B Books

This is not your so called war stories. It is about a man and the men he served with without any liberal gibberish (see his references to more modern times)and the fact that wars happen and will happen, just or unjust depending on one's views. But, they won't go away like some Utopian dreamers think just because other "Utopians" weren't up to it. There were so many pages that hit me in the gut because one could so readily identify with things on the page. I never expected such a great book from a journalist / media person which proves that there is good in every crowd. I salute Fraser and I wish I could tell him so in person.

GMF has outdone himself with this book about his part in the Horrific war in Burma during War II. He tells of his time as a junior enlist then junior NCO with the Border Regiment. He spins his tale extremely well about the story of the last great War fought by the Old Anglo-Indian Army of the Raj. So if you want to get a feel for a bygone Army, its various & exotic troops, weapons and some great characters like the Iron Duke and the Impressive FM Slim then this is the place for you.

I read this entire book with a smile on my face, punctuated by frequent outbursts of laughter. George MacDonald Fraser's memories of his WWII service with the British Commonwealth Army in the Burma campaign was the first of his non-Flashman works I've read. Although it's impossible to really compare two completely different literary genres, I'll just say that "Quartered Safe Out Here" was-in its own unique way- as hilarious, if not more so, than the best of the Flashman novels. The difference is that in the Flashman novels, Fraser's obvious respect for the sacrifices and achievements of the British soldier had to be viewed as a backdrop to the foreground humor while the opposite is true in this work, where the humor plays a supporting role to his tribute, which is explicit.

Unlike his Flashman creation, Fraser was an honest-to-goodness war hero- courageous, honorable, and immensely proud of his country, regiment and platoon section. Like old Flashie though, Fraser cuts through the B.S. and shows no tolerance for armchair generals, civilian second guessing, and the nattering classes' politically correct sympathizing for Britain's enemies, so long as they were black, brown or yellow. It was amusing how Fraser's account of his argument with a bleeding-heart over the atomic bombing of Japan exactly echoes Flashman's dustup with a supercilious academic at the beginning of "Flashman and the Redskins". The alert reader will notice other such episodes in this memoir that seem to have found life in that series, but as Fraser noted, sometimes real life in Burma was so bizarre that he would have been laughed out of town if he had tried to slip some of those stories or dialogue into his fictional novels or screenplays. That's why I'm glad he finally got around to writing this book. It would have been a real shame if this story had not been told.

Fraser details his time as a 19 year old soldier in Burma during the last months of the war. His writing is brilliant, as usual, his stories engrossing, his attention to detail is fascinating, and the characters we meet, from the lovably obscene Cumbrians to the unbelievable Captain Grief, are unforgettable, the more so for being real. Apart from the entertainment value, which is considerable, Fraser's insights into the nature of war and the warrior are poignant and valuable as a historical record of, and paean to, a lost Britain. He bemoans the fact that that Britain (not to mention America) has been replaced by a therapeutic society of hypersensitive p.c. twits who have been severed from the warrior tradition and stoic ethos which made their existence possible in the first place. As with most of Fraser's books, it's not for someone who thinks that the world has improved much in the last 50 years. What else is there to say? This is simply a great book. Read it and love it.

This book had been brought to my attention by the author John McKinna ("The Sen-Toku Raid" and others) when it was learned we both had been combat infantry. And a great recommendation it was. The name of the book was taken from a Rudyard Kipling phrase in "Gunga Din", and outlines the infantryman's life during the final days of WWII as the Black Cat Division pushed down the Burma road towards Rangoon.

His book is unique in that it recounts the perspective of the war-fighter on the ground, who's entire knowledge of a world conflict is about 300 yards. At one point, he described every piece of equipment on his person, a bit of historical information I found of great interest.

Interspersed with this narrative however, was Fraser's meticulous research of after action reports of the units involved to weave a mosaic for the reader that helped round out the full picture of the campaign itself.

Overall, a great read.

George MacDonald Fraser, best known for his Flashman novels, and, in my opinion, one of our best writers, gives us here his nearly fifty-year-old memories of his service in Burma in 1945.

There is so much to like about this book that it's difficult to know where to begin. There is Fraser's absolute honesty about his fears, his mistakes, his attitude toward the Japanese, and the virtues and vices of his comrades. There is his ability to place his unit's activities within the context of larger campaigns and yet give a vivid impression of what fighting with his unit must have been like. There is his brief but compelling portrait of General William Slim, for whom he has an unabashed admiration. There are moments of low humor, of heroism, and of tragic loss of life, and there is an unapologetic pride in what he, his comrades, and the rest of the British and Allied forces accomplished.

This is one of the best books that I have ever read, and I recommend that you make it one of yours.

Great read with all the information you would need to create, maintain, and sustain a reef tank. However, the book can be overwhelming with information about every theroy out there about filtration, etc., with out really recommending the best approach/technology to maintaining reef systems. For a beginner, it was a lot of reading to get what I needed. Overall, I would buy it again.

very informative and comprehensive, would strongly recomend it for beginner and experienced reefer. Well worth the money

This is a book that every one should own, that want's or has a reef Aquarium. This book go's into great details.

I can't say much on this book except IT is a MUST HAVE FOR EVERY REEF AQUARIUM KEEPER! A very2 good book to have, it's worth the price I tell you.

This book is very good for the saltwater hobby. I know English language not so well, but I read this book with pleasure and to me almost all was clear without the dictionary.

This is a great cheat sheet that you can slip in your pocket. It is spill proof and can save your as*

This is a definate must have for the student nurse. I LOVE this thing! It also closely follows what I've learned as a first year.

EXCELLENT--I bought my daugther one for nursing and she loves it..going to buy myself one when i start nursing in june..

Love this item. It fits perfectly in my lab coat or scrubs pocket. It is a handy item and has so much useful info.

This is a must for any nursing major undergoing clinicals, and even for RNs that have already passed the NCLEX. It's helped me so many times and I'm sure it will help a lot of future nurses as well. It even includes a short but sufficient English-Spanish dictionary/phrasebook for those in areas highly populated with Hispanics. Highly recommended!

I am happy I bought the book, but it is a bit wordy. Good lists, but no good cellers that can be build from the book. Just lots of examples. A good starter to make you think hard if Root Cellering is for you.

This book was very educational. Gave me information on foods I didn't think could be cellared. A lot of insight. Again, I checked this out of the library and liked it enough to purchase it.

Lots of alternatives to canning and freezing. A very interesting read while you dream of your very own root cellar!

Excellent product, I am really enjoying this book! Also very prompt postage and arrived in good condition

Well researched and considered. Thorough, yet practical and attainable. I appreciated learning about all the different types of root cellars and how to build them. Previous to reading this book, a root cellar to me was and expensive underground project with stairs and cement walls and electricity. Until I can afford that we can inexpensively create/build/dig the other options.

This book is the real deal! Truly authentic. Just like my Nonis cooking. Try the tortellini recpie and cookem in Chicken broth, en brodo! You will die and go to food heaven!

I love cookbooks, and I love to cook. I have an extensive library of cookbooks, and this one is absolutely one of the best. The instructions are clear, the food is exquisite, and, above all, this book is a pleasure to read. I love learning the history of the recipes, the anecdotes add to the enjoyment. This is by no means a basic cookbook, it is definitely for the cook who goes beyond the basics, and many of the recipes require a long list of ingredients and lots of time. The results, however, are well worth the effort, and, for those who enjoy cooking, this book is a must.

Before there was a food show available every minute of the day on TV, passionate American cooks learned how to cook at their local cooking school. For many years, before her popular NPR radio show (also called The Splendid Table) went on the air, Lynne Rosetto Kasper was one of the most beloved teachers on the circuit. I saw her teach many times, and I still use her tips and recipes. (For example, soak raw onion slices in a little vinegar or water to remove their sharpness in salads.) This book was published in 1992, so it didn't benefit from online bookstore sales, and the fact that few people have reviewed it shows how it got lost in the shuffle. If you are a fan of Giada and Mario, make room in your bookshelf for Lynne, who really raised the bar for Italian cooking in this country. These are not fast-and-easy recipes, only incredible dishes with depth of flavor that you rarely see anymore in cookbooks. I have fond memories of the Jam Tart, the vinaigrette with sauteed shallots and garlic, and the long-simmered ragu. It is one of the very few books that has won both IACP and James Beard awards for Cookbook of the Year (akin to winning the Oscar and the Golden Globe for Best Picture). Three words: Buy This Book.

I used to work in a great italian restaurant. One of the books from the chef's library that stood out was this one. It has great recipes. Very true to the food. Close your eyes. Pick a recipe. Make it and its a hit!
I am one that LOOOOVES to "twik" recipes. With this book, there is no need.

I'm surpised no one has reviewed this book yet. A winner of prestigous book awards, I say without question that this is my favorite cookbook. (Julia Child's The Way to Cook comes in a close second)..I was working in a high-end Italian restaurant in San Franciso that also sold fresh food, Italian wines, and great cookbooks. The author was there to prepare dishes from this book, so I got to meet her, taste her food, and got a signed copy. Not only was she nice, she really knows how to cook. The food is from Reggio-Emilia, in the center of Italy, and the true home of Prosciutto, Bologna, Pamigiano Reggiano, Balsamic vinegar (the REAL balsamic vinegar) among other fantastic food. The recipes are comprehensive, very well written, and authentic. She gives background and hints, and the book is very educational and interesting just to read. She even tells you step by step how to make real pasta, and find ingredients. I've made many recipes and they are all so good. This is a book where I would make something for a dinner party without testing it beforehand; that is how much I trust it. Worth every penny!

The story of three very good friends who must check their baggage in order to maintain healthy and meaningful relationships. They all start out in not so good places and come full circle. Good book.

Baggage Check is the story of 3 male friends who grow up and outgrow their womanizing ways. The tale is well told and thought provoking. You will recognize some of the men who have pushed up on you in the past. If you're blessed, you are one of the women who these men finally recognized they needed. Read it - with a quickness!

Can't say much except Curtis Bunn is a future star. I can't believe Baggage Check is ihs FIRST novel, but I do see why it was No. 1 on the Essence best-seller list. I'm mad at myself that I just discovered this book.
Without giving away the story, it's a lot of life lessons and insight and humor and passion and emotion and fun in this book. Each character had a different voice and a different set of baggage, and the way Bunn crafted each person's growth was extremely smooth and realistic and moving for me. This is one of my favorite books. I highly recommend it ot anyone who loves great writing, great characters (and some strong women characters, too), great stories and learn something in the process, you should read this book.
Lana Rickett, New York, NY

I loved this book so much. When my book club chose this book, I wasn't looking forward to reading it because I don't like relationship books. But, this book isn't just about male/female relationships. It explores the bond between male friends. By the end of the book, I grew to like all the male characters, especially the bond shared among the three male characters. It was great that the author exposed this to the rest of the world. Also, the author came to my book club's meeting and we found him to be a great guy. You won't be disappointed with this book. It's a great read.

Julian, Greg and Larry have been best friends since their childhood in Washington D.C. All three have different career paths and place value on different things, however they all have two things in common, their love for each other, and their inability to maintain a monogamous relationship.

Julian, the professor, says he loves his girlfriend Joanne but ends up in the sack with her sister and soon after said tryst finds out that Joanne is pregnant. He plans on taking care of his child, but his commitment to Joanne is lukewarm. Greg, the penny pinching bookstore owner, made the "mistake" of telling his long time love that he plans to marry her. Now her constant haranguing about when the marriage will take place is getting to him. Finally there's Larry, the aspiring actor and "playa". He spreads himself around and sticks with no one long enough for the words commitment or relationship to pop up. No woman has been able to hold his attention in that way. In today's climate these three are really quite ordinary in terms of their behavior and value systems. What makes Julian, Greg and Larry special is that they all learn by means of one fairly extraordinary event that they all have "baggage", which needs to be checked. (read the book for explanation). Once their baggage has been checked they all learn to love more freely.

As a female reader I was skeptical about how a story about men, written by a man would speak to me and speak about women. However, Baggage Check was a pleasant surprise. All the elements of a good story are there, believable characters, a startling beginning, a middle that held the reader's interest and a happy ending. Parts of this story in fact were uproariously funny as well as touching. How women are portrayed really became background for the real story of personal growth that happened for each of the characters. Yes the women were there and aided in the growth but the men had to do the hard work on their own. Bunn enabled this reader to drop her skepticism by simply writing a good story.

My youngest daughter is a force of nature who, at age four, didn't show any signs of being interested in books other than those she could color. Her three older siblings had all begun reading at an early age, wanting to know more about the words they'd hear during story time. My little girl dug in her heels, however, and refused to sound out even single-syllable words. Then I bought the Bob Books and something happened. I don't know if it is the dot-to-dot drawings that intrigued her, the idea that it's like opening a present each time she opens a box to retrieve a book, or if it's simply that her mind was ready for the experience that day. Regardless, she's now well on her way to experiencing the wide world of books. She's proud of her new ability and we're proud of her, as well.

We purchased this series (there are 5 sets) for our homeschooling son when he turned three, on the recommendation of Susan Wise Bauer, author of the Well trained mind. Our son loved them from the time we began using them until now. It is the only beginning reader series that we have used religiously. Although we do have other titles from other reader series, we've been most pleased with these.

We approach each set sequentially, and supplement them with Phonics Pathways, another reading resource that I highly recommend and tried at Bauer's suggestion. Once he's gradually worked a particular set, we let him choose which book he'd like to read in it so that he can pick his "favorites", setting aside any that are no longer challenging or stimulating for him. Some days he needs the confidence boost of an easy read, and other days, he's anxious to tackle the next Bob Book Challenge.

We even have a sticker chart so that he can see at a glance how far he's come along in the series. Just a few thoughts. Don't let the black line drawings discourage you. This is not in any way a deterrent for the child. Our son hardly notices that they are not colored pages because he enjoys the characters and they are just what he needs without offering too much information as he sounds his way through each book. These are the books he turns to when he wants to show off his reading abilities to his grandparents. Some have suggested allowing the child to color in them, but if you plan to use them for more than one child, I would not recommend it. We have never even presented it as an option, and he's never questioned why the pictures aren't colored- he just accepts it as a matter of fact, and it's been fine. He prefers to draw and create his own artwork, but if your child insists on coloring the pages, don't let that be a hindrance- let them color the pages. I give this product 5 stars!

I could not believe it. These are just perfect to grab a 4 year old's attention. My son loves it so much that he wants to read these every night. I had bought a lot of other Reading Level 1 books before trying these.. these are just incredible - worth every penny!!

My son, who turned 4 last September came home in November from his Montessori school saying that he read some words today. I had searched around for some early readers and all of the books that I had originally found were not very phonetic at all. Then I found the Bob Books. We bought Level A, Set 2 and then Level B, Set 1. By the end of January, he had completely breezed through these sets and has moved onto other books. We find these are a great at home compliment to the "Mac and Tab" books often found at Montessori schools.

We are amazed at how well he's doing. I know kids who are 5 and 6 that cannot read as well as he can. And its not just books ... he's now reading street signs and signs that we see around the city!

These books are excellent and make great gifts for young readers!

Good Job Bobby Lynn!

Joanne

These books are easy for a child who is a starting reader. My son liked the stories and thought they were funny,

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 brought this book for two young girls. They both have told me that they love the book and it has help them to love themselves more. It has made them think about there self value in a way they never thought about. They both loved the book

This book will very good for your young girl or teen-ager. The workbook has space for journaling and is a great self esteem builder.

Iyanla is a very influential and inspirational author. She would be a top five person to talk to in my lifetime. I reccommend everything she has to write or say.

I found this book to be very helpful to me as to how to better understand myself as well as my teenage daughter. This is a great reccomendation for all teenage girls who are becoming women.

This book changed the way I viewed myself in this world. It really helped me change from a depressed teen to someone who sees themself as a smart, beautiful and loving person. I did a presentation of this book and the presentation actually changed lives. A must for teen girls!!!

The Ebony Tree has so much truth to it that it makes you feel as if you are a part of it. This novel belongs in all libraries and schools. Excellently written. Like Alex Haley's novel Roots whether fact or fiction, The Ebony Tree encourages you to look at your own background.

The Ebony Tree couldn't seem more real. It's a very wholesome story. You don't see any 'sugar coating' as you read about what the women in this novel went through for the welfare of their children, and to keep their hopes and dreams alive.

The story tugged at my heart because it made me think about my own mother and grandmothers.

It's a novel I will hold onto and enjoy reading again.

The Ebony Tree is a CLASSIC. I loved every drop of it. The author is TRULY and I mean TRULY a master at her craft. This book was wonderfully written, compelling and thought-provoking. I thoroughly enjoyed following on the journey of Jewel's life, the main character. Again, this book is WONDERFUL. Ms. Thompson put so much passion into writing this wonderful book. I cannot wait to read her other books. I'm a fan for life!

The Ebony Tree by Maxine Thompson is a journey back in time into the lives of The Shepherd family. Thompson does a wonderful job of placing you right into their lives as if you were a member of the family.

Jewel Shepherd has many secrets that she has kept from her kids. No one really knows the real Jewel, and at times she wonders if she really knows herself. She loves her children, and surprisingly, her husband, Solly - even though he has tried her patience time and time again. Jewel wonders what brought her to Delray, Michigan, and how will she get out with her children intact. Her youngest, Imani, has decided that it is time they find out how the Shepherd family came to be. Therefore, she tries to capture 53 years of marriage on tape. Unfortunately, being the youngest she does not know how to read between the lines of the web her mother has weaved. Only her older siblings know the truth.

I loved the history, loved the family life - even if it was not so perfect, it was real. This book will make you think about the relationship you have with your own mother, and wonder what secrets may be hidden between the stories she has told you. I recommend this book to all of those who are history buffs at heart. The Ebony Tree by Maxine Thompson won't disappoint you.

Jacki

APOOO BookClub

Maxine E. Thompson's, The Ebony Tree, vividly depicts the coming of age of the Shepherd family in Delrey, Michigan during the oppressive 1950's. The Ebony Tree narrates the sometimes woeful and disconcerting tales of matriarch, Jewel Shepherd. A woman who sacrificed aspirations and individuality to rear a family during the darkest moments in her life.

It is 1993 and Imani Shepherd puts her journalistic training to use by interviewing her elderly parents regarding their lineage. Instead of a family gushing with pride, her mother, Jewel is tight-lipped and filled with indignity. Through hesitancy, Jewel relates the story of abandonment by her mother, Luralee; tutelage from Aunt Beulah that boys are superior to girls; husband Solly's infidelity and drunkenness; and the ill-treatment she bestowed upon eldest daughter, Midge, because she was a girl. A woman in that era did not have the resources nor the wherewithal that Imani has today to be an independent woman in control of her own destiny. Therefore, Imani would never understand Jewel's feelings of degradation or regrets of leaving her family in Richmond, California. These secrets, Jewel would rather keep hidden from her twenty-five year old daughter. Secrets too painful to utter, yet necessary to provide healing and answers for a young woman seeking insight into her family tree.

Protagonist Jewel Shepherd is a thought-provoking character; a woman before her time. Women will identify with her...cry with her...and rejoice with her as Jewel struggles to shed memories of the past and reach for a brighter future. Maxine E. Thompson's The Ebony Tree is a paradigm of the struggles African-American mothers have endured in raising black children.

Reviewed by Nicki Lancaster
APOOO BookClub