Truly gifted. What else can I say about Thien? In my mind she has a rare gift for writing that you don't see very often. She has an imagination and is well educated.

Warning to new writers: This woman will make you feel absolutely inadequate as a writer.

I eagerly look forward to her next book. GET IT!

This writer will grip your imagination and not let go. She etches an exquisite visual picture with each sentence she writes. Not only will you feel you are in each scene, but you will remember each scene in detail. There is a power with this precision of detail. Like an exquisitely crafted and edited piece of cinematography, there is no surplus or redundance---only crystal clear visual and auditory images that will transfix you, and make you more than when you began the reading.

Fans of the short story will want to add this collection by Madeleine Thien to their bookshelves. With beauty and brevity of language, Thien takes the reader on journeys to the inner core of her characters.

Each story deals with an individual's internal issues in response to an individual relationship within the family structure. Mother-daughter, father-daughter, husband-wife, and friend-friend relationships are examined in such exquisite detail that the reader will find something to draw them into the stories.

In each one of the seven, Thien wields her delicate power with words to paint a picture of a person trying to bring together their individuality with desire for family. She seems to have a direct connection with her characters' view of the world and of their place in it. She tells the story from one point of view, yet the reader gets a sense of how all of the characters feel about themselves as well as the other people in the story.

In the title piece, "Simple Recipes," we meet a girl coming to grips with losing the hero worship she has always had for her father. This man is able to work wonders with rice, but cannot turn the same magic on his rebellious teenage son. A fight escalates to rage and a subsequent harsh punishment. The girl wonders how her father can have this dichotomy to him, of being so gentle with her while losing his temper with his son.

"Four Days From Oregon" examines both the marital and mother-child relationships. A restless woman runs away with her lover, three daughters in tow. The children want to return home, unsure of this new man in their lives, but their mother needs this time to make up her mind.

"A Map of the City" deals with how her relationship with her father overshadows other parts of her life. In "Alchemy," a young girl tries to find a way to help her friend tell the truth and stop unwanted attention from her father. Three other equally intriguing and well-written stories round out the collection.

Although some of these stories have appeared in both American and Canadian magazines, this is a first book for Madeleine Thien. The short story is definitely her medium and she has already won praise for her work from established masters. After reading this book, you will understand why.

Paul Kallmes compiled and edited a stunning collected of photogaphs and essays concerning the work of Vittorio Sella. He is to be commended for bringing this collection of Sella's photographs to the attention of North American readers. Mr. Kallmes is a visionary. Bravo and thank you Paul!

Vittorio Sella is little-known today, but knowledgeable people like Ansel Adams consider him one of the greatest mountain photographers ever. Sella did his work at a time when cameras weighed 40 pounds, glass negatives two pounds apiece, and mountain climbing was much more primitive than today, without the warmest clothes, tough equipment and bottles of oxygen. Sella is also known for being the first person to scale the Matterhorn in winter.

Sella was the son of the first Italian to write about photography and his uncle was a famous leader of Italian mountaineering. Expedition photographs were a new idea in his day, and primarily served the purpose of map-making for subsequent expeditions. Sella's work also served that purpose, but transcended it with stunning minimalist views. As Ansel Adams points out in his preface, Sella also understood the technique of mountain photography in ways that are missed by many current photographers.

His work was of such stature that he was invited along on important expeditions by the Duke of Abruzzi, which allowed him to be the first to create images of many important scenes. These expeditions included his native Alps, Alaska, Uganda, the Caucasus range, and the Himalayas. His photograph of K2 in the Himalayas is considered the finest one ever.

As dazzling as these images are, the essays in the book greatly add to them by explaining the context of their creation, the photographic problems involved, and the artistic aspects of the work. I enjoyed reading each of them, because each shed a different light on the work.

Although the book is about summit photographs, the book includes many photographs during the ascents, of the people met during the expeditions, and of local scenery.

The summit photos are remarkable to me in many ways. First, he made great efforts to get the right perspective -- often climbing another mountain to get a view the the one alongside. Second, he created stunning panoramas of the major chains which exceed what the eye can see, even if you were there. Third, the pictures have a sense of motion in the glaciers that is quite remarkable. These rivers of ice look like they are moving in videos when you look at them. Fourth, the mountain views have a spiritual quality that is uplifting. Your view of mountains will be forever changed by these photographs.

Also, I feel grateful for the photographs because, although I love mountains, I am not a mountain climber and would never have a chance to see these beautiful, inspiring scenes otherwise.

I encourage you to read and enjoy this book as example of what goals can provide. In the days when Sella was climbing there was no chance of reaching the top of many of these peaks, such as K2 (thought by many to be the toughest mountain in the world to climb). Yet the climbers and Sella achieved lasting meaning for themselves and for us in their partially successful endeavors. Goals take us to the top of our skills by extending our ambition and focus. Be sure you are always looking for the next mountain to climb (and photograph). Let these wonderful images inspire you on to your personal greatness! Also, think about choosing goals that will aid and inspire others for many years in the future as Sella did.

Vittorio Sella photographed primarily in the late 19th and early 20th century and chronicled many important expeditions. In this book, the authors present an wonderful array of his work, and the photographic reproductions are remarkably loyal to the originals in coloration. Admirers of Ansel Adams will love this book and will clearly see the antecedents of his style.

Quite simple the best book I have ever read on any subject. Reccomended to all!

Quite simply, the finest book I have read covering WW2. Plenty of laughter, plenty of tears, and the burning desire to vividly relive the drama of those days, (and I'm relatively young). Anyone who lived through it will find old memories rekindled by the score

Ranks with Miles Tripp's "The Eighth Passenger" as one of the 2 best Bomber Command reminiscences I have read. Perhaps that is due to Peden, like Tripp, becoming a laywer after the war. Peden's sense of humour, honesty, and writing skill combine to make it a winner. Perhaps the humour is the best part, but it is also heart-wrenching and thriling. An absolute winner.

I've just finished a Davies marathon: the whole Deptford trilogy in 3 days. I think it a testament to Davies' great storytelling ability that I could not put down any of the three books. I suggest reading them in close succession because the second book (The Manticore) sheds a lot of light on the other two books. It's interesting that in this book (the 2nd), we get 250 pages or so written from the point of view of a minor character: Boy Staunton's son. If you stop to think about it, the whole trilogy is structured around the question "Who killed Boy Staunton," so it shouldn't be surprising to read an account by his drunken son, the famous lawyer of his counseling sessions in Zurich. Rarely does one find such well-drawn characters these days in novels -- by the end, you'll feel like you've known Paul Demster for years, along with the simian Liesl, level-headed Ramsey and of course Demster's character, Eisengrim.

This book is a bit "deeper" than the first two as we find ourselves transported to an almost magic-realism portrait of myth and fantastical events in the World of Wonders. I actually enjoyed the first two books more although I still think this last book is a master work. Occassionaly Eisengrim's recounting of his life gets a bit tedious, but only because we are dying to resolve the mystery which finally gets solved in the closing pages. All in all, a memorable trilogy and a gripping read by one of the great 20th century writers.

The only bad thing about Robertson Davies' Deptford Trilogy (FIFTH BUSINESS, THE MANTICORE, WORLD OF WONDERS) is that it had to end! Sparklingly clever, bawdy, poignant, erudite, and laugh-out-loud funny, Davies entertains in a wonderfully rich, old-world style.

A friend of mine (who recommended the books, and to whom I will be forever grateful) put it this way: "Reading Robertson Davies is like sitting in a plush, wood-paneled library--in a large leather chair with a glass of excellent brandy and a crackling fire--and being captivated with a fabulous tale spun by a wonderful raconteur."

This is the best novel of the century's best English language novelist. The plot is sure-fire (kid runs away with the carnival), the characters memorable (sideshow freaks, revealed to be--human beings! theater people, great and small, revealed to be--human beings!), the sins enormous (pederasty, pride, perhaps even murder), the virtues marvelous (love, devotion to love). The theme of this book, as with the other books in the trilogy, is search for self--the main character of this book lives four different lives during his life. This book works on every level; it reads well as a story, gives you something to think about, and stands up to any number of readings you'd care to give it. (I've given it at least five.)

Maud, as Montgomery liked to be called, wrote this book on the request for a serial story appearing in a Canadian woman's magazine. At first Montgomery had doubts that her "long, upward struggle" could actually be called a career, but she worked on the story anyways and the result is a humurous, enjoyable, and information-packed book about the work and perseverance by one of the world's favorite children's author. As a professional writer, I have written articles upon Montgomery and still consider this book the best source for reliable information as well as beng enjoyable to read, which is a rare and refreshing break from most biographies. I highly recommend this book, along with her journals, as a worthwhile addition to any Montgomery fan, researcher, or fan of biographies'library.

One would think, when picking up an autobiography, that it's time to get out the caffeine, or at least a comfortable chair. But Maud's is different - mostly because she makes her life into a story - a story as interesting and as fun as her beloved Anne of Green Gables or Emily of New Moon. The words and stories of her life make the book one that is impossible to put down...who knows what might happen to Maud on the next page. Also, because she wrote it, the reader know what she is thinking, what she was like as a child because there is no one retelling it but herself.

I have read quite a number of versions of LMM's biographies, and I think this one is one of the best. Although this isn't as rich in content as the LMM Album or the four volumes of LMM's own journals, this book is already able to give the readers the enough information that a LMM fan will want to know about this wonderful story-teller. Besides, I think this book is very suitable for teenagers to read, very suitable for beginners of LMM fans who want to know more about this author of the famous Anne books. A very enjoyable and quick read, but at the same time, very informative.

In the tradition of Terri Blackstock's Suncoast Chronicles, Linda Hall creates a protagonist of which more are needed in our world, both real and fictional--a Christian law enforcement officer. Roger Sheppard of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police is called to the scene of a crime--the body of a well-known local drug dealer found in the dumpster behind a grocery store. As he investigates the murder, Roger is often distracted by two impending personal problems: what he will say when he is guest speaker at the Christian businessman's prayer breakfast, and what he will do with his fourteen-year-old daughter who is going through a particularly rebellious stage. As Roger continues to investigate Tom Anderchuck's murder, he is constantly surprised by various facts, such as discovering that Tom was a recent born-again Christian who had begun to change his way of life. Roger also discovers that various prominent locals, including the mayor, regularly traveled to the USA to the little-known gambling town of Azuyo, Arizona. In addition, what connection does the mayor have with a small-time meat market in Chester, and what connection does the casino owner have with a small fruit orchard in California? The various twists and turns in the murder investigation will keep you reading, as will wanting to know the outcome of Roger's struggles with his daughter. In the midst of the complicated investigation and personal problems with their daughter, Roger and his wife Karen are able to witness to Madonna Juliet, Tom's wayward girlfriend whose troubled past still haunts her. August Gamble is a great mystery and carries on Linda Hall's tradition of a complex plot--you won't be able to put it down!

A riveting story of suspense about a murder that Corporal Roger Sheppard, of the Chester, Alberta, Royal Mounted Canadian Police was called to investigate. At first it doesn't seem like much of a loss--Tom Anderchuck was after all, a bad seed in many ways--and a drug dealer. To make things worse--they're in the middle of the torrid heat of August. But things don't sit right with Roger, who's a Christian. He soon discovers that Anderchuck became a Christian shortly before his death. And there are too many loose ends. The little evidence that they have, leads Roger to Azuyo, Nevada, with his wife.

Madeline, Tom's girlfriend, isn't a Christian. She agonizes over Tom's death and the investigation. After finding something in the trunk of his car, she goes off on her own and tries to find his murderer. At the same time, she struggles with her own identity after having a tumultuous upbringing and bitterness toward Christianity. A bad taste left in her mouth after being in a legalistic foster home.

Roger's heart is moved by the young woman, Madeline, who seemes so alone. Their paths are brought together by Tom's death and continue to intertwine during the investigation.

Linda weaves a tale with authenitic characters you come to care about, mixed with suspence and mystery and real life family drama. You'll love this book!

a must read for mystery buffs

The Oxford Canadian English dictionary is a must for all exchange students spending some time in beautiful Canada, and for everyone who wants to have a handy reference book and dictionary at home. It helped me enormously in my Canadian culture course, giving me information about Canadian people and events; for example, about Joyce Wieland, Greg Curnoe, the October crisis, but it also served me as a 'normal' dictionary. Terms and expressions are explained in an understandable manner so that non-native speakers of English have a chance to familiarize themselves with such words as 'draft dodger' or 'nuclear family'. The Oxford Canadian English dictionary is the best dictionary I've ever seen, and I can only recommend it to everyone who works with English or is interested in getting to know the English-speaking world.

The title may say "Canadian" but this dictionary is equally useful to Americans and other users or students of North American English. British and American English dictionaries often give little coverage of the other's special vocabulary (slang, idioms, regionalisms, bureaucratic terminology, etc), this Canadian Oxford Dictionary covers American, British and of course Canadian vocabulary. Even regionalisms are covered and lablelled as such. This dictionary has extensive geographical and biographical entries (covering the world). The IPA sytem is used and a handy IPA reference chart is printed on the bottom of each and every page. Each word entry includes etymological information. This dictionary also treats its readers like adults and does not shy away from `naughty` language. The appendixes are Canadian oriented. The paper, printing and binding are of a high quality and the dust jacket is attractive. The above mentioned features coupled with a low price make this dictionary a great buy.

The Canadian Oxford Dictionary was written by five Canadian lexicographers and originally published in June 1998. Wordsmiths regard this work as the Cadillac of Canadian dictionaries and the foremost authority on current Canadian English. It encompasses 130,000 entries, including 2,000 Canadian words, 500 Canadian regionalisms, 1,200 Canadian place names, 800 Canadian biographies and 300 Aboriginal people and cultural entries.

The book is well bound, with an Oxford blue hardcover made of a synthetic material called Kivar 5 which has gold foil stamping, called blocking, emblazoned on the spine and is protected by an attractive removable dust cover. The paper is high quality 30-lb lightweight bone white stock called Rampart Opaque. This type of paper allows the dark black text done in Swift font to be more legible and pleasing to the eye. The pages are thumb indexed and have attractive blue speckling on the outside edges.

This dictionary is of such a high quality both in content and construction, that it should be considered a mandatory reference book in every Canadian home, classroom, library and office.

I found this Guide to be a comprehensive, un-biased, detailed resource on a life-threatening issue. Health care costs are a major social and political issue in the U.S. and the cost of prescription drugs is one of the major concerns. Millions of Americans, including many on Medicare, do not have insurance to pay for their drugs. So they need to look for the best price on the drugs they need.This book gives them that information. In very clear language, it helps them through the process of selecting a source and even ordering from Canadian pharmacies. I recommend it to hospital administrators, managers of senior citizen homes, corporate benefits staff, and to anyone who doesn't have prescription coverage.

I was given an advance copy of the book to review. I gave it to one of my co-workers who has a son who is taking an expensive medication. The son lost his group insurance with the loss of his job. He is too old to be a dependent of his parents and not realizing the value of COBRA, he failed to make the election. When he could not find another job and moved back home, his parents had to pay for more than food. Purchasing the drug was a serious financial drain on the family. By using this book they were able to discover a program through the drug manufacturer for which the son qualfied. Without the medication, the son probably would be unable to hold a full-time job.

Many people I know are on fixed incomes, and need life sustaining or saving drugs that are not availble in generic form and/or are prohibitively expensive in the U.S. Keating's book provides valuable and precise information concerning resources for people to be able to have access to their prescrition drugs, prescribed by their U.S. doctors, safely and with great savings by using Canadian online pharmacys. This book is a treasure trove of information for those most in need because of their struggle to find reasonably priced prescription drugs.

If you should ever find this book at a local bookstore, make sure to snatch it up. Mr. West's ideas on humor go straight through the brains of those he is writing to. Why would a helicopter manufacturer respond to his letter requesting a small gunship helicopter to be used to ferry important people from small South American countries while carrying "about 1,000 pounds of an agricultural substance"? Because the people he is writing to don't understand the meaning of the word "person". To them, we are all just numbers, and we get the same pat answers to all of our questions. The joke, however, is on us for ridiculing these people while at the same time buying their products, giving them votes and paying their bills!

Bruce West is one crazy nut. Stupendously wacky. Had me laughing so much I got removed from public transit. This book has changed my life. I have promised myself to be more subversive than ever. A sample from Outrageously Yours: To Mr. John G. Smale, President, Proctor & Gamble

I am writing to express my profound satisfaction with your excellent product, new "Bounce" We operate a large Kennels here, and since switching all the dogs' diet to 'Bounce', we have observed a marked improvement in several directions. In particular, the animas are of a more contented disposition, their coats are healthier...

THE REPLY from PROCTOR & GAMBLE:

Dear Mr. West, ... Since our product Bounce is a laundry fabric softener in sheet form for use in the dryer, I am someshat puzzled by your enquiry...

I found this as a close-out and fortunately picked it up. Mr. West has us laughing so much that we were crying. I hope he hasn't given up letter writing!

What a choice for a manager ----the Chicago Cubs could finally win a championship, but then it would be the end of the world! Who said God is fair? Many other gems in this collection, including the dedication of a minor leaguer with an unhappy wife. Read everything you can by Kinsella. Earl Finkler

Kinsella is short stories. Period. I started reading this book as an average teenager who hated baseball, sports and those who played them. I come away from it, my opinions about "jocks" shaken. If you do read it, look for the themes of desolation, failure, dreams, and a "grief cycle" which is really Kinsella's Theory of Life. Extradonairy....beyond description.

This book was not only enjoyable, but touching. The stories that Kinsella pens in this wonderful collection will change the way you look at the world. Baseball is is more than just a pastime, it is an American legacy. This book brings the romance and passion of the devoted heart of a culture to a vibrant vitality of existence, and will capture the reader in it's embrace. The traditionalists will love the story about astro-turf, and the tenacious Cub fan will love the prophetic story about armageddon. I dearly loved this collection.