'Write the way you talk' is the main idea behind this book. Bailey identifies the common problems in written english:People just don't write the way they speak. The book is all about writing and speaking in plain english. You don't need *impressive* words all the time to be effective.

The book is divided into two parts: Writing clearly and easily and Speaking clearly and easily.

The first part starts off with comparison between spoken and written english (In speech if you use the word 'help', you tend to use 'assist' in writing.)

Then the writer moves on to common pitfalls in written style such as excessive use of passive voice and lack of punctuation.

Later chapters are about organization and the layout of written work and that includes selection of typefaces, use of heading, bullets, graphics etc.

In lot of places, the writer disagrees with the common myths of writing, for example: * Never begin a sentence with 'and' or 'but'. * Never end a sentence with a preposition * Never use first and second person pronouns

Now you can begin a sentence with 'and' and 'but' and still can be professional speaker/writer.

The second part is on speaking that covers: selection and design of visual aids, organization of presentation, speech style, rehearsing, setting up the room and handling the audience.

In all the chapters, for clarity purpose, a specific point is explained using examples and illustrations.

A good book for those who wants to improve good writing and speaking skills. And in my opinion a valuable resource if you are a techie and can only speak in jargon or just go blank when it comes to public speaking (well...that was the case with me)

This book's simply the very best reference there is on the subject of using plain and simple English to communicate effectively in writing.

Bailey's suggestions are so simple, straight forward and full of common sense that you find yourself thinking, "Of course I should write this way! Everybody should write like this!" The world would be a better place--and be so much more productive--if everyone followed Bailey's suggestions.

Some of Bailey's suggestions include:

* Write like you speak

* Don't be afraid to use contractions * Avoid the passive voice

* Forget jargon and "business-ese"

* Use lists

I teach business writing to non-native English speakers and have depended on Bailey's text as a reference for all of my classes. Without fail, my students report increased productivity and increased efficiency in their written communications after applying his suggestions to their writing.

this is the best hand dandy book I ever go

I find this book the most useful book in my library. I was a full time carpenter and now work part time. From how many nails are in a pound to every converstion you'll ever use. It's great. It contains all those formulas, figures and hows to's that if not done all the time is forgotten. This is a must for all do it yourselfers and master carpenters.

I liked this book a lot.Diana had a very busy life and a lot to do but she always found time for other people.It is sad that she died but I think she did a lot of good things in her life.This book tells the story of a beautiful person.I give it a A+ !!!!!

My daughter read this book for a school report. I picked it up to look at it, & then couldn't put it down. I was impressed and touched by this well-told story.

Ok, so you shouldn't believe everything you read in the papers. But believe in this review because Sarah Standing from the Daily Mail clearly knows what she is talking about. I bought Jane Bailey's book Promising and I love it. My mum loves it. My dad loves it. My dog would love it, could he read. It's just so funny and so clever and so NEW! Where are the rest of her books? This is what the Daily Mail has to say: "Sometimes first novels are painfully autobiographical. What a thrill therefore to be captivated by the fictional life dreamt up by Jane Bailey in her debut novel. Eve Swanbrook is a young art teacher who attempts to meet the challenges of working in a male boarding school that has recently gone co-ed - not least the crush one of the students, Kieran Oakey, develops for her. Jane Bailey uses short, sharp observations coupled with an original outlook on life to great effect. The older woman/younger boy romance is comically chartered and is a joy to read."

I have read both Promising and Jane Bailey's other comic novel, An Angel in Waiting, many times over. They are so perceptive, witty, tender, satirical. She has taken the taboo of the older woman, younger man relationship to a new, groundbreaking level and you can believe in it. She makes it possible which makes for a real page-turner. I couldn't wait to get to the end and start again. She explodes the myth of english private schools for what they are today - not much different from yesterday! I would just say, and I am not being patronising in any way (just respectful), that this woman can seriously write. And she's not afraid to mix styles - swapping biting satire for tearjerking tenderness to convey the moment in a realistic way. I can't believe this writer isn't on the bestseller's lists - but she will be! What can I say - GO AND BUY THIS HILARIOUS FANTASTIC BOOK - YOU WON'T REGRET IT!

An essential illustrated guide to the teachings on the Seven Rays as given to Alice Bailey by the Tibetan master Djwhal Khul. Further recommended reading- "KYBALION" by Three Initiates ; "ZELATOR" by Mark Hedsel ; "What The Ancient Wisdom Expects of its Disciples" by Manly P. Hall ; "The Initiation of the World" by Vera Alder Stanley ; and the books by Alice Bailey and Rudolph Steiner. Then, advanced students on the path can join the Rosicrucians (AMORC).

This book gives you a visual understanding and better comprehension of all Alice Bailey series. Without this book you would feel lost at times trying to understand the concept.

This book is not a shortcut for those who seek enlightenment as to their ray makeup. It is, however, a good way to get started on an understanding of the rays that can help build a foundation of knowledge concerning this extremely important function of cosmic Life as it influences and impacts the planet with all its kingdoms, including the human. Helena Blavatsky wrote a little bit about the rays, but as the Master DK dictated the "blue books" to Alice A. Bailey, He clarified and added to the information first given out in The Secret Doctrine. For instance, to study astrology or cosmology in general without some understanding of the rays is like trying to make an omelet without eggs, there's definitely something missing. This book, a very good compilation, gives us the basic ingredients we need as we study and apply the Ageless Wisdom teachings concerning the rays in our daily lives.

My whole life has been undergoing a positive change because of my ongoing study of all the volumes written by Alice Bailey. With each reading I understand a bit more because of the life experiences which are provoked by the assimilation of the information contained therein. The whole of my life, every aspect of my being, has been touched by the Alice Bailey books. As my eyes scan the words on the thousands of pages, my consciousness is awakened from day to day, week to week, month to month, year to year. And the process continues, much to my delight. Enlightenment breeds enlightenment leading to the acceptance of the superficial differences, which seem to characterize mankind; but which disappear with time and with each expansion of consciousness,till the realization of the oneness of mankind takes hold and becomes a living truth.

Wow, this is such an awesome book. The story is adorable, and the vibrant illustrations are amazing. My kids just love this book, they can't get enough of it! I've found that alot of childrens books tend to be a great story with so-so illustrations and vice-versa, while Spaghetti and Peas is all of those things and a bag of chips. Great quality.

Spaghetti And Peas is a marvelous children's picturebook a young girl who befriends a mother snake and helps her search for her snake babies. Meanwhile, the young girl's father cooks up a storm of spaghetti and peas. The charming text by Gary Gautier is written entirely in rhyme, and the vibrant, colorful, slightly cartoony artwork by Sheila Bailey brings this whimsical and cheery story to life. Spaghetti And Peas is an enjoyable, entertaining book that is excellent for reading aloud to young children.

In 1849, Julia Hanson heads to London to meet noted Egyptologist Simon Archer. Though they have never met, the two have corresponded for the past two years, as Julia loves everything about Ancient Egypt. However, their initial meeting turns sour and awkward because Simon expected an elderly woman not the vibrant, beautiful twenty-seven year old. When she mentions she wants to accompany him on his next dig, he turns chauvinistic and rejects the notion of an English lady at an archeological site, comparing her to his mother and sisters.

That night, she sneaks into the British Museum to see the exhibit of his latest find, artifacts from the tomb of Anket. Something weird happens and Julia becomes convinced that Anket has entered the nineteenth century. As Julia and Simon spend time together, they fall in love, but their relationship depends on his opening his mind to the capabilities of women. Then there is the strange occurrences centering on Anket.

SPLENDID YOU is an entertaining Victorian romance that brings to the forefront the nineteenth century love affair with anything from Ancient Egypt. Supernatural elements are added to the historical elements to make a strong mix although some purists will question their need. Julia is a wonderfully intrepid character while Simon struggles with a paradigm switch caused by her. The support cast adds the depth that makes 1849 seem alive. Lynn Bailey writes an interesting tale that will give much pleasure to sub-genre fans.

Harriet Klausner

Egyptology is at the center of this story about Julia Hanson and Dr. Simon Archer. When the story opens Julia and Simon are going to meet face to face for the first time after years of exchanging letters about Egyptology. Only Simon is shocked to find out that Julia is not the old woman that he had imagined, but a 27 years old heiress with a body to die for. To find their way to each other he has to overcome his prejudice against a woman interested in 'manly pursuits' and she has a life-altering encounter with a 2000-year-old mummy. Splendid You introduced me to some of the most engaging secondary characters that I have ever read about with fully fleshed personalities and complete story lines themselves. There are encounters with Egyptian gods and goddesses' brushes with reincarnation and a most interesting spirit who does some great body hopping. This book was a fun fast read and I unreservedly recommend it if you like stories of this type.

This is an absolutely wonderful children's book -- and I don't even have children! I bought one for myself, and another for my brother (who has no children, either).

The illustrations are so charming and funny, and the text is laugh-out-old funny at points.

Kids -- and grownups -- will love this book!

Stanleys party is a wonderfully written and illustrated book. It is suppose to be for kids, but many an adult will break out in smiles and giggles over it.
Stanley the dog, starts by breaking one little rule in life - don't get on the couch - and graduates to shattering all the house rules. In the process he discovers the joys of new experiences, and new skills like dancing, dining, and entertaining new friends - all without the knowlege of his people. Until the day when things get out of hand.....
The book is hysterically funny and guaranteed to bring a smile to almost everyones face - dog owner or not.

The Story of a Bad Boy is one of my favorite books. It's interesting, humorous, and touching, and gives you an inside look at the life of a boy in Massachusetts in the early 1800s. I love the author's style of writing. It seems to make the story all the more humorous, and brings you back to those olden days. I also love this book because it's a true story, and this kid led a life full of adventures and mishaps. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoyed Tom Sawyer because these two books are similar, and the two boys have the same type of mischievous personalities. Yet in spite of similarities, Bad Boy is unique because it's true.

We live in a world of fantacy and of real life.This book gives you a glimpse into the life of a real American boy.