Works Books

I read this book around '84. In 1988, my uncle Rich, a retired college dean and my fabulous Aunt Cecilia went off to London for a year, American College, I think. I went on a road trip to the UK...England, Scotland, Wales, spent a few days with them, brought my aunt a copy of 84 Charing Cross Road. My uncle didn't get the concept, economist that he was. Letters? Who wants to read someone else's letters? Lurch forward about a month. The end of my road trip, both had read and loved this book. I gave the vid to them when it came out, it's a wonderful movie. They came home, at any gathering my Aunt Cecilia always asked...what are you reading?

84, Charing Cross Road is a delightful collection of letters chronicling the 20-plus years' correspondence between screenwriter Helene Hanff and Frank Doel, bookseller of Marks & Co. It begins with a request in which Helene inquires after a series of books she wants to buy, saying that Barnes & Nobles's sells "marked up, grimy schoolboy" copies of the books she wants (my, how things have changed!), and continues through a friendship between Hanff and Doel in which the two never meet. As their lives grow and change, Hanff and Doel's friendship remains the one constant.

It's a special friendship, and Hanff is sharp-tongued and witty, making her a delightful narrator. I have a feeling that not all of the letters are preserved here in their entirety, but they're reprinted word-for-word, including Hanff's idiosyncratic punctuation--no doubt due to the fact that she typewrote all of her letters, but nonetheless, the letters show Hanff's personality and her rather abrupt way of corresponding.

It's a short book (just about 100 pages), but it's a special book, nonetheless, about a shared love of books. 84, Charing Cross Road is a must-read for any bibliophile. It's too bad that a woman on the subway accidentally tipped soda into my bag and all over my copy of this wonderful book...

I discovered this book on a dusty HS library shelf and as in Ms. Hanff's words, devoured it "all at once" not coming up for air or cigarettes. I also bought the VHS many years ago as soon as it came available. Since then, I've gone on to go out of head for Donne, Quiller-Couch, Austen, and Blake (though not anywhere near Donne!).

What a great movie this story made. I have watched the movie many, many times and have loved it every time. Now, I just had to read the book. The strange thing is that since I know what is going to occur at the end, my eyes become teared which makes the book difficult to read. Of course, that happens at certain moments in the movie as well. What a powerful story!

In less than one hundred pages, Helene Hanff has given her readers a rare and special gift. Here in this delightful little book are the notes she exchanged with the employees of Marks & Co., a used-book store in England. Being fond of the old-fashioned yet still highly personal act of letter writing, and being equally fond of old books and used-book stores, Hanff seemed to have compiled these letters just for me. I doubt there is anyone who can read this book without experiencing a wide range of emotions complete with laughter and tears.

A lifelong letter writer, Helene Hanff studied playwriting at the Theatre Guild. She has written scripts for "The Hallmark Hall of Fame" and for "Ellery Queen." Her other writings include several children's books as well as articles for Harpers and New Yorker magazines.

Living and writing in New York City, Hanff finds herself unsuccessful in finding certain rare or out-of-print editions of books.

"Gentlemen:
Your ad in the Saturday Review of Literature says that you specialize in out-of-print books. The phrase 'antiquarian booksellers' scares me somewhat, as I equate 'antique' with expensive. I am a poor writer with an antiquarian taste in books and all the things I want are impossible to get over here except in very expensive rare editions, or in Barnes & Noble's grimy, marked-up schoolboy copies."

So begins the opening letter dated October 5, 1949, and addressed to Marks & Co. at 84, Charing Cross Road in London. What follows on the pages of this book are the letters Hanff wrote to Marks & Co., and specifically to Frank P. Dole. Also included are the responses to her requests, mostly from Frank P. Dole. Through their twenty-year relationship, the two strangers become in some ways like family. Frank introduces his family to Helene in letters. She corresponds with the family as if they are her own. Knowing that in a time of rationing, certain items are not readily available to the residents of London, she takes great care to ship Christmas and Easter gifts to the store with plenty of eggs and meat for everyone there.

The final entry, dated 1969, brings the relationship between the bookstore, Frank Dole and Hanff full circle. The twenty years between the first and last notes are fondly recalled on the pages of this book.

These short notes, her requests for specific books, the monetary transactions that took place, and the solid relationships that developed allow the present day reader to glimpse a bit of the nostalgic... a gentler time when costs were lower, trust was higher, and people were more willing to be compassionate to complete strangers.

This is a truly delightful little book that has captured my heart. And, by the way, the fact that I discovered it while browsing through my own favorite little used-book store lends a special sort of appeal to it. I treasure the gifts within these pages--the gifts of self, of the written word, and the appreciation for the simpler things in life.

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

This is a great book, with one rather glaring error. Under the SETI entry, there is a picture of Pioneer's plaque. On the plaque, the Pioneer appears to be launched from the second planet from the sun. As we all know, the probe was launched from the third planet, Earth.

The COMPLETE encyclopedia of Star Trek info. A must for those fans who want to ensure an exhaustive Star Trek knowledge base.

If you consider yourself a Trekkie or just someone who is truely intersted in Star Trek this Encyclopedia is a must buy period.It has insight to every facet of the Series.From the Original to Voyager you'll know details to everything.You'll won't be able to just glance through it once.I consider myself a huge Trekkie and like to think I know alot about the Shows,but I'll find myself amazed when I discover details about a certain charecter of Episodes I've forgotten or never knew exsisted.Especially interesting is the Timeline parts of the book,The breakdowns of Ship commisions and Designs,information about Actors,Cuisine,backstories of Charecters.You name it and they have everything about it...well almost everything.

You have to realize this fact before buying this Encyclopedia is that it was made in 1999.It's been 9 Years.Alot of History has happened in Star Trek since then and if you don't realize this now,you'll be disapointed to discover that to information about Deep Space Nine's last Season,the last 2 Seasons of Voyager,The whole of Enterprise and Star Trek Nemesis.All of this information is non-exsistant.And just imagine the frustration of people who actually owned this book through the years and reread it wishing it had all this wealth of new information.I honestly can't comprehend why Pocket Books would not release the Book with all of this missing information availible.Or make a CD-Rom of it.

This might sound like I'm ragging on the Book,but that would be impossible to do.Wiether or not this info is in this paticular Book doesn't really matter,because it extensively covers in scrutinizing detail of all the Series up to Deep Space Nine Last Season,Voyager's last 2 Seasons,the whole of Enterprise and Star Trek Nemesis.And believe me you'll be more than satisfied with that alone.

So,most definately buy this now and enjoy it and you will.But just realize it's outdated and once you do that then you can truely enjoy this Encyclopedia the way the Publisher intended you enjoy it:with wonderment and fun.

I bought this book in 2003, and it covered most of the bases then, but only the movies through 1998 ("Insurrection" IIRC; "Nemesis" is not covered.), and the 5th season of Voyager. It just covered the last season of DS9. And of course it has none of the "Enterprise" series.

There have also been events such as the Paramount auction of all the series and movie paraphernalia since then, and that could be a chapter all by itself.

I came on Amazon today expecting to see a new and updated version for sale, and was disappointed that the old edition is still all that's available.

Michael and Denise Okuda know everything there is to know about ST, and are the perfect people to update this. If I were shopping today for the first time I would say wait for the new edition, but buy a used paperback 1999 just to see what it's all about.

Keeping my fingers crossed that someone sees the demand for an updated version!

Nothing on the end of Voyager's Delta Quadrant wanderings? Nothing on Enterprise's backstory additions and newly-created anachronisms? Both this book and the related Star Trek Chronology need serious revamping. I appreciate the Okuda's insider Trekker style, but this reeks of willful blindness!

The energy exercises in this book are easy and once you learn them, you can do most of the them without anyone even knowing. I was able to learn them by reading and looking at the pictures but when I saw the video, it was even more helpful. I highly recommend this book. Donna Eden shares wonderful stories of patients and even her own journey about how she got started. This book has encouraged me to seek an education in Touch for Health. The only downside for the lay person would be the meridians. If you haven't studied acupuncture, you will have difficulty trying to follow/find the meridians. It will definitely take some practice and memorization. Most of the exercises can be done alone or with a partner. It's fun to practice on others and see how changes occur after energy testing. Most of the people I taught have experienced immediate changes and felt lighter or more alert. It was interesting to witness first-hand someone who is stressed tell you that they feel a difference in their body, just by tapping on an area of the body and breathing.

I originally read this book when it came out about 10 years ago. I found it interesting, but didn't do the exercises. However, it stayed in the back of my mind, and I knew that someday I wanted to take a class from Donna. I recently had the opportunity to do so, and now I'm hooked on energy medicine.

When you see Donna in person, you realize that she is her own best advertisement for what she teaches. She radiates vitality, health, and joy, and you just know that it is possible for you to feel this way as well.

I am now practicing my 5 minute routine twice a day, and am working with an energy medicine practitioner to fine tune my energy. As someone who has suffered for years with adrenal fatigue, I'm amazed at how my energy level is improving. I'm actually coming home from work with energy to spare, instead of feeling absolutely wiped out. That in itself is a miracle.

Also, anyone who works with the public knows how exhausting some people can be. Some of my customers and coworkers are "energy vampires", and I would get totally wiped out around them. Thanks to Donna, I now use routines to protect myself from undesirable drains on my energy, and I am feeling so much better. I lock myself in the bathroom for a bit of "Expel the Venom" and "Zip Up", and I'm good as new.

I highly recommend this book, along with the Energy Medicine Kit. In 5 minutes a day, you can start to turn your life around. Thanks, Donna!

This is a must read and a valuable reference even if you are new to the subject and not involved in a specific healing modality. An astonishing compilation that includes insights and practical applications for a variety of disciplines.

It is great to be able to find a process for self-care that is easy and works - this is IT.

This is more than a book to read - it's a thorough and carefully outlined textbook on a subject that I already knew a bit about -- but didn't realize how valuable the program Donna Eden explains could actually be to my health! Her knowledge of how the body's subtle internal systems really function is enlightening and much of it proves more applicable than the commonplace redundancy of most medical authors who follows the all-too-familiar traditional health paths. Her 5-minute daily routine alone is worth much more than the price of this creative book, and after learning these refreshing exercise as an intro you are captivated and immediately ready to delve into the volume's many other health-improving components.

I bought three of these books as gifts for three retiring teachers -- they are so funny. An ABC book of odd outcomes for students. Love them.

This book has made me cry with laughter. I work with kids and THEY think it's funny.

The Gashleycrumb Tinies is macabre yet hilarious. It's about children meeting untimely absurd demise but with a sense of dark humor. it needs to be taken the way it is meant. It really is quite clever with the wording and causes of death It is done by alphabetical names. examples are S in for Susan who perished of fits, L is for Leo who swallowed some tacks and N is for Neville who died of ennui(boredome). See very clever. By the way I am a 38 year old mother of two and find this hilarious. My kids don't really get it though. Oh well I geuss their sense of humor is not as developed as mine:)

Hahahha I actually read this online because its so short... if you want to take a break from the stress of life for 10 minutes its great fun. The illustrations are very well done and the rhymes are genuis! i think my favorite kid is Basil who was assaulted by bears.. \hahhahhahha... that makes me burst into laughter again! seriously, if you like macabre hilarity, take a few minutes off and ENJOY THIS BOOK! (There is no graphic or adult images but the ideas would be very frightening for young children. I say 11+ because theres a girl with an axe in her head and some blood thats cartoonish but gross.)

This book is great! No matter how many people tell you how horribly sick it is. Read this book.They only say that because they dont have a sense of humor. So any way read this book! Its both sickining,funny, and tasteful.

I am so glad I purchased this book. It was very informative on tools, materials and the how to's for designs and projects. It is a great book for me, a beginner.

I bought this book when it was published, and three years later, I still think it is probably the best book on beginning wire work out there. It has very clear, step by step instruction on the basic wire work techniques and some alternative methods of forming. The only mystery for me is how she manages to flush cut good jump rings from 14 gauge wire. When using 14 gauge wire or even 16 gauge, I always saw cut my jump rings. The result is much better -- at least for me.

I'm just starting with wire work and found this book to be very helpful. Good pictures and instructions. I've been very pleased with this book and have made several of the projects.

I have checked this out from the library so many times and finally just decided to buy it. This book goes into more detail than all the others I have read about wire and bead jewelry. It is obvious she puts a lot of care and effort into her craft and shows you how to do the same. Even something as simple as making a spiral is refined in way to make a tighter nicer looking spiral (in my opinion). I refer to this book often.

This was an interesting book, but I am a true novice, and don't feel ready to take on making some of the items shown. It did give me good ideas however, and I doubt if anyone who is interested in wire working would regret this purchase.

I bought this book because I was tired of my doctor telling me there's nothing wrong with me. How could he say that when I had all of these symptoms. I had it in my mind that it couldn't be anxiety because I have always been a very strong person and admitting it was anxiety would have been too much for me to handle because it would mean to me that I was weak. The book helped me understand why my nerves never really calm down and how it is a cycle that you CAN stop. I have been focusing on using the steps in the book and have had great success and feel so much better. It's not an overnight cure but I feel there is hope to be normal again.

This book is great when it came out, but a lot of the information inside is really out of date. The terminology is funny and noone, but noone utilizes supervised sedation or ECT to treat panic disorder anymore. I recommend that the publisher revise, revise and revise before they reprint this book.

This book will help relieve your anxiety! I wish that every doctor's office would have a list of self-help books and include this one to help every person understand what is going on in their minds. Medicine is a help, not a cure. It can be scary if this is the 1st time you are going through difficult anxiety. I highly recommend this book. I have read other comments that say the book is dated. I agree with that comment, but I don't feel that interfered with the lessons learned or the knowledge gained from this book. There is Hope and Help for your nerves and this book is it!

This book definitely deserves 5 stars! Yes, it is outdated with the language, but it doesn't matter - it still does what it's supposed to - cures panic attacks. I'm serious. I've had them for years. I still don't trust my nervous condition, but the panic attacks are practically GONE. Reading this book, along with putting my trust in God has made a complete difference in my life. I wish I had known about this book years ago. I've been suffering with panic attacks for easily 13 years or more. There were times I wished I wasn't alive. If you have panic attacks, the shakes, unknown cause palpitations, etc. please read this book. It WILL change your life.

Dr. Claire Weekes had an understanding not only of medicine and the human body, but people as well. In particular, she understood those who suffered with nervous symptoms and illness. She promised no magic secret or elusive cure known only to her, but set out in a sensible, realistic way to explain just how nervous symptoms 'trick' the body.

So many people are pushed to the brink because they don't understand what the body can do under prolonged stress, or as Dr. Weekes calls it, 'sensitization.' The heart skips a beat, you can't catch your breath, the pulse races, the stomach churns, you feel constantly off-balance, your hands tremble and on and on. Until you think you are some sort of mental case. Not so.

Because of the different personalities of individuals, (we all see and feel things differently), our thoughts and emotions can greatly enhance our lives and conversely they can make us miserable. It is interesting to note that most people who suffer from nervous disorders are quite feeling, kind, sensitive people. Those who suffer the tortures of an overloaded mind and nervous system often suffer quietly and believe that no one ever has suffered as they have.

Not true. You can get through it and this easy to use and practical book shows you how in great detail. The answer is simple though often not easy. It takes committment and practice on a daily basis to 'retrain' the brain and muscles that the terrifying feelings are just that, feelings. Depression, anxiety, phobias, and fears of all sorts are the product of a heightened sensitivity that can be overcome with understanding, patience with yourself, and a willingness to change.

When I first read this book, I was convinced that the symptoms I was experiencing were mine and mine alone. No one would or could ever understand, and to a large degree that is true. We are all different. It can be a living nightmare to go through prolonged symptoms and at the same time try and get those close to you to understand them. But the honest truth is that the way out of suffering is through it.

Of course, medication can help greatly. Some people may need it a short while, and others for a long time. It doesn't matter. You wouldn't tell a diabetic to just 'straighten up' and throw their insulin away unless of course, they no longer needed it. If it sounds as if I am a fan of medication prescribed under the right conditions by a competent doctor, I am. No one should feel guilty for trying to tackle nervous symptoms in whatever way they feel comfortable.

But you may also find that with the tools you will learn about in this book, the need of medication dramatically decreases. The key point is not to let the opinions of those without experience in what you are going through to dictate how you 'should' be. Be kind to yourself. You are a human being and deserve the right to live a life free of the agony of nervous symptoms. This book will show you how in a remarkable way. Yes, it really works.

Dr. Weekes was far ahead of her time in so many ways. But she also stands on a solid and timeless foundation of understanding and common sense that sets her apart from others in the field who claim that cures can be effected in strange and bizarre ways. Get this book, do what it says, and practice, practice, practice. Then endorse yourself for the effort win, lose, or draw. There is a way out and with Dr. Weekes' methods, you will learn how.

I always wanted to own a telescope. This was the year. I talked to people, read reviews, joined online forums...thought I knew what I was doing and bought the thing. First night out I realized - I have absolutely no clue what to look for up there!!! This book is the perfect answer to that question, as well as an extremely good beginner's guide. There is enough detail to give you the sense that you are learning a lot, but not so much detail that you feel overwhelmed and intimidated. My recommendation is buy this book BEFORE you buy a telescope or binocs or any gear whatsoever. Use the book for a while just to learn your way around the sky. They have great suggestions for where to go and how to get there after that. Highly recommended!!!

I bought this book some years ago, to see if I wanted to try amateur astronomy again. I had been given a department store telescope as a kid, and was discouraged by the fact that you really couldn't observe anything other than the moon with it. This book gave me the confidence to go out and buy a reasonably expensive telescope, and get it up and running with almost no assistance from anyone else. It opened up a wonderful hobby.

I strongly recommend giving this book to anyone with an interest in amateur astronomy. It is the best guide to getting started in something I've ever seen in my life.

If you are a beginner, buy this book immediately. It is probably fabulous for the rest of you, too. :) I am just getting started myself and have spent just a short time with it. I look forward to learning and appreciating it even more. Beginners absolutely need it. Try to read before you get a telescope, but even if you have made a purchase, will be able to help you make best use of it and help you avoid frustration.

This book is first of all beautiful with many color photographs to enhance the comprehensive text. The content is engaging and easy-to-understand.

Buy, enjoy, and have fun. Also, the book is worth the $35.00 price, but Amazon has a great discount.

A must have book for any star gazer.For either the amateur or the professional.

It came highly recommended and it's easy to see why. A very good book!

Although this is an older title I still use it quite frequently. If you do any kind of writing, whether academic/legal/leisure I highly recommend this book. Sometimes I just can't find the right word to convey the intended message so I open this up and 9 times out of 10 I come away with the word I'm looking for.

This book is a must if you are thinking of writing anything. Great buy, great condition - Thanks for the fast and honest transaction!

The Synonym Finder is an excellent resource and should be on every writer's desk. This book was recommended to me and I am so pleased!

Flawless transaction, item as described, very happy with vendor and the way sale was handled, no problems at all, very prompt service, absolutely reliable. I love this book, if you need help with synonyms, this is the book!

This tool, invaluable for anyone who takes seriously the written word, should never have gone out of print. I'm hoping to find copies for three grandchildren who have finally come to admire the simple declarative English sentence.

Are there times when you have difficulty going to the Lord in prayer? Begin reading this collection, pick any page and begin. These prayers will inspire your own prayer life and help you articulate your humility and your desire to honor, glorify and please God. There are prayers for repentance, conviction, awareness of the Holy Spirit and many others as well as morning and evening prayers. You'll be awestruck by the language of the authors as they go to the Lord in prayer.

Wonderful service and product. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a supplement to their daily devotion.

I bought this book for myself but I have found that it is great for family prayer times. The prayers remind me of so many facets of my faith, my walk, and my God that I come away every time I read with a more firmly established belief in the power of God.

This is a wonderful book if you have never read it. I was very pleased with the copy I received, and it was a great price. Thanks for always being a main competitor in the "book world"

This is a fantastic book for encouragement that will spur you on in amping up your prayer life. This little collection is a powerful incentive to reexamine the content and character of your prayer life. We are, as frail humans, inclined to offer up self-absorbed prayers that reflect very little concern, or awareness, of God's glory and purposes as we treat Him like a genie in a bottle pressing Him to grant our wishes.

The prayers contained in this powerful little book are organized by theme. They are Christ-centered (which is to say God centered), humble and sometimes poetic "little offerings" to a Giant God, who does all things well. While modern culture seems content to paint cartoon-like portrayals of the Puritans, these prayers grant us insight into the deeply spiritual and personable people who suffered from the same trials and temptations as we.

The candor and child like transparency with which they approach the one true God is touching, revealing, and encouraging---and entirely biblical. If you want to bless your soul, gain insight into a mature and maturing prayer life and perhaps find good examples of how to pray, then buy this book. Obviously, our prayers must be from the heart (as these are). You may wish to begin your prayer time by reading one of these prayers and using them to jump start your prayer time. Of course these prayers are not Scripture but they are a reminder that a deeper, richer, and more God-honoring prayer life is ours for the taking, if we but try. Buy this book.

I really enjoyed looking at the pictures and seeing some that I hadn't seen before. The Boys' captions were fun (and often funny) to read

Have no words. Great book with lots of pictures. It's only till Millennium. But it's great book for it's price. Go on boys

Wow I just got this book today and I love the stories the guys tell. The pictures are wonderful and if u are a fan you need this to see all sides of the guys. B.S.B now and forever.

Definitly a must have for any BSB fan. With tons of rare pictures, this book is really all you need.

This is the best book I have ever read, in music genre (of course). It has sooo many great pics in it, and the boys looks so good!!