N Books

somebody told it like it is...The judicial system is not balanced and it never will be. Thanks judge for telling the truth!

As a New Yorker, I remember Judge Bruce Wright well. He was dubbed: "Cut 'em loose Bruce", because he often released arrested citizens without their having to post bail money. Mr. Wright upheld the law that bail is not to be used as a punishment, but only as a guarantee that the accused party return to court to face the charges against he/she. This infuriated the "powers-that-be". The fact that Judge Wright is a Black man, and many of those who came before him were also Black people, swayed the media to portray his actions as racially motivated, as opposed to his acknowledgement of the law. His book superbly reflects the blatant inequitableness of the criminal justice system and how it is purposely designed to work against Blacks and other people of color. His personal experiences, as a sitting judge, lend great credence to his analogy and conclusions concerning the legal system. Wright fearlessly gives names and elaborates on instances wherein he witnessed and experienced bias in the system. This book is not written in "textbook" fashion, provides some humorous irony and is very informative. Add it to your library.

I'm still reading this book. First time reading a book like this.This is one of the greatest. I recommend this book to be added to your library. It's gives truthful information of the legal system concerning the racism of blacks in the court system.

This book is an eye opener. It give you the truth behind the justice system from the perpective of a Sumpreme Court Judge who exposed the racism in the court system in New York. I never heard of Bruce Wright and happen I purchased this book. I have a lot of respect for the author.

somebody told it like it is...The judicial system is not balanced and it never will be. Thanks judge for telling the truth!

Carol von Pressentin Wright's BLUE GUIDE NEW YORK is a brilliant guide to the city and stands alone for historical perspective, cultural depth, and effective prose. Though I've lived in New York City for 12 years, this book serves as a constant companion, and I grab it nearly any time I walk out the door--every outing can now yield new layers of understanding of this, my adopted town. In the midst of a busy day, I might pass through, say, Union Square and take a moment to read the appropriate entry. Not only do I absorb details of architecture and city planning that previously eluded me, but also the whole checkered and colorful history of the place jumps to life.

Thus, I heartily recommend the book to all longer-term visitors and to those New York residents who yearn for a greater appreciation of home. Indeed, the richness of detail and comprehensive geographical coverage may actually render BLUE GUIDE less than ideal for the short-term visitor. (For those in need of a restaurant or hotel guide, there are more than enough lesser guides to fill the bill.)

One caveat. As an avid user of the 1991 2nd edition, I looked forward to the long overdue 2002 edition. With all due respect to the two new co-authors and their well-intentioned efforts, I believe that the newer, more user-friendly visual format actually decreases the book's effectiveness, as does the additional text, which lacks the consistently high critical standards of Wright's solo work. I recommend seeking out the 1991 edition (Amazon seems to offer several copies at reasonable prices). Whatever inconvenience is caused by the several outdated entries is outweighed by the ample rewards of the text.

Although Amazon lists only one author, the current edition of this book was actually revised and heavily rewritten by Stuart Miller and Sharon Seitz as a glance inside the book itself will reveal.

Co-authors of "The Other Islands of New York City" and individually authors of "Big Apple Safari for Families" (Seitz) and "Where Have All Our Giants Gone" (Miller), we streamlined many of the routes and shifted the emphasis of the book to add more on the boroughs outside of Manhattan and to add places that reflect previous oversights in terms of nature and of popular culture (places like CBGBs, for example).

All right, the most recent edition of the Blue Guide added CBGB's, an East Village rock, punk club that has now gone out of business. A few other establishments in the various editions of this fantastic guide are undoubtedly also no longer with us.

Having said that, even the oldest first and second editions (the latter, from 1991) are still incredibly useful, even timeless. For even they have listings of the most important sights in each of the city's five boroughs, a bevy of maps, lists of hotels and restaurants, sightseeing services, theaters, amusements, gardens, museums and so on.

But unlike the average, perfunctory city guide, this one (at least the 1991 edition) has more than 760 pages, including all the maps. And those pages also encompass a broad spectrum of architectural descriptions and historical events.

Not only buildings and the like are described here. So are whole parks, streets and districts, along with detailed pointers on all the exterior and interior trivia one could ever want to know while on a walking tour.

I can't attest to the value of any of the other 40-plus Blue Guide titles. But if you forget every other guide book while in New York, it will be okay, so long as you bring along at least some version of this one.

--Alyssa A. Lappen

Because I note that the existing reviews on this site refer to the previous edition, this New Yorker recommends the Blue Guide as the only NY guidebook you will need. I refer to mine again and again.
One caveat: the subway lines are now happily back to normal, again running to South Ferry, and the map included in this book, which went to press shortly after the World Trade Center disaster, is out of date. Updated maps are posted in every subway station and train, are available free at every subway change booth, and can be reviewed on the Web.

Carol von Pressentin Wright's "Blue Guide to New York" is probably the most comprehensive guidebook to the Big Apple available. Absolutely indispensable, it includes 41 detailed maps for all five boroughs: Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Staten Island, along with several black and white photographs. As a New Yorker, I cannot think of anything that has not been included here. I frequently use the book myself, especially when I have out-of-town visitors. It is also excellent, for New Yorkers and visitors alike, to use on walking tours. I have the 2002 edition.

In an extremely accessible format, "The Blue Guide" presents information on all NYC districts and important sights, including: practical information, lodgings, restaurants and eateries for every budget, transportation, museums and galleries, sports, performing arts, shopping, monuments, historic detail and districts, detailed walking tours and background information. As noted, there is a veritable plethora of clear and easy-to-follow maps, along with a large pull-out MTA map of the subway system, and bus, railroad and ferry connections.

From the posh shops on Madison and Fifth Avenues to the funky Lower East Side, from the streets of Greenwich Village and Soho to the brownstones of Brooklyn Heights and Park Slope, this is the one and only guide you will need to navigate through this fabulous city, and to find fascinating out-of-the-way places most tourests never discover. There are myriad cultures here: Little Odessa in Brighton Beach, Brooklyn, Little Italy, Chinatown, a thriving Greek community in Astoria, Queens, Atlantic Ave. in Brooklyn where Arabic is heard on the street and wares from all over the Middle East are sold. Almost every country in the world is represented here and you can visit them all easily with the Blue Guide in hand. I hope you enjoy the city I love!
JANA

Okay, so I was on a tight budget and needed a new book...found this in hardcover at the local superstore on the bargain table...what a find! Frances Norris tells a wonderful story of a character coming to grips with the loss of her family, both recently and in the past. The characters are very believable and Norris gives a true feeling of setting without drowning the reader in description. I read this quickly, but still felt satisfied. Very enjoyable read.

Love and food are two of my favorite subjects, so how could I resist this book? I was not disappointed. The loss element keeps the story subtantive so that its not just another piece of fluff. The book has hilarious characters (including an overbearing narcissist in an amoeba jumper), but the author treats all with compassion enough to make them full and true. The food styling scenes bring together Hollywood fakery with a delicious disgustingness (photographing motor oil poured on macshed potatoes to resemble a sundae). You can't help cheering on narrator Julia as she navigates the crazies and searches out her soul in a soul-less city. Buy this book right away and enjoy!

I loved Julia's story. She finds her inner spark by overcoming her pain, loss, and depression and finding love and forgiveness in unusual ways. The characters are well portrayed and do not lack depth, even the obviously obnoxious figures are seen with irony and compassion at the same time. Highly recommended.

Dear Francie:

I just finished your book. What a wonderful story, full of feeling, wisdom, beauty and hope. I really enjoyed the characters, not to mention that you are an incredibly gifted writer style-wise. I lived the whole trip to Sedona as if I was there. And the end is so sexy, yummy, I love it!! All I can say is, keep writing, girl! And like I said, some day we may see the movie "Blue Plate Special", very attractive title to my ears. Thank you for your gift to the world of readers,

The only reason that I got this book was because the author went to my high school - so I have to admit that my expectations were not that high. But I really, really enjoyed this book, for the reasons stated so eloquently by other reviewers. It was gripping though sad.

Yarr! (That's arrgh with a Y). This is very hip and quirky coffee table, bathroom, etc. reading. Great stories and drawings, playful and informative. My mom and sister loved it as a present.

I loved this book and read it a few hours. It gives a very quick biography or a dozen or so female pirates throughout history, accompanied with some great, colorful illustrations. I really like the pictures. It is not a serious or scholary book on the subject, but rather a fun and campy look at a bit of history. I'm not so sure how accurate the accounts are, but it is an entertaining read none the less. I would recommend this book for highschoolers as a way to introduce them to and spark some interest in interesting characters from the past. The author includes a list of further reading at the end of the book if you find your are further interested in reading up on pirates.

This book is a lot of fun, on a subject that doesn't get as much attention as it should. Piracy is a good career for a girl, too! For a terrific adult book on the subject, I would also recomend The Sweet Trade by Elizabeth Garrett.

For those of you who are looking for the novelization of the popular movie of the same name, beware, this is not it! The girls in this book are much more interested in actual piracy than the women in the movie. The illustrations are also not quite what I expected, considering the content of the film. Those looking for unbuckling instead of swashbuckling will be sorely disappointed, but those interested in a fun and informative book about the adventures of the fairer sex on the high seas will both enjoy and learn from Booty.

This book is a smart read for femmes of all ages and genders, and the illustrations are too, too fabulous! The cover art alone is worth the price.

What a book! This is a great story. If you have a kid in Little League and you don't know what to say to them when they are just starting out, or when they lose a game, or any of the other stuff that goes with being a kid in sports, this book is for you.

i purchased this book for my 9 year old fanatic baseball fan of a son last Christmas. It was then, and remains still, his favorite book ever. I truly hope that Mr. Bosworth has more books just like it.

Great book not only about baseball, but also about working hard and doing the right thing. It's easy to read and once you pick it up, it's hard to put down. I recommend it to all parents and kids involved in sports. The book's price makes it affordable to everyone.

I am a college student, with an undying love for baseball. An old coach recommended it and i could not put it down. It's easy enough for any child to read, and entertaining enough for any baseball lover-no matter what age! It touches on all of the real issues of a little leaguer and how they feel. I felt like i was being transported back into my little league dugout. Then the magic of the story is an added bonus. This book is a "must read," and will be finding itself a home on every sports lovers bookshelf in the very near future. Wow what a book! Great Job Mr. Bosworth! You are a great author and a true baseball story hero!!!

Finally a sports fiction for both children and adults. The Box Seat Dream touches the heart and soul of anyone who has ever played baseball or any sport for that matter. My son is not an avid reader but loves to play ball. He couldn't put this book down. He even brought it to the dinner table. I loved it as well. Exciting baseball games, realistic life obstacles, skills learning and fantasy all wrapped up in one book. Mark my words, this story will one day become a movie. If books were honored in the Baseball Hall of Fame, The Box Seat Dream would be inducted. It is that good!

I FIRST HEARD ABOUT THIS BOOK WHEN I READ JEFF CHANG'S (AUTHOR OF "CAN'T STOP WON'T STOP: A HISTORY OF THE HIP-HOP GENERATION) GREAT REVIEW ABOUT IT IN THE VILLAGE VOICE. THEN I HEARD HARRY ALLEN (THE MEDIA ASSASSIN ON PUBLIC ENEMY'S "DON'T BELIEVE THE HYPE") RECOMMEND IT ON HIS RADIO SHOW AND I KNEW I HAD TO GET IT. "BROKEN WINDOWS" DID NOT DISAPPOINT. IT'S FULL OF HUGE COLOR PHOTOS OF BOMBING, PIECES, PRODUCTIONS, AND EVEN PAGES OF TAGS FROM ALL OVER THE BOROUGHS OF NYC. OVER ONE-THIRD OF THE BOOK'S PHOTOS ARE OF ILLEGAL PIECES AND BOMBING. THERE ARE EVEN 5 FOLD-OUTS ALONG WITH THOUSANDS OF QUOTES FROM THE ARTISTS THEMSELVES. THIS IS DEFINITELY A MUST-HAVE FOR ANYONE INTERESTED IN THE GRAFFITI SCENE. I EVEN SAW THAT BOMBING SCIENCE'S WEBSITE DESCRIBED THIS BOOK AS THE NEW "BIBLE" IN THE WORLD OF GRAFFITI.

Yes! This is must-buy for any graffiti fan whether you make them or not. Good story with beautiful photos shows you magnificient graffities from the center of graffiti zone, New York.

Anyone who loves graffiti and knows anything about it will not be able to put this book down!!! It is packed full of illegal bombing, tags, pieces and huge productions from all over NYC( and yes, pieces can be illegal too- check out some of the great spreads along the Amtrak lines of NYC in the first part of the book). There are so many awesome and original quotes from the graff artists on all types of topics like the paint they use and how they describe their style and even how they got into graffiti. It is really cool that the authors interviewed ALL the graff writers themselves and even have their tags and action shots to prove it. You can really get inside these guys heads!! Overall this book is a must have for anyone interested in graffiti. The panoramic double-page photo spreads and 3 FOOT FOLD-OUTS along with the unforgettable interviews are INCREDIBLE!!!

This volume provides the reader with a pictorial and written description of the New York graffiti scene. This is a variety of information presented in a unique format which provides the reader insights into the various artists.
Pictures are well laid out , with gatefolds supporting a plethora of photographic depictions of a variety of talents.
The reader is provided with visual detail of the NYC graff, while text provides additional detail.
Artists are depicted practicing their craft, the reader is exposed to a thorough overview of individuals and groups who represent street art in NYC.
A required addition for an grafitti library , and an excellent introduction for the reader looking for their first graff lit, a nice volume to build a collection from.

THIS BOOK IS BUMPIN'

Awesome book on New York City Graffiti with illegal bombs and pieces, legal walls, tons of tags,action shots and crazy quotes from hundreds of artists. Sick fold-outs, mad color and all the boros represented.

Gyalo Amdo Samchen, along with a pair of dreamers and a group of soldiers is sent into the burning land to rescue refugees sent into the desert by the now-deposed and atheistic Caryaxists. The burning land is more than a desert, though. It is the place where the god Arata laid down after his great battle against evil--the place where the prophet received his prophecy. Gyalo's mission seems to be a straighforward rescue, but as he travels, he begins to learn of high-level political ploys. Although the Caryaxists were overthrown, all is not well in the world and, increasingly, Gyalo finds himself at the center of a storm.

To his shock, there is a large group of refugees living in an oasis in the burning land--including dreamer Axane. Some of them believe that he may be the next messenger (prophet) sent to lead them out to the promised land, but others fear he is a demon sent to destroy them. What he finds shakes his faith and forces him to confront his destiny. Because everything he has ever believed is suddenly turned on its head.

Author Victoria Strauss delivers a stunningly powerful fantasy. THE BURNING LAND combines fascinating world-building with epic yet fully nuanced characters, and an exciting plot line. Gyalo's travels through the burning land are mirrored in the growth of his powers and insights, and the increase in his own doubts. Axane has always been a doubter, but her faith in humanity shows a hopeful path for the future--if anyone will dare take it. The somewhat ambiguous ending left me anxious for more--for a resolution to the question of what happened to Arata, and what happened to the new messenger.

THE BURNING LAND is the best fantasy I've read in a long time. I highly recommend this one.

I recently came upon this book. It has, of course, all the magical trappings of fantasy, but it reads almost like a historical novel. It describes, in essence, a test of faith--the hero must use his scientific-like powers of perceiving and altering the material molecular nature of matter, or he must, like Galileo, prescribe his powers in accordance with religious system that limits their use. I don't mean to discourage fantasy fans, for this is an absorbing fast-paced and well written tale with a charasmatic hero and a lovely heroiine.

I first read Victoria Strauss' novels years ago, and I was excited to hear that "The Burning Land" was coming out. Now that I've finally had the chance to read it, I deeply impressed.

Strauss tends to create worlds that not only have a geographical and political history, but a philosophical one as well. Her characters struggle with the belief systems they have inherited and try to find their own places within history.

In "The Burning Land," this conflict centers around Gaylo and Axane, one entirely devoted to the faith of his people, the other distanced and doubting. Events will unite them and transform them and the future of their world.

This novel is an examination of faith in much the same way as Jonathon Swift's narrative of the three brothers in "Tale of a Tub." Unlike Swift, Strauss' intention is not to satarize what she sees, but rather to show how power, tradition, and lack of communication can have disasterous effects.

This was a wonderful novel, and I'm eagerly awaiting the sequel.

This is what I call a "hangover" book, because after I read it I spent the next few days thinking about it. I like hangover books. Strauss' has taken her writing to a higher level in this book. Since I consider her previous books to be excellent, I'm saying this is a jewel of a novel.
This is a fantasy about religion, demagogues, and power. There are sympathetic and compelling characters. There's a lot of internal and external conflict. Although it is the 1st of two books, it wraps up the main plot so it doesn't have you banging your head till the next book. The religious worldbuilding in this book is extremely well-done. In fact I've not seen better.

Victoria Strauss draws on her academic expertise, (Comparative Religions) to give us a strange, new world filled with warring theocracies, noble protagonists, politically motivated antagonists, and more subplots than you can stir with a stick.

In it's base form, this is a story of a quest, trials, spiritual growth and redemption. A Hero's Journey, indeed. The characters are carefully crafted and three dimensional, the world, a shadowy replicant of the best, and worst of our own. As an added treat, the mechanics of magic in Victoria's world is fresh and original. This fact alone makes The Burning Land worth the read.

A day's end, the inhabitants of Victoria's world must decide if the weary Gyalo is Savior or Destroyer, herald of a triumpant future or harbringer of doom. A story filled with themes that challenge our intellect, imagery that gripes the imagination, told in manner that stirs the soul.

What a wonderful tapestry of relationship stories set against the backdrop of New York City in the mid-1800's. The vivid details and realistic characterizations make the reader feel as if these stories must surely have taken place. Each of the characters faces a challenge in his or her relationship to another person or persons, and the resolution of each dilemma is both satisfying and delightful.

I was once again drawn into the lives of each intricate character. I didn't want to put it down, but had to at times. (You have to eat and sleep at least a little, right?)

Susanna, haunted with fears of failure, refuses to play for Michael's orchestra when he asks her to.

Dr. Andrew Carmichael tries to find a way to tell Dr. Bethany Cole his feelings for her-and his secret past.

The MacGovern family finds that America (so it seems) is not so glorious as they had thought it would be. Will Mr. MacGovern ever find a job to keep his family afloat?

There are also other intriguing and entertaining characters such as police officer Frank Donovan, young Renny MacGee, and Paul Santi, Michael's gentle cousin.

The ending was so glorious and beautiful that I was actually weeping with joy, hearing the music Mrs. Hoff spoke of.

It was ALL wonderful-I loved it so much and want to read it again (many times, perhaps) in the future! I would recommend reading the equally good Book 1 first, of course, but this book stands on its own, too. Masterfully written! Bravo!

Love LOVE LOVE these characters!! Just as in Prelude, I jumped in this book with both feet and didn't emerge until the last page was turned. If possible, this book was even stronger than Prelude...the characters more defined and even more rich and colorful. The ending left me breathless...I almost stood up and cheered along with the audience in the scene! I cannot wait until the next one... hurry!!

"Fiction can illuminate Truth beautifully. There are few adornments more lovely and compelling than good fiction artfully woven around the neck of Truth to bring out the eternal beauty of the face of Truth."--Christian author Jeri Massi

Nowhere is that quote more aptly illustrated than in the fiction writing of B. J. Hoff, and her latest book, Cadence, is no exception.

In this second book in Hoff's American Anthem series, we become further acquainted with the appealing cast of characters we met in Cadence. There's the handsome and brooding composer, Michael Emmanuel, and Susanna, the sister of his deceased wife, who acts as a governess for his young daughter. In Cadence, Michael and Susanna deal with the growing awareness of their feelings for each other...and Susanna must face her fear of failure in regard to her own musical talent.

We get to know more about the altruistic Scottish doctor, Andrew Carmichael, and his medical partner, Dr. Bethany Cole, and discover that there is something significant in the good doctor's past. Meantime, Andrew and Bethany are another couple that realize their dawning love for one another.

The Irish immigrant, Conn MacGovern, continues to be one of the most engaging characters in the series. Proud and strongwilled, he embodies the strong immigrant spirit, and you can't help but like him and his equally strong wife, Vangie.

I suspect --and hope--we'll be learning more about a few of the characters in the next book, including the intriguing Irish police officer, Frank Donovan, as well as Renny McGee, the former busker girl taken under the wing of the MacGovern family.

I really enjoyed this book's predecessor, Prelude, but I do believe I liked Cadence even more! Maybe it's because the characters now feel like old friends, and I'm even more involved in their individual stories. As always, I relished B.J. Hoff's lovely and evocative writing and the smooth flow connecting the characters' scenes.

Most of all, this book touched me on a spiritual level, causing me to look inward and challenging me to face my own fears with the help of God's Word. An entertaining, absorbing read that points you to spiritual truth...can you ask for more?

Just one problem, though. Now I can't wait until the next book in the series!

In her true story-telling fashion, B.J. Hoff brings us the next mesmerizing instalment in her American Anthem series. Revisit the characters first introduced in PRELUDE, and be swept away in the saga that unfolds, where love grows amidst heartbreak and misconception, and hope is restored despite grievous loss. The colourful setting of late 1800's New York is punctuated with the music of the era, presenting trials and triumphs that will resonate with the reader. Old and new fans of B.J.'s historical fiction will love this story. ~~Ellie Schroder, owner of The Christian Fiction Site

I learned a lot from this book and have favorite recipes I've used more than 20X. Although I was born in Southern California and raised by a family with many ties to the Southwest, I was the first in the family to cook Posole, Albondigas, and *really* good black beans. There is a good mix of easy and more complex recipes. A trip to your local latino grocery will provide everything you need - and the SMELLS of what you are cooking from this book work way better than any love potion. Enjoy this one!

Cafe Pasqual's is by far the best place to dine in Santa Fe. The combination of it's magical environment and amazing food make Pasqual's a must for anyone. The world is fortunate that Katherine shares these amazing recipes. Many "foodies" such as myself will be tempted to add their own personal touch..but I beg of you...Go with Katherine's...You can't beat perfection.

I have tried the green chili recipe and love it. Looking forward to trying many others. Fun book to read as well.

Excellent recipes and instructions with sources for ingredients identified for southwest dishes.

I saw Sandra Pinckney's review of the Sante Fe restaurant recently on her FOOD FINDS program. The restaurant was so adorable that I immediately went online to amazon.com to see if they had a cookbook. They did. I ordered it. When it arrived at my office I started reading it and couldn't put it down. From the front cover to the last page, the artwork is exceptional. Hand-tinted photographs along with photos and murals really make this a cookbook to keep and cherish and pass down to family. I can't wait to visit Cafe Pasqual in person and hopefully get the book autographed by Ms Kagel and Ms Simpson who was the photographer. The receipes are lovely, but the book is exquisite.

Cape Mayhem is a terrific read. The quirky characters, the detailed Cape May setting and the unexpected plot twists keep you well engrossed. A great gift for shore lovers.

Very quick and witty dialogue from memorable characters--with all of the twists and turns you would expect from a well-crafted mystery novel. A highly recommended, fun read!

I like Meg Daniels even more in Kelly's second book. I can relate to a woman who chooses to spend a winter weekend in Cape May. The quirky black humor is great; Kelly is kind of a Carl Hiaasen north. Keep 'em coming!

I highly recommend "Cape Mayhem" for any mystery reader whether they have ever been to Cape May or not. I particularly loved this book because it's about one of my favorite places, Cape May, NJ. and because of the character Meg Daniels, who first appeared in "Killing Time in Ocean City." Meg is an amateur sleuth who is witty, fun and manages to get herself into and out of all kinds of predicaments. Meg and an odd assortment of characters spend a winter week-end in a bed and breakfast only to find themselves involved in a murder. Meg sets out to solve the case along with a new romantic interest. This mystery includes suspense, humor, romance and surprises. What more could one want for some summer beach reading?

I bought this book initially because I grew up in Cape May. Am I glad I did. Not only is Ms. Kelly true to the Locale,I was pleasently suprised at the great mystery novel I landed on as well. Meg Daniels has become one of my favoite characters. Very sharp, witty, Combined smarty pants, with humor and morality, I look forward to reading the rest of Ms. Kellys offerings.A book chock full of great characters with excellent dialogue. This Travis McGee and Matthew Scudder fan has discovered another favorite. Read this book, You won't regret it.