Magazines Books

If there's one thing I learned in graduate school, it's that the meat of a document can be found in the footnotes. Koster has brilliantly chosen to thread two stories--one contemporary, one historical--in entirely separate literary styles. Leon Fuertes' meteoric rise from abject humiliation to the pinnacle of power is followed in the main text, while the narrator's own tragic struggle with maritial infidelity and insanity(?) are detailed in the footnotes. By the end of the book, I had almost concluded that there was nothing left to experience that Leon Fuertes had not experienced. It's not often that you see such a sweeping expose on the human condition condensed into a single novel. As an aside, I found myself unable to resist the temptation of reading ahead to the next footnote. Perhaps the editor should have reconsidered lumping the narrative of the footnotes into a single appendix of endnotes. In any case, this novel was profoundly entertaining (I laughed out loud every fourth page or so--did Walt Disney really design the lobby of the afterlife?). Of the Tinieblas Trilogy, this is his masterpiece. Clever narrative techniques like this can only be used once, and Koster has unwittingly monopolized it for all eternity. Find this book, buy it, read it and store it in a vault. It's priceless.

If there's one thing I learned in graduate school, it's that the meat of a document can be found in the footnotes. Koster has brilliantly chosen to thread two stories--one contemporary, one historical--in entirely separate literary styles. Leon Fuertes' meteoric rise from abject humiliation to the pinnacle of power is followed in the main text, while the narrator's own tragic struggle with maritial infidelity and insanity(?) are detailed in the footnotes. By the end of the book, I had almost concluded that there was nothing left to experience that Leon Fuertes had not experienced. It's not often that you see such a sweeping expose on the human condition condensed into a single novel. As an aside, I found myself unable to resist the temptation of reading ahead to the next footnote. Perhaps the editor should have reconsidered lumping the narrative of the footnotes into a single appendix of endnotes. In any case, this novel was profoundly entertaining (I laughed out loud ever fourth page or so--did Walt Disney really design the lobby of the afterlife?). Of the Tinieblas Trilogy, this is his masterpiece. Clever narrative techniques like this can only be used once, and Koster has unwittingly monopolized it for all eternity. Find this book, buy it, read it and store it in a vault. It's priceless.

Koster conjures up a Latin American nation with larger than life heroes - and villains - whose lives (and the central character has many "lives") can and will transmogrify at the whims of nature and fate. The story is told in the form of a PhD dissertation (addressed to Drs. Lillywhite and Grimes of Sunburst University in a mythical place called Florida) and parodies the academic form and format hilariously. The "text" is a Grand Epic history of the Central American nation of Tinieblas and his family's place in it's story. The "footnotes" expose not only the fevered candidate's unconventional method of collecting original sources (he interviews many of the makers of his nation's history from their current homes in the afterlife) but reveals his slow emotional unraveling into a less-than-delicate madness driven by the stresses and excesses of the academic life. "The Dissertation" is a Llossa, Marquez or Allende tale told in episodes recalled after (either) - guzzling a pitcher of martinis, - dropping acid, or - gulping helium. But in addition to a finely tuned sense of the absurd, Koster writes a dead-on-the-level adventure tale. The episode in which he sends central character, Leon Fuertes, through the WWII battle of Monte Cassino is every bit as gripping a story as any James Jones might have written. This cult classic deserves wider reading. It's as much fun to read as "My Search for Warren G. Harding," "A Confederacy of Dunces," or the "Flashman" adventures from the fertile mind of George MacDonald Fraser - and especially recommended for fans of Latin American fiction who feel that the conventions of the genre could use a satirical tweak or two, or anyone who has experienced the innate absurdities that too frequently accompany the pursuit of a graduate degree. Buy it. Read it. Send a letter to Bob Koster about how much you enjoyed it. Maybe he'll write us another one this good.

It's a crime and a shame that the works of R.M. Koster are out of print, especially the masterful "The Dissertation." (I picked up a three-book set of Koster's works at a remainder sale in Washington D.C. for a dollar.)

Both a parody of and a tribute to the magical realism of Garcia Marquez, "The Dissertation" is the meat of Koster's Tinieblas trilogy. Although each of the three contains abundant wit and wisdom, "The Dissertation" is a supreme joy to read, mountainous footnotes and all.

But if you look beyond the parody, you'll see a classically structured tale of fall and redemption, a light treatise on the state of Latin American politics, and a commentary on the state of Academe.

I do not have any children, but I found that this book had a lot of good advice for everyone, even adults.

This is a small paperback with very densely printed pages. It's not for those with poor eyesight, and it's not beautiful. But it's packed with information and advice to help a parent know what to do in a variety of situations and when to call the doctor. I have three small children, and the advice to me looks sound and sensible.

This is an excellent book for all mothers, especially new ones. Whilst it is not designed to be a substitute for a doctor's visit or opinion, it does give good guidelines for when to go to a doctor/emergency as well as, when and what you can do at home. I have found it particularly helpful when my daughter had croup, we knew what to do at home and were aware of signs that told us when an emergency visit was needed.

I've given copies of this book to all my relatives and many friends after their babies were born. The title is a bit misleading ... it's much more than home remedies and is not intended as a substitute for pediatricians. This well-organized book covers a broad range of potential concerns (from colds, behavior problems, discipline techniques, rashes, ticks, and allergies to more serious diseases) and ages (babies to teens), offering information that is easily understandable yet fairly comprehensive and to the point. It can help parents understand what's "normal" and specifies when a visit to a doctor is imperative/advisable. It's useful as a reference, allowing a parent to review the child's symptoms before a visit to the doctor and perhaps ask "better" questions (or provide "better" information) during the examination.

It's refreshing to be exposed to erotic material that is incredibly sensual yet somewhat innocent. If you really want to smolder at the sight of the perfect female body, then BUY this book!

This hard-cover book features nice sketches and illustrations by Serpieri, including very explicit hardcore paintings you've go to see to believe. If you love Druuna series, you must take one!

If you are a fan of Paolo Serpieri's works or just a fan of erotic art, you owe it to yourself to pick this one up. Serpieri's mastery and love of the female form is evident in the detailed sketches contained in this volume. Druuna is one of fantasy's most beautiful women and the art world owes Serpieri a debt for such a wonderful gift. The material may not be for everyone, but it is at least worth a look. Thumbs up all the way.

This book is a compilation of sexually-explicit paintings, drawings, and sketches by Italian artist, Paolo Serpieri.

While the content is definitely not for everyone, Serpieri's mastery of the human figure, and highly detailed style make for an amazing collection of erotic art.

Like other Serpieri books published by Heavy Metal, this title is a little pricey considering the number of pages. Still, fans of Serpieri and this genre will not want to miss this book.

Recommended.

Mr. Palms has really done a wonderful service to the person that is interested in effecting their world for Christ through a larger medium such as magazine writing.

He has laid a solid outline that leads a person through each phase, and consideration needed in order to effectively communicate your ideas to both the reader, and your consumer, the editor.

I no longer feel the process is as complex as brain surgery, and can see how to go about being published with what the Lord is laying on my heart.

I would fully recommend this book to any writer that would like to understand the process and the kind of questions you need to be asking yourself as you write. There are also some great tips on researching your magazines and editors; tips that should save you lots of time and effort, let alone tears from rejection letters. He can't promise you won't get rejection letters, in fact he guarantees it, but he will help you cut down on those rejections and how to learn from them to make you a better writer.

I hope God uses this book to help us change the world, maybe one last time...

Palms offers the budding writer loads of helpful advice for how to get started and how to spread good news through articles. Aimed at people who especially want to write about their spiritual experience, Palms's book is a practical help from a man who seems to have loads of experience.

I have had the distinct pleasure to hear Mr. Palms speak on several occasions and I can tell you his speaking voice comes through in his writing one. In this book he is professional, approachable and convinces you that if you've the determination to learn the writing craft, it can be done. He provides the means through the book's twelve chapters.

In Effective Magazine Writing, Palms uses a format that is user-friendly, down to reminding you to put fresh batteries in your recorder before an interview. There aren't so many rules in this book as there are suggestive ways to write. He encourages the writer to listen to their voice when crafting an article.

My favorite chapter, page really, is Chapter Seven, God's Word In Your Words. On page 80, Palms reminds the writer by quoting Scripture, Hebrews 4:12, "For the Word of God is living and active." He talks about God's power and His Word not returning void, ending with "we want people to internalize what is true, we want people to think about truth...and to act on that truth."

Powerful words and an excellent reminder of what our writing should be about. As Christian writers we are about the business of God. He lives and breathes through us. It is our mission, no, our command, to honor and glorify Him in each word we write. I also liked the sidebars at the end of each chapter, offering a gentle reminder to make your writing crisp and clean.

This is a book you'll want in your office bookshelf to refer to again and again. It will make you a better writer. Guaranteed.

Geared toward the new freelance writer hoping to be published in evangelical periodicals, Roger Palms' "Effective Magazine Writing: Let Your Words Reach the World" can help you learn to write and sell your work.

Palms', whose vast experience includes editing "Decision" magazine, challenges writers to think like an editor, and to meet the needs of the marketplace. Rather than write something and then see who will buy it, he suggests to turn that around. Who is buying what, and can I write it? This kind of critical thinking will produce more focused, stronger writing, and can enable you to sell your work.

As he has been the editor of a magazine read by almost two millions readers each month, he knows what editors want and what makes good writing. He presents this in a very well-organized, succinct text. Covering legal and ethic issues, and how to consider rejections, and what the life of a discplined writer is all about, Palms' book will encourage and push the Christian writer to move forward in a sensible way.

A perfect companion book would be "Christian Writers' Market Guide 2002: The Reference Tool for the Christian Writer (Christian Writers' Market Guide)" by Sally Stuart, an annual directory of Christian publications.

I fully recommend "Effective Magazine Writing: Let Your Words Reach the World" by Roger C. Palms.

Anthony Trendl

Note: I offended an immature person by giving negative reviews to books attempting to "prove the Book of Mormon." Rather than answer my criticisms, that person gives my reviews negative votes. Oh, well.

Your "helpful" votes are appreciated, and please remember that a short review (recommendation in this case) is good if it leads you to a great book.

I own this edition, and I would highly recommend it. I agree with the other reviewers. This is a must-have book for anyone with an interest in art.

My copy is from 1997. That edition (p. 112) contains the most wonderful scene of two children and a dog running up a hill with a beautiful valley in the background. It's from the cover of the "Saturday Evening Post" of May, 1960. Done in light greens and yellows, this painting is very evocative of an innocent youthful world.

I wish that painting had been larger. If someone knows where I could obtain a copy, please leave a message here.

"Famous American Illustrators" is full of large-format pictures that give the reader an appreciation for the talent and imagination that has gone into these paintings. What a wonderful world these artists created.

Thanks, and you will enjoy this book. Highly recommended.

The Walt Reed book referred to by the other reviewers contains many more artists, but it has far smaller reproductions because there is so much packed in. By contrast the present book has some magnificent large and colourful illustrations that allow the reader to gain a better appreciation of each of the artists. The colour balance is wonderful (unlike some art books) and the selection of illustrators is great.

Books on illustrators, from the golden age to the present, with their vast sample illustrations are in constant demand these days due to titles going throught out-of-print listings. One excellent reference source-The Illustrator in America:1880- 1980 by Walt Reed contains hundreds of works by illustrators from the late 19th century to the 1980's. The book unfortunately, is now out-of-print. Now, a new recent addition has been published-Famous American Illustrators. The various listings and samples of illustrators from the book are all elected members of the American Society of Illustrators. The book is an excellent supplement for Walt Reed's title where the readers can view more samples of each of the illustrators' unique styles.

The book is an excellent supplement to one of the title by WaltReed-The Illustrators in America: 1880 to 1980. The book containnumerous sample illustrations by elected members of the American Society of Illustrators.

This forgotten book deserves attention. Critics have always loved it, but the unfortunate title ("Fast Company: How Six Master Gamblers Defy the Odds--And Always Win") confused the reading public. It never sold well. It is NOT a collection of get-rich-quick drivel. It's a group of incredibly poignant, expertly delivered portraits of some of the most colorful professional hustlers of the 20th Century.

At once informative, funny, and deeply moving, Fast Company is one of two favorite books on my extensive shelf of gambling titles. If you're at all curious about the subject, you must buy it.

Not really a travel book, like the rest of the Vintage Departures line, but an examination of another culture just the same. Bradshaw profiles six men with something in common--they are all hustlers, that is, gamblers who make a living by their wits. The range here is great, including the tennis player Bobby Riggs and backgammon great Tim Holland, as well as more "traditional" gamblers Minnesota Fats (pool), Pug Pearson and Johnny Moss (poker), and Titantic Thompson (proposition). But these were just what these men were best at--they all exceeded at almost every game they undertook, golf being an extremely common one for each. Bradshaw was a gifted writer. His style makes this book difficult to place down; the subject makes it nigh impossible.

I'm sitting here and recalling some of my favorites of the nearly hundred poker/gambling books I bought between 1999 and 2002 while learning the ropes. Looking through my collection I find not one but three copies of Fast Company. The memories come flooding back!
I have three copies because back then it was out of print and I bought every used copy I could find online, just to be sure I always have a copy. It is that good.
Bradshaw was a truly gifted essayist and observer and was never out to sell the gamblers here as heroes. What he did instead was get inside their heads like a master poker player, and then show us what made them tick. Add to that their own reminiscences of many of the other greats and you get one of the most in-depth of all books on gamblers and their passion. (Those who judge gamblers as somehow unholy might learn a thing or three from this book, and might consider that our entire global economy is run by Wall Street gamblers who have recently made some of the worst wagers in history...though when you keep your billions in profits but your debts are picked up by the taxpayer, it's always a good bet!)
The extra stroke of genius of Fast Company is that Bradshaw was able to meet and chronicle the lives of some of America's greatest gamblers (and what country is more based on gambling?) before they died, and before most in the mainstream realized how special they really were. Each of the six portraits is a masterpiece.
It's hard to pick a favorite as each article is so fine, but the pieces on Johnny Moss and Titanic Thompson are truly legendary, as were their subjects. I won't go into detail other than to say that I just reread the last paragraph and got a chill up my spine remembering what I felt when I first read this book. I learned a lot about poker and life from Fast Company, lessons that have served me well and made me money ever since. Never underestimate the power of a great book!
No hyperbole could match how far beyond other gambling writers Bradshaw was/is. He understood how complex and incredibly sharp and funny and wise and foolish these men were, because he was in their league. He doesn't lionize them nor does he demean them. He shows full respect for their incredible lives and exploits (and is willing to slyly point up their hubris, as with Fats) and by the time you've read about these six gamblers (three of the greatest poker players included, Moss being perhaps the finest of all time) you have a true feel for what being a real road gambler back in the day meant.
There's also wry laughs aplenty, as in the Bobby Riggs tale, and so many great anecdotes. So many! The Gods of Gambling made sure that a writer of Bradshaw's calibre was able to meet Moss and Thompson et al before they (and he) died, so that we would have a book that finally reveals the depth and breadth (as well as the shallowness) of the life of a world-class gambler. These are not always the greatest of men but they are all great characters, with all that implies.
For some reason I've never loaned this book to any friends; it's always felt like my own little secret world in some strange way, a hidden canyon full of dapppled sunlight and dark corners that shows how glorious and venal life can simultaneously be. Read it and you'll see why. It is a very special book indeed, and it amazes me that it has never received anywhere close to the acclaim it deserves. Only two reviews five years after the second reprint in three decades? (Blessings to the reprinters, by the way! Few books are more worthy.) Truly incredible, especially in light of the poker boom and resultant poker book boom (most of which are trash and not worthy of sitting on a shelf next to this tome).
And a dime for a used copy? Deal of the century! Buy a copy for everyone you know who appreciates great writing when they read it, or who has ever stayed up all night in a game trying to get unstuck.
Thank you Jon Bradshaw, wherever you are, for writing the definitive book on what it means to be a gambler, warts and all. You are in the same class as Thompson and Moss: the best in your field, and sadly underappreciated by history. That will change. (One day you will hear this book mentioned and quoted by every lame tv poker commentator out there. Everyone tells the Moss/Greek story, but this is the only version in Johnny's own words.) This book will also sooner or later be accorded its just position atop the gamblers' literary pantheon beside Dostoyevsky and friends.
Then again, true greatness is its own reward. As any real gambler knows (and who amongst us is not gambling every day, even just by driving on the highway or eating genetically modified "food"?), it's living the peaks to the fullest that counts, and then surviving to scale them again. Some of the finest and most interesting people I have ever met were at a poker table. Beauty is oft found in the most unlikely places.
Fast Company has my highest recommendation for those who respect men who live life the way they want to, and love to slip back in time to a world before plastic was invented.

This book helped me incredibly understand the odds and help beat the casino at their games. I recommend it.

One of the many wonderful publications from the publishers of one of the best quilting magazines around. A great starter book for anyone interested in foundation piecing, but will not bore the expert either. It is informative, accurate, fun and has a good variety of foundation piecing projects. I have made all the quilts in the book.

This was my very first book in making miniature quilts. I had such a hard time choosing my first project since there were so many I wanted to do......so I did almost all of them. It is still one of my very favorite books on miniatures and I would highly recommend this book to everyone.

I found this book very helpful for both the beginner, and the experienced,and such a delight to do, I can't wait for the next book, all my friends got hooked on the miniatures and can't wait to start thier next project,I would recommend this book to anyone beginner or a seasoned quilter,happy quilting!

For someone like me - with enthusiasm but miniminal sewing or artistic talent - this was the perfect book. Using these techniques has allowed me to do work I'm proud of for the first time. I use an enlarging photocopy machine to use these patterns for regular size blocks - use a lot of fabric, but for the first time, I've got results worth the effort.

This is the best book of its kind, and, as we all know, there are thousands of books on finance and money matters available. It has Suze Ormond beat hands down. This book is informative, amusing, and well written. It deals with a topic that can at times be dry, but because of the breezy style and frequent use of personal anecdotes and quotes from other well-known financial people, this book is a fast read. One of its great features is that each chapter deals with a separate and specific topic, so that one can read the chapters out of order as one's interest dictates, or skip chapters altogether that are not of particular interest. Another excellent feature not found in other books of this kind is the workbook which allows you to assess your level of understanding. In conclusion, this woman really knows her stuff. I thought I knew a lot about money, but I knew a lot more after reading this book.

Lorayne's financial advice parallels that of Warren Buffet! She is adament about gaining control of your personal finances and suggests simple yet extremely effective ways to accomplish this. Her stories are as comical as witty, and to imagine this city gal off in the midst of the bucolic backwoods is as comedic a senario as on could imagine. Although I have never met her, Lorayne's vivacious personality pours out through every page and her motivation and love of finances becomes very infectious. It is my civic duty and fiduciary responsibility to implore you to take charge of your finances by leanding her an ear! Get one hell of a financial workout with her! If you seek financial freedom-this is the information that will send you sprinting to the bank, laughing all the way!

This is the best book of its kind, and, as we all know, there are thousands of books on finance and money matters available. It has Suze Ormond beat hands down. This book is informative, amusing, and well written. It deals with a topic that can at times be dry, but because of the breezy style and frequent use of personal anecdotes and quotes from other well-known financial people, this book is a fast read. One of its great features is that each chapter deals with a separate and specific topic, so that one can read the chapters out of order as one's interest dictates, or skip chapters altogether that are not of particular interest. Another excellent feature not found in other books of this kind is the workbook which allows you to assess your level of understanding. In conclusion, this woman really knows her stuff. I thought I knew a lot about money, but I knew a lot more after reading this book.

I found this book very informative and helpful. It is well written and keeps you interested. It is not just a bunch of boring financial dribble. I would have given it 5 stars but there were some sections in the book that did not apply at all to me so I skipped a few chapters. Overall a good book especially for those who want to head a certain direction financially but just don't quite know how.

I purchased both annuals (1 & 2). Though both are very good, the first one seems to have a greater variety of recipes to choose from. I've tried about 10 of the recipes so far from this one, and they've all been excellent & really easy to follow. Having something so easy come out looking truly gourmet is fantastic!

The book has exceeded my expectations on recipes and layout. It gives basic descriptions on each recipe as without making you think you need every new little gadget or baking dish in the world.
Nicely done.

I ordered the annual after receiving the magazines. This annual is fantastic in many ways:

1) The articles are written so that you can prepare as you go along, with multiple ways to know you have the correct amounts: for example it will say 2 cups or 5 ears of corn
2) They tell you exactly HOW to cut things (for those of us who don't know what julienne means)
3) It gives precise times (ex: cook the pasta for 2 minutes)
4) My husband now thinks I'm a pro b/c the recipes taste so good!
5) I have learned to use different types of spices like Asian 5 spice or French Spice
6) The recipes focus on making things easy, but not too easy to be bad for you (it's all fresh). (for those of us who grew up with mom making fresh)
7) I made their thanksgiving meal and it was better than any thanksgiving I've had anywhere (brined turkey with beautiful aromatics)
8) THe fine cooking series is upscale, but not too fancy as to be too hard to make or inaccessible ingredients for those living in major cities.

DOWNSIDES:
The only thing I can think of is that some ingredients utilized may not be available to those living in the countryside. My in-laws live in a remote area and I don't send her the recipes simply b/c I am not sure she has access to those ingredients.

I have had success with the Steak with Bourbon Sauce and the Parmesan Smashed Potatoes. I am looking forward to trying more recipes from this cookbook. Every recipe has a picture giving you the suggested presentation, plus there are informative inserts on ingredients and techniques. I hope the authors create a cookbook like this for every year

Buyers beware!!! This book is huge... Amazon should give its dimensions, but I am guessing more than a foot long and 3/4 foot wide. Great reading about history -- if you have strong arms and a sturdy table.

If you thought the TNT "Pirates of Silicon Valley" was good, this expounds so much the TV show left out. This story held me spellbound as it encompassed the whole history of the modern computer. It starts with a young college professor who dwells on the binary numbers taught to him by his mother. He makes a drum with paper capacitors that when spun, the drum would charge the paper and he could perform calculations.

You will understand why Bill Gates is a billionaire - he is probably one the most ruthless & resourceful people ever. Learn how his unkempt appearance is part of his strategy to destroy his competitors.

The whole book read like a mystery novel. Anyone in the IT world will realize that they only had a few pieces of the story - this book fills in the blanks. The insights of the author are amazing. I've read hundreds of books - this is the best secular book I've ever read.

After buying the book I was a little scaptic about this book keeping me intrested but rather than being too technical and 'professional' the book is more like a drama with alot of winners and losers.It was a great inspiring experience-reading stories like the ones about bill gates,steve jobs and his body 'woz'.The book floats along the evolution of the computer industry,the IBM empire,the Microsoft phenomenen throght the stories of the people who made it and those who couldn't stay in the top.A must read for every person who has some computer background who wants to know how it all started and also for the not-yet computer fan who just wants a good read.

These really are "stories" rather than commentaries. A born storyteller, Young presents what he calls "inspiring tales of the entrepreneurs and inventors who revolutionized modern business." They include the "pioneers and pirates" who developed the prototype for the first commercial computers as well as Thomas J. Watson, Jr., William Shockley, Jack Kilby, Jay Forrester, Edwin De Castro, Douglas Engelbart, Bob Noyce, Andy Grove, & Gordon Moore, Edward Roberts, Steve Jobs & Steve Wozniak, Don Estridge, Lew Eggbrecht, Bill Gates & Paul Allen, Tom Carter, Bill McGowan, Craig McCaw, Bob Taylor, Steve Case, and Marc Andreesen.

Perhaps at least a few of these names are unfamiliar to you. That is one of the great benefits of this book: It introduces a "cast" of literally hundreds of different "characters", most of them probably unfamiliar to most readers. I was fascinated to learn how important their "roles" were...how significant the impact of their work has proven to be.

For whom will this book be of greatest interest? Probably for those such as I who enjoy a story well-told, who have a keen interest in knowing more about various "entrepreneurs and inventors who revolutionized modern business", and who appreciate having what amounts to a frame-of-reference within which to understand current and future developments. Also, Young's book will suggest additional readings such as full-length biographies of the major "characters" in the "tales" he has told so well.