O Books

Very nice book complete with patterns and instructions. One of the best available.

I love making gingerbread houses. I've made quite a few, so I was looking for something with unique ideas. This houses in this book are very detailed. But don't let that scare beginners. One of the best things about this book is how it not only gives great ideas, but tells you how to use them. It starts with the patterns (great to have them full sized already) and tells you how to build the house from structure to finish. The variety and detail are wonderful. You could adapt each project to your own level of artistry. I would definitely recommend this as a keeper for the project shelf.

I am again very impressed by Theresa Layman. The gingerbread houses are just magical, not only because of the easy to use designs, but also because of the attention that has been paid to the details, which make every project just about perfect.

A lot of ideas, not only for Christmas (although I LOVE the Santa sleigh) each and every one just lovely. The directions are extended and clear. I cannot wait to make them all!

I have both of Teresa Layman's books on gingerbread, and this is my favorite of the two. If you enjoy making gingerbread structures, or just like practicing your decorating skill, this book is one you will turn to time and time again. What I like most about both of her books is how clear and detailed her instructions are on how things are put together, and how she uses items and ingredients that anyone can find anywhere, so that it is IMPOSSIBLE to mess it up. And even though the pictures look a bit intimidating, if you break each structure down into steps as she has laid out, and take it one thing at a time, you soon realize how simple they really are - they just LOOK impressive. The Haunted House is worth the price of the book all by itself! I loved making it - so much fun!

I was very happy with this book. It has lots of patterns and ideas and gives full instructions of how to make gingerbread houses, lanterns and santa with his sleigh. I am sure I can make these houses come to life like in the book. The patterns are very simple, some are a bit harder but they are all there for anyone to look at. Thank you so much for my wonderful book.

Cec Murphey's openness and persistence in helping others understand God's care for us continues to enrich my life. What a comfort to read his words and hear that God does not give up on us. His examples from the Old Testament shed new light on familiar scripture and his shared personal experiences bring hope and inspiration.

The God Who Pursues, and the follow up The Relentless God, should be on every Christian's reading list. Cec Murphey writes in a personal conversational style that reminds me of Max Lucado. He uses OT examples and examples from his own life to illustrate God's continual pursuit of us despite what we do or don't do. His honest revelations about himself speak to the reader without sounding preachy.

Highly recommended.

Cecil Murphey gets to the heart of the matter. You know that when he talks earnestly about a God who pursues, he's talking from experience. He also gets to the heart of Bible stories and uses contemporary illustrations to flesh out some really essential principles about life and spirituality.
This would be a wonderfully healing experience for anyone who's been burned out, or browned out by unhealthy religion.

Cec Murphey has personalized the stories of Old Testament Characters in a way that will make you reconsider your thoughts about God, His grace, and His unending love. Murphey uses real-life experiences that illustrate God's never-give-up attitude towards us. Time and time again I've mulled Murphey's lessons on Gopd and life over in my mind, only to see them in a new light each time. This is a must-read for anyone who's looking for a life changing book.

I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but can't get it out of my mind. Never have I read a book that so clearly describes God's longing for a relationship with me. I think Cecil Murphey has made that so clear by his use of stories. He weaves in stories from his personal experiences, yes, but he also tells the story of various Bible figures.

Adam, Abraham, Jacob, Job, Moses, Samson, David, Jonah--and even Baalam--all their stories are told from the viewpoint of a God who was crazy about them. Some of them embraced the God who loved them, and some of them didn't. But with each story comes another layer of the story--the story of a God who cares and who relentlessly pursues.

This is a book I will read again.

This is a worthy sequel to The Silver Sword. Ms. Hunt's heroines are believable and inspiring. You can't put these books down. The historical aspects are fascinating. Buy the series - you won't regret it!

This is the second book in a four book series titled "The Heirs of Cahira O'Connor" (the first one, also excellent, is titled the Silver Sword). In this book Aiden O'Connor learns to survive and maintain her virtue when her father dies at sea, leaving her and her mother homeless and without money. Aiden, who has a God-given talent of drawing & painting, is given a chance to use her gift disguised as a boy on a ship. The story is an excellent example of how good overcomes evil and how one can rise (with God's help) above unfortunate circumstances.

The author does a thorough job of researching the culture of the Dutch in the time period, provides accurate details of water coloring & painting, and how life was typically lived on a ship in the 1600s.

It was a terrific book, as was the first one. I highly recommend them!

This book surprised me! (in a VERY good way) I read the first book in this series, "The Silver Sword", and didn't think much of it so I wasn't really looking forward to reading this one so I was amazed when I couldn't pull myself out of this one. Some of the other reviewers said that the book captures your attention and you won't be able to put it down. This is sooo true! I found myself taking it everywhere with me so that I could read it, including the grocery store. I was constantly wondering what was going to happen next with Aidan! So definitely read this book one and all and also check out my other reviews! :)

This book is engrossing, to say the least. Be prepared to lose hours of your time in order to finish this book. The book moves quickly, with secrets and dastardly plots. Aidan O'Connor seeks to escape her life in the slums by using her art. Her patron sees her talent and seeks to have it brought to the light of day.

The characters are rich and well rounded. The conversions and realizations of self are truly well written and believable. Personally, I like how the beginning and end of every book begins with Kathleen setting up the story, and then giving a postscript.

This is a wonderful book that can bring to life an entirely new world.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I liked it better than the first in the series, although that was good too. Stories about the sea always interest me and the book held my interest all the way through. I would recommend this book to anyone who loves to paint as well. The character's faith in God was brought out through the whole book. I am looking forward to the third in the series.

An excellent book to have by your bedside and use as a devotional during time of suffering.. What an encouragement ! Very insightful and thought provoking!

This book is a wonderful commentary on Job, deep and thought-provoking. I have bought copies for friends who were having problems.

This book is the most inspired, rich, thoughtful and deep journey into the text of Job and its immediate relevance to the Gospel. C.S. Lewis would be very proud of Mike Mason's journey through the Gospel of Job. Mike Mason and C.S. Lewis have received the same gift. This book is a joy to read and reread.

My uncle in recommending this book said, 'If I were stranded on a deserted island and could have with me only two books--one, of course, would be the Bible, the other would be The Gospel According to Job.' My personal choices, though, would be (one) the Bible and (two) a comprehensive survival guide with detailed instructions on how to build a boat. However, if I were given a third choice, I would undoubtedly have with me The Gospel According to Job. It's the most profound commentary on Christian living I've ever read. I've handed out dozens to friends and family.

All the chapters are two pages in length and are perfect in size for devotional reading. The Gospel According to Job, in truth, is so rich and deep with insight, I find it best to chew on small pieces of its wisdom at a time. It is--in its own right--a practical and spiritual guide for life, and has built me up in ways no other book has. Please read it.

Mike Mason's "The Gospel According to Job" creates a biblical sufferology: a theology of suffering. Point by point, or, more accurately, verse by verse, Mason guides readers, like an ancient spiritual director, into the depth of human suffering. His co-guide is the greatest human sufferer of all time--Job.

As Mason explains in his preface, "The Gospel According to Job" is not a commentary but a devotional. Those looking for an exegetical commentary will, therefore, be disappointed. However, those looking for an accurate, unique, refreshing, practical explanation of the life of Job, will be encouraged.

Mason is a skilled wordsmith which makes this rather lenghty book an easy read, as does the two-to-three page "chapters." Many of the insights, in particular that Job is about Job, more than it is about God, are startling. In fact, readers of this review are likely saying, "What!? How can Job NOT be about God?" Oh, it is. But it is MORE about God's view of Job than it is about Job's view of God. If I say more, I'll ruin the suspense . . .

Not every "chapter" provides the same depth of insight, with some more provocative and perhaps more exegetically grounded than others. But, isn't that the way with a "devotional book." More than enough chapters are "dead on" to make "The Gospel According to Job" a powerful addition to your arsenal in the battle for your soul when Satan assaults.

Reviewer: Bob Kellemen, Ph.D., is the author of "Beyond the Suffering: Embracing the Legacy of African American Soul Care and Spiritual Direction," "Soul Physicians," "Spiritual Friends," and the forthcoming "Sacred Friendships: Listening to the Voices of Women Soul Care-Givers and Spiritual Directors."

I found the description of what to expect in a treatment session especially helpful. I just started chiropractic treatments recently and, even though I did not go to one of the practitioners listed in the guide, I still knew exactly what to expect and felt more comfortable starting treatment. Thanks you for relieving some anxiety!

As a bodywork practitioner presented with the dilemma of offering help and services to clients confronted with the trial of their lives, I had high expectations of this book. I wasn't disappointed. This book is solid, well researched, and substantive. I will recommend it without reservation to my clients. Not just clients facing cancer, but any client troubled by a chronic or acute physical condition or discomfort who seeks resources to improve their health and well-being. This takes effort, education, information, and resources. What this book offers is a structure and framework to evaluate "what's out there", and help a person to decide "Is this for me?" "Is this for me now, or later?"

What I especially appreciate is the author's emphasis on trusting your own intuition---and backing that up with succinct, well-organized information to facilitate rational decision-making in support of one's intuition. This book isn't just another nice book about a cancer experience; it's a well thought out resource to think through and make decisions on developing your complementary health care. Thank you, Carole O'Toole!

This book describes many complementary alternatives to conventional breast cancer treatments. Having been through conventional treatment myself, these alternatives are NEVER presented by mainstream practitioners and it is a pity that many people never hear about these potentially effective options. This book is a must for anyone who is interested in saving their life.

This book is such a gift, written with authority, clarity, and empathy. For anyone who wonders what to expect from different complementary therapies, this book is invaluable. For those facing decisions about maintaining health while fighting cancer, this book is a blessing. The author transforms her struggle to stay alive and maintain well-being into a resource for the rest of us.

This book offers the reader a factual, non-biased compilation of available complementary therapies. As a cancer survivor, she teaches us that when facing a cancer diagnosis and standard allopathic therapies, we can, no we must, be an active participant in assessing all the possible treatment paths as we make our decisions and choices in our path to healing. Not only do we hope to understand what is happening to us, we must take an active role in regaining our good health.

Ms. O'Toole teaches us that we must trust our selves and our abilities in this process. For when we do, we make the best possible decisions for our lives. This book is a wonderful guide for those facing treatment as well as their loved ones.

As the only female in a household of males (even the dog) I totally identified with this book.

I sat down to read the first chapter and ended up finishing the book in one sitting. I felt compelled to read on to find out about the next escapade, all the while comparing it to the chaos in my own home and before I knew it several hours had passed and I had finished the entire book.

Sharon very cleverly uses her skill with words to pull a multitude of emotions from her reader. I did an awful lot of laughing out loud while reading House of Testosterone but also found myself crying several times. It was also very reassuring to see that my house is "normal" well, as normal as it can be with all these guys in it.

I am here to offer a different point of view. I am not a mother, but the father of only one daughter. I found this book to be so true to life
because I could see myself in many of the situations the author describes, especially the chapters "I can Fix it Myself" and "You Look Fine" It is fun to read even if you only have a few minutes, but I found it hard to put down.

This book is humorous and heartfelt. As I was reading it, there were moments where I wanted to cry or just burst out laughing. This is a good book to read whether you are a mother or not. It is very informative, right on point about males all round, regardless of their age. I will use this book as my guide to raising my two sons. It is a must buy for yourself or as a gift.

THis book was humorous, but also poignant at times. Having three boys myself, I could relate to many of the situations in the book. It is also a book you can read a little at a time, and read over again for a laugh. I was actually laughing out loud! This also makes a good gift book for moms with boys. I have bought them for many of my friends. Also, I enjoyed going to the author's website. Lilly G

As a single woman whose major contact with men is in the dating scene, I found this book to have smart, funny and illuminating insights into the male mind and male behavior. Whatever the age of the male, the differences between the sexes provide for poignant, heartfelt and hilarious moments. While the author's incidents are located within the realm of one specific family, I couldn't help smiling or laughing at how much it strikes a chord with my own, very different life. Whether you're a mom or not, women will appreciate her honest and humorous look at one woman's struggles with mankind!

My grandson (22 months) laughs when this is read and at the same time has learned the names of various musical instruments

This book is a trip ! I teach Music K-2 and all the children loved this book. The best part about Shy Fellow is that it's a great teaching tool in terms of all different musical instruments swallowed. The children were amused, curious and interested with every page!
Music Teachers: I highly recommend this book !!

This book is delicious! A parody on the song, " I know an old Lady who Swallowed a Fly", "I know a Shy Fellow Who Swallowed a Cello" is funnier and delightfully illustrated. I purchased it because I am a music educator, and I highly recommend it for children from ages 3 to 100, but only if they have active imaginations.

The kids in my class loved singing along. I read/sang it with my K-3 music students. They all know the tune and enjoyed this variation. I used it to introduce various instruments and as a memory test for the kids. Cute pictures, well written. Just be ready to explain the word "bellow."

Barbara S. Garriel has created an interesting shy fellow who has an almost never ending appetite for musical instruments. With the artistry of John O'Brien and the writing talents of Ms. Garriel, this shy fellow takes a whimsical journey that will have everyone smiling. This book is a "must have" !

Legendary journalist Theodore H. White (1915-1986) always wrote with great eloquence, but never more so than in this superbly moving autobiography. White begins by describing his impoverished boyhood in Boston's Jewish ghetto and his undergrad days (on scholarship) at Harvard in the 1930's. He then writes with great passion about his years as a correspondent in war-torn China (1938-1945), which included working for Time Magazine, reporting on China's leaders, and helping to curb a famine. The author's attachment to the Middle Kingdom has doubtless inspired several readers (including myself) to visit that enchanting yet tragic nation. White also describes his career in post-war Europe, and his days as a returned U.S. journalist during the prosperous 1950's and beyond. Readers get a first-hand look such notables as Dwight Eisenhower, Mao Zedong, Chou En Lai, Douglas McArthur, Chiang Kai-Shek, Joe Stillwell, Konrad Adenauer, etc. We also get an intimate look at John F. Kennedy's bid for the Presidency, and his brief tenure in office. White concludes with a bittersweet account of returning to his once-tranquil boyhood home in the 1970's - now encircled by ghetto blight and violence.

Theodore H. White was one of the top journalists of the 20th Century, and perhaps best known for his MAKING OF THE PRESIDENT series (1960-1972). Very few writers have ever matched his eloquent prose, which is abundant in this superbly moving 1978 memoir.

.......how a young man's decision to add Chinese to his college curriculum changed forever his life, placing him at all the pivotal points of history in his time....meeting the men with the visionary ideas........and writing of this journey so exceptionally we all experience the intimacies of every moment.

I really LOVE this book, have read it several times! I can't believe one person was able to do all of these fascinating things and tell about it in such an engaging manner. The material in China in WWII is probably the most fascinating and tells stories about the Chinese leadership that most westerners don't know. The McCarthy era and the Kennedy campaign and assasinations also were riveting.

This is one of those rare authors that can make an exciting history jump off the pages at you. And White was lucky: he saw some of the most interesting events of the 20th century, up close and with access to the principal players. The latter part of the book, where he describes the inner circle of the Kennedy camp on election night, 1960, is one of the best passages I have ever read.

Theodore H. White (1915-1986) is widely regarded as one of the greatest journalists of the World War Two "G.I." generation. TIME magazine once called him the "godfather of modern political reporting", and he is best known for his classic "Making of the President" series of books. From 1960 to 1980 White covered every presidential campaign and observed the political leaders who participated in them. He became so well-known that candidates from John Kennedy to Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan gave him unprecedented access to the inner workings of their campaigns. White's first book in the series - the bestselling "Making of the President 1960" (which covered the Kennedy-Nixon contest) earned him the pulitzer prize. Yet White was far more than just a political reporter, as this marvelous memoir proves. By 1976 White had grown both tired and bored of covering presidential politics, and so instead of doing another book on the '76 campaign, he decided to write his autobiography. In "In Search of History" White offers a superb chronicle of his remarkable life and career. Born and raised in a poor Jewish slum in Boston, White came from a family of intellectual Jewish immigrants who nonetheless experienced grinding poverty. In his youth White was in many ways a child prodigy - he was both brilliant and energetic. He sold newspapers to help his family pay the bills, attended Harvard University on a scholarship and became fluent in Chinese. In 1938 White, only 23, flew to China to cover that nation's heroic resistance to the Japanese invasion. He was soon hired by Henry Luce's powerful TIME-LIFE magazines to be their Asia correspondent, and for awhile he was Luce's star reporter. White vividly describes his experiences in China and Asia during World War Two, from a devastating famine to his meetings with legendary Chinese leaders such as General Chiang Kai-shek (whom he despised) and Communist leaders Chou En-lai and Mao Tse-tung (with whom he formed a wary respect). He also met the great American generals of the Asian theater of the war, such as Douglas MacArthur and Joseph Stilwell. White seems to have been present at a vast number of great historic events, and among his best descriptions is that of the Japanese surrender aboard the USS Missouri in 1945. After the war White moved to Europe, where he covered that continent's attempts to rebuild and unite and America's efforts to help. In the fifties White began covering American politics, and then in the sixties he both covered and became a close friend of the Kennedy family - thus becoming (as he reluctantly admits) emotionally closer to his subject than he should have been. White's closeness to the Kennedys was dramatically revealed in late November 1963, when Jackie Kennedy personally chose him to discuss the intimate details of the assassination in Dallas and to write a "final word" about JFK. It was White's "Epilogue" (published in LIFE), that created the legend that Kennedy's Presidency was "Camelot" - a word which Jacqueline Kennedy insisted be used in describing her husband's administration. It is apparent from "In Search of History" that White led an extraordinary life and had many adventures (and misadventures) along the way. He is an engrossing writer, and despite the book's length I never grew bored or restless. Among the thousands of journalists of the twentieth century, White almost certainly belongs among the top ten, and this autobiography proves why. Highly recommended!

Party books always catch my eye since our family gets together often. However this book not only caught my eye -- I bought it! I also suggested my library buy it, and after reviewing it, they agreed! I am thrilled with the new ideas I can use on old friends and family that have been to more than a couple parties at our house. After awhile it seems like you've served the same food and done the same thing. Instant Parties gives complete, fun ideas for parties with a different twist - not weird - just refreshingly new!! The humor the book is written with encourages your party brainstorm, and if you hadn't planned on giving a party, it will get you in the party mood!! It's a great book.

Are you tired of "sitting around and having pleasant chatter" type parties? This book gives you creative, manageable, fun ideas for parties that your friends will be talking and laughing about for years. If you want the "same old-same old" - buy a different book.

The format is entertaining - so just read it for the fun of it - you can dream of the friends you would invite.

I am planning to buy several as gifts for my friends. I want the whole bunch to bond together by planning and participating in a variety of parties as described in the book.

Great ideas, easily done! An American theme which can be readily adapted to anywhere in the world. We have used several of the themes already, and have had great fun - we've even become popular with our friends for a change. Well written and fun to read - we laughed until we stopped!!!
Highly recommended to anyone with a sense of fun and adventure. To anyone else - you don't know what you're missing!

I live in Key West FL and as you can probably imagine a quite a town for parties. Like most Conchs I hold 2 jobs to cover the costs of living large in paradise so I don't have the time(or the creativity truth be told)to pull off a party that measures up. The 2 parties I have thrown so far using this book has made me quite the center of attention amongst my (rapidly expanding) circle of friends. Two words "BUY IT!" I can't wait to throw the "Done Yer Duty" party after the holidays. p.s. The book is also very funny. Too bad there is not a 6-Star rating available.

It's about time that a party book was written that still allows you to have fun at your own gathering instead of worrying about the weird French dish in the oven. A great, unpretentious book that features creative ideas and is entertaining to read even if you have no friends to throw a party for. These are parties that are quick, easy, and fun that won't stress you out or empty your wallet. I highly recommend it!

I am traveling to Ireland soon, and found myself in need of a Rough Guide-- because no one else does it better. So far its been instrumental in planning my trip: from arrival in the Southern port cities to a trip around the Ring of Kerry to our planned stay in Dublin, its the starting point in accounting for lodging, restaurants, and activities. No guide can encapsulate the entire country they're "guiding" you through, but the very best give you a great sense of where and how to begin engaging with the country or countries in question and the Rough Guide typically does this with aplomb. I'm also headed to Britain on this trip too, and trust-- I've got the Rough Guide for Britain, too. Laurence West

I used this book for a 10-day driving trip around Ireland with my mom. My mom had brought Frommer's and Fodor's guide books, and we kept coming back to the Rough Guide. I'd used my first Rough Guide in Ecuador and loved it. What I love is that they cover everything, not just the tourist traps that the "mainstream" guide books do. The book's recommendations are right on and they have information on even the most out-of-the-way places. The book's best suggestion was climbing Mount Errigal - quite a hike, but so worth it.

Even the maps in the book are excellent. We ended up using the Rough Guide maps combined with a tourist map we got at the aiport for a large-scale view of the country. The Michelin driving map we brought ended up being too complicated to use.

After several great experiences with them, Rough Guides are now my guide book of choice. You won't be disappointed with this one!

This is the first Rough Guide I've purchased, and I'll be looking for more in the series. I like the way the guide is structured, by county and town/smaller area, with attractions described in detail enough for a reader to decide whether or not to see them.

I was weaned on the Blue Guides when I first did international travel. I loved the detail about towns and historic sites in those guides along with the suggested tours. The Rough Guide lived up to this standard for me. It provided a good level of detail to enjoy our touring with an organzization of the information that made sense.

This was the 3rd "Rough Guide" I've used, and in my opinion they are the best resources for travel to new countries. They not only cover the "standard" areas and sites in detail - including a good range of lodging and dining options - but also take you off the beaten track, exposing nice gems not covered in other books.

If you like to really EXPLORE a country, rather than find the next good shopping area or find the most economical place to sleep, this book and ALL of the "Rough Guides" are for you!