I absolutely could not put this book down! From cover to cover I was hooked: The mastery of Shannon's writing style painted vivid images in my head, and kicked-started my imagination like no other book has in a very long while.

The boldest adventure on paper I've ever been on in my life, I recommend this book to anyone who wants to read at the edge of their seat, and be salivating for more when they're done! It's been a while since an author could stir me up like this...a most welcome change for everyone who's tired of the S.O.S. that clutters much of our bookshelves today. Great job, Barry Shannon!

The tale takes us to places we'd probably best never seek in person, but come wonderfully to lusty life in Shannon's seemingly simple style. Readers will wait as anxiously as will I for the further adventures of JOAT St...John; remarkably, the tale pushes the rather two-dimensional universe of the medium; The wry and apt turn of phrase, the hilarious juxtaposition of events, and the relentless insouciance of the auctorial voice seem to surpass the restrictions, taking this reader more for a flight into, through, and about marvels, than just a drive along the tired turnpike. This one carried me straight through, but already I'm going back for another look at scenes that may be experienced again and again, albeit vicariously. Shannon enters august company, nay even julian enclaves, with other paradigm- pushers such as Laurence Sterne, Richard Condon, and Thomas Perry, each uniquely enriching the volume of the reader's experience. Bold Stroke came to me as a gift, one that encourages me to hang out in anticipation of the next one; even the cover art enhances the package to the benefit of the beholder. Behold and enjoy!

Barry Shannon has written a captivating tale with all the ingredients needed to hook me on the first page and keep me entertained all the way through. His accuracy and attention to detail is significant but never gets in the way of the action. I really liked this one and would certainly recommend it. Good show, Shannon!....hope you write another.

BRO is the best friend of any discriminating wedding or party-planner in the Bay Area. This reference book contains invaluable tips, advice and reviews about the vendors and venues that can make your special day extra special. Its pages contain eye opening answers and anecdotes that will spare countless hours of research and worry for even the most seasoned host.

My wife and I were just married on May 13th, and this book provided us with a wealth of excellent information on wonderful vendors in the San Francisco bay area. We located our photographer (Glenn Jay Photography), DJ (Soundtrax), and many other resources here, and they were spectacular! This book not only saved us much time and work, but was also a link to some of the best wedding professionals in this area. If you're getting married within the next 2 years, please do yourself a favor and pick this book up!

I got engaged last month, and one of my engagement gifts was this wonderful book. When I first went to look for a book, I did not know what to look for. This book gives me access to all the vendors within the San Francisco Bay area. I feel a lot of all the hard part of the job is done for me, and I really can enjoy the engagement. So far I have found a wonderful band, photographer, and location. As a very nervous bride that wants everything to be perfect, this has really put my mind at ease. I highly recommend this book anyone getting party or even throwing a party.

It is extremely easy to offer guests ( or yourself) a magnificent meal that looks like you are a great chef with very little work. Easy techniques and ingredients allow you to enjoy cooking. You will reach for this book repeatedly!

I have many cookbooks, but this is one of my favorites. Every recipe that I made from this book has turned out well, which is, I think, a sign of a good cookbook. I particularly like the notes at the bottom of the recipe that tell you how far ahead and through what step you can make the dish. This is a big plus when entertaining. All of the dishes that I have made from this book have been crowd pleasers.

What a great cookbook! I use it frequently, particularly for the roast chicken (my family's personal favorite), shrimp salsa, the marinades and salad dressings, the chocolate truffle brownies, and an UNBELIEVABLY sinful chocolate cake! The format is attractive, the recipes are easy to follow, and the results have been uniformly consistent. If you enjoy flavorful, creative cuisine, this is for you!

I'm going to study in California next year and I don't have a drivers license yet. But thanks of this book I am sure I will get it easily!!!

....By which I mean that if you buy this book and work through [ sorry about that, I _am_ English :-)) ] the test papers you will gain much valuable knowledge about driving in the USA. This means that you are more able to enjoy your holiday as you will know so much more about the rules and regulations that there are in the USA and so, hopefully(!), not fall foul of them! By the time I'd worked through the first two papers and read the detailed informatation towards the back of the book even I was getting 30+ correct answers! So, I'd definitely recommend this book to any fellow "Brit" who wants to be less of a hazard when driving in the USA. Finally, Alice herself was _most_ helpful when I emailed her with a query I had regarding the DMV in California. So not only a most helpful book, but also excellent feedback direct from the auther herself. Do yourself a favour/favor(!!) and buy it :-)

Go ahead: Commit a Random Act of Kindness: You'll be doing yourself a big favor as well, when you buy the new California Drivers Test Made Easy by Alice B. Syman, for a friend or relative, and a second copy for yourself (can't we all use a little brush-up on our driving skills?). This affordable manual is for California drivers specifically but anyone from any state will enjoy this book, with its easy-to-read format, informal style, and delightful graphics.

Ms. Syman shows us, step-by-step, how to pass the California original or renewal Class C "Basic" License test. The well-organized chapters cover subjects of general driving interest as well as "Safer Driving for Seniors," "Younger Drivers," "Recreational Vehicles," "Road Hazards and Emergencies," "Road Rage" and many more. A glossary of terms leaves no questions unanswered. The book is spiced with amusing stories and valuable "insider" advice.

Ms. Syman has permission to publish California Department of Motor Vehicles' test questions. After passing the sample tests in her book, you will pass when you actually go for your drivers license test. NO MORE TEST-DAY JITTERS!

This book is helpful to senior drivers, especially those who may have to take a written and a driving test for a renewal. The book's compact size makes it easy to take with you wherever you go during your busy life, for those otherwise wasted minutes of time waiting in lines. Since driving laws don't change often, this book will be useful for several years.

The author is well-qualified to cover the subject of driving. Thousands have passed their tests the first time with the help of this book. Save wear and tear on your nerves, CLICK TO ORDER YOUR COPIES NOW!

This book was very interesting. Not only did it have plenty of photos, the text was actually useful and have a great message. Reading Galen's work is just as great as looking at it. I had never even heard of or seen most of the places in the book until I got the book. Now, I'm walking some of the same trails I discovered in the book.

An incredible photographic argument that nature is ever-present, fecund, and indomitable! Rowell and Sewell capture the majesty of one the world's most beautiful urban areas to describe nature's ability to adapt and thrive next to mankind. A surprising array of wild animals are photographed within the ex-urban landscape and combine with dramatic Bay Area landscapes to make a compelling story of the beauty that surrounds us--if only we can take time out from our busy lives to see it! This is a great gift to bring back East for the holidays.

Galen Rowell is showing here surely the nicest landscape shots I have ever seen. The Bay Area, that I didn't know, is here in spades, and if you know a little bit of tech, you see several uses of Galen special shooting way (flash, A2 Nikon filtering, s.o.)

This is a great atlas, and at a great price too! It gives you a good idea of what the topography is going to look like, so you can plan your week end getaways, and can be used as a road atlas too. Note that there is also one for Oregon that you can buy.

No one map [or atlas] can serve all purposes. The Benchmark California Road And Recreation Atlas seems to fill a middle ground between the pure road atlas [the Thomas Guide California atlas is my number one pick in this category] and a topographic/backroads atlas [the DeLorme atlases are my favorites in this category]. The Benchmark atlases are good road atlases with color-coded and shaded relief added to indicate topography. Each map covers more territory than the maps in the DeLorme atlases. This means less detail than the DeLorme maps and I wouldn't want to do much backroad driving with only the Benchmark atlas available for reference. I generally bring my copy of the Benchmark atlas with me on road trips because I find it good for doing a visual and mental overview of the area I'm exploring. I think all travel enthusiasts should have a copy of this atlas in their map library and especially those who want information on topography, but are contour line phobic.

This atlas is highly recommended. The beautiful maps are great for looking at (and daydreaming) at home or as a navigation tool on the road. I have already given two as gifts. It is simply the best atlas of California on the market.

As one other reviewer stated the plot synopsis on the back of the book got my attention and never lost it. Clever, well researched mystery unravels into a serpentine plot involving L.A.'s elite and ultra-rich, East coast mobsters, a former hitman now operating a skid row mission, a woman who's griefing husband affirms she's dead - but has suddenly appeared and asked the novel's protagonist to solve her murder........and it all hinges on the members of a secret fraternity of a New Age cult.

This novel is very pointed about the nature of New Age cults and is definitely not sympathetic, pulling no punches about its subject matter. The only liability that I can note is that the author provides no foreword, afterword or even a summary about her research - even a footnote or two would've lent more credibility to the investigative documents and books her main character uses in solving the mystery. Still a very worthwhile book and far more compelling than most above average Mystery novels you are likely to consider reading.

I am a fan of mystery and suspense novels. This book fits both categories. It is well written with a likable protagonist in private investigator Artie Weatherby. He is asked to investigate a murder by the victim...
This book goes in depth behind the scenes concerning the New Age movement and its more sinister elements and beliefs. It is a real eye-opener and keeps your attention from start to finish. It is the third book in a series about Artie Weatherby; the others being "Weatherby" and "Weatherby: On A Dead Man's Chest". They are both good, but "The Big Lie" is the best of the three. Unfortunately, this author is deceased, so there will be no more books in this series. However, she did write some other fiction series under the name of Janice Miller. They are good as well (P.I. Alexis Albright).
I highly recomend this book to anyone who likes mysteries or suspense.

This book is quite suspenseful and Artie Weatherby is a likeable protaganist. I read through the book quickly as it is a great mystery. It says it is the first in the series, but I just picked up another book by the name of "Weatherby" and it introduces Artie Weatherby for the first time so I guess this is actually the second about this private eye! I ordered a book titled "Weatherby, On A Dead Man's Chest" also about this guy, Artie, which I am looking forward to reading. ....

Big Sur to Big Basin is the only book I have experienced that fully portrays the feel of the area. Fantastic photography complements the books detailed narrative, and if there ever was a book to remember a visit to a region, then this is it.

The California coast is a wonderful place to explore, and in particular, the Big Sur area is one of my favourites. From the mighty trees, to the wonder of the rugged coastline, there is something for everyone.

Larry's photography leaves you thinking "I have to see this for myself". So we did. Twice now!

Buy this book if you ever want to travel to the area. Buy this book also if you just want to experience the area without leaving your armchair. Most of all, have this book on your coffee table, and you will always have something to remember from a fabulous trip to a unique part of the world.

I had a getaway to Big Sur last summer and was stunned by the breathtaking view of where the ocean meets the sky. About a few months later I picked up a copy of Big Sur to Big Basin at a local bookstore and began a virtual re-visit of Big Sur. Like many pictorials with pages of astonishing sunsets, Pamela Cain, a former Carmel resident, recounted anecdotes and memories of hers that make the photos alive. The redwoods, the beaches, cheery blossoms, the meandering streams, Pebble Beach golf courses, Monterey bay...Big Sur to Big Basin is your window to panoramic view in central Californian coast.

This book offers the reader a bird's eye view of the breath-taking scenery along California's coastal highway...and the history behind the pictures. Pam Cain's stories make Larry Ulrich's pictures come alive...it makes me, a former Carmel resident now living in Connecticut, homesick...a wonderful trip back home

A good book for nearly anyone. There is plenty of excitement and it is full of sea knowledge. My only complaint is that there are dreary sections filled with the author's life philosophy that I found quite boring, and ended up skipping over.

Books should have a central theme, and the philosophy blurred whatever the theme was supposed to be. A good editor would have removed most of it.

I absolutely loved this book, and am looking forward to reading it again. Carlos' narrations combined with his twist on words paints a picture even the most land locked reader can imagine. As a marine enthusiast and student, it is wonderful to read works from hunters who also appreciate the undersea world and respect its power and importance.

The Blue Edge is Carlos Eyles latest book. It is a pseudo-diary of the authors sixty-five day journey aboard the Nirvana with his friends Jack and Pam. He journeys through the Sea of Cortez to the San Benedicto islands. The journey is on one level a journey from the once bountiful Sea of Cortez to near pristine San Benedicto islands. On another level it is a journey through man's impact on the ocean in the infinitesimal slice of geographic time that man has populated the planet. On an introspective level it is a journey through one man's search for balance and his link to the ocean, and to himself.

The word "mystical" has been used to describe the writing of the book. "Mystical" implies something apart from the human experience. The Blue Edge is experiential. It is about experiences that we all face. It is apropos that the boat is named Nirvana, which is the Buddhist term for "enlightenment." Some of the things that the Buddha realized on the road to enlightenment were, that the world is suffering, all things are impermanent, and that there is no Self. The Blue Edge takes us through part of that journey. It shows us the pain, and the joy, as one man struggles with finding his place in the world. As he tries to balance his love for the ocean, his love for his family, and his love for himself.

Carlos leads the reader through the fragile, and thus transitory, illusion of the permanence of job, family, possessions, and our natural resources. He describes how man's greed, and ego, has affected the balance of the once pristine waters of the Sea of Cortez, and how it also is taking its toll on the San Benedicto islands.

For the spearfishmen this is the journey that some of us go through in our diving careers. Our pictures of full stringers of fish on our desks and walls. Our attempts to give permanence to a moment in time. Our attempts to catch the "most" fish. As our diving careers progress we find we take fewer and fewer shots looking for the "right" fish. The contrast Carlos paints with Jack, who is struggling to find his place in his relationship with Pam and with the ocean, and the spearfishermen aboard the Ambar III that are dumping the carcasses of the filleted fish into the water, to Brian Yoshikawa not taking any shots waiting for the 200 pound tuna.

The Blue Edge may be difficult reading for people who have no ties to the ocean, since the sixty-five day journey is aboard a boat. It, however, is must reading for anyone who spends any time with the ocean. The book encapsulates our life journey in those sixty-five days. It gives us glimpses of Nirvana (enlightenment) through Carlos's eyes. It is this poignant glimpse which is what wraps us up page after page, because we feel from the very beginning of the book that Nirvana is not to be attained for Carlos at this time. The struggles through the grinding teeth of sharks, and lawnmowers, is something the ocean takes us through. The longing to play in the ocean, the longing for wealth, the longing for pleasure, the longing for the kill. The experiences Carlos goes through in The Blue Edge shows us that "Nirvana", on one level, or more simply the struggle to find balance with the ocean, on a lower level, is unattainable as long as we long to possess it.

Bone Dry is one scary book: fast-paced, authentic, and suspenseful. But what I liked the most were the characters. There was not one major character who didn't feel fully-realized to me. Even the worst bad guy in it was real, which of course made it even scarier. It kept me up all night reading. I know other readers will enjoy it as much as I did.

As a physician one would think that the last place I'd look for entertainment would be medically related literature. But I find myself drawn to it especially when the story is so plausible and the hospital and clinical characters are so true to life as was the case in this exciting and all-to-possible story. The book just whisked you away from the very start and was impossible to put down. There were some truly macabre and twisted methods that the authors came up with to agonizingly terminate at least one of the characters that only someone in the field could have come up with. But it was the premise of the story that made this one of the best medical mysteries I've read in years because this could really happen and it would be relatively easy given what I know of security in the various hospitals I've worked in to pull this off. Finally, the authors' style of inexorably building tension within a framework of making all the medical technology and jargon understandable to the lay reader just added to the pleasure of this diabolical plot. I highly recommend this book.

A real page-turner! What makes this thriller so compelling, is that there is an eery sense of reality to the story although it is fiction. The authors successfully combine the best and worst of human behavior and set their characters within a fragile medical environment. Current advances in cancer treatment coupled with recent hospital scandals makes this mystery all the more plausable. "Bone Dry" is a white-knuckle read 'til the end, which makes it difficult to put down. Wouldn't be surprised to see this one jump from page to screen--it's got all the ingredients.