New York Books

Jiji's novel, extremely well writen, is characteric of the modern day, urbanized woman's novel. Amazingly energectic and a fun must-read. Couldn't put the book down and had to finish.

I was blown away by the first novel of Jessica Jiji. Michelle is having to start over after breaking up with her boyfriend. Not only has she been dumped by the man that she thought she would marry, she also has to find a new and affordable place to live in New York City. This is a story of how Mish (as she is affectionately known by her sister) gets her life back on track and looks for a new love. Will she get together with Benny (or Bennett, the name he has adopted since he moved from NYC to the West Coast) the stoner turned QT lawyer/journalist. Will she get The Ring that she wants? Will she have to leave NYC to keep her job? This isn't just about her looking for love, this novel is about her life. Will we read this book again and again and wait anxiously until the next one by Jessica Jiji? That last one is an affirmative!

"Diamonds Take Forever" is the story of Michelle Benamou, a spunky, generously-proportioned radio producer. Michelle is the daughter of a Moroccan father and a European mother who clings to '60s radicalism, and she's all the while trying to figure out which of the three men in her life is right for her.

There's Joe, a macho New York City cop; Benny, a street-smart lawyer-turned-journalist; and Hammy, a sweet but not terribly attractive man who's in the radio business with her. At the beginning of the novel, Joe breaks up with Michelle because he doesn't want to get married, but later he's sending her roses, although the card is signed "Sincerely." Benny is going through a divorce on the opposite coast, in L.A. He's always saying how much he loves her, but she wants to know when he'll visit New York and when his divorce will be final. Hammy is more of a back-burner possibility, since she's not really into him. In desperation, she seeks out Fataha, an Arabic fortune teller.

This was interesting multi-cultural chick lit with a dash of romance at the end, but the beginning of the novel could have been stronger. The author takes a while to find her focus, and there's so much going on that I wasn't really hooked at first. However, the ending was strong and satisfying.

This story stands out from other formula chick-lit because the heroine's quest for Prince Charming is complicated not only by the usual obstacles, but by interesting cultural clashes within her family. This ethnic spice livens up the story and kept me reading until the end...very highly recommended!

Do not misinterpret the contents of this book when you read the title "Diet by Design;" because Diet by Design is not just another "diet book;" but rather, a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive health resource that teaches you about diet and nutrition, food and water safety, food combining, healthy eating tips; lifestyle factors, how to shop for, store, and prepare produce, and much, much more! Most other "diet books" present diets that do not work because you cannot wait to get off the diet and eat and eat and eat and eat [with the result of gaining the weight back and more]; however, Diet by Design is not like this because the pleasure of eating surpasses any junk food and fast food available and you can eat till you are satisfied and still lose weight, maintain your weight, or even gain weight if you need to.

Diet by Design has three main parts. Part 1 covers an enormous amount of subject matter. Part 2 is an extensive fruit guide [with nuts and seeds too] that provides you with buying, storing, and preparation tips that you would never have even considered. The guide is fully illustrated and has helped me to buy the best-tasting produce and has saved me a lot of money. Part 3 is a fantastic recipe guide that teaches you how to easily and quickly make all kinds of wonderful treats that are free from refined sugars, oils and fats [unless you use nuts or seeds], salt, and other harmful substances. The recipes are raw food recipes [although a few options are provided for those who want to eat bread and granola]. Vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike will be delighted and the recipes belong in every kitchen! I like the fact that there are recipes which take the place of store-bought ice creams, chocolate, and other candy and junk foods. There are all-natural recipes for smoothies, ice creams, fudge, toppings, sauces, salad dressings, guacamoles, soups, and more.

At the conclusion of the book are Scriptures relating to health and I found these extremely interesting even though I do not profess to be a Christian. The author also makes a statement in the book about Jesus and this did not bother me in the least, especially after seeing the Mel Gibson movie about Christ.

I cannot argue with anything presented in the book; and, I am a little embarrassed to say that I actually learned thousands of things that I never knew!

One final note: the author promotes protection of animals and the environment. The facts and positions that he presents have made me more conscious of animal husbandry and the need to preserve the environment.

Do not misinterpret the contents of this book when you read the title "Diet by Design;" because Diet by Design is not just another "diet book;" but rather, a one-of-a-kind, comprehensive health resource that teaches you about diet and nutrition, food and water safety, food combining, healthy eating tips; lifestyle factors, how to shop for, store, and prepare produce [in a wonderful recipe section], and much, much more! Most other "diet books" present diets that do not work because you cannot wait to get off the diet and eat and eat and eat and eat [with the result of gaining the weight back and more]; however, Diet by Design is not like this because the pleasure of eating surpasses any junk food and fast food available and you can eat till you are satisfied and still lose weight, maintain your weight, or even gain weight if you need to.

Diet by Design has three main parts. Part 1 covers an enormous amount of subject matter. Part 2 is an extensive fruit guide [with nuts and seeds too] that provides you with buying, storing, and preparation tips that you would never have even considered. The guide is fully illustrated and has helped me to buy the best-tasting produce and has saved me a lot of money. Part 3 is a fantastic recipe guide that teaches you how to easily and quickly make all kinds of wonderful treats that are free from refined sugars, oils and fats [unless you use nuts or seeds], salt, and other harmful substances. These fabulous recipes belong in every kitchen [whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian]. I like the fact that there are recipes that take the place of store-bought ice creams, chocolate, and other candy and junk foods. There are all-natural recipes for smoothies, ice creams, fudge, toppings, sauces, salad dressings, guacamoles, soups, and more.

At the conclusion of the book are Scriptures relating to health and I found these extremely interesting even though I do not profess to be a Christian.

I cannot argue with anything presented in the book; and, I am a little embarrassed to say that I actually learned thousands of things that I never knew!

One final note: the author promotes protection of animals and the environment. The facts and positions that he presents have made me more conscious of animal husbandry and the need to preserve the environment.

Diet by Design has it all: Diet, Nutrition, Lifestyle, Health, Shopping, and Recipes! An enormous amount of wonderful, important, and edifying information is presented which is easy to put into practice. In Part 1, some of my favorite sections are Healthy Eating Tips, Avoiding Chemicals and Genetically Modified foods, Food Combining, and the information regarding animal foods and factory farming. Part 2 of Diet by Design is an essential resource which teaches you all that you need to know about fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetable-fruits! It is illustrated and each item is thoroughly described - even exotics that you may across while traveling to other countries. Also, in Part 2, nutrients within each food are provided and there are hundreds of buying, storing, and serving suggestions which you have never even considered! Additionally, warnings about what to avoid are given. By following the advice you are not only able to obtain the highest quality produce; but, you also save much money and prevent waste - and this makes you feel efficient and productive. The tips and suggestions outlined in Part 2 have paid for my book hundreds of times over within a few years.

Part 3, The Recipe Guide, shows you how to make delicious, healthful alternatives for many otherwise un-healthful treats such as shakes, candy, puddings, ice cream, dressings, etc, etc.
No refined sugar, "free-fats", animal foods, preservatives, or additives. Great for children, teens, and adults!

Diet by Design is truly unique and there is not another book quite like it. This book is for people of every age and has plenty to offer to new health seekers and also health experts.

An excellent book!!! Finally I can shop for fresh produce with confidence. Using tips from this book I now have the knowledge to determine if produce is fresh, ripe, and safe to eat. I am no longer having to dispose of fruits and vegetables as I am able to shop wisely and store them properly. We have saved alot of money as result. I am also very pleased to see healthy, natural recipes for treats that my kids love. I would recommend this book highly!

Back in the 1980s, there was an Albert Brooks movie about a couple of Yuppies who ditched the high-paced rat race, cashed in their nest egg, bought an RV and decided to discover America and themselves through a year-long road trip. They got as far as Las Vegas where the wife gambled away all their money. Later on, they ended up in some boring town with low-grade jobs. Nobody liked the ending.

A much happier ending has befallen Priscilla Rhodes and her husband Ken. Having quit their jobs in 1998 they bought a red truck and an attached trailer and set out for a few years of nomadic existence to discover the country. The result was a website devoted to postcards from the road called www.postcardsfrom.com which later led to this book. The couple actually sent e-mail postcards to people on their subscription list. The postcards became popular, as did the thumbnail sketches of the places they visited. After USA Today and The Christian Science Monitor lauded the website, their subscription base skyrocketed. Eventually this book evolved from their first trip: one that covered the northern route.

The diaries switch back and forth between personal accounts of their life on the road (and before), musings about society and deft descriptions of the monuments, towns, events and byways they encounter. Luckily for the reader, most of the personal accounts are very funny, and the descriptions are right on the money. Priscilla writes the diaries and the postcards while Ken takes the photographs and designs and emails the cards.

It seems Priscilla has the perfect husband. Not only can he handle a truck with a trailer weaving behind it (I personally avoid those things like the plague when I see them on the highway) he can also photograph,create a website, do professional book layout and fashion a very handsome book without benefit of high-price book designers.

So whether they are shivering in the cold, waiting for the sun to rise on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park, baking in the heat when caught in Chicago traffic in their truck (which apparently is not air-conditioned) or climbing over buffalo dung in the Badlands, you will enjoy their journey and learn a lot about America, trailer parks, state capitols and various monuments. A very enjoyable read.

I'm guessing that there are many Americans who would enjoy and long for a trip to every state. Most of us will never do it in which case, it's fun to read about another's adventure. Priscilla Rhodes' book, Discover America Diaries, Vol. 1, is an armchair traveler's delight. Not only is the book fun to read, but it provides a real education about what this country holds. It is a uniquely personal account, as it should be, but it also mirrors the ups and downs of all our lives and especially I would think, the lives of anyone who takes to the road in search of education, adventure and themselves. If you do decide to hit the road, read this book first. It will give you hope that you can have a great time even if, like Priscilla and her husband, you know absolutely nothing about what you are about to do.

Hop in the passenger seat and bounce along the open road with Priscilla and Ken as they cover 15 states in a 30-foot RV. This personal journal proves to be a descriptive, easy-to-read travelogue that takes the reader across America from sea to shining sea. If you live in one of the states, have visited these states or long to see the beauty of the American countryside this is sure to inspire a sense of wanderlust. The authors venture off the tourist trap route and focus more on the obscure claims to fame of each of the states they visit. A unique look at each of the state capitals also makes this a great classroom supplement for U.S. Geography or History classes. For anyone who loves road trips, this travel essay is sure to bring about stories of "remember when." Review by JoAnna Carey, Rat Race Relaxer: Your Potential & The Maze of Life

I'm in awe of Priscilla Rhodes's ability to describe not only the sights, sounds and adventures she and husband Ken experienced as they traveled America, but also the refreshing spontaneity and honesty of her emotions and reactions to each place and person along the path. Her accounting of sidetrips and highlights is delightful: From museums, landmark buildings and historical state capitols to deep dark fir forests, spectacularly colored mesas, sparkling, snowy mountains and brilliant sunsets. Who can forget the candy-colored lady in the laundry room or the seven-year-old boy who survived an accidental trip over Horsehoe Falls? The book is a joy ride with moments of surprise and even heart-gripping suspense (such as that at the Gates of the Mountains at Helena). Reading the Discover America Diaries is like happily stealing away in Priscilla's pocket for the entire length of the journey, through all its hills and valleys. Thank you, Priscill Rhodes, for an unexpectedly delightful trip.

a must read for advanced students who need intro to saivism, spanda yoga, and such highest of disciplines for self-awareness development. excellent text for history of and clarity of teachings. top level study.

When I bought this book I have never heared of Dyczkowski and I have been very positively suprised about the quality of his understanding. He succeds explaining in a very concise manner "matters" that almost escape explications. I You are so fortunate as to experience Silence (No-thought) from time to time and would like to have some indications about the deeper misteries of our lifesource, this is an exellent book for you.

Ancient Kashmir was a source for both Buddhist and Hindu spirituality and learning. Many of the metaphors of the nondual awareness school were handed down to our present day through generations of mystics and scholars and provide an extraordinarily rich source for meditative expansion and stabilization. The root guru of Adi Da Samraj was Swami Muktananda, who in turn was a product of the Kashmir Shaivist school of nondual awareness. The richness of the terminology, derived from the ancient Sanskrit, is remarkable for both it's clarity and depth. These teachings are readily accessible in meditative absorption, and are a wonderful adjunct in the development, expansion, and assimilation of transcendental awareness.

If I could have only one book to read the rest of my life, this would be it. Not only is it a rich and revealing exposition of the doctrine of vibration of Kashmir Shaivism--the most comprehensive and internally coherent non-dualistic ontology I've ever encountered, it introduces the reader to the many paths by which this ontology can be realized in one's life. As another reviewer stated, this is a book for the advanced student. Those who have only a theoretical background in Asian and/or Western thought will read the words, but have no real sense of the Reality they refer to. But seasoned spiritual practitioners will find countless rewarding insights in this text. I originally bought the book about 10 years ago, having only a slight acquaintance with Kashmir Shaivism. Since that time I have read it at least half a dozen times. With each reading I continue to be astounded at the depth and breadth of Dyczkowski's grasp of this school of spiritual wisdom. I can only assume from what he's written that he really knows, at an embodied level, what it means to walk the "path of liberation."

I have a Borzoi who has a Canine Good Citizen Certificate and is a SHARE (Special Human Animal Relationships) therapy dog. Soon we will be getting into the READ program for children in local schools where children with reading/learning problems read aloud to dogs. I bought this book for children to read to my Borzoi. It is a delightful story that captures the essence of the aristocratic Borzoi on a level that can be easily understood. Even if your child does not have a reading problem, I recommend this book for any child's enjoyment, as well as your own...

Smug, self-centered, perhaps even spoiled wolfhound "Pasha" is a supercilious Russian Wolfhound bred in Europe, who proclaims herself "une reine" (a queen) and looks "down her long Russian nose" at Sluggo, a cheerful "mix"--all scruffy American cheer--who looks past Pasha's haughty comparisons. "'You're a mutt,' barked Pasha." "'But it's fun being related to lots of different kinds of dogs,' answered Sluggo."

The narrative is particularly well written, with lots of dialogue, characterization, humor, and tension. Illustrator Erika Oller turns in a veritable tour de force, with illustrations that somehow capture the grandeur and sweep of an opera house. Her washes and shadings, contrasted with directional and suffused light, convey the almost mystical aura of live theater. Packed with scenery and singers, Ms. Oller shows that the stage is full of excitement, commotion, and even a little confusion.

In a way, the dogs become symbolic of class and racial differences, of royal Europe and upstart America. The reader may notice that the two dogs' class and "breeding" distinctions find a match in the performers' costumes. Pasha identifies so much with the woman singing of her royal pedigree ("Everyone looks at me because I am beautiful. My beauty makes me a queen.") that she begins to sing. Her howls (and I quote: "Wa-hoo, woo-hooo... Wa-hoo-woo-hooo-woo...") elicit giggles from the audience and she is pulled rather un-royally off the stage. There's your headline about wanted and unwanted attention!

Pasha is dejected. However, Sluggo, a canine equivalent of the archetypal James Cagney figure, reassures her. Comforted, Pasha resumes her royal stance and deigns to say, "Spasibo..." "It's Russian for 'thank you. " Nonplussed Sluggo gets into his 1930's everyman (everydog?) vernacular: "You're welcome', answered Sluggo. "That's English for 'anytime.'" Pasha and Sluggo become friends, although Pasha retains some of her canine-centric ways about her. In yet another amazing Oller picture, Pasha lies listening--all dreamy-eyed--to Metropolitan Opera House broadcasts. "And as she listens, she remembers what a beautiful voice Manon had...for a human."

West and Izen base their book on a truer-than -usual event that occurred on September 26, 1997. The authors were onstage as puppeteers during a Metropolitan Opera House staging of "Manon," and a dog really did begin to howl during the festival scene. "The Dog Who Sang at the Opera" closes with a newspaper article describing "Passion's" interruption of diva Renee Fleming, in which she is quoted as saying "I told the director, `it's the dog or me,'" and stating whether she couldn't decide whether this was the most humiliating or complimentary experience of the opera. Life imitates art! Fortunately, there is a letter (dated October 17, 1997) from Ms. Fleming printed on the penultimate page, in which she explains that not only was her "dog or me" proclamation said tongue in cheek, but that she is a dog lover from way back. "I thought Passion's high notes were at least as good--or perhaps even better--than mine." (Still, I had to love the seemingly imperious attitude of the opera, for there on the very last page of credits and other details is a legal disclaimer: "This book is not authorized, sponsored, or endorsed by the Metropolitan Opera.") This is a wonderfully told story, with a few quietly embedded lessons, and all of it glistens with the emotion and atmosphere of Ms. Oller's watercolors. Very highly recommended for all kids around elementary school age.

This is a great story with beautiful illustrations. Funny, charming, and entertaining for both children and adults. I bought this book for my 73 year old father who has a love of the opera and dogs. He loved it!

This book is magic. The story is charming and the illustrations are stunning. I have given the book to all my nephews and nieces and they love it.

I enjoyed this account of Al Ettinger's travels with the 69th infantry during WWI. It's interesting to find that he held so much detail in his mind so many years after the events, and after many years of not talking about it- finally opens up and recounts everything in such great specificity. I also appreciated that the accounts were checked out by his son in such detail to verify specifics before publishing- after all, no one's memory is perfect. The book is interleaved with historical maps and summaries of allied strategy, giving the reader a yardstick as to where the events fit in history. I really got a good feel for the deep sense of camaraderie that Ettinger developed with the people there in the ranks, and his heroes, especially concerning Father Patrick Duffy, a guy anyone would want to know in whatever place in history that he or she was born in. The only shortcoming of the book (and it is slight) is that it leaves out the outcome of Lt. Quirt (a pseudonym) in the epilogue. Great reading.

"It is enthralling and difficult to put down before completion." --Military Images

"A vivid portrait if a colorful outfit, DOUGHBOY places its emphasis on the human factor ... an invaluable and entertaining firsthand portrait of leadership, loyalty and morale -- the soul of any U.S. Army regiment." --Military History Magazine

"This well organized book becomes one of those rare war memoirs that has been back-checked for facts, that has such meticulous evidence of accuracy, it transcends the normal colorful remembrance to become a true work of history." --Gannett News Service

"Don't let 'A Doughboy With the Fighting 69th' escape you. It is destined to be a classic." --Irish Edition, Phila.

"An eye- witness account of World War I doughboy experience from a less than model soldier...a lively, personal account of both courage and realistic Army life." --The Bookwatch

"Although I have read many autobiographical accounts of famous generals and their bloody campaigns, few have touched me with the same effect as this story of one of America's true doughboy heros." --Ronnie Shimron, Curator, Jewish War Veterans

"It is enthralling and difficult to put down before completion. Afterward it is to be savored." --Military Images/ "A vivid portrait of a colorful outfit...an invaluable and entertaining firsthand portrait of leadership, loyalty and morale ... --Military History/ "This well organized book becomes one of those rare war memoirs that has been back-checked for facts, that has such meticulous evidence of accuracy, it transcends the normal colorful remembrance to become a true work of history." --Gannett News Service (John Hanchette)/ "Don't let [Doughboy] escape you. It is destined to be a classic." --Irish Edition (Philadelphia)/ "... a lively, personal account of both courage and and realistic Army life." --The Bookwatch

Private Ettinger, in his brief military career, managed to experience the battle of the Argonne Forest, survive four close shell bursts, a personal strafing by a German pilot, and some spectacular crashes on his dispatch-rider motorcycle, to provide us with one of the most engaging memoirs of the American Expiditionary Forces.
His very readable and entertaining reminiscences, augmented by some first-rate research by his son, are enhanced by rare photos, interesting appendices, and details of organization of a unit with some of the most colorful characters in American military history, such as "Wild Bill" Donovan, Father Duffy, Joyce Kilmer, and Douglas Macarthur (who personally delivered the author from incarceration).
Ettinger's story is highly recommended as a vivid window into the world of the doughboy, and a fine unit history as well.

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

A wonderful read. Well-documented and beautifully presented. It realistically evokes a time when honor fueled men to do their perceived duty without hesitation and with great patriotism.

The book via letters and diaries creates a true emotional atmosphere of World War I and those committed to serve. It would make a superb film!

Not to be forgotten the men of L Regiment. Thank you Mr Harris for the insight to a time before I was born and frankly of a different type of men who had so much to give and so much to lose but honor and duty were so important to them all. This was a wonderful book and if you lived as I did in the Hudson River Valley the memories of all of this are so important to me.

Being a native New Yorker and a lover of history I was pulled into this book. With few "unit histories" of the Great War, this one is a must for any serious reader. The unit, made up from the elite of NYC, and men of more humble backgrounds from upper NY, forged a unit while not heralded, most certainly worthy of this book. The story, while never quick moving, will be interesting for the serious reader. The unit saw serious action in breaching the Hindenburg line while attached to the British. Good for the serious student.

This book is well written, well researched and well titled. I devoured it in three sittings. While the First World War has been eclipsed by the Second World War for most Americans, this story captures a fascinating piece of America's earliest military history as a world power. I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions which the author used to recreate the past. The arduous conditions the men experienced in South Carolina, where they trained at a partially built national cantonment, are so well drawn it unfolds like a movie. Their surroundings in the U.S. and abroad are brought dramatically to life. The troopship's approach to the French sea coast and entry into Brest harbor, the march through the city and the French countryside complete with the smells of tree blossoms, the troop trains, the billets, etc. were all wonderful. The graphic descriptions of life in the training areas, the reserve areas, marching to the front, entering the trenches, enduring incessant bombardments, making nighttime forays into "No Man's Land" and fighting the big battles was gripping.

The author's diligent research makes this a good read and good history. This reader became convinced that what was known as the Silk Stocking Regiment was far more than spoiled rich boys playing war. When they entered the war they may have been naive, but they rose to the challenges they faced with great courage. Despite suffering terrible casualties they fought valiantly. Their parent unit, the 27th Division, did not fight with the main American forces, the A.E.F., in France. It was assigned to the British Expeditionary Forces (B.E.F.), ultimately under the command of an Australian General, but that did not dampen their fighting spirit.

These soldiers enjoyed broad public support of the people of New York, both upstate farmers ("apple knockers") and New York City socialites, because it blended men from both. The book goes to great length exploring the pedigrees of many of the men of the historic old New York 7th Regiment. It leaves no doubt that many of the men came from the highest class of American society. We are also introduced to some of the "apple knockers". The story proves to be a very interesting social history. The trials, accomplishments and valor left this reviewer feeling very proud of these American soldiers. That feeling of pride is tempered with sadness for the many lives of these fine men which were given so unselfishly.

Every year as the holidays approached my daughter requested this book from the library. Ed Emberley's books are still the best books for easy step-by-step drawing instructions - simple lines and shapes accumulate into a satisfying whole. My son rarely picked up a drawing utensil, but he'd be down on the floor, right beside his sister drawing away - satisfied and rarely frustrated. Emberley's "Big Orange Book" also recieved a lot of use in our house around Halloween.

Ed's books on thumbprints...and simplier drawing books would probably be considered the *first* steps while i would consider this the *first and a half* step... there are more complex (more steps to some pictures) drawings... there are still pretty easy ones and if this isnt your shilds first book and they are at a stage where they are ready for something a bit more challenging this would be a good second line of art books.. it still is writtne in the same way and there are still easy easy things to draw BUT for those wishing to increase their skill/hardness level..there are pictures with more steps. the pictures are still broken down into easy to follow steps and it is STILL much easier and more understandable than most art books out there for kids... and there are so many things to choose from!

This book is from a series of 4 books from Emberly are the easiest books on drawing there are, period. Anyone young or old can learn to draw some great critters and vehicles from these books. ANYONE! All of his Big Color books are great, (They are a series, each named after a color). This one is famous for the easy way it shows you how to draw step by step, what appears to be a complex fire engine, but it is simple when you do it his way. THis book includes a number of fun ideas including Uncle Sam, police cars, ships and boats, Christmas holiday drawings. He even shows you how to make yours unique rather than a copy of his drawings. You can be the doodle hero of your classroom or office after using this book. He does it simply using very simple steps, lines, and basic shapes to start you off. My favorite in the series would be the Purple Book or the Green Book, then Orange, then the Red Book.

If you want to move up from here and learn the terminology of what you are doing, and really become an accomplished artist, the next step after these are the terrific books by Jack Hamm. If you just want to have some fun, get this book!

I think now we have all the Emberly drawing books and this one is far-and-away the toughest. Ed's son Michael, in particular, favors more complex drawings that will be harder for the youngsters to emulate, though older kids will probably appreciate the step-up after mastering the other books. (Even Ed's stuff largely seems tougher.)

Also, just so you know, this isn't a "red" drawing book like the green and orange: a wider variety of colors is used, and more subtly than in any of the other books, even the Animals book (which also uses color, but not to this degree).

I'd still recommend it, but more for 7 - 10 year olds.

Excellent book written by Ralph Vacchiano. This book, unlike others, doesn't do 'play-by-play' which is not necessary because as fans we've seen the games. This book brings behind the scenes information and insights which is very interesting to fans and generally things we would never know. Well done.

As a Giant fan and an Eli fan I had to get this book and read it right away. I was glad I did. I haven't missed but two televised Giants games in nearly seven years, so I thought I knew everything about Eli Manning and the Giants, but this book gave me even more insight. The pressure Eli was under when he entered the league is well established, but this book gave me a new appreciation for all the young man has been put through in just a few years. From the locker room feelings towards Kerry Collins to the shared insight of his on the road roomate, I felt as I read the book like I could feel his pressure rather than just hear about it. The way he carried himself during his rough times is a testimony to the man he is not just as a player. His refusal to ever get overly upset or throw tantrums or the fact that he never once threw his teammates under the bus (when his errors were exasberated by their mistakes on occassion)and just take the hit for the team make me a fan of his even more than I was before.

As a book, it reads well. Like a story rather than a plain vanilla biography. The insights by Ernie Arcorsi are excellent, as he experienced his own pressures the same as Eli. The two tied together forever. Great read and an excellent book, not a simple book about football but about being a man under intense scrutiny and enormous pressure. Highly recommeded! Not just to Giants fans but to any fan of football who has grown tired of selfish, spoiled, over paid atheletes and their antics.

Ralph Vacchiano, the respected sports writer for the NY Daily News, offers up a poignant behind the scenes look at the career of Eli Manning. His book follows Eli's remarkable career from Ole Miss to the San Diego Chargers (where he spent all of 45 minutes) before finally landing in New York with the Giants. Amid unbelievable scrutiny and criticism, Eli perseveres in the face of adversity to lead his team to a stunning win in Super Bowl XLII. The inside scoop on the famous Draft Day 2004 trade that brought Eli to New York alone is worth the price of admission. Quite simply, a must read for all Giants fans.

Let me start off by saying that while I'm a huge Giants fan, I don't believe that a great playoff run automatically makes Eli an elite quarterback. Luckily, Ralph Vacchiano doesn't try to convince the reader that he is. His fair and honest account of Eli's emotional and professional development made me a big fan of this book. He not only details Eli's first camp throught his Superbowl MVP performance but provides the reader with and inside look into Payton and Eli's relationship as well as Eli's relationship with his NY Giants teammates. In addition, he does a fantastic job highlighting the complicated and emotionally charged series of events that brought Eli and eventually a Superbowl championship to NY. This book was hard to put down and is a must read not only for Giants fans but for football fans in general. You won't be disappointed.

I too admit to being a long-time and fierce New York Giants fan and "from the start" Eli Manning fan. I knew that when Eli was placed into the starting line-up, we would have to endure growing pains and tough losses as he developed both as a quarterback and a leader for the New York Giants.

Ralph Vacchiano perfectly captures the nuances of what Eli has meant to Ernie Accorsi (then GM), the Giants, the fans and the NFL. Ralph uses an interesting and perfectly suited style of writing from an "outsider looking in" approach while still enjoying insider access and direct information that a veteran reporter has.

Having said that, Ralph doesn't bat you over the head with subjectivity. While he clearly respects and admires Eli and his family, he still maintains an objectivity that is both fresh and appealing. What differentiates this book from the multitude released in the past several months about the Giants Super Bowl Run or any other football book is the crafting and skill used. It is hard to put this book down and each chapter flows perfectly into the next. It is a compelling read.

Ralph is an excellent writer and this is an excellent book.

Neil Hickey, Reading, PA.

A very interesting collection from Acanthus Press: very well documented, pleasant to read with a real work of documentation from the author. Despite some peoples who tried to minimise her influence, Ms de Wolfe - Mendl was an extraordinary visionnaire and has given worldwide interiors a basis that can still be found in all discerning family houses nowadays.
A very fascinating book for all interested by beauty and taste!

An exclusive self-made member of the design cognoscenti, Elsie de Wolfe was a social climber and a tastemaker. This is an unrivalled publication of a woman who pretty much defined style in the early part of the 20th century and is recognized as being the first paid interior designer in America. Full of photographs (although in black and white) of her projects and her own homes, this is a great addition to the library of anyone who is interested in classic decorating and the history of decorative arts.

THIS BOOK IS AN HISTORICAL SENSATION....A WONDERFUL READ AND FULL OF STUNNING PICTURES; WELL WORTH HAVING; MAYBE TWO IN YOUR LIBRARY ONE TO KEEP AND ONE TO CONSTANTLY REFER TO FOR INSPIRATION......A MUST HAVE !!!!

Elsie de Wolfe, born in 1865 give or take a few years, was a woman ahead of her time. She is noted for her taste in interior decoration, although she did not begin that career until after she was 40 years of age. Her earlier life had been spent as a stage actress, an occupation that raised eyebrows during the Victorian era.

Nonetheless, when she turned to her new career it was with the following announcement: "I am going in now for interior decoration. By that I mean supplying objets d'art and giving advice regarding the decoration of their houses to wealthy persons who do not have the time, inclination, nor culture to do such work for themselves. It is nothing new. Women have done the same thing before."

Perhaps so, but probably not with de Wolfe's impressive client list, which included Anne Vanderbilt, the duke and duchess of Windsor, and Adelaide and Henry Clay Frick.

This fascinating volume holds some 300 color plates tracing her designs of numerous rooms for the rich and famous, as well as rooms at Barnard College, and perhaps her greatest love, the refurbishment of the Villa Trianon. For this reader, an intriguing section is the one devoted to de Wolfe's private residence in Paris. Marriage to Sir Charles Mendl, a press attache to the British Embassy in Paris, gave de Wolfe entree to English aristocracy, albeit not terribly high on the ladder. Nonetheless the new Lady Mendl needed a proper setting to entertain. In addition to the Mendls, the apartment she found became home to a journalist friend, John McMullin. Lord Mendl chose to also retain his bachelor dwelling. This apartment was pure de Wolfe, reflecting as she had once written: "It is the personality of the mistress that the home expresses. Men are forever guests in our houses, no matter how much happiness they may find there."

Later, she would decorate rooms for herself at New York's St. Regis, and the Plaza. After going to California in 1941, she refurbished her last house in Beverly Hills for herself and her husband.

She was a trendsetter and, undoubtedly, a self-promoter who lived life to the fullest and precisely as she chose to do so. This volume is apt tribute to her style, persistence, and ingenuity.

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke