This is a great cookbook! I should know ... I collect them and have over 100. I read a cookbook like a novel, and I've been through this one cover to cover. In addition, this is one that I really USE ... all the time. Incidentally, I've given copies of it as hostess gifts and bridal shower gifts. One of my favorite recipes in the book is Herbal Pork Roast with Roasted Redskin Potatoes and Garlicky Green Beans ... it's simply delicious, yet quick and easy. Another favorite recipe is the Kung Pao Chicken ... and there's a huge selection of soups and salads. Finally, the innovative "Healthy Alternatives" recipes are excellent; I've tried many of them and you can't beat them. I think the Women's Board of Cooper Hospital can be justly proud of this effort to raise money for the new Children's Hospital in Camden NJ.

I have made many of the recipes in this cookbook and they all were excellent. In fact, I made the crab dip for a party and people followed me around the party whenever I went to the kitchen to refill the bowl! The Kalua Bars with a "Burnt Butter" icing are one of my favorites too! There are a lot of healthy alternatives, recipes for children and even well known chefs' recipes as well. This cookbook was put together by the Women's Board of Cooper Hospital put together and proceeds go to the Children's Hospital at Cooper in Camden, New Jersey.

Dr. Cooper has a unique talent for using a combination of everyday living experience with spiritual guidance that gives the average person the necessary tools that they can use to release themselves from the bondage of the self-centered,selfish and self-rightous world that we have either created for ourselves or has been created for us by our heritage or environment. His open-minded approach to everyday problems are so profoundly evident in his writing as well as his sermons they have become lessons and principals for me to use daily. If you have the courage to face your defects of character, and the desire to transform yourself into a more caring, loving, decent and respected person, then this book offers the guidelines and methods to accomplish it. James C. Moore

When I first picked up a copy of Dr. David Cooper's book "For Better Not Worse", I thought why do we need another "self-help style" book on marriage. As I read his thesis on marriage as a covenant relationship instead of a contract, I began to change my mind. Dr. Cooper dispels seven common myths of marriage and presents the importance of unconditional love in a relationship. He encourages couples to remain faithful in spite of failures, hurts and disappointments knowing that love can build a bridge over all obstacles.

"For Better Not Worse" seems to have the perfect blend of the spiritual, the psychological and the practical. Dr. Cooper encourages couples to stop playing games and to learn how to effectively communicate with one another. He gives practical points for husbands and wives and throws in a section on how to handle conflict.

One of the strengths of the book is Dr. Cooper's ability to deal with touchy subjects like sex and money in a straightforward way. He uses humor to help you get through some tough issues as you contemplate how you can put the book's principles into practice.

Dr. Cooper saves the most important lesson for the end. In chapter eight, he stresses the importance of forgiveness. He acknowledges that everyone struggles with sin and we all make mistakes. Dr. Cooper encourages couples to forgive one another because it is only through forgiveness that relationships can be restored.

Over all, I was quite impressed with "For Better Not Worse". It was an interesting read; challenging and yet lighthearted. It is the type of book that you will want to keep on your shelf and review from time to time. In it you will find practical help in navigating the maze of marriage.

I have been into Murcutt's work for a few years now, but I have been disappointed by the lack of good books on his work. Until now, the best book around was Phaidon's '3 houses'. The only projects I have been able to see have been single family houses in the middle of the australian brush--so it was pretty cool to see this book with houses (or at least A house) in an urban area as well as larger commercial type buildings (like the education center).

As far as I know, all of his projects are shown in the book--built and unbuilt in great detail. The first 30 pages or so of the book is a collection of essays by both the authors and Murcutt. Then the book gets into his projects chronilogically--each with photographs, sketches and drawings.

The last part of the book is a collection of 'blue-print' drawings showing the plans and more importantly the construction details of all his buildings--all in pretty good detail showing dimensions and materials.

Im stingy with my book money--but I definately feel like I got my money's worth outta this one.

The Pritzker laureate selected his favorite buildings for this handsomely illustrated monograph, with its insightful text by two Australian architectural professors who know his work well. Nearly a third of the pages are devoted to drawings that illuminate Murcutt's meticulous approach to design.

I bought this book when I found it in a local sheet music store, even though it was quite expensive. The first half of this book is about Sonny's life. He tells the story and it is quite interesting. I would think this is the most valuable thing about the book. After this, Sonny's technique is briefly explained, and then there are some songs tabulated for the reader to play them. I found this tab very hard to understand, IT DOESN'T HAVE STANDARD MUSIC NOTATION, and that makes it very hard. Besides, Sonny's style is complex. It comes with a vinil recording. I FOUND THE BOOK VERY INTERESTING, AS LONG AS YOUR MAIN FOCUS IS TO LEARN ABOUT SONNY. If you want to learn to play harp I wouldn't recomend it. There are better books for beginners (look for peter pickow).

If you want to do it the way Sonny did this is the book for you. Of all the harp books I have this one is the most clearly laid out and easy to follow. Clear annotation shows which holes to blow/suck bends etc. No substitute for practice but it get you well on the way.With the aid of a few cd's or better still vinyls you can follow what Sonny does. An addictive book.

I have fallen in love with a new author... JILLY COOPER. She's amazing. I love her tone, characters, sense of romance, and wild bloody fun. He work is just fabulous. I find her refreshing and just plain fun. This work circles around the two stories of Emily and Bella. Each tales weaves a wild and fun room of love and charm. Her work is so full of humor and truth. She has been called teh "Jane Austen" of our time.. now, I think that is impossible, as Jane is the ultimate best, but's she pretty darm close. Get all of Jilly's books... she very talented.

Octavia is one of the best romantic novels I have ever read. It's witty, funny and original. It's perfect.

I bought this book unseen after having read Brad Appleton's online book on stretching called "stretching and flexibility". Appleton highly recommends it. I understand why!!!!!!!!!! It combines every-day health topics like stress, motivation etc. in a (often but not always) sports-context. The book is though also recommended to people not interested in sports. Cooper has lots of scientific references (also for further reading) so his claims/suggestions/opinions are absolutely not "just personal meanings from somewhere". By my 9 years higher education (university) I must say I have NEVER written book so easy read and still so scientific as this one. It is a MASTERPIECE!!! You can use it as reference book or read from first page till last. I also consider it a whole life book. If you really know this book and takes the consequences of it you will be a better person. To others and yourself. And the price is a joke!!! I could easily have paid... for it!!

I have been reading books about health, nutrition, and exercise. This is the first book I have come across that deals in detail with all three topics individually, and also as a synergistic group. Plus all theories presented are published studies. For a complete overview of health, fitness and nutrition, this is a great book.

I think this book is one of the best books I have read. It's about Heather going to the attic and finding herself as a guest star in Sleeping Beauty. She sprains her ankle,so she can't dance.In the end,she learns a lesson. I do ballet myself,but I'm not on toe yet.

Heather's Aunt is the star in the Sleeping Beauty, and sends enough tickets for her family. Heather promises her friends tickets for the ballet. But oh no! The tickets are all sold out. Heather sets aside that problem. She puts on pink tights,a tutu, and point shoes- you guessed it! A ballerina. She walks through the mirror and finds herself the star of Sleeping Beauty. During rehersal, she slips on a jete and sprains her ankle! She telling her friend, Jillian huge lies. She's in a tough situation, but being Heather manages confessing.

The strongest point of this book is the quality of its color plates--which of course makes or breaks an art book. Fortunately, the prints in this book are very rich and most images are full page. The accompanying text is also very thorough, informative, and interesting. My only complaint is that this book doesn't present much of the posters for which Toulouse-Lautrec is perhaps most famous; however, it does cover much of his other work. In that sense, I got to learn a lot about the body of this artist's work outside of the usual cliche of Toulouse-Lautrec. I would recommend this book for any art library.

"Being able to show people in simple, real moments of their lives was one of Henri's greatest talents", p 18

The young reader will learn about Henri's being born into a rich family, his having broken both of his legs in his early teenage years resulting in his small stature, and his years in Paris painting the life with which he came in contact.

Toulouse-Lautrec's painting of lively scenes of the theaters, dance halls and circuses makes this a perfect choice for young children. His Moulin Rouge advertisement prints are easy to read, uncluttered and therefore grab the young reader's attention. The young are frequently in motion. As a result they will appreciate Toulouse-Lautrec's ability to capture a scene in mid motion. The young reader will be drawn in by Henri's choice of brilliant colors and will have fun finding Henri in some of his paintings.

Henri's portrait of van Gogh is breathtaking. He van Gogh'd van Gogh. He does honor to the painter by mimicking van Gogh's style.

Venezia's illustrations are humorous. His narrative is delightfully entertaining. His approach brings the artist within reach of the young. His illustration of the Parisian friends that Henri may have introduced to his parent's is jokingly exaggerated.

The size of the book is perfect for smaller hands. It enables the young to have art within their grasp. Venezia gives the locations of the paintings and as result if the child lives near one of the museums or will be near one on vacation, she/he would be able to see the original.

This is the 18th in Venezia's "Getting to know the World's Greatest Artist" series. He also has similar series on composers. Venezia's back cover illustrations tie back to the subject. "Greatly influenced by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Mike also tries to capture the private moments ...".

The price of the book is well worth paying. The book contains the following: Toulouse-Lautrec's Paintings (13) and Prints (4), Photos of Toulouse-Lautrec - 2, Venezia's Illustrations - 6, Others' paintings/prints - 3.

This book is basically a collection of tips. From what to eat to how often to exercise, this book tells you what you can do to maximize your energy. A lot of it's common sense, but often we need someone to make the common sense explicit.

As a stay-at-home mom of three young children, I'm constantly feeling depleted and am always looking for more energy. I was so glad this book lived up to it's name...it definitely includes many ideas to get more energy into your life in many different areas. I especially benefitted from the relaxation techniques, the high energy food/snack suggestions, and the exercise solutions. I have begun to get outside more, eat better, take more breaks, and move more, as Cooper suggests, and I feel better already! I would highly recommend this book to anyone needing an energy boost.

Most holiday cookbooks are filled with recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. Surprisingly,Cooper's Holiday Traditions picks up where most leave off. I encourage readers to try my favorite picnic recipe--Carolina Cole Slaw. It's a zinger.

I am tired of magazines and cookbooks touting "new traditions" for your family that actually aren't fit for gophers to eat. This Holiday Traditions cookbook is going to be my recipe book for Christmas from now on, and I'm giving it to my sisters for Christmas presents this year. It will bring back fond memories of my grandmother's kitchen for my father, my sisters and my children. This cookbook belongs with your Better Homes and Gardens and Betty Crocker standards in the kitchen. It's going to be a classic.