Clubs Books

This book is an autobiographical account of the author, Jo Ann Schneider-Farris. In particular, she takes the reader with avid captivation into the world of an organization few get exposed to in the way she has. She does so revealing personal aspects of her and organized religious organizations. She confirms for me concerns that I had in dealing with this particular organization years ago. The brilliance of her prose in self revelation brings a light of honesty to the transcript. Jo Ann's journey takes the reader along with her in a delightful timeline fashion. I am left, knowing that her life's journey is only in progress. I want to know more. It would be nice if Jo Ann were to publish a sequel or additional autobiographical release. I would recommend this book to anyone. On a personal note, I would like to thank Jo Ann for sharing this. I have found it tremendously uplifting!

Jo Ann Farris' story is thoroughly captivating! It's not often that we get a first-hand look at what goes on behind the scenes of religious organizations such as Jews for Jesus. In addition, Jo Ann shows us how determination and love from her family allowed her to overcome her hardships and keep moving forward toward a happier life. The story is quite inspirational and I heartily recommend it.

As an acquaintance of the author's I rejoice that she has come through her ordeals and is again the happy person I knew long before the events she described. As a Christian, however, I was left deeply saddened that yet another person has failed to have Jesus come into her heart because of the "agendas" of some so-called Christian and religious organizations. The "Jesus-drug" she mentions as the basis of extreme fundamentalist churches, and the personality-directed groups "Jews for Jesus" and "Focus on the Family" left her with an incorrect view of true Christianty. I urge all Christians who read this book to pray that we can better learn to share the glory of Jesus without obscuring His love and death for our sins by our own "agendas".

A couple weeks ago I decided to re-read this book looking for information I encountered in my past. It was there. It is not often one can read text that is honest, very complete and accurate in presentation. Additionally, this script is actually pleasingly fun to read! (15-Sep-05KK) Reviewed first: 01-Jan-2003This book is an autobiographical account of the author, Jo Ann Schneider-Farris. In particular, she takes the reader with avid captivation into the world of an organization few get exposed to in the way she has. She does so revealing personal aspects of her and organized religious organizations. She confirms for me concerns that I had in dealing with this particular organization years ago. The brilliance of her prose in self revelation brings a light of honesty to the transcript. Jo Ann's journey takes the reader along with her in a delightful timeline fashion. I am left, knowing that her life's journey is only in progress. I want to know more. It would be nice if Jo Ann were to publish a sequel or additional autobiographical release. I would recommend this book to anyone. On a personal note, I would like to thank Jo Ann for sharing this. I have found it tremendously uplifting!

Jo Ann Farris' story is thoroughly captivating! It's not often that we get a first-hand look at what goes on behind the scenes of religious organizations such as Jews for Jesus. In addition, Jo Ann shows us how determination and love from her family allowed her to overcome her hardships and keep moving forward toward a happier life. The story is quite inspirational and I heartily recommend it.

A lot was learned about the subject matter of Shed No Tears. It seems not all the facts of the era had been fully exposed, until the writing of this book. I also enjoyed learning the cast of characters. Some I dispised, some I fell in love with. To this day, I still think of them. I highly recommend it.

Like all good historical novels, Shed No Tears has enough event driven momentum to make readers forget that they know its historical stream. Beyond that, it incorporates some important historical aspects of the American Revolution for the reader to ponder. Moral, ethical and political problems haunt the novel's background and this helps give depth to the characters. Finally, this novel develops its characters in such a way that the reader really does care and worry about them. Solomon, the free, black, commercially successful protagonist is strong almost too strong but his discovery of himself and his place in the times makes him a sympathetic as well as admirable figure. Several of his friends and enemies are drawn with enough depth to allow us to know them as people whether we love or hate them. Romantic momentum the book has and most readers will be diverted from their other activities to read it through as quickly as possible.

EXCELLENT - A GOOD BOOK FOR YOUNG MINDS - UNDERSTAND ABOUT HISTORY!

This novel is an atypical account of the American Revolution from the perspective of a free Black coloinal male. It provides a unique perspective not published in most historical accounts recounting the birth of this nation.

Shed No Tears is a rich tapestry of adventure, love, saddness, hatred and the human spirit. It evokes, thought, emotions and reations at every turn.

I strongly recommend this book to all critical thinkers, and socially conscientious readers. It's well-woven tapestry provides something for all; regardless of your individual perspective and knowledge of the birth of this nation.

Definitely not your typical story about U.S. history! Nor of the African-American experience during revolutionary times. No handkerchief head negroes here or those trying to get along to "get along". "Shed No Tears" will hold your attention from page one to the end and have you begging for a sequel(which I hear is in the works).

The lead character is a strong no-nonsense, intelligent African-American male, who truly lives in a world of hypocrisy that at times verges on the fringes of madness. Solomon Cooke, cool, calm and collected yet ready to drop the hammer on any fool when life or love is in danger. Not only must he deal with the madness going on around him he must also deal with the challenges of finding a true love and happiness.

Romance, drama, suspense, humor and unfortunately tragedy are all here. And yes, I agree with several of the other reviewers, however with one caveat, I believe "Shed No Tears" WILL BE an excellent movie. Truly a great work.

Ron Fay, through his own experience, saves us the pitfalls of trial and error. Taking us through the planning process, he covers everthing from Market analysis, financial and tax considerations, equipment, and space planning, to personal training and membership retention. Other helpful tools include a section of forms and templates. As a Personal Trainer I knew the service end of the business but felt less sure of myself in terms of managing an entire facility. I took this book and have used it as a roadmap to open and successfully run a small club here in rural Upstate NY. Must Have reading for any trainer considering their own club.

THIS BOOK HAS SO MUCH SOUND INFO FOR THE NOVICE OR SEASONED TRAINER.I RUN A PERSONAL TRAINING BUSINESS FROM MY HOME . I WANTED TO TAKE THE LEAP OF FAITH INTO A LARGER BUILDING AND WAS LOADED DOWN WITH SO MUCH INFO I DID NOT NO WHERE TO START.THIS BOOK LAYS THE GROUND WORK FOR "THINGS THAT MAY BE FORGOTTEN" WHILE SPENDING YOUR FAMILIES LAST MONEY ON A FITNESS PLACE.THIS BOOK TOUCHES ON ALL OF WHAT WILL BE NEEDED TO OPEN THE DOORS OF A SMALL CLUB OR WORK OUT OF YOUR HOUSE IF NEEDED. THE FAYS DID NOT LEAVE ANY STONES LEFT UNTURNED. GREAT BOOK DERRICK BROWN

If you are thinking about starting a gym, regardless of size, this book is a MUST HAVE. I read it over a weekend. It is clear and concise and touched on many important aspects I never really thought about. Whether you are planning on a small home based gym or a large commercial one, this book gives great insights into equipment, financing, marketing, etc., AND a realistic view of what to expect from your business. Before you dive into a business, read this book. The information is well worth the money, and then some.

Excellent blue print for the person, that wants to start a business, without laying their financial life on the line.
This book shows how to start with little financial backing and build with the monies earned.
By following the advise given, many of the stops and starts of a new business can be avoided.
Highly reccomended for a small town successful business.

In researching my new idea to open a small gym, I was overwhelmed with information on the web and after perusing the SBA website and printing a full 3-ring binder's worth of research articles off the internet until I LUCKILY found this book. I was stunned to come across a book especially designed to guide me in my new idea to open a small gym. Then I was surprised at how completely applicable it was and how informative and practical the information was-these guys really share their secrets to success! Its a step by step easy to read well thought out book that guides your thoughts and decisions by helping you build a business plan based on your personal principles and desires for your gym. Its nothing short of amazing, and easily the most important bit of research I have done. I read the book and treated it like a text book, taking notes and when answering every question and carefully thinking about each point they recommend considering sot hat I read a little bit each day and wrote a lot and hammered out my own ideas in the process. I had all the ideas, but had not articulated them, organized them and nd built on them until I read this book. I am now 6 to 8 months from opening my gym but after reading this book, I have now articulated my true reasons for opening my own gym, and kept those reasons firmly in mind as I have analyzed my target market, competition and developed the marketing plan. I feel I am head and shoulders above most small business owners when they start out. I look forward to reporting back with the huge success of my new small gym!! Thanks to Ron and Barb Fay for not only sharing their experiences and lessons learned from them but for presenting these lessons clearly and in a concise book that gets the job done.

This is a well written and well illustrated guide for someone new to visiting Joshua Tree National Park. The dozen or so routes we did in this book were all challenging and enjoyable. There are thousands of routes in the Park, but this is a swell introduction for the traditional climber. At this price I don't see why any climber visiting the park wouldn't have a copy. The photographs and maps are the best I have seen in any book.

First of all, this book is written by some really nice people. This book is void of the elitism that usally comes with a guide book to an area like this. My wife and I have been to J-tree many times but this was our first year with this book. It truely enhanced our time there. The full color pictures are great, and they took all the pictures from such logical places that if you are following a road or trail and find yourself needing direction, you look up and see exactly what is in the picture for the climb you are looking for. My wife and I found ourself laughing on one climb when we were looking off in the distance for a rock formation and spotted the tree 6' in front of us that was also about 6' in front of the camera lense in the picture! And there are climbs that real people can do! I notice in other guide books the only highly rated climbs are 5.12 and up! Get this book, you won't be dissapointed. I only wish I could meet the authers and tell them of my appreciation.

Sometimes, as the saying goes, less is more. This book is a classic example of producing a user friendly rock climbing guide to one of the premier cragging areas, by limiting the scope to climbs that most people who go to Joshua Tree actually enjoy. As the title stipulates there are no 5.12 sphincter squeesers here, just interesting traditional climbs (no bolts for the sport freaks).

Each climb is photographed in color with a graphic overlay clearly showing the route. Most of these routes are short, single pitch climbs that encompass a wide variety of problems with the emphasis on classic crack climbs. Approach info and the maximum protection requirement is noted along with a very abreviated strategy for the climb. Information on lodging and camping along with dining options are covered pretty well, though the surrounding areas offer a lot more variety than the book indicates.

If you're a beginner/intermediate climber and aspire to climb in JT, this is the guide to get.

This book is the best non comprehensive climbing guide book I have ever seen. The highlights are:

- Full color photos of the routes
- Both approach photos as well as close up route photos, making it easy to find the rock and specific route
- Full park map with relative camping and route locations listed
- Very good beta on each and every route (includes sun/shade, rack suggestions, etc), usually about a page per route not including another page for photos.

So basically if you're interested in the 5.5 to 5.9 trad routes in Joshua Tree you'll love this book, simple as that.

Wow! Great book, color detailed photos of routes, sun/shade orientation for all routes & basically all the info that one needs to have a memorable trip in Joshua Tree. Also great to have a book that has a focus on climbs under 5.10. All in all this is the most informative climbing book I have ever purchased. Would have been happy paying twice the price I paid for it.

This purchase saved me a lot of money compared to the price in the campus bookstore.

Of the eight books I bought, it was the most expensive (cost per page) for all that I received. Although it was in great condition, so were some of the others.

I was totally pleased with the entire process. The book arrived surprisingly quickly and was in perfect condition.

This book was pleseant to read because Socrates was accused of corrupting of young Greek people's mind. Socrates made mockery of his trial. Eventually, he was convicted and was order to drink poison to die.

This is a must for anyone who is interested in the writings of Plato and what little we know about Socrates. The footnotes provide excellent refrences to phrases, gods and place names that the average reader may not be familiar with.

I am a beginning & intermediate horseback riding instructor in Moscow, ID. I have found the Pony Club Manual for beginners to be a very helpful teaching tool - the illustrations are helpful and well-labeled, and the layout is easy to follow. The information is widely accepted as correct, and the text is well-written for the 10-15 year old ages. I include a manual in the price of all my beginning horse camps for 10-14 year olds.

This is the an excellent introduction for anyone interested in horsemanship. It can be studied prior to joining the United States Pony Club or serve as a usful tool in teaching or improving horsemanship for the young or beginning equestrian.

I couldn't have gotten through Pony Club Quiz Bowl if I didn't have this book. I like the exercises in the book and now I do them on my horse. I learned alot while reading this book, like parts of the tack and how to be safe around horses. I like all the pictures in the book because it helped me to understand what it meant. I would reccommend this book to other pony clubbers and kids who like to ride.

There is a saying that a picture is worth a thousand words. Susan Harris is not only a gifted artist ; drawing her explanations of concepts she is relating ; she draws pictures with her words, and for anyone lucky enough to attend one of her clinics , she draws explanations with body language. I am fortunate to have Sue as my friend and mentor for 30+ years & have told her often that "She could read the phone book to you & You'd never lose interest". She is also a gifted horsewoman & teacher. She posseses an ability to locate the crux of a lack of understanding & with empathy for both horse & rider guides them to a solution. If I had to limit my horse library to just a few books, her USPC manuels would be the first chosen. They are a wealth of information on all aspects of horsemanship , for every level of horseman , of any age. Her choice of words combined with her own illustrations gives very clear & interesting information.Sue stresses empathy for your horse & safety issues in every topic -2 basics to have ingrained in anyone who wishes to be around horses. I have recommended these books to all who share the "addiction" to horses with me.

I advise anyone young who is seriously interested in horses to start with this book. I've been riding all my life and think this is a great book to start with and it is very informative.

This was overall a pretty good book, but what bugs me is that in almost evary super special, the girls fall in love. They're a little young to be doing that. But I was really impressed by how good the BSCers were with the kids in the bus accident. They talked to them, comforted them and even agreed to bunk with them. I've always thought Kristy was too competitive and a whiney, snobby brat and the 'winter war' proves it. It seems as though she just has to win EVERYTHING! And, okay, so Dawn was born and raised in California, so of course she'd be bad at the winter sports. The kids were wrong to ridicule her. This is a pretty good book, but it will make youi frustrated in some parts.

Did your school ever take a field trip to Vermont in the winter? Stoneybrook Middle School has. In this book, there are many problems. One of them is that Kristy and Claudia are being really competitive and mean to each other. They get more competitive each day. At the end of the book, they forgive each other. The conflict is best friend vs. best friend.

There are many characters in this book- all girls. And they are trying to help their team win the Winter War. (a field day)
Dawn is having trouble with her skills. She has long, pale blonde hair and blue eyes. Kristy has shoulder length brown hair, brown eyes and is short for her age. She is also the captain of her team for the Winter War. Mary-Anne has really short blonde hair, brown eyes, and is also short for her age. She is also writing a report about the trip. Claudia has long, jet black hair, brown almond shaped eyes, and is Japanese-American. Stacey has curly blonde hair, blue eyes, and has diabetes. When she goes skiing, she has some boy problems.

This book tells how five girls fight, forgive, and have fun. The author's message is to be competitive but, have fun. I rate this book a five star because Ann M. Martin writes chapters from different character's points of view.

I loved this book, and have read it alot, but the only thing I think is that Jessi should get over herself! Its annoying because she thinks Pinky (who is about SIX) is predjuduced, just because she's being mean to her. I mean, come on! I didn't like that bit because it is really annoying how she thinks anyone who does anything that isnt nice is treating her like that because she's black. I don't think that was especially true. But basically it was a good book. Claudia and Stacey both fall head over heals with french skiers, the only thing is- Claudia's "guy" is married! Kristy is captain of the Red team, and gets to competitive. Meanwhile, a whole busload of kids have been stranded in the snow, and the BSC decided to take them on. It was a good book!

This was a really good super special. A good job you're doing,Ms. Martin, and keep up the good work!

The Baby-Sitters Club aregoing on a school field trip. When they arrive on the bus, a terrible thing happens. The bus crashes but luckily no one was hurt.

Meanwhile, the Baby-Sitters are having a blast! What kind of vacation did they exactly have? Read this book and find out!

The Baby Sitters are going to a winter vacation. Dawn is having troubles with skating. Kristy is helping her team win the Winter War. Mary Anne uncovers a ghost in the lodge.

This book has some great tips and "does and don'ts" for new bread machine users. I had problems with my results until I got this book. Now every loaf is perfect. The recipes are good, too. The white bread recipe is great - puts out a loaf you can use for sandwiches or anything else - very light (but not spongy). (Only thing I didn't learn from this book was using wheat gluten if you use white flour (1 tspn per cup of flour)).

Got this book for a Christmas present with my breadmaker. If you own a breadmaker, you need to have it too. The recipes are easy and very tasty. It contains the basics, some fancy loaves, and some specialty items like cinnamon rolls and different pizza doughs. A must have!

I must concur with the other reviewers. The recipes in this book always turn out great. I never have to adjust liquids/flour or anything. When I get creative with my own ingredients, I use basic recipe amounts from this book and modify flours, sugars, spices, etc. I can always count on these recipes to be right.

Clear directions and type-size for recipes, extremely well laid-out, and very good recipes throughout make this book one of my personal favorites for the bread machine.

I recently purchased a bread machine (Williams Sonoma) and wanted to try different recipes. I bought a book "Bread Machine Baking" which had recipes scaled for my machine. I also found this one on Amazon and bought it too.

I have found that the recipes in this book actually turn out better, even with the lesser amount of yeast used. Each loaf has risen evenly and nicely, creating a beautiful and delicious loaf of bread.

I also prefer the way this book is laid out. It is spiral bound which allows it to lie flat, it has a good table of contents and the recipes are easy to read at a glance.

I highly recommend this book. Try the Egg and Oatmeal breads. So good and easy to make with ingredients you have on hand.

If you want to know first hand the inner-workings of New York's most famous parties and the people who make them happen (along with the clubgoers that help make them famous) go read "Confessions from the Velvet Ropes" now. This raw telling weaves significant and interesting nightlife history, including interviews with the people who lived it, with tales of current scenes and connects them to give readers an untainted view of the underground world of NYC parties, fashion, social change and the fabulously outrageous characters that embody them. Along with colorful personal anecdotes and fun, sarcastic sidebars with topics like "Thomas's Top Ten Tips for Getting Past the Ropes," Glenn Belverio with the help of personal commentary from famed doorman, Thomas Onorato, makes this book a must-read for anyone interested in NYC history, social scenes and celebrity gossip. Whether you're from NYC, just moved there or follow the scene with a curious eye from afar - you will not be able to put down "Confessions from the Velvet Ropes" until you have devoured all the edgy and eccentric pages in their entirety. And you will be thirsty for more...

I was pulled into this book from the very first page. Not only does it paint the real life experience with every word but it is written in such a lively manner that the sizzling times in NYC just pour through you. I especially loved the Heatherette piece. Could not stop laughing. Looking forward to Glenn's next book. Five Stars from Paris.

The author of this book has a keen observational eye for the details of New York nightlife and its denizens. He takes what might first appear as a frivolous or superficial subject and manages to extract some real anthropological significance from it. But you can still read it at the beach.

I love to read NYC celebrity gossip columns mainly because I love to imagine all the excitement going on in the Big Apple. I've heard about nightclub line ups and doormen and the horror of rejection. This book not only made me feel like I was standing next to the doorman getting an insider's view, but by the end of the book, I felt like I really knew Thomas and that I really had been there. I can't think of another book that's been able to make me forget I was reading a book. I laughed out loud - this book made me laugh out loud. It made me see that anyone can feel like a star - the glamor is in the attitude not the pocketbook. Confessions of the Velvet Ropes is like a guidebook to cutting edge NYC nightlife complete with tips on how to pull off a look, to get into the club and how to have a wild time without getting hung up on being an outcast from NJ. It was a thoroughly fun book to read.

I really enjoyed reading about all the amusing people in this book. It's sort of like a better written, funnier, more detailed version of the Warhol Diaries... except the Warhol Diaries is packed with boring old farts like Liza Minnelli and Bob Colacello, whereas this book has mental cases like Courtney Love and that tacky thing who does the Baby Phat clothes -- you know, the former model who thinks she's Tyra Banks but is really just Jocelyne Wildenstein in Beyonce drag. Anyhow, you know that when you've got Kimora and Courtney in the same book, you're gonna laugh (and if you've got them in the same room, bring backup... as you'll see in Confessions.)

I have many excellent cookbooks, and yet when I want to make a new dish and there's no room for a disappointment, this is the one I always pull down. I've made many of the dishes in the book and each one has always been flavorful, broadened my palate and yet never been too difficult or complex for me to master.

As others have said, the wit and stories behind the recipes makes me read through it even when I'm not looking to cook. It also inspired me to start my own cooking club with a groupd of my friends. We've had some wonderful times together, though I must admit, out own cooking prowess has never reached the heights of these ladies. Very highly recommended!

I don't have a cooking club and I've never made all of the recipes in a chapter for a dinner party, but I've picked-and-chosen recipes and haven't come up with a bad dish yet. Their mac & cheese is the one I return to again and again. The recipes are easy to follow, off the beaten path, and sooo yummy.

As an amateur chef with roots in the midwest, I've long relied on little more than good ol' salt and pepper when it comes time to cook for the crew (except for a shake of Italian seasoning on spaghetti night!). But this fantastic book turned me on to a virtual phantasmagoria of new culinary delights! Even my husband, who usually balks at long john silver, is a fan of the italian fish in crazy water. One added bonus for us gals: we get to see what kind of footwear these sophisticated manhattanites are trotting around in these days. Ouch! I think I'll keep my Stride Rites! But I'm a sucker for the Cellophane Noodle Salad.

Witty, charming, well designed, user friendly, and most of all- the recipes are wonderful!

As a seasoned NYC home chef, the hardest thing to do is to come up with a recipe that involves little space, little equipment and little time. These six girls not only engage you with their wonderfully witty writing, but have simplified the difficult task of apartment-sized cooking so that anyone can do it and have excellent results.

Plus the wonderful photos of the food and of the girls cooking, shopping and dining really does make you feel invited. And the graphic design gets great marks for being as chic as they are!

I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of little cooking clubs don't start up because of it! [Word has it that they might be doing another book? Cross your fingers on that bit of gossip!]

PS: this would make a great housewarming or hostess gift!

The idea of a cooking club with a group of friends is terrific. Too many times we grow apart from those close to us as marriage, kids, and careers occur. I first saw this book about six months ago. I have a collection of cookbooks but am particular of what I add to it. Before I bought it for myself, I decided to give it as a gift. One of my closest friends from high school recently became a stay at home mom. She was trying to broaden her culinary skills in the kitchen and she doesn't consider herself much of a cook. She loves the cookbook and can't thank me enough. I went out and purchased it so we could share the club even though the miles separate us.

The layout of the book starts with a recap of how the club came into existence. The troubles they face living in NY, tiny kitchens and lugging groceries, was interesting to someone like myself who never is without her car. I particularly enjoyed the emails between the women showing how they came up with the monthly theme. It really shows the personalities of the members. The pictures show off the food deliciously.

We can only hope that they will continue to include the rest of us in their club! I highly recommend you try to gather a group of 6-8 and try this yourself. My favorite recipe is the bread salad. I get lots of compliments every time I make it.