Party The Books

Dove into this after enjoying Pedersen's wonderfully heartbreaking but humorous novel "Last Call." Now we move from Brooklyn, NY, to the Midwest. Anyone who has ever been a teenager or attempted to raise one will love "Going Away Party," which sums up so many of the conflicts inherent in coming of age today. Technology and the high cost of education have changed the landscape and not always for the better. It also contains a romance with an age difference that serves to show how our perspective on life changes as we mature. What I especially enjoyed was that drugs, abuse, and violence were not needed to make the passage to adulthood dramatic and fraught. It's angst filled enough without those and Pedersen also uses deft humor to keep things moving toward a surprising and touching ending.

Wow, this really is a really hilarious version of that movie "Lost In Translation," though the book came out a few years before the movie. What was most interesting to me was that you can read nothing into it and just enjoy the story and the one-liners, or you can read A LOT into it, about life and love and coping in the modern world. I'd be interested in hearing the author's intention. I enjoyed the book and my 16-year-old daughter not only loved it but won't give it back.

This is definitely a riotous "Lost In Translation," though I see from the date that this book came first. And there's no Tokyo, just the good old American midwest. But it's a wonderful tale about two peple meeting in (very) unusual circumstances and searching for meaning in their lives. All the Catholic girl guilt resonated deeply -- dating on Saturday night and then going to church on Sunday morning. And also the boys in the family always being allowed more freedom. I had no idea how Pedersen was going to wind this one up but she managed to do so nicely, complete with suprises and laughter. Every mother will want her daughter to read this book in order to demonstrate that we're not as bad as you think!

I first read this book a few years ago but when I saw the movie "Lost In Translation" the other night I couldn't believe the similarity and went back and enjoyed it a second time. I didn't like the movie as much as all the reviewers but I'll see anything with Bill Murray. HOWEVER, for all the people saying how good that movie is, GOING AWAY PARTY is also a story about two dislocated adults, a young woman and an older man, that takes place in the US Midwest. Only tt is laugh-out-loud funny on almost every page and has a terrific ending.

Great take on the conflicts of being a young person and trying to follow the rules set down by your parents, the guidelines of your religion, and the expectations of society. Terrific dialogue and a surprise ending. Laugh-out-loud funny!

Nelson has entertained me so much with his easy to read style - I just found myself smiling. The recipes were a bonus and not that different to what I'd cook 'down under' : we are having a Nelsen Dinner tonight ! This book was pure enjoyment - thanks heaps. Leanne Hipwood, Sunshine Coast Queensland Australia.

I was quite embarrassed for the author, obviously he wrote this book of so called fine entertaining in great style for his very close friends. I could get the same advice down at the hairdresser. Fine cuisine is not his forte, boring beyond words.

I bought a couple copies of this to give as gifts and ended up reading it, and kept one for myself. A lot of funny stories and useful information told with humor and personality. Also a great bargain at the price offered here.

I am not kidding, I do consult the book whenever I question which utensil goes where. I'm not sure how Nelson learned and retained this since we grew up in the same house (yes, he's my brother), and I didn't have a clue past the salad fork and soup spoon. The book was a lot of fun and easy to read. The recipes were fairly simple and very good. Since I have been a guest at Nelson's dinner parties, I can attest to his fabulous gift for entertaining. Read the book - you will enjoy it and have some great recipes for your next dinner party.

Listen- Brad, we all know you want and need just the right dinner party right now. Feeling rather awkward and not so sure of what party might be -ugh- "appropriate" or actually FUN! Perhaps you would like to start fresh, with a most coy little apperitif? The shy canape? Relax with a warm and mature red wine for comfort? Move on to an appetizing mousse and brave a devilish egg? Oh yes Brad- you know it feels right!
Suddenly Brad, your whole world feels- well somehow new, bright, and just right! You have entered the world of Nelson Aspen, and his Vanity Fair meets ( well pick your most unapologetic hedonist-emily post idol).
Let the stress melt, let your new friends fascinate you, hover and glide for the next 4 hours into a velvety cloaked assembly of friends, possibly freaks and fine food, music, candles,a bit of magic.
Buy this book or forever regret your existance!

I first rented this book from the library, it was such a help and packed with so much information that I decided to purchase a copy to have at my finger tips at all times. It's filled with all kinds of information for any cook not just party information. Excellent book.

Denise Vivaldo has done it again with a party book that actually gives practical, step-by-step directions. So many books look great, but when you read through them, they are just fluff. Not Denise. Her book spells everything out in detail--even to the point of telling you how to fix burned food, overcooked vegetables, lumpy gravy, etc. Let's face it--mistakes happen. What can we do now??

I also really appreciated her correct table layouts for those of us, like myself, who are "table setting challenged." Oh, so that's where the bread plate goes!

I am looking forward to trying out her recipes. They look wonderful.

I love this book, it has a wealth of useful information with an excellent format. If you purchase this book, you will not be dissapointed.

This has got EVERYTHING in it, no joke. From locations to amounts of food you need per persong at any party....budget pages... SO USEFUL! i am never going to let this book go! if you are thinking about getting it...don't bother...JUST DO IT!

by Judy Bart Kancigor, author of Cooking Jewish: 532 Great Recipes from the Rabinowitz Family

from The Orange County Register
January 25, 2007

I am not a football fan. My idea of a super bowl is my mother's Val St. Lambert. But I do love a party, so if my centerpiece has to be the TV, hey, think of what I'm saving on flowers!

My Superbowl guest list is growing each day, and I'm getting nervous. Just how much food do I need for a crowd? And then there's the expense. Not to worry. With Denise Vivaldo's cookbook and catering guide "Do It For Less! Parties" I know I can throw a bash that won't stress me out and won't break the bank.

"People are not used to cooking in quantities," said Vivaldo, a classically trained chef and caterer, whose company, Food Fanatics, specializes in recipe development, consulting, and food styling for print, film and television. "It freaks them out to see how much food they've got. Is it enough? It is too much?" This book eliminates the guesswork with recipes given in chart form for 12, 25, 50 or 75 guests. "Remember, the more things you have on the menu, the smaller the portions you need to serve," Vivaldo advised.

But how much will this party cost, I wonder. "When people entertain, they spend a lot of money instead of keeping it simple," Vivaldo noted. "If you're having a lot of people, you don't have to offer a complete bar. Why not make one kind of drink, say Cosmopolitans, and add something non-alcoholic and some water and you've got it."

This seasoned professional, who has catered 10,000 parties (serving the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bette Midler and Prince Charles), reveals her tricks of the trade for everything from planning the menu to napkin folding.

"When we're entertaining, we're all our own harshest critics," she said. "But if someone else has set the table, the simplest meal is divine."

Vivaldo offers nine complete party themes, each with a menu, shopping list, decorating ideas (including invitations, table linens, favors and entertainment), time- and money-saving tips, an equipment list and a menu countdown, so you're not doing everything at the last minute.

"You don't need to spend a lot of money on matching linens," Vivaldo advised. "Look around your house. Everything doesn't have to match. Be creative. You can use a Mexican serape or even $10 sheets from Target. People don't come to your home to see your couch. They come for the company and a glass of wine."

For Superbowl I'll score with the Toscana menu: Classic Caesar Salad, Chilled Penne Pasta with Pesto and Pine Nuts, Italian Meatball Lasagna, Sweet Potato Gnocchi with Sage Butter Sauce, Tiramisu, and Chocolate Almond Biscotti. Touchdown!

Vivaldo's game plan makes it all simple, starting with shopping for non-perishables the week before. I see two days before the game I can prepare the gnocchi dough and biscotti, with the bulk of the cooking the following day. On party day I have only to cook the gnocchi, reheat the lasagna and gnocchi sauce, toss the salad and brew coffee. Then I can relax and enjoy the game. Or you enjoy the game and I'll enjoy you!

"People make themselves crazy when they entertain," Vivaldo reflected. "If you could enjoy yourself more, you would do it more often."

CHILLED PENNE PASTA WITH PESTO AND PINE NUTS
from "Do It For Less! Parties" (Terrace) by Denise Vivaldo

1 1/2 pounds penne pasta (uncooked)
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed
4 cups fresh basil leaves
1/3 cup walnuts
4 garlic cloves, peeled
4 ounces grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup pine nuts, toasted

1. Bring a large stockpot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta in batches until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Drain. Drizzle with a little olive oil if needed to keep from sticking.
2. Process basil leaves, olive oil, walnuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper with a food processor until mixture forms a coarse paste. Taste and adjust seasonings.
3. Toss cooked pasta and pesto together in a large mixing bowl (in batches if needed for manageability). Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts.
3. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Serves 12 (options for 25, 50 and 75 in the book)

If you enjoy politics mixed with humor,then this book by Ken Berwitz and Barry Sinrod is the one for you. It is done in a nice point-counterpoint style with Ken taking the conservative stance while Barry takes the hopelessly liberal point of view. This book is a very good read and definitely worth your time!

I read this book in ONE day, actually..I followed my husband around reading it aloud to him! Its funny, insightful and perfect for this campaign season. The odd part is, its not ABOUT political issues, its about those who vote D or R and the differences in their personal lives.
A refreshing read now when most of politics is negative and nasty. These guys did a great job, however, even though I voted Democratic for many many years, I found myself enjoying Kens point of view the most. I recommend it especially for households where husband and wifes votes cancel each other out. It will brighten your day!

This is one funny book, with a real twist... It takes questions that are actually not that related to politics, but more personal, such as how often you take a bath or if you like the lights out during sex - and then they argue over the poll results of respondents who were either registered Democrats or Republicans. What a hoot! It's not only interesting but actually rather revealing about the personal nature of these two cultures, and frankly, (sorry, my liberal compatriots!) the Republican (Ken) has a lot more "real knowledge" here to offer than the Democrat writer (Barry), it seems. But only because this particular liberal Democrat seems to take an awful lot of energy and wasted time calling the Republican a lot of names. Barry also complains a lot outright, which comes across with rather a whiny tone - all the while providing a ton of stereotypical images from the 1970s instead of now - which by itself is rather funny. However if you're looking for any solid political comments, beware that the reader is left of flat on the Democrat's side. Barry's writing is always last, too, which usually sticks with the reader more, providing a "recency effect". Because of that, too often in this text that results in a bitter feeling reminiscent of a "Michael Moore" type of nutty remark from the Democrat side, which even conservatives might feel is perhaps too much of a cartoonish image of the "left". But this is more of a humorous book than a serious one, of course, so that makes it all the better. That being said, the political wisdom offered by Ken (the Republican writer)is more real and useful, but BOTH of these men are very funny! Someday, I'd like to see another book done... My wish would be that perhaps next time around, Ken Berwitz might get himself a more skilled debater, and take it up another notch, for some real, true political debate, about issues that are truly on the voting table for 2008. Somehow Ken seems to be able to do this without killing his writing partner, and that's amazing. This was a fun book and I'd recommend it to anybody for a good laugh!

This is one of the most clever books written on politics. It deals with both sides of the political ideologies. Your heart will tickle with laughter. In this era of political partisanship you will enjoy the information. There is something in the book for every political junky. Take the time to enjoy politics for a change and massage your brain with fun and laughter!

down in the dc metro area, this book is exactly what we need to break away from the day to day droning political analyses. a hilarious, smart and finally a unique way to view the differences between the 2 parties, it combines my favorite things - politics, psychology and humor. i've recommended it to everyone around here who takes politics too seriously or has been waiting for someone to acknowledge the humor in it all......fabulous!

Whether you like President Bush or not, you should read this book. It paints a disturbing picture of the realities of his administration. And it educates the reader how our political process has gone astray. This is another example of the fact that the best non-fiction books rarely make the top seller's lists because mainstream publishers are politically motivated.

This book contains enough history about each candidate to make anyone feel confident with their vote. And, unlike almost any other political book I've read, it is suprisingly non-partisan. Furthermore, it really opens you eyes on the political fund raising system and what the candidates actually have to do before the become president.

After reading this book, it will become much easier to see through the candidates rhetoric, and this book or one like it should be a pre-requisite before voting.

A disturbing book.

It is a terrible thing to contemplate what money has done to prostitute the American political process. People don't support candidates to do better for the country. They're buying influence and -- if you don't pay, you can't play.

The saddest thing is to look at these obscene expenditures on campaigns and consider what some of that money could do in a good way. And then to consider what more all the money that will be stolen as a result could do on top of that.

This book is THE benchmark for investigative journalism done by the people at www.publicintegrity.org. An honest, fair and balanced presentation of the facts surrounding the Democratic candidates for President 2004 (which has since been whitled down to Kerry) and President Gearge W. Bush. You simply cannot say you are an informed voter until you read this book.

Let me start by saying I do not want George W. Bush re-elected, and I don't have any interest in John Kerry running the White House for the next four years either. I left myself open to have my opinions on American government influenced by this book, but I could never have imagined the magnitude in which this book changed my beliefs of our political process. It's no secret to anyone that money rules each and every major player in our political system. But what this book does is demonstrate just how out of control it's gotten. Author Charles Lewis uses indisputable facts and figures to show the shortcomings each of this year's presidential candidates, especially each candidate's willingness to let money and particular groups dictate the policy he feels is best suited to run the country. He hammers Bush in a bad way, but nothing he says can be considered untrue. Lewis uses the Freedom of Information Act to compile a body of evidence that implicates Bush in a dozen shady financial undertakings and also describes the way in which many of Bush's closest advisers landed high-level positions in government. You simply cannot fathom the number of Bush's advisers who were once employees or board members in companies (pharmaceutical, energy, law firms, etc.) that make up Bush's chief campaign donors. That is, at least until you read this book and Lewis starts listing them one after another. Lewis and the Center of Public Integrity maintained their own integrity by taking a completely non-partisan approach to this book, unafraid to tackle Bush and Democratic challengers alike. I cannot wait until 2008 to see what Lewis uncovers next. Hopefully, Bush and his cronies (or Kerry, for that matter) won't further gut our rights as Americans and refuse us the right to read it -- and Lewis' right to write it.

A wonderful book! My one yr old hands me this all the time- she loves it. A very fun Halloween themed book that can be read all year long!

This is a very entertaining and fun book to read aloud to a class or even one child. It is fast paced and interactive and I simply love it.

We had borrowed this book from the library dozens of times and realized it was time to purchase our own. This has been our children's favorite book since the moment we first read it. A family favorite at our house! Sing-song rhythm makes it fun too!

A friend told me about this book and shared a tune she made up for the words. I bought a copy and my son (2) loves it. He brings it out quite often for me to read or sing to him. The illustrations are a fun change from the usual kiddie fare.

This one has great illustrations and greater lyrics. It's a natural to turn into a song, which my (3 & 2-yr old) children love to dance and sing along to. Even my husband doesn't complain when we sing it loudly in the car.

Richard Bondurant arranged a great trip to Moorea and Tahaa for my wife and I for our 10 year anniversary. This spectacular book is a great memory of our trip to Tahiti, and does an outstanding job of detailing all the exotic recipes that we jotted down on bar cocktail napkins while sipping fabulous drinks and sitting in the sun. I need to stock up on a few obscure ingredients before I can make all these wonderful drinks, but while it's snowing here for the winter, it's nice to just sit back, look at the amazing photos, read some of the trivia about Tahiti, and dream of going back someday soon. Thanks again Richard, for another great time!

The format of the book is very well done. Makes you want to go to Tahiti.

Wow! What a great book! We received it as a gift, which was perfect since my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Tahiti. Several things make this book great. First, the information about Tahiti is factual and entertaining to read. Second, the photos are amazing. Third, not only are the drinks easy to make, they are awesome! Kudos to Richard Bondurant.

Not only does this book have a wealth of information on a destination we long to travel to, but it offers a wide variety of fun and DELICIOUS drinks.
We love to entertain and it has been great having 'Cocktails in Tahiti' out at our parties...quite a conversation piece! Everyone loves the stunning photos of Tahiti, the scrumptious drinks, and the intriguing facts of the islands. Thank you!

Always looking for new and exciting cocktails to try, I purchased this book. Each page became more interesting, not only for the drinks presented but for the knowledge that Mr. Bondurant shares about Tahiti, it's culture, local accomodations, etc.

The photos are exceptional and each drink I have mixed has been better than the last. I have bought several as gifts for coworkers and friends. You won't be disappointed!

I suddenly found myself being the "room mother" two weeks before the Halloween Party. Desparately, I searched for a source to plan an excellent, low cost, fun party for 28 5th graders on short notice! This book was perfect. Although the crafts seemed a bit involved, the game ideas were perfect. The book was divided into themes such as witch, bat, pumpkin etc. and each theme had associated foods, games, crafts and decorations. The game ideas were easy to put together and I improvised a bit. The teacher said it was the most organized and fun party she had seen in 30 years of teaching!

I've used this book to help in the classroom and for a neighborhood party. It is practical and helpful. A good way to start the planning session.

I am a first year teacher and this book helped me by leaps and bounds. Almost all of the activities are listed to be for grades K-6, but I was able to modify (if at all) many of them for my pre-K classroom. Every section - games, crafts, food, etc - is broken up into subcategories such as cats, frankenstein, bats, etc so the Halloween Party can have its own theme as well, if you'd like. I can't even begin to explain how useful the entire book has been to me! It took all the stress out of putting on a huge party with students, siblings, and parents galore.

A wonderful book and many ideas to use for Halloween Paries, not just at school. The craft ideas are so cute and adaptable for any age. We have used these ideas at church parties. The What, Why, and How of Room Parenting chapert is useful for any entertaining event. Suggestion: Purchase a complete set.

This Book it exactly what I have been looking for. A complete party how to book, from Bat Volleyball to Witch's Bubbling Brew.
I run a Day Care and to find activities for each age group is "pricless".

If you are as nuts about nuts as Sally Sampson is then you'll love this book. Then again, if you're not into making a LOT of different nut recipies you might want a general cookbook. Personally I found the recipies to be as good as one would hope and the presentation was solid (even if nobody would ever serve nuts in a martini glass).

Like the recipes and the ideas of how to roast nuts. This book started a great adventure for my family into the world of us roasting nuts for a great TV/movie night snack. You can get the whole family involved and the kids love to get involved with the flavors.

This has a lot of old and new nut recipes. Trying to duplicate a great nut snack you had somewhere? Sampson probably has it in this book, or you can take the techniques she sets out and experiment. A good little book that I'm glad to have in my collection.

This book has a recipe for every occasion. I do feel that several of the recipes are very similar in terms of the spice mixtures used, but the Balsamic Shellacked Pecan recipe alone is worth the price of the book. A great asset for hostesses or anyone that loves recipes.

This book is full of fabulous recipes. My son especially loves the "Holy Mole" nuts. But the book fell apart almost immediately - I would re-order it as I use it over and over, if it were spiral bound or soft-cover. As it is, I have to keep the pages now separately in a file folder!

I would love this book even if I wasn't lucky enough to grace one of its pages (page 82 is myself and a co-worker at Yahoo! Inc. on that night). Alex, your work on this project was beyond imaginable, and the results are incredible!!

To see the world at large on this date, from every country, displayed on the pages of this book is really something wonderful. We are truly a global family, and this has never been more obvious.

I bought copies for everyone for Christmas!

This is a fabulous souvenir of the turning of the millennium. The project is fascinating and the content of the book is highly engaging.

I found myself flipping through the pages for hours.

It made me want to celebrate the millennium all over again.

Fantastic book. Really captured the spirit of entering the new century. Loved the variety of high quality pictures. Even more impressive when I learned that many of the photographers were amateurs.

Dawn of the 21st Century is a phenomenal photographic expression of the 24 hours surrounding the change of the millennium. A tremendous project undertaken by one man(Alx Klive) and his volunteers to collect and cull the best of over a quarter of a million pictures taken by thousands of photographers as the millennium dawned over a year ago. The pictures, however, remain timeless and serve to remind us what a wonderful art photography is for capturing an eternal moment. I'm proud to have been chosen as one of the Millennium Photo Project photographers and hope that you enjoy the book as much as we enjoyed producing it.

I first heard about this project through a colleague in the publishing industry. Apparently this renegade group of people (from Toronto I think) put together this whole thing completely on their own, after everyone in the publishing industry turned them down. They went ahead with it anyway and organized the whole thing on the Internet using amateur and enthusiast photographers from around the world. I was skeptical of what the final quality would be like but decided to order one to see for myself. I have to say I was blown away when the book arrived in the post. The pictures are astounding and very very different from any photography book I've ever seen before. They are incredibly 'real' - that's the best way I can think of describing it. Lots of ordinary people getting ready to go out, meeting up with old friends, celebrating at home, praying and so on. Basically the book is a visual feast that focuses heavily on the human experience. It is simply fascinating to see how different people from all different cultures and backgrounds celebrated the same event. My favourite photo is of a Masai tribesman standing on the plains of Kenya, where the human species is thought to have first evolved. It is a stunning and poignant image that should perhaps have been considered for the cover. But that is only a very minor criticism of what is overall an astounding achievement. The top art book publishers in the world (Phaidon? Taschen?) would have been immensely proud to have put a book like this together. The fact that a bunch of amateurs did it on their own makes it all the more remarkable. Whoever in the publishing industry turned this project done must have been out of their minds. Kudos to the sheer guts of the people who went ahead and did it anyway! Bravo!