I first bought this book about 12 years ago and together with Brody's subsequent book, Good Food Gourmet, it is the very core of my cooking repetoire. My mother was truly a gourmet cook, so I know great food. Brody's recipes easily combine excellent taste with nutritional value. There is no loss of flavor or meal satisfaction here!! In fact, I find that other meals are too heavy and actually prefer to eat a home-cooked Brody meal over most other versions. I particularly like her contributions to ethnic food, and my favorites are Lemon Chicken with Bulgar, Vegetable Lasagna, and Hot and Sour Soup.

I have been feeling guilty about replacing my paperbook books, which are literally in tatters, with the relatively expensive hardcover versions. Yet in reading prior reviews, other people have done exactly that! How many other cookbooks actually require replacement anyway?

Having Jane Brody's cookbooks is like being a member of an elite club. Once you own them, you realize that you know more than most people. Brody is a master. Do not miss out on this and other fine books by Brody.

I love to read cookbooks, and I credit Jane Brody for that! My mother gave me this book years ago when I was trying to eat healthier and it worked. The information on nutrition in the beginning of the book is excellent and I have referred to it again and again. When I got married to a man who would almost rather eat dirt than eat "healthy" food, I won him over with recipes from this book. Now my kids love them, too. I can't say enough good things about Jane Brody - I also have her "Good Food Gourmet" - another triumph and a staple in my kitchen.

Three years ago I decided to get healthy: change the way I eat, exercise, live. Jane Brody's Good Food Book was given to me as a gift and has been part of my life ever since. Her recipes are delicious. She uses lots of herbs and substitutes bad stuff in traditional recipes with good stuff. It's real cooking for real life.

This book is great! Strange Forces takes all the Strange Matter books and rolls them into one astounding novel. As far as I know, there are four of these books, Strange Forces 1,2,3, and Strange Forces: The Last Buru. People didn't buy these books enough and apparently, the creators went out of buisness. I wish more people had known about them, then the book would have gotten more sales and it would have stayed in buisness. Strange Matter was a great series, and I know quite a few people who want to see Strang Forces, and all the other Strange Matter books, make a comeback. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

Engle & Barnes could stomp the competition such as Goosebumps and Ghosts of Fear Street, if people would just read their Strange Matter series. They don't let us down with the newest addition to Strange Matter- Strange Forces. This book takes us to a new level of terror and suspense because this book isn't the usual 120 pg. Strange Matter. This time we leap into an epic story that lasts 269 pg. of terror. From the get-go, Engle & Barnes keep us in suspense when they introduce a new character named Rilo Buru. He has escaped from his master The Collector, and trying to find an ancient item that can give The Collector power over all supernatural beings, in Fairfield, the city where Strange Matter books take place. Rilo Buru has stolen The Collector's only source of finding the item, the Ceques. The kids who have encountered monsters, ghouls, and ghosts, in Fairfield come together to help stop The Collector from finding the item that will let him control all strange forces

When I first started these books I loved them! I couldn't get enough of em'! At 10 times better than Goosebumps, it's hard to say you don't like these books! They're a fast-paced rip-roaring thriller! Wish the publishers would get some stock of these amazing books. How could you possibally not love em'. If anyone was wondering my favorite characters are Michelle and Morgan. Actally, I'd even say these books tops Animorphs also! I don't know why people don't buy these books like they do Animorphs and Goosebumps. There just sooo good they scare me! Actually, another reason I love em' is cause there wonderfully cool, but not scary. Well, not scary enough for you to wet your pants! I'll admit at 11, I can still wet my pants if the books scary enough! Remember: READ STRANGE FORCES! See ya!

A great book for the sales pro. Ray offers (convincingly) a concise method of developing the all important prospect/salesperson relationship, understanding the psychology behind that relationship, identifying the prospect's motives and needs, positioning your service or product, and creating the difference between you and the competition, all of which are the key to making the sale. It goes beyond the "usual" sales methods of covering all the bases, presenting feature/benefit and eliminating red flags.

The Success Secrets of the Sales Funnel, is as unigue as its author. Its easy to read and more important easy to incorporate into your daily sales activities. The use of the WITY in any sales presentation has a remarkable impact on the sale and presentation. At what point in the sales process do you know if your prospect is going to buy? I use to wait until the end and then ask for the order, However, I've learned VALUABLE information from Ray Leone' Sales Funnel. Now I know well before my presentation is over that I have a buyer. I would recommended this book to anyone in sales, newly starting or seasoned Pro. Your gonna buy a book anyway, why not get a good one that works!!!

Ray Leone's The Success Secrets of the Sales Funnel is a must read for anyone in sales. I came to a sales position from another industry and found his book an invaluable resource. I struggled for the first year in my new position. After reading this book I dramatically increased the amount of contracts I was able to sign. The book helped me to organize my presentations and to ask for the order without coming on too strong.

Mr. Ray's Weekend Novelist is an excellent reference book. However, I wouldn't necessarily use it as a template for writing a novel . . . unless you plan on writing novels similar to Mr. Ray's or to Ann Tyler's "The Accidental Tourist", the novel that Ray uses as an template throughout citing it as a perfect example of a well written novel.

For those new to the daunting task of writing a novel, this book can pigeonhole you into thinking this is the only way to tackling writing. I came across that dilemma. After getting halfway through the book, doing the exercises and starting to write my own novel I began to abandon my old habits of writing and started to adopt Mr. Ray's. I started to feel that I couldn't put pen to paper UNLESS I completely plotted my novel, developed my characters and set up every scene. This didn't work for me. The natural flow I usually feel when writing was taken away and eventually I completely gave up on the process returning to my methods of writing: sitting down with a pad and pencil and allowing the ideas to flow. Then fine tuning the story only after I have a huge chunk of it written and some idea of what I want to convey. Not all novels are structured in Mr. Ray's manner, not all novels use Aristotle's incline to develop plot and storylines and not all novels can be written in 52 weekends.

Not to say this is a bad book at all. It's a wonderful reference book full of ideas and exercises to help you strengthen your writing. For example, it never occurred to me to create backstories and timelines for each of my characters giving them dimension and realism. Ray also offers exercises to help you set up scenes, write dialogue, write action and plot your novel. I now find that I refer to these exercises to help me develop my writing but I no longer follow the program.

This book is a great starting point for those interested in writing a novel but do not have an idea how to start (one more thing: you definitely have to have some idea of what you want to write BEFORE you start). However, for experienced writers you will find that this book is more useful as a reference guide rather than a program to follow.

I wish I had studied this book before I ever put pen to paper. I used to think that if only I had something very interesting to write about, then all I would have to do is start writing, and a great story would magically appear. Robert Ray helped me understand just how much planning and preparation go into writing a good novel, as well as what to focus on when plotting your story. There are three things in particular that this book taught me which were especially helpful.

First, this book taught me that what really drives a novel is the characters and their relationships to each other and to events. I looked at Grisham and Clancy and thought that smooth prose filled with action would make a novel into a bestseller. Although that is sometimes true, Robert Ray showed me that the real key to a compelling, meaningful story is a stellar character through which the reader can identify. A good character can drive the whole novel.

The second thing this book taught me, which was perhaps the most valuable for me, is that the basic building block of the novel is not the chapter or even the major plot points, but the individual scenes. Robert Ray shows that each scene is like a compact story within your story, with a set-up, a middle part for conflict and development, and a climax which pushes the story into the next scene. The section on scene building in this book was excellent, and it gave me the breakthrough I needed in understanding how to give a story real structure.

Finally, this book helped me understand the importance of the major plot points, and what has to happen in the scenes at these points in order to make your writing tight.

In addition to the above, this book has many basic tips on how to organize yourself, how to approach your writing, and how to work through the major revisions of your story. There's even an appendix at the end with tips on getting published.

For an amateur like me who has never had any classes in story writing, this book was the most helpful guide that I was able to find.

Robert J. Ray's "The Weekend Novelist" can help just about anyone realize their potential as a novelist. I don't think any of us out there can drop everything to become a professional novelist (unless you're born into wealth, I guess). We all have to work sometime. So, Mr. Ray puts together a program that will allow you to not only write a novel on the weekends but also write a novel with depth and meaning.

Before I read this book, I wrote lots of short stories and the start of a few novels. I used this book to turn some of my old ideas into the reality of a manuscript.

I felt myself getting bogged down at first by following his program of hashing out the details of the lives of the characters. But I quickly realized the commitment that is involved in writing a novel. It's important to develop meaningful characters/structure before you start writing.

Thanks, Mr. Ray! I highly recommend this book to any aspiring writer.

I think this a great book! Rilo gets reunited with his family and tries to save them. I hate Preston though, what a traitor. They lose their powers but get them back by Morgan and are stronger than ever! Though I wonder how they look like. I'm still trying to find the fifth book. Whoever is trying to buying this book you should really buy it! Its awesome!!!

This was a great book. A few days ago I was looking in my bookshelf to see if there was something I hadn't read. I found a book that I remembered I had gotten when I was in Kindergarten. The book was titled The Last Buru and I read it and it was awesome. I looked for the website that the address was on the back. And it was gone, I searched for anything in the series and I found out this was the last book the authors had written. I'm glad I had gotten it in Kindergarten so I could read a book out of print, but it really sucks that there isn't a book in the series aftre this. I really wish they could have made more books in this series. Anyway, this is a good book.

Easy 10 rated for the whole family about a big hunt with supernatural creatures who play for keeps the host turns out to be an enemy who threatens to kill Rilo and use his team as an army for his own special reasons. Meanwhile Rilo and a BURU named Norbu one of Rilos best friends who has many others.Don't catch my drift catch the book at Amazon

Mary Elizabeth Anderson's LINK ACROSS AMERICA is an informative and entertaining way for young and old alike to learn about the Lincoln Highway. The book combines facts, photos and entertaining Burma Shave jingle signs to help keep children interested in the topic while they read.

The history reflected makes you appreciate the roads we travel, instead of just taking them for granted. I must admit that I attended Seedling Mile School in Grand Island, Nebraska for 3 years and only recently learned why it was called such when I read Ms. Anderson's book. I had no idea the struggles made by so many to put together this road that I travel so often.

I highly recommend LINK ACROSS AMERICA to anyone with an interest in American history.

A friend of mine recommended "Link Across America", and I thourghly enjoyed reading it. I had no idea that the Lincoln Highway even existed, since I grew up here in Michigan. I was also not a fan of history as a kid, but this book is so interesting and easy to read. Children will love it. It is a great part of history that children should not miss out on. I also love all of the colorful pictures.

I thought the book LINK ACROSS AMERICA by Mary Elizabeth Anderson was excellent. I have lived by the Lincoln Highway most of my life but I was never aware of the histroy behind it. It is a fun book for children to read, and also learn at the same time. The book makes us appreciate what we have and also recognize the efforts of the people who gave us the first coast to coast highway.

I watch 30 Minute Meals on the Food Network every day and was happy to find Rachael's new book. I love her enthusiasm and sincerity in what she does.

Not only is the show fun to watch, but this book is fun too. I've already tried a few of the recipes therein - my favorites are, I have to admit, her variations on fast food recipes (such as the O Rings)! I love the fact that everything is so simple and easy to follow.

If you are a big picture cookbook fan however, you will not enjoy this book. I was a bit disappointed just to find those few photographs in the middle. I love seeing what the dishes should look like after they are prepared.

All in all, this is a great book however. There are loads of varied recipes for every type of person - vegetarian, meat-eater, light eaters and/or those who like to indulge every once in a while too. I myself am looking forward to soon trying out the Black And White shake and Orange Freezes recipes! I also enjoyed the Q&A section - especially Rachael's answering where she got that cool stove she uses. I'm sure I am not the only one who was wondering about that!

If you are a beginner cook and/or don't have a lot of time, I recommend this book along with the show as well. Definitely light-hearted and enjoyable.

I'm a big fan of Rachael Ray's Food TV show 30 minute meals and just had to buy this book. There are tons of recipes here, built around themed dining. Most of the recipes are so easy to follow and require ingredients that you can readily buy in your local supermarket. These recipes can really be made in 30 minutes if you are REALLY organized like Ray is on her show and move fast.If not, allow for extra time.I've tried a few recipes from this book and also off the show and they are really good. If you like the show or are looking for fairly quick and easy meals, give this book a try!

This book is not only informative but downright fun to read.You can almost hear her giggle between the pages!When it comes to good food real fast there is nobody better than Rachael.Hey Rachael Good Job!!!Thanks for making a klutz like me look like a hero in the kitchen.Cant wait for 30 minute meals 3!

I find this book (for I keep it close at hand) a very readable source of basics as well as practical advice. It answers questions for the beginning gardener that may seem obvious to someone who has learned gardening at the side of a master gardener. In fact, it is a bit like learning gardening at the elbow of the gardener as she lovingly and expertly tends her plants: from mulching, to staking, to figuring out whether to compost or not.

My copy of "The Garden Primer" is worn, tattered, and never on the shelf with the rest of my gardening books. I refer to Barbara's sage advice for everything. It's has allowed me to try new plants, techniques, and garden designs - all without feeling I don't know what I'm doing. It's like having a master gardener watching over you.

Be forewarned though - she writes most (if not all) of her gardening experience from a Connecticut/zone 5 background. Those in the desert regions of Arizona may find most her advice useless.

Buy it - you'll never need another gardening book again.

As a novice gardener, this is the first book I've found that covers all my questions - from staking raspberries to planning a shade garden - in detailed but not tecnical lanquage. If I could only have one gardening book (my husband wishes) this would be it.

'The Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery' is not just for mystery writers. Ray/Remick instruct with hard fast tools for scene, plot and character development. There's a backstory checklist and advice on sub plots; ideas for setting that utilize place, time, lighting and season to identify character behavior.

If dialog is your demon Ray/Remick break it into manageable portions; the one-two rhythm, linking to setting, echo words and hooking to the past or future. If you have a tendency to explain dialog, this book makes you aware of authorial intrusion.

As a creative writing teacher and proponent of Natalie Goldberg's creative writing technique, I have used 'The Weekend Novelist' in my creative writing classes. I look forward to utilizing this new book to enhance my own novel writing and to help my students develop their personal writing techniques.

Most aspiring and accomplished writers own at least a modest collection of how-to-write books. The majority of these books are inspirational with a smattering of tips and techniques thrown in.

The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery is different.

Step-by-step methods for constructing a tight mystery novel plot with compelling and convincing characters fill every page. Examples of the authors' own novel process along with those of other masters such as Agatha Christie, Martin Cruz Smith, Sue Grafton, and Raymond Chandler illustrate each step.

There are no timid suggestions in vague jargon here. The authors have taken great pains to make sure each and every facet of their combined writing and teaching expertise is explained thoroughly and usefully.

The importance of a solid "backstory" is the focus of early chapters, giving the writer a solid view of their story before moving on to the writing itself. The far too common problem of writing oneself to a standstill is virtually impossible if the plot and characterization techniques are followed. The remainder of the book contains a treasure trove of specific techniques for creating scenes, convincing dialogue, and "real" settings. The reader will learn how to group their scenes into logical "acts", control the story's pace, and use the language to set tone and resonance.

While structured specifically for the mystery writer, the techniques can be applied to other genres with relative ease. Any novelist, whether still aspiring or already accomplished, will find a wealth of insight into the plotting and characterization process. The beginner searching for one all-around USEFUL how-to-write book would do well to pick this one.

This is no-nonsense book crammed with useful, week-by-week projects which will lead the writer to the successful creation of a well-written, satisfying mystery.

The Weekend Novelist Writes a Mystery puts the "HOW" back into the how-to-write book market.

Bob and Jack have the keys to hot writing! Image, action, body parts! Behind the scenes of Weekend Novelist Writes A Mystery are two dynamic men who lead writing practice several times a week, teach writers at the University of Washington and never stop giving encouragement and wisdom to other writers. This book is the result of how they live and write and it is five star! Look no farther if you are a pro or novice. Herein are the steps and the hands to pull you up the stairs of your own creative mind.

How do those bums become bums on the street? Who were they? Questions one asks oneself when driving down the street or being hasseled on the street by panhandlers.

The main character of the books is a crack addict. He tells you about his life as a crack addict. Which is something most of us who read probably don't know much about.

THEN he starts to tell you what he used to do. You think. "Hold On, is this the same story, the same person? This young, hip, black man, ready for the world?" Well it is. Then you watch the way selfishness and ego starts to destroy potential, then once that ego and self centerness takes over how quickly drugs takes over.

It is a very beautiful piece of prose, about how a man can fall and how far a man can fall. But without the usual moral majority tone bashing into our skulls.

It blew me away, and showed me a different side to the world.

My only thing i disliked was there was far too much tragedy to befall one man. In many ways if less happenned and he still became a drug addict the story would have rung truer. Still worth reading.

Het verteld een verhaal van een drugs verslaafde persoon.
Het verhaal is ten einde als je het boek begint te lezen, Cornelius (en niet de schrijver!) neemt je mee naar zijn wereld, zijn gedachte zijn parionide wereld. Heel erg vlak geschreven, heel erg simpel, maar o zo puur naar voren gebracht. Het item drugs speelt een rode draad in het boek.
Hij beschrijft zijn wereld in fases, periodes, van die heel goed gingen en die hel waren.
Het einde van het boek is een beetje zwak, maar dat moet je op de kop toenemen. Want het is de moeite waard om het te lezen en te BELEVEN!

Have you seen a drug addict and always wondered what their life was like? Iced is a like being inside the mind of a crack addict. You should know the synopsis by now. It's the life and times of Cornelius Washington, Jr. a 40 year old crack addict and his descent from the bottom to virtual nothingness. What makes this book different from the countless other dope feind books is the style of writing used by the writer Ray Shell. (a real talent) It's told in diary form, but not in the from of dear diary this happened, that happened ect... It's like you are inside of Cornelius' thoughts. You expreience every high he takes you go throught all the highs and lows throught his life. Not for the faint of heart and spirit, take caution when reading this book it's addictive, I read three quarters of the book in the bookstore before I brought. I finished it that night. It's a shame that this book is out of print and more people don't know about it because it's so powerful. I recommed this book highly to anyone who appreciates great writing.