Learning to Drive : A Novel

Average customer rating:

Misinformation unfortunate In easy-reading 1st Novel

Great story and characters.

Realistic characters, makes you think

My favorite book of the year

An incredible first novel

Learning to Drive : A Novel
Mary Hays
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B000B86S98

Book Description

Raised as a Christian Scientist in upstate New York, Charlotte McGuffey has always striven to be perfect and has trusted the power of her thoughts to protect her from life’s troubles. But when her newly estranged husband dies on a trip out of town, leaving her to raise their two young sons on her own, Charlotte realizes that her problems are too complex for her to master with the power of her mind alone.

Accompanied by her boys, Charlotte goes to the family’s summer home in Beede, Vermont, where her husband, Mel, was last seen alive, to look for answers about his final days and to grapple with her feelings of confusion and guilt surrounding his death. As Charlotte explores this new world, she is befriended by her neighbors in Beede—a colorful lot who are concerned, helpful, very human, and decidedly imperfect. Among them are a kind and perceptive postmistress/reporter, a garrulous caretaker, and an unlikely suitor—a joyous and charismatic artist at war with conventional thinking.

In this eclectic environment, Charlotte begins to explore her own feelings and question the fundamental beliefs she’s accepted her whole life. To triumph, she must untangle her family’s doctored past and brave encounters with painful truths she has never wanted to face.

In this bighearted, lush, and graceful debut novel, Mary Hays portrays the strength of the human spirit in times of crisis and the ways in which community can foster individual growth. Learning to Drive stakes claim to a world in which all things solid seem to shape-shift, people juggle reality to fit their beliefs, and women are deeply passionate about the choices they make.

Customer Reviews:

Misinformation unfortunate In easy-reading 1st Novel.......2005-09-11

While writing an easy-to-read book is certainly a gift of the author's, she is either grossly misinformed or ignorantly misinterpreting the life of Mary Baker Eddy and the healing practice of Christian Science. As a student of this Science, I found the references to it throughout the book untrue, definitely biased, and certainly unfair. Therefore, the main character's torment over whether or not she should stick with her beliefs about Christian Science and her final decision not to were not surprising nor unexpected, for with that degree of understanding (or rather, misunderstanding) of this religion's foundation and precepts, she surely made the right choice. For anyone interested in obtaining factual and accurate information about the life of Mary Baker Eddy, the discoverer and founder of Christian Science, I advise reading the following:

"Retrospection and Introspection" by Mary Baker Eddy
"Mary Baker Eddy: Christian Healer" by Yvonne Cache von Feltweis and Robert Townsend Warneck
"Mary Baker Eddy" by Robert Peel (3 Volumes: I. The Years of Discovery II. The Years of Trial III. The Years of Authority
"Mary Baker Eddy" Radcliffe Biography Series by Gillian Gill

Great story and characters........2003-12-23

I find it hard to believe this is a first novel for the author. The way she tells the story is seamless, and she has a way of making you feel like you are in the moment with each character. I was slightly put off at first because in the beginning this book seems like a commercial for Christian Science, but it is really nothing like that. This is a wonderful book...one you will want to read many times.

Realistic characters, makes you think.......2003-11-12

This book is more than just a story. It also examines the effect of philosophy/theology on real life. Hays draws her characters with sympathy and hope. A refreshingly different work. I hope to read many more from this author1

My favorite book of the year.......2003-09-29

For me, it's not the big stories, the telling of complicated histories affected by extraordinary events, it's the stories where a profound shift takes place in regular people, that change me in some way. The characters in "Learning to Drive" are so understandable,imperfect,and brave in their circumstances, I found myself reading much slower toward the end so that the book would not be over too soon. To my delight, I found that long after finishing the book, I think of the characters often with great fondness. Amy Peberdy

An incredible first novel.......2003-09-25

I always know when I am reading a specially well-written book when I stop galloping along the story line and start dawdling among the paragraphs. "Learning to Drive" is about a woman freeing herself from her Christian Science beliefs during a move to Vermont. The characters and countryside come to life in this bright, colorful book. Ms. Hayes has a wonderful imagination, and a great, slightly wacky, sense of humor that is all the better for being a little subtle.
I read this book twice and am sure I will read it again...

Book Description

Welcome to the wacky world of the Dungeon, an epic tale teeming with trolls, goblins and other fiends, and starring the featherbrained hero, Herbert the Duck! When an army of tenacled soul- eaters threaten to attack the Dungeon, the Duck is ordered to fetch a fearsome barbarian from the vaults - but the plan goes haywire when the hapless her distracts the barbarous champ during training, causing his beheading. To avoid repercussions, Herbert decides to pose as the barbarian, with not the slightest clue of what he has gotten himself into! Fortunately, the trusty Marvin the Dragon, a blood-thirsty vegetarian warrior, joins him in his mission. the must-read comic of the year --Sequential Tart

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To be or not to be (and just who do you love?)

Fleeting sounds of Angels' feet

Science fiction seemingly torn from today's headlines.

Apocalypse Array (Science Fiction Series)
Lyda Morehouse
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0451459814
Release Date: 2004-06-01

Book Description

Amariah McMannus isn't your normal, everyday, trouble-making teenager. Her mother's a legend in the cybernetic and law-enforcement communities. Her father is the Archangel Michael. The Antichrist is about to get married to Satan-and Amariah herself just may be the next messiah...

Customer Reviews:

To be or not to be (and just who do you love?).......2004-11-03

You're your father's daughter, obviously. Except that he's an angel. Actually, not just any angle. Michael, Commander of the Flock, kicker-out-of-heaven of naughty angels actually. Which makes you... well... pretty much the messiah. 'Cept you're only 16, don't like your mother very much, are, in fact, a little interested in what perhaps can become her new boyfriend ('coz, well, Michael being an angel and all, he's... well... dead). And now The End is near. There's a Dragon on the loose. There's other kids losing their soul to a game. It is actually quite confusing. But a brilliant end to a stunning series of superbly written stories about life, love, God and the many things we should actually enjoy much more. Like cross-dressing. Or speaking the truth. Or going for a walk with a friend.

Fleeting sounds of Angels' feet.......2004-08-01

I was surprised to see that Apocalypse Array was out with a different cover. I didn't recognize it at first, and I'm a little disappointed that my set does not match for this series. I thought that perhaps it was a different publisher, and there is no news on Lyda Morehouse's website regarding this change. So if you have been waiting expectantly for the next book in this combination futuristic telling of end times it is OUT!

(...) I love when authors use the web to show more of their world.

This book is a stunning end to the series. It begins with the wedding of Satan and Anti-Christ, and ends with the Apocalypse. Bringing back all of the familiar characters, angels and humans alike without straying too far from the plot into any individual person's special abilities or purposes. There were quite a few moments when I could not put the book down because of the events unraveling.

I really enjoy Lyda's style of writing characters and their interactions. We jump from scene to scene seeing different pieces of the entire picture from different points of view. Each character definitely has a different voice, and isn't overpowered by an all knowing narrator's voice. We also see the depth of characterization in the character's interactions with each other. I definitely found the Mouse-Deidre-Michael plot very life like. Each character has layers, and depth. For example, Deidre acts as the mother, protector, cop/detective, and girl looking for a relationship all at one point. In every character I see the shades of color that make up any individual's choices.

Lyda does a great job of blending technology with everyday life. I see reflections of the real world in her universe. People retreating from the link, or wanting to meet up and see what is beyond the avatar sounds very much like the eb and flow of popularity with internet connections.

I also like the way she blends in news stories that give us a different perspective again on the events occuring.

For new comers to this series, you could pick up this book without having read any of the others and follow along. It would probably be better to start from the beginning to get all the details, hidden agendas, and built up suspense.

I don't want to spoil anything, as it was a really enjoyable read so I won't summarize the plot. There are definite surprises, and an ending that just finishes this series off well. I couldn't imagine a sequence that would work for this series, but Lyda has done a magnificent job.

Like any of the really good books, I closed the cover wanting to know what happens next, while also wishing that somehow that part of that world was here.

Science fiction seemingly torn from today's headlines........2004-06-04

Lyda Morehouse has done it again! The latest additon to her Archangel series continues the stories of endearing characters such as De, Rye, Michael, Morningstar, and Mouse. The plot is full of rich and rewarding twists and turns--enough to keep you guessing until the last page. The people (and angels) represent enough different cultures to make nearly anyone feel included.

What makes this series especially engaging is the inclusion of current issues . Morehouse uses situations in the book to criticize the increasingly theocratic tendencies of some governments. She skillfully counters the Biblical arguments against some issues. Likewise, she examines prophecy from many angles.

I found particularly amusing a reference to my alma mater. A quote was even attributed to a thinly-veiled professor under whom I studied. It was one of those hidden gems which make no real difference to the average reader but are treasured by those of us in the know.

Ms. Morehouse, I wish you a long and successful career. Keep the Archangel stories coming!

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tru: a cookbook from the legendary Chicago restaurant

Great memoir of a phenomenal restaurant

Tasteful words

Excellent Restaurant Book for Foodies and Pros

Tru: A Cookbook from the Legendary Chicago Restaurant
Rick Tramonto , Gale Gand , and Mary Goodbody
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1400060613
Release Date: 2004-11-09

Amazon.com

In Tru: A Cookbook from the Legendary Chicago Restaurant executive-chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand present 100-plus of the stylish restaurant's most alluring recipes. The tempting dishes, which include the likes of Curried Cauliflower Soup with Cumin Crackers; Roasted Sturgeon with Braised Oxtail and Spiced Carrot Puree; and Roasted Poussin and French Lentils with Bacon Lardons and Truffled Green Brussels Sprouts are clearly presented. Though the majority require special ingredients and a time (and interest) commitment that make them best for special-occasion cooking, all should spark the imaginations (and whet the appetites) of readers interested in seeing what a top restaurant can do when it's at its peak.

Beginning with an introduction to Tru, which includes a discussion of its genesis, culinary approach and service, the book then pursues dishes course by course, with special stops for amuse bouche (appetite-rousing mouthfuls), foie gras, game and cheese specialties, represented by the likes of Roquefort with Pear Chips and Hot Honey Walnuts. Pastry chef Gand then "takes over" and presents a wide range of the restaurant's "multi-course" desserts, including sweet Szechuan Peppercorn Créme Brûlée Spoonfuls, "main-course deserts" like Warm Chocolate Tart with Toasted Almonds Milk Sherbet, and petits fours including Hickory Nut Shortbread. With a section on basic preparations and color photos that depict the dishes in all their creative splendor. --Arthur Boehm

Book Description

The opening of Tru in Chicago was the long-anticipated culmination of the dreams of executive chef Rick Tramonto and his partner, executive pastry chef Gale Gand. There Tramonto and Gand are free to unleash their superb culinary imaginations, serving wildly creative fare best described as progressive French-inspired cooking anchored in the finest European traditions.

Tru reveals the secrets of Tramonto and Gand’s award-winning cuisine–techniques and recipes they have evolved over the past twenty-five years of preparing some of the most delectable food in the world. This glorious cookbook, illustrated with more than sixty photographs by the renowned photographer Tim Turner, offers more than seventy-five never-to-be-forgotten Tru favorites–starting with first courses such as Ricotta Gnocchi with Parmegiano-Reggiano Cream; greens such as Lemon Balm Salad with Yuzu Soy Dressing; and entrees including Black Trumpet Mushroom—Crusted Ahi Tuna and Roasted Beef Tenderloin with Truffled Potato Puree. Gale Gand provides recipes for an irresistible array of cheese courses and a variety of exquisite desserts, including Apricot Tart Tatin and Fromage Blanc Mousse with Blueberry Stew.

Masterfully written recipes with careful attention to detail and easy step-by-step instructions will enable cooks of all levels to prepare and present unforgettable meals, enhance the dining ambience, and enjoy the taste of Tru perfection at home. Award-winning sommelier Scott Tyree suggests wines to complement every course. Tramonto and Gand also share the remarkable story of how they became two of the world’s great chefs and how they made Tru a four-star restaurant.

On every page, Tru reflects an abiding love for food, a great passion for the table, and attention to all that goes into producing superb meals. Tru is the ultimate cookbook for anyone who appreciates food as inventive as it is beautiful.

Customer Reviews:

tru: a cookbook from the legendary Chicago restaurant .......2005-08-26

Great book
good photos
and great technical skills and also easy to read and use in the ktichen

Great memoir of a phenomenal restaurant.......2005-03-17

I just ate at Tru for the second time and it was as amazing as the first time - actually this has become my favorite restaurant in the world (sorry Thomas Keller). I was excited to see the Tru cookbook and hoped that, like the stellar French Laundry cookbook, I might be able to use it to cook some of my favorites from Tru. I have read through the entire cookbook a few times and as culinary reading it is wonderful. Sadly in the past few days I have tried three recipes and had three failures. I am an accomplished home chef, not professional by any means but I am a heck of a recipe follower and can usually make any recipe from any cookbook. Unfortunately here it seems that some detail is missing from the recipes or that they are badly written. I'm planning on using this book for inspiration (there's so much of it in here) but will not be following any recipes verbatim. I'd say this was a worthwhile addition to your kitchen library for the reading pleasure alone but be warned that the recipes may not have the results you expect.

Tasteful words.......2005-03-02

In this book, you can truly taste the love that the chefs at Tru bring to the table. My husband took me here on our our engagement night and I received this book for our 6 month anniversary. I was blown away by the experience itself at the restaurant and this book touches on everything that intrigued me while I was there. You can truly see the passion that these chefs bring into the restaurant and the care and time they take in making dinner a very memorable one. I believe that this book will help me further my education in cooking and add on to my already burning passion for food. Highly recommend the book. You will get a better understanding and appreciation for the restaurant. If you haven't visited Tru already, an unforgettable experience awaits you...

Excellent Restaurant Book for Foodies and Pros.......2004-11-15

`Tru' by Rick Tramonto, pastry partner Gale Gand and writer Mary Goodbody is a book purely for foodies and professionals. The sure signs of this are the fact that the recipes are presented almost exactly as they are done in the restaurant, with all the special ingredients and equipment a home cook is not likely to have available such as foaming canisters, caviar, truffles, and presentation dishes which are custom made for the Tru restaurant.

This does not mean this is a poor book. It only means that its audience is limited. It is more limited than even Thomas Keller's two restaurant books in that the `French Laundry' cookbook gives more insights into the phenomenology of eating and very high end food handling and preparation techniques. The new `Bouchon' cookbook gives a similar master class in technique along with a nearly definitive reference on Bistro dishes.

Tramonto's book is primarily a biography of his five (5) year old restaurant in Chicago and a synopsis of Tramonto and Gand's professional career together. As Gale Gand is actually the more famous of the two due to her Food Network show `Sweet Dreams' and her light, very accessible small books on simple desserts, it is genuinely interesting to us Food Network junkies to know the background behind some of her TV recipe stories. In the course of the authors' acknowledgments, background chapters, and recipe headnotes, Tramonto seems to mention just about every major culinary figure on the planet if they in any way contributed to his business plan, culinary inspiration, or specific recipe. While this may seem like gratuitous name dropping, I actually find this a definite asset to an essay on culinary excellence. This is also just another sign that this book is written for professionals and foodies. Two years ago, references to the Troisgras brothers and to Michel Bras would leave me cold. Now, I can take Tramonto's Michel Bras inspired recipe and compare it with Bras' recipes in his own book. There is some subtly gratuitous selfbackpatting as when the author cites instructions to the wait staff to inhibit breakage, as a single broken piece of dishware will incur a sizable replacement cost.

Tramonto is clearly aiming for the kind of recognition given to a very small group of American chefs headed by Thomas Keller and Charlie Trotter. A quick look at the recipe chapters tells you this at a glance. These are Hors d'oeuvres'; `Amuse-Bouche'; Cold Appetizers; Hot Appetizers; Foie Gras; Soups; Fish and Seafood; Meat and Poultry; Game; The Cheese Course; Dessert Amuse Bouche; Desserts; Petits Fours; and Basic Recipes. This selection is a clear indication that the name of the game at Tru is `Tasting Menus', a relatively large number of small dishes all chosen to go together by the chefs.

I assure you Tramonto's recipes have a richer, more distinctive taste than preparations of similar dishes at your local country club dining room. If I had any doubt that this was possible, I lost those doubts when I made Thomas Keller's recipe for Mac and Cheese with wild mushrooms from `Bouchon'. There was actually subtlety in the taste of the Bechamel sauce carefully infused with onion, pepper, and nutmeg before being strained to smoothness and enriched with Emmentaler cheese. Similarly, Tramonto takes a normally complicated preparation such as lobster bisque and garnishes it with a rather complicated ceviche and prepares it with brandy and sherry in addition to the normal white wine ingredient.

Dessert recipes by Ms. Gand are consistent with the savory chapters in that many ingredients are unusual and procedures are fairly involved. These are not you typical Gale Gand `short + sweet' recipes. One simple amuse-bouche recipe calls for `Perfection' tangerines and basil blossoms. You can substitute clementines or pedestrian tangerines and do without the basil blossoms, but that is not how they do it at Tru.

Unlike celebrated culinary books by Tom Colicchio and John Ash, `Tru' does not go out of its way to highlight pedagogically interesting portions of recipes where new techniques are revealed. Yet, the book is a treasure chest of culinary techniques and unusual ingredients. You just have to read carefully to locate them. One general technique hidden in a recipe is Gand's method for roasting lemons to be used in a `lemonade shooter'. This is also the very first book I have read which uses the foaming technique pioneered by Spanish chef Ferran Adria. The book also makes use of a juicer to produce smooth fruit and vegetable juices in several recipes. The book is also the very first mention I have seen of the ingredient truffle flour.

Every savory entrée includes a detailed wine recommendation supplied by Tru's sommelier. While I am not a wine aficionado, I believe these suggestions are better than average, as they always are explaining the selection and often give an `everyday' choice plus a premium choice. Almost everything I said about the book in general is not true of the `Basic Recipes' chapter. Here we have detailed recipes for thirty-eight pantry items including twelve (12) stocks, five (5) glaces, and eleven (11) sweet and savory flavored oils. If one does not already own Keller's `Bouchon', this chapter makes this book worth its price to an amateur cook. There are some very common items such as beef, chicken, and fish stock and simple syrup and brioche, but there are also some uncommon items such as mushroom stock, lobster oil, and Beurre Monte. If you have ever made chestnut soup with a vegetarian guest, you can see the value of a mushroom stock.

This is a book of excellent recipes that I believe only amateur foodies and professionals will fully appreciate. The book's photography is sound, but not out of the ordinary. I found it odd that the author discusses his custom kitchen design at length and gives us no photos of this facility. The average list price of $35 is just about right for this good but not great book.

Amazon.com

As any parent knows, adolescence is the most challenging part of raising a child. However, as Carol Lea Benjamin proves in "Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence," illustrative cartoons, pertinent case studies, and good advice can certainly make that challenging age easier to handle.

As a professional dog trainer, Benjamin focuses her advice on positive training techniques designed to help both parent and teen through the tumultuous adolescent period. Many of her insights are portrayed through the eyes of a canine, and help to illustrate the types of thoughts entertained by the teen dog. These range from the dog who responds to his owner's calls of "Come" with "When Pigs Fly," to the dog who demonstrates his tenacity by staking out a mole hill with a flag that says "Never Say Die." Also included are techniques for effective training, guidelines for appropriate dog-owner relationships, and tips for dealing with specific dog "problems." Case studies of real-life dogs offer substantial evidence to back up Benjamin's recommendations.

A must-read for any owner of an adolescent dog, "Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence" can help any parent understand the teen dog and help to provide guidelines that result in a rewarding relationship for both dog and owner. --Jennifer Pugh

Book Description

In Praise of Surviving Your Dog's Adolescence

"Carol Benjamin has brought her usual wit and insight to bear on what is one of the most troubling phases for dog owners.... Whether you're having difficulties with a youngster or have a puppy who will soon be an adolescent, you can't help but benefit from reading this book." Robert G. Maxwell President, The American Kennel Club

"A concise and practical guide Zthat] confronts almost every potential problem...with solid advice and good humor. It is destined to become a dog owner's next best friend." Roger A. Caras President, ASPCA
A Howell Dog Book of Distinction

Customer Reviews:

If you have a teenage dog, get this book.......2007-06-17

This is an excellent book that discourages treat training and encourages understanding and praise. It covers the differences between puppies and adolescents, winning your dog's respect, having an appropriate relationship with your dog, tools you do and don't need, understanding how breed and character affects behavior, trade secrets, how to train basic commands, rules for rehabbing a problem dog, dealing with problems, and how to 'build' the dog of your dreams. Behaviors covered range from aggression to grooming problems to wildness. Although it is geared for the adolescent dog, this book would also be suitable for someone adopting a dog or just needing to retrain his or her own difficult pet.

Not just bad advice -- *dangerous* advice!.......2006-04-14

I picked up this book looking to learn more about the adolescent stage of dogs. What I found instead was bad information, some of it downright dangerous.

The first chapter I turned to was on behavior problems, and here I read something that horrified me. Ms. Benjamin says that you should punish a dog if it growls at you to defend its food. This is, unfortunately, the perfect recipe to create a dog that bites without warning. If you do this, you don't punish the dog for being aggressive around its food -- you punish the dog for warning you that it is uncomfortable and will bite if pushed further. You stop the growling, but not the "feeling of threat" that the dog has. If you punish other warning signs, such as snapping, you will also cause those signs to disappear. Without the warnings, you will not know that your dog is not comfortable with what you are doing until it feels threatened enough that it has to bite -- and it will bite without warning.

Ms. Benjamin also perpetuates the terribly outdated notion that you can end a bad behavior by punishing the dog after the behavior has happened as long as there is a "reminder" you can show the dog. Reminder or not, punishment never works unless it is timed correctly -- that means that you have to punish during the behavior itself. If the dog has already stopped, it's too late, and you're punishing something else entirely.

Finally, Ms. Benjamin says that "positive training," that is, training without physical punishment, does not work. That is absolutely false. Considering that this book was written over a decade ago, I don't find this attitude surprising at all, but it is wrong. "Positive" traditional training works when used properly. Modern "positive" training works when used properly. Both sides can point to examples of failures from the other group, but that doesn't mean the methods don't work.

There is a little bit of good information, such as "anger has no place in dog training" and "dogs don't act out of spite." But the average dog owner cannot distinguish between the good information and the bad, and the bad is bad enough that I have to strongly recommend than an owner or novice dog trainer avoid this book altogether.

If you are looking for positive traditional training, find another author, one who understands the proper way to use punishment and understands how dogs learn. If you are looking for modern positive training, I recommend Dr. Ian Dunbar's books. He uses only non-physical punishment, and clearly explains how to be a benevolent leader for your dog. His methods debunk the false-but-popular myth that positive = permissive (as another reviewer mistakenly believes). His methods are strict but fair and without physical punishment. The results are amazing to watch and can be seen in his off-leash work with his malamute in one of his videos -- he has great control of his dog. (As an aside, his book "Before and After Getting Your Puppy" will prevent a lot of the problems dealt with in this book.)

I'm a Survivor!.......2006-03-06

I survived my dog's adolescence thanks to this book. Aside from good training tips and practical information on dealing with adolescent dogs, this book also gave me encouragement to keep working with my dog and let me know that I was not alone. Now I know almost every dog owner goes through this...

This book was a life-saver.......2006-02-04

12 years ago, I remember sitting on my bed in tears. My adorable Golden Retriever puppy had hit a point where she was really hard to handle, and I felt overwhelmed-- like a failure as a dog owner! I knew I needed some good advice, and I ended up finding this book at the library.

It was incredibly helpful, reassuring, and positive. Needless to say, my Golden eventually grew into a lovely, kind, and affectionate dog. This book helped us get through a rocky point in our relationship, and I am really greatful to Carol Lea Benjamin for helping me to handle this stage of my best friend's development effectively/helping me to understand my dog better.

A year after reading this book, I adopted an elderly Irish Setter. Benajamin's book "Secondhand Dog" was helpful to us.

If you like the Monks of New Skete and Brian Kilcommons you will find Carol Lea Banjamin's approach to be slightly different (but similar) and very helpful. You may also want to check out Patricia McConnell's humane, wise dog books (The Other End of the Leash, Beginning Family Dog Training, etc.).

An informative, intelligent and entertaining book.......2006-01-21

I have read about a dozen books on training and caring for dogs, and while some were pretty good none of them alerted me to the fact that dogs go through an adolescence phase just like human teenagers. I read this book when my puppy was 7 months old and not displaying any "bratty" behaviour, but I implemented many of the author's suggestions anyway as a precautionary measure. A couple of months later he was showing just slight signs of adolescence (thinking things over for a couple of seconds before obeying commands) but none of the extreme stubbornness that miniature schnauzers are known for, and I'm sure it is thanks at least in part to the precautionary measures I took after reading this book. I re-read this book and applied the advice, and my puppy is back to making immediate responses to my commands.

I highly recommend this book to any dog owner, preferably before your dog enters adolescence, but definitely as soon as he or she starts displaying problem behaviours.

SURVIVING YOUR DOG'S ADOLESCENCE : A POSITIVE TRAINING PROGRAM.

Average customer rating:

SURVIVING YOUR DOG'S ADOLESCENCE : A POSITIVE TRAINING PROGRAM.
Carol Lea. Benjamin
Manufacturer: Macmillan,
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Customer Reviews:

One of the best books on coke memorabilia........1999-10-04

This book is a useful tool whether you are an avid collertor of Coke or a novice. Not only does it price and display many unusual items, but it gives you a background into the history of Coke, which enriches ones appreciation for collecting. A must have for anyone collecting or thinking about collecting.

Up to date guide for vintage Coca-Cola memorabilia.......1999-07-23

A very nice book that provides the value and information on over 1,800 items. Includes over 600 photos, mostly black and white, and over 100 full color sharp photos of vintage items, with some photos a full page in size. It covers memorabilia from blotters and chewing gum, to playing cards, signs, wallets and watch fobs. Some of these photos won't be found in any other book. Each category of collectible features a short history of that group. Fun to look at, and a useful addition to your collectibles library.

Average customer rating:
Prairie Quilts: Projects for the Home Inspired by the Life and Times of Laura Ingalls Wilder
Johanna Wilson , and Laura Ingalls Wilder
Manufacturer: Krause Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0873497732

Book Description

With his unbounded imagination, and taste for turning the laws of nature on their head, painter Josh Kirby has become a favorite of science fiction authors and a top-flight creator of wickedly clever film posters. This collection of his exuberant works is a sheer delight, featuring covers for the Savage Scorpio series; a selection from Kirby’s magnum opus Voyage of the Ayeguy, portraits of Hitchcock; and a film poster for Monty Python’s Life of Brian.

Customer Reviews:

A creative&humorous Fantasy&Science-Fiction artist.......2005-04-14

Ronald William(Josh) Kirby died a few years ago(Shelfanger,Norfolk,October 23,2001).He was born in Waterloo,Lancashire,ENGLAND,on November 27,1928,to become one of the greatest british Fantasy&Science-Fiction artists.He was creative,wryly humorous and technically brilliant.This wonderful book,written by Nigel Suckling,has a Foreword by the great Brian Aldiss,Kirby's long time friend and admirer,and offers to us,Fantasy&SF Art enthusiasts, a large sample of Josh Kirby's art.Art collected by famous names like Forrest J. Ackerman and Ray Bradbury.
Personally,I admire a large number of his works reproduced in this book.A few of the paintings I love:the cover for "MORLOCK NIGHT"(DAW Books,1979)a H.G.Wells pastiche by K.W.Jeter;MUMMY I,a Postcard(Clouded Tiger Cards,1981);the exquisite cover for "THE MIND BEHIND THE EYE"(DAW Books,1971)by Joseph Green;the covers for the serie of humorous SF books written by Ron Goulart for DAW Books:"THE WICKED CYBORG","THE ROBOT IN THE CLOSET","A WHIFF OF MADNESS","HAIL HIBBLER","HELLO LEMURIA HELLO","WHAT'S BECOME OF SCREWLOOSE?","BIG BANG" and "UPSIDE DOWNSIDE".I really love his Robots.Kirby said about androids&robots:"...androids(or robots) are merely a more or less clumsy version of us."They are funny ,but pathetic too.And I am a fan of his famous aliens.A few of them are reproduced here:in the covers for Brian Aldiss's "THE INTERPRETER"(FOUR SQUARE,1966), James White's"THE ALIENS AMONGST US"(DAW Books,1970),LLOYD BIGGLE JR'S "THE LIGHT THAT NEVER WAS"(MORLEY,1974)and KEITH LAUMER'S "GALACTIC ODISSEY"(MAYFLOWER,1974), we see examples of his horrid&funny aliens.And there is a painting that Kirby made for the British Science-Fiction magazine SF MONTHLY(1974) called SPACE OPERA that, for me,epitomizes Science-Fiction.
Enjoy this Garden of Unearthly Delights!

In the Garden of Unearthly Delights - the Paintings of Josh Kirby

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In the Garden of Unearthly Delights - the Paintings of Josh Kirby

Manufacturer: Paper Tiger
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HK7M4K

Book Description

In this beautifully crafted study of one emblematic life, Harrison addresses large themes in Chinese history while conveying with great immediacy the textures and rhythms of everyday life in the countryside in the late-nineteenth and early-twentieth centuries.

Liu Dapeng was a provincial degree-holder who never held government office. Through the story of his family, the author illustrates the decline of the countryside in relation to the cities as a result of modernization and the transformation of Confucian ideology as a result of these changes. Based on nearly 400 volumes of Liu's diary and other writings, the book illustrates what it was like to study in an academy and to be a schoolteacher, the pressures of changing family relationships, the daily grind of work in industry and agriculture, people's experience with government, and life under the Japanese occupation.

The Awakened One (Shambhala Dragon Editions)

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Not a history book......but then again, it doesn't try to be
A highly readable and inspiring historical account

The Awakened One (Shambhala Dragon Editions)
Sherab Chodzin Kohn
Manufacturer: Shambhala
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Buddhism | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1570625514
Release Date: 2000-02-15

Book Description

The story of the founder of Buddhism is one of the world's great archetypal tales of spiritual awakening. He was born Siddhartha Gautama in the sixth century BCE, the son of a prince who ruled a small kingdom in what is now Nepal. Siddhartha led a sheltered existence until the age of twenty-nine, when he left his life of ease and set out to find a solution to the problem of suffering. For years he wandered as a homeless ascetic, practicing severe austerities that brought him to the brink of death but no nearer to his goal. He then abandoned asceticism for a "middle way." Sitting down under a tree, he vowed to remain there until he realized the truth. After a night of deep meditation, his Enlightenment came at dawn, and he was thereafter known as the Buddha, the "Awakened One."

Customer Reviews:

Not a history book......but then again, it doesn't try to be.......2004-06-13

A wonderful account of The Buddha's earliest traditions that are deeply rooted in Hiduism. The book presents the story in a very straightforward path from prelife to death. Not an introduction to Buddhism itself but simply the stories surrounding the man who was its source. Highly recommended for anyone interested in the most ancient stories of The Buddha.

A highly readable and inspiring historical account.......2000-05-25

This is an excellent book. Much better for eg. than Paul Carus' Gospel of the Buddha, a perennial bestseller, though it hasn't sold much here. Don't be fooled by the low sales. Kohn manages to convey in extremely readable English, the poetry of the Buddha's life from what is evidently extensive research of the original sources. This is not a book about the Buddha's philosophy, though the when, how and what of his enlightenment is amply covered. It is primarily an account of his life, a biography, and in that, an excellent one. One gets a sense of his life, as also of the times in which he lived. The mythical contexts come alive in a way that one rarely sees, particularly the quaint world-space of the time. All the Buddha's major disciples and those with whom he had significant interactions are covered extensively. The most important thing about this book and what may be seen as it's only limitation is that it is not a scholarly work, but an introduction for the curious seeker.

The Star Borne: A Remembrance for the Awakened Ones

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An "a-hah" read
Soul Awakening!
Transformational & reassuring...
Meet some other like you

The Star Borne: A Remembrance for the Awakened Ones
Solara
Manufacturer: Star Borne Unlimited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Self-Help | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1878246003

Book Description

Who are we and why are we here? Where did we come from and how do we return home? What's the difference between Angels, Star Beings and Space Beings? This much beloved book is a vast handbook of remembrance which has touched many and transformed lives. There have been eight printings so far.

Customer Reviews:

An "a-hah" read.......2005-09-23

A very refreshing book, so interesting and easy to read, so full of "a-hah" moments! I highly recommend the book for those seeking to expand their inner world of self-discovery. Happy voyage!

Soul Awakening!.......2000-05-01

Reading the Starborne was like having my life validated...For so many years I felt so alone as if there was nobody else who could understand the seemingly strange occurances in my life. Always dismissed as having an over active imagination, I felt isolated and completely misunderstood. But reading Solara's words brought tears to my eyes in the realization that I in fact am NOT alone and that there are many who experience the same things. If you feel you come from another dimension, youll find great comfort in this book. Its truly Spirit on paper.

Transformational & reassuring..........1999-12-17

This book took me by surprise. Never expected to see in print what's been haunting me in my dreams... Strange... and wonderful... Not everyone will understand it. It's not meant to be "analyzed" or "discussed" - just a quiet whisper or reassurance, something that will make one's soul smile and nod in recognition...

Meet some other like you.......1999-02-07

Carefully and poetically written, this little book will help you understand, if you, like some of us, feel like came from some other planet, where that feeling comes from. Don't be afraid to get in touch with the hidden part of your mind, you'll discover some true facts about you thanks to this book.

The Awakened Leader: One Simple Leadership Style That Works Every Time, Everywhere

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The Awakened Leader: One Simple Leadership Style That Works Every Time, Everywhere
Joan Marques
Manufacturer: Personhood Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Management | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1932181245

Book Description

Written in a conversational tone, this analysis argues that leadership styles do not need to change in different contexts, thus giving readers permission to develop one style that works for every situation. Readers are instructed on the behaviors and traits necessary to become awakened leaders and they are warned about common mistakes. In-depth interviews with leaders in many settings, from corporate to nonprofit and religious to personal, reveal crucial points for leadership success as well as organizational aspects for achieving greater job performance and satisfaction. Taking into account the many recognized leadership styles discussed in business literature, Awakened Leadership is presented as the most effective, versatile style of leading.

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The Awakened One
Bhagwan S. Rajneesh
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 006064205X

Indisputable Truth: The Four Seals that Mark the Teachings of the Awakened Ones

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Indisputable Truth: The Four Seals that Mark the Teachings of the Awakened Ones
Chokyi Nyima Rinpoche
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KJ5T1G

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The Star Borne: A Remembrance For The Awakened Ones
Solara -
Manufacturer: Starborne Unlimited Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PXYCM4

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The Truly Awakened One
Hsuan Hua
Manufacturer: Buddhist Text Translation Society
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

A bilingual Chinese/English, illustrated story of the life of the Buddha.

Uncle Tom's Classroom: HOW ONE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER AWAKENED HIS STUDENTS TO THE COSMIC SUPER SELF WITHIN

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A revolution in education!

Uncle Tom's Classroom: HOW ONE PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER AWAKENED HIS STUDENTS TO THE COSMIC SUPER SELF WITHIN
Thomas Alan Berg
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Metaphysics | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1425760791

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A revolution in education!.......2007-09-17

After forty years on the front lines of public education, author Thomas Alan Berg offers a unique and valuable perspective into what has gone wrong with the American public education system. In the "one nation under God" any mention or reference to "God" or a "Creator" has been stripped from the curriculum in the name of secularism. According to Berg, the US educational system now serves primarily to create generations of worker bees and consumers instead of creative individuals. In Uncle Tom's Classroom, Thomas Alan Berg shares a fantastic curriculum that he developed in his own "Bergland" classroom over the years, one that empowers the "Super Self" of each child and awakens the full and true potential of those he has taught. He has found a way to bring an empowering spirituality back into the classroom, without the pitfalls of religion. This is a must-read for any parent with kids in the public system, or anyone who has gone through it themselves. A real eye-opener!

War of Powers Part 2 ISTU Awakened, Omnibus Edition Containing The Fallen Ones, In the Shadow of Omizantrim, Demon of the Dark Ones

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War of Powers Part 2 ISTU Awakened, Omnibus Edition Containing The Fallen Ones, In the Shadow of Omizantrim, Demon of the Dark Ones
Robert E.; Milan, Victor Vardeman
Manufacturer: Nel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000U15YDW

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