Series Books

Laura Antoniou had a great idea: her Marketplace series was so popular and fans wanted so much more, why not continue the story but also allow others to create their own Marketplace pieces? The result is the wonderful story of the Marketplace worldwide meeting with the intriguing Kris Parker as the main character. We also meet older slaves, trainers, and owners, and those somewhere in between at the Asia meeting. Not only do we find out more about Kris Parker but we also get the wonderfully varied works of sevearl well-known and fairly new erotica authors other than Antoniou. Almost every taste and every orientation and every combination is covered as we go from formal slavery in Asia and England to the new age of California and the proper victorian style households. I enjoyed it greatly; only wished I could have written a story for it too.

The Academy: Tales of the Marketplace is set in Japan. We find Chris Parker, among other reader favourites, at the Marketplace's annual gathering, The Academy. Chris is to present a proposal that may cause some waves within the organization. Michael LaGuardia has accompanied Chris to this annual event and we watch him as he continues to struggle to become a Trainer. Of course, the book is filled with all the wonders of The Marketplace, such as pony and dog slaves, pleasure slaves, and other specialty slaves.

If you ever wanted to know about Parker, this book is definitely for you. We learn quite a bit more about how Parker came to be as well as a few other interesting bits about other Marketplace favourites. I couldn't put the book down (but then again, I couldn't do it with the first three either). At first, Parker wasn't my main focus, but by the time I reached The Trainer, I was hooked. I needed to know more and was in agony until I found that a fourth novel was coming out, The Academy. I prayed that I would finally be put out of my pleasant misery with more tidbits about Parker. My begging was answered.

As an interesting twist, Antoniou has invited authors Karen Taylor, david stein, M. Christian, Cecelia Tan, and Michael Hernandez to contribute a series of short stories. Each story is it's own, but blends nicely and gives us more glimpses of The Marketplace.

My only disappointment was Michael's role in the novel. When Anderson reveals to Parker what she feels Michael's most likely outcome would be. I laughed, thinking it was surely a joke. But when I saw her prediction played out in a few very short pages, I was very let down...cheated. I didn't like Michael at the beginning, but I grew to like him, even started following him more closely. I felt my time invested in him was a waste.

Lifting my spirits at the end was a glimpse of Antoniou's next book, The Reunion. Once again, I feel anxious. Must have Parker.

This book is a common type in the science fiction area where guest authors add stories on a theme to a skeleton set by the main author. Not only does this require strong co-authors but a strong and skilled main author which role is filled admirably by Laura Antoniou.
The Academy its self is a meeting of trainers with slaves that are good enough that their owners want to show them off. While there is good erotica here the main plot centers on Chris and his goal of being a slave and Anderson's sale of him. The other major plot concerns his proposal to rate trainers and only give full rating to those who have served as slaves under a master trainer for at least two years. Michael from The Trainer is still around and Chris has improved him to the extent that he appears human and has started to understand service; in fact he gets an award as "most popular with men women and sled dogs".
Unlike some standard erotic fiction these books by Laura Antoniou have plots, humor and good character development with interesting characters.

This book was awesome. I loved the way differnet writers did different stories and then Laura worked her magic to weave them all together. I could not put it down. I HIGHLY recommend it to everyone.

Finally Ms Antinou is back with her fantastic Marketplace series. Initially I was uncertain that I would like this book due to the fact that it was a series of short stories rather than a complete novel. However, the individual short stories are held together by a plot line dominated by a political battle within the Marketplace that defines it's very essence. This subplot helps maintain coherence and moves the novel along very well.

The only other fault that you may notice is that some of the references are dated (such as describing the coming return of Hong Kong to China). But nothing serious enough to ruin the enjoyment of well written prose.

For those readers that fell in love with the BDSM classic, the Story of O, there has finally come a series that treats BDSM as more than just a cheap trick to sell poorly written porn. This book is well written, has identifiable characters and an interesting premise. Lara Antinou is a frequent guest at many BDSM conferences. I believe that her premise taps into the desire of many of BDSM scene (whether they go the events or just dream at home) that there is a group of people out there that take the leather scene a little more seriously than your average S&M aficionado. It is just a little exciting to think that if you can shine as a truly powerful Master or well behaved slave, that you may be allowed into a special clique of true devotees.

In addition to her well conceived premise, the characters in the book are well developed and interesting to read about. And while you may or may not identify with the disciplined Chris Parker or the self indulgent Michael, they sure would be a lot of fun to meet in the proper setting.

Just one note of caution, if you are not comfortable with male bisexuality then you may not enjoy this book. Otherwise I think that you find it is a welcome break from aggressive, badly written fare that passes for BDSM novels.

THE BEST Book on UDB to get INDEPTH!! If you want to know indepth, read this -most of the content may be in ibm db2 udb information center also.

I was trying to learn SQL and database basic. I have been looking to several different books and I was lacking a book that would systematicaly explain data base and SQL basics. This is the book. Chapters regarding Data Retrival are just right, not to short and not to long. Just right.

I recomend the book to somebody that would like to learn SQL and DB2 basics.

I used this book to write Exam 704 (Advance DB2 UDB DBA certification). I cleared the exam with flying colors.
I consider this book as DB2 UDB Bible. This is one of the some good books on DB2 UDB.
Also recommend to DBAs who are not preparing for certification since it covers almost all the aspects of DB2 database.

Regards
Prakash Gautam

I just found this book, and after reading it wish I had found this years ago. This is the most comprehensive book on DB2 that I have ever seen. This book has already saved me a lot of time. The performance chapter is great and helped me improve the performance of my DB2 server by over 30% in less than a week.

This is the book I was waiting for long on DB2UDB. This not only covers topics for certifications but also good (very good) reference material for all UDB DBAs on LUW platform.

With Allah's Fire, Roper and Holton have delivered a novel chock-full of non-stop action and suspense. The story begins by rapidly alternating between sisters Julie and Liz in Beirut, Cooper on the Ivory Coast, and the terrorists planning an attack that will rock all of their lives and test their faith. The paths of each of these individuals are set on a collision course when Julie is kidnapped after barely surviving the terror attack that firebombs a World Bank meeting and kills her husband. Her sister Liz refuses to give up the hope that Julie somehow survived. Cooper has scars of his own, having recently recovered from injuries sustained by a car bomb that sent him to the States. Cooper's team is sent to investigate the bombing in Lebanon and the threat of a new, untraceable explosive. The clock is ticking for Julie -- will Cooper and Liz be able to rescue her in time, and thwart the terrorists' plans?
I have to say -- doesn't this book have a fantastic cover? I love it, and it does a very classy, smart job of conveying the action-packed, adrenaline laced feel of the novel. I also have to add that the editing of this collaborative effort was done extremely well -- Roper was quoted as saying that she wrote the female point of view sections, and Holton the male pov -- and both are seamlessly blended. Holton's military background lends this story an genuine, realistic feel, and adds authenticity to the interaction and relationships between the members of Task Force Valor.
This book is a stellar beginning to what promises to be a fantastic series. The authors do an incredible job of exploring the theme of "faith under fire," and how individuals cope with real questions and struggles about their faith and belief in a good and just God in the midst of horrific, stressful circumstances. If you enjoyed Dee Henderson's Uncommon Heroes series, pick this novel up. I only wish I didn't have to wait until Spring 2007 for the sequel.

My life right now doesn't leave much room for recreational reading (even though I love to read), but I started this book and couldn't let it alone until I finished. Excellently portrayed military action intersperses with compassionate portrayal of tough issues pervasive to the Middle East. The relationships between the characters are realistic and thoroughly enjoyable. And the insight into the terrorist mindset is quite chilling. Great start to a new series.

This is my favorite of all of Gayle Roper's works, which is saying something because all her books are excellent. Shortly after finishing this book, news reports exposed real plots frighteningly similar to what had been written. It is an exciting book and one that would appeal to both Christian readers and non-Christians alike. I recommended it to my husband, which says it all, since in 25 years of marriage we've only agreed on a handful of books. I would highly recommend Allah's Fire.

ALLAH'S FIRE transports you to Panama City, Abidjan in the Ivory Coast, and Beirut, Lebanon - all in the first three chapters! This military suspense novel has something for everyone. Non-fiction author and first time novelist, Chuck Holton teams with prolific author, Gayle Roper to write an enthralling story of an Explosives Ordnance Disposal Unit (headed by Master Sergeant John Cooper) which travels the globe defusing explosives used in warfare.

In the first of a three-book series, John Cooper's EOD team is sent to Beirut after tragedy strikes their unit in the form of an unknown and deadly explosive device, following an otherwise successful mission. A suicide bomber devastates a hotel in the heart of Beirut utilising the same device and a new terrorist organisation, Ansar Inshallah, is implicated. At a function at the hotel with her Arabic husband, American Julie Assan disappears and her journalist sister, Liz Fairchild begins her own mission to locate her sister.

Familiar with Beirut having spent her childhood there, Liz is on assignment, investigating the condition of Palestinian women in the Sainiq Refugee Camp on the outskirts of Beirut. With her sister's disappearance she returns to the camp in search of clues, and instead finds death and terror. The storylines converge and John and Liz clash over his need to maintain the tenuous military and political stability in Lebanon, and Liz's desire to launch a rescue mission for Julie in the hope she is still alive.

While initially the writing style is erratic as the location and characters change with each chapter, once that distraction is overcome readers can settle in and enjoy this intense and exciting ride. The military and weapons information is detailed and authentic, with Chuck Holton previously serving as an Airbourne Ranger for the United States Army and flying helicopters for the National Guard prior to commencing his writing career. The relationship between John and Liz is well developed, yet does not overpower the suspense and action of the story.

The remaining books will be written solely by Chuck Holton and the first sequel, to be released early in 2007, will revolve around Staff Sergeant "Rip" Rubio, a member of John's EOD team.

Liz and her sister Julie are two Americans that live in Lebanon. When the building that Julie was attending a party at is destroyed by a bomb, Liz goes on a mission to find her after finding evidence that she may still be alive. Meanwhile John is a member of a special ops team sent to Beruit to find Palestinian extremists who have discovered a new way to threaten terror in the region. John and Liz's lives intertwine as they try to find Julie and prevent the terrorists from instigating more fear into the lives of the people there. The story is non stop action throughout, an edge of your seat reality read.

While reading this book, I felt like I was watching the evening news. Everything seemed so real and action packed. The situations the characters got themselves in could be ripped right out of the headlines. At first John's story felt a little boring to me with all the military talk and I wanted to get back to Liz's and Julie's story. However as I got more into the book, I enjoyed reading from both angles. I thought it was very interesting learning more about the Arab and Muslim culture. Many Americans don't really understand the religion and get only a one sided view on it. By explaining customs and rituals, the reader is able to have a better understanding of that side of the world. I also liked how the explanation of the way women are viewed in that world. As westerners, it's hard to understand why women would allow men to treat them the way they do in Arab countries. I appreciated that while Liz is an American, her character is used to the customs of the country because she grew up there. She does not act like a fish out of water or have scenes displaying ignorance. This book is recommended for those who like action stories, stories that could have happened, or interested in what life is like in the Middle East.

I have loved all the Aunt Dimity books. Somehow they just keep getting better and better. With some series the author tends to become static after several books, but Atherton never fails to draw the reader in and hold on until the final page.

Do you believe in vampires? Well, Lori's twins think they saw one up on the hill and now she's frantic to find out if it's true! She and her friend Kit investigate the history of some strange neighbors who just might be hiding someone up in their attic. As they get to know more about the past, they meet numerous people that all were involved in a mysterious event that occulted more that forty years ago. When the story of that day finally comes out, no one realizes how close to home someone will be affected.

I really enjoyed this book. The story grabs you from the start and you know another good adventure is ahead for Lori. The author adds every day life events and mixes in some mystery, that makes you want to keep reading to the very end to solve it!

Nancy Atherton has done it again with her thirteenth book in the `Aunt Dimity' series. I never get tired of this series about Lori Shephard and the situations she finds herself in. She always comes back to opening her blue book and waiting for Aunt Dimity to speak (or actually write to her from the other side), so she can talk to her about her adventures and get advice.

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone that wants a good, easy and enjoyable adventure to read. Also, I would read the rest of the series too!
This is one series that will bring a smile to your face and a good feeling after every book!

Shivers up my spine yet again. Such a fun book as were all the others. Can't wait for the next one!

As a confirmed Aunt Dimity and Lori Shephard fan, this one leaves me wishing for more. Any confirmed romantic will find this one the perfect blend of mystery and romance. Thanks Nancy Atherton for another winner
Judi H

Nancy Atherton is a wonderful author. I have read all of books! Sometimes I wish I could be with and help her solve the mysteries. You have to love a lady who loves her bunny and talks to a ghost, her "Aunt Dimity"! I always enjoy reading Ms. Atherton's books! More please!!!!
I just read here that the next installment of Aunt Dimity is called, "Aunt Dimity Slays the dragon". Great news for us fans.

The information in this book is great. I could have done without so much life-history in the first half of the book, but I understand why she included it, and think for many people it will be helpful. The second half is great. I wish her garden was still open to the public sometimes.

This book was delivered within one week and it was in great condition.
Thank you.

We come to things in our lives on the path to enlightenment & greater understanding..at exactly the correct time for learning it, If we listen things will jump out at us to purchase ,learn, dig a little deeper for information vital to our own search... This is one increadable piece of that small amount of phenominal information out there for us to learn & understand..gain a greater knowledge of, there is so much to everything around us in everyday, in every place we are, we can only keep trying to strive to be better, listen harder, be quieter, feel the energy..pure raw energy of all life around us, that we are absolutly connected to... This book is by far one of the best Ive read & strongly recommend to any & all on a path of greater understanding of enlightenment & love...

I expected another great book about nature's ability to communicate with life forms in more ways than we expect. Instead I got MORE! Influencing each other in ways once couldn't imagine, this book builds past the works of even Michael Roads (author of great works like Journey Into Nature). It is almost too advanced for me just now, but a book I will definitely go back to again and again.

Reads like a story (because it is) then builds. Another one to put in my top 10 best books, which I'll have to extend to top 20 soon!

ALL OF LIFE IF LIFE. I FIND ANYTHING THIS AUTHOR WRITES IS EASY TO READ. EASY BECAUSE OF THE WAY IT'S PRESENTED. I ENJOY HER SENSE OF HUMOR. THE CONTENT GIVES ONE MUCH TO PONDER. THE BOOK MADE ME AWARE OF HOW LITTLE, STILL, MOST HUMANS ARE TAKING ADVANTAGE OF WHAT THE PLANET HAS TO OFFER. ALL THE POWER, HELP &HEALING THERE IS AVAILABLE IF ONLY WE LISTEN; LOOK.

Bluford high:Blood is thicker by Paul Langan & D.M. Blackwell

The setting of this book is in a small, poverty suburbs in Detroit Michigan. This book is about a boy named Hakeem, who moves from his hometown in California, Detroit. Hakeem moves to Detroit,Michigan because his father is sick. Hakeem goes to Detroit to live with his uncle and his cousin Savon. Hakeem and savon were very close but lost contact with each other. Savon doesn't spend time with his cousin because he thinks he's to cool for that. The genre of the book is fictional. The conflict is that Hakeem has to figure out if Savon is the robber of all the stores because he sneaks out every night. Hakemm knew that all the stores on his block had been robbed, even his uncle's Jason store. So Hakeem thought it was Savon because he was sneaking out every night. The theme of this book is trust because Hakeem has to trust in himself that his dad we'll be alright. He also has to trust his cousin savon that he isn't stealing. This book has a good ending so i suggest that all middle school students should read this. I like this book because it is very interesting and it tells stories about fake people but real events.

Bluford high:Blood is thicker by Paul Langan & D.M. Blackwell

The setting of this book is in a small, poverty suburbs in Detroit Michigan. This book is about a boy named Hakeem, who moves from his hometown in California, Detroit. Hakeem moves to Detroit,Michigan because his father is sick. Hakeem goes to Detroit to live with his uncle and his cousin Savon. Hakeem and savon were very close but lost contact with each other. Savon doesn't spend time with his cousin because he thinks he's to cool for that. The genre of the book is fictional. The conflict is that Hakeem has to figure out if Savon is the robber of all the stores because he sneaks out every night. Hakemm knew that all the stores on his block had been robbed, even his uncle's Jason store. So Hakeem thought it was Savon because he was sneaking out every night. The theme of this book is trust because Hakeem has to trust in himself that his dad we'll be alright. He also has to trust his cousin savon that he isn't stealing. This book has a good ending so i suggest that all middle school students should read this. I like this book because it is very interesting and it tells stories about fake people but real events.

Bluford high:Blood is thicker by Paul Langan & D.M. Blackwell

The setting of this book is in a small, poverty suburbs in Detroit Michigan. This book is about a boy named Hakeem, who moves from his hometown in California, Detroit. Hakeem moves to Detroit,Michigan because his father is sick. Hakeem goes to Detroit to live with his uncle and his cousin Savon. Hakeem and savon were very close but lost contact with each other. Savon doesn't spend time with his cousin because he thinks he's to cool for that. The genre of the book is fictional. The conflict is that Hakeem has to figure out if Savon is the robber of all the stores because he sneaks out every night. Hakemm knew that all the stores on his block had been robbed, even his uncle's Jason store. So Hakeem thought it was Savon because he was sneaking out every night. The theme of this book is trust because Hakeem has to trust in himself that his dad we'll be alright. He also has to trust his cousin savon that he isn't stealing. This book has a good ending so i suggest that all middle school students should read this.

Bluford high:Blood is thicker by Paul Langan & D.M. Blackwell

The setting of this book is in a small, poverty suburbs in Detroit Michigan. This book is about a boy named Hakeem, who moves from his hometown in California, Detroit. Hakeem moves to Detroit,Michigan because his father is sick. Hakeem goes to Detroit to live with his uncle and his cousin Savon. Hakeem and savon were very close but lost contact with each other. Savon doesn't spend time with his cousin because he thinks he's to cool for that. The genre of the book is fictional. The conflict is that Hakeem has to figure out if Savon is the robber of all the stores because he sneaks out every night. Hakemm knew that all the stores on his block had been robbed, even his uncle's Jason store. So Hakeem thought it was Savon because he was sneaking out every night. The theme of this book is trust because Hakeem has to trust in himself that his dad we'll be alright. He also has to trust his cousin savon that he isn't stealing. This book has a good ending so i suggest that all middle school students should read this.

"That's it Savon barked, charging Hakeem like an enraged lion." This book is called Blood is Thicker by Paul Langan and D.M Blackwell.

This book takes place in a low class suburb in Detroit Michigan. It is about a boy named Hakeem who moves from California to Detroit because, his father is very sick and they cannot afford there house so, they come live with their uncle. Savon is Hakeems cousin. They were good friends when they were young but they have lost contact. We Hakeem got there he wonder why Savon was being mean to him. He also meets this girl next door who he thinks is pretty. He teaches her how to play guitar. It's a way for him to relive stress and have a fun time with her. Savon had been sneaking around came home late at night. So Uncle James asked him to find out what Savon was up to. There had been robberies almost every store on Main Street except his father furniture store. Then the real bad blood between the two begins. The ending is a shock. This is a fictional novel. I would recommend this book for any middle school student. This is the eighth book in the Bluford High series. The next book is Brothers in Arms. If you like big endings this book is for you.

I think this was my favorite volume in the series so far. The first two were fun and entertaining, but in this one the plot becomes thicker, more complicated, and we start to see glimpses of a rich backstory behind the characters Grandma Ben and Thorn. People who liked the first two books will be sure to like this one, too.

This is my 1st Graphic Novel that I have read. Jeff Smith is a great author and illustrator. The words along with the pictures tell a great story. Jeff uses many story elements in his book Eyes of the storm. His plot has several conflicts in it. He uses mainly person-against-person, with it being the Bone cousins and village people against the rat creatures. Jeff Smith uses flashbacks and foreshadowing in dreams to let Thorn know what her past was like. He uses cliff hangers to make the story more suspenseful. Amongst all of this, Jeff Smith knows how to lighten the atmosphere by putting humor in the right places. This book kept me wanting more. I can't wait to get a hold of the next volume. This will not be my last graphic novel that I read.

The Bone books are the gratest comics I have Ever read

check em' out ;)

This book I just read is about a boy named Bone. Bone's friend started a cow race, and convinced everyone to bet on a cow that didn't even exist. So now they have to wash dishes at a bar to pay back what they destroyed. They have weird dreams about their past. So they spend days trying to figure out what their dreams were about. There are furry creatures in the woods trying to kill them.
Bone was the main character in the story he is the coolest and funniest in the book. There grandma reminds me of my grandma from when I was 3. She told me that there as no such thing as ghosts. I figured out that there was such thing as ghosts when I was 5. My favorite part in the story is when Bone realized that their dreams where real. If you like comic books then you will like the Bone series. This book was made to be read by kids 11 and older.

These books are fantastic! I have two 7yr old boys that cry if I don't read this book to them at night.

Parents:
Imagine using, I won't read to you tonight if you don't stop right now, and it works...that's how good this series is. At first I thought the book might be a little too scary for them but they were hooked and it wasn't until book 4 that I had to consider sensoring some of the language (things like "idiot"). Any book that brings kids back to the well again and again is worth purchasing.

This book is eye-opening! I have been an avid fan of Harry Potter for years with many reads of the entire series under my belt. I teach a Harry Potter class to elementary & middle school aged kids in the summer (which is why I bought this book). It is so much fun to realize how deep the HP universe really is! I can't wait for volumes 2 & 3 to come out.

This book is wonderfully organized and easy to use. The information is totally fascinating and the questions range from moderately to extremely challenging. There are also some great pages of trivia about the trivia answers.

For all who want to explore even more into the world of Harry Potter, this book is a great buy. Highly recommended!

for someone who is wanting to enjoy a challenging afternoon this is the book for you.Rachelene Maltanese has formated her book in such a way that the beginning,casual and the serious readers of the Harry Potter series will tested in their knowledge of potions,spells,curses,witches and wizards and myriad other topics by her Salamander,Phoenix and Dragon levels.this book is highly recommended for any HP group disussion or just to bone up on your knowledge, or lack thereof.So purchase this product, sit back and enjoy

I got this book for my 3 kids, ages 11,18 and 22 who are all Harry Potter book fanatics and used to sit around and make up trivia questions to try to stump each other (especially the older 2). They all have enjoyed taking the quizzes and it is both challenging and entertaining. I would definitely recommend it for those who think they are well versed in Potter minutia--you might be surprised!

I'll come right out and admit that I expected this book to be a cakewalk. I've read the entire series of books multiple times, and I was convinced that I'd have no problem answering even the difficult questions. Well, I've been well and truly humbled.

Ms. Maltese has gathered an incredible range of facts and tidbits from seemingly nowhere. The book itself is divided into individual quests, or areas of knowledge, then further broken down into three levels of difficulty: salamander, phoenix, and dragon. I knew I was in trouble when I started missing phoenix questions!

Fortunately, the answers are supplied at the end of the chapter, along with some fun trivia bits. I actually went and double-checked some of those answers for accuracy, and the book was right every time.

This book would be a great at a party, or for a fund-raiser trivia quiz. I think this would also be a great idea translated into other languages, since many of the character names are completely different in each country.

My hat is off to Ms. Maltese and her impeccable research skills. I challenge all Potter fans to try their hand and test their Potter knowledge!

Having just finished this book, I'm going to skip ahead and say: I am delighted.


Skipping backwards, however:


- The simple skill levels provide an excellent ladder into the suprisingly voluminous information within: Young fans will be thrilled to be quizzed as Salamanders (Level 1), drawn on to learn more and graduate to Phoenixes (Level 2), and even adult fans will be challenged by Level 3, the Dragon.


- Hint boxes on almost every page make sure the reader isn't left to flounder if they're lost (or tempted to cheat!). They don't chivvy, scold, or insult, but instead encourage lateral thinking to get at the answers.


- However, the best part might be the extras. The answers are not simple, dry solutions; they are complete and filled with additional content and facts, making it a surprisingly useful reference.


- Trivia Tidbits! Never let it be said that curiosity, once fanned, was allowed to fizzle. The "tidbits" are actually quite meaty asides that often bring in real-world comparisons, point out the historical fact and mythology woven through the Harry Potter books, and encourage outside research and reading.


A wonderful idea for parents might be to purchase the book prior to a birthday and use the questions as a party game. This would work equally well for teenagers, and even adults. Harry Potter appeals to nearly everyone, and this book makes it fun to share trivia and thoughts on the series with friends.

Audrey Grant's books - like Introduction to Bridge are exceptional. They are best used in a bridge class/training session where an instructor can lead and help the student through the the basics of bridge learning. The value of Audrey Grant's books are that they present a system of bridge which has revolutionized modern bridge.

This is a great book for those interested in learning about Bridge. We are using it along with an instructor and it is great. Highly recommend it.

It makes sense. No cryptic assumptions by the author. Discussion of every possibility, how to react, AND WHY. One of the best "tutorials" i have read in my life.
I started to learn bridge with one friend teaching a group of three. Made no sense. I bought this book, got pulled into the chapters, and at our next practice, i was leading half the session and teaching everyone.

I've been considering returning to contract bridge after a 10 year hiatus and wanted to brush up on my bidding. I was looking for an intermediate/advanced overview of American Standard. This is a basic textbook obviously designed to be used in a classroom with a teacher. You will get basic bidding techniques and some recommendations on play. You won't get any conventions past Blackwood, Gerber or Stayman. Transfers, Unusual Notrump and the like aren't covered. If you're a beginner, this is a good starting point, though it would be best to use it with an instructor. If you're an intermediate or advanced player. Look elsewhere.

If you are new to bridge I highly recommend purchasing all four of Audrey Grant books in the ACBL Series... CLUB, DIAMOND, HEART AND SPADE. She is unquestionably the best bridge teacher for a novice. In layman's terms she is able to explain and unravel the mysteries of bridge. If you begin with the club book and progress through the series as they increase in difficulty... club, diamond, heart and spade you will be able to teach yourself how to become proficient in bridge painlessly. Her books are written in lesson formats... and they are used by many people who instruct bridge classes i.e. adult ed. Buy one... I'm sure you'll add the other three to your library. I also highly recommend her "Bridge at A Glance" pocket guide which is a quick synopsis of bidding and the appropriate respones thereof. I bought many bridge books before I stumbled upon Audrey Grant and wish I had found her books first! Good luck!

I had a roommate from Madrid once who was an amazing cook (decided to be a doctor instead of a chef though sadly!), and owning this book is like having him right there on my bookshelf to read anytime I want.

He would cook every Thursday for a small dinner party he started in our neighborhood, and while he was cooking he would tell everyone the history and culture behind the dish. This book does the exact same thing (but with pictures haha).

How do I know that this book is the real thing? They got the story and recipe behind paella right! Even many Spaniards don't know the real story behind this dish!

This book makes you care about the food you make from it.

Love this book! As I have stated in all of my Culinaria series reviews, awesome pictures. I love how these books aren't hokey cookbooks. They're beautifully laid out by region. You get to experience the culture of Spain in this book, not just the food. One thing that deeply satisfied me was that there is a nice section on the Basque region. This region is truly a separate nation in itself. I visited Spain several years ago and their food was wonderful. If you're looking to explore Spanish cuisine, get this book!

"Culinaria Spain" is much more than a simple cookbook. As stated in the introduction, "To savor a nation's culinary customs is to experience the unfolding of an entire culture."

The people who bring you the Culinaria series want you to know that the food of a country reflects not only the geography, topography and climate, but also the history - all the peoples who have conquered, settled or passed through a country leave an impression.

While many people think of Spain and paella, there is much more to it. The people of the northern mountains certainly eat a more hearty fare than the people of the southern Mediterranean coast.

The book is divided by region to illustrate the various cuisine and cultures. For example, the empanada originated in Galicia as a kind of "fast food" for Christian pilgrims.

Culinaria gives you many wonderful recipes, many fun and interesting facts about the food and the regions. There are extensive sections describing wines, cheeses, olive oils, seafood, mineral water and more. The book is beautifully and lavishly illustrated with photographs, not only of prepared foods but of coastlines and mountains, markets, and beautiful Spanish faces.

This is a really nice book if you want to learn more about Spain than just a few recipes!

Highly recommended!!!

The book explains the origin of the different dishes and ingredients including their local names. It makes cooking a marvelous experience. Excellent cook book plus a magnificent coffee table book. We love it.

A perfect book for one either wanting to learn more about Spain or its cooking. The recipes are often simple, always marvelous and take into account the true spirit of the country. If you want to understand Spain and Spanish cooking in all its glory then here it is- there is no better.