V Books

It's Easier Than You Think is one my favorite books. It's short, sweet, easy to read, and will make you feel better. I reread or dip into it from time to time. I highly recommend it whether you have any interest in Buddhism or not.

best explanation of Buddism for the American reader -- just bought another copy for a friend

Exceeded my expectations, this was my first purchase! Book was new, arrived quickly, & was a great price!

Although the book never dives too deeply into the history of Buddhism, Sylvia's personal stories, accompanied by her thoughts on Buddhist practices, provides more insight into the teachings of Buddha than I could have absorbed in any straight forward text. Since this was my first book on Buddhism, I really appreciated the down to earth method of writing she employs and the honesty with which she shares her experiences. Knowledge is a river flowing through time, and Sylvia Boorstein is a wonderful voice for this modern day and age.

I really enjoyed this book. It simplified and de-mystified Buddhism and protrayed it as a viable lifestyle/worldview for Westerners (and all people, for that matter). Reading this book genuinely brought me happiness.

This book hit home. One of my best friends gifted me with this book and it has been one of the best gifts ever. I work full time and have a 10 month old daughter. After reading just a chapter I felt relieved to know I am not the only one feeling stressed with all there is to do everyday while maintaining a home, work, relationships,etc. This book gives permission to slow down, and it says it's okay to stop and listen and not do the big birthday parties and attend all the holiday parties and events. Just being and listening and not doing anything together is time well spent.

As others have noted, this book is a series of reflections about motherhood and the importance of slowing down to savor daily life with loved ones.

This book energized me to make several changes in my own life. Part of my motivation for homeschooling this year was a desire to have a more conscious, contemplative, and purposeful life rather than a frantic-mad-dashing here and there life.

In fact, as the holidays approach, many of my friends are feeling "swamped", "overwhelmed", "stressed" - feelings I remember all too well from previous years. While I still have my moments, overall I am much less stressed than last year. The overall tenor of the holidays is much happier and calmer. I have done my best to pare the holidays down to the essentials, to keep things simple and personal, rather than grandly extravagant. Extravagance has its place, but when children are young, I think simplicity makes so much more sense.

I loved this book so much I chose it for my book club of busy suburban SAHMs. I was quite surprised to find only two (out of nine) loved it as I did! Three thought the book had "some good ideas", but they clearly didn't connect with the author.

The other four were quite negative about Mitten Strings. They felt it was too preachy and perfect and Pollyanna-ish, that "real" people couldn't live like the Kenisons without lots of money. But it's not a financial lifestyle she is talking about, it's an internal one, it is simply making a conscious effort to notice, appreciate, prioritize and streamline.

In trying to figure out the mixed response to this book in my book club, I came up with a couple of ideas. I think the crux of liking the book has to do with the following:

First, it depends on whether you are at a point in your life where you actually consider rushing madly to be a negative thing, rather than proof you are productive. Some people feel empowered and energized by rushing and being busy!

Second, it depends on how contemplative you are feeling when you read the book. The more contemplative you feel, the more likely you might enjoy the book.

Finally, it depends on whether you enjoy visual and poetic language. The author writes with a heartfelt, genuine sentimentality that, while I enjoyed it tremendously, can apparently be off-putting to people with more pragmatic sensibilities.

One reviewer said they would not give this book to a parent of an autistic child, or one with Down's Syndrome. I actually think this book has considerable merit for families with special needs children - the key is knowing WHEN to give the book. I have a child who was diagnosed with autism at 3, and when he was younger and we were rushing around madly from therapy to therapy, ransacking our home to make it an engaging learning environment, etc..., I would not have been in the frame of mind to appreciate it.

In fact, according to my three criteria above: the mad rushing was proof I was doing everything I could to help him; who has time to be contemplative when you are trying to save your child from autism; and poetic musings about the wonderful lives of families with typically developing children would have been quite upsetting.

NOW I see things differently. I think the ideas in the book have even MORE relevance for children with special needs, who often thrive in calm, centered environments. I think children with special needs deserve to have their progress, however slow or small, deeply savored and appreciated.

Well anyway. This is not a book that EVERYONE is necessarily going to love, in spite of the steady parade of 5 star reviews. Nevertheless, I join the parade and give this book 5 stars based on my own incredibly positive experience reading it.

I truly enjoyed this book. It is not a religious book (despite the title) nor a parenting guide; it is a deeply spiritual look at what it means to be a family.

Mitten Strings touched me in such a way that I felt like I was reading a letter from a good friend. There was a sense of peace reading it and imagining my family in her book. Her basic premise is to slow down, notice the details of your children's lives and be present with your family. But the book goes so much further than that. We all know to slow down...but to be reminded how magical it can be, with illustrations that are so tender is even better. I highly recommend this book and in fact purchased seven more to give to my friends as a special gift. I'd love to meet the author (Katrina) and sit over a cup of something on the front porch while our children run circles around the house!

It is rare to say but so true. It was given to me by an older woman and it truely changed the way I parent my two boys, see life and helped me create a summer that I will treasure. A must read for those who want to slow down and get off the "treadmill" of life.

I attended the premiere of this book at the University of Pennsylvania many, many years ago due to my parent's donations to the local public television station. As I was in junior high school at the time, I failed to appreciate this work in all its subtle humour and glory, but having since studied anthropology and sociology at the University level, I realise how great this book really is.

The general plot line of this book is that due to a decrease in the charge to mail fourth-class (junk) mail, the American civilization is buried under flyers, pizza hut coupons, and copies of the Weekly World News. Thousands of years later, archaeologists stumble across what they believe to be a perfectly preserved mortuary complex... however, those in our time would recognize it as a no-tell motel. The book, clearly drawing from Lord Carnarvon's discovery of the tomb of Tut in 1922 ("I see wonderful things!...") chronicles the discovery, excavation, and extraordinary mis-characterization of the "artifacts" found within one of the motel rooms.

For anyone who loves Egyptology, this is simply a MUST read.

It was recomended by a teacher friend. It's quirky, funny & full of imagination. I have read books by Elisabeth Peters on archeology & discovering Egyption tombs so I enjoyed this because it challenges the imagination on what future scientists might discover about our civilization.

The 41st Century is full of mysteries. Like what happened to Ancient Yankees who lived in North America? Why did they die out and how did they live. One day a tomb, untouched, is found and it gives us a glimpse of what these Ancient Yankees were like in the 20th Century. Sacred items, musical instruments, and the sacred point will make you laugh and wonder how much of OUR knowledge is based on such conclusions?

When this book first was published, the Hotel Technology department head inadvertently had the college library purchase this book for the department. When it arrived we laughed hysterically about it, and many times, I have laughed about it ever since.

Two years ago, I ordered a copy for the library where I am currently a Children's Librarian. It did not even make it to the "stacks", someone
liked it so much they "permanently borrowed" it.

If you need a good laugh...!

I've carried my copy of this book over many moves. It grows on me each time I read it. Originally it seemed just a humourous retelling of the Carter discovery of Tutankhamun and the Egyptian hysteria that accompanies it. Later on, after getting much more involved in arguments over interpretations of Roman historical artifacts, I realized how to the point the book is about the way we see the past and argue over the meaning of what we see. Still really funny though.

Here is a cookbook for people that like to eat well but do not have the time for long lengthy recipes. I have made several dishes in this book , they are delicious and simple. It is refreshing to use a cookbook that produces such flavorful meals without hours of labor and just a few ingredients.

I have been cooking through this book in order, skipping only meat-based recipes (but cooking the fish recipes). The photos are gorgeous. And there are some good ideas in this book -- I somehow had never come across bircher, and ways to dress up otherwise boring food.

However I find this cookbook skimps on details. For example, the sticky rice for picnics is a really wonderful idea, and while it does tell you how much coconut milk to use, it doesn't tell you how much rice to use! I'd expect either both or neither to be general. It's almost as if she believes that if the recipe is short to read, it can be cooked faster. Also the book seems to skip ingredients. I have yet to come across a recipe that calls for salt, for example, although brownies, sticky rice, salad dressing, and several other recipes simply cry out for it. Of course I can throw in my own dash of salt, but I wonder what other small things were skipped for the sake of a brief recipe (after all, how long does it take to add a dash of salt?). Not sure I'll buy another Donna Hay cookbook...

P.S. Just tried to fry something with no info in the recipe on oil temperature or timing. It was a disaster.

The best cookbook author....easy and delicious recipes that are not too fussy or time consuming and are always fabulous. A must have. Dorick

New food Fast offers reader a vast amount of detailed recipes and easy to use foods to make quick and tasty meals for the whole family.Great photos to help with the cooking process.

I'm very happy with my purchase there. I would recommend this vendor. Thanks.

As many reviewers have stressed out, there are many good dictionary that one can benefit from. But the OED is the only one that in addition to its definitions exhaustibly explains etymological information of its words as well as it shows quotations. The latter is the zenith of this dictionary. I can spend hours reading those quotations that may date back from the 12 century up to now. One may not find such a rich citation bank in any other source. So it is a real pleasure to browse through these twenty volumes and finding so much information.

I study several languages and I'm unaware of a dictionary in any language that provides such an abundance of information such as the OED. If I had to choose any book from my library to take with me to a desert island I'd certainly not hesitate in taking the OED.

In addition to its phenomenon lexicographical content it is an extremely well-bound dictionary that stands beautifully in my bookshelf. Luckily, I've purchased from Amazon for a real bargain ($398.00). For this reason, I suggest those interested in purchasing this multi-volume set to constantly keep an eye on its price fluctuation from Amazon, as another reviewer has stressed out.

This is THE dictionary, or more appropriately, this is the most complete ENCYCLOPEDIA of the English language ever created. With over 600,000 words in its twenty volumes and addenda, the Oxford provides not just exhaustive definitions, but pronounciations, a glossary of quotations, a complete etymology, cognates in virtually all languages, and variants, of each word.

Since its birth in Victorian England under the stewardship of James Murray, the Oxford has been considered definitive. Working with a small staff (including J.R.R. Tolkien in his younger days), Murray's original plan was for a three volume reference. Today, hundreds of lexicographers, philologists, and technicians contribute to the Oxford.

The sensual joy of browsing the hardcover edition is still unmatched, though with the rise of the Internet OED and its virtually instantaneous updates, the hardback edition is relegated to the same status as legal Case Reporters---attractive on the shelf, but less practical than online researching. (Legal publishers now often include a set of Case Reporters free with online subscriptions, knowing that clients like to see books on the shelves.)

The OED books (with the addenda) work out to about a $1,000.00 investment. Updates are additional. The Online OED is about $300 a year for individuals. Updates are included. So, in terms of price, the difference between the two seems to be a wash.

If you're a bibliophile, buy the hardback, but if the OED is going to be a working tool, go online. In the best of all possible worlds, buy both.

Acquiring this book is like a long-cherished dream come true! You cannot but marvel at this awe-inspiring compendium of English words.

I am still reading the rather elaborate introductory pages so that I can appreciate this awesome book better and also make the fullest possible use of it.

If you are an ambitious writer, a journalist, a voracious reader or simply a lover of English words, you just cannot do without this book!

The only complaint is that the shipping was delayed a little (though I had opted for the expedited option); it took about 15 days to receive the 20-volume set. (I had also asked for the 3-volume Additions Series which I received in exactly 3 days and in excellent condition too.)

But I must say that Amazon compensated me and also promptly responded to all my queries. Also the books were in such excellent condition. Here in India, even if I purchase new books from the biggest bookshops, I rarely receive books that are in such excellent condition. The books were also packed with meticulous care and still retained the fresh crisp smell of new pages and printing ink! What more can a bibliophile ask for?!

I'd wanted to get my hands on the OED for years, and I'm glad I finally did. This dictionary is all about fun while learning. Following the etymologies of words, checking cross references, and looking up words in sample sentences leads not only to a greater understanding of a particular word, but of the English language itself. As far as I know, the OED is the only dictionary that really does that, and the OED can truly be considered "complete" in that aspect. It looks wonderful on a bookshelf, makes me want to look up things that I normally wouldn't take the time to, and makes me feel satisfied as I build my language skills. Yes, it is expensive, but you really get what you pay for, and a whole lot more.

I just got my set today, so I can't really say anything more about it other than what has been said. Of course this is "the" big one. So if you want the best get this. I have seen other reviews compare getting the two volume set that has 1/3 the words for 1 tenth the price. blah, blah, blah. However it does not have 1/3 the content, just words. I got this set for 382 shipped from amazon brand new. That is right 19 bucks per volume right at 2 pennies per page. AS of right now I am writing this review and the price has already increased back up to 756. Nearly double. I should have bought two and sold one.

This is often the first book I read to my upper elementary student children. Many have not been read to or for some other reason do not know the JOY and FUN of a good book.

We act this one out. From getting their muscles "kneaded" and arms "stretched" like dough. I get their permission first. Sigh... that is the decade we are living in.

We "shake" flour (really a salt shaker.) And sprinkle oil (in a firmly sealed vial.)

We whirl and twirl a stuffed animal in the air. Next the checkers (pepperoni)

Then the children "cook" in the oven. (actually under a desk.)

This is one book the children ask for and moan when I tell them it is at my other school.

It makes believers of them that books are exciting.

An added note: this is a book that is asked for by my students over and over. They truly find this book fun and exciting.

Scholastic has a DVD based on the book which is a clever animation of the book. You can find this on Amazon also.

What a fun book! Our 3 year old loves being made into a pizza with all sorts of toppings made from paper or play food. Great activity that ends with a nice hug!

This is a wonderful and exciting book for all family members of every age. It's sturdy, nicely illustrated,easy to hold and to read. Talk about love in the family, this book illustrates to parents the importance of communicating, touching, and just having a good time with our children. Pete's a Pizza brings out the child in adults and keeps the child in children.

Cheer your kids up by turning them into pizzas. A cute book for any collection.

Petes's in a bad mood because he can't go oult to play with his friends on this rainy day. To cheer him up and pass the time, his dad invents a fun and unique game. He is going to make a pizza out of Pete! The book is very amusing as the dad rolls the dough (Pete) and sprinkles cheese (paper) and tomatoes (checkers) on the pizza. This could be a wonderful game to play with your own children. Loads of fun to be had.

[[ASIN:084991311X The Thrill of the Chaste: Finding Fulfillment While K
Keeping Your Clothes On]]
There is so much true enlightenment and wisdom packed into this little book, that could only come from experience. I want to thank Dawn Eden for
her candor and genuine concern for others that she expresses so nicely in this book. I think all singles should read this book. I am a mother of 11 children and I plan on buying several more copies for my older kids. Her personal stories are charming and her rubber-band ball theory is hysterical. READ IT!

In an age where anything goes - especially when it comes to sex, serial dating and mating has become the standard M.O. among young singles... In "The Thrill of the Chaste...) Dawn Eden exposes the "Sex in the City" lifestyle, beyond any morality issues, for what it really is...an exercise in futility guaranteed to leave those who embrace it lonely, emotionally empty/numb, and moving away, rather than closer, to any hopes of marriage. And that's the upside...the downside is contracting an incurable and/or fatal STD!
This book is "must read" for anyone who has ever questioned whether "sleeping around" in pursuit of physical pleasure will lead to happiness! This is also a good read for parents who were sexually active before marriage/children. These parents tend to teach their kids about the dangers of alcohol, drugs, tobacco but not sex! Many feel that since they survived their own sexual exploits that there's no need to encourage abstinence before marriage (i.e. chastity)... Hmmm... Well think again! When teens experiment with sex they are risking their health and possibly their lives.
Kudos to Dawn Eden for promoting the virtue of chastity, a practice that is guaranteed to lead to an increase in the number of successful marriages, a reduction in the number of unwanted pregnacies and containment of the spread of STDs. Now who's not for that!!!

Love it! A book for women who can finally see through all the false theories the media and popular culture feed to us.

Remarkably well written. Dawn Eden's The Thrill of the Chaste is a breath of fresh air that is much needed in today's world of smothering sexuality. For anyone who has been in an unsatisfying relationship, called a prude, a tease, or has been ridiculed for being a good girl; this book shines light on the beauty and grace of women who respect themselves enough to resist the temporary ecstasy of a few moments of fleeting sexual pleasure in order to empower themselves to see beyond the superficial exterior of the typical dating world and enable them to attract the kind of man that is worthy of one day being their husband. Beautifully written, mature and honest, Eden doesn't force anything on the reader. She will make you smile, sigh, and shake your head as she shares her own experiences. This book makes the reader take a look at their own past and offers some tools in being proactive about the way they approach meeting, dating, and carrying on potential future relationships. Loses a little momentum near the very end, but finishes beautifully. For both virgins and the not-so-virgin, this book is guaranteed to make you think.

Dawn Eden's book is a breath of fresh air, for men and women alike. While she writes from a female perspective, guys have plenty to learn from this book as well.

Dawn shows how chastity is a better path to happiness and sexual fulfillment for women, but guys who read the book can gain an additional insight: they can learn something about the feminine heart and what the (right kind of) girl is looking for in a relationship.

Now I don't mean to sound self-serving - Dawn's book is most definitely not a "dating tips" compendium. In fact, one of her best points is that chastity teaches guys and girls how to treat one another not as objects to be used, but as mysteries to truly love.

I would recommend this book to anyone who has done the dating thing and found it frustrating (which is probably most of us), and is looking for something more. Whether you're a guy or girl, Dawn has something important and beautiful to say to you!

The theme for V.O. by author Betty Dravis is not a new one. It has been explored through the ages in story form, both oral and written. There have been mythologies woven around the concept that forms the plot.

However the similarities in theme, Dravis takes it a step beyond into a more macabre setting with undertones of eroticism fueling the engine which drives the story. Understand that there is nothing overt with regards to sexuality in the story, rather it is something that simmers below the surface as implied, more than realized.

Virgins have played various central roles in sacrificial settings from time immemorial. Here, they are no less innocent nor unassuming for the positions they accept in this bizarre ritual which would drive the less greedy, the less gluttonous to the brink of insanity. Have a read and feel the fear creep up on you when the curtain is pulled back to reveal the climatic discovery of the story.

I'm always on the look-out for a good movie our book that can deliver some great twists and chills. To me, no movie or book is better than one that can make my draw drop to the floor towards the end, revolutionizing my entire perception of it. So, I came across this and based on these reviews that give it such high praise, I was pretty eager to download it.

The problem with V. O. is that everything builds to the climax. There is nothing else that you are waiting for. Nothing else is on your mind except "what is that food???" When a story is like this, it better deliver an amazing twist. Quite frankly, it doesn't. I mean no disrespect to Ms. Dravis. She is clearly a good writer with an interesting style of writing, but it just doesn't work for me.

There's nothing in the story that really reaches out and grabs the reader. In fact, it's all really just a big bore. The reviews here sum up the story perfectly, minus the ending. Oh yes, the ending? It isn't shocking at all. I saw it coming from the second I read a review on it, but I figured there must be something bigger if it can stun so many people. What really shocks me is that barely anyone saw it coming. Maybe I've watched too many movies dealing with this sort of thing, but I still think it's pretty obvious when you think about it.

Ok, so the ending is obvious, but is there anything else? Um... no. There is some colorful descriptions of the restaurant that Charles and his wife eat in, as well as a vivid description of emotions. But what it all boils down to is a story that did not make me think "Wow what's going to happen next???". Nothing in it really makes it this amazing story that all of the reviewers here make it out to be.

There's no doubt in my mind that everyone will flame me, telling me that I'm too childish and stupid to understand it's genius, but the fact is that I found no substance in this story. Click on the "no" button all you want. If you're not familiar with this kind of subject that Dravis covers in her story, by all means buy it. You may be just as surprised as the rest of the reviewers here. But if you're into the kind of movies I am (read my reviews), you've probably already figured out the twist, so you best skip it.

In the space of 10,000 to 15,000 words - what for a novel would be a mere one or two chapters serving as little more than introduction - a skilled short story author has to create characters, setting, atmosphere, tension, action, dialogue, plot, resolution and dénouement. A pretty tall order for any author but Betty Dravis is clearly up to the task!

V.O. is a catchy little horror story that leaps off the springboard of the typical human desire for physical beauty and longevity and deals with the consequences of what might be called the archetypical "deal with the devil".

The plot is simple enough and it's driven forward with Dravis's clever use of convincing dialogue. The eroticism in the protagonist's explanation of his experiences is thick and palpable - quite convincing enough to raise a mild sheen of sweat on any reader's brow that has a full set of hormones on board and is willing to allow their imagination to run away with the compelling words that Dravis puts in front of us.

Want to spend an enjoyable 10 minutes that will whisk you away from whatever you're doing? Read Betty Dravis's V.O.

Paul Weiss

Have you ever sold your soul to the devil? Once you know what the deal is, you may want to, but don't do it. This both erotic and creepy tale is about getting your health and your youth back with all its pleasures, but at a price that only the soulless can live with. If it sounds too good to be true and it is still true, then there is a dark secret hidden in the deal. I think I am good at solving puzzles and problems but I did not see the disturbing end coming. All my guesses were wrong.

Betty Dravis is an extremely skilled author and narrator with an incredible imagination. The dialogue flows quickly and smoothly, while the story steadily increases in tension without any interruptions in the suspense. Then suddenly the concluding shock knocks you over, and the story ends leaving you with disturbing thoughts that you have to get rid of before bed time. If this novel was a piece of music it would be Maurice Ravels' Bolero, and it takes about the same time to read as it takes to listen to Bolero. With this short story Betty Dravis is breaking new ground in the horror genre. Don't sell your soul to ancient and evil magic, but get a taste of it by reading this short story. V.O. is an excellent and bone chilling read for both horror aficionados and horror newbie's.

I've down loaded books before but this is my first time for an Amazon Short. Best 49 cents I've spent in recent memory! This is a very fast paced tale and extremely well written! I sort of figured out some of it but I certainly didn't figure out the reasoning behind it!

I do think with this writers ability to tell a tale, the only thing that might make this better is if it were part of a full length novel sized book of shorts. Providing the author reads her reviews, I would like to suggest that perhaps it be extended into a full length novel by itself or be contained in a novel sized book with more shorts. That way, upon completion of one, the reader would have more to look forward to! Horror isn't really my thing mind you but this is almost liked masked horror if that makes any sense. Horrifying yes, in your face gory? No, but then again... Any way..

Excellent write!!!


Your Chance to Hear The Last Panther Speak

We have made about 10 dishes out of this book. By keeping a clear goal and by giving you some basic principles to apply universally, this book has made it possible to create great meals that are easy enough to fit in the work week. I've had better Indian food before, but only at restaurants where the time investment was staggering. Had I imagined it was so easily accessible, and the value of the quality of meal you get for your time investment, I would have been cooking Indian every week, which is just about what we do now.

Thanks for this great book! I think it's a must-have, especially for couples and bachelors.

I don't consider myself a good cook at all, but this book is about as easy as it gets. I think I've made the spicy seared shrimp in my wok about 15 times already. It is SO delicious. I can't believe I actually made something so tasty. Just learning how to make that is worth the price of the book.

I have just begun using this book. I love the explanations of technique-- this is a fantastic book if you are just beginning to cook Indian-style cuisines. I wish I had it a few years ago when I first forayed into Indian-style cooking. Kahate's flavors are more delicate than other Indian authors, and can be paired easily with non-Indian dishes... or adapted easily to please a more robust palate (like my husband's) when you have more experience.

I purchased a copy of this book for my father, father-in-law, brother and a dear friend.

An excellent introduction to Indian cooking. The book is well organized and the instructions are easy to follow. I was particularly impressed how you could obtain such variety with so few spices.

I first checked this out of the library. I renewed it three times and than gave up and bought my own copy. The food is wonderful and she simplifies recipes to a point where even a not very good cook can achieve great results. If you like Indian Food this is a very good basic cook book. You'll be rewarded with good healthy food and you don't have to lay out money to go to an Indian restaurant. And if you've never experienced the wonders of Indian food this is a great introduction. I would recommend cutting down on the amount of cayenne pepper she calls for. I'm a chicken and don't like my food that hot. But if you're a real Indian cooking buff and like it hot got ahead.

This book became an instant favorite--Arlene Blum's story is amazing. I don't usually like autobiographies, and I'm not a mountain climber, but this book had me hooked from the first few pages.

Somehow, the author has managed to weave elements of her childhood, her career in science, rememberances of her family, and her love of mountainclimbing into a coherent and engaging story. I was fascinated by the author's tales of mountain expedetions, of lost loves and friendships, of tragedies, and prejudices, and of small triumphs.

A great book about a fascinating life.

Arlene is a trail blazer. She is courageous on the trail, bold in her life choices, and works tenaciously to right the injustices of the world. And (here is the icing on the cake) she is also a beautiful writer.

I like to keep a couple copies of this book in my office. It is the perect gift for women who come to me wanting to understand more about the convergence of Judaism and outdoor adventures. Arlene is the best role model I know!

- Rabbi Jamie Korngold, the Adventure Rabbi, author God in the Wilderness: Rediscovering the Spirituality of the Great Outdoors with the Adventure Rabbi

From the moment Arlene Blum begins to tell her story, I was hooked. She does an exceptional job of structuring the memoir so you understand who she is as a person... and how she became an adventurer. Nothing stops her as a young child or an adult for breaking new ground for women and for her spirit. I was enthralled. Marcia

One of the classic books of women's mountaineering & adventure. I was greatly inspired & enriched by Arlene's Blum memoirs of her life. As a product of a strict, conservative, Jewish upbringing, one can only admire her strength & courage in breaking free & following her dreams.
Her feats in the early days of women's climbing challenged the male dominated field to finally open their doors & admit that women can equal & sometimes exceed men in the physical challenges of high altitude mountain climbing.
This book would come close to to being one of the best I have read. Arlene writes with great skill & honesty about her family & the men she loved, showing how we can all rise to greatness & live our dreams.

Breaking Trail is an excellent read and a very popular book at the local library!