Amateur Books

The Phryne Fisher murders are entertaining and very well crafted. This is one of the best- only why doesn't Amazon stock her latest books- forcing those of us who can't wait to order directly from Australia?

Bert and Cec along with five other Australian soldiers are drinking and having a good time in Paris in 1918 when the seven witnessed a murder. Now a decade later, Bert, Cec and one of the other five Johnnys are concerned that someone is killing them off one at a time. At the inquest, two died allegedly accidentally when Maccie drowned in an irrigation ditch and Conger's van fell on him while he was fixing it. The three mates think otherwise as counter evidence disputes the official findings.

The men discuss their belief with Phryne Fisher, renowned for her investigative skills. Phryne's inquiries into the seven and a seemingly unrelated case involving a missing fiancée that somehow goes back to 1918 in the Montparnasse section of Paris too also links back to her own past in the same locale at the same time. Regardless of her memories, a murderer is on the loose and must be stopped before anyone else dies.

MURDER IN MONTPARNASSE is an exciting historical mystery that brings to life the late 1920s and a perspective from that point back to the end of World War One in Paris. The story line engages the audience due to the star as she plunges deep into the investigation while memories of her own waif lifestyle in 1918 Paris flash through her mind and her personal woes spin somewhat out of control. The support cast either enhances the who-done-it or brings insight into what makes Phryne tick. Phryne has starred in other adventures so that anyone who reads this delightful tale will seek other works starring a wonderful protagonist.
`
Harriet Klausner

not long after i first read _murder in montparnasse_ (ordered from australia--i love this series so much i paid the postage in the years it was unavailable on this continent), i saw the film "paris was a woman." the film included interviews of people who lived in paris in the 20s, and served, among other things, to underscore how well ms. greenwood captures history, whether australian or european. from the stories of family members who fought in the trenches, i can say that she also captures the first world war extremely well.

along with the murders, there are an unrelated kidnapping to solve and a domestic crisis, all handled with her usual impressive skill.

as in all the thirteen or fourteen titles in this series, the plot is tight, the subplots equally well done (and resolved), the characters well drawn, the dialogue wonderful, the humor varied, the cooking superb, and phyrne fantastic. she is definitely one of the great characters in mystery writing.

As a youth, I idolized this wonderful pianist, whose father was relentless in his daughter's pursuit at keyboard perfection. In her youth she took advice from Sergei Rachmaninoff who described her as one of America's most gifted young pianists. The book actually gives some of his insights as to technique and musicality in piano playing. I would rate this as one of the finest such books out there- particularly for pianists of all ages and abilities!!!

I was recommended this book when I was studying Piano Pedagogy in the 80's. I read it, but did not own a book. However, many of its recommendations became second nature to me, such was its value. I am now recommending, perhaps better said: requiring, my piano students, to purchase a copy and read it. It is a "must-read" kind of book.

It is a wonderful and helpful book for musicians, especially for pianists. She gave us many precious and practical experiences and knowledge of being an artist. I think it is one of the best tool book for musicians.

This beginners book for amateurs has information in it you simply won't find in most other astronomy books (ie: a complete list of all the constellations). A great reference volume and a fine addition to most libraries. Don't miss.

This book is fantastic for those who either just bought their first telescope or just want to learn more about the stars by looking through binoculars. I am 37 years old and it did not seem too elementary for me. This book will gently guide you through the heavens in a way that doesn't insult your intelligence. It shows you in a simple way how to find planets and teaches you how to read star charts, all while giving you a basic education in astronomy. Great book!

Carole Stott's 'New Astronomer: The Practical Guide to the Skills and Techniques of Skywatching' is a wonderful and useful guide for actually getting into the experience of astronomy. Astronomy is one of the most egalitarian of sciences; true, the mathematical constructs of theoretical cosmology and particle physics etc. are beyond the ability of most to perform (who has the education, or the cyclotrons, to do such?). But each of us can walk into the back yard (or, if in a city, drive out to the countryside) and stand in awe and wonder at the sky above, and then begin our own searches, for comets, meteors, and other phenomena.

Astronomy remains one of the few sciences left where the average person with average ability can still make a wondrous contribution. Astronomy in fact depends upon the amateur ranks scouring the skies, for there aren't enough professionals and hours of darkness for it to be held in professional exclusivity.

This book can help get you started. It is a good, basic primer of what to do as a backyard astronomer and develop some respectable skills at it. But this book isn't only for beginners-I use this book as a reference for techniques and equipment, and as a guide for observation.

The first part of the book covers basic ideas about the sky, and how and what to observe, introducing the idea of star movement and sky maps, so that coordinates make sense.

Then it gets into the nitty-gritty (just 20 picture-filled pages into the book) of what you need to begin. From compass and planisphere (included with the book) to dressing appropriately for comfort and making a make-shift, star-viewing-friendly torch (flashlight), this book covers the bases. It introduces how the observational distances are discussed (finger width, hand width, angles, etc.), and gives the merits and proper of use of binoculars, telescopes, photographic equipment, and digital/computerised equipment.

Then, you're off!

Finding and viewing the planets are the first task. Scale and distance are discussed, as are motion and location. There is a handy chart for each planet that shows position relative to a starry backdrop for dates through to the year 2010. Relatively closer planets, such as Mercury, can be difficult to discern due to the sun's overpowering brilliance (the discussion of transit of Mercury and Venus is interesting). Discussion of phases (for Venus especially), satellites and moons, rings and colours all adds to the observational experience.

Next up-the Moon. Our closest neighbour in space, it is fascinating to experience anew by close observation with even low-powered binoculars. Here you will find out why the full moon is not the best time to view (contrary to what one might thing), and become acquainted with the various features of the moon, and which features are best observed during which phase of the moon. Lunar eclipses are explained. Of course, we never see from the earth more than one side of the moon, but because of the moon's wobble, we do in fact see periodically about 60% of the moon's surface.

The Sun is then discussed, with careful guidance on how one might safely observe phenomena on the sun. Galileo went blind by looking at the sun through a telescope. Don't make the same mistake! The sun is powerful enough to defeat many filters (sunglasses are insufficient), and it only takes a brief time for permanent damage to be done to the eyes. Don't cut short a promising astronomical interest! Projection techniques are shown, and these are by far the safest ways to observe the sun. You will often see sunspot activity from projections.

Aurorae are also interesting displays. These occur in the most northern and southern latitudes of earth. Charged particles from the sun interact with earth's magnetic field and atmosphere to create dazzling displays. Meteors, comets, and asteroids are also discussed among the solar system phenomena.

The final section deals with the stars, which, even with the most high-powered telescopes, rarely show up as anything other than points of light. However, some `stars' are in fact galaxies, nebulae, and other items of interest, but for the typical home-astronomer, these are too distant to resolve interesting detail. But, the patterns and movements of the stars, the subtle colourations and brightness/size differences make for interesting study. Figuring out the pattern and composition of the Milky Way is fascinating. The final third of the book consists primarily of star maps and charts, for seasons and constellations, as well as what other points of interest have come into view.

Beautiful photography, durable pages (made for outdoor use), easy-to-follow guidelines will all serve to make your observational experiences very rich indeed. Stott was a professional astronomer at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich (from which our time zone basis derives-Greenwich Mean Time is centred on the observatory); she is now a full-time science writer.

I look forward to her continuing work.

As of late, political consultants have become convenient boogeymen. It seems whenever the American people decide they'd rather be apathetic than devote a few minutes out of their day to voting or whenever a politician is caught breaking the law, it somehow turns out to be the ultimate fault of political consultants. And so, every few months or so, we get a lot of people demanding a lot of new laws and vague terms like "campaign finance" get tossed around by commentators who obviously haven't got a clue as to what they're actually talking about. Yet somehow, nobody ever seems to really bother with, say, investigating what campaign consultants actually do. Luckily, veteran consultant Dennis W. Johnson has written "No Place For Amateurs," an inside look at campaign consultants that manges to avoid the anti-consultant hysteria of most recent insider books while at the same time never embracing the shallow arrogance of the "how-to" books of consultants like Dick Morris (who is featured in the opening chapters of Johnson's books and -- no great shock -- comes across as an egotistical cad). Chapter-by-chapter, Johnson explains, in detail, what pollsters, direct mail consultants, and advertising gurus actually do. He also explains how political consultants came to be so powerful in American politics and shows that the situation isn't quite as bad as we might think. At the same time, Johnson doesn't allow himself to be a shill for his fellow consultants. He does highlight some trouble spots and the reforms he suggests manage to be both effective and fair without resorting to the hysterical fearmongering of so many other reformers. As well, Johnson's book is also full of several entertaining anecdotes from previous campaigns and it should be a lot of fun for people with a taste for political trivia.

I'm interning on my second state-wide campaign and this book has helped fill in the details of steps that happen before I have joined campaigns. I highly recommend this to anyone interested in politics or campaigning.

This is a great read - especially for news and politics junkies. Johnson writes with authority, candor and humor about real people involved with real campaigns and facing real ethical issues. Not only does the book describe the tools and techniques of modern campaigns, but it provides real insight into their strengths and weaknesses when used in varying situations.

I have to admit, though, the best part of the book is the anecdotes. You get a sense of the decision making speed required in the chaos that surrounds candidates and staffs. In fact, you may actually gain some sympathy for the people who choose (or are driven) to enter the political arena.

If you liked The War Room or Primary Colors, you'll love this book.

What a fun book! Every chapter is thoroughly researched and provides juicy details about each actor's screen debut. Mr. Bona engages you at every turn. He should be at your next dinner party. A must-read for movie afficionados!

What a fun book! Every chapter is thoroughly researched and provides juicy details about each actor's screen debut. Mr. Bona engages you at every turn. He should be at your next dinner party. A must-read for movie afficionados!

James Dean as a boxer's corner man in a Martin-and-Lewis comedy film?
Gregory Peck as a Soviet partisan fighting Nazi invaders?
Sally Field as a Lolita-like teenager on a Westward bound wagon train?
Kevin Costner in a soft-core "T&A" film?
Michael Douglas as an antiwar activist who joins the Army?

Every career has to have a beginning, and acting in films isn't any different, as readers of Damien Bona's Opening Shots: The Unusual, Unexpected, Potentially Career-Threatening First Roles That Launched the Careers of 70 Hollywood Stars will discover when they explore this witty, informative, and even a bit biting tome by the author of Starring John Wayne as Genghis Khan and Inside Oscar: The Unofficial History of the Academy Awards.

Starting with Woody Allen's appearance in 1964's What's New, Pussycat? and concluding with Pia Zadora's debut in that same year's epic Santa Claus Conquers the Martians, Bona, a former lawyer who switched to entertainment reporting (he has contributed film-related articles to TV Guide, Entertainment Weekly, and Premiere), examines and sometimes skewers some of filmdom's greats (and not-so-greats) in their fledgling film appearances.

Of course, Bona points out the good "opening shots" as well as the weird or just-plain-bad ones. Take Robert Duvall's career-starting role of Boo Radley in the 1962 classic To Kill a Mockingbird, where he plays the oft-talked about but not-seen-till-almost-the-end of Robert Mulligan's adaptation of Harper Lee's best-selling novel. He is only onscreen for three and a half minutes (appearing 113 minutes into the film, at that!) and has no dialog, but he does save Jem and Scout from a vicious attack, revealing himself to be not a monstrous freak but just a mentally retarded man with the gentleness of a child trapped in an adult man's body.

Many of the 70 entries deal with short first roles that don't add or detract from a film's positive qualities, but the more fascinating ones involve such possible career-enders as Sally Field's appearance in 1966's The Way West "as one Mercy McBee, a teenager whose personality is entirely defined by her sex drive." Who would have thought that this future two-time Academy Award winner (and TV's cute Gidget) made her film debut as a 19th Century Lolita of the Oregon Trail?

Equally silly was Walter Matthau's villainous turn in Burt Lancaster's only directorial effort, 1955's The Kentuckian, a Western which starred Lancaster, Dianne Foster, Diana Lynn, and Donald McDonald, with Matthau earning fifth billing as a saloon keeper with a very cruel streak. He clashes with Lancaster for various reasons, not the least of which is the fact that they both want the attentions of the lovely Miss Lynn. Now, the idea of Matthau as a heavy is not ridiculous, since he could play cold and unendearing characters (as he did in 1964's Fail-Safe), but the idea of rumpled, New York City-born-and-bred Matthau as a villain in a Western is, sadly, rather ridiculous.

Another surprising first film appearance, considering his later appearances in The Big Chill, The Right Stuff, and Jurassic Park, was Jeff Goldblum as "Freak Number 1" in that Charles Bronson vigilante vehicle, Death Wish (1974). There, the guy Bona characterizes as "an expert interpreter of neurotic intellectualism" has what the author describes as "one of the most unpleasant screen debuts ever, Jeff Goldblum goes through his paces robbing ...and... murdering." (I'll take Bona's word for it; I've never seen this "classic" vendetta-driven flick that started a franchise, and judging by the obscene lines written for Goldblum by screenwriter Wendell Mayes, I don't plan to!)

Debra Winger, she of the sexiest voice (at least to me) in movies and star of the somewhat mawkish but enjoyable An Officer and a Gentleman, made her film debut in a soft-core flick called Slumber Party '57, in which six nymphets gather for a, you guessed it, a slumber party while their boyfriends are out of town. Winger (who omits this film from her official resume) bares her assets and acts poorly in this "sex-ploitation" film that Bona says "is definitely in the running as the worst film in this book." Fortunately, not many people saw this film, much less read the few obscure reviews in the Hollywood trade publications, and Winger went on to other roles until finally catching the audience's imagination in Urban Cowboy.

Opening Shots is a light and entertaining read, and Bona mixes short star biographies, anecdotes (there is, for instance, a list of Hollywood stars who married co-stars they met on sets), and witty asides on the margins of pages. Each entry is presented in alphabetical order and introduced with a major credits box to the "first film," a still, and a Bona-ism (Meryl Streep's for 1976's Julia reads, "Already with the accent") which sets the tone for the short chapter.

I am the proud owner of the complete Home Improvement series by Time-Life Books. This book has come in handy more times than I can say. The house I bought is 100 years old and the plumbing was in very bad shape. Time-Life's "Plumbing" had tips and tricks for every plumbing repair or upgrade project I worked on.

I like the new spiral bindings of this book. It allows the book to lay flat, without the pages turning on their own. The binding alone convinced me to update my library from the original hardcover series.

The drawings are very helpful in showing you what you should be looking for. I like the drawing much better than photos...they leave out minor details that would otherwise get in the way, leaving only the important details that let you get the job finished quickly and easily.

I recommend this book (and the entire series) to anyone interested in working on their home. Whether you are a beginner or experienced homeowner, this book will be the one you turn to for all your plumbing questions.

This book discusses many plumbing projects, including those which usually are considered the provenance of professional plumbers. A section lists and illustrates all the tools needed for work. The diverse topics in this book include: emergency repairs, the thawing of frozen pipes, unclogging of pipes no matter the location of the blockage; repairing a water boiler, faucet, shower, toilet, etc. There is also a section on home improvements, including the construction of an underground sprinkler system for lawn or garden.

There are many drawings which illustrate the procedures and the plumbing. Some are cutaways. Otherwise, components that are below ground or otherwise obscured by other things are shown in faded color or gray.

The authors give words of encouragement to the novice. They point out that any job, when done for the first time, is difficult. It gets easier with experience.

I am the proud owner of the complete Home Improvement series by Time-Life Books. This book has come in handy more times than I can say. The house I bought is 100 years old and the plumbing was in very bad shape. Time-Life's "Plumbing" had tips and tricks for every plumbing repair or upgrade project I worked on.

I like the new spiral bindings of this book. It allows the book to lay flat, without the pages turning on their own. The binding alone convinced me to update my library from the original hardcover series.

The drawings are very helpful in showing you what you should be looking for. I like the drawing much better than photos...they leave out minor details that would otherwise get in the way, leaving only the important details that let you get the job finished quickly and easily.

I recommend this book (and the entire series) to anyone interested in working on their home. Whether you are a beginner or experienced homeowner, this book will be the one you turn to for all your plumbing questions.

This book is an excellent beginners book, and if you have a boring life and want to put some interest into it, this is the book for you! I do want to warn you though that this is a book for beginners only!

This is the definitive, yet easy to read guide on the monitoring hobby. Those of you who have been reading Uncle Skip's work in Monitoring Times or The All Ohio Scanner Club Newsletter will recognize some of his no-nonsense approaches to the various sub-categories of the monitoring hobby.

Skip covers all areas of the Radio hobby from AM-DXing to Scanning.

This book is a must for any radio hobbyist.

An extremely useful, easy-to-read introduction to the world of shortwave radio, long distance AM listening, scanning, and ham radio. Skip Arey does an admirable job in producing a book that provides a thorough explanation of the basics, while providing plenty of reference material for the more seasoned listener. Covers the whole spectrum of radio monitoring in a warm, friendly style. Recievers, antennas, monitoring techniques, it's all there. Destined to become a classic.

usdofgofkvjvv7cufju8ftoijmborgtpro.tokmtuodifrttpkrozteoptzeoptnz[lb.cc;;pxxxx[xxcccc[cc[c[xxxzzz[[z]]zzozozozozozozozozozozzzzoooozozzoozozozozoznt5y-opthkghfx==s[[x[[[d[[[[d[d[d[d[d[dd[d[[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[dd-e0epddliugiggkgkgg89eiwido0ep0e0e0e9e9iejjekeelellelele.n]]j]i]i]]i]] 8 777777 o9 9jb8uikim 6t7 78u7689yi8768u7i987

usdofgofkvjvv7cufju8ftoijmborgtpro.tokmtuodifrttpkrozteoptzeoptnz[lb.cc;;pxxxx[xxcccc[cc[c[xxxzzz[[z]]zzozozozozozozozozozozzzzoooozozzoozozozozoznt5y-opthkghfx==s[[x[[[d[[[[d[d[d[d[d[dd[d[[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[dd-e0epddliugiggkgkgg89eiwido0ep0e0e0e9e9iejjekeelellelele.n]]j]i]i]]i]] 8 777777 o9 9jb8uikim 6t7 78u7689yi8768u7i987

usdofgofkvjvv7cufju8ftoijmborgtpro.tokmtuodifrttpkrozteoptzeoptnz[lb.cc;;pxxxx[xxcccc[cc[c[xxxzzz[[z]]zzozozozozozozozozozozzzzoooozozzoozozozozoznt5y-opthkghfx==s[[x[[[d[[[[d[d[d[d[d[dd[d[[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[d[dd-e0epddliugiggkgkgg89eiwido0ep0e0e0e9e9iejjekeelellelele.n]]j]i]i]]i]] 8 777777 o9 9jb8uikim 6t7 78u7689yi8768u7i987

Similar to other books in the series. Style wise, this is the opposite of The Sailmaker's Apprentice by Marino. This is not a book to pick up while sitting by the fire sipping tea. It is a great reference book with concise "how to" information. Good explanations of both materials and techniques - including safety.

Another crystal clear Don Casey book. Explains painting, varnishing, surface prep, brushes, solvents, sanding, basic gelcoat, fixing small blisters, painting the mast, applying the name, fixing non-skid surfaces, fixing crazing and alligatoring, and bottom painting. If I screw it up now, it won't be Casey's fault :)!

We recently lucked into a wonderful Grampian 26 in great shape, and were even luckier to have located this and the other Don Casey books! Even though it is still very much winter here, I'm chomping at the bit to start preparing the boat for the water. Casey's books are a must for any yacht owner!

My elementary school kids have used this book for YEARS to prepare skits for their school talent show, church talent show, and 4-H programs. The skits are easy and most require little speaking which makes it PERFECT for young children... or we adults who can't remember speaking lines! Youth leaders or school teachers would find this book very useful... I have loaned my book several times and am always careful to make sure it comes back to me because this is one that I DON'T want to lose!

Tired of suffering through absolutely terrible skits, I looked around for a good book. I found one! These skits are fun, easy to put on, and do not require being cleared by the Board of Censorship.

This book is a mother's dream. Easy to read, simply organized, and quickly put into action for an afternoon of great fun. I tried 3 of these skits on my own kids and they loved it. One skit calls for placing a raisin, posing as a fly, on a table. The first child comes in, pretends to take off the wings, and leaves. The second child comes in, pretends to remove the legs, and leaves. The third child comes in, utters aloud that it looks like a raisin, and eats it. The groans and giggles from the child actors and the audience were priceless! There are dozens of more tasteful skits and clever ones, too, along with the gross ones that kids like. A fine way to involve kids creatively without much preparation required.