Clubs Books

Normally I'm not the world's biggest fan of Stacey, but in this book I liked her a lot. Stacey is in a bind; she feels if she decides to stay home and take care of her mother who has pnuemonia, she will disappoint her father, who invited her to a very important company dinner. She tries to do both, and even though it kind of fails, I feel she acted very responsibly.
The book itself is one of the most realistic BSC books. It focuses on some common problems for "divorced kids" and mostly highlights the fact that they constantly are choosing between their parents.

The sideplot is also great, even though it has absolutely nothing to do with the main plot. It's pretty funny, actually, and in a way is kind of like comic relief.

The book is great and realistic. You will not be disappointed.

Stacey's parents are depending on her again! It's either she stays in Stoneybrook to take care of her mom with a desease or she will go to New York to celebrate his father's promotion job.

stacey has to choose between attending a promotion dinner for her dad in new york and staying home in stoneybrook with her mother who had pneumonia in this book. Stacey felt like she had to choose between her parents, and I know how she feels because my own parents are divorced too though just half an hour away from one another. Stacey seems a little too mature for thirteen in this book, it showed her maturity in handling the situation and standing up to her dad when she decided to go for the dinner but not stay the whole weekend. I guess being a single child and parents splitting up makes one grow up way too fast at times, it was a great read. I enjoyed reading about the shopping trip with the BSC at the beginning of the book too when stacey was choosing an outfit for the dinner.

I liked the book Stacey's Choice because Stacy was very mature and responsible. I liked the way she took care of her mom when she was sick and made the sistting chart for when she was in school. I think the neighbors were very nice to watch Stacy's mother. But in all the drama with her mom Stacy forgot she had to go to New York for a dinner in her dads honor. Stacy needed to choose between her sick mother or her vice president dad. I think her choice was very responsible.

Stacey has a choice. 1. She will go to New York and celebrate his father's promotion day, 2. She will stay in Stoneybrook and take care of her mother with a disease.

Sherman wrote a great book here that is entertaining even to those, like me, who just don't see what the fuss over bouldering is all about. As a history on how an aspect of climbing initially became what it is, this really is good stuff- well written and entertaining.

John Sherman has really done it with this excellent book. Though some may find his sense of humor somewhat caustic (I happen to like it), this is an indispensable guide to all the major bouldering areas in the country. Make no mistake--this is not a "guide book"--you will find no route topos or maps of bouldering areas here (though there are maps TO bouldering areas). The text stays within the historical realm, and Sherman's knowledge of these places is revealed on every page. Of particular interest are his (and other's) memories of places like the Buttermilk boulders, which are presented in a light that precedes the mega-popularity that Bishop has attained in the last five years or so. And Sherman is not only a talented writer--he is also one of my favorite climbing photographers. Beautiful and tasteful prints illustrate almost every page. Well worth the money.

This book is fantastic. If you like bouldering and John Sherman's humorous tales you will enjoy this book.

The SOFT COVER BINDING FALLS APART after one or two openings. Of three people I know with the soft cover, all three have fallen apart. BUY THE HARD COVER VERSION!

Stone Crusade is THE book of bouldering and the history of the sport in the USA. John Sherman's witty and irreverent writing style and his artistic photographic skill capture the true feeling of the sport across the entire country. A guide book, history lesson, and entertainment all rolled into one. You will want to hit the road on your own Stone Crusade.

It reads as a guidebook, a history, and as literature. Sherman writes with surprising grace and introspection about the sport. Nice profiles of the locals at different areas, too. And I was relieved to see no reference to the finest, and apparently still secret, problem at Carderock, MD.

My 8 year old daughter loves this book. On her first read through she said she only solved 1 or 2 of them herself, but she has since enjoyed reading them aloud to my husband and I to see if she can stump us. I've missed at least one, and we haven't read them all yet.
Based on my daughter's experience, I'd recommend this for ages 7 - 12. (or older, as I said, I got stumped too!)

Really a neat book, not only for kids, but for adults, too. Helps to sharpen thinking skills, while learning a little about the folklore of other countries and cultures.

This is a wonderful book that combines mathematical reasoning and logic with fascinating folktales from around the world. A book that delights kids as well as adults.

I just ordered several of these books to give as birthday gifts for my 9 year old daughter's friends, but I had to read through it before we gave them away. Now I may need to purchase one for our house! The stories were fun, interesting and challenging, but not so difficult that my daughter couldn't figure some out for herself. I agree with the previous review that it makes one "think outside the box" - and is a fun and valuable asset to any library!

This book consists of folktales, very concisely told, that in some sense are a riddle, a puzzle, a play on words ... These stories are presented as problems to solve.

A major strength of the book is the variety of sources of the tales - Tibetan, Aesop, Armenia, India, Grimm brothers, Ethiopian, Japan; in fact many of the stories could have come from any of a number of cultures. The illustrations add to the interest of the book for its intended audience.

The only weakness is that in only one case does it offer alternative answers. For example, in filling a room perfume works as well as light; if children are reading the book independently, they may not have the confidence to recognize that their answer is a clever as the one given in the text.

The stories are fun - parents and children should enjoy this.

I really enjoyed this book. It was a stronger reach for the author over some of her other work.
The characters were easy to follow even though I read this book out of order in the series.
The story was about what fame and money can do to a person. Greed and all those other terrible things destroyed so many lives. I wont tell the story but there was one topic touched on here that, while it unraveled, I was on the edge of my seat!
Though I found the various storylines in this book sad in some ways, it was an enthralling read that held my interest all the way through. I can see Ms. McGriff got her editing problem resolved too. It was a better-written book then the first one by her that I read. And I can say, she still tells a great story. You're on your way Ms. McGriff. Keep up the good write!

The rain of fears, the reign of tears...the temporary rain of a winter season, the temporary reign of fame the temporary rain of...I'll say no more about that.
Devon's reign at the top of charts was far from permanent-as he might have thought at one time, being a headliner for nearly five years or so (which can be a life-time in today's music industry). With his private troubles at home, made public, his popularity and career are damaged when Devon backs out of a video contract in order to seek solace and regrouping time after Kim's indiscretions brings his once bubble-safe existence crashing down around him-much like a cloudburst. (Kim, whose secrets have driven her to near insanity, fights against insurmountable obstacles to keep her footing only to finally give in to the pressures of her inner haunts) Can either one of them ride out this storm to safety? Will they make there together? These were the questions I asked myself as I read on, noting the invasions to their once (thought to be) perfect marriage by-Stockard, Micah, Mia, and Rene.
Eljen, Jimmy, Destiny, Tearza, Maji, Hugh and the rest, all made a strong showing here in this (my understanding to be the last) installment of The Majestic Series. Jimmy was true to his no nonsense-make-a-million-a-day persona. He does work my nerves. I can't imagine what Destiny sees in him-besides his good looks and billions of dollars.
Some of the topics here in this book are touched on by the Author in such an, `eye-popping' way, that I was instantly filled with so many different emotions that I didn't know whether to feel sorry for the characters or angry.
I feel mixed emotions about the closure of the series but, I'm sure, Jimmy and the others will show up again somewhere along the line. If nothing else, they will stick with me a long time
--E. Thompson, J.E.T. Inc.

I was not expecting what I got in Temporary Rain. Though the beginning started out with bringing all the old favs back, I was soon hit with so much unfamiliar stuff--new thinking, new acting...ohmigooness.
And the topics touched on here in this story were deep. I mean, I'm not a spoiler but, there was some serious mess going on in this book. I really didn't know which way it was gonna end.
Drugs, sex, and as always, music and money.
From the little blurb thing, you would right off the bat think that Jimmy was in some mess again, but no...and then you sort of get the impression that it's Devon, but no...
You just have to read it, and of course Ms. M, has a wonderful back drop story that just sort of covers up any holes without taking away from the main story. ...

Devon Swanson is at the top of his game. He has a beautiful family, a budding musical career and is surrounded by glitz and glamour. Devon's wife Kim however, never dealt with her childhood issues and it is her descent into abyss and the surrounding family members' reactions that make this fifth installment of the Majestic's Secret series a hit.

After reading the first four installments, you wonder what the deal is with Kim; all is not as it appears. What is Kim hiding and what is the powerful hold that forces Kim to behave as she does? We witness everything that Kim ran from come to the surface and climax. Devon however, continues to be the faithful and patient husband and loving father. Watch as Devon relates his pain and agony of his failing marriage and family, only to be ambushed into another world that he cannot begin to comprehend. New characters are introduced along with the recurring characters of the first four books, however their actions all play a part in the story being told and the book does not lose its focus. 

Michelle McGriff has given the romance literary world an excellent final installment that is glittered with action, drama and finally compassion and understanding. 

Reviewed by Dawn R. Reeves
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

KUDOS, MICHELLE...
This novel is a definite page turner that hooks you from the very first page. Although it is a sort of spinoff from the Majestic Series, new readers of this author will find Temporary Rain is a novel that can stand alone.

Temporary Rain is a novel that is filled with shocking secrets and an unpredictable ending. I'm sure any reader of this novel will be so pleased that they will want to seek out and find the previous novels to this series to add to their collection.

Like so many things in life, such as cars, buildings or even computers, books can become a piece of art when they're beautifully designed. And this is one of the best looking books I've ever seen.

The feel of it (it's a softcover), the look of it, the typeface. It's almost perfect. I really love holding this book in my hand and feel the weight of it. And the colors and the typeface are rich and inviting. Once you see the book in front of you and hold it, you cannot NOT be interested in knowing more about it. It really attracts one's attention. That's why I give it 5 big stars. Whoever designed this book deserves an award.

As for the content of the book, the less said the better.

this has the feel of someone who is in a prison, not knowing when his life will be cut short. so in the meantime everything he's learned up to this point, and everything he believes to be true, is shared to you, dear reader.

the scope of the book is large, there were many things i read here that was new to me, which is great, because in this realm of reading, it's easy to read the same thing said differently by many authors.

most of this will be news to you, or things you haven't thought of in a certain angle.

while it's only partially sourced, we have to take his word of his credentials. and when the things you read go on a limb (like alot of the great david icke's works), you just have to go with him and judge on your own.

very informative book, needed in every revisionist's collection (conspiracy theory is a silly term, too much stuff is true)

This book is probably one of the best you can find if you want to know the TRUTH behind the history of the world, religion, true knowledge, media, extraterrestrials, mind-control, and who really controls the world. DO NOT read this book if you are not an open minded reader and/or someone seeking big picture possibilities that are not normally given through mainstream media or mainstream education (public schools, colleges, etc.). This is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it. I also HIGHLY RECOMMEND anyone interested in this book to check out any books written by David Icke and/or check out infowars.com which is 100% documented research by activist Alex Jones. Also check out Behold A Pale Horse by William Cooper who is now dead (murdered by our government). Check out information on the web about the Bohemian Grove, Skulls and Bones, the Illuminati, the New World Order..... The list goes on and on. Take what you want, make what you want, and believe what you want, but by all means please do the research for yourself and whithout a doubt, you will see the universe completely differently. Also, if you haven't a clue as to what I'm babbling about, this stuff is probably not for you, but don't take my word for it, just check it out. Soon this knowledge might be your only chance at physical, mental and spiritual freedom. HELP RELEASE THE BLANKET THAT HAS COVERED THE EYES SOCIETY FOR CENTURIES.

I was really disturbed while coming to the realisation how much lies have we taken for the truth. This book will open your eyes, definitely recommended.

Ties together many diverse aspects of history, religion, and events into a logical and related common thread. Makes sense of seemingly unrelated happenings that are plausible based on his theories. Good book.

This is the book that got my son fascinated with trucks! His day care center has this book and his teachers told me one day that they LOVE my son; because while all the other kids are running around screaming, my son is sitting in the middle of the floor "reading" this book. Needless to say, I had to go out and get it myself, hoping it'd allow me some time to get things done around the house! My son really does love this book. He reads it every day when we get home from day care, and at 18 months old, he still hasn't torn any of the pages because he is SO careful with it. He doesn't want any damage to come to this favorite book of his!

When my now 8-year-old son was about a year old, this was his favorite book. We read it endlessly, to the point that I would hide it in his bookshelf in hopes that we could read something else. But, he would patiently search through his books until he found it -- "The Truck Book." At some point, he totally lost interest in this book and in vehicles, but I've kept the book all these years because I have such fond memories of reading it together. Plus, I have it memorized!

My son Devon loves this Truck Book. He's two months shy of three, already knows his numbers, his letters and can recognize certain words, probably because Sara and I don't have a television and we read him books like this every night. He's really into trucks, trucks of all sizes, but especially yellow ones. The big dump truck with the giant tires on the cover of this book fascinates him. He likes to pretend he's the driver and I'm the guy in the yellow jeep waving up to him. He just pours over this book, ogling the old timey trucks, like the Wienermobile and the milk truck shaped like a bottle of milk. He likes the car carrier, the cranes and the forklifts. He's just a truck loving child and that's okay by us, because it's got his nose in books and that's the best place for it to be.

Jack Priest, Dad in Training

My 2-year-old found this book in his grandma's book box and immediately fell in love with it. We read it at least 100 times during the seven days we stayed at grandma's. He loved it so much, I had to buy another for our house and a new copy for grandma!

My 21/2 yr old son and I have read this over and over. It has helped me name alot of the trucks we see everyday while driving in the car. Now I can answer his "whasthat?" Plus he loves to point out the trucks by the pictures in the book. Just love the Hot Dog Truck. Recommend for the truck lover in your life.

I just got this book today ... I have been on the edge of buying it for about a year and lo and behold my stinginess on price paid off! I love this book the quality of the work contained within is fantastic, and the jacket outside done by our friends at ATTIK design is just wonderful. A must by especially at the price! ... quick go get it!!!

Typography 21 is a original and creative book. The content inside were very inspirational to me, as a graphic designer. It has a variety of designs, so it should satisfy your eyes.

I thought that the page designs by Attik were much better than the works they reviewed. It was a good book, but not the best.

I am thinking of getting NoiseFour by Attik next.

Check this book out. I'm sure a bunch of designers already have their copy. I initially bought for the fact that ATTIK designed it. Some cool work but the book as a whole is a comprehensive look at contemporary typography. Some really great pieces. One for the collection...

This book is beautiful. I have just got it 20 minutes ago and went through some of the pages and all I had to say was.. wow. Inspiring. In my opinion the cover is inspiring enough. Never seen anything like this... Next, I will probbably get 72 dpi.

I don't buy many design books because many of them tend to blur together and look the same after a while. What I really like about 'Typography 21' is that it is an 'annual' for design across many mediums. There is a nice introduction about the jurors and it showcases some of their work, to give you a sense of their backgrounds and then gets right into the work. It is a great source of reference for many needs.

The book itself it very beautiful and if you think the book-jacket is pretty, wait until you see what's underneath it.

Is it any surprise that Imaginary Forces practically owns the motion-graphics category???

I really like this book.

This book has it all. Great pictures, easy to understand directions, and out of this world receipes. If you are looking to amaze w/your creations, then this is the one for you!!!!!

Barbara Maher is an award-winning cookbook author who was born in Germany and brought up in England. She is fluent in German, French and Italian which allows her to conduct extensive research in a wide range of international cookbooks dating back to the fifteenth century. This is an amazing cookbook because it also includes a wide variety of cakes that you might not have heard of in an English/American cookbook.

This book is a collection of the world's finest cakes. There are such divine cakes in this cookbook, you will be seduced by lavishness. Not only are there full-color pictures displaying a bakeryful of tempting tastes, there are more than 100 recipes for cakes and desserts for every occasion. If you are looking for a light, airy treat for an afternoon snack you might choose lacy Florentines.

If you are new to making some of the cakes, there are easy-to-follow photographic sequences that demonstrate every essential baking and decorating technique. Whether you want to know how to pipe rosettes or sugar-frost flowers, it is all explained in pictures.

You can find recipes for: Luxury Layer Cakes, Chocolate Cakes, Cheesecakes, Flans & Tarts, Meringues, Fruit & Nut Cakes, Pastries & Cookies, Wedding Cakes, Children's Party Cakes, Butter Cakes, Sponge Cakes, Nut & Seed Cakes.

There are easy-to-follow instructions for:

Icings & Other Finishes
Piping Methods
Decorating with Chocolate
Cake Decorations
Fruit Preparations
Fillings, Icings & Toppings

There is an entire section on key ingredients and equipment used in cake making. This is the section where you can see all the basic skills required for baking. Basic ingredients are pictured. There are also "enriching" ingredients. The "bakeware" section is helpful because at times you can read "Balmoral pan" and have no idea what that is. I had never seen one myself.

I liked the "variations" on the butter Cakes recipe. You can chose to make a simple butter cake or turn it into a chocolate marble pound cake, a mixed spice pound cake or a fresh apricot pound cake which actually looks the best with icing dripping all over it.

I had never thought of using green grapes to decorate a cake. It is such a fresh beautiful idea. How about fresh cherries, mint leaves and chocolate curls?

Some of the delicious recipes include:

Fruit & Spice Cakes - could make a beautiful Christmas Gift that would not be soon forgotten. Chocolate Eclairs, Buche de Noel and Italian Easter Cake look divine.

Delicious Yummy Cakes that you will definitely want to make!

Also look for these books by Barbara Maher:

Cakes
Traditional Cakes and Pastries
Tempting Cheesecakes
Classic Cakes

~The Rebecca Review
Author of Seasoned with Love: A collection of
best-loved recipes inspired by over 40 cultures

I've read it again and I was ashamed formy previous review!!!There're lots of step by step method and how to check that it's the right consistency.There're also useful tips such as hoe to make a crisp pie and moist filling!!Buy it!!andyou won't disappointed!

You wonder how much information can reasonably be put into a slim little volume like this (and confidently entitled "Ultimate Cake"), but in fact, Barbara Maher's book does an estimable job of getting the reader acquainted with a wide variety of information--everything from good kitchen tools to have to chocolate-decoration techniques to "basic, enriching, and decorative" ingredients.

Part of the Dorling-Kindersley "Living" series, "Ultimate Cake" does a fine job of providing a wide overview of many different types of cakes, from basic yellow cakes to pound cakes to regional specialties like genoise, tortes made with nut flours, and more. After the first third of the book is devoted to technique, ingredients, and tools, the rest has yumilicious cake recipes ranging from the simple (Pound Cake) to the exotic (Piskota with Walnuts) to the just-plain-delicious (Hazelnut Macaroon Cake, Rum and Citrus Torte, Swiss Black Cherry Cake, Poppyseed and Chocolate Torte, Apricot and Pecan Tea Loaf, and Nectarine Pavlova, to name just a few).

As with all D-K books, the photography is a big part of the equation. Dave King's sumptuous, richly colored photographs go a long way towards supporting Maher's concise and clear text. Highly recommended as a fine, basic cake cookbook.

Thank you so much for this wonderful book. It has been such a pleasure to use. I love all the illustrations and how the book walks you through things you might not know. Every recipe I have made from this book has enticed all of my guests. I grew up in California and most of my relatives lived in Germany, so my parents used to send us all the time, and for those of you that are familar with european desserts, they are wonderful. So many of the recipes in this book come from the european countries. It brings back great memories of my relatives that were wonderful bakers... Thanks again Corina Synowicki

Now that I have purchased Verismo, I have quite a few favorites and it was very difficult to pick just one UNTIL, I came across one that hit me like a brick. I have made it my very own special dedication to me!
There are many, many deep poem's in this book that I can relate to and am very much looking forward to buying Peals of Justice! I have been told that one is just as great, if not greater than Verismo.
Keep up the great gift you have Mr. Jones and keep 'em coming!
Thank you for making one realize the inner souls of our lives!

I have re-awaken, I have felt the power-the corporation of Decheonbae Jones writing's. They are trully rare and unique-a possesive trademark of collected growth and change. Understand This Book Verismo by Decheonbae Jones is Real and befit. Hey Just Buy It And Search To Feel The Joy On Top Of The Joy In A Way Too Felicitate Gracefully!

Verismo is a well-deserved poetic book that should belong in all poetry lovers bookcase. I was delighted with Decheonbae's style of poetry. He did not succumb to the norm in his writings. You have to be a deep spiritual individual to really see the beauty that he brings to light in his work. I am recommending this book to all my friends.

Verismo is a well-deserved poetic book that should belong in all poetry lovers bookcase. I was delighted with Decheonbae's style of poetry. He did not succumb to the norm in his writings. You have to be a deep spiritual individual to really see the beauty that he brings to light in his work. I am recommending this book to all my friends.

The Pragmatism's of a world of difference, Decheonbae Jones is profoundly the increment to Knowledge and truth. I am very moved by him and love his courage, vim displaying creative art for writing the esscence of the mind, body and soul. It is Absolute power to be felt in his books, and that is exactly what you get when you read. Decheonbae has a style of fortune that relates universal and is paramount to others, the POETICAL poet Decheonbae Jones is a book of choice/excellence!

I enjoyed Bob's masterly summary of the game...there has been a great increase in interest in the game in England since we became World Champions, and since the crass behaviour of soccer stars and fans has brought that game into disrepute...my granddaughters, both born in Cincinnati, are keen on rugger, as fans of the Newcastle Falcons and as players themselves.

Mary and I were both impressed. The book turned out to be a wonderful distillation of the retrospective viewpoints of the principals. Congratulations.

You've already got my review, but attribute it to Tony Kurtz. He's an admirable fellow, but he also wrote his own review, above.

"We Were Young Then" describes the founding of the MIT Rugby Club, and has personal reminsicences of some of the founding members. The book gives an excellent picture of college life at the time, and in particular how rugby cemented relationships between American and foreign students at MIT. This was the Eisenhower era. America was recovering from World War II and Korea and there was an enormous spirit of optimism in the air, particularly at MIT, where we thought we could do anything - even play rugby. You'll get a true feeling of what life was like then, and see how a number of enterprising people fared as they grew and prospered. I found it extremely interesting and well worth reading.

I had a great time reading about the impressive men and women who had a hand in starting the MIT Rugby Football Club. The book reinforced my respect for the way rugby brings people from all walks of life together. Check it out!

Bill Kreamer
MITRFC member since 1997