Beauty Books

"Comic" is inadequate to describe the vehicle for the art and genius of Katchor. Left me giddy and disoriented at the beautiful strangeness of the world of Julius Knipl. Brilliant.

Julius Kniple is the love child of Bruce McCall, Jules Feiffer, and Zippy the Pinhead.

This is my 2nd compilation of Knipl - the first being the "Evening Combinator". Once again, we're taken on a tour of mysterious urban setting that seems equal parts WWII-era New York, and another city mourning for the first - at once the ghost of a city and its beloved survivors. Artist Katchor deftly etches his cityscape using tragic camp - postcard artists who depict unloved streets that nobody will visit, semi-professional gravediggers, a man who seems to own some huge industrial facility on an island in the south pacific, losers who answer wrong numbers at pay phones and the obsession that men have with cafeteria buffets.

I may have been overdosed on Katchor's Knipl Camp, but something about "Beauty Supply" left me wanting. Earlier stuff like "Combinator" had their darker side, but were also balanced - Katchor sketched a city that was terrifying, depressing and yet oddly inviting, populated by characters who seemed victimized at the same time as being inspired. Here, the accent is on the dark and defeated, and the result is unsympathetic - as if his characters had grown more than tired by their own dark jokes. It's Katchor & Knipl, yet not at their witty best.

Ben Katchor's work is unique. He notices all the things that otherwise go (undeservedly after you see his work) unnoticed. His humor is on a par with the best of all media: Keaton, Chaplin, Fields in films, for example. His artwork brings to mind Herriman & Holman. His text is as inventive as Kafka. No question about it, the guy's a genius, yet always enjoyable & entrancing.

The third bound installment of Ben Katchor's "Julius Knipl, Real Estate Photographer" series finds his lonely observer at quite a distance from the simplicity and candor of "Cheap Novelties". Complex, arcane, and beautifully detailed, "The Beauty Supply District" represents, at last, a finely tuned rendition of Katchor's altogether fantastic and fully fictional Gotham. Arguably less accessible than "Cheap Novelties" or "Real Estate Photographer Stories", (I would suggest that the uninitiated read one of the aforementioned books first) it's a satisfying read for this Katchor fan, and it certainly will be for those who appreciate the moves he's made in "Cardboard Valise" and "Hotel and Farm". Katchor has sacrificed some degree of empathy in grounding Knipl increasingly less in "the actual world" but the allegories he creates in its stead are delights to be picked apart, and like a stranger's obscure promotional cap, ruminated over. The narrative that closes "Beauty Supply District" may be a sly metaphor for the real-life loss of New York City's individuality amid the burgeoning stampede of chain stores and attendant homogeneity; whatever the perspective, those 26 pages read like a warts-and-all requiem for an imperfect yet more people-oriented time. Alas, when the narrative's pretentious art fiend character makes a fateful purchase with no thought to aesthetics, the past, with its valued individuals and labored attention to detail, seems to be dealt a near-fatal blow. I can't wait to read it again and, like Knipl himself, discover what I've overlooked. Maybe I'm all wrong. That's what I love about it.

I even enjoyed listening to the funny antics of Junie B. She will never bore me or my kids.

My Son is in the 2nd Grade and is a good reader. They introduced Junie B. Jones in his reading class and he really thought the stories were funny. I bought some books and on a whim bought the audio cassettes, I let the boys listen to it at bedtime and it is so great to hear the laughter coming from their room. They have listened to the tapes about a hundred times and I highly recommend them for parents. I was pleased to see my 3 year old enjoys them as well. I am going to buy the whole collection. It does encourage them to read because I see them following along with the books they have from school.

Me and my sister listen to a Junie B. Jones story tape every night. I really like the one where Junie B. Jones is a party animal. And Junie B. Jones is not a crook. They're both a thousand percent five stars! I like how Lana Quintal reads it. She really sounds like a kindergarten girl.

These books are terrific for kids in a wide range of ages--mine are 3, 5, and 8, and they all love them (they are over the head of the 3-year-old, but he's still mesmerized). Amazingly, the audiobooks are even better than the print versions. Lana Quintal, whose child-like voice seems a little grating at first, stands up incredibly well to repeat (and repeat and repeat) listening. She gets the tone just right. My kids are happy listening to these tapes in the car even on those long journeys that are usually occasion for hours of complaining. Worth gold! We have a few of the cassette collections, and although they are all great, this one is probably the best.

My 4 year old and 6 year old want to listen to Junie B. Jones tapes every night and while on car trips. They started with an audiotape and soon were asking us to read all 16 books from the library. Very fun stories for kids and grownups alike. Barbara Parks has a wonderful sense of humor.

well organized & researched; written in laymans terms to get you the best help!!!! love stephanie's talent

I bought this book to whip myself into shape for my wedding day. (I bought this and Pedersen's other book, KISS Guide to Planning a Wedding, at the same time.) It worked. The book was so filled with smart advice that I was able to concentrate on those things that were going to actually make a difference in my looks, while avoiding those which werw a waste of time and money. Like another reviewer said, I love that there is also information on creating a beautiful life and an aura of beautifulness.

Having read numerous beauty and "improve your lifestyle" type books, I feel qualified to say KISS Guide to Beauty is the best I've come across. Great information given in an entertaining way (Pedersen can be very funny). The book goes much further than most beauty books do--discusses things like how to create a beautiful "persona" and is beautiful look at as well.

I loved this guide! It's quick, easy to read, and features tons of little tidbits that I found fascinating. Stephanie Pederson has done her research. Everything you need to know about skin care, body care, nail care and more can be found in this handy manual with tons of pictures and details to match. Also answered a lot of questions I had with detailed explanations and definitions. I recommend this book whole-heartedly!

So you're ready to look better--a lot better. You know you need help, but you're unsure where to turn. A beauty book, perhaps? But which one? THose model-written books are too unrealistic, those makeup-artists books are too weird. Other books aren't in-depth enough. What you want is something to give you the nitty-gritty, behind the scenes, all-encompassing makeup, hair, skin, body and cosmetic surgery secrets that will make you look as gorgeous as you can--and more gorgeous than anyone you know! KISS Guide to Beauty is that book. It not only gives you specific tips to make you look gorgeous, it tells you how to go about creating that unique aura that all unforgettably beautiful women have. I've bought copies for myself and four of my closest friends. This book is that good!

I am so impressed with the patterns packed into this book, there is certainly something for everyone no matter what your taste in here. You just have to see the "Maid Marian Cloak", and one of my favorites is the crocheted "Cinderella Cape". I love the layout of the book, the schematics are very clear, and I myself really like the way the different sizes are presented....very easy to follow.

As a bonus you do get a "leggings" and some "Gauntlets" in here that of course you can make probably to match just about any of the patterns.

I purchased this book because a friend of mine had it and it contains about 3 designs that I want to make. The cover photo doesn't do it justice, because the designs inside are much more wearable for various body types than the one selected for the cover. Can't wait to make the lovely one featured in brown in the book. I would definitely recommend this book for someone looking for some designs that will look good for many years to come.

There are so many books covering crochet and knitting and that could be hard to see the need for yet another: a new book would have to incorporate a lot of appeal, from a zany cover to original patterns - and KNIT & CROCHET PONCHOS, WRAPS, CAPES & SHRUGS does just this. Projects vary greatly in difficulty level so as to appeal to all types of users, use the latest novelty yarns as well as classics, and provide a wide range of styles. A hardcover with odd-cut edges and bright cover grabs the eye, while lovely photos of completed projects accompanies clear step-by-step designs for added attraction. It not only 'shows' well: it holds curb appeal and an 'easy use' format which is most inviting.

Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch

How can I resist knitting a cape with my name on it? Buying this book sight unseen, I was really delighted when it came. However, I am not an enthusiast of the way the instructions are presented. It doesn't work when the patterns get harder. Some of the patterns as the aran poncho become extremely complicated and you have to look on several pages while doing it. The Upcountry poncho (knitted) is another lovely one. I also want to use my Kureyon yarn in the Rainbow poncho.
I like several of the crochet items too: the golden mesh wrap and the coral capelet. The book is a small gem recommended for everyone but the beginner.

This is a great little collection which includes designs by Lorna Miser, Gwen-Blakley Kinsler, Jill Wilcott and more. It's a well-designed book with lots of photos and clear instructions, charts and technique tips. There's a comprehensive index, and an appendix about how to find the yarn in the book. Oh, and crocheters will be happy to know that not only is the cover pattern crocheted, but there's lots of crochet in the book as well. I do wish that real models rather than mannequins had been wearing the garments in the photos. One other great feature is that some of the garments are actually shown twice in two different yarns.

Jill Willcot has my favorite knit pattern in the book--it's barely a capelet--more like a cowl-neck that just happens to fall past the shoulders. It's a beautiful, modern design done in fall colors and it looks fun and easy to make. Kathleen Power Johnson has a shrug that uses a cool, unusual stitch pattern--it's a vertical zig-zag done using a crossed stitch pattern that gives great dimension to the piece.

As all women know, society has enveloped the idea that you must be anorexic to be beautiful in this world, but I think this book embraces the fact that we are all beautiful. Plus, gives wonderful and easy insights on how to bring our inner beauty to the outside! The introduction from Daisy Fuentes is a wonderful beginning of personal and endearing experiences. It also takes its time to describe every type of makeup that is out there and what is best for our skin. It explains different skin types and what would go better with different skin color. After reading this book I realized that more than half of the makeup that I have purchased over the years is wrong for my type of skin and tone! Thanks LATINA!

Attracted by the lovely cover model I picked "Latina Beauty" up at the bookstore. Just a quick glimpse through the pages and I a nonhispanic decided to splurge.

The book is a gem no matter what your ethnicity. Though geared to the Latina woman, the content is appropriate for every woman. Who doesn't want flawless skin, striking eyes and attitude! This book covers it all! You will learn everything from creating a sacred space to eating for optimum health.

I learned a lot from this book that is not covered in other beauty books. How to look for the glints of color in my eyes and using the color wheel, select an eyeshadow color that will pull out the shade I want to emphasize. How to create the illusion of plump, luscious lips without looking like a clown!

And the information in presented beautifully. Glossy pages and lovely pictures justify the price. It's oversized but not unweldy like many other beauty books.

Get this book and get gorgeous with attitude!

As a Latina, I take pride in my light/olive skin and I often find it difficult to find products that suit me. Latina Beauty has been quite helpful. It understands that Latin women come in various shades -- case in point: Jennifer Lopez, Salma Hayek, Christina Aguilerra, Penelope Cruz, etc. -- and how vital it is to make your skin look radiant and beautiful. It is a guide to wearing the appropriate make-up shades and following the correct beauty regime. I recommend this great book to Latin women everywhere!

This book gives you the basics for everything to hair care to makeup. It's very comprehensive and also enjoyable.

i bought this book because everywhere i looked there were beauty books and advice in magazines that didnt cater to my particular skintone (olive) not even bobbi browns book helped much.i loved this book from the start. it has beautiful pages and advice that one cannot find in the other beauty books out on the market. it encourages women to stay healthy and to have some sort of spirituality in their lives. what it didnt have was something like beauty when a woman is pregnant annd after childbirth;it didnt have anything like beauty throughout ones lifetime either. but maybe that canbe for a revised edition of latina beauty. it is too bad that this book went out of print. it is a one of a kind book that shows scrawny and pale shouldnt and isnt 'the perfect image'. all women of all colors and sizes are beautiful! i really loved this book and it helped me appreciate my culture and my skin coloring.it taught me a thing or two about taking care of my whole self-inside and out.

It used to be a Library book, it would have been nice if it didn't have that written on it.

For all of us who work, shop, cook, clean, tend to the needs of husbands, kids, friends, and parents, this is the "cure" I've been looking for -- practical tips for taking care of ourselves in the process. A lifesaver. I'm giving it to all my women friends for mother's day. I feel ten years younger (I'm 45 in actual years) just reading it! p.s. my husband still has a crush on Victoria ever since Dallas.

I have all her past books and I think she has managed to top them all with this new one! As she grows older she just gets better and better! She has alot of helpful hints about inside and outside beauty that can apply to any stage of life that you are at! Well written and has beautiful pictures. This book would make a wonderful gift to give to others and to give yourself!

Victoria's book is a great read. Truly inspiring for all ages, from taking care of yourself from the inside/out to the best beauty tips and showing us how important the mind & body connection is. Great diets, numerous recipes, skin care, dental care, hair care, and exercise, to an indepth guide on plastic surgery, vitamins, hormones and connecting to our inner self. Victoria's book covers it all. I must add if you aren't already using the "Principal Secret" skincare products, you don't know what you're missing.

In one word "Extraordinary".

I have all Victoria's previous books - "The Living Principal" is #1 above all other health and beauty books on the market.

Thank you Victoria!!

I enjoyed reading this book. She had many rich and valueable words of encouragement to say concerning the beauty and value of a woman who has reached the years of 40 and beyond. She talks of the inner beauty that we have and how to tap into this to cause the outer appearances to glow with contentment and peace. She also addresses the outer appearances as well. She explains the care of our skin, hair, body in general as we mature. Victoria tells us with good care of the body, spirit and mind the body will age much more graciously. I found her words intellegent and down to earth. I read her book within days and have already passed it onto a dear friend who also asks many of the same questions the book tries to answer. One chapter, written by her husband who is a Dr., covers all the questions we have about plastic surgery. That was informative.

Eventually, people will get sick and tired of fad restrictive diets. When they do, hopefully they will seek health rather than perfection. Ruth gives good advice that you can follow for the rest of your life and be at peace with your body. It's not a "quick fix" book, an overpromise, or a guilt trip. The author does not preach or lecture, she kindly advises you to look at the issues behind your health. Because of her experience as a personal trainer, you can trust the advice. It's an easy read, very practical, but it will challenge you as well.

THIS IS A BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN BOOK, OFFERING HOPE AND SENSIBLE SUGGESTIONS IN A TROUBLED WORLD. I FELT GUIDED TOWARD A LIFE OF INNER PEACE AND BALANCE. A MUST READ FOR ANYONE!

Longterm health and fitness is comprised of much more than some magic fitness device or crash diet -- a premise that most of us instinctively know, but one that Ruth McGinnis has the guts (given the current state of pop culture) to celebrate.

Small, incremental and "do-able" lifestyle changes that encompass spiritual and emotional areas as well as diet and exercise, are the keys to overall success.

This is the most honest, reasonable, positive and common sense lifestyle book I've ever read. And the only one that has produced lasting results for me.

I met Ruth McGinnis back in 2001, when I received a copy of this book and her companion CD, "Songs for the Good Life." I've listened to the CD many times since then - the music is lovely! - but... I never did get around to fully reading the book. I had the usual excuses: I don't like self-help books. I don't need help. I don't have time. I'd flip through, read a bit here and there, and put it back down.

Thankfully, finally, I have read the entire book. I have begun doing the exercises recommended, and begun the slow process of improving my health through healthy eating. I have already been doing some of the other things recommended, such as looking for underlying causes of health issues and stress to address them.

The book is very well written, with simple, practical tips, interspersed with stories of her own life and that of her family - most especially her grandparents. A very sweet part of the book is two wedding photos - that of her grandparents on their wedding day, and that of Ruth and her husband John, on their wedding day - Ruth attired in the dress her grandmother made and wore.

Ruth shares her own struggle and process of making her way to health and happiness. She's very real and honest, and you can relate to what she has gone through. Although the book is faith-based, and Ruth mentions God quite a bit, it is never preachy or judgmental.

In person, Ruth is gracious and gentle and kind - she clearly lives by the concepts she presents in the book, and just as clearly wrote the book as a way to help others.

The only way the book could be improved is if Ruth had provided a handy-pull out "cheat sheet" with the top-line concepts, such as the list of exercises, the food recommendations and the other tips, that could be posted on the fridge, or in the bathroom, or bedroom, where it would be a quick reference guide. It would also be great if Ruth created a wellness journal as a companion.

Otherwise, highly recommended!

This is the first wellness book I've read that does an exemplary job in addressing the whole person. This book helped me not only with a common-sense, practical, do-able approach to diet and exercise, but also with developing a healthier approach to balancing life in general. McGinnis is also inspiring and motivating in her delivery of the material. Ready to get your life in order? Buy this book.

What becomes abundantly clear as one reads through this bok is that H.E. Davey writes from experience. He has practised several of the "ways" to a very high level, and he is able to write about his experiences in a readable, almost conversational manner. He sees quite deeply into the heart of Japanese culture, taking the reader along a path of understanding and discovery as he presents the key concepts of that tradition. In addition to the text, the marginal reminders and definitions of the key concepts reinforce what one has already encountered in the text, and serve as a glossary of important terms. Davey provides exercizes to try at home, as well. All in all, this is a first-rate book -- helpful, accessible, accurate, and often profound.

H.E. Davey excels at communicating an approach for the Westerner to Japanese concepts of universality, aesthetics, and human spirituality. Written in a very accessible form, this book is an excellent introduction to those topics for the beginner; as well as being a great reference book for those already practicing any form of meditation, martial art, or fine art. Full of concrete descriptions of ideas and relationships that often go mute in Western culture. Read it over and over!

This book is unique in that it gives Westerners a comprehensive insight into Japanese arts and ways. Not many are able to capture something so inangible as Japanese aesthics as well as Davey. A great read.

Davey provides a clear and comprehensive overview of the principles and aesthetic qualities that characterize the Japanese arts. Ideal for Westerners interested in Japanese arts, particularly those who have practiced an art for some time and are looking to go beyond merely practicing the form and delve into the spiritual dimensions embodied in these arts. Highly recommended.

H.E. Davey excels at communicating an approach for the Westerner to Japanese concepts of universality, aesthetics, and human spirituality. Written in a very accessible form, this book is an excellent introduction to those topics for the beginner; as well as being a great reference book for those already practicing any form of meditation, martial art, or fine art. Full of concrete descriptions of ideas and relationships that often go mute in Western culture. Read it over and over!

This is the best book I've read about fashion in a long time. AliBayse is a fantastic writer!

I was bowled over by this clever book. Well researched, written in an engaging style, sophisticated AND funny, with so many tidbits of information, that it was exciting to turn the page to see what new surprising fact would appear. Didn't know there was so much to know about the skirt! I recommend this book to all women ( men will get a kick out of it too ), and wonder what Ali Basye's next book is about? Please hurry, Ms. Basye! I loved this BIG little book!

Not only is it the perfect size to fit in my jeans-skirt back pocket, this book packs so much interesting (and funny) information into it's colorful pages I want to take it any place I might need a quick escape (like the bus, or ummm work). Until I'm finished reading it, of course, and then it's got its place on my coffee table. I love the illustrations and witty repartee, and the book just looks smart, too. I can finally play it off like I'm that well-dressed, flirty, and sophisticated girl with her finger on the pulse of fashion. Amen for books that do the work for you. I recommend it!!

Alright, I would not have given this book a thought, but one night I saw it sitting on our table, obviously something my wife had found interesting. Being myself a strange fact freak, and self-proclaimed encyclopedia of odd knowledge, I thought I would thumb through this for a new tidbit, I could toss at my most times annoyed friends.

About an hour later,I found myself finsihing what I found to be an incredibly well researched history of what I now realize an important part of American pop culture and fashion.

The two things I found most facinating were the garment studies applied to old films such as Tarzan/Jane series, and the pop culture influenced skirts that were also game boards, pinning the wearer to the ground while friends played backgammon and checkers around her (or his, as in the case of Ed Wood) folded knees.

Since every example could not be illustrated, the editor has done a fantastic job of selecting the ones that you look for after reading the kitchy text.

In short. A quick read that will not let down purveyors of fashion, art , and culture. Never to forget a great bit of memory feed for the know-it-all

Fun and witty perfectly describes this book! It's a great little page turner that tells you everything you'd ever want to know about the history of every woman's favorite clothing item, the skirt, with great illustrations to boot. I would definitely recommend this book -- it's the cat's meow! (see section on flapper slang) Read and enjoy !

I didn't think I would have picked up a book with "Beauty Queen" in the title, but I enjoyed reading the first book, Lucy and the Liberty Quilt so much to my little sister that I bought the second book. Lucy and the Beauty Queen: Book 2 is really good! I'm a young man in my teens, and even I was drawn into Lucy's adventures in ancient Egypt. The writing is so descriptive that I can visualize each scene and character. Wonderful pacing of the book, too - fast. It keeps you reading until you finish the book! This book had action, romance, comedy, drama, and fantasy. Amazingly, Victoria London also manages to beautifully tie in historical significance, a lesson about self-image/self-esteem, and the battle between good and evil. I truly enjoyed this book. It's mature enough for parents to enjoy, yet entertaining enough for young readers to be drawn into its story. Victoria London's works is likely to become classics - the next Madeline L' Engle!

This series really complements Harry Potter. If you like stories about extraordinary kids, then here's another series - only the Christian or religious crowd would have no problem with the Gifted Girls Series at all.

I'm 13 years old, and I loved reading about Lucy. In the first book, she hasn't learn how to use her gift yet. But in this book, she uses it often. This book isn't all about being goody-twoshoes. Lucy faces temptation, dark forces, and even a sinister plot against her new friend, Queen Cleopatra. I'm not going to tell you how the story ends, but Lucy learns a lot more than she bargained for in this book. Good adventures and plot, I'd recommend it even to boys.

This is the BEST BOOK I've read in a long time!!! Better than the first book in this series. I want to read the next. VICTORIA LONDON --- PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE WRITE SOME MORE OF LUCY'S ADVENTURES! Don't keep me in suspense. No wonder why the Gifted Girls books are getting so popular!

Lucy and the Beauty Queen, the second book to the Lucy series in Gifted Girls, shows another side to the mysterious Cleopatra. This is a side imaginatively told, of a young Cleopatra who must rise to lead a weak Egypt. How does this relate back to Lucy? Lucy is in a quest to find her explorer father. Through her gift and through her journey back in time to find her father, Lucy learns about bravery and courage. This is not your typical girl's book where everything is sunny and bright, but a book that reminds you of a shorter version of a Wrinkle in Time. And it is charming. Mrs. Potter and her dog Mr. Smithy is vivid and lovable. Lucy is spunky, and Nellie Ham is funny. When I read the Emily Cobbs Collection, another character in the Gifted Girls Series, I was compelled to read the Lucy books. In Emily Cobbs, the Explorer Society becomes more prominent, and there is more of a backstory on the Gifted Girls. A wonderful new series that have been under the radar, but has caught the attention of schools and parents since it is among the recommendation lists. My younger sister loves this series.