N Books

This is an illuminating book about unheralded Army Civil Affairs teams in Iraq and Afghanistan and their heroic endeavors to improve life for the townspeople. Their everyday efforts are the personification of commitment and grit. I was saddened to read in another review about the death of Staff Sgt. Robert Paul in Kabul, whose portrayal in the book is so memorable. The book contains some distracting editing and proofreading lapses, but they aren't enough to diminish its value. Kudos to Rob Schultheis for bringing these outstanding soldiers to our attention.

As a Civil Affairs (CA) operator from the 1st rotation (2003-2005), I have been disheartened by the media's portrayal of the war in Iraq, the US soldiers and overall "fair and honest" reporting. I heard about this book at a drill weekend in late 2005 as it made quite a buzz around the drill hall of a CA unit (not the book's unit). I thought the author was fair and honest. I had a few "ouch that hurt for us" moments, but overall I thought he portrayed what CA does well and the actions of this CAT-A could represent many of our experiences as well. I purchased the book for my civilian boss, as a way to answer his question: "what is it that you do in the Army."

As I prepare for my 2nd deployment to Iraq, I'm often asked about my military job and I always respond with "you have to read Waging Peace. It will give you a great prespective about what CA does."

A must read for anyone interested in:
* knowing more about CA.
* hearing about what the US Army is trying to do (NO we don't just kick in doors!)
* understanding the frustrations, elations, depression and joy of being a US Army Civil Affairs Soldier in a combat zone.

Our invasion of Iraq was part of an effort to bring stability and democracy to the region, to build an area where terrorists could not train or get support, where people solved their problems through talking it out. This is going to require good governments and strong economies -- and to have those Iraq will need an infrastructure.

Waging Peace relates the story of a small team of Army soldiers who carry a big burden in their operating area: restore water, sewer, schools, electricity and trash pick-up. Plus, build better relations with the government, the mosques, and the police. Oh, yeah, and the gun slingers are not going to give you much security, if any.

Especially right after the invasion, most of our effort in rebuilding Iraq came from Army Civil Affairs -- before the State Department and International Agencies really got started on the big projects. These Civil Affairs teams were critical to the impression that the Iraqis had of us.

Rob Schultheis does a great job of telling the story of one small team. Thing is, he could write two or three more books on the same subject and they would be different -- because each team and each neighborhood is so different. This team was a great one and their story is interesting. Major Clark and Sergeant Paul are true heroes to Iraqis and Americans.

This book came out before people generally understood the nation building aspect of the U.S. mission in Iraq so I think it's gotten missed. I think people should see this in the newstands and book stores again like it was a new release because where people weren't ready for this information in 2005, I think they are now in 2007 as the Bush admin talks more now about nation building and moves away from talk about conquest.

Excellent book, excellent illustration of the issues we are FINALLY seeing in the main stream news about Iraq.

Okay, so i am in the book, but I can still remain objective. Most military books I have read deal with specific combat operations or tactics as that seems to be what people expect when they think of the military. Like going to go and blow up a bridge or something.

There are a lot of people in the military and most of those that serve have jobs other than combat operations. It is interesting to read about a military job that specifically does not use combat operations in a hostile military environment to acheive military goals. Like going to go and repair a bridge or something.

I bought this book because my parent's were celebrating their 40th anniversary. My brothers and sisters and I wanted some ideas so that they would remember such a wonderful day. There were many ideas for both parties and gatherings and presents.

Fun book filled with lots of inspirational ideas, sources and websites for gift giving, party giving, gift wrapping and more!
It's a great "idea book"!

I bought this book on the title alone. It is filled with hundreds of ideas for parties, gifts, etc. I recommend it for anyone who likes to be a little different and stand out in a crowd.

What an excellent book! Simple things come to life. Ideas you wouldn't think about. It definitely serves as an excellent innerway to creativity, as well as a catalyst for further expansion. This is a great piece of work. I love the pictures, and the entire format of the book. I'm waiting for the second edition. Why Bother Why not II?

We all want to entertain stylishly but don't always have the budget to accomplish this task. Or so I thought. After reading Laurin Syndey's book I realize that resourcefulness and creativity are all you need. She's given us a helpful map to chart out all the things we need to live life more graciously and stylishly. And unlike Martha Stewart, it's not so complicated...Thank you Laurin. What great tips and what a great way to approach life...

This was the next selection for my military history book club. It's a little on the old side, originally copyrighted in `73, but it's a well written book and obviously a labor of love. The author was not a professional historian, that is to say he was not a professor of history, but in many ways this is probably a plus. What he was as a professional was a journalist, publisher, and editor. Hence the readability and quality of the book.

The notes to the chapters are somewhat modest but written in a very conversational style adding useful information about the resources used. Although many of these are actually secondary sources or collections with comments on primary sources, the author uses them judiciously and critically.

Divided into chapters simply given as Roman numerals, I found it sometimes confusing as what the topic was to be until I'd read the sections under the heading. For instance Chapter I is actually a brief characterization of central participants, mostly those on the American side of the issue, while Chapter II presents the British point of view, especially that of the King and his primary counselors. I can certainly see why the vague headings were applied, however. The story requires many back tracks to explain events as they occurred, particularly in the prodromal phase of the war. Letting go of my need to attack a book in a cut and dried fashion, I found it much easier to read and to enjoy.

The very readable narrative style of the book literally carries one from chapter to chapter like a mystery or adventure story. Without the need to categorize his material or to drive the reader from point A to point B in a pedagogical manner, the book takes on the personality of a first hand account, which makes it much more personal and intense for the reader. The people aren't just static figures performing on the stage of history, they lived on the brink of disaster for years, some of them died miserably, others lost everything they owned, others were discouraged and defected, etc. Remember, they didn't know what the outcome would be as we do.

The book is much better balanced than the traditional story one got in high school about the American Revolution. The British, while definitely myopic in the policies directed at the colonies, definitely had legitimate reason for their irritation with them. Certainly it's obvious that much might have been gained, or at least great loss of life and fortune might have been prevented, had some finesse been applied to the situation rather than the stubborn and prejudicial approaches that were. That this was impossible given the time, the culture and the history of the people on both sides is pretty obvious from the book, and the "what if they had..." approach to the history of the period is mostly 20-20 hindsight and totally impossible given the reality of the period. If nothing else, the book definitely reveals that, although the outcome was not predestined, in fact anything but, the event itself, the Revolution itself, was. Replayed, the specific events probably would not have been the same, perhaps not even with the same individual personalities or even the same outcome, but the War itself, given the critical factors of the time, probably would have.

A superb and readable volume

While I tend to read books on military history, I have not read much about the American Revolution. Thus I picked up this book to fill in gaps in my research. I found this book to be a wonderful work describing the American Revolution from its origins through Washington's brilliant winter campaign at Trenton and Princeton.

Before covering the battles named in the title, Ketcham provides a solid summary of the origins of the war, discusses some of the politics and difficulties both sides faced. His discription of the conflict between not just the armies, but the citizenry was very interesting. The book describes the sad cycle of violence and revenge between Tory and Patriot as armies moved back and forth. For me it put the revolution in a new light.

The discussion of military operations begins with the campaign in NewYork. It is covered quickly, but in sufficient detail to understand the action. This is important because it sets the scene to understand the reasons for the titled battles, Trenton and Princeton. The book really shines in this coverage. I was entralled with the text and speed through it. It was a wonder to me that after the disasterous New York campaign Washington was able to keep his army together and perform a series of brilliant maneuvers that just completely stymied the British forces. After reading this book I have a new found respect for Washington as a military leader. He is frequently dismissed as a general, but I now think that his leadership in this campaign should rank with the greatest.

I found this book to be very memorable, and probably worth rereading at a later date. I recommend it for any one interested in learning about this period of the American Revolution, especially if you do not have a great deal of background in the subject.

Richard Ketchum does a masterful job of capturing the details and personalities that drove the American Revolution to its sometimes inexplicable conclusion. He spends time exploring the minds and temperments of key English characters such as King George III, Lord Frederick North, Edmund Blake and takes the time to explain the rationale for the war beyond the tired adages of "No taxation withourt representation" or "The intolerable acts" etc.

His discussion of the multiple missed opportunities for reconciliation by the British authorities is revealing. His examination of Washington's continual losses during 1776 and how the Americans were pushed all the way from New York to Pennsylvania sets up the the desparate plight faced by Washington in December 1776.

Ketchum examines the personality and character strengths and flaws of Johann Rall, the Hessian commander at Trenton to help explain how the Continentals pulled off their first victory of the war. He also describes decisions by the generals and their subordinate commanders on both sides that caused the fortunes or misfortunes we are familiar with all the way from Boston to N.Y. to New Jersey during that momentous year.

Ketchum's writing style is very contemporary, entertaining, magnetic and credible. As you read you can just imagine the Hollywood movie that should be made from his version of the decisions, personalities and events of 1776. His maps add immeasurably to the understaning of events and are integral to the enjoyment of this book.

Mr. Ketchum as an historian writing about the American Revolutionary War ranks among the best. His base of knowledge is broad and deep and his books read easily. If you want to learn about the major battles in New Jersy in 1776/1777, this book is a must.

David McCullough's 1776 was excellent, but Ketchum's Winter Soldiers is even better. This is the finest kind of narrative history. The mounting tally of disappointments after New York and the near despair of the Continentals as they retreated into Pennsylvannia is expertly captured in painful detail. The later descriptions of the long, cold night marches and harrowing battles at Trenton and Princeton made me feel the extreme fatigue, but elation, those men must have felt.
This is mythic ground, but told in a straight forward manner which allows the men and their actions to show us what great accomplishments these were and helps us to understand why these stories have been treasured by generations of Americans.

We are constantly reading this book not for the recpies but for the knowledge and history of different foods that we comonly use. We are lucky enough to be able to enjoy Zingerman's Deli anytime we want and they are top quality just like in the book.

Finally I understand why sea salt is so good; and how to choose olive oil. And I now know a few good brands to look for on my gourmet items. This has really helped me shop for excellent ingredients. And the recipes, esp the roasted beet salad, are delicious and simple, relying on the very best ingredients for flavor instead of complicated instructions.

For anyone who knows the name Zingerman's, chances are they know the name is synonomous with amazing food of the highest quality. For anyone interested in food, particularly imported, specialty and artisanal foods, check out this book and their website. You won't be disappointed.

I really enjoyed this book. As a lover of food, I was elated to discover this book. He includes history and just an over all knowledge of fine foods and how you can tell when you get your hands on them! The commercialization of fine foods (like balsamic vinegar) often times loses the art. I appreciate the art of creating fine foods and am grateful to now have a little extra "Zing" and knowledge when I'm shopping for them.

When it comes to food and cooking, this is one of my top 3 favorite and most used books. Though this has recipes, that is not where its value lies. This book is a guide to understanding and appreciating quality in your food. Some of the foods covered are olive oils, vinegars (balsamic and others), cheese, bread, pasta, chocolate, etc. Each section tells you what makes for quality and recommends brands to try. If you love good food, this is a MUST HAVE!

New York City Food is a cool combination of a food history of the greatest city in the world combined with recipes for those of us who hate the fact that we can't get to NYC often enough! It's NOT a restaurant guide, so careful not to try to use it as such. But it's a great read and can help you navigate the Apple's neighborhoods on your next trip. Thanks to this book, I found the "holy grail" of half-done pickles on the lower east side on my last trip!

You needn't have ever boiled water to love this book. What a gift! Thank you, Arthur Schwartz. Not only is this a fabulous, true-voice book for anyone who draws breath and has any interests past the tip of his or her own nose, it is a rarity to find such a soulful history. Schwartz somehow manages to make you feel you were there when it all happened -- where it continues to happen. (And I was not fortunate to live in the City). And the recipes are quintessential.

This book should be considered collectible as one of the finest examples of this unique genre. It is 'Pruniers' a thousand times over. You won't read it once and shelve this book; you will reread passages and quotes, so wonderfully complemented by Chris Callis' photographs and all the archival images, and take a little trip into New York City and the world.

Everybody knows about Junior's cheesecake, Mama Leone's, Ebbinger's Bakery, Lundy's (not Lindy's) the Stork Club, 21, etc., But this books brings it all together in a wonderful compendium of insights into the history of great dining in the restaurant capital of the world. No place on earth offers the variety and quality in both Haute Cuisine and everday fare as does NYC. Mr. Schwartz, unlike some actually recognizes that there is more than one borough in NYC and finds the best of the best in all of them. There are beautiful recipes, amusing stories, wonderful pictures in a book that really captures the spirit of the many places it describes.

If U LUV NY and U LUV NY DINING, then you have to have this book.

Great book. I keep in on my coffee table. Everyone that picks it up thinks it is great.

This is a great book, written by someone with impeccable credentials ... former chief food columnist for the New York Times, and a NYC born and bred native.

The author delves deeply into the history of NYC, and then works his way forwards to the present era - but he spends most of his time and energy covering the topic from the gilded age of the 1890's through the late 1980's. Between those dates he overviews all the most well known and influential restaurants of the day, along with information on who the movers and shakers were, what was served, and how they influenced the trends of the day. The author also includes about 100 classic recipes, from a wide variety of sources, directly relating to the names that he covers.

The author does the job credit - the historical information is meticulous, the recipes authentic (and he even included a recipe index in the back), and the book is well organized and well packed with classic photos and anecdotes, and plenty of New Vork verve and originality.

Want to know the origins of Steak Diane" ? Porterhouse Steak ? Lobster Newberg ? NYC Pizza ? It's all in there.

Just a few minor nits, in no particular (there are really just my own notes, to serve as a memory jog for eventually writing a letter of feedback to the author).

* Seafood (chapt 2): This chapter was already obsolete at the time it was first published. There are no photos of the Fulton Fish Market (gasp), nor is there any significant coverage of it's recent relocation to uptown. That section DEFINITELY needs update and expansion, both text, photos, and recipes.

* Porterhouse: very interesting and nicely done, but it could be expanded a tad to better clarify the distinction (in modern usage) between the Porterhouse, T-Bone, and Sirloin steaks. Many people are confused by those terms, and usage varies from region to region & country to country, so it's important to clarify the New York usage of those terms. The first two (as I'm sure you already know) are cut from opposite ends of the same "short loin" primal, and the third is from the sirloin primal just behind (rumpward) of that.

* Pictures: the pic of a bagel with lox & cream cheese in the front matter should have been repeated on p.119.

* Italian: the Italian section, at 24 pgs, is only given half the page count as the section on Jewish, at 44 pgs. Understandable I suppose, given that the author is Jewish, but it could use some expansion in a future edition ... the section on pizza, for instance, lacks a recipe, and sausage & peppers is given short shrift. Both can be made easily at home, from scratch, either with or without fancy tools & casings.

* Other nations: the sections on more recent contributions by immigrants from other nations could all be expanded by at least a page each, and include a recipe or two ... Japanese (ex: Nobu), Korean (the name of a top restaurant I went to in Queens escapes me ATM), etc.

* Restaurants: Loved all the historial info, but a few of the blurbs end a bit abruptly, without mention of whether or not they were still open at the time of this book's publication.

* Recipe Index: I wish that more authors remembered to include them. Minor editorial nit - it should have started on a new page, and been clearly differentiated from the main index with a header of some sort.

No one is better equipped to deal with the breakdown of society than the poet and playwright Carl Hancock Rux, who incidentally is also an awesome interpreter of his own work. Who knew that among his many skills was the ability to write a novel too? ASPHALT stands by itself as one of the year's most interesting novels. Have you ever seen the Altman movie, QUINTET, with Paul Newman? If so you will be viscerally reminded of that movie when you begin creezing through the opening chapters of ASPHALT, the ones that establish Racine as an underground DJ par excellence and the rundown brownstone he camps out in becomes a sort of United Nations of lost souls, each tenant lonely and frustrated, and frightened for the future, each one coming from a different post-colonial background.

In the Altman film, which treats a similar post-apocalyptic future, the survivors were largely white, even blue-eyed (including Newman, and co-stars Bibi Andersson and Nina Van Pallandt). There were a few "Latin types" including Fernando Rey and Vittorio Gassman, but outside of that it was all about racial blankness amid the Alaska tundra. Here the Brooklyn setting and the rapid back-and-forth flashbacks jarred by the frequent musical interludes give the reader the sensory excperience someone like David Mitchell is aiming for in books like CLOUD ATLAS.

Just finished this book. OUTSTANDING! Complicated in the most divine way. Rux is on to something that has nothing to do with the average easy read bookstores are pumping right now. This book is so relevant to right now and I haven't seen any other new black writers dealing with the political climate in America from the standpoint of people of color. Correction; Rux doesn't even paint a picture of the current political climate, he's on to the next canvas and it's stunning and heartbreaking.

An urban tale written in a refreshing challenging intellectual style. Set in post apocalyptic Brooklyn, the main character struggles to build a life in a war zone. His physical surroundings play as an apt metaphor for his internal quest to make sense of who he is, where he came from and where he ultimately belongs.

LA Times
"Asphalt," (is) a hallucinatory journey...set in a sooty, just-a-day-after-tomorrow future. The book blends speculative fiction and myth with real-life post-9/11 unease embroidered throughout...enamored with densely arranged assemblages -quirky juxtapositions, blurry borders-spinning dross into gold...a grand-scale collage."

Jill Nelson, author of Sexual Healing
"Daring, intense, and provocative, in ASPHALT Hancock Rux fast forwards the novel form into a future that is unexpected, seductive and healing."

New York Press
"Asphalt, (is) a book taken with future apocalypses and the funky, oddly swaddled cast of characters littering that not-too-distant time in Brooklyn. In Asphalt , you get hetero guys in sequins and sarongs, back-from-Paris DJs and couch dancers named Couchette all vying for attention in a newly gentrifying netherworld that Rux ably and surrealistically, sweetly, ties together before the next set."

The Daily Pennsylvanian
"(Asphalt is) both arresting and disorienting. The cryptic opening scenes illustrate Rux's masterful use of language-remarkable....Asphalt is a triumph in several senses...a piece of true urban literature that appeals to the jaded sensibilities of young modern readers."

Greg Tate author of "Everything But the Burden"
"Asphalt gets at how the urban myth of 'keeping it real' must continually run up against the abstracting roadblocks and revelations of one's fractured inner truth and the even sexier surrealism of a Cosmopolis determined to remix your imagination at every turn. Like Celine's Journey, Baraka's System and Delany's Dahlgren this is a novel where the mythopoeic modern city is the real protagonist and the ostensible hero, like all of us, is just a squirrel trying not to nut out."

LA Weekly
"Asphalt...is thick with images of and meditations on terror and terrorism...underscoring emotion and politics, allowing Rux to excavate the damaged inner lives of his characters while ruminating on how the world around them feeds their despair and dares them to rise above self and surroundings. "

Booklist
"Rux's lyrical writing blurs the lines between dreamscape and reality. A dazzling portrait of urban life."

Publishers Weekly
"Lyrically drawn...an elegantly gloomy addition to Rux's artistic achievements."

Brooklyn Rail
"Asphalt is a beautifully written book...as horrifying to read as it is full of hope."

Black Issues Book Review
"The first lines of this first fiction effort promises a mélange of literary forms and edgy melancholy characters...part postmodern parable, part contemporary urban portrait...parts aside, it is fully formed, like an existential poem."

Blether Book Reviews
"Carl Hancock Rux provides a deep look at disturbed individuals in environs in which no one can dodge a world on the abyss."

In the lush heady atmosphere of a house party in a decaying Brooklyn mansion Racine mixes A Tribe Called Quest, Arvo Part, Rakim and Mary J. Blige. The DJ moves the crowd through a throbbing bass line. Loc's, Betty Paige bangs and sheared heads abound in the rich aesthetic of the underground in a post-war New York. The nuances of the urban moment and the self-discovery of colorful characters provide the backdrop for an artful piece of literature for the hip hop and neo-soul generation.

Racine is the quiet DJ who deftly blends genres and sounds and expresses himself through his wheels of steel. He finds himself in the deteriorating yet vibrant post-war Brooklyn after the death of his older brother and dearth of love under the care of foster parents in the south and New York City. While finding lodging in a neighborhood devastated by poverty and despair, he meets a band of intriguing souls. Manny, the ambiguously gay free spirit with a penchant for architectural history, Mawepi the stout bouncer and translator for the clairvoyant Holy Mother and Couchette, the scarred dancer mired in denial comprise his new family.

Immediately Racine finds himself creating the sonic backdrop for intense parties, orgies and conversations while Manny and the other residents chase their dreams in a transitional New York. Couchette is the troubled spirit with whom Racine shares physically intimate and emotionally frustrating moments. The story weaves in depictions of Racine's childhood, including his experiences in fostercare and ultimately forces a young man to reconcile his past and move on.

Rux infuses a tale set in a modern urban environment with ancient Greek mythology that informs several themes in the book. Racine the character is influenced by Hippolytus' Phaedra which was re-written by J.P. Racine. The story of a young man who is physically dismembered by a monstrous force on his journey is a recurring thread throughout Asphalt . The characters have to lose parts of themselves that they may not be aware are hindering their growth, in order to move on. And the personalities in Asphalt all employ different strategies for abandoning experiences that have consumed and distorted their views of reality and themselves.

As an Obie-winning playwright, spoken word artist and now novelist, Carl Hancock Rux has a masterful use of language which is evidenced throughout Asphalt . His description of a taciturn woman lying on the road and an intimidating lanky street orator selling socks are examples of the imaginative supporting characters. Similarly, Rux 's portrayal of the glorious yet depressed New York and the intensity of Racine's past, deeply orient the reader. At times the language is a bit too cerebral which obscures the clarity of events. Yet the descriptive quality of Rux 's work differentiates him from other contemporary young authors. Asphalt is compelling due to its complex and beautiful handling of topics such as child abuse, sexuality and the urban environment. Ultimately, the empirical emotion Rux integrates into his work coupled with his gift for prose makes Asphalt a challenging yet intriguing read.

I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated this cookbook. It's a great cookbook for weekend chef's like myself who enjoy good food and entertaining good friends. I appreciated the way the author gave background on the locale and seasons the dishes were inspired from. I now know how to make paella :)

Reading Bay Wolf Restaurant Cookbook is almost like taking a trip to this exceptional restaurant. The photographs and commemorative menus are stunning and the recipes are terrific, but it is the warm, generous personality of the staff, particularly Michael Wild that are expressed in the text that impresses me most of all. You'll want to share this treasure.

I am not an advanced cook, and found most, if not all, of the recipes to be manageable. And the best part is that there are numerous pictures which will help you visualize the dish (important for plating). I compared this with my chez panisse book and found that I consulted the Bay Wolf recipe book again and again. I love Alice Waters and Chez Panisse but her book is just too hard to use (not enough photographs, recipes run over onto the next page, directions not clear or allow for multiple interpretations - very scary for a novice cook). I got the Bay Wolf recipe book from my Mother in Law and I love it! It is a great find and I highly recommend it. All the ingredients can be found at your local supermarket, so even though the end product may look exotic, the recipes are not too difficult. This book is very meat-driven (pork, fish, poultry), so I wouldn't get this for the vegetarian. Over all, though, well done! One of my favorite cookbooks to date.

The book is informative as well as easy reading and, even at age 82, I am interested in trying the recipes because they look and sound so good and emphasize fresh ingredients such as the fruits and vegetables (tomatoes, quince, figs, beets and fava beans) that we grow in our own Bay Area backyard.

I have several criteria when looking for a book on food - and guess what? This one has it all and then some! First, it is an excellent, user friendly cookbook. No sticky-fingered turning of pages - all recipes are complete on facing pages. And it lies flat to preserve the spine. The photos are beautiful and mouth watering. Then ... the fun part. The writer, Adele Novelli Crady, has created great sidebars and editorials about the food, eating, and enjoyment of life in general. These alone make the book worth reading! A great book - make sure to also buy one for a best friend - like the great food, it is best shared.

THIS BOOK HAD YOU HOOK FROM BEGINNING TO END. YOU HAVE LISA WHO IS A GOOD CHICK HE WANTS NOTHING BUT FOR HER MAN TO STAY OUT F JAIL AND DO AWAY WITH THE STREET LIFE. BUT THEIR IS ONE SECRET THAT SHE IS KEEPING FROM HER MAN THAT SOONS SURFACE AND HER WORLD IS TURN UP SIDE DOWN BY CHINO AND DONNELL.I AM LOOKING FOWARD TO PART 2 OF THIS BOOK

I can't wait for the sequel. This book kept me interested in the story the whole time. I couldn't wait to get to the end because I knew it would surprise me...and it did.

Betrayal of a Hustler was an excellent written book. This book had excitement, a whole lot of drama, suspense, greed, love, anger, peace and betrayal. This book kept you on edge of your seats that you didn't want to put the book down. You were very eager to find out what happened next and to whom. The author really put her heart and soul into this book. The characters were so well portrayed that you can relate to this book through real life experiences. I give praise to the way the author portrayed the mother's in the book praying for their children's saftey. Discussing this with others, you are amazed at how you get different opinions of what is going to happen next in the second book. I can't wait until the second part comes out, I know it will be on fire also.

BLUNT, God has truly blessed you with such an amazing gift for writing. Keep the books coming and keep working towards your dream! I know that every book you write will be a best seller also. Keep your light shinning and keep reaching for your goals, dreams and most of all the stars.
God Bless, Janice T. Brewer

It has been a long time since I picked up a book that I COULD NOT put down until I finished! It had me on the edge the entire way through! Great storyline with interesting and very real characters; B.L.U.N.T. understands the world she writes about and makes the reader feel like a part of it. I must admit, the ending threw me completely off...I'm excited to see what happens in part II. Highly recommended.

B.L.U.N.T. has certainly marked her spot on the urban literary scene. The first in a trilogy, "Betrayal Of A Hustler" is an exceptionally good tale. Reminding us that no matter how rich and powerful a hustler becomes there is always a sad price to pay.
Written with style, this tale tells of friendship, betrayal, love and power. The characters that are behind the excellent cover of this book have their own magnetism that will draw you deep into the pages.

B.L.U.N.T. girl don't keep us waiting too long for the next installment.

I can't believe I've reached my 50th review.And it is happily on a topic near and dear to my heart.....Buster Keaton.
Buster was not as appreciated as he might have been in his 1920s heydays.And when his downfall at the hands of MGM came in the early 30s,as far as the public was concerned he was just considered just another fatality
like so many of his peers that occured in the late 20s and early 30s with the conversion to sound.He was soon forgotten.
But it didn't keep Buster down the least bit.He eventually battled back from depression and acute alcoholism.He was rarely out of work for very long and whether behind or in front of the camera he continued on like a trouper for the rest of his days.
The man lived and breathed comedy and never lost his ability in the development and creation of gags.And of course his masterful directing abilities and knowledge of the camera were unquestionable.
Buster fortunately lived long enough to see a steady resurgence in his popularity and homages from many in the film industry.And his public persona also reached new heights as new generations rediscovered his older films and/or relished his appearances in newer films and on TV.
This book then is a fitting tribute to a legend and one of the GREAT(and I don't use this word lightly) purveyors of screen comedy in the 20th century.
It is first and foremost a pictorial tribute.It is absollutely filled with wonderful photographs,some I have seen but others I have not.
It even has a photo montage of a Buster how-to on creating his trademark pork pie hat.
All this is nicely rounded out with text from the author and most especially his late widow Eleanor.
All in all I recommend this book highly to those who are just discovering this great screen comedy genius.There's no better way to acclimate yourself to his life and career.And to those like myself who have known and adored this mans' work for years,this book should be an essential piece in the Buster Keaton section of your library.

I've always been a little disappointed that Buster Keaton gets overshadowed by stars like Chaplin, mainly because he was more than just a silent comedian. In many ways, he was a daredevil of his time, always doing his own stunts and risking his life on several occasions. In today's Hollywood, what star would've dared let a whole house fall on him and miss by mere inches as Buster does in Steamboat Bill Jr.?? Not even Jackie Chan would've tried that one!

With that in mind, Buster Keaton Remembered is superb at illustrating a lot of the stunts and tricks he used in making his best movies, not to mention the man himself, with some glorious candid and studio photography.

The only real disappointment I found with this book is the text's general lack of depth. Sure, the classic shorts and features are all here. But his later work (post-1940) is generally glossed over. Many intriguing elements are also introduced like the death of one of his gag writers, his unreleased film "Ten Girls Ago", his family becoming part of Buster's films, etc. But in most cases, these are only mentioned in passing and get little analysis or explanation.

But then, Buster Keaton Remembered isn't really meant to be a biography - this is more of a coffee table book. So if you're looking for a stunning pictorial of his life, this is the one to pick up. If you're looking for more detailed insights into the man and his movies, it's time to head for the library.

I recently attended the Ninth annual Buster Keaton Festival in Iola .KS. It was my seventh visit. I met Margaret his Granddaughter and she autographed this book. The book is beautifally done in the vailed quality of the golden movie age. The pictures and story line are truly of love for this man from his wife and "grandaughter". James Karen also was present and received the "Buster". Stone face will be remembered as a common man with photos of him smiling. This is special because he was also a proud grandfather to his granddaughter. For a final tribute visit, Find a grave.com GOD BLESS BUSTER

the photos are worth the price of admission, many i had not seen before as a long time fan of keaton. the text is clear, and not horribly sentimental, which i was afraid to find as the book was co-written by his last wife.

gorgeous. really well done.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Being a fan of Buster, I've read numerous bios, ranging from mediocre to all out hatchet jobs. Students of the "Great Stone Face" will learn a lot, I certainly did. The photographs alone are worth the price of the book, epsecially the "stills" from THE GENERAL, STEAMBOAT BILL JR. and ONE WEEK. Keaton always seems to take the proverbial "back-seat" to Chaplin, but Buster was the better comic, by FAR!!! And, as an added bonus, you can see how Buster and Eleanor made the "pork-pie hats" worn in so many of Keaton's films.

You won't want to put this book down once you start. This is a great read!! It's very stimulating, there are parts in this book that you'll want to read over and over agin.

CAJUN HOT is a tremendously entertaining comedy of a romance. I was enthralled from page one right on through to the end. The story is hot and sexy as well and I was either fanning myself from the heat or chuckling over the antics of the characters. The general plot is pretty straightforward, but the route to get to the happy ending has some outrageous moments. The story keeps your interest and I was very disgruntled anytime I had to put the book away and do something else. Ms. Black's characters are rich and well-rounded. Sahara has some serious career goals and is not in the mood to take a detour for love; she is fun, likeable and amusing. Jacque presents himself as a laid-back, sexy Cajun, which he certainly is, but there is a lot more to him as well. The secondary characters really add to this story, both in humor and outrageousness. The sex scenes are explicit, extremely hot and contain elements of ménage, bondage and exhibitionism. I truly enjoyed CAJUN HOT and highly recommend it if you are looking for a fun, amusing and extremely sexy read!

This Cajun fantasy was so hot I was almost burnt as I turned the Pages. I was done the book in just a few hours and wanted more of it to read. Sahara and Jacque were so spicy and I loved all the intimate love bondage.

This book left me breathing hot and feeling an insatiable wetness. I WOULD NOT recommend reading this in public... and make sure you have easy access to your lover!!! Cajun is HOT HOT HOT

WOW! That's all you can say about this book without spending page after page describing this book. Sizzling sex, a twisted plot and an exciting recipe for romance/erotica.