My daughter tells me not everyone has at least four kinds of rice as pantry staples; I tell her they should - and this book gives them reason to.

This has the most comprehensive inventory of rice types that I have seen. For example, I have only recently found a source for red rice; this book distinguishes between Thai red rice, mahogany rice, Bhutanese red rice, Himalayan red rice, South Indian red rice, South Asian red rice, Vietnamese red cargo rice and Wehani. Reading the differences, even without knowledge of what red rice I bought, allows me to adjust the recipes conservatively so that I don't over-cook, over-power or otherwise mutilate my find.

The recipes are well chosen; many of the recipes are not rice recipes but dishes to accompany rice. This gives the book a greater range than its title might imply. The stories of learning the worldwide recipes on site add to the enjoyment of the recipes; they provide a travelogue of the search for new rices and rice uses. They are accompanied with excellent photographs of growing, harvesting, and cooking rice.

Recipes come from Italy, Mexico, Japan, Turkey, Thailand, India, China, USA, Senegal, Persia, Jamaica, Spain, Uighur (Russian-Chinese border). There is an index by the geographic region which allows the book to serve as an ethnic cookbook.

This is a cookbook to read and to use. I definately recommend it.

How we feed ourselves is so much of what we call culture, and one of the great pleasures of travel. In this book, Jeffrey and Naomi lead us on journeys into other worlds through their photos, stories and recipes.

Even for a life-long rice eater, like me, the recipes provide new ideas. Sometimes I'm inspired to explore for new ingredients, an adventure within my own city. When I want comfort, I retreat to the familiar, maybe trying a new accompaniment. Other times, I use the book as a starting point, and do what cooks all over the world do, including the authors: work with what's on hand.

The crisp black and white photos entertain and educate as good photo journalism will. The colour photos are spectacular; many are exhibition-quality art shots. The authors have travelled places I'll never go: the stories and pictures remind me of my good fortune to be living as I do. This book feeds the spirit as well as the body.

I enjoy cooking. Especially food that feeds the soul as well as the body. I also enjoy the look and feel of a beautifully designed book. Seductions in Rice feeds both of my passions. The text is interesting, something not usually true in a cookbook, and the photography is engrossing. Then I tried the recipes. I started with a chicken curry from India, then a Miso soup and sushi roll from Japan, and then my favorite, a Thai papaya salad. All filled my kitchen with rich exotic smells and tastes. This book now lives on my coffee table. It is a keeper.

Some of the advice in this book is great, especially on suggestions for enjoying meals socially without feeling like a freak. However, based on the title and the author's condition, it's easy to assume that the only foods recommended in the book are gluten-free, and that's not true. Several of the recipes and purchased-food recommendations are wheat-free, but not gluten-free, and are NOT clearly identified as such. I found the tone to be rather snobbishly superior, as well- perhaps a nice book for those in the caviar-eating set, but not written for the unprivileged who can not expect to be waited on hand and foot or to be able to afford all the specialty foods the author considers necessities.

Along with the words, you have Celiac-Sprue Disease, your GI doctor should hand you this book and tell you to go home and read it. A diagnosis of Celiac seems overwhelming and the diet restrictive. The author uses humor and common sense along with personal experience to ease the pain and educate the consumer reading the book. Although a Gluten-Free diet is unlike any other, you can get a good, basic feel for it using this book. It helps to get one over the hump and on the road to wellness. I highly recommend this book. If you have Celiac Disease do yourself a favor and get it, if you have a friend or loved one with the disease show them that you care.

This is not a cookbook (although there are a few recipes in the back). It's more like a survival manual or a book-length pep talk, specifically written for people with celiac sprue, which is a severe form of gluten intolerance. But I'm finding the ideas and encouragement are applicable to anyone who is gluten-free or wheat-free for any reason, and in fact they're even worth skimming by anyone dealing with food allergies or other significant dietary changes (such as cutting out dairy or sugar). It's a funny and well-written book, including sections on anti-cheating strategies, restaurant assertiveness training, and etiquette for people with dietary restrictions, along with the expected list of product suggestions (with extensive mail-order information). I've looked at a *lot* of special diet cookbooks and guidebooks in the past couple of years, and have been disappointed by most of them because they frankly haven't had much in them that I hadn't already learned somewhere. This book is a fresh exception. I would have liked to see more specifics on various baking substitutions (maybe in the next edition?), and there is a lot of product information that may be regional or get outdated (so I expect a second edition would be a good idea), but even with those minor imperfections I still would highly recommend this book.

A Must for the New Bengal Owner! I'm not new to owning cats, but I am new to the Bengal breed. This book is very helpful. It goes into detail about the breed and there are specifics that bengal owners should know that are different than other breeds. The only thing I would have liked to have seen in this book, would have been color pictures. I only has black & white drawings...but the information is great!

This is more of a basic book that goes into Bengal cats in general.There is some detailed information but most of it is what you should look for in this breed and how to care for them.There are no photographs but only black and white drawings so do not expect otherwise.
I feel it is an informative guide but more for those who are new to cats and raising them.Great beginners book for Bengal lovers!

I was very pleased with this book. My wife and I would like to open a bengal cattery someday, but we had many questions about quality of cats, care, showing, this book answered about everything. It explains things in a simple way that even I can understand it : ) I loved it.

One expects pictures in a cook book especially if you are looking to learn something new. It's hard know if it is not something you would like to prepare without a presentation. If you are very experienced at cooking great it has lots of pages of text, but I found it useless in helping me with vegetarian cooking. Sorry if it sounds so trivial, but a cookbook with out pictures is no darn good to me. If you disagree, good luck it has lots of pages for you.

My parents bought me this book when I first made the transition from meat-eater to veganism. It's frustrating to look through "healthy" vegetarian cookbooks and find recipes with a generous handful of cheese, a couple cups of buttermilk, and a couple of eggs. No wonder non-vegetarians like these books... they're barely different from what they're eating now, nutritionally speaking. But Lorna Sass has written one in a million. It's healthy and so good! And it's got everything. Wonderful soups, all the basics- like hummus, and fantasitc whole grain desserts. Whenever we need a good recipe for a special occasion or want something that we don't take the time for everyday- we consult this book. In addition, it provides great information on all the ingredients. While most of the recipes require too much effort for everyday cooking, it's definitely a book that belongs in everyone's cookbook collection... vegetarian or not. And believe me- it's been approved by all the picky meat-eaters in my family!

Grabbing the overused, stained-in-a-cliche-way cookbook, my close friend is excited to cook something created by Lorna whom he calls "a goddess." He is crazy about her unusual, earthy, easy-to-follow, healthy recipes. She has seduced him into buying his first pressure cooker--which he loves dearly, and into cooking vegan meals. The recipes are diverse and delicious, also. If you've got an All-American craving for franks and beans, Lorna's found a way to make tofu dogs fulfill your dreams. For those who love Asian stir-fries and noodle dishes, there are simple recipes using the zesty and rich flavors of sesame oil, ginger, tamari, etc. To impress your friends, use one of Lorna's rice casserole dishes. Throw a bunch of ingredients into the pressure cooker, wait a few minutes, and you're ready. The best thing about Lorna's book is the cross-referencing potential. You've got some quinoa, some greens, some pinto beans, and other random ingredients, but you don't know how to blend it all tastefully or how to cook quinoa. Check out the bean and grain cooking time charts, and it's very likely if you search the index you'll find something calling for at least a few of the ingredients you need to use up. Where does quinoa come from anyway? The "Ingredients A to Z" section of Complete Vegetarian Kitchen will give you a history on quinoa, and tell you how to store it! Whatever Lorna journey you embark on with your pressure cooker is going to be a delicious one, a meal that comes to life from the pages of her cookbook. I wish only there were photographs!

Chunky Rice is like no other book I've ever read. Its at one time adorable and depressing, but always captivating. Comparable to Melvile's MOBY DICK, this tale of a wandering sprit's driving desire to leave his safe and almost perfect life in exchange for the uncertantity of life at sea is one that anyone can relate to. The fact that the central character is an almost genderless cartoon turtle makes him truly iconic so that anyone can put their own identity into the character's life journey. Once Chunky Rice sets sail we are introduced to a strange crew of freakish characters each with a striking vulnerability that they try to keep buried within them only to find it constantly resurfacing. This is the type of book to read and then share with a friend. I Highly encourage everyone one to pick up this book. It's quietly poetic and beautifully drawn with a wild imaginative style that truly stands out.

Craig is a master beyond his years. Moi, j'chapeau l'mec.

A book about the deep feelings and longings that are possible in the world of existence, told through a mythologized melange of lumpy dumpy bumpy people, "funny animals", a neurotic bird, motown, moments of passion, clinking clunking bottles, interpersonal and intrapersonal ignorance and discovery.

A very rich comic experience, sure to capivate those who already know the comics universe is bigger than many think, and probably a safe bet first foray for those who are looking to start exploring that universe.

I bought this at the Knockabout stall at the Angouleme (France) comics festival in January of 2000. But you don't have to go to France. If it will help you make the decision to buy this book, then think of buying this book via Amazon as possessing the magic and mystery of going to France. There; did that work?

You know that feeling when you see something for the first time, and it perfectly defines an undefinable emotion? Like the first time you heard Pink Floyd's "Great Gig in the Sky?"

Same thing here. This book manages to completely encapsulate that raw loss---of friends, of family, of innocence, of whatever while going to seek your fortune. I don't want to sound corny, but it's like an elegy to what you leave behind in order to get to your future.

Glorious glorious book. Go read it. Now.

I just finished this book last night and it is going to take me a while to recover from the feelings and images I experienced while reading it. It is safe to say that not a single character in this book is exempt from greed, depravity, and brutality. The prose is absolutely stunning and the translation from Chinese to English is done with great finesse; the juxtaposition of such beautiful writing with horrific events and behavior is even more intriguing. I found myself searching for any small spark of compassion or kindness or noble courage in the characters and those instances did exist, albeit in small quantities! The reader must work at finding redeeming qualities in the mostly loathsome characters. I was heartened to read one passage near the end, in which Five Dragons' wife states that she never really was afraid of him. Looking back, I realize that she indeed was one of the few people who did not fear him. She saw him for who he was, but she did not overtly ever try to harm him. Perhaps she was as close to a redeeming character as can be found in this startling, brutal, poetic book.

Su Tong is a masterful writer. I was first drawn to his works after seeing the movie "Raise the Red Lantern." I read that book and soon after bought _Rice_, but for some reason I let _Rice_ sit on one of my bookshelves for over two years. I finally decided to picj it up, and boy am I glad I did.

The book follows the life of Five Dragons. An Orphen from a rural locale called Maple Poplar village. He probably would have never left the village if it hadn't been completely flooded. We are first introduced to Five Dragons when he jumps from a train and into the Big City. He soon meets one of his many enemies Abao, and after waking up nearly frozen, Five Dragons makes his way to a rice seller, where he settles down to make the lives of everyone he touches miserable.

When I first started reading the book, I thought that Five Dragons was a character to cheer for. I wanted this bumpkin to make good in the gig city. Su Tong's flipped my ideas. Five Dragons does well, but at the expense of others. He is cruel, abusive, and at the drop of the hat will have someone killed. He broke his own son's leg, but his son had just killed his sister. His son was ten at the time.

This is a really good book, and should be read by all who want a glimpse at 20's-30's China.

Su Tong's novel Rice (translated effectively by Howard Goldblatt) is a riveting read with unforgettable scenes of cruelty. The author peoples the book with vivid characters caught in a struggle for survival within a family that is of the take-no-prisoners variety that in lesser hands would come off as simply melodramatic but Su Tong is an inventive and skilled storyteller who layers the narrative and events to create a small epic. Hunger pervades all the actions of the book, whether for rice or sex or revenge (and sometimes all three), as a symbol for this turning point in Chinese history before the Communist take over. This is a short exciting literary ride that will reward any reader brave and lucky enough to begin the journey.

Ah, a book displaying the fears and conspiracy theories of the eighties (a bad time period indeed). Oh, sure, there are still 'interesting' people out there right now, but i recommend reading this book as solely the relic of a bygone era. According to some accounts in the books, we should already have mechanical replacments for every organ, and have our hands serve as credit cards. Oh, and the apocalypse is already supposed to have happened. Perhaps the only use for this book is to read it for the shock value, for it still supplies plenty of that. The oft-lauded tale of the necrophiliac is actually quite tame compared to the interveiw with Peter Soto- a misogynist, sado-masochist who admires someone who tortured a girl to death after raping her in every way possible (and then the book goes on to say free speech as we know it is going down the drain, presumably because of this man's arrest. Ideals in the wrong places guys?)
However, not all of the articles are solely for shock value. 'Agriculture: demon instrument of civilization' has fascinating things to say about 'progress,' Surprisingly other articles are down-right boring (as if we didn't already know about revenge in secret societies!), but this doesn't mean that the book as a whole doesn't have the effect on the reader it's supposed to have. I made the mistake of reading some over midnight, and sub sequentially lost a night of sleep!
This book could be read by those with weak stomachs, but i don't recommend it for those who still have faith in human beings. It is not the 'truths' presented in it (weather control? really.) but the people who write those truths that are so upsetting.

_Apocalyspe Culture_ edited by Adam Palfrey (second edition) is a hard book to classify; perhaps the closest one could get is to describe it as a compilation of alternative writings on the sorry state of current society.

The book is divided into two parts. The first part points to the evidence of our society's moral decay, with essays ranging from one that encourages self-castration, to an interview with an admitted necrophiliac, to the Muslim program as outlined by Elijah Muhammed. The second part of the book purports to show the sociopolitcal results of the decay of our culture, and includes an essay by the founder of the Church of Satan, much about the supposedly secret role that the Freemasons play in the political arena, and the connection between the atomic bomb and mysticism.

This book isn't for everyone, particularly not the faint of heart because of some of the photos included. However, I found it interesting, if disturbing, reading. Highly recommended for people who think the world's going to hell in a handbasket, or just like to read material about the outer fringes of society.

Reality is mediated, and most people don't have the time or interest in exploring different realities -- but for those of us who know that reality is a strange and wonderful place, AC is alot of fun. This book opens up the world for the reader and explores regions of mankind which are ignored by the national media. Get this book and read it, and never again be satisfied with the commodified, safe version of humankind delivered by traditional sources. Conspiracy, freaks, the end of civilization; Take a look.

The Brits have a wonderful knack for taking the scripts (or bits thereof), incorporating them into a book ostensibly written by the character herself, and coming up with something fresh and every bit as hilarious as the series itself. Such is certainly the case with Hyacinth Bucket's Book of Etiquette.

With this book, Hyacinth responds to questions of etiquette from the "socially less fortunate." Her responses and anecdotes (which often contain snippets of dialogue taken from the scripts) are well-seasoned with her own opinions and thoughts; the result is just hilarious. Hyacinth has even included an index for the reader, which contains gems such as "index finger, correct use of" and "husbands, uses of."

For the person who just can't get enough of that Bucket woman, this lovely 191-page book, which contains an abundance of black & white photos (scenes from the series) is a must-have. A book to be read and re-read, it is every bit as enjoyable as the series upon which it is based. Highly recommended!

This book is a must-have for any fan of the series "Keeping Up Appearances." The format: Hyacinth Bucket (pronounced "Bouquet", of course) has written this book to help we, the readers, improve our social skills and graces, hopefully avoiding the complications her friends and family have caused her! She cites examples from the first few years of the series of what to do and what not to do (basically, don't do what Onslow does and you're on the right track already)! It is full of photos from the show, and even includes a family tree. A fun item for the Hyacinth fan!

One section title sums up Hyacinth Bucket to a T: "Putting People in their Places." The book is advice to those who aim to be as perfect as Hyacinth. Learn how to deal with brother-in-laws in dresses, sisters with cracked coffee mugs, and how to handle a shirtless Onslow!

Magic rules over the hearts of lovers and friends once again, as romance author Patricia Rice presents her fans with another charming fairy tale of love and passion. Ninian Malcom Siddons has always known she was a witch. After all, she is a Malcom woman and all Malcom women are witches. But Ninian uses her "gifts" as a healer to help the village where she grew up. But her life was solitary and lonely, that is until Lord Ives appears on the scene determined to turn her life upside-down.

Drogo Ives is more interested in the stars and planets than everyday life, that is until he spies upon a pretty peasant girl who reminds him of moonbeams. The devilishly handsome lord finds himself entranced with the lady who claims she's a witch. With his thoughts turning towards having a family of his own, Drogo soon realizes that Ninian has cast a spell on his heart that can't be broken. A prolific author who is known for her contemporary and historical romances, Patricia Rice makes another stop in the realm of the magical and fantastical with her new novel, "Merely Magic." Rice sprinkles a generous dose of humor throughout her charming story of love and enchantment.

Sharon Galligar Chance - Times Record News

Great story! Ninian and Drogo(The witch and the stargazer)and both of their family characters are very entertaining and full of personality. I truly hope Paticia Rice writes a few sequels around Drogo's brothers.This is the first book by the author I've read. I will definitely be looking forward to reading all her other books. If you like romance, you won't be disappoint with this one.

The minute I started MERELY MAGIC I knew I held one heck of a compelling story in my hands. Having been a fan of Ms. Rice's for years I knew her storytelling abilities were phenomenal whether in the contemporary or historical genres. Her characters are deep, sensual and have a humorous side too to give you a full-bodied tale you don't soon forget.

I love the magical theme of MERELY MAGIC. Ninian Malcolm Siddons is a witch with the art of healing those in the village of Wystan beneath the Castle belonging to Earl Drogo Ives, newely returned to the area. Lord Ives doesn't realize all the local folklore about the Malcolm witches and Ives devils. All the Ives' are dark, handsome and extremely virile and always sire males. The Malcolm witches are all women, fair of face with golden locks and they always birth females. They have a bad history that Drogo knows nothing about between the families. It's rumored if the two families intermarry the town will be destroyed. Guess what happens? You'll love the chaos!

There is so much love, magic, and crazy family situations to sort out that I know you are going to love being a part of this magical novel of two extraordinary people who through the magic of love and working together make this an unforgettable story to cherish. I'm hoping to hear more of the Malcolms and Ives' in the future. They are unbelievably fascinating characters that I know Ms. Rice can bring to life with verve.

The book takes a while before getting started, with The Program beginning when the book is nearly one-third over. The set-up of weekly themes, goals, and exercises barely "works" on paper, but is definitely too difficult to "work out" in practice. As a result, this book will be a quick "skimmer" for most women. A lot of promises are made, saying that this routine is not sensationalized or a quick fix. Well, I was not looking for a quick fix, but the exercises could use some pizzazz! The photos don't stir me to move, and the author's saccharine style is a turn-off. Though insisting on the uniqueness of Real Fitness for Real Women, the movements seem ordinary. There is some, but not much that a certified trainer couldn't offer, and hasn't offered me in my first two sessions. The writing style often speaks to plus-size women as if we should exclude ourselves from our local gyms, and many plus-sizers, myself included, do not necessarily agree. The resources listed in the end might be more useful if they included samplings of similar "unique" workouts: SistersnShape, KellyBliss, MoretoLove, etc. There is movement happening, and there is a Movement happening. To better serve plus-size fitness, the author might include a chapter focusing on what her program's ideals have in common with other programs and practices (in neighboring states.) Overall, this title could use some re-working. Just as some plus-size women are new to exercise, perhaps the founder of this workout may be a novice writer and author.

When I first saw Ms. Rice on CBS This Morning I was struck by her enthusiasm for plus sized fitness. I was also a little skeptical about a thin woman being able to recognize the fitness needs of larger women. Boy, was I wrong.

I could not put this book down. Not only did I find the direction of the book easy to absorb and follow. I also found the accompanying photographs, which showed plus size women in various exercises, very beneficial. In addition the the motivational stories of the women who have followed Ms. Rice's program were very inspirational.

I recommend this book to any woman of size, and even those not of size, who think they can't live an active lifestyle. You can! And Ms. Rice shows you how.

First I have to say, Thank you Rochelle Rice! I heard about the book from a friend andI immediately went to buy it. I use to work out at a gym, but I felt like everyone was looking at me as the cautionary tale so I haven't really worked out for almost 2 years. Now that I am armed with exercises just for me, I actually started to work out again - with my head held high.

What I liked about the book, is that it focuses on six weeks -- which is easy enough to make a commitment to. And she starts you off slowly, building new things into it each week.

The pictures -- using REAL women -- are easy to understand and the stretches feel great.

I also learned a lot about how fatter bodies need specific exercises and she really explains them. I have been doing the program for about 3 weeks now and so far so good!

I recommend this to other plus size gals like myself who are fed up with the fitness is only for skinny people.