The list of names along with the interesting history of genital nicknaming certainly makes for great conversation fodder -- but Skin Flutes & Velvet Gloves takes the reader far beyond this superficial falderal by delving into such topics as the connection between modern-day religion and ancient genital worship; the history of circumcision (more disturbing than one might imagine); odd (really odd!) things folks do to their own 'flutes' and 'gloves'; just to name a few. Dr. Hamilton also provides clear and fascinating info about genitals in general (nice chapters on male/female anatomy - the section on "the black rose" was mind boggling!)

Engaging yet easy read, memorable/unusual factoids, highly entertaining... highly recommended!!!

Skin Flutes is a thoroughly researched historical guide to the body's nether regions. Each section begins with a historical perspective on certain body parts or sexual practices and then traces the origins and development of traditions right up to the modern day.

Witty and informative without resorted to schoolyard snickering or locker room crudeness, Skin Flutes is a great conversation piece and a good addition to any nonfiction library.

The glossary of terms can also act as a great thesaurus for afterdinner conversation.

"But let me tell you another, even more curious adventure...

Sweat, Fuks walks on, me behind him, trouser-legs, heels, sand, we plod on, plod on, earth, ruts, clod, glitter from glassy pebbles, glare, the heat buzzes, shimmering, everything black with sunlight, houses, fences, fields, woods, this road, this march, where from, how, it's a long story, to tell you the truth I was sick of my father and mother, my family in general, besides I wanted to do away with at least one exam, also to try a change, leave it all, live somewhere far away for a while. So I took off to Zakopane, I walk through Krupówki, think where the heck to get a cheap pension when I run into Fuks, his red-haired faded blond mug, protruding, his gaze pasted with apathy, but he was happy, and I was happy, how are you, what are you doing here, I'm looking for a room, so am I, I have an address - he said - of a small manor-house where it's cheaper as it's a long way out, almost bare countryside. So we walk, trouser-legs, heels in sand, the road and the heat, I look down, earth and sand, the pebbles sparkle, one, two, one, two, trouser-legs, heels, sweat, sleepiness in tired eyes from the train and nothing besides this pacing from down below. He stopped."

If you have the book handy you'll notice how the published English version breaks up Gombrowicz's long meandering sentences and how it flattens certain phrases ("gaze pasted with apathy" becomes "fishlike eyes") not to mention misspelling one of the main character's names. Another example, a short one this time:

"...how many times have I told her, Kata, don't be lazy, don't be afraid, go to the surgeon, get the operation done, get that appearance of yours regulated..."

becomes: "...how many times have I told her not to put it off any longer but to go and see the surgeon and have it done...".

"Pornographia," written later, is more poetically sound than "Cosmos." Very simply, "Pornographia" is about what I call "the vitality of youth." Old men in rural Poland are transfixed by two teens, a boy and girl, who may as well be having sex. But they may only be friends. A fascination envelops...then murder.

Chances are I have not done Witold Gombrowicz justice. My attempted descriptions of his work are not competent enough. You see, his books have a life of their own: they are haunting. For this reason, Gombrowicz is among the best literary figures of the twentieth century.

Stories like these are the foundation of culture. All too often we overlook them as low brow and common when what we should be doing is revering them for the treasure that they are.

When you are finished reading "Her Stories: African American Folktales, Fairy Tales, and True Tales" you should buy a copy for someone you know.

What? You don't HAVE a collection of bad movie-ology? Then you need this book. Where else can you get a complete review of some of the worst movies made by some of the best known stars? The authors point out some of the worst cinema made and keep you laughing the entire time. Until you remember that Mazes and Monsters made your Mom throw out 1/2 of your D&D library.

If you are a fan of MST3K, bad Sci-Fi, or horrible acting by people that should have known better, this is the book for you!

Take for example recipes which call for roasted peppers. OK, you can't roast peppers in 10 minutes, so they suggest buying them in a jar. Good enough, but then the recipe calls for the actual number of red peppers to use, which is not the way they are packaged in a jar.

Also, I'm sorry, but even a pounded chicken breast cannot be properly cooked in 4-6 minutes. And they aren't really counting the prep time - getting them out of the package, cleaning them, pounding them, etc.

Lastly, I have encountered many recipes in the book which call for amounts of ingredients that are unnecessary. For the pita breads with orange butter, the recipe calls for, I believe, 1/2 cup butter and 1/3 cup orange concentrate (which, incidentally, not one person at my party could taste), then the instructions say to brush 4 pita halves with the butter-orange mixture, which leaves about 98% of the liquid unused.

A big disappointment.

This is a fun quick read and a nice break from all of those wedding planning books.

If you are planning a wedding or plan to be in a wedding this book will serve multiple purposes. It will give you a dose of "prevention" so you don't turn into a Bridezilla and hold down a bridesmaid until she agrees to paint her nails blood red. If you are a bridal attendant it will give you tips on how to deal with the ugly bridal monster some brides turn out to be.

Plus, it as an extra added bonus it can make almost any family look couth.

I thought I'd read it all until I got to Chapter 6: Extreme Bridezillas. Really funny, outrageous, horrendous stories throughout the book.

Now I'll have to go buy a second copy to give to my daughter. If you're a mother, like I am, you'll want to get your son or daughter their own copy of Bridezilla long before they contemplate marriage. That way, with luck and the guidance of Miss Jeanne and Auntie Noe, they can avoid losing friends and becoming fodder for the sequel. Helen Ginger, Women's Marketing, Legends In Our Own Minds®

Anyone who's ever been a bridesmaid has been subjected to the temporary insanity of a close friend's wedding preparations. However, the examples in this book demonstrate the extremes of bad behavior that result when ego and insensitivity are allowed to run amuck because "It's my special day!" After reading this book, you'll consider yourself lucky if you escaped with a fuschia bridesmaid dress and accessories dyed to match, of course, as your only scars from the blessed event.

This book offers more than shock value. The authors gently and humorously correct wayward Bridezillas who desire to reform their behavior and mend fences. They also offer concrete suggestions for friends and relatives to cope with their very own Bridezilla or Groomonster without sinking to the depths of Etiquette Hell themselves. With a tongue-in-cheek tone Auntie Noe and Miss Jeanne show the reader how to maintain perspective on what's really important on one's wedding day: a commitment to marriage and respect for one's betrothed and guests. We are reminded that a gracious bride is a beautiful bride, and a successful wedding is one where "everyone leaves the event wishing they didn't have to go."

This is a must read for anyone planning a wedding who wants to
avoid boorish behavior or anyone currently suffering at the hands of Bridezilla. If you have no weddings in your immediate future, it's a wicked escape to curl up with a hot cup of tea and marvel over the real-life horror stories from Etiquette Hell!

Jane Hamilton-Merritt has done a superb job in documenting the struggles of the Hmong people. By living with the Hmong, she sees through the eyes of the Hmong people. Her views are not those of an outsider, but the views of a Hmong. From the beginning of the Secret War to the settling of the Hmong in America, she documents everything that happens to the Hmong people. Tragic Mountains shows her dedication and love of the Hmong people