V Books

Amazing new story that made me fall in love with Weetzie all over again. A quick and satisfying read, full of color and fantasy.
LOVE IT!!!!!

It looked like chick lit, so I picked it up last week. I have been drawn to lighter fare since losing Nat. My mind is wrapped around so many other things, that it is harder to attach myself emotionally to a story. However, this book wasn't exactly chick lit. I had never read the Weetzie Bat books, or anything else by this author for that matter, so I went in blind. It was a fabulous trip. Block's story winds through reality but includes magic at every turn. This book has a captured mermaid, changlings, floating brides, magic spider weavings... It was like a grown up Oz. And, from me, that is high praise. I was so sad to read the last page and close the book. I picked up the first of the Weetzie Bat books from the library and am reading that now. I will let you know what I think when I have finished reading.

I fell in love with weetzie bat about 8 years ago. I was searching for books and i ran across this one and bought it instantly. I was taken back to weetzie's beautiful world but this time filled with mermaids and drag queens. I finished it in a few days and needless to say I totally fell in love with it. I'd always felt a little incomplete at the end of dangerous angels and this finished it perfectly.

all in all...it is amazing. I HIGHLY recommend it.

Weetzie Bat is an adult now--just turned forty, with her children in college, and her relationship with her secret agent lover man Max falling apart, Weetzie packs a suitcase, leaves her cottage, and moves to a hotel--an unusual hotel, where she meets a blue receptionist, a room-service faun, and an invisible cleaning lady, among all of the equally unusual guests. She plans to stay there until she rediscovers kisses: the passion, goodness, and love in her life. Continuing the wonderful YA series of Weetzie Bat books in a new adult text, Block writes in her usual style, creating a magical, authentic, and truly approachable, enjoyable text. The setting is fantastic, the writing is at the same time straightforward and quirky, and the characters are vivid and their lessons learned are meaningful. This is a fitting sequel to the Weetzie Bat series but aptly modified for a more mature audience, and a wonderful, meaningful, and ultimately uplifting read. I highly recommend it.

The Weetzie Bat books are young adult classics--magical, enchanting, and in many ways uniquely realistic. To my great pleasure, I found Necklace of Kisses to be an apt adult continuation of the series--it preserves both the magic and the enchanting atmosphere of the YA books, and (while many of the issues in the YA books are mature), deals with more adult topics in a similarly honest, respectful fashion. The original Weetzie Bat series may be YA fiction, but it is a worthwhile read for all age groups; I'm pleased that this novel continues the series in a way that is authentic to the original texts yet still modified to speak and appeal to a more mature audience. In fewer words: if you loved the original Weetzie Bat books and are interested in reading a more mature version, then you will enjoy Necklace of Kisses.

Beyond anything, Block's writing style is magical, transporting both characters and readers to a world that is increasingly delightful and vivid. Don't let the unusual cast of characters fool you: the story is actually all the more realistic and meaningful for for its fantastic elements. Block's visual writing style and fantastic setting and characters make the experiences and messages in the book magical (and so more engrossing and more enjoyable to read) and also more vivid (and so stronger and more meaningful). The otherworldliness gives Weetzie's journey an ethereal, universal sense without ever becoming obvious or preachy. This is a delightful book and easy to get lost in, and Weetzie's journey and the conclusions she comes to are satisfying and meaningful. It is an intensely original coming-of-middle-age novel, and Block storytelling and writing is exceptional.

There are a few minor issues with this book (I found some of the characters unappealing, some of the plot points are predictable, not all of the life lessons are meaningful to all readers), but those issues are minor in comparison to the greatness of the overall text. It may not be perfect, but Necklace of Kisses is wonderful. It's a respectful and authentic continuation of the series, it is well adapted to an increasingly mature audience, and Block's writing style excels here, engrossing the reader in Weetzie's magical world and bringing her new knowledge to life. I was delighted by this book, truly glad to have picked it up, and I highly recommend it. It is wonderful.

A friend gave me a copy of "Weetzie Bat" in the late 90's and told me I must read it because I was very much Weetzie. Unsure what she meant, I took the book and devoured it in one brief sitting. Since then, I've read all the books in the "Dangerous Angels" series, as well as other non-Weetzie titles, and go back to them often. Block's word pictures and fantasy scapes thrill me to no end. Her imagery moves me.

I recently purchased "Necklace of Kisses" and was totally blown away by this book. After recently turning 40 myself, I found I could relate to Weetzie's search for self at the beginning of midlife. This book reinforced the truth that life doesn't end at 40...in some ways, it begins anew.

To anyone contemplating this book (especially those hip New Wave/punk grrls from the 80's who are turning 40 soon) please take a chance on it. It will show you that you can still be you as you are, no matter what age you may be.

Here's to the Weetzie in us all!

Find a Nia class ([...]), take a Nia class, buy the book to deepen your practice. You'll never experience life the same again. I use this book in conjunction with regular weekly Nia classes to explore pleasure in my Body. How much pleasure can you stand?

I started NIA 4 months ago. This book is an excellent supplement to the two classes a week that I take. NIA is an incredible fitness and spiritual experience and this book supports my participation.

Whether you are totally fit or flab, "The Nia Technique" can give you instant motivation. Learn all about Nia and how it can enhance your fitness. The only draw back, to learn the moves, I needed to get the DVD. The book will motivate to get you going.

I've read the entire book, and it is informative and easy reading. The exercises don't seem at all difficult. I would highly recommend this book to anyone.

A friend discovered The NIA Technique (neuromuscular integrative action) while researching something to help her cope with difficult health problems. After the first class, we were sold on NIA with it's non-impact, yet aerobic, fluid dance, martial arts and healing arts moves. Nia stresses the joy of movement, and taking the path of least resistance to move "The Body's Way."

Our instructor, Kellie, stressed pleasure while moving. That intrigued us. We could achieve optimum effects with no more pounding or even low-impact aerobics, or repetitive motions on a machine. But how? Kellie suggested The Nia Technique by Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas for obtaining more background information than she could share during our hour plus class.

In The Nia Technique, Debbie Rosas and Carlos Rosas, the creators, share their story. In the 80's and 90's Debbie owned and operated a successful aerobics fitness center in California. Due to the high burn out and injury rates involved for the teachers and students, the Rosas set out to research fitness techniques that would eliminate injury and help heal and make fit the body, mind and soul. The culmination of their intense study and research is fusion fitness like no other, incorporating nine classic movement forms from martial arts (T'ai Chi, Ta Kwon Do, Aikido), dance (jazz, modern and Duncan), and the healing arts (Yoga, Feldenkrais, and Alexander) using 52 specific movements.

Besides the history of the creation of The NIA Technique, this book gives detailed descriptions of all the movements, along with wonderful testimonials in every chapter of people who have experienced everything from alleviation of severe pain, to weight loss, to the ability to self-heal from a variety of unhealthy situations and circumstances.

I doubt that I would have been able to do perform the Nia Technique from reading the book alone. But it is a very helpful tool in understanding the movements and what the intentions are behind them. After reading and receiving more knowledge and wisdom of the history and creation of The Nia Technique, I am even more enamored of my classes, and in every move I make not only in class, but in my dance through everyday life.

- Victoria Austin

Don't we all wish we could go home again and make it work? Beautiful book and one of my all time favorites.

This is my first book by Barbara Samuels, but I do plan on reading more of her work. The book tells a heart warming tale about love, loss and family that touched my emotions on more than one level. The charactars were brought to life on the pages and the town of Pueblo, with all its traditions, a place you would want to plan to visit and stay awhile. I would highly recommend it!

Now that I've read and thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful book, I find myself missing these characters - that's how real they are. It's a familiar story told with truth, wisdom, humor and insight. As a mother, and author of a book for mothers, NEW PSALMS FOR NEW MOMS: A KEEPSAKE JOURNAL, I especially appreciated the touching moments between Jewel and her son, Shane. My sons are also boy-men, and I know the tug at your heart that happens daily as you watch them preparing to take flight. This is a book I'll recommend to friends. Like Jewel's pies, it's a tasty treat!

I loved this book. It's not often a novel makes me cry, with this one I couldn' t stop crying, but laughing too.

Jewel the heroine has such a wry way of looking at the world that we can identify with her easily, yet she is full of love and does her best to cope like everyone else with some horrendous circumstances. Hers is compelling first-person narrative and the talented author gives her a very strong voice, part comedian part earth goddess, all woman.

Every character is a little jewel that sparkles, and the hunky heartthrob Malachi is even to melt your bones. The love secnes are wonderful--only wish there had been more!!

A beautifully written book-I couldn't put it down, raced to the end and then re-read the whole thing to really savor it. I will definitely be reading more by this fabulous author.

Have you ever read a book and then felt regret when you finish it? This is the book that evokes that response in me. I laughed, I cried and I never wanted it to end! Simply....a great book!

Thank you Dr. Melina for this incredibly user-friendly book. I have always been interested in nutrition, eating healthy and maintaining a healthy weight, and I became very frustrated when, after having my kids, I couldn't get rid of that last 5-7 pounds despite perfectly adhering to Weight Watchers and calorie counting etc.

I finally met with a nutritionist who helped me create a lifelong way of eating that didn't involve counting calories or obsessing about points etc. I was able to lose the last 5 pounds and have kept it off. After seeing Dr. Melina on local TV, I was curious and bought her book. I was so pleased to find that her guidelines and principles are very similar to those that my nutritionist laid out to me. She presents these very sound principles in such an easy-to-follow way that I have been recommending her book to friends and patients in my practice.

Her principles will be helpful to anyone, whether you feel like you know everything about nutrition (I thought I did) or whether you're starting from scratch and want to start leading a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Melina is a physician who has dedicated her practice to nutrition, which engenders so much confidence in me as I read through her book. And this is also a way of eating that you will take with you for the rest of your life.

I have watched Dr. Jampolis on Tv for years and was excited when she wrote this book. It is very informative and helped me greatly!

This book/diet is wonderful and very easy to incorporate into your busy schedule. Not to mention is small enough to carry around on vacations and to the office. Highly recommend it to anyone!!

I found this book to be very useful. It was a pleasure to read, fun actually. It helped me to finally take off the last few pounds I was trying to lose. I am a physician and found Dr. Jampolis's approach so easy, that I have recommended it to many of my patients. I like the simple recipes. Her tips on traveling and eating out are great. The information about cholesterol and diet is teriffic, too. Keep at it Dr. Jampolis.

For any one who has fought or is fighting the battle of the bulge ,The No Time to Lose Diet by Dr Jampolis is a MUST READ. It emphasizes permanent life style changes addressing behavior, exercise and nutrition. It gives realistic and attainable ways for not only losing weight but most importantly maintaining weight loss. It's doable for those who have hectic lives, are always on the go,juggling work, family and community responsibilities and still want to feel and look good. It deals with daily challenges faced in the real world and has strategies to over come them that can be incorporated into your life to achieve a healthier better you. I highly recommend it.

this collection of quotes and photogaphs are so intensely beautiful. anyone with a sense of hope for true peace and true happiness would be grateful for this special book. i want to get all the others that follow as well!

so, so great! enjoy : )

I was given this book as a gift by a friend and enjoyed it so thoroughly that the next step was to purchase the book for other friends.

I gave these sealed as holiday presents because I love this book. The photographs are amazing and the wisdom is wonderful and timely.

Each page is a centering, relaxing finding of the self and connection to timeless essence....if one wishes to be so connected.

This is a book to read every day for many years. It's a treat every morning to look at a breathtaking picture of Tibet and read a wise saying by Buddhist masters. The photographs create a sense of infinite Himalayan grandeur of that stark and gorgeous terrain of rock, snow and beautiful people --the young and the old and always with a twinkle in their eyes , awakening wonder in me of a world so harsh in many ways but with inspired people with an active worship. Great book with a page to turn every day of the year and I am on my second year. I have given it to many friends whether they are Buddhists or not and they find it special and enduring in its beauty and wisdom. .

I think that "With the Old Breed" by E.B. Sledge, is the best WWII book ever written. In my opinion, "One Square Mile of Hell" is second best. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in Military History.

This is a gripping account of the pure hell of war, the title says it all.
The author has taken you into the bloody slogging match that was Tarawa, you live through the expierence, imagine being a Marine on a landing craft heading for a beach that you can see, is probably going cause your death, and there isnt a thing you can do about it.
Very scary and realistic

Based upon the The Ratings and Reviews of this book, I figured I would broaden my knowledge of the WW2 battles most Americans dont often hear of. Battle of the Bulge, Normandy, Midway We all hear about and rightfully so.
Tho I am ashamed being an American I never heard of the Island of Tarawa and its contibution to victory against Japan in the Pacific.

I must say It was a great read, altho horrific in how Men lost and how they sacrificed there lives for their country.
The books details on the Marines approach to the island could make you break out in a sweat. It was so intense and brutal.

I am sad to say I dont think we will ever see this kind of courage and dedication in the USA again.
The Men of WW2 were one of a kind and to this I am grateful. For those who gave the ultimate sacrifice so others could appreciate freedom.
To all those who served as well, Thank You!!
Freedom isn't Free!
READ this BOOK America!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I really enjoyed this book. It was like the Marine move I never saw but that needed to be made. If your a person who likes to read about the Marines in the Pacific, this book is a must!

Peruse all the technical manuals, strategic narratives and overall battle histories you'd like. Then a book like "One Square Mile of Hell" comes along and takes you to the inner hearts and minds of those who participated in the fullest measure of devotion to their country and it's people, and the cause of Freedom. Measures of devotion that took them to places like Tarawa, where dreams of the future can be so quickly and terribly whisked away. To know the childhoods, lives and aspirations of the men who waded ashore applies an emotional attachment you cannot deny upon learning their fates or futures. Their story, so tenderly and eloquently put by John Wukovits, will move you to tears.

I agree with the critics who claim this book . . . "a delightful, rollicking history, a fun read and well supported by research". Greenfield's account is entertaining as well as informative, not a book to put you to sleep as some histories are. I read it as a library book and decided it is a 'must have' in my library. Although her style is professional, the read is easy - no big words to look up in order to understand the full meaning. Her account of world events is so insightful and complete, you come away with more than an appreciation of how color has changed the world An understanding of world history in general is gained, both political and economical. I especially loved the personal stories that added so much interest for me.

I live in Oaxaca, Mexico and even many people here are not aware of the impact of cochineal on the Spanish Empire and Europe. This book is fascinating! And well written.

This was one of two books a friend traveled across the country to share with me. I am so glad she did. I would never have picked up this book on my own. I have a terrible time finding non-fiction works that are interesting - unless they are recommended. I look at the table of books and decide something looks good. Then when I get it home, I have a hard time getting to my 100 page allowed stopping point.

Greenfield does a wonderful job of describing the importance of the color red throughout history and the different compounds used to create it. With a focus on the cochineal originating in Mexico, this book covers the fortunes of Spain and the industry itself. Weaving the domestication of cochineal with the efforts of other countries to destroy Spain's monopoly, the book moves quickly. there were very few sections of the book where I was willing to put it down. Yes, I could stop at the chapters, but I only once put it down while in the middle of a chapter.

I highly recommend this book - and if I didn't have to send it back to its owner, I would keep it in the library. I will be recommending it to my mother for her book club. With their focus on women authors and a mix of fiction and non-fiction, this book will give them much to discuss.

Some of the best stories are the histories of everyday objects that few ever consider. This book is an example of such a story. It traces the history of the color red; specifically, it examines the sources of red dye sought by humans over the past 700 years. Something as simple as a color can actually be quite difficult to obtain without the marvels of modern technology. This book starts of at the Venetian textile guilds of the late Middle Ages and shows the reader the state of the world's textile industry. Of all the colors, bright red is hardest to produce on clothing, and individuals and governments devote a lot of time and effort to procure new sources. Many are found, but the best one is carminic acid found in the insect cochineal, native to the Americas, and cultivated in Mexico specifically to obtain the color red. Starting with the Spanish conquest, red dye from Mexico is exported to the rest of the world, and four centuries of trade wars and political intrigue follow. The book lays all this out in chronological order, citing places, people, governments and institutions. But eventually, man's technology caught up with nature's bounty, and by 1900, synthetic red dyes destroy the cochineal cultivation industry. All the ensuing technical advances, scientific discoveries, and commercial contests are detailed clearly by the author. The book ends with a survey of the dye industry at the end of the 20th century, and a review of how red dye has influenced, and been influenced by fashion tastes throughout the centuries. This book touches many countries, and ties in history, economics, fashion, politics and science into a wonderful tale of man's obsession for a specific color.

This book is one of the very best I have seen in a long time. The author has taken great care to present historically correct and detailed information about the long history of cochineal farming, and sale of this commodity (dried beetles that can be processed to create a brilliant hue of red).
She reveals all of the intrigue of Spain's royalty, as they sought to keep this much prized product of New Spain exclusively for the Spanish empire. Even Perkin's discovery of the color "mauve" is discussed. This book will find broad interest among scholars and the general public. It is certainly a book worth owning, if you love the history of textiles.

Patricia Cummings

This is a well written, helpful, & lovely book. It's great to be able to make super pizzas the way you like 'em right at home. Use better quality ingredients, customize your pizza, & save money, too!!

Get a pizza stone, a pizza peel & you're all set!! Love the book!

We purchased this book with a gift certificate from our wedding and have loved it ever since! Included are recipes for the crust, the sauce, and many different types of pizza (white sauce, red sauce, chicken, veggie, etc.) I am not an advanced pizza dough tosser so creating restaurant style crust is more difficult than I thought it would be. This book is such a great buy that we purchased it as a wedding gift for someone else.

Very good layout and pictures of final product. The book doesn't have thin paper pages like the others, but rather thick semi-gloss paper that you can easily wipe off if you spill something on it.

The item was delivered in a timely manner. It was purchased as a gift, therefore I am unable to give a review on the book itself.

This book is fabulous! A must have for anybody who loves to eat and cook pizza! The recipes are easy to follow and the pictures make your mouth water. There are many unique pizza's that look fun to try as well as your basic pizza. The dough recipes are exceptional.

I'm enjoying reading as much of Karen KIngsbury's work as I can find, Thanks for the prompt service.

This book as well as the whole Redemption Series is GREAT. I have purchase the next series on the Baxter Family as well as the Sunrise Series (still waiting for book 2). My husband, who never reads a book, started the Redemption Series on vacation and he can't put it down. You have to know my husband to understand how good the Series is.

This is a terrific series! Karen captures your heart with her stories and keeps the focus on the Lord. Outstanding!!!

Loved it....lives up to what I have come to expect of Karen Kingsbury.

Rarely does a book move me to tears but this one did. This book was well written. I though Elizabeth and her family demonstrated great courage during this time of adversity. Not all was sad in the book. I don't want to give too much away for those who haven't read the book yet but you will be pleased at some of the ways God is working miracles in the lives of some of the other Baxter clan. Even though this is the last one in the Redemption series it is not the last we will see of the Baxters. Looking forward to getting glimpse of thier lives in the new series which is centered around the long lost Baxter son Dayne Matthews who we are introduced to in this book.

This novel is one of a kind, unforgettable. It's coming of age, love story, mystery, fantasy and suspense all rolled into one. I love it! I'm a musician and I can't describe this book in words. If it was a song it would be a melody you heard once a long time ago and never forgot, and all of a sudden you open this book and here it is again. The best advice I can give is to read it for yourself and you'll see what I mean.

What a beautiful, sensual, wise novel! It's very short but carries quite a punch. Ruth Setton came to my university to speak and she was simply mesmerizing. She talked about how long it took her to write this novel and for the first time I understood what life is like for a true artist, someone who won't let her vision go, no matter what. She is a true inspiration! Hey Ruth, I love your book and am waiting for your next one. Hope this one doesn't take so long!

An amazing novel, breathtaking in scope and execution. I felt I was in Morocco as I read it, revisitng past haunts, yet I also felt I was in the universal country of the heart. I highly recommend THE ROAD TO FEZ.

This is the kind of book you read as if you're in a dream, and don't want to finish because you know it will be the end of the dream and you don't want to wake up. As soon as I put it down, I wanted to reread it! Then I wished I could enter the world Ruth Knafo Setton created. I felt as if I'd lived in the Morocco of myth and memory that she created, as if I'd taken a voyage through the landscape of the heart. It's the land of passion and desire and wonder, the land we all live in until we enter the grown-up world of walls and barriers and signs that say Keep Out. Every single word in this novel suggests images and themes that are infinite and profound, and yet it's a very short book. Just like a dream, every event leads to mystery and clarity. I wouldn't be surprised if I turn a corner one day and bump into the characters, Brit and Gaby and Suleika. They're definitely alive somewhere!

I didn't know what to expect when a friend gave me this book but I was completely blown away by Ruth Knafo Setton's beautiful, pasionate writing. THE ROAD TO FEZ tells the story of a forbidden love affair between Gaby and Brit, two desperate, lost souls who need each other more than they realize. What the reader comes to understand, along with the lovers, is that love is a miracle that cannot be judged or limited. Gaby and Brit echo other lovers in the novel, all separated by society's rules. But these two take a chance and find a love they never dreamed of. I couldn't put this book down, and ever since I finished it, I've been dreaming of Gaby and Brit!
I was shocked to learn that this is Ruth Knafo Setton's first novel. She writes with so much power, confidence and urgency. I've never read a book like this one that is so erotic, tragic, funny and magical. I'll be on the lookout for her next book!
You've got a new fan, Ms. Setton!