Seaweeds of the British Isles: A collaborative project of the British Phycological Society and the British Museum (Natural History) (Publication

Book Description

100 Best Surf Spots in the World will include top surfing destinations ranging from Sunset Beach and the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia to Malibu, California and Oahu, Hawaii. Lesser-known destinations such as Metigama, Sri Lanka and Aviero, Northern Portugal take readers to every corner of the globe in search of the perfect wave. Other countries that make the list include: South Africa, France, England, Scotland, Ireland, Morocco, New Zealand, Japan, Indonesia, and Fiji.

Customer Reviews:

Great photography, great guide book.......2006-09-13

I've already surfed many of the spots in this book. I really enjoy the simplicity of this book, and I view it as a guidebook that I can use to map out my next surf trip. I particularly enjoy the various quotes from surfers around the world, giving their thoughts on a particular spot. All in all, a good book!

OK, but not always accurate, and not always the best spots........2005-11-19

This book is not really a collection of the "world's best surf spots", but rather a collection of surf spots that this author (Rod Sumptor) has visited and surfed. It probably has only about a quarter of the world's top 100 surf spots, (eg there is only one wave listed for the entire country of Indonesia-Uluwatu- which country has at least a dozen of the world's best waves). The internet and various magazines and publications have greatly expanded knowledge of the world's best waves, and they show that this book is quite incomplete in this respect. The pictures, descriptions, and general information on the various spots is ok, just not very complete. Each spot area has a 2 page coverage, with reasonable colour pictures, swell info, water temperature, consistency/month, type of break, accomodation, access, travel and other general information.

The coverage of Hawaii (21 spots), and mainland USA (13 spots) are probably the most complete, but there is only 1 spot on the whole of Central America (La Rocca), 2 in South America (one of which-Rio De Janero-is not world class), one in Morocco (Anchor Point), 3 in New Zealand (2 in Raglan and 1 in Piha), one in Indonesia (Uluwatu), one in Western Australia (Ocean Beach), 6 in Africa, 1 in Tahiti, 1 in Fiji (Tavarua island), 1 in Japan, 1 in UAE, and 1 for the Maldives. There is about 18 listed on the east coast of Australia (some of which are not world class), and 3 in Victoria. Europe gets a lobsided 25 spots, many of which surprisingly, are in the UK (11).

Seasoned surf travellers will know that this distribution is not really indicative of the world's best surf spots. A good example is the Mentawais in Indonesia, with no spots described at all, but with at least half a dozen (probably more) of the world's best waves.

Some other points and corrections:
-Some choices within countries are not the best breaks of that country, eg Punta Rocas in Peru is not considered in the same class as Panic Point or Cabo Blanco; there is no mention of Coxos in Portugal-widely considered as Portugal's best wave; Western Australia has eg Red Bluff, Strickland Bay, Margaret River, North Point, Jakes, and Gnaraloo all not mentioned, and all better than the one spot described (Ocean Beach); Indonesia, as mentioned above, has many other world class breaks outside of Uluwatu, which is the only one listed (eg G Land, Lagundri, One Palm, Asu, Bawa, Desert Point, Nihiwatu, Kandui, Rifles, HTs etc etc,); New Zealand has Shipwrecks, Stent Road, Papatowi, Seconds, the Spit and many other world class spots not mentioned (Note: A new New Zealand surf guide is out which is excellent, with 470 breaks listed, and many uncrowded).
-Some of the Australian section's Gold Coast waves have changed due to man-made intereferance at the Superbank, so this section is now out of date. Snapper, Greenmount and Kirra all have different qualities now, and they have been ridden all the way through for a measured ride of 2km p160-166.
-Broken Head sandbars are fickle p182.
-Cabarita sandbars are fickle p184.
-Manly sandbars are fickle p190.
-the picture on p129 is not of Supertubos.
-Queenscliff beach is on the north end of Manly beach, the picture in the photo on p 191 is Freshwater beach.
-Raglan is not 40 miles from Auckland airport, it is more than 100 miles p207.
-Indicators is not the most westerly point on the headland near Raglan, there is another point further round called Coloseums p206.
-Manu Bay normal rides are about 300m on a really good day, not half a mile p210.
-Lembongan is not on the east coast of Bali, it is a separate island p219, with several breaks.
-there is no break called 'Lombok'-it is an island with many breaks p218

In general, the book needs external review. The information is useful, but occasionally inaccurate, and some information is missing. The World Stormrider Guides are better and more accurate, and with more information, but the internet is still probably the best source if you are looking for information on world surf spots. Purchasing publications on individual countries or regions are also a better bet than this guide.

Average customer rating:

Best book thus far on Harding's administration

Harding Seen for the First Time

The Harding Era : Warren G. Harding and His Administration (Signature Series)
Robert K. Murray
Manufacturer: American Political Biography Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Presidents & Heads of State | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Calvin Coolidge: A Biography (Signature Series)

Woodrow Wilson : A Biography (Signature Series)

The Life & Times of William Howard Taft

Gentleman Boss: The Life of Chester Alan Arthur ([Signature series book])

The Life & Times of William Howard Taft, Vol. 2

ASIN: 0945707274

Customer Reviews:

Best book thus far on Harding's administration.......2006-02-20

Robert K. Murray analyzes the presidency of Warren G. Harding. In this balanced work Murray effectively illustrates that Harding was not the bumbling idiot that he has been made out to be, in fact he was rather intelligient and could have been brilliant if not for his lack of discipline. Murray dispels the myths that Harding was chosen as a candidate in a "smoke filled room" and that he, along with Harry Daughtery, was a member of the "ohio gang". Murray goes into great detail recounting how Harding chose his cabinet, the accomplishments of his administration, his handling of Congress, and his effectiveness as President. Murray discusses the scandals and explores the depth of Harding's knowledge of scandal in his administration. Murray also explores the decline of Harding's reputation and the factors that contributed to this. Overall, Murray views Harding as a man that was more abler than he has been given credit for, but he concedes that Harding had his share of limitations and probably shouldn't have been President. But Murray concludes that the accomplishments of his administration was superior to a great number of other administrations.

I agree with the author's conclusions that Harding accomplished a great deal during his short tenure in office. And would have gone on to become a very good President had he lived. Though I also agree that he probably should not have been president, given the fact that he often spoke of his limitations. The author points out that the very qualities that made Harding so attractive was also the qualities that led to his downfall. Harding was a good, kind, sweet and sincere man-but he was loyal to a fault. Harding (like Jimmy Carter who I also feel should have never been president) was too much of a nice guy and his kindness (and naivete') prevented him from seeing the worse in others. Harding gave his trust to individuals that were unworthy of the trust he placed in them. He exercised poor judgement in his choice of friends, or as one author put it, he was not discriminating enough in his choice of friends or collegues. Had Harding exposed Charles Forbes after demanding his resignation, quite possibly Harding would have atleast been credited for having some integrity, but he blundered in his handling of Forbes.

The Harding Memorial Association also blundered by not making the Harding Papers available. In Murray's estimate, had these materials been available, much of the gossipy lies that have been said and written and about Mr. Harding would have been dispelled. But instead, lies and myths continue to be perpetuated and presented as historical fact. Therefore, it is no wonder Harding is held in such low regard. But Harding is not the evil, crook that he has been painted to be.

Harding would have, in due time, overcome the scandals like many other Presidents before and after him have. But due to his untimely death, he had no opportunity and therefore had no voice. But Harding, deserves to be reexamined, and I applaud the author's effort in presenting such a balanced view.

Harding Seen for the First Time.......2004-11-21

The Harding Era brought to the reader, for the first time, an accurate and fair account of the Warren G. Harding Presidency. Harding had been (and in some respects still is) the most maltreated president in our nation's history. His reputation plummeted soon after his untimely death in office, and misconceptions and lies soon became accepted as fact rather than fiction. Murray's work shows some interesting aspects of Harding's two and a half years in office:

· The myth of a smoke filled room does disservice to Harding, who through effective campaigning and a natural congeniality, was able to secure the 1920 nomination, and it does a disservice to the supposed power brokers, some of whom continued to vote against Harding until the end. Uncertain times and two bull-headed front-runners more than party bosses pulling the strings of a puppet Harding made a dark-horse Harding nomination possible.
· Harding was able to bring governmental spending under control by creating, under the executive branch, the office of the budget. As well, he championed and was able to accomplish the Washington Naval Conference, which set the stage for military size and ability following post World War One. His policies have been shown to be wanting, but in his day were seen as viable to an isolationist nation.
· The Teapot Dome scandal, which has historically been the Achilles heal of the Harding administration, is seen in the light of historical research: it was only in the papers for a brief time and Harding, by transferring control of governmental oil reserves from one cabinet secretary to another was simply following what was thought to be the good advice of his cabinet. He was not involved in the scandal nor could he really be faulted for what was for him an uncomplicated administrative transfer.
· The Harding era ended a recession and set the stage for republican dominance throughout the 1920s. It is shown that both Coolidge and Hoover built on this base. And, no matter how the slogan came about, "Normalcy" became the catchword of the era. Few presidents have been able to define an era as the Harding campaign did.
· Both presidents Coolidge and Hoover have hindered Harding's reputation. Both had served in the Harding cabinet and either could have spoken up for their deceased colleague to counter some of the hearsay that was accepted as fact. Yet Harding was by then a political albatross, and they both stayed silent.

Murray also clearly shows the weakness of Harding as a man and president.

· His sexual prowess was less accepted, even to a roaring 1920s, than it might have been later on. Although verified accounts of his exploits are less than the rumors and stories surrounding him, (Murray shows the idea of sex in the oval office closet to be basically another lie turned into fact), Harding was no moral beacon. As the 20th century closed in the United States Harding was remembered as a 1920s Bill Clinton. Harding could have only blamed himself for this.
· Personally he governed by consensus, weakness, and some executive planning. The speeches during his Western and Alaskan tour seem to show a man growing into the office and wanting to exercise more presidential authority. I personally think that had Harding lived he would have weathered the scandals, won re-election, and been remembered better. Yet, his death and his many hidden papers, for many years presumed destroyed, allowed the various Harding myths to emerge. By being a largely ineffective leader of questionable moral character, Harding is to be blamed for a good portion of this as his weak administration and legacy could not counter-act public perception. Most notably in his mistakes was choosing the notorious Albert Fall to be in his cabinet. Fall more that anyone helped destroy Harding's reputation.
· It is clear that Harding neither made the times, nor did the times make Harding. Brought to office by a country tired of war and wanting to be left alone without a League of Nations or similar entanglement (and helped by a number of first time voting women who found a handsome Harding elect able), he brought with him an undistinguished political record and the nostalgia of and for a small town America. Thankfully most political contests have brought forth a higher caliber winner than did the 1920 election.

Murray concludes by stating that Harding probably should not have been president. But that he was president. This second part alone merits Murray's excellent book. Years ago, when beginning a rather short-lived career as a high school history teacher, I visited the Harding Home and grave in Marion, Ohio. The tour of the home was a bit comical and somewhat less than professional, as a rather obese guide meandered us around the house, at times blowing his nose and checking his handkerchief for contents. The Harding grave was closed to the public, but I got in and saw his grave covered by garden hoses and a soda bottle. The tour was a metaphor for the Harding years. It was not enough to strive to be America's "Best Loved President". The administration needed more and could not provide it, and has strived since then to gain respect. Some Harding aficionados have suggested that Harding should not be considered America's worst president, but should be elevated to the row of bottom tier presidents (based on whatever scale is used in rating presidents). Overall this is not saying much, but it does say something. Reading Robert K. Murray's The Harding Era might just convince the reader that this bump up to the bottom is justified.

Customer Reviews:

Strange biological realities.......2002-05-12

I'm an avid Pickover fan, and I found this book to be a very interesting diversion from his usual hard science writing. As the book reports, Mary Toft was a young woman who lived in the 17th century. She had a peculiar passion and appeared to give birth to something inhuman. From that moment onward, she was plunged into a world she never dreamed existed -- a dark, medical subculture flourishing in the King's court. Mary careened out of control, a pawn in the hands of the powerful while she forced her contemporaries to question their most basic beliefs.

This book describes many medical oddities, modern day hoaxes, and sexual superstitions. Mary Toft was the Monica Lewinsky of the 1700s. Both women elicited a barrage of media coverage, jokes, and national shame. Monica's story cast a bad light on American politics; Mary's affair placed the eighteenth-century London physicians in a bad light.

Other topics discussed in the book: multiple personality disorder, child abuse, hypnosis, repressed memories, Torquemada, sexuality in the Bible, fringe science, psychic surgery, Protocols of the Elders of Zion, Fox sisters, spiritualism, Piltdown man, Joanna Southcott, Joanna, virgin birth, alligators in sewers, gerbils, LSD, sooterkins, cadaver art, UFOs, garadiavolo, Cottingley Fairies, Cardiff giant, Feejee mermaid, cryptozoology, witchcraft, vomiting frogs, obsessive compulsive disorder, rectal objects, dinosaur fossils, the state of medicine in the 1700s, the effect of the mind on how we perceive reality...

well researched, poorly written.......2002-05-06

My first exposure to this author. Well researched, but I think it could have used some more colorful writing. I know it is more of a historical document, but I reallt think Mr. Pickover could of had a lot more fun with it. Plus, there are many, many medical mysteries that aren't even touched. I wish he would have more compare and contrasting. Easy read.

Wow, what a topic!.......2001-11-09

I bought this book the other day, and I have to say I never saw anything like it. The best part was that the story is true. There really was Mary Toft who seemed to give birth to rabbits. One warning: there are some strange "side stories" here that you might need a strong stomach to read. But when you finish the book, you will have learned a lot about history and medicine and science. Well written. Fast pace. Nice figures.

Good sources, disappointing end product.......2001-06-05

I'm a bit disappointed by this book.

Although the idea of a girl giving birth to non-human creatures is interesting and sensational enough, I get the feeling that more could have been done with the subject matter. It's a fun enough read, as promised by the publisher's blurb, but there's very little meat here. While reading it, I had the feeling that the book was slipping through my fingers, as it were. The author kept hinting that something amazing was about to happen, but it never really did.

The general point of the story seems to be that even experienced medical men and scientists can be fooled if they really want to believe in something, but the premise is not explored anywhere near deeply enough to make this book really stand out.

There ARE some attempts to draw parallels with modern hoaxes and to put the story in some sort of context, but this comes toward the end of the book and seems like a bit of an afterthought. It almost feels as if the author was trying to justify himself on the eleventh hour.

The most disappointing part is that the author's sources (especially the brilliant Simons Book of Sexual Records) seem to be more interesting than his actual end product. The various bits of trivia sprinkled throughout the book in order to provide a background to the story are to my mind at least, more interesting than the story itself.

Interesting, but disappointing.......2000-12-29

I've enjoyed other books by Pickover, and this one is on an interesting topic, but one gets the feeling that the book was slapped together in quite a hurry. There are numerous typos and even some grammatical errors ("affect" instead of "effect" in one place), which suggest a lack of care. While Pickover attempts to put the case of Mary Toft in a historical context, the way in which he intersperses such information with the main tale of Mary Toft just doesn't let the book flow well. All in all, there is more surface than depth here. Many pages are spent just listing examples of strange animals and odd births from the past, much as if the author had made a number of index cards in his researching and then just decided to slap them down here and there to pad the book. The writing style is not particularly appealing - it's as if one quickly dictated one's thoughts just to get them down and didn't go back to reread and rewrite. If there was editorial attention to this book, it doesn't show. Still, it's a quick and easy read, just not nearly as good as I had expected it to be.

Average customer rating:

Not the best.

Not so much on the "hip"

Nice Patterns

Not Hip, but Still Nice

I'm not quite sure what their definition of "hip" is.

Hip to Crochet: 23 Contemporary Projects for Today's Crocheter (Hip to . . . Series)
Judith L. Swartz
Manufacturer: Interweave Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Crocheting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Hooked on Crochet: 20 Sassy Projects

200 Crochet Blocks for Blankets, Throws, and Afghans: Crochet Squares to Mix and Match

Cozy Crochet: Learn to Make 26 Fun Projects From Fashion to Home Decor

Cool Crochet

Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker

ASIN: 1931499527

Book Description

A broad range of garment patterns and home accessory projects that transform traditional crochet projects into today's trendiest clothing are provided in this collection of fashionable crochet designs. Presented with easy, step-by-step instructions, illustrations, and photos, these 23 projects include a bohemian coat sweater, a mohair hat, retro bed slippers, and an assortment of trendsetting bags. Projects are included for baskets, pillows, and a throw to add a stylish twist to a crocheter's home decor. In addition to introducing basic crochet techniques, this guide tackles more advanced projects using a variety of yarns, including mohair, merino, angora blends, and linen.

Customer Reviews:

Not the best........2007-06-07

The most exciting project in this book is the scarf on the cover. Nothing else is hip, most are stodgy and boring. If you really want to see this book, you'd be better off grabbing it at your local library.

Not so much on the "hip".......2007-05-19

The idea that this book contains a bunch of "hip" and fashionable patterns is laughable (for reference, I am an early 20's female). There is an actual crocheted SUIT, yes, suit as in skirt and top, in this book. Tell me who on earth is going to think that is hip? Certainly not me.

Out of the numerous patterns, there is perhaps one or two that I would even consider making, and since those are not even all that exciting, I probably won't ever get around to doing it.

This book, while not really my cup of tea, is layed out very nicely and does offer full colored illustrations of the finished pieces. If you think you want to purchase this book, I would highly advise you to see if your local library has a copy so you don't waste your money on something you may or may not like. Please look at the patterns before you purchase and see if this is really what you would consider "hip."

Nice Patterns.......2007-01-23

I liked the patterns in this book and although I have quite a few years experience in this art, I thought the patterns could have appeal for all ages. I liked the simplicity of the suit in this book. As I recall, I think most of the patterns did'nt look too difficult.

Not Hip, but Still Nice.......2006-10-14

I was dying to buy this book since it claims to have "Hip" crochet patterns. So I checked it out at my local library, which I try to do with every book before I buy and possibly regret the purchase. I'm beyond glad I checked it out because the patterns are definitely not hip. They could considered contemporary, but not trendy or hip. They remind me of early 90's or a throwback to the 70's styles and the yarn colors used seemed muted. Otherwise the book is still decent, but shouldn't be bought for the title alone.

I'm not quite sure what their definition of "hip" is........2006-05-03

As a younger crochet fanatic (early 20s) I am always on the lookout for patterns that I, or people I know, would actually wear. This book does not have it! Mostly containing hats and scarves it is not a great source for patterns. Cuter items can be found for free on the web. In addition to the lack of "hip" ness, almost all the pattern examples are done in browns, tans, and orange colors making them even more unappealing and looking like something from the 70s. Overall the book seems to cry out "hippie" more than "hip". MANY better books are available out there and I strongly suggest picking out an alternative. I would suggest the "stitch & bitch" series for crocheting - Much Better book!!

Average customer rating:

Not a great source of information

Lifeless as a dead tree.

To quote the author...

Indoor Bonsai: A Beginner's Step-By-Step Guide (Crowood Gardening Guides)
Dave Pike
Manufacturer: Crowood Press, Limited, The
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Bonsai | By Plant | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
House Plants | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Techniques | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Indoor Bonsai

Indoor Bonsai for Beginners: Selection Care Training

Bonsai: Grow Your Own Bonsai from Cuttings, Seeds, and Saplings

Beginning Bonsai: The Gentle Art of Miniature Tree Growing

Bonsai (101 Essential Tips)

ASIN: 1852232544

Customer Reviews:

Not a great source of information.......2007-02-20

I expected much more out of this book. I bought '101 Essential Tips: Bonsai' at Border's for $5 and got much more pertinent information for my Juniper.

Lifeless as a dead tree........2004-07-02

Photos are uninspiring, if not misleading. All the trees pictured resemble twigs thrown between undefined rocks with no thought to shape, movement, intent or design.

Content wise, misdirection and vagueness are the only quality offered. The reader will learn very little, and what they may learn isn't correct.

You will find much better, thorough, and true information online visiting Bonsai Forums.

Walk away from the monitor. Do NOT buy this book.

To quote the author..........1999-11-29

"Forming the shape of a bonsai can be a very individual subject and therefore it is very difficult for me to convey my ideas to you."

While the author is undoubtedly a talented bonsai gardener, and may well be a good teacher 'at the elbow', his informal jargon may leave the reader puzzled, and his concept of 'dimensional drawings' for tree planning is still unclear, despite numerous example drawings.

Average customer rating:

Great ideas!

Hundreds of Fun Ideas

Not For Stay At Home Parents

Valuable Suggestions for Sensitive Parenting

Little Things Delivers BIG!!

Little Things Long Remembered: Making Your Children Feel Special Every Day
Susan Newman
Manufacturer: Crown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Marriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Family Activities | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Book of New Family Traditions: How to Create Great Rituals for Holidays & Everydays

I Love You Rituals

Little Things Mean a Lot: Creating Happy Memories with Your Grandchildren

Mrs. Clean Jean's Housekeeping with Kids: Family Pickup Lines (and Household Routines) That Work with Less Work from You

Parenting an Only Child: The Joys and Challenges of Raising Your One and Only

Accessories:

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0517593025
Release Date: 1993-11-02

Book Description

Five hundred realistic, simple, and inexpensive ideas for strengthening family ties and fostering traditions that children will remember for a lifetime. Pick and choose from scores of ideas for Parents Who Travel and for special circumstances such as Sick Days, Holidays, and Birthdays. 25 line drawings.

Customer Reviews:

Great ideas!.......2007-02-21

This book is organized in time slots. Do you have 5 minutes -- here are ways you can make your child feel special. 30 minutes? Here are some different ways. And so forth. Some ideas you will probably have already come up with on your own -- or read elsewhere -- but many were innovative.

Hundreds of Fun Ideas .......2006-08-17

I really love this book. It is full of substantive and whimsical ideas for brief and longer activities with kids. Newman has an uncanny eye for what children most enjoy -- and how parents can have a good time too!

A definite must -- and a great gift for moms and dads everywhere.

Not For Stay At Home Parents .......2005-05-20

I think there should be some sort of qualification on this book that it is geared for parents who both work full time outside the home and spend most of their day away from their children. The book is written to help these "busy parents" [what parent isn't busy?! LOL!] fit "quality time" in for their children - and it is broken down into 5 minute or less things to do, half hour things, weekend things etc.

I think this book would be really helpful to parents who didn't have much time to spend with their children. But, for a stay at home parent or a homeschooling parent, it is essentially useless in my opinion.

Most of the things that would be appropriate for a full time parent are things that a stay at home parent is probably already doing [common sense stuff]. The rest is not geared for those who stay home with their children. [for example, the tip to "write a letter to your child's teacher on the first day of school and let them know you want to be involved even though you are a working parent".]

So, personally, as a stay at home mother, I was dissappointed. I feel like I spent money on a book full of stuff that either doesn't apply to our situation or is stuff that I already DO intuitively with my children.

Valuable Suggestions for Sensitive Parenting.......2005-03-25

This book is a wonderful resource for parents that provides a plethora of ideas and valuable inspiration on how to establish meaningful ties and a strong connection with their children that will last a lifetime. The premise is to offer a "think tank" for parents to find ways to be involved in their children's lives and to establish as many connections with them on a daily basis as possible regardless of how busy and hectic the family routine may be. Although the book is full of suggestions and ideas to do just this, I was a bit disappointed that they were listed in small vignettes in an almost laundry list fashion. I would've enjoyed more detail and depth as well as an easier way of navigating the book to find ideas. I find chapter titles such as "weekend fun" and "five minutes more or less" to be a bit vague. All in all, most of us inherently know that the little things in life are what count the most and are most memorable and the ideas offered in this book, when put into use, will build fond childhood memories, solidify the parent-child bond, and nurture a warm, loving home life. I highly recommend this work to all families.

Little Things Delivers BIG!!.......2004-11-03

I've used this book for years. It gives me new ideas to try with my kids...and they work. The chapters are divided into time-frames of a minute or two, half an hour, over the weekend and so forth, so I pick one to meet the time I have. No book like it comes close in helping me show my children I love them.
Thanks....to Susan Newman!

Book Description

In this poignant memoir, Hisako Hibi's keen artistic sensibility comes to life. Adding a dimension to the Japanese internment, Hibi's work reflects her life as a young woman, wife, and mother, and exhibits a strong belief in the perseverance of nature and beauty over adversity. Her paintings offer an insight into the daily life of a woman who would not abandon her art or betray her spirit.

Customer Reviews:

life and art of Japanese-American, including WWII internment.......2005-01-26

Hisako Hibi never had an easy life. She came to the U. S. in 1920 from Japan hoping to find a better life for herself. But in the 1940s, along with tens of thousands of other Japanese-Americans, she was put into a detention camp. After the war, she worked in dress factories after her husband died. The constant changes in her life never gave her the opportunity to pursue her artistic ambitions beyond some brief education in her early years in the U. S. But she picked up enough to paint oil paintings in a bright, bold, somewhat cubist style. Many of these offer views of the detention camps she was held at. Hibi was also an observant, competent writer of English who kept a journal, lengthy passages of which are also included. This Issei woman's daughter has also added photographs to this commemoration of her mother's life which typifies the experiences of Japanese on the West coast during World War II. At the same time, it draws a memorable portrait of this woman who recorded in pictures and words historical and personal incidents in her quiet, determined, accomplished way.

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books