Ball Books

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 is one of the most beautiful watercolor books I have. John Pike has a wonderful way of simplifying the complex--both in his paintings and also in the words he chooses to explain about his life as an artist and his working methods for the beautiful artwork in his book. There are 13 demonstrations and then a gallery of his paintings along with explanations of how he approached the painting. There is also an interview with John Pike at the beginning of the book. The demonstrations are entrancing, and Pike does not hold any "secrets" back from the students. It is as if John Pike is standing beside you explaining to you step-by-step how to paint his painting. The paintings are loose, with lots of light and contrast. It's a wonderful book that ever watercolor student should hold on to.

I checked out this book from the library more times than I can count before discovering it was still in print. It is absolutely the best book I've found on watercolor technique (and I've checked out many of them) and the only one I own. John Pike's style of working and his discussion of technique and choice of materials helped alleviate my anxieties about getting started in watercolor. He keeps things simple. I particularly like his philosophy of using value sketches as a guide before starting any finished work, and the step-by-step color photographs showing a painting's evolution. His accompanying text is also very helpful. I've been painting in watercolor for 8 years and have many books on the subject. Mr. Pike's book is still the one I turn to consistently when I need help or inspiration.

I first got this book in the library and now must own it. Pike's insights have opened new doors for me as a relatively new watercolorist. His methods, techniques and explanations make this one of the few books on the subject that I want to have for ready reference rather than just an occassional read. This is the best artists book I have yet to come across!

I first got this book in the library and now must own it. Pike's insights have opened new doors for me as a relatively new watercolorist. His methods, techniques and explanations make this one of the few books on the subject that I want to have for ready reference rather than just an occassional read. This is the best artists book I have yet to come across!

As an absolute beginner in watercolor, my first stop after my first lesson was to the local library. Joining an existing watercolor class of long-time painters left me scrambling for the meaning of what everyone was talking about and doing. In my tiny town nestled in the Colorado Rockies, there were only half a dozen watercolor books in the library, and by some good fortune, John Pike's book, published many years before, had been donated. Even as a novice, I could see that it was far and away the best of the lot, and when I took it home and started reading and studying, I knew I had found a friend. Well, I kept that book out for over two months, and paid a hefty late fee to do so.

I thought Mr. Pike's books were out of print, but on a whim, I decided to search his name on Amazon.com, and it was exciting to find "John Pike Paints Watercolors." I admit this is not the same title I found in the library, but the book review discusses his style of writing and teaching. That style overcame the fear I had to try, to begin, to learn, to dare. He is a teacher! And because of his writing, I was able to begin to catch up to my classmates faster than I had imagined. His paintings are full of life, interesting in subject, and inspirational to a beginner. I am privileged to know that I will have his book on my own shelf.

This book has all you need to know about this sport. I love this book. As a rookie in this sport, i feel that this book helped me and my team win the northern Massachusetts bocce state title. This is a great book for all ages and playing needs

I bought this book and a Backyard Bocce Ball set for my husband for his birthday and found it very helpful for planning game strategy. We plan to build walls for our game area next Spring using the guidelines in the book. Good book for all beginners to Backyard Bocce!

While Pagnoni's book contains a lot of interesting facts about the game of bocce, it fails to mention the World Series of Bocce, a multi-day event that draws teams from several states and Canada to Rome, NY, every July. A mention -- if not some recent results and/or pictures -- would have made the book much more complete.

The Joy of Bocce is an excellent book for everyone, from the novice to the expert, who wish to play this game. Pagnoni explains, in detail, the rules of the game, the different types of shots, the playing surface, strategy, even practicing. Most importantly, it describes the different types of play for both recreational bocce and professional bocce. There is even instructions on how to build your own bocce court. Anyone interested in learning about this sport, or anyone who would like to learn more about this sport, should pick up a copy of this book. A complete manual about playing the game.

This book shows all the best of Bocce and I think for anyone just starting out or already in the game should read it and enjoy it as much as I have.

Tahnks Mario

I wrote a review for this book on June 28 and now it's gone. In fact, there were a few reviews up here. Well, thanks to Google cache here's what I said:

When I was a kid in the 1970s, they said in the future soccer would become massively popular in America and we would all use the metric system. Didn't happen. The metric system is pretty much only used to refer to illicit drugs, but almost every American kid in the suburbs plays in a soccer league at least once.

Alan Black's "Kick The Balls" is about his adventures coaching a kids' soccer league, yes. But it is much more. It's about Alan trying to assimilate into the American suburbs. And this is the super funny stuff. No one is safe from Black's barbs: TV preachers, kids, Dockers pants, parents, multiculturalism, the cult of the suburban lawn. Oh and it's not just a snarky hit piece on the easy target of suburban life, Black reserves his sharpest wit to mock himself: a cynical, uncomfortable, Scottish transplant to California. Recommended to anyone in need of a hearty jaundiced laugh at the world and themselves. Extra bonus funny (and insightful) if you are in the position of trying to cope with maintaining your identity and making new friends in a suburban, middle class, vanilla wasteland (i.e., if you're like this reviewer).

The view from Alan Black's head, as he surveys Northern California suburbia, is scary the way riding a Hunter S Thompson novel is scary and philosophical in the Vonnegut Breakfast of Champions sense, but since it's all foreign to him it's like reading an alien anthropologist's view of your culture: ironic, enlightening, ridiculous, and a bit absurd.

To get the full rush, you need to hear Alan in your head as you read. Here's your recipe: (1) read the book up until the first time you laugh outloud (make him earn the $24 fercrissakes), (2) after that first laugh, go to http://dublit.com/search?filter0=Alan%20Black (or just www.dublit.com then search on Alan Black audio shorts) (3) listen to one or two readings. You will then hear that mighty screaming brogue through the entire book. Nice.

The comparison on the dust jacket with Nick Hornby follows from the self-absorbed 1st person character. But Alan Black takes it joyously over the top. The humor is bitingly dry, sometimes deliciously obscure, frequently refers to something you'd almost forgotten, and nearly always offensive. Offensive in the way that makes you look around to see if anyone was listening inside your head. In other words, offensive to no actual person, just potentially offensive. The best kind!

The book isn't written with a mess of high-brow literati flair, thank God, it kicks you right in the, well, you know. Given the blue-collar style, it's amazing how this book, which has only one real character, delivers the goods. It's one of those tricks that a purple-prose-artist might shoot for and even pull off. I get the impression that Alan did it so naturally that he's not even aware of it. Organic talent, in other words.

Via humorous vignettes that take you back and forth through 3 decades and 2 continents, Kick the Balls offers a very true and funny view of soccer/football, and life in general, on both sides of the Atlantic. Kick the Balls is a terrific read, even if you don't follow this sport.

This is a "laugh out loud on the bus making everybody think you're a nutter" book. Absolutely brilliant.

When I was a kid in the 1970s, they said in the future soccer would become massively popular in America and we would all use the metric system. Didn't happen. The metric system is pretty much only used to refer to illicit drugs, but almost every American kid in the suburbs plays in a soccer league at least once.

Alan Black's "Kick The Balls" is about his adventures coaching a kids' soccer league, yes. But it is much more. It's about Alan trying to assimilate into the American suburbs. And this is the super funny stuff. No one is safe from Black's barbs: TV preachers, kids, Dockers pants, parents, multiculturalism, the cult of the suburban lawn. Oh and it's not just a snarky hit piece on the easy target of suburban life, Black reserves his sharpest wit to mock himself: a cynical, uncomfortable, Scottish transplant to California. Recommended to anyone in need of a hearty jaundiced laugh at the world and themselves. Extra bonus funny (and insightful) if you are in the position of trying to cope with maintaining your identity and making new friends in a suburban, middle class, vanilla wasteland (i.e., if you're like this reviewer).

My Grand Children read and reread this book. We are all looking foward to the spring.

The Mom's Choice Awards® honors excellence in family-friendly media, products and services. An esteemed panel of judges includes education, media and other experts as well as parents, children, librarians, performing artists, producers, medical and business professionals, authors, scientists and others. A sampling of the panel members includes: Dr. Twila C. Liggett, Ten-time Emmy-winner, professor and founder of Reading Rainbow; Julie Aigner-Clark, Creator of Baby Einstein and The Safe Side Project; Jodee Blanco, New York Times Best-Selling Author; LeAnn Thieman, Motivational speaker and coauthor of seven Chicken Soup For The Soul books; Florrie Binford-Kichler, Founder of Patria Press, Inc.- an award-winning independent publisher and Member of The Children's Book Council; Tara Paterson, Certified Parent Coach, and founder of The Just For Mom Foundation(tm) and the Mom's Choice Awards®. Parents and educators look for the Mom's Choice Awards® seal in selecting quality materials and products for children and families. This book has been honored by this distinguished award.

Gardening is lots of fun, especially with this project-oriented introduction that offers 17 different gardening projects with kids in mind, from growing a hanging basket of vegetables to creating a water garden complete with fish. Simple lists of what's needed to start each project are embellished by color photos of young gardeners and botany insights with simple facts. Children in grades 3-5 will find Kids' Container Gardening most inviting.

I have 2 children, and this book brought great ideas to our family. It really created ways we could enjoy time and projects together. My son and I used one of the projects ( container gardening) for his school science project-it was fantastic.

I definately recommend this book for all parents and children. We are giving a copy to Josh's teacher as an end of the year present as well!

I always am looking for great books with lots of kid friendly projects, as I am a teacher, and I have to say, this is one of the best! It is well organized, expertly researched and written, and is very versitile. The projects are applicable for a large span of age groups, and easilty adapted to whatever enironment you are using it in, whether home or school.
I bought 2 copies, one for the school, and one for myself- I can't wait to do these projects with my own children!

My 9 year old son just started to play and we knew NOTHING about the sport. This kept it simple and also helped us to help him at home.

I coach high school Lacrosse in Missouri, and have found this book a valuable tool in teaching Lacrosse to my players and their parents. I also loan this book out to other coaches and assistant coaches. The book is very comprehensive, but it is so easy to understand, that a total novice at Lacrosse is able to understand the game and even feel like an authority. It covers rules, history and strategy. In an area where Lacrosse is relatively new, this book is a god-send

Hey, I'm a 14 year old all county state and divios player and sting attack/ meddie for the chappaqua cross fire. i hily sagest you ording this book. 3 years ago this book got me into to the game. i had the skills but not the rules down. it was fun to read and i still look back at it. email me i always luv to talk about lacrosse. hell ya my email is bballjg87@aol.com and title it lax stuff. thanxs great book and good luck

This book is an excellent tool for novices of the game. It gives chapters about the positions and techniques of the game and could be very helpul if you are learning lacrosse. It is also a resourceful tool as a coach (of kids under about 14) and gives pointers on all aspects of the game. If you have been playing lacrosse for a while you may want to look to another source for information about the game, although this book would be somewhat entertaining.

This book helped me out a lot. I play goalie and defense and this book has very helpful sections on both postitions. My firends and I brought this to our team practice and our coach read it and said that he will use all of the drills given to help us out. This is a very good buy and i reccomend it to every beginning and advanced player out there.

Written in the early 1925's,this is the best work of William Tatem Tilden-The best tennis player of all times-as a tennis author.It provide the first insight of how technology of shot making affects the dynamics of the match itself.As the title implies that through match practice,perfection;which is never attainable,can be reach.The author presents future stars of the sport and give his personal perception about them. Remember that this work was written in the euphoria of the twenties by a well manered author that knew his trade of his profession-tennis!

Written in the early 1925's,this is the best work of William Tatem Tilden-The best tennis player of all times-as a tennis author.It provide the first insight of how technology of shot making affects the dynamics of the match itself.As the title implies that through match practice,perfection;which is never attainable,can be reach.The author presents future stars of the sport and give his personal perception about them. Remember that this work was written in the euphoria of the twenties by a well manered author that knew his trade of his profession-tennis!

It confounds me why there has never been a movie made about this man. His story has all the parts of a great drama. A great athlete. A man of the world. An respected author. And a man who finally fell because of his background. A tragedy. What a man. What a story. And what a movie it would be.

It should be onr of the first books to get if you have a collection. As a tennis pro, the instruction is outdated and techniques don't apply as much to today's game but for 1925 it was cutting edge. It's entertaining

Written in the early 1925's,this is the best work of William Tatem Tilden-The best tennis player of all times-as a tennis author.It provide the first insight of how technology of shot making affects the dynamics of the match itself.As the title implies that through match practice,perfection;which is never attainable,can be reach.The author presents future stars of the sport and give his personal perception about them. Remember that this work was written in the euphoria of the twenties by a well manered author that knew his trade of his profession-tennis!

I have read all of Ann Ball's books on the saints and enjoyed this book and the second book by the same name the most. Understanding their history and the context for the saints lives and beliefs helped me to understand that sainthood is attainable. There were excellent photos of many of the saints which brought them, as individuals, alive. The only frustration I had with the book is that some of the information about individual saints is very sparse and left me, like a small bowl of popcorn, wanting more!
I am only sorry that there are no more of her books left for me to read.

This is the first source I'd recommend for teenagers or adults wanting to learn more about real people who have been declared Saint or Blessed by the Church.

Both volumes of this set focus on "Modern Saints" (of the past 150 years or so) and each story is complemented by photographs of the Saint - reinforcing the truth that the Saints aren't just about ancient history, but were living, breathing people just like us. They each struggled with challenges and difficulties of their own time and place, but each have experiences and make choices that are relevant to us today.

This is volume 2 of the 2 volume work.

510 Pp. PB. Impr. 177 Illus. 45 saints, beati, and other holy people of the past 200 years, and their pictures; most are actual photographs. Sanctity in our own time. Includes the Cure of Ars, St. Catherine Laboure, St. Therese the Little Flower, St. Pius X, Vens. Jacinta and Francisco Marto, Dom Columba Marmion, St. Elizabeth Seton, Pauline Jaricot, Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity, Sr. Josefa Menedez, St. Joseph Cafasso, St. Madeleine Sophie Barat, St. Vincent Pallotti, Theresa Neumann, and many more. Shows there are people living today who will one day be canonized Saints.

This is Volume One of a Two volume set. 458 Pp. PB. Impr. 175 Illus. Stories of 55 saints, beati, and holy people of the past 200 years, along with their pictures; most are actual photographs. Sanctity in our own time. Includes St. Gemma Galgani, St. Bernadette, St. Maria Goretti, St. John Neumann, St. Gabriel Possenti, Padre Pio, Edith Stein, St. Peter Julian Eymard, St.Frances Cabrini, St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. John Bosco, Charles de Foucauld, St. Dominic Savio, and many, many more. Will bring hours and hours of pleasure and entertainment to the entire family. A book you just cannot stop reading!!

Each chapter is a synopsis of the life of a Catholic saint or venerable person who lived some time in the last few centuries. Photos of almost every saint are included. This is a great introduction to some modern saints, and will certainly challenge us with examples of holiness in the modern world.

This is one book that does not live on the book shelves, it lives in the pantry and is used all the time. Not only was it an interesting and informative read, it's incredibly helpful in planning meals and parties. Love it!

This is hands down the most useful wine and food pairing book I have ever read. If you have a recipe for the dish, the wine match is in this book.

must have near your wine cellar! each time i cook a dish or even having a take out, i can look up appropriate wine for it in just few seconds without needing to read several pages why and how to match them. The reference in the begging is there in case your wondering how these matches were made, but if u r in a hurry to match wine and food and start enjoying them, it is a good book.

I was pleasanlty surprised by this book. I was just looking for guidelines in paring food and wine, but what I got was the most comprehensive, information on grape varieties, styles of wines, wine making, tasting guidelines, and more. The Taste of Wine section was so chock full of information, it covered more than I got from the 10 or more wine books I currently have in my library. I never knew there were so many varieties of wines! The Wine and Food section is exhaustive and a must for any foodie. I feel so much more informed on my favorite subject(s). I liked this book so much I just purchased a second copy for a friend. This book will benefit any budding oenophile or experienced wine lover, not to mention foodie. Hats of to Ms. Johnson-Bell

The sections on pairing wines with food and pair foods with wine are good -- simple tables that make it easy to look things up. The categories are just the right size (some other books are either too broad or too detailed). However, the reasoning at how to pair without a table is only so-so. The author goes to great extent (too far?) pointing out her qualifications and experience with doing this, but is it necessary? A good one-third of the book could be dropped without noticing. I would only keep the one-third with the tables. Regardless, it is one that I will continue to refer to when I want new ideas or confirmation.

Dr. Jones' book does a wonderful job explaining "Why me Lord". It is a must read for those who recently had to deal with tragedy. It is also helpful to others in gaining an understanding of life's up and downs and how faith and God works in your life through challenging times. It is well written, easy to read, and truly insightful.

I have to mention that I am a member of Greg's current Church. This book does a wonderful job of describing God, and how to make God a part your life - everyday. It doesn't take long to read (it took me about two hours). For those having a crisis of faith, I would call it a "must read." ...I would hope many who ask "why" would read this book. It is written in common, easy to read language. As you read it you KNOW what is written is TRUTH.

"This is a wonderful exploration of how we are to understand
and respond to suffering, misfortune and death, especially
when the tragedy seems unjust or undeserved. The book is
filled with wonderful stories and personal experiences from
Greg Jones' life and ministry. He clarifies what we should and
should not expect of God in such crises. Those who heed the
wisdom of this book will grow in the face of adversity."

Edward A. White, Senior Consultant, The Alban Institute

I began reading this book [recently]. The world was asking "where was God" on that day. Dr. Jones discusses that very question and his insight was comforting. This book brought a new dimension to my faith and my trust in God's love and power in our daily lives. The book is easy to read and understand and very helpful for anyone that has lost a loved one or is dealing with a personal "why me, Lord" situation. I highly recommend it.

"I experienced tears and laughter while reading Play the Ball
Where The Monkey Drops It, which tells me this book truly
speaks of the nature of life...It can save you a lot of hard
fought learning and move you up several classes with its
wisdom."

Bernie Siegel, M.D., author of Love, Medicine and Miracles