New Jersey Books

Great book. A total insight to the tribute band world. The author uncovers all the good and the bad, and doesn't sugar coat anything. He also delves into the psychology of this scene which is great. The highlight of this book is when he mentions my band, "1988," in chapter three! (along with about 150 other bands!)

Yes, rock and roll, much like the priesthood, tends to weed out all but the most hardy and dedicated. If you have ever taken a serious whack at the game, then you owe it to yourself to read this book. You'll laugh, you'll cry... Well, okay, you won't cry, but you'll certainly identify with the ups and downs, triumphs, failures, dysfunctions, stresses, joys, and fiascoes that are a part of that life. And if you threw in the towel a long time ago, you might just pat yourself on the back.

There are a lot of books about famous rock bands, but not too many that describe what it's like to be an average working musician, whether in a tribute band or not. The "tribute band" aspect lends an extra degree of absurdity to the whole business, especially today, when rock seems to be going through another one of its periodic death throes. (Believe it or not, a lot of us thought rock died around 1975. Shortly thereafter, disco was declared dead. Then punk also kicked the bucket. Remarkably, they all keep going.)

Among musicians there has always been a divide between the "cover band" types and the "original" types. This is even more pronounced when it comes to "tribute bands." There are those who find the concept repulsive, while others take a pragmatic view: "Hey, if you can play music and make money, why not? Beats digging ditches."

Well, maybe not. Rock and roll is sometimes incredibly hard work. A passage from the book summarizes things: "The members of Sticky Fingers and the Blushing Brides faced near poverty, small crowds, exhausting cross-country drives, and indifference from their peers and the world at large, in exchange for a few dollars and the chance to be onstage for a few hours."

Still, a good gig in front of an enthusiastic (albeit drunk) crowd is one of life's greatest highs, so that keeps these guys going.

Nevertheless, there is something unsettling about middle-aged men putting on wigs and doing impersonations of aging rock stars. A couple buddies and I could have formed a killer Elvis Costello tribute band back in the 1980s, but I'm not sure I'd want to be doing that now. You have to wonder how long the phenomenon will go on. Will it end with the last of the baby-boomers? Or will the nostalgia of the future involve aging hip-hop wannabes doing impersonations of Snoop Dogg? Stay tuned.

In the meantime, all you old school rock 'n' rollers and other aspirants to fame and fortune should get yourself a copy of this book. You're guaranteed to get a kick out of it and maybe even pick up some tips. It's a fast and fun read.

Steven Kurutz is a first class writer who can weave a fascinating tale about a long misunderstood facet of American society: the tribute band. Anyone who has any desire to learn the machinations of this particular pop culture phenomenom would be well served by reading this book!

I picked up this book over the weekend and could not put it down until I was finished. Author Steven Kurutz captures "the sights, the sounds, the smells, of a hard-working rock band on the road" to quote "This Is Spinal Tap", with both hilarious and sometimes pathetic outcomes.

In the book, Kurutz travels cross country with two leading Stones trib bands, Sticky Fingers and Blushing Brides, and in documenting the highs and (very) lows, he manages to capture the humanity in what is becoming a dying industry - Live Music.

While reading this book one realizes that both Maurice Raymond and Glen Carroll (the Brides' and Fingers' Micks, respectively) are doing their thing not only because they crave the attention of being a faux Mick Jagger, but because they genuinely love the music of the Rolling Stones, even if it is being played to a handful of people in a dive bar.

And that being said, which is more rock and roll to you: A drunk singer shouting over too loud guitars to 50 sweaty drunks, or 100,000 people at the EnormoDome who paid $300 to watch the Stones on the JumboTron?

I choose the former.

If you're gonna buy one book on rock and roll this year, this is it!

Kurutz loves his rock and roll, and LIKE A ROLLING STONE revels in the good ol' days when rock was king and musicians drank and did drugs like there was no tomorrow. His affection for rock shows through in every line, and before you know it you're right there in the van with Sticky Fingers, the east coast's most popular Stones tribute band. In one way or another it's been around since the 1970s, and its present leader, Glen Carroll, is an irresistible subject, sort of like the Falstaff of the tribute world. Yes, he drinks too much and yes, he's a liar, and no, he's not really a good singer, but Kurutz' writing is so persuasive I wanted the book to come with a DVD so I could see Sticky Fingers in action at one of the rundown nightclubs or frat houses they're booked to entertain in.

Sometimes it's life at the top, but more often Sticky Fingers' erratic financing make for tensions within the band. All of this is really intriguing, but the problem is of course, that it's really not enough material to make a book out of, and one gets the feeling Kurutz did all this research and then halfway through realized he had enough for a great magazine article, but that he was going to have to add more storylines if he wanted to get a book out of it. Thus we go back in time and meet with the original tribute band, the Broadway cast of "Beatlemania." Thus we go on the road with a second Stones tribute band, the damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't Blushing Brides from Canada. Thus we are introduced to other sorts of tribute bands including some with real success stories, Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) which does the Grateful Dead, and ZoSo, the "ultimate Led Zeppelin experience." And in doing so, the focus of the book inevitably shifts away from Glen Collins and it becomes more about hardcore dollars and cents.

The cash nexus is never far from concern, yet what makes these tribute bands so endearing is that these guys aren't in it for the money--no, not really--they're doing something because they love it. And don't let me forget, also because evil life has got them in its sway.

I read it, I enjoy it, and I find it "may be" very useful for catching fishes. I say "may be" because I haven't had a chance to use the info from this book just yet (I am still fixing my boat). If you have a boat and you live in New Jersey, you may find this book to be very useful.

This book covers many good fishing spots near New Jersey coastal area and off-shore. Based on my memory, around 1/6 are in protected bay area, around 1/3 of fishing spots are not far from the shore, and the rest are far off shore. Therefore, the bigger your boat, the more you may like this book. In other words, if you have a small 14-ft boat, this book is not for you because the chance is good that you cannot take advantage of the information available in the boat.

If you love crackin' busch lights and slappin' tins of long cut, then I have two pieces of advice for you: stay away from my daughter, and get Nick's amazing book. I used to believe in God. Now I believe only in the Hondo.

This is one of the most entertaining and informative books I have ever read on fishing. Nick captures the essence of hunting in the sea with insight, eloquence and humor. After having fished off of Portugal, California, the Nantucket Shoals, Mexico and more I am excited to embark on the waters off of Jersey. Thanks Nick!

This book is very informative, attention grabbing, and interesting. It works as a story of personal adventures and a reference or how to guide. Although no one can tell exactly when and where the fish are, until fishing the areas explained in this book. It is a very good guide and can give a beginer an accurate starting point or a seasoned veteran new ideas.

Don't let the generic title fool you. This is no ordinary fish story. I started reading the book to learn more about locations and techniques that the best Captains in the state have shared with Nick over the years. I ended up reading the book cover to cover like an action adventure story ! Nick Honachefsky's love and respect of the ocean and its wildlife is conveyed brilliantly through a series of informative and funny stories. I can't wait to go out and fish these spots armed with some of the "Hot Shot Tips" that have made these captains the best of the best. FISH ON NICK !

What a gorgeous book. I've recently become involved in hotglass work myself and picked this book up out of curiousity. Not only is the book full of beautiful pictures and prose but the author also allows us a peek into Paul's techniques, which for me, is incredibly helpful and well worth the price of the book.

Even though it made me late I had to stop and soak in every page from start to finish as soon as I got it in the mail. I think at just about every page a smiling, "Oh my god!" came bounding out of my lips in admiration for this man's extreme talent.

Most of my art books end up on my studio shelf, but this one is so gorgeous and such a joy to view I think I'm going to make it a permanent fixture on the coffee table.

You will not be able to stop the "oohs" and "aahs" . The artist has developed a style unlike anyone else and the photographs are so detail you feel like you have become part of the piece. A work of art in and of itself.

It is a book that every glass lover must have.

Filled with beautifully detailed photographs of Paul Stankard's paperweights as well as excellent closeups of the making of his flowers and other paperweight inclusions. It also includes an interesting background on Paul's career and philosophy, but the multitude of wonderful color photographs of his extraordinary work are what make this book truly special.

While I wouldn't consider myself a "paperweight" fan, I admire Paul Stankard's work immensely.

For so long I've wondered, "how does he accomplish such wonderful things?". This book cannot show his unique genius nor how his imagination works, but it does show just enough of his techniques to sate my never ending curiosity.

You can see how a thistle is built. There are gorgeous pictures of how a glass bee is build and attached to a honey comb. Here are the dragonflies, the orchids and those amazing root people!

The book is filled with full color pictures, and many wonderful detail views. In Paul Stankard's case, "God is in the details".

I admired Paul Stankard's work before I read this book. I admire his ability ever so much more now that I've seen the immesurable detail that goes into each piece.

I used to work with Salim and would highly recommend his book

If you are thinking to start or have already started a small business in New Jersey, this book is definitely for you. Written in simple, yet concise text, this book is easy to follow, easy to understand, and yet full of all the information you could ever need to start, run, and be successful at your business in New Jersey. Use this book as a reference tool for tough situations, or read it thoroughly before you get started, either way, this useful publication by Salim Omar will guide you, lead you, and take you around all of the business mumbo jumbo. Full of wisdom and true experiences, learn from others and get this book today.

Everything that is essential to starting, maintaining, growing, and exiting your business is covered in this one, must read book. Salim Omar wirtes in a concise and easy to follow method that makes this book an easy, yet compelling read. He provides the reader with the foundation to run a successful business, as well as, the strategic insight to aid in planning, decision-making, and implementation.

Keep this book handy. You will find yourself referring to it for many years to come. This book will help you reinvent your business and, ultimately yourself.

" This book should be mandatory for any person new in business, and it should be read and reviewed by veterans. I highly recommend this book. I have given it to some of my patients and they love it!!"

"Straight Talk" gives you the "big picture" from a true entrepreneur, and the "small detail" from a CPA who knows his stuff. The mix is extremely valuable, full of wisdom and experience. It's easy to read, with sophisticated concepts translated into easy-to-understand possibilities. I found myself taking notes throughout the book and realized that my business had just gained a terrific new tool. Best of all, you get GREAT marketing advice at a price you'd never find from a marketing agency. Take the advice and your business will definitely grow!

My 10 year old son who doesn't like to read loved this history based mystery. It was great to see him reading without me asking him to read. I read the book as well Dan Gutman did a great job of mixing an interesting story with history.

Qwerty Stevens Back In Time is a wonderful book. Dan Gutman took his time on this story and made a detailed and fun chapter book. This book teaches you important lessons such as reminding you that you should never go somewhere with out telling your parents because they will get worried! I especially liked how Dan Gutman told some fun facts about Thomas A. Edison through this enchanting story.
In the beginning of this story, Qwerty Stevens, a thirteen-year-old boy, has a tough life. When Qwerty was in his young years his father died, which made his family very unhappy. To deal with his sadness and anger, Qwerty digs in his backyard. One day he was digging in his backyard and found a box. Qwerty ran into his room and burst the box open on his bed. Qwerty's mouth dropped open and his eyes widened larger than a quarter. Qwerty couldn't believe his eyes. Qwerty Stevens had found a time machine made by Thomas A. Edison.

If you are looking for a great book read Qwerty Stvens back in time Edison mystery.It's about this boy named Qwerty that was digging in his back yard and found Edisons back in time machine. So he hooks it up to his computer and goes back in time and gets stuck.If you want to know if he comes back read this book.My favorite part is when he finds the time machine.I would recommend this book to any one who loves history because it shows pictures of Edisons labratory.

The book Qwerty Stevens-Back In Time By,Dan Gutmanis an awesome book,if you like mystery and suspense.It's about this boy who finds a wooden box with a machine inside of it while digging in his backyard.Qwerty recinizes that the box says Thomas A. Edison. Qwerty soon finds out that the machine can take you anywhere you want. After awile he finds out that Thomas never patented it. He is soon to discover that that it can take you back in time also. After a man shows up(Ashley Quadrel) thinking that Thomas made an inventioncalled the "anywhere, anytime machine". He also thinks that Thomas burried it in his backyard. So Qwerty goes back in time to ask Thomas why he burried it, But Thomas says he didn't burry it.

I like it when Qwerty hears beaping from the machine, thats when Thomas was trying to talk to qwerty on the computer. This bok is full of suspense. The main character is Qwerty. He is tall, has brown hair and brown eyes. When he is mad or frustrated he digs in the backyard(thats how he found the box with the machine inside of it).He's also a pack rat. The ending of the book is the best!

Thirteen-year-old Robert Stevens, known as Qwerty for the mistake he made in his third grade keyboarding class, unearths in his backyard a large mysterious wooden box that has the name Thomas Edison inscribed with gold lettering.

Qwerty and his best friend Joey who lives in West Orange, New Jersey in a community called Llewellyn Park bordering the mansion that Edison once lived in,locked themselves in his room to discover what was in the aged box. To their surprise, it was Thomas Edison's time Machine.

Unsure whether to give the machine to the authorities, sell it for millions, or take it to school to show off to their friends, the boys decided to find out how the time machine works before bringing it out of obscurity.

Qwerty hooked up the wires from the machine to his computer and with a touch of a button he was transported into Thomas Edison's workshop where he helped him develop the electric light bulb. Qwerty Stevens had no problem getting there. However, he needs his older sister, whom he hardly says more than one word to, to help him return home safely.

The author cleverly depicts Edison's story while adding circumstances that bring his character into the 21st century. In addition to the text, Gutman includes a "Truth and Lies" section in the back of the book with one recommendation "Read the story first!" Also included are black and white photographs of Edison's mansion and laboratory. In the far back of the book is the chronology of Thomas Edison. Younger children will also enjoy this book as a great read aloud. Living in the next town over from West Orange, I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book because the author captured the authenticity of the town. Children everywhere will enjoy this book but I know it will be a big hit in New Jersey.

There are now two editions of Boyle, the older version with an orange cover and the Barred Owl, and a newer version with a photo of a Hooded Warbler on the front. You'll want to make sure you get the latter, since many things have changed over the years.

This book is just as useful for seasoned birders as it is for the beginner, or the person new to New Jersey. Beginners will appreciate its review of New Jersey's best birding destinations; seasoned pros will enjoy the depth of the information and the amount of detail on nesting species and accounts of rarities.

For us locals, "Bird Finding" is great for those days when you want to hop in the car and travel to somewhere a little different, or if you want to explore a familiar destination a little more closely. The book offers detailed directions (although some of the exit numbers and streets have changed since its publication date), including which trail to follow, which tree to investigate, etc. Its accuracy is remarkable. It's clear Bill Boyle knows each location intimately and visits them often.

This is a must-have for any birder living in the state (and there are lots), and any vacationer planning to spend more than a weekend in New Jersey.

It is one of the milder species of blasphemy, I suppose, to call any book one's "bible"; but since its appearance 17 years ago (!), Bill Boyle's NJBFG has served thousands of the birding faithful as ritual object and authoritative companion alike. My own copy of the first printing, with its ugly laminated binding in shreds and the bookblock bulging from tipped-in notes, photocopies, and clippings, is probably the single most used volume in my birding library: field guides come and go, but for nearly two decades now, Boyle has come and gone wherever I have.
Just how intensive my use of the book has been came clear to me with the arrival--"long-awaited," in the reviewer's cliche--of the second edition. As I read through the new treatments of areas long familiar to me, I discovered that (like many NJ birders) I'd actually memorized verbatim great chunks of the first edition, and that I noticed every new word and every new turn of phrase in the revised accounts. If it is true that every obsession is at its base religious, then this book truly is the birder's bible.
The birder's bible: divine in inspiration, certainly, but here and there the mortal nature of its human author peeks through. As anyone who has ever written anything knows, it is even more difficult to revise than to write, and this revised edition has some flaws that were not apparent in the first. There are far more copy-editing errors this time around, and the index--more important than ever, given the new book's rather breathless layout--is not an infallible help (just try to find the main entry for Merrill Creek!). Compared to the enjoyably expansive style of the first edition, the new entries strike me as occasionally a bit too concise, a problem that might have been eased by simply eliminating even more of the old sections treating sites that, like the Institute Woods, now offer (in Boyle's words) "the mere shadow" of their former glory; valuable space is also sacrificed to a number of new full-page illustrations.
These things having been said, the book is still an outstanding example of the bird-finding guide. The maps seem to be largely up to date and accurate (Sussex County birders: are Rockport and Blackdirt marshes really the same place?), the annotated species list is even more useful than in the first edition, and the binding isn't likely to crackle and peel. It will take only weeks, I am sure, for New Jersey birders to start quoting this new Boyle, chapter and verse.

Despite its small size and large population, New Jersey is one of the prime locations in North America for spotting birds. First, it holds a strategic position along the Atlantic flyway, which insures that a wide variety of migrating species pass through in both the spring and fall. Second, it has a wide variety of habitats within rather short distances of each other: seacoast, salt marshes, coastal plain, pine barrens, lakes, mountains, forests, etc.

By nearly any measure of interest to birders, such as typical number of species seen in an average year (over 330) and maximum found in a given day (over 250), New Jersey is surpassed only by California and Texas. A birder with average skill and energy can find over 100 species in a day during peak migration in May; the best teams of elite birders can find 200-230 on a day in May, and Bill Boyle has been a member of some of them.

The book is organized geographically, with each chapter devoted to a prime birding spot, and the chapters arranged by region. Most chapters have an excellent map, plus detailed text on how the birding differs by season, and on the relative scarcity or abundance of the various species found there. Driving directions are precise and easy to follow.

The only problem, and a growing one, is this: indispensable as this book is, it is now 15 years old, and showing its age. Roads have changed. Some birding areas have been lost to development. Others are simply no longer accessible. And birds change their habits: some old hot spots aren't so hot anymore, and new ones have arisen. This book cried out for a revised edition at least 5 years ago, but one does not seem to be in the works. No other book as comprehensive and as well-presented is available, so this is still the bible for NJ birders. Just be ready (a) to do some more homework before visiting any given site mentioned in this book or (b) risk some disappointment. All in all, I'd say that this book is still about 75% accurate.

This book covers the vast majority (something like 80) of the popular bird watching sites in New jersey. It tells you what birds you are likely to see there and where the best places (and best times) are. It has lots of detail on rare birds. There is also a great section in the back that goes species by species and tells you where you are most likely to see them and how common they are in New Jersey. You still need a good field guide, but this is a great book for actually finding the birds in the area.

This book was excellent. I saved several thousand dollars on my purchase of a new car, and had much insight and saved money when I purchased a used car. The Dealer used all of the tactics he mentioned, and instead of dreading going to the dealership, I felt empowered and confident.

This book was excellent. It was very easy to read in a short amount of time. I was able to save over $2000 on the price of the car I purchased, and have saved thousands for friends who bought cars after me. There are many books that have good information about auto sales tactics... but this book is the best... and all for only $4.79! Buy the book... save some money, it's that easy.

I keep this book as a reference in my personal library. The invoice formulas are very helpful.
I walked into the Mercedes-Benz dealership knowing the maximum amount I was going to spend for a C230 Kompressor in July 2000, that's empowerment.
I want to sell this car and get a 2003, E320 or E500. I checked the Kelly's Blue Book and my car's valuation is $1800 higher (before taxes) than what I paid for it 2 years ago! I expect to just about break even when I sell my current car in August.
A negative note: The author is very repetative and (in every chapter) he constantly reminds you that all car salesmen are the lowest form of theives. I can put up with that, though, because the book worked for me. It's better than walking into a showroom naïve and unprepared.

The advice given in this book helped me save thousands on my new car purchase. Dr. Sachs gives readers the inside information to sucessfully navigate the dangerous and stressfull world of car buying. For the first time, I don't feel like I was ripped off by a dealer. Don't buy a car without reading this book.

I purchased a car where the saleman made $4 on the car. I used this same strategy to purchase a used car. About a month after I brought the car, it was totaled. I received about $300 more from the insurance company than I paid for the car! This book is excellent. This is probably the 5th or 6th time I've purchased this book. Everytime I hear someone is buying a car, I have to lend it to them (although I'm obviously not good at following up to get my book back). However, I don't regret one dime I've spent on this book. I'm about to buy it again because I'm getting ready to purchase another car and want to refresh! Take my advice -- DON'T BUY A CAR WITHOUT THIS BOOK.

Fron the 1600's to the Present, this is the "go to" book for Hurricane history affecting the eastern coastline. But more than just weather and geographical facts, Rick "The Hurricane Man" Schwartz has conducted many personal interviews to put a human interest face in this well-read timeline of the Hurricanes' impact, and stories of miraculous survival and devastatingly tragic loss. As Mr. Schwartz reminds, "Hurricane history repeats" and "The Year of the Hurricane is coming"! Are we prepared?

Over the years any number of books have been written about the devastating hurricanes that have struck coastal New England. Likewise, there are a whole host of books available about the history of hurricanes in the great state of Florida. Yet, when he sought to do some research on the history of hurricanes in the Middle Atlantic states Rick Schwartz discovered to his great consternation that very little had been written about the subject and that no really comprehensive book on this topic had ever been written. So Rick Schwartz decided to correct this glaring oversight himself. After more than six years of painstaking research "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" was released in 2007. This is a book that proves to be well worth your time and attention.
As the complete title would indicate "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States: A Surprising History...From Jamestown To The Present" traces the history of hurricanes in this region from colonial times until the present day. It is a fascinating study. Rick Schwartz conducted more than 100 interviews in putting together this superb book. He also unearthed old newspaper articles, personal letters and state and local government documents in attempting to cobble together the real story. Consequently, there is an interesting narrative on almost all of the storms Rick decided to cover in his book. Schwartz also made a very wise decision by choosing to include track maps on a good many of these hurricanes. This feature greatly enhances the readers understanding of the storms and underscores just how unpredictable they can be. In addition, the inclusion of more than 200 black and white photographs helps readers to gage the full impact of these powerful cyclones and serves to emphasize the need for coastal communities to carefully reconsider public policies that have allowed for reckless overdevelopment on the waterfront. The question is not "if" these areas will be struck by a major hurricane in the future but only "when". Then there is the enormous toll these storms exact on everyday people. For all too many, life will never be the same again. Schwartz devotes considerable time to those who are victimized by hurricanes as well as those public officials who must find new and creative ways to deal with the devastation. High winds, heavy rain, tornadoes and flooding can all combine to wreak havoc for residents in the affected areas. Finally, I would be remiss if I failed to make mention of some of the fascinating local folklore that Rick Schwartz managed to sprinkle in throughout this book. Outstanding stuff!
Every now and then I come across a book like "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" that really seems to be much more appropriate as a reference volume. This is no knock on Rick Schwartz. This book is extremely well written, meticulously researched and thoughtfully laid out. Yet the stories inevitably do tend to become a bit repetitive and I found myself losing just a bit of interest from time to time. This is hardly surprising when one realizes that this book covers more than 300 years of hurricane history! Having said that, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" remains an extremely important addition to the literature on hurricanes in this nation and deserves a spot not only on the shelves of libraries in the Middle Atlantic region but in other parts of the country as well. It is a book that students, researchers and general interest readers will turn to time and again in the decades to come. Highly recommended!

Researched, compiled and written by hurricane historian Rick Schwartz, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States: A Surprising History, Jamestown To The Present" chronicles four hundred years of the Middle Atlantic region's significant tropical cyclones beginning with the experiences of the Jamestown settlers and continuing down to the present day. A unique and exhaustively researched study, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" features a substantial chronology profiling all of the Mid-Atlantic hurricanes and major storms, examines the patterns and characteristics of the region's tropical cyclones, and provides a sound basis for comparison, planning and preparation with respect to Mid-Atlantic hurricanes. Of special note is a forecasting history chapter offering insights into past progress and current knowledge about predicting hurricanes. Ideal for weather and meteorology students, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" is especially recommended for non-specialist general readers with an interest in hurricanes and climate-changed influences on storm behavior, frequency, and intensity. Enhanced with an extensive glossary, a bibliography, and a geographically oriented index, as well as track maps and some 200 black-and-white photographs, "Hurricanes And The Middle Atlantic States" is confidently recommended for personal, professional, academic, and community library Weather & Meteorology reference collections.

Fascinating Book!!! Very informative, interesting facts and interviews. A must read for anyone with any interest at all on this topic.

BOOK REVIEW - "HURRICANES AND THE MIDDLE ATLANTIC STATES"
Author: Richard Schwartz (Hardcover - 400 pages)

This incredible book is a first of its kind - dedicated to the storms that have affected the Mid-Atlantic States through the past 300+ years, from the "Year of the Hurricane in 1667" up through Hurricane Jeanne in September 2004. A great reference for all hurricane enthusiasts the book includes explanations of all commonly used technical terms, references, and internet sources for everyone to use. But mostly it covers all the storms that through this extensive historical period had an affect on the mid-Atlantic States region. And Rick has done this with a definite personal touch, going to great lengths to get a "people- perspective" on what actually happened, what people went through during these storms. And he does his best to educate all of us that we are never "out of the woods" as to the future. We may be in a lull for action right now, but that is definitely temporary, and more storms that form in the future will definitely have more profound affects on the Mid-Atlantic region. Anyone and everyone in the mid-Atlantic area should reach out and get this book to have as a reference and to learn about the great effects these powerful storms have on their local areas. As Rick put it, "An understanding of storms past is vital to preparing for those ahead..."

This book really captures the bygone days of "Down the Shore". The photographs included are fascinating (esp. the annual baby parade, who knew)? A great book for residents, summer renters or anyone who has visited The Jersey Shore.

I'm a new comer to the New Jersey Shore and for a guide to its history: this is the book. From Cape May to Asbury Park it provides an excellent introduction to the history of all the important shore points. After a quick glance through Jersey Shore I felt full of great stories, fun facts, and general knowledge that I'll most definitely be inflicting upon my beach companions this summer. This book has it all: from high diving horses to beached whales. In addition to nature's wonders, through illustrations it captures a fascinating array of the contraptions, accommodations and carnival rides built to bring that boardwalk experienced to the next level. I picked up a few of Salvini's other New Jersey titles when I bought this one, and like those, Jersey Shore is carefully researched and passionately executed. Emil Salvini has a unique skill for selecting interesting and compelling images and I can only imagine he's quite the pale fellow for spending so much time in historical societies and in archives finding them. As an author, he clearly relishes this story. Perhaps best of all, Jersey Shore will make for great beach reading this summer. Each illustration is accompanied by short historical sketches and insightful reflections which keeps it upbeat and entertaining. Like the actual Jersey Shore, I'll be dippin' in and out of this book for a long time to come.

This book taught me so much about the "Jersey Shore"- things that I've never knew even though I grew up there.

Having relocated to the west coast, Jersey Shore brought back so many fond memories of childhood trips with my family. I hadn't realized how much I missed the area until now.

The meticulous research and attention to detail establishes Salvini as the quintessential chronicler on New Jersey history.

A friend gave me this book over the weekend and it was the perfect beach read. It is filled with great bits of history about all areas of the Jersey shore. From boardwalks, to presidents to "curious" beached whales, I found this book to be packed with wonderful photos that gave me a great sense of what the shore once was. I am inspired to read more about some of the history that the author touches upon. I'm sure I'll be lending my copy out this summer!

Thumbing through this book, I caught a glimpse of the past...having walked the boardwalk of numerous jersey shore communities, it was such a pleasure to see what the world of old looked like. Truly a remarkable viewpoint into a different era.

If you are looking for a book that shows a step by step process for identifying and partnering with the emergence of the Self, this is it. Never condescending, always challenging, Raff uses well known alchemical prints to show the path to individuation which is really the art of identifying the guidance of the self and allowing the ego to partner with it, without impeding it. Bravo Jeffrey Raff for having such faith in your readers as to allow them to know what the Alchemists have always known: That everything that you need for your transformation in the eternal realm of this life is within you, simply waiting to be utilized and understood. Understanding this book, could change your life.

This analysand (4 years in Jungian analysis) finally found a post-Jungian book that breaks new ground. Students of alchemy, in any tradition, will find a treasure of meaning in these pages-- especially if you are interested in how alchemy and psychology relate to one another! Raff wells articulates the "transcendent function" in very understandable terms (even for a student not well acquainted with Jung's writings). He then postulates a concept of what he terms the "psychoid." And, that is exactly where the reader will find the pay dirt. I was especially thrilled to find a very concrete discussion of the individuation process using the 17th c. alchemical engravings by the German philosopher Lambsprinck. Raff precisely articulates & operationalizes--in psychological terms-- many of the symbols therein. Since I have been studying that particular set of alchemical symbols for ten years, I was thunderstruck with his discussion. I keep his work by my bed with a copy of my now worn out GOLDEN GAME by Stanislas Kolossowski de Rola. I could not put the book down because this author is a true Kabbalist, as well as a Jungian scholar/healer. Thank you Dr. Raff! What a treasure here!

In this book Jeffrey Raff combines years of research into Jung, mysticism and alchemy with extensive practical experience teaching people effective ways to utilize the information in their lives. I think this book will become a classic of spiritual psychology and practical mysticism. Jeffrey Raff uncovers the wisdom that has been hidden within the Western spiritual tradition, dresses it in clear, readable language, updates it with the central terms of Jungian depth psychology, and grounds it in years of personal and professional experience. The result is the birth of a Way to wholeness and enlightment equivalent to Eastern meditation practices - yet fitting for the Western psyche. The Way is active and creative, providing tools for self knowledge, individuation, and human self expression while simultaneously reaching to the deepest spiritual realities. I'd recommend it to anyone interested in Jewish, Christian, or Islamic mysticism. By explaining the methodology of Jungian depth psychology and ancient alchemical processes in clear and understandable writing Jeffrey Raff creates a Western Way.

Raff is a Jungian analyst and he takes some interesting leaps in this experiential and theoretical treatise of psyche and spirit. He begins with Jung's classic individuation theory, which he explores as a psycho-spiritual process expressed by symbols of union well known to western alchemists--such as sol and luna or sun and moon, king and queen. From Jung's foundation, Raff moves to both alchemy and the mystics of Sufism, as well as his own experience and that of his clients. As he extends into and beyond the realm of imagination, he posits a transpsychic world of spirit he terms the "psychoid". The adventure of wholeness continues as a blend of imagistic psychic and actual psychoidal experiences. For Raff as for the Sufis, the latter stems from the realm of quasi-corporal spirit which he considers the source of the archetypal psyche. Along with other recent volumes concerning the creative force of imagination, this work too seeks to evolve western psycho-spiritual theory and practice with insights based on historic and contemporary experience.

Ignore the complexity of the title. This book is the newest and best handbook on finding your myth. If you are serious about living by guidance from an Intelligence equal to "God", read this book. You need little knowledge of Jung , as Raffe does a great job making him easy to understand. But the power in this book is his focus on the THREE REAL STEPS you must experience as the world of the sub-conscious guides you. Raffe proves this process from the history of Alchemical (read source of all modern chemistry) "scientists". Mystics from world religions are quoted in their experience of the Divine as an Alcemical process. Raffe shows you how you can emulate their process of letting the Ego find it's correct place in your life. My journey goes back 45 years, and this book puts it all together for those of us who seek enlightenment where our heritage is Ocidental. Synchronicity is my myth, and Raffe accurately brings Synchronicity into focus as a major source of finding the sub-conscious guides waiting to help you find your bliss. If you want to know the riddle of what is the "Last Desire" before enlightenment, read the book. The changes associated with the real "straight and narrow" path of one's myth Raffe proves are time tested and proven logically, through the evolution of Alchemy as both real science and the analogy of our soul development. Alchemy and Synchronicity are magic, and both are paradoxical. Raffe shows us how not to fear the often sudden and frightening changes that emerge in a life tuned to expect and accept paradoxical events. And it's done in a non-demoninational process that can produce wholeness and bliss while living in a world of chaos. Raffe is a genuine man, and this book is not the source of an empty fad. This is the real thing, as good as any book from all of the post Jungian writers.