Reviews (843)

Unconditional Love For Marley
I just finished Marley and Me last weekend. I am a huge dog lover and all of my friends kept telling me that I HAD to read this book. So I finally gave into that adorable face on the cover and took the plunge.
Wonderful, heartwarming, hearbreaking...
I have to give this book five stars for several reasons...
Marley & Me
This book is one of the most entertaining books I have ever read.If you have ever owned a pet and lost it, you will relate to this book.You will go through all the emotions with this family.It is a must read.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1957-    2. Biography    3. Dogs - Breeds - Sporting Dogs    4. Dogs - General    5. Essays    6. Florida    7. Grogan, John,    8. Labrador retriever    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Pets    11. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (1)

A View Inside A Shrine to Self
The Windsors, while they were living, epitomized style, glamour, and wit. Ultimately theirs was a wasted life, empty of meaning in the end. From the heady days of their scandalous romance, life was all downhill, a private struggle to conserve their dignity in the aftermath of the abdication. To fill this emptiness and lack of purpose in life, the Duchess obsessed on perfection; of herself, of the things she collected and of the table she set. The Windsor's sous chef spent hours sorting salad leaves into leaves of exactly the same size to be set before their guests. Their relationship was a hollow recreation of the childhood the Duke never could leave behind. Moulin de la Tuilerie, their country home outside of Paris, was the York Cottage of Edward's youth reborn. Wallis herself was Queen Mary, obsessively arranging the display of small objets and cosseting the little boy who was King. A long time servant said, "They had nothing and no-one. They were just two lonely old people." Suzy Menkes takes the reader on an interesting tour through not only of the tangible objects of this relationship, but of the relationship itself. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1896-    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Duchess of,    6. Duke of,    7. Fashion    8. General    9. Great Britain    10. Great Britain - History - 20th Century    11. History    12. Kings and rulers    13. Nobility    14. Photography    15. Windsor, Edward,    16. Windsor, Wallis Warfield,    17. Marriage    18. Windsor, Edward    19. Windsor, Wallis Warfield   

Reviews (10)

A Quirky Treasure
Recipes, hostess tips, and landmine humor. Now, you can invite your fiends over for a party, and for entertainment you can pass around this book. From the colorful, comical pages, and the recipe photo collection, there is something for everyone, if you're slightly twisted.

Finally!A book about entertaining I can relate to!
I don't think a book about entertaining has ever made me laugh to the point of tears before!Seeing peanuts!Gift ideas for nuns! Dad come home cake!Change your medicine chest from herbal remedies to something that works! The section on guest etiquette is priceless and hits the nail on the head. Todd Oldham's photography with its lurid lighting/hues is amazing. And the children's games section alone is worth twice the price of the book.
Well rope me up and call me Doggie!
First of all, I want to be adopted into the Sedaris family.Really, I do.I have been waiting for this book to come out for the longest time with a borderline unhealthy anticipation.I marched right into the bookstore this morning and saw it waiting there just for me!I read it in the car while driving to work, and I didn't even care that the other driver's minded.It is SO FUNNY!...and practical.Let me tell you, there is a party on every page!!When I got home, I ordered four more to give to friends who might invite me to their house's or something. Now, I'm going to go make an eye burrito to help relax my eyeballs so I can sleep because I'm so excited!I am going to have visions of heavyset cheeseballs dancing in my head all night long!! Well done Amy Sedaris!You can be my BFF any day!!
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Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Cookery    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Entertaining    6. Entertaining - General    7. Home Management    8. Hospitality    9. Recipes    10. Cooking / Entertaining   

Editorial Review

Fans of the National Geographic Channel's Read more

Reviews (282)

Should Be Recommended Reading
As a dog owner since childhood and an obedience trainer, I found this book fantastic!A lot of what Cesar suggests, I already do.I wish a lot of people who let their dogs run roughshod over them, would read this book.It should be required reading for first time dog owners.
I'd Give it 6 Stars if I Could...
While veterinarians are educated in the physiology and biology of animals, the ones who truly understand behavior are the exception.Cesar's education may not be formal, but his methodology makes sense and actually works in practice.Dogs become aggressive, obsessed and phobic when their owners do not assume the role of pack leader.Matching a weak human with a strong dog, with no exercise and discipline, causes most psychological problems.DOGS ARE NOT PEOPLE!Cesar teaches understanding them at their most primal level and treating them as such.There is NOTHING cruel about what he professes.Cruelty is putting a dog down because of preventable behavior problems.Build a healthy relationship between you and your dog by reading and using this book.
I WISH I COULD GIVE ZERO STARS
This guy has no formal education in animal training or behavior.Anyone who has had a college level course will know that the method he uses (flooding) is inhumane.It should only be used in very rare instances under the guidance of a trained professional.When done improperly it will lead to even more problems.Do yourself a favor and speak with your vet or ask for a referral to a certified animal behaviorist. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Animals    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - Care/Health    5. Dogs - General    6. Human-animal communication    7. Pets    8. Training    9. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (15)

Great information

Fun and Informative
What is easier to find than the bone your dog buried in the back yard? The answer is something to like in this new dog book by Dr. Becker and Gina Spadafori. After collecting a set of questions from observant dog owners, Dr. Becker and Ms. Spadafori turned to the experts for up to date answers about canine medicine and behavior, explained with common sense and humor.In addition to a great set of questions and answers, this book is sprinkled with some enjoyable essays about dogs.My favorite, by Ms. Spadafori, is called "Quit Picking On Poodles," (as a child, my two best four-legged friends were a pair of poodles our family had as pets and one couldn't ask for more intelligent and loving companions, so I have always thought they were unnecessarily maligned and I was glad to read her essay to that effect.) A fun and readable book.

Cats Rule and Dogs Really DO Drool!
This little volume is a treasure trove of information about our crazy and wonderful canine companions!As a family doctor for four-legged family members, I have been asked many of these questions over the years.I never expected to find such a concise compellation of terrific answers!
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Subjects:  1. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    2. Behavior    3. Dogs    4. Dogs - General    5. Miscellanea    6. Pets    7. Pets / Dogs / General   

Editorial Review

Fans of Food Network star Paula Deen enjoy her unpretentious Southern-gal persona as much as her easy, what's-not-to-like recipes. As a writer of four other cookbooks, including Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellently Appropriate Selection of Events and Recipes. Buy It.
`Paula Deen Celebrates', by Food Network star and home cooking matron, with assistance from "Savannah Magazine" columnist, Martha Nesbit expands Ms. Deen's franchisee in a most logical and expected manner, by being a collection of recipes appropriate to twenty-one (21) favorite occasions to celebrate with food.
Start entertaining

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Subjects:  1. American Regional Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Holiday cookery    7. Menus    8. Regional & Ethnic - American - General    9. Regional & Ethnic - American - Southern States    10. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (9)

Guide for construction
Every engineer must have one copy of this book.This is an updated edition of the previous ones.Very detailed description and pictures about construction.

Good book
It's relatively well written and good for starter who are new to building construction.

Surpassed expectations
Being a student in Construction Management Edward Allen's book was assigned as our text book. The course entitled materials and methods is intended to teach future construction manajors about the wide variety of materials on the market today as well as tradional methods of constructing with these materials.Read more

Subjects:  1. Building    2. Building Construction    3. Building materials    4. Construction - General    5. Methods & Materials    6. Science/Mathematics    7. Technology & Industrial Arts    8. Architecture / Methods & Materials    9. Building construction & materials   

Editorial Review

In Read more

Reviews (12)

Great Read
A great story about a marine and the dog he learned to love.No one really knows what goes on in this war; this book gives the reader a perspective that the media has left out.On top of that, a book for all dog lovers.

A "Must Read" Regardless of your views on the war in Iraq
This is a heartwarming story that places the reader in war-torn Iraq with the US military trying to complete their mission.It is told in such a way that you can't put it down, and you feel thast you are there with them, and are living the story as it unfolds.It also makes it easy to understand how the "Lava Dogs" receive comfort in caring for a puppy amid the horror around them.The book makes NO judgements about the war or the US presence in Iraq being right or wrong, and no matter what the reader's views on the war are (or even if the reader is a dog owner/lover), this is a heartwarming story about the bond between a soldier and a dog during adverse times for both of them.

Hope and love
Reviewed by Joanne Benham for Reader Views (8/06)
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Subjects:  1. Dogs    2. Dogs - General    3. Essays    4. Iraq    5. Iraq War, 2003-    6. Military - Iraq War    7. Personal narratives, American    8. Pets    9. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (3)

Eat healthy on those special occasions too!
The South Beach Diet Parties and Holidays Cookbook is an excellent addition to your cookbook collection whether you are following the program or not.
yummy in the tummy
While being in the healthy foods business for many years, I have had a deaf ear to fad diets.When my husband's physician suggested he try the South Beach Diet to lose weight, I ran to the library to find out what was going on with this popular diet.
Fantastic Cookbook -- Even if you are NOT on the Diet
Try the recipes even if they look odd compared to what you're used to eating. The food is LOADED WITH flavor that somehow satisfies your hunger with far less food than ordinary. Not only that, but after you eat these foods you feel GOOD and HEALTHY instead of just STUFFED and TIRED (like normal food.) ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Cooking / Wine    3. Entertaining - General    4. Health & Healing - General    5. Holiday - General    6. Holiday cookery    7. Recipes    8. Reducing diets    9. Weight loss    10. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (12)

The Mysterious ways of DoG
A Good Dog -- A story about Orson, who changed my life" by John Katz, is an incredible read, a true love story between human and animal -- bridging the gaps between belief and unbelief.
used to be a big fan.
very upset about jons latest book.it really is just a rehash of his past books and not to his usal standard.there are dog people who specialize in dogs that bite why not consult one of them instead of a witch doctor?to do what he did must have been very very hard,and hurt very much .i was a huge fan ,read all his other dog books,this ones a big let down.

Devon redux
I looked forward to reading this book; waited through several holds at the library; read all the other "dog" books by Jon Katz.When I started A Good Dog, the story seemed familiar...then I realized that Orson is Devon from a previous book.Very disappointing.Glad that I did not purchase the book. If Mr. Katz needed to address his issues with Devon, he should not do it at the expense (emotional and economic) of his readers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Animal Behavior (Ethology)    3. Behavior    4. Dogs    5. Dogs - Breeds - Working & Herding Dogs    6. Dogs - General    7. Essays    8. Human-animal relationships    9. New Jersey    10. Pets    11. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (13)

Cats De-Mystified!
As a pet care columnist and behavior consultant, I've fielded my share of similar purr-snickety questions. After co-authoring two "Chicken Soup" pet books with Dr. Marty Becker, I'm jealous that my friend Gina Spadafori had the fun this time around. And I only hope my answers offer as much insight and entertainment as my colleagues' in this delightful "uncensored" cat-alogue of all-things feline! While some questions may seem tongue-in-furry-cheek, and the answers tickle feline funnybones, the bottom line means more edu-tainment for cat-loving readers. And that's just plain good medicine for kitty-cats and the humans who love them. Bravo!
Everyone Knows, Cats Rule!
As a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and cat lover (13 cats of my own!), I am faced with these feline queries every single day.My colleague, Dr. Marty Becker, and his co-author, Gina Spadafori, have captured the essence of "cat-dom"!Kudos for creating a guide to the mind, body, and psyche of these magical creatures who share our world.

Straight-forward and humorous
The writers of this book got it right. They have presented some pretty complex information in an extremely easy-to-digest format and made if fun to read. There's no pretentiousness in the prose yet I didn't feel like it was dumbed down either. It was a quick read that left me satisfied. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cats    2. Cats - General    3. Miscellanea    4. Pets    5. Pets / Cats / General   

Reviews (6)

Brief, lovely read
This memoir managed to be both incredibly sad and yet positive and life-affirming at the same time.Abigail Thomas describes the journey she must take in the years after her husband's accident and how she manages to progress from inner turmoil (and at times, the inability to function at all), to a place where she is at peace with her life.Though her husband must remain at a hospital for brain-injured patients, she is able to bring him home for visits and spends time with him at the center. The comments and thoughts from his head are so fascinating...I found myself eagerly waiting to see what he would say the next time.Just wondering about the brain and all that we don't know about it is truly amazing to me.Sometimes he makes pronouncements that appear so profound, and other times he seems in total confusion, and while it's incredibly heartbreaking, it's also mesmerizing to read their conversations together.
A voice to be heard
I discovered A Three Dog Life through an article in the New York Times this summer. An excerpt from Abigail Thomas's book appeared in the column, Modern Love. She titled it: "My Husband Survived, the Man I Married Didn't." That is the crux of her book. And with this title, she got me. I, too, have a husband who survived a traumatic brain injury (stroke), and the man I married did not fully survive either.
Rave Review for A Three Dog Life
*****
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Animals    3. Authors, American    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Dogs - General    9. Healing - General    10. Inspiration & Personal Growth    11. Literary    12. Pets    13. Thomas,Abigail    14. Pets / Dogs / General   

Reviews (5)

An incredible collection and celebration of timeless interior design concepts
In The Pink: Dorothy Draper, America's Most Fabulous Decorator by Carleton Varney is an incredible collection and celebration of timeless interior design concepts by the renowned interior designer and decorator Dorothy Draper, a woman far ahead of her age. Deftly compiling an profusely illustrated compendium of Draper's remarkable work, In The Pink holds the reader's total attention from first page to last with an informative text enhanced with photography showcasing memorable designs created by the sharp eye and even sharper imagination of Draper throughout her world acclaimed career. A "must" addition to professional and academic library Interior Design reference collections, In The Pink is to be given high praise and recommendation for non-specialist general readers with an interest in interior design.
This Book Is A "Must Have"
For all design professionals, modernism addicts, and even the layperson.The book is filled with wonderful images culled from a lifetime of decorating.Dorothy Draper's style was always fancyful, playful and above all else comfortable~she was not a devotee of the Eames pared down sterile and functional school of design.If you are done with Danish, numb over Knoll, and way past Panton~~~check out "In the Pink:Dorothy Draper:America's Most Fabulous Decorator"she will have you going for Baroque!

Breathtaking Book
What a beautiful book. A look at the history of a spectacular designer. Art Deco Beauty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Artists, Architects, Photographers    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Design - Textile & Costume    6. Interior design    7. USA   

Reviews (5)

very good all-around reference
I primarily work as a structural-architectural engineer and am becoming more and more involved in civil-site work.This handbook is exactly what I was looking for in terms of something that would quickly get me "up to speed" in the fundamentals of civil-site design. Difficult to follow!
I am in a class at Community College of Baltimore Countyand we are using this book at this time. Our whole class along with the Professor find this book to be very difficult to follow. The book constantly repeats itself making it extremely boring to read and is not fluent at all. They have examples that reference charts that are 3-5 pages apart from the problem being discussed the formulas you almost have to figure out for yourself how they are used and there are alot of typos. A Must Have Pub
Ever since I purchased this publication I can't stop using it.Every civil engineer should have this as part of their reference library, regardless of your area of specialty.It providesmacro to micro scale explanations of general processes, design applications, etc in a very readable format.More times than I can remember I have looked to this book for an answer or at least for some guidance and was throuroughly satisfied.No it is not a definitive reference for civil engineers but its' breadth and usability overshadows any technical shortcomings.If I had to have just one reference book for my area of practice (general civil), this would be it.Yeah, yeah, the "Standard Handbook for Civil Engineers" is a more definitive reference, but I usually find out what I need in this pub.Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Building Sites    3. Construction - General    4. Engineering - Civil    5. Engineering geology    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Land Use    8. Land Utilization    9. Law    10. Planning    11. Public, Commercial, or Industrial Buildings    12. Real estate development    13. Remodeling & Renovation - General    14. Science/Mathematics    15. Surveying    16. Architecture / Planning    17. Civil Engineering, Surveying & Building    18. Property & real estate   

Reviews (31)

Some Instructions Inadequate
I purchased this book as my figure has changed and I needed to re-do my basic slopers.The pattern design books I currently have did not cover trousers so I was delighted to finda new book that was apparently so comprehensive.
Finally !Best value for my dollar
I received this book yesterday and read the first 100 pages.I've sewn all my life and consider myself an advanced seamstress.I've sewn and made my own patterns for childrens' heirloom, business suits, and now enjoy making (jazz) dance costumes.I'm the one in line at the fabric store buying ten patterns, just to combine different details and features in different sizes, especially if sewing for a group.I probably own hundreds of patterns and almost that many books.For me, this book will pay for itself many times over.It isn't a sewing "how to" book and it wouldn't be the first book for a beginner.The reader should be familiar or use other reference books for actual garment construction techniques.I've bought other, less expensive sewing books to learn pattern manipulation and fitting techniques.I put off the purchase of this book, being put off by its price.But, finally!This book is so inspiring and liberating. In just the first 100 pages, I've gotten through the basic patternmaking and dart manipulation.I think I may never have to buy another pattern again !This is definitely a must have for the serious sewing enthusiast.

Designs by Sharon
This book was used during a 12 week class I attended for Patternmaking.It is very thorough and is an excellent reference for just about any type of pattern one could desire to make.I learned a great deal using the book as a reference guide while I studied the various fundamental components to patternmaking.However, it can be a little intimidating if used as a self-study text.This issue could have been solved if there had been an answer section for the various exercises that accompanied each chapter.Many of the students in our class felt it was a text designed for those enrolled in a formal college level class, i.e., it oftened assumed reader knowledge beyond that expected of a lay person. (Everyone in our class was required to be at the advanced level of sewing experience.)Some of the exercises were made more difficult because the technique to design a sample pattern was in a later chapter, not having been covered in the one just studied.Overall,though,it is a good reference and certainly belongs in the personal library of any serious home sewer. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Decorating - General    3. Design - General    4. Dressmaking    5. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    6. Fashion    7. General    8. Pattern design    9. Art / Design / General    10. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles    11. Industrial / Commercial Art & Design   

Subjects:  1. Building Codes    2. Construction    3. Construction - General    4. Science/Mathematics    5. Technology    6. Technology & Industrial Arts    7. Technology / Technical & Manufacturing Industries & Trades   

Reviews (10)

Gorgeous Patterns
Got the book as a gift and I'm in love with so many of the patterns. I cannot wait to get started on the hooded baby blanket--it's definitely going to be my go-to baby shower pattern. Super fun book, super smart patterns--definitely a winner.

fun knitting
This knitting book reminded me of the Mason-Dixon book or the Yarn Harlot's Knitting Rules.It is fun stories with some decent patterns thrown in.There are a few I will definately be doing soon like the lacey table runner in linen.It is not a "learn to knit book" but once you have the basics it would work for beginners to intermediate.Tracy Ulmann will have you laughing and relating to her yarn obsession.

An excellent addition to your knitting library!!
I love "Knit 2 Together". It's a wonderful combination of Mel Clark's beautiful patterns and advice and Tracey Ullman's sense of humor.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Knitting    5. Needlework - Knitting    6. Patterns    7. Crafts & Hobbies / Knitting   

Subjects:  1. Cookery    2. Cooking    3. Cooking / Wine    4. Entertaining - General    5. General    6. Home Management    7. Cooking / Entertaining   

Reviews (6)

Read before you practice
I have practiced interior design for over 20 years and still found this book to be invaluable.The information about legal ramifications and insurance coverage was enlightening but also sobering.It's a must read for any design firm principal or freelance designer.

Get It!
This book reads like a friend whispering all the good advice and secrets of the interior design business in your ear. I wish my Professional Practices class had used this text.It's a lot of information but Christine Piotrowski truly takes you by the hand and lets you know what you need to prepare for in a budding interior design business as well as how the interior design business is done in general.I will be referencing this book again and again.A huge thank you and bravo to Christine Piotrowski

Must Have!
This book was used for both Business Practice For Interior Design & Sales and Marketing. I had no need to consult any other source. "This is a great book"THANKS.. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Design services    3. General    4. Interior Design    5. Interior Design - General    6. Interior Design - Professional Reference    7. Interior decoration    8. Interior decoration firms    9. Management    10. Marketing    11. Practice    12. United States    13. Architecture / Interior Design    14. Business & Management   

Reviews (5)

great advice for what wines to keep on hand...and a great read
I bought this book for help in selecting ten wines to keep on hand for all occasions. And it worked! Now, whether I'm roasting a chicken or ordering in Thai food, there's always a good bottle to go with dinner. The bonus is the all the fascinating info (why Ph matters) and anecdotes (chef Patrick O'Connell on how easily he turned his whole staff into wine enthusiasts). Beautiful photographs, beautifully written. A great gift for the holidays or for engaged couples.

What a beautiful book!
WHAT TO DRINK WITH WHAT YOU EAT is a beautiful book filled with great ideas of what to wines and other beverages (from iced tea to lemonade) to serve with different dishes.The photography is absolutely mouth-watering!It's fun to flip through and read about what to serve with everything from chicken to chocolate brownies.This book is definitely worth the price.

The book I've been looking for ever since I learned how to cook.
After learning to cook, I looked forward to serving new dishes to guests -- but found I was hesitant about entertaining because I never knew what wines to serve.I was tired of being dependent on my local wine store for recommendations that often seemed to be more about what they wanted to sell than what went with what I was cooking. WHAT TO DRINK WITH WHAT YOU EAT provides such thorough recommendations that it's easy to come up with the perfect match.I'm looking forward to entertaining again, now that I can serve wine and other drinks with equal grace to the food I prepare.And my non-drinking guests benefit, too, given all of the innovative recommendations for non-alcoholic beverages. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beverages    2. Beverages - General    3. Beverages - Non-Alcoholic    4. Beverages - Wine & Spirits    5. Cookery    6. Cooking    7. Cooking / Wine    8. Courses & Dishes - General    9. Entertaining - General    10. Wine and wine making    11. Cooking / Wine & Spirits