Pretty Birds: A Novel

Average customer rating:

Riveting story that unravels a bit at the end

I wouldn't change a word!

Simon draws from his war correspondent experiences,

Great

Excellent in all respects

Pretty Birds: A Novel
Scott Simon
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000MV8HF2
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Download Description

Praise for Scott Simon’s Home and Away

“Home and Away may be the best memoir written by a fan I’ve ever read.”
–RON RAPOPORT, Chicago Sun-Times

“Extraordinary . . . a memoir of such breadth and reach.”
–Sports Illustrated

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Riveting story that unravels a bit at the end.......2007-06-10

To use the old cliché, this was a book I could not put down. From the first chapter, I found it to be a riveting and captivating story wrapped convincingly in the historical perspective of the siege of Sarajevo. I've heard Scott Simon many times on NPR and even heard him talking about this book when it was published (though for some reason I wasn't compelled to read it at the time), but I never had any idea that he is such a talented writer of fiction. Certainly his own knowledge gained through covering the war helps, but there's more to the book than simply a history lesson.

Simon takes the reader on an intriguing journey through war-ravaged Sarajevo seen primarily through the eyes (and scope) of 17-year-old Irena Zaric. The book is a heart-wrenching narrative about the horrors suffered by the people caught on the wrong side of the conflict (and the wrong side of the river) in Sarajevo, made all the more compelling by a story that lets us into the hearts, minds, and apartments of those who experienced it.

My one and only complaint with the book begins approximately three-quarters of the way into the story. After reading that much, it became apparent that there is a very obvious way for the story to end, so obvious that I found myself silently pleading for the story not to end so predictably. Soon it becomes apparent that there is a second way the story could go, and although it is less obvious than the first, it still seems too predictable. It is the second storyline, more or less, that Simon chose. And although he throws in a few wrinkles (probably because he too realized that it was a bit too predictable), doing so really only ended up diluting an otherwise strong story. If you will permit me a sports metaphor, I felt like Simon fumbled the ball on the one yard line. He was close - so very close - to making this a truly outstanding story, but just didn't quite close the deal.

Still, I don't want that to overshadow what is otherwise an outstanding work of historical fiction - really one of the better fictional books I have read in quite some time. If I could give 4.5 stars rather than 4 I probably would, because it was only the very end of the story that let me down in any way.

I wouldn't change a word!.......2007-03-22

I've seldom read a book in which I wouldn't alter one single word. This is one of those books. Mr. Simon gets it spot-on right. As I read it I did a sort of connect-the-dots thinking of storied he'd filed from his time in Sarajevo. When I'd listen to him I'd think this isn't simply a story for him. He's having a life-altering experience. Pretty Birds is the result of that amazing and terrible time.

This book stands as both a great work of historical fiction and a memorial to those wonderful souls ripped from this world by the hand of tyranny that swept through their lives. Read it and learn. Read it and remember. Read it and laugh as the human spirit struggles to find joy in a joyless slaughter pen. But, most of all, as the popular saying goes, read it and weep.

Simon draws from his war correspondent experiences,.......2007-02-04

and brings us this gritty, flinty, barren landscape-of-a-war story with (sometimes) very human people behind those ski masks and the other "masks" worn by snipers and bombers, who, before the war started, were classmates, neighbors, friends.

In some ways, Pretty Birds reminds me of Marjan Satrapi's "Persepolis", (another gritty war story told, this time, in a book filled with nothing but cartoon strips), by the way it portrays the human condition (including humor, wry or dark) and the consciences and all-too-human failings and needs that do not abandon us, whether they are confronted by the sights, smells, and atrocities of war, or are chewing on grass and lawn snails for supper.

The raw wind, the cold, dirt, isolation, -vs- the bits of "real" life as seen thru the pages of popular European/American magazines for teenagers, all bring together the contrasts that beseige those who, now at war, still try to conjure up the relative peace of their former lives.

Very little human emotion was conveyed at the (usually graphic) descriptions of the sight and sound of death -- adding to the all-too-real shell-shock that invades the soul and psyche of those trying to survive in war torn areas.

Irena's legendary prowess as a local basketball star helps her stay alive, but a pretty bird eventually brings about a startling ending, making the reader wonder if Irena's questions to Tedic and Molly about Hell were ever answered in full.

Great.......2007-01-17

For those who loved "Kite Runner" this is equally excellent.

This is the story of a teenage female basketball star in Sarajevo while it was under siege in 1992. She and her family were violently expelled from their home with nothing and fled to the Muslim side of the city that the Serbs kept under siege for years. Eventually Irena is recruited to become a sniper.

That is the bare outline of the plot. Irena is seventeen and she and her family are very much into pop culture in a city with no power and little food. In between foraging and dodging bullets and mortars, she relishes the finding of every old magazine so that she can keep up with the rest of the world. Her and her family's references to pop culture while surviving outrageous conditions are poignant and emphasize the "life must go on" attitude as they literally cling to life.

The characters are all deep and rich. There is the assistant principal turned militant who recruits Irena and other teens to fight the Serbs as best they can. Her father and mother are drawn sympathetically and believeably. He tries to find anything to accomplish of value and she displays strength that before the crisis would have been unbelievable. A widowed neighbor adds humor and Pretty Bird, their pet parrot, is emblematic of them all.

The author is NPR's Scott Simon. He brings unique qualities that add so much to the book. In his note, he reveals that he interviewed a teenage sniper upon whom he based the main character. It is clear he both liked and respected that girl, because Irena is a terrific "real person" hero. He was stationed in Sarajevo for at least part of the siege so his first hand view adds to the realism.

Also, Simon is a journalist and writes like one. His sentences are crisp and to the point without a lot of embellishment. This style fits the stark nature of the cityscape and story he is relating.

This is a wonderful novel of a teenage girl and her family fighting for surviving. She fights back against her enemies while the novel vivdly portrays a modern city under siege. A centuries old war technique moved to the 2oth century with some effect, but not enough to overcome the human spirit, especially the spirit of a vibrant teen.

Extremely highly recommended as one of the very best books written in 2006.

Excellent in all respects.......2006-07-10

I write my reviews before I read anybody else's. This is the first work, fiction or non-fiction, that I have read about the War in former Yugoslavia. But I feel I have an excellent taste for what the besieged citizens of Sarajevo went through from 1992-1996.

The book has made the war very real. The characters in the novel are well developed. The plot was not predictable; you actually think it is going one way and it ends in another. They could probably make a movie out of it, but they would probably ruin its excellence.

The story is that if Irena, a teenage Bosnian who escapes with her family from the Serbian controlled side of Sarajevo to the Bosnian side, which is a terror stricken enclave supposedly being protected by the United Nations troops.

Pretty Birds refers to Irene and her friends, who get caught up in the war effort in ways they would not have imagined, and it also refers to Pretty Bird, Irena's parrot.

The dialogue and depictions are realistic. The characters and moments memorable. The book flows fast and never bores.

It does only cover the Bosnian side of the siege of Sarajevo. With a small but important exception.

One feels one knows at least a bit of what the besieged residents of Sarajevo endured, and such knowledge makes one's personal problems evaporate into a mist--to use a term from the book.

I have heard first-hand anecdotes of what it was like to live in Sarajevo during the war, and the accounts of the book match those.

Average customer rating:

Addictive

Ambivalent

NO MORE PLAYAS

Where's my Lance?

Playa's & The Women Who Love Them
No More Playas
Brenda Jackson
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Multicultural | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312331827
Release Date: 2005-10-13

Book Description

The steamy sequel to the unforgettable The Playas Handbook. Now the biggest playa of them all is back and hes ready to change a few of the rules! Lance Montgomery, renowned relationship expert, has perfected the art of being a playa. His acclaimed workshops and bestselling books prove it. His most popular title, The Playas Handbook, caused an uproar among black women and men and shot to the top of the bestseller charts. Then he met Dr. Asia Fowler, a colleague whose views on love are vastly different from his own. Intrigued and unable to forget her, Lance wanted her in his bed. Instead, she found her way into his heart. Fighting his feelings for her, Lance drove her into the arms of another man before realizing she is the first woman he has ever loved. Now hes determined to get her back. No matter what.

Customer Reviews:

Addictive.......2007-03-06

I read "The Playas Handbook", which was my first Brenda Jackson book and I loved it. I was disappointed in the end when Mrs. Jackson left me wanting and yearning to know more, so you know I had to grab "No More Playas". This is the best sequel to a book that I have ever read. The characters are real. At times they make you smile and other times they make you angry. Lance and Asia are my favorite character, I just love their style, personality, and mentality. The only thing I noticed about this book was that Lance was not as bold or should I say confident as he was in the first, but I guess it all fit with the story. I loved the ending, but the way they made got back together was a little fast and their wasn't enough 'playing hard to get'. Either way this book and the first gets 5 stars.

Ambivalent.......2007-02-27

I loved Carrie and Connor's story. The author handled an often swept-under-the-rug issue with a frankness that was effective yet not over the top. Great job Mrs. Jackson!

I was however, disappointed in Lance and Asia's conclusion. Lance was not as dynamic in this sequel and (for me) there was a less believable quality, however I would still recommend the purchase of the Playa's Handbook and No Playas to anyone wanting a good read, with characters who make you laugh, shake your head or tick you off ... just like people do in everyday life.

NO MORE PLAYAS.......2007-02-19

I loved this book, it was a great sequel to the "Playa's Handbook. In this installment Lance gets closer to Asia, I love the fact that Asia is a strong woman. The person to watch for in this book is Carrie. I love that Brenda writes about real people.

Where's my Lance?.......2007-01-06

This book was great i loved it. i was my first b.jackson book and its now one of my favs.Do we get a part 2 of this book?

Playa's & The Women Who Love Them.......2006-12-17

Brenda Jackson Is One Of The Best

Read this and Playas Handbook in three days. As usual I'm never disappointed when I read anything by Brenda Jackson. This one was especially entertaning as we journeyed with the self proclaimed "Playa Expert" who ended up taking a hard fall for love. The male characters in these books were too funny and the situations they found themselves in had me laughing out loud. I enjoyed all of their stories. I love it when a good man finds himself a good woman and appreciates the fact that he's lucky to have her.

Average customer rating:

No More Playas

Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0739460633

Product Description

After The Playa's Handbook (2004) made Lance Montgomery the man with the rules for staying single and carefree, he finally meets his match in Dr. Asia Fowler. Their initial encounter is as adversaries, but Asia and Lance cannot seem to get over one another. Asia is still reeling from the hurt and humiliation she felt when Lance tested her vow of celibacy. Afterward, Lance realizes he is in love and sets out to win Asia's affection. He has a bigger challenge than her anger, however; Asia is engaged to her ex-boyfriend's brother, Dr. Sean Crews, who has been in love with Asia since his brother introduced her to the family. Meanwhile, Lance's sister Carrie is blackmailed but afraid to let her brothers know because she does not want to harm their professional images. She hires Connor to help uncover the identity of her blackmailer and finds that after many years of avoiding men and relationships, she feels tense in Connor's company. Lance and Carrie both learn some lessons about love and trust. Lillian LewisCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Average customer rating:

No More Playas
Brenda Jackson
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTIGSA

Average customer rating:

Playa No More
Crystal Cd2438 38735 Sierra
Manufacturer: EMI MUSIC DISTRIBUTION
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

General | Books on CD | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 630612389X

Average customer rating:

Very good novel from an uncommon perspective

Shining Mountains, Western Sea

CAPTIVATING! A REAL PAGE-TURNER!

Shining Mountains, Western Sea: The Epic Adventures of Two Unforgettable Members of Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery
Margaret Wyman
Manufacturer: Idyllwild Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1931857016

Book Description

In "Shining Mountains, Western Sea," Margaret Wyman tells the story of two members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition who are thrust together against their wills. John Colter is an experienced trapper and woodsman, assigned by Captain Meriwether Lewis to mentor George Shannon, the youngest, least-seasoned member of the crew. Neither man likes the arrangement, but they put up with each other to face raging rivers, hostile sergeants, unpredictable natives, starvation, thirst, extremes of weather, and injury. Eventually enmity turns to friendship as they discover a new country, new loves and themselves.

With few exceptions, all the books and articles about the Expedition focus on the two captains. But what about the crew? Their experience as privates would have been much different from that of the two leaders. What caused these men to join up? What did they figure to gain? How did the experiences of the Expedition affect them? What were their thoughts and feelings while starving, or freezing, or stuck on the damp, drizzly Pacific Coast? Who were their pals, their enemies among the rest of the crew?

In unexplored territory, completely on their own devices for survival, what the 33 members of the crew accomplished was a feat more dramatic than landing a man on the moon.

Customer Reviews:

Very good novel from an uncommon perspective.......2006-04-27

This novel tells the story of the expedition of Lewis and Clark across early 1800s America, but not from the usual perspective. It doesn't use the point of view of Lewis or Clark, but those of John Colter and George Shannon, two Privates on the expedition.

Colter is an experienced mountain man and hunter, and Shannon is an inexperienced graduate of West Point, who tries, unsuccessfully, to get promoted to Lieutenant. The two Privates have an on and off relationship, ranging from tolerating each other to, figuratively, wanting to kill each other. They also have reasons for wanting to be away for a long time.

The expedition is one day after another of very hard work, rowing or pulling their boat upriver, hauling supplies down the side of a waterfall, or walking for days without seeing another person. Shannon's paralyzing fear of deep water is no help. Colter seriously considers abandoning the expedition, and joining a much more lucrative one, but his conscience gets in the way (he made an oath to the expedition). Also holding him back is another member of the expedition, Sergeant Ordway, who seems to have made it his personal mission to make Colter's life a living hell.

Some of the Native American tribes encountered along the way, who Colter would rather avoid at all costs, are decent and reasonable, while others are simply bloodthirsty thieves. Among the former are the Mandans, near whom the expedition makes camp for the winter. It seems to be almost a point of honor among the Mandans for their women to be intimate with the "paleskins" (the men of the expedition are happy to oblige). Against his better judgement, Colter meets, and falls very hard for, a recently widowed woman named Fragrant Grass.

Every waking moment of Colter's life, after the expedition continues on its way, is filled with thoughts of Fragrant Grass. Several chances to desert present themselves, but Colter's conscience again gets in the way, along with Sergeant Ordway. They reach the Pacific Coast, spend a miserable winter there, and Colter gets back to Fragrant Grass, only to discover that she is no longer "available."

This is a fine piece of writing. The author does a good job with the characters, and with showing a famous bit of American history from an uncommon perspective. My only criticism about this book is that the length could have been reduced by at least a few pages. I understand what the author was trying to do, and this is the sort of story that takes a long time to tell, but, personally, this book did not have to be 671 pages long. Don't let that get in the way of reading a really interesting story.

Shining Mountains, Western Sea.......2003-02-03

Immediately after finishing Margaret Wymans book, Mission, I eagerly picked up Shining Mountains, Western Sea. To my delight, it was everything I had inticipated, and more. This passionate account of Lewis and Clark's expedition, is impossible to put down. Wyman's character development is exceptional. This historic crew came alive for me as I followed their labor-intensive adventures from Missouri to the Pacific Ocean. Throughout the book, the emotional account of their tragedies and triumphs literally kept me awake and turning pages, long after my bedtime. I am anxious for Wyman to complete another book. Judging by her first two novels, I'm a fan hooked for life!

CAPTIVATING! A REAL PAGE-TURNER!.......2002-11-28

After non-stop reading Wyman's "Mission", I needed to check out her other book. WOW! This lady can weave a web of suspense, intrigue and personal connection! You will be so curious about the amazing personalities of the story, don't plan on going to sleep too early! THE BEST PART: The setting is so historically accurate that you cannot help but wonder how much research went into the book.
I heartily recommend both this and "Mission" to anyone who loves a great story, colorful characters and the untold stories of America's REAL history.

Corps of Discovery: Lewis & Clark Adventures

Average customer rating:

Corps of Discovery: Lewis & Clark Adventures
Larhee Lewis
Manufacturer: Wasteland Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Historical | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 193326523X

Book Description

Many books have been written concerning the Lewis & Clark Expedition. This book has a new twist.

Captain William Clark narrates the story as if he were able to come back to the Twenty-first century and share his adventures with you.

He gives you the background of the expedition, showing President Thomas Jefferson's drive to find a Northwest Passage. He had a dual purpose. (1) Commerce. He wanted o find a direct water route from the Missouri to the Columbia and on to the Pacific Ocean. (2) Empire. He wanted to build an "empire of liberty that stretched from sea to shinning sea."

As Captain Clark narrates the story, you will share the sufferings and the joys of the men. He will tell you about the times they were near starvation, their encounters with wild animals, and friendly and unfriendly Indians. They were given up for lost and almost forgotten when they arrived in St. Louis over two years and four months after they had left Camp Wood.

You will realize their success depended upon them becoming a family and working together.

Average customer rating:

A comprehensive guide to Men's Health

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health

A great resource for all men

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health
The American Medical Association
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Personal Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

ASIN: 0471414115

Amazon.com

If you're male and have a health question, this is the place to find an answer. This ambitious, 500-page book from the American Medical Association is a thorough guide for keeping a man's body healthy, making sense of his system, and understanding specific health concerns. Part 1, "The Healthy Man," gives a quick overview of diet, exercise, weight management, alcohol, drugs, tobacco, and safety in 40 pages, including information you think you should know but maybe don't, like how to read a food label, manage medications, and check for home safety hazards. Part 2, "Staying Healthy," goes into more detail about diet, exercise, and weight management, and introduces preventive healthcare (e.g., medical screening tests and self-examinations), emotional health, and avoiding risky behavior and violence. Part 3, "The Reproductive System," covers male sexuality, including reproductive disorders, STDs, birth control, and treatments for erectile dysfunction. Part 4, "Common Health Concerns," comprising more than half the book, covers common male medical conditions and how to prevent and/or treat them. The writing is straightforward and serious (no wittiness or jokes), like a consultation with a trusted physician. The book covers so many topics that its treatment of any one condition is far from comprehensive, but it's an excellent reference and a starting place for learning about your health issues. --Joan Price

Book Description

"Men are often reluctant to discuss issues that are important to their general health and well-being. This one-of-a-kind guide provides helpful information, in an easy-to-read format, on major health concerns including diet and nutrition, exercise, sexuality, and emotional health. This guide should help men make better decisions about their health."—Jeffrey P. Koplan, M.D., M.P.H., Director, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Guidelines for staying healthy at any age
Overviews of the body's systems and organs—heart and lungs, reproductive system, brain and nervous system, urinary system, bones and joints, and the immune system
Explanations of the major diseases and their treatments, including heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, cancer, drug abuse, and depression
Sensitive discussions of sexuality and reproduction, including sexual dysfunction, prostate health, stds, birth control, and age-related changes to sex and sexuality
Diet and exercise guidelines
Dozens of tables, boxes, and charts on key topics
Quick-reference format for finding the answers you need

Customer Reviews:

A comprehensive guide to Men's Health .......2006-11-14

There is a recent surge of interest in the subject of Men's Health as it is well- known that on average women live longer, and have lower rates of mortality from major diseases, excepting Alzheimer's. This comprehensive guide presents in its opening sections a guide to healthy living, including a detailed covering of such topics as diet, exercise, dealing with stress, avoiding risky behavior etc. The aim is to enable the reader to understand how to improve his own life- style. The second section provides a medical guide to the 'systems of the body'.
The work is not focused on simply teaching us to try and extend life but rather how to make our lives healthier and happier.
My sense is that almost every reader will find some tip here or there which will improve in some way their health.

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health.......2005-07-07

Very informative and well written. Anyone who wants to know about Men's Health should read this book.

A great resource for all men.......2001-09-27

This is an important book and a terrific guide to all health issues in a man's life. It answered every health question I had and more - on fitness, aging, and sexuality - and since this guide is from the American Medical Association, I know I can trust the information. I'll certainly recommend this guide to all the men I know and their families.

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health.......2001-09-18

Guidebooks don't get more resourceful or better organized than this! You'll find the latest information on such topics as: regular exercise, healthy nutrition, reducing stress, and extensive coverage on each internal system of the male body. It's a great gift for any loved male in your life!

Complete Guide to Men's Health (AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION)

Average customer rating:

Complete Guide to Men's Health (AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION)

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1594861080

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health

Average customer rating:

American Medical Association Complete Guide to Men's Health
The American Medical Association
Manufacturer: NY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000MUFJG8

Average customer rating:

Stunning Quality

The River Cottage Family Cookbook
Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall , and Fizz Carr
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Thai Food

ASIN: 0340826363

Customer Reviews:

Stunning Quality.......2006-01-29

This is actually 416 pages! Gorgeous yet realistic and very homey food photos including kid-next-door children, misshapen & imperfect dishes, and exquisitely crafted recipes with sublime descriptions of exactly how and why certain things are done, and when, in the creation of your meal. All ages will not only enjoy, but LEARN from this cookbook. Simply divine, and not to be missed.

Average customer rating:

The River Cottage Family Cookbook
Hugh Carr, Fizz Fearnley-Whittingstall
Manufacturer: Hodder & Stoughton Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVCWKQ

X10 River Cottage Family Cookbook (Ocado)

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X10 River Cottage Family Cookbook (Ocado)
Fearnley-Whittingsta
Manufacturer: Gardners Q T
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1845792106

Average customer rating:

A detailed and useful book for all

Common Knowledge

There are better references for McCoy

Mccoy Pottery: A Field Guide (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Jeffrey B. Snyder
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0764315250

Book Description

A quick reference guide to the wide ranging and popular McCoy pottery produced by the Nelson McCoy Sanitary Stoneware Company, the Nelson McCoy Pottery Company, and McCoy Ltd. Spanning the twentieth century, the pottery presented here in over 500 vibrant color photographs ranges from bulb bowls, cookie jars, and jardinires to planters, vases, and wall pockets. A brief history of the company, a manufacturer's mark identification guide, an extensive bibliography, an index, and current market values are included. A must book for collectors of twentieth century pottery - especially practical for newcomers to the field.

Customer Reviews:

A detailed and useful book for all.......2000-03-09

This is a very useful guide to McCoy pottery. The photos are wonderful, the text provides detailed and accurate information on the design and manufacturing process not to be found elsewhere ... and much else. The book is well organized and easy to use. The pricing is fair. The author interviewed the McCoys themselves and has written about many different pottery lines. This is a good book. But don't take my word for it. Check it out for yourself!

Common Knowledge.......2000-01-20

This book contains many photos and names or pieces and lines to help a novice collector recognize McCoy.

I love McCoy collecting - but I suspect the information found in Mr. Snyder's book reflects knowledge of an author and not a seasoned McCoy collector. The book contained little new information and several errors including the unique spelling of Mr. SIDNEY Cope's name which should read SYDNEY.

A good collector's reference needs more than pictures and guesses at pricing and needs to do more than reiterate (whether accurately or inaccurately) the history of the items. It needs a depth of current knowledge found only by being an active collector who networks with others; subscribes to newsletters; attends reunions and auctions and above all, is familiar with the topic of the book!

This book values a stoneware leaves and berries plate at when last summer one sold for. I suspect that had there been input from other geographical locations beyond PA and Ohio, some of the pricing and information might have been more accurate.

Disappointing to say the least - but there are other very informative McCoy books to fill the holes left by this one.

There are better references for McCoy.......1999-12-04

Generally inferior to the real collector books on McCoy--the Nissen Hanson volumes, Sanford volumes, Huxford and the original Coates books. Pictures not as detailed, poor organization, incomplete reference for this prolific pottery.

Average customer rating:

THE QUILTING SOURCEBOOK Over 200 Easy-to-Follow Patchwork and Quilting Patterns by Maggi McCormick Gordon

The title of the book is a good summary of the contents.

The Quilting Sourcebook: Over 200 Easy-to-Follow Patchwork and Quilting Patterns
Maggi McCormick Gordon
Manufacturer: Collins & Brown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1855854864

Book Description

Maggi McCormick Gordon, whose Ultimate Quilting Book received kudos, gives quilters a reason to rejoice with more than 200 easy, dazzling patterns. Each design appears in full color, with stitch diagrams. Among the wealth of quilt patterns featured are the Log Cabin, Nine-Patch, Irish Chain, Friendship Star, Pinwheel, Clamshell, Fan, Cathedral Window, and many more.

Customer Reviews:

THE QUILTING SOURCEBOOK Over 200 Easy-to-Follow Patchwork and Quilting Patterns by Maggi McCormick Gordon.......2006-03-25

Absollutely love it. I learn quilting while living abroad and fell in love immediatelly with it. Now after few years I got back home and I do not have the possibillity to just go and buy some more books. I ordered this from Amazon to be able to show my friends about patchwork and tell them about all different types of blocks you can do. As I do teach patchwork as well this is my big friend to achieve just the best results. ENJOY

The title of the book is a good summary of the contents........1999-08-24

This is a wonderful book for beginning quilters and not-so-beginning quilters. Ms. Gordon includes photographs of the various tools used in creating quilts. She shows pictures of historically significant quilts and provides commentary about the various styles and patterns. The major portion of the book is filled with carefully drawn and colored illustrations showing individual patches and variations as well as detailed step-by-step instructions for crafting the patches. Along the way, the reader absorbs ideas about color and pattern matching. I have had this book checked out from my public library for six weeks and finally realized that it was time to buy my own copy. I know I'll be referring to this book over and over again in the years ahead.

Book Description

The first lifestyle book to show groups of colors inspired by nature and how they work on the interior walls of 26 homes. Kaufman's colors are distinctive in that they are designed to capture the nuances of color in nature. The authors reveal their paint-mixing techniques, and recipes for five neutral Donald Kaufman paints are included. Illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

Color me Pleased.......2007-04-13

I have several books on color use in interior design. This one has proven the most useful. In addition to other useful chapters there are ones that address specific needs. Do you want to know how to handle dark rooms or what colors to choose as a background for painting? There's a chapter for you. While the authors sell there own paint line, they discuss how to mix your own. I've painted several rooms based on this book.

Sweet but dated..........2006-08-17

In 2006 this book looks quite dated. The photos don't seem quite... modern. I can tell that this was published more than a decade ago just by looking at the super-annuated home fashions. Pretty but not of today!!!!!

Color:Natural Palettes for Painted Rooms by Donald Kaufman.......2006-06-30

This book was recommended to me by an Interior Designer. I have literally spent pleasurable hours studying this book in preparation for decorating and ten years later redecorating our home. It is absolutely THE BEST source I have found and I have shared it lovingly with others.
Frances Gearhard

I was a little disappointed...........2000-04-22

that there wasn't more info on what pigments the author used to create the colors for each of his beautiful palettes .

I later found on the web that he sells his paints (called, surprisingly enough, the Donald Kaufman Color Collection) for $40 to $75 per gallon. They are available only through the Color Factory (Englewood, NJ) or Painter's Supply (Santa Monica, CA).

Other than that, a beautiful book with plenty of pictures and in-depth discussion of each house.

the best book on color for interiors on the market.......1998-10-05

As an artist, I believe this book is, by far, the very best book on color for home/office interiors on the market. I have gotten so frustrated at paint stores as the language usually spoken there is very different than that of visual artists. Alas, Donald Kaufman has filled the gap! An intelligent, stunning book that reaches a place in my spirit that Martha Stewart couldn't reach........right up there with the recent book by Suzanne Butterfield, using Kaufman's color system.

Book Description

Learn how basic design elements and principles work together to achieve effective communication design by artfully blending academic principles and theories with real-world, practical design solutions. This concise new book begins with the primary design principles of unity, variety, hierarchy, and proportion. Subsequent chapters explore the support principles of scale, balance, repetition, and proximity, and later the elements of shape, line, size, color, texture, imagery, and typography. Profiles of successful designers with samples from their portfolios round out the extensive coverage and offer personal glimpses into the careers of working professionals.

Customer Reviews:

Great book for beginners!.......2007-04-21

Great book! It's great for beginners and spells everything out in an easy to learn way. I enjoyed the examples and all the little extras they added here and there to make everything sink in well.

An excellent text book.......2006-02-20

This book was a text book for my college course Intro to Graphic Design. I loved the book. It's easy to understand and provides a lot of great references, instruction and detail. I learned alot about design from this text. This book provides a good, solid introduction to graphic design.

Great book about design........2005-07-26

This book give you a solid base to be a good designer, inside it you can read about theories and principles of design with a lot of real-world pratical solutions.
The book covers the principles of scale, balance, repetition and proximity; the elements of shape, line, size, color, texture, imagery and typography. At the end of each chapter you have a real-world project to do and a list of questions about the chapter.

At all I can say that this book is a must have and much better than the "Design for non-Designers" book.

Exploring Visual Design: The Elements and Principles

Average customer rating:

In depth examination of Visual Design

Exploring Visual Design: The Elements and Principles
Joseph A. Gatto
Manufacturer: Davis Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Instructional & How-To | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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ASIN: 0871923807

Customer Reviews:

In depth examination of Visual Design.......1997-12-06

Joseph A. Gatto has published one of the most comprehensive tomes on modern visual art and the utility of the space around us, the products we use, and indeed, man's design of his environment and the world. Fascinating theories, a good read, for beginner and pro alike.

Exploring the Elements of Design: How Design Elements and Design Principles Work Together to Create Effective Communication

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Exploring the Elements of Design: How Design Elements and Design Principles Work Together to Create Effective Communication
Mark A. Thomas , and Poppy Evans
Manufacturer: Delmar Thomson Learning
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: CD-ROM
ASIN: 1401832873

Exploring Visual Design: Large Reproductions, Elements of Design

Average customer rating:

Exploring Visual Design: Large Reproductions, Elements of Design

Manufacturer: Davis Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0871923815

Exploring the Elements of Design, Westwood College Ed.

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Exploring the Elements of Design, Westwood College Ed.
Poppy Evans
Manufacturer: Thomson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QFNSB2

Book Description

Fortune magazine called Gilbert V. Hartke one of the five most powerful men in Washington, D.C. He was at once a flamboyant showman, respected statesman, and devout Dominican priest. The day after his death in February 1986, the Washington Post mourned him with a moving editorial and a full-page obituary that declared, “Father Hartke was a figure of legendary stature in the Washington theater community, but his influence and reputation extended far beyond. . . .”

In this long-awaited biography, Mary Jo Santo Pietro chronicles Father Hartke's experiences and endless achievements by combining his own stories, taped weekly during the last year of his life, with stories told by friends, colleagues, and celebrities. The book offers an inside look at major theatrical and political events in the nation's capital from the 1930s through the 1980s, and also uncovers the complex and paradoxical character of the man known as the “White House priest” and “Show Biz priest.”

Father Hartke founded and for thirty-seven years headed the famed Speech and Drama Department at the Catholic University of America. It was the first of its kind at an American Catholic college, and it shaped dozens of Oscar, Tony, and Pulitzer prize-winning actors, directors, and playwrights. Hartke founded America's oldest classical touring company, wrote five full-length plays, directed more than seventy plays, sent nine productions to Broadway, and received numerous honorary doctorates and awards. He was a presidential envoy to several countries, a member of the first National Council on the Arts, and a leader in the campaigns to end racial discrimination in Washington's theaters, to build the Kennedy Center, and to construct the CUA theater that now bears his name.

Customer Reviews:

Well Done, Kid!.......2002-03-15

This book attempts to accomplish two missions. One, it meets Father Hartke's requirement that it be a history of the Drama Department of Catholic University. In so doing it must necessarily also be a biography of one Gilbert V. Hartke. This is a huge and daunting assignment which Ms Santo Pietro takes on. That she succeeds as well as she does is an amazing achievement.

I never thought I would find Father Hartke captured within the confines of a book. I knew him as a teacher, director, administrator, priest and friend. His character was huge, and extremely difficult to depict on a printed page. He had so many qualities, and sometimes they conflicted. He loved his students, and his attempts to be tough on them once in awhile always fell flat. He put up a front of optimistic idealism, and yet he proved to me many times that he understood hard realities about people. He was a big ham, loved to be upfront of a laughing crowd, loved everything about the theatre except the heartbreak. He believed as a priest that he was filling in for God. Maybe so, but he was much kinder than God.

Congratulations Ms Santo Pietro on accomplishing the near impossible, and that is to dramatize goodness, by showing the human effects of that goodness. The scene between David Sabin, and David Merrick brought tears to my eyes. I could have wished for a little less history, and a few more such moments., but hey, you did a hell of a job!
For the record, the editing and page layouts are first rate. Inspired by her subject character, the author writes with the cool punch of a good novelist.
I can hear that gritty voice saying: Well done, kid!

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