In a world where the bad news always gets the lion's share of attention, "Best Friends" is an inspiring tale of a small group of dedicated humans who have made a very real difference in the lives of companion animals everywhere.
If you love animals; if you are saddened by the plight of homeless pets but feel one person can't do much about it, you really NEED this book!

Through their magazine, I have been acquainted with the people, animals and developments at Best Friends over the last few years. With the reading of this book, I now feel I know them so much better - the struggles, the personalities, the whole feel of such a caring sanctuary. There is not a word for the dedication, self-sacrifice, and determination that brought this organization to where it is now. I will continue supporting them and only wish I had been there in the beginning. I have thought it would be wonderful to visit Best Friends - now, I really want to! As I got in to the book, I only allowed myself to read a chapter a day, so I could prolong the joy of these new friendships and to put off finishing it! A wonderful saga of people with a cause and animals whom others did not want. You won't be disappointed.

"Best Friends" will make you feel both joy and sadness. Joy for every animal saved and sadness for the reality that there are many people who treat animals as nothing more than disposable objects.

As for the writing, the author was able to bring out in me the full range of emotions that I experience as a pet owner. The day to day happiness they bring, the worry when they are ill and the sadness when it is time to say good bye.

Setting aside its few inconclusive arguments, the book is one of the best summaries of current scholarship I've ever read.

Romans 1: The authors should have included a lot more information, particularly Jordan's phrase for phrase analysis and Townsley's work on parallelism. Despite these absences, the book does present a fairly clear interpretation of Romans 1 (heterosexuals engaging in gay sex during worship rituals to their god/dess)

Genesis 19: I think there are a few more points that the authors should have given in order to further their case, but despite this they shattered the notion that Sodom was punished for gay sex, or that any of their sins included such.

Leviticus 18-20: Authors conclude temple prostitution was prohibited, not general gay sex---Miner's work as a lawyer certainly helped him objectively view the context, but he and Connoley both leave out many powerful points that would have made their case so much stronger.

Cor. 6/Tim 1.: Although, as in other discussions, they leave out a few details that would further their case, the authors' presentation here is fantastic!---a fascinating, thoroughly review of translation methods that anyone unfamiliar with translation would benefit from reading.

In chapter Two, the authors go over the verses they believe to support gay relationships. Their analysis of David and Jonathan's relationship is very interesting, but not fully convincing. Their discussion of Ruth and Naomi is very speculative and the authors should have known better. Their discussion of the Eunuch literature was very convincing to me, as was their discussion of Jesus' encounter with a gay man, in which he implicitly blessed a gay relationship. So we have at least two Bible passages---both of which are from Jesus' own words---that are gay affirming.

This book presents in a very easy to understand and readable way a very accurate interpretation of the Biblical texts regarding homosexuality. Even its use of Greek words is not intimidating and they explain them clearly. They also present texts that are pro-homosexuality that are provocative and enlightening. This is a rare gift that this book brings to this topic. Many books in this area are very scholarly and difficult to read. Miner, et al, makes the interpretations clear for any average reader. You do not have to be a Biblical scholar or a linguist. Their presentation is done in a very readable way and does not condemn those who may disagree. It invites them to keep an open mind. For those who may have been bashed by Biblical texts on homosexuality, this book can bring a new vision and understanding into the value of Christian faith. It definitely is intended for those of a Christian background or understanding. For those who are interested in the Biblical questions and passages, this book is a valuable one to have in your library or to share with friends or family who have questions and are searching.

Many books have argued that the Bible does not condemn same-sex relationships. In the vast majority of cases, however, the arguments sound like loopholes and excuses, not a sincere reading of Holy Scripture. (Sadly, this includes even the ever-popular "What the Bible Really Says About Homosexuality.")

This book is remarkably different! The authors don't make excuses or water down the text; instead, they take the Bible seriously and treat it respectfully, allowing the Bible itself to provide the best evidence for their case. Meanwhile, this book is so short, simple, and easy to read that anyone can benefit from it.

"The Children Are Free" is chock full of anecdotes and examples, making it a delight to read, even for people who don't normally read about the Bible. Those of us more familiar with the subject will appreciate the clarity of the authors' argument.

Other, similar books made me think, "Yeah, I guess I can see that," but this one left me wondering, "How could you come to any other conclusion?"

If you are a reader you already have Vincent Tyler's books-
If you are not a reader, you should be and have Vincent Tyler's books. Both books, I Thought About You Today and Chocolate Cookies are books to be on the shelves of everyone's personal library. Both books stand for good romance, good reading and good references. Mr. Chocolate Cookies, I salute you!!! Your writings indicate to all- I'm Not Scared to Feel, I'm Not Scared to Write, and I'm Not Scared to Experience the Unknown-
All I can say is, "What A Man". You did great!!! I'm looking forward to your upcoming books.
Congratulations -
Babycakes

This book is written from the heart of a man and the words are well crafted so that you're left mentally, if not physically stimulated. It's hard not to get caught up in the sweet allure of his seductive style.

After reading this book, you can't help but want "Sum More" from Mr. Vincent Tyler.

With "Chocolate Cookies", Vincent Tyler follows in the footsteps of his first collection of seductive poems, "I Thought About You Today". Once again this smooth brother takes us on a ride through the annals of sensuality with his imaginatively scripted prose. I cannot say enough about the tasteful, yet tantalizing style of Mr. Tyler. I had the pleasure of seeing him perform the poem "Chocolate Cookies" live a year ago in Chicago at the launch party for my website, ...His impromptu performance had pulses racing and I have been hooked on his poetry since. "Chocolate Cookies" will definitely satiate your erotic senses.

This book not only has great tricks, but killer routines, with all the details. Most magic books have sketchy instructions with lots of bugs and mistakes, but Diamond Jim is a detail-oriented author, and I appreciate that. There is a difference, of course, between great tricks and killer tricks, and this book is a serial killer. I still have several of the tricks contained herein on my to-learn list.

Diamond Jim's book is an incredible book for all magicians. Whether you're just starting out or have been doing it for years, this book gives insight and, step by step, teaches you what you need to know to master the magic. It's a must read!

This is truly the book for all magicians of any caliber. I have personally read and performed every trick in this book. Diamond Jim has tweeked every description so that it is written for beginners and not belittling to professionals. I would most definately recommend this to every magician to add to their catalogues.

I'm constantly reaching for this book. Every time I intend to look up one word I end up perusing the book for about a half hour. It's brimming with interesting information from the basic to the obscure. Ever wonder what a prairie oyster is? Or how to pronounce those French menu items? Look no further. This book makes a great gift.

A friend got me this book for a present. Prior to that, it never occurred to me that such a book existed, or that I would ever need it. Now I can't imagine it not being in my collection.

This book lists every possible ingredient (truffles, cumin, etc.), popular dishes (beef bourgonion(?), etc.) and every cooking term/technique (flambe, roux, etc.) in alphabetical order. With regards to a type of food, it will often list the various countries of origin (....this is found in Central America and in Southeast Asia...), how it is often used in cooking (....this is often sliced thinly and then pan-fried....), what to look for when selecting a certain type of produce at the store (...it should be relatively heavy for its size, with a smooth skin....), and how to store it (...this should be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in a sealed plastic bag with a damp paper towel...), etc. Some of the food entries will also include information on vitamin content.

For cooking techniques, they will explain for e.g. how to make a roux, or what it means to blanche vegetables (....quickly plunge the vegetables into boiling water, and then place them in cold water to stop the cooking process...).

This book is also handy because it cross-references alot, and so as such, can provide you with needed information if you ever find yourself missing an ingredient, and want to substitute.

If you are someone who's constantly interested in improving their cooking skills, this book is indispensible in helping you achieve that. I also enjoy just reading through the book sometimes, to learn new things.

I was at first captivated and then consummed by this tiny and yet seriously comprehensive volume years ago when I found one of the first editions. This is the third edition and it is completely amazing how many food, drink and culinary terms can be packed into such a tiny package.

I love the feel and weight of this book and the ease of which you can use this book to look up terms fast and furiously when you are writing about food. The rounded corners on the pages make this a book you can flip through very easily and it is all pleasantly alphabetical.

The Contents Include:

Terms: The volume of the work.

The Extras:

Ingredient Equivalents
Substituting Ingredients
Pan Substitution Chart
High-Altitude Baking Adjustments
Boiling Point of Water at Various Altitudes
General Temperature Equivalents
Hand Test for Grilling Temperatures
Oven Temperatures
Fahrenheit/Celsius Conversion Formulas
Microwave Oven Conversion Chart
Recommended Safe cooking Temperatures

Candymaking Cold-Water Tests
Frying Temperatures
Smoke Points of Popular Oils
Fatty Acid Profiles of Popular Oils
U.S. Measurement Equivalents
Wine and Spirit Bottle Sizes
Approximate Metric Equivalents
Metric Conversion Formulas
Food Guide Pyramid
What's a Serving?
Food Label Terms
A Guide to Food Labels
Pasta Glossary
British and American Food and Cooking Terms
Consumer Information Sources
Meat Charts
Additives Directory

Did I say this was Comprehensive? For food lovers this reaches a point of inspiration unlike any other book on food I've found. I love having so much information all in one book. It is literally a food dictionary which describes food in all its delicious detail.

This book has received an overwhelmingly enthusiastic acceptance in the culinary community. For home cooks, it is also a real bonus and could be considered an essential compliment to your entire cookbook collection.

This edition has changed slightly. The listings increased to almost 6,000 and there are thousands of food tidbits sprinkled throughout the tantalizing pages of information. I love the historical lore and information on the exotic origins of some of our most innocent and sweet selections. Vanilla is suddenly seductive and is actually native to tropical America.

"The vanilla bean was once considered an aphrodisiac, and was so rare that it was reserved for royalty....The saga begins with the orchid blossoms, which open only one day a year."

There are almost three pages filled with information on this orchid. Who would have known unless you were doing intensive research. Sharon Tyler Herbst has given us an incredible gift by doing the research for us.

If you are unsure of how to pronounce an ingredient, there are pronunciations for all the basic words.

The basic bibliomaniac delights in this book include:

-Entries arranged alphabetically and cross-referenced

-Alphabetization by letter, rather than just by word, so that multiple-word entries are treated as single words.

-Multicultural entries galore!

khachapuri
pakora
fraise des bois

- Beloved Terms from French Cooking like "pâte à choux"

- Cooking Methods described for new cooks

- Famous Dishes like the "Sacher torte" are seen in a completely new light

- Cooking Equipment also known as "batterie de cuisine."

When looking up beef jerky you will be sent to look up "Jerky." So as not to repeat information, this occurs at various times. This allows Sharon to be more extravagant with other entries. Did you know that tomatoes were once called "love apples?"

You can also look up cooking tools like a pastry brush or a mortar and pestle. I think culinary catalog owners should all have a copy of this book because at times I've had to point out the error of their ways when they have listed kitchen tools incorrectly. One had the mortar and pestle reversed in their description and this was very amusing to me at least.

This book may also stir childhood memories. Like when your parents battered and dipped "squash blossoms." As I read, the faint scent of frying blossoms floated through my scent memory. Don't even ask me how hungry I get when I read about key lime pie. To find out more about the actual limes used in the pie, you turn to "lime." Here you learn that the key lime is much smaller and once I realized the difference I was able to buy the correct limes for pies.

I had memories of sitting up in a mulberry tree while reading that there are actually three varieties of mulberries. All I know is we tried to make pies and jam with the ones we picked fresh from this absolutely huge tree when we lived in Africa. They are not as good as youngberries or raspberries, but have a charm all of their own.

If you still are trying to discover foods like Yorkshire Pudding, you will not be dissapointed. However, this book does not contain recipes and so it will send you off hunting in all directions for ways to use the ingredients listed in such a lovely fashion. You may find yourself looking for online catalogs or even online scouting out your newest culinary interests.

Cooking is an amazing journey and you can enjoy the journey all the more if you have more insight into the terms, definitions, origins and lore of food. Now I feel compelled to go make more biscotti and definitely need to make crullers if I could only find my recipe.

I guess my only complaint is that this book does not contain pictures. For that you will have to search elsewhere. Perhaps a copy of "Cooking Hints & Tips" by Christine France would be helpful to new cooks. "Cooking A-Z" by Jane Horn is a beautiful discovery. "The Cambridge World History of Food" by Kenneth F. Kiple is extensive and another must-have "encyclopedia" of food.

If you have not yet discovered "The New Food Lover's Tiptionary" it is also a must read and is "also" by Sharon Tyler Herbst.

America's best-selling culinary reference and for good reason! An absolute must for your cook's library.

Did I mention I was absolutely in love with this book?

TheRebeccaReview.com

This one's a winner. Tyler Florence of Food 911 fame shares a wonderful assortment of relatively easy recipes that any half way knowledgeable home cook can produce. The food is simple enough that even beginners can manage to bang out even the complicated dishes in the time given with each recipe.

The sections on equipment and pantry stocking were great for a person with very little experience cooking, but readers with advanced knowledge will find them a boring read. I recommend skimming that section if you have more than a working knowledge of kitchen equipment and food stuffs. I understand the need for these sections in almost every chefs cookbook, but after you've seen one, you've seen them all.

This is a very attractive book. The photography and food styling are fantastic. If you just want to look at pictures this is the wrong book for you. Pick up one of Charlie Trotter's books if you want to see some truly uncookable stuff. This is a more usable cookbook than all of Trotter's books combined. All of the ingredients are available in most major cities and won't require all of your pans and most of your paycheck. The recipes are very doable.

Whether you love to cook, or just love to eat, you'll enjoy this well-written, and beautifully photographed cookbook. The recipes are not difficult, and you will look like a Star Chef. You'll find some creative, and simple to do, recipes for unusual hors d'oeuvres--truly impressive! And the other recipes for any type of meal you could possibly want to eat, or serve--they're here. Tyler Florence has a very natural and neighborly way of helping us in the kitchen. Beginner level to professional chef--this book is for you--it's for all of us who love to cook, or simply love to eat, & even for those who wish they could cook. (It's really for EVERYBODY!) This is your guide. And the Bill Bettencourt photographs are absolutley mouth-watering. This is everything a cookbook should be--it's lovely, and fun to read. Makes a great gift too. (you'll find humor in this book, as well as fabulous recipes,& lovely photos) Enjoy! Every page is a pleasure.

Okay, so I have a huge crush on Tyler like any other woman who has seen him on Food 911. That said, this is still the best cookbook I have bought in a long time. Although most of the recipes involve simple ingredients and are accessible even to those with only a basic culinary skills, the result is full-flavored and elegant food. While I love to cook, I have resisted investing in cookbooks. I found it wasteful to only make a few special recipes from a book. With Tyler's book, you get a glipmse of cuisine from a wide variety of cultures. At the same time, most recipes don't require exotic ingredients that may be hard to come by. This book is true to Tyler's show. His goal is to get people who love cooking to try anything and be successful at it. Like it says in title this is truly "an indispenable book for anybody who likes to cook". Thanks Tyler, I have been waiting for this one.

This divine collection is sure to turn you on. There is something for everyone in the stories, from literary erotic masterpieces such as "Appraising Love" to sex-driven sensory smorgasbords like "Your Wish Is My Command." The dialogue in the stories was very well-written, and the entire collection (27 in total: one for each letter of the ABCs plus a bonus story at the end) is far sexier than most of the Best American collections. The cover is deceptive, I think, because it looks so sweet and pink, but inside are really some of the hottest sex stories I've ever read. This will become a classic of the genre, I'm sure!

This is an unusual collection of red-hot stories that cover an assortment of sexual genres. My favorite pieces were by Thomas Roche (a really risque voyeurism piece) and N.T. Morley (sizzling girl/girl sex), and Marilyn Jaye Lewis' fantastic story from a male POV on his wedding night that was ripe with assorted mind-blowing sexual imagery. The stories were boundary breaking without being dark, and some would definitely work as starting-off points if shared with a lover. (After all, isn't that what all good erotica is?) Don't let the pretty pink cover fool you -- what's inside this book is incredibly hot sex!

As with most erotic anthologies, I liked some stories more than others, but there are a lot of really great ones here. The opening story "appraising love" is a knockout!! Overall it's an awesome book and lots of fun.

He's got me thinking or should I say dreaming! I definitely recommend this book. There's not a woman alive who can't be touched, aroused, courted or romanced by the words so deliciously written in I.T.A.Y.T. Its not just erotica, the pages are filled with wonderful words describing the beauty in women intellectually, emotionally and physically.

For those of you in the dark you may need to set the mood a little bit. When you're in the need for a little romance, light yourself some candles, get a glass of wine, put on relaxing music and allow your self to be touched by Vincent Tyler. If you 're looking for a snack, I recommend "Chocolate Cookies". If you're looking for a real treat you should HEAR HIM READ..

Vincent fulfills every woman's champagne thoughts and caviar wishes with his unique, fresh, and innovative talents. As you read this masterpiece, you will journey into a realm of fantasy which will leave you gasping for air, shivering, quivering, and begging to be released from the pure passion of every passage your read...

Mr. Tyler makes every woman feel that she is the woman, the woman in his book...Each word spoken is meant especially for her. Every warm caressing stroke of passion and erotica is about her and for her.

In his book, Mr. Tyler takes every woman by the hand and accompanies her, so that she may explore her own identity in a world where fantasy and pleasure intertwine. When you finally reach the end of his journey; the conclusion of his book, you will know within yourself that you are truly a multifaceted Goddess of Love...and the only thing that will satisfy your new insatiable feeling is knowing Mr. Tyler will do it to you again in his next new creation...his next new book exhibiting more of his creative genius.

Join me my sisters as we await patiently and silently for this talented man to lead us to where we definitely want to go...again and again....And ladies as I know you can not part with your own precious copy of this book, direct your friends in obtaining their own copy from the author himself, a local distributor, or Amazon....

And do feel free to share this wonderful book with our brothers and/or male counterparts, so they will know what we want, how we want it, and what they will receive when we are happy and truly satisfied.

Much Love to you Vincent....

And wishing you the ultimate in well deserved success....

Ms. Rhonda C. Palmer

Vincent Tyler, my new friend and comrade leaves you breathless with his passion and poetry. He takes you into fantasy land and makes love to you completely with a new twist...your clothes are still on!

Not since Sam Cooke or Donny Hathaway have I listened to a man speak of loving the Black Woman with such care, compassion, understanding and WANT. He WANTS you to feel wanted, appreciated, needed and desired, and as a single sista of TODAY, that is much more than I can ask for and all that I need.

I had the opportunity to meet Mr. Tyler in ATL at the African American Online Writers Guild Conference and Reunion and witness this humble looking man turn into 'Love in Motion'. It was definitely something to see, FEEL, and EXPERIENCE.

Ladies, if you want someone to make love to your mind... BUY THIS BOOK! The physical is sooo easy. Vincent takes it to another level. Buy it for your man too!

I can't wait for his next release, "CHOCOLATE COOKIES" to hit the streets.

As a senior at Harvard I've read a lot of books for college students and I found this book simple yet informative. It's tips from student's for student's. Short sweet and smart. I feel like this is a good book for college freshman but it didn't help me much after my first semester. I also purchased Major In Success by: Patrick Combs and I found it to be extremely helpful for making the most of all my college years. Major In Success is the perfect companion to this book.

What I liked the best about the book is that it's told in students' own words -- students from a number of colleges commenting on topics ranging from how to schedule classes to handling homesickness to handling finances to getting along with that up-all-night roommate. You're getting the real scoop on college life from the people who are LIVING it, not what the admission literature says. As a student affairs professional, this is the kind of "quick read" resource I'm going to buy (on Amazon, of course) to make available to my students.

Now THIS is a really great little college book. It's literally filled with extremely useful advice from the first page to the last, all from the lips of college students who "learned" from their mistakes. Very fast and entertaining read as well, definitely an excellent buy for anybody about to enter college.

Just an extra note, this 505 tips for making college easier is similiar to the title "101 Things College girl should know" and "101 Things College guy should know."...this is a MUCH better buy for your money. The latter 2 books are the most useless excuses for books I've found...with tips like drink 8 glasses of water a day and...similiar common sense. Buy "505" instead, you'll be glad.

I'm not a drinker and I'm learning to tend bar. This book not only supplies instructions for the various concoctions, but a little history of ingredients and a few famous quotes on the subject matter. Recommended by experienced bartender.

This book includes every drink I'd ever think to make, it's so nice because you can come home from the a restaurant and replicate that excellent drink you had for pennies on the dollar! I definitly recommend this book!

THIS BOOK LEAVES NO QUESTIONS UNANSWERED ABOUT BARTENDING.I HAVE BEEN A BARTENDER FOR 10 YEARS NOW AND THIS IS THE BEST GUIDE I HAVE EVER SEEN.I RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE WITH A HOME BAR OR BUSINESS,OR ANYONE THINKING OF SETTING UP A BAR.IT TELLS YOU EVERYTHING YOU YOU WILL NEED TO PROPERLY STOCK A BAR LARGE OR SMALL.