One of the most enjoyable books I have found to do garden crafts with my children. Each of the projects were fun and easy to do. I would recommend this book to young and Old. I hope the author is working on another book. Her illustrations were great.

Not only is this a great resource for kids, but also for beginning gardeners like myself. I was getting buried by the information in other gardening books...complex soil testing, amending, feeding, etc. This book takes similar information and makes it understandable and makes the results seem achievable. The info given on easy-to-grow vegetables, easy-to-grow flowers, and, especially, the chart for diagnosing and solving growing problems are VERY helpful. I found this at the public library and MUST have it at home!

I was incredibly blessed to have stumbled across this book in our public library. It has become one of those rare additions to our home collection. For beginner gardeners, or even the seasoned, there is an abundance of helpful information within the covers. The pictures are beautiful and captivating for children. The craft ideas are inexpensive, fun, and very practical. Highly recommendo!!

Gifts Unexpected is often a ragged chronicling of contemporary realities which threaten to extinguish our hope. With the same palette of honesty, however, Stephen Hand restores an arid landscape to a promise of health.

By undertaking the decencies that others have laid down, Father Joseph acts as human ark to keep others afloat until they can sight safer harbors. As the delighted father he might have been secularly, Fr. Joseph becomes for the child, Evelyn, the trusted sanctuary she longs for and which she comes to cautiously share. For those in the cemetery, he is loyal friend as well as "Father". With a love berthed in Christ our ultimate mirror, Fr. Joseph is able to reflect a valuable Lisa to herself once more. In a too-small conspiracy of care, he is tender second 'mother' to the helpless, dying Antoinette. Even in his relative invisibility in the world which is winked at by the Bishop, Father's quiet charities become the object of hopeful question, but also of hatred -- a hatred surmounted by love that is willing to lay down life for a friend.

Gifts Unexpected makes the stomach hurt, the heart race -- and is impossible to put down.

In his apostolic exhortation Salvifici Dolores, Pope John Paul II writes: "[...] what we express by the word 'suffering' seems to be particularly essential to the nature of man. It is as deep as man himself, precisely because it manifests in its own way that depth which is proper to man, and in its own way surpasses it. Suffering seems to belong to man's transcendence: it is one of those points in which man is in a certain sense 'destined' to go beyond himself, and he is called to this in a mysterious way."

This insight on human suffering is one of my favorite passages from the prolific writings of our current Holy Father. It is also the theme of Stephen Hand's novella. In fact, human suffering is what makes Gifts Unexpected both so enjoyable and so compelling to the reader; these are real characters who suffer through the modern afflictions of divorce, loneliness, drug and alcohol addiction as well as urban poverty. Yet through it all, they either find God or remain hopeful in God's salvific promise. In short, the plot is noble in its simplicity: the temptation to despair strikes, a struggle ensues within the hearts of the main characters, and through the grace of God they persevere until finding solace within God's mysterious love. Through it all, the experience of suffering unveils a depth in the characters as the reader encounters an elderly hermit priest, a young girl on the verge of adolescence who struggles with her parents' divorce, the girl's alcoholic mother and the father who abandoned her.

The story revolves around Evelyn, the young girl mentioned above, and Fr. Joseph, the hermit priest. The two meet in a cemetery where Evelyn goes to play because her mother is too busy for her, and where Fr. Joseph prays for the souls of the deceased. Fr. Joseph is a retired priest who has received permission from his bishop to live in the cemetery's abandoned priory. Recognizing Evelyn's need for a father figure after her father abandoned her, Fr. Joseph takes Evelyn under his spiritual care. He endeavors to provide Evelyn with some adult guidance and companionship, without judging the dysfunctional family situation from which Evelyn sprung. In such a way, as Evelyn's mother pursues alcohol and unsatisfying relationships, while Evelyn's father degenerates further into reclusive depression, Fr. Joseph helps Evelyn come of age.

Many avid Catholic readers, myself included, have followed Stephen Hand's journalism for some time. This novella was my first encounter with this Stephen Hand's fiction, and I was pleasantly surprised to find it surpassed even the high standards Stephen exerts in his journalism and editorials. In reading this work, Stephen's older readers will also find themselves surprised to discover Stephen wrote this novella about a year before he took his famous stand for the Catholic Church against those who feel the Church has sold out since the Second Vatican Council. For not only is hostility against the present Church almost non-existent, but the principal religious characters remain unshaken in their fidelity to Rome. In fact, by their example these same characters personify Pope John Paul II's message of redemption through human suffering. Thus in the chronology of Stephen's writing, this work definitely foreshadows his subsequent total rejection of integrism, as well as his radical return to the Catholic Church in her totality. In short, even though Stephen wrote this work before Traditional Catholic Reflections came into existence, in terms of fidelity to the Catholic Church and the spiritual embrace of the Pope John Paul II's pontificate, this work represents TCR Stephen Hand at his most insightful.

In summing up, the reader will enjoy this wonderful story in which, through the everyday experiences of human characters, the redemptive suffering of God's heavenly grace confronts and vanquishes the spiritual death brought on by sin and evil.

The confusion of human frailty, the demands of human technology, the technology of an overwhelming city, the desparate struggles towards vague dreams of how life ought to be stage this story. The harsh meddling of the only natural environment capable of flustering a well entrenched city integrated with the even harder to understand fury of people earning their daily bread, and the evil that peers out of the natural darkness as it meets the power of the human heart disguised in ordinary lives of people I've known, rather characters I've known with different names and details make familiar this social dynamic. I can't yet believe I wasn't really there in some way -- I've read the great stories and this one may bear witness to the best. Michael and Lisa once were; now, their daughter Evelyn was coming to be. It is tough for Lisa alone raising her child. The forces, altogether natural, manmade, and spiritual, here agitate against the fulfillment of anyone's rational dream. Whatever was supposed to happen in the lives and defunct marriage of Michael and Lisa refused to happen -- yet the dream never had quite disappeared, and young Evy remained and grew more life-like daily. Her advent into post-childhood excitement and hope strained against the stasis of her split-apart family. The ancient Fr. Joseph, "holed up" in his primitive "digs", had something to say (although sparse in word) ... and do (in the sense of stepping into the realm of an almost invisible form of Catholic action) ... about this impending total fracture between mankind and life -- he and his invalid partner in divine mystery, Antoinette, who puts together the puzzle as it ought to be. Read it for yourself.

This is by far the best cookbook I have ever used. I received this as a gift from a friend who lived in Spokane (as I collect Junior League cookbooks) and it's been one of my favorites ever since. My friend also bought one for my cousin as a gift and she and I enjoy sharing our enthusiasm about this cookbook. The quality of the printing is excellent as well, with thorough instructions, nice thick pages and perfect organization. This is a great gift to anyone that enjoys cooking, from the novice to the professional chef!

I am not a great cook, and I don't have time to cook extravagant meals, but whenever I cook something from this book, people always ask for the recipe. They never guess that dishes with such gourmet flair are so simple to prepare.

This is a great cookbook! Recipes are easy to follow and unique. It provides a great combination of creative family fare to fantastic dinner party ideas.Will appeal to people from all over the country not just the Northwest!

Certainly no theological treatise, Hand Me Another Brick is nevertheless a fine exposition of the book of Nehemiah, and an outstanding application of that book to modern life and leadership. Perhaps Swindoll's best effort, this is certainly one of the best available Christian "leadership" books, and is an extremely entertaining read to boot. Well worth the effort.

Good summary of a Christian perspective on leadership. We even used this book in a military discussion on leadership.

If their is one problem that plagues the church today it is poor leadership, this book gets you motivated to lead God's people God's way a must read for any Sunday school teacher, Elder, deacon, Pastor or aspiring leader in God's Kingdom.

This book is an excellent primer for anyone interested in woodworking with handtools. Clear illustrations identify tool particulars and correct usage and maintenance of each. All woodworking handtools from handplanes to screwdrivers are included. Also included is an appendix listing essential handtools for any woodshop. I have found this appendix, and the book itself, indispensable.

Highly recommended. Studying and working from this book is the next best thing to taking lessons from a master craftsman in his shop. Clearly-presented instructions and handsome illustrations in pencil explain both the elementary use of hand tools and the techniques to obtain smooth, professional results. The author's style is clean and polished, like the operation of an efficient, well-tuned plane. After mastering the contents of this book, you'll be equipped to perform a wide range of woodworking tasks, and, even more, have the knowledge to find solutions to any greater technical challenges that come your way.

The author has a gift for explaining some complex techniques in simple English. The drawings add immeasurably to the effort. I borrowed this book from the library, and now will order my own copy. If you want to be a traditional woodworker, you will be thrilled how the author goes tool by tool through those things that you need to have in your shop and illustrates what they are for and how to make them do what they are supposed to do

If you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant, read this book!
I have read many many pregnancy and birth related books and Hands of Love is up there with the best of books. With wonderful, intimate photos and birth stories, Dr. Phillips outlines a lot of the choices parents have to make today . She does so in a gentle and informative way.
The book includes simple exercises to alleviate common complaints of pregnancy that can make a huge difference in birth outcome- including a really simple way to deal with preterm labor. I didn't realize how having everything your body in the right place can make such a difference in birth...
Check out this book!!

This is the one to buy. I have read extensively as an expectant mother and this book is phenomenal. It is also an excellent resource for family members who have questions about the process.

In an age when the allopathic medical doctor's word is no longer gospel and the general public is turning to alternative (complimentary) medicine for a second opinion, Dr. Phillips poses an approach to pregnancy and childbirth that is revolutionary. The book clearly advocates a holistic "humanistic" model without discounting the value of the traditional medical community. The birth stories used as examples are told through the passionate voices of the parents themselves as well as their children, friends and family. I laughed and cried and kept turning the pages. It is intuitively written and illustrated with fabulous pictures. The stories are interspersed with valuable information on the roles of chiropractors, doulas, midwives, birth teams and good birth plans, based on 15 years of qualitative research. I am predisposed as the author is my mother but it is one of the best books I have ever read, both on an educational and a personal level.

I'm a Japanese reader and living in Log Cabin. This book provides me with many decoration ideas. I wish to reccomend this book to my friend who are living in Log cabins.

Hands-on Log Homes is our third, full-color, idea design book on the subject of log home architecture. As such, it was also my third opportunity to loop America - cameras in hand - seeking out unique log homes and meeting the people who build them. In this case, those people happened to be mostly involved owner-builders. That is, creative, resourceful people who used sweat equity to help build their dream. Similar to our second book, "The Log Home Book", there is a virtual photo-feast inside. The only difference is that the scale of these homes tends to be more moderate, and the owners themselves share their own unique and entertaining building stories along with practical bits of advice gleaned along the way.

Along with built-from-scratch homes, there are those abodes built largely with recycled materials - old logs, old doors, old fixtures! Perfect examples of turning one man's junk into veritable treasure while often saving money along the way.

Next comes a marvelous chapter on historic restorations. Often "rebuilt" with the help of skilled craftsman, we include these handmade originals as true examples of once upon a time, do-it-yourself ingenuity.

While this is not a "how-to-build" book, Art wrote a final chapter that leads the reader through the practical steps and considerations of building a small log building. Of course, there is also a resource guide in back with plenty of leads for designing, building and decorating the home you plan to build, remodel or buy.

Check it out, and let us know what you think by emailing thiede@sunvalley.net.

Cindy Thiede

I feel I know this book as well as anyone; I designed the book! It is a great book to glean ideas to plan, create and decorate your own log home. The photos are breath-taking. I enjoy the authors' clear but amusing style of writing, and I bet you will, too.

When I was little (a long time ago at this point!) I had this book and was utterly fascinated by it. I remember trying to dye yarn myself after reading it... (well, that didn't work out so well as I recall-- since this is NOT a how-to book, just an engaging story-- but it was fun all the same.) Now that I'm an adult, I would definately recommend this book to anyone with "creative" children who love to make things.

I was raised on this book and it has always been a favorite of mine. The pictures are delightful and the story has stayed with me through the years. I love how Geraldine decides to eat all the yummy plants they were going to use to dye the wool. OOPS! Now I find it is on the school reading list and being used in the classroom! I highly recommend this book as a favorite for children and parents alike.

This is a very funny story about a goat that tells the story of how her fur becomes a Navajo rug. If you look close enough at the front cover, you'll notice the book is written by the goat herself. It's a wonderful book for all ages, especially Navajo children.

I do pottery, mostly bowls and was pleasantly surprised at how informative this book was for someone like me who has been doing clay work for decades. I like the clear instructions and the fact that kilns were discussed since so many books on clay work I have read or own, do not discuss what one needs as far as kiln size, safety etc.

If you are the least bit curious and want to try your hand at clay work see if the library has the book or order it from Amazon where the price is extremely reasonable.

I am new to pottery and this book provides me clear and concise "how-to" to the basic techniques in hand building. Lots of pictures and step-by-step instructions. I would recommend this book to beginners.

Another installment in the excellent Ceramics Class series, this is an excellent book for beginners who need detailed instructions a want great variety of projects.

The book starts out explaining the properties and types of clay as well as clay mixtures, maturing temperatures, porosity and tools used. Twenty projects follow using a variety of techniques including creating pinch pots, and building with coils, strips and slabs. For each technique there are four projects with clear step-by-step instructions. There is a color photo for each step that really helps show you what to do.

Some projects include a textured spherical vase, a coiled rectangular bottle, a cup built with strips and a slab-built wall. My husband collects rhinoceroses so I was thrilled to find instructions for building a detailed rhino sculpture. I liked an organic looking bowl and abstract giraffe shaped piece as well.

A brief explanation of kilns and firing as well as a glossary are included in the back. This book concentrates on the building process and is the perfect companion to the Glazing Techniques booking the same series.

The poems in this book allow the reader to gain a very personal look into the author's thoughts and spirit. Her ability to open up in this way is a wonderful and inspiring gift. The emotions flow very smoothly from one page to the next. I have enjoyed reading it over and over, each time gaining a little more knowledge of the author. I can't wait for her next book!

Jean Monahan is a very talented poet, both in the technical skill of her rhytms and metaphors, as well as in the ability to connect with the reader through her acute perceptions of the human experience.

Some of my favorites in "Hands": "Letter to Robin Silverman" (a zookeeper attacked and killed by Siberian tigers), and the series of poems in the section "Smiling as She Offers Her Awful Gift".

Since I recently have started reading poetry, I found this publication of poems by Jean Monahan to capture my interest. Her writing brings me right into her work. Brings me to understand her characters, even the inanimate ones. I felt wonderful reading poem after poem, waiting to see what comes next. My hats off to her excellent work.