Party The Books

I love this book. I read it to my daughter and now I share it with my students. As a teacher, I have used it as a great introduction to verbs. The illustrations are fabulous too. Anne Hunter does a great job making you feel safe and cozy among the grasses with your best pals. Last year I read it right before the harvest moon came out. As I sat in traffic on my way home from school, I looked out at the big, beautiful harvest moon. It was a great reminder that the best things in life are free.

we read this to our children's circle at Mabon. it was a big hit

Possom is trying to gather guests for a pre-hibernation party! This is a story my 3 year old kept checking out of the library again and again. Finally, its time to add it to our personal library! We both loved the story and the illustrations are very good. Besides, who wouldn't want to party with a possum under a Harvest Moon?

I used this book in my classroom when I was doing a unit on autumn/harvest. I liked this book because it added a new view of harvest. Usually harvest stories focus around farm life - but this book takes a different twist as the wild animals notice the harvest moon. This book helped my students realize that all creatures notice the coming of autumn. A good read!

Just a brief note. I recently bought several copies of Possum's Harvest Moon as gifts for some young relatives. It's turned out to be one of those books that they just can't put down! It's a constant request either at bedtime or during a quite time. The book is especially good because it gives character to some of night's creatures and also leaves room for the kids imagination!

This is an extremely insightful examination of the election that first put Grover Cleveland in the White House. The ways in which Summers analyzes the political process remind me of Holt's masterpiece, "The Rise and Fall of the American Whig Party". (That is a much more massive book, as it covers a broader topic over a longer period). The use of political cartoons of the period to support the narrative is probably the best I've seen. The style is engaging, although occasionally I think Summers gets slightly carried away. For example, at least one discussion of the standard myths about the period goes on long enough to be somewhat disruptive. Also, while I don't detect any factual bias, there is a tendency to look at things more a Republican perspective. That is, issues (e.g., the role of the minor parties) are more often discussed in terms of problems facing the GOP and how well they did or did not deal with them. The outcome of the election is reported in language that seems rather wistful that Blaine lost. Again, this is only a matter of relative emphasis - there is excellent material on the complex relations between the Democrats at the national and state levels and the rival Democratic machines in New York City. Despite my minor quibbles, I highly recommend this book to anyone with a general interest in American political history, and it certainly must be read by anyone with a particular interest in this period.

The last half of the 19th century is a period that the historians generally give short shrift to. They dutifully plow through it in the obligatory chapter in their rush to get from the Civil War to Teddy Roosevelt, Wilson, and the Progressive Era. The campaign of Grover Cleveland against James Blaine for the presidency in 1884 is just about forgotten. This is too bad because what with the emphasis on character and values (accompanied by some really gross mudslinging), the extensive changes in technology and business, the factionalism and divided government, it was a period much like ours. Summers does an excellent job of dispelling the prevailing view of this period as a doldrum bookended by Lincoln and TR. In a comprehensive yet not overly long book, he shows that substantive issues like the tariff, the relationship of the national government to the states, morality in politics, substance abuse (ie prohibition), and other pressing matters really were at stake, he explores those issues and the men and women who had to face them. This book is one of the best treatments of the 1884 presidential campaign (or any other campaign for that matter) out there. Find a copy of this book and read about a time that is so much like ours.

As an undergraduate at the University of Kentucky some years ago, Professor Mark Summers changed my life and I eventually devoted my life to the study of history. His lectures made the past come alive and seem so fresh and real and vital. Anyone who has read any of his books can relate to the sense of excitement that I am describing, and his latest book is no exception. In fact, it is perhaps his best book yet. Lively, fast-paced, yet scholarly and thought-provoking, Summers' book is everything that his readers have come to expect. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in nineteenth-century politics or U.S. history in general, or for those who consider history dry and boring and would like read a book where the past truly does come to life.

Anyone interested in politics or American history should love this book. The writing style is crisp and entertaining and the author strikes the right balance between explaining long ago and long forgotten events without drowning the reader in unnecesary details. The 1884 election itself was one of the most interesting of our history with sex scandals, charges of political corruption, party splits, and campaign blunders. The author brings the excitement to life and lets the reader understand not only what happened but why it occured and, even more interesting, what the participants had hoped to accomplish with their political strategies. The book succeeds in describing how late 19th century elections looked and felt to the participants. The human dynamic skillfully set out in this book (the cynical maneuverings, the overheated rhetoric, and the intense partisanship)are very familiar with what we experience in campaigns today-this very familiarity helps make Blaine and Cleveland seem real and not just sterile historical figures. Read this book!

Mark Summers is one of the great historians of mid-nineteenth century America. He is fully capable of taking subjects which have seemingly been worked to death and making them fresh with new material and original analysis. Rum Romanism and Rebellion does just that, making Blaine and Cleveland seem more vital and alive than the current occupants of the White House. The issues engage us, the political battle grips us. This is one of the author's best (to my mind, Mr. Summers best work is his two volume work on political corruption [neatly divided between ante-bellum crooks and post-war thieves]; let's hope that Mr. Summers has a trilogy in mind and next turns his attention to wartime corruption: from the transcontinental railroad to the supply of Union soldiers and the appointment of generals, that era was rife with corruption, yet very little has ever been written about it). Well done, Mr. Summers!

This book is a comprehensive guide to entertaining made easy. Every meal is planned out and the combinations are excellent. My family and friends rave about the meals. Fresh ingredients, uncomplicated recipes and clear directions make this book a must have for any hostess. I bought ten copies and hand it out at birthdays and holidays.

My sister, Marguerite, has created another awesome resource for lifelong foodies, inspired as she says by our mother, Rose. But this time she has brought entertaining and pre-preparing for gatherings with friends and family into a new perspective - one that is easy, fun and sure to bring joy and pleasure to those who appreciate great food. Fresh ingredients in easy to follow recipes wrapped within a cool selection of occasions and recipe titles make for fun preparation and entertaining.

I am so impressed with this cookbook! I have Marguerite's other two books (which I love), but this one tops them all. She knows how to combine fresh ingredients to create recipes that are so delicious and unique. My friends all think that I am a good cook. This is not true! I simply follow Marguerite's recipes and present the food as I've learned from her. She also writes recipes that are practical for anyone to do. This is a beautiful book written from the heart and her love of food.

The first recipe I tried - the Cassoulet - was a smash. I served it for a wintry birthday party in February. Everyone wanted the recipe, as they have with all of Marguerite's offerings in each of her books. The chicken cooked with a brick is a new twist, and was scrumptious with mashed potatoes. Thanks again, Marguerite, for passing on your love of food and making this hostess and her guests so satisfied!

Once again, Marguerite does an amazing job of creating beautiful recipes for the home cook! I was so excited to get this latest book and immediately began planning all the wonderful dinner parties that I could host in order to use her menus and recipes! This cookbook is gorgeous with it's stunning and luscious photography bringing the intimacy of her own family and lovely home for all of us to share! It will hold a prominent place on my cookbook shelf right next to her well-worn first two cookbooks! I highly recommend this book and her other two beautiful books as well! Bravo Marguerite! Bon Appetite!

I have heard that Assata is the aunt of famous rapper, Tupac Shakur. Is this true? Is their any mention of Tupac in her books???

A collection of mostly interviews conducted over a number of years, the voices of Dhoruba Bin Wahad, Mumia Abu-Jamal and Assata Shakur speak loud & proud while revealing the roles of a variety of government agencies in destroying the Black Power movement.

Originally published in 1993, the topics covered include the Black Panther Party, (Philadelphia) MOVE, the Black Liberation Army and the racism in the American judicial system. Particularly interesting is the BPP chronology and a collection of FBI documents that explain in government-speak the targeting of individuals/organizations.

These are important accounts that challenge and ultimately debunks mainstream media coverage of individuals & events that will continue to have significance when one researches the real history of the Black Power movement.

This book gives a insight of the most famous victim of The F.B.I's cointelpro next to Geronimo Pratt. This book shows that 19 years of Prison has not dulled Dhoruba's committment to Revolutionary Struggle. The excerpts by Mumia abu Jamal and Assata Shakur are very helpful.

After spending about two decades in America's penal system for a crime he did not commit Dhoruba bin Wahad gives us his too brief insights into America and it's relationship with Blacks. Interms of clearity perhaps only matched by Chomsky.

The other two writers [Jamal and Shakur] one on death row, the other exiled in Cuba also peel back the illusions of justice for all citzens in America. A vivid account of what it is to have the most powerful country in the world trying to destroy you for standing up for justice.Also a great general history lesson.

Book should be part of a mandatory reading list in public schools for all students black and white.

This book gives a insight of the most famous victim of The F.B.I's cointelpro next to Geronimo Pratt. This book shows that 19 years of Prison has not dulled Dhoruba's committment to Revolutionary Struggle. The excerpts by Mumia abu Jamal and Assata Shakur are very helpful.

I've tasted several of these recipes and they are all delicious. The nice thing is the recipes are realistic - not too complicated. The card design is very pretty. It's a nice alternative to giving wine as a hostess gift or buying a cookbook!

I loved the photos of all of the recipes - everything looked so good, I could barely decide what to make! The fava bean hummus with pita chips was amazingly fresh and devoured by everyone at my party. Arranging the chips like the petals of a flower is such a great presentation tip. I can't wait to make the rest of the deck!

The Sumptuous Small Plates deck is a ton of fun. I have given a few of these decks to friends and family already!! It is a perfect hostess gift or birthday present and when paired with some cooking gear, makes a great wedding gift too. And the recipes are delicious! I would recommend to anyone who loves great food.

Ms. Gignilliat and PartiesThatCook have created a wonderfully delicious idea for food lovers. The recipe deck is loaded with not only beautiful and tantilizing pictures of the food, but also includes really great tips for entertaining and menu ideas. Often when you see beautiful food it doesn't taste as good as it looks, or the recipes don't quite work. This is not the case. Every recipe is just scrumptious and has been thoroughly tested many times to guarantee consistent results from the recipe. A must-have!!!

This is a cool new recipe deck with great color photos and really yummy recipes. I've already made a couple at home for my husband and friends and people devoured them. The Crostini with Goat Cheese and Tomato Marmalade is delicious - especially for goat cheese lovers. Since I love cheese, the Tartines with Roquefort and Shallot Cranberry Sauce are great too and really easy to make for a party. You could even use dried cherries. The Fava Bean Hummus is great for vegetarian friends - and I even found frozen fava beans (less work for me!). I'm making my way through the other recipes - Coconut Cupcakes are next!

Loved it. It is out of print so I am lending it around my playgroup. No little girl should be without this charming book! I hope it is reprinted for Christmas 2006. What a great gift.

Tate provides a fun, fresh and informative look into the history of tea and tea parties. The precocious Emma takes us through all the steps of a tea party that should be fun for children of all ages. I bought copies for my nieces who love it. TEATIME is a perfect gift book.

A wonderful and vibrant book both in picture and text, TEA TIME gives young girls an interesting introduction to the history of tea and tea parties. Emma is a precocious narrator and her Aunt Pru a wonderful teacher. It's a perfect gift book -- I bought one for each of my nieces who love it!

What a darling book...I have a tea business and when children come for tea they bring their dolls which are set at the doll tea table...this book is displayed there...my nieces loved it too when I read it to them!

This is an absolutely delightful book that opened my eyes about tea parties. I highly recommend it to the parent of any child with a vivid imagination and sense of fun. Emma Buttersnap, the charming heroine, goes on an intriguing journey to a mysterious land (England). Along the way she learns history (Boston Tea Party), botany (all the varieties of tea), arts & crafts (doily making) and more. There's a juicy mystery that kept my own daughter quite intrigued. The illustrations, by the way, are superb.

this book is awesome for small parties and especially for just hanging out with your roommates on a foggy minded sunday morning. you know the kind where you're sitting on your front stoop, drinking coffee and wondering wahat happened, and maybe should you go get some burritos. i like both of his books. they rock! they also make you want to check out music that you haven't heard for a while. very cool.

Like the 80's version, this book will challenge even the most die-hard music trivia buffs. Covers all genres, with cleverly written, interesting questions. Great for a party game, drinking game, or for reading on your own. Makes a great stocking stuffer for the holidays too.

I love 90's music, so this book was a treat. I didn't expect to have so much fun. I also, learned alot of things that I didn't know. A very addictive and fun read!

so addictive.... i never thought i'd be so competitive. bring it anywhere with you and its a guaranteed good time!

Fun! I had to get this book because I was so addicted to the 80's version. Like travelling back in time. But not too far. I can't believe all the little music details I'd forgotten or never knew.

I can't tell you how great this book is for someone who feels the government is not as much for the people as it for the rich and powerful. Let us take action!

In We the Purple, seasoned journalist Marcia Ford employs sass, spirituality and statistics to expose the failings of our current two party system that blocks independent voters from having a viable voice in the political arena. Using her piercing wit and keen research skills, she shines a light on both the failings of the Religious Right and the Progressive Left, when they align themselves with a given political party instead of following the teachings of the risen Christ. In particular, I pray that religious leaders will heed her clarion call to be pastors and preachers not politicos.

Marcia Ford has really hit the nail on the head in this smart and important call to action for independent voters -- and all Americans -- as we make our way through the murky partisan waters of today's politics. In addition to being chock-full of the ordinary folks around the country who are carrying out the fight for non-partisan and independent politics, Marcia brings her own personal story of transformation to the pages of this book. A delightful read! -- Nancy Hanks (The Hankster)

With all the political jabber that has been repeated over and over for the past year, this book is a truly refreshing look at politics today. I, for one, am fed up with constantly hearing about "looking past political lines," yet only seeing slams against opposite parties or candidates. Although Ford's book does have faith-based messages, she tells the view of the independent voter in a way that can be related to any sensible voter, independent or not. I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to get back to the true American values of democracy and freedom.

Marcia Ford's book titled "We the Purple" is a refreshing account for the independent, faith-based voter. I found myself relating to many of the instances that Ford describes. With a real sense of emotion she details that just because she has faith, does not mean she is an automatic Republican. With this in mind she reaches to readers who believe in God, but find themselves all over the political spectrum.

With an intense upcoming election in 2008, I would recommend this title to readers with an independent mindset.

This book is a beautifully illustrated treat for children 4 and up, with a Halloween theme. It uses a repetitive word pattern so children can participate in the reading. The illustrations are a little scary for very sensitive children or those under 4. It was a big hit in our kindergarten last year!

I have the Spanish version of this book. I bought it before my child was born since i loved the pictures. Thought if I ever have a child this would be a really wild book to share. I just loved the illustrations. The pictures are scarry, but beautifully drawn. Now my child is 4, I showed it to him & he was fascinated...can't wait till my other friends kids are old enough to send a copy. If your child likes scary things, or if you are looking for a book to read on Halloween, this book is excellent. Hand drawn color illustrations, with a repetitive rhyme...

Don't be scared off by the "Horn" review. This is a great Halloween book for children 4+ unless they are extremely sensitive. Most kids I know are fascinated by monsters and creepy things, and the illustrations in this book, while scary, are rich and beautiful. Any kid who can handle Roald Dahl will like this book.

My daughter 4-year old with English as second language, firstly being attracted by the mysterious but beautiful illustration of this book.Once we started the reading we found the story very attractive and non-stopable(fortunately only 30+ pages).After read together with her for triple, she is able to read aloud by herself. She enjoyed this book very much and likes to share with her friends to scare them.

So well, yes, this book was my daughter's and she is in college. It takes a village to raise a child and a few years for me to get a review written. This book was one she found fascinating in the way she found Roald Dahl fascinating. You just can't believe some of what is there in front of your eyes....it's so very off limits feeling.

I'm a 1st grade teacher. I think this is a great variation on the kind of pattern books we should use to teach 1st graders...like Brown Bear, Brown Bear. They set you up for apprehension. Good readers apprehend and we need to explicate this with children. Pattern books allow you to address this. ( Sometimes it almost feels like mind reading when a book is just rolling along well, but I'm writing these thoughts on Halloween night and the kids are playing with a Ouiji Board someone gave them, of all things, so it isn't really "mind reading", or is it?)

Plot-wise this is the story of a little girl making her party invitations...the guest list.... for her party ("invites" no less). Somehow they come to "life" telling her who their coming is contingent upon her also inviting to the party. The illustrations are outstanding and extremely detailed watercolors and I think pen and ink overworking them. There are so many cool living things invited.... "if" she invites the next named thing, Witch asks for cat, cat owl, owl tree, on and on...Maybe cat asks for scarecrow. ( baboon, snake, dragon, unicorn,goblin, ghost, tree) I just read it and already forget the order. At the end of the list of invited beings we find out "something" that turns the creatures into something much more benign and "of the holiday".

It is always funny to see children make predictions about what will be invited next. I personally do find this a very VIVID set of drawings.Fair warning. I would not read it with a child under 6. But that's me.

As we read today it was so humorous to watch the book hold their attention on an all too exciting day. Also very good to read with ...Where the Wild Things Are and Piggie Pie. So pretty much it feels an obligation to let you know. It's a keeper.

A good book with lots of games. Wasn't prepared for the amount of "racey" ones, and wouldn't use those at a bridal shower for family, but would be fun for a bachelorette party. Good ideas!

I am a mobile Disc Jockey, and am always looking for ways to "change it up" or add new activities to get a crowd involved. Joan's book explores traditions while adding a twist. More importantly, there are games and activities that work to involve just about everyone at the party. Her examples are well laid out, very detailed and easy to follow. What a bargain this book is!
I'll be looking for her new edition in the future! A must buy!

In 100+ Wedding Games: Fun & Laughs For Bachelorette Parties, Showers & Receptions, Joan Wai offers a wonderful wealth of crowd-friendly games perfect for entertaining at bachelorette parties, showers, receptions, and more. The games are organized in thematically appropriate sections: Speed Games (Armful of Babies, Toilet Paper Gowns, Mushy Love); Sit Down Games (Bridal Bingo, Honeymoon Hoots, Kiss & Make-Up); Memory/Word Games (Best Friend vs. The Groom, Love Letter, Wedding Scramble); Active Games (Capture the Bride, Gossip Session, Kiss the Pig); Fun Activities (Call for a Kiss, Address an Envelope, Pantry Introductions); Pranks (Hen Party, The Incredible Teddy, Jeepers Peepers); and an Appendix (Trivia Questions, Bridal/Guest Bingo Card, Prize Ideas). Many of these games are recommended for an all-gal gathering, but some are coed, and all are zany, simple, exuberant fun, and highly recommended!

Thanks Joan! I found the book superbly useful. I used it during my sister's wedding shower, and not only were the games suitable for the younger crowd, they were also very popular with the older aunties and mommys! It helped break the age barrier, and allowed everyone in the party to feel included. I can't wait to play the games on the bride and the groom during the wedding!

I MC'd a wedding this summer, and used a number of the ideas from the book for at the reception. Everyone had a blast! What a great way to liven up the usual drudgery. Thanks to Joan!