Specific Places Books

Pamela Yatsko's New Shanghai is one of those "must read" books about China. Yatsko did much of the research for this book while living and working in China. She lived in Shanghai from 1995 to 1998, while serving as the Eastern Economic Review's first Shanghai correspondent and bureau chief since 1949. Following this assignment, she worked for the Economist Group as managing editor of Hong Kong's Business China--a job which allowed her to return to Shanghai frequently.

Yatsko's experiences writing about China's economy led her to explore the many facades she discovered pervading contemporary China. According to the author, while the exteriors of many facets of Shanghai look glitzy and modern, the interiors often tell a vastly different story. The book is divided into key aspects of the city's revival: real estate, the budding world of high finance, growing socio-economic disparity, the return of the multinational firms and their expats, vice, the future of state-owned businesses and their employees, and the status of the arts.

Summarizing Yatsko's conclusions would spoil a juicy read. So, suffice it to say that she uncovers the ways in which expectations for the city have often not been realistic and means by which the future lies in the ability of reality to catch up with these expectations. Considering the industrial and cultural wasteland the city became between 1949 and 1979, Shanghai truly has undergone an amazing renaissance. Will it become the New York City of Asia? Should it? The author gives us pause for many such thoughts. I lived in Shanghai from 2005-2007, and this book clarified many aspects of the "new China" for me.

The book is well-researched and sheds insights on both the city's achievements and her challenges for the future. All of the key elements making up this brave new city are helpfully placed within their historical context. New Shanghai makes essential reading for anyone who seeks to put modern Shanghai life into perspective.

Fun Fact: On the inside book jacket, you'll find a review by one of Shanghai's own literary celebrities, Lynn (Ling) Pan. She was also interviewed by the author for this book.

As a Shanghainese who is sick of the feverish optimism about China nowadays, I was deeply skeptical when I first opened this book. It turned out to be the best book on China I have seen so far. The book, especially its second chapter on the financial market, is full of coolheaded analysis and down-to-the-ground reliable facts. Sometimes, it even shames me for not knowing Shanghai as well as this foreigner does. I recommend the book as a very reliable source of information for those interested in Shanghai and as a book to keep some authentic memory of Shanghai for those overseas Shanghaineses.

Yatko's book far exceeded my expectations. Well argued, carefully thought out and with an excellent thesis. It is easy for old Shanghai residents (such as myself) to revel in an Old Shanghai nostalgia that has long ceased to exist. Yatsko highlights and illustrates many points that we overlooked, ignored or never knew in the first place. Valuable reading for anyone planning to do business in China or simply interested in this great city.

I worked in business in Shanghai during 1995-98 and continue to travel there often. I have yet to come across a more interesting or useful book about Shanghai's metamorphosis and the changes taking place in urban China in general. Although Shanghai and China are fast moving targets, the book provides a spot-on snapshot of the issues facing Shanghai at the millennium and has helped me make sense of this fascinating yet perplexing city. The author really captures the successes and failures of fin de siecle Shanghai well. Also, there's lots of anecdote to make the book a lively read-the chapter on vice is particularly fun. I recommend it for anyone who is interested in understanding what's beneath Shanghai's glittering surface.

I found "New Shanghai" not long ago as I was preparing to visit Shanghai after six years in the states, and was attracted to it immediately. Having lived in Shanghai most of my life, I have to say that the author knows about Shanghai better than I do. I'm only familiar with the life of my like, but the book has a broad coverage, from the upper class to the cultural underdogs. In particular, I liked to read Yatsko's interviews with various people, which added a sense of reality.

Yatsko has captured Shanghai's fastest socio-economic changes since it lost the luster as the most prosperous city in the Far East early last century. With her solid knowledge of economics and first-hand experience, the stories are credible and the analysis is insightful. Whereas "old Shanghai" has aroused most scholarly interest due to its relation to modernity, Yatsko's depiction of Shanghai's rebirth in the 1990s also offers a unique hindsight on its past.

Although I wish I could have read this wonderful book earlier, it's not so late in the sense that I now know more interesting places

I got the book as a gift for my grand daughter who likes to draw. The vivid colors and expressions on the characters faces should keep her interested for a while. The story line is an added bonus.

Do you need a book that confronts racism, appreciates theater, and shatters stereotypes on a primary level? If so, Amazing Grace, by Mary Hoffman, is the book for you. Not only does this book cover the above topics, but is also highlights on key items for younger readers, such as reading about individual achievements and moral dilemmas.
Grace, a first grade African American female, has an imagination with no boundaries. Grace loves to act out stories that she is told. At school, Grace's heart runs with excitement when her teacher announces that the class is going to do the play Peter Pan. Everyone wants to be Peter Pan, which highlights the enthusiasm for theater among these students. However, as Grace wants to be Peter Pan, her classmates tell her first that she can't because she is not a male. The second reason her classmates say is that she can't be Peter Pan is because she is black. Here lies the racism in this book.
The teacher allows each student to take home lines and memorize them to try out for roles. The best would get Peter Pan. In the mean time, Grace's grandmother takes her to a Romeo and Juliet ballet that features a black Juliet. This inspires Grace to go home and learn those lines as best as she can so that she will be the best one in the class. When it is time to try out, Grace is by far the best Peter Pan and the class votes to let her fill this role. This is where the shattering of stereotypes comes into play.
Past the social issues, Amazing Grace also fulfills the requirements that the Temple textbook states are good children's literature. First, children's literature must speak to the child. Children, especially that would read Amazing Grace, are extremely egocentric. Therefore, they want to read about the potential for individual achievement. Any child that is repressed for any reason could identify with Grace. There are a lot of things that Peter Pan was not, not just simply black. African American students could truly identify with Grace, having to deal with their differences that are spawned by their skin color and culture.
The last noticeable characteristic of good children's literature apparent in Amazing Grace is the presence of in depth thought, especially on morals. This book spawns thought on all the social issues mentioned above. This book would most certainly cause students to re- evaluate their thoughts and stances on racism, stereotypes, and maybe even theater. So many times, students think that what their parents believe is what they have to believe. However, educating students can help not only in letting them make their own decisions, but also educating their parents as well.
Finally, this book is an excellent book for teachers because there are many activities that can be done to accompany the reading. Perhaps this would be a great book to lead into their own class play. Another idea is to place this in a unit on racism and segregation in the upper elementary levels. Also, a teacher could do dress up day and the students could be whatever they want to be. All stereotypes are shattered for the day and each student can be free to be who they are. Amazing Grace may be one of the most influential books that I have ever read on racism and the way that Grace and her family handle this issue is admirable.

This story is about a girl that pretends to play the parts of all kinds of different people and one day thiers a play and she wants to play the part of Peter Pan and some kids tell er she can't then she goes home. Later on they her parents tell her she can do anything she wants as long as she puts her mind to it, and she did.

I liked this story because Grace can be Peter Pan if she put her mind to it. My favorite part is after the ballet. I would recommend this book to a friend because its about your imaginery. The book is amazing.

By: S.J.
Los Angeles
Age 5

This is a great story with a great message. It tells children there are no limits to what they can be. It tells children not to be deterred by sterotypes or opinions. You can be anything you set your mind to. I bought copies for both my son and my niece.

After having the eggplant torta from this book at a friends house, I immediately went home and ordered the book. I'm working my way through it slowly since I'm not a consistent maker of dinner, but I have used several recipes repeatedly for home and entertaining. The praise has been universal. Having experimented with lots of recipes, it is such a thrill to make something that people rave about and tastes as good as it "sounded." The pasta with fennel (a fresh sauce perfect for summer) is gourmet in quality and my husband raves! The ricotta torta is another delicious treat. You have to have time to slice and dice, of course, but when the results are this good, I don't mind. I highly recommend this book for amateur cooks like myself who will suprise themselves and increase their confidence through the splendid results!

I received this book as a gift from my father because I kept checking it out from the library. This past weekend I used the Risotto with Swiss Chard and Winter Herbs as a stuffing for winter squash and Rapini with Garlic Bread Crumbs as the main course for a fund-raising dinner for 60 at my daughter's high school. The diners absolutely raved about it! The recipes are simple and straightforward and sooooooooooo good. It's one of my favorite cookbooks.

The best book on vegetable cooking I have ever owned, am on to my third copy.All dishes are easy and delicious, her relaxed
approach to food is one we should all embrace.

I am a huge fan of Viana La Place, I have several of her books...Verdura is another fantastic addition to the foodie's library. I have prepared a number of the recipes in this book and they have all been winners. Her descriptions are spot on, and her cooking advice is always appreciated. I'm a little annoyed to see people complaining about this not being a "true vegetarian" cookbook. Guess what, folks, it's not supposed to be!

There's some of everything in this cookbook but if you're vegetarian or vegan be prepared to alter the recipes here and there. There's a recipe for chicken broth and another for beef broth and they're used in a bunch of the recipes -not a big deal - I just substitite a nice vegetable broth and all is well. Anchovies are used here and there too. For the vegan - you'll need to do your own substititues where cheeses are called for and there are a few egg recipes.

Anyway, that said, there are lots of great recipes in here. Here's a quick view of the table of contents and a few of my favorites:

- Antipasti (vegetables, fruits, cheeses, marinated vegetables, hot antipasti) - Artichokes Griti Style is really tasty - it has olive oil and parm. cheese; also some really easy recipes for things like raw vegetables with olive oil, marinated eggplant, spicy carrots, etc

- Salads (leafy, little, and salads as main courses) -lots of nice, mostly simple salads. I made the one called Warm Cannellini Bean and Herb Salad and served it at our Christmas dinner alongside raviolis etc and it was a hit

- Grilled bread and sandwiches - haven't tried any of these but they look tasty

- Soups for every season (minnestrone soup with rice was excellent - I did it in the slow cooker - yum! There's also an escarole soup similar to what my grandmother used to make - it was good but not as good as hers :)

- Pasta Sauces (excellent, fresh ideas straight from the garden. pasta with 10 herbs was great. I haven't tried it yet but there's a recipe that uses tomoatoes and avocados that sounds really good. These sauces are pretty much all things you can whip up fast, no cooking for hours on the stove - its focus is fresh and almost raw - really good - and good for you :)

- Rice and Polenta dishes (I haven't tried any of the polenta dishes - had some bad experiences with that so far)

- A sampler of Main Dishes (many interesting recipes here like zucchini stuffed wit mushrooms, gnocchi, ftittatas.)

- Side vegetables (I love side dishes and there are some good ones in here that I've tried and were great. The ones I've tried are: artichokes w. sundried tomatoes, artichokes braised with thyme, broccoli w. garlic and red chili pepper, etc. There are some tasty sounding bean dishes that I haven't tried yet but plan to)

Overall great cookbook - I've tried a sampling of recipes and they've all been good, just need to modify ever so slightly to make them vegetarian.

I'd buy it again!

This book does a great job of taking you into the lives of people who live their passion for the great outdoors on a daily basis. The photos are outstanding...by renowned adventure photographer Corey Rich.

Buy it for all of your friends and family.

Corey's show about making this book rocked, I just loved the diversity of the athletes profiled, in particular Jeff Lowe, who shared at a book signing that his photo shoot for the book may have been his last ice climb. The book shows so many cool places to explore throughout the US. Jason and Corey pay great homage to each athlete's passion for being outside in nature, often instilling the same values in their children. Outdoor sports are a tremendous highlight of life for so many people and this is explored very well. Definitely made me reflect & feel good about my choices. I wish the book included even more stories. Great project!

Between the storytelling of Jason Paur and the beautiful photography of Corey Rich this book delivers on many levels. It is a staple on my coffee table, and I never tire of flipping through it.

The idea of the this book is so great i am surprised i haven't seen it done yet: find the best adventure athletes and interview and photograph them at their favorite places to play. The photography is awesome and the profiles do a great job of getting into the lives of the athletes. some of my favorite stories are of "the making of the book adventures" that show just how involved in the action the writer and photographer got. The stories of Corey getting airsick paragliding and getting talked into Base jumping by Shane McConkey and his girlfriend Kim are laugh-out-loud funny.

I became aware of this book on an Alaska Airlines flight where a few pages of it were featured in Alaska Air Magazine. I was so intrigued I had to run out and purchase a copy. The adventurous people the book focuses on are all very inspiring and interesting. As a "coffee table book", people will pick this up and not want to put it down. I highly recommend this book if you are interested in outdoor activities.

Pennsylvania Wilds is a thick, hardcover coffee-table-sized book filled to the brim with beautiful photography of the Allegheny National Forest region in Pennsylvania. From bear prints, to snow scenes, to serene waterscapes, and colorful characters, this book is a pictorial vacation getaway.

But Pennsylvania Wilds is more than a vacation--it also contains script telling you about the region and its history, even delving into some scientific facts. For those who live in Pennsylvania, the book is a great state study book for homeschoolers. For those who live elsewhere, but are interested in other states or are just looking for a great place to travel to, then this is a book sure to whet your appetite for experiencing the panoramic landscape views in person.

I thoroughly enjoyed thumbing through Pennsylvania Wilds and in fact looked through it several days before writing the review. My only complaint is that some of the scientific fact included in the book is evolution-based and not creationism.

Included at the back of the book is a CD with more information about Pennsylvania and even more pictures, though some are the same as in the book. Although the price is a bit high, I recommend this book for those interested in Pennsylvania and photography.

Armchair Interviews says: If you are just an armchair traveler, this book is sure to fill some travel needs.

I loved this book because it shows some beautiful areas of the country that alot of people may never get to see. Me, I just have to go outside my cabin and I'm there!! The photography is great, showing me areas that I haven't even seen.
Time was taken in putting this book together and it shows!!!

A Southern California transpant, every time I pick up "Pennsylvania Wilds: Images from the Allegheny National Forest," I feel like I'm home again. What a wonderful tribute to the beauty of northwestern Pennsylvania. The photographs capture the heart and soul of the forest region, and the story gives the rich detail of area's history. This one is definitely a getter--and a keeper!

"Beauty," says the poet, "is a joy forever." That being said, beauty alone might be incentive for buying this book.

The photographs in "Pennsylvania Wilds" are, indeed, beautiful. And the accompanying text is equally attractive. You might purchase this book and return to it time and again and find much enjoyment in its contents--more than might be found in your ordinary coffee table book.

But there's much more to this book than just something nice to peruse.

It's a tribute to the Allegheny National Forest, the only one in the commonwealth and a genuine treasure. Established in 1923, the 513,000 acre forest is a monument to conservation and a source of pride for all Pennsylvanians. It's a boon to recreation, tourism and the economy.

For those who haven't visited, or are unable to, this book offers a wonderful introduction to the area's history and attractions. And, after viewing the images and text, there are undoubtedly going to be more people including it in their travel plans.

There are gems of history in this book--about the Seneca, the lumbering and oil booms; Thomas Kane, reputed to be the first Pennsylvanian to enlist and who organized the famous Bucktails regiment in the Civil War; the legacy of the nation's first tree plantation and environmental pioneers like Joseph Rothrock and Gifford Pinchot.

Ed Bernik, a veteran commercial photographer, has captured an outstanding collection of images of the forest and its inhabitants. Lisa Gensheimer, a documentary producer and writer whose work has appeared nationwide on public television stations, lucidly outlines the history and color of the region.

As an added bonus, purchasers of the book also receive a Forest Companion CD complete with map, travel guide and additional reasons to visit the region.

Reviewed by Irene Watson for Reader Views (6/06)

This beautiful coffee table book, with narrative by Lisa Gensheimer and photographs by Ed Bernik, takes the reader/viewer on a spectacular journey through the Allegheny National Forest from its creation to the present. Both the author and the photographer capture the mystifying world of nature and people, not only the wonders of the landscape but the personalities of the inhabitants.

"Pennsylvania Wilds" gives a historical overview of the Allegheny National Forest beginning 375 million years ago when the area was a warm inland sea. Grensheimer explains the evolution from water to land that occurred over time as well as provides a map of glacial deposits. She also writes about the archaeological findings of pre-historic cultures as well as Native American inhabitants, the settling by Europeans, and the shift to modern times. Today's residents are "people who live in the shadows of the trees [and] are as strong and resilient as the forest itself. They are independent thinkers - creative entrepreneurs who find in the forest a source of sustenance, inspiration, and at the end of the day, quiet solitude." (p.37)

Greshneimer puts together the history and the present lives of people in a short, concise narrative interspersed with historical and recent photographs. However, this is just a prelude for what is to come in the rest of the book. The "Images from the Allegheny National Forest" are spectacular! Pages from 45 to 135 are filled with incredible photographs that the reader can get lost in for hours. From the weathered faces of the residents to the flora of the forest, from the debris left in the field to the places of worship, from paved roads to a heritage mural...it's all there. As a bonus, inside the back cover is a CD with a travel guide, map, screensaver, and more than 50 reasons to visit the area.

It's hard for me to put into words what I got out of this "Pennsylvania Wilds" because every aspect of it touched a different cord in me. First of all, I love the cover - I could almost smell the moss on the forest floor. Secondly, the feel of the pages were very inviting. The short history and transition into the present gave me a very broad overview of the area. And, then there were the photographs! Incredible!

This book is an excellent resource for students as well as others who want to know the ins and outs of the federal hiring process. From networking to resume writing, this comprehensive guide tells you all the steps you will need to know in order to obtain a federal job. If you want to gain valuable knowledge about government programs and become more effective in your job search, this book is for you! Learn from the real experts, Kathy and Emily Troutman!

Let's face it, the federal hiring process can be quite complicated and arduous. Even if you are highly qualified, obtaining a federal job can be extremely difficult if you are unfamiliar with the requirements of the government. As a graduate student of public administration, I was confident that I had suitable knowledge and skills to land a federal position, yet I was intimidated by the federal hiring process. I believe that The Student's Federal Career Guide was instrumental in guiding me through the process. By following the book's suggestions and tailoring my resume to the samples provided in the book, I landed a position with the agency of my choice.
The book is well organized as the chapters cover all the steps from how to locate opportunities to preparing for the interview. Much of the book is devoted purely to students who are seeking current or future employment with the federal government. There are a myriad of suggested resources for exploring student opportunities such as internships and part-time employment. The Student's Federal Career Guide will provide you with invaluable information on obtaining a position with the federal government.

Enhanced with an accompanying CD-ROM offering case studies and samples, The Student's Federal Career Guide: 10 Steps To Find And Win Top Government Jobs and Internships shows students just how to utilize networking to discover the availability of federal jobs, how to identify and locate the relevant federal agency; what internships; federal pay scales; researching federal job listings on-line; writing a federal job oriented resume; writing cover letters showcasing knowledge, skills and abilities; the federal job application process; tracking and following-up job applications and interviews; and conducting oneself in the interview process. Of special note is the accompanying website at www.TenStepsForStudents.org offering samples, internships links, job prospect information, and tips from actual government agency recruiters. Specifically designed for college students and recent graduates entering the job market, The Student's Federal Career Guide is also very highly recommended for men and women of any age seeking a public service career with the federal government.

- Betsy L. Hogan

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!! I cant stop reading it, there is so much good information. It gave me alot more incite on the direction I need to go in with my resume. Also, the sections on contacting HR and interviewing definitely will help in the job search. The Government is the nations largest employer, with this book you will get a great understanding of what you need to do to get hired. The writters of the book have years of experience, they know the process from start to finsih!! This is money well spent or should I say a great investment in yourself!!!

The authors website has great information too!!!!
www.resume-place.com

Enhanced with an accompanying CD-ROM offering case studies and samples, The Student's Federal Career Guide: 10 Steps To Find And Win Top Government Jobs and Internships shows students just how to utilize networking to discover the availability of federal jobs, how to identify and locate the relevant federal agency; what internships; federal pay scales; researching federal job listings on-line; writing a federal job oriented resume; writing cover letters showcasing knowledge, skills and abilities; the federal job application process; tracking and following-up job applications and interviews; and conducting oneself in the interview process. Of special note is the accompanying website at www.TenStepsForStudents.org offering samples, internships links, job prospect information, and tips from actual government agency recruiters. Specifically designed for college students and recent graduates entering the job market, The Student's Federal Career Guide is also very highly recommended for men and women of any age seeking a public service career with the federal government.

There are over 177 miles of man-made tunnels and old quarries under the streets of Paris - and they aren't completely abandoned in modern times, but have become a focus for urban culture and art. For over 300 years visitors have chosen these tunnels to comment on events above ground: Caroline Archer & Alexandre Parre's Paris Underground charts both old and new material over the decades, providing an important survey of the history leading to the evolution of an 'underground alternative gallery'. Packed with images and examples, Paris Underground is an essential guide for any who would fully understand ALL the art of Paris.

Caves as a source of civilization sources have long been a part of cultural studies: what men and women do in the dark underground spaces to communicate their feelings, responses, fears, sensual pleasures. political reasons for escaping the world above at times tell us more than the formal written word. Such may just be the case of this excellent monograph on the tunnels and quarries that weave below the cit of Paris (the City of Light!) by journalist, writer, graphic artist Caroline Archer and architect, photographer Alexandre Parre.

While novels and films (such as Les Miserables) have informed us about part of the underground webs beneath Paris, the more than 177 miles of tunnels that have provided sanctuary for anonymous and illicit visitors for some 300 years. Whether the 'artists' of creation were in hiding from danger or political fears or merely graffiti creators on the rampage since the 1970s when the tunnels were 'discovered' more widely, the status of this underground gallery of art and history is a fascinating source of investigation into urban culture and outsider art.

The book is well designed with copious photographs of the many 'treasures' found and described by the authors. The art ranges from sculpture, to human remnants, to written word, stolen signs and tracts imbedded in the walls, to repeated images of 'Corps Blanc' (White Corpse) that appears to be some sort of mask-like signal to distract visitors' attention or summon fear to exit. Here are recreations of famous art done in incredibly expert fashion as well as some very strange gargoyle like carvings, three dimensional human forms emerging from the walls, clips of historical numbers and data, and both fine original art as well as lurid graffiti. It is an endlessly interesting and puzzling trek to follow Archer and Parre through these spaces.

Not only is the design of the book of the highest quality, the photographs and the writing are first rate - intelligent, informed, and entertaining. This is a book to return to whenever the urge for discovery of the hidden treasures of civilization arises. Highly recommended. Grady Harp, February 07

There are over 177 miles of man-made tunnels and old quarries under the streets of Paris - and they aren't completely abandoned in modern times, but have become a focus for urban culture and art. For over 300 years visitors have chosen these tunnels to comment on events above ground: Caroline Archer & Alexandre Parre's Paris Underground charts both old and new material over the decades, providing an important survey of the history leading to the evolution of an 'underground alternative gallery'. Packed with images and examples, Paris Underground is an essential guide for any who would fully understand ALL the art of Paris.

Paris Underground By Caroline Archer with photos by Alexandre Parre is a book I wish had been published before my most recent trip to Paris, France. Little known to the average citizen of or visitor to Paris, the city was built over the quarries from which stone for the buildings was cut. As the city grew, so did the caverns beneath it until on one fateful day during the reign of King Louis XVI on Dec. 17, 1774, an entire street (near today's Place Denfert-Rochereau )collapsed into the abyss. The King's council to investigate was formed and the finding were so alarming that within three years architects and inspectors set about building reinforcements in the form of inspection galleries, which ultimately (by the mid 1930's) resulted in 177 miles of underground tunnels within these quarries to make the city safe. Although entering these underground passages is forbidden except with express permission, for three centuries artists, musicians, writers, performers, and curious, daring cataphyles have found the lure into the depths irresistable and have made their way through clandestined passages. Through the centuries, because everyone needed to mark his or her way in order not to be lost, and because the bare walls beckoned to be decorated, the passages and quarries became an underground, daring art gallery. This book incorporates a remarkable attempt to catalogue the surreptitious art found beneath one of Europe's most thriving cities of the arts. The historic events, since the earliest graffiti in 1671, have been charted or commemorated, pictured, or commented upon, with drawings, writings, paintings, sculpture, and music created within the labyrinth. While most is primitive art "just for the fun of it," some is quite skilled and reveals great talent. For three centuries the underground has been the location for secret love affairs, hiding criminals, storing beer and champagne, and many other illegal activities, while also providing the stone canvas and dark inspiration for hundreds of artists and performers of all kinds. You'll want to read and study the photographs in this fascinating book.

Some people here may remember the news about the La Mexicaine de la Perforation's underground cinema in Paris last year (http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,1299444,00.html). This story has never really been far from my mind since reading about it. Truly fascinating stuff. When I found out that a book was being released about the world below the great city I had to get a copy just to see what's actually under Paris.

Paris Underground by Caroline Archer & Alexandre Parre (published by Mark Batty) is a great new book dedicated to the Parisian underground art. A history lesson - Quarries started to be dug under the streets of Paris during the twelfth century to provide the raw materials needed to build the city above. At the time no attention was paid to the amount of rock being removed so when one quarry was depleted the workers moved on to dig another. This practise continued on and off till December 17th 1774 when the inevitable happened. The space left by the removal of the stones that built places such as Notre Dame finally gave was as one of the city's streets collapsed into underground darkness. More collapses followed so digging was stopped and task-forces were then set up to check, chart and reinforce the abandoned quarries and the tunnels, of which there are a staggering 177 miles worth, till they were made safe.

The first third of Paris Underground is dedicated to the history of the quarries (La Mexicaine de la Perforation gets a mention) and the official inscriptions that were created by the surveyors & builders. These are most made up of letters and numbers representing dates, depths, relevant engineer's initials and road signs indicating their actual whereabouts in relation to the Paris streets above. However, even this simple text and lettering is really interesting. No two appear to be the same due to the fact that the artists involved in their creation were not artists at all, they were just the builders and each individual writer had a different style. It actually makes for some really interesting studying of the letter forms and their accompanying text. Once the official parts are taken care of we are led to the underground world of the "clandestine visitors" art. Out of the original 276 entrances only a few remain but this hasn't stopped thousands of artists from illegally going underground and working in those inhospitable subterranean world. Over the years there have been innumerable pieces of art created inside the tunnels. These range from scribbles, sketches and tags to huge painted pieces, stone sculptures and mosaics, collectively known as Kata Art. The rest of this book is dedicated to their work. Perhaps the most interesting of these are the "tracts." These are hand written or printed documents that are hidden around the different sites. Some are used for communication between the cataphiles while others are just there for people to view their opinions, poems, short stories etc. These are considered the real treasures of the quarries as they don't last very long in the hot and damp atmosphere.

It's a really great book. I love it for so many reasons; it's not just because it's a beautifully bound and formatted book with fantastic text and photos, I love the art, I love Paris, and I am so much more than just intrigued by the tunnels them selves. The book weighs in at 192 pages, 8" x 91/2", case bound with dust jacket. Seeing as it's illegal for us to go underground in Paris and that the authors and photographer have done all the work legally I guess it'll be the only way that the majority of us will see what's down there so if this kind of thing interests you you could do a lot worse that hooking yourself up with a copy.

Michael Pearson's "Imagined Places" was truly wonderful. I felt that I went along for the ride. Such great details, I didn't want it to end.

I love books and travel equally, and this book was a terrific companion on a recent trip I took around America. Reading Imagined Places was like having an interesting companion along the way. I'd recommend it also for people who don't hav the time to travel but want to hit the road imaginatively.

In this day and age when travel seems daunting, I really enjoyed this journey into the lives of famous writers and into America itself. This book was a find.

This book was a real find for me. I found it in a little bookstore in Pennsylvania. I was attracted by the cover design, a road curving into the colorful distance. The book led me to the right places: into the lives of Frost, Twain, Steinbeck, Hemingway, O'Connor, and Faulkner and into encounters with some unexpected people as well. This book is worth the trip for sure.

This great book bought me back in time...1976 the Bicenntial, when a friend and myself travled across country and visited these places that Mr.Pearson wrote about. I wish more authors could make they're words come alive the way Mr.Pearson has, Although i wish i had a little lobster with that "sunshine". All & all i throughly enjoyed it and probably will pass this on to my children...Thank you for such wonderfull reading Mr.Pearson..My hats off to you..Bravo!!

I purchased this book because it was listed as a favorite by a rheumatologist who wrote an article on "painfree life". I would not be without this book and use it several times a week. I didn't know there were so many delicious and very simple ways to cook fish, shrimp, muscles, and other seafood. I give this book my highest recommendation. Try it, you will love it!

Having been to Pike Place Public Market and a huge fan of Pacific Northwest seafood, this was a no-brainer. The recipes are organized in sections. The first describes a history of the market. The next section is about fin fish, then shell fish, and then the odd kettle section talks about tuna, squid, and seafood combination dishes, to name a few. The recipes are easy to follow and the results are worth the effort and turn out extremely well. I bought this book along with Ray's Boathouse: Seafood Secrets of the Pacific Northwest and Pure Flavor: 125 Fresh All-American Recipes from the Pacific Northwest. So when all three arrived, I was in my glory--three Pacific Northwest cookbooks to complement my Wildwood Wildwood: Cooking from the Source in the Pacific Northwest cookbook. I did a tasting and made seven of the recipes the weekend after receiving the books. Everything was great, and I felt like I was in the Pacific Northwest again -- not in Jersey...well...

Pike Place Market is one of my favorite places to visit. I was excited to get the cookbook and the recipes do sound yummy. However, they also require a lot of work & ingredients that I don't have time to shop for. Maybe someday when I have a lot of time on my hands....

The Pike Place Market is a destination point for anyone visiting Seattle. The market is a vibrant maze of fish stalls, vegetable vendors, meat purveyors, etc. To local foodies, the market is shopping central, especially for seafood. Tourists love the sense of history, plus the entertaining fishmongers singing and acrobatically tossing whole fish across the counter.

Braiden Rex-Johnson, an expert on the Pike Place Market, captures the essense of the market in this gift-size cookbook. The stunning photographs bring alive the color and commotion of the market, and the exceptional recipes reflect the diversity of Northwest cuisine. Don't miss trying the recipe for Baked Whole Salmon with Vietnamese Dipping Sauce. I made it for a dinner party and it was a dramatic presentation. The Fried Oyster Caesar Salad was another winner, along with the Shellfish Risotto. I'm looking forward to trying many more, whether I'm cooking for the family or entertaining friends.

I was given this book as a gift and I'm delighted with it. It's sized smaller, like a gift book--so portable and easy to use. I appreciate Rex-Johnson's introduction that focuses and guides consumers on ocean and fish sustainability. This is befitting any bonafide cook from the Northwest (or anywhere!). Besides great recipes, she includes a helpful Appendix of techniques, everything from making bread crumbs to a chiffonade. The book seems basic enough, and sophisticated enough, for a broad range of cooking skills. And the photos and presentation are beautiful, interwoven with historial trivia related to fishing. There's a lot in this little gem.

Anne Broyles infuses the true story of a young slave girl with emotion and hope. This book makes a wonderful gift for anyone with young children, local elementary schools, and local libraries as the story illustrates a very real chapter in American history and gives life to one of the many stories of children who were affected by this history. The book's illustrations are beautiful and add to the depth of the story.

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks is one of those rare stories which weaves together the horrendous capabilities of people with the strength of spirit and goodness people possess. As a parent, I find this story important for children so that conversations will ensue and so that we may never forget what we are capable of--both good and bad. A remarkable story of truth indeed.

Priscilla and the Hollyhocks by Anne Broyles, illustrated by Anna Alter
Anne Broyles has written a wonderful tale, based on a true story, about an African American slave torn from her mother's arms when only four years old. We follow Priscilla's childhood as she is sold to family after family as easily as one would buy new furniture. The only thing that gives her comfort, are the hollyhocks that remind her of her mother. In each new home, she plants hollyhock seeds and creates a refuge to hide in. She makes hollyhock dolls and floats them across the water, dreaming of home. But even when her Cherokee Indian master is forced to leave his own home and travel the "Trail of Tears", Priscilla remains their slave. It is only when she sees a white man from her youth, Basil Silkwood, that she sees an opportunity for a better life. She remembers that he had once told her that she should be in school. She runs to him, introduces herself and tells him, "I still want to learn". Mr. Silkwood buys Priscilla and sets her free, adopting her into his own large family of fifteen children.

Anne Broyles discovered the story of Priscilla while doing research for a YA book on the Cherokee Trail of Tears. It's a story of courage and strength as Priscilla plants her hollyhock seeds as she travels across the country.
"Wasn't much I wanted to `member from my first home but Ma. Pink hollyhocks kept her livin'. Surely if I thought on her, she might think on me, too, where'er she was."
Anne has done a wonderful job of capturing a complicated story in simple phrases and uncomplicated language. We fall in love with her character immediately while learning about how complicated slavery could be in America.
Anna Alter does an amazing job with the illustrations, creating a gentle folk art style, while still giving illustration to a horrific time in our history.

This book includes instructions for making a hollyhock doll and an author's note that talks about the true story of Priscilla Silkwood. To celebrate the book's release, there will be some partying going on for those of you in the Boston area.
Saturday, February 9, 1 p.m. (Anna and Anne)
Book launch--Wellesley Booksmith, Wellesley, MA
Saturday, February 16, 3 p.m. (Anna and Anne)
Book launch--Jamaicaway Books Jamaica Plain, MA
Wednesday, February 20, noon (Anne)
Boys and Girls Club, Lawrence, MA
Saturday, March 1, 12-2 p.m. (Anne)
Borders Books, Methuen, MA
Tuesday, March 4th, Time TBA (Anna)
Valente Branch of the Cambridge Public Library
Wednesday, March 5, 10 a.m.-noon (Anne)
South Elementary School, Andover, MA--SAIL event
Saturday, March 15, 11a.m.-1 p.m. (Anne)
Book signing at Annie's Books, North Andover, MA
Saturday, March 29, 2 p.m. (Anne)
Multi-Author Book Launch--First UU Church, Belmont, MA
Saturday, April 12 (Anna)

Strength of character, dignity of spirit, power of hope. All of these, along with the author's exquisitely rendered sentences, each polished to its essence, bring Priscilla to life. Here is a girl I know will grow into a woman of quality, and I want to introduce her to boys and girls who will be changed for the better by meeting her, as I was. Yet the story isn't teachy or preachy, though it might teach or preach as another bonus of a good story told well.

Priscilla is a worthy successor to SHY MAMA'S HALLOWEEN. Anne Broyles has once again created a compelling character, made all the more captivating because the story is based on fact. Anna Alter's illustrations beautifully represent the pain and sadness and later hope that Priscilla experiences throughout her incredible story. This book is chock full of mini-lessons waiting for the classroom teacher to share with students. An added bonus for the happy readers and listeners is the description of the hollyhock doll and how to create one. This is the perfect book for a read-aloud cum craft project. Kudos to Broyles, who has done it once again. Marina Salenikas, Children's Librarian, North Andover, MA