France Books

You get immersed right away into Nemirovskys' world. Right away with "The Ball" you get the discomfort rapport the mother and daughter have. "The Ball" is an absolute terrible tale and well rendered. Opening sentences are crucial, with "David Golder" you want to know what happens to this fellow, he is firm and refuses yet has remorse and is weak at the same time he manipulates and is manipulated. Once you let go the story about the author, we all know Irenes' terrible fate how she perished in the concentration camps, you are able to isolate and focus on her ability to write, she was not just an author, yes she published, she was a writer with a capital W. Words seem to land perfectly. A few sentences are absolutely beautiful. I stop and read again, several times over and over the same sentence to decorticate and learn to read again. How she describes lovers in bed, the intertwined legs and bodies, their shadow shown on the ceiling reveals the image of a bouquet of flowers. There is more, four short stories in this volume, but much more in her complete oeuvre, I urge any curious and avid prose lover to read and discover Irène Némirovsky.

While not as consistently good as "Suite Francais," this volume has as its best selections David Golder and The Courilof Affair. "Golder" is intriguing in that it was used by her husband in an attempt to free her from the concentration camp. An unflattering portrait of its title character, it begins with a scene that reminded me of the opening of "Citizen Cane." The closing story will please those fond of Kafka. It is rife with issues of ethics and government. The Everyman edition is also a very handsome volume.

I have almost finished this book and so far it is quite a compelling, interesting,with unusually fresh and insightful glimpses into many psychological facets of the characters portrayed. Her insight and portrayal of their psyche's is one that will be forever memorable to me. I particularly liked The Ball. I can readily see a teenage girl feeling and wanting to act the way that Antoinette did to avenge her mother's cruel treatment of her. The Snow In Autumn evokes feelings of sad longing for home and the past for a refugee.All in all, a remarkable and unforgettable book.

There are many reasons for loving a book ... of course content, the manner in which the author has painted a picture for the reader, a love for the time period in which a story is set, perhaps a specific character - heaven knows - I have fallen in love with a protagonist in my younger days. With this book, aside from all the talent that the words spread on the pages, I love the book.

The paper is heavy weight - not glossy - not harsh. The ribbon bookmark reminds me of days when books were made this way ... I enjoyed reading this book because of the quality of the construction .... now on to the inside.

Nemirovsky has a way of developing the ghosts of one's past. Regardless of how well her characters do in life there seem to be parts of their beginnings that they cannot shed ... a genetic tattoo, a social ingraining that continues to come through regardless of how they change over the years.

I felt the pain of David Golder; I wanted to throw Mrs. Kampf to the dogs and delighted in the vision of little pieces of paper floating down the river; I could feel the heat of the wood burning stove and the cold of the chilling Russian wind in Snow in Autumn. Brilliantly written in simple language, if you are looking for paperback literature - this is NOT the book to read.

I am hypnotized by Nemirovsky's work and hope that you are too!

Némirovsky was a convert to Catholicism who died in Auschwitz. The Nazis managed to cause the deaths of many Judaic converts (Edith Stein was another). The Nazi movement seemed to be serving a hidden god; many would be shocked to learn the identity of that false god. It's a death penalty offense in Orthodox Judaism to convert to Christianity. Did Hitler's movement serve the agenda of the Orthodox rabbis? You don't be believe it? Read the statements of Ovadia Yosef and other Israeli rabbonim on Hitler as their "divine instrument of punishment." Némirovsky's writing was of a high order. "David Golder" displays tremendous psychological insight. May her memory be honored.

The Devil's Own Work is a little jewel of a novella: polished, enticing, and beautifully crafted. A modern Faustian tale narrated by the friend of a famous writer, it is at once a straightforward mystery and a moral parable on writing and success. The plot is best left a surprise; its patient unfolding is what makes the novella irresistible. Indeed, this is a remarkably effective work considering its neglect of characterisation, for which it hasn't space. Perhaps this has something to do with Judd's writing which, stylish without wasting words, is pointed, vivid and insightful.

A spare but meaningful read. Copies should be automatically sent to all newly-appointed 'literary darlings'. A must read for 'serious readers' as well. Do we settle for too little in the name of contemporary fiction

So you want to become a famous writer? One way to achieve this success is to sell your soul to the devil, a price not unheard of since Faust willingly paid that price in works by Marlowe and Goethe. Alan Judd's little novel, THE DEVIL'S OWN WORK, reworks the Faust legend with humor and a literary economy comparable to Hemingway. The novel is a mixture of strangeness and mystery; it was written as an homage to Ford Madox Ford and THE GOOD SOLDIER. This story explores the supernatural nature of creativity and the perils confronted an artist with more ambition than he perhaps has talent. It is a delightful tale that not only examines the nature of the creative act as well as the demon temptations to which an artist may be subjected, but also the vacuous literary elitism that often honors personalities above their literary merit. Alan Judd, author of a critically acclaimed biography on Ford Madox Ford, has also written four previous novels

I was lucky to find Devil's Own Work in a discount bin with Stephen King's praise, "Best novel I read this year" on it. And it was a great novella, so great I wanted to teach it in my English course. But it's out of print. There's no justice in the publishing world. This classic needs to find a reissue--fast!

Its been said that the extraordinary Jack Ritchie wrote entire novels disguised as short stories. Alan Judd seems to be able to do the same thing. This story is "fat-free", stripped of all nonessentials, a taut, high grade piece of work. At 115 pages, this book can not be confused with a door stop, nor would you want to use it as such.

The Devils Own Work is the story of a writer possessed, as told by his closest acquaintance (the author has no real friends--his work is all consuming). This Faustian allegory works as a deal with the Devil story and as a commentary on authorial integrity and control. Either way, it's and engaging little tome, and well worth your time.

The reason why you see such a high price tag on this book [...], is because it is a "How-to" guide that explains how a president in a Republic acquires dictatorial powers and changes the Republic into Empire.

The model for this insightful, "spill-the-beans" work is Louis Napoleon III of France. Louis was elected president of France in 1848 in an election that was probably more legitimate than ours in 2000. The Constitution of the French Republic limited a president's term to four years. Louis was able to convince his parliament to extend this so Louis would have time to implement his policies. Louis then staged a coup d'etat and seized dictatorial powers, passing new constitutional statutes masking his power and Louis reigned France as a dictator for 20 more years.

Due to the new century and the militant foreign policy of the neo-cons, today's America is in this same position. (chillingly, super neo-con Harvey Mansfield is listed as an editor of this Political Theory Series). Following are passages in the "Dialogues" that run parallel to the political tactics of today:

Machiavelli: "I will start by having my coup against the state ratified by popular vote. In a carefully crafted message to the people, I will show that we were in a crisis situation". "On the very next day after my constitution takes effect, I will issue a series of decrees with force of law that will do away with these liberties and rights...". (PATRIOT ACT-2001).

Montesquieu: "Indeed, you've chosen your moment well. the country is still terrorized by your coup d'etat" (9/11). "As for your constitution, nothing will be denied you, since you could take everything".

Machiavelli: "But I hasten to assure you that the liberties I suppress I shall formally promise to restore after factional strife has been quieted". (THE PATRIOT ACT WAS LIMITED IN YEARS AND HAD TO BE RESTORED WITH THE PATRIOT ACT II).

Machiavelli: [Regarding the Press] "I could suppress all of you. I haven't yet done so but I can I'll let you live, on one condition, that you don't try to block my progress or descredit my power...I reserve to myself or my agents the right to judge when I am being attacked...the third time you will be suppressed". (WHY THE PRESS IS MUZZLED ON 9/11, IRAQ, AND SOON IRAN).

Machiavelli: "I shall count the number of newspapers that represent what you call the "opposition". If there are ten in this category, I shall have twenty pro-government". (MASS SUGGETION as explained in my review of the book, Propaganda. "I will put a certain number of newspapers that will adopt the official line of things in a straightforward way. They will defend my acts unreservedly. (TELEVISION TODAY-FOX NEWS).

Machiavelli: "Some malfeasance by a public official, I shall forbid the newspapers to speak of it. Silence about such things, rather than noising them about, is more respectful of public decency". (TODAY, OMMISSION OF KEY STORIES AND EVENTS).

Machiavelli: "...see how I will use statements in the press to prepare the ground for official political acts...For several months, each of my newspapers will play upon the public mind in their own fashion and then recommend a course of action. One fine morning, this course of action is officially adopted". (AGAIN, SEE "PROPAGANDA" AND THE INFLUENCE OF MASS SUGGESTION).

Machiavelli: "I would give a certain number of my newpapers the task of constantly exalting the glory of my reign while holding other governments responsible for the shortcomings of European politics". (CLINTON ALLOWED OSAMA BIN LADEN TO GET AWAY).

Machiavelli: "Do you know what SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY is? When individuals are wronged by government agents performing their duties and bring them before the courts, judges must answer them thus: "You have no legal recourse here". (BUSH INVOKES SOVEREIGN IMMUNITY ON THE 600+ LAWSUITS AGAINS HIM, ROVE STILL INVOKING THIS TO GET OUT OF TESTIFYING, ETC.)

Machiavelli: "...the source of lawsuits will dry up. Public opinion would become so tame that total reliance would be placed on the official opinions of the government for the meaning of the law. At certain moments, when there is a good reason to fear that some controversy may arise over some point of law, the government will declare as an advisory opinion that the law applies to this or that situation or that the law extends to this or that case". (NSA WIRETAPPING, TORTURE, ETC).

Machiavelli: "If this district has only a small population, I simply redraw it and put in into a neighboring district where opposition voices will be drowned out and...". (REPUBLICAN TOM DELAY'S REDISTRICTING SCHEME)

Machiavelli: "I will control 19 of 20 men, all of whom will follow my instructions. In the meantime, I would pull the strings of a sham opposition, clandestinely enlisted to my cause". (CONGRESS DEMOCRATS-ALL PAID FOR).

Machiavelli: "...there is a particular way of presenting the budget to disguise rising costs". (COST OF IRAQ WAR)

Montesquieu: "...whom you will ask of such capital and for what purpose?"

Machiavelli: "Foreign wars are a great help in providing a rationale". (SELF EXPLANATORY PARALLEL).

"These financial giants would be able to manipulate the markets at will".

Machiavelli: "The wars that will occur in my reign will be undertaken in the name of the liberty of men and the independence of nations". (IRAQ)

Machiavelli: "I have brought into being around me a formidable school of political men...in all branches of government there will be veritable miniature Machiavellis, who will trick, dissimulate, and lie with an imperturbable sangfroid. Truth will not be able to come to light anywhere".

I must end this, the despair is immense...

Joly's work is important. Reading this obscure 140+ year old text tells much about the past, present and future. It is almost prophetic.

Waggoner does an excellent job and I thank him mightily for allowing us access to this text. The commentary is a bit extensive, as I did not look forward to reading it upon completion of the consuming Dialogue. However, it is helpful, necessary and worth getting through.

I had not read "The Prince" nor "Spirit of the Laws" prior, but had general understanding of them. Needless to say, next are they on my list. My motivation for picking this one up was the "Protocols" scandal. All in all, I consider this a remarkable work providing insight on the tyrants of the 19th/20th centuries and the ones presently budding. Those especially for which the Dialogue proved a heavy and indirect influence vis a vis the forged "Protocols". Perhaps it makes sense such a telling tome remains obscure, as the masses seem to prefer their dose of soma (McDonalds, iPods, TV...) rather than actual thought, in this "brave new world".

Before I can even begin about the book, the story BEHIND the book is amazing. It would not surprise me if Cheney had a copy of the German version somewhere in his desk as Bush probably wouldn't understand a third of the amazing ideas put forth in this formerly banned book.

Watching the news is like watching Machiavelli's Dialogue come to life. Listening to Democrats is like hearing Montesquieu's feeble attempts to say that in the end, the good guys will win because of Justice and Liberty. If the Dialogue were a swordfight, Machiavelli would have not only killed poor Montesquieu, but eviscerated and beheaded him as well. Waggoner's commentaries and insights are a little dry when compared with the excellent text but are a good read and do well to put some of the outdated points in the text into context. I strongly reccomend this for anybody who is questioning the course of events that our world is being swept up in.

I read this book while researching the "Protocols of the Learned Elders of Zion." Clearly "Protocols" was heavily plagiarized from this work and was a forgery to boot. In any event, this is a captivating tale of a conversation between Machiavelli (counselor to despots) and Montesquieu (philosophical and political father of the U.S. Constitution.) Machiavelli claims to be misunderstood but as the dialogue progresses it seems painfully evident that he is generally not.

While Machiavelli and Montesquieu both claim to be followers of Christ, it becomes clear to everyone but Machiavelli that he operates out of self-interest rather than the good of society. His self-delusion is phenomenal and is readily seen in politics today. The book is obscure, true, but I found it to be a page-turner. Do not pass judgment on this book because someone later used it for anti-Semitic purposes. There is nothing anti-Semitic in this original tale.

As noted in every book I've ever read about the infamous forgery, _The Protocols of the Elders of Zion_, this book was the source, edited beyond recogintion by the Czar's secret police.

_The Dialogue in Hell_ must not have done very well, or more people would have recognized the _Protocols_ as a forgery sooner.

Sadly, political forgeries continue today. Dan Rather and Mary Mapes lost their jobs at CBS over forged memos; how odd that today's American liberals haven't learned from the Czar's secret police's mistakes.

Now this is a really heavy book, there is so much information its amazing! Lei esta version en el original ingles y luego en castellano. Poniendo religion a un lado este libro es espectacular, tiene tanta informacion que tienes que tomarte la lectura con tiempo y calma. Las posibilidades son increibles, y muy logicas si piensas abiertamente y dejando dogmas de lado. Este libro es definitivamente de esos que guardas y relees mil veces.

iT IS A VERY GOOD BOOK IF ARE YOU LOOKING FOR SOMETHING SIMILAR AS A DA VINCI CODE. PLEASE READ IT AND YOU WILL SEE HOW ENGROSS YOU WILL BE.
INGRID

Excelente en forma y fondo. Està escrito para que el lector no quiera dejar de leerlo de principio de fin. Historicamente espectacular, un golpe al cristianismo donde mas le duele, en la verdad. Ya era hora de romper los mitos y desenmascarar a la iglesia y toda su farsa de los ùltimos 2000 años. Afortunadamente ya no quemam brujas porque de lo contrario los 3 historiadores que hicieron el libro estarìan en la hoguera junto a los millones de inocentes que el cristianismo ha matado durante su historia

Holy Blood, Holy Grail is a clever, thought-provoking book that will get your blood boiling if you're a Christian fundamentalist. The authors create a wonderful story by tying together some of the world's greatest religious mysteries (the historical Jesus, the Crusades, the Knights Templars, the Albigensian heretics, and Freemasonry). You'll have to decide for yourself the accuracy of their theory. In a nutshell, the authors argue that the Holy Grail was the bloodline of Jesus, descendant of King David, which was carried out of the holy land in the form of Jesus' wife, Mary Magdelene, and which survives today in the noble houses of European aristocracy. Don't scoff at this idea, because recent Dead Sea Scroll scholarship (see Barbara Thiering) lends credence to much of the story. Even if you don't believe the premise, you'll find this book hard to put down

Esta es la verdadera fuente de la cual Brown tomo su idea para "El codigo da Vinci". Aqui la historia y las especulaciones en torno al tema de la descendencia de Cristo provienen de fuentes historicas. La informacion, mas "heavy" que esa aguada que aparece en el libro de Brown, requiere de un lector con cerebro, dispuesto a detenerse de vez en cunando a pensar en lo que le estan diciendo. Apasionante.

This book gives you the opportunity to get a feeling of what your life may have been like living in the Jim Crow era of Georgia. My name is Bullard and I am a white genealogist. Eugene Bullard was the son of ex-slaves that were owned by a family named Bullard.

It is fabulous to see a black person rise out of impossible circumstances to become an expatriate combat pilot in the French Air Force during World War I. Jazz and Blues is what I listen to every day and the Jazz story in this book is very interesting to me.

A must read for any aviation buff who's ever wondered if there was a black pilot in WWI, and how he lived that life is truly an extraordinary saga.

Eugene Bullard was an African American man who was born in 1895 in Columbus, Georgia, and lived a really fascinating live. After leaving the U.S. in 1912 to escape the existing suffocating racist oppression, he stayed first in Britain, and then settled in France where he lived as a boxer, entertainer, jazz drummer, was a war hero in the trenches in Verdun, and become the first African American combat pilot in 1917 (in French service: the U.S. would allow black combat pilots only in 1941...). After the war, like so many other African Americans, he remained in Europe. He become a well known entrepeneur in the Parisian night club life during the 20s and 30s. At the German invasion in 1940, and after a brief stint in the French army, he went back to the U.S. where he died in New York in 1961. Revered in France as a national hero during is life, and completely unknown in his country until more than twenty years after his death, the life of this extraordinary man has in this book a much deserved homage and, probably, its definitive biography.

A very well documented biography on a genuine American and French hero. Unfortunately he was born during the Jim Crow era in the south (even though the constitution which was written over 100 years before his birth mentions "all men are created equal", this did not include any non-caucasian's or women, did it? Did not use the word minority since it denotes less than some majority, there are more non-caucasian's in the world anyway and what is really meant by that word is just that, non-caucasian. I find it odd that the USA was founded by European descendants like the English, French and even though the country prided itself on it's progresive nature, it did not include equality, even though Europe itself did not practice racial discrimination). He was born the seventh child of a large family and his father always had a premonition of a very distinguished future for him and let it be known to him when he was young. Talks about his travel through the south after he left home and was told early by his father of a country (France) where all men are truly free. This had a profound effect on him because he eventually made it to France via England first.

He began his livelyhood as a theatre performer and boxer; two opposing and similar avocations. He joined the military and became the first Black American and Black Frenchman aviator and was awarded medals for his bravery, dedication and skills. Very well liked, he had a contagious personality and started working at a famous Paris club later in life and eventually became a club owner himself. He met the famous of the day like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Langston Hughes, Bricktop and many others. This biography also got me interested in Jazz age Paris to request both autobiographies of Hughes and Bricktop.

Slowly (too slowly) more is being known about this man and his acomplishments and contributions to the human race.

You won't be able to put it down. Jack Johnson's autobiography "In the Ring and Out" is another good bio of that era too.

I had earlier learned of some of Eugene Bullard's exploits, but Craig Lloyd's book spotlights an endless list of amazing achievements that seem unbelievable for any man to accomplish in just one lifetime. It's a shame Bullard's life has been up to now unexplored and uncelebrated. Hopefully this extremely well-researched biography will fix that.

Refreshing. This is a good word to describe The Ex-Debutante by Linda Francis Lee, for refreshing it is. I have never before read a book by Ms.Lee, but you can be sure that I will be looking for her backstock very quickly.

Carlisle Wainwright Cushing (the name alone is different---perfect!) goes home to Texas to deal with her mother's 4th divorce. The fact that she ran away from all things Texas years before only to be dragged back now is one of the best plotlines in the book. The secondary plot of the debutante ball is easily as important as the divorce, but ties all aspects of the other characters into the story so well, that it almost isn't a secondary plotline, but like a tie for first. And I haven't even mentioned the 501 Levi wearing Jack Blair---attorney-at-law. Mmmmmm, Jack. Yum. Sorry, it was the jeans reference.....back on topic now. Do you think there are Jack Blair's in Texas right now? Reason enough to take a "field trip" there to find out----I'm just saying.

Okay, so if you haven't figured it out by now, I liked the book. The characters all ring true (even the ones you want to slap upside the head) and had me struggling to put the book down for such menial reasons as to take care of my family. Whatever. For books like this, sacrifices have to be made. Take out was ordered. Family was fine. Book was finished. Alls well that ends well. Enjoy.

I love this author and I loved this book. I could not put it down and finished it over the weekend. I have read both of Linda Francis Lee's books and I can not wait for the next one! I loved the heroine,Carlisle, and I loved her Texas family! Do not miss this author.

I started this book yesterday afternoon and was up until 1:00 am until I finished. My 8 year old son's spelling homework didn't get done, my 4 year old son tried to drown me while he was taking a bath by kicking all the water out of the tub onto my reading figure hudddled by the vanity, the kids didn't get into bed until after 9, my husband kept trying to pick a fight with me but I kept ignoring him and reading, and the dog kept sneaking into the den and trying to get onto the recliner with me since I wasn't paying attention to him. That's how much I loved this book. I was oblivious to my life going on around me. ~sigh~ I was sorry when it ended but what a great read! It's a great book and I totally loved it! Hurray for Linda Francis Lee!

Two prime reasons propelled Carlisle Wainwright Cushing to leave Willow Creek, Texas three years ago. First the lawyer could not deal with her family's lofty social position especially her mother's marriage of the moment; worse she needed to leave behind Jack Blair, the man she has loved for fifteen years going back to high school.

She returns home when her mom asks her to represent her in her umpteenth divorce after divorce lawyer number four botched the proceedings so that ex hubby four has a line on the family accounting sheet. Her mom's spouse hires Jack. To her chagrin although engaged to Boston Brahmin attorney Phillip, she still wants Jack; he feels the same way. As she gets roped into planning the annual debutante gala hosted forever by her family but on the verge of collapse, Jack makes a move on her to regain the woman he let get away.

This is an amusing contemporary romance starring two likable lead characters, a horde of eccentric protagonists especially the families and the debutantes and an out of place Bostonian fiancé. The story line is humorous as Carlisle with her chick lit asides understands how Michael Corleone felt about being dragged home into the family business. Readers will laugh with the vulnerable heroine who wonders whether she can escape her DNA in time to keep her brain from frying while also pondering about her and Jack especially after the men's room incident.

Harriet Klausner

Carlisle Wainright Cushing has successfully reinvented herself. She's living in Boston, is engaged to Phillip and enjoys her career as a divorce lawyer. Nobody would guess that Carlisle is a member of THE Wainrights of Willow Creek, Texas. What made her flee? The reasons include a botched attempt at the Texas Dip during her Debutante Ball and falling in love with Jack Blair. However, when Carlisle receives the phone call, she knows it time to go home.

For Carlisle, going home is like having a supporting role on a soap opera: Her mother, Ridgely, is getting a divorce (for the fourth time). Her older brother Henry and his family have relocated back to Willow Creek after their oldest daughter was expelled from numerous schools. Her older sister, Savannah, is desperate to become pregnant. When Carlisle becomes her mother's attorney, she must face Jack Blair, who is representing her stepfather.

Carlisle's stay coincides with the Hundredth Annual Willow Creek Symphony Association Debutante Ball where eight young ladies from the best families are presented to society. A Wainright has always chaired the ball, and Carlisle is asked to do her part for the family. Unfortunately last year's ball was a disaster and no one wants to be a part of this year's ball. Rejected by respected families, Carlisle finds herself with a motley group of candidates: party girls, rebels and misfits.

Even though it seems like a complete fiasco, could returning to Willow Creek be the best thing for Carlisle?

Humorous and heartwarming, this tale of family and love is hard to put down! It provided a juicy look into the world of Junior Leagues and Debutante Balls. Carlisle is a wonderful main character: she's smart, sassy and has a big heart (which she tries to hide). Her family is also wonderfully kooky: pedigreed, at times neurotic, but also loving. This family dynamic works-like Carlisle, I found myself caring about these people and wanting to help them. I highly recommend the Ex-Debutante!

Armchair Interviews says: A wonderful, juicy story with lots of heart. Two thumbs up.

This book was so much better than I expected. The information is well written and, although I collect books on Reflexology, I learned so much new information from this one. I plan to put much of it into practice.

The main objective of the Vietnamese facial acupressure system reflexology is to prevent health problems and relieve existing troubles before they are chronic: that said, Facial Reflexology introduces the concepts and methods of the healing method to English speakers for the first time, offering some thirteen summary diagrams locating numbered facial points and their reflex zones for the whole body. This isn't just an overview, though: chapters then offer detailed step-by-step applications for over two hundred common problems from insomnia to ulcers and back pain, pairing therapeutic direction with diagrams of zones. It's a fine beginning point for any who would learn facial reflexology and apply it to alternative healing paths.

Facial reflexology is a remarkably interesting and effective Vietnamese method for establishing and maintaining robust health and wellness.

The essential idea is that not only is the face crisscrossed by acupuncture channels, a.k.a. meridians that these link together scores of major acupuncture and associated points corresponding to most of the major organs of the body, but that there are 57 facial points - virtually all also acupuncture points - that correspond to reflex zones for the entire body. Carefully manipulating these points can improve the balance between the "organ" systems of the body. The system is not quite the same as any of the schools of facial acupressure that I know of.

When the Chinese, Japanese or Vietnamese speak about "organs" they are referring to the information and energy associated with the organ, rather than the physical organ itself. Someone who has no stomach still has the information and energy associated with the organ. By manipulating the points on the face, we can induce positive changes in the information, then the energy and finally the molecules and cells of the physical organ.

This well organized book contains 13 summary diagrams that locate all 57 numbered facial points and their corresponding reflex zones. The diagrams are accompanies by straightforward and easy-to-follow instruction on basic massage and pressure-point techniques.

Marie-France Muller goes on to give clear point-by-point instructions for two general health maintenance programs. There follows a dictionary of treatment suggestions for over 200 common ailments from asthma to insomnia that could form part of a comprehensive approach to treatment and the restoration of health. For each condition she offers therapeutic instructions and simple diagrams of the relevant zones and points to guide the reader.

This is a most helpful addition to the literature on natural healing, and contains a great deal of information that is not widely known in the West.

Highly recommended.

This is a thorough and well-written guide to using facial reflex points, specifcally Dien'Cham' from Vietnam, to help the body heal. The author is a French doctor, naturopath and Ph.D. and has been using these techniques for many years. This is her second book on the subject.

The book starts with a thorough and interesting explanation of facial reflexology: the different positions of the points of the face and how to give a session. The remainder of the book is focused on different health conditions and how to treat them using Dien'Cham'. This section is very well done and includes a diagram of the face with the corresponding reflex points as well as an easy to understand explanation of what to do. There is also a section on how to use Dien'Cham' on your dog's or cat's face and an explanation of Japanese scalp massage.

This is an excellent guide for anyone wanting to learn how to help themselves or others with health or healing techniques very quickly; body workers, estheticians, care-givers, and parents would all benefit from knowing some of these points.

As a reflexologist, I highly recommend this book as both a working manual and a great reference guide for any therapeutic work on the face.

A little confusing as to remembering the number and place of each spot to be worked.

Alexandre Jardin plays and experiment with conventions about love and youth. His hero, also named Alexandre, has a very unconventional idea how to best love ONE woman for a life time. His pursuit of the love of his life, Fanfan, is enjoyable and funny. When other young heros cannot wait to have sex, Alexandre does the unexpected. It is rare that one comes across a book which deals with the "serious" subject of love in such a new way. Conventions are not mottos; they are hindrances! Jardin is original and writes entertainingly. In fact, this is sheer brilliance.

When you fall in love there is passion. If you do not want to let this passion slip into the every day boring life, you hold back so that passion forever remains. Is that possible you ask? Well, the character in this book seems to think so. He is madly in love and the girl loves him, but he keeps pulling back inventing stories and telling lies, just so that she keeps wanting him more and more. But how far can he go? Another view on commitment phobics.

Fanfan est peut etre le plus fantastique des livres d' Alexandre Jardin...

C'est l'histoire d'Alexandre et de sa peur de reellement aimer une femme. Sa conception est la suivante: a partir du moment ou j'aime une femme, si je l'embrasse, toute la magie de notre relation s'evapore. Donc Alexandre, profondement attire par Fanfan, s'est promis de ne jamais l'embrasser et de la seduire toute sa vie. Fanfan, elle aussi aime Alexandre, mais elle ne voit pas leur relation de la meme maniere...

Alexandre Jardin is one of my favorite authors. He is in his late twenties and writes about topics that interest young people : love, relationships with the other gender, problems in love etc. Fanfan is a young woman whom the author is in love with. But he doesn't want to "consume" this love beyond passion. So he tries everything to keep his love in this passion stage of the beginning of each relationship to avoid routine to get installed. Of course he encounters problems because she loves all the special attention she gets in the beginning, but starts to want more which he is not ready to give. It is beautifully written and could absolutely be true in our days. I think everyone should read this book (men or women) because it gives a lot of insight in how men think or should think. And it is also a great love story with all its good and bad times.

If you've watched the movie you'll appreciate this novel's more depth and insights about Alexandre's own passion. The story is very original, while the feeling is still so REAL. I believe when Alexandre Jardin was writing this novel, he must have had Sophie Marceau in his mind already.

If you are looking for tons of information involved in the world of fashion business, this is a great book. It's kind of long, but for the most part it gets to the point of things and it offers great suggestions and a way of doing things. I found the charts and diagrams and spreadsheets in the book to be most helpful. The help you get a leg up on things so that you don't have to create your own. It's worth the read if your thinking about starting your own fashion business!

I advise anyone who is trying to come out with a line to read this book and purchase the DVD! This book is a great reference guide - something good to always keep on stand by. Very useful if you want to do things right!

I got this book today and I am delighted. the book tells you exactly how to set up your own line and how to sell it in details. this book is just exactly what I need. I also have some other books for starting fashion business but I'd say this book is the best and it is more focussed on the business side of fashion.

I went to fashion school, worked for large high end lines, did the whole deal. I was lucky that in one of my classes they made us read this book. This book is basically the bible to the apparel industry. I would say only 10% of this industry is design the other 90% is business which is covered completely in this book. I've looked into other similar books and they are great for the design aspects, but nothing covers the business end like this book, don't waste you time with other titles this is the one to read if you really want to know how to start your own line.

This book is a life saver! If you have ANY questions about starting your own line...BUY THIS BOOK! It covers everything from A to Z but with precise detail. The appendixes show great examples of different forms and documents that you would need in order to be successful. Most of the other fashion books are too basic and lacking in detail, but this book definitely delivers. It beats all my other fashion books hands down. (This is my first Amazon review- I normally read 'em but never write 'em but this book is worth it!)

This guide is essential for all those traveling to Paris. I love that you can pick restaurants based on location or rating. Additionally, the essays describing the authors' trips were enjoyable to read. I found the ratings to be consistent and easy to follow, and would recommend this book to anyone planning a trip!

My husband and I just returned from a wonderful week in Paris. We set out to hit as many bistros as possible and this guide was a great help. We hit the following top picks and loved them all: Allard - probably the best frisee and lardons salad anywhere; Chardenoux - the raspberry gratin was heaven; Chez Georges - perfect in every way, one of our favorites - loved the lentil salad, sole georges and profiteroles; La Grille - the overall best experience, doesn't get any better, turbot for two was divine and the family atmosphere and personal attenion were icing on the cake; Le Voltaire - wonderfully clubby and the food was killer; and our last meal at La Petit Marguery was divine - the rabbit pate and grilled mushrooms for starters and the grand marnier souffle for finishers - wow. This book was the perfect fit for us - small, easy to use and absolutely accurate.

Just amazing. My wife and I visit Paris for ten days yearly... and this book is our dining directory. Absolutely reliable and accurate. Over the last two weeks, we visited six of the twelve Top Picks. And then seven of the Highly Recommended. We indulged in fois gras at least once and most often twice a day. Two additions to the book: Under new management, Benoit is much better, and more wonderful, than the last two years, but still as "Parisian", so be sure to insist on the main dining area instead of the back room. Reservations far in advance are important. Also, the most wonderful La Grille, the off-the-beaten-path home of the Turbot of the Century, is an absolute must. Retirement can't be too far off for Yves and the gracious Genevieve Cullerre. Get there while you can. If you love traditional French fare, this book is essential. I hope the Twenty First Century Edition will be updated often. We are counting on it.

An accurate assessment of many Paris bistros and small restaurants throughout the city. Amusing personal anecdotes and helpful hints on places to dine in all arrondissements drawn from years of experience. This guide is essential planning for the first-time as well as the seasoned traveler.

This book was sent as a gift last summer before three of my friends and I went to Paris last fall. It was one of the most helpful, concise tools for selecting eating places in Paris. It is so well organized, fits in one's handbag, and was helpful in selecting eating places that didn't "bust the budget" but were delightful. I think it is a must for the Paris traveler of many times(like me) or the first time visitor. Dom't leave home without it!