Journals Books

She's Just Another Navy Pilot: An Aviator's Sea Journal is absolutely one of the most authentic and personal accounts of what its really like to wear Navy wings of gold. Reading this book, you'll be there when she's about to land on a pitching deck... It's an absolute page turner. You'll love it.

This was a great book! Open, honest and to the point. There is no sugar coating here, just straight simple truthful writing. I recomend it to anybody who wants a dose of reality about trans-gender issues in a hostile environment.

I was recommended this book when I shared with a friend my interest in the Air Force and Army. I never read much, but this got my attention. Her discription of life at sea, and all the little things she had to deal with, that civilains never think about on land. The author made it easy to understand her emotions, and her life style. It was an excellent resource to how woman were integrated into the Navy, and how difficult it was. It was facts, and also her opinions as she lived through it. I loved it!

Before reading "She's Just Another Navy Pilot", I knew about the author from Jean Zimmerman's "Tailspin: Women at War in the Wake of Tailhook". I had seen her letters of rebuttal to reactionary editorial in the San Diego Union Tribune, and to unfavorably slanted articles in Newsweek. I knew her name as a successful Naval aviator and very credible advocate of women in her profession. When I received her book from Amazon, I opened it immediately, and did not put it down until I had finished it. What a fascinating autobiography of a most extraordinary person! Loree Draude Hirschman was one of the US Navy's first female fighter-pilots to transfer to fleet combat operations. She describes the early opposition to women in the jet-jock community and the sometimes open hostility she encountered. She details her first deployment, in which female aviators were isolated and ostracized. By the end of that cruise, one had been killed, another grounded for poor performance, and another had turned in her wings. But with perseverence and dignity, the majority of the sixteen women in the pioneer group had succeeded. By her second deployment, female aviators had already begun to find acceptance -- especially after one new F/A-18 pilot won the "Top Nugget Award" for best score in qualifications. (Loree herself earned placement in the Top Ten.) I hope this book will be read by opponants of female aviators. The author exposes the distortion of fact they have presented to the public. Yet she is refreshingly frank about problems which still exist in the gender-integrated Navy. I hope her book will be read by aspiring pilots in search of a role model. Her descriptions of flying and the flight deck are vivid, and make the reader feel right there with her. And her pride in her Naval service is inspiring, even though she relates her accomplishments with modesty.

While books like Jarhead become best-sellers, this
well-written account of a female navy pilot has remained
hidden from the mass market. And that's our loss.

Loree Draude Hirschman, daughter of a Marine general,
joined the aircraft carrier Lincoln as an S-3 pilot, and thereby made history. That year the Lincoln was the first West Coast based ship to depart with an integrated male-female crew. Hirschman flew jets off the deck of the carrier and brought them back -- a test of skill and professionalism. And she describes, in detail, life aboard a carrier, where the frustrations come more from living under a microscope than from battling with the enemy.

She probably pays more attention to details a woman would notice -- and enjoy reading about. For example, pilots work crazy hours, yet the mess officer was adamant that no cereal would be distributed after 10:30 AM! Four women in a cramped stateroom have to work to get along, especially when one brings her "boyfriend" home, in defiance of the rules.

Hirschman was ideally suited for her role. She knew how to be one of the boys and she genuinely enjoyed navy life. She has moments of doubt and despair, but overall she cares about her crew and manages to make a tough situation seem easy. I suspect she left only when her husband became medically disqualified; otherwise she'd probably be on her way too becoming an Admiral.

This guy really did a nice job for teens who want to relate to the Bible, their characters, and making it real for them in a crazy world. Topnotch stuff for parents who care about their kids getting more exposure to the Bible.

Although Teen People of the Bible is geared toward the Christian teen, I feel that will be of interest to any generation It is broken down into 100 short devotionals that are very enlightening. These devotionals help us to remember that the "saints" were people just like us, with their strengths and weaknesses. They show the reader that God loves them with all their faults and that He has a plan for their lives. It will encourage them to become all God intends them to be.

I am just finishing Dan Darling's book "Teen People of the Bible." I couldn't recommend it more. It is separated into 100 stories which can be used as daily devotional/studies/workshops. All churches should make this book available to their youth. To me every devotional seems truly inspired making it applicable to any age group. I think it should be a must read for any student from grade school through college and their parents.

To quote a great pastor and a great writer "my 2 cents!"

Bill Hoidas

Teen People of the Bible: Celebrity Profiles of Real Faith and Tragic Failure is an eye-opening biblical study guide especially for young adults, focusing on the stories of teens confronted with incredible situations. From Leah and Rachel's conflict over the love of a man, to Solomon who allowed himself to be led astray, to Josiah who refuted his family's harmful choices and led his country back to God, Teen People of the Bible reminds the reader that one's age does not prevent one from making a positive difference - or causing great harm. Divided into one hundred entries, each with a brief reference to a biblical passage retold in contemporary language, a "just like you" passage discussing modern-day issues from internet predators , a daily prayer, and a journal question with blank lines for the reader to write down his or her response. One of the suggested prayers is "God, help me to make a difference in my family, my school, my church, and my community. I'm only one person, but I know You can empower me to do things that seem impossible." An excellent, faith-reaffirming resource for young Christians.

Teens need meat, not fluff. That's Dan Darling's premise in his devotions in Teen People of the Bible. His devotionals have real substance giving teens hope that God can use them right now and they don't have to wait to serve with their whole hearts. This devo would be great for youth groups or for any teen in your life. You will enjoy learning about the teens in the Bible when you read this book. Bravo!

It was refreshing to read a book about twins that wasn't all research and statistics. This book tells a short story about the lives of twins that are either famous or have accomplished something extraordinary or stick out in some other way. Notables are Muhammad Ali's twin daughter, the Hennessy's, Tamera and Tia (Sister Sister show), Mario Andretti and his twin Aldo and Jane Seymour's twin boys. Also the story of the Jim Twins (in every book about twins) and the famous Hensel conjoined twins.

Very interesting reading, and I agree it's a good coffee table book. I do think they should have more boy-girl and other fraternal twins sets represented though.

Not only do the "twin authors" provide a first-hand glimpse into the world of "being a twin"...but through the plethora of inspiring interviews with "real-life" twins, they gave me the "real-life" gift of stopping to think of "being human!"

This book truly touched my heart. I am a twin and felt that it honestly portrayed the many complex and deep emotions and issues that twins experience. I can't wait to share this book with my twin and family! And there are so many amazing people in the book. I didn't realize Muhammad Ali and Jane Seymour had twins. And how different each relationship can be, yet also have such commonalities. I absolutely love this book and find myself opening it up often to read an essay and look at the beautiful photos.

I liked this book enough. I was disappointed that it focused so much on identical twins and same-sex twins. (My twins are boy/girl...there is only one vignette in the book.) I haven't found myself reading it over and over. The pictures are lovely and the stories are fine. I give it a B or maybe B+.

Not only do the "twin authors" provide a first-hand glimpse into the world of "being a twin"...but through the plethora of inspiring interviews with "real-life" twins, they gave me the "real-life" gift of stopping to think of "being human!"

Universal Cards: Angelically Inspired

The Universal Cards are SIMPLE to use but PROFOUND to experience. I have used them for years. Whenever I really need some additional insight or thoughts to consider surrounding life situations, I simply think of the issue and choose a card, or cards. The book really helps because often it offers thoughts that I might have never considered, yet are right on for the situation. Truly Angel Inspired Wisdom is all I can say!!!

Now they also have a deluxe version too - Available at angelgifts.com with a beautiful angel holder for the cards.

EASY, DIRECT, & PROFOUND - LEADS YOU TO FIND YOUR OWN TRUTH...

I am a business person and I even choose a card for insights before interviewing future employees. Over the years I have found they they have been right on... In the past, even when I could not see it and discounted the message that was given - Situations eventually validated that I should have paid attention to the initial message I was given. Makes you know that there is more to life than what meets the eyes!

I bought these cards years ago when there were only 80 in the deck. when I bought my cards they were just pieces of paper that I had to cover with plastic to even use. don't get me wrong I loved the cards and their messages. they must be out of print now because they are so expensive. I didn't pay but about 19.95 if that for the ones I got so I was really disappointed that they were just paper. they were sealed so I couldn't tell. I highly recommend the Angel of light cards by Diana Cooper I got some of them recently and the are good cards. and the meaning of the card is printed right on it. you don't have to look it up

I bought my first set in 1994 and use it often. I love them. It is often helpful and profound in a very positive manner. As of July 2007 you can buy a very nice boxed set with book, cards and box to hold both at AngelGifts and save money.

I'm a professional psychic, tarot reader, astrologer - these cards are among the best divination tools I've come across. I use them whenever I feel "down" - they never fail to pick me up, to inspire, to nudge me forward on my path. They are unfailingly right-on, answering every single question with a profound wisdom. I'm a writer, too, and whoever wrote these is a literate, clear-thinker and communicator. I recommend them highly to all who seek guidance.

These are my favorite cards. I just bought a new set from AngelStar because my original set is in such bad shape from many years of use. I love the wisdom and inspiration that they impart. There are many ways to use the cards, pages 20 through 25 includes many different ideas. Page 26 and 27 contains a fabulous meditation that I used for so many years that I now have it memorized. I customized it for me and then I taped myself so I could "listen" to it at bedtime. It really helped me connect with Spirit. The way I like to use the cards is to hold the deck and focus on my question, then I will pick up the deck with my right hand and allow the cards to sift into my left hand until a card "pops" out. It works every time! I then "look up" the card in the book. This inspiring set never fails to move me. Many, many thanks to the authors for this wonderful treasure!

Great Baby book, thinking about getting one for my 2nd child as well. Truly had never considered it a puppy book, and not a human baby book. Who knew!

There's just something to be said for Wegman's puppy images being juztaposed with images of your own baby. This is my favorite baby book I've seen out there and I really shopped around. I didn't want a "traditional" baby book, but I did want to add in all of the usual information somewhere. Wegman's Baby Book let me do all of that, provided me with a super cute height ruler that I can use for longer than a year and all with pictures of shiny, silver weimeraners. So adorable. And, the cover is really soft as a bonus.

The best thing about this baby book are the ADORABLE photos of puppies in it. It also has pages for everything: family tree, lock of hair, growth chart, ultrasound photo, first birthday, etc. etc. I looked around for the perfect baby book and this one is it. I have bought 3 more copies since for friends who have had babies.
This is just the BEST baby book I've seen!

This is the cutest baby book I've seen. I hate the cheesy ones you see in the store. Perfect size for what I wanted.

I just bought this book as a gift for my cousin who is pregnant. It is absolutely adorable. If you like animals or are familiar with Wegman's work, it is just precious. I think it is a perfect gift for anyone expecting. There are the traditional baby book things--foot prints, family tree, firsts, etc. accompanied by terrific pictures. I would really recommend this to anyone--and the cover is this wonderfully soft velvet that makes it all the more lovable!

Not only is this book excellent reading it is so funny. The writer is so true to form. Sherry W. Boone deserves a standing ovation. I have the cassette and laughed from beginning to end. Hope those who bought either or..enjoyed as much as I did.

One word......PERFECT.....
and to Sherry Boone, thanks
so much, write more!!

A bloomin bouquet letters from myrtle is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. I love all myrtle's letters. The book makes you feel like you are visiting with your best friend. I looking forward to more in the future.
Vivian Greene
Deep Gap, NC

"A Bloomin' Bouquet: Letters from Myrtle" is one of the most uplifting books I have ever read. You need to read each and every letter. Some are funny and some tug at your heart strings. Sherry Boone has such an insight when it comes to people and it really shows in her "Letters from Myrtle." I highly recommend this book to everyone.

This book makes you feel like you are visiting with your best friend. You want the letters to go on and on. I look forward to more in the future.

I have to admit that at the beginning I was not engrossed (it seemed like an astute editor could have improved it...), but by the end, the story had me wrapped up and I wanted to find out what would happen next!

This was a fun book to read that showed some nice original ideas, something not often seen anymore. I believe that it is a pleasant read for children as well as adults! I look forward to following the continued adventures of Katie in the future!

Dreamscraps is an engrossing and original story set in a modern fantasy world not unlike that of Harry Potter. Though this book was ORIGINALY geared towards a female audience, I found it impossible to put down. I am a 15 year old boy, but I still would recommend this book to teens of both genders, preferably older than 13. This is an excellent modern fantasy that will without a doubt have several sequels.

As with many teenagers, our heroine Katie starts off as a somewhat lost soul. Timid, nearly friendless and feeling unloved, she retreats into books, imagining herself as part of the stories. After a seemingly chance encounter with a strange old man leaves her with a glimpse into an alternate magical world, she is soon embracing her destiny as a leader in a classic struggle of good vs. evil. The rapid fire pace of DreamScraps drew me in before I was aware of it; its cyclonic ending leaving me on the edge of my seat and with a lot of unanswered questions to ponder. I impatiently await the next installment of this "journal," but I can already imagine that there is so much to this fantastical world that the next book will only scratch the surface. Fans of the Golden Compass or a Wrinkle in Time will love this book.

The existence of magic is something most dismiss as nonsense, but a few still believe. "Dreamscraps: A Ma?ic Journal" tells of a teenager who starts to believe it still exists as she draws sketches in her Dreamscraps Journal. The reality around her begins to bend, and drags her off to other worlds entirely, where she encounters new friends. There are those who would oppose this supposed magic and seal her off from the other world - but will she stand by and be cut off forever from her old friends? "Dreamscraps: A Ma?ic Journal" is an easy to read chapter book perfect for young readers. Highly recommended.

Emerson's works require repetitous reading and re-reading. Anyone that says you can "get it" from a single read doesn't understand the man or the truths he reveals about life and the universe. To call Emerson a transcendentalist is a cliche and the one calling him this doesn't understand that Emerson was about the here and now.

His best works for a truth seeker are Self-Reliance, Compensation and the Over-Soul. I suggest reading Compensation at least every night for three weeks. The world changes once you do.

To put Emerson in the same category as literary writers like those other reviewers have done is an injustice. He definitely deserves reading and he is an American writer, but he's more akin to Lao Tse than any American poet or novelist. They have a moment or two, Emerson is constant.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was a transcendentalist (someone who espouses a philosophy emphasizing the intuitive and spiritual above the empirical), and a Christian minister, who was also steeped in the rich philosophical tradition of the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the Bhagavad-Gita. His essays are classic literature at its finest, with a rhythm and cadence that are, even in prose, poetic and musical. The beauty of this prose, in my opinion, is unparalleled.

What Emerson has to say is every bit as important as how he says it. He was a genius with "rough edges" who challenged society to question many of its unexamined assumptions. He did get into trouble for this, and was forced to resign as minister of his church, but Emerson refused to compromise on truth. A rugged individualism and stalwart non-conformity were the cornerstones of his personal philosophy. Emerson was well ahead of his time (1803-1882) and remains so to this day.

Emerson was a far more prominent voice in America than many people today might realize. If you decide to read Emerson, you may very well find yourself repeatedly saying, "so that's who said that." Many profound and moving quotes are attributed to him. His essays, "The Over-Soul" and "Self-Reliance" are justifiably considered among some of the best writing by an American author.

Emerson's voice will certainly not be to everyone's liking, and that is as true today as it was in his time. Because of the style of his prose and the nature of what he wrote about, there will be many who read him and who simply put him aside. On the other hand, don't be surprised if reading Emerson sends shock waves through your central nervous system. For those who really get hooked on Emerson, as I did 32 years ago, he will remain a lifetime companion offering a wealth of insight into the eternal verities of the soul and man's quest for the divine. For my money, there is no finer essayist or "philosopher" than Ralph Waldo Emerson.

I can hundred percent sure Emerson's essays will be venerable as Shakespare's works someday,he changed my predujice of English,which I thought English has no quality as French or Russian,those had depth of thinking that English cannot instead of.Now I recently contacted Emerson's poetics ,also fall in love with those lyric prose,they really touched my heart,those are not kind of verbose,oppositely with philosophy of his unique stance.Nothing can prove its well inspirations,except read it.So,just start your reading right now.

If I could create my ideal afterlife or heaven, I would wish to be forever cradled in the gentle arms and soothing prose of Emerson. Who needs prozac or any psychiatry for that matter when we have access to such beautiful writing?

Although he was considered during his lifetime to be a profoundly radical thinker, Emerson, the Transcendentalist chief, after his death, was soon reinterpreted as a bland Bostonian Brahmin, a mystic anarchist who was only brave on paper. It cannot be denied that his philosophy of a joyful and affirmationist acceptance of life, and of nature, his anti-slavery activities, his attacks on the state and on the sensualism of bourgeois society, could have easily provided the formula for a complete overthrow of the moral order of his time. His libertarian thrust, his serene integrity, his indefatiguable optimism and common sense, however, will continue to find admirers, notwithstanding the fact that political identifications have changed and emphases have shifted, or otherwise one can simply enjoy the polished beauty of his prose style. Though by no means a deep thinker, Emerson's brilliantly epigrammatic, allusive, declamatory, pithy style provides instances where the reader may extrapolate a number of meanings from even the shortest utterances, and it is due to this quality, perhaps, that the Emerson enigma came into being, enabling him to appeal to such numerous and diverse temperaments. His best essays include "The Over-Soul", "Compensation", "Self-Reliance" and "Manners", in which he preaches, in the rhetorical manner reminiscent of his background as a Unitarian minister, his ideals of contenment, joy, independence and self-confidence -- tonics of the soul.

The Civil War Journal of William Ray, Company F, Seventh Wisconsin Volunteers. William Ray was a enlisted man of the Famed Iron Brigade. His story told in his own words from a journal he kept, is an amazing story as told by some one who is there. I will let him tell about a few minutes on the 1st of July 1863 at a place called Gettysburg. His unit having been heavily engaged for most of the day were ordered to fall back though the town.

"I was hit about 1/4 mile out of town by a Ball on the top of the head, come near knocking me down. But I straighted up, went on, another Ball hits sole of my shoe cutting it nearly in two, it ownly making my foot sting a little."

Walking though Gettysburg he stopped at a 2nd Division "hospital" to seek help for his wounds. This "hospital" was soon surrendered to the Confederates (as they took the town), so he walked back to his unit. His story is amazing and detailed. It is a excellent testimony of how life was really like in the Union Army for a regular soldier.

William Ray, a decent, optimistic, industrious, and somewhat priggish Wisconsin farmer survived three battle wounds during the Civil War, lasting long enough to be promoted to what may have been his level of incompetence as an orderly sergeant. Ray regularly sent his notebook diaries back to the homefolks, and perhaps for that reason, the diaries tend to be emotionally flat. Although the 7th Wisconsin suffered some of the heaviest casualties of any unit in the Union Army, Ray does not reflect on his perilous situation, and he refers to the dead and wounded largely as statistics rather than as friends and comrades. Occasional passages do rise above Ray's typically mundane entries--for instance, his description of being lost in the rain during the skirmishing of August 18-21, 1864.

This diary will be largely of interest to Civil War buffs curious about the soldiers' daily life. Although the editors' contributions are adequate, the explanatory notes might have better explained to 21st century readers the realities that Civil War armies took for granted. Comparisons of Ray's journal with similar diaries would also have been helpful.

Private William Ray of Company F, 7th Wisconsin Volunteers, wrote (it seems) nearly everyday for four years of war in his journals. It is a book of journal entries that, from start to finish record a momentous journey. To read this book is to travel with Ray across the countryside and know the ever-present boredom of soldier life, punctuated with hard marches and occasional life threatening danger. One gets a real sense of the soldier's isolated position in the war and constant search and need for information, and the ever present lack of it. The book is packed with amazing detail, and it is always from the perspective of the Private soldier. Often Ray has no idea of the larger scope of events he is moving through. Ray has a wonderfully objective attitude, and relates his thoughts and feelings well. What was it like to be wounded in battle? Journey with Ray from the battlefield, through field hospitals, ultimately to spend about a year in a Philadelphia hospital for soldiers. Returning to the regiment, Ray is soon wounded again. Some of the best of Ray's journal comes in 1864 when he is constantly in the action around Petersburg. This book gives the full experience of the common soldier's life in the Iron Brigade, in rare length and depth. Reading 446 pages of journal entries is not a task lightly undertaken, but it is well worth the journey. I recommend reading this one after being well versed in the big picture of the Brigade's history.

The story of William Ray's is not entirely unique to Civil War history although his personal account brought forth by four years of great diary keeping brings the soldier daily grind to the forefront. Ray's story is seldom full of action and captures the daily life of a young man of Wisconsin heritage fighting for the Union in the Army of the Potomac. What flavors this monotonous story is that it truly brings the hard lifestyle of 19th Century soldiering to 21st Century readers. This is an excellent book for historians looking to understand soldier thinking. Ray writes about camp life, rumors, gossip, money, family, drill, picket duty, sickness, friends and the "hurry up and wait" philosophy of being an infantry soldier for the Union during the Civil War. Ray's coverage of his fighting is brisk although many times his writing may have been tamed by the fact that he may have been writing with family in mind. He may have not wanted his family to know the hard battle details in the event of his death where his diary could be discovered and sent home with his belongings. Injured on several occasions such as the Battle of Gettysburg and The Wilderness, Ray enhances his story to give this book added information. He writes about his wounds, healing, being sick and helping his fellow soldiers. We are lucky to have such a large diary written which covers four years of the war. From his enlisting, re-enlisting and final discharge Ray offers us a priceless look at a common infantry soldier. His diary notes of the Siege of Petersburg and the mine explosion was very interesting. The ugly daily life of trench warfare certainly painted the struggle at hand. Ray also gives us a definitive look at how the South was truly struggling as of 1864 and when 1865 rolls around he writes about Confederate deserters coming across the lines on a daily basis. This information is seldom covered from a soldier's perspective and it is vital for those looking to understand the mentality of an everyday soldier who by 1864 was a proud Veteran of the boys of '61. This book is also an excellent and valuable reference tool for those trying to learn about the Iron Brigade and more importantly the 7th Wisconsin. A true historian could use a greatly documented book such as this in their library. 5 STARS!!!!!

The story of William Ray's is not entirely unique to Civil War history although his personal account brought forth by four years of great diary keeping brings the soldier daily grind to the forefront. Ray's story is seldom full of action and captures the daily life of a young man of Wisconsin heritage fighting for the Union in the Army of the Potomac. What flavors this monotonous story is that it truly brings the hard lifestyle of 19th Century soldiering to 21st Century readers. This is an excellent book for historians looking to understand soldier thinking. Ray writes about camp life, rumors, gossip, money, family, drill, picket duty, sickness, friends and the "hurry up and wait" philosophy of being an infantry soldier for the Union during the Civil War. Ray's coverage of his fighting is brisk although many times his writing may have been tamed by the fact that he may have been writing with family in mind. He may have not wanted his family to know the hard battle details in the event of his death where his diary could be discovered and sent home with his belongings. Injured on several occasions such as the Battle of Gettysburg and The Wilderness, Ray enhances his story to give this book added information. He writes about his wounds, healing, being sick and helping his fellow soldiers. We are lucky to have such a large diary written which covers four years of the war. From his enlisting, re-enlisting and final discharge Ray offers us a priceless look at a common infantry soldier. His diary notes of the Siege of Petersburg and the mine explosion was very interesting. The ugly daily life of trench warfare certainly painted the struggle at hand. Ray also gives us a definitive look at how the South was truly struggling as of 1864 and when 1865 rolls around he writes about Confederate deserters coming across the lines on a daily basis. This information is seldom covered from a soldier's perspective and it is vital for those looking to understand the mentality of an everyday soldier who by 1864 was a proud Veteran of the boys of '61. This book is also an excellent and valuable reference tool for those trying to learn about the Iron Brigade and more importantly the 7th Wisconsin. A true historian could use a greatly documented book such as this in their library. 5 STARS!!!!!

Marie Browning has the Midas Touch when it comes to crafting. On my most cerebrbally challenged "daze" (I have a huge family, toddlers under three!) I can go to any of her books and choose a project that is both challenging and creative, add my own panache and have soemthing that is uniquely "Alouette." Look at her basic pocket accordion book! She has two different examples (business card and stamps) that give way to more inspiration. She is elegant, she is whimsical. Some of her ideas are very masculine, others are delicate and lady-like. (Crafters often get stumped when coming up with ideas for guys-- she has no shortage of masculine ideas!)

I have not yet started my project, but am confident that this book provides good instruction. The pictures are great, and helpful for sparking new ideas. The instruction is detailed, and there a variety of different techniques displayed. I would have liked a list of sources, instead of just "available fine art stores", but overall this was a good purchase.

I had bought another book in Amazon about scrapbooks and journals and even if it had good pictures of the final projects it lacked photos of the different passages. I have Browning's book now and really you can't go wrong. DIfferent techniques, plenty of explanations, great ideas from the simple "messages" note pad to the more complicated seeds book! I can't wait to try her ideas that I consider as a starting point for my own creativity!

I think this book is an excellent start for beginners. I have never made anything before (book, album, etc.) and once I read through the book one time I was able to make an open spine book in one day. Instructions and photos are great.

Of all the manuals that I have seen on handcrafted books, Marie Browning's is the absolute best! Her instructions are precise and easy to follow. She sets out a basic formula for making a book and goes individually through each material necessary. She illustrates the spectrum of materials that can be used for different parts of the process. A must-have for book artists!