It Had to Be You (Grace & Favor Mystery Series, No. 5)

Book Description

Comfortably ensconced in their late great-uncle's "Grace and Favor" mansion, brother and sister Robert and Lily Brewster are riding out the Depression, penniless but in high style. Now a new day is heralded by Franklin Roosevelt's inauguration. Barely recovered from his trip to Washington to witness the historic event, Robert is rushed by Lily to a nearby nursing home, where the Brewsters have agreed to lend a helping hand to the staff.

But when an elderly resident is murdered in his bed, Robert and Lily realize the local police will need their able assistance as well -- especially since the slaying isn't the only big trouble in tiny Voorburg. The spring thaw has revealed another body, and the Brewster siblings must expose a cold-blooded criminal before he -- or she -- kills again.

Customer Reviews:

Cozy Historical Mystery.......2005-12-03

Robert and Lily Brewster are siblings trying to make ends meet during the Depression. They have inherited their great uncle's mansion, but still must take in boarders and do odd jobs to earn money. In this installment in the "Grace and Favor" series, they take temporary jobs in a nursing home. Before long they are involved in another mystery when one of the patients is smothered in his bed. There are plenty of suspects, including the patient's wife and family, many of whom haven't seen or talked to him in years. But then another body turns up and the Brewsters, along with Chief of Police Howard Walker, work to find out if the two cases are related and catch the murderer.

"It Had to Be You" is an amusing, if light mystery. The historical details, Franklin Roosevelt has just been elected President, are the most interesting parts of the book. Lily and Robert and strong characters, maturing with each book in the series. While there have been hints in the descriptions of the various books that Lily is attracted to Howard Walker, it doesn't come across that way in the book, there's no sense of any attraction between the two of them. I hope that's developed in future books.

The mystery itself is pretty light. Jill Churchill throws in plenty of suspects, but it's pretty obvious from the beginning who the murderer is. I read the book hoping that Churchill would throw in a plot twist and have someone else commit the murder, but I was disappointed. And she never explains why the murder took place when the victim was very ill and hours away from dying.

This is a good but unchallenging mystery.

puts the 'cozy' in cozy mystery!.......2005-05-13

My first in this series to read and it stood on its own very well. The characters were welldefined and the only part I didn't like would be how I felt when it ended and I read the title again. I felt silly for not figuring it out more!

Lily and Robert fill in at a nursing home and quick as you please, a patient dies mysteriously. Typical plan follows to question everyone and it leads them to the killer.

Reprint!.......2005-04-01

Our story begins on Friday, March 3, 1933. Robert and Lily Brewster are siblings trying to make it through the Depression. They live in their great-uncle's "Grace and Favor" mansion, penniless but doing well. Franklin Roosevelt's inauguration is under way. Robert even makes a very uncomfortable trip to Washington to witness the historic even.

The day after Robert returns home (he needed a day to recover), he goes with Lily to their new temporary job. Miss Twibell has turned her huge house into a nursing home and one of her employees is out sick for awhile.

Trouble follows the Brewsters, as it normally does, One of the elderly residents, Mr. Sean Connor, is murdered in his bed. The bizarre thing is that everyone knew Mr. Connor only had a few more hours to live anyway. Why would someone bother to kill him? Since he was such an ill tempered man, he had no close friends. No one seems to have liked the man; not even his wife or kids. His children has had no contact with Mr. or Mrs. Connor in years.

Chief of Police Howard Walker is on the case, but he cannot seem to make much head way. Not for lack of trying though. Howard is an excellent cop. The Connor case is not the only one on Howard's mind. Spring thaw has turned up another body that had spent the cold months under an iced over pond.

***** Be warned that this is a reprint! Now that you know, let me inform you about his good mystery. The author did an outstanding job with this tale. The characters are all believable and the era description is true to form. Historical data has been inserted as well, which gives it all a realistic glow. Author Jill Churchill's fan base is about to grow. *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Trying hard, but falling short.......2005-03-05

After reading the last entry in the Jane Jeffry mystery series and being less than impressed, I was hoping for more from the latest in the Grace & Favor series. Unfortunately, I was disappointed again. While the book does do a wonderful job of transporting the reader to a small town in New York during the Depression, it does a less than masterful job of solving the mystery in the book.

If you have not read the book, you may wish to skip the rest of my review as it will not tell you whodunnit, but will give away some of the plot.

The story opens with Lily and Robert having gotten yet another part-time job - this one at the nursing home up the road. The first day that both of them are working there, a crochety patient is suffocated to death in his bed. The odd thing is that the patient had slipped into a coma and according to Miss Twibell, the proprietor of the home, would have probably passed away that day regardless. While this detail is constantly mentioned throughout the book, the resolution does not explain the need for the patient to be murdered when he would have died anyway. There are many unresolved details in the book that are probably there as red herrings, however instead of being neatly explained later, they are just left hanging at the end of the book. I don't know if Ms. Churchill originally intended for another character to be the murderer or not, but I feel the book could have been much more entertaining from a mystery perspective had she chosen another character for the villain.

If you are looking for a entertaining and diverting read with a secondary mystery, this book would be fine. However, if you are expecting a rollicking mystery with a twist, skip it. Not Ms. Churchill's best - not even close.

Lily and Robert help solve who killed Sean Conner.......2004-12-16

It's 1933. Lily and her brother Robert not only take in boarders at Grace and Favor, but they also take on jobs now and then. Miss Twibell who runs a local nursing home has hired them while her assistant nurse is out sick.

There are many colorful characters in the home. One old man, Sean Connor, is the only seriously ill patient. He is also very hard to deal with. He slips into a coma and passes away. No one was surprised by his death as he was very ill. That is, until it is discovered he was murdered. Why would anyone murder him when he only had hours left? He wasn't well liked, even by his family. So, there are lots of suspects. He had several visits the morning he was killed.

Then a body surfaces when the spring arrives and melts the ice. Could this be the young mad who had disappeared last winter? Or has a third crime been committed?

Lily and Robert become involved in helping to solve these crimes. Plus Robert makes some great suggested to Miss Twibell to upgrade her home and assists with those upgrades.

Motives for Mr. Connor's death are not as abundant as suspects, so it takes a lot of detecting and interviewing for it to be discovered and the guilty party caught.

I love this series. Lily and Robert are terrific. This is one of the few series set back in time that I enjoy so thoroughly. Jill Churchill has done a wonderful job creating these characters and the setting. The other people in town are also great characters in this series. They are all so well crafted. I feel like I'm there when I read a book in this series. Her books are so easy to read, and you don't want to put them down.

I highly recommend this book. The Grace and Favor series is not to be missed.

It Had to Be You (Grace & Favor Mystery Series #5)

Average customer rating:

It Had to Be You (Grace & Favor Mystery Series #5)
Jill Churchill
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OELW1I

Average customer rating:

Inventive and well thought out

At long last a journey worth taking

Open-seas adventure, high martial-arts drama

Yar! Pirates! Yar!

Witty Pirates and Strong Warrior Queens
Morevi: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana
Lisa Lee & Tee Morris
Manufacturer: Dragon Moon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

Ancestor

The Ghost Brigades

ASIN: 1896944078
Release Date: 2002-12-19

Book Description

Across a mysterious rift in the space-time continuum exists a world called Naruihm. In this world is a realm called Morevi, a landlocked kingdom ruled by Askana Moldarin, crowned "First Queen" following a swift and bloody rise to the Throne of a Thousand Suns. Yet hidden traitors are already at work to destroy everything that she has won. Enter Rafe Rafton, privateer captain of the Defiant. Arrogant. Overconfident. Dangerous and cunning enough to pillage the Queen's own ships and survive. As a man, he is the embodiment of everything she has fought against, and the perfect instrument in a last desperate bid to save her kingdom. With the sum agreed upon, Rafe and Askana embark on an epic adventure spanning the kingdoms of Naruihm and King Henry VIII's England. Two souls, drawn together in the battle for a kingdom.

Download Description

Off the coast of Ireland, concealed by fog and rock, is an area known to sailors as "The Graveyard of Lost Ships." A twist of fate forces a lone privateer ship and its crew to discover in this Graveyard a rift in the space-time continuum and a realm known as Morevi, a landlocked kingdom shrouded by jungles and mystery. This kingdom falls under the rule of Askana Moldarin, known in her realm as "The Black Widow" following her swift and bloody ascent to the throne. An archaic regime of hardship, cruelty and ruthlessness inspires young Askana Moldarin to lead a revolution. The downfall of the old government is duly replaced by a rule of women, Askana crowned First Queen of Morevi. In the dawn of this New Age, the predatory neighboring kingdom of Eyrie and hidden traitors in her own regime threaten to destroy everything she has won. She knows that her kingdom hangs in a delicate balance and that someone close to the throne is about to move against her. Askana, independent of council, seeks help outside of Morevi to reveal the conspiracy against her... Enter Rafe Rafton, captain of the Defiant. With a sum agreed upon, Rafe devises a plan to smuggle the queen and her personal guards out of the city walls. Once in Eyrie the captain would begin to play Askana's own counter-intrigue. but his "trusted Eyriener connections" double-cross him. He had taken precautions, but the privateer does not escape unscathed. The Defiant returns to England in hope of winning the support of King Henry the VIII, but now it falls upon Askana to save the life of Rafe Rafton, the one-time outlaw of her realm, now her link to a new world and powerful allies. As Askana traverses The Rift, movement against House Moldarin begins in Morevi. Accusations against the queen are led by a young lady of House Annaki, Min-Lu. She leads her own campaign against the Black Widow and rallies the Council of a hundred Turi into a fervor, claiming that Askana Moldarin is about to lead them into one of the bloodiest ages of their country. Following her address, Min-Lu shares a private audience with High Lord Ruain, an enigmatic ally from Eyrie. Their hushed voices reseolve a pledge to gain control of Morevi. With reports of Rafe and Askana as "guests" of the Tudor King, the High Lord Ruain journeys across The Rift to fulfill his own agenda, an agenda independent of Min-Lu's and carried out under his true identity...

Customer Reviews:

Inventive and well thought out.......2006-09-26

An ingenious creation of worlds fully imagined as a home to action, adventure and romance. Truly a romantic adventure where a charming rogue and a beautiful queen must join forces against their better judgement. Fun and witty!

At long last a journey worth taking.......2006-06-14

My reading history in fantasy is somewhat limited. I began with Piers Anthony and his Xanth series, continued to Tolkien, Terry Brooks with the Shannara series, David Eddings with Belgariad/Mallorian series, Foster with the Spellsinger series, and other scattered works of authors I cannot recall.

I dare to say, none compare to the exquisite balance kept within this story. Morevi is a tale of high adventure and epic romance that does not waver towards the edge of its paper confines...it lives beyond, and to me such a thought is happy indeed. I am caught between holding the story in my hands (which I suspect shall be read again and again), and anticipating the next in the series with a mixture of fear and elation. I feel the obsession taking hold, the want of escape and the fleeting moment of a child's imagination relieving my travel-weary adult mind. To feel the innocence again! It is the greatest effect an author can achieve, in my opinion. There are some elements to which this story rhymes with my life experience, so ever closer to this tale did my heart bind.

For a book that rekindles your inner child with fantasy and high adventure...and still nurtures the tale of a love between two souls in such detail...

You need look no further.

Open-seas adventure, high martial-arts drama.......2006-01-19

reviewed by Sherryl King-Wilds for www.fantasynovelreview.com

A rift between our world and another tentatively joins them.

In Morevi, a land across the rift, powers align against Askana Moldarin, First Queen of Morevi. A female-dominated religion dictates politics in Morevi while politics embroil the plot of this book. At Askana's request along comes the dashing Rafe Rafton--a privateer, or a pirate better known as the Sea Wolf, working in service of England's King Henry VIII. Rafe is exactly the kind of man Askana and her female Court despise, but Askana needs him more than she cares to admit.

Together, Queen Askana and Captain Rafton hatch a plan to catch the conspirators against Morevi's crown. The plan leads Rafe and Askana into adventures at sea, on land, across rift worlds, and within their hearts. Finally, the conspirators are found to be embedded within Askana's twisted past, but these enemies ascend far beyond the ordinary; these enemies desire to inhabit the throne of Morevi in body, mind, and spirit.

This story caught me in its throes, tossed me about, and just refused to let go. The characters of Rafe and Askana are deeply drawn and provide for dynamic interplay, keeping the pace of the story tense and brisk.

In Morevi, male and female characters are treated with equality--one point of view does not dominate the other. Ladies, this is not a testosterone trip written solely for men; there is plenty of estrogen to go around as well--thank you, Mr. Morris and Ms. Lee!

MOREVI: The Chronicles of Rafe and Askana also acts as many adventures in the guise of one. This is one wild ride no fantasy lover will want to miss!

Yar! Pirates! Yar!.......2005-07-14

A ripping good yarn. One of those books that can't be put down.

Rafe (that's Captain Rafe mind you!) comes across as an excellent rake and privateer, with a crew of lads that would make other pirates envious. A fellow who always speaks his mind and with a trick up his sleeve, just in case things go bad, and they usually do.

Askana (best be paying respect now!) has all the makings of being a good pirate, save that she is a queen. Intelligent, determined with just enough arrogance of royalty she is a full blown character in her own right and the verbal and physical fencing between her and Rafe are marvelously woven together.

One of the things that I really like about this books is that it just keeps you wanting to read more. The plots and counter plots are fantastic.

And one of the things that is really remarkable is that I can't tell where Tee's writing ends and where Lisa's begins, and vice versa. It is well blended with the characters and story becoming stronger because of it.

This book is definitely going on my collection of books that I read over and over.

Hopefully Tee and Lisa write some more books together!

Witty Pirates and Strong Warrior Queens.......2005-06-27

What happens when you combine a witty egotistical skillful pirate with a strong male-hating warrior Queen? An engrossing story, a powerful romance, and a really good time! If you look at any of the other reviews they can tell you the plot, and about the author (who is a cool good guy). But basically, if you like a high seas swashbuckling story, with a heavy dose of fantasy Asian culture, and a plot that never wants for a continuous plot, this is a novel for you. Yes, it is a little more expensive for a paperback than most people want to spend. I know it was for me, but after meeting the author and hearing the story out of his mouth, I was willing to give it a shot, and it paid off. If it came in hardback I'd give away my copy and buy one in hardback.

To be honest there is very little new or radically different as far as concepts or plot devices in this book, but the language of the authors, the amazing characters, and a great ending make this book more than the sum of its parts. This is a great book, and you should give it a shot.

Book Description

Why do we often feel cut off when speaking to the people closest to us family members, friends, or colleagues? What is it that keeps so many of us from really listening? Michael P. Nichols answers these questions and more in this thoughtful, witty, and helpful look at the reasons people don't hear one another. His book, a guide to the secrets of listening and being listened to, is filled with vivid examples that clearly demonstrate easy-to-learn techniques for becoming a better listener. He also illustrates how empathic listening enables us to break through misunderstandings and conflict and to transform our personal and professional relationships.

Customer Reviews:

The Lost Art of Listening.......2007-03-31

This is one of the best books I have ever read on the dynamics of relationships. I felt so strongly about this book that I bought each of my four children a copy for Valentinie's day. It helped me reflect on past dynamics that worked and that didn't and also helps me to reflect about current relationships. Excellant.

learn to listen.......2007-02-03

I found this book to be excellent. I have read it thru several times and pick up something new each time. There are few books I have found to be helpful on this subject--one I should mention is Bolton's PEOPLE SKILLS--and this is at the top. In a sense, listening is a moral decision; that is, deciding to listen with an open mind and no agenda is a deeply respectful and loving act. It is also difficult; it takes an effort. Making that effort is a decision to treat the speaker as a valued person; not a sales "target", not some stereotype (liberal, conservative, religious nut, redneck, academic, etc.). Nichols is honest about the difficulty of listening well, relating anecdotes in which his lack of listening was painfully evident. The only other helpful guide I've found was a set of cassette tapes called "How to Listen Powerfully", which had very practical exercises--such as listening to two radio stations and practising switching attention between the two. After practising that I found that I could focus on one person at a noisy family get-together and not be distracted by other conversations. This is a very helpful book for anyone sincerely interested in improving their listening skill.

Hard Work but worth the effort.......2006-04-16

Listening is a learned ability just like reading.

Some books are easy to read but lack any real contents.
People are the same. Some people are easy to listen to but
lack any real content. Learning to listen to difficult
people is worth the effort.

I am reading this book for the third time. I didn't get
much from it the first time.

A good start to Listening.......2006-02-27

This book offers some comprehensive insights for people with relationalship problems due to the lack of listening. It appears that the book is geared towards listening to people you know within your family or friends. Lastly, the last copyright of this book is in 1995 which made it hard to keep an interest in the examples presented.

Good.......2005-09-25

Helped me become aware of what I can aim to work towards in listening. A very good book. I bought another book on listening at the same time as this (which too had good reviews); this was BY FAR the better book. This is a book that leaves you more interested in the subject and wanting to improve.

LOST ART OF LISTENING: HOW LEARNING TO LISTEN CAN IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS

Average customer rating:

LOST ART OF LISTENING: HOW LEARNING TO LISTEN CAN IMPROVE RELATIONSHIPS
Ph. D. Michael P. Nichols
Manufacturer: Guilford Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NTNF6Y

Average customer rating:

A Genuine Learning Experience

Not just recipes, but how to cook!

Wonderful gift

A wonderful cooking experience

Good Find!

The Tante Marie's Cooking School Cookbook : More Than 250 Recipes for the Passionate Home Cook
Mary S. Risley
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Culinary Arts & Techniques | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
French | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0743214919

Book Description

Have you ever read a recipe that called for artichokes and wondered just how to trim them, or wanted to learn the proper way to use a pastry bag? While most cookbooks provide home cooks with only recipes, The Tante Marie's Cooking School Cookbook provides recipes and detailed cooking techniques -- it's like going to cooking school without ever leaving your home. With more than 250 delicious yet approachable recipes and countless techniques, The Tante Marie's Cooking School Cookbook enables readers to become familiar with the basics of cooking and then encourages them to improvise. Because the recipes have been tested in the San Francisco kitchens of Tante Marie's by hundreds of students, home cooks can be assured that they are virtually foolproof.

Having guided thousands of students through the world of French cooking for the past thirty years, renowned cooking teacher Mary Risley is well aware of common mistakes made in the kitchen. Risley troubleshoots a multitude of problem areas for cooks (such as what to do if your soup is too thick, or not thick enough), allowing home cooks to avoid common pitfalls. With variations provided for many dishes and instructions on how to cook without recipes, more advanced home cooks can start to create dishes on their own.

From delicious hors d'oeuvres like Fava Bean Crostini with Pecorino and Miniature Shrimp Quiches and Asparagus-Fontina Pizza with Truffle Oil, to enticing entrees like Roast Chicken with New Potatoes and Olives, Halibut Baked with Warm Shallot Compote, and Herbed Rack of Lamb with Béarnaise Sauce, Risley presents an impressive array of French-inspired recipes for contemporary American tastes. Classic recipes are updated with modern twists in dishes such as Fresh Pea Soup with Cilantro and Meyer Lemon Crème Brûlée. Delectable dessert recipes include Grand Marnier Soufflé, Gingerbread Napoleon with Poached Pears and Caramel Sauce, Compote of Fresh Berries with Lemon Verbena Ice Cream, and classic Tiramisù.

Additional chapters on first courses, soups, salads, pasta and risotto, fish and shellfish, vegetables, breads, cookies, chocolates, cakes, and pastries offer the home cook a recipe for every occasion. Risley also provides in-depth discussions on ingredients such as cheese, chocolate, truffles, and planned leftovers. A section of Suggested Seasonal Menus as well as a chapter of foundation recipes for accomplished cooks complete this wonderful volume.

Illustrated with gorgeous black-and-white drawings, The Tante Marie's Cooking School Cookbook will become the cookbook you can't live without. It's the next best thing to having a cooking instructor cook right beside you.

Customer Reviews:

A Genuine Learning Experience.......2005-09-10

I selected five recipes more or less randomly from the book and made them in preparation for this review. Over the course of a couple of months I made the roasted almonds, paella, boned leg of lamb with tapenade stuffing, vegetable charlotte, and tiramisu. Normally I take recipes as guidance (which Ms. Risley recommends), but for this exercise I followed them as closely as possible (except that I used blanched almonds, and I barbecued the lamb). I loved all of the dishes and my guests did, too. My learning curve was very steep, and I extended my culinary technique considerably. For instance, I'd never considered butterflying a leg of lamb before. Now? No problem! Ms. Risley composes her chapters and recipes very like Julia Child, by which I mean that she interposes considerable guidance on culinary technique among her recipes. It works for Julia and it works for Mary, too. I have one regular houseguest who now pulls this book from the bookshelf in the kitchen and requests me to make anything from it. I figure there are enough excellent recipes in this book to make me look good for years to come.

Not just recipes, but how to cook!.......2003-09-25

If Mary Risley had stopped after training some of my favorite San Francisco chefs, she would earn my undying gratitude. But what she's done with this book is invaluable. It's so much more than a book of recipes. She really teaches you how to cook -- with a recipe or off the cuff.

Tante Marie's Cookbook sits on our kitchen counter as a constant checkpoint, no matter where we get recipes from. I always use it as a cross-reference against other books. I'll open a recipe in the Silver Palate, but I'll check Mary's techniques for cooking that kind of meat, fish or vegetable. When I incorporate her suggestions, it always comes out better - and I understand more thoroughly the principle behind the recipes. So this is a cookbook that will enhance every other cookbook you own.

We are passionate cooks, but this book has taught us what we've never been able to do before -- cook without a recipe. In fact, at the beginning of every chapter Mary tells you how to select the discussed meat, fish or vegetable, what cooking methods are best for it, and how to cook it without a recipe. Mary straddles the difficult divide of providing a resource that teaches the experienced cook but is accessible enough to the beginner. In fact, if you own only one cookbook, this is the one to get.

In addition to wonderful recipes, tricks, techniques and the how-tos that change okay to fabulous, this book is filled with great anecdotes and recipes from some of the Bay Area's best restaurants. All made accessible by Tante Marie herself, patiently explaining the difficult, offering alternatives for when you can't find some exotic ingredients, but firmly telling you when you simply can't compromise. (Mary declares "seared tuna has no place in Salad Nicoise!")

We have a new vocabulary in our kitchen: "What does Mary say?" and "Mary says. . ." I promise you, if you let Tante Marie guide you, you'll never eat another so-so meal at home.

Wonderful gift.......2003-07-11

I bought this cookbook on a caterer's recommendation as a high school gift for a young man who is living with my family and hopes to become a chef. It was perfecto! I'm grateful he leaves it in my kitchen so I can make use of it, too. I've been cooking for 40 years, but I learned many new tricks and absorbed into my DNA several new recipes from just leafing thru these pages while sipping a latte in the morning.
A must-buy for the serious but casual cook.

A wonderful cooking experience.......2003-06-24

A wonderful cooking experience was had by all for myself and family. For some extra fun, my family and I sometimes decide to pick out a cookbook and make a meal entirely from that book. Using this cookbook we all picked out one recipe apiece to try out to make a full dinner. Our experence ranged from fairly competent and experienced to the true novice in the kitchen. We made our different courses and the at the end we were very happy with the results. We all agreed that the recipes were well thought out and easy to follow with excellent intstructions and sidebars to answer just about all of our questions. They were practical and informative with the net result being a pleasureable cooking experience for us. Being from the San Francisco area, we are exposed to many wonderful foods and restaurants which I think have increased our appreciation of well prepared foods. We think this cookbook will be enjoyable for all who use it. Chin chin!

Good Find!.......2003-06-19

A solid, well written book that I will be reaching for a lot faster than some of the current well known authors.

For someone not having much time to de-code recipes, the techniques and content of the book are easy to read and very well done.

Book Description

Published in 1916, The Story of Scotch was out of print for decades and listed at a substantial price on the rare book market. Now you can enjoy this long sought after book! *Enos Mills was the founder of Rocky Mountain National Park *Scotch, a Border Collie, played an influential part in the life and observations of this famous naturalist

Customer Reviews:

The most comprehensive book on the Schnauzer........1999-07-17

Gallant combines experience, statistics, and photography to complete a book that gives a wealth of information on the three breeds of Schnauzers. Anyone who wants to truly know about the Schnauzer SHOULD read this book.

The best book available on Schnauzers.......1999-03-27

This book is highly recommended for anyone interested in Schnauzers. Mr. Gallant has been a breeder for over 25 years in the Netherlands and currently in South Africa. Excellent information regarding temperament, grooming, training and pedigrees. The section on the Giant Schnauzer is comprehensive and accurate. I recommend this book to all who purchase a Schnauzer.

intelligent and down to earth introduction to schnauzers.......1998-07-03

This is the first book about schnauzers that I've ever read that combines European and American schnauzers in one book. There are lots of pictures of both US champions and European champions. Mr. Gallant also writes very well about temperment. I really recommend this book to every one who considers getting a schnauzer.

Average customer rating:

Giant Schnauzers by Joe Stahlkuppe
good info but
Required reading

Giant Schnauzers
Joe Stahlkuppe
Manufacturer: Barron''s Educational Series
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0764118846
Release Date: 2006-02-23

Product Description

This large and intelligent canine is a sturdy friend and a loyal family member. When trained for the purpose, it also makes a formidable guard dog. All Complete Pet Owner's Manuals are heavily illustrated with color photos and line art, and are filled with reliable, easy-to-understand information on pet care. The many titles in this series show and tell pet owners how to care for dogs, cats, birds, fish, reptiles, gerbils, hamsters, and virtually every other animal that is kept as a pet. The books give advice on purchasing and otherwise acquiring a pet, maintaining health care, housing, proper feeding, and where applicable, grooming and training. Clear, straightforward text comes with high-quality, full-color photos and anatomically accurate line art, as well as helpful tables and charts. Paperback / 96 Pages / 6 1/2 x 7 7/8 / 2002

Customer Reviews:

Giant Schnauzers by Joe Stahlkuppe.......2004-06-22

I have lots of pix of my show dogs with natural ears. http://www.bestinshow.net/dogs/magnakennel.html Nice book. Better than most.

good info but.......2003-03-29

I wish they would of had more pictures with no ear cropping....

Required reading.......2003-01-28

Giants are a very unusual breed and they take an unusual owner. We have two Giants and this book is right on the money. It should be required reading for anyone thinking about adding a Giant to their home. These dogs are powerful, stubborn, loving and loyal. Not everyone can be a successful Giant owner and that is why so many of these dogs end up in rescue.

Giant Schnauzers by Joe Stahlkuppe clearly describes these wonderful dogs and their needs. If you are thinking about purchasing a Giant, please read this book.

Average customer rating:
Giant Schnauzer (Comprehensive Owners Guide)
Barbara J. Andrews
Manufacturer: Kennel Club Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Breeds | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Schutzhund: Theory and Training Methods (Howell Reference Books)

PROTECTED BY " GIANT SCHNAUZER HOME SECURITY SYSTEM " PARKING SIGN DOG

Standard Schnauzer (Comprehensive Owner's Guide)

ASIN: 159378242X

Book Description

Cutting an impression of imposing power and unmistakable style, the Giant Schnauzer is revered as a bold and dependable guard dog, an adaptable working dog and a good-natured, handsome family dog. One of Germany's many auspicious contributions to the dog world, the Schnauzers, of which the Giant is the largest, possess distinctive facial furnishings, a blunt-wedged muzzle and an alert, reliable temperament. For the family desiring a protector and companion, the Giant Schnauzer ranks among the best possible choices.

Among the top breeders of working dogs in the US is author Barbara J. Andrews, who has written insightful yet concise chapters on the breed's history, characteristics and the breed standard, with the assistance of the world's top Schnauzer breeder Sylvia Hammarstrom of the famous Skansen kennels in California. This book also details the selection of a puppy, rearing, training and feeding the puppy, crate-training, home safety and much more. Additionally, a lavishly illustrated chapter on preventive healthcare by Dr. Lowell Ackerman provides up-to-date accurate information on inoculations, parasite control, selecting a veterinarian and other topics vital to the ownership of a healthy pure-bred dog. Readers will enjoy learning about the various activities in which the Giant Schnauzer excels, from farm work and protection work to dog shows, agility trials and obedience events.

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Giant Schnauzer Champions 1952-1987 (Breeders reference series)

Manufacturer: Camino E E & Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 094080882X

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Giant Schnauzer Champions, 1988-2000

Manufacturer: Camino E E & Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

Breeds | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1558930825

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Giant Schnauzers (Kw Dog Breed, No 204)
Arthur S. Lockley
Manufacturer: TFH Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Breeds | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
Animal Husbandry | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books
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Giant Schnauzer (Comprehensive Owners Guide)

ASIN: 0866225749

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How to raise and train a giant schnauzer,
Arthur S Lockley
Manufacturer: T.F.H. Publications; distributed by Crown Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Training | Dogs | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Giant Schnauzer (Comprehensive Owners Guide)

ASIN: B0007E7OLM

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How to Strip or Clip Ypur Giant Schnauzer & How to Tape Ears on Your Pup. A 2 Hour (Vhs)Videotape.
Skansen Kennel
Manufacturer: Skansen Kennel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UPTV4G

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The giant schnauzer in America
Sylvia Hammarstrom
Manufacturer: S. Hammarstrom]
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B00072GITS

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Giant Schnauzer

Manufacturer: INTERPET
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GXDJDG

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One of the few books to cover more horse racing than glasses

Very easy to read and covers many items.

Malloy's Sports Collectibles Value Guide: Up-To-Date Prices for Noncard Sports Memorabilia
Roderick A. Malloy
Manufacturer: Wallace-Homestead Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Sports Memorabilia (besides cards) | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0870696890

Customer Reviews:

One of the few books to cover more horse racing than glasses.......2003-03-11

I can't speak for the other sports covered by this book, but this is the only book I have ever found to cover more horse racing memorabilia than just Kentucky Derby and other glasses. This book covers glasses but also programs and pins for all three Triple Crown races and horse racing games. The prices listed still useful even though 10 year old now since horse racing memorabilia isn't a very volatile market, at least in the older items. Just add about 10% or so to the prices and you are pretty much up to date again. The listing of games is one of the best parts of the book as I have never found such a comprehensive list anywhere else.

If you are a collector, pick up a copy for reference use. They are dirt cheap now as used books here on Amazon but you will find it quite valuable.

Very easy to read and covers many items........1998-07-31

I enjoyed the book for its content. It had many sports collectibles that you may not think of. The major problem of the book is the published date of 1993.In the world of collectibles 5 years is an eternity. As the title of the book reads "Malloy's Sports Collectibles Value Guide : Up-To-Date Prices for Noncard Sports Memorabilia" The "up to date" portion is not even close. Probably one of the best books that cover this kind of memorabilia but does you no good if the information is out of date.

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For the Home garden, very basic

Great buy for the Tropical Gardener

Inspirational

A surprise.

Not if you live in the tropics

Landscaping With Tropical Plants (Sunset Series)
Monica Moran Brandies
Manufacturer: Leisure Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Garden Design | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Landscape | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Ornamental Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Tropical Garden Design

Plants for Tropical Landscapes: A Gardener's Guide

The Subtropical Garden

Paradise Found: Growing Tropicals in Your Own Backyard

The Tropical Look: An Encyclopedia of Dramatic Landscape Plants

ASIN: 0376034572

Book Description

Imagine the lush possibilities. In one volume with over 200 photographs, readers will discover how to grow an entire spectrum of exciting new plants in their home gardens. This book reveals the types of tropical plants that are right for your site, no matter what your climate. In addition, it will tell how to get various plants through the winter and into the next growing season. Just the thing for the gardener who wants to incorporate the exotic into the usual landscape.

Customer Reviews:

For the Home garden, very basic.......2007-06-27

If you are intending to get professional advicing on using Tropical plants avoid this book, however if you are planning your own home garden it is a very didactic and fun to read book.

Great buy for the Tropical Gardener.......2007-05-27

If you're like me, you prefer beautiful tropical landscape images over reading text about gardens. This book does an excellent job of that, particularly for the price. I regularly purchase books on tropical gardening, and what I don't want is another listing of plants, I can get that from the mail order catalogues. I like to see images of tropical environments that I can consider recreating, or views that show good tropical garden designs of actual plants (not drawn images). For the money, this book is well worth it.

Inspirational.......2007-04-07

I found this book to be well organized, inspirational and informative with beautiful pictures of landscapes and common tropical plants. The book also gives tips on planting in general.

A surprise........2007-01-12

I recently bought 3 hort books from Amazon, this one is used daily.
It's the best if you are looking for straight planning ideas and great colour & the price is right. :)
I can't wait for Sunset's new edition of Western Gardens due out in Feb 07, & any new book by Monica Moran Brandies.

Buy it, you won't be disappointed, along with Tropical Plants for Home and Garden by William Warren.

Not if you live in the tropics.......2006-07-11

This book is not for someone living in Zones 8,9,10 of the U.S. It focuses on how to use non-tropical plants or tropical plants as annuals to acheive a tropical "look". Not good if you actually live in the tropics and want a guide to plants for your area and how to care for them.

Book Description

Renting a place to live is the largest expense most people have.

This book takes an in-depth yet amusing look at: finding affordable housing, roommate conflicts, unpaid bills, and getting your security deposit returned. The book also explains the basics of dealing with irresponsible landlords with or without an attorney.

Customer Reviews:

Good Info.......2003-06-18

A fairly decent book that is geared more for the first time renter. Good list of resources in the appendix. Definetly a funny book.

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In the name of Iran

Persian Princess

I don't think so...

Crowning Anguish

A memoir of Great significance to feminism and Qajar History

Crowning Anguish: Memoirs of a Persian Princess from the Harem to Modernity : 1884-1914
Taj Al-Saltanah , Ann Vanzan , and Amin Neshati
Manufacturer: Mage Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Asia | History | Subjects | Books
Iran | Middle East | History | Subjects | Books
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The Liberation of Women and the New Woman: Two Documents in the History of Egyptian Feminism

Between Memory and Desire: The Middle East in a Troubled Age

Scream Queens of the Dead Sea: Sex! Heavy Metal! Linguistics!

Baghdad Burning: Girl Blog From Iraq

A History of Modern Iran Since 1921: The Pahlavis and After

ASIN: 0934211353

Book Description

Now almost one hundred years later Taj's memoirs are relevant and qualify her not only as a feminist by her society's standards but also in comparison with feminists of her generation in Europe and America. Beyond her fascination for the material glamour of the West at the turn of the twentieth century--fashion, architecture, furniture, the motorcar--she was also influenced by Western culture's painting, music, history, literature and language. And yet throughout this time she kept her bond with her own literary and cultural heritage and what she calls her "Persianness."

Despite her troubled life of agony--an unloving and harsh mother; a benevolent but self-indulgent father; an adolescent, bisexual husband; separation from her children; financial difficulties; the stigma of leading a libertine lifestyle and the infamy of removing her veil--Taj's is a genuine voice for women's social grievances in late 20th-century Iran, and one that reveals a remarkable woman in her own right.

"A Thousand and One Nights meets Raise the Red Lantern in this tale of growing up among royal wives and concubines in what is now Iran. . . . Taj saw and recorded a changing society, dissected the role of women in it, and questioned its conventions." (Booklist)

"In this startlingly frank account of life in a Qajar harem, Taj al-Saltana exposes herself and the royal Persian court to public scrutiny. . . . This she does candidly, not only revealing her innermost thoughts and feelings, but also expressing often uncomplimentary views on her country and countrymen. Her account reveals exceptional political awareness among the women in the harem. . . . A treasure-trove of photos of a now bygone era embellish, enhance, and round out this portrait of a fascinating moment in Iran's long and troubled history." (Middle East Journal)

"Taj's account of her childhood in the royal harem is the only account so far by an insider." (Los Angeles Times)

"While the feminist sentiments of the young woman appear modern, it is the simplicity and directness of Taj's personality that makes the work memorable." (Library Journal)

"Taj al-Saltana's memoirs bring home the intense conflicts of a life straddling the harem and modernism. The publishers have succeeded in producing a handsome volume, well stocked with plates and illustrations. Amanat's useful historical sketch enables the book to be appreciated by the general reader as well as the student, reminding us yet again, of the inevitable need to make one well-known, aspect of a Middle Eastern culture familiar to the West." (Times Literary Supplement)

Download Description

The life of Taj al-Saltana, daughter of the ruler of Iran, Naser al-Din Shah Qajar, epitomized the predicaments of her changing era.Overcoming her limited education within the harem walls,Taj chronicled a thirty-year span in the life of a generation that witnessed a shift from traditional order to revolutionary flux. It is as though she had chosen this moment to recall her personal history-a tale filled with "wonder and anguish"-in order to record a cultural and political leap, symbolic of her time, from the indulgent, sheltered, and often petty world of her father's harem to the puzzling and exposed, yet emotionally and intellectually challenging world of a new Iran. Now almost one hundred years later Taj's memoirs are relevant and qualify her not only as a feminist by her society's standards but also in comparison with feminists of her generation in Europe and America. Beyond her fascination for the material glamors of the West at the turn of the twentieth century-fashion, architecture, furniture, the motorcar-she was also influenced by Western culture's painting, music, history, literature and language.And yet throughout this time she kept her bond with her own literary and cultural heritage and what she calls her "Persianness."

Customer Reviews:

In the name of Iran.......2006-11-29

This book was a non-fiction story of daughter of King of Kings Naser Din. She expressed her difficult circumstances of her life as a lady living in a patriarchy society. Once, she learned secular education she moved away from superstitution. She no longer believed that lighting was god's anger but because of scientific reason. In 1936, she passed away as a destituted person.

Persian Princess .......2004-07-26

A good primary source, of which few exist. I wanted to point out to one of the reviewers that the language of Iran (Persia) is Persian and NOT Arabic. The memoirs were written in Taj's native Persian (not Arabic) and then translated into English.

I don't think so..........2001-10-26

I was required to read this book for a class on the history of the modern Middle East. I thought this would be one of the more interesting textbooks that I have to read this semester. I was wrong; this thing is painful.
I've been informed by a friend of mine from the area that it probably loses something in the transition from Arabic to English, but to me the whole thing is overwritten, self centered and features the "heroine" blaming her problems largely on society. Of course she does go into detail about that society, providing the historical value, but still. In places it reads like a manuscript rejected from Harlequin Romance Novels.
If you really want a picture of life in the Middle East. read "Struggle and Survival in the Modern Middle East" by Edmund Burke. Gives a better pictue.

Crowning Anguish.......2001-09-29

I was largely disappointed with this book - I expected an autobiographical glimpse into the life of a pioneering feminist Iranian princess and her family. What I got was a "dear diary"-style mess penned by a selfish and astonishingly conceited young woman. Princess Taj al-Saltana's memoir of her life in her father's harem is loaded with self-aggrandizing statements and little else. Granted, the princess' spoiled brat mentality and overblown self image are undoubtedly products of her coddled earlier life as the daughter of the Shah, however, the constant self promotion makes for terribly boring reading. Taj rehashes the same themes and stories time and again, all while constantly paying homage to her own alleged beauty and intellect. I am sorry to say that the princess' method of relating her story was tiresome, and I couldn't wait for it to end. I found myself rolling my eyes each time I came across a ludicrous reference to her great beauty or amazing mental capacity -- her photographs and her actions do not quite measure up to her excessive claims. I was also disappointed by the lack of information regarding harem life. For example, while she writes of the rituals involved with marriage, her disjointed writing style and intense self-focus give the reader only a fleeting idea of what actually happened during her marriage ceremony. The princess' writing is unfocused and often skips back and forth in time, making her story difficult to follow. The reader is provided with very little useful information about royal harem life. The princess' interest in civil rights for Iranian women is overshadowed by her greater interest in her own freedom to do as she pleases.

The book was edited by Abbas Amanat, who provides a dry and lengthy prologue (of just over 100 pages) which sets the stage for the princess' memoir. I found it puzzling at first that the prologue was so long, however, I soon recognized the need for it. The princess provides very little historical orientation in her memoir, and it is necessary for the editor to fill his readers in with pertinent information regarding the political and social atmosphere in turn-of-the-century Iran. While I agree that the intended topic of "Crowning Anguish" is fascinating, those interested in learning about harem life would be better off skipping this book.

A memoir of Great significance to feminism and Qajar History.......1998-10-01

A truly tragic account of the life of a Persian Princess in the nineteenth century, this book will touch nerves even today. But aside from recounting a life, Taj Al-Saltana's memoir makes three significant contributions to the history of Persia. First and foremost, it is an original and quite possibly the first modern-day feminist book by a Persian woman on the condition of women in Taj's era. Second, her memoir is immensely important to understanding life in the Qajar Dynasty's royal harem. Finally, this book allows the most private look into King Nassir Al-Din's life. Nassir Al-Din ruled Persia for nearly one half of the nineteenth century.

This book comes with a detailed introduction from its editor Professor A. Amanat of Yale University. The intro is in-depth, reader friendly, and helps set the stage for understanding Taj's era and life in Persia. I would highly recommend the Book "Pivot of the Universe" also by Amanat, on the life of Taj Al-Saltana's father, King Nassir Al-Din Qajar.

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