Scott Books


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Scott Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Scott
Network Analysis and Troubleshooting
Published in Hardcover by Addison-Wesley Professional (1999-12-24)
Author: J. Scott Haugdahl
List price: $49.99
New price: $37.36
Used price: $25.00

Average review score:

A Unique approach
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-02
I found this book very well written, and a different approach to a poorly documented topic in the IT world. The book is properly, very thorough, and best I can tell somewhat dated as it discusses a lot of Token Ring, Novell IPX, Netbios, Netbeui, Win95, 98, NT4 topics. It covered many items I had long forgotten about, but are still relevant and important. What I would love to see, is an updated version of this book, that drops IPX, Token Ring, and all the outdated topics, and concentrates almost exclusively on IP. I would greatly appreciate a concentration on real packet captures and decoding longer streams. Ideally, the book would either come with a cd, or a web site link to captures. Reading about Network Analysis is one thing, but what is most helpful for some of us, is a hands on, following along with the book, to try it first hand.
Regardless, the book is first rate. It's isn't a Laura Chappell style book if that is what you are hoping for. It is more of a, here's what you learned years ago, and now, why it matters. When I first learned the OSI 7 layer model etc, I had no clue how it applied in the real world, now that I do, this book helps bring a deeper understanding to it.
Great job!

Don't let it's tiny size fool ya!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2001-03-31
Impressive! Mr. Haugdahl's explanation of the various OSI layers is killer enough. Got too deep on certain topics; but then again, you wouldn't want someone preaching complete network analysis to skimp on details now, would you? Great reads on the use of NA's Sniffer and MS' Network Monitor tools, as well as full illustrated details on the DOs and DON'Ts of network design. Awesome book!!!

Casts new light on network traffic; great for IDS operators
Helpful Votes: 16 out of 16 total.
Review Date: 2000-12-18
I am an ex-Air Force officer with 2+ years of hands-on intrusion detection experience, and I rate books on how well they deliver technical content to front-line operators. Scott's book is absolutely first-rate, written in a clear, friendly style that keeps the reader's attention. Backing up the technical content, the book offers plenty of history and answers to the "why?" questions asked when learning network protocols. For example, why do various Ethernet frame formats exist (Ethernet/DIX/Ethernet II vs. IEEE 802.3 w/LLC Header vs. IEEE 802.3 w/LLC SNAP extension)? Short answer -- blame IBM! Long answer -- read pages 82-86.

The logically arranged material makes Scott's book a powerful learning tool. After introducing protocol analysis in chapter 1, he devotes a full chapter to each of the seven layers of the OSI model. (No, he doesn't skip the session and presentation layers!) By taking a layered approach, Scott compares same-layer protocols and makes each understandable in context (i.e., DNS vs. NetBIOS vs. Netware SAP, all at layer 5 -- somewhat controversially; DNS at layer 5?) Chapter 9 finishes with advice on measuring latency and throughput. I learned something new about protocols at each layer, even after reading many authoritative TCP/IP volumes. For example, Scott's explanation of NetBIOS as a session protocol and Server Message Block (SMB) as an application protocol finally made it clear how these standards interact on Windows networks. The text is backed up by numerous screen captures of protocol decodes, adding to the learning value.

....The few typos or mistakenly omitted material do not detract from the book's overall message. If you've read Richard Stevens, Eric Hall, etc., and you think you've run out of resources for understanding network traffic, give Scott's book a try. You'll be informed and pleasantly surprised!

Been there done that!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-18
I just finished a course by the Author..... He really knowshis stuff! The book is a must have for any analyst! It walks you allthe way up the protocol stack and gives you real world examples. Thebook is also loaded with tips and problem solving ideas. END

Must-Have Network Analysis Tips
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-18
I've read numerous texts on Analysis and Troubleshooting Networks and this was the best. Taking years of experience and training and creating an outline for use in the field is what the Author's done. Having studied everything from the 802.3 standard itself to analysis handbooks by vendors and other authors, I found this to be concise and direct in application and use in the field. Being the Lead Analyst in a company with over 150 nations globally, this text will be valuable to our teams and is being disseminated as a field handbook for troubleshooting. It's a thorough review of protocols from physical through application layers over the majority of topologies extant in today's corporate infrastructures. My Thanks to the Author and those responsible for it's publication.

Scott
North Carolina Tar Heels: Where Have You Gone?
Published in Hardcover by Sports Publishing (2005-09-15)
Author: Scott Fowler
List price: $19.95
New price: $6.08
Used price: $2.68

Average review score:

North Carolina Tar Heels: Where Have You Gone
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-03
Excellent "bringing back the memories" of some familiar faces in Tar Heel history.Nice to be able to hear from them in past and present tense. A wonderful edition to my library.

Enjoyable Tarheel Memories
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-20
I thoroughly enjoyed this book being a lifelong tarheel fan. It was interesting learning more about past heroes and also more recent players. I also thought it was good how Scott Fowler put in the personal tidbits about meeting up with these guys and what Dean and Gut (and Woody) had to say about them.

Being a Tarheel fan I could not put this book down until I finished in a very short period of time.

North Carolina Tar Heels: Where Have You Gone?
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-07
This is a great book. I can't imagine any true Tar Heel fan who would not want to own this book. Great, easy reading. Very informative. What a pleasure to know what some of these guys, especially the older ones have done with their lives. The only thing wrong with this book is it does not include more of the former players. Here's hoping for a sequel!! Bravo to the author!! If you don't yet own this book what are you waiting for!

North Carolina Tar Heels- Where Have You Gone
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-29
As a fan of North Carolina basketball, Scott Fowler's new book is a must for all of us who follow UNC. The information provided on former players is very infomative and well written. It was great to see what these former players had done with their lives and their close ties to the UNC basketball program. This book is a trip down memory lane with additional information that is added to my memories of these players.

A great chance to catch-up
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-29
I have worked relatively closely with North Carolina basketball for more than a quarter-century and, have gained a great knowledge of the history of the program dating back to the beginning of the Atlantic Coast Conference. As a result, I had a blast reading Scott's book.

It brought back a lot of memories, and got me caught-up with a lot of the biggest names in Tarheel basketball history, as well as with some who may have been forgotten.

It's an easy read, and divided up nicely so that you can read little bits at a time if that's all time permits.

Scott
Paralegal Career For Dummies (For Dummies (Career/Education))
Published in Paperback by For Dummies (2006-07-31)
Authors: Scott, J.D. Hatch and Lisa, M.A. Hatch
List price: $24.99
New price: $12.94
Used price: $10.71

Average review score:

pleasantly helpful
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-21
I found this book, and the CD it came with, to be very helpful. I would definitely recommend buying it.

paralegal career for dummies
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-27
this is just what I need- very novice at pro se litigation,this is a great help with the basics of law,research and a limited intro to drafting documents

Helped My Career
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-30
As an online paralegal student at the Washington Online Learning Institute, (WOLI) for short, I bought this book towards the end of my certificate program. It was quite useful in putting a lot of information in perspective. I had a course in career preparation at WOLI and this book reinforced and expanded upon that information so the combination of knowledge from WOLI and this book was really powerful. This book is basic, but it is accurate and very useful for someone entering the field. I ended up with a job just two weeks after graduating and this book helped for sure. So I would recommend it. I think it is interesting that Amazon bundles this book with the Statsky paralegal book because we used the Statsky book in three courses at WOLI. So I would recommend both books, actually. This is a good book for a person who is serious about entering the paralegal field, but keep in mind you should really get certified if you want to be truly successful. The days of just learning on the job are pretty much over, especially in terms of advancement in a law firm, which is a valid point made in this book. Recommended.

Gotta love the dummies...
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-14
I really enjoy the "Dummie's" line, I actually have a collection of them. I think that they are extremely informative and well written. They break down stuff that people might deem as "common" knowledge, but you'd be suprised how ignorant some are on the topics. I will continue to buy their line and look forward to many new and interesting topics to read about.

Fast read, packed with information!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-28
I originally purchased this book for my friend, who was considering pursuing a paralegal certificate to help with a career change. Before giving it to him, I managed to read this book in its entirety. With only my brief academic background in law (Business Law I&II, and Law of the Workplace) I found this book to be an enjoyable, easy read, and full of useful information and insight into the paralegal industry. (Not to mention a CD full of bonus material.)

I also found it intriguing that this book was written by the founders of The Center for Legal Studies, providers of paralegal courses in many of this country's junior colleges. (The same course, as it were, that my friend will be taking in the coming months.) While I don't know how good it will be as preparation for the course, I'm relatively certain that the two have some interrelated elements that may prove useful.

Scott
Party of Five: The Unofficial Companion
Published in Paperback by St Martins Pr (1998-01)
Author: Brenda Scott Royce
List price: $14.95
New price: $3.18
Used price: $0.16

Average review score:

It's okay, kind of.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-05
Pro's: It was interesting to read about the actors and their were plenty of interesting photos. I like reading the comments from the actors on certain episodes.

Cons: The episode guide was good, but it was something I could care less about. I wanted to see more behind the scenes facts and this book gave me what I already knew. Also the quiz at the end was impossible. I've been watching the show since it started, and the questions are based on details that are impossible for even me to remember and the only way you'd remember them is if you taped each episode and/or took notes from each episode. I read what the other people said about the book and thought it would be great, instead it was a dissappointment.

Over all: Don't get this book unless you are a NEW fan and don't know anything. Also don't even try the quiz!

This book is outstanding!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-06
The Author of this book should be very proud! I mean I thought I was a fan and then I read this book and I realized so much I didn't know! This book has shown me how I can dedicate and try to make this show more popular by supporting it!! Read it, it's GREAT!

Fabulous Book, I really enjoy it!
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-11-08
I think that this book was really good, probably because I am a po5 fan! It has good information that I didn't ever know about. I recommend it, and any other party of five books!

A great source of knowledge for all P05 fans.
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 1998-08-31
It has bios of all the stars and guests, recaps of all the episodes of the first three seasons, behind the scenes info./pics, plus tons of other great stuff!

A PO5 fan "must read!"
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2000-02-26
If you love PO5 as much as I do (which beleve me is a alot!) this is the book that you should read. It gives you the inside scoop on the show and the stars and also includes tons of quizzes and an episode guide. So if your smart (which you must be if you decide to watch PO5) read this book now!

Scott
Pawprints of Katrina: Pets Saved and Lessons Learned
Published in Kindle Edition by Howell Book House (2008-06-16)
Author: Cathy Scott
List price: $19.99
New price: $9.99

Average review score:

Testament to life, hope, and love
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-04
This book probes the depths of misery and rises to the heights of joy. I often felt myself in the boats cruising the murky floodwaters looking for signs of life in New Orleans' deserted neighborhoods. The bugs and humidity were real. So was the satisfaction of spotting a desperate animal and the joy of pulling it to safety. And the bone-weariness of the long days and uncomfortable nights.

"Pawprints of Katrina" is a testament to the survival instincts of our animal companions and the compassion of countless humans who value them enough to risk themselves to help the helpless.

Wonderfully Inspiring
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-10-29
I loved reading these great stories of real people who love animals as much as I do. It made me wish that I had been there helping to rescue the animals that need us so much. This is a GREAT book for any animal lover.

From Chuck DeVito
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-29
I bought this book thinking it would be really validating for me to read about myself, as I was a volunteer who was given some narrative in the book.

However, after beginning to read the book from the beginning, I discovered that I was unable to read more than a few pages at a time without becoming teary-eyed. Cathy did a fabulous job of telling it the way it happened, and I would recommend this book to all. The stories are moving and all true, and will evoke your entire gamut of emotions.

Thank you, Cathy Scott...

A wonderful tribute
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-13
Cathy Scott has written an amazing account of the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, combined with Clay Myers' moving photographs that documented this tragedy. I was honored to work with Cathy and so many of the other humans and animals in Tylertown that fill the pages of this book. Pawprints of Katrina is a wonderful tribute to the animal victims of the disaster and the people dedicated to saving them.

A Lesson in Humanity and Love ....
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-11
I just finished reading this awe inspiring book by Cathy Scott, forward by Ali McGraw, and photography by Clay Myers. I was moved to tears. It is an example of what all of us should aspire to. Having compassion and providing assistance in times of need, random acts of kindness, putting others first, caring for those who cannot care for themselves.

Tragedies always bring out the best in others, and this book is a documentary of the very best in humanity. Thank you a thousand times to all who came to the rescue of the victims of Hurricane Katrina, both animal and human. You are the angels on earth.

This is a must read for anyone who has ever loved an animal. Please visit the Best Friends Animal Society website to learn how you can help.

Scott
SONAR 2 Power!
Published in Paperback by Course Technology PTR (2002-07-24)
Author: Scott R. Garrigus
List price: $29.95
New price: $9.90
Used price: $1.49

Average review score:

Great book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-09-22
Sonar 2.0 is such a complicated program. I haven't even messed with many of the features, including MIDI, but have gotten quite good at audio editing. This book made a huge difference. I found it much clearer and easier to follow than the online help or manual that came with Sonar. Highly recommended!

Comprehensive guide to features, but little else
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2004-10-15
I'm using Home Studio 2002 XL, which as one of the reviewers pointed out is basically just a cut down version of Sonar 2. I had hoped that this book would help me to really learn how to use the advanced features of Home Studio/Sonar, but I was disappointed to find little advice on technique in the book.

It's a very comprehensive overview of the features of the program, but apart from a few small features I'd overlooked there was very little that I hadn't managed to already learn from the included help files (which are pretty good) or previous experience with Sequencers and using MIDI.

In particular I was interested in more information on how best to arrange and mix songs, in particular using aux-buses, but I found that less time was spent on this topic than on explaining the different effects (in more detail than I thought necessary).

Perhaps I'm being a little harsh, and perhaps I'm looking for a different kind of book. I work with computers for a living, so I'm used to finding my way around new software - I guess if you aren't then this is probably a good tour of what the software can do.

Everything you ever wanted to know about Cakewalk's Sonar!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2003-05-25
I review this book as one who does not own this particular piece of software, but as a prospective Sonar user. I wanted to do a little research to see if Sonar was the way I wanted to go, and I found this book extremely informative. It makes what might be a scary program for the novice very approachable and user-friendly. If I do wind up purchasing Sonar, it's unlikely I'll even need to read the manual with this excellent resource available to me. Outstanding!!

A must for any Sonar user!
Helpful Votes: 7 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-03
Sonar 2 Power! is an excellent book. It is, by far, the best book available on Sonar, and a must have for anyone who uses Sonar. I have found it was great for intitially getting up to speed on the software. And now that I know the software much better, it is still full of tons of helpful information. Sonar 2 Power! lets you quickly dive right into those features you are interested in. Best of all, the author, Scott Garrigus, is able to make learning quick and enjoyable. It is clear that Scott has a great deal of enthusiasm for making music using his computer and Sonar; he does a very good job of getting this enthusiasm across, which makes the book all the more enjoyable to read. The author has a Website...for his readers.

Good for Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 Users as well!
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 9 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-29
This is a good book for Cakewalk Home Studio 2004 (and XL) users as well, because Home Studio 2004 is basically the same as Sonar 2 with a few missing features that Home Studio 2004.

I did a comparison of it to my recently acquired 2004 XL upgrade and other than the synchronization function, a couple of UI changes (Snap to Grid button changed locations), and a few effects that Home Studio XL doesn't give you, everything works identical to the Sonar 2 version in the book.

I haven't read the Cakewalk Power Book, but I did notice it looked thinner on the shelves than Sonar 2, and chose to buy Sonar 2 because I thought it was more comprehensive. I've been very happy about the purchase and what I've learned about Home Recording.

Scott
Sticks and Stones: 7 Ways Your Child Can Deal with Teasing, Conflict, and Other Hard Times
Published in Paperback by Three Rivers Press (2000-02-29)
Author: Scott Cooper
List price: $13.00
New price: $4.65
Used price: $2.49

Average review score:

Great for All Relationships
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-07
I don't have children of my own, but I bought this book because I thought it would be helpful knowledge to have when dealing with my nieces and nephews. I was surprised to find that these skills aren't just for kids. These are basic human relationship skills that will work for anyone. I wish more adults understood and applied this type of healthy interaction. Perhaps this book will lay the groundwork for a more kind and self-assured generation to come. I recommend this book for everyone. It's not just for children.

Cooper Coaches Parents, Teachers, and the Rest of Us
Helpful Votes: 25 out of 25 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-11
Scott Cooper's book, STICKS AND STONES, is an excellent resource for anyone who wants to improve interpersonal relations at home, in the classroom among children or even in a marriage or between countries. This small, completely accessible and easy-to-read book is organized into chapters that illustrate skills by linking them to the patterns of common birds. for example, for problems dealing with blaming (The Way of the Crow) skills such as the "Mighty Might" can be learned and utilized on the spot. Scripts enlarge the concepts and are written in kid-friendly language.

Although this book abounds with good psychological principles, the author comes across as a positive coach with a humorous and compassionate style. The material and strategies are easy to grasp and draw upon solid psychological research, but are not heavy with jargon. Scott Cooper's wisdom will help fill in gaps in your own experience as a child.

Every teacher and principal should have a copy near by. I have recommended this book to many adults in my social work practice. I wish it was around when I was raising a family.

Very Practical Information, True to Life
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2004-07-22
I have read quite a few books on assertiveness training in order to help my 7 year old deal with teasing from her peers. I must have read about 15 different books, but this book truly stands out. It's not just a bunch of hogwash about how teasing affects self esteem, etc, etc. It's real life, practical techniques easy enough to teach a 7 year old that will give her the tools she needs in dealing with the stuff 7 year olds all have to deal with. Each chapter in the book deals with a different concept to work on. So I'm teaching my daughter a chapter a week so that when she re-enters school in September, she'll be much better prepared.

Kids Need this Book!
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-07-17
This book is great. Kids need it! It gave my kids the actual lines they can say when they are being teased. One of the nice surprises is that it also gave me ways to help my kids deal with the whiny, exaggerated things they tell themselves. My kids use the phrases in the book and now they know what to say automatically.This has given them a lot of confidence. They feel much better in many different situations.

Another Approach
Helpful Votes: 9 out of 43 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-14
Let me say first that I have not read this particular book, but have a comment to make regarding destructive teasing.

My 11 year old was teased unmercifully last year by a group of kids after he stood up for a younger child that was the "class goat". (This book was not available; I would have used it if it had been). Suffice it to say that visits to the principal, the teachers, etc. yielded sympathy but no protection.

We finally got him a couple of books of insults and he practiced them at home. He got to be really good at the funny comeback, the creative snap.

It wasn't our favorite solution, but it did work. He's even popular this year because kids think it's funny. The teasing has lessened, though no one at this age is totally immune. At least he didn't slug anybody and he's getting some relief from the incessant comments.

So if the "turn the other cheek" approach isn't working, buy a few insult books and see if you can make the best defense a good offense.

Scott
Taijiquan: The Art Of Nurturing, The Science Of Power
Published in Hardcover by Zhenwu Publications (2005-02-28)
Authors: Yang Yang and Scott A. Grubisich
List price: $29.95
Used price: $99.93

Average review score:

A book to lift your spirit
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-17
This book is easy to read, and give great insight into the art of Taijiquan. I was fortunate enough to take lessons from the author and still use the principles I learned in those lessons. The book helps me remember and focus on these principles. Thank you Yang Yang!

Search out this book and buy a copy
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-07-19
I am beginning a Qigong practice. After researching many books on the art, I decided on this one. I feel very lucky to have found it. It is a clear and helpful guide to the practice. Yang Yang is a scholar and martial arts master. You will benefit from both his skills. He very clearly directs you in a practice, while explaining the intention behind each direction. In a complete practice, you seek to acquire the internal and external aspects of Taijiquan. If either component is missing in your practice, "gong", the fruit of practice, is limited. Specifically, Dr. Yang Yang's complete curriculum includes, "Three essential pillars": Qigong, Taiji Form, and Push-hands. My advice is to search out a copy of this book and buy it. I think you will appreciate it as much as I do.

Excellent resource
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-26
Best book on Taiji for beginners or more advanced that I have read. It is very clearly written. Scientific literature review is very helpful.

A classic for any stylist
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-11
I am a Yang-style tai chi student but found this book to be perfect for everyone. Yang Yang perfectly captures the essence of our art and presents it in a readable and enjoyable style. I read it slowly to savor every concept and every turn of phrase. This book is highly recommended to those just beginning tai chi or those who have been doing it for many years. If you have never experienced what tai chi can do for you, this book will send you looking for the nearest sifu.

Masterful explanation of Taijiquan
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-13
Yang Yang's book, Taijiquan, is very deep and goes beyond what most people will ever know or need to know about Taijiquan and science. As a M.S. student in Exercise Science, as well as a practitioner of Hunyuan Taijiquan, I was very impressed at the depth that Yang goes into in describing the neural mechanisms at work in Taiji. He also points out various topics that western science can delve into that has yet to be investigated.

I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Taijiquan as well as to students of Exercise Science in order to better understand why Taijiquan is as helpful as it is in delaying aging processes.

Scott
The Tales of Tanglewood: The Lon Dubh Whistle
Published in Paperback by Helm Publishing (2007-12-01)
Author: Scott Michael Kessman
List price: $12.95
New price: $9.44
Used price: $9.58

Average review score:

Wonderful Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-17
This book was much better then I thought. When I read the first 3 chapters online I knew I was hooked. I enjoyed it and have since passed it on to my 10 yr old granddaughter who is also enjoying it. So much so that we both have begun reading it to my 5 yr old grandson who is also amazed by this book. As you can see this book is a wonderful family book.
Now we are impatiently waiting for Scott's next book.

Enchanting Story
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-07-15
Scott Kessman weaves a charming story filled with magic and mayhem. If you enjoy fantasy based on Celtic folklore, you, like me, will love this book. Colin and his friends are great company to escape the real world with. I look forward to the second story and hope it becomes available soon.

Great for the kids.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-05-09
Colin thought he was just an ordinary kid, until he discovered Tanglewood, a mysterious, magical world visible only to those with the blood of the fey coursing through their veins. Tanglewood is a wood within a wood, hidden away from the world of man by magic. But Colin has stumbled into it, unaware that his very presence will have adverse effects on the world of elves, sprites, brownies, and other fey creatures. Some of the fey aren't as welcoming as others and Colin will soon find out the dangers of being amongst the magic wielding residents of Tanglewood.

Kessman's novel is written for a much younger audience than I am used to. It fits within that range for kids who might just be reading on their own, or maybe still have their parents reading to them. Basically, this is a novel you could read to your children at whatever age it is that you're reading works like Stuart Little and the like. If that makes sense, then good. As a novel for a much younger audience, the language and the story is a bit more simplistic than what you might be used to. But if you've got younger children, this might be a good book for them. The up side is that the story is easy to follow, the characters are pretty likable and fun, and there is plenty of magical intrigue.

Much of Tanglewood revolves around Irish mythology and folklore. There are sprites and pixies, brownies and elves (not the really tall Tolkien variety, but the traditional folklore type), and, of course, magic. I think one of the interesting things about the magic is that the story doesn't revolve around it. The climax of the story involves magic, but much of what Colin has to do in order to succeed at his "quest" doesn't involve magic at all. This is sort of one of those stories where the main character has to overcome overwhelming odds by his or her own personal integrity, rather than by any sort of special powers he or she may possess.

There are two problems with the novel, in my opinion. One is that it is a little too short. I think it could do with another thirty pages to expand the plot. I know it is meant for a younger audience, but I think that perhaps Kessman is thinking a little too young and could probably benefit from opening up a bit. Since this is the first book in a proposed series there is plenty of time to expand and show a little more of Colin's age.

Overall I think that Kessman's novel is a good book for younger readers. You could have a blast reading it to your kids or even having them read it on their own. The descriptions paint a beautiful picture of Tanglewood and its creatures and there is plenty of the magical beauty that tends to enchant younger readers in the first place (you know, that same sort of magical beauty that drew us all into Harry Potter, except here it is the intrigue that grabs those younger readers). Probably one of the strongest elements beyond being enchanting are the characters. Colin is a strong lead, with Ailfrid and Deidre as good seconds who offer two counter personalities. Together they intermingle well, with Colin acting out the character that doesn't really know much and is a bit unsure of himself, and the other two filling in for his lack of knowledge and offering a bit of additional tension to the already tense plot.

So, if you're interested in something magical and entertaining to read to your kids or for your kids to read, then this is worth giving a shot. Why not search for Tanglewood yourself?

A Great Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-26
This is the perfect book to take with you to the beach or a long journey.Great story that captures your imagination and you do not want the story to end.Waiting for the next book! 5 star read!!

An enchanting, magical tale
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-29
I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable book that I think everyone would enjoy. It took me back to when I was growing up and the things I imagined
as a child. The author has a wonderful way with words.

It is a delightful story and one that any child can relate to, or any adult
who would like to be taken back to that magical period of time called childhood.

I can't wait to read the next one.

Scott
Talking with My Mouth Full: Crab Cakes, Bundt Cakes, and Other Kitchen Stories
Published in Paperback by St. Martin's Griffin (2007-10-02)
Author: Bonny Wolf
List price: $13.95
New price: $4.98
Used price: $4.46

Average review score:

Breezy and hard to put down
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-02
TALKING WITH MY MOUTH FULL is a collection of winsome essays with recipes attached by Bonny Wolf, journalist and NPR correspondent. It seems as if today's food journalists come from one of two diametrically different backgrounds: either they were raised by parents who nearly poisoned them (think Ruth Reichl) or they were raised by parents who passed along their delight in food. Wolf belongs to the latter group, having grown up a baby boomer in Minneapolis reveling in particularly middle-class American institutions which she celebrates and has elaborated on as an adult. Just when you think America has gone to the food dogs with the endlessly vacant discussion of green bean casserole at holiday time, along comes Wolf to say, really, we're eating some good stuff here and we should just enjoy it. Much of it is comfort food and none of it is more difficult and elitist than what a family might serve at a dinner party for friends and family.

Her joie de vivre is contagious as she explores everything from the history and revival of Bundt cakes, regional foods, aprons, dinner party disasters, state fair fare, pot luck suppers, DC's (pre-fire) Eastern Market, Baltimore's crab cuisine, etc. Food as she talks about it is inseparable from place, friends, family, memory and living. Before I knew it, I was marking recipes to try and jotting down titles of old cookbooks to seek out. I doubt I'll overcome my aversion to Jell-o and do the retro thing and make a molded salad, and I'm not going to use lard or suet in the pastie pastry, but Wolf otherwise has me hooked.

Connecting with food and family history
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-09-03
I loved this book -- I had originally checked it out of the library, but had to buy my own copy. I wanted to write notes in it, mark passages to share with my parents -- it's a book that inspires you to think about families and food, plus it has some wonderful recipes. A must read.

Gorgeous and mouth-watering
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-27
Bonnie Wolf has written an absolutely beautiful meditation on the subject of food and its relationship to people. Throughout the reading of the book, I found myself nodding and thinking "The woman knows of what she speaks", particularly in her fantastic section on comfort foods. In the photograph on the book cover, Bonnie looks like someone I would very much like to know -- her kindness and joie de vivre shine through on every page. And the recipes, the recipes. Alas, too often reliant on processed ingredients which are not (and God willing never will be) available here in Eastern Europe where I live, but the recipes, the recipes! Thank you, Bonnie!

Terrific read
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-05-10
I loved this book. It was so real, reading made me hungry to try the many recipes. Though on some subconscious level I realized the importance of food, cooking, and recipes in my life, to have it written in such a way made it wonderfully apparent how. I too was a bit disappointed with how abruptly the book ended, I wanted a conclusion of sorts. Still a very wonderful book with special meaning to those of us who realize our lives are intertwined with food experiences.

A Gem of a Book
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2007-03-29
"Talking with my Mouth Full" had me laughing with my mouth full of Bonny Wolf's comfy recipes.


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