Having a busy schedule and a very small yard my garden is limited to tomatoes. My husband loves them and I find those in the store boring and tasteless. Two years ago I grew my first heirloom tomatoes that I purchased as a variety pack at my local home improvement store. I fell in love! They are hardy, huge, beautiful plants that produce interesting and flavorful fruit. My kids find the variety fun enough even for them to try. I was excited to see Ms. Males book so we can see what new varieties to try and now I have stories to tell the kids while they eat their yellow tomato BLT's. My friends and neighbors think I am a bit odd, until they taste my colorful harvest!

I've been waiting for a book of this caliber on heirloom tomatoes. Dr. Male does an excellent job explaining each of the 100 varieties of heirloom tomatoes she recommends. There are excellent color photographs. This book is extremely helpful to the average gardener toying with the idea of getting away from hybrids and trying heirlooms. It is a must for any tomato fanatic.

This is one of the best Tomato books I've ever read. Dr. Carolyn Male sure knows her tomatoes. Her writing is easy to understand as well as humorous. I'm axiously awaiting her next book on whatever subject that will be. I've purchased several copies 100 Heirloom Tomatoes to give out as gifts to my gardening friends.

Before I read Kent's book, my team had a Smalltalk coding guidelines document, a boring, cluncky text that didn't seem to help beginners write good code (mostly there so project quality plans could reference it). After I read Kent's book, I wrote a few team-specific points in the margins and declared it our new coding guidelines document.

Kent's book is a pleasant, readable mix of the obvious that beginners need to know and the clever that experienced Smalltalkers can still learn from. I was surprised at the absence of Booby Woolf's strategy for classifying instance variables (as identity, status or cache; see The Smalltalk Report, June 96) and at how little there was on protocol naming. Otherwise, it seems to cover almost everything at its chosen level (which complements, instead of competing with, that of books like the Smalltalk Design Patterns Companion).

Smalltalk Best Practice Patterns isn't just for Smalltalkers---there's something here for everyone who programs. Kent's insights, experiences, and raw wit are as entertaining as they are enlightening. If you have any passion for programming, in any language, buy this book. Read it. Live it.

Although I've never used SmallTalk and have read only a couple of on-line introduction chapters on Dolphin SmallTalk, I had no problems reading it and applying the patterns in another language like Java, C++ or Python.

Let me put it simple: If you want to learn to think in objects, don't just read the book, do it!

If you have read "Refactoring: Improving the Design of Existing Code" by Martin Fowler et al. then you'll recognize the thougts presented in this book. In this book the patterns are close to refactorings with a bunch of simple, good, readable and understandable advices to just about every little thing - it's more than a simple style guide: You'll always get told what the raison d'etre is - and if not, where to look for it.

I'm currently using the book as a reference for style of OOP. From a teaching point of view, the book is also extremely useful. Kent Beck likes to ask quistions in a heuristic manner. Because of the simple approach to every day experiences of developing, all the way down to the experiences of beginners, you won't have any trouble answering these quistions. In fact you'll probably start asking quistions to yourself likewise because of the magnicifent way this mind trick works for your way of thinking in objects (or otherwise).

As a developer - doing these patterns - you'll be amazed at how much little things can mean in a much bigger and more complex context, when you develop systems applying OO - especially huge systems.

I am compelled to repeat: Don't just buy it, do it!

Sunny and the Chocolate dog taught us about sibling rivalry in their first book, now they teach us about how friendship can help us overcome fear. This charming story is about love, helping your friends, trusting your parents, and loving life. The illustrations are wonderful, skillfully capturing the nuances of the dogs' feelings. THis is a great book for kids who are exporing the world and for the parents who want to help them do so successfully.

I'm not sure which was best....Reading the book WITH my six year old niece, or merely watching her expressive face as she experienced Sunny and Cloudy come to life. The books engage and entice a young reader to laugh, learn, and live. Sunny and the Chocolate Dog series conveys values and virtues in an enjoyable manner. "What is a buddy system..." she asked.....I myself had forgotten all about the buddy system. "Was I scared of the water the first time I went to the beach....". A great team approach to reading. Initially she needed help with some of the larger words, she now prides herself in the ability to annunciate and read them with ease. She has replaced the books on her bed side table with the Sunny and the Chocolate Dog series.

This is an adorable book that will delight both the children and the adults who read about Sunny and Cloudy. Beautiful illustrations!

I loved ROAD ANGELS. I didn't want to put it down. Being a midwesterner transplanted to Los Angeles twenty years ago, I was curious to see how the author viewed the West Coast. I was surprised, delighted and moved as he made his journey from the Canadian border to San Luis Obispo. The images of the landscapes he passes through and his detailed and thoughtful portraits of the people he encounters compelled me to keep reading. Nerburn's reflections on his trip over the road and his journey through life made me pause and think about my own life; where I had been and where I was going. The conclusion that he draws from his conversations with three very different men in the San Francisco area is beautiful in its spiritual simplicity. As the book comes to an end I was moved to tears by his description of an act of kindness and closure.

This is a story that reveals in sensitive, insightful and often times humourous ways, the lives and longings of people we pass everyday. I thank the author for taking me along for the ride.

Read ROAD ANGELS. It is wonderful.

A great read -- one of those one sitting books.

Nerburn lives in Minnesota but in mid-life gets a hankering to re-explore the west coast he remembers from his college years.

Some similarities to "Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance".

Makes me want to read some of the other things he's written.

Kent Nerburn's latest book is not only a road trip but a mind trip. It was a genuine pleasure to join Kent on his trek of re-discovery, and such are his descriptive and narrative talents, that the reader feels like a traveling companion -- as if Kent were telling you the story while you rode along in his car, or hoofed a trail beside him. His insights into American culture, human nature, and spirituality are keen and rewarding. This is a well-crafted book by an author who knows readers.

Recently Stress: Living and Working in a Changing World hit the bookstands and it is a must read. This book is applicable to individuals and organizations. It provides in-depth information with opportunity for personal and professional development in the area of stress management and change.

This book provides a practical approach based on a theoretical and conceptual framework supported by research. The information is presented in a conversational and personal style based on true life experiences. The reading is stimulating, which makes it difficult to put the book down.

While reading the book, one finds him or herself in a reflective state and in self discovery. The book provides opportunity for developing skills, improving attitudes, building competency and personal development.

The book provides information on understanding stress, coping mechanisms, and how to achieve peak performance. Causes and consequences of stress and how to deal with stress are presented in an organized and meaningful manner.

In today's competitive environment, knowledge and skill about stress and change are critical for personal and professional development. This extraordinary book provides insight into the skills and knowledge needed for contemporary decision making. From start to finish this book is packed full. I highly recommend Stress: Living and Working in a Changing World. It is the most up-to-date and well written book on stress I have ever read.

In Stress: Living and Working in a Changing World you come to the realization that everyone has to deal with stress. This book does a wonderful job of defining what stress is and how to deal with it. The notes added by the author's throughout the book are a nice touch, you feel a personal connection with the text instead of just reading the words. The 1 x 3 x 7 = 21 is an effective, common sense answer on how to battle stress, definately a plan worth adapting.

Manning, Curtis, and McMillen have created in STRESS: Living and Working in a Changing World, a resource that combines a unique blend of theory and practical application that deals with a subject that nearly everyone can relate to. The book contains numerous tools that can be utilized to further one's knowledge and ability to deal with this potentially hazardous phenomenon. With all the "self-help" resources available in the marketplace, it is unusual to find one that is so theoretically based and yet so practically presented. It is certainly going to be part of my office/home library.

James L. Besier, Assistant Director of Pharmacy/ Adjunct Assistant Professor

This excellent book was written for people who, like me, have a difficult time reading the Elizabethan style of the King James Bible. "Lost Stories for All Ages" eliminates that awkward style by merging several different biblical stories into one complete story, and adapting it all into modern-day English. Bible translators, please take notice.

Normally, I don't find biblical stories interesting, because they tend to ramble and are usually difficult to follow. This book, however, was unlike any religious book I've ever read. I found it absorbing and very easy to understand. I'm already recommending it to all my family and friends.

Lost Stories For All Ages is an astonishing modern trilogy updated from ancient manuscripts. My favorite is Dawn of Time. I've always thought that when God drove Adam and Eve from the Garden that was the end of His dealings with them. But in Dawn of Time, we see God continuing with them on a daily basis. He gives them advice, and promises He will bring them back to Paradise after a determined length of time. I would highly recommend that parents read this book to their children. Also I think this would become an excellent animated movie on the order of Prince of Egypt.

Ted S., Engineer (Retired)

Three stories are retold in W. Kent Smith's Lost Stories for All Ages, each one in my opinion, better than the last:

Dawn of Time - This simple story of Adam and Eve's innumerable challenges after being banished from the Garden of Eden is one of profound hope and compassion. If you've ever wondered if Eve was the mother and grandmother of any offspring, this story answers that question and many others.

Smith's second story, Fire and Blade, chronicles Abram's fascinating life. I saw God's promises to Abram come to fruition and, just like a good novel, it ended and left me wanting more.

Trial by Fury - After Pontius Pilate sentences Jesus to death, Cesar won't rest until he finds out whom the man called Jesus really was. This last spellbinding story will captivate you as it unfolds the stunning testimony surrounding Jesus' death and resurrection. This story, like the others, is extremely well written and researched, but has something inexplicably more.

So far, I've read the book twice and enjoyed it both times. Hope the author has another book in the works.

I bought this book for a college student away from home for the first time and she loved it. So I ordered a copy for my
brother too. After looking at I wouldn't mind a copy myself.
It has many practical easy recipes, great information on food storage and preparation as well as valuable laundry tips. This book is a great gift for anyone living on their own even if they have been doing it for awhile.

This book is now my gift of choice for high school graduations. It is comprehensive yet simple, practical yet interesting. I have been a homemaker for 25 years and still learned new things from this book. We now use several of the recipes regularly, especially the Orange Banana Sauce for pancakes and the Dump Cake. The hardback version with the vinyl cover and the pockets is well worth the extra cost in convenience, cleanliness, and longevity.

This book picks up where, "On Your Own For The First Time" leaves off. These two books paired together and your child is set! On Your Own gives advice for resume writing, insurance, credit, room-mates, interviewing, shopping for cars, leases, legal matters, personal investing, etc. These two books together make the perfect graduation gift or even for the newlyweds....

Elric is probably the best, and best known, of all of Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion characters (though Jerry Cornelius must be a close second), and I almost rushed through the previous four volumes in the series in an effort to get to this book. And while those books were excellent examples of Moorcock's writing, this blows them all out of the water, showing fantasy unlike anything else. Here are some thoughts on the individual stories:

Elric of Melnibone: Great introduction and brilliant way to kick off the volume. Everything about Elric is explained here.

The Fortress of the Pearl: It's interesting to note that even though this one wasn't published until nearly the nineties, it fits seamlessly into the rest of the books, and of course the device of making him forget explains why the events here aren't referred to in later novels. This one is good, still.

Sailor on the Seas of Fate: Easily the best story in here, period. You know its good when three other Eternal Champions show up (Erekose, Hawkmoon, and Corum), and they only stay through the first part, and the rest of the book just gets better!

The Dreaming City: Elric takes out his home city. I thought this was just a short story until I read the end and saw the rather major upheval Moorcock threw in at the end. Quite the tragic tale.

While the Gods Laugh: Another quickie tale, also tragic. Elric appears to be wrestling with many demons (in his mind, at least). Someone get this guy a shrink.

The Singing Citadel: Last short story of the collection and probably the best, it shows Elric finally getting at least partially over the events of The Dreaming City, for a little while. And hey, any volume with the Duke of Hell in it can't be all bad.

My only quibble is that the entire six book series wasn't reprinted here in its entireity (only the first two were). Hopefully that will be rectified when the eleventh book in the series: Elric: Stealer of Souls, is published. I'll be waiting

My favourite story in the Song of the Black Sword was the first one, Elric of Melnibone. It was so interesting. There was always something new that the author adds to keep on saturating your mind.

For all fantasy fans, read this book along with the rest of the Eternal Champion series.

What to say, what to say... the Elric saga is one of the most excellent fantasy series ever written. This is the first part, composed of the first three books, excluding Fortress of the Pearl, which was written after the six-book saga was completed. Nevertheless, it fits smoothly.

Elric of Melnibone - The flawless beginning of the saga. Elric of Melnibone introduces its namesake, his best friend Dyvim Tvar, his lover Cymoril, and his competent cousin Yyrkoon. This is, obviously, the first true advancement into the story; but as I mentioned before, it is flawless.

The Fortress of the Pearl - A sidestory, taking place between Elric of Melnibone and the Sailor on the Seas of Fate. Not as good as the other installments in the series, but a gem nonetheless.

The Sailor on the Seas of Fate - Split into three seperate, overall unrelated stories. Of course, all three fit into the current storyline, but each can be considered a seperate adventure. The first introduces Hawkmoon, Erekose, and Corum, three of the other incarnations of the Eternal Champion. The next two tell of Elric's adventures with Smiorgan and Duke Avan.

The Dreaming City - The conclusion to the plot that was set up through the entire first book (Elric of Melnibone). To say any more would spoil and excellent plot twist. Also, to mention, this is the first part of Weird of the White Wolf, the third book in the Elric Saga.

While the Gods Laugh - The second part of Weird. Here Elric meets Shaarilla, the wingless woman of Myrrh. Also, in this story, Elric meets Moonglum, his most faithful companion, and the one who stayed with the albino warrior the longest. An excellent story, simply put.

The Singing Citadel - Elric's first meeting with his long-lasting enemy (from this point on), the sorcerer and servant to Chaos, Theleb K'aarna. Here Elric also meets Yishana, who appears once more in the future Elric stories. The third installment in Weird.

My final word: Read it, read it, read it!

Short and sweet and a very, very easy read, this book is the kind of book that just makes you think "how nice". It is the kind of book that makes you feel good, the kind of book that, if your in a bit of a down mood or stuck in a rut, could be just what you need to re-energize your life.

If you are not an avid motivational or spiritual reader, only occasionaly reading material of this nature, this book is IDEAL. It has just enough content to make you think about your actions and your place in the scheme of things, without getting overly deep or philosophical. If everyone read this book and really thought about and made an effort to apply it's priciples, the world would be a really fabulous place.

I didn't rate the book 5 stars only because I prefer books with more content and insite and none of the ideas presented were new. It was just too simple for my taste... but hey... READ IT ANYWAY! It is definitely worth the very short investment of time it takes to do so!

A compelling book of hope, of comfort, of action -- a clear voice of reason in a confusing and sometimes frightening world. This book presents simple principles that are powerful enough to not only affect the way you view life experiences, but change your life if you apply them. The only person over whom you can hope to have any control is your own self. This book helps you see the possibilities of taking that control, no matter what else happens around you. Read the book, then apply the principles. You'll be happily surprised by the result.

Kent M. Keith, has done the world a great service in writing this new book. The Paradoxical Commandments is a compendium of valuable insight relating to life. Overall the book conveys why one should adopt a philosophy of doing what is right and good and true, knowing a paradox may occur, but doing it anyway. The principles and philosophy and morals discussed provide the reader with a 10 item outline of how to achieve inner happiness even when facing bad things. Call the Paradoxical Commandments 10 reasons why one should on a personal level always choose to bring forth the best in ourselves in spite of being met by the worst from the world. All 10 of the Paradoxical Commandments are good reasons to take the high moral road on life's great journey. The book is a quick read and a guide to a short road to personal happiness. My advice is to buy this book, read it, take it to heart and pass it on to a friend.

My current copy of the Tassajara Bread Book is a 1970 edition, and it is still my favorite (along with Tassajara Cooking, which unfortunately doesn't seem to be available). It has stood the test of time over the years, too many great recipes to just single out one. The Whole Wheat Pancakes, with some fresh blueberries added, is my favorite way to spoil guests. The best thing about the Tassajara books is that they indeed show you a method for cooking or baking, not just recipes to be followed.

Oil stains, flour stains, unidentifiable traces of the years, I don't think I'll ever part with my original copy, but with binding paste falling out now each time I open it and the cover unattached, I think it's time to get an updated copy. You won't go wrong with this book!

I have for years relied on a bread machine to indulge my desire for home-baked bread. No more. This book is a revelation, a gem.

If you scrupulously follow the introductory instructions for the basic Tassajara bread, you will be able to make any kind of bread from scratch, by hand, guaranteed. Just now I have two gorgeous loaves of millet bread in the oven, and this is just my second time making bread by hand. Thea author, Edward Brown, tells you precisely how the dough should look, how it should feel, and how to know when you are finished kneading. You simply cannot go wrong.

I have the other "bible" of bread making, James Beard's book, and, much as I adore James Beard, I prefer the Tassajara method of bread-making. There is less guesswork, and less seems to go wrong.

And I love the spiritual side, the bliss-out and enjoy-the-moment side to the book, as well. I will never, ever part with this book.

Mr. Brown writes from the perspective of starting as a cook's helper, learning cooking by trail-and-error, and graduating to head cook of a monastery kitchen. His writing also reflects a Zen monk's reverence for food and the ritual of cooking.

The Tassajara Basic Yeasted Bread is discussed in detail. Chapters on yeasted bread, yeasted pastry, unyeasted bread, sourdough, pancakes, muffins and quickbreads, and desserts follow. Recipes stress the use of natural foods and grains. Most recipes include alternate ingredient suggestions.

I first used this cookbook to make the Tassajara Basic Yeasted Bread. I never before had made bread. The whole wheat dough was stiff. Mixing the dough was extremely hard work. Kneading the dough was agony. Making this bread taught me respect both for bread and for anyone who makes bread.

I recently rediscovered this cookbook while seeking a cornbread/muffin recipe that did not use shortening. I made muffins substituting molasses for honey and adding marjoram. My muffins were excellent both alone and with bean dishes.

Cooking is vastly underrated. One who cooks economically and maintains a clean, safe household is free to "Be All That You Can Be", an accomplishment that would make an Army drill sergeant or a Zen master proud. Mr. Brown's writing reflects that pride.