References Books

My daughter has recently decided on a vegetarian diet much to the chagrin of the rest of the family. This book has provided recipes that we all can enjoy.

As is true with all of Linda McCarney's cookbooks, this one is a gem. The recipes are simple enough to prepare with not a lot of exotic ingredients. I own two of her other cookbooks and have not had a bad meal yet from Linda's kitchen. Lots of imaginative ways to prepare some common and not so common foods! Quite good; worth owning.

This book (and others by the late author, bless her kind heart) can make going meatless easy for anyone. The recipes are very tasty, can be served without letting your guests (and their kids) know that they're dining veggie. Spring it on them later as they heap compliments on you for your cooking. I think lots of people really want to go meatless and don't know where to start or they associate veggie eating with tasteless, "salady" food. Start here, and if you don't want to spend the dough, I'll lend you my copy. I mean it. Start saving animals and eating well today.

The dishes are well-explained and easy to follow. While we are not vegetarians, we do like to occasionally eat vegetable-only dinners as a change-of-pace. The recipes we have tried have been delicious.

I heartily, no pun intended, recommend this for anyone who enjoys an interesting, and probably different, taste offering to one's palate.
Bon appetite.

The transaction was a beeze as well.

I lost my first cookbook and intro to vegetarian cooking by Linda in a divorce. It took some time to replace. I absolutely love her receipes. Thanks to Linda McCartney (may she rest in peace)and her cookbook, it was an easy transition into the vegetarian eating style.

I recently finished reading Listen and it spoke so clearly to me. It was as if the author was sitting across the table talking to me personally, and I really enjoyed it. God has been working on me for a while in a few subjects, and he used this book to teach me even more. The author truly gives of her experiences and wisdom to help us realize that God is in the moment to moment activity of our lives, if we only choose to listen.

Excellent!! A life altering experience!! This is the first book I have read by this Author but I know I will be reading more. This book was assigned to me by my ethics professor, and when I ordered it I thought it sounded interesting. But when I started reading it I couldn't put it down. Although it's a realatively short book it did take me a while to get through it. I found myself stopping and really thinking about what Keri had just said. I felt myself transforming as I read each page. So much of this book hit home for me and has made me sit up and take notice. I've already recommended it to several friends and guess what my family will all be receiving for gifts this year!?!

In Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life, Keri Wyatt Kent pulls together the classical ideas of spiritual formation into a practical understanding that can be incorporated into our daily lives. Listening to God's work in our lives, to his Word and to others in community are all key components of this much-overlooked facet of the Christian life. Kent shows how learning to listen is critical to many of the spiritual disciplines and, through her personal experience and with reference to many of the great spiritual writers, challenges her readers to become skillful listeners.

The first section immediately captured my attention, as well as my heart, as Keri challenges us to actually listen to our lives. What do we love? Where do we struggle? What are our desires? I've come to realize that God is not only intimately aware of my struggles and desires, but that he speaks to me through them.

In the second section, Keri communicates the importance of listening to others. We all long to be listened to, but are we available to listen to others in the same way? Listening to others allows us to both minister as well as be ministered to, as we open ourselves to the wisdom and encouragement of others. Without true listening, can there really be community as Jesus intended?

The final section covers listening as it relates to the spiritual disciplines of silence, scripture reading and prayer, although Keri is quick to point out that "all of our spiritual practices are transformed by listening." Keri challenges us to begin making space for God in our lives by learning to listen deeply, rather than just follow rituals.

Keri's passion for spiritual transformation is quickly evident in her writing, and her engaging manner makes it easy to relate to what she's talking about. Listen is one of those books that warrants more than one reading and should probably be read with a pen in hand. It would lend itself well to a group discussion as well, as she poses a few thought-provoking questions at the end of each chapter.

This was one of those books that has God's finger prints all over it...and through it. I related SO much with Keri's experience. I found it not only affirming...but it also took me deeper into my journey as I continue to listen for God's voice in my experience as a contemporary Christian music minister.

"Real listeners notice. They pay attention."

But how do we become real listeners and to what do we listen?

In Listen: Finding God in the Story of Your Life, Keri Kent takes us on a journey through several forms of listening: listening to our own hearts and desires, listening to others, and listening to God through His Spirit, His people, His Word.

She presents listening to others as a ministry, and distinguishes between merely practicing listening techniques and actually becoming a better listener. As Keri explains: "To truly listen, we must set aside our own junk--selfishness, neediness, overwhelming desire to interrupt with `that reminds me of what happened to me!'"

Listening is costly. But so is love, and listening well is a huge part of loving well.

And when it comes to listening to God, Keri makes a significant point: "Knowing the Scriptures can guard us against putting words in God's mouth. What God is telling us and what we want God to say can sometimes be two different things. If we listen to the Bible, we'll recognize God's voice among the many that shout for our attention."

With refreshing candor, she reveals a truth overlooked by many: "If we spend time listening to MTV or reading People magazine, that's what we are meditating on, even if we don't think of it as meditating. If we repeatedly hear something, our mind will retain it. Think of how many song lyrics you've memorized, simply by hearing songs on the radio. Meditation begins with repetition, to think about something, even on a subconscious level. And that is what will shape our souls and thoughts, even our actions... What we focus on and think about, even passively, affects us. Ultimately, it forms us."

Listen speaks truth, encouragement, and challenge to both new and seasoned travelers who earnestly seek the narrow path.

I bought this as a prize for my piano students. My son was disappointed to see it go, so I'm going to buy another for my studio. Very fun and interesting facts about composers - great for getting students interested in learning about them.

A pleasure to read this book. I listen to a classical music station which includes interesting facts about the musicians' private lives. One day a guest mentioned that she knew where the host was obtaining these interesting facts. So it is a secret no longer; it's this book. Lives of the Musicians is light reading with approx. 2 pages of facts per musician, so it is not an in-depth look at their private lives; however put it on your "Fun" reading list. It is a highly amusing book and a great source of dinner conversation. Also Check out Lives of the Artists:Good Times, Bad Times (and What the Neigbors Thought)

My daughter has been studying piano for two years and she is fascinated by the people who score the compositions she learns to play. In school she learns about a different composer each month and always wants to know more when she comes home. She also has a love for anything historical. This book was a great addition to our reference collection because it reaches her on several levels. We happened to come across it at the library and, after reading a few entries, we decided we'd like to buy it. Lots of bookstores stocked the paperback edition, but only Amazon had the hardcover in stock. This is the kind of book you really want in hardcover so that young children can more easily flip through the pages and study the humorous illustrations.

The book includes entries on 20 musicians from a wide range of styles, backgrounds, and historical periods. The entries are engaging for adult readers, yet accessible for a younger audience. My daughter is six and was totally engrossed in the stories of Chopin, Mozart, Clara Schumann and others. I know we will come back to this book again and again.

This is a great book! My piano teacher checked it out from the library and loved it so much I had to buy her a copy! The illustrations are adorable and the bio's are so interesting. A lot of interesting stories that really give the great masters a very human quality! I love reading about the musicians that I'm currently playing! If you are into music and want to know just how human they really were this is a great book!

My daughter's piano teacher gave her the assignment to read about Mozart as she started her first Mozart Minuet. My daughter was 7 at the time, and although she was reading at above 3rd grade level, I was shocked to find that there was NOTHING available on the internet or in her school library that give her information on composers at HER level. I finally found "Lives of the Musicians" and have actually purchased the book. It's just that good. She is able to read about each composer (for the most part the language is about her level, although she DOES need help with some of the words), and each section is engaging enough to keep her attention.

This book is a must for anyone with a child that wants or is assigned to learn about the great composers.

I cannot say it any better than the many other reviewers who have indicated that this is the "bible" of camera collecting references! Exhaustive references, historic information, pictures, auction selling prices, the "whole nine yards!"

The only camera reference book better than this one is Jim McKeown's next edition!

Jim McKeown's books are the most comprehensive sources of accurate information on cameras in the world. Period. Other books may give more information on specific cameras, but if you are to have but one source to refer to,choose McKeown. He will never disappoint you.
Another wonderful camera expert and writer (they don't always go together) is Ivor Matanle. His two books are treasures. But if you want facts, go with McKeown. You will return over and over to his book. Speaking face to face with him is most rewarding. You realize you are learning from one of the world authorities.
Wonderful pictures, camera values (prices) rarity,etc. This book contains cameras even experts haven't heard about. But McKeown is the expert of experts, and you will keep this large,heavy, over 900 page book near just for the fun of reading it. Am I enthused? Yes! I have bought his books since the 4th edition in 1983-84, and always been pleased.
A lengthy review? Yes, but this book deserves much praise!

My McKeown's price guide has been an invaluable tool in selling old camera's at online auction sites. It not only gives you a solid idea of what a camera is worth, but it many cases it gives you some history and background as well.

There are pictures of almost every camera listed to help you identify your exact model, and it explains in detail the difference between similar models.

I can't think of anything that could be added to make this a more complete pricing guide.

I use this book often, I have found that in addition to the obveous use (prise guide) there is a fair amount of history that helped with research. Contains much useful information.

I have had the pleasure of owning (and still own) the 1976 Guide To Antique Cameras by Mckeown. It has been many years since then and the price for a guide has really risen. As an Antique dealer I found myself getting interested in collectible cameras once again. I knew I needed a guide and reviewed a 1996 copy a friend owned my McKeowen and was convinced this is the one to own. My library consists of at least 200 books on Antiques and 50 price guides on Art, Jewelry, clothing, Orientalia to name a few. I hesitated at the price for this guide, but after reasearching the options I knew this was the concise price guide for me. I own it and am happy I chose it and it makes me MONEY just owning it. I have 30 years of Amatuer collecting and selling under my belt and I really don't need a price guide just my wits, (that's what I told myself) but it just makes it soooo easy to reinforce my experience with a reference and value basis for my risks. Leica III,a,b,c,g, Mentor Reflex, Zeiss-Ikon Miroflex, Robot 35mm, Hasselblad, Kodak Field Cameras, Sept 35mm camera projector, TDC 3d projector & Nikon Cameras are a few of the cameras I have used this informational price guide in evaluating.

OK, it's a little old-fashioned, but it's a relic of a bygone age, and many of the recipes deserve to be given new life.

The weaknesses are mostly in some of the main-course recipes that, by all appearances, can be extremely fatty and greasy. Speaking as someone who just lost 30 pounds, I don't need that! But they're probably good for an occasional indulgence.

The cookie, cake and pie recipes are the book's strongest point. Saucepan Fudge Cake is easy and unbelievably good, and Rochester Cake (also labelled as Grandmother's Favorite Cake) is outstanding, a layered spice cake with a raisin filling and topping. It's a great favorite of mine for parties.

The recipes for pickles, jams and jellies will probably interest a lot of people in reviving the dying art of home canning.

There are recipes that probably don't work at all in today's world, or are probably not up to modern tastes. A Russian "birthday cake" is pumpernickel bread, sliced and spread with cottage cheese, and the recipe is probably presented more as a historical curiosity than anything else. Another recipe, for a "Pork Cake", is something like a cross between a fruitcake and a meatloaf and will probably make modern cooks gag.

Still, there are many good good good recipes in this book. Hearty old-fashioned fare, not something to base one's diet from, but a great addition to a cook's library.

I grew up in a Mennonite home and many of these foods, I've given this to cookbook to many of my friends and extended family members. Some really great dishes, try the graham cracker fluff it's a favorite at our house.

The recipes in this book are for farmers, who are cold all winter and hot all summer, so they are hearty and filling. However, if you are trying to cook light, they are easily modifiable. Use ground turkey instead of ground beef or sausage. Use turkey sausage instead of pork sausage, etc. You can often substitute canola oil for butter. You really only need to use shortening or lard when it effects the consistency, like in pie crust. Even made as they are written, these recipes are much healthier than the average fast food or restaraunt meal. They are also healthier than the average prepared meal out of the grocery store freezer. They are meant to be served up with heaping helpings of fresh vegetables. Some are great simple fare to serve up when you don't have time to cook. I find that the farmer's summer supper (a mixture of torn bread, fresh fruit and fresh milk) is great on hot summer nights when its too hot to turn on the oven and heat up the kitchen. I have used the sour milk griddle cake recipe for decades (substitute buttermilk if the idea of using sour milk bothers you, or sour fresh milk with a tablespoon of vinegar). Recently, I have gotten totally hooked on the buckwheat pancake recipe. I love the cornbread recipe, and I often make it by substituting a can of creamed corn for the milk. Its much healthier than eating store bought bread, with whole grain and vegetables both in the same bread.

The Mennonite Community Cookbook is a major compilation of eleven hundred recipes drawn from Mennonite cookbooks and updated with standard measurements and directions but otherwise unaltered. These simple yet flavorful dishes were contributed by Mennonite families all over the United States and Canada, and include such offerings as Old-Fashioned Bean Soup, Salmon Roll with Egg Sauce, Toasted Spice Cake, and Baked Stuffed Turnips. Each recipe is quite short, yet the instructions are crystal clear and easy for cooks of all skill and experience levels to follow. The Mennonite Community Cookbook is a simply superb repository of old country flavor and culinary creations that have weathered the test of time.

I acknowledge the Madman's points: most of the recipes in this book do not conform to today's dietary standards. But bear in mind that this book was first written over 70 years ago. That's when my mother got her copy. She still has it with the cover's half-torn off and pages stuck in loose and scribbled on. This was a Pennsylvania Dutch housewife's book of recipes for Pennsylvania Dutch housewives. They weren't worried about waistlines or BMI numbers. They needed to feed their families who worked in the fields or guests over for a holiday feast.

I also agree that the strength is the desert section, but that is the specialty of the PA Dutch. My brother, sister, and I would spend winter days with mother making cookies from the recipes and I even took a turn at making the cream puff recipe once for a church social. They turned out great!

Not only is this a wonderful recipe book, but to me, it is a family treasure.

This little book is a gem for meditators and the like. Read one of Paramahansa's eloquent poems and move into stillness to ride the waves of bliss. I use it before meditating and floating. It also makes a great gift to meditators and yogis. A wonderful collection of Yogananda's writings!

Yogi is a true Gru. Following his teachings will truly teach you how to commune with GOD, our creator.

I have always respected other religions, and that's what i love about this book! No matter who or what you believe in... you WILL get what you need from these prayers!

Inspiring and uplifting words are what you will find in this book! The title 'Metaphysical Meditations'doesn't seem to do justice to the beauty of this book, and yet, I don't know what words would. Also, another reason to not be put off by the title is that this book, in my opinion, crosses over and into all religions. You do not need be a follower of Paramahansa Yogananda or Self-Realization to reap the rich benefits of reading these meditations. An open mind and heart and love of God is enough.

The book is small, pocket sized, which makes it perfect for carrying with you. -And once you begin reading this, you'll want to have it with you to glance at whenever you feel the need, have a need, or for an inspirational pick up, or whenever you happen to have a few moments to spare. I like to flip this open in the mornings, and anytime throughout the day and read whatever page I come to.

The book begins with a 'Prayer for a United World.' Then, there's a forward that goes over meditation briefly. Which begins with this: "Most persons would want to meditate if they understood how to do so. The purpose of meditation is to know God, to connect the little joy of the soul with the vast joy of the spirit."

The meditations are short, 3-5 lines per paragraph on a page, and easy to read. No complicated long winded stuff in here. Some of my favourite titles/meditations from this book are:
'Never Lose Hope'
'Spreading Divine Joy'
'Creative Activity'
'Overcoming Fear and Worry'
'Divine Prosperity'
There's also a "Christmas Meditations" section in the back.

There is so much love in this book.
This is a great gift to give as well.

This little book can be kept in pocket or purse. For decades I have known about its power to change the reader from darkness to light, from despair to hope, and from "give me" to "I give." Far ahead of its time, "Metaphysical Meditations" by the famous teacher Paramahansa Yogananda (Self-Realization Fellowship) will not disappoint. First published in 1932 by a teacher who sees positive similarities in many of the world's religions, this book urges the reader to actively pursue spiritual growth, self-love, love for others, kindness and positive thoughts for all our concerns. I love ya Yogananda, wherever your spirit is residing! Bless you!

This is a simple CD about beginning meditation. It's very informative and easy to follow. Bring some serenity into your life.

Thanks for such a great CD. I use it with veterans for stress managment and it's wonderful!!

The author provides a powerful framework and practical set of principles and straight forward exercises for living in the now and gaining peace of mind. The book has less spiritualism - which can be off putting for some - compared to Tolle's A New Earth or The Power of Now (which offer profound insights from an enlightened human being, IMO).

This product was just what I was looking for. I am a therapist and use a mindfulness approach with my patients. Having access to such a welldone resource that is easy to use and understand for beginners has been very helpful.

Nice... the audio book can get you deep into the mind and soul. Just sit back and feel the stress float away.

I have found so far that this book is very interesting and feel it a must for any miniature horse owner /breeder, the information given is very helpful,and I would highly reccomend any friend of mine to buy a copy so much information from people that have studied the covering items!!!!

I was very pleased w/ the detailed and informative content of this book. Nice reference source for the novice to more experienced miniature horse owner. This book makes a nice addition to any personal equine library.

This is THE book on miniature horses. My library would not be complete without it. If you can buy only one book, get this one. I've just acquired 2 minis and one more is on the way as soon as he is weaned. I've had full sized horses before, but this breed is somewhat different, with unique problems and advantages. Ms. Naviaux covers every related subject very well. History of the breed, coat colors, dwarfism, correct physical characteristics, miniature horse association registration, veterinary concerns, showing, etc. I've since bought additional books specific to coat color and veterinary care but I didn't really need them. I am thrilled to have found this book and it is a treasure.

This is the best book I've found pertaining to Miniature horses. It's well written and has lots of good advice. The second half has a lot of info on the genetics of color. While I thought I wouldn't find this very interesting, it's turned out that I spend lots of time reading this section and looking at the facinating pictures. I highly recommend this book for anyone seriously interested in minis.

This is the best book about miniature horses I have read to date. She goes in depth on several important things, two of which are color and breeding. I highly recommend it to anyone thinking of buying one. Or if you already have miniatures and you're looking for a really good book on the breed look no more! This one's it!

if this book satisfies my sister-in-law who is the best teacher in Texas and probably in the United States, then it is great for my homeschooling.

This easy to read grammar book fit the bill for me when I needed to brush up on some basic rules quickly for an exam. There are plenty of examples to help cement each concept and the authors also use comic strips to emphasize each point. I highly recommend this book the anyone who wants to learn how to write a paper correctly.

On this cold, winter day in January, I'm reading More Nitty Gritty Grammar. Who would have thought that a grammar book could be entertaining? Edith Fine and Judith Josephson have found the perfect formula. Similar to their first book, Nitty Gritty Grammar, this one is organized in an appealing, accessible way. I actually enjoyed testing my grammar skills with the quiz. Their compilation of nationally-syndicated cartoons addressing grammar issues adds visual interest and levity. They explain the rules, state the exceptions, and give plenty of examples. It's an excellent resource guide for yourself or for a friend. I highly recommend it.

There has never been a friendlier invitation to master English usage basics than Nitty-Gritty Grammar until its new companion, More Nitty-Gritty Grammar. I recommend them for all my community college students. Not in the ivory tower crowd, authors Fine and Josephson are, however, astute observers of language ills and, if laughter is the best medicine, most-palatable healers. Their topics are relevant, their well-researched explanations straightforward, their examples fresh and funny. My students agree.

Better organized and more comprehensive than even the popular _Transitive Vampire_ series or _Woe Is I_, this second book by Josephson and Fine is whimsical and easy to use. It's packed with humorous examples that are current and uncontrived. This is the only book I've found to cover some of the finer points that have always bothered or confused me--such as when British convention differs from that in America. Indispensible!

"My Journey to Know the Truth" is an autobiography describing the challenges, pitfalls, and emotional confrontations that successful entrepreneur and family man Tony Kent meets as he sets out to participate in what simply has to be the ultimate and most difficult game on earth - surrendering completely to the spiritual path and to one's teacher.

Way before he embarks on his journey to know the truth, Tony is in an underworld cycle and failing to cope with heartache and loss. Hopelessly longing to return to the way things were with his wife and children, he constantly struggles to accept this is just no longer an option.

We get to observe that even the most intuitive, talented, skilled, intelligent and accomplished of men can and do succumb to the painful dark mechanisms of despair. Tony purposely allows us to witness the exact same type of frustrating, ego-driven, obsessive, futile, mind-numbing thoughts that plague virtually most all human beings. If only we could see from within this churning, burning, incubating cocoon of metamorphosis that there is an end to our sadness.

Tony is as fragile as a butterfly's wing when by grace he is given a chance to meet and study with a beloved Sufi master from Jerusalem. It is an instant love story. It is the beginning of a real initiation into the Sufi way of the heart.

"My Journey" thankfully doesn't advise any get-happy-quick schemes. There isn't really a happy ending either. If you are on a spiritual path already or perhaps seeking one, this book offers a compelling read with beautiful inspirations and truth-teachings from both the Sufi guide Sidi and his student Tony.

If you too are in an underworld phase now, and are suffering from grief and loss, "My Journey to Know the Truth" may be seriously, deeply comforting.

After reading his book, it reinforced and encouraged me to remember that when we give up the culturally conditioned self-perpetuating victim status and that incessant hoping for someone to come and save us, mostly from ourselves, it is then we can adopt a totally new attitude to living our lives clearly in a more viable, adventurous and conscious way. We now become totally responsible for everything that happens to us. This is an advancement in our evolution and an orientation which allows us to become far more available to others in need.

On another note, it seems to me in order to move beyond the ego, we have to stop taking being human for granted. We are living in the most extraordinary universe, on a planet called Earth that circles a glorious star in the middle of a galaxy in the midst of an endless cosmos. What it is to be human now is in the midst of intense transition. We can literally choose the new myths, the new ceremonies, the new relationships toward our planet and ourselves and each other. We can grow up to a higher, far more functional and enlightened position, continually redefining what it actually means to live as a human being in a spectacular universe. There seems to be a real truth to this current phase in our development of humanity - that these are the most unusual and welcomed of times, to be moving into a new realm, from homo sapiens into what is being called 'homo luminous'. We need this now for the entire human race.

The author, Tony Kent shares with us a life changing event that takes him half way across the world to the holy city of Jerusalem, where he meets his guide, a Sufi Master, who helps mend his broken heart. This story reminds us of what is important in our lives and reveals how important our connection to God is. This book helped open my heart to a new reality during a time when my life was filled with uncertainty. I am sure it can do the same for anyone.

I was deeply moved and touched by Tony's honesty, depth, sincerity and deep searching for his inner truth. The messages and insights he received from Allah/God and his guide Sidi al Jamal in Jerusalem resonated with me on many levels and I could feel the deep love that permeated the words, the story and the teachings from the holy man he received much healing,unconditional love and support from. Not only does one learn that Sufism and Islam is about surrender to God and love, but its messages of love and unity crosses all beliefs systems, wounds, colors, backgrounds and continents. It was inspiring to learn about his transformation thru Sufism, Sidi and his courage despite his fears, worries or challenges. It helps me trust that perhaps I too can accomplish the same....a deep sense of love, faith and trust in Allah/God all the time. I highly recommend this book and the exploration of the Shadhilyya Sufi path.

My Journey to Know the Truth,describes the process of returning from the pain of separation to the love, mercy,and compassion found within oneself.The book focuses on the author's desire to seek understanding, regain trust and have a willingness to open and experience life once again.There are no words to describe the hidden pearls of wisdom found within the teachings of the author's profound yet humble Guide Sidi.The book describes the true tasting of the purest love; the honey found deep within us. I highly recommend this incredible book written by the most sensitive, compassionate, and talented author, Tony Kent.

The first time I read the book it was difficult to put down, but it was more difficult for me to put it down the second time I read it. There are numerous Sufi jewels that are revealed in this book and I found that my own yearning was being fed. Tony speaks to my heart from his. His journey is a reflection/mirror of my own journey. I highly recommend this book for anyone wishing to sample a "taste" of real love.