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News Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

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The Breakaway Japanese Kitchen: Inspired New Tastes
Published in Hardcover by Kodansha International (2003-08-05)
Author: Eric Gower
List price: $27.00
New price: $141.66
Used price: $28.40

Average review score:

Tired of Sushi? Try This!!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-28
A great, easy-to-use cookbook with super unusual and creative recipes!

As a big pasta freak, I was especially happy with the outcome of Eric's noodle dish recipes. Very easy to prepare, and awesome results!

Also, the tofu recipes are terrific! Again, not you typical Japanese fare -- really inspired by California farmer's markets as much as Eric's years of cooking in Japan.

Eric also tones down the volumes of salt found in many Japanese dishes. On the whole the recipes are very healthy -- lots of fresh veggies and fruits, limited salt and oils.

For anyone tired of the regular sushi bar grind, this is your book!

Ingredients as fresh as the concept
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-26
Rarely does a cookbook come along that pushes the reset button of approaches and tastes. And, it is done so simply and elegantly and refreshingly. There is an ease to the presentations in this book--a subtle beauty--that generates a graceful, spiritual aura of peace in the kitchen while allowing anyone to turn out fresh dishes whose distinctive ingredients sing solos and harmony all in one. I thank the author for introducing me to new combinations of ingredients and helping me create brilliant flashes on new tastes.

Incredible food meets easy preparation
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-03-23
I placed this book on my wish list based on the strength of one recipe ("Boozy Potatoes") which I'd picked up off a food blog. It was subtle, delicious, and simple -- blending japanese flavors (sake, soy) into a medium I'd only approached with a more western palate in the past.

Now, having received the book as a gift, I can see that the Boozy Potatoes recipe was just the tip of the iceberg. After reading the book cover to cover in one sitting (it's not large, but it's densely packed with goodness) I broke out 3 of the recipes the following night. Preparation was easy, and the flavors popped, there was minimal fat and salt -- and best of all each dishes flavors were incredibly well balanced. I would have been happy to be served any of them at a restaurant. Some of his simple ideas (make a sauce by carmelizing shallots/thyme, then reducing rice vinegar) led to explosive flavors.

The only 'glitch' in the whole process, as mentioned by some of the other reviewers, is sourcing ingredients. Living in Southern California I thankfully have access to some great Asian markets, but since so many of the recipes require Shiso, (which I presume must be gotten fresh) it means planning ahead if I want to prepare many of them. Also -- if you plan to buy this book, you'll need a blender or a food processor. It seems to be by far his favorite kitchen tool! (Not that I mind, the results are spectacular.)

True Fusion
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-30
Eric Gower does a great job of blending East and West. His familiarity with Japanese cuisine and his willingness to experiment with Western touches applied to traditional dishes makes for an above-average cookbook. He features a Tonkatsu recipe that calls for baking the pork chops (seasoned with jalapeno, sweet peppers and orange zest) instead of deep-frying the traditional Japanese way. Try the Curried Apple Pilaf or the Rice Vinegar Chicken Breasts recipe. This truly is a cookbook with a twist!

Finally getting some flavor punch
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-01
I was getting a little tired of tiny, pretty portions of subtle food. I was starting to lose faith in ever becoming anything but a fair fried-chicken cook, when WHAM! I was hit with a cookbook that delivers flavor and elegance. I first saw one of Eric Gower's recipes in an issue of Sunset magazine - scallops with miso, ginger and ruby grapefruit. I followed the directions carefully, and I had about the best meal of my life. All of a sudden, I was a good cook! I bought the book -Breakaway Japanese Kitchen- and by now, I've made just about everything in it. I can now produce all kinds of robust, Asian-ish dishes that burst with flavor and joy and abudance. Garlic, tarragon, ginger, lemon and mint and blended here and sprinked there. And, I've learned that with these recipes, you really can make the substitutes that Grower suggests. It's all good. It's all easy. I understand Grower is publishing a new cookbook soon. I can hardly wait.

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Buffalo Gal
Published in Hardcover by Holiday House (1992-04)
Author: Bill Wallace
List price: $16.95
New price: $65.96
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $16.95

Average review score:

My Copy is So Worn out I Just Bought Another!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-23
I read this book over, and over and over...I have memorized the opening and closing lines to this book, along with everything in between. Something magical happens within these pages, even if some details or concepts are far-fetched. At seven years old - so what?! And almost 20 years later I still say so what. This book inspired me to start writing my own books at such an early age because the story that played out in my head while reading this was so vivid and real I wanted to create that same vision. My younger sister soon snagged this book from me and she too read it many times over. I had to mask the whole book back together with tape and secure loose pages because it was used so much it fell apart. I still have my original copy of this but it looks like something found in an ancient riun so I just purchased another copy on Amazon. Trust me, this book is worth it. Growing up I loved horses and longed for a girl to admire. The romance is just right for the age group. There is adventure at every turn of the page. I am going to preserve my newest copy for the kids I hope to one day have. Buy yours before they are gone forever! You or your kids will read it over again and again.

Make a sequel!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-26
This book is my favorite book ever! You need to read this book, It has Adventure, Danger, and Romance!!! Its such a good book. I picked this book up when I was 10. I loved it! Now im 13 and I still fall in love with it more and more every time I read it! Bill Wallice NEEDS to right a sequel to this book, I want to know what happens! Does David and Amanda get married or do they go on another adventure that comes in there lives!? What does Amanda say to Philip? What happens to Potlicker? Bill Wallice I need to know what happens! PLEASE make a sequel! and you need to read this book! If you read this book trust me you wont regret it!

a truly fun and moving book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-11
I read this book first when I was about 9 and have read it many, many times since. I even have a hankering to read it again right now and I'm 19 years old and in college! It's is a beautiful and subtle romance, but, even more than that, it is a journey of discovery. I really identified with Amanda's changed feeling towards a place because i experienced the same sort of "traumatic" move and uprooting from what i was used to. I think that this book is not only a good read for those who are younger than 12 but also for anyone who loves a fun, happy, well told tale that puts life in a good light. My mother read it more than once and loved it as well. This book is for the young and romantic at heart.

Really Awesome Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-15
If you like the Wild West, adventure, romance, or all three, this is the book to read. I read my first copy so many times it's falling apart. I had to go buy a new one! It has to be my favorite book in the world. Read it once and you're hooked for life. Take my word and buy it. Belive me-- you won't regret you did.

fascinating
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-01-11
I was eight when I first grabbed this book in my schools library. 11 years later I'm still wishing to go back and read this book in between my Dragonlance novels. I think that in itself is a testement to how fantastic Buffalo Gal is. Once you've read it, age doesn't matter. It is a classic that stays with you always.

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Building the Christian Family You Never Had: A Practical Guide for Pioneer Parents
Published in Paperback by WaterBrook Press (2006-01-24)
Author: Mary E. Demuth
List price: $13.99
New price: $3.49
Used price: $2.25
Collectible price: $13.99

Average review score:

Title piqued your curiosity?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-15
If you are reading this review, you have been sucked in by the title, probably because you somehow relate. If so, then the topic is of huge significance to you. The book is solid, and the content reflects the title.

Regardless of your background, if you have a Christian faith and desire to live out that faith with your children, then bring your highlighter and keep notes as you read.

Practical Help
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-12
Not everyone comes into parenting with great childhood experiences to draw from. Even if you did have a safe upbringing, ALL parents are forging a new way for their children. We are all "pioneers". This book is a wealth of information, and challenges you to re-evaluate how and why you do what you do and believe what you believe. Mary DeMuth shares her personal journey of overcoming her painful past. She offers great hope & encouragement to all parents. You will glean from her writing, no matter what your story is.

For anyone with parents
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-12
Building The Christian Family You Never Had is a must read for every couple contemplating having children, every parent who has children, and every adult who found life with their parents difficult or confusing. Not have the right role model can be frustrating--even confusing. But thanks to DeMuth's great advice we can learn to let go of the past, foster positive parenting skills, and shield our children from the negative influences others have left on our lives and continue to drill into our psyche.

This book is a MUST READ
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-14
Mary's book is a MUST READ; not only for every parent, but also for everyone who has ever had a parent. Her insights into family dynamics are revealing and instructive. Her words bring healing and resolution. Mary's skill as a writer makes her Guide for Pioneer Parents an enjoyable, fast-moving read. But watch out - one time through will NOT be enough! You will want to keep this Guide around to read over and over.

Like Gold
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-07
Of the three excellent books of Mary's I have been priviledged to read, this is the one that has had me most riveted to each nugget of truth. I am a quick reader, and usually don't read a book twice in a year but this one has me dipping into it almost daily. I have read and re-read the chapters, blinking in the freshness as I absorbed and processed each life altering concept. It has revolutionised my way of life, the sense of who I am, how fragile we are and how Great is Our God. It has given me a glimpse of the Father heart of God and my husband and I have turned our mistaken foundation of parenting back to the example in the Word, thanks to reading this book. I am also peeling away the 'onion layers' of my own childhood.

Mary is a highly proficient messenger of the truth. Her words fly directly from the heart of the healer in my belief and I am honoured to have walked through the pages of her journey and find my own healing in that experience.

Get this book. Even if you have the most Christian upbringing possible. Especially then.

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The War of the Worlds
Published in Hardcover by NYRB Classics (2005-05-10)
Author: H.G. Wells
List price: $16.95
New price: $2.20
Used price: $1.91
Collectible price: $17.00

Average review score:

War of the Worlds
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-08
It was fun reading the original, after seeing both movies. Lots of details, inner thoughts not possible otherwise. Very thought provoking. Loved the Gory illustrations.

War of the Books
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-09
Ellie Lezak
October 9, 2007

This book was no doubt the best science fiction book I have ever read. H.G. Wells does a amazing job recreating a book that has been done by many authors, into the type of story that has you on the edge of your seat, never wanting to put the book down because you just have to know what comes next. In this book, the main character who stays anonymous by name is a normal simple man, not any really any different from any of the other people in this time, but there is one difference, this man happens to know, how to survive. What to look for and what to stay away from, who to trust and who has to go. And how to rebuild something that was destroyed, so that there was nothing left. One normal night but one twist, what seems to be smoke in space coming from mars? For ten days, at the same time every night, the same smoke appears. And exactly 10 days after he 1st say the smoke a green light heading right for earth not to far from his house. Days. The day after the asteroid land no one really pays attention to it but it is mainly the noises inside that attract them. Even if they new what the future had in store for them. There would probably be no preventing fate from doing what was going to be done. Battling the fate of everyone around him this man manages to live, and start over again just like everyone else.

In H.G. Wells's writing, he does a amazing job to capture the seen, and make it so the reader can actually imagine what the situation would be like. And put them self's in the moment. There were only 2 things that I did not like about this book. At some points it would just go on, about the same thing, just a list of different things, and than it would happen again. And the only other thing that I didn't like was the ending. I've always thought that the ending of a book should be fun and exiting, and wrap up the whole story. But the ending to this book wasn't the best it explained a few things and than there was one food scene and it ended. But over all I would rate this book 4 stars out of five and I defiantly recommend it for all ages.

Great sci fi for a book written over a hundred years ago!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-21
First thing I have to say is what great scientific imagination for a book written in the late 1800's. I mean they didnt even have cars yet and Mr. Wells is writing about partical beams and biological warfare. 2nd is I was actually surprised at how much the recent movie used from the book. I didnt care for the movie as much as I did the original version but it was much more faithful to the book than I'd ever imagined. If you your a fan of either of the two movies or just want a very good sci fi book to read I highly recommend this book. The language at times is dated being written at the turn of the century but it's still a quick and easy read.

Book vs. Movie and other thoughts
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-05-24
I read this book because I was curious how close or incredibly far the movie had stuck to it. I was quite surprised to discover, that while the movie's main character couldn't be more different, the plot is almost identical in spirit. Spielberg didn't create all those different modes of suspense, he just channelled them from Wells. First we have the discovery, then the initial panic, then the mob mentality, then hydrophobic, claustrophobic, and xenophobic situations that are chilling. Granted all these circumstances are updated into the 21st century. I was impressed by how many details were included (the redweed particularly).

The book is better than the movie in two aspects. First off, the scene in the cellar with the main character and curate. I've talked to a lot of people who felt that the execution of Tim Robbin's character in the movie was not just and unnecesary. The book handles this much better-"with one last touch of humanity"

The ending of the movie is absurd. You don't care that the son is still alive because he annoyed us so much with his whining. Then you are let down when there is no true reconciliation between the broken family. In the book (PLEASE STOP HERE IF YOU HAVEN'T READ IT YET) you barely meet the wife, and deep down, you are just sure she is still alive, but their reunion does not seem fabricated, it seems somehow eerie and almost gives you chills.

This is a great book
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-15
I liked this book mainly because it's science fiction. I liked the martions and the detail the writer used. I liked the interesting words used by the writer. It was illustrated well.

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Come What May (Heartland #5)
Published in Paperback by Scholastic Paperbacks (2001-06-01)
Author: Lauren Brooke
List price: $4.99
New price: $0.10
Used price: $0.01
Collectible price: $10.00

Average review score:

Come What May
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-04-30

The book that I choose to read is called, Come What May. This story is about a girl named Amy who lives at a horse clinic called Heartland. Amy and the 2 other stable hands, Ty and Ben love horses and try to keep the clinic running smoothly. One day, a desperate old man calls saying that he has a horse, named Melody who belonged to his wife who recently passed away. Melody is pregnant and the man doesn't know how to deal with a pregnant horse, so Heartland takes her in. When Melody gets there she has trouble getting out of the trailer and bolts as soon as she is out she try's to jump a fence and gets stabbed by the wood! A vet comes and takes care of it but cannot tell if the baby is still alive! While Amy is trying to take care of Melody, her older sister Lou is trying to get in touch with their father who abounded them when they were a baby. Amy's mother had died a while back and her grandfather was taking care of her. When Amy found out that Lou was trying to see her dad, she was furious! She was mad at him for abounding her. Now the question is, Is Melody and her baby going to survive? Will Amy be forced to see her dad read the book to find out?

A awsome book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-08-03
I read this book 2 times and I love this bookincluding the end where Daybreak( the foal) is born alive if anyone hasn't read this book read all the 4 books 'cause this book is awsome and cool!

Come what May is really really coool !
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-20
I really like Heartland because it's about Amy just trying to get by in life with the help of her best friends and family . I like Come what May because Amy's trying to help a pregnant mare named Melody,but Melody starts having problembs with her pregnancy and Amy doesn't know what do exept comfort her , it's a good book .

Another Hit from Lauren Brooke!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-16
This once again is a great hit! I love it! This time Amy is faced with more emotional pain. Lou is trying to get in touch with their father! Amy kinda FREAKS OUT! And I would too! But she is forced to put that behind her. One horse named Melody is pregnant and she must deal with it, but after an accident once she arrives happens, Melody or her baby may be hurt, badly. But once again Amy comes through, but you will have to find out how. It's a great book! Read it!

Another Hit from Lauren Brooke!
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2002-09-16
This once again is a great hit! I love it! This time Amy is faced with more emotional pain. Lou is trying to get in touch with their father! Amy kinda FREAKS OUT! And I would too! But she is forced to put that behind her. One horse named Melody is pregnant and she must deal with it, but after an accident once she arrives happens, Melody or her baby may be hurt, badly. But once again Amy comes through, but you will have to find out how. It's a great book! Read it!

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Comet in Moominland: Can Moomintroll save his beloved valley? (Moomintrolls)
Published in Hardcover by Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR) (1990-10-01)
Author:
List price: $13.95
New price: $49.95
Used price: $10.79
Collectible price: $74.00

Average review score:

Tove Jansson's Wonderful Moominworld
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-21
If you have a child age 4 - 10 years-old get this book now. Do not wait. The world could be coming to an end. What is that thing in the sky anyway?

Adventures abound while above the comet looms. The characters are filled with foibles and nobility. Moomintroll and the Snork Maiden are one of the world's greatest couples, even if they are about 11 years-old and completely asexual. Love does not conquer all, but it sure takes the sting out.

Hurry! Moominmamma, Fillijonks, the Snork Maiden, Little My, Hemulens and Groks are all waiting to meet you. You do not want to miss them, but more importantly you do not want your child to grow up without them.

Timeless Enjoyment
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-03
I too grew up reading these books, then bought them for my own children to read, and now still enjoy reading them from time to time - sure it is an easy read for an adult, but what better way to spend a dark, rainy day then to curl up with a fun book that brings back all those warm and happy thoughts of childhood?!

I am so delighted to find that these are still available today and recommend them to everyone, young and old alike.

If you're intrested in more great Scandinavian literature, I highly recommend Kay Nielsen, who published a book by the name of "East of The Sun, West Of The Moon" filled with fantastically magical Scandinavian folk/fairy tales and his stunning artwork! I am not sure if it is still available to buy but should be in your local library. If not if you request it they can probably send for a copy.

Hope this was helpful!!:-)

~Most Happy~
¸.·' .·'¨¨))
((¸¸.·' ..·' -:¦:- ~Lady Anne~
-:¦:- ((¸¸.·'


Comet in Moominland, Paperback
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-23
Wonderful book for both children and adults. I fell in love with moomin adventures as a kid and wanted to share it with my child. He loved it too.The charm of the Moomin Valley never fades.
The shipping was fast and the book was in mint condition, I am very pleased with this purchase.

Not Free SF Reader
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
Large astronomical objects blow up everything, even trolls.


So what is a young moomin to do when threatened with extinction by big space rock smooshing? Set out to save the world of course, preferably with a bunch of friends. If you make some new ones on the way, then that is perfectly fine as well. How exactly a short funny looking little guy can have his own astronomical impact requires a bit of invention.


Run for cover!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-27
Tove Jansson, Comet in Moominland (Ernest Benn Ltd., 1946)

It is one of the great travesties of literature in translation that of the fourteen legendary Moomin books written by Tove Jansson, three of them have, as far as I have been able to tell, weathered over half a century without being translated into English, despite the great success of the other eleven. It's a twist of the knife that The Little Trolls and the Big Flood, the first of the series, is one of the three. (Note: the book has, in fact, been recently translated, but it only available, as of this writing, in Finland.) Thus, for over fifty years, English children delving into the Moomin books (and they have been legion) have started their journey here, with the second book, Comet in Moominland. And while it's a decent book, it's not the highlight of the series by a long shot. Would it be better if we had access to the first? I've no idea. I hope to find out eventually.

Moomintroll and Sniff are young, and they do love a good adventure. During a wild storm, they meet the Muskrat, a philosopher who foretells the end of the world. Sure enough, not long after, astronomers spy a comet rushing towards the earth, and Moomintroll, Sniff, and their new friend the Silk-Monkey head off to find astronomers to consult with. A grand adventure, indeed.

Back when I was a kid devouring the Moomin books, Comet in Moominland was my least favorite of the series. I'm not terribly sure why, rereading it, now, because it's got pretty much everything a kid could want-- fantastic creatures, grand adventure, the fate of the world hanging in the balance, all that stuff. I really did like it a great deal this time round. If I find the rest of the series that much better in rereads as I did thirty-odd years ago, I'm in for a wonderful series of re-reads. This is great stuff. *** ½

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Companion for the Apprentice Wizard
Published in Paperback by New Page Books (2006-01-30)
Author: Oberon Zell-Ravenheart
List price: $18.99
New price: $9.78
Used price: $9.38

Average review score:

Companion for the Apprentice Wizard
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-18
I have not had time to completely read and finish this book, however based upon authors previous publications and what I have read I would reccomend highly

Apprectice Wizard
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-17
This book was for my son, purchased along with the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. He was really excited about it! If he's happy, I'm happy!

Both books are a must have for everyone in the magical community
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23
I wish these books were available when i was younger, these books leave little undiscussed and practiced in magic. Oberon is a cool person to meet and talk to if you can tie him down long enough to talk. The grey school rocks so yea if your new to magic get these training books you won't regret it,their isn't a school of magic that comes close if only it could be taught in a university(sigh!)

Great when Paired
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
This product could be a great stand-alone product to those with extreme leadings to one of the areas of magic that are covered in here, and already have some basic knowledge in it. However, with the way that it just jumps into the subject areas, it is best when paired up with the Grimoire for the Apprentice Wizard. With the course work laid out there, this volume makes much more sense and has a more logical flow. Regardless, the valuable knowledge contained within is exceptionally useful in many regards and is highly reccomended if you own the Grimoire.

Excellent choice for the beginner Wizard or Witch.
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-24
This book is not only thorough it is well written. The references are extensive and well thoughtout and it would serve as an excellent introductory book for any young Witch or Wizard. The age range I would recommend would be between fourteen and up, although I am sure that some individauls that are younger would definately find it useful, it can be a little complex and insightful.

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The Complete Idiot's Guide to Growing Your Business with Google
Published in Paperback by Alpha (2005-08-02)
Author: Dave Taylor
List price: $19.95
New price: $6.00
Used price: $5.25

Average review score:

One of the best investments I've ever made!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-15
I thought I knew a lot about designing an optimal website, using Google AdWords and online marketing. Then I picked up this book, and learned how much more I could be doing, and how many mistakes I had made. There are at least a half-dozen great ideas that can be implemented quickly and at little or not cost to improve your site's placement on search engines, and to attract more relevant AdWord clicks.

Great book, well worth the read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-10-28
This book is MORE than a book about Google. It should almost have a different title like "Growing Your Business Online: plus strategies for improving your placement on Google".

The book covers so much more than Google placement. It shares responsible, realistic insight into how to improve your web site with the goal of first improving the visitor/customer experience and second to improve your overall relevance with search engines. Dave's advice comes from a respectable, responsible approach to creating genuine results for your web site. He also provides ample warnings about using web site trickery that could leave your site's relevance & credibility in ruins.

A MUST READ for web developers and Internet marketing folk.

Not Bad Overall
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-12
While normally I go for books aimed at experts (i.e the ones that are 400+ pages and dry as a salt sandwich), this book had received enough positive reviews that I gave it a shot. I was not disappointed.

For someone with my background (experienced software guru and web designer, with a moderate amount of Google know-how), I was still able to gain some valuable insight. So you're not surprised, this book is as much Marketing 101, as it is about Google (particularly the first half of the book). But it's needed to give the book a solid grounding from which to make its Google-related recommendations.

The bottom line though, hasn't changed from prior years: if you do the right thing and make your site rich in useful content, relative to its general audience and subject, you're going to do well with Google. If it's only moderately relevant or lacking in information "density" (the amount IOW), all the tricks in the world won't make your page rank any better. First, make sure you're really delivering the goods (the information your customers want and need and not a bunch of link farms, fluff, etc), *then* make sure your meta-tags, document names, document structure, Ad Words, and all the rest, are Google-savvy. The latter without the former, is useless. To the author's credit, he emphasizes this in several chapters.

Overall, I felt like there was a little too much "Freshman Marketing" and some of it was rehashed unnecessarily IMO (though someone with minimal marketing background would probably find it useful). I think the first 70 pages could probably be distilled down to about 40 or 50, but who's counting? ;-)

Recommended for anyone getting start with a business web site or who wants to make their existing site better.

Wow! Is this complete
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-21
I have opted into online courses and even have an MBA where I studied E Business. This is by far the most complete, helpful and timely guide I have seen to succeed with an internet business. It is rare that I read a "How To" cover to cover, but this is an exception. It is certainly the first time I have had my highlighter out since Grad school. If you want to succeed in an ebusiness, this is the way to get started!!

A Very Comprehensive Guidebook
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-06
This book isn't just about advertising on Google. There's lot more. Of course, complete idiots won't benefit from it, but the book begins from the ground for people not familar with online marketing.

It first outlines the importance of visibility, then touches on how Google actually works. No secrets here. Newbies learn a lot, but not the old hands. Then, it goes into great detail on how the website should be set up, presented and maintained. Again, very useful newbie tips on blogs and content generation are given but I doubt the experienced user will learn a lot of new things here.

There is also some mention about making money from Adsense and affiliate programs, but personally, I haven't had very good experiences with these programs.

The book ends with the future of findability. I find nothing futuristic about the author's ideas. Still, a good book for those just starting out.

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The Conquering Family
Published in Library Binding by Buccaneer Books (1997-05)
Author: Thomas B. Costain
List price: $41.95
New price: $28.60
Used price: $24.36
Collectible price: $41.96

Average review score:

Truth is more fascinating than fiction
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2005-11-18
I bought the set years ago (actually decades ago) and got through the first two before I gave up. I was "done in" by all the Henrys, Edwards, Eleanors, etc. that my head spun. However, being bullheaded, I started again (since I love history) and this time I went straight through.

English and French history can be extremely difficult for someone new to that period of time. There are a lot of players with the same name (Isabella, the most hated queen of England and wife of Edward II; Isabella of Spain, Henrys I, II, III, IV, etc., not to mention the Henrys (Henris of France). However, plugging away is definitely worth it and reaps great rewards because what could be more fascinating as the truth (as far as it can be told after hundreds of years after the fact). John is more famous as being forced to sign the Magna Carta, not for the fact he murdered one nephew and imprisoned his niece as being threats to his throne while Richard III gets pilloried for his "supposed" murder of this nephews. It was John who had the country excommunicated a few times for his actions (no burials, no communion, no marriages, etc.) until people realized that nothing terrible happened. And it was when I came to the last part and reach about Richard III and the difference between the "real" character and Shakespeare's Richard III when I decided to pursue the case further and then read Josephine Tey's famous book on Richard, The Daughter of Time, that started me on the road to becoming a Ricardian. Eleanor of Aquitaine, the first (to me) feminist.

Great history and worth reading and pursuing if you don't manage it the first time. It's worth the effort. (A genealogical chart would be helpful.)

Fantastic history books
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-20
Costain writes 4 history books about the early British Royal Families.The books are very clear, nicely written, and follow the history of England.

Thorough but dated
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-11-01
The title of the book led me to believe that this book would encompass the entire "conquering" family of Normandy as they became the rulers of England. However, I was disappointed that the actual conquest was bypassed and the book opens with introduction of the first Plantagenets and not with William the Conqueror as I incorrectly assumed from the title. The book is very thorough where the author choses to be. For example, he can hit a few highlights of history and move the story along very rapidly and then suddenly spend page after page on one segment of one chapter of one person's life. I know I bought the book used, but the original publication date of 1949 and the republication in 1964 seemed obvious in the authors style and tone. I think the book is very informative, and if you are interested in the Plantagenets, it is something you'd enjoy. Just be aware of the "late" start of the book. The actual Conquest is over before this book begins.

Monumental and Magnificent
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-01-09
These are some of the words that come to my mind when describing this work, but I am speaking of the entire 4 volume set - not just The Conquering Family by Mr.Costain who is a blest and gifted authorin my opinion. I first bought the 4 Volumes in paperback and after reading them cover to cover, I bought the hard cover set because I feared I wouldn't be able to get them later - they might go out of print or become more expensive. I have reread all of them 3 times and I would advise anyone interested in World History or an Anglophile to purchase all 4 Books because they are a must for your library. Each volume is thoroughly researched, full of dates, characters, events, battles, but at the same they are an easy read - never boring or drawn out and tiresome - you just want to keep reading and reading to learn more.

Fantastic series
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-30
I am writing here for all four books instead just the Conquering Family. Its easier that way since most people who read the first book will definitely end up reading the rest of the three books.

This series by Thomas Costain have been around for a long time. Its one of the easiest to read written history on ruling family of the Plantagenats who ruled England from Henry II to Richard III. That's nearly 300 years of English history. Costain's story telling skills mixed with great history make this series one of the best set of books in introducing anyone to mediveal English history.

Having said that, it should be warned that Costain's history isn't exactly very scholarly. The author does take few liberties with the facts, even putting in few liners here and there to advanced the story. Even some events which may be more mythological then true, have been told as if they may be true. Costain also have his own bend to certain views and his sympathic views on certain events and personalities may not reflect history's. (The series almost does read like "historical fiction novels" and has been mistaken for such by the uneducated. Especially by those who worked in bookstores.)

But Costains' creative inputs should not distract from the fact the most of what written in his four books proves to be very entertaining and accurate history. Even those who may not care for mediveal history have enjoyed it since I have recommended this series to several friends who regards such subject as one of the most boring subject next to watching dust bunnies grow. By the time they were done with my books, they were ordering their own set.

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Da Jesus Book: Hawaii Pidgin New Testament
Published in Paperback by Wycliffe Bible Translators (2000-07)
Author:
List price: $14.95
New price: $12.79
Used price: $7.38

Average review score:

Da review of da Jesus Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-30
Da Jesus Book is the New Testament in the Hawaiian Pidgin language. It will read like a paraphrase to most English speakers but is actually a true translation (done by the highly respected Wycliffe people).
Hawaiian Pidgin is distinct from typical English in several ways. It seems to use only three verb tenses. Some words are used repeatedly for many different things. The vocabulary is extremely limited.
This is what makes it so very wonderful. The Scripture becomes alive in new ways because of the limited vocabulary. For instance; they have no word for 'peace' so they say 'let your heart rest inside', 'sin' becomes 'da bad kine stuff dey like do jus cuz de peopo', 'verily verily' becomes 'ho!', and 'Messiah' becomes 'da Spesho Guy God Goin Send'.
When I use this translation for public reading, the typical initial response is giggling... but after a paragraph or two, fascination sets in as the truth takes on a childlike quality that connects with warmth and emotion. For me, more often that any other translation, people are moved to tears when they hear it read. Most people do not want it to stop. But some people... uh, well, I guess we must always suffer with some people...
Because of the vocabulary, technical parts of the Bible suffer, but then other parts take on new life. For me, Romans is terrible to read in Da jesus Book, but the Gospels and Acts are wonderful.
If you're trying one out, I might suggest Luke 24:13-35 (road to Emmaus), or Galatians 5:19-24 (deeds of the flesh & fruit of Spirit). But beware, they have words which we do not. And it takes practice to read it well. There is a companion CD that you might purchase to help with pronunciation, inflection, and rhythm.
God Bless,
Thomas S Boswell

DA Jesus Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-10
This is such an excellent translation of the New Testament and just so down to earth. I've never been to Hawaii, but have always dreamed of going. This gave me some insight as to how some of the native Hawaiians think and it was a simpler way to read the New Testament. Great buy!

Not just a novelty
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-21
I fully admit that when I first saw this book on vacation on the
Big Island, I thought "hey, what a cool novelty." I came back and decided to order it. When it arrived and I began reading it, I quickly found out that this is far more than a New Testament "Pidgin' do da max."

I love language, and read different translations of the Bible to get a different perspective. This is, as the authors state, a genuine translation directly from the Greek. You do not have to be Hawaiian or even know pidgen to appreciate this book. It is, probably, closer to the kind of language that a blue collar construction worker from a poor, rural area of the Roman empire would preach in than the lyrical, yet stuffy, King James English. I looked at some things with new eyes (read the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord's Prayer), and this has quickly become my favorite study Bible. I am eagerly anticipating the promised "Befo Jesus Book." All in all, a beautiful translation that turned out to be much more than I had expected.

MORE than just a cute niche....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-24
I first heard of Da Jesus Book at a Men's Night Out sponsored by our church where guest speaker Mike Silva kept quoting it. Since my mom is building her dream house overlooking North Shore, Hawaii I thought she'd get a big kick out of it. Before I gave it to her, I brought it to my men's bible study and the guys passed it around all night - comparing it to New Testament scriptures in our 'regular' bibles. Aside from getting a good laugh from it, we all also noticed that it was actually very accurate, boiling down the scriptures message to it's literal roots before then 'translating' to Pidgin Hawaiian. Once you get used to the Pidgin English being used, you can actually understand it easier than most other bibles since any archaic referrences have been removed. What I also get from it is HEART - the heart of the Hawaiian people, and the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ. It's cute and funny, but it also captures the Spirit of Love perfectly.

The Bible in Pigeon English
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-03
This book is well written, and true to the Bible's word. It cracks me up, just because I'm from Hawaii, and it's written as the locals actually talk. It actually was easier for me to understand than the King James Version. I love it. I would recommend this to anyone who's a local in Hawaii. Otherwise, the words used would be hard to understand if you're not used to talking in this manner. Very good book. It is only the new testament, not the old testament, so don't expect the whole Bible in this book.


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