Party The Books

What a delight to step back into the art and politics of the Impressionists via Susan Vreeland's compelling, colourful, and creative book. The models of the famous picture come to life along with the whispers of the everyday life and loves of the times immediately following the Prussian War.

The book is what I ordered. There really isn't anything else to say.
Jill

I loved this book. I recommend having a copy of the picture to study as you read. I was constantly turning back to view the picture in the book. I created a guide to identify the people in the picture. I have a new appreciation for art and the brave artists who were committed to their work. I wondered if I would have recognized their greatness and supported their efforts at the time.

Luncheon of the Boating Party is a truly excellent book. Set in the Summer of 1880 in Paris and Chatou, the novel follows the story of the famous painting by Auguste Renoir, now in the Phillips Collection in DC. Egged on by an article written by Emile Zola, Renoir begins painting an idyllic scene on the balcony of the Maison Fournaise, of thirteen friends.

The story is intriguing because it's told from the point of view not just of Renoir, but the models in the painting. We're introduced, for example, to Augustine Fournaise, daughter of the owner of the restaurant, and Gustave Caillebotte the artist. We also meet Aline Charigot, the seamstress who later married Renoir. The iconic painting represents a mingling of classes as they devote a Sunday to the pursuit of leisure.

In all of this, Vreeland creates a beautiful novel that combines the realistic with the idealistic. We're also introduced to the fascinating artistic process Renoir's mind went through. It's a well-written and researched novel. Vreeland is in her element when she writes about art, and Luncheon of the Boating Party is no exception. What helps is that the painting appears right on the cover--I guarantee you'll turn back to the painting many times as you read. There are also illustrations inside, including a map of Paris and Chatou.

Let me get the negatives out of the way. This is a book that really needed to be edited since it is bogged down with so much description that it is a slow-starter of a book. It took me awhile to get into it. It is definitely not my favorite book of the year as it is bogged down with details and it was confusing with the characters who share similar names and some of their stories are interwoven with Renoir's. I still don't know much about Renoir at the end of the book, as he is a character that is never warmed up to the reader, well, this reader in any case.

Now for the positives. It is an enlightening book and a beautiful one where Renoir gathers fourteen of his dearest friends and models to pose around a luncheon near the river. Much has been made of his love of light and his talents. This is a look into the private scenes behind a famous painting (which I've never heard of till now), how it came about, how he dreamed of it, how frustrating it was to keep the same cast of people throughout a month of Sundays. It is an intimate look of Parisians who retreat to the countryside after a hard week's work to relax and enjoy their friendships.

And the descriptions of the food ... don't go on a diet while reading this book. You'll fall off the wagon because the descriptions of the meals in here will just lure you right back to the fridge in hopes that there is something delicious for you to eat there.

This is a great book for a book club to discuss. It is full of historical moments and inspirations. If you like historical fiction and art, this book is for you.

5/13/08

The twins 17th birthday party goes very wrong when a major earthquake strikes!This is nothing--and I mean NOTHING-like the earthquake in Sweetvalleytwins..Jessica and the Earthquake. And in the midst of it all,they may lose a sweet SweetValley resident!!

The Twins are having a birthday,and they are turning 17.The party was to be held at The Beach Disco[Thank goodness they changed their minds] They have their party at home.Their present is a New White Jeep! Their old Jeep Fell into The Water.An Earthquake hits while the party is going on.Some of the party-goers might not survive the party.

Last wish is the best book I've ever read!!!!
I'ts Jessica and Liz's seventeenth Birthday,they both are in for a shock when they feel the earthquake shaking Sweet Valley....
But what else can go wrong on Friday the thirteenth.....

Oh my god! i totally hate it when someone leaves u in suspence. This boook ws really good. I was so suprised that Enid, maia , and Olivia ditched Liz even if it was for a good cause. This book makes u want to laugh and cry just like the Charachters.iI never Knew that Jessica could plan a party for Liz.I feel bad that Liz is torn in2 between devon and Todd.The ending is really hapy and sad . I was soo happy when Olivia and Ken make up. I was also happy when liz an Todd get to be friends. I was sad when the earthquake strikes SV and when olivia , ken maria, Lila , todd,Prince albert were in the house when the earthquake struck. I wonder who will live ? better goget EARTHQUAKE and AFTERSHOK. This is the best thriller Pascl wrote Yet!

I loved LAST WISH. It was such an incredible book that I couldn't put it down until I finished it (I had borrowed it from my town's library). In LAST WISH, Elizabeth and Jessica Wakefield are turning 17 years old. Elizabeth wants to throw Jessica a birthday party that Jessica will never forget...and Jessica wants to do the same for Elizabeth, unknowingly that they both want to give each other birthday parties! Through all their secret birthday party planning, it all seems to go smoothly and perfectly until an earthquake shakes Sweet Valley and ruins it all! To find out what happens, you must read this book. An excellent addition to your SWEET VALLEY HIGH collection. Also, check out parts 2 EARTHQUAKE and 3 AFTERSHOCK, to find out the conclusion of this awesome SWEET VALLEY HIGH Super Special Saga.

Very good book that teaches counting and basic concepts. Great illustrations - clear and colorful. Quick read so keeps the attention of very young readers. I love reading it to my 16 month old and she loves to listen to the story as well as look at the illustrations.

My 13 month old *LOVES* Miss Spider, and I was getting really sick of Miss Spider's New Car (which is a great book, don't get me wrong, I was just tired of reading it 3x/night.) I went looking for the original Miss Spider's Tea Party in board book format (which you can't find, why is that?) and stumbled across this one and the ABC one. He likes both of them, I slightly prefer this one because frankly it's shorter. The artwork is still the classic David Kirk Miss Spider traditional stuff, not the computer-animated from the TV series stuff. And if you know the original Tea Party story, it's an abbreviated version of that, so it's kind of fun to see where they go with it for the Counting. So all in all, a decent alternative.

My daughter loves this book. She just made 2 and she repeats the ending of each line in this book. I bought it twice because that's how much she loves it. I can read any other book to her, but in the end she makes sure I read Miss Spider's Tea Party. It's a beautifully illustrated and very very well written book.

My 6 month old has liked this book since he was 4 months old. Now his face lights up with a big smile when I pull it out. Sometimes he even starts to fuss when I put it away! The illustrations are just so vibrant and colorful that he's mesmerized by it. I really really wish I could find more books like this. I've looked everywhere! This is definitely a best buy for parents who want to start reading to baby at an early age.

This book has some of the most beautiful artwork you will ever see in a children's book. My 17 month old took a few tries to warm up to the story, and it still isn't a favorite of hers. A lot of times we will just sit and look at the pretty pictures.

I love this South Beach diet cookbook, has wonderful receipe's in it that satify all my cravings and more! This is my second SB cookbook I have bought and I plan to buy any more new ones that come out!

NSB Parties and Holidays Cookbook is a valuable addition to anyone's repertoire. The recipes are delicious, easy, and remove guilt from either presenting to others or eating. I use them, not just for parties, but for everyday adventure eating!

I just got this book and I can't wait to start cooking. I won't necessarily wait for a special occasion either. While this book gives you ways to stay on South Beach and each healthy on those special days, you can use the recipes anytime. I'm particularly happy to see a recipe for cheddar biscuits. YUM! And the first set of recipes is a Phase 1 kick off party. I wish I had thought of that when I started South Beach. What a way to start. Fun!

I started the South Beach Diet 3 weeks before Thanksgiving... I don't know what I was thinking. I was wondering what in the world I was going to do. Then I found this book.

I have tried many recipes in it. Most have been excellent. The most popular around my house have been the Buffalo Chicken Bites. They are SO good! I tried the Angel Cakes, too. I made them as little tiny muffins and then frosted them with the cool whip as directed. They didn't even last until the next morning in our house. The texture wasn't the same as cupcakes, but when you're wanting cake, and you want something SBD approved- boy are they good!

The worst one, so far was the Spiced Cocoa Egg Nog- Yuck! I normally like eggnog... but the texture was all wrong, and the taste was funky.

Overall, this is a great book for any South Beacher to have.

This book is a must have for everyone!!! The recipes are easy to follow, simple to prepare, and taste fabulous! A nutritional breakdown is included for each recipe and Dr Agaston has included menu planning suggestions (ie.outlining which foods can be prepared in advance).

The book offers suggested menus for the following parties and holidays:
Phase 1 Kickoff Party, Family Buffet, Baby Shower, Weekend Brunch, Super Bowl Bash, Tuscan Feast, French Bistro Party, Backyard Grill Fest, Hors d'Oeuvres for a Crowd, Rite of Passage Party, New Year's Day Open House, Valentine's Day, Passover Seder, Easter Gathering, Cinco de Mayo, Mother's Day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, Hannukkah, Christmas Eve dinner, and Christmas.

I've made numerous dishes from the recipes in this book and every one of them has turned out perfectly. So perfectly in fact, that I was able to impress my mother-in-law (it's only taken a decade)!

This book is for everyone - not just South Beach Diet devotees or carnivore lovers. I'm a vegetarian and whilst there are no vegetarian specific menus in the book, there are numerous vegetarian options included in each party & holiday menu - all I have to do is ignore the meat options and make all of the vegetarian recipes.

This book will improve your cooking skills and fill you with confidence the next time you have a party. Do yourself a favour and buy this book!!!

- I love this book because I feel as though I was talking with someone who had my same doubts and questions.
- I love it because it's written in a plain and simple language.
- I love it because it makes me laugh.
- I love it because when I read it I feel as though Steve Ross were right beside me.
- I love it because it infuses me with the energy to keep on moving, exploring, asking, laughing, loving.

I have read this book twice and I still feel that it has something for me whenever I take it and open it randomly. It's like a friend who's there for me. Full of good advices and acceptance at the same time.

A joyful romp of a book.

Mr Ross makes simple the concepts behind yoga practice. The concepts which are in fact the very heart of yoga and without which physical yoga, by itself, is only going to do a body so much good.

I'd highly recommend this book to anyone, even if you're brand new to yoga, or just interested in yoga from a "what the heck is the philosopy of yoga, from a spiritual, religious perspective?" mindset.

Now down to the nitty gritty: Will this book make you happy? Actually, if you take it's message to heart and mind, I'd say yes.

I recommend reading this [[ASIN:0385524587 A Complaint Free World: How to Stop Complaining and Start Enjoying the Life You Always Wanted] with Happy Yoga, for a complete transformation.

This book really inspired and mademe realize what is important in my life. LOVE IT for that I will give this book to everybody I know.

I enjoyed the book and have read it twice now. I get more and more out of it each time! I hope Steve not only writes another book but makes a DVD too! If you get the chance, listen to his CD, Grace is The Name of The Game. You will absolutely love it!

Very informative. Loved this book and I will use it for the rest of my life!!!!!!

So... was glad to be able to order the one Betsy book I had never read. It's lovely - all MH Lovelace's Betsy books are. And FINALLY, finally, you get to find out what happened to Larry and where Sam came from. When I first got on the 'net last year, I was so glad to be able to order books I could never quite find, and also to find there were (adult) Betsy fans everywhere - what a pleasant surprise. But if you've never been to Mankato, you want to know about the house (it was a "side trip" when visiting Mall of America). Well, Betsy's high school house is gone, but I was only disappointed briefly, because you can see Tacy's house (being restored), and Tib's house and the big hill (the hill is somewhat different than the image the books present) - but Carney's house looks just as described in the book. I wondered exactly what that add-on structure in back was - well "Carney's House Party" explained that. Bonnie's house, which I would like to have seen, across the street from Carney's, is gone also. One nice surprise - on Front Street there is a charming 2nd-hand bookstore, which my sister loved, probably about the size Mr. Ray's shoe store was. The proprietor there directed us to the library where you can purchase some Betsy items, the main one being a booklet with very nice pictures of most of the crowd when they were in high school, so at long last I also got to see what they all looked like, including Carney. I think part of the enduring attraction of this series is that it is autobiographical and therefore also historical. As a history buff, that's why I have stayed a fan of a book series discovered as a young person.

I loved the book for the same reasons everyone else does -- it's a fresh perspective on the Deep Valley Crowd AND it solves the mystery of what happened to Carney's high school ideal Larry.

I have only two quibbles:

1) The illustrations look somewhat recycled from other Betsy-Tacy books.
2) Carney mysteriously loses her eyeglasses. I noticed this in the illustrations and also wondered what happened while she's hanging on to the bumper of Sam's car in the rain: wouldn't they have fogged up? :) It's a small thing, but one of the reasons Carney was always my favorite is that she wore glasses and so do I.

A great book overall to add to our collections!

I vaguely remembered reading Carney's House Party over 35 years ago in my public library but the details certainly faded with the years. Now that I replenished my Betsy-Tacy library, thanks to Amazon, I decided to get Carney's House Party as well. What an interesting view it is of Deep Valley and the Crowd, as it is from Carney's perspective. As Carney's personality is markedly different from Betsy's, her opinions of events differ from those we'd expect from our beloved, but admittedly more dramatic, Betsy. I also found the description of college life at Vassar to be interesting and so different from my own at a women's college in the early 70's. Finally, Carney's romance is both surprising to those of us who followed the series and ultimately right for her.

I was thrilled to see that Carney's House Party is back! I grew up on a farm near Mankato, MN (Deep Valley) which was featured in Betsy and Joe. I loved these books as a child and now am so happy to be able to share them with my own daughters. Carney was always one of my favorite characters beause of her calm good sense combined with a love of fun. Her loyalty to her friends and respect and love for her family are powerful messages for today's young women. I only wish I could find comparable literature for my son.

I have 5 sisters and each and every one of us read all the Betsy Tacy books when we were girls. I read the ones of their childhood when I was little and then "graduated" to the High School and past, series as I grew older. Oh, so many fun hours reading them, trying to copy the wonderful Vera Neville illustrations, wishing I could live in Deep Valley just for awhile. Several years ago I startled the customers near me when I whooped with pleasure at finding these books in a bookstore -- just like I did a few minutes ago when I saw here on Amazon recommendations "Carney's House Party"! THANK'S Amazon!! I didn't know that that one, and "Emily of Deep Valley", had been re-published. I've just ordered both, (for me!) as well as two complete sets of the younger-age books for my two eldest granddaughters. This tradition is one I am happy to pass on -- I can't wait to give them this treat. By the way -- I don't agree with the 9-12 age rating for the books that are set in high school and beyond: they are really for a bit older, although there is certainly nothing harmful in them for little girls: on the contrary. But they are intended for a bit older -- say 12 and up.

The book title is exactly descriptive.For those who want the truth of the constitution,start your research here.The fatal flaw in Ron Paul's platform is that he relies on the constitution.If the foundation of the house is built with defects then the house (u.s. government) will be defective and will eventually collapse.If you want to see what the civil laws of good government are, then study the Torah.May I suggest a Messianic viewpoint for the best understanding.Shalom.

His best work and it will make you think. He effectively questions the lame assumptions, propaganda, and hero worship that were drilled into most of us in the government un-schools.


I had to read this one again almost immediately after I finished it the first time.

Author Royce has done a tremendous amount of research to back up his claim of that the Constitution will never restrain the powers of the ruling class. Well quoted and with incredibly relevant quotations of the the nation's Founders the case is well laid that the Constituion (of? or for?) the country is not and was never meant to be a serious leash on overbroad power.

A condensed and scholoraly work, well worth the time and effort to read it. And most definetely not for the timid of intellect or the intellectually cowardly.

It also segues wonderfully well with the Author's previous work Goodbye April 15th!, it fits as a addendum and clarifying work.

For years I have heard that the adoption of the Constitution was a victory of the wealthy upper class of the former American colonies over the common people. Liberals have used this fantasy to push their view of an "organic" Constitution that must change with the times - change in ways that promote a liberal statist agenda, that is. Royce shows that there is in fact much truth to the liberal claims - the Constitution was a clever shell game, designed to hoodwink most Americans into thinking they were getting a free democratic republic, while in actuality laying the groundwork for a strong, and eventually oppressive, central government. But Royce's conclusions are totally different from the liberal's - he persuasively calls for amending the Constitution to push the country back in the direction of freedom and individual rights. Royce also backs up everything he says with solid research and quotes from the Founders, both those who favored the Constitution, and those who opposed and feared it for the threat it posed to individual liberties (the latter included Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson). For those trying to figure out how we have strayed so far from the freedom that the American Revolution was fought for, Hologram of Liberty is a must read.

In the preface of this book, the author challenges us to find the inconsistency in the Constitution's preamble. He presents this truncated quote: "We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." I'll admit I didn't see it, and even after Royce explains that "United States" has a considerably different meaning than "the United States of America," it still made no sense to me. (It's not easy to overcome a thorough public school brainwashing.) Only after reading most of the chapters did I finally experience an "aha!" moment, and I promise that by the end of this shocking book, you will, too. Highly recommended.

I wanted to know the real scoop for years on the Geronimo Pratt case. Although I'm not yet finished reading the book, it is very obvious that Mt. Pratt got screwed, like so many others caught up in the "good old USA" system. Obviously this one is a case of racial prejudice, but it could have just as easily been some other kind of prejudice. It is clear that the concept of "innocent until proven guilty" is just a nice theory that should be strictly adhered to but rarely is. The presumed guilt is clear from the get go on the part of the police. It continues on to the top with lies and deception on the part of the police to get a conviction at any cost, especially with regard to the truth. It's frightening and a relief to know it's not me. But next time it could be me, or anyone who gets targeted by individuals in a position of power, who have no integrity, and don't give a hoot about the constitution of the US.

This is certainly one of the best books I've ever read. Jack Olsen did an outstanding job of weaving together all the facts in a highly readable narrative of one of the most blatant chapters of injustice in 20th century legal history.

I already had considerable knowledge of the case before I read this book. In the early 1990s, the case was being publicized again. I was a reporter for Wave Newspapers in Los Angeles and journeyed with a co-worker to the state prison at Tehachapi where Pratt was then being held and we interviewed him. I then wrote several stories about his situation.

Pratt was imprisoned for 27 years for a crime he clearly did not commit. The prosecution was part of the FBI's notorious COINTELPRO operation-essentially a war against numerous dissenting groups in the 1960s including the Black Panther Party. As Olsen makes clear, in Pratt's case this also involved LAPD and the L.A. County District Attorney's office.

Pratt was convicted of the December 1968 Santa Monica tennis-court murder of school teacher Caroline Olsen. There was considerable doubt about the credibility of key-witness Julius Butler, who had a previous falling out with Pratt, and was later proven to be an informant. (When I was a reporter, I actually contacted Butler. He yelled that he was "tired of this" and hung up on me.) Plus, numerous other Panthers could have confirmed he was at a meeting in Oakland the day of the murder but most wouldn't testify because of a severe split in the ranks.

Appeal after appeal was turned down despite more and more evidence being discovered pointing to Pratt's innocence. In all probability the crime was committed by two low-level Panther members to obtain money for drugs.

That ties in with the only complaint I would make about Olsen's book. He really glossed over the fact that the FBI and police campaign against the Panthers (which I am not defending) was not just because of their militant political rhetoric. They had a lot of criminal types within the group.

Regardless, this is an extraordinary book about another era and the governmental abuses of that time. Johnnie Cochran redeemed himself in my eyes by getting Pratt released. That was after he was involved in a travesty of justice, himself, by getting O.J. Simpson off. But that's another story.

The courage and essential goodness of Geronimo Pratt, in spite of receiving a life sentence for a crime he did not commit, is truly inspiring. This is a wonderful book.

Geronimo Pratt had one of the most honorable and incredible lives I have ever heard of. This book documents his entire life, from is Morgan City childhood to his unjust incarceration for the murder of Caroline Olsen. I literally had trouble putting this book down. It is a great read for anyone interested in the judicial system, the FBI's COINTELPRO, the Black Panther Party, and racism in general. READ THIS BOOK!!!

This book should be mandatory reading for every black person when they turn 15 years old. To read what the gov't put this man through was utterly shocking. After you read this book read "The Judas Factor - The Plot to Kill Malcolm X." You'll be numb after reading these two books back to back.

Back in college, a devoted group of soap watchers gathered in the student center every day to keep up with life in Salem. None of us knew each other outside that TV room, but for one hour a day, five days a week, we were united in our running commentary of crazy plots, acting that ranged from barely there to over the top, fashion don'ts, and Alice's donuts. Anyone stumbling in might have thought we hated the show, but no demand of college could keep us away from it.

Screening Party reminds me of that, only better, because Hensley's (based on life?) movie viewers are friends. Their lives become little subplots to the movies they watch and comment on. It all makes for a greatly entertaining read. I've read it cover to cover once, and I keep it handy to dip into when I want a quick read during lunch or something. I can always count on it to make me laugh.

This book is GREAT. I had this book purchased for me in July 2003. I was out for drinks with my brother and his partner ( who bought it for me) and they casually asked had I read it yet...I lied and said "yeah of course. Good book." They looked at each other, then back at me and said simply. "Liar"

This provoked me to get the book out of the pile next to the bed labeled "mean to read" and skim through it. By page 2 I was in tears. Mr. hensley made me crack up REALLY LOL. Like before LOL existed, this is what I did..so much so that my husband asked me to READ TO HIM what was making me crack up to this extent. (Shoot me now. He NEVER has done that before) Well, we continued to laugh till well into the am. hours.

I highly recommend this book. Hillarious and the BEST if you are one of those who like to sit and "bag" on things. Bravo Mr Hensley! Great book!

Jodi Wallace

Dennis Hensley and his gaggle of five chums crack wise to earn your giggles in what is one of the more original and better written movie books I've read. Decidedly not a traditional film review or guide, Screening Party seamlessly integrates hilarious commentary from Hensley's peanut gallery with poignant, often surprisingly touching storytelling about the lives of those in said peanut gallery. The contemporary campfests you might expect are covered (e.g., Basic Instinct, The Bodyguard, Glitter, & Flashdance), but also included are some unexpected gems (e.g., The Sound of Music and Taxi Driver). While the banter is always funny but not always totally original, this is actually the point: you will find yourself laughing out loud at times, reliving the magic of Sharon Stone's infamous legs uncrossing scene and your reaction to it the first time you saw it. The gang's commentary is as witty as you wish yours had been, and, thanks to Hensley, retold faithfully and skillfully.

If you are looking for a collection of serious film reviews, then look elsewhere. If you are looking for a great way to spend an evening or a lazy afternoon (because you will not be able to put down this book), then make some baked goods a la one Partygoer and join the Party.

great fun. if you're not rolling on the floor with laughter when you read this your first name is ebenezer. several friends get together and critique movies. no one is spared when they carve up such cinematic masterpieces as st. elmo's fire, the bodyguard, glitter, basic instinct, pretty woman [ I don't understand julia roberts popularity, eric got the talent gene, imo ], my favorite is the chapter on the movie cruising.

Screening Party is a witty, saucy book that will get you laughing. Obviously, Hensley has distilled the most brilliant and effervescent remarks from his real-life screening parties for this story. These funny characters do more than just crack Sedarisque lines about movies; you see the changes in their lives as the story progresses.

This is a calculated mix of movie commentary and storyline, though more oriented for those who want the cultural analysis rather than the story. It's an especially vivid snapshot of mid-70s to early 80s pop culture. Even movies you thought were great get roasted via the sass-spatula from these wacky grillers.

This book is so funny!!! I bought it because I wanted something funny to read and try to find out what is in a man's head when he is getting ready for a date, getting engaged, etc. 2 Funny!! I'm sure that all the accounts in the book are right on for most bachelors today! I read this in one evening, then shared it with my Dad, my brother, my friends. I don't really know who has it now, but everybody wants to read it.

I really enjoyed this. It relates back to real-life situations many of us have seen. Lots of good chuckles, and some really good laughs. Highly recommended. Thanks, Larry.

I find it odd that the bulk of the high praise comes from the Seattle Washington area, but since the author is from the same area perhaps not that odd at all. It's good to support your friends but let us not skew the facts.
I thought what the hey I'll give it a read might get a laugh, it was readable, I snickered a time or two. I find it falls far short of 5 stars. I mean let's be real it's a nice short read with no real revolations. Pretty much part of the ebay 15 minutes of fame ride from the wedding dress auction.
Read it if you want it's mildly entertaining book I'd give it 2 1/2 stars at best, but out of kindness and the fact that Amazon doesn't have a 2 1/2 rating it gets 3.

Very fun book to read. Everyone will be able to relate to the things described, not just for bitter old men. Well written and worth your time and money. Easy and enjoyable to read.

Funny, hilarious, crazy!! Larry Star is great! Lessons we should all use in life! Thanks Larry for a great read and hilarious if not true lessons in dating and relationships!