I bought the series some years ago and have lost one and would like to replace it. I would also like to have my books autographed by Mr. Eckert.

I have recommended this writer to many friends and have bought the soft cover prints for several.

I teach cake decorating and always recommend this book to my students. You will never be out of ideas with this book; wonderful information regarding every decorating tip made by Wilton. You wont be sorry you bought it ... worth every penny of its cost.

I found this book invaluable in developing a program to teach my third graders about the local American Indians, the Lenape. The illustrations are joyous and precise, showing how the natives dressed and lived. The books ends with directions for making an ancient children's toy, which we executed in class and had a wonderful time learning how children of long ago amused themselves. Great for in class or out.

Frank Mayer's book not only gives us a written enthnographic view of the frontier life but also a "photographic" view of life on the frontier in North America. His book is a fingerprint in time for a place that will never be seen again.

This book shows the unestimable graces we receive each time we participate in the Sacrifice of the Mass. It tells us how much more blessed we are than the angels, because they can't receive the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity that we receive every Sunday and often take for granted. I recomment this for Priests to read as a homily on a day when many are in attendance, because this will get people coming to church as often as they can.

Mary has always been upheld as a model for women who wish to follow God's will, as the ideal mother who will comfort her children. But sometimes it is too easy to look merely at the joyous seasons of her life - the birth of her baby and the awe at what she had brought forth. But Mary also suffered greatly. What this book points out is that we are not alone in our pain. A wondrously loving heart has known sorrow, as much as a human should bear, and still feels pain through us, her children. But there is strength and an eternal promise of hope in the knowledge that there is understanding and love, and another heart to bear your burden with you. This book lovingly points out that we are not alone. So often we think we are, when we are suffering greatly. We feel that those around us do not understand, or we feel isolated in our grief and pain. But the truth is, we are never alone, and there is always someone to cling to. That is the message this book quietly and reverently portrays. A timely book, indeed, in a society that has more pain and sorrow than it should.

Sarah Voss shares with us her "reflections about Nothing" in this elegant little volume. These are evocative -- often provocative -- pieces, best savored one at a time. Some draw upon her own experiences with pain, surprise, and unanticipated delight; some are clearly fantastic. The essays are well complemented by the photographs by Dan Sullivan, each evocative in its own right. One of my favorite essays is "Compassion" about the ways Sarah learned unexpected lessons about what this means from her father. This, and the other essays about how to recognize the "something" that comes from "nothing" are wonderful antidotes to despair or boredom. Sarah Voss has drawn upon her background in mathmatics, poetry, and ministry to share these little gems. I heartily recommend it -- for yourself, and for those you care about!

This is an extremely entertaining read from an obviously brilliant creative writer. I actually laughed out loud many times!

I think one reason I found this book so enjoyable is that it is written with such a common-sense approach to advertising. It's so easy to follow his line of thinking, even for a novice, and yet has so much to offer even a seasoned professional. What a master of speaking to a broad audience!

I am an Art Director, so I greatly appreciated Sullivan's sensitivity to our particular problems. I was especially amused by the section about clients who always want their logo to be bigger, bigger, even bigger than the page on which it is printed. I'm so relieved to know it's not just me this is happening to.

In short, this is an amazing read: quick and easy, yet so full of knowledge and insight. I finished it about a week ago and I definitely plan to re-read it as soon as my husband gets done with it.

I can't recommend it highly enough!

Sullivan has written a really good book: witty, insightful, and informative, with a dose of self-deprecation. But most of all, it's laugh-out-loud-I-can-barely-breathe funny. I particularly liked the opening scene involving the teddy bear in the Snuggles laundry detergent ads. (Let's face it, that damned bear had it coming).

When I wasn't splitting my sides, I was plotting ways to enter the field. How can I get a piece of the action? I'm a book editor in my early 30s with a few years' marketing copywriting and freelance journalism experience. So far I've found that trying to get into the advertising business as a copywriter is even harder than talking a 19-year old blonde virgin into bed. Though certainly not as fun, I'm sure the end result is just as rewarding.

For us non-industry folks, the ad-making process can seem pretty daunting. But Sullivan explains everything in a clear, engaging manner that made me want to sit down and start working. He's an inspiring writer.

The word in advertising circles is that younger professionals now entering the business are mere "concept creatives" who lack the traditional skills of the copywriting craft and don't understand what advertising is all about. As a more experienced copywriter-to-be trying to get into the field, I wholeheartedly agree. One possibly solution-if you're an ad agency executive unhappy with your writers' skill levels-would be to get them to read this title. Or better yet, you could hire an aspiring copywriter who already has read and taken to heart the lessons contained in this excellent book.

from laughing so hard. Luke punctuates sound advice with witty quips when you least expect them. If you read this book on the bus, be prepared for some funny stares from the person sitting next to you.

On the serious side I found this book extremely illuminiating and very useful. Plenty of food for thought.
Luke offers his own gems of wisdom on how to write ads that are as applicable to the seasoned veteran as to the newcomer. His advice is peppered with examples throughout of well known advertising campaigns such as Volkswagon, Nike and Apple Computer. He takes his readers on the ad-writing journey, pointing out pitfalls along the way and sharing the insights of 20+ years industry experience. Writing for Print, TV and Radio are all dealt with indepth in this book.
Luke devotes a chapter on how to make a great tv commercial taking you through every aspect of its production: from its conception to finding the right director, casting considerations, shooting and post production. A chapter is also dedictaed to TV's poorer cousin - radio and again he takes his reader through all its aspects from creation to production. Once you have created your ad in whatever medium, the next step is getting it past your client who can possibly fall into 1 of 10 categories - hopefully yours won't be the Meat Puppet, the Bully or the Koncept Krusher. If you aren't so lucky, you'll at least feel a lot better by realising your situation is hardly unique. Great advice is also provided in the chapter entitled "Pecked to Death by Ducks - presenting and protecting your work". A chapter is also devoted for advice for newcomers on how to get into the business and the last chapter entitled "Making shoes versus making shoe commercials - is this a great business or what?" is a final kick in the pants to get into the industry, or be thankful to be there.

...

I am the greatest fan of James Burke and can't get enough of his writing. Obviously I've either read or listened to all books/audios of the Dave Robicheaux series and have been in awe of Burke's writing. Being a writer myself, I especially love his eretheral descriptions of surroundings and/or people, and his authenticity of the Cajun surroundings and/or language gives each of his books realism. This book did not disappoint - but at times it seemed to ramble and too many characters were introduced, which gave the reader a disconnected feeling at times. It's about time that "Dave" addressed his past, which was a sort of closure for the reader. I both read the book AND listened to the audio cassette - which should tell you how much I enjoy his writing. Was glad to see that Clete Purcelle remains part of his life, as Dave would be lost without his fall partner. I loved the book, rambling and all. I only hope this doesn't bring to a close his tales of Dave, and I would love to see more movies made out of the novels beyond his initial one (Heaven's Prisoners).

Iberia Parish homicide detective Dave Robicheaux, accompanied by private sleuth Clete Purcel, seeks a New Orleans pimp Zipper Chum on a capital case. When the duo catches up with Zipper in Baton Rouge, he tosses a verbal hand grenade at Dave involving the police officer's missing mother. Zipper accuses cops on the take from the Giacanos mob of killing Mae Guillory (her maiden name), a whore, in the sixties.

Obsessed about what Zipper claims happened to his mother, Dave begins making inquiries into learning the truth, even at the cost of ignoring his family. Along the way, Dave begins to uncover new evidence on his "other" case that might free death row murderer Letty Labiche. However, as he makes progress on both cases, someone systemically kills his witnesses, making his mother's investigation impossible and probably leaving Labiche for the electric chair. The psychopath jump starts Dave into action when he targets the cop's daughter as one of his victims.

PURPLE CANE ROAD is the best Robicheaux tale to date and that is saying a lot since author James Lee Burke has two Edgars to his credit. The story line is crisp and exciting as expected from the novels in this series. However, this time the plot turns personal which allows the audience to see much of the inner sanctum of Dave's soul. One of the great, perhaps the greatest mystery writer of the past decade, Mr. Burke scores on all cylinders with this taut thriller.

Harriet Klausner

I couldn't wait until the release of Purple Can Road. Detective Dave Robecheaux has gotten older over the years. I knew after the first 20 pages I was in for what might be his best. This is a wrenching story, but it's Burke's writing that is the star. Having read everything he's written, his style is almost like having someone read to you if you were blind. The words flow, no herky-jerky jolts of prose. He makes you feel the people and events long after you stop reading for awhile. His brilliant descriptions of a deep Louisiana culture stay with you after you turn out the lights. The man can write. His characters are sad people, but they get out and do the best they can. The people are believable, especially his trying to relate to his adopted daughter's feisty independence. For first time James Lee Burke readers, go back to the beginning of the Dave Robecheaux books starting with The Neon Rain and Heaven's Prisoners and come forward. I finished the book two days ago and I've been walking around kinda sad that I've got to wait another 1 to 2 years for his next one. James Lee Burke is a real friend, and I've never met the man.

I live and grew up a stone's throw from Sullivan's Island, and I was delighted to find a book that is chock full of the local color and flavor of Charleston's barrier islands. The author does a wonderful job of evoking the laid-back atmosphere of the Island that exists so close to the often stifling formality of Charleston proper. The characters were instantly recognizeable to me as "true locals",and I particularly enjoyed all of the segments set in the present day. I was a little impatient, however, with the parallel plot, a murder mystery set against the backdrop of the civil rights movement. All in all, it was an entertaining read-ideal for a beach vacation. I loved the voice and humor of the narrator-the author's real gift is evident in her ability to create such a believable and likeable heroine.

I loved this book and just ordered DBF's other novel and urge her to keep writing! I don't think Sullivans Island left my hands for the couple of days that I read it. I was so sad when it ended, having enjoyed Susan's trials and triumphs!

As with so many great novels, the setting is part of the story. I now want to see the lush low country of South Carolina, ht ewatery imagaery is so appropriate to the story!

Susan is a likable heroine. I enjoyed the alternating settings of 1963 and 1999- I always wondered what was happening in each. DBF found a true voice for both of Susan's eras. The other characters, her beloved Livvie and wise sister Maggie ring equally true. I wish that there could have been a bit more emotion when she solved her father's murder.

This was an entertaing, emotional, and truly captivating novel!

Susan Hayes is a character that you can't just forget ... nor is this a book you can just put down and forget. No sir. Susan is a woman in her 40s dealing with an ex-husband who strays and a turblent teenage daughter and in the process, finds herself again.

Set in the steamy and stormy landscape of South Carolina ~~ Susan deals with her troubled childhood and finds the truth that set her free as an adult. Traveling back and forth between Charleston and the Island, Susan finds comfort and refuge in her childhood home and with her sister, Maggie. And though written with droll humor ~~ this book will keep you in stitches. It's wonderfully written and a wonderful book to keep you turning the pages. It's not just a light read ~~ it's a book about life that most women go through in their journeys in life ~~ and it's a fanastic book. Susan is the woman you dream of having as your best girlfriend ~~ someone to giggle with and cry with. And though difficulties beset her ~~ she was always armed with humor. And the memories of her suggorate mother, Livvie, keeps her going.

It's a fun book to read and just like Frank's second book, The Plantation, it's full of humor and sass. You have to read this book and lose yourself from the realities of life in the harsh winter of the north for a few hours. It's a fun read ~~ one that you can read again and again.

1-23-02