Holidays Books

This book provides a wonderful look at the Campania region. I bought it before a trip to Italy, and hoped to use it as a guide of the region that I would be visiting. We stayed in Positano and visited a number of cities, including Vico Equense, Sorrento, Ravello, Caserta, Salerno, Minori, Vietri sul Mare, and several other small towns in the region. The only thing lacking in this book is detailed directions to find the stores. For example, we tried to visit a wine shop in Caserta that the book highly recommended. Armed with two maps with printed directions from Google Maps and Microsoft Live Local, we still had no luck finding it. It is very difficult to find a good map service of the area, and if this book would provide detailed directions to reaching these stores, a few maps, and maybe photos of the storefronts, it would be absolutely perfect!

I lived in Naples for 3 1/2 years and traveled all over the Campania region, but I didn't find this book until our last month and wish I had it from the start. It is very good and we tried several of the locations before we left . Show the book to the stores or restaurants that you visit , they have their own copies.I reccommend it to anyone planning on taking the trip or those who want to see what it is like.

Still waiting for delivery of the book that I paid for over a month ago. Contrary to popular opinion Cape Town is a first world city with a decent postal service. I want the book to accompany me to the Naples area shortly and will be extremely disappointed if I have to leave without it. If a client has opted for expedited shipping perhaps you should take it upon yourselves to check that this is possible otherwise you should remove the option from your website

Fantastic resource for planning gastronomic adventures in Campania. We are using this guide to help us plan for an upcoming trip to a less-traveled area in southern Campania. This amazing book provides great insight for food and wine lovers who want to know where to go, and what to eat and drink when you get there. There is simply no way I could have compiled this information on my own.

We have lived in the Naples area for the past year, but found more wonderful local sources for food and wine in one weekend using this well-researched guide than we found in the whole previous year! Much of life in Southern Italy is governed by word-of-mouth, and Carla Capalbo has done the hard work for anyone interested in the wonderful array of local food, wine, and olive oil available here. Brava!

I loved this book and the message it is teaching. God is telling us that by helping others, we are doing His word and carrying on his message. I read it to my grandchildren on Christmas Eve.

The Bible tells of the three wise men, Magi, who came from the East, following a star to the newly born King of the Jews. But, there was a fourth wise man, Artaban, who sold all that he had, and acquired three jewels, to give as his gift to the babe. But, when Artaban stops to help a sick man, he is delayed and misses accompanying the other three, and so he must set off alone. This is the story of the fourth wise man, who seeks the King of the Jews, and finds him in the most unlikely of places.

This is an absolutely wonderful story. It takes the famous 1896 story, written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933), and puts it in simple and yet powerful words which can be read by the younger reader. But, this isn't just a kids' book. Indeed, the author wrote an excellent parable for all Christians, telling a powerful story in an easy-to-understand manner. I loved the story, and Jackie Morris's excellent illustrations.

I am glad to have this book, and highly recommend it to everyone!

How about something fresh and new to cut through some of the Christmas clutter that seems to spring up around the holiday each year and must always be pruned away before the season can be properly celebrated and enjoyed ?

How about a powerful and moving story that has stood the test of time for a hundred years and is available as a children's book?

How about a meaningful and inspiring tale that the whole family can enjoy together, a fictional story that helps to put the real story of Christmas into its proper historical and cultural context, and expose some of its true meaning?

Henry van Dyke (1852-1933) graduated from Princeton in 1873, was pastor of the Brick Presbyterian Church in New York City (1883-99), professor of English literature at Princeton (1899-1923), and U.S. Ambassador to the Netherlands (1913-16). He wrote the well known hymn Ode To Joy (Joyful, Joyful). He also wrote The Story of the Other Wise Man which was originally published in 1895.

He wrote how Artaban desperately desired to travel with the other three wise men to worship and adore the Christ Child, but delayed his quest to bring his gifts to the newborn king in order to help a dying man, save the life of a baby, and rescue a young girl from slavery. Artaban finally loses every one of his gifts but finds and is found by the King of kings. Henry Van Dyke wrote a touching story of someone who spends his life doing good and searching for truth and beauty.

Susan Summers was a teacher in England. During an epiphany service at a small church she first encountered Henry Van Dyke's story. She was so impressed and moved by it that she began to use it each year as a school assembly topic. After leaving teaching she rewrote the story for children, and dedicated it to her former students.

Jackie Morris created the beautiful watercolor illustrations that accompany the text. They include large panoramic vistas and moving portraits.

[...]

This is a great book, especially for anyone trying to teach the real meaning of christmas. It is in the format of a child's book, but its language and subject matter (including the murder of all babies under Herod) is pretty advanced, so it's appropriate for kids who would normally read chapter books: I'd say 7+ years.

This book should be on the gift list for everyone you know! The original story was written by Henry Van Dyke (1852-1933). Susan Summers has rewritten and brought forth such gorgeous illustrations of a very special tale! No holiday season should go by without bringing this wonderful book out to read in a cozy gathering around the fireplace.

The Fourth Wise Man tells the story of Artaban who had originally planned to journey to Bethlehem with the other three wisemen to pay homage to the new King of the Jews but was delayed by his acts of kindness to others along the way. He does miss the birth of Jesus but continues a lifelong search of the King with a most wonderful journey and blissful end.

This is one of my all time favorites for any season and always brings tears to my eyes to think of the beauty of Artaban's life. Here's what Mr. Van Dyke had to say about his story:
"Who seeks for heaven alone to save his soul May keep the path, but will not reach the goal; While he who walks in love may wander far, Yet God will bring him where the blessed are."

Georgie by Robert Bright was sent in a very timely manner and is in very good condition for a used book. I am very pleased with the service.

I have been a first grade public school teacher for 38 years. I discovered the Georgie books in the 70's and started reading them to my first grade classes. When I realized how much the children, the parents, the school librarian, the other elementary teachers, and I all prized them, I started reading them to my daughter and son who also adored them, beginning with Georgie. He is a sweet faced, kind little ghost who looks after Mr.and Mrs. Whittaker. He is also very funny and gets himself in and out of many predicaments. I haven't seen these books for years and I was so afraid they were gone forever until I found them on Amazon com! Now I am ordering them for my three grandsons as I know they will love them as much as their mother did.

I RECENTLY VISITED MY OLD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AND AS IT WAS A SUNDAY, I COULD ONLY VIEW IT FROM THE OUTSIDE. AS I PEERED INTO THE LIBRARY'S WINDOWS, I RECALLED SEVERAL BOOKS THAT I HAD CHECKED OUT OVER THE YEARS. ONE OF THESE WAS GEORGIE (ACTUALLY A FEW BUT I DOUBT THEY HAD ALL OF THEM). I RETURNED HOME LATER THAT EVENING AND CHECKED MY SHELVES. I ALSO HAD A FEW ROBERT BRIGHT BOOKS THAT I HAD PICKED UP SECONDHAND TO READ TO MY BOYS WHEN THEY WERE YOUNGER. IT'S AMAZING TO ME HOW SUCH SIMPLE YET ENDEARING CHARACTER SUCH AS GEORGIE HAS STAYED WITH ME ALL THESE YEARS. I INTEND TO FIND THE REMAINING GEORGIE BOOKS AND ADD THEM TO MY PERSONAL LIBRARY. I CAN ALWAYS CLAIM THAT I GOT THEM TO READ TO ANY VISITING CHILDREN BUT WE BOTH KNOW THEY'RE REALLY FOR ME.

I had this sent to my granddaughter who is two years old. She loves it! Her father has to read it to her every night. He said that he remembers it as one of his favorites.

I loved this book as a child, and I came across it quite accidentally a couple of years ago. My youngest daughter, now 6, counts this as one of her favorite books. Now we read it to each other, almost every night, although I always secretly hope that she will let me read it to her. I love reading it to make it come even more alive (the big door GROANED so...). Her favorite part is when Georgie goes looking for a new home and a ghost at another house turns him away.

It's such a fun book!

A beautifully written, engrossing story of Christmas in a small town where a heavy snowstorm changed the course of events and the lives of many. Theroux paints vivid endearing characters and a portrait of a town I wish was my own home town.

What a charming Christmas fable--it draws you in with its tales of various residents of Ryland Falls and leaves you filled with the wonder of this special season. The appreciation of communities, families and individuals lingers, along with more intangible appreciation of what binds all of us together. This is a treasure!

When I finished reading this absolute gem of a book, I was astonished to find myself sitting there, feeling my heart chakra open, and on the verge of shedding tears of joy. This is one of those small rare treasures of literature that quietly opens the readerÕs heart and lets in a gentle flood of light and warmth and love. A short story written with a deft touch and without a shred of pretense or saccarine embellishment, GiovianniÕs Light displays the effortless mastery of the craft, evoking Guy DeMaupassantÕs classic explorations of life and the human heart. Take time to savour every word. Phyllis Theroux has truly written one for the ages.

Leaving my cold weather roots with the outside temperature at 70, I never dreamed I'd be able to be deliciously snowed in for the holidays cozying up for a fresh winter storm so vividly brought back to life in "Giovanni's Light". Holed up with me, to my delight, were Ms. Theroux's richly endearing cast of characters who one by one are given the chance to revisit the essence of the holiday spirit. I was at home in Ryland Falls eagerly awaiting each turn of events. A great solo read but just as much a wonderful family read-a-loud. It allowed my sun-bathed clan to experience the magic and wonder of a Christmas where nature's snowy blanket sets the town residents on a new course. A warm glow of a book I have continued to buy more copies to pass on to frenzied, frazzled friends who are all begging to find a way to slow down and experience the true gifts of the holidays. "Giovanni's Light" is just the answer.

What does it take for some people to stop their harried pace and take a look at their lives and then, to put a better perspective on what is important and what can wait? In this case it takes a blizzard to force people's lives to a slow crawl and give them the precious gift of time, to clearly see what is taking place in their lives that needs to be re-examined and fine tuned. This is a beautiful, thoughtful tale that encourages you to adjust your priorities to those with real value before something "big" or even tragic has to happen to force you to do so. Phyllis Theroux wisely shows that time is a priceless gift and that to live a fuller, richer life, time should be spent wisely, not nickled and dimed away.

As I write this I'm looking at the front cover of Golden Country . That lone cypress puts me in mind of a quote by Paul Klee, who marvelled at the tenacity of trees, and put it thus: "To stand despite all possibilities to fall." I guess that applies to the state of California too, which is just waiting to fall into a gap between tectonic plates. Neider's book, like California, is full of marvels, though I do have a favourite photograph; that tiny bird track preserved in the baked earth of the Mojave. It's like some biblical metaphor for existence and eternity. My God, I wish I were in California right now (outside is like a English summer's day cliche - gray skies, pouring rain, cold winds, not to mention thunder and lightning). I shall seek further salvation in Susan M Neider's lovely book. And recommend it as perfect therapy for anyone with a yen for soul-enhancing travel.

Susan Neider is as gifted a photographer of the Point Reyes Peninsula as that enchanted place has ever had. Her work is tack sharp, wonderfully composed, and perfectly catches California light. A superb collection of photographs.

Jim Cohee
Senior Editor
Sierra Club Books
San Francisco, California

The Ideal Blend
For anyone looking for the ideal blend of landscape photography and information to express the essence of a place, Golden Country: Touring Scenic California does it perfectly. Susan Neider has proven once again that this is her great talent, and has made another valuable and unique contribution to the guidebook offerings. In my opinion, the portfolio of 120+ photographs is her best yet; even the most complex landscapes are captured in gorgeous, rich color with superior skill and honesty. It would not be an overstatement to say that her photographic eye is one of the best at work today. The accompanying text adds for the reader the explanations needed to understand further California's complicated and diverse geology. Her descriptive narrative is excellent -- always clean, direct, and easy to follow. As usual, Neider is able to control the flow of information masterfully so as not to exhaust the reader. Simply put, it is a pleasure to read. Maps are plentiful in Golden Country, and
these are maps that can easily be used when traveling. They are beautiful, thorough and particularly helpful as they contain little camera icons that show exactly where Neider has found her photographs. It's a wonderful touch and a great idea to guide the reader who also carries a camera in hand. For a superb overview of California that also contains the necessary detail and organization to make a terrific guidebook, Golden Country is the ideal blend.

"Golden Country" is, quite simply, an extraordinary book by an extraordinarily talented individual. I am in awe of the sheer quality of the work product created here.

Other reviewers have already praised the book's photographs. They are indeed gorgeous and sumptuous: flawlessly composed, tack sharp, bathed in perfect natural light, and offering a wide variety of interesting content (ranging from soaring panoramas to tight close-ups of individual trees, foliage, rocks, and animals). Some images are simple "matter-of-fact" recordings of beautiful landscapes, while others show off clever interpretations of unusual but naturally-occurring effects (like discreet angled beams of sunlight shining crisply through the green canopy of a section of woodlands, or low-hanging gray clouds appearing to kiss the twin peaks of the Golden Gate bridge, or mountain ridges seamlessly mirrored in salt water pools lying below). But every picture is powerful and emotive, setting its own emotional tone and a distinct mood. All of them are compelling and emotional.

But this is hardly just a pretty picture book for the coffee table (though it would do just fine there and anyone should be proud to display it there or fascinated to peruse it there). This book is also a highly effective travel guide. Unlike other travel guides that bombard the reader with boring historical information and poorly presented details, this book's information is accessible, well organized, and cleanly laid out on the page in a way that anyone can use. Only the essence of what you need to know to visit, observe, and photograph the destinations is provided: no fat, just what you need to know, presented in a highly efficient manner with journalistic-like precision and accompanied by clean, usable maps of the destination areas.

But it is not just a travel guide. It is actually a beautiful piece of literature because of the remarkable quality of the author's writing. The opening preface captures, in a single page, California's majesty, massive expanse, and remarkable physical complexity and contrasts. Later text explains the origins of the landscape -- the geological processes that actually caused the topography to develop the way it did: why things look the way they do, why the weather patterns act the way they do, why the mountains are positioned the way they are, how they came to be that way. It is pure fascination, but communicated in an easy and accessible way, scientifically accurate but not at all overwhelming for the lay reader. The prose is so beautiful, the words so well chosen, the sentences so well crafted and rhythmic, that the text is simply a joy to read -- packed full of information but yet flowing and engaging. I am struck by how Ms. Neider's descriptive writing often manages to combine a soaring, lyrical quality with a crisp, scientific precision, all at the same time. It is very rare to find these qualities combined so artfully.

Before she began her career as a photographer, Ms. Neider was a scientist and a teacher. In Golden Country, she has accomplished the truly remarkable feat of combining together in one book the technical observations of a keen scientist, the engaging education of an inspiring teacher, the graphic design of a fine artist, the talented eye of a world-class photographer, and the emotional intensity and honesty of a great writer. Rarely, if ever, has a photography book or a travel guide managed to provide such a unique combination in a single article.

I consider this extraordinary book to be one of the four or five most impressive creative works I have ever owned, and I highly recommend it to others. You will not be disappointed.

These pictures are beautiful and render the California landscape in a way rarely seen by casual travelers. It is a must for anyone who likes landscape beauty of our glorious west.

Great service. What a wonderful book to share with a family who has just adopted a new baby.

The story is a nice sentiment. The song is slow and difficult to sing. I used the book with children 4-8 but couldn't teach them the song.

I was so touched by this book and the CD that I ordered copies for close friends and relatives to give at Christmas. This book expresses my gratefulness so well and I wanted to give this to others. I have received many grateful comments back. A sweet book and an inspiration to look at what one has and not what one has not.

This book really says in a very few words all we need to know about living a full, rich, peaceful, serene life.

The illustrations actually filled my heart with those same feelings, eliciting quite a response physically and heartfully.

Add the included CD and it is no longer a question, adding this book to your library is a necessity.

In fact, it would make a good coffee table book.....

The simple text acknowledges that the world is not perfect... it is blemished, and it is up to us to choose whether to "moan or sing" and whether to "count sheep or our blessings".

This will be one I will collect several copies to give away and keep around my house.

Although labeled for the three and up age range, my experience suggests this book will appeal more to parents and caregivers than to toddlers.

LYRICS: The lyrics repeatedly use words such as "duly" (as in "duly grateful") -- a contrived phrase which appears repeatedly, apparently because it rhymes with "truly grateful."

CONCEPTS: The ideas--gratitude and choices--are important, and do come across, but not to the age group targeted. Too often, the author tells us, rather than shows us.

Some of the book's concepts are simply inappropriate in terms of developmental level for little ones. For example, "There may be times when I lose the light, and let my spirits sink. But I can't stay depressed When I remember how I'm blessed." Three and four year olds talk and think in terms that are both literal as well as much simpler--glad, sad, mad, etc.

For these reasons, and especially for younger children, you may find it helpful to paraphrase the concepts on each page, using language and examples your little person will understand and relate to.

ILLUSTRATIONS. These are excellent. More than the lyrics, they convey the concepts on each page. Very gentle in their impact on the reader.

SONG. As an Art Garfunkel fan, I didn't find his rendition as inspiring as I'd hoped. It's on a short CD, a single track, less than 5 minutes in length. Finally, the tune isn't particularly catchy and it isn't easy to learn.

LYRICS & MUSIC. On the plus side, both the lyrics and music are included at the end of the book, along with the CD in its endcover envelope.

OVERALL: This is a book most suitable for a thoughtful six year old and a caring parent or grandparent to share and discuss.

This book is incredible. Rien Poortvliet is an extremely gifted individual. He has captured the essence of the "Suffering Servant." Because of this book my library includes all of his inspired publications. Indeed, I have gifted most of his collection to my family (and friends).

This is the story of Jesus' life captured in exquisite pictorial vignettes of events from His birth to His death and resurrection. The brief text which capture the essence of each story are tied to Bible reference in the back of the book. The characters shown are defintiely from the Middle East and not sentimentalized Hollywood faces. The reader is plunged into the time of Jesus with emotional and visual impact which provoke thoughtful meditation. An outstanding book of its genre.

I love it. What I find most illuminating is that it reflects Jesus in the faces of the people around Him. He still has that effect today.

I'm thinking about buying a copy for our church library.

For those who need to take a moment and remember Who Jesus is and did for us, this is a must. Beautiful images with deep comments that makes you love Him and desire to be like Him.

WOW, POWERFUL!!!
The emotions that these pictures capture are amazing. My spirit just wept as I read this book. It brings to life the story of CHRIST in a way a child can comprehend, yet an adult will read over and over.
It is amazing how the simple text can pile such truth about the story of CHRIST. It is alive and real.
These pictures are a gift... one that takes you to the time HE was crucified.
I highly recommend this book for parents, teachers to read to their class or children.

Only after you have read it will you understand the gift that this book is to the truth of our salvation.

In this Nancy Drew book Nancy finds herself yet again trying to take a vacation with her friends Bess and George,and as always Nancy's vacation is going to take a turn for the worst when one of her friends (not Bess or George) is involved in a hit-and-run. Before Nancy's friend, Kim, falls unconscious she manages to mumble some words to Nancy. The words Kim mumbled were "Rosita...The...it was...Rosita.", Nancy didn't have much to go on but she knew that the hit-and-run intentional. She had to find out who had ran Kim down and why. Once again Nancy Drew was on the case. The thing I found interesting about this book is that it took place mainly on the beachs of sunny Florida to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The weird thing is that I hate movies and books dealing with captivity on boats or anything dealing with the ocean. This however was a very interesting book that kept me on edge. I really was kept on edge when Nancy was tied to a piler by a man who had knocked her out with a blow to the head. I thought it was very discriptive on telling how Nancy was able to get untied and on the pier before she drowned. There were many characters in the story that I couldn't decide whether they were good or bad. One of the main characters that really got me stuck was Dirk Bowman. He was one of the new guys Bess had picked up. At first he seemed to be good then he started hitting on Nancy and hurt Bess emotionally. Then he took Nancy to a secluded island where I thought he was going to try to kill her, which actually almost happened when her windsurfer broke in half. But later in the book I learned that he was an under cover cop who was trying to solve the same case Nancy was working on. Not only is the book about Nancy's friend being hit by a car but it's also about Kim helping an illegal alien escape the hardship of working on a orchard for the lady that smuggled her into the country. The story unfolds in telling all the details about who and why Kim was almost killed. I recommend this book to any Nancy Drew fan and even to those that just like mysteries.

In this Nancy Drew book Nancy finds herself yet again trying to take a vacation with her friends Bess and George,and as always Nancy's vacation is going to take a turn for the worst when one of her friends (not Bess or George) is involved in a hit-and-run. Before Nancy's friend, Kim, falls unconscious she manages to mumble some words to Nancy. The words Kim mumbled were "Rosita...The...it was...Rosita.", Nancy didn't have much to go on but she knew that the hit-and-run intentional. She had to find out who had ran Kim down and why. Once again Nancy Drew was on the case. The thing I found interesting about this book is that it took place mainly on the beachs of sunny Florida to the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. The weird thing is that I hate movies and books dealing with captivity on boats or anything dealing with the ocean. This however was a very interesting book that kept me on edge. I really was kept on edge when Nancy was tied to a piler by a man who had knocked her out with a blow to the head. I thought it was very discriptive on telling how Nancy was able to get untied and on the pier before she drowned. There were many characters in the story that I couldn't decide whether they were good or bad. One of the main characters that really got me stuck was Dirk Bowman. He was one of the new guys Bess had picked up. At first he seemed to be good then he started hitting on Nancy and hurt Bess emotionally. Then he took Nancy to a secluded island where I thought he was going to try to kill her, which actually almost happened when her windsurfer broke in half. But later in the book I learned that he was an under cover cop who was trying to solve the same case Nancy was working on. Not only is the book about Nancy's friend being hit by a car but it's also about Kim helping an illegal alien escape the hardship of working on a orchard for the lady that smuggled her into the country. The story unfolds in telling all the details about who and why Kim was almost killed. I recommend this book to any Nancy Drew fan and even to those that just like mysteries.

Nancy Drew and her best friends, Bess and George, have only sun, boys, and surf on their minds, when they head to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, for a week of fun. Who knew that they should be expecting attempted murder. Nancy, George, and Bess soon find out that their friend, Kim, who's already been vacationing in Ft. Lauderdale for a week, has been struck during a hit-and-run, on purpose. Now, as Kim lies in a hospital bed close to death, Nancy sets out to find the murderer, and she only has one clue to go by, the name "Rosita," which is what Kim said to Nancy just before she lost consciousness. Suddenly, Nancy finds herself thrown into a whirwind of murder and deceit, and realizes that there is now a new target. And that's Nancy herself.

Keene has succeeded in creating another enjoyable and mysterious tale, featuring everyone's favorite teenage sleuth, Nancy Drew. Teens will relish in the descriptions of sunny beaches, and handsome guys, but will also feel that they are a part of the mystery, by trying to solve it before Nancy does. An exciting thriller for all crime-solving teens.

Erika Sorocco

Nancy is at Ft. Launderdale for a week of sun, surf, and sand. Unfortunatly, her friend Kim is caught in a hit-and-run accident and it's up to Nancy to find out the truth. Nancy's only clue is "Rosita", the word Kim said just before she lost consiousness. This book is FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!!

Nancy is in Ft. Launderdale,when her friend Kim is hit by a car in broad daylight! When Nancy goes out to catch the would-be killer she is in extreme danger ,and has only one clue, "Rosita". I especially like the ending!

I'm heading to Bali this month and this book provided a great intro to the customs and nature of this island. I'm even more excited to get there after reading it.

I am Balinese and live in Ubud, about 10 minutes walk from where Colin McPhee stayed, when he came to Bali in 1931. My aunt worked for him.

He heard a record of gamelan music in New York and couldn't wait to get to Bali to listen to the real thing.

He stayed in Bali for almost 8 years and set about documenting gamelan music. Much of his research was carried out in a village near Ubud where my Villas are. There are still old people in the village who remember him.

His book is beautifully written and tells stories of his adventures and life in the village and his encounters with the local Balinese. It's not necessary to understand technical music matters to enjoy this book - it is totally accessible.

Highly recommended.

Even as the art & tradition of classical gamelan music fades in Java, gamelans are built & organized in America & Europe, the music is studied & taught in universities. This has occurred since the 70's, when recordings of gamelan music became widely available, particularly in a major series on Nonesuch Explorer. For many people, hearing gamelan for the first time is not only a delightfully exotic experience, the music unlike anything one has heard, but there is often also a strange shock of recognition, as if one somehow already knew the music, although where & how remains a mystery. Perhaps this is what happened to Colin McPhee. For McPhee in 1930, as for so many western musicians since, hearing gamelan inspired something like a religious conversion.

I was given an old copy of this book shortly after I heard gamelan for the first time, & so I was able to follow McPhee on his great adventure to find where the music came from. When he arrived in Bali, he discovered that although the culture was vibrantly alive, much of music was in danger of being lost. He met, befriended, & studied with some greatly talented Balinese musicians, old masters & several younger composers & leaders, including Wayan Lotring & Made Lebah. They set about restoring a Semar Pegulingan gamelan. The task of bringing this music back to life is the "plot" of the "A House In Bali." McPhee quickly realized that his western musical training was of limited value, because the "values" of music - technically & culturally - in Bali were so different. Music had popular, ritual, & concert functions, as in the West. But the music was inseparable from the instruments, & each collection of instruments - each gamelan, was unique. Compositions were learned by rote, in phrases, with the gamelan functioning as a kind of all-ages social club for men. McPhee had to become, as best he could, a person of Bali, a villager, someone with a place & a role in the life of the community. He recounts his immersion in Balinese life, As strange as Bali was for McPhee, he was the "stranger," the outsider, & he remained one, oddly indifferent to what the Balinese thought of his lifestyle. Most inexplicably, he seems not to have become a gamelan musician. One wonders not only how he resisted this experience, but also why?

McPhee later attempted to translate Balinese music into a western idiom using pianos & a symphony orchestra, with beautiful results, but losing what he had learned in the process, Sadly, when he returned home, he had left the most important stuff behind.

I first heard Gamelan was coming out of the oldest temple on the Island of Bali, near Ubud, and was reading this book at the time. I purchased the book at the Jakarta airport and was hooked by the first paragraph. I think that this is a wonderful, insight into the island, the music, it's people and culture. If you have a love for exotic music and or artform, this historical work is a captivating read. My only regret is that Colin McPhee never went back to his beloved Bali.

It's a very interesting book in regards to what I have actually read. It seems to have accounts on Balinese culture. I found it enjoyable and interesting to read because it not only talks about Balinese culture but about the conflict and clashes within the village like the little dancer named Sampih and his dance teacher Nyoman Kaler.

Colin McPhee conveys many interesting things like when bad luck happened in his home in Sayan and how they had to do a purification ceremony in regards to dispel the demons, witches and evil spirits. His wanderings in Bali to record music and study their music like the rare gamelan angklung and gamelan selonding from Tenganan who were the Bali Aga. Colin McPhee was drawn to the scintallinating sounds and metallic shimmer from the gamelan. At times there are humours accounts of what goes on between him and his friends that happen in the village or when they are touring around Bali. I found it enjoyable because, he seemed to have fitted in well with the Balinese people without too much problems compared with other writers before them spoke of barbarity and the animal like behaviour of the Balinese at certain functions. He writes with passion about what goes on and how things have changed with the colonial rule of the Dutch. The loss of autonomy by the Rajas who were reduced to poverty at times and how their obessions with cockfighting led to their ruin. Yet in times of despair and hardship they are always humble to him.

Overall the book contains a few photographs of his friends and colleagues. I found it wonderful and intriguing and as well as captiviting at times which he covers so many topics like the temple functions like Galungan, Wayang Kulit (Shadow Plays), the music club etc... This book you will grow to love like the book written by Miguel Corrovabias "Island of Bali".

Here's a Christmas children's book that is #32 in books of its kind, and ranked 49,000 overall...and amazon has it available in 2 to 4 weeks, just a week before Christmas. Happily, it's available in many other sites on the web.

I read this book to my daughter's kindergarten class and gave the book to the teacher for Christmas. They loved it. I also took my daughter's matryoshka (nesting doll) to show the children, since the book talks about those. It was a great way to introduce them to some Russian holiday traditions with enough connection to Santa Claus that they didn't just think of it as foreign. But it really ought to be offered as a boxed set with a matryoshka just like the one described in the book! That would be really a wonderful gift.

Great book to introduce you to Russian Christmas traditions and a some common words. The illustrations in this book are great and done in the Russian style (The illustrator was is a Russian Artist).

This story blends the Western and Russian traditions of Christmas in a way that children and parents will enjoy year after year.

This is a beautifully illustrated book about how a young Russian girl helps Santa Claus. It is a wonderful introduction to the variety of ways that Christmas is celebrated in other countries, but retains enough focus on the US to make it interesting to young Americans. My daughters love the book and I enjoy reading it to them as the story is interesting for both children and adults.

In this engaging story, the Snow Maiden's dilemma can be appreciated by all ages. At the point where the Snow Maiden makes a significant contribution to Santa's inventory, she gains self confidence and happiness. A perfect book for reading aloud over the Holidays! Children and adults will delight in exploring the plentiful illustrations.

Review written by Jessie Palmer: Grandmother, elementary school teacher, and reading specialist.