Recreation Books

It is time I write a review for this book. I weighed about 150 when I was in my early twenties. in my mid twenties to early thirties, I went up to 235. I wanted to lose weight for a long time, but didn't really know how.

This book starts by explaining the simple scientific truth: If you eat fewer calories than you burn, you will lose weight. The trick is to eat the right foods in the right amounts so you can do that and stay full enough to stay on a diet long enough to lose the weight you want.

My girlfriend and I started by using their recipes only. We used the meals in the supermarket cookbook, because it had pictures (I prefer cookbooks with pictures), and the meals were EXCELLENT. There was no reason they shouldn't be, they were steak, pastas, etc., using normal foods from the grocery store.

After about three weeks, we switched to just using the nutrition guidelines, but using what we had learned in the recipes/meals... high fiber, whole grains, etc.

The first few weeks were difficult... not because of hunger, but simply because we had to change a lot of habits... cook more, plan ahead, keep a journal of calories. But here is the fantastic thing: After those few weeks, when our habits had changed, we didn't notice we were on a diet at all! I was eating better and with more variety than I had been pre-diet, and I wasn't hungry. My girlfriend stuck to 1500 calories a day, me to 1800, as the book recommended. And these are skill I now have for life... I know how to eat healthily, and I can adjust my calorie intake and weight as needed, without pain. I am back to 165 and still dropping.

Of course, it wasn't the book alone. I had to make weight loss a priority. But honestly, one of the most difficult lessons I had to learn was that pain did NOT equal gain (or loss in this case). The weirdest thing was feeling like I was doing nothing, and reminding myself that I was doing exactly what I was supposed to be. Every month, I would drop 12 pounds. I exercised too, but only in ways I enjoyed (they talk about sensible exercise as well). Mostly hiking up a hill near my house.

So, I obviously highly recommend this book! Oh, and my girlfriend lost 25, and is still going as well!

Excellent book! It contains nutrition label and shopping information, menus and detailed menu planning. The recipes are quick and easy to make, and the meals nutritious and balanced. It has made my shopping excursions a breeze, by taking the guesswork of what I should buy to eat and live a healthy lifestyle! I highly recommend it!

My husband and I travel a lot in a RV. This is an easy diet to follow as there is little clean up and not a lot of ingredients to buy. The diet is well rounded and satisfying. My husband was happy on it. (That's worth the price of the book) Also, Good Housekeeping has a great web site for support and ideas. It even has a version of this diet called "Convenience Food Diet". All frozen and prepared food lists. I don't want to think about cooking and menus when I diet. This diet is a no brainer!

I have never written a review about anything, but I love this diet so much that I wanted to share it with others. I trully love this diet and I have REALLY tried them all. I have never lasted more than a week on a diet until now. I don't feel food deprived, hungry, moody, my energy is slowly returning and I'm still in the early stages of the diet (first two weeks), and I have already lost a few pounds too. The book is well written, easy to understand, and most importantly easy to follow. The author makes it all so simple. You are provided a shopping list broken down into catagories which makes your store visit quick. The diet is presented a week at a glance, with menus and recipes - it is so organized!!! This diet is superb for those like myself who are super busy, don't like to really cook, and like to grab things to eat quickly. The recipes are so simple to make and quick - less than 20 minutes! If you make a recipe for dinner, you eat it the next day for lunch so there is little waste and there is plenty to share with others even after you take your portions. Since the author teaches you the basics to eating healthy, and shopping healthy, it is a life style change that is longterm. I trully am very pleased with this book and so glad that I purchased it. Good luck!

This book shows you how to live and diet with ordinary food. Common sense and smart shopping can really be fun and easy if you follow the guidelines in this book.

Great Read. Inspiring. A truely great humble man that has learnt much through his life and has created wisdom that he now emparts to us...

through surf and the beach we have learn and so has the next generation

Shot Shaun...

I don't often read through surfing related books, although I buy them if written by guys like this whom I watched as a kid from a great distance. They typically sit on my coffee table and serve as boredom busters during commercial breaks. But this book was different, fun, and easy to read. Some good life lesson insights from a guy who admits he is nobody's guru. He admits most of his mistakes and passes on some sage advice for young Groms who are just trying to figure it all out. My favorite rant he gave was in the chapter "I will paddle back out". Very good and inspiring. Good job Shaun.

I love this book, I havnt been able to put it down, It brings me back to the days when I surfed, and is filled with the way surfers use to be.

I certainly enjoyed the philosophy and thought provoking points Shaun made throughout his book, Surfer's Code. I only wish all surfers were able read it, especially the young ones that just don't know anything of the history of surfing, its etiquette, and the principles of right of way on the wave. Having surfed since 1956 @ the age of 14, I have litterly grown in the sport and am still very actively surfing today, and I was still able to enjoy and learn from the many of the excellent points Shaun made.

This was one of those books that are impossible to put down until you have reached the unexpected emotional end. I found Shaun's elite level surf descriptions immensely enjoyable. I don't surf, but my beloved husband lives the surfer's code, (both in and out of the water), and now I share an inner understanding.

You don't need to be a surfer to enjoy "Surfer's Code". Shaun's 12 lessons don't only apply in the ocean, they can and should be used in all our lives. The world would be a much nicer place! Thanks Shaun. x Cinnamon Stephens

This is a book I picked up on a whim, and it blew me away. It seems to me more than just a lesson in dogs and ratting; it is a lesson about mind over matter. Here is a guy who made reading about rat hunting as exciting (to me) as stories I've read about big game hunting in Africa. Maybe it was just his indomitable spirit; either way it is a good, short read.

I'vebeen involved with terriers for 25+ years and have hunted with terriers for the last ten years. Brian Plummer is one of the true "characters" of the terrier world. A Great read!

I read of this book in a Forbes magazine some years ago, and was fascinated. I don't hunt at all, but was very diverted and horrified by the details of this sport, as well as an illustration of a side of Great Britain I never expect to see. Remarkably well written and enjoyable, but not for the squeamish.

Being new to the world of rat-hunting,I borrowed an old yellowed copy of this book from a friend.
I just couldn't put it down!
I own two terriers (but i'm still trying to persuade my better half to allow some ferrets into our family)
I learned some very valuable tips from this book that will save me hours of heartache when training my dogs.
Whilst being absolutely rivetting reading it is also a mine of information.
Written in plain English, a true classic.
Ihave'nt read anything on this subject that comes even close.

This book is a favorite of mine. It is one of the best books on hunting ever written. Despite its apocalyptic setting, "Tales of a Rat Hunting Man" contains more wildness and freedom than the vast majority of books and magazines on hunting. That description doesn't do it justice. This is a fun book, one that you won't be able to put down. The descriptions of rats and terriers and rat hunts will take you to a world you never knew existed. Rat hunting is a weird pursuit, and Plummer conveys it with humor, adventure and passion.
The introduction by Steve Bodio is worth the price of the book.
Read this book. You won't be disappointed.

Books with serious data on old Karate-do Masters' biography are not common, unfortunately. This one comes right to hit this spot. Learning Karate-do is far from being only punching and kicking. We need to learn and exercise other aspects, as already said by the Masters Nagamine presents in this book: philosophical, moral and historical aspects. Knowing the history, you know better your Karate-do. In addition, this book presents some peculiar aspects of Okinawan history and tradition (dance, Tegumi wrestling, etc.) and Nagamine's view of "Karate and Zen as one", presenting Zazen theory and exercises to complete the book in great style.

This book is a great read.

Valuable information on the early pioneers of karate, and important insights into their lives. This book is well written and exciting to read. I would say it is like reading fiction, but that belittles the historical accuracy of many of the accounts.

This book written by one of Okinawas legendary Masters and translated by one of Karate's leading authors is simply a masterpiece of writing. It gives detailed accounts of Okinawas early Te-Tode-Tuite Masters many of whom have never been written about before. It's a much more indepth account than Richard Kims Weaponless Warriors, not to knock Kim, and well worth the price. Lots of pictures and lots of info.

I highly recommend this book to all practioners of the Martial Art of Karate. Exploring not only his personal lineage but that of all the original styles of karate founded and developed on Okinawa, Shoshin Nagamine provides a great work and a first hand account of many of the mentioned Masters.
It is nice to know that historically correct information is starting to come out about the true origins of karate and of its' founders. It is also nice that a little bit of myth also surrounds those same founders. Shoshin Nagamine does well to dispell those myths.
By knowing and understanding truth from the past we grow today and prepare for the future. This reviewer is glad that Patrick McCarthy translated this work for the world to read.
Buy the book.

Shoshin Nagamine (1907 - 1997) was the founder of Matsubayashi-Ryu Karate-Do. He wrote The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do, another valuable tome, in addition to this book. Practicing his art for more than 70 years, he achieved the rank of Hanshi (10th dan black belt) in karate and also earned black belts in judo, kendo, and sumo. He was president of the Okinawan Police Station, served as police chief of Naha City, and as an instructor of police judo teams in Okinawa, Japan. The guy not only knew his stuff, but was one heck of a good researcher. His insight into the titans of Okinawan martial arts is fascinating, a "must read" for any serious martial artist. Patrick McCarthy's translations are extraordinary. The book is a quick, easy read, coming across as if it had been written by a native English speaker. McCarthy even translates haiku into poetic, user-friendly English.

Nagamine Sensei spent a lifetime researching the budoka covered in his book. He trained and/or talked with some of them personally, interviewing the relatives and students of those who have passed on. He artfully portrays the exploits of Tode Sakugawa, Sokon Matsumura, Kosaku Matsumora, Anko Itosu, Gichin Funakoshi, Chotoku Kyan, Choki Motobu, Kanryo Higaonna and Ankichi Arakaki, to name a few, cutting through the fables and exaggerated legends to get to the truth.

The only drawback is that it does not include a glossary or index, so you will probably want to take notes as you peruse it. My copy is battered, dog-eared, and covered with sticky notes. An extraordinary tome, I cannot recommend this book highly enough.


Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

A fact filled book on the basics from one of the greats. A good read even if you aren't planning on going racing.

The basics are here, even though the book is some 45 years old. A good place to start from.

The Technique of Motor Racing
by Piero Taruffi

Aloha,
Thirty years ago I was a driver for the "Jim Russell International Racing Driving School" out at Willow Springs, CA USA. One of the greatest times in my life. Jim Russell (JRS) at that time had schools simultaneously on five continents. We taught in so many languages that we did not have a textbook of our own. JRS was busy training movie stars and World Champions for Formula One Race Car Driving. JRS put students in signal seaters from day one! We use to order Taruffi's by the case. It had been "The Book!" for over ten years and was very hard to find. I think Harry Morrow would get them for us from England. They would sell out every time. We could not keep them on the shelf.

I use the principles I learned every time I take to the road. I believe it has helped make me a safer and definitely faster better Motor Vehicle Driver. Probably contributed to my long life, considering I am in the habit of winning on or off the track.

For decades I did not see Taruffi at all. Sometimes I would pick them up in old bookstores. I am glad for the sake of all future drivers that someone has had the wisdom to keep Taruffi in publication. Just the fact that it is around after all these years should tell you something.

Even today, you will seldom see them sold used. You will never see them sold cheap. Many driving books are about the author. Some are about street driving. Taruffi is pure Racing!! How you can drive a car faster. The essence of driving. I do not see how things could have changed enough to invalidate anything Taruffi has had to say. Decide for yourself, you can always return it.

If you have read every book on Motor Racing ever published. You will find The Technique of Motor Racing not only has a lot to offer you. It may just be the most compact bit of Racing Knowledge you have ever found in one place.

Pass Um`
-ooO-(GoldTrader)-Ooo-

The classic corner lines and driving technique discussed. I bought this book based on Niki Lauda's (F1 World Champion 1975, 1997) recommendation of it in one of his books.

This book, first published in 1959, is mostly devoted to cornering, and this is the best publication about turns on flat surfaces with high adhesion, used in sport racing, and this information is still valid.

It has a pretty little chapter on physical training of a driver, with the schemes gymnastic exercises recommended for a motorist.

The details of driving position and handling of a steering wheel are mentioned, but not covered well enough.

Nevertheless, the cornering is explained fairly well, in 69 pages full of formulas, schemes and illustrations.

If you need a deeper text-book about fast and safe cornering, which is not only applicable to sport but also to driving on public road, and which covers slippery surfaces like ice, snow and dirt, I would have recommended a published work by Professor Tsygankov.

I bought this book for my three year old because we were both captivated by its pictures and its fanciful rhymes. It is visually arresting, with allusions to japenese art, and Northern Renaissance art, and more that I'm sure I'm not catching on to. It is a little dark (skeletons, some creepy looking critters), but don't underestimate what children can process. Still, my son actually got upset that he cannot ride these rides; they do look fun (far from the Dumbo Ride, probably could not get insured). No, it is not what you want for teaching the alphabet, or counting but it is unique and gives children something a little less ordinary. We have had this book for a year now and he still goes and pulls it out of his bookcase for us to read to him at least once a week.

We got this book as a gift and the art work is amazing. My husband and I have gone through to find the hidden numbers and ducks. Our 15 month old enjoys the poems (but likes to rip pages, so we are keeping him away!)

There really isn't a parallel in children's literature - it's definitely unique

I read this book at Barnes & Noble one weekend night to my son. It's a weekend thing we do along with my friend and her daughter. I fell in love with this book, and I'm not sure either if I'm buying it for my son (9 months) or myself. I went back to Barnes & Nobles to purchase it and the arthur had requested the books back from what I was told because none of the copies had sold. I was shocked! It does cost more at B&N but I may just pay the few extra dollars because the book is so amazing. I love the artwork!! I have also read/looked through Floatsom-another book with great pictures!! EXCELLENT!!

TICKETS TO RIDE comes from first time author Mark Rogalski and offers a fine survey of a menagerie of attractions. Twenty-six rides, listed alphabetically, range from Alligators in Air to a Zebra Zeppelin in a rollicking A-Z book especially powerful for its fantasy art. The unique art pairs with rhymes for maximum impact. TICKETS TO RIDE is an especially recommended addition to school and community library fiction collections for young readers!

I am an adult collector of childrens books, this one is a treasure. It's like nothing that you have ever seen. Amazing artwork, a pleasure to look at, I'm debating whether to purchase an additional copy in order to frame some of the pictures. BUY THIS BOOK, You & your kids will both love it.

The discussion of geologic events by Dr. Behnke, which explain how certain fish species became dispersed is most interesting as well as fascinating.
The paintings of the various fishes by Joseph Tomellari are worth the price of the book alone. All presented on high quality print and paper.

Awesome book. The CSU professor is the best authority on trout & salmon. Period! Also best illustrations you will ever see by Joe Tomelleri. A must have book for any trout & salmon lover!

Wasn't sure this book was still in print and as usual, Amazon came through and I had my copy in 5 days. You can't beat the Amazon Customer Service, delivery, and follow-up, Regards, D.K.Madison

This book is a wonderful piece of work, with great illustrations of the various species of coldwater species found in North American waters. Behnke writes in great detail on the various species of trout, salmon, char, grayling, and a few other coldwater species, and includes much detail on sub-species distribution in a current and historical context, often down to the watershed. He also includes sub-species that have gone extinct in historical times. An excellent introduction discusses such topics as the origins and evolution of Salmonids, as well as their classification, taxonomy, biology, morphology, and anatomy.

The only mild criticism I have is that more could have been written on the distribution of brook trout sub-species in the Midwest and East, along with lake trout of the inland lakes of the Upper Midwest.

The book should be in the library of every serious trout or salmon angler.

Behnke's reputation is international, and this book lives up to his reputation. Not only are the paintings by Joseph Tomelleri magnificent, but Behnke's scholarly descriptions are without equal. Maps showing ranges of trout are accompanied by information about the habits of trout, their characteristics, and historical information that sometimes goes back to the ice age. Put this alongside James Prosek's collections of trout paintings from across the U.S. and around the world and you've got three gorgeous books filled with information every trout aficionado needs. Russell Hill, author, the Search for Sheepheaven Trout and Robbie's Wife.

Bieng in the Bujinkan for over 10 years, I haven't seen a collection of Soke's insight quite like this. When I first bought the book years ago and read it, some things tried to sink in, but now after years of training, I can see the "shell" of what he is saying. He is a man of many words, but to try and understand them will take a lifetime.Thank you Ben Cole and Soke' for allowing this to come to blossom.
If you are in any part of the marital arts, you should pick up a copy of this book. Find yourself some free time, and let your mind go. Enjoy!

Many people, over many years, have taken Soke's words and moulded them to suit their own ideas and opinions. A lot of Soke's teachings have been interpreted 'on behalf of others' but what is one to do when one has the words in one's own hands? Will those words be willfully transformed? Will they be used to be justify perserverance? Or will they be ignored?

The words in this book are direct from Soke himself and were uttered over many years. To progress in this art, one need only to compare how one thinks about Soke's budo to what the master himself has to say. Naturally enough, if one encounters a divergent path, then the question needs to be asked, 'Who has strayed?'

Use this book as a guide and reminder to stay on track. Accept it as natural that as with Soke's art itself, the words within will adapt themselves to the reader. Depending on that person's nature (and dare I say quality?), the same words will continue to unfold and blossom into newer and fresher meanings.

Non-martial artists with a venturesome spirit ought to be able to find poetic and artistic value in this book. Yet it must be remembered that Soke is a martial artist and those who can come to grasp the sense of Soke's martial 'feeling' will come to realise just how direct and forthright Hatsumi-sensei actually is. The evidence is in the words.

The dragon's tail is hot but if you can grab on to it and not let go...

This is not the sort of book that you sit down and read straight through. It's not a training manual, not a "how to" ready-made recipe book for ninja enthusiasts. In fact, if you haven't seen Hatsumi or his better students train, then much of this may be plainly unintelligible. In this way it is reminiscent of the densho of old- they only make real sense to the initiated (something I suspect is at play in nearly all of his books, especially the ones with lots of photos and diagrams). Rather, it is a collection of related (and unrelated) snippets into the teaching and training philosophy of Hatsumi.

Topics include themes on fighting multiple attackers, use of blades, foot work, throws, training diligence, the transmission of the essence of the art and much more. There are also nice caveats in the text devoted to the perspectives of his top students.

While I mentioned that the point of the book is not instructional in the "step here and pull here" sense, it certainly would be a welcome addition to most martial artists' reading lists and is instructional on a deeper level, if you have the ability to see and understand.

And this brings up the point of yugen, that mysterious realm of life that isn't quite understood, but rather experienced. Much of this book reminds me of the intuitive approach we must have in our training. I find myself reading parts over now and again and each time I draw something else out. Like an icon or a great novel, it speaks freshly every time. Understand? Good. Play!

Gambatte!

There are a lot of books on Ninjutsu out there, but none compare to this one in it's authenticity and insight. It's easy to see why considering that practically every word here was spoken by Soke himself at some point and then translated directly by the author Ben Cole (a practitioner of the art for years and not just a journalist or novelist).

This book has been hailed by those of the highest level within our art both in Japan and abroad who know Hatsumi sensei personally and can hear his voice speaking to them from these pages. It is definitely a must read for anyone who takes their Budo seriously. It is teeming with knowledge and will keep you wondering for years about Soke's mysterious teachings. Get it, read it, read it again, and again...

As many other people have said, this book really isn't for the casual reader. If you don't know japanese martial art's phrases, it'll be hard to place a lot of the japanese words. It's a collection of quotes that Maasaki Hatsumi and a few other instructors have said, and it's broken up into different catagories. I'm trying to find this one quote in the book as I write this but I can't find the page...anyway it was one quote that of the hundreds, really stuck with me. It was something like "Taijutsu is not the techniques. Taijutsu is knowing how to take yourself to a safe place." I always thought that was an interesting quote--I sort of interptered it as taijutsu is not the throwing/arm locking/pressure point hitting so much as it is keeping yourself out of harms way. The nice thing about these quotes is their meaning changes over the years as you train for longer and longer periods of time. At first I didn't get a lot of the quotes, but now they're starting to make sense. It's hard to explain why I like this book...some of it is the humor. Some of the quotes really make you think not just about training but about how we see things and treat the world. I'd highly recommend it to anyone in the Bujinkan. I'm only a green belt, but I still get a lot of wisdom out of this book.

This was the first Tom Brown Jr. book I read. Than I read, The Journey and than, The Quest. I have also read several other Tom Brown Jr. books but these 3 are my favorites. I have read each of these books at least 3 times and learn more each time I read them. They will keep you grounded in reality and your spirituality.
I could not recommend it higher and would encourage everyone to pass on this vital information to family and friends before our ignorance and greed destroys us.

This book it truely incredible. It will make your re-evaluate your life and the way you live it. I think everyone should read this book at least once, if not once every year, just to get grounded again. A definate must buy!

I am thrilled with how fast the book arrived and the excellent condition it is in. Will definitely buy from this seller again.

As a long time Tom Brown fan, The Vision: The Dramatic True Story of One Man's Search for Enlightenment, keeps with the spirit of the previous works I have read. It is my feeling the author has a true message he wishes to impart on our society, one that leads to a better understanding of our relationship with nature and life itself.

This book delves into the author's message of a return to a intimate relation with nature and putting our lives on a natural path of harmony with the planet on which we live and must share with all living entities.

You will not be disappointed in the message, and the paths opened leading one to a better understanding of the way to achieve these goals. I highly recommend this work to anyone seeking these truths.

In 1988 I happened upon the earlier edition of this book by Tom Brown, Jr. It was one of those books that seemed to "jump off" of the book-store shelf and right into my hands. In this book Tom describes his childhood adventures of meeting and learning from an old Native American medicine man named Stalking Wolf who was also called "Grandfather." It is still today one of my favorite books, worn and dog-eared. Tom's explorations and the instructions he received from Grandfather helped me return to that core connection with my Native American relations and to renew my pilgrimage into Native American spirituality.

After reading Tom's book I telephoned him to ask about his survival training program. He described a program that sounded far too rigorous for me at that time in my life, so Tom recommended I contact the Sun Bear Tribe that offered a softer and easier program started by the late Sun Bear, a Native American medicine man.

That began a pilgrimage to a wilderness program and then to a life changing vision quest, all of which has deepened and enriched my personal spiritual life.

This book holds a honored and holy place on my bookshelf. I am sorry it is out of print.

The Rev. Dr. Prentice Kinser III, author of LIMITLESS LIVING, A Guide to Unconventional Spiritual Exploration and Growth

I HIGHLY recommend this book for walkers who need a boost in information about ways to structure walking habits. This book helped / gave me ideas so I could create my own structured walking plan/program.
Since I aquired this wonderful book I am up to 10 miles a day of serious aerobic walking.

I have read many books on walking, and this is by far the best. It is good for the novice or expert and contains a great progressional walking program that you can jump into at any point.

Wow this was a great read!!!
I have been walking for awhile, i guess since i was about 7 months. once i started i just couldnt stop. I was walking everywhere around the playground, the backyard, i would even do multiple laps around the couch! im not gonna lie, i was pretty good. after decades of walking however, i was still having the same problems with form and technique. i assumed i could work these out on my own eventualy, but boy was i wrong. for example, i would routinly fall when attempting to pass uneven surfaces, i could not figure out why until i read this book. turns out, my form was fudamentaly flawed. Instead of simply steping onto the higher surface, i would get on my left leg and left arm only,then use my bodyweight to heave myself on the surface of higher elevation. living in manhatten, this made traveling around the city nearly impossible. one night i actually was locked into a subway station, beacause of my inability to scale the tall 20ft staircase. i yelled for the attendant, but i dont think he heard me, he appeared to be laughing very hard at something, maybe a joke a friend of his told earlier in the day. anyways, I was quickly tackling curbs, stairs...yes...stairs, i was even scaling the step used in aerobic classes!! I cant count the ways this book has changed my life

Do you like to walk? Are you thinking about walking as a way to get some exercise, lose weight, or to de-stress? This is the only book you will ever need. Mark Fenton is not only qualified to write this excellent guide, he has done the hard, creative work to do it. Whether you are a veteran walker, a beginner, or just thinking about the possibility of starting; this guide has so much to offer each of you.

I had been talking about starting a walking program for months. One of my coworkers finally bought this book for me, and it immediately lit a (figurative) fire under my butt to get me moving!

This book not only provides a 52-week guideline for increasing your activity, but it also serves as a journal to log what activity you have acheived that day. It stresses getting 6 days of at least 30 minutes of activity, but it has a 4-week plan to ease you into the 30 minutes if you've been fairly inactive before starting the program.

The author also urges you to get your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose level checked at the beginning of your 52-week program, again at 6 months, and again at the end of the program. I think that's highly responsible of the author, and was also highly motivating for me to visit my doctor for the first time in over 2 years.