with wonderful anecdotes. The author bares his soul as he prompts us to do also, in seeking a real relationship with God through Jesus Christ. This book changed my life dramatically as it helped me to understand the truth of grace and the futility of seeking justification through works. Try it, I think you'll like it.

This book could create a more secure future for us all by empowering tomorrows adults, ( today's children ) with financial freedom.
An excellent read.

This review will be short and sweet. I my opinion the author hit the nail on the head. They simply wrote the easy true about the importance of teaching young kids how to save money today for their future goals. It show them how to save without going without today. They will notice all the things they can still have while watching their future money grow geometrically.
Most of us know how kids feel about the here and now, "I have to have it now". This book teaches them how they can have both. Great book for such a small price.

This book takes a complicated subject and explains building wealth in simple terms. It is easy to understand and practical. It does not try to impress with complex theory and information. It gives specific ideas and examples of how anyone can, using a consistent and disciplined approach, build real wealth for their children and families. The best solutions are often those that seems almost too easy - but these are often the strokes of genius that change our lives. This book and its methods and ideas are in this category. What a bargain! What a program!

I'm a Japanese reader and living in Log Cabin. This book provides me with many decoration ideas. I wish to reccomend this book to my friend who are living in Log cabins.

Hands-on Log Homes is our third, full-color, idea design book on the subject of log home architecture. As such, it was also my third opportunity to loop America - cameras in hand - seeking out unique log homes and meeting the people who build them. In this case, those people happened to be mostly involved owner-builders. That is, creative, resourceful people who used sweat equity to help build their dream. Similar to our second book, "The Log Home Book", there is a virtual photo-feast inside. The only difference is that the scale of these homes tends to be more moderate, and the owners themselves share their own unique and entertaining building stories along with practical bits of advice gleaned along the way.

Along with built-from-scratch homes, there are those abodes built largely with recycled materials - old logs, old doors, old fixtures! Perfect examples of turning one man's junk into veritable treasure while often saving money along the way.

Next comes a marvelous chapter on historic restorations. Often "rebuilt" with the help of skilled craftsman, we include these handmade originals as true examples of once upon a time, do-it-yourself ingenuity.

While this is not a "how-to-build" book, Art wrote a final chapter that leads the reader through the practical steps and considerations of building a small log building. Of course, there is also a resource guide in back with plenty of leads for designing, building and decorating the home you plan to build, remodel or buy.

Check it out, and let us know what you think by emailing thiede@sunvalley.net.

Cindy Thiede

I feel I know this book as well as anyone; I designed the book! It is a great book to glean ideas to plan, create and decorate your own log home. The photos are breath-taking. I enjoy the authors' clear but amusing style of writing, and I bet you will, too.

Wow ! That is the first thing that comes to mind when going through this book. Although I have quite some books about HD I'm very impressed by this huge book.
Written by the best authors around, with stunning photographs that you haven't seen in other books and printed on thick high quality paper this book is great value for money.

The book describes all the different parts of HD history by going through all the models that have been produced the last 100 years. Not so much the technical descriptions are to be found but more the stories behind the models. The TC-88 story as an example is like a fairy tale if you're a HD-lover. How did they come up with the idea, what did they do and what problems they encountered, how they solved it and why certain things are the way they are is all in this story.

If youre looking for a book that describes all the different colours, serialnumbers and options for each modelyear than this is NOT your book, but if you like the story of HD, beautifull pictures of almost every model and good stories and tales by the best writers that don't hesitate and order this heavy book.

I would still buy it if it was twice the price! It's absolutely fantastic!

I compared this book to the other Harley books out there, and this is the one to buy. The story here is not the "canned" story put out by the factory, but the true story as told by real Harley aficionados. And, this book has writing from Hunter S. Thompson, you can't get him in the "factory" book! The photos are great and the writing is interesting and concise. By the way, this is a BIG book, so clear space on the coffee table. If you are a Harley fan, you are going to love this book.

This is the ultimate Harley book. It includes tons of photos that I have never seen before and there are 10 or 20 authors who contributed, each in an area of expertise. Very cool concept! If I had a coffee table, this would be the centerpiece. It is a huge book in both pounds and inches, so beware.

I can appreciate this book for its raw and candid "story" and think a lot of people--gay or straight--will relate to it as alcoholism and abuse have become rampant in our society. The interesting slant is that we don't hear much about domestic violence in gay couples, so I found that aspect of the book refreshing and new. I am afraid this book may be passed over by the popular poetry vote as the poems are highly personal, but, again, I found them to be so emotionally raw and unpretentious that I think they soar above simply telling of a life. No, it's not perfect, but it does stand strong among the other gay poetry books I've read over the past years. Reminded me of Michael klein's 1990.

Reading Jeff Walt's The Danger in Everything reminded me a bit of a child growing up in a messed up, cross-eyed world and yet recognizing their own strength to survive. The poems were raw yet sensitive and I was urged on to read until I finished the whole book and read it TWICE in a single afternoon. Yes, the work is that good. I especially loved The Smell of Sex and A Common Life. Gay or straight, I highly recommend this book for those who love tapping into their deepest emotions and enjoy poetry in it's rawest form

I enjoyed reading Mr. Walt's first collection of petry--especailly "orogeny," "Solace, Late in the Day," "What I Didin't Know," "This World, This Fracture," "Evening Voices," "A Common Life" and several others. I plan to nominate this book for a Lambda Literary Award and will recommend it to others as I think it has the fuel to inspire other writers and other lives. I've also checked out Walt's web site (...) and discovered his "new" poems that I enjoyed even more than those in The Danger in Everything. I'd be surprised if you were disappointed with this guy's work.

I almost gave this book five stars. It was laugh out loud funny -- I first read it about 15 (?) years ago it in the car with my parents and they kept asking my what I was laughing about. I've since read it again, and it is just as hilarious. That's my true litmus test for a humor book. My only complaint was there were too many exploding animals for me. Those jokes got old very quickly. The rest of the book was hilarious and insightful. The neat thing about Dave Barry is that he makes me laugh, but he also always has something to say, so I find myself thinking as well.

Dave Barry really fulfills the position of funniest man in America with this book; he makes every line something to laugh about. When I read this book I had to keep myself from laughing out loud, and scaring those. The book gets funnier and funnier as it goes along, but its not all just booger jokes, its a lot of jokes that make you think and have a meaning behind them. Don't get me wrong there still are plenty of booger jokes that everyone has come to know and love from Mr. Barry. The book covers many interesting topics like; Exploding animals and other assorted things, dogs, and buying cars. I gave Dave 5 stars for his epic novel Dave Barry Talks back, so go buy, rent it, what ever you have to do to get it, just do it.

My cousin bought me the audio version of this 7 years ago. I wasn't sure why, but I had heard that Dave Barry was funny. I listened to it on the way back to Sonoma County from San Diego. It was a fantastic 3 hours that took me from Mojave to just north of Fresno.

Mr. Barry has an unusual sense of humor, mixing a sarcastic wit with observation and whacky schemes to get rich and/or better the world. He takes us on a voyage from the usefulness of the word "weasel" to Disneyworld, to buying a boat, to the Nintendo world, and later topping it off with his own airline with Sean Penn as the official spokesperson.

I have to say this, though, I have had others listen to this masterpiece, and while a few liked it as well, others didn't get it and therefore did not like it. You either like Dave Barry or you hate him. As for me, I went about buying many other audiobooks of Dave Barry, as well as actual books. No 4- or 3-star review would pull that much money from me!

Taking Chineese, Greek and Roman cooking influences, Smith ofTV fame brings forth an offering which resembles the James Beard books which provide not only great recipes but a running commentary on the culture which produces the food and some experience remembrances by the author.

This is fun cooking and well done. Well representative of the cuisines and done with helpful hints on each.

A workhorse for the cook willing to use it to branch out and experiement in these formative areas of food history. For openers, try Spareribs with Black Beans and Pepper Sauce, Halvah Cake or the Seafood Risotto.

My humble opinion is that Roman cooking is slighted out of the three. See Malto Mario for some great Rome recipes.

This book by Jeff Smith has to be my favorite one that he has written. This book focuses on recipes from China, Greece, and Rome. The recies in this book are flavorful, and very enjoyable. My favorite recipe in here is strangely enough Garlic, Eggs, and Pasta. There is a wide range in recipes, both in flavors and ingredients. Jeff Smith does an excellent job of paring history as well as anecdotes with all of his recipes. This should be a must add for anyone who enjoys historical cooking.

Whenever I entertain my Greek relatives, they are amazed by my flair in their native cooking. Jeff's recipes are easy to follow and make Greek cooking simple.