This tiny book is large in its potential to help you acquit yourself well when the occasion calls for a toast. You find out what a Gentleman would do (in a somewhat exaggerated way that reminds me of my 5th grade ballroom dancing class) with a slight tongue in cheek. But the advice is basically sound: A gentleman "just says what's in his heart and lets the party proceed." The book offers "simple guidelines . . . not to be taken as strict rules . . . or as rigid models . . . ."

The introduction begins with key guidelines about when, where and how to toast. Some of them aren't quite explained (like why you should not toast before noon and not use a coffee cup), but then etiquette never did make perfect sense.

The heart of the book comes in 40 sample toasts for typical life situations (marriages, anniversaries, birthdays, graduations, holidays, religious events, and work situations). You could easily take any of these and redo it to fit your situation. Some of these are not as usual such as the "Not-So-Happy-Closing of a Business," "Lesbian or Gay Friends upon their Commitment Ceremony," "Religious Leader Retirement," and "Successful Candidate to Supporters and Staff." To me, the best parts of these toasts were examples of what not to do. These were hilarious. I won't quote any, but this book is worth it just for the humor in those examples! What they have in common is giving someone a little back of the hand in the toast. This behavior is usual among male friends, but can lead to serious hurt feelings on important occasions.

Although this book is designed for Gentlemen, I think most women would find the advice to be helpful for when they are expected to raise a glass and utter the appropriate words.

Interspaced among the sample toasts are bits of history (toasting was a way to show your guest that the wine wasn't poisoned and the Romans put toast in their wine to help get rid of impurities), other guidance (like responding to a toast, being a toastmaster, and how to toast as a teetotaler), and the right way to clink glasses (and especially what to do if your glass shatters).

Of special interest to many will be the classic, brief toasts that work for any occasion and a list of classic Irish toasts for those who are Irish or have Irish friends, relatives or acquaintances.

I've been in many situations where toasting was stressful. This book would have saved me on every one of those occasions while allowing me to acquit myself better than I did with my "original" efforts.

After you finish enjoying the book, take a friend, loved one or colleague out to lunch or dinner . . . and make a toast from the heart!

This is not a book of "How To" competition techniques. It is about flexibility, foot-work and advanced kicks. The 6/7 fighting techniques are not for karateka below 3rd Kyu. If you are a serious traditional Karateka who wants to train for kumite, this is a good buy.

I love gorillas and all things related to them. I bought this book even though I don't have kids! I liked that it discusses Dian Fossey and the mountain gorillas, as well as world-famous Koko. I was just so pleased to see gorillas described as they truly are. A book like this could inspire children to want to help save these gentle giants. I sure hope so, anyway.

This is the ultimate collection for anyone who plays guitar. You should be ashamed of yourself if you do not have this book, or any other Lynyrd Skynyrd book. This book is like my Bible. The only thing it's missing is "That Smell," which is possibly the greated song for guitar ever written. But it does have "Free Bird." Anyone who plays guitar should know the solo from "Free Bird," even if it is too hard for you to play. 4 and a half minutes of just kick-[behind] guitar solos. Some other highlights of the book are "Sweet Home Alabama," "Tuesday's Gone," "Gimme Three Steps," and "What's Your name?" But all the songs in the book are incredible. I wasn't a real Lynyrd Skynyrd fan before I bought this book and learned all the solos and riffs, and now I respect them more than ever. You need this book. Don't be caught without it.

Although the story is not historically correct, but this book is still a joy, perhaps more for adult book lovers than children. The artistry is fabulous, and the pop-ups are quite clever -- my favorite is one depicting a clothesline of drying pages and a pull tab that creates the sound of snoring as Gutenberg sleeps while freshly printed pages hang overhead to dry. Librarians might get a laugh out of the fact that even the copyright and CIP is provided in a pop up. This book is a treasure for any bibliophile who is also a child at heart.

This book greatly simplifies the essential (and obtuse) concepts of family law. There are two reasons to buy this book: (1) better *family law* definitions and (2) you won't waste time wading through concepts that have nothing to do with family law. Some of the family law concepts are explained in enough detail that "encyclopedia" may have been a better title for the book than "dictionary." Why read a treatise when you can quickly understand legal concepts with this accurate and consise reference.

One caveat- this book is definately for legal practitioners. Non-lawyers should use a less technical resource (or bite the bullet and hire a lawyer). This book targets family law litigators and judges.

I got my first Ant and Bee book for my son on a recommendation from a nursery school teacher from the Bank Street School. My son is not quite two years old, and already follows the pictures and words in these classic books with glee. And because they are just his size, in bright colors, he especially likes to carry them with him when we travel. He likes pointing out characters like the Zoo Man and the Kind Dog, and of course, Ant and Bee. Most interesting about these books is that the text itself is fun for children to look at. Key words are highlighted with varying fonts and colors, and sections are sprinkled with minature versions of pictures from larger illustrations. Happy Birthday with Ant and Bee highlights the days of the week, as Ant and Bee plan a birthday party for Kind Dog. Each book has its own special twist with familiar objects. I recommend the entire series.

Just came across Ryan's book accidentally. Gee.. another self help book again. But, no harm to read it. Boys, I just can't stop after a couple of pages. Bryan used his own grief experiences as a method of empowerment and healing to give himself ( definitely including myself ) a powerful thought to reconstruct the some what messed up life. The whole book is precise and straight to the point.The book goes so depth. The content of the book goes more than the title as the book suggested. Tons of life transformation skills: such as self love, detachment and etc..The space here is far too small too express the beauty and the healing power of the book. Yes, probably you will feel bored by looking at the topic such as pronciples of healing, choice, vacum, harmony, expectation, inner Guru. ( I feel same too from the beginning). but, once you read...the sparkle of light will just pop out, regardless how painful, unhappy... you once were. Pals, I read lotta selp-helps' book. I had never given any review before toward a book cuz seldom I find a book that would drive me to do that.. tis one is different.. so much different. This will be considered TOP 4 in my collection. Grab one.. then you will believe how realible my words are. I am not exaggerrated. What can i get by doing this, right ? P/s: I am a long term defeated Christian, now I know I am not because I am learning new healing skills to empower my inner self. Thank You! Dr. Robinson God bless

I have followed the many editions of this book. It is a classic. In this latest offering, the author has managed to keep it up to date - not easy in today's fast changing world. Well done. Look forward to the next edition.