Guides and Directories Books

As a NYC K-12 educational consultant, I frequently listen to parents' worries about entrusting their children to the New York City public schools. This is unfortunate, because some local public schools are excellent. Hemphill's book is extremely valuable because she identifies top schools and demystifies the admissions process for zoned and out-of-zone students. She also explains admissions to gifted and other special programs. eglickman@abacusguide.com

I used this guide when looking at schools for my five year old daughter. I found the descriptions very accurate--the author really understands the essence of these schools and appreciates the intricacies of NYC schools. If you're looking for a public school in NYC, this book isn't a luxury, it's a necessity!!

The book does a really good job of telling parents about some of the best public schools in NYC. The author also lets you know about the differences in philosophies, facilities and programs, to help figure out what would be best for your child. I hope it gets updated soon!

My family is planning to return to New York City, and we need to find a school for my elementary aged child. This book has provided a good background of information, and answers all of the basic questions, i.e. test scores, class sizes, school philosophies etc. I do wish that is was updated (this is from 1997), and that there was an introduction that gave the reader some context of the New York City public school scene. I'd also like to see a ranking of ALL of the city's public schools so one has the option of seeing how their local public school stacks up against the ones profiled in this book. Despite those criticisms, I found this very helpful, and find myself considering some of the schools described in the book.

This is an excellent guide that should be kept next to your computer at all times! Its impossible to research the many sites and software available for kids without some assistance and this little book is a BIG HELP.

The book described some good web sites that were fun for my 6 year-old. I had fun with it too. I liked the section about child safety and tips on how to deal with adult content on the Internet. I haven't bought any software yet, so I can't comment on the software reviews.

I think this book is a boon for my wife and kids, finally a book that we can all use together, that lays out for us fun and educational software and web sites. It is nice to have all this information in one place -- and on paper, rather than on "the internet." So, if you are fairly computer illiterate like me, I would recommend it to other parents with kids who already have computers in their households.

every 2-3 months, I find myself at zany brainy or some other kids' store trying to buy software for my 5 year old. I never know what's worth buying, and the store help tends to be clueless. This book is the answer -- it's got great, detailed reviews of some very cool kids software. And it also pointed me to some neat web sites that my son has loved (dealing with space and astronomy which is his favorite thing). So I'd highly recommend this book. Don't know what I did without it.

I guess I really like this book because it actually has all it claims to have -- everything! Also, it doesn't have schools that aren't accredited, you know, diploma mills. The CD was great for searching and has test prep software and links to their main web site.

This is a wonderful book for anyone who is about to go to college. Instead of looking through the enormous amounts of college mail that gets sent to you, you can just look through this book and find which schools you think are best for you. This book contains detailed information about the majors, academic and recreational programs, abroad studies, application deadline, etc. It also contains tuition and room and board costs where applicable. This book is a great help in the college search--I would definitely recommend it to every college-to-be student!

Getting your kid into a good college is a nerve-racking process for most parents. It certainly has been for us. We have found the customer reviews in Amazon very helpful. That prompts us to distill our ratings of the various guidebooks.

The best short reference on each college is the Princeton Review of The Best (311) Colleges. It gives ratings of academic quality, difficulty of admission, percentage admitted, etc. There is also a brief summary of college life and what each place might be looking for.

Peterson Guide is comprehensive, and has long write-ups for each school. There is a front section for each school, listed alphabetically within each state, and a back section with detailed profiles of selected institutions.

Fiske's guide is interesting, but he basically has something good to say for each school, so careful reading between the lines and for "damning with faint praise" is called for.

The Yale Insider's Guide is extremely subjective, with different students writing various reviews. We did not find it too reliable, except in conjunction with other books.

Likewise for Barrron's Guide to the Most Competitive Colleges. Recent alumni write of their (invariably positive) experiences. Take it with a grain of salt, or read carefully between the lines.

Choosing the Right College by ISN was extremely helpful. Some readers criticized it for being allegedly right wing. We did not find it so. Rather, knowing the point of view of the authors helped us evaluate their observations. Other books do not make their biases explicit. A feature of the book we found particularly helpful was the naming of excellent professors and departments in each college.

Antonoff's College Finder was interesting only in conjunction with other books.

Three books written from the perspective of college admissions officers were very interesting and helpful. They are The College Admissions Mystique, by Mayher, Getting In, by Bill Paul, and most of all A is for Admission by Michelle Hernandez. We strongly recommend that parents and the kids who are the applicants read at least one of these.

Another very helpful book was You're Gonna Love This College Guide, by Marty Nemko. It takes the student through the decision process of big vs. small, urban vs. country, elite vs. the level just below, geography, and so forth. That really got our daughter unstuck in her thinking process.

Loren Pope is another helpful author for those who think that not getting into Harvard is the end of the world.

Three books we did not find to be particularly helpful are Getting Into Any College, by Jim Good and Lisa Lee, The National Review College Guide, by Charles Sykes and Brad Miner (too out of date), and The Real Freshman Handbook, by Jennifer Hanson.

One book we found to be unexpectedly useful was Getting Into Medical School Today, by Scott Plantz, et. al. Even if your child is not interested in medical school, this book puts college in perspective for any post-college program.

We hope readers find our review helpful.

I love buying a book that says it is comprehensive only to find out that it doesn't have all that "comprehensive" promises. This book has it all. I don't think I want a subjective book about colleges. I get fluffy stuff like that in the mail everyday written by the colleges. I'm a Joe Friday "Just the facts, maam" kind of person I suppose. This book had ALL the facts. I liked the free CD too.

Online pharmacies are a great way to save money. This book is a great guide. I have found two great companies to safely buy meds from. Visit them at:

[...]

Reading this book gave me the confidence to seek lower priced medication online and I have found a great Mexico pharmacy with guaranteed lowest prices, www.rxmex.net Great Prices on hundreds of medications, FDA, WHO and GMP approved!

Up-to-date for 2004-2005, Pharmacy Checker.com's Guide To Low-Cost Canadian & U.S. Pharmacies is a no-nonsense guidebook that rates and profiles 42 popular mail-order and online pharmacies. Quick and easy comparisons of prices for brand name and generic drugs, easy-to-use information on how to order from online pharmacies taking privacy, security, and cost concerns into account, and much more fill this handy reference. Simple charts and tables listing Pharmacy Checker.com's ratings make Pharmacy Checker.com's Guide To Low-Cost Canadian & U.S. Pharmacies enhance the clarity of this indispensible guide for anyone who needs health medication on a tight budget.

Ordering from Canadian and U.S. discount pharmacies can save significantly over regular retail establishments. The problem is how do you know which ones are reputable and which ones are not, which have quality medicines, which add shipping costs, which require a Canadian doctor's prescription, which ones can be trusted, which ones are licensed and which offer the best prices. This book includes the top rated pharmacies with the best prices according to PharmacyChecker.com. Whether you are considering a Canadian pharmacy, mail-order pharmacy, or an online pharmacy this will help you through the maze of potential suppliers and help you find the ones that will best serve your needs. One of the really nice features of the book is the information on hidden costs like dispensing fees, medical review fees, and shipping fees. It also includes all the information you might need including available payment methods, how a prescription can be submitted, contact information, and the like. If you are looking for an alternative to the high costs of filling monthly prescriptions locally and need advice on how to go about using mail-order or online pharmacies as well as which ones can be trusted you will find the Guide to Low-Cost Canadian and US Pharmacies indispensable.

The User Friendly Guide To Internet & Computer Terms offers more than 1250 easy to understand Internet and compute terms for the non-specialist general reader and novice computer user. Readers will also be treated to 150 high-powered "tips & tricks" that can maximize computer skills quickly; avoid Internet frauds and scams; how money is really made online and with e-commerce; what web brokers know about online investing; how to get the best prices for through online travel resources; even how to have fun with smileys, Easter eggs, and online shorthand. The User Friendly Guide To Internet & Computer Terms is a welcome and much appreciated, 340-page addition to any personal, school, or community library computer reference collection.

Got my first computer (really) two weeks before Christmas. It has Windows 98 as the operating system. With the computer I received two books to help get me started. Win 98 for Dummies and The User Friendly Guide To Internet & Computer Terms. Both are great. Win 98 for Dummies takes you step by step thru the process of getting acquainted with a computer. The User Friendly Guide has a great dictionary along with tons of tips and articles about computers and the Internet. There's so much to know! If you need a great reference book, spend the money and get both of these.

Got my first computer (really) two weeks before Christmas. It has Windows 98 as the operating system. With the computer I received two books to help get me started. Win 98 for Dummies and The User Friendly Guide To Internet & Computer Terms. Both are great. Win 98 for Dummies takes you step by step thru the process of getting acquainted with a computer. The User Friendly Guide has a great dictionary along with tons of tips and articles about computers and the Internet. There's so much to know! If you need a great reference book, spend the money and get both of these.

I've recently been forced into the digital revolution. Although I have some knowledge of PCs, it's sometimes a challenge to get my computer to function to its fullest (my fault not the computer's) This book has been wonderful. There is so much useful information here, I'm not sure where to start. My favorite section is "tips and tricks." Tons of stuff on how to get the most from a PC. The book has articles on Web shopping, investing, travel, avoiding ripoffs, the history of the Internet, how to shop for a computer, and plenty more useful stuff about the Web and computers - and here's the part I really like: If I run into a word I don't understand while reading, I can easily flip to the dictionary and look it up. Even with all that, I think my favorite section is the 200 Cool Websites. I've spent hours exploring the Web using it. This is a great reference book!

ViVa's Healthy Dining Guide collaboratively developed by holistic nutritionist and attorney Lisa Margolin and health care professional Connie Dee is an easily accessible, nicely organized and comprehensive directory of restaurants and markets located all over America that specialize in vegetarian foods, healthy ethnic preparations and ingredients, and natural foods. State-by-state listings offering addresses, phone numbers, and store hours of each featured locale, ViVa's Healthy Dining Guide is a great reference for the health-conscious consumer who need starting places to shop and dine -- especially if they are new to the community and what it has to offer!

I was so delighted to find this incredible and comprehensive guide. Now my family and I can find lots of good places to eat near home andd all over the country! I have been to many of the listings, and find the descriptions in the book to be very accurate. I have bought copies for my friends. What a great find- a real gift for all of us!

I was so pleased to find this comprehensive guide to good restaurants. My family and I enjoy healthy choices whether we are in our own state or travelling. With this book, we can find good places to go everywhere! I have been to many of the places in the book, and find the descriptions to be very accurate. The book is so easy to use!Having just been involved in Earth month, with Earth Day and Arbor Day still coming, I have purchased copies to give to friends for birthdays and holidays. What better gift than a guide to better health? I thank the authors for their gift of good living for us all!

Finally a guide on where to find food to make everyone happy - all in one place and under one roof!
This book will come in handy on those undecisive nights when everyone is craving a different type of food.
THIS BOOK IS A MUST HAVE! Remember to shape your meal don't let it shape you!!

This book has a huge selection of design style examples, all organized in a very intelligent way. The print quality is very good. As a reference book, this is a must have for any web designer looking for some inspiration.

This is a very well organized and inspiring reference book for web designers. Patrick McNeil did a fantastic job of rounding up a thorough and eclectic mix of websites. A must have for any web designer.

This book is a great resource for inspiration if you're in a creative rut. The best part about it is that it's a collection of modern websites that apply to today's design standards, not some ancient collection of Web 1.0 artifacts. And there are plenty of examples within it.

This book does just one thing, it showcases beautifully made websites and the author does this extremely well. The Web Designer's Idea Book is a must have for any web designer/graphic designer out there to have real world examples of good design on hand.

Providing a wealth of information needed to succeed in the writing industry, *Writer's Guide...* is an excellent tool for both aspiring and established writers. A most successful literary agent and author, Jeff Herman possesses a thorough knowledge of the industry which he shares an in-depth volume for writers. In the late 1970s, Herman made a living by cleaning public toilets. Just a decade later, he launched what would become the most credible and successful literary agency in the United States. His laborious efforts that paved his way to success have been channeled into his work, cutting out multiple steps and energies for other writers. As he writes, "The publishing business is a mysterious place, even for veteran (writers)...This book will help you to break the code, unmask false wizards, and empower you to challenge the obstacles." In an industry where nepotism and knowing the right person seems to be the only way to get published, Herman's work encoura! ges and inspires writers to remain persistent and optimistic. He states, "Growth and success cannot be known by those who give up or fail to even try." His own rags to wealth story lends credibility to this statement. In over 550 pages, Herman lists a multitude of United States publishers, University and religous publishers, as well as Canadian publishers, who are all anxious for innovative writing and new ideas. Each publisher listing provides the address and telephone number of the publishing house, a brief history of the company, the types of books published and several sample titles of recently published works. Writers are also provided with the contact names of whom they need to query. In the case of larger publishers, each editor is listed with a brief description of what he or she is looking to publish, so that writers may send their work to the correct individual. The only drawback to Herman's publisher description is that he does not provide information on ! which publishers accept manuscripts only from agents. There! fore, *Writer's Guide...* is best used by cross-referencing the book with *Writer's Market.* However, for the writers who wish to minimize their solicitation efforts, Herman provides an agent listing of about 200 pages. These listings provide thorough information on the agents such as their work experience, preferred clients, works sold, what they prefer to and not to market as well as a brief statement giving advice to writers on soliciting manuscripts. Also provided is the commission fees of the agents and, in a few cases, reading fees. Following the listings, Herman and company have written various articles geared toward increasing a writer's chances for success. For example, the writer will find advice on how to properly contact agents and publishers, how to write the perfect query letter, how to write book proposals, how literary agents work, as well as many other useful article that will keep the writer inspired, optimistic and informed. A writer without the *Writer's G! uide...* is comparable to a traveler without a map. Except for writing the manuscript, Jeff Herman has done all the laborious work for the writer. By utilizing the tools provided by Herman, the writer will save many hours of aggravation and wasted effort.

Providing a wealth of information needed to succeed in the writing industry, *Writer's Guide...* is an excellent tool for both aspiring and established writers. A most successful literary agent and author, Jeff Herman possesses a thorough knowledge of the industry which he shares an in-depth volume for writers. In the late 1970s, Herman made a living by cleaning public toilets. Just a decade later, he launched what would become the most credible and successful literary agency in the United States. His laborious efforts that paved his way to success have been channeled into his work, cutting out multiple steps and energies for other writers. As he writes, "The publishing business is a mysterious place, even for veteran (writers)...This book will help you to break the code, unmask false wizards, and empower you to challenge the obstacles." In an industry where nepotism and knowing the right person seems to be the only way to get published, Herman's work encoura! ges and inspires writers to remain persistent and optimistic. He states, "Growth and success cannot be known by those who give up or fail to even try." His own rags to wealth story lends credibility to this statement. In over 550 pages, Herman lists a multitude of United States publishers, University and religous publishers, as well as Canadian publishers, who are all anxious for innovative writing and new ideas. Each publisher listing provides the address and telephone number of the publishing house, a brief history of the company, the types of books published and several sample titles of recently published works. Writers are also provided with the contact names of whom they need to query. In the case of larger publishers, each editor is listed with a brief description of what he or she is looking to publish, so that writers may send their work to the correct individual. The only drawback to Herman's publisher description is that he does not provide information on ! which publishers accept manuscripts only from agents. There! fore, *Writer's Guide...* is best used by cross-referencing the book with *Writer's Market.* However, for the writers who wish to minimize their solicitation efforts, Herman provides an agent listing of about 200 pages. These listings provide thorough information on the agents such as their work experience, preferred clients, works sold, what they prefer to and not to market as well as a brief statement giving advice to writers on soliciting manuscripts. Also provided is the commission fees of the agents and, in a few cases, reading fees. Following the listings, Herman and company have written various articles geared toward increasing a writer's chances for success. For example, the writer will find advice on how to properly contact agents and publishers, how to write the perfect query letter, how to write book proposals, how literary agents work, as well as many other useful article that will keep the writer inspired, optimistic and informed. A writer without the *Writer's G! uide...* is comparable to a traveler without a map. Except for writing the manuscript, Jeff Herman has done all the laborious work for the writer. By utilizing the tools provided by Herman, the writer will save many hours of aggravation and wasted effort.

I always recommend this book to every author or literary professional who doesn't own it already. I find it invaluable in running my literary agency, can't imagine NOT owning it. Julie Hill, Literary Agent and Book Publicist

Providing a wealth of information needed to succeed in the writing industry, *Writer's Guide...* is an excellent tool for both aspiring and established writers. A most successful literary agent and author, Jeff Herman possesses a thorough knowledge of the industry which he shares an in-depth volume for writers. In the late 1970s, Herman made a living by cleaning public toilets. Just a decade later, he launched what would become the most credible and successful literary agency in the United States. His laborious efforts that paved his way to success have been channeled into his work, cutting out multiple steps and energies for other writers. As he writes, "The publishing business is a mysterious place, even for veteran (writers)...This book will help you to break the code, unmask false wizards, and empower you to challenge the obstacles." In an industry where nepotism and knowing the right person seems to be the only way to get published, Herman's work encoura! ges and inspires writers to remain persistent and optimistic. He states, "Growth and success cannot be known by those who give up or fail to even try." His own rags to wealth story lends credibility to this statement. In over 550 pages, Herman lists a multitude of United States publishers, University and religous publishers, as well as Canadian publishers, who are all anxious for innovative writing and new ideas. Each publisher listing provides the address and telephone number of the publishing house, a brief history of the company, the types of books published and several sample titles of recently published works. Writers are also provided with the contact names of whom they need to query. In the case of larger publishers, each editor is listed with a brief description of what he or she is looking to publish, so that writers may send their work to the correct individual. The only drawback to Herman's publisher description is that he does not provide information on ! which publishers accept manuscripts only from agents. There! fore, *Writer's Guide...* is best used by cross-referencing the book with *Writer's Market.* However, for the writers who wish to minimize their solicitation efforts, Herman provides an agent listing of about 200 pages. These listings provide thorough information on the agents such as their work experience, preferred clients, works sold, what they prefer to and not to market as well as a brief statement giving advice to writers on soliciting manuscripts. Also provided is the commission fees of the agents and, in a few cases, reading fees. Following the listings, Herman and company have written various articles geared toward increasing a writer's chances for success. For example, the writer will find advice on how to properly contact agents and publishers, how to write the perfect query letter, how to write book proposals, how literary agents work, as well as many other useful article that will keep the writer inspired, optimistic and informed. A writer without the *Writer's G! uide...* is comparable to a traveler without a map. Except for writing the manuscript, Jeff Herman has done all the laborious work for the writer. By utilizing the tools provided by Herman, the writer will save many hours of aggravation and wasted effort.

I thought the book was absolutely wonderful, but I must comment on the writing style of the previous review, Denitza Blagev. I think her writing is awful, but her terrible writing (especially the creative stuff), only serves as a contradistinction from the brilliant writing in the internship book.

Maybe Ms. Blagev should try a writing internship. Then her writing might be more pallitable.

Finding an internship can be strenuous, but not with John Anselmi's easy-to-use guide. Anselmi's style is efficient and beautiful. His insight, top-notch. If John Anselmi were here right now, I would like to play a little jazz trumpet for Anselmi. He is the best, the best, the best. In fact, his thoughts are so original, so intriguing, I would like to subscribe to his newsletter. Thank you, undefeated, undisputed, King of internships!

I don't know how much longer I can make it. The sand in my internship hourglass is quickly running out. I make my copies and open the mail now with an anxious eye on the clock, knowing that only a few precious days separate me from the comfortable world of the internship and the prospect of trying to get a real job. With that blasted internship interview, I had Anselmo. Without him, I don't know where this cruel process will take me. My days have lengthened into long, dark periods of listless wandering. I arrive home from my internship, and stare at the peach hued walls of my ugly eighties themed apartment, and wonder, "where in God's name is Anselmo when you need him?". If it has been a good day, and I have been able to muster enough petty cash to buy a small bottle of Karkov Vodka, I am usually able to drive the terrible thought of facing life after internships without Anselmo in three or six quick, putrid shots. But on normal days, those very numerous, substance

free normal days, I stare at the television, muttering...hoping that his wise but kind face will appear. Hours of syndicated garbage later...I fall asleep, disappointed, dejected, and unwilling to face the morning. Where have you gone Frank Anselmo? Interns turn their lonely eyes to you..whoo, whoo, whoo. God Bless you please Mr. Internship, Frank Anselmo's left and gone away, hey, hey, hey.. So, like General Zod in the sequal to an American classic, I demand to see Superman! I must enter the real world and I demand guidance, and I want it from the man who brought me so much success in the realm of the internship. Nothing else, nothing less, will do. The last time around, I had chapters like "So...You're a Philistine", "Places To Live In NYC if Mummy Won't Pay", and "Dealing with Blasted Lunches: An Intern's Guide to Gastronomy". You remember the magic? I do, and I want more of what Anselmo's cooking. So dust off your keyboard King of Internship Kings, give another Bible, Lord of Entry-Level Lords. We need you. I...need you.

This is the most incredible book in the whole wide world. What a page turner! I couldn't put it down. The anecdotes by Mattew Weissler, Denitza Blagev, and Melanie Schoenberg were particularly helpful. The YDN's head copy editor, Dorie Boufides told a gripping tale of her lust and deceit in her San Francisco Opera internship. John Anselmi, the editor, gave me hope that there might be a job out there, even for me. What a gifted crew to put this book together.

Go on and write MORE!

I could review this book in one word: Indispensable! Abdul Alkalimat is a sociologist and pioneer in the development of Black Studies, currently serving as moderator of H-Afro-Am electronic discussion forum. Books about Internet resources can become outdated quickly as web sites move and administrators needlessly change directory naming protocols. But this book is so much more than a mere directory of useful sites that it will have a long shelf life. It provides extensive annotation and an interpretive framework for Black Studies, organized by major historical periods and themes. It includes a wealth of printed resources as well, making it valuable even to someone who rarely ventures online. No college or community library should be without it. And at this price, neither should any home bookshelf.

Dr. Alkalimat's book is that rare print guide to the Web which will endure even as the Web grows. Not only are the sites described and listed the richest and most stable, but the organization of the book will clarify your understanding of the African American experience in cyberspace and out. It has been so slow and frustrating to dig through search engines for the good stuff -- this book is near my computer for good. Should be near any family, school, university or community PC/Mac as well. A model approach for presenting the work of any population that is mistakenly understood as unplugged. And low priced too.

This book is OFF THE HOOK!

Everybody is online and uses Google.com or some other search engine but often a typical search gets mixed results. And you can't always count on the first ten selections taking you where you want to go.

THIS BOOK IS A ROAD MAP to resources in cyberspace that make up an entire curriculum for people in school or just anyone trying to become wise about the historical experiences of the Black community.

There is an organized table of contents and a detailed index, so its great for browsing or finding a specific site - checking things out in general or searching to answer a specific question.

Every Black Studies program should require all students to get this, and then use it for all their classes. We all go to the web for everything anyway, so we might as well all use the best road map to Black cyberspace.

It's a very useful resource for families too!