I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. I have moved to the Boston area only a year ago, and this book has helped me learn a lot about the life in and around Cape Cod since 1621. The characters seem almost real with all the trials and tribulations they have had to suffer. I highly recommned it to any reader who enjoys historical novels (the best!).

You will forget about the outside world when you read this; nothing but sand, wind, and water. Plus some natural history, local folklore, a few shipwreck tales. Typical Thoreau; he finds beauty, interest, detail in the wilderness. The desolate landscape will help to clear your mind. Highly recommended.

Each year, in preparation for a week's retreat to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, I go in search of a book that would be perfect for a sojourn on a desert island. Of course, the Outer Banks are hardly deserted--the locals have printed up Wege's infamous photograph of a packed stretch of Coney Island with the caption "Nags Head, circa 2000 A.D."--but there we are on an island for seven days, my husband experiencing near death in the waves while I read. Sometimes we stop these pursuits and prowl the beach. Mostly we live as if we're the last two people on earth (which is easier in the off-peak season). I've learned that not every book is right for this way of life. The perfect desert island book has to celebrate the place you are in, not transport you. It should offer a tinge of society, because, after all, a human is a social animal, but it should not make you yearn achingly for what has been left behind nor should you be so repelled by it that you will never fit in again when you leave the island (you always leave the island). It should have some narrative sweep to withstand the competition of the seascape. It should make you think, at least a little: you want the stress to wash out to sea, not the little grey cells. Cape Cod by Henry David Thoreau is the benchmark by which I've chosen beach material for several years. it is the quintessential celebration of littoral life. If you are on the beach, you appreciate it all the more; if you are not, well, at least you know vividly what you are missing. There is drama, as in the specter of villagers racing to the shore at the news of a shipwreck. There is information, as in what part of the clam not to eat, how the Indians trapped gulls for food, how a lighthouse really works. There is Thoreau's contagious respect for solitude, his occasional crankiness, and that magic trick of his that can suck in high school sophomores and get them through his books without so much as a whimper. There is one flaw to Cape Cod: brevity. It lasts about a day and a half on the Robinson Crusoe plan. This is not to say that it does not withstand re-reading, it does, but at some point after you have committed it to memory, you may wish for the collected works of Shakespeare and move onto the Bard's beach play, The Tempest.

Mrs. Rector has done a wonderful job of capturing life on the farm and the joys of a boy who loves to help. The positive story line shows how learning and helping can be fun. The colorful illustrations and pictures make the story come alive. If our boys could visit a farm, we would hope that they would have similar experiences and adventures. We enjoy reading this book as a family, but the kids like to read it by themselves too. It's a perfect addition to our family's library!

It is a typical day on a farm. Very easy for a child to read and understand. The pictures are very nice and the colors are bright. A MUST for a childs' library.

A grandmother with a camera followed her young grandson, Carl, around their Whidbey Island, Washington farm and wrote a nice book about it. Colorful, hardbound picture book - good for reading aloud to other young children. I recommend it!

Carolina and her family went on a journey. They saw some Indians. Some were mean and some were nice. I liked it beause it had both sad and happy parts.

In the story Carolina's Courage, the family moved west.The family moved because their farmland was hard and small. Carolina wanted to take her doll,Lyddya Lou, and her cherry wood chair. But her Dad said she could only take one thing.So she took Lyddya Lou. On their journey alot of things happened. She learned the true meaning of courage. We liked this story because it had alot of details and interesting parts.

This is a gentle, moving story about a young pioneer girl who courageously goes west to Nebraska with her family. Each family member leaves behind things he or she cherishes but each gets to take something as well. Carolina takes her precious china doll, like the one that has been passed down in my own family for generations. Carolina ends up sacrificing her doll for the good of her family and others.

Elizabeth Yates' stories are well-written, are sensitive to the feelings of children, have strong family values, and are gently faith-promoting.

It is the most complete book on the subject

It is the most complete book on the subject

Although 'dated', this book is a superb reference for anyone who loves the cello. It is really a pity that it is out of print... But Amazon could find one for me. Thanks a lot.

As one of the Marines mentioned in this book, I am, of course, biased. However, it opens a window on the home front in those days, alternating with letters describing the tedium (and humorous events) of military life between campaigns.

Petersen has published all of the letters to and from his wife during his service in the Marines. As such the book is a documentary source containing unedited contemporary material. In addition, the letters relate a love story that was common during the period. The gradual changes in the relationship are revealed in the letters. The anxieties and boredom of the life of a replacement is well described and gives the reader a true insight of the personal side of the history of the 3rd Marine Division. I recommend the book highly especially for anyone who has been a replacement.

In February of 1944 two strangers spent 42 hours sitting next to each other on the train from Los Angeles to Chicago. They shared a few meals, much conversation, and a kiss. They found they had much in common, and before they went their separate ways in Chicago, they agreed to write each other. Gene Petersen was 23, and an officer in the Marine Corps, and Marian Smith was 22, and a secretary for a defense manufacturer. Over the course of their 18-month correspondence, they tested their views and ideals on each other, and discussed their post-war expectations and their fervent desire to make the world a better place. Gene and Marian were idealistic liberals, extremely well read, and very concerned about both national and world politics. During a troubling time for both of them, each stepped up and performed the role of best friend. Their "chance for love" turned into a life-long reality.

Marian's letters reveal what life was like in the States during the end of World War II, with food shortages, travel difficulties, and long lines at movie theatres. Marian occasionally went home to Wittenberg, Wisconsin to visit and assist her parents, who had a furniture and undertaking business. "Dad took a man up to Wausau in the ambulance Tues. morning & brought him back that night in the hearse (same car - different personalities)." When Marian's brother Franklin was reported missing in action, the frequency of their letter writing increased substantially.

Gene's letters show what it was like to be an officer in the Marine Corps in the Pacific Theatre, mentally juggling stretches of boredom with periods of intense combat. During the three-week battle at Iwo Jima Gene's eloquent letters turned into terse notes, but he kept writing. "March 4, 1945 - still shelling dump and airfield - infantry officers gone to front but not many specialists - 9th day today - haven't had my clothes off yet".

I accelerated through this book until I finished. Somewhere around the middle I no longer felt like I was reading a book. I felt like I was reading two packets of letters I had found in the back of a drawer I shouldn't have been looking in. At times it was the historical facts which fascinated me. Other times it was sheer voyeurism.

This compilation is a magical mix, indeed. There are threads of the classic/comedic love triangle, well-developed characters, a plot that makes you turn the pages too fast, and best of all... GREAT artwork.

This, all in a comic... the fact that the love triangle is between three female characters is somehow "second-hand" in importance in many ways. Watasin gives us people first; I never sensed an agenda in the book, though there is no indication that one was being avoided. She simply deals with the facts, and nuthin' but the facts, ma'am. These are three gals in love, in jealousy, in full hormonal tilt-- period.

So, open this one up, sit back, and be prepared to be charmed, to be seduced, and to be delighted. But I warn you... you will be a bit, uh... frustrated-- somewhat thwarted, and completely bedeviled-- because we have to find out what is going to happen in the next installment!

Is the dragon/faerie Fairer Than really in love, or is it a game to her? Will Dean have what it takes to keep Bunny's love? And will Bunny choose to honor her sweet love for the vamp or her dark and wild love for her sultry suitor from the wrong side of the forest?

We will simply wait as patiently as possible. Won't we?

Charm School, the story of cutie witch Bunny and her conflicted desires for a foxy butch vampire and a saucy femme faerie, manages to be both adorable and sexy at the same time.

Where else can we see a Disney animation alumna doing this kind of content? Or find a graphic novel that combines a great plot, wonderful character development, and gorgeous illustration?

Elizabeth Watasin has managed to create a visual style that is entirely her own and pair it with a story that evokes the trials of first love prefectly.

If that doesn't interest you, at least pick up Charm School for Dean, the biggest hottie in comics since Jaime Hernandez's Hopey.

This is the story of Bunny, the sexy highschool witch, her girl friend the somewhat androgynous vampire, Dean and sultry dragon/fairie temptress, FairerThan plus a large cast of supporting characters.

It is a story of first love, hormones, jealousy, seduction, uncertainty and passion told in a wonderfully charming, witty, humerous style. The art is clean, strong. Ms Watasin draws beautiful women beautifully and is a master at capturing emotions.

I highly recommend this book.

Or what about how to pronounce the wine "Gewürztraminer"? Or my personal favorite "Crème Fraiche" pronounced (krem fresh)

What is the definition for Jicama or Wasabi? and where did they come from?

What is the difference between "Crayfish" and a "Langoustine" and are they indigenous to Louisiana...

WELL WONDER NO MORE!!... this book is the secret behind all of those fancy menus you read in Restaurants and Banquet menus (I should know I have had to create new Catering Menus every year since 1993)LOL

I have been in the Hospitality Industry for over 17 years this book has been in my collection since I started. If you can purchase it get it!! Definitely a must for any Caterers or students of the Culinary Art.

This book contains definitions of almost EVERYTHING Food (and some wines), the correct pronunciation, spelling and it's original origin. I can't recommend this book enough!! It is quite pricey but I have bought it at least 5 times in my career as gifts for my assistants moving on to greater positions in this Industry. They have terms (and again pronunciations) for all Culture cuisines ie; German, Cambodian, Japanese, French, Italian, Middle Eastern and Spanish just to name a few.

I also recommend the Oxford Companion for Food and Wine as well as any "Professional Chef" book from Culinary Institute of America

Respectfully Reviewed

Excellent, Every Chef should have a copy of this book on their desk. The perfect dictionary for any Culinary Arts student.

Elizabeth Riely has amassed a library of resources (see the enviable bibliography) and has carefully chosen a comprehensive collection of culinary terms for this book. The cross-pollination of categories is rich, from the scientific to the ethnic, from the technical to the colloquial. Of her knowledge and research capabilities, I'd say she's a force to be reckoned with. With people like Elizabeth Riely and Sharon Tyler Herbst in this world, rest assured that when a culinary term is needed just fingertips away, we can depend on their talents to give us responsible information. I also like the pronunciation guides, as I am prone to guessing incorrectly more often or not. For anybody who's into food as more than a hobby, The Chef's Companion (published by the textbook makers VNR, and I hope, available to more than culinary school students) reads like a satisfying novel. Lick a bookplate and stick it in the front cover of this book; you'll keep it forever.

"Colorado Wife" by Cheryl St. John. In 1875 Needle Point, Colorado, Rosalyne Emery decides that local businessman Sam Calhoun needs to take on the obligation of caring for the two preadolescent orphans she found freezing outside her restaurant. Instead Rosalyne and Sam end up in a pretend engagement that is heated by their true feelings for one another. Will the mogul realize how vacuous his vision for the town and himself is by accepting the Yuletide present of three people who dearly love him and want him to love them?

"Jubal's Gift" by Elizabeth Lane. It took Jubal Trask almost a decade to find Thomas Curry who deserted him at Sharpsburg during the great war. However, now in 1873 in the Arizona Territory trading post, Jubal has caught up with the man he wants to kill. Instead of finding his intended victim who is away obtaining supplies, Jubal meets Thomas' sister Tess, who he knew from before the war, and his enemy's two young children, Lucy and Beau. However, it is hard to kill even a man you despsie when you love his sister.

"Until Christmas" by Mary Burton. In 1882 Timberline, Colorado, a depressed owner Laura Butler wants to sell her silver mine following the tragic death of six workers as she knew each of the deceased personally and sewed alongside their wives. Laura jut wants to go east, but her mine manager Roman Maddox wants to comfort her forever, but has only a couple months to persuade his beloved to be his wife.

These three late nineteenth century Americana romances are well written, warm holiday treats that fans of the sub-genre will take immense pleasure form reading. The stories contain delightful lead couples and strong supporting players that enable the audience to enjoy the Christmas holidays in the old west.

Harriet Klausner

As always, another snuggle under the covers and don't put down the book until it's finished, story by Cheryl Saint John. The characters are warm and lovable and the story is so sweet. I really rooted for Sam Calhoun to sweep Rosalyne Emery off of her feet. It's the only time I can think of that a man has actually been right... Well done!

Christmas Gold contains, Colorado Wife, by Cheryl St. John, Jubal's Gift, by Elizabeth Lane and Until Christmas by Mary Burton. All three stories will warm your heart as we move into the holiday season. This is a real treat!

A thoughtful and thorough step-by-step method of self-discovery to develop one's creative potential while being truthful with yourself. A book everyone can connect with no matter what creative endeavors are pursued.

This book speaks to anyone who wants to unleash their creativity, but isn't sure where to begin. After reading "Connecting to Creativity" I felt encouraged to cultivate my own desires with tangible meaningful tools. The authors provide simple guidelines and inspirations in a clear concise manner. I've shared this book with many friends and family members who have used it for gardening, writing, home decorating, and even teaching.

This book offers a clear, concise, step-by-step process to help the reader unlock and express their creative spirit. It helped motivate me to unveil the creativity I knew I had within me using simple steps - I would highly recommend it if you are a person who has dreamed of creating, yet didn't have the "wherewithall" to start!

Finally, a financial aid resource we can use! We've bought several financial aid guides recently in anticipation of our childrens' upcoming collegiate years. All have been either VERY confusing or too light to be of any real use. In "Conquer the Cost of College", the author presents a clear and concise plan to get the most aid for your college bound child. No gimmicks here, just great information, organized in easy to follow steps. If you have a high school student headed for college and are looking to save money, this is THE guide to use...Thanks!

This is the best financial aid book that I seen! It's written in a clear, consise manner. Thanks to "Conquer the Cost of College", I actually have a better understanding of the financial aid process! The sample letters, budgets and worksheets are an amazing resource. Parents would have to be crazy not to invest in this book. I highly recommend it to all families with high school students.

This guide is the best! Step-by-step help in getting government aid, scholarships, and the best rates on loans. The chapter on negotiating financial aid with schools was really helpful in our daughter's case; she was able to go to her first choice school after we wrote an appeal letter modeled on one in the book and got her aid increased SUBSTANTIALLY! We found a lot of ways to save money using the sample budgets and worksheets in the book. This book is an incredible value!. It saved us thousands of dollars.