V Books

I have frequently ordered the CD "A Child's Gift of Lullabyes" as a gift for new parents. It seems to be very well-received and is of the quality parents appreciate and children seem to like hearing often. It is one of several similar CD's well-worth exploring.

We bought this on tape when our first son was a baby. Now he's 19, and we still listen to it. It is so unusual in its simplicity. Everyone who has heard it loves it. I've used it to accompany a slide show presentation of our kids growing up. Brought tears to people's eyes. I've given it as a baby gift, and am still being thanked. Thank you J Aaron Brown.

I was given this cassette of lullabyes as a gift when my first child was a toddler. She is now 8yrs. old and it is still her favorite bedtime music. I now have a 4month old and am ordering a second copy because my older child does not want to share:)

This music is very soothing and a nice addition to the traditional lullabyes. I will be buying more for shower gifts too.

I received this as a shower gift for my first son. For his first year we sang along and rocked each other to sleep to the music. I wore out the first one, now I am getting it again. He is 4, and still loves the gentle melodies.

I received this tape as a gift from a mother who said everyone she knows can't live without it. She was right. The lyrics and music are beautiful. One side of the tape has a vocalist the other side just music so you can sing to your baby. It includes a book of lyrics. I love the fact that my baby can listen to my voice singing to her.

Competing for the Future is a must read for leaders over 35 and aspiring individuals under 35. The digital revolution requires clear understanding by every leader in modern society; including those who would guide nations, businesses, and institutions dedicated to education and social services. Older individuals, including those of us in our 60's, will better grasp today's global challenges by accepting the revolutionary changes created by the intellectual horsepower that invented and applied digital technologies, enabling globalization. The "digital" genie is best managed with knowledge, business savvy and a longer-term view of return on investments.

Competing for the Future shows how a handful of U.S. inventions launched the digital revolution, and traces how digital technology has sparked economic growth and improved human life around the world.

Henry Kressel and Thomas Lento reveal how digital technology has sparked the globalization of commerce and enabled the rapid industrialization of previously underdeveloped countries, particularly in Asia.

They warn that the U.S. risks losing its competitive edge - and the basis of U.S. prosperity - by outsourcing - at least more recently - much of the production to the developing countries. The book shows the close link between invention and production, and notes that if you don't produce what you invent, you eventually lose the resources and knowledge to invent it.

Ultimately, Competing for the Future argues, the U.S. must encourage the manufacturing of high-tech products if it is to continue to be an important source of technological and economic progress. The message is just as pertinent to other countries that are allowing their manufacturing prowess to decline.

Readers come away with a basic grasp of the technology, an appreciation of the mechanisms created to finance its commercialization, an understanding of how technical skills have spread around the world, and a sense of what is required for a country to maintain its status as a technological and economic leader.

Once in a while, watershed events are understood in the midst of the very event itself - and those willing to engage in a serious assessment of the challenges can help change the course of history. The United States can avoid mortgaging its future, but only if those in positions of leadership right the ship by rethinking the definition of success in the current era. Delayed gratification - in taking profits - is but one step. So too must educators guide intellectually curious students to refine their minds with the rigors of math and science alongside interpersonal and cultural skills. If the road to hell was paved with good intentions, then most certainly the road to ruin is created by greed, laziness and ignorance. Competing for the Future is a wake-up call - and should be required reading for every student who enters a college or university - regardless of career objective. Competing for the Future is the primer for being a responsible citizen in Twenty-First Century America.

He was in on the development of the first transistor and has been involved in the development of new discoveries and products ever since. What he says about discovery, development and marketing is more than "must reading" for the technocrat or policy analyst; it's a new hornbook for anyone touched by technology. If you want to understand where modern technology has been and where it's going, start here.

Despite the technical nature of the subject, this book is easy to read and understand. Kressel's ghost writer, Thomas Lento, has used simple sentences and kicked deep technical matter into appendices, to keep the narrative going. The text scans in places, and illustrations illuminate.

If you want a quick Ph.d. course in technology, its diffusion, and its implications for national economic and social policy, as well understanding what key tech companies have done and are doing, start here. Even an English major can understand it; I did.

Dr. Henry Kressel's "Competing for the Future" is a must-read for anyone responsible on any level for technological innovation. Here, captured in one book, is the innovation roadmap as only Dr. Kressel with his wealth of experience and obvious keen intellect could construct. The book transcends industries as it exposes the illusive innovative process critical to creating not only the next generation, but new generations, of products based on technology leaps.

The innovation process is complex, and in a technology driven organiztion, it must be endemic, shared across all functions. "Competing for the Future" helps us understand that dynamic through powerful examples over the years. As such, it's an inspiring and exhilerating read for cross funtional teams and technology leaders across the entire spectrum of industry. Dr. Kressel started out in electronics and my backround has been in pharmaceutical research, but the principles are the same and that's what makes Dr. Kressel's book such a valuable read.

In Competing for the Future, Dr. Henry Kressel takes us through a fascinating journey, from the invention of a few basic digital technologies to the birth and growth of the digital age.

As a starting point, Dr. kressel introduces us to semiconductor technologies and devices. It takes an exceptional mastery of the field to summarize the physical basis of digital electronics in a few key concepts, and Dr. Kressel, a physicist by training, manages that feat. He goes beyond the technologies themselves and expands on the history of their development; how and why they came about. With this foundation in place, Dr. Kressel takes us to the next leg of the journey, namely how these new electronics enabled the development of new computing, networking and communications systems.

How did these revolutionary technologies turn into new industries? This is the subject of the second half of the book, in which the author discusses the industrialization and globalization of R&D, the development of new manufacturing processes and finally, venture capital financing of product launches and company build-ups.

Competing for the Future exposes the complexity of the overall innovation process. Dr. Kressel writes with the wisdom, insight and experience of someone who not only took part in, but was very successful at, all the steps of that process. His experiences as a physicist, manufacturing manager, leader of an R&D organization and venture capitalist, give him a very clear overall picture and a unique ability to show how all the pieces of the puzzle fit together.

Competing for the Future provides a timely and comprehensive analysis of the innovation process, and of the various forces shaping the digital age.

"Competing for the Future" is a thought provoking journey through digital electronics starting with the transistor and laser, proceeding through computers, fiber optics and the internet, and ending with a prescription for the future prosperity of the United States that includes technology innovation, risk capital and advanced manufacturing. It is fascinating as Dr. Kressel examines the interactions between the technological innovations themselves, the source of the R&D as it moved from US industrial labs to world-wide start-ups, the funding of the R&D as it evolved in parallel, the tight coupling between R&D and advanced manufacturing, and the role of governments.

Dr. Kressel provides a unique perspective because he is walking this road. He helped create the digital electronics age while he was at RCA Labs with his pioneering work in lasers. After a successful career there, he moved to Warburg Pincus where he funded many of today's successful digital electronics startups. His hands-on experience and lively anecdotes bring the book to life.

This book is "required reading" for anyone who wants to understand the future of hi-tech innovation and what that future might hold for the United States and for the world.

For an account of Lincoln's thought (as well as Douglas') that serves to the credit of both of them, read this book. One of the finest books I have ever read, there are some chapters on Lincoln's thought that you will read time and time again. My copy of the book is marked up with great quotes where Harry Jaffa shows great insight into the tension and wonder that is the democratic thought of Abraham Lincoln, quite possibly the greatest democratic leader in history. This book is a must read for anyone who wants to know about the mind of Lincoln before the Civil War.

This book is a most profound examination of the thinking of both Sen. Stephen Douglas and Abraham Lincoln concerning all of the issues associated with slavery up to the Civil War. Jaffa wants to set the record straight as far as any number of contentions by well-known historians of his era, known as revisionists. Most importantly, he flatly disputes the notion that the thinking and actions of Douglas (the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854) endorsing popular sovereignty were essentially equivalent to the principled stand of Lincoln based on the equality of all men in their long-term ramifications for slavery. Those revisionist historians contend that Lincoln and the Republicans should have accepted Douglas' solution to the slavery crisis, thus not precipitating the Civil War.

Another claim against Lincoln that Jaffa thoroughly discredits is that Lincoln, in fact, did not hold Negroes as equals, and simply used the issue for personal political gain regardless of the consequences for the Union. But Lincoln understood that politics is the art of the possible. The author makes clear that Lincoln held an intense respect for the principles of the Declaration of Independence, including the rights of Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness for all, including Negroes. It was one thing for the Union to be formed with the taint of slavery, but the contention that Southerners came to that slavery was a "positive good" was felt by Lincoln to have the potential to completely undermine the basis of the US. Perhaps it could even be justified to enslave a group of "inferior" whites. Lincoln felt compelled to move the nation back to its core principles without alienating those who did not have the same clarity as to what was at stake.

The book is a challenging read. The issue of permitting slavery in territories became and remained contentious from 1820 on. The arguments for and against slavery in territories are quite subtle involving constitutionality, Congressional acts, territorial legislative bodies, and court decisions. The Dred Scott decision in 1857 disallowing restrictions on taking property (slaves) into territories is examined. Lincoln and the Republicans, rightfully so, were very apprehensive as to the long term ramifications of that decision. It was hardly a stretch to see where free states could become a thing of the past.

The book is only indirectly concerned with the Lincoln-Douglas debates. They are randomly referred to throughout the text, but earlier writings and speeches receive far more attention. Douglas' words concerning the Mexican territories and the Kansas-Nebraska Act are well covered. The author devotes a large segment to examining Lincoln's speech to the Young Men's Lyceum in 1938, where his thinking on major issues had already crystallized. Lincoln's address on temperance receives much attention.

The author is a disciple of Leo Strauss, the natural rights theorist. He does regard Lincoln as a preeminent natural rights thinker. There is some discussion of pre-civil society versus civil society. But the overall import of the book does not turn on acceptance of natural rights in a purist sense.

This book, decades after its publication, cannot be ignored for understanding Lincoln.

If you want to read one book about Lincoln's thought, this is the one to read. The first part of the book, which takes Douglas seriously and states the strongest case for him, is historically dense and may be difficult for most readers. But keep going, because the payoff will be great. There follow chapters on two of Lincoln's early speeches. Jaffa's analysis here is brilliant, though perhaps a bit far-fetched. In the final part of the book, Jaffa states the case for Lincoln against Douglas. This part is rich in its ideas, rigorous in its reasoning, and eloquent to the point of being inspirational. (By the way, if you want to read one biography of Lincoln, I'd recommend the one by Lord Charnwood. Though written almost a century ago and therefore not up to date on all the details of historical scholarship, it is judicious throughout and beautifully written.)

Perhaps the most interesting thing about Jaffa is that he wrote Goldwater's famous "moderation in the defense of freedom is no virtue" speech. If you go back and read the speech (and it is on the web, of course), it echoes both the Old Testament ("our fathers") and Lincoln. I suspect he would agree with the man who told me that Lincoln is the greatest prose stylish in the English language. As for the book, Jaffa interprets the civil war as the second, and genuine, founding of the American republic, and precisely because the principle of the Declaration, equality, was written not in ink but blood (Jaffa has his own brand of Lincolnian Christianity). Lincoln, by this reading, belongs to the "tribe of the eagle and the lion" and was neither Caesar nor Brutus but possessed the best qualities of both. To understand that part of Jaffa's interpretation, you would have to read his treatment of Shakespeare. As for the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Jaffa stages Douglas as Thrasymachus and Lincoln--surprise, surprise--as Socrates.

Professor Harry V. Jaffa's "Crisis of the House Divided" is an extremely important book. In it, he succeeds in turning back the revisionist historians of the mid-Twentieth Century who sought to devalue Abraham Lincoln's commitment to the proposition that "All men are created equal."

This tide of revisionism took two general forms; partisans for the South who placed the full blame on Mr. Lincoln for sparking the "War of Northern Aggression"; and modern historians, skeptical of any higher motives and virtues in statesmen of the past, who claimed that there were really no substantial policy differences between Mr. Lincoln and Senator Stephen A. Douglas. If the latter class of historian could prove that Lincoln didn't really believe in freedom for slaves and that his rhetoric against slavery was irresponsible (knowing how it offended Southern sensibilities) while Douglas' "Popular Sovereignty" policy would have eventually led to the limitation and elimination of slavery, then Lincoln's legacy as President could be shown to be the largely accidental.

Fortunately, Professor Jaffa's work demolishes the corrosive contentions of the revisionists, showing, beyond any doubt, that Mr. Lincoln believed America was founded on the principle of human equality as much as it was founded on the idea of democracy. That democracy and equality were the twin pillars of the American Republic and were in tension was something Mr. Lincoln well understood while Judge Douglas honored only democracy. Hence, Douglas' "Popular Sovereignty" led to the concept that the majority could decide slavery was not only legal, but also moral. In opposition, Mr. Lincoln argued that a majority did not have the right to sanction the enslavement of other men, regardless of their alleged inferiority, because "All men are created equal."

Professor Jaffa shows that Mr. Lincoln built upon the Founders' thoughts in the Declaration of Independence and urged their maturation towards the ideal. Lincoln saw how the Founders invoked passion, hatred and revenge in support of the cause of independence from Britain but how these passions were no longer adequate to the task of preserving the Union from the dangers of mobocracy or dictatorship - dangers made more immediate by the revolutionary birth of America and the tendency of unrestrained democracy to disdainful the rule of law. Instead, Lincoln recommended virtuous reason to lift the United States up, to show the world that it was truly capable of lasting self-governance. Of course, the cornerstone of this reason was the thinking through in the body politic, the practical consequences of the principle, "All men are created equal."

Professor Jaffa's book is a gift to America and the world. Were more people in office aware of the fundamental issues debated by Judge Douglas and Mr. Lincoln in 1858 during their remarkable campaign for the Illinois Senate, and their implications for policies even today, our nation would be stronger and our democracy more secure.

Reviewer: Chuck DeVore is a California State Assemblyman, a retired lieutenant colonel in the Army National Guard and the author of "China Attacks."

This writeup contains spoilers about the events that happened in the couple of years of Daredevil prior to the issues (Vol. 2 #s 26-31) reprinted here, so if you haven't read the earlier issues and are planning to, you may want to skip this review; the first issues of Volume 2 are reprinted in the Trade Paperback "Guardian Devil".


The Kingpin knows that Matt Murdock and Daredevil are one and the same, and has for quite some time (okay, everybody probably knows that one; it goes back quite a ways). But it, although the Kingpin's organization and Daredevil are constantly at war with one another, it's been a long time since Kingpin attempted to strike out at the Matt Murdock side of the DD/Murdock double identity. Quite a complicated relationship has developed between these two enemies over the years, and the Kingpin seems to have reached the point where he feels it's some kind of matter of honor to strike only against the Daredevil aspect of his nemesis; this in fact goes along quite faithfully with his character: the Kingpin is a ruthless, murderous individual, but he has his own code of honor that makes sense to him, and he prides himself and not violating it even when it would make his life a lot easier.

Here's the hook for the story: the Kingpin's men also know, with a fair degree of certainty, that Murdock is Daredevil, but they know their employer's general feelings on the matter and play ignorant. Into this scenario comes a breash, ambitious young up-and-comer in the world of organized crime, a new lietenant to the Kingpin named Sammy Silke. When Silke, who's got a deep resentment of all the costumed characters involved in the organized crime business or involved in opposing it, learns of what the others know, he's appalled and launches a two-fold plan: destroy Murdock/Daredevil on his own; and try to convince others in the Kingpin's crime empire to join him in a coup attempt against the now-blind Wilson Fisk, the Kingpin.

"Underboss" may be the single best 6-issue run of Daredevil out there, and brings in some of the most shocking changes in the status qwuo to hit the Marvel Universe in the last few years. Truly outstanding.

I never really liked Daredevil but this changed when I read "Underboss" by Bendis. Bendis' talent lies in making super heroes like Daredevil seem realistic and as if he could exist in our world. Underboss is a story about Sammy Silke, a traditional mobster who is trying to become the new Kingpin. It is reminescent of the Godfather by Mario Puzo but there are no ripoffs of line (Unlike another book called Dark Victory published by Marvel's competitor.) Sammy wants to be the new Kingpin by taking out Daredevil the traditional way:using traditional hitmens form the mob. He doesn't want to hire colorful villians such as bullseyes or boomerang. Just take out Daredevil like the mob would do it. Does he succeed? Buy the book and find out.

Underboss is Bendis at his best. Here he writes grounded and realistic crime stories, even though the main character (to a certain extent) is a blind man in tights.

Underboss introduces Silke, a new player in the crime underworld, that will have a significant impact in Murdock's life by the time this story arc is over. Silke is a very interresting character, I only hope Bendis picks up on his storyline in the next arcs. The plot starts with Silke and some of the Kingpin's men betraying the blind Wilson Fisk Caesar style, while a reward is being offered to the man who kills Matt Murdock. What unfolds from the two plot lines is great and makes the reader want to read the whole thin in one go, I admit wanting to put it down, but not being able to.

Bendis makes this a realistic crime story, which is ultimately about betrayal. He focuses on Silke, Murdock, the death of Wilson Fisk and also has Vanessa Fisk playing a significant part in the story. Bendis writes some of the best dialogue in the industry, and his style of talking heads once again help the story a lot, since its mostly moved by dialogue. Bendis also jumps around a lot in time to tell this story and it works well, never leaving the reader confusued.

The art by Maleev is very good, his layouts are great and his pencils give the book a perfectly suited Noir feel. His storytelling abilities are great as well, as his drawings are never ambiguous, always sending a clear message of what is happening, this is mostly evident in the 'Nuff Said' issue, where there is no dialogue, even without Bendis' biggest device to move plots is not present, Maleev still manages to make the story interresting even though the plot doesnt move forward too much, it still shows the consequences of having a price on your head, as well as teasing the return of Bullseye in the latter volumes of the series.

"Daredevil: Underboss", is not your average superhero book, its an extremely compelling story, which will most definately leave you wanting more when its done, and trust me when I say, the next volume is even better.

Daredevil is a book at its best when the lead character is pitted against real danger and Brian Michael Bendis puts him there. In the Underboss storyarc, a criminal named Mr. Silke has stepped in on the Kingpin's territory and is attempting to root it out from the inside. Convincing his own henchmen that Wilson Fisk's reign needs to end, he manages a coup of epic proportions, with Matt Murdock caught in the midst of the whirlwind. The ramifications of this storyline are still rocking Daredevil's world now.
With Bendis penning the book and Alex Maleev depicting the dark world of Hell's Kitchen, Underboss is an amazing read. These two talents have established a unique style for the book that puts it among the Frank Miller, Kevin Smith and David Mazzuchelli runs of Daredevil perfection.
The trade paperback format does all of the art justice, compiling several issues of intensity into one amazing read.

I was never a huge Daredevil fan, for no reason in particular. With the recent attention from the feature film, and my appreciation for the writing of Brian Michael Bendis, I enthusiastically dove right into "Underboss". Bendis is remarkable, bringing the reader right in with Daredevil/Matt Murdock's thoughts and feelings. Maleev's art is perfect for the portrayal of the darkness and seedier side of Hell's Kitchen. The city lives and breathes around us as we follow Matt through his trials and tribulations.

As much as I enjoy traditional superhero stories, I'm even more impressed with Bendis' intention of making sure the reader knows all about the man behind the mask. By making us aware of Dardevil's internal struggles and imperfections, I was identifying and empathizing with him all the way. After a certain point, some costumed crusaders can lose the reader by being too invinceable, too invulnerable, too perfect. Matt Murdock is a human being, whether he's in costume or not.

Bendis and Maleev also give us a well developed plot and a diverse cast of supporting characters. It's easy to envision "Underboss" as a gripping thriller of a movie, or a page turner of a novel. Congratulations to Bendis and Maleev for giving us such enjoyable reading. I look forward to reading the next collection.

Told by his mother Frigg to search for the one who is "human but not human", Chaos, Fenris, and Iris arrive in the capital of Prontera, with no idea who they are seeking. After Skurai kills everyone at the assassins guild with the help of Odin's Beholders, a frame-up is perpetrated, making Loki think that Chaos has killed the order that keeps Midgard in balance. Swearing revenge, Loki sets out to kill Chaos, and Skurai is not far behind in seeking out a clash that will surely entail powerful blood for his cursed sword.

Ragnarok brings a lot of action to the table, but along with it, the characters and plot are engaging enough to provide a good entertainment for fantasy fans. While this series seems to borrow ideas from other works, whether it be Asgardian legends or Elric, or Dungeons and Dragons, it works. Lee's action sequences could be done much better because he uses so many lines to convey motion that it usually obscures the action, making you have to guess what happened sometimes. But all together this is an above average comic for readers that enjoy action and epic fantasy storylines.

This is definitly an awesome manga! The plot is extremely original, you can easily bond with the characters, and the art is simply magnificent! Myung-jin Lee has really done a wonderful job, and I'm sure he'll continue to do so throughout the series. For all those who love manga, I highly recommend Ragnarok.

I must say that the pacing for books 2 and 3 were a little slow. But Book 4 changes all that. The action in this volune was superb. Actually, not superb because there isn't a high enough word that can accurately describe the fight scenes. I don't think I have seen a better action sequence in manwha or manga.

I'm use to seeing languages being translated and I know that you'll have to lose something when switching between langauges although I never found the translation to be confusing or weird.

This is what I and Many others Have been waiting for!!! No one ever expected this good of things to com from Myung- Jin Lee! A Job Well done though!!!! Myung- Jin Lee must now get to work on the movies and Visual Ragnarok!!!
(P.S. Myung-Jin Lee has Already helped in the making of the Game Ragnarok... Although it just became P2P ( Pay to Play )It is Very good...

A great series with an engaging story and lots of action. My only gripe is that the translator (Richard Knaak) did a mediocre job of translating some text and phrases in certain scenes that just don't fit. The "sound-fx" text also was pretty bad. I.E. Hop, hop, hop...what is that?

Also, I remember reading an earlier preview from someone saying that this was quote "...an awesome manga..." technically it's a Korean comic in which they call it manwha in their language. Manga is comic for Japanese.

I love the spy girls! I have read the other five books and I thimk they're great also, but #5 was emotionally in depth. (Especially for Jo) I would recomend this series to anyone. I can't wait for book #7!!

this book was amazing!!i love all of the Spy Girl books and if i were you i would read all of them!!they are thrilling yet funny and very interesting with cool twists at the end!! i didn't know a book could be this enjoyable!! Elizabeth Cage has to make more!! i can't put her books down i stay up all night reading them!! i love the characters and i think they are much cooler then charlies angles and i can auctually relate to them because they are teenagers and they aren't supposed to be bimbos like in Charlies Angles. this bool makes me want to be a spy when i grow up!!!! SO READ IT NOW!!!!!

When i first saw the book i thought it would be stupid and childish, but it wasn't once i started to read it i couldn't put it down.This book is the only one of the series i have read but i'm looking forward to going and reading all the books in order i'm going to get spy girls the first series and reading it, but hope by the time i get done reading the last book that there is going to be anther book out, and Elizabeth Cage if you are reading this i just want you to let you know that your book is the one out of a few that kept my attention for a long time you are really a good writter and don't let anyone tell you different.

This series is the best one i have ever read i read all the spy girl books and they all make you want to run to the store and buy the whole series so buy them all and read them in order this one was my favorite

The book was really good! When i first saw the book it looked childish and basically a bunch of fluf. Boy, was I wrong! The book is fantastic and I couldn't put it down! Now, Cage is back again with this great novel that is just as well written as all the others. I especially like Jo who is pretty and flirty but still seems never to meet the right guy. I can not wait untill number 6!

Y ENSEÑARLES, PARAS SIEMPRE, EL CAMINO CORRECTO A LA FELICIDAD Y, UN DIA, AL CIELO!

and happy peoples, translated into TEN PROMISES we vow to keep and make our children learn... A very special book to teach the children: You can't imagine how they enjoy "promising " and what good it does to their lives !

la extraordinaria IDEA DE DIEZ PROMESAS...
DIEZ PROMESAS QUE, CON TODO AMOR, HABRAN DE HACER NUESTROS NIÑOS.
Todos sabemos que, lo que se fija en la mente de los pequeños, no desaparece jamás...Y estas son promesas PARA UNA VIDA BONDADOSA Y FELIZ !

CON ESTE TIENES!
Si logras que te hagan estas diez promesas SOBRE NUESTROS PROPIOS VALORES,
..TUS HIJOS SERÁN UNA LUZ PARA SUS PADRES, PARA QUIEN LOS CONOZCA Y PARA EL MUNDO !

EN ESTE LIBRO Y HACE MUCHOS AÑOS !
Cuando pequeñitos, los encaminamos para que ante Dios, hicieran estas maravillosas diez promesas.
QUINCE AÑOS MÁS TARDE... TODOS LOS EX NIÑOS LAS SIGUEN CUMPLIENDO !
Un libro extraordinario y un resultado DESLUMBRANTE

Got this for my Bible study group. We are 12 women who range in age from 20 to 70+. We all love this book. There is something for eveyone and it brings out the greatest stories in us. Time really flys when we get together.

If you're a Christian believer, then you're a Yahweh sister, and here's a book that celebrates the joys of being a modern woman in the family of God. This book is like a delightful group hug. It's filled with heartwarming stories, poems, prayers, and journal entries that can be used for personal reading or shared in a group setting.

Each chapter is followed by additional "godly goodies" that the authors hope will give you further inspirational insight in your walk with God. There's a heart-to-heart section useful for group discussions and also a bonus section for the writer in you to add your own thoughts.

The authors say, "There is much healing that takes place through writing, so we hope you'll take the time to journal your deepest hopes, thoughts, and dreams."

Each chapter is filled with ideas for deepening the fellowship among your Yahweh sisters. If you're looking for a light-hearted, fun way to rev up your sisterhood friendships, you'll treasure this book!

-- Christian Women Online Book Buzz

We were created for relationship and this book brings you back to defining moments in your life...Michelle and Gena have captured the essence of God's heart in womens's relationships: "sisterhood"...Life is a journey and it is the necessity of relationship that makes that journey worthwhile...This book acknowledges we are a part of one another in that journey, we are difference makers in each others lives! This is a must read!
Thank you Michelle and Gena for the reminder, YAWEH!

Instructions for reading this book: 1. Put on your fuzzy slippers. 2. Grab a cuppa somthin hot.
3. Find a quiet, cozy spot. 4. Enjoy the delicious stories and sweet secrets of our sisterhood.
You can nibble it in bite-sized bits, savor it one chapter at a time, or devour it all at once-but any way you read it-it's yummy!

This is one of those "makes you look at the relationships in your own life" books...the kind that's not only meant for sharing, but that also promotes sharing among you and your friends.

It's perfect for a book group, Bible study or to read on your own - and, ladies, grab the tissues!

A wonderful quick study for anyone who wants to encounter the foods Mexicans really eat. -Professor Rachel Laudan, Culinary Historian

In spite of our having traveled in Mexico many years, and having prepared its cuisine at home as well, we find much to learn from this book. And the authors strike us as folks we would like to meet, and even travel with. Carla and Herb Felsted, co-editors, Mexican Meanderings, A Newsletter of Explorations in an Enchanted Land

Besides containing a brief culinary history of ancient and contemporary Mexico, this very intelligent guide has two sections that are of incredible use to the traveller. "Menu guide" is an encyclopedic translation of hundreds of dishes one will encounter in the menus of Mexican cuisine annotated with phrases such as Regional Classic, National Favorite, etc. "Food and Flavors guide" goes from A la Albanil to Zempasuchil. Take this book with you and you will never be lost in the marketplace or restaurant.

Ron Cooper, President, Del Maguey, Ltd. Co., maker of Single Village Mezcal.

Anyone sensible enough to buy a copy before taking off for Mexico will be able to eat really well and even more importantly, to understand what they are eating.-Elisabeth Lambert Ortiz, Author of "The Complete Book of Mexican Cooking"

While most Mexico guides devote a section to eating, authors Joan and David Peterson see food as an integral part of the journey, the very basis of travel, and their new guide "Eat Smart in Mexico" (1998, Ginkgo Press, $12.95) reflects that sensibility. One of a series that includes Brazil, Indonesia and Turkey, Eat Smart gives a historical survey of Mexican cuisine followed by an overview of each Mexican region, describing its most representative foods, from the North to the Yucatán. We learn, for example, that Michoacan residents eat churipo, a stew made with potatoes and corn and flavored with the sour cactus fruit xoconostle.

A recipe section presents essentials like birria, mole poblano and chiles rellenos, as well as more exotic offerings like cheese-stuffed squash blossoms and mezcal sea bass with black bean sauce. The recipes have been provided by a number of restaurant owners, cookbook authors and culinary experts.

The most useful section of Eat Smart is its extensive glossary, which is broken down into a menu guide and an ingredients guide. The definitions, written with the gusto of those who are passionate about what they eat, should help readers decipher menus just about anywhere in Mexico. It includes obscure items like codillo enchilmole-pig's knuckles in a black spice paste made of burned chiles, roasted onion and garlic, and juice from the bitter Seville orange, and ayocotes en coloradito-large broad beans in a rich, red, complex sauce of ancho and guajillo chiles, spices, nuts, seeds, raisins and chocolate. Browsing this glossary is certain to whet your appetite to seek out these dishes in the places where they're prepared. -Daniel C. Schecter, Business Mexico

This book, like other books in the Eat Smart series, guides the reader/traveler through the food history, best dishes, and regional favorites of the country. I loved having this while in Morocco, because I had a good idea what to order wherever I went. The book also gives you the phrases you need to both read the menu and order. It's simply an invaluable guide for those who consider food a major part of the adventure of travel.

I've been a fan of Joan Peterson's "Eat Smart" series ever since I discovered "Eat Smart in Turkey" and "Eat Smart in Brazil" in the 1990s. Now Ms. Peterson has come out with a new guide to the foods and foodways of Morocco, a country whose history is reflected in its richly varied cuisine influenced by nomadic Berbers, Arab conquerors, Sephardic Jewish settlers, and French colonialists. As the author states in the Preface, "What better way to get to know a culture than through its cuisine?"

This highly informative book provides an overview of Morocco's history, an in-depth look at the country's national and regional foods, and a selection of Moroccan recipes from appetizers to desserts, with color photographs of many of the dishes. But "Eat Smart in Morocco" is much more than an introduction to the culinary cultures of this fascinating country. It's also a practical guidebook that you'll want to take along on your next trip to Morocco.

One chapter gives helpful phrases (with their pronunciation) for use in restaurants and food markets. An extensive Menu Guide lists menu items alphabetically, with a description of each dish, followed by a Foods & Flavors Guide with a comprehensive list (and explanation) of Moroccan ingredients, spices, kitchen utensils, and cooking terminology. An extensive bibliography and very good index round out this book.

"Eat Smart in Morocco" is an indispensable companion for the intelligent traveler who is interested in that country's foods-and for anyone who wants to know what, and how, to eat in a Moroccan restaurant. Don't go to Morocco without it! Highly recommended. ----- Sharon Hudgins, author of "The Other Side of Russia: A Slice of Life in Siberia and the Russian Far East"

Joan Peterson, the culinary mistress of the EAT SMART series, returns to feed our continuing love affair with foreign foods and flavors in her latest book, Eat Smart in Morocco. As much a travel guide as it is a cookbook, Peterson shares her knowledge of the history and cultural significance of native dishes as well as the traditions and secrets of Moroccan cooks. Her culinary tribute to the land and its people should be part of an official welcome packet given to every foreign visitor when they first step on Moroccan soil. As she writes, "What better way to know a culture than through its cuisine." Particularly helpful to travelers are her bilingual menu, and food and flavor guides. Whether you're a novice or experienced traveler, Eat Smart in Morocco is the perfect reference for a memorable culinary journey. --Kimberly Ouhirra, President, Exotica Oils, Inc.

"Eat Smart in Morocco" uses significant historical facts to trace the rich culinary treasures of Morocco and its land. Readers can become more familiar with the culture and civilization through this guidebook and delight themselves with recipes from various contributors. The guidebook confirms that we can touch the heart of another culture through the flavors of its food and experience a gastronomic journey.
----Rafih Bengelloun, chef/owner of the Imperial Fez restaurant in Atlanta

This book is one of a type I was not familiar with: books for travelers who are also "foodies", that is, people for whom trying the local food is one of their main pleasures while traveling.

This book will let foodies explore Morocco's rich and unique cuisine in thier homes before leaving via descriptions of both the food and its context, and it even provides recipes to try first. Once in Morocco, there is a directory of regional cuisine, and a menu guide with transliterated Arabic names of dishes to help in ordering. I find Moroccan food some of the world's best and most varied, and this book makes it accessible to everyone.

I've traveled and worked in Morocco off and on for the last 35 years, and can attest that the recipes and descriptions are well-researched and accurate. Readers should enjoy this book, as a travel guide or as a 'virtual' trip to Morocco.