Bernstein Books

Dr. D. Kim Singleton, noted psychologist, has braved a wilderness whose path is rarely travelled. Broken Silence helps black women give voice to their pain and rejection in a society that has been less than encouraging to them.

The compassionate and graceful manner in which Dr. Singleton approaches, addresses and eventually aids her patients will help many women reading this book readily embrace therapy as a viable option in the fight against negative experiences from the past. It is a must-read for anyone crushed by the double whammy of racism and sexism in our society.

Because Dr. Singleton is an African American woman, I must admit that I was ready to trust her as soon as I opened the book. After reading Broken Silence, I can truly say that I experienced a certain level of healing, personally. The book helped me understand how a professional can help me identify a problem; determine goals that will change the problem; put into practice measures that will bring about my goals and maintain the right attitude and therapist to insure continued success on my life's journey.

I would recommend Broken Silence to everyone, but especially to African American women. By mastering a tool that has been traditionally mistrusted in our community, Dr. Singleton has used psychotherapy to pierce the silence of the eight black women in her book, and in so doing has offered hope and wholeness to all women everywhere.

Dr. Singleton's book is right on time for the African American woman of today, because as quiet as it's kept, we are hurting and need to be healed. As a 17 year old African American female I opened the book and from reading the first page I knew that it was not another one of those "How-To" books. We all know about the sudden trend in writing motivational books where the author has an eyecatching title like "How To Heal Your Broken Soul With Five Easy and Totally Doable Steps!", written by some person who couldn't be further away from their target readers.

Dr. Singleton's book is far from anything like that. This book is real and with every chapter dedicated to another hurt and troubled Black woman, the reader can relate to one,if not two or three of the women. This book is not just for middle-aged Black woman.It is for any woman of any age."Broklen Silence" is simply put and can be read in no time, and even if you find that every chapter is not aplicable to you, each reader should find Singleton's ending 10 Priciples of Affirmation.

Thank you for writing this book Dr. Singleton.There is someone of my generation out here reading it.

Broken Silence is an exceptional book that I found to be very captivating. I am an African-American male and I believe that every "brother" should read this book, and gain an understnading of the women in their lives as well as themselves. We all have loved ones, friends or co-workers who at some time in their life will go through a period of emotional or psychic distress and will need guidance to successfully cope with the situation. All too often the women in our lives suffer in silence, hence the title of the book.

In the preface, Dr. Singleton stated that she had to undergo therapy herself as part of her training and found it to be an unpleasant experience. This helps to explain part of the reason for so much resistance in our community towards therapy, especially if the therapist comes from another cultural background. Dr. Singleton manages to combine therapy with good old-fashioned wisdom and thereby gain the trust of those who have come to her for help.

Eight women are profiled in the book, a representative sample of the thousands of people Dr. Singleton has assisted over the years. Dr. Singleton shows in each different situation, how to turn a negative experience into one of empowerment and triumph. Pychological counseling is not an easy process and it takes a lot of time and hard work, just like in any good relationship. As I read this book, it brought to mind a movie I saw last year, the Antwone Fisher Story. I saw men who were moved to tears by that film and this book could have the same impact.

This culture and society has never been a facilitating environment for good relationships between African-American women and men. Today our young people are constantly bombarded with misogamist (hatred of marriage) and misogyny (hatred of women) messages through videos, music and television. The society has never embraced us as equals in the workplace either as we witness the attack upon affirmative action. It is very hard to be sane in an insane world. Dr. Singleton shows in her book, Broken Silence, that no matter how dire your personal, family, or work situation, through therapy and love, you can become a strong and vibrant woman. The process works for the "brothers" too. We all need help from time to time and should not be ashamed to seek it. This book should be placed upon everyone's "must read" list.

This book is great beginning for women who are uncertain about whether they need to seek professional help! She really has captured the essence of Black women and their path to therapy. I have recommended it to many of my friends.

Dr. Singleton prefaces the novel, Broken Silence, by quoting an axiom from a t-shirt she once saw: "Being a Black Woman Is One of the Hardest Jobs in the World." She comments that this maxim has proven itself true as evidenced in the lives of her clients. Too often women of color hide behind walls of silence (with disastrous consequences), only turning to therapy when the burdens become too heavy to bear. I loved the way the author substantiated this point by citing the historical "silent suffering" experienced by African American slaves as fodder for pain; how religion is repeatedly viewed as the only means of relief; and how the "silent suffering" is still deeply rooted in the modern African American psyche.

The middle portion of the book contains eight success stories of black women who have benefited from therapy. Each woman has different types of issues ranging from emotional and sexual abuse, relationship issues, and self-respect/identity problems. Dr. Singleton introduces each story with care and compassion. Her objectivity, presentation of the issues, and counsel to her patients are helpful, sound, and sensible. She has simplified highly complex problems which allow the reader to easily empathize and learn from the lessons of others. My only comment here is she might have over-simplified a bit too much, but her advice and strategies to minimize stress and encourage her clients are wonderful.

I think this book is an excellent resource for women, especially black women, who need to know that they are not alone in their experiences with abuse, failed relationships, and/or career disappointments. It also provides clear explanations and warning signs along with practical suggestions and exercises for healthier living. It demonstrates that personal change is possible and helps women realize that if they choose to overcome the cultural stigma of therapy, they will find the support, comfort, relief, and balance needed to let the healing begin.

Reviewed by Phyllis

I found this book by accident and after reading it I am very glad I found it.This book is a great way for anyone wanting to start a spiritual path but are not sure how to go about it. You don't have to be Wiccan to use this book as not all Pagans are Wiccan. It gives you a brief history of the God/dess of the month,practices and prayers to do etc.A different approach to a Pagan way of life.

Classical Living has opened a part of Roman life that is not portrayed in history books. The calendar, festival and life cycle events make ancient Rome real and connected to living today. After reading the book, I now see how many of our contemporary holidays and celebrations have their roots in Rome. While the recipes did not always sound exactly like what Roman's prepared, I certainly can see that the were appropriate and representative of the spirit of Rome.

It takes you on a journey back in time thousand of years ago to a place hauntingly strange yet familiar and you may find that you want to stay there or at least bring a little of it back with you. This is a beautifully written book encompassing the very essense of pagan Roman Religion and the Via Romana (Roman way). It depicts the ancient Roman culture as inclusive, diverse and deeply rooted in religion, tradition and duty. The thorough and reader friendly format revolves around the calendar, the foundation of Roman Religion, and offers up a guide to monthly observances that honor the ancient rituals and beliefs in a modern context. Highly recommended and used by the Temple as a great introduction to the Religio Romana.

I absolutely love this book. I often buy Wiccan books that reveal details about the months of the year, solar and lunar celebrations, traditions, rites and rituals, prayers, etc. This lovely book takes us to Classical times and reveals myths, celebrations, and related events of each month. It's wonderful. You can really see how so many of later Wiccan beliefs and even Christian beliefs came out of Classical Rome. If you are a Wiccan, a lover of Classical times, or even a Medieval lover, you will really enjoy Dr. Bernstein's hard work. A great edition to any collection of myths, gods, goddesses, celebrations, and rituals. Lots of nice details.

What a wonderful book to discover! I read it in one sitting and longed for a "Classical Living 2000 Calendar" to go with it, not to mention a cookbook, tour of Italy, likeminded group to share it with. Bernstein generously shares her knowledge in a sumptuous read that has inspired me on a fresh spiritual quest.

For me, this book was a fun and very usable introduction to a new world of foods...and the Rhone-style wines that go with them.

I admit it: I'd rather go to Sonoma than to Napa. And when I do go to Sonoma, I always try to visit the author's restaurant, The Girl and The Fig, located on the corner of the Town Square. When I can't be there, I love using the book at home to remind me of being there.

I like this book a lot and use it about once a month.

I purchased this for a Christmas present and she loved it! There are some recipes that are a little too fancy for my taste, but otherwise this book includes great recipes to serve with individual wines.

This book by restaurant owner Sondra Bernstein, with recipes by executive chef John Toulze represents the cuisine served at a chain of Sonoma County based restaurants after which the book is titled. Based on the passions of Ms. Bernstein and her staff, the book and the restaurants focus on figs; dishes based on figs; the produce of Sonoma County; the cuisine of Provence, France; and the similarity of the terroir of Sonoma with Provence.

One object of the book is to publicize the chain of restaurants and the line of products based on the owner's love of figs. This is not too unusual, as I am certain this is one of the motives behind every celebrity chef / restaurant owner's cookbook. Some, like Tom Colicchio are less obvious about this interest. Others, like Emeril Lagasse, are pretty out front about this objective. All restaurant based cookbooks aim at providing the reader with some twist to their cuisine or it's presentation which adds sugar to the bait to create an interest in the restaurant(s).

One special feature of this book is borrowed from Ms. Bernstein's distinguished California culinary neighbor, Thomas Keller of the French Laundry. This is the addition of sidebars on some of the restaurants' more important, or, at least, more interesting suppliers. This includes fig, mushroom, and cheese vendors, past and present. This highlights one weakness to the book, in that it is so thoroughly based on what is available from the gardens and vineyards of Sonoma County. Not everyone in the United States is blessed with access to wild mushrooms and the talented foragers who supply them, or to cheeses from artisinal cheese makers. Happily, the chef / recipe writer has supplied generally available products to substitute for his Sonoma pantry.

The cornerstone of the book's cuisine is the parallel between the Sonoma and Provence produce and the cuisine which can be based on that similarity. Therefore, it should be no surprise to see most recipes appear to be straight out of the pages of books by Patricia Wells and Lydie Marshall. One of the most pleasant parallels is that the Bernstein / Toulze cuisine is based on fairly simple recipes, often with the kind of recipe modularity of sauces and pantry preparations common to an influence from Julia Child. The recipes for stocks, for example are about as simple as they come. There is no Thomas Keller / Judy Rodgers obsessiveness about technique here. Most recipes follow a recent quote I heard from Wolfgang Puck who said that the trick was to start with great ingredients and try not to mess them up. There are some unusual twists, such as the cooking oil of choice, a `blended oil' of one part olive oil and three parts canola oil. I am totally baffled that disciples of Provencal cuisine should eschew pure olive oil.

The recipes are organized by size and role of the dish rather than by main ingredient. Recipe chapters are:

`a small bite' hors d'ourves with figs, radishes, mushrooms, olives, shellfish, charcuterie, and crackers
`from the garden to the stockpot' soups, including many Provencal classics
`in the salad bowl' with lots of vinaigrettes, figs, asparagus, beans, endive, beets, walnuts, and cheese
`large plates' 25 familiar dishs such as pastas, coq au vin, duck cassoulet, and lamb shanks
`sauce over and under' with lots of butter, aioli, pistou, rouille, citrus, shallots, remoulade, and figs
`on the side' with lots of balsamic reductions, familiar vegetable, polenta, couscous, olives, mushrooms...
`sweets' with lots of figs, apples, pears, nuts, lavender, cheese, and cream

The cuisine owes a fair amount to the exchange of cuisine between Provence and northern Italy, with a fairly substantial contingent of recipes involving pasta, risotto, polenta, cipollini onions and balsamic vinegar. This makes the abandoning pure olive oil in favor of the blended oil even more puzzling. In spite of this mystery, I am certain that these recipes, especially those based on figs, are superior to many and worthy of the authors' dedication to Provence.

One very serious aspect of the restaurants' connection to Provence is Ms. Bernstein's commitment to wines based on varietals originating in the Rhone valley rather than the wines which made Napa and Sonoma wines famous. These are the Carignane, cinsault, Grenache, Roussanne, Syrah and Vognier grapes. All but the Syrah are unfamiliar to me, but that's just a symptom of my ignorance of wine. Each recipe gives a very simple recommendation of wine selected from this list. The emphasis on simple is important to contrast it to the elaborate, sometimes arcane recommendations given by Patricia Wells and others.

The authors' dedication to their chosen cuisine and their featured product is genuine and fruitful, producing many simultaneously simple and worthy recipes. There are occasionally long recipes for standards such as cassoulet and coq au vin, but that should be no surprise. They have convinced me to look forward to a visit to their restaurants if I ever get to northern California.

Recommended recipes for even novice cooks. A good read at a fairly reasonable list price. If you already own 10 books on Provence cuisine, you may want to take a pass.

As a local who lives and works within two blocks of the girl & the fig restaurant, I admit to being biased, but I just have to correct the previous reviewer: the girl & the fig restaurant is not and has never been a chain! There's only one restaurant, and it's my favorite place to take visitors who want to experience authentic Sonoma Valley cuisine at its very yummiest and most inspiring. The cookbook is a delicious introduction to the area for foodies who are still planning their first visit ... and a great way to keep the experience alive for those who can't wait to come back. I highly recommend it.

My first experience with Girl and the Fig was it's first home in Glenn Ellen, CA. which is still there. The restaurant quickly became a favorite. The newer restaurant in the town of Sonoma, also excellent, has a wonderful bar. Great place to join friends for a glass of wine from their excellent wine list or enjoy one of the best martinis. They have also opened a restaurant in Petaluma, CA.
I am delighted that they have finally come out with this wonderful cook book. It represents the best of the Girl and the Fig's cuisine. I love to cook and I am thrilled to have this cook book in my collection.

Patricia Eslava Vessey shows us intentionality in making your life become what you want it to be and Ken Piazza Malchiodi teaches that unconditional love means sensitivity toward those who we tend to ignore. Patricia was my "retirement" coach - I went from fear and trembling into a satisfying retirement life! Get a life coach - it is well worth it.

I purchased this book because I know one of the contributing authors--Patricia Eslava Vessey "Discovering Your Core Heart Essence (CHE).

I have had the opportunity of working with her on a personal training level, and liked her outlook on life, it's challenges, and how you can take a "bad" situation and use that as a springboard to find your "CHE."

This book is a great gift for those around you that are in a "rut." I like the different chapters, all written by different authors. It gives a different perspective and anyone who picks up this book will relate to at least one, if not more, of the chapters in this quick and easy ready!

I keep it in the bag I carry with me. Anytime I need a break from the stress, or just need a "pick me up" I refer to one of the chapters. I like the different writing styles, the book is written from their experiences, while at the same time keeps it "real" without getting too "clinical."

I was privileged to be part of the editorial preparation of this book, so I know the chapters intimately. Each of these coaches brings brilliant expertise into her aspect of fostering success in building a vibrant relationship. The chapters are an interesting, easy read, and the contents are both pithy and practical. You cannot go wrong in purchasing this book because it's juicy contents will aggrandize your life! I highly recommend it. I own it!

What a great concept. We are all so busy these days that we don't take enough time to know ourselves and figure out what WE truly need. I really enjoyed the chapter by Ann Golden Egle on Falling In Love With Yourself. This is something we should all do, and every one in our lives will be the better for it!

After reading this book twice already, I'm much more aware where I am in my life, where I want to be, and how to get there. Those coaches are a beacon of experience and inspiration! I was especially transformed with the chapter 'Designing Your Success', where author Denise Braunstein coaches us through an unforgetable step-by-step life changing journey. Simply brilliant. Cheers to your best life!

This is a great book.

I almost didn't purchase it b/c as a "starving student," I try to avoid purchasing expensive textbooks.

But this book is fabulous. It reviews everything you have to know in an organized and succinct matter.

This is a much needed, remarkably thorough, and illuminating survey of musculoskeletal medicine. Dr. Bernstein is clear, thoughtful, and insightful. I find it incredibly useful and predict it will become the bible for everyone practicing in this area.

I highly recommend it.

This is an excellent review of musculoskeletal medicine -- it focuses on all aspects of the care of patients with musculoskeletal problems from their medical management to their post-opeartive care. Furthermore, the text delves into the basic sciences and the background regarding the manifestations of these disorders. A must read for medical students, orthopaedic residents, primary care physicains, nurse practioners, trainers, etc etc ... this book impacts anyone who works with patients.

Dr. Bernstein, one of the most accomplished teachers (and practitioners) of orthopedic medicine, has amassed a very useful and insightful text on musculoskeletal medicine. It is the first of its kind; before its publication and widespread adoption by medical schools this year, medical education only encompassed a high-level overview of orthopedics. This book is indispensable to any medical education; indeed, medical training without this invaluable resource is incomplete. Consumers who are interested in the subject of orthopedics and sports medicine will also find this book to be truly accessible and a welcome addition to their bookshelves.

One more word: Dr. Bernstein, a professor of orthopedics at a well respected medical school, isn't just interested in theory. His text is written in an cheerful manner and blooms with useful diagnostic information that makes his subject come to life.

Buy it!

this is a must read for medical students and also medical doctors. I am in practice 22 years and I am ashamed how much of this material I did not know

It was a month before Rosh Hashanah and I had not yet written a sermon for the 150 people coming on the Adventure Rabbi retreat. Then, one image in this extraordinary book, gave me all I needed. (I wont give it away but when you read it, look for the bit about the mother eagle hovering above her nest.) This is a beautiful and thought provoking book.
- Rabbi Jamie Korngold, the Adventure Rabbi, authorGod in the Wilderness: Rediscovering the Spirituality of the Great Outdoors with the Adventure Rabbi

As a Green Christian who believes that the Bible is the inspired word of God, I found Ellen Bernstein's "Splendor of Creation" very inspirational. Like the author, my heart matured with a fervent love of nature, the land, farming and homesteading, in the the 1970's; before I found my faith in God. Written autobiographically, the author looks at the Genesis story of creation, using commentary from various rabbis, women, and environmentalists, down through the ages. Bernstein refutes the old sixties radical argument that the Bible endorses domination and exploitation of nature by western civilization. Like slavery in the American south, the excessive profiteering of corporate America, misuses the Bible to justify their own exploitation; be it human beings of color or this good earth that nourishes our living. Careful examination of the Scripture of Genesis by Bernstein neutralizes a flawed critique of non-believing environmentalists. In this way the forces for green restoration clarify their critique of that which is destroying the planet; not God at all, but rather deceptions and unethical greed in the human heart, from corporate and government behemoths, right down to the hearts of every consumer. But this book is personal, not abstract, so that all of us can arise and shine; inspired to do our little part from this day forth!
Bernstein writes of her own life, her love of nature's wilderness, her college age discovery of Judaism after becoming an ecologist, and how her growing spiritual awareness revealed the love of the Creator for the Creation as well as all its creatures, intricate flora and fauna, and peoples. Little of this book criticizes the environmental crisis coming faster and faster upon the whole world. Instead, finding wisdom in the Scripture to sensitize her heart to all of life, the author lives a green life, creating a garden in her city block, and taking on the challenge of bringing more ecological awareness to the Jewish community.
I found brilliant bits of encouraging wisdom that didn't let up through out the book! She added to my conviction that the time has come for Jews,Christians and others, to look again at their sacred Scriptures and learn how to number our days and live the life our Creator intends: generous, learning the limits of our planet, trusting God as the contradictions of consumer obsession and big business self-interest, rape and break more and more of what God created, ordered and called good. We may be part of the solution by simply determining to walk in compassion and wisdom.
But green restoration needs a growing artistic culture to overcome the distress that business as usual burdens most of us with. Although being green often is as challenging as a David facing one hundred Goliaths, "The Splendor of Creation" inspired me that in the Judaec Scripture is the wisdom and hope one can draw upon to meet the challenges of today and the ages to come. I highly recommend this book and believe that its style and content are prophetic of a new global genre that shall accompany humanity's movement to restore all of earth's splendor of creation. You might even say that the glory of the latter earth household shall be greater than that of the former!!!(See Haggai 2:9) Buy it, read it, give it away to a friend, and start your own garden; be it in New York City or rural anywhere! This book will show you that it's not too late for America to learn what the psalmist wrote in Psalm 49:20: "A man who has riches without understanding is like the beasts that perish."

The Splendor of Creation is one of those charmingly rare books that can be read in one afternoon-then reread again and again. Each fresh reading of Ellen Bernstein's book provides a novel soul-enriching experience. Bernstein examines Genesis I from a passionate perspective-relevant to her deep love for the environment. Her faith is evident in each paragraph. Revealing rabbinic interpretation and an enlightened translation of Judaic prose and poetry, the book educates and inspires readers of any religion. The reader is drawn into the eloquence of her ecology-and is returned to the modern world with renewed spirit. The Splendor of Creation includes sacred commentaries on sublime mysteries of the Kabbalah-and Jewish mystics of the seventeenth century. Following the example of R. Bahya ibn Pakuda, Bernstein writes about her own spiritual experience hoping to benefit others. As a scientist and a person of faith, Bernstein guides the reader on her intimate path towards deep ecology. Bernstein reveals order and pattern in the seven days of creation-as well as the mystery of creation. On the first day of creation, the universe is characterized by chaos and confusion-the catalyst for transformation is God. God's breath. Bernstein shows that spiritual interpretation of God's breath is compatible with current scientific theory of creation. When God said, "Let there be light," (1.3) an original light, brighter and more powerful than sunlight, came into being, according to ancient rabbinical text. Bernstein says this is the soul's light-as the midrash teaches that all souls are created on day one. It is the creative skill of "seeing with soul," that connects us to the earth and to God. "God saw that the light was good." (1.4) Pattern is revealed in the primary rhythm of darkness and light. Day one reveals a cycle of order and morning clarity-the blurring of boundaries between chaos and order. "And there was evening and there was morning, one day." (1.5) On day two of creation, God said, "Let there be an expanse"-a rakia. (1.6) Rakia is so mysterious that Nachmanides suggests it should never be mentioned. Bernstein says "air" is a fitting translation of the term-allowing all creatures and humans to breath. Air is separated from the waters. Patterns of boundaries are sacred to creation. Such patterns and boundaries are evident in ecology. The rakia division sets boundaries and limits. According to Bernstein, boundary-crossings are never innocent-honoring the boundaries is integral to a creation ethic. God does not proclaim "goodness" on the second day. On day three of creation, God said, "Let the water under the sky be gathered together unto one place and let the dry land appear." (1.9) Habitats are created. The circulatory system of the earth is established-water. Water can absorb contaminants-cleansing and purifying the earth. In Jewish mysticism, water symbolizes human feelings and emotions. Human spirit is connected to the elements of our planet. Dry land, the opposite of water, emerges. "Where water is the element of fluidity and transformation, earth is the element of stability and permanence" (p. 31). More boundaries are established. "And God saw that it was good." (1.10) Also on day three of creation, God said, "Let the earth sprout spouts, grass seed seeds, and fruit make fruit after its kind." (1.11) The earth participates in creation. The earth is prolific-it is alive. Plants sustain life and procreate. Life is established to feed further creation of life. Cycles and patterns are evident. When the earth brings forth these events, the earth obeys God-it creates. "And God saw that it was good." (1.12) On day four of creation, God said, "Let there be lights in the expanse of the heaven to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons and for days and for years." (1.14) Bernstein calls this the ecology of time. Ecological niches can share space-but be separated by diurnal cycles. Cycles, order, pattern, boundaries, and limits. God is evident in ecology. "And God saw that is was good." (1.18) Bernstein reminds us that the first three days are coupled with the corresponding creation in the next three days. The creation of the soul-light in day one is the foundation for the creation of diurnal and seasonal cycles in day four. The creation of rakia in day two divides the sea from the sky-the habitats for the creation of fish of the sea and birds of the sky in day five. The separation of dry land from the waters on day three provides the habitat for the creation of animals and humans on day six. There is order in creation. On day five of creation, God said, "Let the water swarm with living swarming souls, and let flyers fly above the earth in the expanse of the sky." (1.20) Creatures in motion appear. Each creature created is increasingly mobile-moving about to find food. God blesses the creatures in motion and orders them to multiply-sustaining creation. God does not proclaim goodness on day five of creation. On day six of creation, God said, "Let the earth bring forth a living soul after its kind: cattle and creeper and wild beast of the earth after its kind." (1.24) Bernstein shares her personal experience and discovery that God is the spontaneous energy that sparks life in all beings-the tame and the wild creatures alike. By finding our way back to nature we welcome the wild back into our lives and our environments. Conquering our fear of the wild enables us to conquer the fear of our own wild nature. According to Bernstein, we need to let our wild nature heal us-as we allow nature to heal. We should see the goodness in nature. "God saw that it was good." (1.25) God said, "Let us make adam in our image, after our likeness and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and the flyer of the heaven and the cattle and all the earth and every creeper that creeps on the earth." (1.26) God explicitly requests others to participate in the creation of humanity. According to various rabbis, "us" may refer to the angels, the four winds, the earth, or the birds and the beasts. In which case, the creatures choose humans to rule over them-as a God-serving purpose. And God blesses humans, ordering them to be fruitful and multiply. God orders humans to "replenish the earth and master it, and have dominion over the fish of the seas and the flyers of the heaven, and every live creature that creeps on the earth" (1.28). Bernstein warns against extracting the verse out of context in an anti-ecological sense. According to her, the "context of `dominion' in this verse is a blessing/bracha, a divine act of love" (p. 111). The adam is God's representative-overseeing all the animals and plants. It is an honor and a responsibility.

I highly recommend Ellen Burnstein's new book called, The Splendor of Creation. It is the biblical story of the seven days of creation as viewed from an environmental perspective. Ellen offers her own insight and personal experiences as well as those of other Jewish philosophers and naturalists. She makes the case for why religious communities have become more active in the environmental movement in recent years. Ellen writes, "The Bible and ecology both teach humility, modesty, kindness to all beings, a reverence for life, and concern for future generations." Ellen is the founder of the first Jewish environmental group, Shomrei Adamah, Keepers of the Earth. She writes in her new book, "If churches and synagogues could teach people to read the Bible with ecological eyes and see spirituality in ecological terms, then we'd have a built-in infrastructure for expanding environmental awareness and practice". Her book is an inspiration to me and an affirmation of the connections that I feel between my own faith and that of environmental stewardship.

For too long has the ecology movement blamed the Bible (and indirectly the Jews) for Western civilization's negative attitudes about "subduing" or "dominating" the earth. This book will go a long way toward correcting that misperception. Both Jews and Christians will be pleasantly surprised at what Judaism REALLY teaches regarding respect for God's creation.

Author Ellen Bernstein, founder of Shomrei Adamah ("Guardians of the Earth," a Jewish ecology org), did not start out as a "religious" Jew per se. As she explains in this book, she was an outdoors-type person who got involved in the secular ecology movement, then began exploring her Judaism through the back door, so to speak. There came a point when she realized that politics and activism were not enough. But the ecologists often ignored the religious dimension -- or were openly hostile to it. The movement lacked a connection to the God-as-Creator. Bridging religion and ecology became her personal quest. The result is this excellent little book with a very big message: That religion and science can be reconciled in the Book of Genesis.

Bernstein goes verse-by-verse through the first chapter of Genesis, focusing on each step of the Creation process. She quotes both the original Hebrew and a modern English translation, highlighting specific words in both texts. Then she weaves together material from traditional and contemporary Jewish commentaries, scientific research and nature observations, writers in the ecology movement, and her own personal experiences as an outdoorswoman. The result is a very readable yet profound midrash (Jewish commentary).

This is not Creationism -- she clearly accepts the theory of evolution and notes that the Genesis story pretty much follows the order of the scientific evidence. However, it could be considered a form of "intelligent design," because Bernstein also sees the Hand of God behind it all. She writes with a deep, living faith that shines on every page. Bernstein is not Orthodox (she belongs to a Jewish Renewal-type community in Philadelphia) but Jews of all backgrounds -- including my fellow Orthodox brethren -- can learn a lot from her insights.

On the technical end, the book is divided into chapters according to each day of the Creation story, then into sub-sections focusing on specific words and/or ideas. You can either read the whole thing through in one sitting (as I did the first time) or use excerpts as jumping-off points for discussion. Each sub-section is relatively complete in itself, so that it can be read at a study session or around the Sabbath table. In fact, one could stucture an entire Torah/Bible course around the lessons in this book.

In short, this is an important commentary that should be included in every study of Genesis. I would give it ten stars if I could. And as for the REAL origin(s) of those "dominating nature" attitudes, start with Descartes, a NON-JEWISH European, materialistic philospher who saw everything in very mechanical terms. See Roberta Kalechofsky's book, "Vegetarian Judaism," for a whole chapter on how Descarte's ideas permeated Western thought about the treatment of animals and nature. Cartesianism is most definitely NOT Judaism!

The book is medium-it isn't an easy book you only play once and then you're bored, but it isn't very difficult. Some of the arrangements are needlessly crazy, but some are well done. A piano player of about 3-5 years is about the right level.

The piano and vocals are clearly printed which makes for a good quality score. Chords for each harmony are printed in the vocal sections but not in the introductary measures. Difficulty of music depends on the particular song for example, "Somewhere" and "One Hand, One Heart" are easier. I've enjoyed playing this music and would recommend it.

If you want to play/arrange/orchestrate or simply see the genius of Berstein, this is the way to go. As an arranger, I needed reference to orchestrate a West Side Story Medley for a show, and I'm not talking your regular "standard" tunes. This vocal score is also a piano reduction of the orchestrations and was aboslutely what I needed. You can see nearly every instrument line, counter melody, even instrument indications. This was the best $50.00 I may have every spent. Saved me hours and hours of trying to "lift" off the lines. They were all there, even for the dance sections from Cool & The Rumble, which is what I really needed. Don't hestitate if you're looking for the real Berstein stuff!

The music from West Side Story is captivating, and I love being able to relive it again and again. Hearing the music from the show takes you back to the story of a modern-day Romeo and Juliet.

If you're looking for a faithful translation from the full score, this is the one. This score is based on Bernstein latest revision as reflected in the Carreras Te Kanawa recording (1985).

But be warned, this score is only for upper-intermediate/advanced pianist, classically trained. It's not a fakebook, it's not a simplified/reduced piano score for casual use. The arrangement gives two alternatives for playing some part of the song, and you can choose to play it the hard way or the easier way (which is still rather difficult). The hard way is of course the most faithful to the orchestral score.

For example, the dance part in "America" can be played by using single notes of the left hands rather than using full chord, which is great if you're trying to cope with the tempo. The arrangement for the slow pieces such as "one hand one heart", "maria", "tonight", and "somewhere" is really beautiful.

Tip: Listen to the "west side story" conducted by Bernstein himself to get a grasp of the tempo, dynamics and phrasing.

The photography in this collection is some of the best, most colorful that I've seen. The interviews with the people in the book are very well done.
This is a must for anyone that has an interest in the native American culture.

I found this book to be entertaining and infomative. It moves the reader to a better understanding of the Native American Indian, their customs and their celebration of life.

Never have I found a more informative book on "the People" as this one. Being Native American myself, and wanting to learn more about my heritage, this book answered questions I've had for years. The pictures are amazingly vibrant. This book makes me proud to be a part of the Native American family.

I have had the pleasure of meeting over half of the people featured in this book. For those wishing to know more about Native American culture and pow wows, one would be hard pressed to find a better book. A beautiful illustration of a magnificent culture.

For anyone interested in Powwow and the American Indians, this book is a treat! It is loaded with beautiful photos of the dancers and their regalia as well as a wonderfully readable text. Each dancer profiled shares his or her own thoughts on being Indian in America today as well as what Powwow means to them. I found it hard to put down and I learned so much from these wonderful people who were willing to share their experiences.

This book gets you all hyped up about the 60's so long ago and yet not that long ago. It takes you through city by city of The Beatles US 1964,1965, and 1966 tours. Telling a period in the young lives of this generation what it was like to be turned upside down by the biggest rock group of all time. The book continues through the Apple years,Break-up and Solo years. There are pictures of The Beatles,fans,and memorbila that you wonder if you still have. I also saw them in Forest Hills tennis Stadium in Queens 1964, and Shea Stadium in 1966.

My introduction to Beatlemania was at the age of 10 finding a 45 of "Let it Be" in a stack of 45's in a box a neighbor had put out for garbage. Yup, I guess you could say that I was born a bit too late.

That's where this book comes in. "We're Going to See the Beatles!" brought me right smack dab in the middle of all those crazy kids - mostly girls - who went mad for the Beatles and in so doing ushered in a new era of culture, music, and politics.

Yeah, we all know those cliches. And that's the charm of this book, because it avoids all those looking-back analyses, and also all those glimpses from the hanger-ons, and instead tells the story of the Beatles Invasion through the eyes and hearts of their young and frenzied fans. So while I missed all that, this book made me feel a part of it, and I got caught up in it as if it were happening all over again. I think Berman did an excellent job of piecing together the many first-hand accounts to tell this story directly, without weighing it down with unnecessary commentary. Sadly, it also brings you along for the downward arc of the Fabs, but so the story went, and getting that choking lump in my throat for Lennon's murder made me realize how captivating this story truly is, especially as told by those who lived and breathed it while it was happening.

If you missed seeing the Beatles, do not miss reading this book.

I enjoyed this book so much. We're Going to See The Beatles!: An Oral History of Beatlemania as Told by the Fans Who Were ThereI even bought one for my Mother who accompanied me to the last Beatles concert at Candlestick Park. This book recaptures all those memories for me again. I also liked the way the chapters were organized. And having pictures of the fans was a big plus. A fun and easy read. I would say a real must for all of those who ever saw the Fab Four in person or want to read about the fans who had that privilege.

I was there. I lived through Beatlemania. Author Garry Berman captures the essence of what it was like to have experienced all the hysteria, emotion and passion of what it was like to have been a Beatles fan as it was happening. As told by the fans themselves, nothing is held back.

The book transports the reader back to a time in history when Beatlemania reigned and allows a birdseye view of what it meant to be a Beatles fan circa 1963-1970. The fervor of the fans is painted on every page in intimate detail.

For anyone who experienced Beatlemania first hand, or anyone attempting to answer the question "What was it like?" this book is THE authority on the subject.

This book is a great trip back to the early days of Beatlemania. Glad there was so much input from the male fans too as the Beatles impression on us guys is greatly undocumented. A lot of the stories brought back memories I long forgot. I kept saying "Oh Yeah! I forgot about that!" while reading. It's a fun, clever book and I love reading the stories by the people who lived it.

I am disappointed to see only one review of this book (repeated two more times). This book was nominated for the Pulitzer, Parker and Bancroft
book prizes as was Mr. Bernstein's book "Are We to Be a Nation?"
Mr. Bernstein is a professor at New York Law School and gives the reader
a scholarly but highly readable and easily understandable treatise on
our Constitution and especially the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights
IS about "individual rights" and the author explains in detail why this
is so. This book should be required reading for any college course on
the U.S. Constitution in my opinion and for any citizen wanting to understand what America is all about.

I drafted the Supreme Court petition questioning the legality of a people's initiative which purportedly sought to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution which was our first democratic constitution after the dictator President Ferdinand Marcos was exiled (Santiago v. COMELEC). One of my main references for the petition was this book of which I am deeply indebted for valuable research in U.S. constitutional law and legal history. It discussed exhaustively and in a very provoking manner, the challenges posed by amendments to the immutable nature of the constitution as fundamental law of the land. Our petition, which sought to deny the proposed amendments by way of a people's initiative, differentiated between piecemeal amendments and a revision of the Constitution. I argued that if the amendments sought would ultimately change the form of government, then it should be considered a revision. Our petition was granted by the Supreme Court and became a landmark case in Philippine history. It also found its way as a bar exam question. This book was my guidepost as I drafted the petition in the wee hours of morning in view of the urgency for a Supreme Court ruling on the matter and to avert an impending national crisis and another coup d'etat. The legal luminaries of this country have hailed Richard Bernstein and Jerome Agel's book as the most persuasive and thought provoking treatise on the subject.

I drafted the Supreme Court petition questioning the legality of a people's initiative which purportedly sought to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution which was our first democratic constitution after the dictator President Ferdinand Marcos was exiled (Santiago v. COMELEC). One of my main references for the petition was this book of which I am deeply indebted for valuable research in U.S. constitutional law and legal history. It discussed exhaustively and in a very provoking manner, the challenges posed by amendments to the immutable nature of the constitution as fundamental law of the land. Our petition, which sought to deny the proposed amendments by way of a people's initiative, differentiated between piecemeal amendments and a revision of the Constitution. I argued that if the amendments sought would ultimately change the form of government, then it should be considered a revision. Our petition was granted by the Supreme Court and became a landmark case in Philippine history. It also found its way as a bar exam question. This book was my guidepost as I drafted the petition in the wee hours of morning in view of the urgency for a Supreme Court ruling on the matter and to avert an impending national crisis and another coup d'etat. The legal luminaries of this country have hailed Richard Bernstein and Jerome Agel's book as the most persuasive and thought provoking treatise on the subject.

I drafted the Supreme Court petition questioning the legality of a people's initiative which purportedly sought to amend the 1987 Philippine Constitution which was our first democratic constitution after the dictator President Ferdinand Marcos was exiled (Santiago v. COMELEC). One of my main references for the petition was this book of which I am deeply indebted for valuable research in U.S. constitutional law and legal history. It discussed exhaustively and in a very provoking manner, the challenges posed by amendments to the immutable nature of the constitution as fundamental law of the land. Our petition, which sought to deny the proposed amendments by way of a people's initiative, differentiated between piecemeal amendments and a revision of the Constitution. I argued that if the amendments sought would ultimately change the form of government, then it should be considered a revision. Our petition was granted by the Supreme Court and became a landmark case in Philippine history. It also found its way as a bar exam question. This book was my guidepost as I drafted the petition in the wee hours of morning in view of the urgency for a Supreme Court ruling on the matter and to avert an impending national crisis and another coup d'etat. The legal luminaries of this country have hailed Richard Bernstein and Jerome Agel's book as the most persuasive and thought provoking treatise on the subject.