Clubs Books

We have used this cookbook for years and continue to go back to it again and again for our favorite and new recipes alike. I'd recommend this to anyone who is looking for not-too-complicated recipes that are delicious! Favorites are the Red Snapper with Black Bean Salsa and the French Pepper Steak - two recipes we have made dozens of times.

I am just now learning to cook, and must admit that every single recipe I have tried in both Main Line Classics I and II have been delicious. Now even I can cook for my in-laws!!

This is a wonderful cookbook for quick, easy, and DELICIOUS recipes. Great for company or family dinners. Ingredients are easy to find. I love this book.

This community cookbook has so many recipes that are easy, up-to-date, and ready for company. I have used this book, and it's companion...Main Line Classics many, many times. I love them both.

I have enjoyed preparing many of the recipes. Most are very easy to follow and the end results very tasty. The complete menus at the back of the book provide guidance when planning a dinner party. The fact that 100% of the proceeds from the sale of the cookbook is donated to the comunity makes this a favorite cookbook.

There's an excitement to this story where even the down times of rehearsal or learning about the Great Hoo Ha Ha become fun and exciting. Playtrain is an excellent example of expert pacing. As far as I can find this is Daniel Liegey's first work but I'm guessing it won't be his last. There is so much room left open for a sequel, I'm betting we'll see Playtrain 2 soon enough. I would highly recommend this book to readers of all ages.

Some of the highlights in the story include the "Infamous Playtrain Circus" At the first mention of it, the circus didn't sound so appealing but when you actually get to the surreal details of it you'll become memorized. Maddening drums! I love it! The kite fight match is fun. It opens up a great little subplot to the book and helps to broaden Sam's horizons in the underground. But I have to say, if you can follow it, the mystery is well built. You'll kick yourself for not figuring it out on your own.

The train passenger's are fun. There's no real deepness to them but I'm not sure that's necessary. I have to admit I found myself laughing at Antonio the Demon's jokes. They're supposed to be bad and I guess I thought that's why they were funny. All of the characters are loony in one way or another. Horton is probably the most likeable but Teckle Rubar is genius. The Doves's songs I found annoying but I think that was the point. What's up with the sheep? It's kind of funny. She just slept the whole time and wakes up for a second at the end. Fitzgerald Fang might be one of the most clever character's created I've ever read. Maybe I'm thinking too much? I just realized that I'm writing more towards people who read the book already and not to the people who want to read it. So my advice is to read this book!

Splendid performance and sure to delight readers of all ages!

I was given Playtrain by a friend and I stopped reading Summerland just to start reading it (and I love Chabon!). I'm only up to chapter 4 but I already love it. My friend already told me all about it but it doesn't matter cause I just forget when I'm reading it. There are some similarities to Harry Potter, but Playtrain is a bit more to my taste! Great job, Mr. Liegey!!

Tayla is an great character. She's kind of the opposite of Hermionie but I love her! I also liked Horton Mellow and when Tayla rode Horton to catch Brice! Check out the playtrain website!

Playtrain is another one of those can't put em' down children's books that has has flooded the market. In a lot of ways this book is even better then most. It has that comedy flair like in Artemis Fowl and it captures that magic of traveling to a new place here on earth just like the Golden Compass. It reads fast and it's got a nice twist on the whole idea of who the hero should be. There's a part in it that really made me think about how children can mold another child into being a bully. It's and interesting concept. After all, the kid whose good at sports gets rewarded and molded into a future athlete. The kid who gets good in art class gets molded into an artist. It's a subtle message but probably a really important one we need to look at with all the recent focus on bullying behavior. I like that there's a little bit more moral fiber put into Playtrain versus' the other books. Don't worry, the adventure is just as solid as the rest of them. And unlike the other book where the hero's often get major help in the end from their friends, in this book it all comes down to the main character. The concept of the book is wonderful! These kids put on school plays in order to harness the audience's imagination and then they can create their train. The trick is, they have to be back from their adventure by the time the play is over or the train disappears. Pretty cool! It's got some of the strangeness of Lemony Snicket and the secondary characters are just as fun as the secondary character's in Artemis Fowl. I almost wish I read this first because I like it more.

My brother's book has 6 stories about me. I drew illustrations. This stories is true. I stole a french fry are McDonald's and cut my own haircut. Other stories about Cheez Puffs, our dog Duke, my bicycle and flying beetle. The people where I work like my book. There is a poem about Mrs. Post, my aide at my old school. I drew illustration of her. I drew a dogs, my family, animals and my own cartoon characters. I like how the book is turn out. It's nice when the people read about me and see my illustrations.

Hats off to Richard and Kevin Carlson! This book is a must read for families who have loved ones on the autism/Asperger's spectrum, educators, all professionals. In short, this book is for everybody. This book serves as a bridge linking people and knocks down walls that were once said to enclose people on the spectrum. Like Joshua with the ram's horn, the walls are knocked down by the brothers Carlson.

This collaborative effort features several anecdotes involving Richard and Kevin. Kevin's illustrations bring the world as he knows it and the sensory issues he confronts on a daily basis into sharper focus. Richard provides an equally clear and strong voice. The bond between this pair is very heartwarming.

Please read this book. You will be so glad that you did.

Richard Carlson is to be commended, along with his brother Kevin. The drawings throughout this book are delightful, as are the stories told with such direct simplicity. This book, along with others in the Richard Carlson collection, should be required reading in schools. Children will love it. Every one of the stories will grab their interest. It will make a terrific present.

Carol Kluz is a coauthor of Carol Randy suspense and solo author of fantasy.

Suggested for young readers age 6 to 10, yet involving and highly recommended reading for all ages, Poems And Short Stories About My Brother Kevin Who Has Autism by Richard W. Carlson Jr. is a unique and compelling collection of six true stories and six poems about the author's autistic younger brother, Kevin. Fifty simple black-and-white line drawing illustrations by Kevin illustrate and enhance this straightforward, heartwarming account which offers young readers a unique perspective into what it's like growing up with an autistic sibling, and the special challenges and responses therein. "Most boys would like bugs a lot./Because he has autism he does not." Also strongly recommended for school and community library collections is Richard Carlson's previous book: My Brother Kevin Has Autism.

This book was great! It has some poems and short stories from MY
BROTHER KEVIN HAS AUTISM and there are new ones. I
felt lots of emotions reading this book like when Kevin fell in the icy
cold water and he couldn't swim. I felt really bad for him.
There were funny stories too. There was a lot of information about what
Autism is and now I understand it a little better. I would
like to meet Kevin to tell him what a great job he did with the
illustrations. I think this is a wonderful book for kids of all ages. I really enjoyed it, you will too!

These short stories are bullets--shots to the brain that stay on your mind long after you read them.
"Shadow Man" is very powerful. In less than 10 pages, Ms. Lavid made me care deeply for a young woman who's invited to meet her estranged father in the Tea Room of a fancy hotel. The dad abandoned her and her mother years ago.
The events that follow indelibly scorch my mind. I'm amazed how a writer can cram so much emotion, excitement, and vivid descriptive imagery in such a small package.

The stories were so good, I read the book in one day.

Fred Tomasello Jr.

Reading "Rented Rooms" is like opening a window. I could see so many things and listen to so many vivid sounds. You will read a couple of lines of any story and will think you know what's going on, but suddenly a new discovery will jump from the page, surprising you.

This collection of written beauty is a masterpiece, full of unusual descriptions. Phrases like "hair tweeded with gray" will elevate your perception of detail in such a way that you will celebrate the moment in which this magnificent book made contact with your senses to stay within you forever.

Do not get scared if, like Georgina, you receive a gift from a stranger at the public library. If it happens, will happen because you have very good luck, and you will see how good your luck is at 2:00 o'clock in the morning.

Rented Rooms is bite-sized reading that grips your imagination. Each story, from four to eighteen pages, is complete, with a message, all 130 pages crammed with life's lessons.
Visualize the three-dimensional characters, live the vibrant scenes that you know exist, enjoy the measured, thoughtful writing but beware. When you think the story is set, Lavid hasn't finished with you as the sting in each story's tail penetrates.
This collection demonstrates refreshing writing craft, the whole a quality job, the reading time well spent.

Rented Rooms permits the reader to be a voyeur peeking in the many windows of a carefully constructed house of words. Linda Lavid takes ordinary situations and turns them into brilliant little gems of stories that examine the secret corners and surreal moments of life. Her style is engaging, her characters like people we encounter daily, and her plots--oh, her plots are so sublime. All in all a terrific read from someone who promises to master the classic short story and help rescue it from the tediousness of angst-ridden pointless short fictions that seem to be the rage today. Well done.

This is a valuable book. It will start you thinking about all sorts of things. The stories are well written and interesting. I found that the more time I put into thinking about the stories in this book, the more I thought about life in general and my life in particular. I found that many of the stories resonate with my own life. There was one story that I reread several times, called "Aunt Leona". Each time I reread it, I found that I was rewarded with a newer and larger understanding of the story.
"Aunt Leona", like many of the stories in this book, is about ordinary people: a secretary, her niece the narrator, an attorney, and the attorney's wife. On the surface, they lead ordinary lives and died ordinary deaths. As I read and reread the story, I began to see that beneath these lives, strong emotions came into play and their lives and deaths were something quite different from what they seemed. Who of us can really tell what someone else is really thinking? Really doing? Really did? Really has done? And why? Do we really ever know one another?
After each story are a few words from the author, commenting on the story and the author's feelings about the story. It's an added benefit of buying the book. Reading this book is sort of like a visit from a favorite friend, like having a cup of coffee with someone you like and respect and want to listen to because of all of the interesting things she's going to say, and the interesting questions she might ask.

We live in the "information age". Communication on the information highway is fast pace. However, the problem is most of us don't have the map needed to travel that highway and so we have great challenges finding the destination. The material in Dr. Badke's book is the road map to the information highway. This book is the "GPS" to the information highway.

If readers follow this guide, they should be able to access the information needed much quicker and easier. It will save students valuable time as they learn research skills and strategies needed (needed for college and universities assignments). It will also make the research more accurate, as the student learns how to access information written by the best scholars in the field. A small price to pay for a resource is worth so much.

The author writes in an easy to read style. Hint: to get the most benefit out of this resource, take the time to do the practice exercises before getting involved in your actual research. If you do this, it should take you less time to do the actual research for your assignments. Try it. It works.

This update to Badke's previous work on library research is excellent. I teach Language and Research at a Bible college and used to use his first book as required reading for my students. I was so disappointed when it went out of print. Now, this updated version is my new requirement. This book is written with the same humor and simplicity as the first, but with updated information that is a must. Dealing with electronic research is now the norm and Badke explains it very, very well. This is a must have resource for anyone taking on research.

"Research Strategies" is written with humor and in an easy to understand style making this a must have book for anyone wanting to do justice to a research assignment. The author covers the basics of how to develop a good research question; the importance of research strategies - what they are and how to use them; how to take notes and organize a paper. There are numerous examples that illustrate the strategies and most chapters end with study guide questions and ways to practice the concepts as well as assignment suggestions.
As a high school librarian I was excited to find this book and plan to use it a a teaching tool for research.

This book serves as a useful introduction to research techniques and options for the late high school or early-to-mid-level college student beginning research. Badke's writing focuses on finding sources and writing research papers. The writing assumes no current knowledge of conducting research of any kind, so parts may be simplistic for many, but there is a wealth of great research strategies within.

He begins with a look at paper design, and the place from which to begin your research. He then moves to database, periodical and internet searches. He then discusses how to formulate your research into a working topic, and organizing your data.

He writes for people who have never really used a library effectively or used a computer for research. Overall, this is a superb introduction to research that should be read by anyone attempting research.

As an academic librarian, I found this book to be incredibly useful. It is well-written, easy to read, and covers a hosts of topics for the average library user. This volume will be extremely useful during library orientation for new students. As libraries are experiencing the information revolution, research strategies and resources are changing drastically. Mr. Badke has done a superb job of guiding patrons through new and uncharted territory.

Why Read?
Because it's good for you.

Why Read Short Stories, Essays and the like?
Because they're perfect for those tiny slices of your day when you're bored but have time to read only a few pages or so. Sure, if you have 6 hours straight to sit down and read something as thick as your wrist, no problem. But if you're the kinda person who catches the train, reads before bed, or waits in cafes for eternally tardy companions, shorter pieces are great because, well, they're short. There's no nasty 'What'll happen next? Darnit, my stop's coming up, I'll have to wait 'til tomorrow to find out!' sentiment. Stegall has masterfully crafted his stories to fit into the length of you bus trip; his interviews are precisely long enough to fill the ten minutes it'll take you to drink that latte.

Why Read James's Short Stories, Essays and the like?
Because they're good, GOOD i tell you. Look - everyone loves Retail Commando. What are you reading this for? Extra confirmation? Ok then: it's good! Buy it! You know you wanna!

Retail Commando is short in much the same way that War and Peace is not. But as James has always said, it's not the size that counts, but how you use it. He proves this chunk of wisdom right with this book. His brand of satire pierces the nipples of consumerism and his painful tragedies plunge shis-ka-bob skewers into your chest like Buffy's steaks into vampire hearts.

On Mr. Stegall's website, he has pictures of himself handling a lizard. I say, with writing of his caliber, he can handle any lizard he wants.

This book is electric much like the slide of the same name; the one danced at weddings. This book is magic much like the johnson of the the same name. Unlike my johnson this book is not very long, but then again it doesn't ruin promnight with premature [...] problems. This book is wacky and eclectic with stories and interviews and essays on well over two subjects. This book is deserving of a infomercial epitaph like, XL, Omni, Ultra, or 2000 and 1. It is both exciting and interesting. I wonder whether I should have taken out the johnson remark, [...]. I say the johnson comment stays, james Stegall would want it that way.

I became a fan of Mr. Stegall's when I realized his last name rhymes with 'eagle'. In actuality it might not, but seeing as I am a red, white, and blue blooded American, I just don't care. When my copy of 'Retail Commando' arrived, I went to the corner .... and bought an egg salad sandwich and a couple bottles of fine red wine.

Then I read the book.

Then I wrote this review.

And I must say this...Mr. Eagle, you're a good writer. You remind me of Bill Murray's character in 'Meat Balls'. Man, that's a great movie. The parts where they keep putting the guy's bed in different places? Ah.

A warning to movie buffs out there, however: This book has very little to do with 'Commando', starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. I was misled, but happily surprised. A little serendipity, if you will. :)

This book was written by a young man who will be going places in the literary world. His command of tongue-in-cheek satire as well as his grasp of the nuances of deep felt, family problems is amazing in one so young.

The unfaced fear of "Getting Out Alive", a look at just getting through basic training with the 4-year future in the Army yet to face; the soul-searching "We Have Rules" setting forth the story of a marriage breaking apart, leaving two sons, and yes, two adults, torn apart, and hopefully brought back together, albeit in separate camps; "The Wall Mirror", a story of an eating disorder, and not knowing how to handle it; the evolving "Don't Wake" the story of yet another marriage break-up. So many thoughts brought out in a first book, and all carried to fruition. Mr. Stegall does not leave you hanging wondering what happened to his characters - he fleshes them out for the reader to easily follow.

All surrounded by the shockingly funny lead story, "Retail Commando" the creative "Cupid's Boxing Ring", "Office Sex for Dummies" and real life interviews from the author's college days.

An excellent read!

"A Rose For Pinkerton," is about a relationship between a cat and a dog. This fun, loving, caring, and adventurous book goes through the feelings Pinkerton and Rose(main characters) have. It shows the consequences of their actions whether they are good or bad. This is a greta book that can teach children about the responsibilities of having a pet.

Steven Kellogg is one of my favorite illustrators. This hilarious tale is about a lonely dog whos owner sets out to find him a new friend. Of course mother wont' agree to another enourmouse great dane, so it has to be something small and quiet. The little girl decides on a kitten she names Rose. the problems begin when Rose thinks she's a dog and Pinkerton tries to be a cat! Find out how Pinkerton saves the day and becomes a kittens best friend.

A Rose for Pinkerton is more fun than a boxful of kittens. The illustrations are lavish and reward careful scrutiny. (A display of "small and quiet pets" includes clams, snails, and fruit.) If you don't have a child, borrow one, and read A Rose for Pinkerton.

A Rose for Pinkerton was one of my very first favorite books when I was a little girl. I can remember looking at all the pictures and simply adoring every detailed scene in it, wondering how a person could be as imaginative in thought as I was. I just want to thank the author so very much for writing a book so full of creativity and life that a little girl fell in love with and is still to this day. Thank you for bringing happiness and light to my life with your book. :>

My two daughters insist on having this book read to them every night! They are young enough that it took a while for them to understand about the "thought bubbles" that show what Rose and Pinkerton are thinking, but they loved the illustrations of Rose as a Great Dane. I think they like Pinkerton because he's big, but he's cuddly and not threatening. It's fun to explore the pages and name all the pets they see. My four-year-old wanted to give this book a six-star rating, she likes it so much!

Run to Daylight was published in 1963 and was instantly recognized as a classic. Written by legendary Green Bay Packer head coach Vince Lombardi, RTD details Lombardi and the Packers preparation for an unnammed opponnet in the 1962 championship season. The book is a must read for the aspiring coach or anyone interested in pro football coaching. RTD provides the psychological motivation of both the players and coaches and a highly readable account of a week in a pro football season. Along with John Wooden's "They Call Me Coach", this is a must read for coaches of any sport.

In this book Lombardi's life is played out during a week as the patriarch of the Packers. He highlights in detail why they were a 60's dynasty. From the cycles of game planning, interactions with his team, you get to see Packer football from a new perspective. Despite his gruff exterior, it is crystal clear that he genuinely cared about his players on and off the field. This is not a how to coaching book or a biography. It is a slide snapshot that tells more than the reader expects.

Such a rare gem of a book, I was floored by it's great detail and was very happy with this book!! This 1963 publication written by Vince Lombardi, is sure to be missed by much of today's generation, and unfortunately so. Lombardi SHOWS why his Packers were the 60's greatest football dynasty, and how his life plays out during a week as the leader of the Packers. This is an absolute MUST read by ANY real football fan!!!

Vince Lombardi's dedication and devotion transcended football. His quotes are used all the way from the high school locker room to the corporate board room.

This diary is Lombardi in his own words. It covers his views of the weekly cycle of planning for battle, preparing for battle, and then the football game itself.

Packer fan or motivational fan - this book is an easy read worth the several hours to get cover to cover.

This book is mandatory reading for football fans, particularly fan of the Green Bay Packers. Some of the ideas about this book are misleading. However, it is still a great read.

This book is not a biography of Lombardi or a guide on how to coach football. This book does give readers insight as to what it was like for Lombardi during his coaching tenure. Based on technology alone, there are great differences now. The readers get to see all of Lombardi's preparation for the mystery opponent in silver uniforms.

Several of Lombardi's famous quotes are included. Lombardi also discusses specifc intereactions with players as well as a number of interesting stories about various players. Despite his tough exterior, he genuinely cares about his players. When the book arrives at game day, you get to see the game form Lombardi's perspective. It is a real treat for football fans.

If you have read other books about the Packers during this era, you are not likley to learn many new facts. Many of the facts in here are credited as a primary source in other books. However, you do get to see Packer football from a new perspective.

I am a school Psychologist and although I have spent time working with children using play, I did not have any back ground in sand play. Susan's book explores the history of play therapy, Jungian archetypes and the relevance they have in making head way with children. The book acts as a wonderful guide through the use of pictures and descriptions to help the reader understand the complex symbolism children use during play. SUsan's experience and expertise are evident in her analysis of the sessions, yet they are written clearly so that even a beginner can follow the analysis. I highly recommend this book.

I found Susan's book to be fascinating in the revelations of possible and/or common meanings of symbols we all use. I can see it as an invaluable tool in understanding a child's self-disclosure. I appreciated her eclectic perspective and respect for religious symbols as well. It seems to me to also be a valuable tool in the interpretation of symbolism in dreams. An excellent and insightful book.

I am a School Psychologist and although I have used play with children, I am new to using sandplay. Susan's book explores the history of play therapy, Jungian archetypes and their relevance to making head way with children using sandplay. The thought provoking session descriptions along with the actual pictures really helped guide me to understand the symbolism suggested by the author. Susan's expertise and experience are evident in her confident analysis, yet written clearly so that even a beginner can follow the analysis. I highly recommend this book.

I am a licensed clinical social worker with a teen drug and alcohol residential program. Here is a source book on symbolism and a guide to another language that these children, and the child in all of us, can use to work through the pain of childhood traumas.

SANDPLAY is a bridge over the shame or self-conciousness of art therapy. I believe it will be productive for clients searching for a deeper meaning to their life, other than drug or alcohol use. I know their struggle demands change and growth. I know they are kinesthetic learners open to symbolism and eager to be relieved of burdens as well as to define order to their lives.

I am using this book as a guide first to an understanding my own metaphors by developing a sand tray for myself. I have been yearning to do this for years. Now, here is a practical and positive guide. I think it will enrich me and also my clients. Thanks, Susan McNally.

I have just read the final copy of this book. I have read earlier versions of this manuscript and I am so grateful for Susan's perseverence in getting it published. I have already changed some aspects of my play therapy room based on reading the chapter entitled 'The Ideal Playroom.' I was inspired by this chapter to make several changes in my office. I also enjoyed reading the case material in the book and feel energized and inspired by Susan's sandplay work with children. In addition, I have already utilized the section entitled 'Dictionary of Play Therapy Imagery.' I found this section extremely practical. I have decided to use Susan's book as a text in the play therapy class that I teach because it is so readable, unique, and practical. Thank you Susan for your book!

This book is everything I look for in a travel book; concise, useful info and it has good color photos and maps. The content is well organized and it also gives useful tips that I wouldnt normally think of, such as catching Mont St. Michel bay in winter during bird migration season.

HIGHLY recommended.

Too bad this is out of print. Great way to find the natural beauty of France. Lots of information that we just didn't find in other guide books. If you are used to mixing culture with nature, then get this book for the nature.

Okay, spend a few days in Paris, and then when the crowds, the traffic and the little dogs overwhelm you, get out your copy of Wild France and seek some serenity. Packed with information, this reliable, portable and well-organized guide to wilderness areas of France is valuable for planning your trip and contains many evocative color photos to help you remember your adventures when you get back home. The book divides France into nine natural regions and suggests the best wild habitats to visit in each one. The sections are written by different experts, with insider views on the local environments. Easy-to-read maps at appropriate scales help you find your destination by car or public transit and then hike, bike, ride or row to viewpoints. In addition to the color photos, there are detailed line drawings of special trees, plants, birds and animals that you may encounter. Included are addresses, phone numbers and websites of tourist offices, park offices, museums and outdoor adventure firms, plus suggested hotels and camp sites. Our favorite walk: through the Massif de Ste. Baume in October, walking out of farmland into open oak woodland, and then into the deep shade and silence of an ancient European forest of oak, beech, holly and yew, meeting an occasional family picking wild mushrooms, climbing higher and higher on a path that pilgrims - including popes, saints and kings - had taken for almost two millennia.

Okay, spend a few days in Paris, and then when the crowds, the traffic and the little dogs overwhelm you, get out your copy of Wild France and seek some serenity. Packed with information, this reliable, portable and well-organized guide to wilderness areas of France is valuable for planning your trip and contains many evocative color photos to help you remember your adventures when you get back home. The book divides France into nine natural regions and suggests the best wild habitats to visit in each one. The sections are written by different experts, with insider views on the local environments. Easy-to-read maps at appropriate scales help you find your destination by car or public transit and then hike, bike, ride or row to viewpoints. In addition to the color photos, there are detailed line drawings of special trees, plants, birds and animals that you may encounter. Included are addresses, phone numbers and websites of tourist offices, park offices, museums and outdoor adventure firms, plus suggested hotels and camp sites. Our favorite walk: through the Massif de Ste. Baume in October, walking out of farmland into open oak woodland, and then into the deep shade and silence of an ancient European forest of oak, beech, holly and yew, meeting an occasional family picking wild mushrooms, climbing higher and higher on a path that pilgrims - including popes, saints and kings - had taken for almost two millennia.

We used this book to supplement a two month trip to France. It provides information that you will not find in other guide books and if you are used to mixing nature with culture, then it is a must to have along. We saw things we would never have seen, but for having this book. Places that one might think are insignificant take on added importance and meaning. We also used Wild Italy in Italy. Note that these books are not the only travel books you should have in France and Italy. They supplement your other travel books.