California Books

I received this book as a gift and I loved it then and still love it now. After seeing the PBS (television) show on this subject I became intrigued and wanted to learn more.
This book does not disappoint. It goes into great detail as to what really happened in 1906 (whether it was reported by the Media or not).

During the 1906 S.F Earthquake (aka: "The 1906 FIRE") the media was influenced by the politicians (& other institutions) , and this book shows what might have truly happened. Well researched.

Ten years ago, I discovered Denial of Disaster and was floored by what I read. This is the definitive historical work on the greatest natural disaster in U.S. History. The research by Gladys Hansen and her team, former Fire Chief Emmett Condon and the superb journalist David Fowler, forever destroys the official lies that have lasted nearly a century. The official death toll is 478: Gladys has proven that more than 3,500 died. The death toll is easily over 6,000. The photographs are superb, the text strong and inviting, the eyewitness accounts are breath taking. Yes, I may be biased: my novel, 1906, is a fictional account of the last, great days of the city of San Francisco as it once was. But my response to this book was immediate and dramatic, long before it inspired me to write my novel. Periodically, I revisit it like an old friend. There is nothing quite like it in the entire book world. It makes history come alive. James Dalessandro

I got this book because it was so highly recommended, after I had finished reading the fiction, 1906. That book gave a lot of information that was new to me, even though I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area, and my father worked in SF. This book is simply incredible. The amount of photographs of all kinds, including panoramic scenes meant for stereotopic viewers that were popular at that time, and postcards that were 'colored' made this book an incredible find. Not only have I been through it several times, but also I brought it back to my father and mother who were in awe of the detail and the photography provided by the author of this book. Her information concerning individuals, concerning the inability of the fire companies to successfully fight any of the fires (water pipes were broken as were roads made inaccessible)...intrigued me and my father who was a civil engineer.

Then my nephew who is studying at a nearby college came and went through the book, as he is studying urban planning. He was very interested in the modern day SF and the author's explanations of why SF is in an even more precarious position should another quake as strong as the 1906 quake happen, due to continued ignoring of the need for quake proof buildings and water lines, breaks between houses, the fact that SF actually has less fire departments now then in 1906 and other major problems.

I love San Francisco as a city and where I grew up, but quite frankly, I would never dream of moving back there, partly because of this book. Yet there are other cities equally at risk over poor urban planning (new Orleans for one), and this book would be a good required reading for those going into urban planning and environmental impact on human populations.

A truly great book...

Karen Sadler

As somewhat of a history buff, this book fascinated me. The photos are simply astounding and easy to get lost in. If you're interested in the real story of the quake, check out the DVD documentary "Disaster by the Bay", also available here. I've seen all the documentaries on this subject and "Disaster" is the best by far.

This book is the must have for anyone interested in this history of San Francisco. As a fifth generation native of the "City" who had reilitives who lived through this natural disaster, I can wholeheartedly say that this is the the quinticental book on the subject. It is filled with never before published pictures of both the distruction and the notiable public figures of the day. and dose a very good job of correcting some of the misinformation attributed to the original official record of the earthquake and fire. Simple a great book.

No two ways about it--I just loved this book. Every story is a gem, but best of all was the last and longest tale, Sing Fat and the Imperial Duchess of Woo. While the previous several stories all enchanted me, Sing Fat was really a tour de force of writing, with exotic characters and language specific to a time period. The words are evocative of powerful emotions and the characters just come right off the page into your reading room.

Steinbeck has mastered the literary genre of the short story, just as have two of his contemporaries, Annie Proulx and Jhumpa Lahiri. With the right screenwriter, the story of Sing Fat could be as successful a movie as Brokeback Mountain, adapted from Proulx's short story, or The Namesake, the movie adapted from Lahiri's brief novel by the same name. It's remarkable how easy it is to visualize Steinbeck's characters as his words and writing are that good. For anyone who likes short stories, or for anyone else for that matter, this is a great selection.

Ballantine isn't a small publishing house, but few would have bothered with a book of short stories.

Down To A Soundless Sea by Thomas Steinbeck, son of the California literary legend, John. A collection of seven (which must be a magic number) short stories, all of which takes place in Big Sur. A limited geography with unlimited stories to tell. Steinbeck is every bit the writer that his father was, and it was better that the son waited until he was absolutely ready before he tossed his fate upon the fickle tastes of the reading public. This book is a gem and like all good things, was worth the wait.

Being a life-long John Steinbeck fan, I began reading this book with the clear objective of "being gracious" and trying not to expect too much, since it might fall short of his father's talents. I was so pleasantly proven wrong! Thomas Steinbeck has NOT had to fall back on his family name to be successful. His writing can stand alone on its own merit. I love this book, and while I have already recommended it to friends and associates, I will not be getting rid of it by passing it on, as I often do. It's a "keeper" and I will read it again. Thomas Steinbeck can clearly turn a phrase, and it appears that he can do so naturally. He clearly possesses acute observational skills, and knows human personalities. His characters are full of life and are fully three-dimensional. One does not walk away from this book wondering "Why was this guy or that girl in the plot?" They all hold intrinsic and valuable places in the whole. Not only are these stories interesting and often entertaining, they hold social redeeming values. Thomas Steinbeck, with one book, has shown serious readers that a new kid is on the block, and is a force to be reckoned with. This book is a must read.

Just finished Thomas Steinbeck's book and did enjoy it very much. The characters are odd and varied and all seem perfectly real....I expect most are based on real people. Most of these stories, for this is a collection of (not too) short stories, are stories that were repeated around the Steinbeck dinner table when Thomas's dad, John, was still alive.
The writing style of some of these stories is quite formal, stiff almost at times, and yet they still seem to work. Although the writing is formalized it does have a beauty to it often, a lyrical quality, great selection of words.
In many ways this writing of the son of Steinbeck does remind me of the writing of the father, and certainly that's a good thing. I live on the Central Coast of California where most of these stories take place, and the history in these episodes is right on the money.
If I had one complaint, it would be the same one I've always had for John Steinbeck's writing too: both authors are perhaps overly fond of the tragic ending...which I find odd. I myself am a writer (Birthday Boy, Happy Hour, Safe Sex in the Garden, Allergy-Free Gardening, etc.) and I don't prentend to been even in the same league as John Steinbeck, but still: Every writer I ever met was first of all, dying to get published; then they were dying to make some good sales, to get good reviews, to make some money, to savor some fame. Few writers quite pull this off, but John Steinbeck did so and then some. He was a smash success at an early age and sold books like mad for most of his adult life. I would think his view of the world would be strongly positive, but the opposite seems to be the case. The red pony dies, the huge pearl ruins everything, the big guy accidentally kills the girl, the funny guy trips on a board and breaks his neck. Thomas Steinbeck gets into this tragedy groove too, certainly in the last story in the book, which is the best one too, the strongest,,,,but not to give away the ending.
I think, bottom line is this: it is a really good book, very interesting and well worth reading. The son writes darn well. Must be in his blood.

I thoroughly enjoyed Thomas Steinbeck's storytelling. Vivid images, superb words, lots of nice surprises. I plan to read several of these stories to my 12 year old son -- who I know will also enjoy. Should be recommended high school reading.

A really fun book. I loved the relationship between T. Lawrence and Madison. Well written and enjoyable. The who stalker stuff was kinda dumb, but a fun, quick read.

This has to be Jennifer Sully's best book to date. It is funny, sexy and the heroine has a thing for her boss who is balding and an accountant. But it doesn't stop there. Madison has a stalker who cleans her apartment and along with the fact that she needs to fall in love before she turns 28 because she thinks she will die because her father did at that age. She has two weeks to find the right man. And when T. Larry, her boss finds out what she has planned, her makes it his goal to watch her like a guard dog as she dates who she thinks may be her perfect man.
T. (We don't find out what the "T" stands for till the very end) calls himself Laurence, but Madison nicknames him Larry. Larry wears glasses and is a no nonsense type of guy. Madison is the complete opposite. She is a bit naïve in her thinking and a tad like "Little Mary Sunshine".
So you can just imagine what happens when Larry starts to fall for his Madison, who happens to also be is secretary.
This is one cute and zany story. Madison is an incredible woman who is genuinely kind and sweet. T. Larry is also a good guy, but just a little too stiff. Hey, he likes numbers! And when these two start to heat up the sheets- WOW very hot!
A much recommended read for anyone who likes sexy comedies with wonderful characters.

Katiebabs

This quirky, off-beam, and very funny romance bears no resemblance whatsoever to the film of the same name.

The heroine is Madison O'Donnell, a feisty, kind-hearted, and mouthwateringly beautiful girl with a strong sense of fun who lives life to the full and is always willing to take the most insane risks. This is partly because she is convinced that she will die soon after her 28th birthday, which as of the start of the book is two weeks away.

Madison could have been the inspiration for the energiser bunny, and an example of her sense of humour is that she usually answers the office phone in the accountancy partnership where she works as a secretary with "Carpal Tunnel Syndrome" instead of Carp, Alta, and Hobbs.

The reason Madison is convinced that she is headed for an early grave in the near future is that her father had an initial stroke in his teens and a fatal one at 28, and having had an initial stroke at age fifteen herself, she is convinced that she is heading down the same path. There is not a shred of medical evidence to support this view.

Madison is determined to experience true love before she dies. Her boss, T Laurence Hobbs, overhears her making a date with a "wrong number" caller and is horrified that she may be risking at best getting hurt and at worst her safety. His fears for Madison's safety are based on rather more than overprotective paternalism; someone is playing very nasty tricks on her, which start with slashing her car tyres and work downhill from there.

However, the novel keeps you guessing almost to the end about who is doing this. Is it Harriet the office harridan, who is threatening to sue Carp, Alta, and Hobbs over alleged sex discrimination? Is it someone connected with a potential client who the senior partner wants to take on and T Laurence Hobbs suspects may be less than squeaky clean? Or is it possible that Richard, the charming and handsome "wrong number" caller who Madison has started to date, may not be what he seems.

T Laurence, whose feelings for Madison are initially paternal, tries to protect her both from herself and from whoever is doing horrible things to her - and finds his feelings are much more complex than he had realised ...

Very funny and quirky - I thoroughly enjoyed this and can strongly recommend it.

Drop Dead Gorgeous
by Jennifer Skully was great find! Madison has been living her life to the fullest - thinking she would die at the age of 28. Her boss T. Larry has been her fantasy and her his but either did anything to push it to the next level until.... some mad man starts slashing her tires, cleaning her apartment and other weird things. Great book - off to read more by this author.

Even with the other great reviews on the book, I was a little skeptical because it seemed too long at 370+ pages. However, the book is so well written, the characters so fun, it was a fast read. The lead characters are quirky, lovable, and sexy. The dialog was great, the minor characters were well drawn and the story lines easy to follow. It had a good balance of sexual heat and humor, and although you'll figure out who is stalking the lead character immediately, you're still interested in trying to figure out the "why". It's hard to find a book that is funny AND sexy AND romantic, but this one succeeds. It is definitely a keeper.

This book was great from the very beginning. It is a story about a young photographer , Edith Ivrine, and her assistant, Daisy Valentine, traveling the world to take pitures an show Ediths prints of yosemite at a convention. Their first stop is in San Fransisco where they were planning to leave straight away to sail to Australia. But isntead they found themselves enduring the overwhemliing tragedy of the San Fransisco earthquake and fire. Edith uses this disaster to record the events happening, with her camera against the will of the police officers. This novel has you feel like you are walking the streets covered in crumbled buildings alongs side these two girls.

This book was exellent. Earthquake at dawn, while maintaining the readers interest through highly interesting events, is quite informative, giving information about the earthquake and a firsthand view of what it was like through the eyes of Daisy Valentine, Edith Irvine(a famous photographer)'s assistant. Daisy and Edith arrive in San Francisco hoping to catch a boat to Australia and travel around the world. Unfortunately, disaster strikes right before they dock, and the women find themselves in the middle of one of the biggest earthquakes in history. With the help of the McGregor and Somers families and their friend, Mary Exa, the women are forced to survive in the city by any means possible. Edith does her best to capture the ruins by photograph, but the mayor threatens to shoot anybody who dares to take pictures. An exciting, informative story, Earthquake at Dawn is the perfect book for anyone who wants to learn about the earthquake, or somebody who just wants something to read.

Earthquake at Dawn is a great book. It is about Edith Irvine, a dedicated photographer, and her 15-year-old assistant Daisy. On their way to Europe, the earthquake hits and they have to stop in San Francisco, which is mostly destroyed and collapsing. After the quake, a great fire erupts and several of the city's houses and buildings they had not already fallen burn to the ground. The two are separated from Edith's father, who was traveling with them, and they become friends with a few other survivors. Meanwhile, the mayor is creating even more trouble. Men and women are threatened to being shot for using toilets or electricity, and dynamite, in an attempt to stop the fire, is being set off. But, Edith documents the trip with her photographs, even though that could mean death if she was caught by the mayor, who doesn't want the rest of the country to know the real disaster that is happening in San Francisco. In this incredibly realistic novel, Kristiana Gregory tells the exciting story, based on a letter written by survivor Mary Exa Atkin Campbell and the real photographs taken by Edith Irvine. I would highly recommend this book.

I really enjoyed the book Earthquake at Dawn. It's about the 1906 San Fransisco earthquake/fire that happened at dawn (hence the name Earthquake at Dawn). Even though it is historical fiction, it had a lot of true things that made it incredibly believable. Kristina Gregory definitely made the story good by adding some subplots that kept your interest. The subplots were real things too, like Edith and Daisy getting separated from their father, and Molly dying of lack of healthcare. This was a really good, captivating book which I think many people will cherish for years to come.

Kristiana Gregory really brings out Edith Irvine as a devoted photographer. Even in the midst of all the turmoil, she snaps 60 photos, possibly more! In this true-to-life novel, the famous San Francisco earthquake takes place, however, the quake is not the worst that happens! The fire that the quake created was. It lasted three days and killed an estimated five to ten thousand people. The mayor exploded dynamite to try to get rid of the fire, but the dynamite only created more. This novel also illustrates the annoying floor length dresses that the ladies of 1906 had to wear and the automobiles of Daisy's time. In some books earthquakes are made up just for entertainment. Not this one! This earthquake was real. The first shock was on April 18, 1906 and was recorded at 5:12:05 a.m. and it lasted for 45 seconds. There were 27 earthquakes that were actually recorded that day. Mary Exa Atkins Campbell told the earthquake's story.

I suffer from CFS and I find this book has helped me quite a lot. It's clearly and well written, gatherig all the main facts about this complex illness.

If I could write a book about CFIDS/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, this is the book I would want to have written. It captures the feeling of what it's like to live with CFIDS/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome better than any book I've read (and I've read a lot of books about CFIDS). The author, Dorothy Wall, manages to move seamlessly between the personal and the larger political and medical issues of this debilitating chronic illness.

Wall grapples with many of the questions and issues I've thought about or have been forced to deal with, and which I'm sure many people with CFIDS will relate to. The role reversal of being better informed about CFIDS than the doctors you consult. The effect on your identity when your professional life is interrupted. Dealing with the expectations and advise of well-meaning friends and family. The way CFIDS forces you to reexamine the ethic of pushing yourself to exceed your boundaries and limitations. The desire to "pass" as a healthy person, if only briefly. The difference between accepting the realities of CFIDS and capitulating to them. The strain it puts on your closest relationships with spouse and family members when they are forced to become caregivers. The unexpected small joys and benefits that a constricted, slowed-down life can bring, like an appreciation of the beauty of a flower unfolding. The questions about what CFIDS and related illnesses may portend for our society.

Dorothy Wall's background as an editor and writer show through, in the way the writing is at once spare and lyrical. She can be poetic without being flowery. The simplicity of the writing allowed her meaning to penetrate my CFIDS brain fog, so that I didn't have to read the book in five minute increments.

Let me mention what this book ISN'T. It isn't a how-to guide for living with chronic fatigue syndrome, or a textbook for "CFS 101." It doesn't include a laundry list of symptoms, suggestions for treatment, or a list of theories about the cause. In many ways, it contains more questions than answers. It does give a general overview and background, and the afterward by Dr. Nancy Klimas is a good summary of the biology of CFIDS and an overview of current research.

This is a book that I want to press into the hands of family and friends, and say "Read this! This is what it's like." I would urge anyone who either has this disease or knows someone who has it, to read this book. I'm seriously thinking about buying a second copy to give to my doctor.

I was diagnosed with post-viral CFS in 1988. This book is an excellent description of living with CFS except for one thing: 3/4 of marriages affected by chronic illness break up, which means that most of us don't have the live-in support system she had.

Some disbelieving doctors like to attribute CFS to "secondary gain" or enablers who allow the patient to "enjoy the sick role". Unfortunately, for many CFS patients, there's no enabler and the only thing you gain is the stress of trying to make ends meet with no income.

Wall tells of having someone run her bath, gently wash her, dress her, and help her back to bed. That's a luxury most of us don't enjoy. If I'm not well enough to cook, I don't get dinner; if I cannot safely get in and out of the tub by myself, I don't bathe (on a cold winter day when I needed a bath to warm up, I got stuck in the tub for over an hour because I lacked the strength to boost myself up and out, and there was no one to call for help).

Wall's live-in support structure allowed her to do what those of us who live alone can't: use all her energy to write a book to explain to the rest of the world what it's like to be trapped in a body and brain that don't function.

I recommend this not only to patients, but to their friends and family as one of the best patient-written books I've read.

I found this to be an excellent book on CFIDS. I too suffer from it and feel sometimes I am the only one in my corner of the world that has it. It is helpful to read about someone else who has the same symptoms so I realize I am not " losing it" and it is real. The author also provides comphrensive data relating to medical, historical, and social aspects of this troubling illness. I would highly suggest this to people who have CFIDS and those who want to learn more about it. It is a a very readable book that is packed with information and is not boring or dry.

I have suffered from CFS since the late 70's although I was able to "push" through the majority of those years. I am now back in an accute phase and found Dorothy Wall's book fascinating , beautifully written and helpful. It helped make my illness real for me since I have never "looked" ill and have learned to doubt that what I have is real. I found it a story of the truth, which was most refreshing and inspiring.

This book has provided so many wonderful adventures and opportunities for our family! We have been able to take our kids to amazing, educational, fun and sometimes unheard-of places here in SoCal. And, the information Susan Peterson gives about each place is so valuable: prices, deals, appropriate ages, which season is best for them, and even little known facts or insights that will help you enjoy it more. We were thrilled to find this book, and always recommend it to friends, and loan it to visiting relatives and friends.

I plan activities for our MOPS group, and this book is all I will ever need! It is so well-organized and thorough. After meeting the author, I know she was not "bought" by any of these places and means every word she says. A great gift!

This is the most impressive book of this type I have ever seen. The comprehesiveness (almost 800 pages) and organization are unparalleled. It lists locations by county that are indexed by city. Each county is divided by general themes like MUSEUMS and THE GREAT OUTDOORS that are then indexed into more specific categories like military, mission, music, etc ) It even contains a calendar at the end, which lists all the annual special events that take place each year. This really is the work of a genius. As a parent, teacher, and daytripper, I will probably open this book as frequently as any in the next several years. It makes me feel even more excited about my future with two very young children! Thank you Susan Peterson!!!

I never realized how many kid-friendly places there are in SoCal! Peterson's entries give valuable information on the location, age range, price, time spent, and highlights of each place, as well as her insightful personal opinions. The entries are enjoyable to read and informative. She covers well-known places and places I've never heard of, as well as gives tips for a fun-filled outing. A great book for moms or anyone who wants to go on an enjoyable outing with kids. Never spend a dull day at home again!

This book is amazing. The lady who wrote it must have been such an adventurer! She took her kids all over the place! You can tell that she really went to the places because she describes the best things to do there and she's always correct! I have found so many wonderful new places thanks to this book. I've been to about 50 of the places recommended and I plan to go to more. The best thing about the book is that it leads you to unknown parks and beach areas and museums that are free. It's not just a touristy book promoting all the expensive glitzy things to do in each city. Instead you find wonderful "real" places that families from the area know are the loveliest spots.

From the Orange County Register
July 7, 2006

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

When I was growing up I lived for the movies. I devoured Photoplay magazine from cover to cover and daydreamed I would meet my idols like Rock Hudson and Tab Hunter. Well, Rock is long gone, but who knew that decades later I'd be eye to eye with Tab still gorgeous after all these years.

I attended the LA Times Festival of Books at UCLA in April mainly for the food demonstrations at the cooking stage, but it's a huge venue, and just about everyone hawking a new book was there, including Tab, signing his memoir for adoring fans.

Back at the cooking stage, Akasha Richmond, private chef and caterer to the stars, was dishing some Hollywood trivia herself as she demonstrated recipes from her new cookbook, "Hollywood Dish," a collection of 150 health-filled recipes interspersed with fascinating tidbits and Hollywood gossip.

Richmond's client list includes such A-list luminaries as Michael Jackson, Carrie Fisher, Al Pacino, Pierce Brosnan and Richard Gere. When Billy Bob Thornton wanted a wheat-free, dairy-free Thanksgiving dinner, he called Richmond, who began her career in the late seventies as chef of the Golden Temple, one of LA's first vegetarian restaurants. When celebrities started clamoring for her healthy menus, she began catering Hollywood parties and became personal chef to Barbra Streisand among others, later moving on to cook for the MTV awards shows, Sundance Film Festival and the Grammies.

Richmond is passionate about using healthy and organic ingredients to produce such tempting dishes as Thai Chicken and Daikon Curry, Almond Eggplant Balls, even her spectacular Sundance Chocolate Torte, her "wheat-free, soy-enhanced version" of Alice Medrich's Chocolate Walnut Torte. "I'm allergic to dairy, so I use soy milk in everything," she revealed. "The only thing I can't do with it is flan." The book does, however, offer a Honey-Goat's Milk Flan from famed spa, Rancho La Puerta, which began, she reports, as a $17.50-per-week retreat where guests brought their own tents and helped with the cooking, going on to become the exclusive getaway it is today.

"Hollywood Dish" is so much more than a collection of recipes. Richmond chronicles the history of healthful eating in America, interweaving stories of old Hollywood and the food preferences of stars from Gloria Swanson (she carried avocadoes in her handbag) to Woody Harrelson (a raw-food proponent) to Rudy Vallee, whose penchant for frozen strawberry daiquiris helped put the Waring blender on the map.

Hollywood embraced healthy eating, and the nation soon followed, Richmond noted. "At the turn of the century Germans from the communes, who were into eating healthy foods, came to California for the cheap land, abundant fruit and sunshine," she said. "They started teaching here and opened juice bars in the movie studios. The movie business came to Hollywood at the same time the health food business did."

One of Richmond's favorite appetizers is adapted from the pimento cheese sandwiches Billy Bob Thornton whipped up one year for the kitchen crew when Richmond was catering his Christmas party. She likes to cut them in quarters and serve them with a cream of tomato dip. "I made these for Frank Zapper's wedding," she said. "Everywhere I go I make these sandwiches. They're the friendliest little sandwiches I've ever seen."

PIMENTO CHEESE BITES
From "Hollywood Dish" (Avery) by Akasha Richmond

1 cup grated soy cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice
2 tablespoons vegan or light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped green onion
1/4 cup diced pimentos, drained
1 tablespoon chopped green olives
1/8 teaspoon kosher salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce
6 slices spelt, whole wheat or sourdough bread
Canola cooking spray
1 tablespoon nonhydrogenated soy spread or olive oil

Mix cheese, mayonnaise, green onion, pimento, olives, salt, pepper and red pepper sauce in a small bowl. Divide equally among 3 slices bread and top with remaining bread slices. Heat 10- or 12-inch nonstick sauté pan over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray. Add soy spread. Brown on both sides, adding more spray or soy spread as you go along. Cut into quarters and serve.

I was very pleased with how this book flowed. There are great stories of old and new hollywood and the recipes are easy to follow, and there is not one that I have not enjoyed. If I had to pick which recipe I loved the most it would have to be the CINNAMON-RAISIN BREAD, it is just outstanding and no one in your family would be the wiser that they actually are eating healthy. A must buy for anyone!!!

Years ago Akasha Richmond won my heart with The Art Of Tofu. This time she has taken me to a whole new level. Hollywood Dish is a gem. The recipes are inventive yet easy and fun to make. The Vegan Carrot Cake tastes better than the real thing, the Kombucha Squash soup, warm and soothing and the historical stories and anecdotes are so much fun. This is the perfect gift for any foodie or novice alike.
Hats off to Akasha. Hollywood Dish is the real thing.

I loved this book! You don't even need to cook to enjoy it -- the stories and sidebars are a delightful read just by themselves. And if you do cook -- WOW! the recipes are different without being strange, with interesting twists on some standards, and some great new ideas, and all of them are healthy and yet sound utterly delicious. I've already done a dozen or so recipes, and every one was a huge hit. I have a lot of cookbooks, but this one instantly became one of my favorites. DOn't miss it!

Delicious, for the most part, but healthy? How does a book that purports to be healthy provide zero nutritional information (i.e., actual nutrient counts)? We're given none at all, so we're simply supposed to trust Ms. Richmond, but I would have far preferred nutritional information to the endless(!) celebrity name dropping.

Nine for California, by Sonia Levitin, is a book about the West. The characters are Mama, Amanda, and Pa. The setting is in St. Joseph, Missouri. Mama got a letter from Pa saying, "Come to California, My dears. I am lonely without you. What good is gold. Without my family?" Mama decides that she will come to California. It only takes twenty-one days. The sack has everything they have to meet their needs. When they left, every one waved goodbye. Nine also came too. They are Mr. Hooper, Cowboy Charlie, Plump Miss Camilla, Baby Betsy, Billy, Joe Ted, Mama and Amanda.

Lots of things happen on their trip. Three Pawnee Indians are really hungry. But they have no food to feed the Pawnee Indians. But Amanda has an idea. She got corn pone for the Indians and they smiled. Another thing is the storm. Another thing is Bison and Outlaws. Thousands of Bison came and Amanda smelled the bison's scent. Amanda tossed the pepper and the bison sneezed. The Outlaws said next, "Give us your gold, your jewels and your silver." However, Cowboy Charlie tied the two Outlaws to a tree. Amanda and the passengers arrived at California. The driver shouted, Californ-y! Then the passengers excluding Baby Betsy shouted it again. They headed for their new home.

This book is about helping each other in the Wild West. The proof is, "Cowboy Charlie tied the outlaws to a tree." Another one is, "Everyone heaved and pushed until the coach is unstuck." The last one is, "Mama pointed to the sack to get corn pone to feed the Indians. They shared and got enough for everyone." They are helping because in proof 1, they don't want them to steal their things. In proof 2, they don't want the coach to be destroyed. In proof 3, the Pawnee Indians are VERY hungry. This book reminds me of doing chores and to help ALL the time. The corn pone feeding is proof 1, they tie the outlaws and in proof 3, there was a storm.

By Anthony

Hi, everybody! Do you know why you should read this book? Because it is a whole lot of fun to read and exciting things happen. Mama packs her bags and takes her kids with her to California to meet Papa. The first thing that happens is the baby got sick. Then the buffalo come. Mama says, "Amanda, get the pepper out of my sack and give some to everyone but Baby Betsy!" Then some men come and tried to rob them, but Amanda played her brother's whistle and they went away. I give this story 5 stars!

You should read this book! It's really, really funny especially the Mama. If I had to eat prunes for dessert, I would throw up! But, anyways you should read this book. My favorite problem was the buffalo stampede.

This book was so fun to read. It has action in it. The words were so funny. I liked when baby Betsy threw up! Amanda is a very brave girl - you'll have to read it to find out why. Mama had a big bag for the things they need. They were going to California from Missouri. When they got there, Daddy asked Mama what happened. You'll have to read it to find out.

Stagecoaches were used most from about 1850 to 1890. This simple and amusing story with fun illustrations about a family's stagecoach ride is probably best geared for young elementary. This book would only take minutes to read to any age group, but could introduce more sophisticated math and social studies discussion about population.

First there was the Thomas Guide, then the book on shortcuts and now finally LOS ANGELES FIRST CLASS. I have been working in the entertainment indusrty for ten years and this is the answers to hundreds of questions that I needed to answer and FAST. From jets to pets, every chapter of this book is filled with useful information and the companies included are people who are going to get things right the first time. My only fear is that my boss gets her hands on it, it's user-friendly layout makes it too easy.

This is a wonderful compilation of shops and services that celebrities have patronized. Ms. Elias has done a wonderful job putting together her career experience with Hollywood stars by divulging their little secrets on where they shop for toys, where they dine, where and who does their hair and other goods and services that they take advantage of.

You'd be surprised at some of the places they go. You may just run into these stars buying Barbies or getting a bikini wax next to you. Can you imagine a hairstylist using the same pair of scissors that were used on Bette Midler to cut your own hair? Or Bette Midler's mermaid tail brushing up against your dinner jacket at the dry cleaners?

Even if you don't use the book for needed services, it's a fun peek into the lives of your favorite celebrities. Buy this book!

This book is a fabulous, time-saving resource for all Angelinos. Worth the read for usefulness and great entertainment! Highly recommend.

Although I can only afford to use this resource occasionally,
I have many friends who are already turning to this conscise, well written reference book on a frequent basis.
Bravo Ms. Elias!

I've worked as a personal assistant for over 15 years and this book contains exactly the information that has taken me 15 years to compile AND MORE! Anyone who works for people who expect the best should buy this book and impress their boss by having all the best resources! This will save any assistant years of research and the added benefit of the peace of mind in knowing that everyone listed in this book are competent of delivering on their promise.

Paula McLain's Like Family is a riveting story of three girls' lives as they move from one house to another in the Fresno, California foster care system. Many altering factors lead to the girls' entry in the foster system, including the imprisonment of their father, the abandonment by their mom, and the incapability of their grandma to take care of them for long. The girls deal with many different obstacles in their foster homes including strict rules, sexual exploitation, and deprivation of water! The life-altering events are written in extremely descriptive and graphic detail that capture the reader's attention and don't let go. I'm not normally a reader of non-fiction novels; I generally find more interest in fiction books. However, as soon as I opened this book to the first page, I discovered that even non-fiction books could be entertaining and enjoyable. I couldn't put the book down, from start to finish. It was a dramatic, funny, emotional book that I would recommend to any girl or woman (Guys wouldn't like it much, I'm sure!).

Paula McLain's account of her childhood is compelling reading. I am deeply concerned with the dismal state of the foster care system and the impact of it on our community's children. I have also been a foster parent. Ms. McLain's writing is powerful and personal, a beautiful and touching memoir allowing the rest of us to experience the abysmal consequences of parenting taken too lightly (by biological parents or misguided fosters or officials entrusted with responsibility). The reader does not have to have a specific interest in this topic to be moved and gain value and insight. Ms. McLain takes full responsibility as an adult to have her own life work, even with the vestiges of her childhood forever present. No whining here, which makes it all the more powerful. A quick read, highly recommended.

Paula McLain's book is excellent. It deals with an extremely tough subject in an honest, heart-wrenching, sometimes funny, but never "feel sorry for me" manner. It was well worth every second I spent reading it.

What sad, sad childhoods the three sisters in Like Family had. This compelling tale may break your heart or inspire you to become a GOOD foster parent; what it won't do is leave you unmoved. Read this beautifully written book and weep.

Poet Paula McLain's memoir of growing up among foster families because of her ex-con unreliable father, and a mother who took off for the movies for sixteen years, is an American tragedy with a bittersweet ending.

McLain's characters, the people she meets during her harrowing journey through a foster-care system increasingly gone mad, are both abusive and pitiable, criminally unfit to be their own children's parents, and yet as adrift as Paula and her two sisters, Penny and Teresa. McLain's prose is a long-overdue love letter to her wry, spunky, strong personality, the children and families rebelliously proud of their differences in mainstream America, the love coming from real parenting such as McLain's father's ex-wife Donna, McLain's churchgoing Granny, and the kindly Fredericksons, a foster family for the McLain girls, the forgotten Americana of the 1960's and 1970's, the heartbreak of teenage girls looking for love in sexual embraces, and most of all, the unbreakable bond between McLain and her sisters, Penny and Teresa, who are as fascinating as she is.

Even McLain's absent mother, who returns miraculously out of the blue, as often happens in real life, gets sympathetic treatment. A brilliant, complex memoir.