Customer Comments

Easy to follow and even easier to eat! This cook book has great recipes with delicious desserts that are easy to make, but not taste like they were easy to make. This ccokbook is a must have for experinced cooks as well as those who are lucky not to burn their hand turning on the stove.

This story is a coming-of-age story for a boy named Zaki, and his close cousin Samar. The scene is set at Samar's wedding, but it doesn't stay there. It travels back into time into Zaki's boyhood in Pakistan, with his liberal journalist mother and traditional grandmother and aunts. Samar is his aunt, in fact, who comes to live with the family in order to be raised in the city, Lahore. While the story is primarily about Zaki, we also learn about Zaki's mother, Zaki's grandmother, as well as Samar Api. Easy read and very enjoyable.

I have often said that being a father is both the best thing and the hardest thing I've ever done. This book parlays much of this ideal in a humorous way that should appeal to both new and old father's alike. The introduction had me laughing uncontrollably to which my wife asked what got my goat and so I read to her the highlights. However, as I continued to read I began to realize that women, or at least my wife, should avoid this book because it does delve into the male mindset enough to make me hide my copy for fear that my she might begin to see some of the absurdities of fatherhood. With that, every dad should read this book because it takes a very funny approach for many of the steps within early fatherhood (births, hospitals, children's minds, vasectomies, the woman who really runs the show, and so forth). As the father of three young children I keep thinking that one day I'll truly be appreciated by my wife and kids, but as Michael Lewis demonstrates, we are mere bystanders in our own lives. With this knowledge, I think the author points out with the birth of his son (Walker) that we get what we invest in our relationships and even though we are mentally and physically exhausted each day, we must find humor and strength for the fleeting time that is fatherhood.

I usually do not like romantic books but this one was pretty good. It kept me interested and had enough plot tweists to make me forget the love stuff. Good read for just about anyone.

I know what you are thinking another book about an athlete who got busted for steroids. Partially you are right, but this book delivers so much more. The insight into professional sports and the life they spend off the field was breathtaking. Making no excuse for these million dollar babies, but if I was n athlete I would stay locked in my hotel room or under my bed at home. Great book. Loads more than I expected.

I found this book when I was searching for a story from Kenya. I was putting together a unit on Kenya for third graders and came across this book and fell in love with it. The mother and son have a sweet relationship and the message of sharing and community come through in the end. Wonderful illustrations and several reference pages at the end of the story. Mama Panya's recipe for pancakes are in there too. I made them and passed them around for my presentation. I loved this book and used it for my unit and plan on purchasing it for my classroom in the future. A wonderful story!!

This has the best opening chapter of any thriller I've ever read -- the only one that gives it a run for its money is the first chapter of Elmore Leonard's "Freaky Deaky." The second chapter is just as good. After the third chapter, I went to the bookstore and bought all of Lee Child's other books. I promise, I've never bought all of an author's books at one time before, I've never met Lee Child or anyone who works for him, and no one is paying me to say this. This book is that good. It's violent, all right -- you won't like it if you can't stomach a lot of violence. (In fact, it's better if you like some well-placed violence.) But the plot is several cuts above the contrived plots of a lot of thrillers, the surprises make sense even while they shock your socks off, and the real heart of the book is Jack Reacher, who you won't soon forget. This is the real deal.

This is a very good short bio of one of baseball's best and most ridiculous players, Alex Rodriguez. "A-Rod" is seen by Roberts as being needy, self centered, rude, and almost pathological in his need for everyone to like him. I actually feel a bit sorry for the man, as he seems to be destined for a life similar to one of his heroes, Joe DiMaggio; a man who died basically alone, estranged from friends and family save for one sycophantic assistant. A-Rod may find himself in a similar situation, as the man's manipulations and transgressions, both in terms of baseball and his personal life, leave him unloved and unliked by almost everyone he comes in contact with. Fine job by Roberts. I read this book knowing that Selena may never live down her hatchet job done on the Duke lacrosse team in its infamous "rape" case several years back. But the young woman can write, and effectively deals with a host of issues and personalities well here. Well worth reading.

Super funny book about the adventures of raising a kid under a foodie's watch. The writing style and pace of the book make it tough to put down. Plenty of bacon and pirate references as any good book should have. The recipies seem to be pretty dang good. I have made the Phad Thai recipe so far and am going to try out the braised short ribs soon even though my kid can't eat real food yet.

This work contains four short stories by Tolkien, as well as my favorite non-LOTR work "Leaf By Niggle." "Leaf by Niggle" offers more insight into Tolkien than any biography written; it is key to understanding Tolkien. These stories and, in the case of "Tom Bombadil," poems, are delightful side trips into Tolkien's creativity. "Farmer Giles of Ham" is the best of the lot, but they are all very good. The soft pencil sketches by Alan Lee are a welcome addition. If you enjoy reading Tolkien, you should buy this volume

When I was a child, curious George was one of my favorites, and now this fine book allows me to pass along George's adventures to my own children. Perhaps the best thing about this book is that it contains so many curious George stories. You could read a different story each night for several nights. My children have quickly become as fond of George as I was when I was a child. The accompanying illustrations are very colorful and they definitely grab a young child's attention. I highly recommend this fine children's book. It is a great book to share with your children and perhaps serve as a reminder to your own childhood.

When a homeless man's death garners no attention, Lindsay Boxer's friend, Cindy Thomas, uses her influence as a journalist to convince San Francisco Police Department to investigate the case. Lindsay and her partner Rich Conklin have already been assigned to investigate the deaths of Ethan and Isa Bailey, however, and can't pursue the case while on duty. As mysterious deaths begin to mount, Lindsay and Rich, find less and less time to investigate the homeless man's case. Cindy, on the other hand, continues to probe the case and bring justice to the homeless man. As in all Patterson books, sideplots are plentiful. The Assistant District Attorney is prosecuting Stacey Glenn for the death of her parents. A mobile meth lab disguised as a school bus explodes. Patterson is a master at developing plots and intertwining stories. The action and intrigue never ends, and the story flows smoothly.

I was recommended this book after Harry Potter ended and was told that if I liked Harry Potter (which I love!), then I would like this book. I was hesitant to pick it up, as I was told the same thing about another recent popular book, and I ended up hating that one. But I decided to pick up The Alchemyst a few weeks ago, and gave it a go, and really loved it!! It's been the first book since Potter ended that has made me feel like it's one I want to read more than once and I'm anxious to find out what happens in the following books. I still love Potter more, but find The Alchemyst by Michael Scott a book worthy to follow Potter, IMO. The Alchemyst starts off with a bang, and keeps going to the very end. It's full of action and adventure, and I found most of the characters to be very likable. I've heard quite a few people complain of Scott's need to constantly mention modern technology and names in the book, and they find it unnecessarily repetitive. I didn't feel that way. Considering the book is set in modern day San Fransisco, the mention of i-pods, laptops, cellphones, etc. fits with the book, and when they are mentioned more than once, it just fits. It didn't feel overdone to me. Scott is a very talented writer, and I am very much looking forward to the second book, The Magician, and the third coming this year, The Sorceress, and the following three after that. And I think I'll be checking out other books by Michael Scott as well. Read The Alchemyst!!!

This lovely story of ordinary people, doing ordinary things, in extraordinary times is a beautiful example of southern life where poverty is common yet never an excuse. People work hard, they take care of each other, and they find joy in simple things. This book captures the dialect of the South and the reader feels the cold, wet darkness of the mine as well as the sunny fields essential to the family's life. I loved it!

As with all his Prey novels, John Sandford keeps the readers riveted to the exploits of Lucas Davenport. Invisible Prey is a good story, of course, but it's not one of the best in the Prey series. I think it lacked a little of the suspense. I found myself missing Sloan, who, of course, retired to open his bar. With Sloan's retirement, maybe Sandford can bring back Del a little more. Davenport fans will like the book... just not as much as some of the others in the Prey series.

This book had everything. I am always nervous when reading the last in a series because the author has a monumental chance to mess everything up. Riordin didn't. It was great. Had me on the edge of my seat. I stayed up for two hour after I had already been up for 24 hours just to finish. Couldn't put it down.

This is an amazing tool/ reference guide for all to have to lose weight but NOT be on a diet! A resource to healthy eating and enjoying ALL your favorite foods! GET it! & Enjoy! We love it!

American Heritage's Guide To Contemporary Usage And Style answers hundreds of questions about usage, covering everything from commonly confused words and differences between scientific and lay uses of words to controversial pronunciations, grammar rules, formal and informal writing, and more. With it's A-Z dictionary format, Guide To Contemporary Usage And Style offers authoritative and simple details on modern usage and the controversies which surround it.

It is hard to review this book without giving away too much. The events take place in a very short time period and each character's participation in those events overlaps closely with others. The product description above tells enough of the story line to either entice you or turn you away (hopefully the former). The book itself is an extension of the fire and each character's reaction to it. Pipkin's writing is very smooth. When I finish a book and realize I haven't ranted to myself during its reading, then I know I enjoyed the author's style. His writing doesn't get in the way of the story he is telling. There are writers whose style is the story and that can be enjoyable, too; but Pipkin's purpose was to take us for a time to Concord, not to show off. This is especially well written for a first novel. Pipkin's method is to fill in the background of the characters' lives as the story advances. It works very well, until it has worked for too long. Too much of even a good thing is still too much. We're still learning background with just a few pages left. That doesn't make this book a chore to read; but it does keep it from being as good as it could have been.

This isn't her usual formula, but I enjoyed the fast-paced storyline. It is the "just one more chapter before I go sleep book." I had to wonder, myself, what I would have done in this situation. The thrilling end was fast and excellent in description. Highly recommended.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has great insight into the Snyder family and the beginnings of In-N-Out. It also includes some simple but outstanding business principles that can be learned from the way Harry and Rich did business. The story has plenty of drama, too. Whether or not you are a fan of their hamburgers, I recommend this book has a great read on family-owned businesses and the story of an entire era of americana.

John James is the narrator of GILEAD. He is the Congregationalist minister in Gilead, Iowa and we see him as serious, kind and wise. He seems almost perfect, but he has some imperfections he struggles with. The novel is actually a letter to his young son and we follow the dying man as he reflect on his life, philosophy, scripture and anything else that comes to mind and one of the things that comes to mind is the homecoming of his namesake -- John, called Jack, Boughton -- the son of his friend, Robert Boughton, who is the Presbyterian minister in Gilead. This is the same story retold, made more real, at least for me, because it's told in the third person point of view from the viewpoint of Robert Boughon's youngest daughter, Glory, who is also Jack's younger sister. Glory is an unmarried English teacher, who has come home to take care of her father, who is also old and ill. The ministers are close and so it's only fitting that these two books are as well. I love them both. John Ames Boughton, Jack, has returned after twenty years away. He'd been wicked and wild and Ames at times worries that Jack is paying two much attention to Lila, his young wife. But Jack isn't after Lila, he's got plenty on his mind to keep him occupied and if you've read Gilead before this, you'll know what, but it you haven't it won't be a shocker, because it's 2008, but either way you'll enjoy this book. I could just keep going, talking on and on about these two books, about how much I liked the writing, because it's just so divine. I must admit that I am wondering if Marilynn Robinson is planning a third novel about these events told from Jack's point of view. I know I'd be lining up to buy it.

Wonderful book! I just loved this book; it is my eyes better than The Lords Of The Rings Series. It is full of action and brilliantly described only as Tolkien could do. If you have not read this book you are truly missing out on a classic.

A few months ago, I stumbled upon the uncorrected (limited publication) of this book. Rarely do I read a book a second time; in this case I did when the final copy came out. I loved it. The second time was even better. It is an exceptional, beautifully crafted Novel. Unforgettable novel. This story is written very well the characters are so vivid and lovable all with human flaws and strengths, which make them very real. They live within us with unfulfilled dreams and hopes. The author has done an excellent job to keep the story going keeping you in suspense and wanting to know what happen to the characters. I found it charming, delightful, sometimes funny, and always intriguing I couldn't put it down. A book every immigrant can relate to. It is one of the best books I read in the last few years. A must read to people that appreciate quality literature. Dinaw Mengestu's talent as a storyteller is shown in this first novel. I look forward and hope to read more from him in the future.

Mrs. Numeroff is a genuious. My kids love all of her books and this one is no different. She started with If You Give A Mouse A Cookie and has kept rolling. I love her strong lovable characters. This little pig is awesome; competes well with other little pigs you might read about (ex. The Three Little Pigs). Yes this book is that good. Great job and keep it up. My kids love your work.

A wonderful story with rich characters. I loved this book. I was not sure about reading it at first seeing I had never read any of this author's work before, but a close friend talked me into it. I could not put it down. I loved the story, could relate with the characters, and the language was easy reading. A great book. I highly recommend this book to anyone.

My students love this book. I teach 4th grade and they love finiding intersting and amazing facts in this book. They also love stumping the teacher with facts they learn from this book. I have had to buy 3 of this one as well of a few others in the series. And dealing with kids that is the best review possible; that they read it so many times it wore out. When was the last time you could say that about one of your books. Great book for Fish lovers or just plain curious kids.

A Sci-Fi Geeks Holy Grail. Filled with great secret ifo that helped make the series one of the most profitable ones ever. Remember these are movies that are more than 30 years old and still out do movies created last year. This book gives you the insight to where the ideas came from as well as how they compare to those of today. A must have for every Star Wars lover or anyone interested in space or technology. A great book.

I recently reread this book; after not reading it since High School. It still kept me intriqued even knowing how it would end. That in my eyes is a sign of a good book. This classic still keeps you interested and wondering" Could This Really Happen"! All you would need to do is change the title to 2014 and who knows. Great read if it is your first time or revisiting this classic.

Kristin Chenoweth's autobiography, A Little Bit Wicked, is a fun, funny, sometimes self-deprecating look at this hugely talented vocalist/actress' career thus far. The Tony winner (You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown) and star of Wicked (as Glinda, the 'good' witch), among many other Broadway shows tells of her life with candor and honesty, with many a backstage tale about her route to the top of Broadway's echelon and her experiences on network television - from her little known sitcom, Kristin, to The West Wing and Pushing Up Daisies. This is an enjoyable, fun read. If you're a fan of this talented lady or just a fan of Broadway and musicals, you will find A Little Bit Wicked to be a lot of fun. Highly recommended.

Each generation has their funny people. It is interesting to see how humor changes with the times. This book documents the humor and the funny people. Many are before my time, but many are recognizable. Robin Williams, Roseanne, the Simpsons, Bill Cosby, Jim Carrey, and Seinfeld are the ones I found most interesting. This book is full of photos, quotes, and narratives. This would make a great gift for comedy junkies.

As a fan of Elizabeth Strout's writing, I posit that "Olive Kitteridge" may well be her best novel yet. It's actually a collection of connected stories (through the eponymous Olive) about life in a small New England town. Strout draws each character, and each relationship with a keen and economic eye to detail; in just a short story we learn so much. She deftly describes the intricacies of life weaving the momentous with the mundane, just like reality does. And also like reality, people are multi-faceted. At first Olive may strike the reader as a crabby old woman, which is one facet of her character, but as the stories progress, we learn more and more about this complex and ultimately interesting person. This is simply a wonderful book. Stout's prose is so perfectly apt and so fluidly succinct, that aspiring writers will be alternately envious and awestruck. This is the kind of writing that we avid readers wait for.

Thoughtful best describes Gordon-Reed's treatment of the Thomas Jefferson-Sally Hemings relationship. The most important aspect of this work is her research of the attitudes and behaviors prevalent after the Revolutionary War. It is very easy for one not familiar with that timeframe (and how could we be, as it was two hundred years ago) to assign "Victorian" bias to an inter-racial relationship. The author's thoroughness in explaining and identifying morals and ideas of the post-revolutionary era, as well as European/French laws and philosophies, allows the reader to understand the basis of how this relationship was created and endured for 38 years. She is not critical of either party, even Jefferson, who ensured his career was not jeopardized by never formally acknowledging his mistress or his children. All of this takes place during "heavy" political times for Jefferson. The Hemings family history is exciting and very unusual for it's day. This is a great book.

Now I have that stupid song stuck in my head. But this little gem of a book brought back a lot of laughs long stifled since my childhood. We went nuts for Wacky Packages and we swapped and we traded and we bartered and all of that stuff. My neighbor had some real old vintage ones on her refrigerator that I would go crazy for. But it seems like they haven't included ALL of them. There has to be a sizable number of images that didn't make it into this book. Perhaps I'm mistaken and this book only offers up a few volumes in the series....I know there is stuff that I had that's missing from this book. But - anyway, if you grew up in the 60's and early 70's and you remember purchasing these things for 10 cents or so, this is a wonderful book that looks back on adolescence and hits the funny bone hard. It's short on words and descriptions, but that's fine. The laugh-out-loud images are enough. This book brought a huge smile to my face that didn't go away for a long time. It brought back a wave of great memories and for that, it's worth twice the price!!! I love it!

This is the first cook book I've ever read where I sat down and read it cover to cover first. The musings in this book is worth every page and makes for an engaging read. The book arrived at my house on Thursday and I basically spent all weekend trying out a bunch of the recipes. So far: Patsy's Cashew Chicken (a new household favorite but mixed hoisin sauce, water and soy sauce instead though), Slutty Pancakes, Glazed Pancakes, Tahini Dressing, Coconut rice (never thought leftover rice can taste so good), Crepes (amazing approach and he's right, no once can tell the difference). The recipes are elegantly simple and does not require a culinary degree nor a translator when you go shopping for the ingredients. In fact, most of the stuff is probably already in your pantry. Kenny Shopsin has a distinctive point of view and will leave you wanting to visit NYC just so you can eat at his restaurant and hear his philosophy in person. Be careful you don't get thrown out though...