Guides Books

I received a tip about this book from my daughter's preschool teacher. They use it for school and when I picked it up, I expected this to be a teacher's manual. It does have lots of education material and should be a class! My husband and I enjoyed the funny little stories and I really got some great tips on the kinds of toys to buy for our preschool daughter and her newborn sister. Already, we have more toys that we probably need but this is a great guide to help us as the girls get older and then ask for everything. It really helps you put a value on the dollars you spend on toys these days. This is a great book for first time parents to read before they start toy shopping. There is a great chapter about technology toys.

I can't stop reading this book! Each chapter is better than the previous one and there is SO much I learned about toys. I'm pregnant with my first child and my mom bought me this book as a gift. She told me that I need to know everything about toys now so I do not make the same mistakes as my siblings who bought way too many toys that my nieces and nephews rarely play with. This is an amazing resource for preschool and kindergarten teachers too and the best part is that this book does not dictate what toys are the best. The reader is left to decide that based on what the authors have taught you. It's really a parenting book and class all in one! They have a website too.... toytips.com lists tons of toy reviews based on research for you to review. I LOVE that! I've looked at other websites that have reviews and opinions of a few parents and their experiences with specific toys but this is so much better than that! Great find. Great buy! Thanks, Mom!

I'm a stay at home dad who bought toys for my 5 kids this Christmas. I bought this book to learn how to choose and what kinds and types are better to buy. This book gave me the confidence I needed to figure out what toys were best for Lilly, Max, Zoe, Kate and Nick versus what they asked for (Xbox and Ipod, Barbie and My Little Pony) I made some good choices and I was pleased that they actually play with them. It seemed we have so many toys from last year that are just sitting in the playroom. I really like the chapter that talks about family board games. I never really thought about this before and now we play games every friday night (weeknights are out because of homework, ballet practice and swimming!) My wife thinks I am a genius and I'm never telling her this book helped me but I think it can help other guys like me so I felt compelled to write this review for all the other dads out there like me!

I am a pediatrician living in Ireland. A friend of mine in the United States told me about this book that he uses as a reference to help his patients with toy-related questions (categories of toys appropriate by developmental age, safety, etc.) He bought me a copy for Christmas. After reading this book, I realized that not only is this book helpful to parents but also to physicians. Toy safety and selection is not a course that is taught in medical school and this book is ideal for all pediatricians. I am familiar with other toy-rating and toy-suggestion books published and none come close to the detail and amount of research put into this book. If anyone is looking for a gift for their pediatician, this is IT!

I read this review from Fagan (below) and have to add to it. I am an emergency room nurse and we see many toy-related injuries. Most could have been prevented. I think if parents took the time to understand the importance of buying age-appropriate toys and then took the time to play with their children, we might see less accidental injuries. I bought a copy to keep at the hospital for our health care workers who will benefit from reading this book. It's nice to see two authors who care so much about what they write about. Thank you to Ms. Marianne Szymanski and Ms. Ellen Neuborne.

Ms. Sargent has produced a work of inspiration. As a 37 year old man taking his first baby steps into the world of higher education, I suffer from not only various fears, but from complete confusion as well. Where do I start? Should I follow the recommendations of well-meaning friends and attend school at night while working full time? What the hell is "matriculation?" Of course, no one book can answer every question you might have about returning to college, but "Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students" comes very close. There is extremely useful information on applying for schools, navigating financial aid offices, and choosing a major. But more importantly (because it means you will actually ENJOY the book), the author strikes a pitch-perfect tone: warmth and humor tempered with enough authority to let you know she's had much experience, and knows whereof she speaks. I HIGHLY recommend this book - buy two copies in case your first one gets lost. The bottom line is that it was Ms. Sargent's book that inspired me enough to...get moving on a long-postponed dream.

How often is it that one book answers all of our questions about any given topic? How often is a reference book a one-stop-shop for all that we're looking for? My typical experience is, more often than not, having to read several different books before I can locate ALL of the information I'm looking for. Finally, an awesome great book that answers every possible question about nontraditional higher education!

I was absolutely thrilled, and amazed too, that "Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students: How to Earn a Top Diploma from America's Great Colleges at Any Age," turned out to be a one-stop-shop reference book that met all of my needs. I attended college, many years ago, but never finished the degree I wanted. Like so many others, life sort of got in the way of my dreams, and I chose work and family and let my education go by the wayside. I had reasons for making the choices I did, but my goal of earning a "Top Degree" has not left me and I needed some professional guidance to help me fulfill my educational dream.

I bought this book about 60 days ago, frustrated with myself for not having completed a degree program in a timely manner. And even though my resume appears to be quite extensive and impressive, the lack of having a completed degree likely prevents me from obtaining the kind of career I'd really enjoy. Many years have passed since I made my first application to a college or university degree program. Can you imagine how anxious I was about even considering applying to one of America's many "Great Colleges"? Would I be accepted? Could I work, raise a family and go to college all at the same time? How could I afford a "Top Degree", even if I my application was accepted?

Miraculously, each and every question and concern I had was answered, accurately and thoroughly, in Carole Fungaroli Sargent's totally comprehensive guide. First, I selected the colleges that offered nontraditional degree programs in my field of interest, Abnormal Psychology, and then narrowed my choices using the helpful guides that are included in her book. In the same amount of time it would have taken to go grocery shopping or take the family to the movies, I was able to complete the entire online applications to the colleges and universities that I was interested in. Additionally, the book guided me to the proper web sites that would allow me to apply for any possible State and Federal financial aid. Without the awesome assistance and direction I received by reading this book, it's very likely that I would have become all-too frustrated with the confusion and paperwork and, once again, would have put my dreams on hold. Instead, I felt confident and decided that I would persevere until I completed my longstanding goal.

I was accepted by 4 of the 5 "Great Colleges" that I applied to and was elated beyond belief! I was convinced they were going to find something, just anything, that would keep me from getting my Diploma. However, I kept focused on the one university program that I was most interested in and followed every suggestion and strategy for acceptance that was outlined in Sargent's book. Within a period of less than one month, I had received a formal welcome and registration package for the Nontraditional Degree Program that I was about to enter into. As explained in the book, I also promptly heard from the Financial Aid Office of the University and was told that I would qualify for a partial Pell Grant, along with 3 options for Federal Student Loans.

I had been accepted by the University and also by the Department of Psychology's Graduate Degree Program. I can still remember how excited I was to hear all of this incredible news and to remind myself that I was finally on the journey I had dreamed of for years. Many of the credits that I received in my past attempts, years earlier, were accepted by the University. I had so many great choices to make now and I was amazed that all of these classes were being offered at local community colleges and the State Universities, but all credits earned would be applied directly to the Nontraditional Degree Program I would complete in less than 18 months.

I've already completed 2 courses, both of which I loved taking. Although they were considered "Fast Track" Courses, and would require a great amount of concentrated studies at a very fast pace, I found myself in absolute rhythm with the demands of the classes and passed both classes with flying colors. My next course will begin in about 2 weeks and I've already received the text books and study guides by Federal Express.

If you could see my face right how, I think you would see someone who is finally showing a spark in his eyes. The guidance I received from this book is changing my life in so many positive ways! Even my fear of being the oldest person in my first class was relieved by a fellow student who was in her 80's! I guess it's never too late to complete your collegiate dreams and to reach "reach for the stars!"

There is no doubt in my mind, that without the help of this wonderful book, I'd still be dragging my feet and finding excuses for not going back to school. I knew that I didn't fit into the "Traditional Student" category and feared that I'd never finish a very important dream-to be the very first person in my entire family to finish a college degree. My suggestion to all, from someone who shares this honest review to help others, is that you reach for your goals and complete your dream of getting a great degree from any of a number of "Top Colleges" throughout America.

Good luck to you! I hope this review has helped in some way. If I've failed in giving you enough information about this book, feel free to contact me and I'll be happy to share more with you. Maybe I can inspire you to buy the same book that has already changed my life.

You, too, can earn your degree. And you'll be surprised at how easy it is to complete a "Top Degree" from so many of America's "Top Colleges"-no matter where you live and no matter what your financial resources are. I am doing it and so can you!

Warm Regards to All!

Peter V. Cannice from Scottsdale, Arizona
Contact me at Horsepete@aol.com if I can be of help to you!

Although Fungaroli's book is geared to adults who haven't finished college -- and some who never started -- returning students can benefit at any age and any degree level.
Her information is dead-on accurate. She's frank and realistic about options of attending prestige schools, finishing up those last few credits, ending unsupportive relationships and more.
A friend of mine was just like one of her interviewees: needed a few credits and sold himself short. A quick letter to the registrar and presto -- he got credit for life experience and an extra summer school course!
I'm recommending this book to my clients who ask, "Am I too old for school?" As she would say, the answer is always a firm NO.

At one time, I may have owned the largest collection of college bulletins in the world. In each of the past ten years since my high school graduation, the stack has grown higher and higher. Each contains a glimpse of a world I promised myself I would return to someday; each contains the promise of a brighter future. One day, I read Dr. Sargent's book Traditional Degrees for Nontraditional Students. Then I threw out all of those bulletins: I needed room on the shelf for my textbooks.

With the sage guidance one would expect of a professor from a prestigious educational institution, and with the empathetic advice one would count on from a friend who has "been there" herself, Dr. Sargent completely addresses the challenges and rewards that await the adult college student. This book is a treasure for any adult who is considering going back to school.

I was glad to find this gem of a book. As a distance ed dropout, I blamed myself for difficulties in sticking with undergrad correspondence courses and grad level online programs. The socialization element of traditional programs, as the author points out, was critical for me to stay interested.

That being said, I don't think we should throw the baby out with the bathwater and discount distance ed "techniques" that would prove themselves useful supplements to traditional college; email correspondence with the prof, asynchronous student chat rooms, videotaped classes, use of virtual science labs, etc.

However, we needed a book like this to counter the distance ed hype, and help readers make intelligent decisions about their learning goals.

The Transformers Identification and Price Guide by Mark Bellomo is the greatest for the Transformers, More then Meets the Eye show every action figure created from Gen 1 and more. I have not seen a more detailed Transformers toy book with strenght, weakness, and more in one complete book. I recommend this book if you are Transformers More then Meets the Eye fan.

This is the best Action Figure guide I have ever seen. It is very informative and very accurate, the author even adds his personal take on most of the figures. And talk about bringing back old memories. I actually bought this book for nostalgic purposes and was very pleased. It was nice seeing all the old Transformers from the 80's in one piece. Makes me wish I knew what happened to all my old ones, man I'd be rich if I would have taken better care of them. Hope Mark Bellomo does a guide book for the rest of the Transformers. If you are looking for the ultimate 80's Transformers Action Figure guide, this is it!

I had heard good things about this author, and this guide, from reviews at other Transformer sites, so I bought it (it was also being sold for half price at amazon.com when I bought it). It was well worth every penny! It is very thorough and gives great details on each type of Transformer and each of the "lines of Transformers" that were made up to 1990. Each Transformer is also given approximate prices for what they are worth as well. Granted, the prices will change over time, but this guide will still be a worthy identification reference for a very long time.
I would have given it a 5, but there were quite a few grammatical errors in the book, but it won't affect your ability to understand the information.
My favorite part of the book is that the author appears to have had fun writing it, but takes it seriously enough to make it a very thorough reference guide. A must have for any Transformer fan, from beginner to expert!

This is a great book about the 80's transformers toy line. It has plenty of info on many transformers like their favorite motto to stats. If you are fan and/or collector this book is a must!!!

This is great reference guide. It shows all the Generation 1 Transformers (84-90). It shows all the pieces and a bio of each character. It also shows the value.
As kid I had over 50 of the originals and they are worth a ton of money. I use this book as a guide to purchasing used transformers at Ebay.
I wish he would come out of with with a volume 2 (92-07) which would show all the generation 2, Beastwars, Alternators, Universe,Cybertron, 07 movie, and classics. Which I think are better than generation 1.
Awsome book. I reconmend this book to all collectors.
Also check out the G.I Joe guide.

I'm flying to Europe alone with my 18 mo old daughter next month and I found this book to be a great help in preparing for the trip. It contains a lot of useful information, tips, and things I would've completely overlooked had I not read this book.

If you have kids, and like to travel... you need this book. There were so many ideas there that I would have never thought of. It has made our lives easier when traveling and I've learned some really helpful things. It's hard to travel with small kids, especially if you're a new parent and just have no idea what to expect. So for me this has really been a great find!

Ok I know the title of the book is Travels with Baby, but it also says toddlers, and children. And truly did not tell me anything I didn't already know. Now if you are a first time mom, who has never traveled with a baby up to age 2, then sure its probably very helpful, especially if you have never had any advice from anyone else. Though it was how ever informational on, how to obtain passports, now that we (the) parents are no longer together, what you need to do. It also had lists of contact info on where to rent baby/ child items, like strollers, carseats, for traveling where you dont want to bring all that stuff, which can be rather helpful, so I give it 3 stars, for being semi-helpful!

Seriously, this is a travel bible for new parents. What a huge help this book has been from selecting a good stroller (wished we would have found this BEFORE we had our baby for car seat info too!) to calling ahead to find out if a hotel has a crib saving our trunk space from a pack and play or other. Prepping the diaper bag and carry ons have never been simpler and I have memorized the shopping list for baby must haves while traveling. Never would have thought of some of that stuff! The blog is excellent too. Please give this gift to new mommies and daddies with your baby shower gift...I am so grateful for the different age sections and different types of travel reviews. Thank you Ms. Rivoli!

I am about to travel to Europe for 2 weeks (cruise for part of the time) with my 7 month old and I found this book to be very useful. It had ideas that I would not have considered and I am now much less stressed about the trip. It seems very realistic about what to expect and what to pack and she also does not ignore the fact that no matter how prepared you are going to be, things will still not go as planned and you must be flexible. She gives great tips for these types of situations. Would recommend to anyone about to travel with baby and/or toddlers. Very easy read and easy to reference when necessary.

In my opinion this book is an excellent resource for those suffering and those who know someone with diabetes.

My teenage son was diagnosed recently with Type 1 Diabetes, it was very scary not knowing anything about Diabetes. This book is easy to understand and it explains everything about Type 1 diabetes. Wonderful help to me.

Great book for the Type 1 patient or the parent/spouse/family member of one.
Gives good suggestions on a variety of topics. Well worth the money.

I have found this book VERY helpful. From time to time we have questions/concerns that come up, we have found easy to understand answers/advise for real life issues.

This book has helped us so much.
The doctors don't help you too much so you are left with a million questions and this book has helped so much.
This disease is so overwelming and this book is so helpful in easy to understand words.
Instead of going into a panic when something happens we now just go to the book and it calms us right down.
Thank God this book is here.

I have got the book on my hands before i was expecting.( outside USA)
In this case i knew the book.
I had bad experience buying books through other book Sellers and after had bought them i was informed that they were not available . I've got really disappointed.
When i buy a book i wanna make sure the book seller has it available.

If you are looking for a concise and practical guide to business writing, then you've found the right book. It is organized well allowing you to zoom in on the specific advise you are looking for (e.g., memos, letters, emails, reports). The chapters are easy to scan so you can readily zoom into areas that you feel would be most useful to you. The book provides specific examples that well illustrate the principles touted in the book. This was one of the main books used in a Business Communication class at NYU's Stern School of Business. I also found the Guide to Managerial Communication (7th Edition) helpful.

Concise, simple and straight froward advice.
It give you advices of how to write good memo, report, e-amail,....

Writing that Works, by Kenneth Roman, is a great, great, book on how to improve your writing on the job. Even if the only writing on your job is to reply to an occasional e-mail, this book will improve your writing immensely. This is one of the top three writing for the job guides I've read (out of dozens), right up there with "Plain English at Work", and "The Elements of Style".

This expanded version of an earlier edition of two seasoned advertising executive' original writing guide is something like Elements of Style, but aimed squarely at someone writing for business purposes (e.g., one of the ten chapters is "Asking for Money". There is a useful afterword describing a dozen more books to help you write better. Recommended as a good starting point for any business person wanting to write more effectively.

Great read--nothing like this over the pond------I will see how this book works on the UK gents-------I recomend this book to all women all over the world-----------

untill I read this book.---I followed each step---and---
got a great SUV and a great deal!

This book is outstanding, and in touch with our times.Thank you ladies!

WE LOVED THIS BOOK,AND,WILL SHARE IT WITH ALL OF OUR FRIENDS----

I cannot believe that a book about about automobiles could be written with "class." Well thank goodness for first times.I was attracted to this book by the cover, and when I read the reviews, I knew that I must have it. It was the smartest thing I have done in years. I saved myself time, agoney, and a lot of money, and at the same time enjoyed reading every word.--I am an attorney- you think I would know how to purchase a car without having to rely on a book.------the book now resides in the library at my firm.

A great guide chock-full of need-to-know information, written simply.

i am a lesbian, and i loved this book! it's full of useful information (for guys at least), and everything is presented in a lighthearted, humorous manner. i read the whole thing! i recommend it to my gay male friends all the time.

This book is Amazing. I received last week and I have been passing it around to all my friends. Its really fantastic. Congratulations Benjie and XY. It's about time

I'm 16 years old and I live in a small city where the only time anything is said related to homosexuality is when the normal jock football player calls other guys 'gay'. I never knew much about homosexuality. I knew the basic stuff but I didn't know how to cope with things that you have to go through in life as a homosexual, and I needed to know, being that I was just finding myself. As I found the answers in this great book, which might I add, is PACKED with answers, I found new friends. I found that the creative minds behind this book were people just like me, who had been through what I was going through, and knew what they were talking about. Guys and girls, to bring my story to a complete halt, this book is a must have. Whether you're straight, and you want to know about homosexuality, or you're 'gay' and looking for answers, this book is for you. Hey, buy a couple and give them out to the jocks at your local high school. They need it too! Thank you Benjie and Michael. I love you both. -Austin.

I'm 16 years old and I live in a small city where the only time anything is said related to homosexuality is when the normal jock football player calls other guys 'gay'. I never knew much about homosexuality. I knew the basic stuff but I didn’t know how to cope with things that you have to go through in life as a homosexual, and I needed to know, being that I was just finding myself. As I found the answers in this great book, which might I add, is PACKED with answers, I found new friends. I found that the creative minds behind this book were people just like me, who had been through what I was going through, and knew what they were talking about. Guys and girls, to bring my story to a complete halt, this book is a must have. Whether you're straight, and you want to know about homosexuality, or you’re 'gay' and looking for answers, this book is for you. Hey, buy a couple and give them out to the jocks at your local high school. They need it too! Thank you Benjie and Michael. I love you both...

I love this book, because although it was designed for a younger reader (only about 160 pgs. with larger print and simple dialogue) it does not omit any goat raising information. Instead it presents even tougher concepts in goat raising in a simple and easy to read format - helpful for both younger AND (some of us) older readers! I read the whole thing in the matter of an afternoon, but came away feeling satisfied that this book answered my questions. The book is well organized, easy to understand, very informative, and even has pictures! A great buy for anyone interested in learning more about raising goats!

THis whole series of books is wonderful. For the person who already owns the animal or new to be owner, it is a great reference book.Great for the 4Her or just wanting to learn about the critters.

We bought this book after purchasing our first goat. We are very pleased with our purchase. Always referring to the book and finding the answers that we need. We recommend to any and all goats owners. Well worth the money!

I purchased this for my dad who is a new goat owner. He has read it from cover to cover and uses it as a reference for certain problems he occasionally encounters.

Good reference for anyone new to owning goats!

I enjoyed this book very much even though I am not a kid. I am a new goat owner and this book makes all the information very plain. It was a very good first read. It is not very in depth and I am reading other books to add to my knowledge, but it is a very good starting place.

I'm telling you, these Writer's Digest people really do it right. If you're looking for a literary agent, this is the place to look.

The book starts with articles about getting and working with an agent and interviews with reputable agents and editors. Do you need a New York agent? Should your agent suggest rewrites? Do editors like agents, or is their relationship combative? How can you tell a good agent from a bad agent? Do you even need an agent?

All of these questions and more are answered. You'll even find examples of successful query letters, synopses, and outlines. You'll learn the components of a nonfiction book proposal. All of the basics are covered.

Then comes the actual agent listings, divided into two sections: nonfee-charging literary agents, and script agents (both nonfee and fee-charging). Listings include contact information (including e-mail addresses), professional memberships (like AAR or WGA), what they did prior to becoming agents, number of clients, percentage of new authors, percentage of novels versus nonfiction books, genres they represent, preferred method of contact, recent sales, conferences they attend, terms of representation, and tips. There is also a key to let you know how open the agency is to new writers.

New in this year's edition is a listing of independent production companies and screenwriting contests. And nonfiction authors and novelists may enjoy the listings of publicists.

More than 600 agencies are listed. I've begun querying, and have already found several agents who responded positively to my e-mail queries.

The agents listed in this book are pre-screened and deemed to be legitimate, reputable agents. No more surfing the Internet and trying to guess who's legit and who's a shyster. If you find an agent through these listings, the book can pay for itself a hundredfold. It's a very worthwhile investment in your career.

If you are a writer, or an aspiring one, you NEED this book. 90+% of publishers don't take unagented material. This book will help you to find an agent, and help you to get that manuscript you've worked so hard on published.

I found the information in this guide to be extremely helpful in targeting and securing the right agent. The details that are provided, such as what percent of new authors the agency represents, the types of books the agency represents, and quotes which detail advice from the agents insured I sent my information to those who would be most interested. And it worked!!

You know you need an agent to shop your work, negotiate your contracts and get your manuscript into doors closed to unrepresented authors. Your next step is to add the "2003 Guide to Literary Agents" to your writer's toolbox.

Articles from industry professionals address the most common issues writers face: do you need an agent, how do you find the right agent and how to avoid bad agents. But these articles also walk you through the entire process of getting an agent - from what to do before you begin your search, all the way to knowing your rights before you sign a contract.

The heart of this book lies within the agent listings. Every year contact information, current needs, submission guidelines and contract details are 100 percent updated.

Besides agents who represent fiction and nonfiction work, you'll also find sections on script agents, independent production companies and independent publicists. Most agent listings also specify which writing conferences the agents attend so be sure to look in the writing conferences section to find the details on a variety of writers' conferences in the U.S. and Canada.

Your search for an agent is crippled without this guide in your arsenal. If you're serious about getting an agent to represent your work, the yearly "Guide to Literary Agents" is an absolute must.

If you are a writer, or an aspiring one, you NEED this book. 90+% of publishers don't take unagented material. This book will help you to find an agent, and help you to get that manuscript you've worked so hard on published.