The Trouble with Catherine
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • a strong female lead, and a story worthy of her
  • good light read
  • Good chick-lit
  • The trouble with this novel...
  • You Will Grow To Love Her
The Trouble with Catherine
Andes Hruby
Manufacturer: Plume
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0452283469
Release Date: 2003-06-24

Book Description

Catherine Lacey, a fishmonger in New York City's Fulton Fish Market on the wrong side of twenty, has decided it's time to get married. Steve, a lawyer, has proposed, and as Catherine descends into a world of engagement parties and dress-fittings-all the while juggling mind-numbing corporate functions-she begins to wonder, "Do I truly love the man I'm going to marry?" At once witty, thoughtful, and acutely observed, The Trouble with Catherine is a story of one woman's liberating journey through the minefields of love, sex, and friendship.

Customer Reviews:

4 out of 5 stars a strong female lead, and a story worthy of her.......2003-12-28

I *really* liked this book. I kept on carrying it with me, catching small moments to keep reading because I was so enthralled with the story. The main character is very appealing, and a wonderful change from all the "independent" female figures who just crumple into a tepid, traditional and trite charicature of a middling everywoman at the end of their journey. As a semi-regular reader of chick-lit, I'm all too familiar with this procedure - where the protagonist goes off to find herself, and discovers that she really is happy with so many of the mainstream conventions that she snubbed in the past. Now that she's seen the light, she gets to maintain a quirk or two to prove that she hasn't succumbed to the tyranny of the majority. However, she's really just a cookie cutter mold with slightly different icing.

Sorry if that was overly bitter about other books that have failed to live up to their beginnings. But this story was great not simply because it didn't fall down as others have. It is worthy of praise in its own right, simply because the story is original without being contrived and the characters are gripping. True, many of the supporting ones could have been developed more than they were, but this isn't Dickens.

A nicely rewarding treat when I was expecting pure fluff!

4 out of 5 stars good light read.......2003-10-12

of the same veign as the nanny diaries and babyville... a little trite with the love stories but the author didn't succomb to sex scenes with no real grounding in the characters -

4 out of 5 stars Good chick-lit.......2003-07-03

Twenty-nine years old Catherine Lacey is Manhattan steel, perhaps a critically needed trait to successfully survive working as a fish dealer in the Fulton Fish Market. Catherine is a "dock brat" tough and strong as any of those males she drinks under the table, but is also in great shape. One would have to be to work with tons of fish.

However, Catherine feels that the time for matrimony is upon her as she watches her buds, the guys she has hung with for years, get married. So the independent Catherine persuades her junior lawyer boyfriend, Steve into proposing. As the wedding date comes closer, Catherine begins to have doubts about spending a lifetime with someone who mocks her blue-collar work ethic and has no fear of telling a man her needs in their relationship. Adding to her doubts is Johnny, a "special" friend when she was a teen, but he is married and deserted her once before. Will she wed the lawyer, have an affair with Johnny, or just relate with fish?

The key to this chic lit tale is that the heroine is not a fluffy frump, but instead is a strong delightful lead protagonist even with her anchored personality emphasized by hyperbole to accentuate a trait. Readers will appreciate her outlook and her ability to compete with the boys. Her fiancé suffers from penis envy and is obviously wrong for her; in turn he hurts the strong story line. Still Catherine's in your face attitude makes for a fresh tale supplemented by her caring parents, fellow fish peers, and an insightful look at their business.

Harriet Klausner

3 out of 5 stars The trouble with this novel..........2003-02-08

...is that the heroine is one-dimensional and irritating. Catherine thought that she was happy with her single life, but she begins to contemplate putting an end to her freedom when she loses her friends to marriage. Her boyfriend appears to be perfect -- handsome, successful, thoughtful -- which is why she cannot understand why his behavior has changed. Is her fiance Mr. Wrong, or is she really ready for marriage?

The dialogue is sharp and the characters are fun, but I couldn't swallow Catherine. There's something about the protagonist that troubles me...

5 out of 5 stars You Will Grow To Love Her.......2003-01-06

Catherine Lacey is one savvy, street-wise, competitive, feisty woman. She swims easily among the (male) sharks in her life, manages a wholesale fish business, dresses like a man, deals with restaurants, with advertising moguls, photographers, and models. In fact, she can do just about everything except give up control. She cannot let herself be vulnerable and she can't manage a long-term relationship. So what will she do as the biologic clock is ticking ahead and all her friends are getting married?

The "plot" as outlined by the other reviewers is somewhat beside the point. She settles all too quickly on Mr. Right, begins to have doubts, goes through a long and agonizing reappraisal, makes peace with her parents after years of family warfare, and-- well-- begins to grow up. Meanwhile she is drinking too much, staying up too late, spinning her wheels, and fighting to stay in control.

Author Hruby is a masterful writer who brings this complex character to life in a wonderful, deep way. By the end of the book I felt I had made a new friend--yes, a difficult friend,--but one with a deep inner beauty. It was a great opportunity. I recommend this book highly. Reviewed by Louis N. Gruber
The Trouble with Jud
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The Trouble with Jud
    Catherine Runyon
    Manufacturer: EDGEWEAR
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback
    ASIN: 080246890X

    Clan Novel Saga: The Eye of Gehenna (Vampire, 2)
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Vampires Kinderd
    • Better then the original Clan Saga
    Clan Novel Saga: The Eye of Gehenna (Vampire, 2)
    Stewart Wieck , Gherbod Fleming , Eric Griffin , Kathleen Ryan , Justin Achilli , and Richard Dansky
    Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Achilli, JustinAchilli, Justin | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Fleming, GherbodFleming, Gherbod | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Wieck, StewartWieck, Stewart | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    VampiresVampires | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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    Similar Items:
    1. Bloody September (Clan Novel Saga. Vol 3) Bloody September (Clan Novel Saga. Vol 3)
    2. Anthology (Clan Novel: Vampire the Masquerade) Anthology (Clan Novel: Vampire the Masquerade)
    3. Clan Novel: Brujah (Vampire: The Masquerade) Clan Novel: Brujah (Vampire: The Masquerade)
    4. Dark Ages: Tzimisce (Dark Ages Clan Novel Series) Dark Ages: Tzimisce (Dark Ages Clan Novel Series)
    5. Ventrue: Clan Novel (Vampire: The Masquerade) Ventrue: Clan Novel (Vampire: The Masquerade)

    ASIN: 1588468461

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Vampires Kinderd .......2006-07-09

    Every thing you want in a Vampire book where even the so called heros are not so nice

    5 out of 5 stars Better then the original Clan Saga.......2004-07-06

    Let me start by saying I love the original WoD and VtM. I read the whole Clan Novel Series (the 14 original books) many times. This is better. Adding in information from other sources (The Book of Nod) and a bit new stuff that is fun as well. By far the best feture of this book (as well as its brothers Eye of Gehenna, Bloody September and End Games) is the way the editors pulled out the chapters of the original books, time stamped so you know when the chapter happens, and put them all together in chronilogical order (Spelling...sorry). Fall of Atlanta is a great opeining and a must read for people who want a feel for the revisions between Vampire the Masquerade 2nd Edition and the 2nd Edition Revised. The characters are the best I have ever read and it leaves you wanting so much more.

    Ribofunk (Di Filippo, Paul)
    Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
    • Bruce Sterling does it better
    • Engrossing, well-realized biopunk world of "Tomorrow"
    • Enormously entertaining and creative
    • One of the Best Sci Fi Books of the Past 10 Years
    • Not bad at all
    Ribofunk (Di Filippo, Paul)
    Paul Di Filippo
    Manufacturer: Four Walls Eight Windows
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    United StatesUnited States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
    GeneralGeneral | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | Classics | Comic | Contemporary | Literary
    GeneralGeneral | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
    Di Filippo, PaulDi Filippo, Paul | ( D ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
    GeneralGeneral | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
    Short StoriesShort Stories | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
    Similar Items:
    1. The Steampunk Trilogy The Steampunk Trilogy
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    5. Babylon Sisters Babylon Sisters

    ASIN: 1568580622

    Amazon.com

    Nebula finalist Paul Di Filippo follows The Steampunk Trilogy, a collection of alternate-history novellas, with Ribofunk, a biotechnological hard-SF collection. As the radical shift of genres may indicate, Ribofunk is astonishingly diverse in subjects and styles, even though its 13 stories make up a future history. Despite the generous number of stories, the book's quality and creativity remain high throughout. In "Brain Wars," a genetically engineered disease afflicts an Antarctic army with enough psychobiological horrors to frighten even the famed neurologist Oliver Sacks. In "The Boot," a 2060s-era private investigator seeks a bio-enhanced thief-gambler who can see the dynamics of chaos and may therefore be able to beat any odds, even those of capture. In "The Bad Splice," the PI finds himself trapped alone in the superseaweed-choked, storm-torn North Atlantic with the diabolical Krazy Kat, a "splice," or genetically engineered animal-man, who has escaped bondage and become a splice-rights terrorist. A few characters recur sporadically, but one appears in every story: the Earth, its biosphere progressively altering with every tale, until the ultimate transformation of the final story, which brings the collection, novel-like, to a tremendous, terrifying, apocalyptic climax.

    Few SF writers are as imaginative, energetic, or idea rich as Paul Di Filippo, and fewer still have as broad a knowledge of science and culture. And there's no contemporary SF writer who's more fun to read. --Cynthia Ward

    Book Description

    In a stunningly inventive collection of stories all set in the same disturbingly dystopian tomorrow, acclaimed sf innovator Paul DiFilippo demonstrates that the future isn't electronic, nuclear, or cyber...it's organic. Potentially apocalytic threats --viral, mental, virtual, physical, and brain-fryingly toxic--are everywher, the outrageous end-product of unchecked biological tinkering with our surroundings and ourselves.

    Customer Reviews:

    2 out of 5 stars Bruce Sterling does it better.......2005-06-10

    This book is a collection of short stories that are all set in a futuristic world where biotechnology has altered and pervades every aspect of life. Drugs, recreational or otherwise, determine where you fit in society, as does your genetic makeup. I forgot how exactly I found out about this book, but after reading through every short story, I felt as if my time might have been better spent re-reading Bruce Sterling's Schismatrix, or William Gibson's Neuromancer.

    I found that there are two predominant themes in this book, one being if humans are genetically engineered to contain DNA from other organisms, should they still be classified as being human, and what rights should they have? The other was how will biotechnology alter how humans live day-to-day? Di Filippo's answer to the first question is quite arbitrary, that one must only have 51% or more human DNA to be considered human, and all other genetically modified creatures with 50% or less human DNA may be treated like any other animal. Di Filippo must not have realized that most if not all primates have 51% or more DNA, and would thus be classified as humans in his futuristic world. It's also disappointing to learn that in the future, the concept of animal rights has all but been abolished, since many stories feature characters who are "animals" composed of 50% or less human DNA who are routinely beaten, tortured, and raped (and lovingly referred to as "play-pets"). Even more disappointing is Di Filippo's refusal to explore more spiritual or social aspects as to what makes a human human, such as what only humans can create or do. For Di Filippo, the classifications of human and non-human are frighteningly black and white, and unbelievable in even the most dystopic future.

    There are also a few scattered short stories about characters that use biotechnology to enhance how they do their job or interact with others. There are stories about characters who use drugs to help them gamble, biotechnological enhancements to help them fight crime, medical treatments given to those who clean up toxic waste, and cosmetic enhancements like horns or tusks for social purposes. But after contemplating them all, I can't quite fathom what Di Filippo is trying to convey with these stories, other than if we can use biotechnology to do something, we will regardless of its moral or social implecations. And Di Filippo may very well be right about this, and this idea is the only reason why I'm not giving Ribofunk one star. Most of the ideas in it are either stagnant, or poorly thought out and easily dismissed. Di Filippo tries to develop a type of futuristic slang for his characters throughout Ribofunk similar to nadsat slang in A Clockwork Orange, but it's more annoying than anything.

    Overall I was very disappointed with Ribofunk. There are dozens of books that are far superior in quality to this one, and have more innovative predictions of what the biotechnology revolution will bring.

    4 out of 5 stars Engrossing, well-realized biopunk world of "Tomorrow".......2002-02-19

    If I were Tim Robbins in Robert Altman's 'The Player' I might pitch a well-read exec like this: Imagine a biopunk version of William Gibson's 'Burning Chrome'. But I'm not. Briefly, I have a love/hate relationship with science-fiction. Love the genre, hate most of what I find out there. Most science-fiction is poorly conceived and/or poorly written. Di Filippo is different. As a writer, his prose is as tight as his ideas are original. 'Ribofunk' is an excellent collection of short stories connected by a shared dystopian world where genetic engineering has been taken to the extreme. What it means to be human has changed as 'splices', individuals possessing a blend of human and non-human DNA, have become the norm. Animal antlers, fish gills, insect limbs and a host of other add-ons can be acquired in shops for reasons ranging from fashion to military functionality. One's human rights are determined by the possession of no less than 51% human DNA. These and many more provacative premises are cleverly explored throughout 'Ribofunk'. Each story stands on its own. Taken together they form a strange kaleidescope of a future that seems much closer and more plausible with each new 'biotech' headline.

    5 out of 5 stars Enormously entertaining and creative.......2002-01-05

    How I wish this writer would do some more of his speculative SF. This collection of short stories is some of the most innovative and well conceived stuff available without a prescription. I absolutely recommend this to anyone who likes writers like greg egan or neal stephensen.

    5 out of 5 stars One of the Best Sci Fi Books of the Past 10 Years.......2001-08-23

    This is a very entertaining, very engaging book. Fantastic, creative use of language combined with amazing insight into the possibilities of nanotechnology, cloning, genetic manipulation and better living through chemistry. The book and stories are fun but have depth and emotion. I reread this in 2001 after reading it 5 years ago and I was amazed at the perceptive forward vision that the author had in some of these stories originally published 10 years ago.

    4 out of 5 stars Not bad at all.......1999-10-28

    Definitely bio-punk; the world that Gibson and Williams and Sterling built, with computers de-emphasized and messy smelly squishy sexy biological stuff pumped way up.

    At least in this book, Di Filippo is more willing than the classic cyberpunk writers to go over the top, to be a little silly. When he writes "Coney dropped like a smartbomb from a scramjet", he may be accurately forecasting the way technological words seep into common speech, but I suspect he's just having fun. If that sort of thing doesn't bother you, and you don't mind figuring out a heavy dose of new vocabulary on the fly (I like it, myself; I figured out most things, including "whychromes", but although I got the meaning of "reedpair" quickly enough I'm still in the dark on the etymology of it), you'll probably enjoy this book.

    I did.
    RIBOFUNK.
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      RIBOFUNK.
      Paul. Di Filippo
      Manufacturer: Four Walls Eight Windows,
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover
      ASIN: B000NYAWTW

      Spices of Life: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health
      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
      • Wonderful
      • Delicious!
      • A Rehash
      • Great Taste and Easy to follow
      • Nina Simonds cookbooks are simply the best
      Spices of Life: Simple and Delicious Recipes for Great Health
      Nina Simonds
      Manufacturer: Knopf
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      Herbs, Spices & CondimentsHerbs, Spices & Condiments | Cooking by Ingredient | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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      2. Asian Noodles: 75 Dishes To Twirl, Slurp, And Savor Asian Noodles: 75 Dishes To Twirl, Slurp, And Savor
      3. Asian Wraps: Deliciously Easy Hand-Held Bundles To Stuff, Wrap, And Relish Asian Wraps: Deliciously Easy Hand-Held Bundles To Stuff, Wrap, And Relish
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      5. Classic Chinese Cuisine Classic Chinese Cuisine

      ASIN: 0375411607
      Release Date: 2005-02-01

      Amazon.com

      Award-winning author, Nina Simonds (A Spoonful of Ginger) has had an ear cocked to the healing properties of food since beginning her studies of Chinese cuisine in Taiwan. Give a culture a few thousand years to grow and flower and it will have a thing or two to say about what's good to eat, and what's good for you to eat, no question about it. Other cultures may not have it all quite as tabulated and codified as the Chinese (or Hindu culture with the laws of Ayurveda), but have settled over the eons on a way of life and cooking that works to the benefit, not the detriment, of the body. Mediterranean culture comes to mind. Measure all that against fast food and a culture (our own) that willfully strips time away from the daily need to eat--and not just eat alone, but as a family or group with time for each other--and you have the roots of a health crisis. So it's perfectly natural for an insightful food writer like Nina Simonds to produce a wonderful cookbook with the idea of health and healthy living at it's core. Spices of Life is the result.

      The 160 recipes are divided into sections that include Something to Graze On, Appetizers that Make a Meal, Homey Soups, Hearty Stews and Braises, Main-dish Salads, Pleasures from the Garden, Versatile Stir-fries and Sautes, East-West Barbecue, Irresistible Vegetarian, Satisfying Staples: Noodles, Rice and Other Grains, Light and Sumptuous Sweets, and Foods that Fight Common Ailments. Simonds's deep experience with Asian cooking comes through in Technicolor Spicy Sichuan-style Green Beans. But so too does her own heritage, as in Great-Aunt Sophie's Chicken Soup.

      The sidebars to each recipe give health information about various ingredients. For Spiced Almonds Simonds explains that the high fat content of almonds is monounsaturated, of a type to help reduce cholesterol, and that the high Vitamin E content can prevent heart disease. As for cinnamon and star anise, Asian physicians prescribe them as digestive aids. A brief profile of a health all star is included with each chapter, the focus on their expertise, and in some cases, their favorite recipes. In Appetizers, Dr. Andrew Weil discusses Vitamin and mineral supplements. In Homey Soups, Walter Willet takes on the food pyramid.

      The real strength of Spices of Life, however, is found in the recipes and in Simonds's own experience as a very busy working mother--both in the kinds of food she puts on the table, and how she gets it there. She shares strategies for cooking as well as taking on the challenges of daily life. Her taste for life is equally well-matched by the flavor of the foods she highlights. Hot and Sour Slaw with Barbecued Pork anyone? Now, that's health food! --Schuyler Ingle

      Book Description

      In this groundbreaking cookbook, Nina Simonds offers us more than 175 luscious recipes, along with practical tips for a sensible lifestyle, that demonstrate that health-giving foods not only provide pleasure but can make a huge difference in our lives.

      With her emphasis on the tonic properties of a wide variety of foods, herbs, and spices, this book also brings us up to date on the latest scientific research. In every recipe–gathered from cultures around the world in which good eating is a way of life–Simonds gives us dishes that are both irresistible and have a positive effect on one’s well-being. For example:

      -Cardamom, a key digestive, subtly seasons her Steamed Asparagus with Cardamom Butter.

      -Cinnamon, which strengthens the heart and alleviates nervous tension, adds spice to her Fragrant Cinnamon Pork with Sweet Potatoes.

      -Basil has long been used as a healing salve and in teas. So who wouldn’t feel rejuvenated by a delicious bowlful of Sun-Dried Tomato Soup with Fresh Basil?

      -Peanuts, which fortify the immune system and lower cholesterol, provide a tasty, crunchy accent in Sichuan Kung Pao Chicken.

      -Mint, which has many healing properties, from taming muscle spasms to dissolving gallstones, can be relished in Minty Snap Peas accompanying Pan-Roasted Salmon or in a Pineapple Salsa served with Jerk Pork Cutlets.

      -And peaches give us vitamin C, beta carotene, and fiber. So enjoy them in a wonderful Gingery Peach-a-Berry Cobbler.

      To help us understand what part these health-restoring foods can play in our lives, Simonds peppers Spices of Life with lively interviews with a variety of experts, including Dr. Jim Duke, who offers anti-aging advice from his Herbal Farmacy; Dr. Andrew Weil, who discusses his latest nutritional findings; and Dr. U. K. Krishna, who explains basic Ayurvedic practices for healthy living. And more.

      With its delicious, easy-to-prepare recipes and concise health information, this delightful book opens up a whole new world of tastes for us to enjoy every day and to share with family and friends.

      Customer Reviews:

      5 out of 5 stars Wonderful.......2007-05-04

      Nina Simonds' cookbooks are all fresh, useful, and inspiring-- this one is certainly no exception. The recipes are simple and delicious and the nutritional tips are great. I learned a lot from this book and have passed it along to friends as well. It makes a great gift for foodies.

      5 out of 5 stars Delicious!.......2006-06-30

      You will try one recipe after another and be impressed with the results. There are lots of veggies but you you will eat in delight at the flavors and textures and not because they are good for you. The recipes are easy enough for any night and special enough for company.

      2 out of 5 stars A Rehash.......2006-05-05

      If you are seeking recipes and information about an array of spices, and herbs, you will find this selection too narrow. There are a handful of European-style recipes that feature Mediterranean herbs, but most are fundamentally Asian. South America, Native North America, and many other cuisines full of exciting flavors are entirely unrepresented. You will, however, find numerous recipes containing ginger, as well as the key spices in Indian curries.

      The health claims presented by a series of enthusiasts are a rehash of what is now common knowledge among most of us who have been paying attention to nutrition news over the last decade. Claims are unsubstantiated and, even if substantiated elsewhere, are mixed with those for which claims have been entirely inconclusive, at best.

      If you really need a new recipe for ginger cookies or rhubarb-berry crisp, or maybe Asian-style bbq ribs, this is the book for you. Or perhaps if you are rather new to healthful Eastern cuisine, this is a nice introduction.

      5 out of 5 stars Great Taste and Easy to follow.......2006-03-28

      So far I have made several things from this book and cant get enough! I cook for my friends and am always trying to come up with new recipes to try when I came across this book and had to buy it one the spot. The recipes are easy to prepare, the ingredients are not hard to find either. I am going to get her other cookbooks, if they are anything like this one I will be so happy. There is a section in this book that has come amazing marinades and surprize you do not need to marinate them overnight. Highly recommend this cookbook escpecially if you are into the Asian Fusion genre.

      5 out of 5 stars Nina Simonds cookbooks are simply the best.......2005-08-09

      This book was not my first introduction to Nina Simonds' recipes. I have a very dog-eared copy of Asian Noodles from which I make about ½ dozen recipes on a regular basis and another ½ dozen or so less frequently. Spices of Life provides an expansion of the recipe file for the Nina Simonds pantry. Her recipes are clearly written, easy to follow, and always a success. A very good description of her ingredients list is given in "Basic Staples (with some substitutions)," this is something I wished for with the Asian Noodles book. Now I always have the staples on hand and often I need only pick up a few fresh ingredients at the store, or pull them out of the fridge, to put together a wonderful meal. Everyone in my family including my 4-year-old has a favorite recipe from a Nina Simonds cookbook.

      I welcome this book on healthy cooking which doesn't simply forbid some foods and scold us for lazy eating so much as it encourages living and eating healthy through easy-to-prepare, family-friendly, delicious recipes. Thank you, Ms. Simonds, for another wonderful cookbook!
      SPICES OF LIFE: Simple & Delicious Recipes For Great Health (H)
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        SPICES OF LIFE: Simple & Delicious Recipes For Great Health (H)
        Nina Simonds
        Manufacturer: Knopf
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Paperback
        ASIN: B000OXND5W

        The Parrot Problem Solver
        Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
        • Excellent no nonsence parrot book!
        • Great book for all..
        • Excellent resource.
        • Excellent resource for understanding and solving aggression in parrots
        • Great Book!
        The Parrot Problem Solver
        Barbara Heidenreich
        Manufacturer: TFH Publications
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        BirdsBirds | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
        GeneralGeneral | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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        4. The Healthy Bird Cookbook: A Lifesaving Nutritional Guide and Recipe Collection The Healthy Bird Cookbook: A Lifesaving Nutritional Guide and Recipe Collection
        5. Parrot Training: A Guide to Taming and Gentling Your Avian Companion (Pets) Parrot Training: A Guide to Taming and Gentling Your Avian Companion (Pets)

        ASIN: 0793805627

        Book Description

        When not properly trained and socialized, parrots are prone to developing a number of behavioral problems, including aggression and self-mutilation. Many owners face these problems and need guidance on solving them. Barbara Heidenreich arms her readers with the information they need to turn their pugilistic parrot into a feathered friend. Some of the topics include: -Wild bird behavior and how it affects the bird/owner relationship -The best and worst ways to modify pet bird behavior -Understanding bird body language -Sidebars on the myths and misconceptions of keeping pet parrots.

        Customer Reviews:

        5 out of 5 stars Excellent no nonsence parrot book!.......2007-05-17

        Doesn't get any better than this. Nice to read a substantial book from someone who has worked with parrots in all aspects. An eye opener that doesn't make you feel like a bad parront :)

        5 out of 5 stars Great book for all.........2007-05-09

        This book gives a lot of insite to the behavoirs of birds and positive reinforcement rather than negative. It is easy to read and very interesting. It has great pictures and examples. I would recomend to anyone who has a feathered friend or as a gift to someone.

        5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource........2007-01-30

        I'm repeating my review of Ms. Heidenreich's other book, Good Bird! because I think both books work together as one great resource. They are the best books I've come across dealing with companion parrots. If you understood why your bird is behaving as it does, you can deal with it more effectively. Kindness and reward go far with a companion bird (and, even though Ms. Heidenreich didn't mention it, 11-12 hours of covered cage/darkness a day does, too) than all the reprimanding in the world (which a parrot does not understand). A parrot, much like a cat, is not going to do anything he doesn't want to do, but unlike a cat, you can convince a parrot to want what you want, too. Tell him he's a good bird when he's quiet. Give him a reward when he says something nice. Understand you are his teacher, not his mate and not his slave. Punish him by turning your back, reward him by giving attention and praise. Parrots are a lot like toddlers - they need to be constantly taught how to be good and their companions need to be able to recognize the behaviors (sometimes extremely hard to see) that signal overexcitement, frustration and anger. Excellent book I'd recommend to any bird "owner."

        5 out of 5 stars Excellent resource for understanding and solving aggression in parrots.......2006-11-16

        If you have ever worked with birds that show aggression, this book will be a easy to understand and excellent all-around resource for you. Great for first time parrot people and experienced trainers alike. Includes explanations based in science (ethology and behavior sciences) as well as training techiniques. Sections on bird body language are very helpful. This book goes into more depth than Good Bird! and is a very useful addition. I recommend this book to many of my students, and I haven't heard a disapointed comment yet. I look forward to more from Barbara! If you've not gotten a chance to check out the magazine, Good Bird! it is also very worthwhile.

        5 out of 5 stars Great Book!.......2006-09-28

        Barbara Heidenreich has written this book to help the rest of us understand a little more about our companions and to figure out how to solve some of the problems that may develop between you and your very intelligent pet.

        She explains how and why negative reinforcement is not as successful as positive reinforcement in changing an undesired behaviour.

        Because our birds are not far removed from parrots in the wild, Barbara has included a chapter on parrot behavior in the wild.

        She has included chapters on aggression and reading a bird's body language and explains how excitement can sometimes turn into aggression as well as what to watch for to avoid a possible bite.

        Tools and Techniques to Address Problems with Aggression gives several examples of what you can do in certain circumstances to work through problems.

        If you are having a problem with your parrot, this book by Barbara Heidenreich should give you some great advice to be able to get back the companion bird that you love. Just remember that everything takes time and solving problems takes more time than preventing them in the first place. If you don't have problems with your parrot, this book may give you enough advice and ideas to avoid some common problems.

        40'S, 50'S, & 60's Stemware by Tiffin (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          40'S, 50'S, & 60's Stemware by Tiffin (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
          Ed Goshe , Ruth Hemminger , and Leslie Pina
          Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Hardcover

          GeneralGeneral | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Glass & GlasswareGlass & Glassware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Glass & GlasswareGlass & Glassware | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Pottery & CeramicsPottery & Ceramics | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 0764308696

          Book Description

          The Tiffin Glass Company, of Tiffin, Ohio, produced hand made Depression Era glass, modern wares, and other collectible glassware, especially from the 1940s through the 1960s. Perhaps best known for its stemware, Tiffin made a wider variety of stemware shapes, cuttings, etchings, and decorations than several other companies combined. This book, with nearly 700 color photos, showcases Tiffin stemware along with original promotional photos, advertisements, and patent drawings, plus company history, detailed captions, price guide, index, and a sampling of tableware from the period.

          Quilt-As-You-Go
          Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
          • Quilt as you go
          Quilt-As-You-Go
          Sandra Millett
          Manufacturer: Chilton Book Co
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          AppliqueApplique | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Quilts & QuiltingQuilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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          2. Block by Block: New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly Block by Block: New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly
          3. Cut, Sew, Quilt as you go (Leisure Arts #3715) Cut, Sew, Quilt as you go (Leisure Arts #3715)
          4. Divide & Conquer: Quilt It Your Way Divide & Conquer: Quilt It Your Way
          5. Reversible Quilts: Two at a Time Reversible Quilts: Two at a Time

          ASIN: 0801983576

          Customer Reviews:

          5 out of 5 stars Quilt as you go.......2004-07-24

          This is a very good beginners book. The instructions are clear and easy to understand. Although the only color photos are in a middle section, the black/white photos and line drawings are helpful. The quilt as you go idea and frame(construction directions are included) make a large task seem more do-able.
          Beautiful Quilts As You Go (Golden Threads)
          Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
          • BEAUTIFUL QUILTS AS YOU GO
          • Great Technique
          • Nice, but not outstanding
          Beautiful Quilts As You Go (Golden Threads)
          Keryn Emmerson
          Manufacturer: American Quilter's Society
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          AppliqueApplique | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          PatchworkPatchwork | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Quilts & QuiltingQuilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
          Similar Items:
          1. Quilt Savvy: Gaudynski's Machine Quilting Guidebook (Quilt Savvy) Quilt Savvy: Gaudynski's Machine Quilting Guidebook (Quilt Savvy)
          2. Block by Block: New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly Block by Block: New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly
          3. Divide & Conquer: Quilt It Your Way Divide & Conquer: Quilt It Your Way
          4. Quilt-As-You-Go Quilt-As-You-Go
          5. Quilting Dot-to-dot Patterns for Today's Machine Quilter (Golden Threads) Quilting Dot-to-dot Patterns for Today's Machine Quilter (Golden Threads)

          ASIN: 1574328905

          Book Description

          Develop a greater enthusiasm for quilting and enjoy more finished quilts as a result! Keryns quilt-as-you-go method will help minimize the strain of quilting on your hands and body by breaking the quilting process into easily manageable steps.Without the necessity of using a large frame for hand quilting or having to manage the bulk of the whole quilt when machine quilting, considerations for handling the quilt no longer influence design choices. The small size of the individual pieces makes it possible to quilt complex designs with the walking foot of your machine.Keryns tried-and-true approach to quilt-as-you-go puts beautiful results within everyones reach. Explore every scenario of this technique as you learn how to prepare your workspace, choose and mark your blocks, and join the segments after quilting. Specially designed block and strippy projects will help you apply the quilting techniques youve learned.

          Customer Reviews:

          1 out of 5 stars BEAUTIFUL QUILTS AS YOU GO.......2006-11-08

          THIS BOOK DID NOT GIVE INFORMATION THAT HAS NOT BEEN PUBLISHED PRIOR TO THIS DATE.

          NOTHING NEW.

          5 out of 5 stars Great Technique.......2006-08-24

          As a machine quilter on a home machine this book is the answer to my prayers. By taking the quilt to the machine in pieces, a Cal King quilt will be a breeze.

          3 out of 5 stars Nice, but not outstanding.......2006-03-18

          While this is definitely a good book, I didn't find any new information in it. If you have purchased any other quilt-as-you-go books in the past, don't bother to buy it. Better to spend your money on some of the other great quilting books available at Amazon, I think. If quilt as you go is new to you, this book is as good as any other, so buy it.
          Cut, Sew, Quilt as you go (Leisure Arts #3715)
          Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
          • A thin book and not worth the price
          Cut, Sew, Quilt as you go (Leisure Arts #3715)
          Sheri A. Bignell , and Leisure Arts
          Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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          1. Block by Block: New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly Block by Block: New Techniques for Machine Quilting and Assembly
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          4. Easy Americana Rag Quilting (Leisure Arts #3386) Easy Americana Rag Quilting (Leisure Arts #3386)
          5. A Year Of Rag Quilts A Year Of Rag Quilts

          ASIN: 1574867970

          Product Description

          These rustic lap quilts and throws designed by Sheri Bignell are fast and fun to make. They feature ragged, exposed seams for an old-fashioned prairie look.

          Customer Reviews:

          3 out of 5 stars A thin book and not worth the price.......2007-03-19

          Only one idea is expressed in several different ways. I expected more than one method. It's an ok book. I may use the raggedy put together idea someday. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend.
          Quilting School (Reader's Digest, Learning As You Go Guide)
          Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
          • As a novice quilter, book provides excellent overview.
          Quilting School (Reader's Digest, Learning As You Go Guide)
          Ann Poe
          Manufacturer: Readers Digest
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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          1. Quick and Easy Quilting Set Quick and Easy Quilting Set
          2. Teach Yourself Quilting Teach Yourself Quilting
          3. Quirky Quilting : 20 Easy and Fun Projects Quirky Quilting : 20 Easy and Fun Projects
          4. Quick & Easy Machine Quilts: 25 Modern Heirlooms for the Home Quick & Easy Machine Quilts: 25 Modern Heirlooms for the Home
          5. Granny Quilt Decor: Vintage Quilts of the '30s Inspire Projects for Today's Home Granny Quilt Decor: Vintage Quilts of the '30s Inspire Projects for Today's Home

          ASIN: 0762104120
          Release Date: 2003-01-27

          Book Description

          This highly visual resource covers all of the basics and is filled with expert advice, patterns, and variations-plus tips on choosing the right equipment and fabric. With its practical learn-as-you-go style and step-by-step diagrams with clear, nontechnical explana-tions, both novice and experienced quilters can enhance their abilities and develop new skills.

          Customer Reviews:

          4 out of 5 stars As a novice quilter, book provides excellent overview........1999-07-06

          "Quilting School" is a very attractive, fun book to use. The techniques are laid out in such a way that you can buy your fabric, lay out the design, pick up your scissors, and start making a quilt that will be cherished for years to come. I got my first exposure to the book by checking it out at the library; now I am here at Amazon to purchase one as a reference book to use for many years to come.
          Lap quilting your legacy quilt: A sampler to "quilt as you go" plus pillows, handbags, tote bags, placemats, wall hangings
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Lap quilting your legacy quilt: A sampler to "quilt as you go" plus pillows, handbags, tote bags, placemats, wall hangings
            Georgia Bonesteel
            Manufacturer: Bonesteel
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Unknown Binding

            Georgia BonesteelGeorgia Bonesteel | Expert Advice | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: B0006XFZL0
            The quilt-as-you-go guide
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              The quilt-as-you-go guide
              Nancy Donahue
              Manufacturer: s.n.]
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Unknown Binding
              ASIN: B0006XQ1FY
              The Careless Quilter: Decide-as-you-sew, Design-as-you-go Quiltmaking (Needlework and Quilting)
              Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
              • Great book, but needs a different title
              • An approachable, whimsical introduction to quilting
              The Careless Quilter: Decide-as-you-sew, Design-as-you-go Quiltmaking (Needlework and Quilting)
              Kristin Miller
              Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              AppliqueApplique | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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              ASIN: 155853296X

              Amazon.com

              "Careless" in this context does not mean sloppy workmanship; it is an invitation to create unique quilts without being enslaved to technical perfection. With this "design-as-you-go" method, anyone can achieve an attractive quilt, and what may have begun as a mistake can ultimately result in a masterpiece, with unlimited pattern and color opportunities. The philosophy behind this concept is to begin with a patchwork medallion that evolves as you arrange and rearrange fabrics, making design decisions piece by piece as you come to them, instead of plotting it all out beforehand. Though short on color photos (the color section is a mere 16 pages), there are plenty of helpful diagrams and black-and-white photos, teaching all about tools and techniques, fabrics and color, building the medallions, and quilting and finishing methods. With this book and an open mind, beginners and seasoned quilters alike can transform a few scraps of fabric into successful experiments in innovative quiltmaking. --Amy Handy

              Book Description

              This innovative primer is built upon the belief that quilters can make beautiful quilts without becoming obsessed with technical perfection. Solutions are provided to twenty-one common quilting problems. Illustrated and indexed.

              Customer Reviews:

              5 out of 5 stars Great book, but needs a different title.......2004-02-29

              I just received this book and really liked it. The basic idea is to start with a central medallion and then make design and fabric choices to let your quilt grow around the medallion. This means you don't plan the quilt entirely in advance, which I think is more fun, and results in a interesting quilt.

              I taught myself how to quilt (I knew how to sew, but knew nothing about patchwork), and used a method very similar to the author's. I have now made many quilts using that method, and really enjoyed finding someone else who uses it. I also learned a lot from the examples in the book (for instance, she makes using triangles non-scary!), and will be able to design more varied quilts now.

              However, I think the title "Careless Quilter" might put some people off. It's true that the author shows you how to correct mistakes without tearing your whole quilt apart, and even, in some cases, demonstrates how supposed "mistakes" can be used to your advantage. But the quilts produced by her method are not sloppy or poorly made, as might be implied by her title. "Careless", in this case, refers to not planning the entire quilt top in advance.

              I recommend this book to people who want a change from the block-by-block quilting method, or who enjoy making their own design and fabric choices. And my thanks to Kristin Miller for writing it!

              5 out of 5 stars An approachable, whimsical introduction to quilting.......2003-12-16

              I am a new quilter. I learned the basics from _Quilting for Dummies_ and, from there, picked up a number of quilting pattern/design concept books for inspiration. _The Careless Quilter_ was the book that finally got me sewing: Faced with far too many choices for a quilt design, I was at an impasse, reluctant to cut up and "waste" my fabric. Miller's concept of starting with a simple square and building outward from the center, all the while making a series of small decisions, freed me of my anxiety about "ruining" my project (which is coming along nicely). I recommend this book to anyone who is starting out, who needs inspiration, or who wants to look at the art of quilting with fresh eyes.
              The patchworker's quilt-as-you-go book
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                The patchworker's quilt-as-you-go book
                Rita Weiss
                Manufacturer: American School of Needlework, Inc
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Unknown Binding

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                ASIN: 0881950491
                QUILT AS YOU GO The Easy, Foolproof Way to Quilt and Assemble Carry-Along Blocks and Strips. the Chilton Needlework Series
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  QUILT AS YOU GO The Easy, Foolproof Way to Quilt and Assemble Carry-Along Blocks and Strips. the Chilton Needlework Series
                  Sandra Millett
                  Manufacturer: Chilton Book Co.
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover
                  ASIN: B000UK1TQ4

                  Ortho's All About Painting and Wallpapering
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    Ortho's All About Painting and Wallpapering
                    Brian Santos
                    Manufacturer: Ortho
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback

                    DecoratingDecorating | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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                    Book Description

                    Beautify any home easily and economically with the magic of the Wall Wizard and his helpful tips in Ortho's All About Painting and Wallpapering published by Meredith (R) Books.
                    Ortho's All About Decorative Painting
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Ortho's All About Decorative Painting
                      Ortho Books
                      Manufacturer: Ortho
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      DecoratingDecorating | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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                      ASIN: 0897214692

                      Book Description

                      Dress up a piece of furniture or customize your home with unique painting and faux finishes using the ideas and tips in Ortho's All About Decorative Painting, published by Meredith Books (R).

                      Before and After the I-Bomb: An Artist in the Information Environment
                      Average customer rating: Not rated
                        Before and After the I-Bomb: An Artist in the Information Environment
                        Tom Sherman
                        Manufacturer: Banff Centre Press
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        Pop CulturePop Culture | Graphic Design | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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                        ASIN: 092015994X

                        Book Description

                        Capturing over twenty years of thinking and writing about art, media, and technology, Before and After the I-Bomb is a techno-cultural history of a time when electronic, digital media flooded our homes, workplaces and landscapes. Author Tom Sherman's series of reflections express both a love for and struggle with the new technologies and the cultural changes they have spawned. His narrative is a personal history that looks at the past, present, and future with an artist's voice and naturalist's eyes. As Sherman opens his text, "When one is observing and describing the world, one should simply tell it like it is. Describe the good and the bad and leave nothing out because it is disappointing or frightening or unlikely. In these texts, I've tried to honour that ideal."

                        Ron Brown: An Uncommon Life
                        Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
                        • An uncommonly good book
                        • It's Great!
                        • A good read!
                        • A tour de force
                        • Too little too late
                        Ron Brown: An Uncommon Life
                        Steven A. Holmes
                        Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
                        ProductGroup: Book
                        Binding: Paperback

                        African-American & BlackAfrican-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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                        1. The Life and Times of Ron Brown: A Memoir The Life and Times of Ron Brown: A Memoir

                        ASIN: 0471401722

                        Amazon.com

                        A fascinating read about an equally fascinating man, Ron Brown: An Uncommon Life combines personal anecdotes and world events to tell the story of Ron Brown, the extremely influential lawyer, Democrat, and cabinet member who met such an unfortunate death in 1996. Author Steven Holmes neatly avoids much discussion of the conspiracy theories surrounding Brown's death, concentrating instead on his varied career and accomplishments. From his earlier connections with nonprofit agencies and civil rights organizations, he rose to become Bill Clinton's secretary of commerce, spending several years along the way as head of the Democratic National Committee. Beyond issues of race, party divisions, and corporate and government relations, Brown was a consummate dealmaker--Holmes says that "he believed less in choice than in combinations." Tales of mysterious fundraising, unusual personal relationships, and political back-biting are all downplayed in this biography, which is a pleasing change from the standard political-insider tell-alls that have become so common in the last decade. While no attempts are made to hide his long-term personal and financial relationship with Nolanda Hill, or some unfortunate fundraising events that made headlines years after the fact, these are presented blandly and without much editorial comment. Holmes makes use of interviews with friends, family, and political insiders, and lets the events tell the story--and a great story it is. --Jill Lightner

                        Book Description

                        Who was Ron Brown? Washington lawyer, secretary of Commerce, presidential king maker, deal maker, maverick, icon-one of the most intriguing and complex personalities of the twentieth century. He broke every stereotype of race and class and mastered the art of winning.

                        With bold and incisive reporting, New York Times journalist Steven A. Holmes captures the lessons of Ron Brown's life and reveals not only who he was but how he arrived at the center of power.

                        "Steve Holmes opens rich vistas into American politics and the sociology of black America."-Juan Williams, author, Eyes on the Prize and Thurgood Marshall: American Revolutionary

                        "Admiring yet unsparing, Holmes charts the rising trajectory of a world-class deal-broker."-Kirkus Reviews

                        "A fascinating read. Holmes has captured Brown in the crosshairs of two worlds: one of the black middle class that comes of age in his generation and another at the heart of power in white-run Washington."-Sam Fulwood III, author, Waking from the Dream

                        Customer Reviews:

                        5 out of 5 stars An uncommonly good book.......2000-07-12

                        In this unauthorized biography, Steven Holmes has done a meticulous job of reporting -- conducting countless interviews and citing numerous original source materials. This highly readable work conveys the essence of a man who rose to the highest ranks of American government and whose influence on the global economy is felt even today. Holmes delves into every aspect of Ron Brown's life -- from his childhood at the Hotel Theresa in Harlem, through his college and military days, his stint at the Urban League, and his meteoric ascension through Democratic party politics into the Clinton cabinet. Readers of "An Uncommon Life" get a thorough sense of Brown's charm, his analytical mind, his tenacious drive to succeed, his weakness for beautiful women. Holmes offers an unsparing but ultimately fair view of the nation's first black Commerce Secretary, whose all-too-human flaws can never overshadow his accomplishments.

                        5 out of 5 stars It's Great!.......2000-06-02

                        Wow! This is a great book. The story of how one man, Ron Brown, emerges as the hidden hand behind the Democrat's re-taking of Washington is a gripping tale of power, politics and personality. Born into a middle-class black family, Ron Brown's life takes him from the halls of Harlem's fabled Hotel Theresa, where he grew up, to all-white Middlebury College, to the civil rights movement and, finally, to a position where he helps resurrect the fortunes of the Democratic Party. Ron Brown is presented in all his complexities - his life, his loves, and his ability to bridge racial divides with a silken, yet steely, determination. It's a tale well-told, smoothly-written, and filled with solid investigative reporting. This is a book to buy - and keep.

                        5 out of 5 stars A good read!.......2000-05-30

                        This is a great book especially if you're interested in what makes Washington tick. It is a true, honest, tough but fair portrait of a man who lived and breathed politics. He succeeded tremendously in his efforts on behalf of the Democratic party and his community of people, African Americans. Unfortunately, he made a few mistakes along the way but he should not be chastised. Are we not all human and do we not all show our frailty in different forms? The biography moves quickly as it evolves from childhood thru youth to mature adult and captures the essence of Brown's experiences to show us how he became the man we remember today.

                        5 out of 5 stars A tour de force.......2000-05-26

                        I loved An Uncommon Man. Adroitly written, Steve Holmes tells a story about one of the towering African-American figures of the late twentieth century. Through this biography, one remembers that the civil rights movement still has a way to go - and that some of the struggles are not that old. Moreover, one learns about - and appreciates - the human side of a gifted person who, through his great talent and hard work, rose to the apex of the American political system and had an impact on politics that continues today. Brown refused to let the color of his skin stop his progress albeit acknowledging the reality that race played. Significant detail about the history and background of Brown and his family and colleagues make this a particular joy to read. Anyone who enjoys contemporary political biographies will love this tour-de-force.

                        1 out of 5 stars Too little too late.......2000-05-19

                        The definitive and first book about Ron Brown (my personal hero) was written last year by his daughter (The Life & Times of Ron Brown) and is available on amazon too. Since the Holmes book was second, and comes four years after Brown's tragic death, I assumed that it would contain new and believable information. Unfortunately, it is obvious that holmes never met Brown and clearly didn't interview anyone close to him, only folks with an ax to grind. As a result, the story of an inspirational leader has been reduced to rumor and innuendo. it makes Brown's life seem blah and he was anything but!

                        Books:

                        1. The Ultimate Good Luck
                        2. The Weeping Woman on the Streets of Prague (Dedalus Europe 1992-95)
                        3. Two Against One: A Novel
                        4. Walking Through Mirrors
                        5. Wars of the Barbary Pirates: To the shores of Tripoli: the birth of the US Navy and Marines (Essential Histories)
                        6. We Pierce: A Novel
                        7. What Gets into Us: Stories
                        8. Where Did I Come From?
                        9. Where I Live Now
                        10. Why don't you carve other animals

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