Associations Books

I was really impressed with this book. The author clearly cares a great deal about the topic, and this kind of book can easily get bogged down in absolute trivia and become dry as dirt. Luckily that isn't the case -- he keeps the story moving without sacrificing the kind of accuracy he desires. Some of this is as simple as putting things in footnotes that other others would have left in the main text, and some is an ability to stick to what's important.

Miwoks To Missiles provides the first complete history of Angel Island, covering over two hundred years of the island's history from Miwok Indian settlements to Spanish exploration and immigrant arrivals. Anecdotes, personal recollections, and source material documents make for an excellent and lively presentation essential for any collection including regional California history.

John Soennichsen's spectacular new book Miwoks to Missiles: A History of Angel Island is a must-read for anyone with an interest in Angel Island and it's history. As state park docents, we may each think we already know all we need to know about the human history of the island. But every page for me deepened my perspective and provided a wealth of new information. John is a master of making historical transition readable, entertaining and informative. The author begins with the lives of the indigenous people who used the island for fishing and hunting. He then moves gracefully through the Spanish and Mexican periods and concludes with chapters covering the more modern era: military utilization of the island during our 20th century wars, the dynamics of the creation of the Immigration Station and its many uses, and finally the effort to make the island a bit more angelic in the transition of the Island to state park status. The particular strengths of the book for me are found in the myriad of detail about the early history of the island: the travails of Lt. Ayala and the San Carlos, the voyage of the Racoon, and the "original owner" Antonio Maria Ossio. The later periods were also thoughtfully reassessed. The author's use of archival material-old photos and rare written accounts bring the island and its people to life in dramatic fashion. John Soennichsen is a first rate historian. Unlike most historians, however, our resident author has a sense of humor and is able to punch through the pretentiousness of so many of the people who were in leadership positions during the different island epochs. Filled with stunning photographs and informative sidebars, the book is a really good read that should enchant virtually everyone who picks it up. We must all be grateful to John Soennichsen for providing us with the first thorough and sensitive history of the people and places of Angel Island.

While there are many cookbooks today that feature meals that are quick and easy to prepare there are very few that concentrate on the special problems of the diabetic. In "Mix 'n Match Meals in Minutes for People with Diabetes" the reader will find many breakfast, lunch, and dinner recipes with complete serving and nutritional information. Each recipe has exchanges information for those who have to watch their diet closely along with information on calories, saturated fat, cholesterol, sodium, fiber, sugars, and protein content.

Along with "One Pot Meals for People with Diabetes" this is a welcome cookbook of delicious recipes and a recommended read for anyone with diabetes or just looking for recipes with nutritional information.

I originally checked this book out at the library, and loved it so much I bought one for our home. Quick, easy recipes (the steak and portabello sandwich is DELICIOUS, and super quick), and allow for easy meal planning for managing the carbs for my husband's insulin pump. I would absolutely recommend!

The recipes in this book are so easy, fast, and delicious -- and full of quick helpful cooking tips -- that I'm always falling back on them rather than trying 'new' recipes in my other books. So now the recipes are getting 'old' to us! Every now and then I check back for another book of the same name/type with new recipes to try, but alas: it's not out yet. I hope they'll make another one soon. One of the best things about this book is that the recipes only use a few - in most cases 8 or fewer - ingredients, and yet are delicious and healthy. I HIGHLY recommend this book. When sticking to the portion sizes, my husband and I both lost weight without any other effort. The only down-side to this book is that the recipes are for 2 people. Now that my kids are getting older, I need recipes for more. Of course, I could always double the recipes....

I came along Modigilian's Art druing a drawing class. I purchased a small book at a local bookstore first. I was so impressed over the artist and his paintings that I want to learn more about his work. He is a master painter of the early 20 th century. Some of his figures have a sence of sadeness in there way how they look . Some of the poses are oriented on classic old masters.Describtions are given in the book. Also you will see delightful abstract forms and colors. I really can recomend the book to everyone who wants to learn more about this great artist.
The book also shows images of drawings and sculptures.

I bought this book preparing a visit of an exhibition on paintings as well as my paission in arts, i.e. painting.
The book is full of pics and enough text about Amadeo.
Amadeo's paitings are really great...

There have been many publications on Modigliani lately and also many exhibitions (in Paris, London, NY). This particular book, which is the catalogue for a show at the Jewish Museum, is, in my opinion, the most original one in that it attempts to study the artist setting aside all the rest (that is "the myth"). The beautiful reproductions enable the reader to see what a revolutionary portraitist Modigliani was, even sometimes minimalist (to use a fashionable word). The provenance of the works show that he did have early admirers, and not only among his peers or dealers.

I was amazed to find this book pointed out beliefs accepted so early in life that I wasn't even aware they were beliefs. It was enlightening and freeing. What I expected to be a quick read turned out to be an absorbing, and fun filled exploration of myself.

A clearly presented book, complete with compelling stories and profound insights. Shows us how it is possible to create abundance through thought. Presents the spiritual way to manifest prosperity. A refreshing addition to all the money books. Finally one by a level-headed female. Teri-E Belf, Success Coac

This is one of my favorite books on developing what some call a "prosperity consciousness". It truly has valuable exercises that help you identify your own personal blocks to prosperity. I favor books that offer experience as well as theory. The book is now out of print but I would advise anyone to get this book. My favorite thought from the book is that we don't have to choose "this or that" we can choose "this AND that".

It was so nice to actually find written work on the Morab breed. The author has done his homework, and the history of the breed is well-researched. I enjoyed reading it, and feel even more proud to be a Morab owner. There are pedigrees, black and white and color photos, plus information on some Morab breeders and their breeding programs. Club information is also included in source information. Recommended to the Morab owner, or anyone just curious about the breed!

Morab Moments was a tough book to write but it captured everything people were asking me as questions and then some. I ship within 2 days of receiving the Amazon notice of sale.

This is the seminal book of the Morab breed of horse, including its origins, history of the various registries, current breeding farms, and stories by individuals about their beloved Morabs. There is specific information about the organization of the International Morab Breeders Association, as well as a glossary of terms and other technical aspects of horsemanship of interest to all horse people.

This is a remarkable book. Whereas it took Jimmy Burns of the Financial Times a whole book to wax about Barcelona, Phil Ball does it beautifully in a few pages. Morbo is a superb exploration of Spanish politics, Spanish geography, and the one thing that unites all of Spain-football. Spain is, it seems, a poor advertisement for the sort of national unity that dominated 19th. century Europe-Germany, Scotland, and Italy and later, India and China. Phil Ball's book exhibits a child-like happiness when he visits soccer stadiums in the forgotten corners of Spain. He exposes the hypocrisy of Basque politics, the long shadow of Francisco Franco in Spain and, finally, the exuberance of that Catalan city: Barcelona. This is a must-read for people who are interested not only in the cuisine of a particular peoples-Basque and Catalan- but in their vibrant history beyond the kitchen, beyond the football pitch as well.

American audiences exposed to the EPL, La Liga or any other league for that matter, often times only get to see 2 dimensions of the game. First, the emphasis on the bigger team names, and second, the game itself. What they often fail to see is the intracacy of the game behind the game - that is, the cultural elements that make soccer overseas so unique, so passionate, and often times, so beyond the grasp of comprehension to the audience that is watching on Fox Soccer Channel.

In Morbo, Phil Ball does a wonderful job of illustrating the cultural background to spanish soccer. And true to form, he effectively illustrates that La Liga is not only about Barcelona and Real Madrid. There is much history between these two clubs but fortunately, Ball doesn't spend all his effort on them. Instead he dives into the history of spanish soccer, starting with English miners, to the history of clubs that no one has heard of outside of Spain, like Recreativo de Huelva.

This is far more a cultural study, than it is a history of spanish soccer. Balls successfully discusses how the two paths combine, and how club support was defined more by class/politics/ and culture, than by a jersey's color. It certainly goes a long way in helping outsiders understand the level of support and the long ties people have to clubs. It is especially interesting in light of how the modern world is shaping the game.

Finally, like many sports leagues, there is history and their is myth. Ball does a service to the spanish game by not buying into the myth of some of the rivalries (Betis-Sevilla, RM-Barcelona, Athletic-everyone else). In doing so, he provides a complete and true picture of how the game has evolved on the Iberian peninsula.

For people interested in understanding how events actually shaped the game in Spain, this is a must read. There are plenty of books out there about Real Madrid and Barcelona, but there are few books that look at Spanish soccer with this depth and refreshing candor.

Morbo is fantastic. Phil Ball, as he always seems to do in his regular columns on Spanish football, manages to capture the essence of Spanish society through the culture of the game. This is a story not only of the greats - di Stefano, Barcelona, Real Madrid, etc - but of the cab driving Betis supporter of Seville and the forgotten cities and clubs of Huelva and Irun. For the American reader possessing a passion for the game with sources unknown, this opens up a culture for further exploration. It is not a complete history, nor was that ever its intent. Rather, as the title suggests, it is an eploration of morbo - the passion and rivalry of the game set against a backdrop of franco, poverty, wealth, isolation, regional pride, and most other issues that form the very foundation of Spain during the past century-plus.

Morbo is a brilliant place to start for the un-initiated and a delightful treat for those who already know the culture of the game.

"As one of the most gifted players in U.S. soccer history and national team captain, Claudio Reyna has helped the team to be more successful and competitive internationally. Through his professional experiences in Germany, Scotland, and England, he's become a great pro and a wonderful student of the game. More Than Goals is a special look at what motivates this great player and how he's developed his skills. I highly recommend this book to all soccer enthusiasts."

Bruce Arena
U.S. National Team Coach and Technical Director

"When Claudio's on the field, teammates know he's going to get them the ball and that he'll help them to play better. More Than Goals gives insights into becoming that kind of player."

Landon Donovan
2002 and 2003 U.S. Player of the Year

Tired of typical linear, from-youth-to-star books? Unsatisfied with "how-to" drills? If so, this is the perfect antidote.

Claudio's story as a genuine American soccer hero is a special one -- and he tells it in an engaging, exciting way. With the help of talented soccer journalist Mike Woitalla, Claudio weaves various parts of his career with thoughts on the state of American soccer today. Using his father (his first coach) as an example, Claudio describes his view of American soccer -- the ideal, and the reality.

The book can be read and enjoyed by many audiences: young players seeking inspiration; coaches looking for tips on how to teach and motivate, and soccer fans hoping for an inside view of a true American hero.

The U.S.'s greatest soccer star, Claudio Reyna, has always put more effort in his game than most players, and he does the same thing in this book. Instead of simply writing an autobiography, or an instruction manual, he does both in More Than Goals. And he does it with great style too, using his own personal experiences to illustrate the general principles and techniques that have made him one of the world's premiere players. If you're a fan who wants to know more about Claudio, or a player who wants to learn how to take your game to the next level, this book is for you...

Nearly a quarter century before Bill O'Reilly established his 'no-spin zone' on Fox, Thomas Monteleone (author of the stellar dark fantasy Blood of the Lamb) created a similar forum he blithely labeled "The Mothers and Fathers Italian Association" within the pages of Knights, a SF fanzine. Despite having had several homes over the years (it's been featured in Horrorstruck, The Horror Show, Mystery Scene, and currently resides in Cemetery Dance), Monteleone's column has always been a place where candor was king and debate actively promoted. Now, to the pleasure of many, and the dismay of quite a few more, twenty seven years worth of these columns have been gathered together in a single volume.

Virtuoso fusions of humor, anger, contempt, and informed opinion, any one of Monteleone's columns is likely to piss at least part of its audience off. Although one's enjoyment of a particular column often depends on whether you or a friend is a target, they always manage to provoke thought. Several leitmotifs run through the columns. First, Monteleone makes it abundantly clear that he loves his wife, the formidable Elizabeth. Second, he doesn't suffer those whom he considers fools gladly, skewering them with enthusiastic glee. Third, he thrives on stirring up controversy--you'll probably never encounter anyone so eager to throw gasoline on a fire. Fourth, there's a heck of lot of chest pounding going on--it's often hard to tell the difference between shtick and self confidence, but Monteleone probably prefers it that way.

Highlights of this long overdue collection include "The (Pretty) Good, The (Not-So) Bad, and The (Man-This-Is-Gonna-Get)Ugly," wherein Monteleone names those he considersd the most overrated writers in horror/dark fantasy, "A Heinous History of the Hardly Writing Association," his take on the HWA, and "The Shadow Over Bethel Park (and Other Tales of Unspeakable Dread)," where he relates a personal anecdote involving a retailer's illegal practice of selling stripped paperbacks.

Even after over a quarter century, the column remains vital. Ample proof of this lies in Monteleone's recent columns on UFOology, which, besides appearing in this tome, are now running in the latest installments of Cemetery Dance. Therein, he relates a tale so entertaining it's surprising he's saved it so long. The true story of a college prank taken to extremes, the columns collectively from a hilarious, biting piece which will provoke laughter (at the author's antics) and perhaps dismay (at the gullibility of so called experts desperate to prove their whacked out theories). On display in each are the erudition, egotism, chutzpah, insight and lively writing style which has kept his audiences following him from one venue to another.

There are few books that I've read that are as wickedly delightful as this one. Since I love the fields that Monteleone specializes in, namely horror and dark fantasy, perhaps I'm more fond of this stuff than your average non-afficionado would be - although I can say I have read some of these columns to a relative who is not a fan of those genres and she seemed to think them as hilarious as I did.

What we have here is a large collection of columns that Monteleone wrote over a period of several years, and, in so doing, brought a lot of joy and laughter to a goodly number of people. It's hard to describe Monteleone's humor, but it is as trademark as that of Joe Lansdale, another brilliantly funny writer. Despite winning the Stoker Award in 2003 for this book, Monteleone, I feel, deserves even MORE acclaim for this collection because it is, by and large, the very definition of a "hoot."

A favorite of mine is entitled, if I remember correctly, "What's A 'Hate Puppet?" It's about the author's wild, hilarious ride in script-writing for Hollywood. Moreover, his series on his experiences stemming from his phoning in to a radio talk show and his subsequent encounters with UFOlogy, were just about the funniest and most entertaining things I'd read in quite a while.

(There is one column I wish he hadn't written, but it is a small part of this massive, magnificent collection.)

Anyway, if you love reading both Mencken AND Lovecraft, and you take an interest in the fantasy and horror genres this book is almost certainly for you. It was worth every penny and then some.

Just a quick note to the effect that this book won the Bram Stoker Award from the Horror Writers Association for Best Non-Fiction Book 2003 (presented on 5 June 2004)

I've been a fan of National Geographic since I was just a little boy, the captivating photographs and well written articles of The National Geographic Society have never ceased to amaze me.
When I bought this book a week ago, I was reluctant to believe that I had made a wise decision in buying it. But after it arrived in the mail and I saw those wonderful photographs and read the articles of this book, I realized just how wrong I had been! I usually dont buy the newer publications of National Geographic due to the decline in the quality of the articles over the years. These days, the articles published in the pages of National Geographic magazine are sub-par when compared to the articles of the 80's & 90's. What ever happened to the writers whos articles inspired me to become a Journalist? Anyway, I was worried that this book would be lacking in the quality of it's articles, but I was glad to discover that I was wrong! This is one of the best National Geographic books that I have ever read! It contains some of the best writing that I've ever seen, not to mention the breath-taking photography that has always made National Geographic such an icon among books and magazines!
If you're a fan of National Geographic, then I highly recommend adding this book to your collection!
And if you're a fan of fine photography then I highly recommend buying this book! It's packed full of more than 400 full color and black & white photographs!
And at the price that they're selling it for, they're practically giving it away! Buy it now, you wont be disappointed!

Only National Geographic could chronicle the triumphs and the tragedies of mankind, as well as the awesome wonder of nature. This thick volume features award-winning photography combined with detailed accompanying text.

For those of us unable to travel to such exotic locations or live during the time periods profiled, this monumental book offers such an opportunity.

This purchase is money spent wisely.

A masterpiece collection from the masters of photography. A well compiled selection from the archives of NGM...this book is truly value for money. If you have espace on your coffe-table, buy this...

Although some will debate whom is the greatest player alive, the NBA got this list correct. The pictures are phenomenal, the history and statistics amazing; a must read and purchase for any true fan of the NBA. There are comparisons between players, not only at the same positions, but at different positions in different eras. All the information you need to put together a strong debate on the NBA's best. A wonderful book!

Any real fan of the NBA and its history should own this book. Wonderful pictures on each page with interesting quotes and stories throughout. Does a good job of showing the evolution of the league. The forward by Halberstam gives a unique and thought provoking view of basketball and its impact on our world.

This book celebrates a league where greed now dominates, but where players once played for the fun of it. This book gives a nice summary of each of the NBA's fifty greatest players, and vividly describes the league throughout its first fifty years of exsistance.