Simmons Books

I picked this book up in a used book store. Although I am not a huge fan of his music I picked the book thinking it may be interesting. I was actually surprised to find out how good this book was to read. DMX discloses so much of his personal life in this book. He is very candid and does an excellent job telling his life story from his passion for pitbulls to his problems with drugs.

There aren't many people who possess the energy and resilience that DMX has. He connects with his audience in ways beyond belief. I met him at a recent performance, was on stage with him the whole time, and was literally blown away. He is one of the greatest performers in the industry today and should be recognized as such. I appreciate his honesty in his book and in his life. What a great man!!

I just grabbed this book out of curiosity. I knew of DMX and his music but no fan. Wow, was I impressed. To be completely honest, I figured it wouldn't be so good because frankly, how good of a story can a ghetto playa bring to the table?
Well, a very good one in fact. My favorite part of it was that he didn't restrain himself from sounding intimate. He would describe how he was living with nothing and then he had bought a little bouncy ball and that was the shiznit! lol I love that. He appreciated the small things. He still had a heart and needed love no matter how roughed up he was. I got mad respect for him and I feel his story was genuine. DMX did not try to make the projects seem cool or anything. I had a picture the entire time reading it. Dark, gloomy, dirty streets and bad vibes. I recommend this book. Seriously, just read it with an open mind. WOW.

Never could have imagined what a rough life DMX had. He has truly defied all odds!

This book offers nothing positive at all. DMX lived a negative life and he speaks negative rap. He robbed people (mostly women) as a youngster. He robbed other kids by using his dog. He stole cars. He stole for the thrill and because he wanted nice things without working for them. And he didn't care who he stole from. He stole a chain from his friend (TQ). He would offer his home made tapes for sell to people, take their money and not give them anything. He promotes violence. He spent most of his life victimizing people in and out of jail. At one point in the later chapters and in one of his raps, he implies raping men in jail. He summarizes quickly what his jail time was like, he avoids going into alot of detail about those years. He's showing you the slice of his life that he wants to show.

He spends too much time on the earliest years of his life which are uninteresting. He doesn't really cover the parts of his life that most people are interested in. He doesn't talk much about the actual business of music. He doesn't talk about how his life changed with the music business success. He doesn't talk about how he grew as a person or what he learned from his incarcerations. Did he spend his time in jail doing anything positive? Or was his jail time just fighting people and rapping about it?

I do appreciate his talent, but not his messages. There were alot of DMX songs that I used to listen to. After reading this book, I see him more vividly now. I see him as a horrible person who I would want nothing to do with. He isn't a person that should be celebrated, he should be ashamed for the life he has led.

You shouldn't buy this book. You shouldn't even borrow it. It's a waste of time to read, there are much better, more positive things that you could be doing with your life.

The book can look very promising to you. And it is. It offers a great amount of history and vividly describes the structure of the Marines. However, the book isn't very much a manual as it is a set of chronicles. I recommend it to any with an interest in the Marines or military overall.

I purchased this book for my husband, for our anniversary. He had, many times, picked up this book at our local bookstore and thumbed through it. The book drew numerous smiles and comments from him. "Hey hun, look at this.." became the regular statement made, while browsing through the pages. Not only did the book offer a throrough history of the Corps, but it brought back endless memories for him. I've enjoyed this just as much as he has! The book is a beautiful presentation of history, wonderful photos, artwork and facts. We've had the book quite some time, and he's still admiring it, learning new things from it..... still smiling as he "looks" through it! In effect, what I have is a Dashing Grunt, who's so happy you'd think it was November 10th. :-) A great book for all.

As the proud mother of Two of The Few, I'm unashamedy too "moto" for Things Marine. The first time I saw this book, I had to have it. From the beautiful cover with its USMC Seal to every single bit of information inside, it is a fitting tribute to our country's BEST - United States Marines. Chesty Puller himself would give it a gruff "Good To Go!"

I cannot find a single aspect of this book I don't like. For proud parents of Devil Dogs especially, I highly recommend this book!

This book is absolutely amazing. This is a "must have" for every former and current Marine and military historians. You will be pleased with this one.

Despite an aching back, I stood for over an hour this afternoon thumbing through the pages of this book at a local bookstore. It was outstanding. I was a Marine combat correspondent in Vietnam ('67) and saw a number of photos taken by my colleagues, including David Douglas Duncan in Con Thien where I also was. What struck me about "Marines" is the extensive and well balance coverage of the history of the Corps. I found it very amusing the "political correct" comments about several of our controversal commandants. How true. How true. Great work. I came home and immediately ordered this book from Amazon.

Semper Fi!

I loved loved this book....I checked it out at our local library and read it cover to cover in two days...Thats a record for me...I love that this woman took a sensible approach to her weight loss and over a course of 4 years, took the weight off. I find it frustrating when all the books tell of 100+ weight loss in a matter of 10-12 months...It made me feel lazy and inadequate to have lost 60 in a year...but not anymore having read this book. So many of the things she went thru I can relate to and know that there is light at the end of the tunnel gives me so much added motivation to keep doing what I am doing and it will pay off...It has already...Definately a book to read over and over again:)

This is a wonderful book showing some ups and more downs of the scale. This woman shows by example in her experience that if we don't follow a food regiment 100% you can still attain your goal of loosing weight. It is really refreshing to read that you can make a goal even when you slip away from it now and then, but you have to not give up. A good read hard to put down.

I bought this book on Saturday and finished it on Tuesday. I could hardly put it down. I also weigh what Sandra did and then some. This book was really motivating and I saw so much of myself in it so I could relate to it. It really gives me hope and shows me I am normal. I have been going to T.O.P.S. since April 2001 and have lost over 30 pounds and began backsliding. Now I see that may happen from time to time and I just need to stay motivated. Thank you for this book.I am a 37 yr. old widow with 2 children and really need to stay on track to be here for them and I think this book will help me.

I enjoyed the spirit with which this book was written. By the time I finished I felt as though I knew Sandra and her wonderful supportive family. I was cheering her on throughout the book. Not only did she lose weight for herself but she chose this time to help others and start up aerobic classes for women who feel left out at most health clubs. Her relationship with Richard Simmons made me smile. They had such mutual respect. It is wonderful that she accomplished what she did, helped others and at the same time wrote an enjoyable uplifting book.

In particular I liked the way she did not hold back her feelings or her problems. She tells it "like it is". I recommend this book even if weight loss is not the goal. She puts a positive spin on other things as well.

Not only is this book the bargain of the year, but it is literally the best diet book ever written. This lady tells her story from the beginning to what is going on today. It is like reading her diary. There are no gaps to the story-which I really appreciated. She tells you every step she took to lose the weight including what exercise she did along the way. She also tells you how your family and friends will react to your weight loss. For anyone who wants a "Step by Step" account of how a friend lost her weight, this is a "must" read. After reading Sandra's book, you feel like you are her friend. Very inspiring with an honest approach to weight loss. I can't say enough about this book!!

This book has me laughing from cover to cover, but I loved the ACTION! I mean there was bullets flying, people dying, it was awesome. And the ending of this book just blew me away, one of the sexiest scenes I've EVER read in this type of novel and done so well.

I like that D.N. isn't vulgar about her sex scenes and each character, you can't help but respect because they're written so well. I love D.N.'s supernaturals, unlike many other books, I like that they have a loyalty to each other that really stands out and they don't angst, whine and cry about everything. They do what's gotta be done and kick butt in the process. D.N.'s a great writer and I can see that she's improving her writing style in this book because it really shows. I can't wait for the third book, it can't get to me fast enough. The forum/website said it's coming in August and that's almost too far away.

Bored to death after reading many other so called vampire books out there, I researched on-line for the next vampire thrill. I stumbled upon a website and Desires Unleashed (1st book) was mentioned on the blogs. Caught my curiosity and purchased it. Fell in love with it regardless of the misspellings. It's lustful (not in a girly/Fabio way) it's sinful, and it's so erotic. All in a vampire-lish way. It's animalistic, it's raw. I even purchased another one for a friend. DN Simmons has a cult following now these days and I am one of them. Bought the second book, The Guilty Innocent, and I am presently reading it for the second time. I am totally hooked. I want more. These books are addictive. Can't wait for Royal Flush!!!!

Great book! Better editing than the first book, so that was good. Awesome storyline! Sergio, who is my favorite character kicked butt in this book! D.N.'s writing style is improving with each book it seems and I'm really enjoying this series.

I'd totally recommend reading the KOTDC.

I have 3 of the books in this series, and I found it refreshing compared to some have I've read.

The books are fast paced, the plot(yes there is a plot) moves smoothly.

The descriptions of Chicago takes me back to when I lived there, I can see the places she describes, and only an exceptional writer can do that.

Yes, the supernaturals are beautiful, what supernaturals in what series are not. There are sex scenes in the books, what supernatural novel being written now does not, yet the sex is believable, well writtten and there is no "F**ck me while I'm tight" being screamed at every encounter, and sex is not the energizer bunny powering up everyone within a 10 mile radius. Yes some of the characters are homosexual, and no I do not remember reading that all of them were submissive, they are well written characters. Characters who some can relate to, characters that although are supernatural have problems of life and love and resolve them in the way you woule expect supernaturals to do so.


Yes, there are typos, but once informed of this, Ms. Simmons has promised to correct them in the next release of these books. I applaud and commend her, she is a self-published author, she did not have proofreaders, editors, a husband or reading group to help her along.

I'd gladly pay 25 bucks for her next novel.

There have been authors and then there have been authors.
As a love leter to D.N.Simmons, first let me say, "Do Your Thang!"
The Guilty Innocent, gave me the best ride of my book reading life, I love that although Natasha is the one telling the story, that Natasha is not the story.
I love that the vampires aren't campy or have fallen head over heels for her simply because Natasha is the one telling the story.
I love that there are other strong women in this series, who aren't a threat to her and if they are she says it and so be it.
I could pull a recap of what another reveiewer said and tell you the story, but I have a better idea for you, buy the book, it's worth the price.

I own a sheep operation with over 100 ewes. I always recommend this book to new producers when they purchase sheep from me. Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep covers all the basic information: breeds, feeding, shelter requirements, diseases, care for lambs and adults, even what to do with the wool from your sheep. I use it for a ready reference, and I have been known to GIVE a copy to new shepherds. There are chapters on fencing, livestock guardian dogs, pasture management, and herding dogs. There is even a section covering products and marketing. This book is thorough, yet easily understood even by a novice. If you want to raise sheep, read this book first so you'll be prepared to bring your first ones home.

Had a very old version of this book before I bought the new one. It keeps with the high quality tradition of Storey's Guides. It a great reference book for our farm library.

This is an excellent book for those interested in raising sheep and for those that are already doing so. Excellent addition to your library. Very good chapters on breeds and on gaurdian dogs. Really enjoyed the "shepard's story's" scattered throughout the book!

When I started out with sheep in 1991, an earlier edition of this book was one of only two books I could find on sheep raising. It was called "Raising Sheep the Modern Way" and of the two books, this was the most useful. It had a comprehensive guide to breeds of sheep which helped me pick which breed to get, it had useful plans for sheep feeders and such, and a helpful section on sheep guardian dogs. (I'm still trying to get my dog to read that part.)
This was the book I ran in to the house to consult when I had a sick sheep or when a ewe was in labor with a lamb coming out backwards.

But time has gone by since then. When I first saw "Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep" in my local Tractor Supply store, I wasn't sure I wanted to spend that kind of money on a book I already owned. I did it anyway, and it sure was worth it.

This book is a complete update of the former edition. It adds sheep breeds that have become important since the last edition, such as the Dorper. It includes new information without removing any of the old that made this book so important.

I must admit that I don't consult this new edition the way I did the old. I've become experienced with sheep and also have subscribed to 'Sheep!' magazine, 'Goat Rancher' and other livestock publications. But when faced with a new situation--- such as when I decided to add a second sheep breed to my Shetland flock, or when I got my guardian dog--- this book is the one I consult first.

Sheep are the most efficient and ecological way to convert grass and brush into food for humans. If you are considering raising sheep either as a homesteader or a full-scale rancher, this book should be on your shelf--- when it's not in your hands.

This book is a definite must for anyone thinking sheep! It seems that nothing goes missing from this read. It gives you all the info you need for basics and even emergencies. It doesn't make the negative overwhelming for those prospective shepherds out there and it adds a happy light to the joys of raising these docile animals. I was surprised and glad to see the information on rare breeds- I am leaning in that direction. A wonderful compilation that merits it name "the small-scale sheep-raiser's bible." If you are wondering in any way, shape, or form about sheep, reach for this book before any other! An enjoyable and informative book!

My son loves this book! He can recite it to us, we've read it so much. It is a cautionary tale, but not in the creepy Hansel & Gretel sort of way. It shows how "mommy ducks" can get frustrated with "little ducks" when they don't listen. Daisy is never really in danger... and I think a little anxiety is good! This book has helped my son understand that he needs to listen to Mommy & Daddy because they are always looking out for his safety. When the family is out and about, and my son acts like Daisy (innocently curious, but nevertheless, NOT listening to our cries to stay close), my husband and I say "come along Daisy" or "you must stay close Daisy." This helps my son to remember the importance of listening to Mommy & Daddy. Besides this educational benefit, it is an awesome story! One that the whole family will remember even as my son grows into a man.

a great, interactive and charming story about a little duck named daisy. your little one will enjoy it!

A beautiful cautionary tale that my 30 months old son like it so much. He felt sad when Daisy was all alone. He pretended as Daisy talking with the Frog, bouncing on the bed. He showed his smiley face when mama duck appeared at the end.

When we were out, he sometimes stay close to me when I reminded him Daisy.

Daisy is a little duckling that doesn't listen. She is too busy chasing insects, playing with frogs and bouncing around. Her mom calls her plenty of times and warns her to stay near her at all times but Daisy is a defiant little duck until one day when she wanders too far. Daisy finds herself hiding from big scary things moving in the water under her and big scary birds flying over her head and the one time she really needs her mom, she isn't there. This is a book about a little defiant duck who learns her lesson. The illustrations are amazingly precious, simple yet full of life and sweetness. I very much enjoyed this story because I found the children I read it to playing with their rubber ducky in the bath, that looks like Daisy, hiding from their other toys. They were repeating lines from the story and smiling.

I suppose, in the strictest sense of the term, that "Come Along, Daisy" could be categorized as a cautionary tale. I mean, certainly there are negative consequences for any child that refuses to heed his or her mother while traveling. Still, the book cautions without scaring. It's a remarkably tender little tale that manages to be evocative and dark without descending into morbidity. And it's just doggone sweet.

Daisy is a young duckling, still wearing her yellow feathers and trailing after her mama. While out in the swamp one day, Mama tells Daisy to heed her and to not fall behind. Daisy, however, is too distracted to listen closely to her mother. There are fish to observe and dragonflies to chase. There are lily pads to jump on (with a "bouncy, bouncy, bouncy. Bong, bong!") and frogs to observe at close proximity. Unfortunately, soon Daisy's frog hops away leaving the small helpless duckling very much alone. Things under the lily pad scare her. Things flying up in the sky scare her. And a very loud noise definitely scares her. That is, until she find out that it's just Mama Duck with her customary, "Come along, Daisy". Needless to say, Daisy learns her lesson.

This is just one of the latest in a long line of books that inform children not to get separated from their parents in public spaces. Of course, it doesn't engage in much of the way of practical advice. Mama Duck doesn't tell Daisy that if she gets lost she should stand in one place and not move. But I suppose Mama Duck is in charge of the situation the entire time in this story. In any case, this is a just a good story that tells kids to listen to their guardians when out n' about. Author Jane Simmons also doubles as an illustrator for this story, and it is here that she really stands out and shines. Simmons has a grasp of perpective and tone that just fits her story like a warm comforting glove. Painted entirely in thick beautiful paints, the book shows the slight tints of the early morning sun, the fetid marshes when Daisy is abandoned, and the eerie green cattails of an unknown swamp. Characters are rendered beautifully as well. When Daisy is happy she leaps about with toddler-like abandon. When scared, her eyes stare blankly out behind an enormous worried beak. And when she sees her mother, at long last, her entire body arches towards her, going as fast as she possibly can.

Children can handle tales of abandonment if everything turns out well in the end. "Come Along, Daisy" has the added delight of there never being a particularly dire threat to the little duckling in the first place. Even that dark image of a hawk flying above shows Mama Duck swimming placidly nearby. There is great comfort in reading about Daisy's adventures. This book is a perfect little lesson about the bond between a child and its guardian, specifically that between mother and child. A wonderful beautiful book.

Understanding that Nothing is Against Me, All if For Me even "Conflict". The winds of conflict are Beneficial and Life Enhancing,not unwanted or negative experiences. As I apply these steps -
1 Accept and Love,
2 Bless and Be Grateful
3 Right action as Conscious Doing
4 Authentic Being as knowing only Oneness through Heart Wisdom.

I can see the condition of the Storm and apply the Antedote of Wholeness, discovering the missing link - the sense of what is missing for each of us, in any moment of distress.

I now love and use the phrases - "Tell me More" - when someone is critical or defensive and " What is Missing for you " - as Peace from the open heart of Acceptance, as I remain present in the moment, connected to my Spiritual essence and to the Perfection and wholeness of the other - healing and resolution occur as I get out of the way. Gary call this "The Way of God" .
This book and I of the Storm for teens include fresh stories and examples is a Leading Edge Primer on how to Love in a new and holy way, - especially in the places that may seem threatening, scarry or overwhelming. These are transformed through expansion, awakeneing and awareness of our True Worth and Purpose,of our self and all others.
So grateful for Gary's wisdom and commitment to Peacekeeping and to his wife Jane for the companion book for teens, which simplifies this material for all of us, adding to the depth of this message. I recommend the combo or both book for a broader view of the possibilities for Peace in all our affairs.

I bought this book because of the stellar reviews, but it's not really hitting the spot for me. It's too simplistic to say that everything that happens is for my ultimate good, or that I agreed to it before my birth. Sometimes we get caught in other peoples' lessons. As an adult, I can always choose to learn and grow from what happens to me--on that point, I'm in agreement with the author. But I would never lay that perspective on a survivor of childhood sexual abuse, for example. Life IS relational. We don't individually create our own reality--we are co-creators, communal creatures. Some people have suffered horrible injustices because of the choices of others. It may be comforting to think that "God never gives you more than you can handle" but I don't actually think it's true. Some people start off with so many strikes against them. Whatever the big plan is, it's way beyond the ability of our pea brains to understand it.

I loved this book from the opening chapter. It caused me to awaken my thinking and take more responsibility for my thoughts. Out of the box thinking. A very spiritual way to resolve conflicts - change our thoughts.

In my recent awakening from addiction after many years of running in fear, teachings like this give rise to such a healthy mind set for facing and embracing life. What a refreshing thought that interpersonal and self conflict merely express the thoughts I bring into the situation. By reframing what it is I know and believe, not only can conflict enrich my life but it can also help me reach new levels of understanding which keep my life vibrant and new. Great read.

One of the most practical and helpful books on dealing with conflict in relationships. A must read for anyone who is looking to bring harmony to a family, a team, a congregation, or a community. Actually, these principles would work well for a nation and a world as well.

Gary Simmons lays out the issues in relationships fair and square, then shows how a shift in attitude and approach can bring peace and solutions where before there was only chaos and confusion.

There's also a teen-age version of this book for working with young people.

MY kids liked this book pretty good. It is a bit hefty in pricve but it is good.

Book arrived when expected and how expected - can't expect much more than than!

My four year old daughter and I love this book. If you're looking to buy a preschooler a story for Halloween--this is the one. It has witches, magic, and some not too scary mischief. It's quite satisfying and teaches that what goes around comes around. The book is even endorsed by former President Jimmy Carter!

Alice and Greta arrived serendipitously the same day that my son got in trouble at school and therefore lost privileges at home. Until we read this book together, he was having a problem understanding why talking too much at school meant he lost TV at home. Once he learned "The Brewmerang Principle" from the book, however, he got it. Now, he begins each day stating, "I'm going to be like Alice and do good things for people so that good things happen to me. I'm NOT going to be like that bad Greta." In addition to the great moral, the illustrations are very attractive, and kids who are interested in magic will love the story just for that aspect. Highly recommended for young readers.

Magic and wizardry are just some of the thing's you'll find in the book called Alice and Greta by Steven J.Simmons. This story is about Alice who is a wich and does nice thing's for people and girl named Greta who is also a wich and does mean thing's to people.
So if you like magic, you'll like this book. I like this book because everything that Greta did to people comes back to her in the end. So the lesson you learn is it doesn't matter what you do to people it will always comes back to you.

The fifth edition of this fine book has now been published however it is still not yet available from Amazon.com

Most of our knowledge of railroads comes from either seeing them as they pass in their multi-hued glory, or in memories generated from films of steam belching locomotives huffing and chugging their way across the countryside. Unless we care enough to learn more, we really do not understand how they work, why they are organized the way they are, or what all the equipment that we pass by is really for. If we do care to learn more, there is a dearth of information about the railroad. That lack of information is what is addressed by this book. This book could be used as a semester-length entry-level university class textbook - it is that thorough yet high-level. In 22 chapters it addresses all the fundamentals of the railroad especially as railroading is practiced in North America.

Through many examples derived from a fictional railroad that operates in the Northeast U.S., the author leads us through what and how a railroad "ticks". He explains why the rails are ballasted the way they are; what historical accident led to the gauge being determined as 4 ft 8.75 inches; how locomotives are measured and what are the important measurements that the operating departments use; How signals work on the railroad; what kinds of railroad cars are there and what they are used for; the way in which a car goes from point A to point B and how the revenue is shared amongst the many hands that touch that load; and how the railroad itself is organized to bring its benefits to the shipping public.

This is a pretty thorough introduction to the art of railroading and is about as much information as any curious observer may wish to have. Besides people who are interested in railroading (maybe as a career?), I can see this book also being useful to model railroaders who want to model realistic operations; shippers who want to understand what happens when they let go of a cargo, or when they receive it; investors and financiers in railroads; and others.

Being somewhat of a textbook, the reader has to understand that getting through this book will take some work - this is not an easy read at the beach intended to help pass the time! But, attention to the words and the concepts they illuminate will help the reader understand the complex world of railroading.

I used this book to help get up to speed on financing railcars and this book was invaluable in helping me understand the differences in railcar types and the way that railroads work. Would highly recommend it.

John Armstrong is both a railroader and a railroad modeler. He wrote "Railroad: What it Is, What it Does" to help modelers create realistic layouts by understanding how a real railroad operates. But it doesn't matter if you're a modeler: whatever your reason, if you want to know how railroads operate, then this book is for you!

Armstrong covers every aspect of railroading. Starting with history as far back as the Roman Empire, he surveys the evolution of rail transport from mining cars on wooden tracks through the "big steel rail". He covers the pros and cons of flat wheels on flanged track versus flanged wheels on flat track, stone ties versus timber ties, steel rails versus iron rails, and all of the engineering issues that go into building a stable, long-lasting track--and that's just in the first few chapters.

From there he explains the economic issues that go into deciding where to run the track, how to route the trains, and everything that goes into establishing a railroad operation.

Finally he covers all the details: how a consist is put together; the various cars and their construction; the railroad workers and their various jobs.

This is one of the few books that leaves me feeling like I know all about the subject. It's incredible how he packs so much knowledge into these few pages! He obviously knows, and loves, his subject. And he writes with a storyteller's flair, so it's more like a novel than a text--I was sorry when it was finished!

Do yourself a favor. If you have any interest in trains whatsoever, get this book. You'll read it more than once.

John H. Armstrong is probably best known for his books about model railroading. This is not one of those books. This is an introduction to the railroad industry.. It covers such diverse topics as to why goods should or could be moved by rail, locomotives, cars, routing, trackage, passenger service, freight service, organization, accounting, profit and loss, operations and a host of others. It is a book about the industry, not models. I don't think models are mentioned anywhere.

That being said, it is a very useful book for model railroaders who are always seeking to make their layouts as much like the real thing as possible. This book explains why certain things take place in the real world giving modelers an insight as to how to do the same in their created world.

Models aside, this is a great text for anyone who wishes to learn more about this part of the transportation industry.

This book is a great source of fabulous recipes and very skillfully put on paper to make it easy to create for a novice cook. Excellent!

It uses tofu and ricotta cheese for protein (no meat), tomato sauce, red peppers, spinach! I've made it several times and LOVE it. I also like the orange zest/parsley cauliflower. YUM!!!

I bought this book because the recipes looked, not only healthy, but delicious. It is well illustrated and the recipes are quite easy to follow. There is an error on the recipe for Spinach Custard with Gruyere Topping on page 170 with the oven temperature. According to Williams-Sonoma, it should read 325 degrees and not 180 degrees.

I bought this cookbook as a present for a friend. As I, myself, am interested in health food and adore the beautifully constructed full-picture versions of the Williams-Sonoma cookbooks, I had a hard time actually GIVING this present to her (*Sigh*...I suppose I shall have to buy my own, now).

This cookbook is great for the beginner in 'Healthful Cooking.' The beginning section is devoted to standard terms and proper cooking/preparation techniques involved with natural food preparation. The entire book features huge, wonderfully-photographed, pictures -- which are great for inspiration (I always find them greatly inspiring in my other Williams-Sonoma cookbooks).

The recipes range the gamut from easy to a bit more technical, but all cooks should be able to pull these meals off. Also, there is something that I found to be particularly wonderful about this cookbook: there are dessert recipes inside! I had almost become used to a world in which 'healthy cooking' did not involve cooking desserts... (Again, the pictures are wonderful, and guaranteed to make you drool, even if the dessert turns out to be inordinately healthy.)

I recommend this cookbook for anyone with a visual eye that is interested in healthy cooking.

The recipes listed here are very healthy and very tasty, dispelling the myth that healthy invariably means not tasty. The authors use spices and wines to make low-fat food tasty, and they always manage to. These recipes have various degree of difficulty, ranging from very easy to quite challenging, and many of these ideas can be used for Christmas, Thanksgiving and other holiday meals.