Having travelled a lot using the LP guides with no problems I can only recommend them... but even if your not planning a trip to Lebanon- this book is amazing as a reference to the region; making order out of the chaos of Lebanon's recent history in an unbiased and moderate historiography- unswayed by religous or cultural persuasion and remaining sensitive to Lebanon's unique history of generally fruitful co-existance and co-operation between some 15 different religous/cultural groups who inhabit and interpret such a dramatic and tiny country, especially in a region characterised by the sometimes not-so-happy collision between east and west. This is an extremely valuable guide for travellers, people with an interest in the Mediteranean and the Near East, or for that matter, any one of the 13 million Lebanese descendants living outside of that tiny piece of heaven. The section on Mount Lebanon was particularly good, though the author could have covered more of the awesome hiking trails and forest overlooking Beirut to be found in the Metn valleys (midway between Jenkins & Jousiffes Mt Lebanon & Chouf)... but no body's perfect!! :) This book is excellent and very well written- the authors deserve great credit.

I'm not going to tell you how good of a touristic guide this is, because you don't need a book to tell you that Lebanon is beautiful. If all you people who know nothing about the middle east, and how the conflicts came about, and how the wars that happened there within the last half century occured get this book. This book I believe, has the most realistic, unbiased, and totally true account of the crisis thats plagued the middle east since WWII. It goes into much detail, and outlines many sides of the story. It is extremely beautifully well told, and I'm incredibly indebted to this author, and I hope she publishes a book entirely dedicated on the war. The book also contains many beautiful pictures concerning then and now pictures that will literally blow you away. There are so many misconceptions about Lebanon its drives lebanease crazy. But gradually Lebanon is making a come back to what it originally was. The paris of the middle east.

I returned to Lebanon after many years away. This book had everything! My family (who have never left Lebanon) were also amazed by the detail and accuracy of the book (even the cost of a Taxi from Homs to Beirut to within 50 cents US). Insightful and straightforward. Arranged very well. There is very good detail, even on places that the Ministry of Tourism is scant on. Highly recommended!

The Three Little Javelinas by Susan Lowell offers a twist on the classic children's story of the three little pigs. The three little javelinas (a wild, hairy southwestern cousin of pigs) live in a house of tumbleweeds, a house of saguaro ribs (from fallen giant cacti), and a house of bricks - but when a hungry coyote comes calling, only the house of bricks is strong enough to seek shelter in! An engaging fable, with unique anthropomorphic color illustrations by Jim Harris, The Three Little Javelinas is an entertaining and transplanted storybook retelling of a classic children's fairytale favorite.

This book is good for second through fourth grade. The book is a western version of The Three Little Pigs. Instead of three little pigs there are three little wild boars. Instead of a wolf there is a coyote. The pictures show a realistic western setting.

Jim Harris is such a wonderful illustrator and the pictures in this book are so cute. It's a southwest twist on the 3 Little Pigs. We live in a desert area and it's fun to have a book to read to my 2 year old that reflects more of our local geography. I especially love that the little girl javelina is wearing a cowgirl outfit with fringe and perky little boots. CUTE!

I have never written a review of any book that I liked. However,I recently purchased and used Laurent Martres' "Photographing The Southwest" volume 1, and I found it to be simply the best photo guide book I have ever used. In fact, This guide book would also be ideal for non-photo purposes like touring and exploring this enchanting area. There are many locations, suggestions, and details that were not included in any of the other area guides I used. Martres' love of this wonderful part of the world is evident in the plentiful images that grace the pages. However, what really sets it apart is the fact that he has spent years in the area, and has come to know it intimately.If he suggests a particular route or location, you can be sure that he has been there. The access information and detail is indespensable. If you are planning on visiting the Southwest, you owe it to yourself to take Laurent Martres' book along to increase your enjoyment.

My husband and I have always enjoyed our annual trips to the desert, but this book has not only awakened the sleeping photograpy bug for us, but also given us a new appreciation for all four seasons in the desert. The book has good photography tips, but like the author says, you need to have an appreciation for the desert to make your photos shine (and to enjoy yourself while you are not taking pics). I would highly recommend this to any photographer and to those who enjoy desert landscapes without taking any pictures.

Photographing the Southwest, both volumes one and two, are absolutely wonderful. The information is accurate and completely reliable. I had occasion to call Mr. Martres with a few questions and he could not have been more helpful. He was very friendly and most knowledgeable. These books are two of the first of their kind that I felt really lived up to their advanced booking. My hat is off to Mr. Martres for the valuable service he has rendered to photographers.

In little more than a hundred pages, Rall dissects and analyzes the recent war on terrorism in Afghanistan and shows why it may never be won. Eye-opening, frightening, and dispiriting. I do have some minor quibbles with it, though-- there is some repetition between the graphic novel and the written portion, and his characterization of the Afghanis themselves is sometomes contradictory. Still, this is essential reading. I've always hated the phrase, "If you read only one book this year, make it this one," but in this case, it holds true.

First-hand reporting on the feelings of the various combatants in Afghanistan. Thoroughly enjoyable. Not for those who believe the U.S. is always saintly in foreign policy.

An amazingly concise and chillingly realistic account of a crazy situation brought on paper in a powerful way.
What words and photos don't always express, Rall transfer in cartoons. You'll feel like freezing on the outskirts of Mazar E-Sharif and chased by bandits ...
If you think "Maus : A Survivor's Tale : My Father Bleeds History and Here My Troubles Began by Art Spiegelman, is well done, rush for that one too.
If you didn't read any of them - go for both. Even faster !

As with the rest of the "Beautiful Cookbook" series, this is more than a cookbook full of wonderful recipes -- it is a book of wonderful pictures of food, of the stories behind the people and of the traditions of the culture.

I collect this series because:
a) The recipes are always incredible
b) The presentation is always unique & intriguing
c) The recipes are simple for beginning to intermediate cooks
d) The stories and information makes it more than just food, but an experience.

The only "watch-out" I give is that the recipes are authentic and on occasion I have found finding some of the ingredients very difficult. However, the book usually will suggest alternatives.

Not only does this book include excellent recipes, it is of coffee-table quality for its beautiful pictures and history of the southwest. Definitely try the tortilla soup, the stuffed pork roast, the fiesta shrimp, etc., etc., etc.

This was my first cookbook, and I loved it. I usually eat on the go, and I wanted to buy something for special occasions. Most cookbooks I saw seemed to be aimed at housewives or low-fat faddish consumers. When I saw this book, the huge pictures and great presentations convinced me to take it home, but the fun began when I began to use it. The glossary of ingredients at the end was very helpful for a beginner like me. I did my own variation of the Guacamole recipe and combined it with my own variation of the green salsa recipe for an office pot-luck. (I am a musician, I can't help but tinker with things). I even used the molcajete. (I think the variety of fresh vegetables combined with the non-blender approach really did it here). I never heard the end from everybody on how they loved the guacamole. (It was gone in about 10 minutes even though I made quite a bit). I also tried dishes I never had before, such as the jicama salad. That was great. Also, the smoked salmon enchiladas were awesome. I tried the chimichangas, but I think that was a little advanced for my level (especially since I tried to use tamale flour mix)....they did not hold together very well, although they were still delicious. I did better than most restaurants, and I've been to quite a few good ones. Too bad this book is out of print, and no, don't e-mail me 'cause I aint' selling it to ya.

I bought this book at the Museum of Appalachia (also founded by the author) on my first visit to Tennessee. The book is almost entirely a transcript of a dialogue/interview between the author and Alex Stewart. At first, I thought this would be a strange format, but as I read on, I discovered that this would be the only way to authentically capture the mind and spirit of Alex on paper.

If you're not from the South, you might find Alex's dialect charminging unusual. A few times I had to read a passage over and over again to fully understand what words Alex was saying. Here is an example where it took me a while to realize that Alex meant "Lord" when kept saying "Law":

"They didn't have no men folks, but they had several children. Making liquor was the only way they had of making a living. Law, they had it hard."

The author cleverly asks questions to get Alex to reveal his pioneer wisdom. More than that, though, the author's selections and chapter arrangements helped to organize the sprawling encyclopedia of Alex's mind.

By the time I reached the end, I was sad to have the "conversation" over. I felt I had known Alex a bit personally, and I mourned at his passing. It was joyous reading while it lasted and my heart ached to know more of Alex.

This is a fabulous book I can't recommend enough. 10 STARS.

One reason I bought this book is because my Greatgrandmother was Alex's Aunt. I visited Alex as a child with my Parents and Grandmother. Alex was always sending my Grandmother items , such as walking canes. He made my mother a rolling pin, which she still has. Most of all the book gave me many names of my relatives that ive been searhing for.

I have read this book and it is all true. Alex was my great uncle. I remember as a child going to his house and striping cane for molasses. They would start early in the morning and work all day. Before uncle Alex died my father took me to see him. I'll never forget a small wooden carving he had of a racoon in a tree with two or three dogs at the base of the tree. He was a very gentle man with a lot of heart. I am very honored to have known this man and loved this man.

I've had this wonderful book for months and just now realized that the pictures were made by one of my favorite artists (Kathy Murillo). I have to say I really enjoy this book so much, I don't consider myself much of a cooker or a crafter but these projects make me feel like I can do both. My favorite is the bottle of mango vinrgar (easy to make) with the wind chime hanging off of it.

what a fabulous book - the pictures are so colorful and bright. i dont even cook but this book makes me want to try just so i can make the crafts!

Another winning book from the team of Judy Walker and Kim Mac Eachern. "Gifts from the Southwestern Kitchen" is filled with easy to create and to prepare southwestern homemade gifts which will make even Martha Stewart turn guacomole green with envy. From Chili Beer Bread Mix, Chameleon Chocolate Sauce, Sloppy "Joses" Seasoning Mix, Copper Queen Rub & Champagne Mustard, to name a few, these recipes take only minutes of your time to prepare. In addition to 70 recipes to choose from, Judy & Kim provide easy instructions & pictures to show you how to package and present your gifts from the kitchen. Gifts from the Southwestern Kitchen belongs in everyone's kitchen library.

There is no doubt in my mind or on my tongue that this cook book has absolutely the best recipes for SW Territorial Cuisine. When you dine in Santa Fe or Taos, this is the food you eat in private homes or at the best restaurants. The meals are totally authentic. Dent takes you through time and tradition providing descriptions of ingredients and preparation methods that are sure to get your juices flowing! There isn't a better reference. I've given over a dozen of these books to people who have commented on my enchiladas and green chile. Go for it without hesitation!

This is a splendid book that is both entertaining and informative. The advice on how to choose fresh, ripe produce is very helpful as many of the ingredients mentioned may be foreign to readers.

I have used this cookbook for over 5 years and I still find new things to try. Today I showed this book to my in-laws and they were so excited to see long forgotten recipies from their childhood. I will now buy another copy to give my father-in-law otherwise he will have me make all his favorites everytime he visits.

From early in the 20th to the birth of the 21st Century, little changed along the banks of the Klamath in 95 years. The path these women followed remains little altered from when they traveled tho now covered in asphalt, it is still a remote and rough territory for the uninitiated. They stepped off a ship in Humboldt Bay and then walked off the map into the unknown. Surrounded by wilderness, the Marble Mountains and the Trinity Alps, as spectacular and rugged peaks today as they were then. Great Grandchildren of some of those who taught these adventerous ladies the skills to survive in this wild country still live on the same piece of ground. This is the canvas Mary and Mabel painted a wonderful picture of the world they found here. Let them show you the neighborhood and see if you could follow those footsteps down the trail.

Since the world was created at Katimin, the Klamath River has been home to the salmon runs that fed the eagles and fattened bears and filled the smokehouses of the people. The river is the life-blood that flows thru the canyon veins, like a puzzle, each piece necessary to make it complete. A blood transfusion 150 miles away only slowing foreclosure on farmland in another state, no crops must die. Now less water flows downstream and is murky colored and too warm for the salmon to survive in but the life of a potato was saved! A river with no fish is a watershed dying, when the life of the river dies will life along that river follow? These hardy women managed to live without fries, but a river without salmon would be both unbelieveable and inconceivable to them.

Mary and Mabel wandered into my part of northern california to be schoolteachers. From their story you can see how they knew nothing of what the territory was like, how the people were, or any local customs. They seemed to have a vague sense that it was a 'wild' land. They fit in amazingly well in a land where killing another person meant you had to pay that persons family $100 and law was either non-existant or uneffective. They seem to throughly enjoy themselves and set to learn the culture around them and teach what they can. Surprises are around every corner, from rattlesnakes to mountain lions to injun devils. Surprises such as their trusted friend telling them he couldn't go into one town because he had to 'pay $500 last time.'
A great story that is easy to read and gives a glimpse of the hidden corner of northern california where the hupa, yurok and karuk indians reside.

This is an amazing account, by two very adventurous women, of their time spent in an extremely remote area of this country. Even with the speed of modern automobile travel, the tiny communities along the Klamath River, in Humboldt & Siskiyou Counties of northern California, are still remote. Mary & Mabel's sense of adventure, humor, tolerance & joy radiate from this book. It's been 20 years since I lived near the Company Ranch, in Orleans, and read this story. I'm looking forward to owning my own copy and re-reading it. Another reader recommended a wonderful book of similar format. It's exact title is "Tisha: the story of a young teacher in the Alaskan wilderness". It is available through Amazon. I lent my copy several years ago; it's time to buy another copy and re-read it, too. These books are very difficult to find in bookstores. Thank you, Amazon.

Drink Cultura is a collection of mini-autobiographical essays (26 total) about life as a Chicano in El Paso, Texas. The author tells us about his personal life, and about his personal observations concerning Chicano culture. In "Pinatas" he writes a brief history about the Pinata, and how it has evolved since then. In "The Motherland" he writes about the term Chicano, and how the connotation attached has changed over time. "The Joy of Jalapenos" was a hysterical piece about the jalapeno, and the author's 'addiction' to the spicy chiles. He's poignant, insightful, and witty. The book is so funny I found myself laughing out loud on more than one occassion. Regardless of your own race, this book really hits your funny bone. If you're not Chicano/a, this is a good start towards learning about Chicano/a life, and if you are, you'll be able to relate to a lot of the stories. I highly recommend this book. c/s

Burciaga's very well written book brought many dormant memories to my husband and me. We, in many ways, lived the incidences he described in the book. It is an excellent book for many of us who also grew up during those times in "el chuko," and it is even a better history lesson to our children who never experienced the early chicano life. The vivid language and visions invoked in us the memory of the smells and the sights of that era which we will never see again.

Chock full of tidbits from everyday Chicano life. A very cool book full of cool info. A must for every Chicano or those who are interested in the Chicano life.