Beauty Books

I received this for Christmas and have read it three times since then, referring to it constantly as I build our new hummingbird/butterfly friendly backyard. Sally Roth has changed the way I garden - her relaxed style, her obvious pleasure in her subject, the wonderful photographs, great descriptions of hummingbirds, butterflies and the plants to sustain them, have made organic gardening accessible and understandable. I have always had a no-spray garden, but always felt some distress when things started getting chewed, as will happen. Now I look eagerly for the first signs of 'munching' on the passiflora I just planted, hoping for some fritillary action. Host plants are now mixed in with the nectar flowers - and I can't wait to see a monarch caterpillar on the milkweed! Thanks, Sally! I have hung up the big giant strawberry feeder with pride!

I borrowed this book from our local library, and I read it from cover to cover! Most gardening books are good for browsing, but are too boring to read. I am an avid gardener and bird/butterfly watcher, and I found this book VERY informative, well illustrated and also well written. I've added this book to my wishlist hoping someone will buy it for me! If you're interested in butterflies or hummingbirds, this is the book for you!

I've read a number of gardening books lately, as I have decided to start gardening. This is one of the best. There are beautiful photographs and illustrations of flowers, butterflies and hummingbirds. The author has an obvious love of the subject. She doesn't make the whole gardening idea into a religion, however. She has a light touch, tells some stories on herself, gives a lot of good advice and makes the whole thing seem like a joy, not a chore.

This is a super resource. It has great info on both the host and nectar plants of butterflies, talks to the different needs of hummingbirds and the plants they like, how to set up the garden to be most inviting. There are full chapters on things like "the lure of water", "the shletering garden", garden designs, butterfly & hummingbird behavior, etc. There's a section on hummingbird feeders as well as butterfly feeders (rotting fruit - they love it!) It's a great into to the lives of butterflies and hummingbirds, explaining the cycles they go through and their needs and has really straightforward info/ideas on how to create the habitat that will be right for them. The photographs of the caterpillars, butterflies and hummingbirds (even one feeding young in a nest) are fantastic. It also tells (a little bit) about how caterpillars overwinter. Really one of the best books I've seen on the topic - glad I bought it - its a lot of fun! I highly recommend it for anyone looking to set up a garden to attract these folks or augment an existing garden. Build it and they will definitely come! We've had great succeses!

This book kept me in suspense from the beginning all the way to the end. It is full of many surprises and plot twists. The story challenges the usual perception of kings, queens, knights, and witches and brings up an interesting perspective. A pleasure to read!

What a good read! The characters were great and by Part II I couldn't put the book down. I had to find out what happened. I really liked the way good and evil are not so black and white. If you like fairy tales but want a more realistic picture, I highly recommend this book.

Allison Ewing does a great job of developing the characters in the story, and also of building up the plot with flashbacks to events in the past. As the story unfolds, it becomes very difficult to put the book down until you have completed it.

Allison Ewing really knows how to create interesting characters. Her story is fast-paced yet runs deep. This book has it all: complex characters, secrets and plot twists, heartbreaking love, and a most satisfying and moving finale. Then there's hope at the end. She lived.

To all who are interested in Ayurvedic medicine and who want to find out where true beauty comes from....read this book. It contains very important information as far as health and how it relates to beauty. A masterpiece!!!!

JFE

An amazing, wonderful book, one of the most informative I have ever read on beauty care or ayurveda, it's packed full of information from cover to cover. Very extensive, talks about all the different aspects of health and beauty care. Lots and lots of recipes to make at home and which do work. Never again will I need to throw away good money on useless, expensive face creams that don't do the job and put me at risk for cancer. Only drawback, perhaps, is that some of the recipes have too many ingredients for modest pocketbooks. Otherwise a great buy and a great book, if you don't like creepy, strange-sounding unreliable chemicals in the products you put on your skin or in your hair, this is the book for you. It's better than just a simple make-your-own-cosmetics type of book because the recipes are tailored precisely to YOUR particular skin type.

As an Ayurvedic esthetician, not only was this the perfect text book, but as a wonderful reference book, too. It is well written, easy to read, informative and the cover is especially telling. The woman balancing the three doshas is the perfect picture of what we try to do with our lives. Sandra

I'm new to Ayurveda and ordered this book. It has a lot of good info in it. I didn't try any of the techniques though... as I realized Ayurveda is not really my style. But some good information here.

The first story "Bad Dog" evokes the recurring theme of the entire collection: Redemption in a world of sorrow. It spans the author's life through more than fifty years in a mere six pages. An essence of humilty is evident as you try and understand the hardness of his father's will. The adage of he did the best he knew how plays a familiar tune to most of us raised by depression era parents. The resentment melts away with Jensen's tender acts of mercy towards his father nearing the end of his life. A tender act few if any of us would be able to muster up...
It's a recommended read for everyone hoping to understand how to see into the darkness and not be afraid.

Lin Jenson has the grace to reflect on profound moments in his life in a non-judgemental way, regardless of the circumstances. It is refreshing to read the work of a person that has the gift of self reflection and can communicate the experience as well as this Zen teacher has been able to do. One can only hope to be able to learn as much from their own life's experiences.

Stark, and beautiful.
Many people, like the author's father, assert that the best response to tough times is to be cold and tough in our actions. But throughout his lifetime, in the shadow of the Great Depression and his cruel father, the author stayed true to his own inner desire for compassion.
And he has lived to tell us about it.

I'm a fan of really good writing as well as Buddhism. I read this book several months ago and always meant to write a review about it. So today I finally got around to it and browsed the reviews written before me to see that all the superlatives had been already taken.

Gut-wrenching, beautiful,powerful.

This book touched me as very few have. It is a must-read regardless of its subject matter because of the quality of the writing alone. I could feel this kid's life. His loneliness, alienation and neediness.

Like many great books it can be read on different levels. As a personal memoir of growing up in a particular time and place with a particular type of upbringing. As a lay Buddhist book; essentially a primer of how to step away from a world of samsara and build for yourself, step by step, act by act, a life of peace, love and compassion.

What a journey he's had. How amazing that he shared it with us.

It's an elegant, lyrical, deceptively "deep" book which really deserves a much wider audience.(Read it and imagine that it's Number One on the N.Y. Times bestseller list and see if you feel just a little more hopeful).

This was a great book; not only was it enjoyable to read, as Wendy had a conversation-like syntax, it had pretty illustrations, and most of all, I learned how to take care of my skin. When I was younger I always went to my mother complaining about a pimple, blemish, or stretch mark, and each time her response was rolling her eyes. After reading this book, I don't need to go to my mother like old times.

I would highly recommend it for any woman or teenager looking for answers about beauty.

I thought this book was beautifully illustrated with great photos and easy to read pages. The information was very useful - about the most common beauty problems for women of all ages. I bought it to help treat my acne after having gone to so many doctors and never getting rid of the blemishes. This book gave me some ideas for things I have been doing wrong and encouraged me to try again. Thanks.

What impressed me most about this book is the down to earth, almost conversational style. I felt like I was discussing beauty secrets with a well-informed girlfriend who was eager to share her innovative ideas. I was excited to see Wendy on Jane Hanson's NBC report earlier this week - I was once again impressed by how approachable she is. It really seems like she gets the aesthetic needs of women and has the skills to offer them the best possible guidance in skin care and surgery.

I received this book as a present and I loved it. The pages are so pretty and the information is very useful and sensibly written. I highly recommend it to any woman with a mirror. There is something for anyone to learn about keeping their face and body in good condition.

Some poetry lasts but a moment in time; the verse is read and soon forgotten. Then there is poetry that lingers in the mind for awhile but eventually fades, leaving only the faintest footprints on the memory. But there is also poetry that seemingly comes from a place with neither beginning nor end that the mind refuses to let go of; it is simply too profound, the imagery too beautiful to relinquish. It is forever, it is eternal. It is as rare as the poet who can conceive of and deliver moments so unforgettable that they are destined from the first reading to live on in one's memory forever thereafter. And with her book, "Beauty Forever Reigns," Deborah Simpson has emerged as one of those with just such a rare gift.

Dipping her quill into ancient ink and drawing from the well of the Eternals, Simpson bares her soul to take her reader on a journey through the entire spectrum of the human experience. It's an examination of life in eleven chapters, beginning with "Love," and continuing on with sections devoted to everything from "Fate," "Angst" and "Loss" to "Spiritual Prose" and "Musing." Her introspective meditations lead you through myriad peaks and valleys of emotion as she explores this thing we call the human condition, all the while creating singular images of monumental beauty. Consider this, from "Surreal Ecstasy:"

Like the ocean gestures upon my nakedness--
Your whisper echoes through breeze into my soul.
Like the sun warms my frostbitten breast--
Your energy permeates through air into my core.

At the end of each chapter, the poet comments upon what inspired the composition of the verses included therein, offering meaningful insights that add even more interest and significance to her already compelling work. It allows the reader to partake of the creative mead, while at the same time it further illuminates the altruistic and giving nature that epitomizes Deborah Simpson. Few artists, even poets, are willing to open themselves up so completely; but by doing so, she gives the reader a sense of intimacy with the poet, enabling the necessary empathy whereby the strength, vulnerability, compassion and passion that factor into the creative process can be readily perceived.

Simpson exhibits here the courage of one who has faced the bitter and found the sweet, finding beauty where others would or could not and offering it up as a symbol of the possible and positive to a world too often steeped in darkness and negativity. And it is this vision that she so aptly conveys in her poetry, in words so replete with beauty and meaning that it will touch the very soul of even the most jaded and world-weary among us. With this book, the poet opens her heart to all, and in doing so reveals a spirit that is beauty incarnate. As inspiring as it is profound, "Beauty Forever Reigns" is a voyage upon a river of dreams, with untold rewards awaiting those who embark upon it. If this book is an indication of things to come, Deborah Simpson will soon be considered among the classic poets of the ages. Indeed, there is genius at work here.

Beauty Forever Reigns is a compilation of 11 chapters of selected poetry dedicated to life's many ponders such as love, hope, fate, loneliness, pain, loss, dejection, passion, spirituality. Each chapter of poetry fluently identifies with the struggles of the human spirit with a profound insightfulness.

Aside from the inclusion of poetry, I have gone beyond the depths of my poetry with the inclusion of inspirational writing concluding each journey of verse. We have all, at times, felt lost within the bosom of life's many impediments and Beauty Forever Reigns is a reminder that you are not alone.

Sincerely, a rare combination of poetry and inspiration. This is a book you will be sure to revisit throughout the years for healing, comfort, strength, tranquility and the much needed reminder of the beauty that resides within you.

Beauty Forever Reigns is a very touching and thought provoking collection of free verse poems that delves into all facets of the human experience. It tastefully plucks heartstrings, while manipulating the beating of the heart. What a wonderful way to express the deep feelings of the soul!

Simpson's poetry teaches the reader many life lessons, the greatest of which is to learn from your mistakes and heartaches rather than giving in to the despair they might otherwise generate. This is a lesson I feel is important for all who struggle in this world we live in. It is so easy to just become bitter or afraid, much harder to have the courage to learn from them.

Each chapter of the book is dedicated to a different theme, such as love, passion, fate, loneliness, and is capped at the end with her inspiration for writing them. Each chapter is filled with poems that express her feelings, as well as those of many of her readers, and she doesn't seem afraid to tackle any subject. It takes great courage to bear one's soul just to reach someone who needs to hear the message.

This book is a great one to leave on your nightstand to peruse before bedtime, and read upon waking. A touching collection of poems, this book is great for anyone who ever wonders about life's mysteries, has suffered losses or pain, or just wants to delve into their souls.

Life is filled with that unexpected moment. That moment that becomes our day and gathers our focus away from happiness. Even the brightest of personalities sometimes collapses to these moments of life. It is in those moments that Deborah Simpson's insight on life lives. She has captured in breathtaking poetry a way to lift us above the bumps of life where doubt about our selves exist.

In this value packed and valuable book of poetry and insight Deborah's talents shine. She demonstrates a powerful use of language and an unmatchable touch of sensitivity and combines that with compassion.

My bookshelf is home to many classic stories and all time great authors in the world of literature. However they are all jealous of "Beauty Forever Reigns". While they have been collecting dust, Deborah Simpson's book never stays there long enough to even collect a single particle of dust. She has written a collection of literary keepsakes for the soul.


The Beauty of Someday: Poems from a Dysfunctional Heart

Every once in a while you read a book that inspires you from cover to cover. I couldn't put this book down because it was so well done and leads you on to reflect on the beauty of the Christian faith and it's practicality in the spiritual life. Mr.Saward has a good grasp on the connection between the beautiful and holy. I found it very readable and would recommend it to anyone who seeks to enrich their Christian faith.

This book is so rich, I felt spoiled to have read it. I boughtit because the reviews were so good, and I'm really glad I did. If youwonder what art has to do with spirituality, this book will carefully reveal it to you. It provides a wealth of information - each premise is carefully documented and supported. It ties together the experience and profundity of art (in worship, in creating art, etc.) with holiness. It was written from a Catholic perspective, but the rich traditions and thought underlying the message are for all Christians. What joyful reading... END

I was recommended Saward's work as a preliminary text to introduce me to theological aesthetics before delving into the works of Hans Urs von Balthasar on beauty. It is a condensed development of a Theology of Art that is a testimony to the relationship between holiness and beauty. The theological is highly Thomistic and is constantly related to the beauty which is found in the Holy Ones of the Faith.

Saward's main development throughout the text is how beauty is always a reflection of holiness, for holiness is, at its core, a full harmony with God, letting the Radiance of the inner life of the Trinity shine through the holy one. By means of a variety of reflections, Saward considers those Holy Ones who are transparent to the beauty of God and reflects primarily on the different aspects of these beauties, particularly as found in Christ, The Eucharist, the Saints, The Virgin Mary, and the Martyrs. He always orders the beauty of the Holy Ones, as well as all of Creation, to the Holy God of all creation.

Saward's treatise serves as an important reminder to the power of Art insomuch as it works to the Glory of God, to the Glory of the Truth. Beauty is not removable from Truth and Goodness, but is an exposition of it, and a route thereto. By means of such Holiness, Art is lifted up to its summit and thus can purify an entire culture.

This is a beautiful exposition of the harmony between holiness and beauty. John Saward, a friend of mine, is a reflection of this great work. Read it.

Poet, songwriter, and professional copywriter J. Byron Lasko presents Beauty of Souls, a novel about struggling with the hard realities of life and finding hope amid menace. Jim Armond suffers from a failing business and marriage; life is so bad that the voice in his head is trying to shake sense into him. Complicating the situation, Jim's best friend Louie has borrowed money from the mob and can't repay them; Jim tries to intervene, but his assets are frozen from his divorce proceedings. When Louie suffers a heart attack, an inexplicably divine event occurs - Jim meets Angelina Parish, and as the two of them administer CPR, her hand touches Jim's. A transformational experience touches everyone in the room - except the cold-blooded monsters out for revenge. Jim has discovered love, yet the specter of certain death threatens him in this suspenseful and dramatic novel of spiritual growth.

Beauty of Souls is a fun, spiritual adventure with vivid characters and an important message. A thoroughly enjoyable read that'll have you craving a bottle of red and wondering if each of us has our own "Jack" inside.

Great story. Very interesting and the author has a great way of making the metaphysical storyline understandable. Kept me up at night reading just one more chapter to find out how it ends. Enjoyable characters.

Jim Lasko's book took us where other novels today do not tread.Wouldn't we all want the opportunity to meet our higher, evolved selves? If we open ourselves to the "impossible" anything becomes possible. I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure.

This book is worth it for the "Bumble Bee" poem on page 6 alone but the end page art is also incredible. The poets are very eclectic ranging from Margaret Wise Brown of "Goodnight Moon" fame to Ted Hughes and D.H. Lawrence! This is a wonderful book for all ages.

Nobody ever collected animals together like Noah. Nobody ever collected animal poems like Jack Prelutsky. The Beauty of the Beast is a winner with great animal poems that appeal to all ages. If you like animals, you'll love these animal poems, and may even find yourself liking poetry too. We did.

Jack Prelutsky continues to prove that he cannot be pigeon-holed into the role of simply a poet. In his role as editor of yet another poetry anthology with the publication of The Beauty of the Beast, Prelutsky has once again chosen poems that fit with and enhance the book's overall theme. Children will be delighted with the variety of poetic genres exhibited here--from the sublime to the hillarious. Meilo So's pictures form a charming backdrop to these poems, and each section of the book features a beautifully lyric haiku written by Prelutsky. This book is truly a feast for any poetry lover and would enhance anyone's personal or classroom library.

Hi my name is Roxanne! I am 9 years old! I recived it from my aunt Barbra. I loved it so much that I went to a bookstore called,"The Frugal Frigate". It's the best! I bought the book for my teacher! She loved it too! She started telling all the teachers and everybody! Then they started buing,"The Beauty Of The Beast!"

As a frequent tourist to the Green Mountain State, I found this book to be a fantastic collection of all the reasons I continue to come back year after year. Gorgeous, stunning photography of the four best reasons to visit Vermont - summer, winter, spring and fall. Not to be overlooked, though, is the captivating and conversational prose by Vermont Life Editor, Tom Slayton. He effortlessly puts into words the many feelings the state's beauty evokes. A fantastic book to add to any collection of New England or photography books.

Here in a single volume is one of the best collections of beautiful photographs of Vermont I have as yet examined. They were taken by Vermont Life magazine's contributing photographers, with a crisp and eloquent text provided by Tom Slayton. Technically, I guess, this would be called a "coffee table book" and indeed that is where it resides in my home, except when I pore through it again (which I do each day) or when a family member or guest does so. The reproduced art (which such great photography truly is) is organized logically and appropriately according to the four seasons. Many persons who have never visited Vermont perhaps think of it in association with the poetry of Robert Frost. There are many other locales elsewhere in New England (notably in northwest Connecticut and throughout New Hampshire and Maine) could just as easily provide images which Frost's poetry evokes. For me, however, there is a texture and there are certain nuances to Vermont ("A State of Nature") which are unique. They are captured vividly in the stunning photographs provided in this volume.

Pretend that you have arrived in the state and have retained Slayton as your tour guide. "Take us to your favorite places. Help us to understand why you are so fond of each place. In other words, introduce us to Vermont at its best." In essence, that is what this volume does. The initial impact is so great, so enjoyable, that you will wish to return again and again. A magnificent volume such as this enables you to do so. Those who share my passion for Vermont are urged to subscribe to Vermont Life magazine. Also, to purchase Richard W. Brown's The Soul of Vermont.

Vermont Life magazine has been featuring striking photographs of the natural beauty of this New England state for more than fifty years. The best of those images have been assembled in The Beauty Of Vermont and enhanced with an informative, reader friendly text by Tom Slayton as the reader is treated to Vermont's Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter landscapes and charm. The Beauty Of Vermont is a lovely book for browsing and will provide both inspiration and motivation for family trips and personal sojourns to see and explore more of Vermont's natural beauty and folksy charm.

Vermont Life has chosen such a stunning series of photographs to showcase the state's best asset- nature through its four glorious seasons- that you'll feel as though you're on a mini vacation every time you open the book. The photographs rival any found in National Geographic or Sierra Club publications, and the accompanying text- written by Vermont Life's long time editor-in-chief- richly but succinctly describes the state's geography and people, as well as the ongoing push and pull between man and nature. For people (like myself) who have already fallen in love with the state, the book is a coffee table treasure.. but for those who aren't quite sure what the hype is about, it may be a bit too "rah, rah Vermont."