Holidays Books

Totally portable, accurate and inexpensive. I would not venture out in Manhattan without this booklet in my bag.

I bought this book a little over a year ago and have used it for several business trips. It is small and easy to carry, doesn't look touristy, and gives me a lot of confidence getting around Manhattan. The best $ I ever spent. You know how some people just seem to "know" New York even though they don't live there? Well, that's me now.

Certainly veteran New Yorkers will snicker that they don't need "Fodor's Flashmaps New York" to get around town. And they may very well be right. However, as a New Yorker with many international friends I field countless queries about what to do in New York City when you get here. Let's be honest...the Big Apple is gigantic. And no matter how well versed you are about New York City...things change so quickly in this town that it is smart to have this tidy little book around just in case you happen to suffer from brainlock.

And then of course sometimes friends ask for help for things for the kids or for their young teens. Moreover, some queries are specifically for daylight hours, nightlife, weekend activities or happenings in boroughs outside of Manhattan. This text can help. Additionally, Fodor's includes essential telephone numbers for hotels, places of worship, ballparks, schools and universities, airports, transportation, museums, art galleries, parks, shopping, dining, theaters, movies, libraries, consulates, hospitals and hip nightlife activities. Fodor's even provides zip codes but no e-mail addresses.

This book is a great tool. It's small and can easily slip into the inside of your sports coat or if you have a normal size purse, just pop it in and you're set. Or better yet...carry it around in your back pocket (it fits). There are 61 maps and thousands of listings. It will help you walk around, take buses, ride the subways or take railways into the suburbs. In my opinion it clearly is worth the investment for metropolitans or for anyone who wants to visit New York City. One thing is for sure...it will save you plenty of time, and as everyone knows...time is an important commodity.

Bert Ruiz

I donýt know how the conversation started, but I was at the Union Square store of a major competitor of Amazon, letýs just call it FarmStructures & Nobel Booksellers, and the security guard told me that he had relied on this book as a native New Yorker for years. So I bought it.

And now *I* have relied on it for years.

Whether you are looking for where the ýDý train crosses the ý7ý or where exactly Cornelia Street is anyway, this book is excellent. Museums, movie theaters, road maps and highways are all here. The shopping and restaurants sections are good for out-of-towners looking for the classics, less useful for New Yorkers looking for the next new thing, obviously.

Itýs small, convenient, and well-drafted (the maps themselves are different colors so you can readily find what youýre looking for as you flip through ý yellow is street /subway; pink is daytime attractions; black/blue for nighttime attractions). All in all, anybody living in or visiting New York frequently would find this useful. If you are a one-time tourist, though, youýre probably better off going with something more comprehensive like Lonely Planet.

Enjoy!

I highly recommend that when you visit NYC you carry a copy of Flashmaps with you. It's a convenient subway and bus map, shows you all the neighborhoods, museums, post offices, etc. But the thing I use the most is the cross street lookup, which I relied on not just while new in NYC but also as a long-time resident.
I discovered the NYC Flashmaps many years ago when I asked a limo driver exactly where a business address was. He pulled out his Flashmaps, turned to the cross street page and told me the exact cross street in well... a flash. He told me no professional driver and no New Yorker should be without it. I bought my first copy that day and have been telling residents and vistors alike for years.

This is a wonderful holiday tale. It's right up there with Miracle on 34th Street and the movie version of White Christmas. The premise is totally original. this story will touch your heart and make you ponder the magic of Christmas!

This is truly a Christmas classic!

Another Christmas classic: Christmas Gifts, Christmas Voices--this story shows the miracles that occur as a result of simply thinking of others.

It's not only a beautiful story but the book itself is the highest quality. I wanted to share the "Christmas spirit" with my children and friends.

A Christmas tradition to be read every year. I must point out that this edition does not include the CD (which you definitely need to have!) but if you like to play the songs yourself, it includes the score. Nice print, comfortable to read... Just great.

I got tired of our son borrowing ours and not returning it until after Christmas so we got him his own...finally. We love this story.

For a long time this has been my favorite Christmas story. It brings back Christ in Christmas and teaches us that it isn't about the material gifts we are given but the spiritual. You can't go wrong with this book. We read it every year.

I decided to send out this holiday card this year in honor of my 21 year old cat. I've gotten positive feedback about it from a few of the people I've sent it to, including one man who told me that it was among the favorites of the cards which he and his wife had received. Neither he nor his wife are "cat people" but they still liked the card. Another person who made a comment about the card is my cousin in Hungary, who thought the "snow cat" was "cute"! I also chose this card because it said "Happy Holidays", so that I was also able to send it to people who are Jewish, including the couple mentioned above.

This is the first time in about 20 years I've paid full price (well, okay, Amazon's price) for a box of holiday cards. I found them during a targeted search online and fell instantly in love with them.

When I got them, I was completely delighted. The printing and the paper quality were excellent, the photo was clear, sharp, and even more sweet and charming than it was online. The envelopes were very high quality as well, a good heavy stock with a fine, velvety texture (and good glue!).

Worth every penny I paid for them!

This product is great. Very strong envelopes and high quality picture. We loved it as our Xmas card.

these cards are exactly what i expected to receive when i ordered them. only wish there was more variety of cat/snow photos, but i know that's not what i ordered. very cute and i got some compliments on them!

I am soooo beyond delighted to find this card again! I bought this card (elsewhere) for Xmas 2004 and was surprised to receive a lot of feedback - even from people who don't like cats! Maybe it's because the picture combines humor with 'Little Match Girl' poignancy. At any rate, I am buying 5 boxes for NEXT Xmas!

This card is toooo cute!

The perfect antidote to a mindset of vengeance. In this incredibly sexy take on the human condition, writer Scott A. Hunt takes readers down the noble and seemingly enigmatic road to peace. Insightful anecdotes paired with brilliant insights make for a fascinating read. Equally as spiritual as it is documentary; a must read for every contemporary thinking man's library.

Scott successfully took on a monumental task of understanding the view points of peace makers and people who are caught in today's wars. The book is a journey into the most challenging edges of 21st century human psyche. In this journey, there are seemingly real people who are actors compelled to living out scripts that they don't even know they are living them. But there are some people who are aware. These people come across clear and sound as Scott vividly presents his interactions in most captivating manners - simple but graceful. Scott's intentions come across pure. The information he gathered are eye-opening. The stories he tells are startling.

Scott outstandingly weaves the history of humanists' thoughts. His account of nations' events makes social and science fictions pale in novelty. Facts indeed beget fiction. Can super powers not be aware of their own action? Are peace makers and Nobel Peace laureates simply instruments of time - when the human spirit can no longer endure the incredible injustice?

If you have often asked yourself why people, businesses, and government today have drag the world into the lowest of any moral standards and darkest moments of the human race, this book will be useful to you. It doesn't offers academic answers. It shows you the conditions around the world in a continuity of thought I have not seen. The conversation with the Dalai Lama on non-violence is both amazingly clear and inspiring. It is an account of risk management and decision analysis with enormous grace and solemnity. Expect a team consisting of a journalist, a philosopher, a historian, and a humanist to accomplish anything close to this book. As I put the book down in the stillness of the nights, I am moved beyond the power of my imaginations. - Tom Tuduc

Scott Hunt has written a very moving and almost lyrical book in the way in which he blends some of the the worst horrors committed by humans against fellow beings with the compassion and kindliness of the peacemakers. It gives you a deep sense of hope and conviction that the spirit of humanity will tirumph eventually and inspires you to try hard as it may be to embrace the vices of those who still believe in commiting these violent acts.
Marvelouslly,it is also a political eye-opener into the true motivation of the actions taken in the name of peace by the political leaders...

This book is excellent in so many ways. Scott Hunt has given us an inspiring book. I learned so much in historical background and in the work of heroic people of our time.
I would urge anyone who wants an understanding of the problems in the world today to buy this book. Once you open it, you will be compelled to read it from cover to cover.
If you believe that the answer to all the issues of the world are simple, and that all the world except the US is bad, than I ask you to open your mind and take a look at the world described in these pages. If you believe that killing only creates more killing and there must be a better way, than allow these stories to provoke your mind.
The most compelling part of this book to me was the discussion of Cambodia and the Khmer Rouge. I ask you to please try and understand how it can be that such a monstrous people can be created, and how such horrible things can be done to human beings. This chapter will leave you wondering how you can ever again accept on the surface the "information" we are given. You will realize the consequences of violence. You will search your mind for answers that are not on the news.

This book is not perfect. I was left wondering more about the history of Costa Rica than I was given, for example. And there are times when Scott explains things more than I would like. I think he could leave his conclusions to the people he interviews. Others may find that that part of the book helps tie things together.
Still, overall the book was outstanding and deserves every bit of 5 stars.

The "Future of Peace" is perhaps the most compelling book I have ever read. I was very deeply moved by it. Scott A. Hunt is an outstanding writer and interviewer. He asks insightful questions of prominent peacemakers and receives soul searching, thought provoking answers, with overall themes of hope, forgiveness and perseverance. The interviews are more like informal discussions and I almost felt I was right there. He also gives excellent background information on the various areas of conflict where the peacemakers reside, with facts one doesn't learn in school or read/see often in mainstream news. I kept trying to put it down, so as to absorb each chapter, but had to continue to the end, almost nonstop. It is definately a book to read again and again. If all students, political leaders and citizens of the world read it and took the messages to heart, perhaps we could obtain a more peaceful world. In these troubled and treacherous times, Mr. Hunt and the peacemakers give a message that should be spread throughout the world, both heartbreaking and soul inspiring at the same time. If you are wondering whether to buy "The Future of Peace", just do it! You will be so glad you did!

I own several Gooseberry craft/cookbooks, and do the majority of my cooking from them. I have NEVER been disappointed with any recipe I have made. They are simply the best!

I have recently started to collect Christmas decorating/gift making books and this series is by far the best I've come across! The instructions in these books are clear and easy and they show a picture so you can see how it will look. They include many gift mixes and food gifts, which I love and friends and family have always appreciated. Most of the ideas in this book can be accomplished in an afternoon, except for some of the cross stitch and crochet patterns. I am not a huge fan of country decorating; in fact my house is very contemporary. But most of the decorating tips in this book can easily be worked into any décor. If you want to find easy, fun, quick and wonderful ideas for the holidays buy these books, you won't be disappointed. Books 1, 2 and 3 are my personal favorite. The fourth book is great to have, but I found that the recipes in that book were better than the decorating, it was a little more country and old fashioned than the other books!

I found this book to be just wonderful. I wasent abel to use all the info before our family get together, but I plan to use it for next year.

Thank You for a wonderful book.

This was my first purchase of Goose Berry Patch books ,there are so many ideas from the begginer to the experienced crafter . Craft ideas you can personalize to your own taste, these craft projects are easy to follow and most could be family holiday projects or charity fundraisers .For the frugal crafter , projects are not expensive to create , many ingredients you may already have in supply , as an added bonus great holiday recipe book .This book would be perfect as a gift!

I enjoy crafting as well as cooking and this book has both. I have made 5 or 6 of the recipes in the book and have alwasy gotten raves! I use this book for making many of my handmade holiday gifts and I think their instructions could not be more simple. If you love handmade items and good food idea, this is the book for you.

This book is beautifully conceived. The photographer, James Rudnick, had the foresight and the love for these icons of New York City to preserve them photographically for generations to come.
The design is elegant. The text is interesting and important.
A great book.

Rudnick's book is monumental both figuratively and literally. In photographing the restorative work performed on New York's most recognizable structures, Rudnick has forever preserved an important piece of Americana. With a discerning and creative eye, he juxtaposes images of exquisite detail and grandiose sweep, of human form and man-made object, of decay and renewal. One of my favorite shots is that of Liberty's internal spiral staircase (p. 75). This photograph could just as easily be a study in abstract form; three ghostly lights punctuate an array of metallic angles and curves in an enormously deep field of vision. Another stand-out is a view of Liberty through scaffolding (p. 67). The torch rises dramatically above the gridwork, suggesting that American freedom can never be constrained. There is obvious forethought to Rudnick's work -- as in a shot of ironworkers on the Brooklyn Bridge perfectly framed by the Twin Towers (p. 49) -- but his photographs never appear cliched or stilted. Gotham Restored offers up new rewards with each viewing. It should serve to place Rudnick among the pantheon of living photographers. Highly, highly recommended.

Thomas Mellins provides the text for Gotham Restored: The Preservation Of Monumental New York, an impressive survey of photographer James Rudnick's works on New York. Rudnick's images gave him a reputation as a documentary photographer, and his projects following landmark buildings and structures in New York provide fine shots from 'before' and 'after' their reconstruction. New Yorkers in particular will find this packed with memories and familiar images.

This beautifully designed book presents monumental icons in a way that is both insightful and inspirational. The subject matter in this work is so very familiar (the Statue of Liberty, the Brooklyn Bridge, Grand Central Station and the NY Public Library) that it would have been temptingly easy to trivialize and display these structures as they are frequently seen in glossy calendars and travel books. In contrast, Rudnick's exquisite work transcends these more commonly seen depictions. His intimate knowledge of, and obvious reverence for, the structures allows him to share with the reader unique perspectives that revitalize our appreciation for these great national treasures. The book celebrates the exhaustive and impressive work that the restorations entailed and the presence of the various craftspeople in the shots allows one to appreciate the enormous scale of the projects. Those who spend time with this book will never look upon these colossal structures in quite the same way again.

A curious thing happened to me as I read the text and looked at these photographs. They made me feel somehow comfortable and pleased. I realized this after going through the entire book. It was comforting to see how these standard landmarks are rejuvenated to be enjoyed for time to come. Far more than a "coffee table" book on famous sights (or sites), the images are embued with the authors sensitivy to the aesthetic of the structures and the city. If you love New York you will enjoy this volume. Wonderful book and a great gift for anyone who knows NYC.

Sadly Fr. Schmemann passed away 25 years ago, but his impact as the greatest modern Orthodox theologian lives on. This book is a seriously written theological work, but it's easily understood by the ordinary lay person as well as the theologian. Fr. Schmemann explains clearly and carefully the place and purpose of Great Lent and dispels the myth that it's merely another period of observances and self-denials as Roman Catholics practise. To Orthodox Catholics it's part of a complete attitude and way of life, and the relationship of Great Lent to Pascha and the rest of the year and to the life of the Church is well explained in this book. After reading it cover to cover I was left awestruck. Other than the Bible itself, if you never read another book, read this one. It will change your whole attitude toward life, I guarantee it.

Fr. Alexander's exposition of the mindset of Lent is indispensable. He demonstrates clearly how Lent is more than following rules and giving up "the good stuff" until we can indulge oursleves at Pascha. Lent is, rather, a time to rediscover who we are and why we are here. I recommend any serious Christian reread this book every year when Lent approaches.

I read this book as a catechumen making my first journey through Orthodox Lent, and found it a wonderful guide and aid in making sense of the sights, sounds, smells, prayers, prostrations, liturgies, etc etc that set this season apart from others in the Christian year.

That said, Schmemann wrote in a far more engaging style and tone in his extremely popular "For the Life of the World." "Great Lent", in contrast, is drier (for Schmemann) and seems to drag a bit at times. That's not to detract from the value of the book in its essential purpose: to educate and enlighten Orthodox Christians, catechumens and inquirers about the theology behind, and inspired by, Church practices in Lent. It serves that purpose well, and gets 4 stars for it. However, I wish to reserve the five stars for some of his other books, which are truly outstanding both in content and style, whereas the style in this particular book felt weaker than his other works.

The chapter on the presanctified liturgy, describing the two views of the Church (both in waiting and in fulfillment) was masterful and, to me, showed some of that same Schmemann spark that makes one get all giddy to get back in Church and live this stuff out.

I HIGHLY recommend this book for any curious about educating themselves about Orthodox Lent and the Church's views on it.

This is the book you want to give your Protestant and Catholic friends. It will detail for them just what Lenten Liturgical Worship is? (page 86, 87) and Looking for the Spiritual behind the formal (page 88) What Lent is & how it works? (Page 88) Along with What Christian Fasting is and is not, How to fast and the different kinds of fasting? (Pages 97, 98, 99)

Fr. Alexander knows his triodion (i.e. the liturgical book of Great Lent and Easter in the orthodox church). I fully agree with my co-reviewers that his book is indispensable for people who want to deal with the orthodox practice of great lent. Fr. Alexander as a passionate liturgical theologist takes us by the hand and helps us exploring the beauty and richness of this most wonderful of all liturgical books of the eastern church. lent - the way the tridion tells about it - is less a "what to do when and how" it is a spiritual journey from the acknowlegment of how far from God we live our lives to the mystery of the risen Lord who reaches out to us.
When singing the triodion I often have the impression that this book an the journey it takes us to are a microcosmos of the christian religion. Fr. Alexander's unique gift is the way he manages to show us it's beauty and the hope that lies within it.

A Halloween Story is a black-and-white consumable children's picturebook. The first part consists of an easy-reader story about a boy's experience trick-or-treating on Halloween; the second part offers big blank lines for a child to make up his or her own short stories about the characters, as well as a couple of mazes. "One day I went trick or treating. / And I came home to count my candies. / I got lots of candies. / And then, I went to sleep." A delightful picturebook, great for gift-giving even after the Halloween season because of it encourages children's creative imaginations.

After a fun-filled evening of Trick-or-Treat and Halloween fun, footsteps in the night waken a young boy. Is it a vampire? A mummy? A giant scary monster? What could it be? To find out, you need to read Alberto Fernandez' new book, A Halloween Story.

Written at the age of 5 as part of a school project, young Fernandez has created a short story which children will want to hear and read again and again. Black and white illustrations lend to the overall simplicity of the book. Drawn as if by a child's hand, the pictures help bring the story to life as a child would view it.

Children not only enjoy the story but also the variety of activities found at the end of the book. Readers are encouraged to "Help the mummy-pup reach his Halloween treats" by working through a maze which spans three pages. Story starters are also included in the book in an effort to help children use their own imaginations. Simple sentences start stories told from the point of view of a spider, a mummy and the man beneath the stairs and give children the opportunity to create stories in a similar fashion of A Halloween Story but with their own ideas and words. This would make a fun fall project for elementary students.

Children are not the only ones who will enjoy this book. Adults will enjoy seeing their children's expressions as they get deeper and deeper into the story and hearing their surprised "Oh!" at the ending. The book will also invoke fond memories of their own Halloween fun and scares as a youth.

This fall, A Halloween Story is a definite "must read" for children.

Cute cute cute. The art is exceptional, the story is wonderful, and the creative exercises at the end of the book a fantastic addition to get your child's imagination fired up.

All of this and the best part is that this was written by a five-year-old boy in Mexico whose 2nd language is English. Amazing. When does the Christmas version come out? ;-)

Fun, adorable, wonderful book!!! All my three kids, my husband and I loved it!! The story is so sweet but as the title says "frightfully" ; the ilustrations are amazing!!! I definetly recomend it.

This book has a real allure to it for my two year old. Both the text and the artwork seemed to draw him in. I think this happens because the authors kept it simple and pure.

My son recently moved to Washington State and I wanted a book that would help him get acquainted with his new home state. I enjoyed reading it, and he has found it to be an excellent resource.

I turn to Moon Handbooks first for nearly every trip, and I haven't been disappointed yet. This is the first time I've bought a Moon Handbook that covers an entire state; the coverage is less in-depth for specific sites of interest like Olympic National Park, yet there is plenty of information for the many places a visitor to Washington State might want to see. Reading this book made me look forward to my trip even more.

You'll find no fancy illustrations in this book - simply good information.



The author makes some snarky comments toward a local Christian ministry - which seems pointless - and includes a great deal of information specifically geared toward homosexual travelers. I didn't realize that was a niche market, but evidently it is.



Regardless, the book is quite thorough, if opinionated. I prefer the "Hidden Washington" books for pointers on places off the tourist track.



Recommended.

The first Moon book that I purchased several years ago was the book on Oregon. We made significant travel arrangements based on the information in that book and we were never disappointed.

An upcoming trip to Seattle/San Juans is based on the information in the Washington book. The real beauty is that the book leads you to the most likely area to visit, gives references to hotels, etc., then you can complete your research by reviewing up-to-date information about that spot/hotel online. We chose Orcas island for 2 days before heading to Seattle and I do not expect to be disappointed.

The authors are even-handed and complete --- they are not elitists, reviewing only the high-end accomodations. They have a good sample of a broad range of places. They point out lesser known restaurants and scenic spots as well.

I have found their advice in the Oregon, Washington, Coastal California and New England books to be quite excellent.

I have purchased quite a few different travel books in the past, but Moon Handbooks are my travel book of choice.

Even though published in 2003, this is by far the best advailable WA guide book. I would not think of visiting a state without the appropriate Moon supplemented by the WPA guidebook for that state[published in the thirties]

Any girl who loves spring time would love this book. The title of this book is Happy Birthday Felicity and the author of this book is Valerie Tripp. The main characters are Felicity and Grandfather. Grandfather is generous, and understands what is imnportant. Felicity is a spunky, spiritual colonial girl, growing up just before the American Revolution in 1774. The setting is in Willamsburg, Virgina and the problem of the story is Felicity got a guitar from her Grandfather and she wasn't allowed to take it outside. But she did, and ended up getting it wet and now she has to take it back to where she got it.


In the beginning of the story Felicity and Elizabeth,her friend, were making fun of Elizabeth's sister (Annabelle) while she was playing the guitar and singing. Next, Felicity heard soldiers talking about a plan and when she told her parents, they didn't believe her so she had to fix it herself.


The theme of this book is always obey because you may have a problem like Felicity. This book reminded me of myself because I play the guitar just like Felicity was learning to. Girls of all ages would enjoy this book.

A.F. in Annapolis

I really enjoyed reading Happy Birthday,Felicity!
I't a spring time story by Valerie Thrip,and mostly about Felicity getting a guitar and a lamb for her birthday.
It was a good book,and reccomend it to any girl who loves American Girls series!

This book is great.! It took me less than a day to read. I thought this was a great book. You should read it if you have not. I LOVED it. I think that was the best Felicity book. I give it 5 stars because the book was great, as I have said before. I don't wanna spoil the story, so all I'll say is it's Felicity's Birthday, and she gets a great present. Sometimes I wished I was Felicity. Her present was an adorable ...... I can't tell you. You'll have to see!

Happy Birthday, Felicity! is one of the best American Girl books. Felicity is turning ten years old, and Grandfather has come to visit. He gives her Grandmother's guitar, but when she is told not to take it out of the house, she disobeys her parents and Grandfather. They are so angry at her that they refuse to believe Felicity when she tells them of a message she overheard that means danger for Williamsburg! I'll let the rest be a surprise, but don't worry, the book has a happy ending.

These books are perfect for any young girl (6-10). The girls in all the books are brave, loyal, kind, helpful, and many more quailities you might want your daughter to posess. And they have enough adventure to keep any girl interested. Read them all, get a doll, and discover the world of American girl.