Coconut Books

This is current and up to date information on the rides at WDW. It is in depth descriptions for those who need to know every last little turn and drop on all the rides, not just the popular ones. Would definitely say everyone should have this whether it's your first or hundredth trip to Disney!!

My family is going to Disney next June. I wanted a book that would give me information on everything. Love this book.. it tells you what is a good time to go on a ride, tells you whether it is scary for pre-schoolers. It is an amazing book, plus has so many wonderful pictures.

This book would be a great read even if you don't have a trip to WDW coming up! I am a huge Disney fan and have been known to buy guidebooks just to read and keep myself updated on the changes and such. This book can truly stand alone and is so much more than a helpful planning guide! Little unknown facts and figures, interesting stories along with all of basic information that is essential in planning an enjoyable trip to WDW all in one neat little package! The pictures are incredible too! It does have a lot of information so order it well in advance of your trip! This is definitely one for the list of "must haves" if you are about to travel to WDW for your first time!

We have always used the Unofficial guide but discovered the Complete WDW just recently. This book has a myriad of awesome colorful pictures--here's what WDW looks like! The only drawback is that, unlike the Unofficial guide, this book doesn't ever criticize WDW or give actual reader input.

Bottom line: it's worth the money. WDW lovers will read and reread the book!

I purchased this book right before a fall trip to Disney World with my 3 teenagers, and it was the best thing I did. A lot of detailed information about restaurants and tips on where to get good snacks was right on target. We were able to find some wonderful out-of-the-way places to eat for a good value while in the parks that we may not have stumbled upon on our own. The book also recommends various attractions by placing a check mark next to them, which helps plan your day if you are trying to make the most of your time. Overall, this is an excellent book with exceptional insights.

I have been visiting sanibel for many years and still got a lot out of this book. It gave me ideas of new things to do while on the island, and the candid restaurant reviews were spot on. Great Book.

This is by far one of the best travel books I have ever used. It kept us busy the whole time- beaches, nature preserves , shelling, accomodations, great great restaurants. everything!!!!! If you go to Sanibel/Captiva this is a must buy!!

Wow! This is a really great book. We're going to Sanibel Island for the first time and couldn't find any travel books that would give us the lowdown on where to go and what to do - until this book! It gives you a "must do" intinerary if you are planning on staying 3 days, 4 days, etc. It also includes tips for shelling: when to go, where to go and a comprehensive guide to help you identify what you find. I really enjoyed this book and it's now packed in my suitcase ready for the trip.

We had the best vacation EVER thanks to this book! Even when our flight was postponed, this book gave us a few options of activities in Fort Myers on the way to the airport. Who would have thought Sanibel/Captiva had so much to offer. The authors share ever bit of important info and more. Have Fun!

This is indeed a great guide book for Captiva and Sanibel Islands. We stayed on Captiva in a private house and used this book for dining and shopping recommendations. (Didn't need it for the recreation -- who needs anything more than beach, pool, shells, ocean??!) Weren't disappointed once! We referred to the shell guide more than once.

I usually devour multiple guide books before we go on a trip because it always enhances our vacations immeasurably. For Captiva, the typical (Fodors, Frommers) books were a little sterile. This one felt very local and authentic. I definitely recommend it for anyone lucky enough to visit these beautiful islands! Toast the sunset for me!

Richard Bondurant arranged a great trip to Moorea and Tahaa for my wife and I for our 10 year anniversary. This spectacular book is a great memory of our trip to Tahiti, and does an outstanding job of detailing all the exotic recipes that we jotted down on bar cocktail napkins while sipping fabulous drinks and sitting in the sun. I need to stock up on a few obscure ingredients before I can make all these wonderful drinks, but while it's snowing here for the winter, it's nice to just sit back, look at the amazing photos, read some of the trivia about Tahiti, and dream of going back someday soon. Thanks again Richard, for another great time!

The format of the book is very well done. Makes you want to go to Tahiti.

Wow! What a great book! We received it as a gift, which was perfect since my husband and I spent our honeymoon in Tahiti. Several things make this book great. First, the information about Tahiti is factual and entertaining to read. Second, the photos are amazing. Third, not only are the drinks easy to make, they are awesome! Kudos to Richard Bondurant.

Not only does this book have a wealth of information on a destination we long to travel to, but it offers a wide variety of fun and DELICIOUS drinks.
We love to entertain and it has been great having 'Cocktails in Tahiti' out at our parties...quite a conversation piece! Everyone loves the stunning photos of Tahiti, the scrumptious drinks, and the intriguing facts of the islands. Thank you!

Always looking for new and exciting cocktails to try, I purchased this book. Each page became more interesting, not only for the drinks presented but for the knowledge that Mr. Bondurant shares about Tahiti, it's culture, local accomodations, etc.

The photos are exceptional and each drink I have mixed has been better than the last. I have bought several as gifts for coworkers and friends. You won't be disappointed!

I think this book is a little pedestrian in its layout and overall look, but the contents are interesting and will be used when the situation arises. I think that coconut oil is wonderful for you, so this book is worth checking out.

This comprehensive book tells all about coconut oil. It will answer all your questions and then some. It will also explode all those outdated beliefs about oils and fats. I now know the properties of coocnut oil, specifically how it is beneficial to my health, and what to look for when buying it. A great book for my library.

The author is very thorough. Each point is well explained. A great "How To..." book. Coconut Cures: Preventing and Treating Common Health Problems with Coconut It has tons of preventative treatments as well as cures for all types of ailments. This book will assist the reader in making an informed choice. The only problem I had was finding enough fresh coconuts up here in the Northwest.

Excellent book. I recommend reading all of Bruce Fife's coconut books, starting with Coconut Oil Miracle. Eat coconut oil, just like he says.

I love this book!!! It is so well written. I have learned some amazing things from it and I love the section in the back for remedies (quick reference) It is my favorite book on this subject!!!

The essential message of this delightful story is one that can't be repeated often enough, from preschool to adulthood. In a culture that encourages children to value external appearances, possessions and differences, the message of the book, "what truly matters always comes from within," is presented in a refreshing and engaging way. The book is also valuable in introducing teasers about Filipino culture- a positive portrayal of a culture different than that of many young readers. It is unfortunate that the editorial review from the School Library Journal focused on arguably insignificant issues, and missed the point of the book.

I came across this book and could not help but open it after I saw the cover. The illustrations are amazing, and the story's lessons are wonderfully unfolded as each page turns. This will be the first book I purchase for my future children.

Buy this book now! A wonderful book with underlying themes of diversity, prejudice, and discrimination will expose your children to important life topics early on. The soft, muted colors of the illustrations give the book a warm and comforting feeling, yet are still vibrant enough to keep even the most inattentive kid hooked. Can't wait to see what the author and illustrator have in store for us next!

A wonderful book for children of all ages! Ms. Wong's illustrations add a playful flair to this important story of tolerance and acceptance. Strongly recommend for your family library.

A wonderful book teaching diversity with a marvelous little story. One of the best books of this type I've ever seen. I strongly recommend this as a standard, must have, children's book.

I read this book a few years ago. It made a lasting impression & likely will make you want to follow in the author's footsteps. Being from the Pacific Northwest I was very familiar with the area's he describes at the start of the book. John does such a great job of writing I now feel familiar with all of the other places John went on his journey.

He is a funny & very imformative writer. If you like sailing stories you can't go wrong with this book.

What a great book. I wish there were more sailing books out there where people go on a long sailing trip, have a good time, and return in one piece.

Great read, Very well written, better than most of these types of book I have read. If there is one draw back the voyage took place in the late 80's so any information my not be current, but it is not really a crusing guide. I would recommend it for the sailor or dirt dweller alike.

Loved the book, very easy read. The way the book was written takes you on the boat with them, and you really feel the sensation of being there with them. Their descriptions of all the exotic locations made me feel I was right there with them. Made me begin to look at my current life in a different light.

John - dentist, divorced, kids live with mother - managed to re-start his life and sail in a different direction. He met Davey and together they sailed towards new horizons. The book is inspiring in its simplicity. You have two new friends and you join them on a three-year trip from Seattle to Bora-Bora and back to Hawaii. Don't expect deep philosophy or gripping excitement. The pageturner is the relationship you develop as you see yourself more and more sailing your own dream - and this may not include sailing a 30ft cutter-rigged doubleender across the Pacific.

The book is a lot what they do day to day, what they fish and eat and whom they meet. But that's what life is about - even on a boat in the South Pacific. A good read - and maybe one day you will set sail....

Most eleven-year-olds are trying to deal with starting middle school. Anna Smudge is Manhattan's top psychiatrist. "Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink" follows Anna as she gets her start as a child psychiatrist - not a psychiatrist specializing in children, but a psychiatrist that is a child. She finds in her sessions that all is not easy for life as a prodigy, confronting blackmailers, difficult patients, covered-up government conspiracies, and way too much homework for any child to handle. Fortunately, she has her friends to support her! "Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink" is deftly written and highly recommended for community library young adult fiction collections.

ANNA SMUDGE: PROFESSIONAL SHRINK
MAC / (GLENN FABRY-ILLUSTRATOR)

Rating: 5 Enchantments

Eleven-year-old Anna Smudge has a talent for listening to others. She's so good that she ends up getting tons of requests for her services from nutty New Yorkers.

But Anna has her own problems: a school bully who taunts her daily, parents who are too busy to notice her, and being blackmailed into doing someone else's homework. On top of this is the criminal mastermind Mr. Who, who is terrorizing New York. But he's only a rumor, right?

Anna, along with her sixth grade friends, set out to find Mr. Who and stop him from doing any more harm. Anna needs to do this soon. Her father's life depends on it.

ANNA SMUDGE is a fun tale that is sure to be a hit. Anna is a modern day Nancy Drew/ Dr. Phil, using her talent of listening to help solve not only others' problems but to help find the mysterious Mr. Who. Anna's friends each have a profession-chef, crime sketch artist, and more. They use their skills to help find Mr. Who. It's refreshing to have characters that don't all want to be models, rock stars, and/or actors.

The illustrations are fun and catchy. The whole comic book crossover is sure to attract fans as well as appeal to the reluctant reader. The only problem I had with this story is it ended too soon. I can't wait for book 2-Quenton Cohen: Professional Chef which is scheduled for a May 2009 release.

I showed this book to some eleven-year-olds who summed up how I felt about this book in one word. Wow!

MAC (aka Melissa A. Calderone) is a freelance writer for Popular Science Magazine. She has interviewed NASA scientists and covered topics ranging from asteroids to weapons design. Born and raised in Manhattan, MAC first started writing ANNA SMUDGE on the back of dozens of dupe pads while waiting tables at a downtown diner.

Check out www.Annasmudge.com and www.WhoisMrWho.com

Kim Rapier
Enchanting Reviews

Anna Smudge immediately drew me, and though I am eager to make my way through the whole book, I know that I'm going to be completely despondent until #2 comes out. Not since Harry Potter have I been this excited about a series -- MAC can't write fast enough for my eager ears.

I'm an elementary school teacher in Southern California and I highly recommend Anna Smudge: Professional Shrink for boys and girls in the middle-grades. The book kept my students entertained with a great mystery plot and the terrific characters, as well as twelve fabulous illustrations that bring each character to life! I also love the fact that the main characters are kids who have real professions - this book not only gets my students reading, but also dreaming of things they can achieve in their own lives. I can already see some budding shrinks, chefs, and artists emerging from my class this very year. Even I, the teacher, was entertained and inspired by little Anna Smudge.

I can't tell you how much I LOVED this book. Not only was the writing smart and laugh out loud funny, but it kept me on the edge of my seat until the last page. The genius is it the book completely works for both kids and adults.

This book is worth its price for the introduction alone. The author recounts political history of India's Kerala state through the many waves of European trade and reveals a larger historical context for European history that is invariably missing from all so-called World History classes taught at U.S. universities. The auther is herself a descendant of the players in the history she recounts.
A worthwhile investment for any Indian American under the age of 45.

Reviewed by Tammy Petty Conrad for Reader Views (12/07)

What a delicious read! I have a wonderful collection of cookbooks and the ones I enjoy most are the ones that read like novels. They include stories about the food and people who make the dishes. Even if I never get around to cooking anything included, I appreciate the flavors and tales behind the delicacies shared. This is one of those books.

The author, a native Indian from Kerala in the southwestern part of the country, shares her background and her family's recipes in such a loving way. She includes not only recipes, but the traditions, history and memories that go with them. I learned about the variety of food in her country and the diversity of recipes available in different regions. I also discovered some interesting historical facts. Having lived in the United Kingdom previously, it was fun to learn how some of the dishes arrived there from India and how they were modified for British palates. Interestingly, the Mulligatawny soup found in London started out much differently in India as molagu thanni!

I took many notes as I read about the author's childhood and the dishes she remembered most. Paayasam, a type of banana pudding made with plantains and coconut milk, grabbed my attention. Now I know what to do with the plantains I always see at the grocery store looking a bit lonely! This is a vegetarian book, but that is no reason for meat lovers to disregard it. The variety of dishes is amazing.

The author says that "The skill of a traditional cook depends on his or her ability to judge taste with the eyes and nose." Traditionally you are not allowed to taste a dish while making it. I can't imagine not taking at least one small taste before serving something to my guests. Or being so attuned to your cooking that you would automatically know by the smell or sight whether it needed adjusting.

The author is also aware that anytime you try a new cuisine you need to take the time to learn about the ingredients and what they are used for, even how you can find them or what you can substitute for them if needed. Chapter Two goes through not only ingredients, but cooking methods and utensils required. At the end of the book, she includes an internet resource list for those who live in areas without available ingredients. She talks about the magic of spices and says that "Understanding spices is the cornerstone of the art of Indian cooking...." One thing I hadn't thought about was howmuch the flavor of spices can vary from brand to brand and depending on where they are grown. She gives us permission to make adjustments based on our own palates and understands that cooking is a personal venture.

There are so many wonderful recipes to choose from. Mathan Puzukku, pumpkin and red beans with coconut and curry leaves, is a thick curry I can't wait to try. Anything with coconut grabs my attention like Varuthupperi Kootaan, or fried plantains in coconut yogurt sauce. There is a whole chapter just on puddings. The recipe index is quite helpful as are the menu suggestions.

All that's left for me to do is make a list and go the new Indian grocery store that just opened in my neighborhood. With "Grains, Greens, and Grated Coconuts," I will have an adventure in my kitchen and who knows, maybe it will lead me to travel to India and try the dishes firsthand someday.

Very nicely written, lots of historical data connected to the food of the region which was entirely new to me. Enjoyable reading and interesting recipes. Since I do like Indian Food, my hope is to try some of the recipes when time allows.

This is a really remarkable book, self-published and free of hype. There are no glitzy photographs of the food, which is a shame because I'll bet it's beautiful, but there is a pithy history of Kerala and then there are the recipes. They are exquisite, and the vibrant flavors of the food are conveyed by the author's enthusiastic descriptions. I'm not a vegetarian, but could live meatlessly and lusciously for weeks on these recipes. For vegetarians, this is a bonanza. The recipes range from relatively simple to complex, but none of them seem undoable in an American kitchen. The author has lived in America for a while, so she is familiar with the equipment and ingredients available here, and makes this cuisine approachable for us. Her notes are thorough and engaging, and well worth a read even if you don't plan to make that particular dish. If you have any interest in Indian cooking, or even if you don't want to cook it but enjoy reading about it, this is the best book on Indian cuisine that I've seen in a long time.

6/27/2007
Grains, Greens and
Grated Coconuts:
Recipes and Remembrances of a
Vegetarian Legacy
By Ammini Ramachandran
Foreward by Suvir Saran
Reviewed by Marty Martindale
It seems, the best cuisine in India is never found in restaurants, but in private homes where treasured recipes are used along with priceless experience and wisdom.
This book is based on the household cooking of Kerala in India and its many vegetarian marvels. The country of India is vast and complex, and Kerala is home to several key spices including the practically universal black pepper. The ancient spice trade caused
Kerala to became a very sought-after destination for millions. With each visitor came new plants and trees in exchange for their treasured spices. In the book, Ramachandran devotes forty pages to the vast number of visiting groups and their contributions the region over many years.
Next is carefully detailed information on their spices, herbs and vegetables, also the importance of rices in their diet. Following these, she explains cooking procedures and unique utensils.
Here are short descriptions of recipes in the book you might wish to try first:
* Varutha Erisseri -- Green Plantains in Toasted Coconut and Cumin Sauce: Basically this is a dish of stewed plantains, chili powder, turmeric powder, freshly grated coconut, vegetable oil and cumin seeds. The sauce is made from oil, mustard seeds, more chili and curry leaves. Served over rice.
* Tomato Pachadi - Tomatoes in a Fresh Coconut and Yogurt Sauce: Tomatoes, turmeric powder, grated coconut, green chilies and yogurt. For a garnish, combine vegetable oil, mustard seed, a fried chili, curry leaves and brown sugar.
* Vishu Kanji - Rice Soup with Coconut Milk: This simple dish is made from two kinds of rice, frozen lima beans and coconut milk.
* Maanga Chammanthi - Fresh Mango Chutney: Combine mangoes, grated coconut and green chilies in a blender.
Grains, Greens and Grated Coconuts is not a book about a cuisine you will cook quickly, for it demands study and practice. However if you are willing to spend time and feel at home with new combinations, you will get closer each time you work with it. Possibilities for some new taste combinations are definitely reachable and offer an exciting prospect!
For supplemental information, the author recommends these sites:
PEPPERTRAIL
INDIAN HOME COOKING
AMERICAN MASALA
You can reach Marty Martindale at: FOOD SITE OF THE DAY

extremely speedy delivery; my only complaint: coconut is not your soft and cuddly stuffed animal; his body is somewhat hard, good for play but definitely not something your little one will want to snuggle with.

my 6 year old granddaughter requested this and loves it. they are very into American Girl stuff

My daughter really wanted Coconut for Christmas and finding it here on Amazon was a bargain! A few things to know before buying Coconut -this Coconut does not come with the magnetic bone that the one directly from the manufacturer has. This one comes with the book instead of the dog bone. But my daughter didn't seem to miss the dog bone and Coconut's guide to life is a cute little book. 2)I didn't realize at first and was shocked when I opened the box from Amazon, but Coconut is really small, it looked bigger online. I'm guessing he's about 4-5 inches long. 3) Coconut is not a soft, plushy, cuddly stuffed animal. He's more solid with fur. But nonetheless, he is cute.

This is an excellent little dog and book for a great value. Perfect for any canine lover or future pet owner. This is a perfect must have. Super American Girl quality!!!

I got this as a gift for my niece's 7th birthday. She absolutely loved it.

This is a splendid book filled with hundreds of pictures of the rich and the famous and laden with Hollywood lore, be it Gable and Lombard or Hearst and Marian Davies -- the author of the book, Margaret Burk, knew most of them, as she was the wonderful public relations chief of both the Ambassador Hotel and Coconut Grove for many many years and she has written this star-studded memoir with wonderful anecdotes. The oversuzed book has a unique gold cover, and contains replicas of autographs (many owned by Ms. Burk, who now runs the prestigious ROUND TABLE book club in California) within the cover. This is a book for anyone who loves the movies! I was privileged to meet Margaret, when she invited me to introduce my own new book, "Someone To Watch Over Me," at the Round Table in La Quinta, Ca. in Jan. She's a terrific lady! Judi McMahon

This is an outstanding piece of work, it must have taken 10 years to gather all the marvelous photographs. The book was hard to find but is well worth the search.

Congratulations, I have just read Margaret Burk's wonderful book about the Ambassador Hotel. I am a documentary filmmaker doing research on the hotel for a soon to be produced film and found the book to contain a wealth of information. Starting from the opening date of the hotel until its unofficial closing. Each outstanding chapter is filled with Hollywood memorabilia such as: "Gloria Swanson:Birthday Girl," "The War Years," "The Cocoanut Grove," the Meca showcase for the most important performers of the time, "Death of a Hero," one of the most complete accounts of the tragic assasination of Robert Kennedy at the Ambassador, and many more. The pictures in the book feature some of Hollywood's greatest icons who passed through the doors of the famous land mark.
The end pages of the book features the autographs of some of the most renowned performers, Heads of State, and personalities of the era. I recently met the author at a ROUND TABLE WEST book club luncheon, the largest book club of its kind in America that features best selling authors, which she founded along with famed author Adela Rogers St. Johns at the Ambassador Hotel
over twenty-five years ago.
I was happy to learn that Margaret Burk is still living amongst the stars.

This book informed me of the incredible history that took place in the famous Ambassador Hotel of Los Angeles-Not just "Hollywood" history ala Cocoanut Grove but Robert Kennedy, Charles Lindbergh, Amelia Earhart, F Scott Fitzgerald the list goes on...This book is filled with photos and in really a fun format also and has tons of stories that were obviously close to the authors heart. I hope others that read this book or have the urge to learn more of the Ambassadors history will join as I have the fight to save this historic building (that does not have landmark status) from the wrecking ball and the doom that presently faces this grand piece of our national history. I hope this book is part one of the Ambassador's long life in the heart of Los Angeles and that it is just taking a well deserved rest before it needed facelift and comeback hey where else but in L.A.? With your help maybe we can save history. Get involved.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU Amazon.com for finding me this incredible piece of Los Angeles/Hollywood history. In it's salad years, the Ambassador Hotel was an incredible piece of architechure and it is really a shame what they (being the powers-that-be) have allowed to happen to the Wilshire Blvd. hotspot. We filmed a movie in the decaying building a little over a year ago (as so many others have done - "Pretty Woman" was filmed there you know) and I was still awe-struck to think of how many Hollywood and Political luminaries had been on the same carpeting that I was standing on. Thank you Amazon.com, for allowing me to hold on to a piece of the past by locating this photo-drenched book for me.