K Books

No other writer combines a knowledge of cuisine, history, and social place with such lyricism and panache. If you want some obscure recipe in its unadulterated, early 20th century form, it is here. If you want an account of life under the hardships of war, described through the gastronomic difficulties of rationing and scarcity, look no further. But if you want all that and a style that is as beautiful in its choice of word and phrase as it is in its theme and moral, then you have arrived at the caviar of culinary insight. Fisher is so much more than a food writer and it is often easy to forget that you are reading the work of a author who is perhaps best known as merely the translator of Brillat-Savarin's masterwork, "The Physiology of Taste".

There a is haunting, autobiographical element to this work. The Art of Eating is actually a collection of Fisher's best pieces and so the anthology is divided into the books and arranged chronologically. Yes, there are recipes but I enjoy the personal stories best. Recollections of a meal in Lyon with a friend and a drunken waiter are so much more than embellishments of past adventure. They are windows to a world which has vanished; a time when food meant so much more to culture than a quirky jingle about cheeseburgers. Even if you are not a self-professed foodie this is a fantastic read and I recommend it to anyone who finds beauty and romance in a well-written story.

This is an excellent volume and great value for money as it comprises several of Fisher's best-known texts.

Even in paperback this is a thick and heavy book, which is a compilation of several of MKF Fisher's individual works offering different aspects of her thoughts on food in terms of origin, recipes, culinary preparation, and history. In addition, it divulges her own observations on the whole dining experience that we as humans go through in terms of customs, etiquette, ambience, socializing and so forth. But what makes this book stellar is the eloquent, imaginative, and sometimes even haunting style of Ms. Fisher's writing. She expresses her own thoughts and oftentimes outspoken opinions, mixing them with historical facts, tempting recipes, and home-cooked tales. With such a satisfying horn of plenty within the confines of two book covers, it is easy to understand why she still reigns as the queen of prose inspired by food and dining. I wish I had her ability to master in writing such joi de vivre and enthusiasm for food, eating, and drinking, which after all are such basic elements to our very existence.

The section I enjoyed most of all was "The Gastronomical Me", a biography-cum-travelogue in which she poignantly narrates her experiences by rendering them so lifelike that you can smell the smells and taste the tastes. She includes food episodes of her early years in California while growing up and later attending boarding school; in Dijon, France where the kitchens in restaurants and her apartments beckon you to partake of the offerings; in Switzerland where you visually can grasp the mountains and streams along train-rides she describes through the Alps to Italy; and finally in a small Mexican town, where she surpasses even the writing prowess demonstrated in her previous stories, by telling the most poignant tales.

An interesting sidelight is that this book not only covers food. You gather early on that she is far from a teetotaler since alcoholic drinks and drinking at mealtimes too are frequent topics, from sipping wines and champagnes and glasses of Pernod on ocean liners to mixing water with bourbon, which she keeps in a flask during a long, propeller-driven, airplane flight to Mexico.

The other sections I liked were the beginning (Serve It Forth) and Consider the Oyster. It amazed me that one person could write a whole expose covering around a hundred pages about only the oyster: the various types, methods of preparations, and culinary history. Plus she gives her own personal memories and anecdotes too. You name it, she said it about oysters--recipes included.

I did not care as much for How to Cook a Wolf, as I could not relate to either the off-color humor or to some of the topics she presented. (Sorry, but sweetbreads, halves of calf heads, and brains were not appetizing subjects.) Also, I gave up finishing the book. I started to read "An Alphabet for Gourmets", the last section, but got as far as "D" and couldn't force myself to read through the rest of the alphabet. It seems to me by the time in her life when she wrote this section she had become rather cynical and bitter, to the extent that everything she wrote sounded condescending. This section was such a let-down, a depressant to me after coming off the high of "The Gastronomical Me". Although I exaggerate, she seemed to repeatedly state something to the effect that she preferred to dine alone on crackers and milk rather than face gourmet meals with uncultivated people (with untrained palettes) who were unsavvy as to the proper way food should be eaten in the first place and incapable of appreciating what they shoved in their faces in the second. Anyway, other readers may disagree with me, but this last section lacks the consistency, and more important, the vibrancy and pep of her flowing, off-the-wall style that grows on you in the other sections.

Although I was a little disheartened at the end, her brilliance that shone through in the other sections more than outweighed the few negatives. I can recommend this book to everyone, especially to people who are interested in food as a literary subject in its own right instead of something that we simply cook and eat. Of course, foodies and cooks alike should appreciate it. And though it does have some very good recipes as added bonuses, this should not be considered a cookbook; instead, this book's function is to serve up delicious tidbits for our minds and imaginations to savor and enjoy.

I thought this book was interesting. Our book group also read "The Omnivore's Dilemina". She brings a post WWII perspective to food.
The tomato soup cake was OK.

We had our meeting and each made something from the book. The author had an interesting life and has written many other books so it was a good discussion.

"The Art of Eating" recountss the tale from post World War I to World War II France in gastronomic terms. This is a collection of several books. "Serve It Forth," first published in 1937, is a history of gastronomy. In "Consider the Oyster" written in 1941, Fisher finds her voice. "How to Cook a Wolf" published in 1942, when wartime shortages were at their worst includes recipes for stretching the smallest of ingredients to meet nutritional needs and the needs of the spirit. "The Gastronomical Me" is this reader's favorite, which recounts Fischer's life in France. If you have any interest in good food, well-written memoirs or French culture, you really must read this book. It defines the word "classic."

I haven't read the book it was for my daughter who just raved about it

I ordered this for my granddaughter and she loved it. It's the 2nd book she's read by this author and eventually wants to read them all.

I know at first the writing style of the text in the book may throw some people off... but it is what gives the story the actual feel of being there and exploring the crazy chaotic world of meth... great book, wish it was a bit longer, i read it in 6hrs

If you read Crank. The first of this two book series or any other of this authors book. You know how amazing she is. This is just another amazing book to add to this wonderful authors collection.

The sequel to the popular novel "Crank" definetly strikes your heart. I found myself constantly doing things that books normally do not make me do. For instance I found myself yelling at the characters and raging on about what was and wasn't fair. The characters hit me with full force and now I'm more attached to them than ever.

All though "Glass" can be quite depressing it truly unleashes the truth about the drug meth or as Kristina/Bree calls it - the monster. This monster comes in different forms but the outcome is always the same - it will ruin you.

Something to note is that all of Ellen Hopkin's novels are written in poetry format. I was very surprised after reading her first book at how talented she is. The format is original and even though there aren't as many words as a normal book, it still puts a lot of things into those few words.

Kristina used to be a good girl - used to have real friends - until she met the monster. In this second book crank/glass/the monster has officially taken over her life. While trying to raise her baby boy, Hunter while dealing with her deadly drug addiction, life is rough as ever. Soon even a loving family and friends becomes scarce. But of course do you really need a friend while you're having such a blast with glass? Bree says no but Kristina says yes.

Bree is the part of Kristina that's wild, wreckless, and not well. Kristina is the side that is good, has common sense, wants to stop. Will this girl do what's right or will her bad decisions lead her into even more trouble?

Tom's book is a must read for all who manage more than one person.
Great companies are built by those who lead by example and teach others how to lead. Swing To Balance teaches that those who feel they can do it all will do more, more easily and better, if they help others to succeed. The game of golf is THE metaphor for life!!
This book is well written and and will make any airplane trip seem to short. Enjoy.

Tom Wentz has written a remarkable book that provides as meny life lessons as it does golf tips. An accomplished golfer himself, Tom applies the principles of a "balanced" swing to keeping your life balanced both professionaly and personally. The concept of "Effortless Effectiveness" show the importance of keeping all the moving parts of your golf swing working together to hit the ball straight and long. It underscores why trying too hard seldom works.
I recommend this book for anyone who wants to straighten out their drives as well as their lives.

Most of us enjoy golf and are constantly trying to fix some aspect of our game. We adjust the grip to correct a slice or alter our stance a bit to fix something else. But adjustments to a fundamentally flawed swing will never result in a great game.

Tom invites us to fundamentally rethink the swing. He's analyzed numerous PGA Tour players and distilled the common elements of their swings into a few steps that allow a golfer to visualize and execute a fundamentally sound swing. Without all the gimmicks many of us rely on.

But in the process he confronts us with a disturbing reality - most of us approach our professional lives in the same way. We are constantly trying to improve our situations by fixing problems rather than determining what we want to become and structuring our enterprise to create it. Tom uses this very interesting allegory to demonstrate how we can all make the same fundamental transition in our professional lives.

In fairness, I've not only read the book but also seen it successfully applied in golf and in real businesses. So I have no trouble endorsing it.

But will your golf improve? Well, Tom took my novice spouse from no ability to her first successful nine holes in about four hours. It took me much longer to improve because I clung to several stubborn habits that needed to be shed.

As always, it depends on what you're willing to give up give up to get what you really want. Start with an open attitude and you can create the swing - and the enterprise - you really want.

Leadership ang Golf delivers an intersting perspective into the challenges of management and company change by comparing to the challenges of the golf swing. Being both a manager for a company that is making the move from mass production to mass "customization" and a high hanidcapped golfer; it was easy for me to realate to the lessons of Wentz.

Following the lessons of Swing to Balance, our company is certainly on the right path to continued growth and success as well as on-line with our company purpose. My golf swing...well that's another story.

There is always great ways to map the knowledge and skills of the athletic arena with business. Execution is key. Using the imagery of the golf swing, Mr. Wentz makes a great connection to business. A short read, but effective.

I was given this book as a gift from my son. I read it on an airplane and laughed and cried so much that at the end of the flight, the man sitting next to me said, "you are quite an emotional lady!" I bought a copy of this book for the lady that helped me when I got stranded when the flight was delayed a day. She read one of the stories in it while I was changing clothes and I found her in tears when I returned. It's a great feel-good book.

In this collection of stories from and about mothers, there is something for everyone. Whether you need to be inspired, comforted, or amused, whether if you are looking for a laugh or a cry you can find a story for your mood. The Chicken Soup authors always know how to pick a collection of stories that truly brings the subject to light, a tear to your eye, and a smile to your lips! This time, what a worthy topic: mothers. As a positive psychologist in private practice I certainly know the powerful and permanent importance of our mothers in all of our lives!

I CAN NOT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! Some real tear jerkers too. A must for all moms.

my family got this as a gift about 8 years ago. I don't remember much about it but I remember the stories about the mother losing her son during a skiing accident, the girl who bought her mom bobby pins for her birthday and the story where they're celebrating a grandmother's birthday and she dies at the end of the party after seeing her entire family at the celebration.

AFTER READING THIS I AM REASSURED THAT GOOD HONEST BOOKS ARE FINALLY MAKING A COME-BACK!!!!!!

I enjoyed this book a lot. It makes you think a lot even after you've finished it. There are many lessons to be learned from this book. For example: choosing between your ideals and the loved ones (when of course they are in conflict), God vs atheism, love and hate (how one can possess both of them towards the same person), ideals and the will and determination to fight for them.

...if I live or if I die." Tremendous drama, capturing quickly the complexities of human development in so many camps. This book had me excited to turn the pages.

It will take some time to understand the intent of the author's finish, but she may have created something different than she intended. Soviets could not have understood what they were pushing!

This story is of the same quality as 'Tale of 2 Cities,' so I expect it will become more available soon.

Read this book for the first time in Russian when I was 12 and it had been my favorite book ever since. Was able to read it in the original language just some years later, realizing that:
1. The Russian translation is wonderful:)
2. The book is still my favorite one.

It's amazing how Voynish manages to write a book which countains a love story, yet not boring nor sexual, a fight story, yet not overpatriotic/stupid. The continuation book feets perfectly ("An Interrupited Friendship" and may be should be read between the 1st and the 2nd parts of "The Gadfly" (I read the "Interrupted Friendship" some years after "The Gadfly" and it was still perfect).


BTW, Ethel Lilian is a daughter of mr. Bool - for those of us who know what boolean algebra is - that's her father's doing! I know it's a piece of useless information:)

It's rather a mystery to me that this book has never gained the kind of popularity in the US that it's always had in Russia. And yes, one can put it down to its political background and revolutionary theme, especially in what is a "lesser" known milieu of Italy in the 1840's, but really this is entirely the outer shell that could easily have been set elsewhere more "popular." I think the problem after all is that this book has been judged by its cover, as it were. But setting aside, it is the most profoundly human and tragic book you may ever read. Much was said of the themes of the book in the other reviews, and it is all true, so I will only say that the ending of the book caught me riding home on the subway, and I wept like I have never ever wept in my life. People stared at me as if I were insane, but of course I didn't care - I was being affected by something most people would never imagine feeling for anything, and certainly for no "thing" like a book. I wept for two hours afterward. And then I couldn't touch another written word for months. If ever words produced raw, overwhelming feelings, surely it is between the pages of The Gadfly.

This work is pure treasure and a great place for someone who wishes to begin reading fine literature to start. I cannot believe that I never heard of this book until I was 50! It ended up on my large "reading list" and I had to order it online to find a copy -- then (I kick myself) it laid around here for a year before I opened it. When I finally did, I discovered that I could not put this one down -- a quintessential page-turner. It's a very personal saga of a very good man, and, a Priest who betrays him during an Italian rebel uprising period. I savored "War and Peace" and "The Brothers Karamazov", and while "The Gadfly" is that sort of book (much shorter), it's not such a tough go as the former titles. Voynich was brilliant. I read an average of three books a week, and have done so for many years, and this one is one of my top 3 reads ever. Don't miss this one and if you wish to double your pleasure, get a copy of Dmitri Shostakovich's sountrack to "The Gadfly" movie and allow it to play as wallpaper as you read. Incredible stuff!

Mr. Iyengar writes so anyone can understand and brings humor to complex subjects. The book has helped me deepen my yoga practice immensely. I completely recommend to anyone, especially those choosing to follow the yogic path.

This is a good book to read if you are a serious yoga practitioner or teacher, since it reviews in a simplified way the Yogasutras of Patanjali and Iyengar's point of view on life and life experiences. It has nothing to do with religion, it is just a different take on life that might prove useful and enlightening.

If you love yoga, or even think you would like to practice, this book is a must. Iyengar is the guru who will help you see the light and love of your practice and understand what yoga really is all about. I refer back to the book all the time. Merritt Becker, Maputo, Mozambique

I thought this was quite an interesting book of life--the life of B.Y.S. Iyengar. Recommended for those who are real curious.

This is a surprisingly accessible overview of yoga and levels of practice. It is not a "how to" manual, but rather a "why to" manual with insights for the beginner as well as the experienced.

I just started my own business making swim suits. I had bought a Juki Overlock machine to sew them with. It's a pretty complicated machine and I've been sewing for a while so I thought that I could just figure it out but I failed. It came with a manual but I needed something more. I looked for a book to help me out and chose this one. I'm glad I did. It has been a great book and company to come across. The patterns that came with the book were great to learn on and I downloaded an underwear pattern from their website. Any level sewer can benefit greatly from the info in this book. I was highly impressed with how well the patterns matched up and turned out, especially with using knits.

I ordered this book with the Sew Fast Sew Easy book. The techniques and projects in this book are much more advanced. The Ottoman project is really cool but it's a commitment. The tee shirt and pant on the other hand are preatty simple and come out great. I love these patterns. It also has great attention to detail in the illustrations. The instructions were easy follow and it had info about putting in neckbands that was really helpful. I couldn't distribute the neckband correctly and there is a tip about how to chalk it. I'm super happy with these books and highly recommend. Enjoy!

I bought this book because I wanted to develop my sewing skills further and the reviews for this book were great. When I received this book I was surprised at how well it was written and how detailed the descriptions and instructions are. The "Box Cushion" project is a little more demanding and is the perfect challenge for me. I have other sewing books that are dull and a little hard to understand. This "Sew On" book was exactly what I was looking for. I just ordered their other book "Rip It", I'm sure it will be just as great. I am very happy with my order.

Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

Sew Fast Sew Easy Sew On by Elissa K. Meyrich is an all-out, hip manual to the art of sewing and serging. Made by the founder and president of SewFastSewEasy, a company renowned for helping everyday hipsters become competent seamsters, it is a thorough and appealing handbook for novices to the art of garment creation.

The first thing you notice when you open up the book is that it just looks good. The illustrations, even for highly technical things like threading an overlock machine, are compelling to look at. The subtle use of colors and the intriguing lines are quite frankly, cool. It is a strange experience finding yourself admiring an illustration of a seam ripper, but definitely not an unpleasant one, nor an uncommon one, when reading this book.

As for content, Sew Fast Sew Easy Sew On thoroughly covers the basics of the sewing process, from choosing tools and fabrics, to understanding patterns, to instructions on how to use a sewing machine and serger, to tips on simple sewing techniques like sewing on buttons and how to make a hem. It also includes very handy charts and a glossary. Most importantly though, it contains step by step instructions and included patterns for five projects, such as a simple T-shirt and an iPod holder. I personally, am a big fan of the "hipster drawstring pants," and although it would not be flattering on me, I do appreciate the look of a "scarf halter wrap-around dress" on members of the fairer sex.

The instructions for these projects, and in the book as a whole, are very thorough, and it is very clear that Elissa K. Meyrich is a veteran teacher. Her hours teaching classes at Parsons School of Design and at her company in New York City show through. One of her instructions for threading a sewing machine tells you to turn the handwheel slowly "TOWARDS" you, and just hints at the many, many novices who must have turned the wheel the wrong way.

Her instructions are generally very good, but in a few instances can be a little difficult to understand. For example, early in the book she mentions the right side of fabric, without ever defining it. After a reading a little farther you can figure out it is the side of the fabric that is going to be on the outside of the garment, but in the meantime it can be confusing for a beginner. Such problems are minor though, and do not seriously hamper the book. For those who really want to make something neat, this book will help you do it.

Sew Easy Sew Fast Sew On is a thorough, useful, and stylish book for those intent on learning the art of of clothes creation, and is available at www.sewfastseweasy.com. Also, check out the lessons on the website for some of the best DIY clothing training in New York City and on the web.

Sew Fast Sew Easy: All You Need to Know When You Start to Sew
Rip It!: How to Deconstruct and Reconstruct the Clothes of Your Dreams

This book compliments the first Sew Fast Sew Easy book. I had bought that book to learn to sew and had great success with it. I knew this book would have some great tips and projects but I underestimated it. The projects and patterns that are included were perfectly challenging for me. I learned more techniques with the box cushion. I hadn't ever sewn with heavy fabric let alone turn a corner. Learning about overlock machines and what there used for was an eye opener and I'm now on the hunt for one. I have a new passion and am proud of my progress with sewing. I acredit it to these books.

I simply adored every detail of _Two Truths and a Lie_. How rare for a popular-fiction mystery novel to have true character development *and* a plot! I'm one of those who always figures out the who-done-it way too early and finds little reason to finish the book (except to skim the important bits to see that I'm right). This time, I didn't want to miss a word all the way to the end. Dair, Peyton, and their friends, family and animals were real down to the last detail. Anyone who has ever struggled with an addiction (or loved someone who has) must read this book. Also a must for understanding compulsive lying.

I've never read another book which combines two subjects so well. Another author might have written a murder mystery without the caracter depth of this novel, or a relationship oriented story without the suspense that grabs the reader. This novel is definately on my top 10 favorite list. Of course this may just be the absinthe talking, but I can't wait for Kittle's next masterpiece.

Dair Canard has problems, big ones. A compulsive liar with a drinking problem, she has a husband that seems to have something to hide, parents who have separated, and a close friend whose recent and suspicious death was bizarre to say the least. Dair's life is definately spiraling out of control, and her lifetime of lying is starting to take it's toll.
This is a well written page turner with just enough twists to keep the reader guessing. My only criticism would be that I found the "animal telepathy" angle a little difficult to swallow. Even an animal lover such as myself grew tired of the endless references to the character's pets. That said, this is still a enjoyable, albeit unusual mystery novel worth reading.

It is scary how real these characters were. As a matter of fact there were times that I had to put the book down and walk away from it because I felt such a strong connection with them. I say bravo a job well done and a toast to a book that is the finest I've read in years. If you only read one book this year pick this one up you won't feel sorry. The narrative is beautiful, the characters are life like, and even the animals have a personality of their own. There is not a single place where the book falters or gets drab. It will grab you and won't let go until the very last word.

"Dair was a habitual liar. Not pathological or anything, just...recreational." Thus begins this story about lies, deception, and what happens when the truth is sometimes less believable than the lies we tell. Let's face it we've all been guilty of telling "little white lies". Stories we enhance, niceties we introduce to spare someone's feelings, the occasional all out fib. Whether we like it or not, lying is part of human nature.

And it is with this introspective into someone who has spent her entire life telling little (and sometimes not so little) lies that begins our story. We meet Dair, on the way to pick up her husband Peyton from the airport, plotting the lie she'll tell him to explain why she is late. It is the accident, or apparent suicide she witnesses on the way, which truly does make her late, and turns out to be stranger than any fiction she could have concocted.

From here a web of lies, not only Dair's, but also everyone else's, begins to spin out of control. We meet Peyton, her husband, who has his own demons to contend with, we learn more about the reasons behind Dair's "habit" of stretching the truth. We meet Dair's mother, with her unusual talent of communicating with animals. We learn the identity of the alleged "suicide" victim, and his relation to all the players in this book. And we open up a whole lot of questions in the process.

I really enjoyed this book. I wasn't sure what to expect from it, not even having a clue what the story was about (it was sent to me by a friend), and so was glad to discover that it was full of twists and turns and surprises. The characters were very real, and easy to identify with. The author creates a world not unlike the world her reader's live in, and therefore, these characters could be our neighbors, our friends, our co-workers. Their secrets and their lies, possibly making them people we don't truly know. The relationships between the characters were realistic, deep, captivating, and I could identify with Dair, I felt for Peyton, I adored the cranky upstairs neighbor, Mr. Lively. But it was the "secondary characters" in this story, the animals, which really tied it all together for me. Katrina Kittle did a wonderful job of making the pets as much a "cast of characters" in this novel as the humans. Shoddan and Blizzard, Peyton and Dair's dogs, with their huge personalities, Captain Hook, Mr. Lively's parrot, with his extended vocabulary, Dair's Chickadee, they were vital to this story, and added a nice twist to the mystery and the drama.

For me, this book had it all, great character development, wonderful storytelling, mystery, humor, a bit of sadness, fantasy and realism. A+

Upon rereading this recently, I discover many areas in which Niven's memory is faulty in recalling certain events. This isn't surprising, given the fact that he was writing his memoirs decades after said events took place.

Some are frantic to know who "Our Little Girl" could have been. It can only have been Vivien Leigh. No, she wasn't from Arizona, she wasn't a blonde, etc. This would have been Niven's way of protecting her identity by creating an entirely different look and background from Leigh's own. When Leigh had her famous breakdown, Niven stayed with her for two days until Laurence Olivier, who was still married to her at the time, could come from England. Niven writes about this very occurrence in "Our Little Girl", which helps to identify the actress as Leigh. He was good friends with both of them, which may be why he chose to hide her identity rather than to give it out straight - Leigh died years before the book was published, but Olivier was still very much alive.

Niven has a style that is very easy to read, very human, warm, and often hysterically funny. He shows us a Hollywood apart from the glamor, the opening nights of movies, the gorgeous people. His Hollywood is populated by real people with real faults. A widower himself (his first wife died as the result of a tragic accident), he treats the stories of Clark Gable and Fred Astaire, both widowers, with empathy and compassion.

Tricky memory notwithstanding, it's still a wonderful read.

David Niven is an often neglected actor from the Golden Age, but as a man, he was very likable. This book is proof that the talented actor was also a talented writer. He discusses many different people and scenerios in this book, the title of which is derived from an amusing incident on a film set. He writes with depth and clarity; it is obvious he has really analyzed the people he mentions. His respect for fellow stars and directors is admirable, especially the malligned ones.

Here we learn that the "Goldwynisms" that Samuel Goldwyn is so famous for might have all been made-up. We learn that Errol Flynn was indeed a womanizer, but no rapist. We hear an amusing story about Edward Goulding's funeral complete with the worst pallbearer casting in history.

The oddest thing in the book is a short story in the form of a chapter called "Our Little Girl." I still am not sure why it was included.

What a treat! So refreshing to have someone as talented and connected as Niven share his uncensored experiences. The stories of Errol were moving beyond anything I'd ever read about him before. Everyone has sung this book's merits, I want to concentrate on "Our Little Girl". WHO THE HECK WAS THAT???? People are saying Vivien Leigh (came from Arizona, left her mother behind, had a baby, married a camera man, married three times, grew up in the Hollywood system, a blonde known as the Erector set?????) Vivien Leigh doesn't even begin to fit this description. Lana Turner seems most viable but these details do not fit her story either. Same with Rita Hayworth. WHO WAS IT???

I read both books at school in the eighties. I well remember coming across them at the back of the room in my English teacher's large bookcase. I don't remember much, just that they were a great read. Well his first time sticks in my memory....

There is another book about David Niven, titled The Other Side of the Moon. Its author is Sheridan Morley. You might want to read Mr. Morley's recitation of David Niven's life in order to get a more balanced picture. Bring on the Empty Horses is much more about the famous people with whom David Niven hobnobbed during his Hollywood career, than it is about David Niven himself. As to himself, Mr. Niven plays it close to the vest in his autobiography. Mr. Niven makes only a passing reference to the multi-year affair he conducted with Merle Oberon. And a mystery that was not addressed in the autobiography, or in Mr. Morley's book, is exactly how Mr. Niven's wife died. The story from Mr. Niven is that his first wife died accidentally by taking a fall while playing "hide and go seek" at a party at a friend's house. Oh, please! No adult, let alone the sophisticated glitterati of Hollywood, played "hide and go seek." I get the impression that Mr. Niven's autobiography presents a very calculated and sanitized image of himself and his life. But his book does relate fascinating stories of his famous Hollywood friends. Despite my resentment over Niven's obvious lack of forthrightness relating to his life's story, his book remains one of the most entertaining books I have ever read.

Dianne K. Salerni is a true genius. She knows how to capture her readers' attention and hold it . . . to the point of distraction! For me the best part of a story is characters so real I get to know and like, dislike or alternate between the two. High Spirits has this in spades - the Fox sisters are truly engaging as are the many supporting characters in the book. The twists and turns of this story are riveting. Just when you think oh, I know where this is going, she throws you a curve ball that has you on the edge of your seat unable to stop reading, despite any responsibilities that await. Please, please, please write your next book right now!!!

I found the Fox sisters to be a revelation not only to the reader but to the spirit world. The book is well written and entertaining as you follow the girls from something unplanned to profession. I was quite amazed at how their lives not only changed others, but put them in positions of control and in some cases danger. I would recommend this to anyone who loves history. Even though it could be described as a "teen book" it is for anyone of any age.

High Spirits is an excellent book, and Dianne Salerni has an incisive ability to get into the characters' minds. Her characters were actual people, true, but she has a way of taking them out of the past and sitting them right down next to us, making it feel as if we are seeing their story firsthand.

High Spirits actually seems to be two books in one. The first half is the history of the Fox sisters and how they became famous spiritualists, believed to be able to communicate with the dead. As their fame grows, so too does their infamy, and they must deal with nonbelievers and detractors, some of whom are willing to resort to violence. This lends itself to some harrowing, suspenseful moments.

The second part of the book is a romance, as Maggie Fox falls in love with a man who loves her in return, but is unable to find the courage to make his feelings public. Meanwhile, he demands that she give up her life of spirit rapping, which angers her family to no end as it is their sole means of support. Torn between betraying her family or losing the man she loves, a man who makes these demands yet is unwilling to commit, Maggie rides an emotional rollercoaster. We sit by her side at all times, through the constant ups and downs, not knowing how the ride will end.

It is an enjoyable ride, nonetheless, and one well worth taking.

I can't wait to read more of this author. Very well written and informative at the same time. I couldn't wait to look up the Fox sisters and Elisha Kane on the internet while only halfway through the book. Even knowing the ending I couldn't put the book down. Much better written than most of "best sellers" I have recently purchased on my kindle.

High Spirits: A Tale of Ghostly Rapping and Romance is a novelistic treatment of a real incident from American history, the story of the Fox sisters, whose childish pranks of communicating with the departed were taken seriously first by family members, then neighbors, and then the community, ultimately growing into a genuine phenomenon. The resulting movement, known as spiritualism, became quite the rage from the 1840s until after the Civil War. Traces of it are not unknown today.

By the time they reached young womanhood Maggie and Kate Fox had achieved near-celebrity status. The proceeds from their appearances financed their blue collar family and allowed them access to the highest circles of society in New York City, Philadelphia, and so forth. Maggie, in particular, developed a relationship with Elisha Kane, an adventurer and explorer whose exploits earned him his own corner in history and fiction.

For this reader, however, the history is not ultimately the point of the book. The story is a rewarding and entertaining study of two sisters, their family, and their acquaintances, as they grow and develop and mature (or fail to). The author has done a splendid and totally convincing job of filling out their lives and personalities and putting real flesh on the bare bones of history. The romantic relationship between Maggie Fox and Elisha Kane is especially well depicted, for example. Good historical fiction is capable of putting us not only in other minds but in other eras, and High Spirits does this beautifully. One can read all the history one wants of the position of women in Victorian society but this book can show us what it actually felt like.

In addition the story is masterfully written and edited. All in all this is a first-class novel.