House

Snow Inside the House is a whimsical, wonderful romp through a child's imagination. The rhymes are effortless, clever, and witty...the illustrations are fanciful...the book is great. As fun as, well, as having snow inside your house!

My five year old loves Snow Inside The House - for that matter, so do I. Wouldn't you want to skate with a penguin in the tub or sled down the stairs? Diviny and Rocco are a great team - Keep your finger's crossed that we'll see more from this imaginative pair.

Since television, computer and video games have become the overwhelming medium in our society. The book, Snow Inside the House, clearly suggest that kids can still and continue to have their imaginative power. Mr. Diviny, and his beautifully rhymed text, clearly suggest that he still has the grasp on what it's like being a child. I congratulate Mr. Diviny for his achievement.

Crowded House was one of the best bands I've ever seen, and they made great records, so why didn't they sell millions of records all over the world?

Read this fantastic book--complete with interviews from all the band members--and find out some of the reasons. The book is detailed and raw with emotion because many of the interviews took place right after the band broke up.

It is a sad tale, but not for the reasons you might think.

Overall, it is an excellent read for both hardcore and casual fans alike.

`SOMETHING SO STRONG' by Chris Bourke is arguably the greatest book ever written about a rock band. It is detailed, entertaining and informative. As well, the book is almost impossible to put down. Although the author is clearly a fan, he doesn't dodge around any contentious issues. He seems to have had unfettered access to the individuals involved with Crowded House and that, of course, is always a plus. Any music buff, regardless of whether you're a Crowded house fan or not, will enjoy reading `SOMETHING SO STRONG'. I've read dozens of books about musical groups and this tome is far and away the best. If I have a beef, it's that the Canadian market (where the band was huge) is pretty much ignored. For that you must read `PRIVATE UNIVERSE' by Doole and Twomey.

The ballad of Crowded House, told by Chris Bourke, is entertaining, thanks to the way it was written. What makes this biography so enjoyable is that the author doesn't tiptoe around issues that arose during the band's lifetime. Although Crowded House kept aiming at the US market, the impact that they had in Europe, as well as Australia, is equally important, perhaps even more so, than this. Unlike other reviewers, I don't think it is necessary to label the band as US '2 hit wonders' when clearly they've made an impact elsewhere. Bourke chronicles this struggle well, and top marks go to his research. Great book - must for any Crowdies fan.

If you are looking for a book to explain the exspansive world of natural stone, this is the book! Every question I had was answered in great detail and the photos are incredible. I got so many new ideas from this book and can't wait to start some new projects.

This book is an excellent resource for those seeking to utilize stone decoratively and functionally around their homes! It is beautifully illustrated, well written, and thorough. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in taking advantage of the beauty of stonework in their residence! WELL DONE!

I was quite surprised at all the material this books covers. Anyone planning a custom designed home or remodel could certainly find great inspiration and clever ideas not usually seen in homes in the USA. Additionally, the in-depth info on various natural stone products is a real education. The last part of STONE has a helpful photo index of illustrations of the various types of stone. Since many ceramic tile products attempt to emulate natural stone, this book and especially it's fine examples of mosaics would be quite inspirational for those who work with manmade tiles as well as natural stone. I find the elegant pared down interiors in this book quite refreshing, a breath of fresh air. As a fan of classic, enduring architecture, I am pleased that this book promotes the idea of a home as a structure expected to last centuries--an unusual concept in the States.

THIS BOOK WAS 1 OF THE BEST BY GOINES! I ENJOYED THIS BOOK FROM BEGINNING TO END. THIS BOOK OPENED YOU UP TO THE GAME AND THE STREETS! EARL WAS NO WHORESON BUT HAD GAME! AT THE END I WAS LOOKING FORWARD TO EARL GETTING BACK ON TOP BUT LIKE THE REST OF GOINES BOOKS A BLAST CAME AND THAT WAS THE END! THIS IS A MUST READ!

THIS BOOK IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES OF DONALD GOINES SO FAR. i HAVE READ 6 OF THEM. I GOT SO CAUGHT UP IN THIS ONE I SAT DOWN TO READ IT AND DIDN'T WANT TO STOP UNTIL I FINISHED IT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS ONE.

the book was out of sight can you dig it anyone who gets a chance to read a Donald Goines classic please do you'll be cheating yourself if you dont.

I've had this book for about ten years, and have used it more than any of my many other plant reference books. Tons of plants, great illustrations, concise, well organized. Any time a new plant enters my household I use this book to get better acquainted. Just came to Amazon thinking it would be a great gift for my friend and was disappointed to see that its out of stock (or out of print?). I hope I can track down a copy somewhere else...

The best resource book I've found. Concise, excellent pictures, easy to use. Many of my fellow house plant owners wish they had this book on their shelves. Hope a reprint is coming soon.

I have used this book for at least fifteen years as a guide to my greenhouse management and have found it indespensible. My son has just built a small greenhouse. I'd like to give him a copy, so I hope the publisher will reprint it. It is invaluable.

The specifics in the book are dated. However, the philosophy and methodology behind the specifics are timeless, and still worth reading 20 years later. Very Highly recommended; I need another copy to replace the one I have worn out.

This is THE book to own. You'll find yourself referring to it time and time again ... As my copy is well "dog-eared" and ready for replacement. Survival Guns comes from the late 1970s survival movement (of which the movement is returning due to current events) and is thus dated (the Second Amendment still had some meaning back then).

The Author's philosophy of owning the maximum amount of weapons one can possibly find a need for (and overlapping) may not agree with some readers belief's (or budget for that matter!) But in general this book encourages the reader to make their own decision on what is needed for the defense and livelihood of themselves and their families. And that is what Survivalism is all about!

You would be happy to know, Mel Tappan's Survival Guns is currently being reprinted by Delta Press (www.DeltaPress.com) in its entirety. Get your copy today and start creating your own "Survival Battery" before everything gets banned!

I found out about this book from the Whole Earth Catalog. Their review said that this book was the equivalent of several books. It is well written. The information is a little dated at this time, since Tappan is deceased. Also, the emphasis is on survivalism, and the philosophies of Jeff Cooper and Elmer Keith are represented.

But it's still a place to start to learn about firearms and ammunition. It has a good bibliography section.

In Vapnyar's book, she shows a tremendous talent for integration and understand of personal feelings, and particularly, some nuances of prejudice, that we don't often consider. Most, but not all, of the stories in this book take place in Russia. Part of Vapnyar's brilliant writing style in this short book of short stories is her ability to capture so vividly, the picture and feeling of the surrounding environment in very few words, but her descriptions never seem incomplete.

The title story is particularly poignant, and shows the level of anti-semitism in Russia mostly in the 1940's, and how while it was there, it was not the same as that of Poland, which was ingrained in the society for 100's of years, or that of Germany, which was institutionalized by the Nazi party. Yet, it was still there, it was always there. And when a person started to get on another's nerves, when they were more successful, when they were more literate, when they did things that were beyond the ability of the other individual, well the answer cannot be, that I am inferior, it must be, that they are Jews.

But must it? Perhaps, if perception is reality. Even the children in her story, "A Question For Vera" are indoctrinated in some of the usual anti-semitic methods of the time, including phrenology. It is in this very story, that Vapnyar poses the question, so reminiscent of Shakespeare's Shylock in the "Merchant of Venice" when he says, "...If you prick us do we not bleed?..." But Vapnyar says it her way, "What if ... there wasn't anything bad or special about being Jewish? Katya looked around. There was nobody to answer that question..."

Aside from her incredible insight, it is so much the more so interesting, that English is not Ms. Vapnyar's first language. She is a Russian immigrant who came to New York in 1994, the book blurb says. But she has mastered the language of English, so finely, so delicately, that she can express these intricate and personal feelings, so very well, in English. She truly has broad talent. I would expect she will produce much more for readers to enjoy and ponder as her career expands.

Vapnyar's writing is so light that you barely notice that you're reading. The title story is my favorite-a very powerful tale of jealousy between two Russian women during Nazi invasion. Love Lessons is different, but great too. My favorite line (spoken by a young sexual education teacher): "It was not as if I had no experience whatsoever. I wasn't a virgin. Or at least I hoped I wasn't. Actually I couldn't be completely sure about it."

I first read Lara Vapnyar in the debut fiction issue of The New Yorker. I've now read this collection. She is on her way to be one of our very best writers. Her prose is simple but never kitchy. Her characters are nuanced, complex, unforgettable. They instruct us in the ways humans love (and betray) one another. Ms. Vapnyar is the most interesting new writer I've read this year.

********** 10 Stars

I loved to listen to short-stories as a child in Wales, well that's what I like to think, and this collection of beautifully sculpted, humoress and enchanting tales will keep you spellbound long enough to forget about everything else around you.

Peter Ho Davies has written a remarkable book which indicates a brilliant ability to observe, interpret and create images, ideas and stories.

regards,

Martyn R Jones

Davies' collection of short stories is a wonderful amalgam of short stories that are both memorable and unique. Although the subjects vary, from an elite officers' dinner party during the Boer War to a quarry workers' strike in Wales, Davies is consistent throughout with his insightfulness and a wonderful sense of humor. More specifically, the stories are not written in any atypical or outrageous manner; rather, Davies simply tells his stories in voices that are confident and direct, and each is perfectly suitable for the story he has to tell.

To read this delightful collection of stories is like taking a balloon trip around the world with an acute spyglass to your eye; you see diverse moments in history and across cultures with tremendous specificity and clarity. But Davies' best accomplishment is the tenderness with which he presents his odd characters--the chinese painter pressganged by a group of violent communist buffoons, the striking Welsh miner who must choose between pride and love. Even a buttoned-up group of colonialist Brits striving to oppress the Zulu come in for their share of quiet sympathy--a story that begins by lampooning an officer's embarassment as he farts in the presence of his superiors ends with the suggestion that both Brit and Zulu share a deep corporeal response to the prospect of death. The stories in this book are wide-ranging and unpredictable, but so satisfying. I loved the book. This writer is here to stay.

I found Great Baby Rooms quite helpful. There are several styles of nurseries ranging from traditional to contemporary. I was able to show my husband nurseries similar to the ideas in my mind and he was able to agree or disagree on my selections.

I usually don't find what I need in these types of books, one of many in a serial of themes, but "Ideas for Great Baby Rooms" really surprised me. I noticed it at a friend's house and after flipping through the pages I had to buy one for my library. At first you'll be swept away by the beautiful full page photographs and then when you go back and begin to read the book (so often one buys decorating books for the pictures alone, but this is an exception to that rule) you'll discover there is actually a lot of useful information as well. Every topic is covered from figuring out your budget, to safety, nursery themes (or not), shopping lists, arranging the floor plan, bargain hunting, and what to do if you don't have much time.

I appreciate all of the options the author offers at each turn, and her encouragement to find your own style by using the examples in the book as a creative starting point. Many of these nurseries have a personalized feel rather than looking like a cutout from a retailer's catalog (only a couple nurseries looked dated or overdone). This book is more than inspirational, it is also informative and I find myself returning to it often.

I really love this book, and it's the best one of it's type I've seen out there. It touches on everything from the minimal nursery to the baby room for triplets, to the ultimately elaborate baby suite. There's even a cute jungle room that's actually a walk in closet off of the parent's bedroom! It's got fresh ideas that haven't been done to death, and concentrates on great ideas for gender neutral baby rooms. Full color photos on every page. Also has safety advise and hints for cutting expenses, such as using a dresser outfitted with a pad on top, rather than forking out the cash for a changing table that'll only get 2 years of use. Love this book - I paid $13.00 for mine at Home Depot, an it was worth every penny!

Are you a decorating addict, collecting books on decorating, stashing them with your horde of ribbons from past gifts, little trinkets left over from craft projects, and snips of favorite rooms from those shelter magazines? Don't bother buying any more books--Tracy Porter will show you what to do with all your precious mementoes, and offers you the freedom to do EXACTLY WHAT YOU WANT WITH THEM. Unlike Shabby Chic guru Rachel, or major pain Martha, Tracy says YOU are in charge. Like chartreuse and red velvet? Go for it. After reading her book, you'll be dying to throw parties for little foo foo bunnies and pulling all your treasures out of those boxes and putting them out to admire. If I could get Tracy to come play at MY house, I'd be the happiest person ever. This book will NEVER wind up on a bookshelf; I keep referring to it far to often to not have it at my fingertips!! Buy it, love it, and go for some heavy-duty, grab-your-honey romantic Baroque!!

I absolutely loved this book in spite of the fact I'm French and I sometimes must search words I don't understand in the dictionnary.
Tracy Porter's ideas are incredible and a little crazy, but as I'm an artist and a designer too, I think I'm almost as crazy as she is, but it's very pleasant to find someone who go further in the crazyness. Her joy of life brought me a lot, at a time I had troubles in my inspiration, because of family problems, political difficulties (I love USA and it's not well seen in France these times).
I already wanted to move to USA before but by seeing all her funny and sympathitic animals, it convinced me more. People in Paris have lost their fantasy, I think.
Suddenly, I thought, I'm not alone... Well, it's a book about love. Everything in it is about love and it makes us feel so good.
Thanks Tracy.
Yael from Paris

Having been a long time fan of designer Tracy Porter's enchanting products, I had the pleasure of curling up with her first book DREAMS FROM HOME over a relaxing weekend. How refreshing to read a book of such honesty that captures the spirit of dreaming and taking risks. Having moved from the city to the country to start her design business, Tracy shares an inside look of the changes and challenges that she and her husband faced to follow their dreams. The photography in this book is completely inspirational filled with Tracy's signature layered look. Tracy shares personal tales of how they transformed their 100-year old stone farmhouse into a place of comfort. She shares decorating and entertaining tips without being preachy or too instructive. What makes this book even more intriguing is the way in which Tracy weaves in personal stories - from her love for her grandmother to her family's Easter celebration to a suprise birthday party for her husband in an abandoned silo! This book is fun, inspiring, and reminds us all to dream and play and live life to its fullest. DREAMS FROM HOME is a must have for anyone who dares to dream!