Smith Books

How inviting and parent friendly. I openned the book and could not put it down. It was so very warm, engaging and funny. As a working wife and mother to a 5 year old and a 3 year old, I rarely have time to sit and do leisure reading, but because of the length of the chapters, ease of reading and the gripping & sometimes even humorus text, I was able to find not only the time to read but to thoroughly enjoy this great book.

Many times I've felt like my family has to be the only one that goes through certain phases or that we must be the silliest family on the planet, but this book reminded me that we are not alone and that many families share the similar experiences, dilemmas,warmth and funny times. I was pleased with myself when I realized that some of the tips Susan gives in the book, I've already introduced into my own family.

It made me smile, belly laugh and Moo like a Cow. After reading the last page on the train I couldn't wait to get home, leave everything else at the front door and embrace my family. Thank you Susan for reminding me of what's most important! Your "Family Bond" has won a place in my heart and on my mantle.

I have a three-year-old son and work full time. It's a constant challenge to conistently nurture a strong bond between me and my tempermental toddler (since I'm away from him four days a week). When I first read "Family Bond" on my commute home from work one day, it actually brought tears to my eyes. It gave me a glimpse into all of the beautiful opportunities that exist everyday (but that we so often overlook) for me and my son to grow together. The book is not only full of great tips, but it is truly insipirational. When I got home that evening, I approached motherhood in a way that I never knew before . . . and I had a blast! My relationship with my family just keeps getting better.

I don't have a lot of time to read these days. As a parent of two, I don't know how all those moms keep Oprah's Book Club in business! But I do occasionally read books that might help me become a better parent, and this one certainly fits the bill (with the bonus of being easy and fast to read!). The emphasis is on FAMILY MAKING -- creating better ties with your children. It's less about the "right" way to parent, and more about creating opportunities to share in your kids' lives in ways that are meaningful. I highly recommend this book. Place it next to your bed; read a chapter whenever you find the time, and you will find the effort well rewarded.

I am 78 years old. I was visiting friends last week and picked up a copy of this lovely little book. I wept when I read it because my children are grown and gone and I wish this book had been around 50 years ago. It has such simple,common sense advice and I know if I had used it when my children were young it would have helped me so much. I was an old-fashioned Mother and it never would have occurred to me to express my love and understanding the way the author suggests. Back in those days, we just fed, clothed and sheltered them and figured they knew that was love. Now I know how much more I could have done and how that could have changed the relationship I have with my children today. I want everyone I know to read this. Thank you, Susan.

What a jewel! I wish I had had this book when I raised my family. I plan to buy a copy for each of my children when they start their families.

There are lots of "serious" books with big, serious ideas in them. And very little practicality. That's where this book really sparkles. It gives practical advice in a friendly, supportive tone that helps the oveworked parent cope with the everyday stresses and uncertainties of nurturing children and growing an adult relationship with a spouse.

By coupling her academic and professional expertise with her real-life, personal experience, the author gives the reader all sorts of practical insights into the potentially joyful day-to-day world of parenting.

Short, specific yet universal examples bring the challenges of day-to-day parenting to life. All of these are brought to a focus in a convenient, intelligent organization.

With the friendly tone of her writing and cartoons, she hits just the right attitude: sure, being a parent is deadly serious business, but it can and should be a lot of fun.

Anyone contemplating a family should buy this book.

This collection of color photographs of flowers by Robert Mapplethorpe is stunning beyond words. Just when you thought that nothing else could be done with the overdone photographing of Calla Lilies, Mapplethorpe graces this book with eleven new shots of them, along with Orchids, Tulips, Poppies and a Rose or two. It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with Mapplethorpe's work that some of these magnificent color shots are quite phallic in nature.

It is appropriate that the artist selected flowers for some of his last work since he like flowers was here for such a short time. (It is futile to speculate as to how many beautiful books he would have published by now had he lived.)

A short but moving introduction is included by his friend Patti Smith: She ends her comments with lines:

"A flower that grew from years of flowers./By one who caused a modern shudder/and was favored by his mother./It is the wall that conceals all the tears of a relatively young man/with nothing but glory in his grasp and what he would be/grasping is the hand of God drawing him into another garden."

For those who will never afford a Mapplethorpe, this book is a beautiful substitute.

This book deserves more than five stars. It is the finest set of flower photography that I have seen before, and presents more dimensions of what a flower can mean that I would have thought possible.

I took a course of creativity from author Dan Wakefield a number of years ago. One of the many excellent exercises we did was to take a flower and write as much as we could about what we observed during an hour. At the end of the time, I was bursting with new ideas for all kinds of things. Try it sometime!

Seeing this marvelous book by Robert Mapplethorpe (that would earn a G rating if it were a motion picture) reminded me of that exercise. I had the same feeling as I examined each image, and had a great desire to start taking notes.

The essay, A Final Flower, by Patti Smith helps put these great works in perspective. Mr. Mapplethorpe found it "as easy to hurl beauty as anything else." "He came, in time, to embrace the flower as the embodiment of all the contradictions reveling within [him]." He was inspired by "their sleekness, their fullness, Humble narcissus, Passionate zen." As such, he found flowers to be "worthy conspirators in the courting and development of conflicting emotions."

The images themselves evoke more complicated views than any others of flowers that I have seen. The closest to his style is that which Georgia O'Keeffe used in her painings. But there are more dimensions to these photographs.

For example, a single flower may evoke a part of a human body, but it will also stimulate an impression of a human emotion contained in the flower image separate from the body part. Further, the shadowed background behind the flower will add movement and context that greatly expand the meaning of the overall image. Mr. Mapplethorpe also displays a genius for using varieties of color together to express complicated rhythms that make looking at the images a lot like listening to a drum beating a distinctive tattoo. He also employs juxtaposition (to make one thing appear to be part of something else), allusions to emerging and receding, and contrasts to great effect.

The technical quality of the images is superb. The lighting, detail, and composition of each image are precisely as must have been intended. Each image is an exquisite gem. Although I liked all of the images, some appealed to me more than others. Here are my favorites:

Irises, 1988; Rose, 1989; Orchid, 1977; White Longstem Flower, 1982; Orchids, 1982; Orchid, 1986; Flowers in a Vase, 1985; Orchids, 1987; and Poppy, 1988 (second one). I would like to specially praise the astonishing Calla Lilies (1985-1988) for their amazing beauty and inspiring qualities.

Where else can something simple display so much important meaning and complexity about nature and the viewer? I suggest that you consider looking at leaves, rocks, and feathers as possible additional sources of inspiration. Try your hand at arranging tableaux that use the vocabulary of Mr. Mapplethorpe's work here.

May your heart and mind be suffused with the wonders around you . . . creating a meditation inspired by nature!

While the photos are stunning, the presentation is a little rough. While most photos are presented with a blank page opposite there are a few photos that face other photos. This is a little jarring but worse is the two photos that are printed across the facing page. The spine break really detracts from a pair of beautiful photos.
Mapplethorpe was a genius with a camera and this book gives us many reminders of his skill. The publisher, however, lacks the artistic eye that would have prevented the distractions of a few photos that are damaged or badly placed by the layout. Minus a star because it could have been layed out better

Even though Mapplethorpe is better known for his controversial black and white nude photos, this book demonstrates his careful delicacy with not only the flowers but also the controlled lighting and the subtle colors. I have loved this book since the first time I leafed through it in studio photo class.

Unbelivable intensity out of such simplicity. Here is Mapplethorpe's ultimate genius, astoundingly powerful from such simple set-ups. The colour, composition, lighting, choice of vases and flowers: All the basics but brilliantly done.
I saw Mapplethorpe's famous exhibition in Philadelphia just before he died,the exhibit that was banned at the Corcoran in D.C., then siezed for a while in Cincinnati. The flower photographs were dye-transfer prints, which made the colour surprisingly intense; some were almost 3' tall. People would stand for a long time in front of those, enraptured, sensing the work on several different levels at once. This book does a good job of bringing that to you. You can look at this book over and over again, put in on a coffe table to start converstaions or, after having not seen it for a while, rediscover it to be awed and inspired anew once again.
The edition I have is a 1990 paperback 12" in height; the pictures are presented one to a spread, so that there is a blank white page accross from the flower, which is a very classy touch, completely the correct way to do it.

Medium to hard-core music fans will love it. Casual fans will enjoy it. If you are into the music of the FREE, BAD COMPANY, and/or Paul Rodgers - you owe it to yourself to get this book. This is a great read, real life story, with loads of interesting details behind this moderately popular (but outstanding) rock band. This book is NOT a "kiss-up-hero-worshiping-everything-they-did-was-wonderful-critical-review" thing. Just the facts. Some ugly stuff. Some sad. Always interesting. I was amazed to discover how serious & determined these "kids" where to produce the music THEY wanted play. Find out what happened to Andy Fraser (bass). Who/What was SHARK? TOBY? Dates, Names, Places. It even includes a complete sessionography listing obscure unreleased sessions by Paul Rodgers band named PEACE (who?!). Even as a hard-core fan, I was completely unaware of 90% of the information I discovered in this book. Be forewarned that that this book will probably cost you more money down the road - as you scramble to complete your collection of FREE related music. Read the book. Listen to the music. You will not regret it.

this great book at second edition try the reader in a dimension as end '60 never forget and reach light on the hard times of the group.very fine photos but only black and white ,i think perhaps not could be a difficult thing to buyer for this splendid book.
i hope in a third edition with more accurate pages,photos colours and in a book only dedicated to my great guitar player and always inspiration source PAUL KOSSOFF.
peter from italy.

what a great and in depth biography. if you like Free or any of its members, this is a must for your book shelf or coffee table. can't say enough good things about it

David Clayton has done a great job in assembling the stories of the individual players in the early days, how they came together, early struggles, eventual success etc. The reminicences of those who knew them and extracts from music magazines of the time make for interesting reading.

It is a sobering and sometimes depressing read about a band who should have been much larger, but instead were corrupted by eventual success after years of struggle and poverty.

Young up and coming bands would do well to read about, and try to avoid, the mistakes this band made regarding management, drugs, egos, song selection, and group parasites which all got in the way of the music.

Way back in the early eighties, intrigued by the components that made "All Right Now" such a great song, I went on a quest to find any and every recording of the late, great, lamented band, Free. I thought I was the only person on the planet who still listened to them. Thank God I was not. If you dig their music then you will want the book, and you'll love it. If you don't know about the music so well, then this book will definitely wet your appetite for it. They created their own oevre and instantly recognizable sound. The minimalism is addictive. Listen carefully. You will be moved.

Just finished Ghost Medicine. Actually, read it until finished in bed last night. Blurry-eyed and all - I Loved It. The writing is beautiful to read. The story has a very visual flow to it and you get to know the characters in an intimate way. If I don't like a book I can't force myself to read it. This one came easy. I didn't want to stop. I think this is a story for both genders and most ages. I definitely recommend Ghost Medicine!

It is hard to believe that Ghost Medicine is Andrew Smith's first novel. His narrative style is that of a seasoned writer and appeals to readers of all ages. While teenage boys might identify more with Troy and his pals, this book is age and gender neutral, entertaining readers with Smith's descriptions of the rugged terrain of the setting and the pensive musings of the main character as he struggles to find his place in his family, with his friends, and in life in general. Part Stand by Me, part A River Runs Through It, Smith has taken the standard coming-of-age story and made it relative and gripping for all readers.

From the first page this book commands attention, hinting at enough adventure and drama to hook reluctant readers in such a lyrical way that the most literary of readers wouldn't be turned off either: the perfect blend of compelling characters, strong narrative voice and coming of age turmoil.

Andrew Smith's first novel indicates a great career to come, but in the meantime there is plenty to enjoy. His debut is beautifully but plainly written, and addresses difficult subjects with honesty, portraying adolescence in all of its mixed-up, complicated glory.

I've always been drawn to America's rugged cowboy culture. Having grown up in the lowlands by the North Sea, the American West seemed worlds away. It was. And it still is. But through Ghost Medicine, I feel I have lived it. Smith brings that experience to life in such a rich, sensory and even seductive way, that I felt I was riding a horse along with Troy, Gabe and Tommy.
I was happy Smith prepared us for what was to come (sort of), because it would have broken my heart otherwise.
A great read....

Just a great book no matter what your age is. Geared towards the teenage crowd but thoroughly enjoyed it as an adult. Looking forward to future titles by the author.

I loved the idea that someone else in this world loves chocolate as much as I do and is still able to function as a crime solving psychic. The writers did an awesome job of combining Arizona history with an interesting story of a ghost who needs his murder solved. The authors also threw in a good dose of humor as well as some of the Arizona landscape and setting the story in places that most of us can visit and become more familiar.
I would definitely recommend this book to others and have.

I love a good mystery and The Ghost Wore Polyester kept me guessing until the end. It also kept me laughing as the characters are wonderfully drawn and have that special charm that makes you sorry to see the book end. I highly recommend this book

What a hilarious book. I read this book in a day. I could not put it down. I loved her dry sense of humor and sarcastic views. I also thought it was very entertaining how each chapter began and ended. I certainly hope that I get the opportunity to read about Tildy and her adventures again. Bravo to the writers! It's an excellent read.

My wife said I would like this book and she was right! With two small children at home it's hard to finish any book but I finished this one! It not only held my attention, I could not wait to see what was going to hapen next. I enjoyed the quick wit and great descriptions. When does the next one come out?

WOW! This was a great ride. I loved the Arizona connection and the attention to detail. Once I started to read it I was hooked. I can't wait for the next adventure. Well done. It keeps you so involved in the story and eager to see what happens next. For a strange, funny, quirky adventure that will leave you wanting more give this a read!

This book was great! After being fooled by so many duds, I have begun to borrow more and more from my library instead of just purchasing books b/c Amazon has them cheap. When I saw this book's cover, I said "oh gosh," bring on the cheesy romance book. I was definitely caught off guard by the content of the story. I didn't even realize that the book was set in my town, so that was an extra surprise. Ms. Smith definitely delivered with this story. It had suspense, it had drama, it had romance. I finished it in one sitting.

The two main characters were very likeable and I could more or less relate to them...which is NOT always the case. The book also wasn't overrun with extra characters or digressions from the story.

I will definitely be purchasing this book and I will be on the lookout for more of Ms Smith's work.

This author writes romance characters like Shirley Hailstock. The story moved steadily and the suspense was great. My only gripe was the mystery was given away too early. Overall, I loved this book.

The setting, an affluent county in Maryland, is the home of Rachel Calloway and Nicholas Hunter. Rachel is an intelligent graphic designer, devoted daughter, and loyal friend. Nicholas is a tortured but well-respected and feared prosecuting attorney. When Rachel's father is accused and charged with setting his popular restaurant on fire, Rachel and Nicholas' paths cross which is the beginning of an inferno.

The characters face a dilemma that mixes responsibilities with matters of the heart, adding fuel to a raging fire. The characters, primary and secondary, are appropriately developed and their interactions with each other are engrossing and realistic. Each character has a story to tell (which is not glossed over nor overdone) that adds an understanding to their existing plight.

Smith does such an excellent job of blending mystery and romance, this story had me turning the pages trying to decide whom the culprit was, only to be fooled several times. Add the very sexy and romantic scenes and you have an excellent and suspenseful read by a writer whose work I look forward to reading in the future.

I have never taken the time to write a book review, but after completing this book, it is clearly mandatory that I inform any prospective buyers the delight which awaits you between these pages. I love books both fact and fiction. Ghosts of Fire is a book you want to share with others. I could not put this book down so I stayed up and read it from cover to cover.

Kudos and congrats, Mrs. Smith. Very well done!

Ghosts of Fire by Maureen Morah Smith is the suspenseful story of arson, and a man accused of a horrific crime. Zealously persecuted by a mad dog prosecutor, Robert Calloway is trapped on all sides and only his daughter Rachel can struggle to save him, even as she risks losing her heart to a new love, the cynical, justice-driven Nick Hunter. Meanwhile, a malefic stranger in the darkness has further evil plans in store. A haunting, suspenseful story, Ghosts Of Fire is confidently recommended reading and documents Mauren Morah Smith as a writer of considerable promise and ability.

The story behind the music... Marshall Chapman can write, sing, play guitar, and keep a person thoroughly entertained.

Not sure how I've lived in the same region all these years and been a fan of underground country, but hadn't heard of Marshall Chapman! Now I'll be on the look-out! I definitely enjoyed the book and think it's great that she has been able to share all these stories with us. She's lived a very colorful life and it's interesting enough to be enjoyable to others. She gets a little side-tracked at times, but I don't think we expect her to be an award-winning author. Great read!

Marhall Chapman's account of her song by song journey to becoming one of the most innovative and thrilling country rock songwriter-singers is as funny and poignant a book as I've read in some time. From the trouble she got into in grade school for channeling Elvis in the hall to her defiance of Nashville songwriting formulae she kept raising the question, "Why Can't I Be Like Other Girls?" Thank the lord that was the only thing she couldn't do because she sure did everything else. Each chapter of this memoir tells the story of the experience underlying one of her songs so the songs record her life in more ways than one. And some life it is, sometimes on the edge, sometimes ecstatic (when these were not one and the same), never boring. A reader who does not live through it with Marshall is missing something about the South, something about country rock music and something about life.

Marshall Chapman's book is like her music: funny, tough, poignant, real, alive and searingly honest. For those of us who grew up in the south in the 50's and 60's, it's a fond reminder of all that we experienced; for everyone else it's just a darn good read.

Marshall has written a fantastic account of how songs come to be, framing the incredible cast of characters which has surrounded her for all her years in Nashville. The photos of Andy Warhol, Arnold Schwarznegger et al really bring everything to life even more. on the must-have list for anyone interested in the triupmph of rock and roll over good breeding!

The book has a nice bright cover, pages are thick and a good quality. It was a great gift for my neighbor as it was not just another cookbook.

Good recipes and beautiful artwork. I keep this book on my counter where it can be enjoyed by everyone who sees it.

What a wonderful book! Full of drawings and tibits. The banana nut bread receipe is out of this world. This is great for a gift or just for yourself. It is soothing to the soul!

I bought this cookbook @ one of my son's book fairs @ school & it is one of my favotire purchases of all time. The recipes are delicious and the pictures are beautiful, even if you dont like to cook this is just a great addition to your collection! A real MUST HAVE.

This book was a gift to me from a good friend. I was immediately struck by how beautiful the pages looked - a welcome relief from the usual textbook-like cookbooks I've kept in my cabinets. Then I started to read the recipes and realized that these were simple! The bonus was that not only would my husband like many of these recipes, but so would my young daughters. I use it almost every week for a great home-cooked meal or dessert.

WOW!! What a great book. History of the hot dog, many locations listed by state. The receipes are a wondeful aded bonus. I can't wait to get to the kitchen. A resorce for us wurst worshippers from the novice to the weenie officianado. Enjoy it with a beer and a couple of dogs.Great American Hot Dog Book

Becky Mercuri's latest addition to the history, traditions, and tastes of an American classic is truly a book to be read, used, and savored. From the traditions of New England to the modern stylings of the West Coast, Mercuri takes you on a culinary journey across the nation's hot dog highways and byways. Grab a copy of the book, sit back, and enjoy a trip that you will no doubt relish.

In The Great American Hot Dog Book one will find not only recipes for hot dogs in every conceivable fashion, but also recipes for side dishes and a wealth of information on the hot dog. Ms. Mercuri has outdone herself in providing a real reference on the history of the hot dog and how it became an icon of the American foodways. Recipes from across the country, showcasing each regional specialty are included, making this book a great travel guide as well as a cookbook. Her attention to detail and recipe testing are well-evident and make for a terrific book.

I have never written a review for anything before, but this one deserves it. I absolutely love this book and so does my husband. I never knew so much about hot dogs, as well as the many different ways that people eat them across the country. I have it sitting out so that everyone can see it, and normally that is the first thing they pick up when they come to my home. I definitely recommend this book to anyone, even those who don't like hot dogs will like this book. It is totally awesome.

First off, you're going to need two copies of this book: one for the kitchen and one for your glove box. One for the kitchen and one for the road!

Becky Mercuri, as in all her other fine books, has once again gone above and beyond in her quest to document the historical authenticity, modern day excellence, and (with apologies to A.B.) just plane ol' good eats!

The Great American Hot Dog Book does for hot dogs what hot sauce did for the lowly chicken wing: it takes the common and turns it into the exceptional! No matter your station in life, you'll never be able to look down your nose at the hot dog ever again! The recipes that Ms Becky has researched, tested, and then included in this book will see to it that you won't!

She has done a great job of providing us with the knowledge and recipes that examine and celebrate the various regional differences and preferences for hot dogs across this great land of ours. And there are some undeniable difference, for sure. Just ask any hot dog vendor in Chicago for ketchup on your dog and see what happens...

This is a great book on a great American tradition.

Thank you Becky Mercuri for another outstanding resource on traditional American food.

Green Money is the first mystery/thriller that I have read and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This was the first time in a long time that everyone in our book club truly enjoyed reading this book. It was just what the doctor ordered. I do however, have one question, can anyone provide any insight on the title of the book? Why is it titled "Green Money". Great Job Judith Smith-Levin.

Judith Smith Levin can laugh all the way to the bank! She got my money and she'll get more if she keeps writing Star and the Hunk novels. Her work is as good and intriguing as J. D. Robb's Eve Dallas series, and that's saying a mouthfull!

First of all, if you can, consider picking up the audio book version of this novel, by Griot audio. I didn't see it here, so I'm reviewing the PB version.

I met this author at a writer's conference this summer, and she was so friendly and personable (just like her main character) thatI thought I'd pick her book up. I'm not a big mystery reader, but if the author is talented enough, or the characters interesting enough, I grab it up. This one is worth grabbing up. Staletta Duval is an incredible character, an African-American woman (I kept picturing Pam Grier, and if the book were turned into a film, she'd be perfect) who has worked her way up to Detective Liutenent in the homicide division. The book starts off with a bang as a homeless woman is horribly burned alive in St. Francis park. Then a prostitue is killed, and Starletta and her cool Italian partner, who would probably take a bullet for her, start seeing a pattern- the killings seem to be based on a computer game called Vampire's Lair. And guess who secretly plays a lot of the game? Pampered rich kids at the local academy... but there's much more to it than that. The author --who actually has worked for the police-- fleshes out the characters well. When you hate a character, you REALLY hate a character, and when one is likeable, the author knows just how to make us fall in love with them. I also thought I knew just where the book was going, but I was proved wrong several times (I don't read a lot of mystery because I have an annoying habit of guessing the endings).It reads not only as a mystery, but also as a police procedural and crime thriller. Fans of NYPD Blue (and other similar shows) will love the book. I found the storytelling so entertaining and the chacters so likeable that I'm going to pick up the other books in the series-- and read them in order. And if I can get my hands on the audio versions...

The audio book is read by the actor Marc Damon Johnson, who does a tremendous job and is great at voicing different characters-- he does an especially hilarious job with a pimp in St. Francis park in one scene, and a prostitute in two others. The audio version is over ten hours long, but he (and of course, the talented author) made it fly by.

This is a very talented author who created characters I definitely want to spend more time with. Check it out-this series deserves a wider audience!

I have finished the third book in Ms. Smith-Levin's Starletta Duvall series and each one is better than the last. Even though the first book is hard to come by -- it is worth the effort! In a reader's group I participate with, we read The HooDoo Man, and every person in the group loved the book. This speaks to the quality of writing of Ms. Smith-Levin.

If you like to be grabbed by the shirt, just open one of these books and read the first ten pages -- you won't be able to put it down! The stories are great and the characters are real. Enjoy.

I have eagerly awaited the release of this book. I'm a big fan of Ms. Smith-Levin's. She could write her name and I'd buy it, because I know whatever she puts on paper is going to totally engulf me as a reader. This is the third book in her Star Duvall series and I'm so hungry for another one that I'm going to go back and start reading from the beginning with Do Not Go Gently. Seems to me writing of this quality and caliber should be front and center on every bestseller list there is. This woman knows how to tell a story. Her characters live and breathe. I think I'm in love with Dr. Mitchell Grant, but Star is the woman for him. This savvy, foxy, smart woman makes me proud to be female. Ms. Smith-Levin gives us someone and something to root for. Here are the cops on display, all the good and all the bad, and you love them. Even the bad guys have personality and depth. No cardboard stereotypes here, every character breathes. Star's life away from the Homicide Squad that she commands is real, with friends, family and that gorgeous doctor Grant. Her world on the job is brutal, but Star and her partner, Dominic Paresi make us feel protected, even in the face of the most horrendous brutality. These are two cops you'd want to see coming, if you were in trouble. On top of the fine writing, Ms. Smith-Levin also opens the window into just what it takes to be a police officer, and to maintain your humanity doing a job that most of us would run from. If you haven't read Ms. Smith-Levin's books, I urge you to do so. She has never disappointed. I only hope there's another Starletta Duvall on the way. I can hardly wait.!