Claude Monet lived in rural Giverny from 1883 until his death in 1926. Many of the paintings that we most closely identify with his oeuvre were done on his property or in the neighborhood. Following his death, the property deteriorated until its restoration was completed in the 1970s with the help of Lila Acheson Wallace, of Reader's Digest fame. This book was created to in part to honor that restoration and the show that commemorated it. The show marked the beginning of a resurgence of interest in Monet that continues to grow. My only reservation about recommending this book is that it would have benefited from larger sized pages so that the reproductions could have been larger.

Giverny is located to the north of Paris, and is connected to Paris by the rail line from Gare St. Lazare (which Monet painted several times). The view of nature we get there is a reflection of Monet's very French focus on creating gardens, a lily pond, and walkways that bring natural beauty into our controlled grasp.

I have had the pleasure of visiting Monet's home at Giverny several times since it was restored and highly recommend that you make this journey as well when you are in Paris. Your concept of Monet's work will be changed by seeing his working conditions. The grounds are primarily an extension of his studio, for making observations of nature easier. First time visitors will be shocked to realize that the lily pond was dug and expanded at great effort and expense by Monet. Without his persistence, we would be missing many of our favorite Monet paintings.

Throughout the time that Monet lived in Giverny, his eyesight deteriorated . . . mostly due to cataracts. As an artist friend of mine points out, that eye affliction greatly improved his painting by making it freer and less detailed.

He also pioneered many techniques of al fresco paining, such as creating an artist's studio in a boat for his famous river scenes. This enabled him to capture many unusual perspectives from the water to the river bank. Similarly, one purpose of the Japanese bridge over his lily pond was to give him a similar point of perspective.

The book contains a map of Giverny and Monet's property (purchased in 1890 after he originally rented it), and 81 works that he created in the area.

Missing from these reproductions are the famous water lily paintings that he gave to the French nation which are now housed in the basement of the Orangerie. Be sure you see them when you next visit Paris. Many people go to the Orangerie and never make it to the basement. These are among the greatest jewels of Impressionism.

You will be pleased to see the 25 works from the Musee Marmottan in Paris. These masterworks are also often missed by those who visit Paris because they do not know about this small gem of a museum and its superb Monet collection.

The reproductions are organized around themes: (1) river scenes (from the boat) (2) haystacks [sic] (3) poplars (4) river and fields (5) morning on the Seine (from the boat) (6) the Japanese footbridge (7) the Garden Path (8) early water lilies (9) the late series (my favorites are the rose trellises over the garden path) (10) pond subjects, and (11) late water lilies.

The end of the book also has a chronology of Monet's life and works that will help you integrate this show into his entire work.

You will come away with a new excitement and respect for nature from these images. You will also feel more connected to and with the beauty of nature. Your mood will be lifted, just as Monet intended. What you see will be uniquely yours, also just as intended. Monet pays you the ultimate compliment here of letting you participate in the creative process by arranging the work in your mind to fit your mental needs and perspective.

After you enjoy these images, I suggest that you come away inspired to make what you do more accessible to others. How can you make your life and your work easier for others to participate in?

Live in beauty!

Whether you have appreciated Monet's works for years or you are just discovering him for the first time like me, this book is a beautiful, informative collection of his best.

Beyond the absolutely vivid and beautiful quality of the paintings displayed in Monet's Years at Giverny, I greatly appreciate the style of language used throughout the book. Unlike many major art books which often seem to forget about the layman reader, this book reads more like a beautiful story of his life providing great insight into his works.

In college, I was fortunate enough to see a collection of his Water Lilies in Paris. Although at the time I was amazed to see them, through Monet's Years at Giverny I came to fully appreciate them---Not only the paintings, but the man himself.

Excellent addition to any collection!

Unlike most art books, this small volume has been in print continuously since 1978 & when you read it, it isn't hard to see why: superb reproductions and an extremely elegant design (plus its small size - very unusual in art publishing) offer the reader a wonderful experience wandering in Monet's vision of a carefully constructed alternate reality. In Monet's Giverny, natural forms respond instantly to light. The images produce a peculiar sense of floating in the viewer - many of the pictures lack a horizon line or any indication of where the viewer is in relation to the picture. As a result, we seem to hover in flight, poised above a constantly shifting panorama of woods, water, fields, and lilies. Interestingly, no human figures are visible in these works (Monet was never really a figure painter) producing a peculiar sensation of isolation and contemplation in the spectator - we wander through this magical land alone, or with whatever companion we desire. A superlative achievement which has found few imitators in the world of art publishing.

This book had such a wonderful meaning. I love the way she incorporates a leaf's point of view. Everytime that I babysit I read this book to them as a bedtime story. The kids always seem to enjoy it. Usually it's the first book they recommend for me to read to them at night. Sometimes I get feed back from the parents telling me that they hear their kids talk about the book. Believe me I think this book is worth every penny.

I bought this book at a book signing because as a child I always had a fixation for alligators. It is an easy book for young kids to follow and I would recommend this to all people, young and old. In the future when I plan on having a family this book will definately be read to my children.

I loved this book. I read it with my nephew almost everynight. It is great quality time. We love discussing her illustrations, they are so capturing. I would recommend this to anyone who loves spending time with their young loved ones.

Anyone who has ever experienced the damp cool of forest shadows, heard the russle of leaves as a wild occupant gathers food, or stood in awe while listening to the forest breath high in the tree tops upon a gentle breeze, will immediately be transported back to that magical place through the words of Helen Hoover and the wonderful illustrations of her artist husband Ade. Fleeing the city of Chicago to risk making a life in the far northern woods of Minnesota, seeking virgin timber and solitude, Helen writes of their struggles with near poverty and the anxiety of isolation. Through it all they find peace of mind and spirit, and advocate for the preservation of wild natural places to the greatest degree possible. Once you read one of her books you will collect them all, and like another reviewer has so stated, you read them over and over and over again. Dr. Daniel Baney

This book has been in my family for decades, and to a person, all who read of Helen and Adrian's sorrows and triumphs find it to be one their all-time favorite reads. I have read the book a dozen times, and never lose interest in its capacity to instantly transport me to another time and place. Having spent many of my summers as a young boy in the Northern woods of Minnesota, this book brings back to me the scent of resin from the pine and birch, the fleeting glimpse of a black bear, and the natural curiosity of deer and other woodland creatures. You cannot help but be touched by this book.

I loved this sequal to The Gift of the Deer. I really think these two books are one of the main reasons that we have a cabin in the woods. We enjoy the forest so much. Each time we go into the deep woods I think of the Hoovers. They were a real inspiration to me. I never realized that I was a lover of wildlife until I read Helen Hoover's books. I have ordered two more of her adventrous books , and can't wait to get started

For the most part, you don't need a deck specific book to learn to read tarot. Unless you have a more intricate... or as some might say, "oddball" deck, most general tarot books will teach you the subject as well as supply traditional interpretations that can be applied to most decks.

Some will even tell you to avoid these type of books.. as it is always best to use your *own* intuition and to discover what the cards mean for *you*.. While I do beleive this is one of the most important parts of learning tarot, I also beleive gaining another's perspective can only help.. It can expand on what you see.. allow you to see something new.. even at times provide that "AHA!! NOW I get it" feeling...

What is special about this book is that it was written by the artist herself. Who better to provide such insights as the person who's blood, sweat, and tears went into every drawing and symbol. .. the person who lived each card from glimpse to creation.

If you love this deck like I do.. this book will help make it come alive in a whole new way. If you can't order through this website due to limited availability, Robin sells the book through her own site. ...

This deck is one of those things I can't live without. I buy these decks two at a time so that I have a replacement on hand if tragedy befalls the deck I'm using (yup, I've got kids!). I have used this deck more than any other as a professional reader. The artwork is absolutely beautiful. It speaks to pagans and non-pagans alike. I especially advise this deck for beginners. You don't even need a book, the images tell you everything you need to know.

This is not the book I would recommend for a basic "what is Tarot?" or "how do I do a reading?" overview. For a basic Tarot primer I recommend the book "Tarot, Plain and Simple", which also uses illustrations from the Robin Wood Tarot.

This book discusses the details of *WHEN this card was designed, *WHY this image is depicted in this exact way, and *IF I could I would work in another hint to go buy Robin Wood's excellent ethics worksbook "When, Why, If..." but I digress...

If you want specific details on why the clothing is that color, on why the cup is held just so, and the symbology of every detail in the Robin Wood Tarot, you have the right book! An extraordinary look into the artists mind and the stories behind the artwork, as well as a very advanced discussion of the symbology in ALL Tarot decks. Reading this book gave me insights into the small often overlooked symbols that were part of the "teaching vocabulary" of all Tarot cards.

Tarot decks were always designed to be teaching tools, in the same way that the stained glass windows of the Catholic cathedrals were "picture books" of the teachings of the Catholic church, for those who could not read. The Tarot has always included the lessons of the mysteries, and the occult studies, that were forced underground and into secrecy. Robin Wood took up this tradition in the Tarot, and has added many subtle Pagan teaching points to the illustrations in the Robin Wood deck. Consider this book to be the teacher's guide to those hidden symbols, and the deck to be the study book.

This is a *required* book if you wish to use the Robin Wood deck as a teaching tool, and I could also highly recommend it (even by itself) to those trying to homeschool or teach about paganism. I also strongly suggest it if you like "behind the scenes" stories from the artist.

I loved reading this book as it holds many spiritual gems straight from the writers heart. Jackie Woods is powerful in her teachings and shows simple steps to work through patterns we've all gathered throughout our lives. The format of Spiritual Energy Cycles makes it easy to apply to any situation.

Since reading the book I have MANY times caught myself wrapped in emotion and stuck in a mental thought and said, 'Now, what's the bottom line here?!' This grounds me and allows me to move through my creation of growth! Then comes the manifestation part of the cycle. That's what it's all about ... it's a cycle! I would reccomend this book to anyone who is on a spiritual growth path. I re-read this book on a regular basis.

The information provided in this book is absolutely amazing. I've been a highly dedicated student of metaphysical teachings since 1984, studying dozens of different teachers, and I THOUGHT I was on a powerful Spiritual path - until I came across the information in this book. That's not to say that I did not have tremendous Spiritual growth before - I did - but anyone who is interested in TURBO-CHARGING their growth will count this book as "mandatory reading". If you liked "Conversations with God" by Neale Donald Walsh, this little 75 page book can take you even further down the path than you imagined. I've had dozens of favorite teachers over the years, from Stuart Wilde to Ram Dass, Deepak Chopra to Wayne Dyer - but the information in this book helped bring about wonderful healings in my physical body that all the other teachings did not accomplish. To be specific, I had cronic rib neuritis - VERY painful - that would go away after 3-4 accupressure sessions, only to fire back up 2-3 months later. The teachings in Spiritual Energy Cycles healed this problem - never to return! In addition, I suffered cronic, perpetual anxiety for over thirty years before coming into the understanding of how to put these teachings into effect in my life. Needless to say, I highly recommend this book - and ESPECIALLY the "companion tape" by Jackie Woods on "Meditation and Needs" - to anyone who is serious about maximizing their Spiritual growth. I noticed in the interview of Jackie Woods that she is writing a new book, so I'll be the first in line!

There are some books you pick up and open where the information on that page is EXACTLY what you need. This is that kind of book. I've read many metaphysical books with exercises at the end of each chapter. This book is about CHANGING YOUR LIFE!

I first became acquainted with the work of essayist Willem Lange through his appearances on the Vermont Public Television program "RFD," which normally ends its weekly broadcast with a piece by this wordsmith. The essays in this charming little book are culled from other writings and are perfect examples of Mr. Lange's style. With a minimum of very well chosen words, Mr. Lange paints a detailed picture of people, places, and events and wraps us in his love for all. There are some very heart-felt expressions here: A Letter to a newborn grandchild; A sudden understanding of his wife's life-long torment; An appreciation of past leadership provided by a mentor. In all, there are 18 tiny gems here, none longer than four pages, but the scope of their sentiment is unending. This is a book to treasure and read over and over again. If only it were longer.

Mr. Lange's stories of life in New England awake memories of the reader's own experiences that transcend any geographical boundaries. In this collection of essays, Willem Lange celebrates the experiences of everyday life in New England with humor and honesty that connects with readers in every corner of the land.

This thin book delivers powerful images of how New England was and strives to remain. Short essays cover typical events and personalities, most often humorous, always interesting. A great way to discover why we think there's no other place to live.

This was great! It was a great follow up from The Man who loved Clowns. Delrita has been mourning for her parents,her uncle, and her home. Then Aunt Queenie's father tells Delrita that she's like a turtle on the fence post who needs help. Later, Delrita finally finds enough courage to talk to someone. Can you guess who it was? If you have read The Man who loved Clowns, you should read Turtle on a Fence Post. I recommend it to anyone.

The best work yet of June Rae Wood!! Wood really captures the emotions of Delrita Jensen. The young Delrita is struggling with life. She's lost her beloved parents and Uncle Punky in the time span of three months. Then it takes a retired man from the army to teach her really about life. Delrita learns that people aren't always what they seem.

For those of you that didn't know, Turtle on a Fence Post is the follow up to The Man Who Loved Clowns. The Man Who Loved Clowns has been my favorite book for years. When I came upon Turtle on a Fence Post, I thought there is no way this can be as good as the first one. I was so wrong. The book takes up where The Man Who Loved Clowns left off. Although both books are fictional, some of the characters are based on real people. It is so wonderfully written, I cried when I read it. It portrays the emotions one might feel after experiencing a great loss excellently. I thought it was a great book and I would encourage everyone to read it.

The UnCollege Alternative is a great resource for those students who are in college and questioning whether or not they should be there. Ms. Wood makes an excellent point early on in the book: would you just walk into a store and point at something and say "ring it up", regardless of the cost? The author states that when students go on to college without really thinking it through as to whether or not college is for them - they are saying "ring it up" possibly for a $80,000 education.

What makes The UnCollege Alternative shine is the wide variety of potential career paths the author discusses, many of which can bring in significant incomes. She discusses all aspects of each career path: needed training, certification, potential income and job market, as well as providing a sort of "day in the life of" feel.

I think often students just go to college not knowing what they want to study, just going because that's what they are "supposed" to do. I recommend this book for ALL high school and current college students. Even if you decide that college is the right track for you, at least you are educated in what some alternatives are. It is important to know just what's out there before you potentially spend four years of your life and tens of thousands of dollars.

Another excellent book I recommend on a similar subject is "Taking Time Off" by Colin Hall and Ron Lieber.

Ms. Woods offers an incredibly insightful and highly worthwhile probe into the worlds awaiting all of us outside of higher education (of an academic nature). She manages to be philosophic and pragmatic at the same time, enumerating a diverse range of concrete alternatives for those of us who wish to lead an alternative life. In a world of pre-fab opportunities and lifestyles, this compendium of ideas stands out as a unique perspective for anyone seeking new ways to fill their lives with adventure and inspiration. I, for one, intend to follow several pieces of her advice, and I would like to stress that this book is a valuable resource for anyone, of any age, seeking unusual answers to the usual metaphysical questions. Thanks a million, Danielle!!!

for any one who feels that they have no idea what they want to do, this is the perfect book for you. It has tips on every thing, from how to get basicaly a free education to how to become a merchant mariner.

The stories in War Torn are riveting and capture the will and determination of women journalists to have equal access to cover the war. But they also bring Saigon and Vietnam in the 60s and 70 alive to anyone too young to remember. I applaud these women for making the Vietnam war accessible to a generation who grew up after the war.
War Torn leave the reader happy and sad but thoroughly enchanted. For anyone who is a history buff, a traveler planning to visit Vietnam or simply a lover of great tales, I highly recommend this book.

I don't know much about Vietnam, but I was drawn to the book by the sad and thoughtful face on the cover. My highest praise to these women. They brought the Vietnam war alive to someone who was not even born at its conclusion. The stories are beautiful, sad, funny and touching. My thanks to the authors for putting such a wonderful piece of writing and important part of history down on paper.

WAR TORN is a brilliant and riveting collection of essays by the handful of smart and courageous women who actually went to the battlefields in Asia to report on the Vietnamese War. For everyone who served in the war or had loved ones who did, for those of us who lived through these events at home, and for younger readers who have no sense of this history, this compelling book reveals these critical years from a perspective most of us never knew existed. The stories of these nine brave women will capture your minds and break your heart a bit. A thorougly uplifting and informative book with stories you've never heard before.

As almost all of her books, Barbara takes you to the past and makes you to live there, this is a good book but it has some things that I think are not true, for example it says that Cleopatra was white as milk and in every book of Cleopatra that I have read says that Cleopatra was almost brown, and some other things that in some books are different.
The 2 love stories of Selene are different and I don't know if it could be as easy to forget as Andreas did, but is a book and you read to have fun.

You will be inside the story all the time and you will love Selene for what she does for the people.

I have fallen away from reading over the past several years, and I picked up a copy of this book in a bin at the supermarket... and sitting down to read it had no idea what to expect. I read the entire book in one sitting, cover to cover in one evening... because I couldn't stand to put it down. It was fantastic... a perfect combination of storytelling and education...

There is never a dull moment in "Soul Flame," the story of Selene, adopted daughter of a healer woman who herself becomes a healer and dedicates herself to furthering the healing arts. Selene is also dedicated to unravelling the mystery of her true identity and discovering her destiny. At sixteen, she falls in love with the handsome Greek physician Andreas but... well that would be telling. This book ranges across many of the key locations of early civilization, and Ms. Wood's prodigious research serves the reader well. In addition to lore on early medicine and herbal cures we are treated to glimpses of exotic early cultures. Leanly written, densely plotted and full of fascinating characters, "Soul Flame" never disappoints. If you are like me, you will be hungering for a sequel when you reach the last page. Let's get this book back into print, and -- Ms. Wood, are you listening? -- let's get started on the sequel. A terrific read!