Reed Books

This book covers the changing styles and images from the 1890s thru the 1990s. Each section covers the life & times, faces in vogue, film and media, fashion, hair and hats, cosmetics, body shape and underwear, and work and play for a particular decade. Filled with interesting facts and tons of photographs, this makes the perfect addition to the library of anyone interested in fashion, cosmetics, or history! Fun and unique!

A nice collection of fact & photos on the beauty industry. Contains information on styles of each period--including the impact of film! I thought the 1920's invention of "twist-up" lipstick & the use by flappers was a hoot! Pick this book up & grab another as a gift!

Don't be to eager to dismiss this book as superficial, for females only or aimed at the fashion/ art set. It is a well researched and knowledge packed directory into the ploitics and social history of fashion and beauty, throughout the entire 20th century.
It would be of immense value to students of 20th century history, women's studies as well as an invaluable and pictorial journey for children exploring the recent past.
The layout is well structured and the photography, art and fashion plates are breath taking.
Even if just a coffee table book, it's far more engaging than the average trendy photo album.

Decades of Beauty is both an excellent pictoral as well as literary history of beauty through the decades. Great pictures that have not been often seen showcase the fashion fads of each era along with the fashion icons who are responsible for that decade's fashion hype. I loved that this book also gave equal space to the history of cosmetic beauty through the years. Its fascinating to see what type of makeup each generation "had to have" along with the "hippest" hairstyles of the day. The contents are easy to read and allows one to pick and choose a decade of interest without having to read the book start to finish. I highly recommend this book to anyone who is a cosmetic junkie, fashion obsessed, or just a history buff. This would also make an excellent gift for those in the beauty industry. Enjoy!

I purchased this book a year ago and read it from cover to cover the day it arrived. But I find myself picking it up and flipping through it every now and again. I love the fact that the authors wound in all kinds of fascinating pop culture trivia along with fashion history. I learned all kinds of amazing things -- like the fact that Elizabeth Arden brought out a velvet gas mask during World War II and that someone actually saw fit to bring a bra to market that could be inflated by blowing into a straw. This book is very fun reading indeed. It's also a gorgeous coffee table book. Highly recommended.

The book contains many supporting documents that prove the point of the Author. The website pointed to Amazon for me to buy the book and it helped me make my decision for buying the book. The website is .... and has a reader survey seeking opinions of readers. Definitely worthwhile cause to give verbal support to help right a wrong.

The website helped sell me on the book. [website]
There are many reviews and customer comments as well as additional information from the author. You can tell this is a fact based book, staying within the detail of supporting documentation. I was amazed to find out who von Braun credits for getting us to the moon.

In reading the book I found myself wanting to know the whole story, so I continued to read the book to the end. For an author that is not a professional writer the book reads very smoothly. There are some sections that seem to repeat but that is because the book contains actual letters and documentation concerning the events. Recommend the book for any naturalized citizen to understand how their American dream could be taken away.

"Gestapo USA" examines the historical events of the German rocket team that developed the technology that eventually sent satellites into space and men onto the moon. While it looks at several historical curiosities such as how the team had the technology to send a satellite into space before Sputnik but was held at bay for political reasons, the majority of the book examines the case of Arthur Rudolph. Arthur Rudolph was one of the German scientists involved in U.S. rocket research. After completing the majority of his research and developing the technology he was suddenly accused of Nazi war crimes and deported.

The author, William E. Winterstein, is in an excellent position to walk the reader through the case. He is a retired military officer and was intimately involved in the rocket research project. As he gets into the details of the Rudolph case it appears at first to be just a case of a person trying to clear the name of a good friend. But further reading shows that he is not only determined to clear his friend's name but has a great deal of clear and convincing evidence that the Federal investigators had an ulterior motive for deporting Rudolph. What that motive might be is never clear, but Mr. Winterstein includes copies of letters, and other evidence that clearly points to a governmental conspiracy. He presents much of the evidence in a voluminous series of appendices to the text.

People who are interested in conspiracy theories will enjoy the book as it definitely opens a lot of questions and leaves them unanswered. If you are interested in history, rocket science, political science, conspiracy theories, or just want to know what the government is capable of doing to the innocent this will be one of your favorite books. The title "Gestapo USA" may be a little overboard, but the subtitle "When Justice was Blindfolded" is a perfect description of the situation. This is a highly recommended read and sure to become a favorite for those interested in historical truth.

Book review of Gestapo USA by Germar Rudolf, Translated by J. M. Damon From German to English
As part of "Operation Paperclip" shortly after World War II, the USA transported a number of captured German rocket scientists to Ft. Bliss, Texas, where they were kept under quasi arrest for almost two years. William Winterstein was the Army officer who served as steward of this valuable war booty. A close friendship developed between Winterstein and Wernher von Braun; so that when the Apollo Moon Landing Program got under way, von Braun brought Winterstein to Huntsville, Alabama as part of his team.

Winterstein begins his book with the triumphant story of the German scientists and technicians who gave the USA world supremacy in space exploration. Most of the book, however, is devoted to the scandal involving Dr. Arthur Rudolph, the manager of the Apollo Program. Early in the Eighties, Rudolf came under the crosshairs of the witch hunting Office of Special Investigation (OSI), which had been established in 1976 by President Jimmy Carter under pressure from the Jewish lobby.

This was a special department of the Department of Justice whose function was the discovery and deportation of former National Socialist criminals who had emigrated to the US. The OSI alleged that Dr. Rudolph had committed war crimes in the course of his activities as director of production of V2 Rockets at the Mittelbau facility. In addition, the OSI charged that he was a Nazi and a racist since he had joined the Party in 1931. The two Jewish inquisitors assigned to the case, Neil Sher and Eli Rosenbaum, decided against establishing direct contact with Dr. Rudolph, preferring to deal with his lawyer instead. They made concrete threats of attacking Dr. Rudolph in an expensive and long drawn out legal procedure designed to revoke his US citizenship. However they hesitated to present the evidence which they allegedly had against him. In the Fall of 1983 they finally offered Dr. Rudolph a deal under which he would voluntarily renounce his US citizenship, leave the USA permanently, and plead guilty to having exploited slave labor. In return, they assured him that he would receive his full retirement benefits plus Social Security while his naturalized wife and children would be allowed to keep their US citizenship.

Because Dr. Rudolph had recently undergone a bypass operation, was in a stressful situation and lacked financial means to protect himself from prosecution by a branch of the federal government, he finally agreed to these conditions, albeit under protest. In 1984 Dr. Rudolf left the United States and returned to Germany as a visitor. In accordance with his agreement, he renounced his citizenship at the American Embassy. Since Dr. Rudolph was no longer a citizen of Germany, this caused a diplomatic protest on the part of the Federal Republic. That government, which emulated Washington's frenzied persecution of former National Socialists, had no desire to be seen as a dumping ground for unwanted US citizens. Washington paid no attention to the protests of its vassal state, however.

In view of the charges leveled by the OSI, Germany also pressed charges against Dr. Rudolph. These were soon dropped for lack of evidence. Furthermore, Germany's request for assistance in obtaining evidence disclosed that the OSI had been bluffing. There was no evidence of culpability on Rudolph's part. The OSI had gone so far as to advertise in newspapers for incriminating evidence, without success. At a reunion of his old Apollo team, William Winterstein learned of the disgraceful affair and became involved in the Rudolph case. Ever since then he has been active on Rudolph's behalf, seeking official rehabilitation and reinstatement of citizenship. Over a period of 15 years, he has collected a great deal of evidence and entered appeals of all court decisions. Despite clear and overwhelming evidence in support of Rudolph, his Sisyphus (relentless) labors have remained without success at any level. This is a very sobering realization for anyone who still has faith in our system of government. Even the US Congress allowed itself to be misused by the OSI, as it sealed the Rudolph file. It will be many years before the public knows of the dirty tricks which the OSI used to assassinate the character of one of the greatest German American scientists and then deprive him of his citizenship.

Winterstein finishes off his fascinating story by exposing close collaboration between the OSI and the KGB in framing Rudolph. Perhaps this provides our best insight into the motivation and methods of the OSI.

This book is about a boy named Henry Reed who went to a place called Grover's Corner for the summer. He and his friend, Margaret Glass, thought about different ways to earn some money. They decided to create a babysitter's service. This book is good because it helps kids learn about the different ways to earn money for the summer. It also helps kids learn how to babysit different types of children. I loved this book. I hope you will read it.

This was the first Henry Reed book I ever read, shown to me by my mother. Right away I got into the story, though I hadn't read the preceding books in the series. I couldn't keep my eyes off the predicaments of Henry and his best friend, Midge, as they went through their problems and misadventures while looking after children. Told from Henry's point of view in a diary format, he tells a story well and with bits of humour inserted in there additionally. Keith Robertson has made a good character.

Henry Reed, the thin and studious boy who likes to address problems in a logical manner, has set his sights on continuing his fledgling business. Reed and Glass, Inc. made Henry and his sometimes-obnoxious friend Midge Glass some money last year, and after a survey of the neighborhood, Henry discovers that there is a need for baby-sitters in the area. The bulk of the book focuses on the adventures that Henry faces as he tries to run a business with as many problems as rewards.

Even though this might seem like a somewhat dull premise, the character of Henry Reed is so indomitable that he maintains our interest throughout. Children will be impressed with his ability to apply his skills to seemingly insurmountable obstacles, and also with the way that Henry manages to earn respect from the adults that he meets. His intelligence and Midge's creativity lead to amusing solutions for outwitting the children that are determined to be disruptive.

The book is presented as Henry's journal, which allows us to experience the events through Henry's eyes. This works fabulously.

The Henry Reed series was captivating to me as a child in the early eighties, and remained a favorite of mine for many years. Anyone who gives it a chance will fall in love with it.

This book, like the other books in the Henry Reed series, is very enjoyable. Kids of all ages will enjoy Henry's adventures in babysitting. These books are timeless in their ability to provoke laughter and create a sense of fun for the reader.

Anyone who has ever babysat before will be all-too-familiar with the trials Henry and Midge have to suffer through in this third book of the Henry Reed series. Keith Robertson does it once again with wacky babysitting scenarios everyone can identify with. You'll be cheering by the end of the book -- I guarantee it.

What a cool, fun book! I picked this book up as a bachelorette gift for a friend and was not disappointed. What a hoot! I loved the titles of the cocktails, and it was fun to read the descriptions of the recipes and the background of each. The colorful pictures really added to the book, and the information regarding garnishes, infusions, and syrups was excellent.

Some of our favorites included: Silky Stockings, Hot Lips, Choco Locos, Creamsicle Margarita, Bad Hair Day Blaster, and Power Shower Punch. Enjoy!

OK so maybe I like to wear high heels every once in a while, but that's not the only reason why I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The simple and articulate writing, the flow of the layout from page to page and the tasteful vintage-like illustrations makes this book a really great gift or just to own for yourself.

Here are a few reasons why I love this book.

#1 It looks a lot cooler than having the Sports Illustrated (Swim Suit edition) laying around.
#2 It shows that I am sensitive to certain women's issues.
#3 I finally learned how to make a decent drink.
#4 It impressed all my gay friends as well as my female friends and left all my buddies wondering (gotta love that!)
#5 It shows how I can be in touch my feminine side.

Highballs High Heels is for everyone to anyone.
A beautiful book with a very practical nature.
Do not let the title fool you.

My favorite parts of the book are the very retro names for the majority of the drinks. I am a fresh and new martini drinker and my boyfriend bought this book for me. Some of the drinks are familiar but tagged with different names many others are different and unheard of. This book outlines the necessities you'll need to get started. But Even for the novice martini drinker (like myself), you'll me mixing and shaking like a pro in no time.

"Highballs High Heels" is what it says: a smart, witty cocktail guide for girls (and the authors mean anyone female, not just the young 'uns). I own this book and "Atomic Cocktails" by the same writers, and both are terrific, but "Highballs" is funkier and less basic, though still very easy to use. "Highballs" is not exclusively for women, but then, neither is "When Harry Met Sally"- it's just unlikely that men will have the same appreciation for these that we do. With recipes like Minivan Mom Meltdown Mixer and Shirley Temple's Evil Twin, these recipes are as much fun to read as they are to make. The graphics are so cool that it practically qualifies as a coffee-table book. "Highballs in High Heels" is now the first book I grab when I have the yen for a cocktail- you really can't go wrong.

Before I read this book the complicated art of mixing drinks simply made my head spin. All those gadgets and gizmos, LORDY. Now I have it all...a career and the ability to please a house full of freeloaders while wearing heels and burning my bra.

Robb has a real knack for taking an unexplained (and little known) moment from medieval history and building a mystery around it. This time around she's also managed to make two of the most frustrating characters in previous stories, the Archbishop of York and Alice Perrers (the king's mistress) much more sympathetic to the reader, while still layering both with an undercurrent of deceit and treachery. It's one thing to see these two veteran players of the system caught up in their own webs and at the mercy of others. It's another to realize that at least one of them might not have learned their lesson from it. Without moralizing heavily, Robb shows us that the idea of the political whims of the powerful impeding the pursuit of justice is not a modern concept, but has been around throughout the ages. Entertaining light reading, yes, but with just enough "mental meat" to chew on for a while after the book is done. That's the best kind of reading. And that's what this book is.

Candace Robb has read and researched medieval history for many years, having studied for a Ph.D. in Medieval and Anglo-Saxon Literature. She divides her time between Seattle and the UK, frequently spending time in Scotland and York to research her books.

York is very close to my own home and many of the places mentioned in the Owen Archer books are still there to be seen and of course Archbishop John Thorseby is mentioned in the records of York Minster. All this adds spice for me and helps me to picture the time and events that took place. This is the fourth novel in what is proving to be a captivating series.

Owen Archer, the one-eyed former captain of a company of Welsh archers finds himself working on behalf of the king, to promote Wykeham as the new Bishop of Winchester. Owen places his old comrade Ned in charge of a company travelling to Rievaulx Abbey, north of the city of York. By doing this he hopes to dispel the rumours of Ned's involvement in a mysterious death. But is his plan about to back fire on him as days later, the murders and intrigue begin . . .

The fourth book in the series does not disappoint. It has an intriguing story line with one of Owen's friends falling and love, and murder ensuing...
My favorite is still no. 2, The Lady Chapel, with Nun's Tale and this one right close behind.
I cannot say enough about how well the author Candace Robb writes these characters. I am not only interested in the plot and mystery of each book, but also the continuation of the lives of Owen, Lucia, Thoresby, Sir Robert, Jasper, Brother Michaelo, Riverwoman, the kids and even Lucie's Aunt.
I am now reading A Gift of Sanctuary, having just finished the Riddle of St. Leonards. These books are delicious reads truly.

I have enjoyed all of her books. If you like historical fiction that is light reading but entertaining this is the book you want.

I started reading Candace Robb's Owen Archer series at the suggestion of one of my patients, beginning with her favorite The Cross Legged Knight. I was immediately entranced. The King's Bishop was my second visit to 14th Century York and the home of Lucie Wilton and Owen Archer. I was not disappointed.

Ms Robb is an historian just shy of her PhD and specializes in Medieval History. She is also a consummate storyteller. Her characters are multidimensional; their actions are plausible; and their setting is believable. As a mystery writer, she excels in complex motives. In the Cross Legged Knight, she was able to pull a Collin Dexter out of the hat by producing two possible endings. In The King's Bishop she is able to recreate the ambiance of court intrigue and the murders that arise when ambition is the ultimate measure of an individual and where everything rests on the success of plot and counter plot.

One of the things that took me a while to get used to was the ending to these tales. Not everything comes out happily ever after. The sleuth is not always able to denounce the villain at the end as one is accustomed to reading in stories of this sort. What the ending is, however, is very realistic. Even in modern times, the guilty are not always punished according to the dictates one would expect of "justice;" even justice itself is designed to support the class structure. It is precisely for this reason that we usually enjoy murder mysteries: the guilty are brought to justice, their crimes are made manifest to society, and they are punished accordingly. In Owen Archer mysteries, the guilty sometimes get away with their miserable acts just as they do in our own times.

The stories are wonderfully detailed with respect to historical accuracy, yet they do not overwhelm the reader. Ms Robb is not a pedant. She seeks to create a venue for the actions of her characters without making the reader feel as though there is a test at the end of the story! Most of the unfamiliar terms are understandable from context, although she does supply a glossary for those of us who like to have more information. She also includes a small bibliography and a short history of the period and the characters. And yes, many of the characters were real people from history. These short texts are generally at the end of the book so one needn't feel obligated to read them, but I've taken to reading them first. I enjoy a little background material before I get into the meat of the work.

Very impressive. I would recommend the book to anyone from advanced junior high to adult readers.

This book contains tried-and-true recipes, with all the tips and tricks necessary to ensure success. Everything I've tried has been delectable, with such clear step-by-step instructions that it would be hard to fail.

My only complaint is that the tips are interspersed with the recipes, making it a bit cumbersome to follow. Moreover, I, myself, would prefer to see the tips alone, in a separate section, rather than having to plough through the whole book if I want to know what brand/model/technique is recommended. But the advantages more than outweigh these small criticisms. The book is marvelous.

even if you are able to take classes with Lauren, as I was. Just bring your book to have it autographed! Having this book in your kitchen is really like having your own private cooking teacher standing at your elbow. The recipes are clearly written, but what's more important, they are not just rehashed versions of recipes in other books. They are unique and delicious. If you make the banana bread pudding, and everyone you feed it to doesn't swoon, you need new friends. Learning how to easily slice an onion and cut up a chicken is worth the price of the book alone. If you love to cook and feed people, this cookbook is a very worthwhile addition to your collection. I promise, you'll be buying it to give as a present to all the cooks you know.

It's nice to find a cookbook written with passion and creativity. This is no run-of-the-mill cookbook. It's filled with hundreds of simple, easy to use recipes written with style, wit and passion. It's actually fun to read!! And so simple to use. A beautiful book to cherish and use for years to come. MOVE OVER, MARTHA STEWART!! Lauren Groveman is the culinary creator/advisor for the new Millenium! Buy this book! It makes a great gift for everyone from Gen Xer's to Seniors!

Lauren Groveman must have read my mind when she wrote this book! Somehow she does it all with every piece of information a busy neophite appreciates as well as the sophistication one aspires to for impressive meals and desserts of every kind.

The "Tips from a Teacher," "Time Management Tips" and "Q&A" inserts save time and frustration and have increased my confidence that culinary genius is not just for the pros any more! Ms. Groveman's personal touches and philosophy make me feel as though I have a private gourmet cooking teacher -- like a genie in a bottle -- on my kitchen shelf. :-)

I bought this book after purchasing Lauren Groveman's latest cookbook, I Love to Cook. I became intrigued with Ms. Groveman's message after I visited her website. Her philosophy of nurturing family and friends through cooking really resonated with me. As the mother of three boys and wife of a very hungry husband, mealtimes have always been a struggle for me. I was very glad to read I am not alone and there was someone who had devoted her entire career to spreading her message of hope for those of us who want to create a delicious and satisfying life.
After just a short time I have had phenomenal success with the recipes in this cookbook and I Love to Cook. Already the Sloppy Joes, Honey Roast Chicken and Macaroni and Cheese have become favorites. The Tuna Spread is to die for! Mom's cocoa mix has come in so handy this winter as have all of her pantry staple mixes and spice blends. Cooking has become easy now, this book has shown me how to make meals happen in a big and wonderful way. No more agonizing about what to make for dinner, now I just open the book and there is always something just right for dinner, lunch or breakfast!

This is the kind of recipe collection I have always dreamed about. The recipes run the gamut and there is something here for every appetite and every occasion. This is hands down the most delicious food I have ever made or eaten! My kids are trying things I never thought they would, they especially love knowing I am making things from scratch just for them! The recipes are so well written and so precise that I feel like she is in the room with me helping me along!
I have so many post it notes on different pages with recipes I cannot wait to try; Homemade Bagels, Potato Leek Soup with Chicken and Vegetables, Midnight Brownies( with or without a peanut butter pocket, yum!), the list goes on and on!

I would highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to lavish love and delicious food on those their loved ones. I never thought I could make food like this! I have made homemade bread twice already. For years I just could not figure out through my other cookbooks just how to have success with yeast breads and now after only a month I have had success twice! Ms. Groveman's quick and yeast bread recipes are THE best I have ever had.
I read the bread baking notes(Ch. 9) and it seemed as if the walls of Jericho came tumbling down. Finally I understood exactly what to do! That is the kind of teaching this book has to offer. Precise, accurate and totally delicious!

Not only is Ms' Groveman trying to show us what to cook but how to cook with a purpose, with a larger picture in mind. It is apparent to me now that each time I shop for my family's meals, I am creating a memory through my cooking, not only a sensory memory but a memory my family will carry with them forever- perhaps to their own families and friends, of time shared and love deeply felt. Is there anything else more I could ask for?

I am so glad I found this incredible book(so is my family). It has been a wonderful and delightful journey so far.

Very Highly Recommended!

The Maze Game is complex, intricate, and intensely satisfying. Its sci-fi setting is radically different from our world - human immortality has been achieved, and instant teleportation is available to almost everywhere.

To many readers, though, what is intriguing in sci-fi is how it describes what is unchanging in human nature through all time, not the focus on technology. Diana Slattery knows her technology well enough to be entirely credible to a computer scientist like me, but what I remember from the book is that is touching and deeply human, enough to bring tears to my eyes on several occasions.

In a future where resource and time scarcity is not a problem, the main enemy of immortal humanity is boredom and lack of meaning. The only thing sustaining civilization is the Game pitting immortal players against mortal Dancers from four schools representing four aspects of human experience: Bod (the gut and the body), Swash (emotions and romance), Chrome (rationality and logic) and Glide (ineffable mystery and non-duality/higher-level-of-consciousness experience).

I am reminded of Frank Herbert's Dune for several reasons. The first is that The Maze Game dares to construct a completely alternate universe with its own rich set of interactions and balance of power. The second is that it is a rich exploration of human nature. I am certain that, as I grow older and re-read the book, I will discover subtler meanings and appreciate the personalities of its protagonists and antagonists in different ways. Another is the poetic quality of the language - Dune has no characters who do not express themselves beautifully, and neither does the Maze Game. The poetic nature of the book is further reinforced by the ambiguous, inherently polysemic Glide language which it showcases.

If you care for complex science-fiction with rich character development, beautiful and unique love stories, and explorations into human consciousness and the nature of meaning that approach the metaphysical, then by all means, get this book. It is a masterpiece.

This book is not popular enough, it seems. I've had it for over a year, yet only now decided it deserves more propaganda:

The Maze Game, the first book of the Glide trilogy, deposits an interesting view of human evolution in our minds: how mortality became a ritual privilege and comes forward to entertain the immortal Specs, thus housekeeping society's balance.

The prose Diana Reed Slattery manages to keep up throughout the book is very playful and refreshing; it never deteriorates into prolonged filler. I was amused by the dedication to the McKennas, linking the story to both hallucinogens and language. The technological esoterica does not make it read like science-fiction, instead it managed to keep me interested with all it had to offer: originality, interesting characters, language and philosophy. Everything about the book was refreshing and I eagerly await the sequels. Until then, the Glide agenda remains to us one great paradox.

I would recommend it to anyone, really. There's not much that holds it back.

I've struggled for a while, wanting to review this book and trying to see where to begin. That is how astonishing Diana Slattery's vision of this place is, a place where something like AIDS has been cured through the creation of something more horrible, the "disease" of immortality, spread through blood products and bodily fluids. For me, that is the "what if" that makes this novel/interactive experience so tantilizing. It makes me imagine imortality as something where you best be careful or you might "catch" it.

And this curse of immortality creates the phenomena of the Death Dancers and the Maze Game. (allegory coming, duck! Do you think Earth could be an afternoon soap opera for a race of gods or little gray aliens?)

You need to read this book for the hilarious surprise of figuring out who 'Oh-T'bee is. Folks from New York will love the ironic twist.

Oracles and AI, but this is not cyberpunk in the strict sense of the genre. The Maze Game pushes past that and imagines a cosmology, like Ursula LeGuin in the Hain series, a cosmology spun out by a concept. This ties in to some of Diana Slattery's other work looking at alphabets and the cultures that come out of them, considering a culture based on uncertainty and doubt, interpretation, layers of meaning. We learn to think about lilies and this thing called "Glide Mind."

It's like haiku crossed with I Ching crossed with Tarot, and delivered through an omnipresent artificial intelligence agent in glyphs. Diana invented a language of glyphs just so she could craft poems in it and imagine a culture that lives inside those poems.

And as a student of the Tarot, I found my own layers in this book, layers relating indirectly to the 4 types of Death Dancers and the 4 suits in the Tarot, corresponding also to Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. These things become highly differentiated styles of the dance.

And those old, old Immortals, shades hiding their impossibly old eyes, they watch, enviously.

Like the Maze around and through which the story of the Death Dancers revolves and evolves, there are many levels to this creation, and the reader can take the experience as far as he or she wants to go. It can be taken only as far as the first level of compelling science fiction, or it can be taken to the next level of transportation through an amazing exploration of language, creativity and consciousness. The reader can interact with and have a personal experience with the language of the Glides, or, if the reader isn't inclined to interrupt the flow of the story, a simple open mind will allow the novel to speak to the part of all of us that asks the continuing question: What is this experience of consciousness? And that is what has stayed with us most vividly since reading The Maze Game - that we are reminded of each time an event takes place that shakes up the global reality: Diana Reed Slattery has captured the feeling of a haunting possibility that has been posited in human consciousness throughout the ages: Is this reality we are all participating in some kind of game we are playing with ourselves to maintain an illusion?

Keith Harary, Ph.D., and Darlene Moore
Institute for Advanced Psychology

This book answers the question, "What does it mean to move through a maze of language?" -- specifically, a visual language called Glide. (Like Tolkien, Slattery has invented language and story together.) Glide is "polymorphic, dynamic, inexorably ambiguous, proteanly metaphoric, illogically positive, and profligately generative of...questions." As a science fiction fan I admire the way Slattery tells this tale from its characters' (seemingly) alien viewpoints, and in their own words; it takes longer, but provides a stunning experience for readers willing to skim the glossary and then immerse themselves. _Maze Game_'s "idea-intensiveness" (and civilization-wide scope) also reminded me of Asimov's _Foundation Trilogy_, except that since Slattery stays with the same characters throughout, I grew to care about them more than I did Asimov's. And fans of fantasy will also recognize a story in which things are going from bad to worse: what can be done? and who will have the courage to do it? Finally, this book is about oracles; it is itself oracular; it refers readers to an online version of the language and oracle they can try themselves. As the Glides say, "A book cannot read itself, much less interpret its own story." This book needs you to read it, and interpret, if you dare! [Quotations from pages 10, 165, and 43 of the first pbk edition.]

Barry Humphries admirably fleshes out the life of his most famous comic creation - Dame Edna Everage from Moonee Ponds housewife to beaming megastar. Like on TV, Edna is an outrageously egotistical tyrant who we find out has bullied Madge Allsop since High School and even danced with her cultural compatriate Les Patterson at a teenage formal. Here you will see how Edna saved Barry Humphries stage debut and has had him under her solicitors thumbs for several years.For sharp Edna/Barry enthusiasts there are a few questionable moves Humphries has made in the book though - 1) He is cheeky in that he leaves out a number of years in Edna's life as he did in his own biography. Why? 2) Edna started off as shy and genteel in the 50's. Here she is as bold as brass all the way. No real character change. 3) Her nephew "Barry McKenzie" is never mentioned. They did go to England together and do two movies together after all. Yet, despite these quibbles, there is Humphries characteristic razor sharp wit throughout and even a moving epilogue where Edna visits her husbands grave. In this there is a wonderful pathos which makes Humphries dedication to his character and his audience first class. Fans should look for other out of print Edna titles such as "Dame Ednas Coffee Table Book" if they enjoy this.

This is one of my all-time must-haves in the car...so that I can relisten to it any time LIFE gets a little too real, and I need a mini-mental vacation while driving. (It's an ideal gift too.)

It's a joy, and Dame Edna never fails to bring me back to a gentler reality.

I'm sorry to say that it hasn't been rereleased in Audio CD. I'm hoping that it will be available in that format in the future.

I purchased this book on tape for the listening pleasure of my friends and myself on a recent vacation. We have never laughed so hard! Since then, I've listened to it numerous times, and each time I pick up something new. Dame Edna is a true gem!

I've been a fan of Dame Edna's for years and I have to say that this faux autobiography is one of the funniest books I have ever read. Starting from her humble beginnings (with mauve hair even then) we see our lovely Edna blossom into womanhood, marriage and motherhood---though she rarely has time to properly look after the kids because of her hectic and famous life. As an advisor to the rich, famous and royal (a spin doctor, in her words, to the Queen), Edna becomes a superstar in her own right---struggling with her troublesome childhood friend, Madge Allsop, who Edna lets us know, is a burden a good deal of the time! Edna deals with many dramas----her eccentric children, her husband with his desperate prostrate problem and the trials of being so easily recognizable to the general public. If you wanna read a book with a great deal of laughs, try to find a copy of this book. You won't be disappointed.

If you love Dame Edna (and who doesn't?) and her rapier-sharp wit and wordly wisdom, this is the book for you. This autobiographical journey follows the housewife megastar from her sometimes painful childhood in Moonee Ponds to her meeting the man she would marry (and later purchase a new mechanical prostate for) to her meteoric rise to stardom (accompanied by her ever-present, though not always welcome bridesmaid, Madge). It's a laugh a minute, not unlike the Douglas Adams series, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. it will make you laugh out loud on public transport and guffaw during your tea-break (even though Dame Edna might disapprove of these slight breaches of etiquette). Pick it up, possums. It's likely the closest you'll ever get to this megastar.

In this book, every teacher is going to find what he or she appreciates most: the voice of a respected, professional high school teacher and invaluable materials that will help students produce successful narratives. Mary Jane Reed has done her homework; she knows what English teachers need to know and what colleges look for in personal narratives.
If you teach the college narrative or if you value narrative writing, this book is great reference material. Let Ms. Reed's experience, research, handouts, student examples, and ideas for lessons make your life easier and your lessons more powerful!

Mary Jane Reed, a former English Department Chair and current writing consultant, establishes herself as a respected voice in educational writing in her first book, Teaching Powerful Personal Narratives: Strategies for College Applications and High School Classrooms. Hands down, this is the best book I've seen for teachers in a long time. It's one I believe every teacher of English should have on her desk.

Having taught sophomore, junior and senior-level English, I view this book as a resource for all three levels. In this slender, but informative book, Reed writes in an approachable, friendly, but intelligent way--as if she's the teacher at the next desk, sharing some great ideas. "I can't encourage teachers strongly enough to include more narrative-writing in their curriculums. Students should be exposed to the personal narrative no matter what grade they are in" (xii). "A good first draft is an oxymoron" (31). Reed, herself, clearly did her homework when preparing this book. She interviewed admissions counselors at schools such as Cornell, Emory, Ohio State and the University of Michigan and gathered up-to-date college application questions. Reed provides the information needed to get a jump start on the application process, but also provides a plethora of helpful suggestions for narrative writing in general including advice on finding a topic, conferencing with students, and guidelines for revision. Additionally, there is a CD in the back of the book with handouts (from brainstorming to revision - fantastic!) and overheads to print and use in the classroom. As a teacher, this is an invaluable time-saver for me. I spend less time creating handouts from scratch (or using corny, mass market handouts) and more time with my students to guide and encourage them in the writing process itself.

I was impressed by Reed's breadth of knowledge with this subject-matter. Her experience speaks for itself; however, just flipping through the table of contents gives you a preview of what you're in for: "Cht. 1: From Assignments to Admissions," "Cht: 2: Types of Personal Narrative Questions," "Cht. 4: Banging out the First Draft," "Cht. 6: The Antidone for Telling: Description, Details, and Imagery" and "Cht. 7: Revision: Draft after Draft after Draft." Reed also includes a chapter solely for teachers on "Writing the College Recommendation." Other teacher bonuses include advice on small group versus individual conferencing, techniques to help students tune in to voice, and student samples from first to final draft. Reed makes the $20 you spend for this book go far.

This book is an easy to understand, modern, invaluable resource for a very important unit. A unit students will appreciate. Accessible and actually interesting to read (!), this book far exceeded my expectations. I cannot rave enough about it. The teacher who wants her students to succeed in high school, college and beyond-and who wants to make teaching narrative writing easier on herself-will buy this book.

Reviewed by Mary Jo Wyse

Teaching Powerful Personal Narratives: Strategies For College Applications And High School Classrooms is a guide especially for teachers, who need to instruct their students in the art of captivating the reader's attention with essays, especially in a college application, but the advice herein will prove equally useful to high school seniors themselves. Individual chapters cogently address the different types of personal narrative questions one is likely to encounter, brainstorming ideas, how to tune in to one's "voice", guidelines for revising drafts, sample selections of college essays, caveats against too much coaching, and more. A sensible compendium of practical advice, written by an experienced writing consultant and enhanced with a CD-ROM of useful handouts and transparencies.

Mary Jane Reed's vast teaching and consulting experience and her personal commitment not only to assist students get into college but also become better writers is evident throughout her book. This is an ideal tool for high school teachers and guidance counselors and a highly effective guide for parents, students and anyone who wants to improve his writing style and ability to communicate through a personal narrative. By identifying questions that a student may encounter on a college application and discussing who will read the student's essays, the book begins with clear guidance on how to become comfortable with the writing process. Next, Reed introduces a unique and extremely effective writing process including instruction on choosing a topic that will engage the reader and hints on "grabbing" and "plopping" the reader into the action at the start of the narrative. She then demonstrates how to write and polish a personal narrative by using techniques like carefully crafting transitions, accomplishing an effective voice to convey rhythm, and relaxing grammar to create a contemporary tone. Reed also introduces techniques designed to "show" readers rather than tell them about a subject, "activate" a draft, and revise a narrative until it becomes a polished, finished product. This book will exceed the reader's expectations through handouts and transparencies (in the text and on an attached CD), checklists, exercises and numerous examples at each stage of the writing process. Also, Reed frequently turns to teachers and guidance counselors to show them how to coach a student without actually making revisions for him, use one-on-one conferences through a three-stage process and write strong, convincing letters of recommendation. The reader can adopt the entire process from developing a topic to polishing a near-finished narrative or use parts of the process like adding details to "show" the reader or shortening a narrative to meet word or page requirements. Overall, high school teachers and guidance counselors, parents and students and anyone who wants to improve his narrative writing style will benefit from this clearly written, well organized, easy to understand guide.

Admired and respected by student writers, their parents and her colleagues for her inspirational work with the writing process, Reed has revealed techniques honed in the classroom to
guarantee improvement in students' personal narrative writing.
Numerous pages are devoted specifically to improving writing for college admissions. Reed effectively tackles typical application questions and provides clearly explained and easily implementable strategies for each stage of the writing process, discussing essential elements of composition like angle, voice, description, details, and imagery. Student samples are included to illustrate the techniques set forth. These strategies and techniques are not limited, however, to essays for college admissions; they are applicable to all personal narrative writing carried out by high school and adult writers. The final chapter includes essential suggestions for
writing letters of recommendation. The compact disc that accompanies the book contains all handouts and transparencies.
In this concise volume, Reed shares a systematic approach to personal narrative writing that will greatly benefit secondary English teachers, guidance counselors, and all other adults interested in helping students or in improving their own personal narrative writing techniques.

REVIEW OF "TESTED FAITH: THE POWER OF MIND OVER CANCER"
REVIEWER: Anthony Brumble, from Arima /TRINIDAD & TOBAGO, 05Sep01.
"This book amply defines and elucidates the author's epic struggles, challenges, and renewed faith in God, family, and friends as she relentlessly fought and won the battle over cancer. As a milestone or masterpiece of faith, this book has enough to contribute to the life and understanding of lovers of drama, good literature, culture, human psychology, medical science, and sheer spirituality. The claims, assertions, and facts presented by the author have opened a door for medical research into the link between psychological and emotional forces and their relationship to the possible causes and cures as they relate to the spectrum of cancer.
Whether or not you are afflicted with cancer, you need to read this book. I am reasonably convinced that you will be surprisingly rewarded."

Tested Faith: The Power Of Mind Over Cancer is the personal story of Yvonne Williams and her psychological and physical struggles with, and eventual victory over, three primary cancers. Yvonne shares with the reader her candid, inspiring story of self-treatment for these life threatening illnesses. Very highly recommended, life-enhancing, health recovering, emotionally inspiring reading for anyone suffering from any kind of serious illness, Tested Faith specifically addresses dealing with stressful behaviors that contribute to cancer and the tools for making effective lifestyle changes.

Yvonne's powerful faith is seen on each and every page as she walks along discussing her fears and determining how her faith can help her fight this disease.

She writes of her joys and love for herself and all those around her and other steps to bring her to a successful outcome.

A delightful person in trouble and how she handled each step with reinforced faith to overcome each and every obstacle. Very uplifting - read for yourself.

In Tested Faith: Power of Mind Over Cancer the author invites you, the reader, to embark with her upon a life-transforming journey. Stay receptive throughout this unique journey and you'll be afforded the rare priviledge of vicariously fighting a heroic battle against cancer.

The author bares her heart and soul with sincerity and conviction as you accompany her on her emotional roller coaster.

Her unshakeable faith made her victorious over three primary cancers - formidable, vicious enemies of life to which a person of lesser faith would have surely succumbed.

You'll be right there, along with her loving family, rooting for her as she garners her stength and courage following such a devastating assault upon her body.

Astonished, you'll witness her transformation from fear to hope; from doubt to certainty; from self-neglect to self-love; from materialism to spirituality; from victim to victor.

You feel her physical pain and suffering; her anxieties; her isolation and her heartrending travail to the edge of the abyss.

As you approach the end of this emotional journey, you'll look back and reflect, with deep appreciation, upon a life-affirming experience in which faith triumphed.

And there you are at the of this memorial journey, celebrating a victor over cancer - a courageous woman, loving, caring and generous. A smile of delight lights up your face as she strides, with confident steps, towards a healthy, happy and productive life.

The Faith and Determination shown by the author in this struggle against cancer is inspiring and engaging. The honesty of the emotional struggle, both her own and her family's, kept me engaged and committed with her. The strength of Yvonne's faith and her belief that she would get better is a lesson for all of us in many struggles, be they physical, psychological, emotional or spirtual. The growth in faith starting with Yvonne's early years with her grandparents is truly inspiring.