Painting-the

Ron English's work successfully addresses the Disneyification of America, the blatant commercialism of pop art, the uncontested corporate (and irresponsible) intrusion into people's lives, and the nonstop barrage of advertising that forces itself upon us everywhere we turn. His works throw a stick into the cogs, jamming popular culture for just a moment, so that for the split second you take in his work, you can actually "think different."

Too often people think that the only way to practice Buddhism is to sit and quiet or empty the mind. Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche effectively rebuts that view. Since this book was published there have been two additional volumes, both of which are excellect (5 stars). They are titled "As It Is," volumes 1 and 2.

But anyway, Josephine de Beauharnais purchased Malmaison in 1799 for her and Napolean, and in 1800-1802, Malmaison (together with the Tuileries) was the seat of government.

Josephine planted and expanded the rose gardens of the Chateau, and was very interested in natural science. She commissioned Redoute to paint the rose garden of Malmaison (and their lilies, too).

If Redoute's work is interesting to you, you may want to research a little bit about Empress Josephine and Chateau Malmaison. At the very least, consider buying a bottle of 2000 Chateau Malmaison wine... and browse this book in a few years over a glass or two. That would be the next best thing to visiting the rose garden in person.

Pierre-Joseph Redoute was the Audubon of flowers--particularly roses and lilies. His artwork is stunning and he depicts the various varieties of roses in immaculate detail. An absolutely gorgeous book, published by Taschen and printed in Italy, my version is about 5"X 8" page size and the ISBN number is 3-8228-1356-7 (English version).

For the lover of roses, any illustrated book by Pierre-Joseph Redoute will be a treasure to admire for years.

Joseph Pierre

Ironically, the reasons this extraordinarily honest book has been overlooked for awards and tepidly received by professional critics are clearly delineated in the book. Nobody wants to know. If you don't want it to be true, don't look at it and shoot the messenger. Heaven forfend that anyone take on the Rachel role and edit the world into something better! As the three previous reviews show, however, adolescents recognize their world. But will they do anything about it? Or will they grow up and convince themselve they were overreacting?

On bad days I'm Charles, feeling pressured to be Graeme. On amazingly excellent days I get to be Adrian. Most of the time I'm holding on, putting the inner Rachel in charge and hoping for the best.

Elaine's told us the truth. It's up to the rest of us to act on that truth.

I thought I was the only guy who had these thoughts and these fears and was struggling with these issues. But this book says it all. It's okay to be different. It's okay to tell your parents you can't be the person they expect you to be - they might even accept you as you are. Or maybe they won't. The book doesn't promise any happy endings, but it's honest.

All I can say is that every teen, whether you're into painting or writing or music, or whether you're a jock or a geek or a Goth or WHOEVER you are, you have to read this book!! I feel different after reading it, and you will too.

When the artist disappears, Bernard determines to paint his own copy. The end papers of the book include some of the copies of the famous painting as imagined by the author-artist's own students.

The fantasy goes full circle as Neil Waldman's striking paintings are shared in tnis book to benefit the Children's Aid Society & N.Y.school children. Imaginations -- not all young! -- are fired up. Be sure to check all titles of Waldman, illustrator, and also read Joan Shaddox Isom's "The FIRST Starry Night."