Works Books

With this book I belive I will improve my sewing! Lots and lots of information and different tecniques.

Seems like a thorough book. I haven't had the time to get to all of it. I will use it as a reference for my sewing projects.

I would recommend this book. I bought two copies, one for myself and one for a sewing friend. We have both been happily browsing the book. It has so many great techniques and ideas that will complement our sewing. This will definitely be a good reference book to keep.

EXACT information on how to achieve various effects with my sewing machine. Techniques up the kazoo with suggestions on how to apply. This one book is worth more than a hundred project type books. EXCELLENT!

i really like this book. it has such a wide range of techniques, everything from button holes to lace making. definitely a good buy.

i was amazed at the photos. i could not help but to wonder if any of these women and men could be my ancestors. you see so many similarites in the faces on the pages to people you see everyday. i wish there were more in the captions to explain the photos. but when you consider the time that many of these photographs were taken, the captions are in the faces and the demeanor of the subjects. why? is probably the question that could never be answered. and if a reasonable explanation could somehow be given it wouldn't be enough. no matter how broken the mother, father, sister, brother in these photograghs looked. i wish they could all know that their unbearable weight, sorrow and pain helped to develop a strong, defiant, capable and proud race of people.

This book covers generations of history. The pictures are
breath-taking....it gives you a sincere sense of purpose.

This book covers generations of history. The pictures are
breath-taking....it gives you a sincere sense of purpose.

The visual imagery in this collection is terrific, enabling readers' memory, longing, wisdom, regret, sorrow, enormous admiration (of the subjects and all that they represent)- and wonderment. The people and the settings resonate. These are important images. You might well be moved to tears. There is no shortage of emotional appeal to the viewer. One cannot be unaffected by this collection, and all that it represents.

In addition, historically important works of art (engravings and paintings) are reproduced - although unfortunately none in color. The captioning is - for a work of this scope and size, and for illustrations of such power - inconsistent and therefore disappointing, though.

Because it's published by an academic press, I expected a more careful and rigorous treatment. Books of this scope and ambition are few and far between, and one treasures the illustrations - the historic visual record - in and of itself. It's dicey to criticize a collection that has as its focus such a compelling (and neglected) subject: the history of African American women.

The subject matter is terrific - but the book is less so. One wishes that the editors had had an editor. (Why, for example, is the "b" of "black" capitalized? To my knowledge this is not conventional usage, and it detracts.)

So what happened? At times the work seems rushed. For example, three people are photographed, two are identified by name, the third called "unknown." In fact, the writer means "unidentified." Accompanying a photo of a shoeless farm worker is the caption telling one, redundantly, that she is barefoot. A number of captions identify the subject as "Unidentified woman, [location, date.]" That seems lifted directly from states' historical societies' archives. One expects more - or less - but not words that merely interfere with one's experience. One does not need to be told that a photograph is a "photograph."

Occasionally, the editors engage in assumptions regarding the illustrations that, in my view, interfere with the power of the imagery, and reduce the value of this compilation. Guessing as to the subjects' activities in a photograph by Jack Delano, they write that a woman and several children are "possibly waiting for the husband and father to get his hair cut." In fact, one cannot know, and do not need to know, what the people were doing that day. The photo is about much more than that. Another incredible photo of a woman and a girl is accompanied by more guesswork as to the relationship of the subjects (mother and daughter?). There is wordiness to many of the captions. Worst case, there is sometimes unintentional patronization: subjects are identified as "lovely young women," (p. 81) or "fashionable," "attractive" (p.4). The end result is a sense that this book was rushed, and that - despite the impressive pool of archival material from which it was assembled - some corners were cut. The editors use interesting and illuminating quotations in places - but meagerly. There is brief index of names of subjects, and names of quoted women, omitting place names and more.

I wish that the authors of this work either done more, or less. Mostly, I wish that they had more convincingly respected the ability of these powerful and important illustrations to speak clearly to the reader, and had also trusted readers to make the connections between text and visual imagery that is so satisfying and essential to the meaningful experience of organized archival material.

This is a marvelous and moving selection of visual moments, carefully chosen and elegantly captioned. It is refreshingly free of the stuffily convoluted prose one would expect of a book from an academic press. Although the pictures could be said to speak for themselves (and sometimes they can), the information supplied by the gracefully literate writer(s) is helpful and interesting.

Groups of photographs can be wonderful to look at. This collection rises far above what it might have been by means of the exquisite care that was taken in its selection and the highly accessible captioning that accompanies the images.

I'd highly recommend this book for people who already know something about Catholicism, but need a bit more depth in order to understand why Catholics believe what they do. I have used it as a resource for people who are Catholic but it has been a long time since they have had catechesis, or for non-Catholic Christians who want to understand more about Catholicism.

It may be a bit too detailed for someone just beginning the Inquiry or RCIA process unless they want a thorough resource book, but in this case I would definitely pair it with a simplified copy of the Catechism.

It makes a great gift book too!

This is required reading for the Catholic, literally as many catechism classes require it. It is also very useful for those wanting to learn more about their faith or the Catholic faith in general. It is full of useful information laid out in an informative and well written manner. It is easy to find information and questions. That being said it is also very dry, but its hard to make a book like this a page turner.

I use this text frequently for inquirers into the Catholic Faith. Every one says it is witten in a very interesting style. Many can't put it down once begun. Well written and faithful to Catholic Church teaching.

My seminarian friend recommended it to me. At times Opus Dei can be too black-and-white with no gray in between, but this book is still a wonderful way to connect all of Catholicism. I go to Mass regularly and have gone to a Catholic HS, but I still didn't feel like I knew my faith. This book was able to show me how we do know a lot about our faith, but we just have a problem making sense of what we know. Also, his analogies are brilliant. I use them constantly in explaining Catholicism to others.

I've owned this book now for about 3 years and have read it through all the way, once. I've gone back to sections for refresher information, many, many times. What I like the most about this book is, if you do not have the capacity (time, or stamina) to read the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) all the way through - this is an excellent way to get "more than the basics" of what is in the CCC in a very clear, concise manner.

From the very first page (just like all catechisms of the Catholic church) it starts with the three fundamental questions. Who made me? Who is God? Why did God make me? Just that first page will have you hooked and you will not want to put it down. I constantly recommend this book to anyone over the age of 13 because it is that clear in it's method of explaining the faith. I do not believe this book is for anyone looking for a "dumbed down" version of the faith, and by that I do not mean there is anything wrong with the book written by Fr. Tregilio called "Catholicism for Dummies." Quiet the contrary, these two books are just for different types of readers.

Another interesting observation on this book is the different kind of people that love it. I have met such different personalities and ages of people (13 to 79) who love this book that I think that fact is also a recommendation of the book.

Read it, it's good for answering all your questions AND will untangle any misconceptions you have developed along the way, or just remind you of what you may have forgotten.

I highly and unreservedly recommend this book.

How sweet the sound that saved this wreched human race. O'Connor writes of God's love and redemption of humanity. She uses exaggeration to make her point. Her characters are so very silly, obtuse, bigoted, loathsome they become cartoons, yet there is a deep integrity to their shallowness. She's not making fun of them, but giving them the justice of a pitiless description. Indeed they do not seem judged, but naked -- the fruits of their stupid, misguided ideas and actions on display. And these children of God do shocking things to others and themselves. And yet . . ..

And yet God allows them to live and learn, or not learn if that is their inclination. He gives them this freedom. He loves them. How can this be? How?

I love O'Connor for her art, her convictions, her courage, and her love. She is so very true and honest.

In addition to her novels and a thorough selection of short stories, there is a chronology of her life and a selection of her letters which are rewarding reading. The book itself is a wonderful object. The pages are of fine paper. The binding is such that you can lay it open on a table without breaking its back, and the pages will not move unless a breeze or you do so.

I am thoroughly enjoying this authoritative collection of O'Connor's writings. The writing speaks for itself as truly great and unique. This particular book is very classy and well put together; an excellent choice for someone with a significant interest in O'Connor.

The complaints about the poor organization of the collection can be overcome by simply reading it from front to back. Surely it is that good.

My foray into the works of Flannery O'Connor, a southern, gothic author of darkly humorous novels and short stories came via a recommendation in Harold Bloom's, "What to Read and Why." As it turned ot, I had read one of her short stories, "A Good Man is Hard to Find," in a collection somewhere and had been surprised and shocked, by the turn of events and ending of the story, so much so, that I remembered it instantly, even though it has to have been thirty years since I read it. I enjoyed everything, short stories, novellas, and even her letters. She writes about southern Christ-haunted people, most backward, all damned, but many redeemed. Bloom says that according to her, we are all damned but one should put that aside and simply enjoy her beautiful, grotesque, and wonderful comedic stories. Her protagonist is often a woman, forced to take on a role and duties she didn't sign up for but resignedly and with no illusions playing and discharging both out of a sense of morality or necessity; those women are usually the most superior beings in her stories.

Many of her insights stick with me months afterwards. For example, O'Connor says in one of her letters, "...Hazel's integrity lies in his not being able to do so. Does one's integrity ever lie in what he is not able to do? I think that usually it does, for free will does not mean one will, but many wills conflicting in one man. Freedom cannot be conceived simply. It is a mystery and one which a novel, even a comic novel, can only be asked to deepen." That brought tears to my eyes -- perhaps because it is so beautifully put.

Now that I've read everything by O'Connor (including works that were part of her thesis for her degree in writing) I am still amazed and inspired by her work. I'm not from the south or Catholic and I was not alive during the eras of which she wrote, but her writing transcends region and time. My favorites remain A Good Man is Hard to Find, Everything That Rises Must Converge, and Revelation, but I love all her stories, although I find the novels a bit more challenging - I think short story was her finest form. Her ability to mix desperation and violence with comedy is amazing, and often when I read her I think: "I shouldn't be laughing at that." I often wonder what additional work she would have produced if she had not died so young. Highly recommended.

Oh yes! I adore her, and so do my mum and dad. They talk about her all of the time, and so I grew up with the prose ringing in my ears. I am so pleased to be reading her now.

We read this book in our friends' apartment in Paris. It is the most wonderful and comprehensive book for cheese lovers and foodies. Looked through many book stores in Paris and were told it is out of print.
Most spectacular find at Amazon. Thanks.

This is great. Shows cheeses at different ages which is one of the most interesting points and makes this very unique as a reference book. If your in the business its a must have.

Living in France, I am always making the acquaintance of cheeses I had never before known existed. I always scurry to find this book, and look up the tasty morcel I've just consumed. It's great for learning the basics about various cheeses -- and, as noted by other reviewers -- the photos are divine, but it's not the sort of book one takes into the bath to pore over for hours at a time. Put it on your shelf next to your dictionary and thesaurus; it's that useful!

I collect field guides and what attracts me to some is the clever layout and design. This volume is in a class by itself and unlike some guides, the text was so informative that i could not put it dowm.
Should receive 6 stars out of 5.

As mentioned in previous reviews, this book does a great job of referencing hundreds of cheeses from France, providing photographs, descriptions, and wine recommendations. In these areas, it does a fantastic job. I've learned a lot reading it and I can't wait to take it with me on my next trip to France.

I wish the book gave more guidance on the tastes of the different cheeses and how you might select them. For example, if I like Brie and wanted to try a different nice mellow soft cheese, what might be recommended? This book isn't organized to help answer questions like that.

Overall, an important book for anybody serious about cheese.

It's in the knowing of someone that we can develop trust in who that person truly is. This is precisely what our Creator means for us to do concerning Him. Purpose to know Him, believe Him, understand Him, trust Him. As we come close to God through His written word and prayer, we know Him as our Comforter! This book leads us in that direction.

To me the title makes it sound like a book for those of us in need of sympathetic, "touchy-feely" encouragement. Instead I would say it is a book encouraging us to take God at His word, in spite of how we would want to wallow in our own ways, and thereby finding in Him true "rest for our souls."

To understand Scripture and God in a new light is powerful! For example, the chapter that has recently hit me is on Self-Examination. Too often we in the Church are urged to regularly examine ourselves, a practice that often leads to inward, self-centered and myopic, if not discouraging, spiritual vision. Yet in actuality the Bible tells us only to do this in two different passages: prior to Communion and once said to a church to check if "one is in the faith" - a Yes or No question. From that point, Smith writes that we instead read in Scripture to invite GOD to examine US (not we ourselves), asking HIM to reveal in our lives HIS ways and plans; in other words, we are to focus on HIM, learning of Him, growing toward HIM as a result of it being He who we chose to spend time with, about, and for. Taking our eyes off of ourselves, even when looking inward appears a pious undertaking, and turning our examination toward Him gives freedom from self-focus, inherently grows our relationship with our Lord God, and allows our hearts to be changed not from our own working but from God working in us! This was an incredible change of perspective for me!

Excellent, excellent book!

My wife has read this book off and on for years. She decided it was so good that she wanted to give it to a close friend who has cancer. Our friend said he really appreciated and loved the book.
E. T. Owens

Another WOW, just the depth and richness of her writing, and understanding of God, His words, and His LOVE will encourage, and enlighten you, you will be amazed at the simpleness, as well as the profoundness of her words, and more impressive, as it was written in the middle 1800's, and addresses anything that is relevant today.

The Christian's Secret of a Happy Life ( Complete and Unabridged)

I have been teaching this book for nearly a year to my ladies Bible class on Wednesday nights. The class consists of 25 women, who, in varying ways, need to be comforted. Even though this book was written in 1906, and these women range in age from 20 to 60, it is the best book I have found to address each of their needs. This book has taught me that God can and does meet all our needs and even though each of our needs are very different, His way of meeting them, individually, is very similar. Hannah Whitall Smith has a way of simplifying and explaining how God can and will comfort us. Chapter eight, The Lord our Dwelling Place, has been particularly helpful to those of us who have had wayward children. She has a way of convicting us that God is there and He really is Our Father. Even though I thought discussing 17 chapters would be long and redundant, the class has proven to be one of the best I have ever led and the women have recommended it to more people than any class I have ever taught. I highly recommend it.

Easy to read but the message is a bit more subtle. Enjoyed the book for its insights. It is a book to be read more than once to understand the nuances.

I read this book to my yoga classes. Her prose/poetry is perfection meditation material. She's clear with her message. I have bought several copies of this book to give as gifts and recommend this to anyone who enjoys spiritual reading. Short stories alternate with beauutiful inspiring poems.

This book touched me so deeply, I bought ten copies to distribute to friends and family.

Karyn Kedar understands and addresses the sense of loss and isolation which are too often part of the human experience. She confirms that our dreams and hopes are attainable, when we work to connect with others, look for meaning in the day to day, and realize God is found in a myriad of places we would least expect. When we look and listen closely, God is softly speaking to and directing us.

This book is sustenance for the spiritually hungry.

I bought Rabbi Kedar's book after learning that she had been chosen as the Senior Rabbi of my synagogue, B'nai Jehoshua Beth Elohim in Glenview, IL. I am now not only excited about reading her 2nd book, but getting to live these experiences with her on a routine basis. This book lived up to its introduction where it suggested that I would find great comfort in some of what I read in the book, but I will also become fearful of some of the stories as well as angry about some of them. In each case, however, it caused me to reflect on how I would and should react and what was truly causing me to feel the way I did. I think this book will help me in my every day dealing with people. Applause to Rabbi Kedar for an outstanding book (as well as to BJBE's search committee for a great choice for Senior Rabbi!!!!).

Slow down and give yourself a gift and read GOD WHISPERS by Rabbi Karen Kedar. It is one of those amazing texts that seem to speak to you when you need it most. Many of her chapter/lessons will stay with you and "pop out" during your life and the most unexpected moments. Because of her style, you can pick up the book and read it from the start - or middle. Each chapter will add to your life and speak to your soul. How fortunate we are that Rabbi Kedar shares her experiences and wisdom with us! read it and feed your soul!

God's Messengers is supposed to be a daily meditation. Forget it. You start reading until you are finished with the entire book. I read this two months ago but forgot to write a review until tonight. I had a dream I could not understand a few days ago. When I was looking for another book on one of my shelves (Oddly enough - Earl Mindel's Vitamin Bible!) I saw G-d's Messengers. I took it off the shelf and then I the book opened to the page that had the answer to the dream. G-d bless beautiful wild animals, pets, and animals in shelters. This book is divine inspiration.

Expand your horizons and be blessed, don't wait until you loose an animal friend before reading this MUST HAVE book

... will find this book an interesting read. I found it purely by accident, and am really glad I did -The stories are captivating, and I can relate to most of them. I read Laurie Conrad's "The Spiritual Life of Animals and Plants" last year, and was completely mesmerized by her free-flowing, personable style. I think anyone who has read her beautiful work will also very much enjoy "God's Messengers".

I love GOD'S MESSENGERS!!! I especially loved the story written by Richard Simmons which is about his mother Shirley and her two Dalmations. I never knew Richard had a spiritual bent to his outgoing public personality. Dalmations also played an important part of my life as I grew up and as with Richard's mother my emotional and physical health was better because of our dogs. We have most of Richard's exercise tapes. Now we know a different deeper side to Richard Simmons. GOD'S MESSENGERS: WHAT ANIMALS TEACH US ABOUT THE DIVINE is a must read for those who want a feel good book filled with thought provoking wonderful stories. There are many great stories but I also really liked the story about Gonzo.

This is a heartwarming book full of many stories about how humans can learn a lot from animals. It is uplifting, will make you laugh and will also make you cry. It is a great coffee table book, I display it in my office and it has diverted many intense business conversations into those about our pets, their unconditional love and their devotion.

I am really privliged to be a part of this book as when it was in the makes I was requested by Joan to submit information from my kennel "Harbor Side Mastiffs". This fine collection was put togeather not long after we had a litter of 15 healthy strong pups (Clovite is amazing)that all lived, this was in Feb. of 87' and it was a pretty big deal in the Baltimore Area (the news coverage did a top notch story on channel 13 and was presented by the then anchor Jerry Turner-RIP).
This book has many great pictures and stories along with two of my daughters and their mastiffs. My youngest daughter is only 3 at at the time sitting out in a run with her puppy "Missy"...now she is in her last year of college. My daughter Helen is shown standing on a city street holding my stud dog "Chaucer" as I snap the picture. Now you see one of the reasons that I am crazy over this work. If possible get a copy as there will never be a more complete volume written on the Mastiff then this one.
"Enjoy" Joe Kopeck owner of "Harbor Side Mastiffs"

Please rerelease this book. It is a MUST have for ALL Mastiff lovers. Please Joan, Please.

This is a most excellent and comprehensive book that should be owned by all Mastiff enthusiasts! Don't miss it! The stories give you a glimpse into what Mastiffs are really like in a way that factual, descriptive books just don't do.

This is THE book about the best dogs in the world.
Of all the books on Mastiffs, this one best reveals the nature and specialness of these dogs. The heartfelt stories, the pictures, the tons of advice from experienced breeders and trainers.
Speaking frankly, it's a nightmare to try to find anything in it (it's hard to even find the table of contents!), but actually, that's a good thing because you end up wandering through it enjoying the wonderfulness of these dogs.
I thank my stars I was lucky enough to find a copy at a book store.

Having read other mastiff owner's coppies I want one for myself. I do not have 400.00 to buy one from an auction. It is a top quality reference book on the breed and to have only so few coppies in curculation is a shame.

I am stunned! Never have I read a book that has so much wisdom for the home and family, and I've read a bunch. Our society has slipped so far from nurturing and caring for each other in the home and this should be a must-read for anyone wanting or planning to be married. Although it is faith-based, it chock-full of everyday reasoning and insight that everyone can understand. If you're looking for clarity into the roles of the people who live in your home and how everyone can live up to their potential, this is the one to read.

The material covered in this book is worthwhile and useful. It is, however, written in 19th century linguistic style which can, and for the most part is, difficult to slog through.

This book is not really a book about "homemaking" in the sense of housekeeping. This is a deeply lovely book about what the experience of living in a happy home should be like. This book was written years ago, when people still had the idea that the home and the people in it should be a haven for each other, and a beacon to those in the world. This is a book that calls husbands and wives, siblings, sons and daughters, to a higher vision of a home. It reminds that all are part of this goal.

This is not just a book for moms, though, despite the picture on the cover. One of the most intimate nights my newlywed husband and I have experienced was when I read aloud to him the chapter on Husbands. Just thinking about how we can love each other better and the deep responsibility that is was very meaningful for us.

I highly recommend this book -- the language alone is lovely to read. The style of the book is peaceful and lyrical. This is not a typical self-help book; this is a peaceful, worshipful book.

A MUST for newlyweds, or anyone who wants to be intentional and biblical about their marriage and family life.

I am very much in love with this beautiful work. Many of the passages left me in tears. A call to arms for all Christians. My huband and I decided to give this book as wedding and baby shower gifts from now on. Stirring and well writen...read it, read it again, and again.

I think this book would be great for Newly Married couples. Dont let the girly looking cover fool you. Its packed full of examples on how to treat others. In the intro it said "the aim is to mark out duties and responsibilities of each member of the household..." I really enjoyed it and will have my children read it too.