This is a great book.

When I first saw this book I thought it seemed too basic. It starts out with pitch and moves on to rhythm. These are things I know about, I play piano. But soon, as I was reading the book, I found easy to understand discussions of Mixylodian Modes and I-V-vi-IV-V-I chord progressions. Its lucid explanations of tough concepts make this an easy 5 stars. A great book for beginners to music theory (like me).

The pain Leola wrote in her book of her own medical experience more then likely does not come even come close to what she experienced in real life. Leola is a true survivor in every sense of the word. While this is a wonderful book for anyone to read, I would particularly highly recommend it to anyone who is trying to get through just about any of life's trials (medical or otherwise) which have a tendancy to to make one feel there is no hope. There is hope. Leola will convince you of that. In every sense of the word, Leola is a beautiful person - inside and out and I wish her everything she could possibly hope for.

I was reluctant at first to read this book for somewhere I read a bad review for it. And while the prose may be a bit flowery and there are no surprises I trully a truly enjoyed this book. Damon is a wonderfully tortured hero and Gwyneth is the perfect compassionate heroine. There were some scenes that brought tears to my eyes at its very poignancy. This is very emotional book! Damon suffers from a mental illness that I know only too well, I'll let the reader discover that for themselves. I found this novel hard to tear myself away from!!

I discovered this book in searching for things that could help me do a better job of managing my own recently diagnosed hypertension. It is recommended in Dr. Thomas Pickering's book, "Good News about Hight Blook Pressure." Pickering is no "alternative" health faddist. He is a real doctor who bases his recommendations on the best scientific medical research he has at his disposal. He recommends the Mediterranean diet (over no less than that of the American Heart Association) and this book by Nancy Harmon Jenkins as one which can introduce you to the cultural experience of Mediterranean eating at an aesthetic level. This book has given our family an extraordinary series of great dining experiences. There is nothing dull about the recipes in this book. And the author has traveled and researched the subject so well that many of the recipes begin with a discussion of the person from whom the recipe is taken. The Moroccan Harira is an exceptional bean soup with just a little lean beef in it to add some interest bites along with the chick peas and lentils. It is the ginger, the cinnamon and the saffron, though, that make this soup a standing ovation dish. And this just an humble bean soup. Throughout, the spices are exotic and the uses of vegetables that most Americans long ago relegated to the category of culinary boredom are creative and delicious. Get a copy of this beautifully presented book, buy a drum of olive oil and get ready for healthy dining. Oh, and a little red wine is O.K., too. The Mediterranean diet is an absolute delight for its followers. As soon as I post this review, I am ordering two more copies as Christmas gifts for people on my list who love to cook and who like to venture beyond their secure bounds of their own culture. Neither of them has any problem with hypertension as far as I know. And, with this book on their kitchen reading shelf, perhaps they never will.

I have always felt that the word "diet" hurts the appeal of this book. It is not a "go on this and lose weight" diet, but rather "the way the Mediterrean peoples of the world eat" diet. Most healthcare professionals feel that the Mediterrean diet is the healthiest diet there is; however, this book is on a list of my top five cookbooks in a collection of approximately 500 based on how delicious the food is! Try the Greek Salad and the Salad Nicoise, two dishes that are horribly served in diners all over the Northeast, to see how they really should taste. The food is truly wonderful AND healthy. The recipes are clearly written and easy to prepare. I give this book as a present all the time to both my health-conscious friends and my cooking friends. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to cook, to anyone who loves to eat, and to anyone who wants to clean up his nutritional act in 1997. I give my thanks to Nancy Harmon Jenkins for a monumental work and wish everyone who tries it good eating and good luck.

The Mediterranean diet features naturally healthy, lusty dishes that please the eye, tempt the palate, and satisfy one's love of robustly flavored food. This practical and informative book offers traditional recipes that highlight the bold flavors, vibrant colors, and wholesome ingredients of the region's cookery. The dishes are not difficult to prepare, and the fun in the kitchen is equaled by the reward at the table.

Also recommended: "Recipes and Remembrances from an Eastern Mediterranean Kitchen: A Culinary Journey through Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan," by Sonia Uvezian. This is a totally unique and masterly volume that showcases a dazzling collection of healthful and imaginative recipes, many of them documented for the first time.

This book is a vast source of useful information about hypnosis, past-lives, the subconscious mind, and how to use this information to re-program your life for the better. The book ends with a fascinating message from "Master of Light," a channeled being who asks the people of the world to remember to enjoy life with pure delight and joy. He also reminds us to meditate for peace and harmony as we move toward an upcoming age of great enlightenment. I highly recommend this book.

When I found this book I knew it was written for me! It rang true in my heart and soothed my soul.If,like me, you've read Cayce and Castenada, the Adi Granth and the Bible (and scores of other spiritual readings).If you know about Sai Baba and the miracle makers, like me, you were probably left in awe.This is the book that shows you how find that part of yourself( the Higher-self) that will let you heal and enlighten your ills,fears and doubts.It shows us how to find and live serenity.The hypnotherapy stories illustrate the power of the sub-conscious.I believe that when you practice and accept the premises of LIGHT you can get to where you are supposed to be! In short; If your ready to get on with the spiritual practices that you know,and dis-cover other practices that potentially will get you to the place and person that you could be then read this book, and get on with it!

********************************************************************* Being of average mind and middle age, I found "Odyssey of the Soul" both within my frame of mind and slightly beyond. In forever pursuit of greater understanding of oneself and mankind, this book gently weaves us through spiritual enlightenment. It is not a religious book per se, but harnesses that spirituality housed in all beliefs. While it introduces us to the paths travelled by Hugh Harmon and Pamela Chilton, it gives relevance to the paths in life travelled by all. Everyone has a story! "Odyssey of the Soul" brings plausibility to cases of mind over matter and opens an avenue available to all to get in touch with ones Higher Self. Whilst my, at this stage in life, simple mind could not fathom conversing with "Mike Todd", I tried to keep an open mind by reasoning that just because I was incapable of such feats, did not mean that others could not and did not have this ability. It is obvious that the tangible is easier to grasp. I especially enjoyed this book because I was able to grow with it and realize although there is still a long path ahead, I am on track..............Master of Light. It was definitely soul inspiring! I strongly recommend this book to anyone who doesn't know everything! I look forward to Book II. Evelyn Rolinski,

This book is obviously a mainstay of the 7th day adventist religion. Though I personally do not subscribe to the doctrine at this time, Ms. White makes a compelling case for "... the infallible authority of the Holy Scriptures as a rule of faith and practice."

Modern day Roman Catholics would likely be surprised and alarmed in reading the book; she reveals in some detail the past corruptions of the Roman church and of the papacy and traditions in particular. While today the pope speaks to eliminate the death penalty, in the history of Rome, the popes used not only death, but terrible tortures to promote and protect his power. Her ultimate conclusion is that the Pope of Rome is the beast of Revelations (so Henry Kissinger can relax a bit). The mark of the beast is in setting aside the precepts laid down in scripture for the traditions invented by man (Sunday vs. Saturday worship, infant baptism, indulgences, worship of saints and Mary, ad infinitem).

I recommend this book to any fundamentalist, evangelical, or liberal Christian thinker whether Protestant or Catholic, because it raises our awareness how church leaders can loose sight of the path set down by Jesus and instead promote superstitions set out by men who would use them to achieve and retain worldly power.

This is an excellent work, written approximately a century ago, revealing the love, justice, logic, exactness, and pain of our God. Through this book, God shows His work progressing from Eden, through the Old Testament, Jesus and the Apostles, throughout the middle ages, to today, through trials, wars, and oppression. She gives a clarification of the logic and perfection of God as He fulfills His prophecies in Daniel and Revelation at the exact time appointed.

This book also reveals Satan's devices, which are at work today, in main stream churches around the world. Baptist, Catholic, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Jehovah Witness, Mormon/Latter day Saints, Holiness, Christ of Christ, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational, and ALL other persons will be judged by the same rules. "By their fruits" Matthew 7:15-20.

In this book, the author clearly explains that good Works do not save us. Faith is revealed by good Works. Good Works are the result of Faith, and "the Holy Scriptures, ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation THROUGH FAITH which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15 (See James 2:14-26).

The author shows how, by allowing scripture to explain scripture, the prophecy of Daniel 7:25, "think to change times and laws", has been fulfilled and how Revelation 14:9, "the mark" of the beast, is being fulfilled. She puts in plain words, how this should be an alarm to the whole world to return to the Bible and the Bible only as the only rule of faith, allowing scripture to interpret scripture, just as Jesus did while on this earth. She shows how men, by traditions and "political correctness", have watered down and changed God's Laws, and interpreted them in a way to make them more acceptable to the masses, preventing men, in the end and to their end, from changing their hearts.

The book ends with summary and eye-opening descriptions of the final conflict of this world and hope for the next.

The seriousness, clearness, intelligence, magnificence and simplicity of God's Word is revealed, throughout the book, as God tries to lead each believer to repent and "Go and sin no more" John 8:11. "For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17

Jesus plus faith equals salvation. Ephesians 2:8,9

Faith only equals Faith plus Works. Faith without Works equals No faith. . James 2: 14-26

If you believe that you are saved by grace only or traditions, or that the blood of Jesus gives us salvation without accountability to God's Law, or that the requirement of obedience for salvation ended at the cross, or that salvation is a gift, even without repentance, please read your bible, and then read this book again. "But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:1-20

She helps us understand that we are not just to believe, but to obey. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17

In other writings, by this author, she states that her books are NOT a replacement for the Bible or serious Bible study. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand why their Christian church believes what they believe, and how God's steadfast requirements do not contradict His unconditional love for us. "For God so loved THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

This is an excellent work, written approximately a century ago, revealing the love, justice, logic, exactness, and pain of our God. Through this book, God shows His work progressing from Eden, through the Old Testament, Jesus and the Apostles, throughout the middle ages, to today, through trials, wars, and oppression. She gives a clarification of the logic and perfection of God as He fulfills His prophecies in Daniel and Revelation at the exact time appointed.

This book also reveals Satan's devices, which are at work today, in main stream churches around the world. Baptist, Catholic, Jew, Hindu, Muslim, Methodist, Lutheran, Episcopal, Seventh-day Adventist, Jehovah Witness, Mormon/Latter day Saints, Holiness, Christ of Christ, Pentecostal, Non-Denominational, and ALL other persons will be judged by the same rules. "By their fruits" Matthew 7:15-20.

In this book, the author clearly explains that good Works do not save us. Faith is revealed by good Works. Good Works are the result of Faith, and "the Holy Scriptures, ... are able to make thee wise unto salvation THROUGH FAITH which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Timothy 3:15 (See James 2:14-26).

The author shows how, by allowing scripture to explain scripture, the prophecy of Daniel 7:25, "think to change times and laws", has been fulfilled and how Revelation 14:9, "the mark" of the beast, is being fulfilled. She puts in plain words, how this should be an alarm to the whole world to return to the Bible and the Bible only as the only rule of faith, allowing scripture to interpret scripture, just as Jesus did while on this earth. She shows how men, by traditions and "political correctness", have watered down and changed God's Laws, and interpreted them in a way to make them more acceptable to the masses, preventing men, in the end and to their end, from changing their hearts.

The book ends with summary and eye-opening descriptions of the final conflict of this world and hope for the next.

The seriousness, clearness, intelligence, magnificence and simplicity of God's Word is revealed, throughout the book, as God tries to lead each believer to repent and "Go and sin no more" John 8:11. "For by grace are ye saved THROUGH FAITH; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God. Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8,9. "Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." James 2:17

Jesus plus faith equals salvation. Ephesians 2:8,9

Faith only equals Faith plus Works. Faith without Works equals No faith. . James 2: 14-26

If you believe that you are saved by grace only or traditions, or that the blood of Jesus gives us salvation without accountability to God's Law, or that the requirement of obedience for salvation ended at the cross, or that salvation is a gift, even without repentance, please read your bible, and then read this book again. "But he answered and said unto them, Why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition?" "This people draweth nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoureth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men." Matthew 15:1-20

She helps us understand that we are not just to believe, but to obey. "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?" 1 Peter 4:17

In other writings, by this author, she states that her books are NOT a replacement for the Bible or serious Bible study. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand why their Christian church believes what they believe, and how God's steadfast requirements do not contradict His unconditional love for us. "For God so loved THE WORLD, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

I love _The Top 500 Poems_. Because it contains poems by e. e. cummings and Stevie Smith, I looked up both poets on my own and read poetry that wasn't taught at my middle school. Now I can skim the book and alight upon poems that were taught in high school or college English classes with a feeling of pleasant deja vu. However, the book is only good, when it could have been great.

First, the editor claims in the introduction that "English-speaking people have produced one of the greatest bodies of literature," which does a disservice to all other bodies of literature. It sounds conceited, as does his editorial voice in some footnotes. Finally, when he defines, in the footnotes to various poems, words that may be unfamiliar to the reader, he often offers definitions for words that are not to be found in the poem or are misspelled. Is he trying to enlighten the reader or to confuse? I read that "whether" means "whithersoever," so I searched the poem in question for "whether" and found "whither" instead. One error would not have bothered me, but this occurs consistently.

The poems are a treasure, the commentary, less so.

As the review title indicates, this is a great gift idea for someone who is a nonpoet or does not teach english. True enthusiasts who write their own poetry or actually teach it would probably desire more depth than can be accomplished in a summary compilation of the greatest poetry.

Everyone has their idea of who the greatest poets were/are, and this book is as good of a cursory review of the greatest poets and poetry that can be put together. As a result this book has 3 drawbacks for the true enthusiast. 1) as has been noted by other reviewers, it only encompasses the English poets 2) this is someone elses' decisions on the "best" poetry and may leave out your particular favorite poem(s) (3) no depth to some poets but gives ample space to others, for example - Shakespeare 29 poems, Walt Whitman 5 poems, Edgar Allen Poe 6, Robert Frost 11, Emily Bronte 1, Geoffrey Chaucer 1.

Given the above listed shortcomings that would apply to any attempt to aggregate the "best" poetry, this book does an admirable job. As such, it makes a great gift for your favorite aunt or a bedside companion for yourself. Just realize that if you are a Frost fanatic, you will have to seek something more comprehensive for your favorite poet. Enjoy!

To begin, it's important to realize that "The Top 500 Poems" was compiled according to popularity in reproduction, not necessarily in terms of quality. It's also faced with the daunting task of representing English poetry from about 1300 or so until the 1900s. Therefore, it unavoidably has a couple of poems included that seem out of place. For instance, I didn't really need to have "The Purple Cow" or "Paul Revere's Ride" compiled for me, and I wouldn't have included a translated version of the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales. I sincerely doubt if any reader of the book has found all the poems included to his or her liking.

However, the overwhelming quality of the bulk of the book more than makes up for the weak patches. "The Top 500 Poems" is well organized chronologically, giving the reader a definite sense of progression through history. The introductory paragraphs to each author are informative and concise, and the commentary after each poem is brief but illuminating. Most important, of course, are the poems themselves, which at their best glow with the energy of the greatest literature. Personal favorites included here are: "Western Wind," "They Flee From Me," "That Time of Year Thou Mayst in Me Behold," "The Sun Rising," "To Penshurst," "The Collar," "To His Coy Mistress," "Elegy Written in a Country Churchyard," "Holy Thursday," "Composed Upon Westminster Bridge," "Kubla Khan," "Ozymandias," "Ode On a Grecian Urn," "Ulysses," "When Lilacs Last in the Dooryard Bloomed," "Because I Could Not Stop for Death," "God's Grandeur," "Sailing to Byzantium," "The Red Wheelbarrow," "Dulce et Decorum Est," "Fern Hill," "Church Going," and "Daddy," to name a few. Many, many more poems equally wonderful are included along with these.

So, unless you're absolutely incapable of ceding a dozen slots in the top 500 list to inferior works, this is an incredibly cheap way to acquire a huge mass of wonderful poems. Legitimate greviances against twenty poems or so fall by the wayside next to four hundred and eighty works of genius.

this book really reminded me of what it was like to grow up before video games and vcrs were invented - when you had to play outside and use the stuff you found on the ground for toys. some of the little stories i totally believed happened. some of them sounded made up, but then boys will be boys, right? the black and white photography is very nice, too.

I had to respond to an earlier review taking exception to Up to No Good, which criticized the book for its contribution to violence in boys. Com' on! This book was a delightful, insightful look at the realities of growing up male. If anything, it seemed to tame some of the realities of boyhood life. I found it interesting that it took a couple of women (editor/photographer) to bring out the foibles, characterisitics, energies, and stupidity that describe boyhood (and manhood!). Hats off to Harmon, Gilson, and Jeszeck (designer) for their excellent recapturing of childhood as only boys could experience it. Can you imagine such a book about girls? Not even possible.

My dad is now raising a son, after two daughters and he says whenever his hammer or saw are gone he looks for his son! With us, he says, "You just sat around and played with your Barbie dolls." Boys ARE mischief! This book reflects that perfectly, especially the photographs. Father's Day is around the corner, and I know exactly what I'm getting my dad-this book!

I wish I could give this book negative stars. If you are a "player" you will love the book since it certainly describes in detail how to be a manipulative, condescending, controlling person. If you believe in honest, up-front relationships like I do, don't waste your time reading this [stuff].

One of Dr. Allen's basic premises in the book is to choose to play either the feminine role or the masculine role in the relationship. You can't do both. It's all or nothing. Your partner must play the opposite role that you are. Then, like it or not, that is the role you must adhere to in order to keep the peace. It will involve not being yourself or doing what comes natural to you in many instances, but that is what you must do. This is all so ludicrous in my view. Why not find a person that has a combination of feminine and masculine qualities that you like and are comfortable with and then be yourself in the relationship? Does Dr. Allen really think that playing a role will lead to bliss, rather than building up anxiety and discontent since you aren't being yourself? You are being dishonest by acting in this manner, although she suggests you be true to yourself several times in the book.

One piece of advice that she gives is to dress good, smell good, and act like "you want to get laid" to get the man you want. Then after you get him, start negotiating what it is that you really want. You may give him things, but never, ever as much as he gives you, regardless of how much you would like to. Yes, this is a book for players. It does provide a certain [odd] balance for the male player books that are out there, however.

The author strikes me as incredibly self-righteous []with comments like "Sperm is cheap; eggs are precious." I did learn, however, that only men have [] performance problems. Her assertion is that all sexual dysfunction is a male problem and women don't have such things. Or if they do, it was caused by a man thereby forcing the woman to "be ready to defend myself against your insensitivity, rather than surrender my body to you."

If you want a healthy relationship, don't read this...

I've read some of the other reviews and would like to comment on the negative ones. At first I was put off by the title but a gentle friend of mine, after initially telling me of the book, continued to discuss passages with me when I would tell her of my relationship problems. Finally one day she brought it to me to read - just one particular passage she suggested. Well I started reading it and, like the negative reviewers, it got my hackles up at first. As I read on and tried to give it a chance I began to see glimmers of light. I soon realized that to benefit from this book (and you will one way or another) you must have patience. It really does go against so much of what we've been taught about equality and meeting men head on and it doesn't totally discourage that. One postive thread that continues throughout the entire book is self love. The author reminds us that we must first love ourself before we can love another. Remember when you read it that the first part is about catching a mate which requires patients and negotiation until the two of you find what works so you both feel mutual love. I think this book is a good read. It is definitely geared towards woman but men can benefit too. I find it much more positive about woman than Men are from Mars, Woman are from Venus which seems to place a lot of relationship problems on the woman for not understanding a man. Remember we can learn something from everything we are exposed to and I think being exposed to this book is a good thing. I will say that the one part of the book that I didn't like was the author's use of examples - she always portrayed the woman as being a model, beautiful, gorgeous, sensuous - I wondered why she felt the need to paint the picture that way. Since reading this book I have purchased three more copies and sent them to friends as a gift asking them to give the book a chance in the hope they may gain some insight and find love.

This book was the best relationship book I've ever read! One thing I loved about it is that it doesn't take the same "he's no good for you anyway" stance that most of your friends would give you. This book teaches you to look at your relationship more objectively, and then make informed decisions about your next step. I felt empowered after reading it! It gives you the tools to better understand your mate and to help you take your relationship in the direction that suits you! I've recommended it to many friends (don't all of us go through this at some point?) and every single one has come back to me to thank me. A must read for anyone who's in a relationship that has, seemingly, halted. It worked for me! I was married 9 months ago to the man of my dreams :)