Product Description

Customer Reviews (24)

Quilter's Dream Quilt
I love quilts that have history.This quilt is full of it.If you research the thought behind this quilt you will be amazed.Not much fabric to purchase and your finished quilt is fabulous.Enjoy

easy to follow instructions, very good photos of quilt blocks
I have been quilting for only four yrs and find the Eleanor Burns books very easy to follow....she breaks down each pattern into specific parts and even a novice can follow along...her Underground Railroad Sampler is wonderful with lots of photos and stories regarding each block...I gave it five stars....would highly recommend this book...I have had the pleasure of meeting Eleanor Burns twice and she is a delightful person...if you are going to invest in quilt books, I would purchase her books as the reference material is like taking a quilt class with the ability to return to the teacher for review anytime

Superb
The book was like brand new. It was in great condition. I have told others from my quilt group and some of them have ordered books also. My service was quick and easy. Thank you very much.

Great book
Very well written and illustrated with lots of information on how the underground railroad worked. Lots of hints for quilters.

Historically Great
I haven't had a chance to work out of the book yet, but I am excited about getting to it. ... Read more

Product Description
An early cult classic graphic novel from the author of the acclaimed Black Hole.Meet El Borbah, a 400-pound private eye who wears a Mexican wrestler's tights and eerie mask. Subsisting entirely on junk food and beer, El Borbah conducts his investigations with tough talk and a short temper. He smashes through doors and skulls as he stalks a perfectly realized film-noir city filled with punks, geeks, business-suited creeps and mad scientists.

El Borbah features five science-fiction and true-detective episodes: In "Robot Love," rebellious kids in nightclubs replace their "parts" with mechanical substitutes as part of a new fad, only to find that their parents have been automating themselves all along;in "Love in Vein" a mad visionary sperm donor plans a master race and turns "his" kids against their parents; "Bone Voyage" details the exploits of a cult called the Brotherhood of the Bone, a kind of cross between the Masons and the Mansons. The fantastic plots take up the weird fears of a scientific society, but the action is pure pulp. Charles Burns effortlessly spins yarns with gritty punchlines and pictures so perfect they must have existed in some collective memory of junk drama. And through it all crashes El Borbah, trying to make an honest buck from dishonest people.

Burns is the author of Black Hole, the acknowledged masterpiece of the form that Fantagraphics serialized through the 1990s and will be collected into a massive graphic novel in 2005 by Pantheon Books. El Borbah is Burns' earliest work, created in the early 1980s, though the work remains eerily contemporary. Steeped in a "sci-fi-noir" aesthetic informed by Burns' steadily childhood diet of B-movies and comic books, but with a sophisticated sense of humor that is often as disturbing as it is funny, El Borbah is comics as its most entertaining. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

!Me Gusta El Borbah!
The wonderfully bizarre adventures of El Borbah, a Mexican wrestler type detective.El Borbah is a strange character in even stranger stories, collected in this book.It has a sort of pulp/noir meets science fiction feel that makes for a really entertaining read.!Muy Bueno!

Blah
His later work is far superior. While the style is luscious, the content is lacking. The so-called "humor" is very pathetic. Not amusing in the least, even for demented fans of El Santo and mexican wrestling.Pass!

Absolutely Fantastic Production!
It's great to see Charles Burns' work get the treatment it deserves, this is one beautifully-made book with hilarious, pulpy stories starring the mad wrestler-detective El Borbah. Well worth the price!

Viva El Borbah!
Burns has always been a consistently excellent artist.No one knows how to put black on paper better than him.This collection contains some great artwork and entertaining writing.I can't wait until the nextcollection....

Viva El Borbah!
Years before bands such as Southern Culture on the Skids and Los Straightjackets began to pay homage to masked Mexican wrestlers, Burns gave us El Borbah. The mask wearing Private Dick chain smokes, swills beer andgets into fist fights with just about everyone. Bizarre and beautiful. Forthose who love B-Grade Sci-Fi, Mexican wrestlers and Film Noir, this is amust have. ... Read more

Product Description
A mother who cannot face her future.
A daughter who cannot escape her past.
 
Lady Elisabeth Kerr is a keeper of secrets. A Highlander by birth and a Lowlander by marriage, she honors the auld ways, even as doubts and fears stir deep within her.

Her husband, Lord Donald, has secrets of his own, well hidden from the household, yet whispered among the town gossips.

His mother, the dowager Lady Marjory, hides gold beneath her floor and guilt inside her heart. Though her two abiding passions are maintaining her place in society and coddling her grown sons, Marjory’s many regrets, buried in Greyfriars Churchyard, continue to plague her.

One by one the Kerr family secrets begin to surface, even as bonny Prince Charlie and his rebel army ride into Edinburgh in September 1745, intent on capturing the crown.

A timeless story of love and betrayal, loss and redemption, flickering against the vivid backdrop of eighteenth-century Scotland, Here Burns My Candle illumines the dark side of human nature, even as hope, the brightest of tapers, lights the way home. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (121)

Starts slow, then pays off in the end
I knew coming in to this book that it was based on the Book of Ruth - but really, it's more of a prequel to the Book of Ruth. The book ends where Ruth begins essentially. I wish I had known that when I started reading it, otherwise the first half wouldn't have dragged so much. The whole time I was thinking, "When are they going to get to the part when [fill in Book of Ruth event here]?" Another reason why it drags is that the book takes its time setting up the characters, explaining the situation with the Jacobite uprising, etc. Liz's previous Scottish novels always focused on the intimate details of the character's personal lives, which she excels at, not what was going on in the outside world. The details of the uprising weren't as interesting to me as what was going on with the characters. However, half-way through the story really takes off like a rocket and you won't be able to put it down until the end. And then you'll be eagerly awaiting the sequel, which really will follow the Book of Ruth. I can't wait!

A little too slow
The first half of the book is slow. Also, the author seems to spend more time describing what the characters are eating, drinking and wearing. Constantly describes the dresses of the female characters, constantly giving the color of the gown. I don't care what colors their gowns are! I don't care if they are wearing pink, green, chartreuse, yellow or whatever. This receives more emphasis than anything else in the book, it seems. Very little character development of Donald (other than the fact that he is a philanderer) and his wife Elisabeth. The author's writing style does not hold my attention. Although I am glad that the book doesn't contain descriptive violence and sex. Its not a bad book, not a great book. Just okay.

Here Burns My Candle
Loved this story based on Ruth & Naomi! The Kerr family's journey through losses, trials and heartaches showcased the firm foundation that stands when all else unravels.Started out disliking Marjorie, but I was won over in the end, perhaps by seeing her through Elisabeth's gracious eyes. Enjoyed the history but also found a warning there, aren't we also easily won over by a "bonny" face and a hunger for change? Rich with authentic characters facing profound moral issues, Liz has crafted another beautiful depiction of the third strand essential to every relationship, Christ and His ever present grace.

One of the few Christian romances thoroughly worth reading
Here Burns My Candle was a wonderful mix of characters, places, dresses, action and faith. Liz Curtis Higgs is definitely one of the better Christian romance authors. She develops her characters very well and one can't help but fall in love with them despite, or perhaps because of their flaws. I'm not going to lie...I cried a little while reading this book. Mrs Higgs, unlike most Christian romance authors, has succeeded in making her faith the centre of Here Burns My Candle without it feeling 'tacked on'. She has a fantastic knowledge of the land and the period she is dealing with. Although the story does move along slowly, I did not have a problem with that--it was nice to sit down and feel like I had gotten to know the characters rather than simply skimmed the top of them. (Beware-if you like fast, physical action packed stories, this probably isn't for you.) If you love historical detail and romance without sappyness, you will enjoy this book. I'm waiting for the sequel...

Couldn't put it down
My favorite fiction is historical and this author is very good at it.Not only does she have a wonderful way of making history come alive (without being boring) but she has a splendid way of developing her characters.This is a Christian writer that would appeal to all religions (or the not religious)It is just a very good historical read that happened to get it's outline from the book of Ruth in the Old Testament.For those of us who are fans of Liz, this book will not disappoint.For those historical fiction fans who have never read her books, start here, and be in for a treat!

... Read more

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Customer Reviews (240)

classic
This novel is a classic of early 1900's southern American life by a highly gifted author.Told with heart and humor.

LOVED, LOVED, LOVED ** SPOILER ALERT **
** SPOILER ALERT **


LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. I can not believe I waited this long to read it. Not only a great story, but Burns does a stellar job of accurately reflecting the Southern culture, speech, prejudices and religious legalisms that were part & parcel of the times. I loved Rucker Blakesley & Ms. Love Simpson. I loved his rebellious attitude against what he believed to be ridiculous restrictions, and I loved that he was not a shallow man. What made him more endearing was his understanding of what ...more LOVED, LOVED, LOVED this book. I can not believe I waited this long to read it. Not only a great story, but Burns does a stellar job of accurately reflecting the Southern culture, speech, prejudices and religious legalisms that were part & parcel of the times. I loved Rucker Blakesley & Ms. Love Simpson. I loved his rebellious attitude against what he believed to be ridiculous restrictions, and I loved that he was not a shallow man. What made him more endearing was his understanding of what was necessary to woo Ms. Love, and his patience & willingness to do so. I loved the way she knew how to get out of him what she wanted without taking advantage of him, and that she grew to love him deeply. But the best part of their relationship by far was their relationship with God. Rucker "preached" his most powerful sermon in his sick (and ultimately death) bed, and it was as true an explanation of what Jesus meant by "ask and you will receive" as there has ever been. Regardless of what his falsely pious, judgmental family & friends had to say, his relationship with God was real & honest.

excellent slice of southern
I'm a big fan of the eccentric characters, petty "wars", and very real feelings under the humor and heartache in this book. Also, a fascinating peek into the mind of a turn of the century 14 year old boy.

fantastic
I thought Cold Sassy Tree was fantastic!So well written, I was really attached to the characters and felt like I was a part of the story!I had a great time reading this and can not wait to read Leaving Cold Sassy!

Days gone by
It's a warm remembrance of the early 1900's in the South - not a cliffhanger or page-turner, it's storytelling at its best.Great character development and in many places, very poigniant.Seeing the changes in Grandpa, you believe an old dog can learn tricks! ... Read more

Product Description
Once a hard-case gangbanger, famous philanthropist Father Santiago is being pressured to aid his former gang or have his crimes exposed. He can't go to the cops, but he can go to his old friend-burned covert operative Michael Westen. ... Read more

Product Description
A self-deprecating witch with the unique ability to reanimate the dead. A dangerously handsome warlock torn between being her boss and her would-be lover. A six hundred year old English vampire with his own agenda; one that includes an appetite for witches. The Underworld in a state of chaos. Let the games begin.

Life isn’t bad for psychic Jolie Wilkins. True, she doesn’t have a love life to speak of, but she has a cute house in the suburbs of Los Angeles, a cat and a quirky best friend.

Enter Rand Balfour, a sinfully attractive warlock who insists she’s a witch and who just might turn her life upside down. Rand hires her to help him solve a mystery regarding the death of his client who also happens to be a ghost. Jolie not only uncovers the cause of the ghost’s demise but, in the process, she brings him back to life!

Word of Jolie’s incredible ability to bring back the dead spreads like wildfire, putting her at the top of the Underworld’s most wanted list. Consequently, she finds herself at the center of a custody battle between a villainous witch, a dangerous but oh-so-sexy vampire, and her warlock boss, Rand.

You might also enjoy H.P. Mallory's book, To Kill A Warlock

If you enjoy this book, consider signing up for my email distribution list to learn when new books are released! Just visit my website: www.hpmallory.com and click the "contact" tab.

Contest! Enter to win a part in my next book, Toil and Trouble, the follow up book to Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble. This contest ends October 30, 2010 so be sure to enter soon! Details can be found on my blog: http://urbanfantasyauthor.blogspot.com/2010/10/contest-become-character-in-my-next.html

If you like HP Mallory, you might like Zoe Winters and Lori Brighton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

Very entertaining and well constructed
This book, and new author H.P. Mallory have been a wonderful surprise find for me! This is a cleverly written, and well developed story. Our introductions to the main characters were well planned with new ones added in a timely and seemingly effortless style. The author wove the tale and our interest in the heroine beautifully together, I was captivated and I am a tough sell as a rule!
Interestingly, the level of confidence in the character, Jolie seemed to grow at the same pace as the author's in her writing. With every chapter the book grew in it's depth of detail and complexity of storyline. I realise it is the beginning of a series, but my only complainEt is that the end left me wanting more and resenting having to wait for the next book!

fun and entertaining!
A fun way to spend a couple hours.This is a light, fun, paranormal romance. I really like that it's paranormal but not dark. It reminds me of Julie Kenner's Superhero central series in the tone. I look forward to reading more in this world.Aphrodite's Kiss (Protector)

Author Needs To Do Her Research
Anyone knowledgeable in paranormal knows that a warlock isn't a male witch -- male and female are both called witches. A warlock practices dark magic and no way could be considered a hero.

Someone not doing their research in something that important bothers me a great deal and ruins a story.

I absolutely Recommend this book
PERSONAL SUMMARY
Girl next door turned powerful witch, Jolie Wilkins will be forced to accept her fate and destiny as part of the Otherworldly creatures. With a dangerously powerful warlock and gorgeous master vampire vying for her attention, Jolie will have to keep her attention focused or risk loosing the war threating all the Otherworldly creatures.

FAVORITE LINE:
And as for me, I'm not really sure if there was much of a difference between me getting my ass kicked inside or outside, but there you have it.

FIRST LINE:
It's not every day you see a ghost.

PLOT:
When I cracked this eBook open and started reading Fire Burn I will be very honest, I was skeptical of what to expect. I have been told many negative things about Indie authors which made me question the quality of their work. I read the blurb to get and idea before hand and was surprised. I immediately thought that the book could have some great potential. I was not disappointed. This book has it all. It was riddled with cliff hangers that pulled you along making it very difficult to leave the story. The plot was well thought out and I enjoyed taking the journey through Jolie Wilkins's POV. I felt the story was well rounded and complete. I am not sure what I enjoyed more, the tug of words and sensual touches shared with master vampire Sinjin or the arousing and sexy tug of emotions with the warlock, Rand. I loved the balances of action and romance that was woven together to create a great plot. The heroines started out as the sweet girl next door while living a life of a quiet shop keeper then shoved into being the one witch the could save the Underworld creatures from forced tyranny from a powerful homicidal witch.

SETTING:
The story traveled from Jolie's shop in Los Angels, then to Chicago. Shorty after that they are forced to return to Pelham Manor in England and eventually end up in Scotland. Definitely a wide variety of settings that captivated my imagination and allowed my mind to spread its wings and enjoy the surroundings set by the different locations.

WRITING:
Writing a story in first person takes a lot of skill and I think Ms Mallory possess that skill. Her writing style adds a flare to the fictional world that shouldn't be missed. She brought a vivid picture to life through her character's eyes and actions that ultimately brought it to life for me as I enjoyed the story. I did find a few editing problems, but it did not interrupt the flow of the story or the quality of the book.

CHARACTERS:
Oh, the characters....
Jolie Wilkins is one hell of a fiery heroine and can belt out While she is not overly aggressive or snarky, she is determined and stubborn. She holds a certain spunk and charm that makes you like her immediately. She demands to know what id going on around her and is not afraid to let herself be known. I mean, if you were positioned and used as a pawn in a war between the Underworld creatures, you would feel a little put out too. She takes the changes thrown at her in stride and accepts that she just might be a little more than a tarot card reader. Being able to reanimate the dead has to put her up there in the 'immensely powerful' category right! And all through the story she always has her best friend at her side.
When the oh-so-sexy and powerful warlock walks onto the page you can't help but fall in love with his sensual side, wishing Jolie and he would both realize the sizzling attraction they share for one another. Then the six-hundred year old master vampire Sinjin is such a sinful treat to behold, you can't help but want him to bite Jolie. It will be interesting to discover his hidden agenda and who will win the affection of the new witch of the Underworld.

LAST THOUGHTS:
Jolie Wilkins is just the right character to take you on an adventure that leads through the dark side of witches and warlocks. Along the way you will meet werewolves and vampires that make your skin crawl and your heart race. Lets not forget the strongest of them all, the fairies and their devilish handsome king, Odran. Ms Mallory did an excellent job writing this paranormal romance. I can't wait for her second book in the Jolie Wilkin's series, Toil and Trouble. Coming January 1, 2011.

Fun New Series! Witches, Warlocks and MAgic :)
If you're looking for a really fun Halloween read, this is the perfect book. Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble is book 1 in the Jolie Wilkins series, a paranormal romance/urban fantasy about witches and warlocks. Jolie is pretty much your average girl-next-door until one day a man named Rand shows up and tells her she's more than just psychic, she's actually a witch!

Rand offers her a job that she can't afford to pass up as a struggling tarot reader and when she accepts the job, Jolie tumbles into the world of magic and all its pitfalls as well. If it's not a witch versus warlock stand-off to "win" her, it's a crazy ghost trying to feel her up! Jolie just keeps running into crazier and crazier things. Add to that Rand's rule of "never mix business with pleasure" and he and Jolie find their mutual attraction is just one more thing they gotta fight.

With confidence issues, an all but non-existent dating life, and a pushy best friend, Jolie fights to keep her life in check and then to simply keep her life! It's a crazy new world she's part of but a great sense of humor and some interesting new friends make her life so much more exciting, lol
Even though she only wanted her old life, she ends up on an exciting if chaotic self-discovery as she and her new "boss" Rand fight against the power hungry witch Bella.

I loved this book, it was the perfect Halloween treat! So if you're in the mood for witches, warlocks, and some sexy things that go bump in the night, check out Fire Burn and Cauldron Bubble :D

[...]

[...] ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (35)

SLOW BURN
I THOUGHT THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING THE LOVE STORIES BETWEEN SLADE AND SKYE WAS WONDERFUL , AND SO WAS THE STORY FOR NEDWYN AND DIANA. WHEN I READ MZ. JACKSON'S NOVELS THEY ALWAYS MAKE ME FEEL LIKE THAT'S THE TYPE OF LOVE I WANT FOR MYSELF.

Really????
I'm not sure I actually bought this but it was a good book. I like most of Jackson's novels.

LOVE THE MADARIS FAMMILY
Skye is the only child, she finds out she is adopted, and that she has younger brother who lives with a new family. Justin and Loren, welcome Skye into the Madaris family, she also meets their Nephew Slade although she is use to doing things everyone else wants her do, marrying the right man, going to certain, schools and even her type of job. Slade shows her a what has been missing in her life.LOVE, There is a lot of drama in this book but it's a page turner all the way to the end.I won't give to much away but will say sometimes you DO get to pick your family.

You May Have To Keep Reading To Enjoy
Slow Burn by Brenda Jackson turned out to be a good book, although it started slow. I haven't read any of Ms. Jackson's other works so I was unfamiliar with the Madaris Family.This family is just too good to be true. Every man has a great husband who dotes on her every need.

Adoptee Skye Barclay finds her biological brother Vincent who was adopted by one of the Madaris brothers.She also finds Vincent's cousin Slade.If you can get past all of the kissing Skye and Slade do, it turns out to be a great read with some mystery and suspense.

I wanted to read the book because I am an adoptee, but I'm glad I bought the book on this website's today's deals section!

Love at first sight, but simmered to a "Slow Burning Fire"
Slow Burn" by Brenda Jackson continues the Madaris saga.Skye Barclay goes looking for younger brother, Vincent, who has been adopted by Justin and Lorren Madaris.When Skye visits the Madaris' home she meets Justin's cousin, Slade Madaris.For both, Skye and Slade, it is love at first sight.Sparks ignite and the fire starts to burn and keep on burning -- slowly until it erupts into a flaming blaze of hot passion.

Skye's life has not always been easy.Even though raised by adoptive parents and Skye had all the material things she needed or ever wanted, Skye felt there was something still missing.If not for her adoptive aunt and her adoptive father's boss and boss' wife, Skye would not have experienced the love she found when she visited the Madaris' home.There, Skye realized what was missing in her adoptive home -- it was love, a love that stems from the heart.

While visiting, Skye makes several other stunning discoveries when she finds her younger brother.She not only gains a brother, but she is also reunited with her paternal father and natural grandfather, who turned out to also be her adoptive father's boss.For Skye, love is overflowing, but the greatest love comes in the form of sexy Slade Madaris who is there for Skye when she first set foot in the Madaris' home.Skye's and Slade's love becomes a slow, burning fire that definitely erupts as time goes by.

BRENDA JACKSON FANS:THIS IS ONE OF THE "MADARIS" BOOKS.A MUST READ IF YOU HAVE READ THE OTHER BOOKS IN THE SERIES OR IF YOU HAVE READ ANY OF MS. JACKSON'S BOOKS. This book also reunites us with the Madaris clan -- Dex and Caitlin, Clayton and Syneda, Christy and Alex, and their families.


... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
Classic stories starring Dog Boy and Mister Blister, as well as several tales of doomed romance and creepy revulsion, plus a selection of sketchbook excerpts, covers and illustrations.Charles Burns is the creator of the landmark horror graphic novel Black Hole (in development as a major motion picture directed by David Fincher). Skin Deep is the third (following El Borbah and Big Baby) of a series of three volumes reprinting his acclaimed oeuvre up to Black Hole. Skin Deep includes Burns's popular character Dog Boy (a red-blooded all-American boy with the transplanted heart of a dog) and the classic strip "Dog Days," in which a hash-slinging vixen wags her tail at our fearful hero. The book also collects "Burn Again," which features a strange fella named Bliss Blister, claiming to bring the Word of God, but some fear he brings something evil and profane. In "A Marriage Made in Hell," a young wife's flesh tingled with passion, but the sight of her made her husband's skin crawl. Was the love-knot she tied really a hangman's noose? These tales of doomed romance set a tone for the rest of Skin Deep. In addition to the comics, Skin Deep includes several pages of new illustrations reprinted from Burns's sketchbooks as well as covers and other pieces from foreign editions of Burns's work. 96 pages of b/w comics ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

THIS IS A FUN BOOK - BUY IT
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R1Y3I0NCZZ49SO This comic book is entertaining just to read, but it also makes a good conversation piece for the coffee table.The artwork is not flashy and colorful like most of the modern graphic novels you could buy from more mainstream artists, but it has a very cool retro 50's sort of feel to it.

In my video I read to you five pages of the first story ( the book has three stories), to give you a feel for tone and look of book. The main character and hero of the first story is kind of a cross between Archie Andrews and Jimmy Olsen. A naive fellow who most folks call Dog-Boy, and he looks at the world around him without much depth of thought, the way perhaps adolescents might view the world. But he encounters sinister, creepy people who seem to have boiled over from some underground cauldron in a punk-rock hell and does the best he can to deal with what fate has handed him.

The second story is a very twisted and , well, sick..., exposure of a cult-like scam artist who ends up believing his own propaganda only to realize too late that he , himself , is being used by another shady self-styled cultist.

The third story defies any standard description. An author proceeds to write a tale and takes us into the storyline only to have reality suddenly come crashing back at the end.

The book is well worth buying.I actually have re-read the book several times since buying it, enjoying it immensely each time.It's not a read-and-toss book, it's one that you will keep coming back to because of it's strangeness and strange sense of humor.

- Mike S.

Some of Charles Burns best work...
If you have the Penguin Books 1992 version of SKIN DEEP, then you have 95% of the content of this edition. The Stories "Dog Days" and "Burn Again" were published as weekly strips between 1988 and 1991. The story "A Marriage Made in Hell" was published as a whole in RAW back in 1984.

If you were paying attention, you'll recognize "Dog Days" as the source material for the brilliant live action serial "Dog Boy" which ran on MTV's LIQUID TELEVISION.

For this souped up version of SKIN DEEP (volume 3 in The Charles Burns Library), there are new covers, new interior front and back pieces, and an epilogue with a little explanatory verse and some collected bits and pieces including: a Burns cover for BLAST magazine (1991, which also serialized Dog Boy), black and white reproductions of the 1992 edition covers and endpieces, a self portrait which also appeared on the cover of Comics Journal in 1992 and some fabulous Burns "wallpaper" which you are encouraged to photocopy to use as such.

Very satisfying for the Burn enthusiast.

This edition was delayed several times, probably due to the time consuming and painstaking efforts that go into his creations.

It's definitely worth the effort. Thanks Charles!

Dark, Twisted and Funny
I confess to being a Burns freak, owning everything I can find of his - even if he only has one or two pages in a book, I will buy it.This doesn't disappoint if you are a fan of Burns, or just enjoy comix that are deeply twisted, some sort of hell from the inside of a demented mind.Burns has a distinctive way with the pen and the comix themselves are also enjoyable.

Film-Noir Meets The Outer Limits At Midnight
Distinctly creepy with a great deal of reality placed in a blender withsome bad speed.Think of the images left in your mind when you wake up from a bad dream right before you get the shades open!!First rate story telling and art.

Charles Burns lays the ink, touches the dark heart of Americ
My wife doesn't like this book.That's all you need to know.Go for it.Well, I'll vouchsafe a bit more.A cartoonist I was talking to once put it very neatly.Speaking of his education by another cartoonist, he said "he taught me the art of knowing where to put the ink."Sounds silly, I know, but think about that next time you look at a B&W comic book.To me, Charles Burns might well be the first book I'd hand to someone, as Exhibit A of knowing where to put the ink.And I haven't even gotten around to discussing his subject matter, yet!You need to know that Burns' work is very emotional, more than a little surreal, peopled by montrous humanoids, a little too familiar for my tastes; most people would say ugly, the rest, beautiful.Themes of doglike love, the rampage of spirituality gone hopelessly awry, the pieces of passion exploded beyond recognition, and stitched together like a calico cat.It's all here.Good luck. ... Read more

Product Description
A red-hot read from a brand-new voice in erotic romance.

He wanted all of her—and did she ever let him have it…

Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in—and finds himself greatly rewarded…

Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor—when she didn’t even know his last name—was the craziest thing Niall’s ever done. Now, she can’t seem to get enough of Vic—or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she’s opening to sensual pleasures she’s never known before. But when Niall’s past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that’s in their hearts? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Wicked Sex
For the record Beth Kery has proved with Wicked Burn she can write some explosive sex scenes surrounded by a very intriguing plot.H/h both are casualties from previous relationships, hook up for a wild night of sex after the H chases away the h over eager date that was not ready to say good-bye at her door like a gentleman should. They both hold back their personal history for fear of being judged or hurt, so they believe their budding relationship is just physical with no strings attached. The secrets they withhold from each other are revealed in hurtful ways that add major angst to the relationship and threaten to end it before it truly begins. The h back story of a tragedy that totally altered her life was well done. And the H history regarding a typical male reaction to rejected love was realistic.

My only 2 issues with WB was the H/h immediately had sex within the first 10 pages. And kept at it like the Energizer Bunny for about half way through the book. If you like sex scene after sex scene you will find no fault, especially because they are very descriptive and the H dirty talk during sex was pretty good . A little relationship building prior to the sex would have been nice.I also did not like that at some point in the book the h did not communicate to the H her past. I could understand the hesitation on the h part but I thought the book lost some of its intensity when the author chose to use a different person for the big reveal scene. I like my erotica hot and wrapped around a interesting plot, WB delivered and in spite of 1 or 2 flaws was a very enjoyable read.

It was ok ....
SPOILERS!!!

Let me start off by saying that this is the first book that I have read that has been a "erotic romance" novel.Maybe others are better, but this book did not make me run to order more.So the fact that I thought that the book was 3/4 sex and 1/4 story might just be typical of this type of book.I thought the plot was a great story and maybe that is why I wanted a little more of it.It also bothered me that Vic gets caught kissing his ex and is so easily taken back by the h (in a manner of minutes). Then, later on in the story he is accusing her of cheating on her husband.He refers to his "personal morals" that would not allow him to behave this way.Really?Where were those morals when he was kissing the other chic?It was almost laughable.Even worse was all the crap that he did to her afterwards and how hard he was on her.

Liked the 2nd half better
Unlike some reviewers, I actually found the second half of the story more interesting than the first. I really like sex scenes and with a lot of stories I'm usually wishing the author would just "get to the sex" already. heheHowever, that being said, the first half of this book seemed to be overloaded with sex. Right from the beginning Niall and Vic were getting it on and the first half of the book was just one sex scene after another in my opinion. I had a very hard time getting interested in the story at all and had very little interest in the characters. Niall and Vic felt very one dimensional to me, especially Vic -- the typical broody as hell, unable to communicate, "you've given me the best sex of my life so now I love you" type hero. Yes, there was a glimmer of depth for Vic when he puts his emotions onto paper for his play but that's about where his emotion ended for me. Niall and Vic's characters could have been much more fleshed out in my opinion rather than just sex, sex, sex, and that's saying a lot coming from me. lolI guess I just need a little more build up and tension rather than just a hot guy and girl with the all too familiar unspoken attraction jumping each other.

Now the second half was a little better and that's probably because they separate most of the time and weren't having sex, because that's pretty much all they did when they were together rather than have any real conversations. The second half also delved a little more deeply into the characters' back stories, particularly Niall's. Even though I liked the second half better and found it more interesting than the first, it still was a rather frustrating, borderline ridiculous, situation. Those plots that revolve around miscommunication are always so frustrating but what Niall could have just spit out in literally all of two seconds would have saved months of misunderstanding. Although I suppose Niall did do a bit of healing and soul-searching during those months. I can't help but wonder what sort of future this pair will have though.

All in all, this wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. The story definitely had its good moments and my heart really went out to Niall for her past. It was a better idea for a plot than a great deal of other stories in this genre but it just wasn't explored enough in my opinion. This was a bit pricey on Kindle ($13) and unfortunately I would not buy it again if I had the choice to make over.

Lacking...
I don't usually do reviews because to me they are simply other's opinions. I just wanted to give you a few facts that, if I had known I wouldn't have wasted my time reading this book. First, the book starts off with the two main characters having sex. No back story - no real knowledge of who these people are. And the sex scenes are long so you are kinda thinking okay - when does the story begin???? Then the authors likes to involve anal in her sex scenes. Not my thing. Other than that, the book itself was just not my thing. Many things irked me but those are the ones that stuck out the most.

Kind of let down on this one
I agree with another reviewer that Beth Kery has talent as an author. This book had more depth than I had expected and I will read some of her other books in the future.I hate to admit this but what caught my eye (even though I know the author has nothing to do with this) is the classy cover.As a romance reader junkie, I really am tired of the cheesy (& embarrassing) covers so I was pleased to see one that was eye appealing but the bottom line is the story caught my attention.

This book frustrated me because I really did not like the main characters, Niall & Vic, (wanted to and didn't happen) and I didn't care for them any better by the end of the story.For me, that sums up the whole book and it's hard for me to get past that.This book only rates an average with me.

However, I will see what else is out there that Beth Kery has written and give it another go. ... Read more

Product Description
A red-hot read from a brand-new voice in erotic romance.

He wanted all of her—and did she ever let him have it…

Vic Savian knows what he wants when he sees it. And what he wants is his sexy neighbor, Niall Chandler. When he finds her in the hallway of their building being harassed by an aggressive suitor, Vic steps in—and finds himself greatly rewarded…

Sleeping with her gorgeous neighbor—when she didn’t even know his last name—was the craziest thing Niall’s ever done. Now, she can’t seem to get enough of Vic—or the uninhibited passion he stirs in her. Suddenly, with his help, she’s opening to sensual pleasures she’s never known before. But when Niall’s past comes back to haunt her, will she and Vic let themselves venture beyond the bedroom and explore the possibility of the love that’s in their hearts? ... Read more

Customer Reviews (31)

Wicked Sex
For the record Beth Kery has proved with Wicked Burn she can write some explosive sex scenes surrounded by a very intriguing plot.H/h both are casualties from previous relationships, hook up for a wild night of sex after the H chases away the h over eager date that was not ready to say good-bye at her door like a gentleman should. They both hold back their personal history for fear of being judged or hurt, so they believe their budding relationship is just physical with no strings attached. The secrets they withhold from each other are revealed in hurtful ways that add major angst to the relationship and threaten to end it before it truly begins. The h back story of a tragedy that totally altered her life was well done. And the H history regarding a typical male reaction to rejected love was realistic.

My only 2 issues with WB was the H/h immediately had sex within the first 10 pages. And kept at it like the Energizer Bunny for about half way through the book. If you like sex scene after sex scene you will find no fault, especially because they are very descriptive and the H dirty talk during sex was pretty good . A little relationship building prior to the sex would have been nice.I also did not like that at some point in the book the h did not communicate to the H her past. I could understand the hesitation on the h part but I thought the book lost some of its intensity when the author chose to use a different person for the big reveal scene. I like my erotica hot and wrapped around a interesting plot, WB delivered and in spite of 1 or 2 flaws was a very enjoyable read.

It was ok ....
SPOILERS!!!

Let me start off by saying that this is the first book that I have read that has been a "erotic romance" novel.Maybe others are better, but this book did not make me run to order more.So the fact that I thought that the book was 3/4 sex and 1/4 story might just be typical of this type of book.I thought the plot was a great story and maybe that is why I wanted a little more of it.It also bothered me that Vic gets caught kissing his ex and is so easily taken back by the h (in a manner of minutes). Then, later on in the story he is accusing her of cheating on her husband.He refers to his "personal morals" that would not allow him to behave this way.Really?Where were those morals when he was kissing the other chic?It was almost laughable.Even worse was all the crap that he did to her afterwards and how hard he was on her.

Liked the 2nd half better
Unlike some reviewers, I actually found the second half of the story more interesting than the first. I really like sex scenes and with a lot of stories I'm usually wishing the author would just "get to the sex" already. heheHowever, that being said, the first half of this book seemed to be overloaded with sex. Right from the beginning Niall and Vic were getting it on and the first half of the book was just one sex scene after another in my opinion. I had a very hard time getting interested in the story at all and had very little interest in the characters. Niall and Vic felt very one dimensional to me, especially Vic -- the typical broody as hell, unable to communicate, "you've given me the best sex of my life so now I love you" type hero. Yes, there was a glimmer of depth for Vic when he puts his emotions onto paper for his play but that's about where his emotion ended for me. Niall and Vic's characters could have been much more fleshed out in my opinion rather than just sex, sex, sex, and that's saying a lot coming from me. lolI guess I just need a little more build up and tension rather than just a hot guy and girl with the all too familiar unspoken attraction jumping each other.

Now the second half was a little better and that's probably because they separate most of the time and weren't having sex, because that's pretty much all they did when they were together rather than have any real conversations. The second half also delved a little more deeply into the characters' back stories, particularly Niall's. Even though I liked the second half better and found it more interesting than the first, it still was a rather frustrating, borderline ridiculous, situation. Those plots that revolve around miscommunication are always so frustrating but what Niall could have just spit out in literally all of two seconds would have saved months of misunderstanding. Although I suppose Niall did do a bit of healing and soul-searching during those months. I can't help but wonder what sort of future this pair will have though.

All in all, this wasn't the worst thing I've ever read. The story definitely had its good moments and my heart really went out to Niall for her past. It was a better idea for a plot than a great deal of other stories in this genre but it just wasn't explored enough in my opinion. This was a bit pricey on Kindle ($13) and unfortunately I would not buy it again if I had the choice to make over.

Lacking...
I don't usually do reviews because to me they are simply other's opinions. I just wanted to give you a few facts that, if I had known I wouldn't have wasted my time reading this book. First, the book starts off with the two main characters having sex. No back story - no real knowledge of who these people are. And the sex scenes are long so you are kinda thinking okay - when does the story begin???? Then the authors likes to involve anal in her sex scenes. Not my thing. Other than that, the book itself was just not my thing. Many things irked me but those are the ones that stuck out the most.

Kind of let down on this one
I agree with another reviewer that Beth Kery has talent as an author. This book had more depth than I had expected and I will read some of her other books in the future.I hate to admit this but what caught my eye (even though I know the author has nothing to do with this) is the classy cover.As a romance reader junkie, I really am tired of the cheesy (& embarrassing) covers so I was pleased to see one that was eye appealing but the bottom line is the story caught my attention.

This book frustrated me because I really did not like the main characters, Niall & Vic, (wanted to and didn't happen) and I didn't care for them any better by the end of the story.For me, that sums up the whole book and it's hard for me to get past that.This book only rates an average with me.

However, I will see what else is out there that Beth Kery has written and give it another go. ... Read more

Product Description
Alexandra Keller is Chicago's most brilliant reconstructive surgeon. Michael Cyprien is New Orleans' most reclusive millionaire-and in desperate need of Dr. Keller's skills. In the heart of the Garden District, Alex encounters the extraordinary Cyprien, uncovering a love Alex is willing to embrace, even if she must sacrifice her heart and soul to do so. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (77)

A good vamp story without all the steam
This series was recommended to me by some of my fellow paranormal romance readers. I was glad to see, however, that this book was not heavy on the romance. This book focuses more on the plot and characters and less on the steamy scenes. Not that the hotness isn't there. There are a few scenes, but for me it was refreshing to read a book that had a little less action. It took awhile for me to get into the story, but this can just be attributed to getting to know a brand new series. The story of how the Darkyn came to be was interesting, and I was glad to see a series where vampires can go out during the day. The only thing thing I had a hard time with was the romance between Michael and Alexandria. It seemed that their "love" for one another came about way too suddenly. It was like one minute she hated him and then the next she loved him.

Dark, Unique Urban Fantasy Series Premiere
This is such an underrated book - but I've noticed from the reviews, probably because it's been promoted as a paranormal romance. That's truly a shame, because it is in NO way a paranormal romance. What it IS is a deep, dark, sometimes ugly, definitely treacherous but imaginative world with complex and flawed characters leading extraordinary lives.

Alex is a reconstructive surgeon stolen off the streets of Chicago and brought to Michael, the tragically scarred Darkyn who was captured and tortured by the Brethren, a sect of religious fanatics out to destroy the race of beings who survived...in a manner of speaking...the Black Plague. Restoring Michael leads Alex down a path of loss and pain and change for both of them.

The plot of the story has been covered in other reviews so I won't rehash it, but will admit I had some difficulty getting into this book and I felt a bit overwhelmed with the story at first. I felt it introduced the main characters of both factions - Darkyn and Brethren - and Alex and her estranged brother, John - without really building the world or explaining what was going on. There was terminology used between characters but not explained to the reader, and quite a bit of French treated the same. At times I felt confused and a little lost, but I stuck with it and I'm very glad I did. Things do eventually become clearer, and are explained a little better the further you go into the book. Once I did start to grasp the mythos of the Darkyn and some of their political structure and spent a bit more time with the characters, I ended up really liking and appreciating the depth and breadth of the story and the world. I can't say I have a total grasp of the Darkyn's political and societal structure, and there are questions that AREN'T answered in this book - though for a series beginner, that's not at all uncommon - but by the book's end I was satisfied that enough had been explained and the world fleshed out enough to be very satisfied with the read.

There were several aspects of the book I liked very much - Alex's character in general and any of the scenes where she was dealing with the Darkyn family she helped were a particular favorite, as well Phillipe, Michael's Seneschal. He was definitely my favorite secondary character. There were also a couple of really nifty plot twists towards the end that I in NO way saw coming and I like when a book catches me off guard that way. All in all, it wasn't a completely comfortable read...it's very dark and has several truly torturous themes...but I ended up liking it a lot more than I did at the beginning. I will be continuing the series, but I'll hold off recommending this one to paranormal romance fans. Dark Urban Fantasy fans would dig it if they can be patient with the beginning, but those looking for a feel good HEA may want to go elsewhere.

Series gets better and better with each book -- keep reading!
After reading the book, at first I thought it was more of a dark urban fantasy with some romance, rather than a paranormal romance as it's marketed. I didn't think there was enough relationship development between Michael and Alex.(I suspect that might be the reason for so many mixed reviews--the book missed its target market.) However, now that I've read more of the series, I learned that the author continues to develop Michael & Alex's relationship in future books--they are key characters throughout the series. The books get better and better as the series progresses. The first book was good, while others were great. So keep reading!

I enjoyed the well written, fast paced storyline and the world building around being a Darkyn. I liked the main characters and supporting cast. I would have liked more development of the relationship between Michael and Alexandra in book one, however was ok with their continued story in later books. Viehl does a great job creating many twists and turns in the plotlines as the series progresses, as well as introducing appealing new characters. I also really liked Samantha (a cop) and Lucan (a former vampire assassin turned master), who show up in the third Darkyn book and we meet them again in the first Kyndred book. The author also does a good job of creating scary bad guys.

Didn't do a plot synopsis, since that was already done well in a lot of other reviews. All in all, a good read. Here's the reading order according to Goodreads:

If Angels Burn (Darkyn, #1)
Private Demon (Darkyn, #2)
Dark Need (Darkyn, #3)
Night Lost (Darkyn, #4)
Evermore (Darkyn, #5)
Twilight Fall (Darkyn, #6)
Stay the Night (Darkyn, #7)
Shadowlight (Kyndred, #1 - spinoff series)

If you are on the hunt for more books like this, check out my list of paranormal romance favorites...
http://www.amazon.com/Paranormal-action-romance-must-reads/lm/R214ESW3HL12HM/ref=tag_lag_rb_munk_lmfull

Not a typical romance
What can I say besides that fact that I loved reading this book? It is not a typical, lovey, dovey romance; it is actually an introduction to a romance that is gradually being established and is based on more than just physical lust. This book is also an intro to the Darkyn and thier lives. Fans of typical erotica will probably be frustrated by this book because there aren't many major "coupling" scenes and there is one rough sex scene that was very well written; the poor guy was drugged, confused, tormented and was being violated by an evil female character but then takes over the situation; and I've got to admit that two words "good girl" never sounded better; before that scene. There is a lot of vicious, twisted and violent torture thanks to the evil bad guys known as the breatheryn. The breatheryn are some seriously crazy monks but not in a good way. So there is a lot of action, adventure and French words in this book. I don't know why it took me so long to find out about this series but I am so glad that I have. I've already read the third one (Dark Need); and I'm finishing the second one (Private Demon) now. So, I'm positive that these books will continue to get better as the series continues. I plan to read the four remaining books of the series.

Good series, would be better if more romance
This review covers the entire series.I just finised book 7 and I have to say my interest grew with each book.I can't help comparing this series to Ward's BDB as that is the series to which I measure all paranormal vampire series.The one criticism I always had for Ward's BDB were her heroines, with the exception of Bella they were weak and unworthy of the heroes.Not so the Darkyn.This author's heroines are strong and much better suited for the tough vampire heroes.Her heroes are sexy and macho though probably not as alpha male as the BDB.

I grew weary of the scenes about John Keller and skipped over them after a while.The plots kept my interest and the struggle against the Brethren created the angst of the vampire race.

Having said that, what these novels lack is sufficient romance.There was too little of it.Some books were better than others in the romance dept.If this author learned how to write good romance she'd be the one seious contender to Ward's BDB.As it is, I see these novels running a close second.

I don't see how the series can end at book 7.Seems to me there is much more to be told in the Darkyn world. I expect this author may pick this series back up after her new series(which I haven't started yet) matures.

After I read the first one, I'd have given this series 3 starsbut based on all of the 7 books, I give the series 4 stars and will give short reviews to each books. ... Read more

Product Description
The Irish Chain is one of the most universally known patterns dating to pre-American Revolutionary War times. While evidence is lacking that this pattern came from Ireland, it has been suggested that the Irish Chain pattern may have been inspired by a similar Irish weaving pattern. Whatever the origin, the Irish Chain is a timeless pattern that continues to delight quilters today.

The original Irish Chain in a Day was first published in 1986 in a black and white format. While this book remains a best seller, Eleanor wanted to update her book and add balance to the quilt. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Another great Eleanor Burns book
Once again, Eleanor Burns, the founder of Quilt in a Day, shows you how to make several variations of this quilt using her strip-pieced method. The instructions and illustrations make this a great book for the beginning quilter.

Some parts hard to follow
Most of the book was easy to understand, but I am a new quilter and some of the instructions were confusing.

Easy to follow
Eleanor Burns patterns are easy to make because she is with you every step of the way.

Irish Chain in a Day
This looks SOO Easy.I have to get one of these done.Maybe next year.Great detail and instruction. Worthy of being in my library of books.

Great books!
The Irish Chain is a fun quilt to make. With Eleanor Burns' strip quilting technique, the top piece comes together extremely fast. The single Irish Chain is an excellent quilt for beginers, and the double Irish Chain is good for people who have made a quilt or two before looking for a new challenege. I higly recommmend this book to ALL quilters! ... Read more

Product Description
"How to Burn Down the House" is first insider’s guide to restaurant and barroom con games. It contains humorous step by step descriptions of every scam in the business with detailed instructions on how to pull them off undetected.

Two Bourbon Street veterans usher the reader into the hilarious world of America’s most overworked and under-appreciated criminal. Take an enlightening tour through the enterprising mind of the "Pump Handle", the enigmatic anti-hero of the service industry. For the first time his ingenious bag of tricks is revealed and examined in detail. After reading the Scam Bible you will never look at your waiter or bartender quite the same way again. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Rubbish
Save your money and don't buy this drivel. The only positive thing I can say is thankfully I did not pay full price.

Anyone who has been in the restaurant business knows these tricks and the writing is juvenile.

Why can't you give 0 stars? (or negaitve)

outdated
outdated
everyone pays with credit cards, so about 95% of the book is useless

Very strange and random drug references

Sounds like these guys were in their hayday in 1985, but now are just aging drug addict thieves.
Justify it anyway you want, a thief is a thief

Im sorry i bought it

sooooooooooo 1985

Humorous but...
This is a quick and funny read. Except for the bartender scams, I find it hard to believe that these kind of shenanigans go on in a restaurant; maybe because I am an honest, goody-two-shoes, and I wouldn't have the chutzpah to do these kind of things.As one reviewer notes, these scams are a little outdated, but possible I think in a poorly run restaurant with lax controls.

But as former bartender, I can say the bartender scams are entirely plausible and in fact go on constantly almost everywhere. Also stealing cases of shrimp and steak out the back door also goes on, but that's more outright theft than a scam.

I do think this is a worthwhile and enjoyable book for restaurant owners and managers to read. If nothing else, it reminds you keep your guard up, and for what.

Restaurant owners need not bother with this book
I own a 400+ seat restaurant that stays open 24/7. The biggest threat to my business is theft by my employees. Over the years I have seen a variety of schemes and techniques by which waitstaff attempt to pad their pockets and empty mine. This book covers tactics that will work in a mismanaged andoutdated restaurant. If a restaurant relies on the waitstaff to not only order food, but also prepare it at food stations and pay for the customers' checks without the presence of a cashier, then expect rampant theft.

This book reveals tactics that will not work in a restaurant that has a computer system for ordering food and a separate cashier. At the end of the shift, a point of sale computer system will easily report to management what checks are open and what checks have been paid. Even during the shift, the computer will show what tables are open with customers eating, and what tables are closed and settled. So the book's tactic of using an old check on a new table of customers won't work in restaurants with computers.

The "wagonwheel" concept in this book intrigued me. The idea of splitting a check into multiple checks and moving the same food item from check to check after printing each new split ticket works nicely, but the waiter needs the help of a bartender or cook to complete the theft.The waiter alone cannot steal with the presence of a separate cashier and computer system. And frankly, if a waiter has the help of a cook and a bartender, then theft is very easy. There is no need for a scheme to rob the store, nor this book to tell how it's done.

I was also disappointed with the style of the book. I would have preferred actual stories of theft as opposed to simple step by step methodology.

I was looking forward to reading this book. I am constantly hoping to plug the holes in my restaurant's register. This book was of NO help. A point of sale computer system does more than enough to protect the laziest of managers and restaurant owners from theft. The schemes and tactics in this book are outdated.

For every restaurant owner
This book offers good tips for any restaurant owner, especially an absent one. The amount stolen from a business, whether it's goods or time, grows exponentially to the number of hours an owner is absent. This book doesn't cover every way to prevent losses, but most of the sneaky ways profits can disappear. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (15)

Great Book - Good Ideas to live by
I so enjoyed reading this book. Some of the material is a tad bit dated but the crux of the book is still timeless. ESPECIALLY the chapter about being lonely and learning to do things alone. Dr. Burns stated so succintly that if you can learn to be happy alone and not be afraid of being alone, you won't pick the wrong partner.

Lord knows I've stayed in relationships far past their expiration date because of the fear of loneliness. NO MORE. I'm totally OK with being single and I will never settle again. I'm too old to play that game anymore. My own company is darn fine and I'll continue to live a full life with friends and family until I meet the person I want to make a life with.

He also talks in this book about not being desperate and needy, something we can all relate to. By filling up your "spiritual tank" and being totally OK with you, then a partner is just a dessert.

This book really gave me a lot to think about and I've applied some of his tactics with great success. I'm a much happier single than I was a few months ago.

Relationship 101
A good resource and easy read on basics of relationship development all the way to committed partnership.

Awesome!
I found the book to be a practical and realistic remedy to the problem of successfully relating to members of the opposite sex and people in general.I would highly recommend this book for anyone who has suffered through degrading treatment from those they wished to connect with.

Doesn't help you find a compatible mate
The book focuses on shallow aspects and should be helpful for folks who don't get themselves outside and their face to smile and say "Hello". Following his advice you will learn how to connect to shallow people, who care as much about clothes as you now are told to do. This "Intimate Connections" aren't really intimate at all, so if emotional, psychological or intellectual closeness is what you hope for, it's not in this book. (Again unless your emotion, psychology and intellect follow this book's simple prescription.)

Good book with psychological background
This book is intended for shy and lonely individuals. It focuses on the psychological background of loneliness, shyness and how to make connections with other people. Other aspects of flirting and dating are mentioned (e.g. how to dress, how to initiate a conversation), but not after the reader is familiar with his often distorted thinking processes.
The message is clear: first, you have to really love and accept yourself. Then, you can proceed to getting to know other people more intimately. The book also deals with the not so pleasant aspects of relationships: rejections and fears. Lots of exercises show the reader how to deal with these and other problems.
By and large, a recommendable book! ... Read more

Product Description
A classroom assessment tool, used by preservice and inservice teachers to assess or test students' reading progress.Learning how to use it is a requirement of preservice teacher-training imported by teachers for on-the-job use after training. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

A classroom MUST!
I bought this book for an education class - but I have used it time and time again in the classroom! A super speedy way to find out your students' comprehension levels (listening, oral, and silent) fluency, and oral reading errors, by grade level (from pre-k - 12th grade) Easy to use - thorough instructions on how to administer the assessment - and awesome reproduceable charts to graph and analyze data.My only complaint is I wish it had more passages (there are 3 total for each grade level)The best part is, it is a CBA, so no need to get parental permission to administer! :) :) :) :)

Love this inventory!!
I teach middle school students with learning disabilities. I cannot recommend this assessment tool enough for anyone who is in need of testing reading skills. It is quick and gives you a lot of information as to where the student is. Delivered within expected date.

Informal Reading Inventory
This IRI is basic and provides adequate background information, instructions for usage, and graded passages.After using this booklet in comparison to the QRI-4, I prefer the QRI-4 for it's more informative explanation of how to use IRI's for novice teachers.

Great assessment tool
This reading inventory has proven to be a great assessment tool. It gives you a percentage for your student's comprehension and word recognition for the grade level passage they read. The comprehension questions are categorized by type of question, such as vocabulary, inference and sequencing so you can target which skills your students struggle with.
The passages did seem a bit harder for some of my students who were reading on that same level with the school's reading program though.

Inaccurate
This test isn't very accurate and it takes forever to do. I bought the book for an IRI project I had in class. Some of the scoring issues are not clear and students may score lower when they just don't feel like reading or if they don't feel like paying attention. This may be true for other tests also, but is much more apparent with this. It may be good to use this book as an assessment tool, but do not use the test scores when it comes to the student's records or IEP. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (24)

Still Stripping
I'm new to quilting(just one year) and I found this book to be extremely helpful.It's easy to read,has clear directions, and contains several projects I'm ready to attempt in the next few weeks. An excellent choice for any quilter's library.

Very Good Instructions
I just received this book.Flipping through the pages - I am very impressed with the instructions.This book can be used by beginners and seasoned quilters alike.The book has finished quilt pictures and illustrations to go with the instructions (which makes it much easier to understand).It gives the yardages and finished dimensions of each quilt.There are approximately 17 patterns.The book also has a suggested general supplies list (rulers etc.) and finishing instructions (which include binding instructions).I have not attempted any of the patterns yet, but am looking forward to it.This book is very organized and is very easy to understand.

Quilting
This was my first quilt book that I've bought. I'm now on making my secong quilt from this book. Eleanor Burns is a great quilter, easy to follow and easy to read patterns. I showed my sister the book, she had to have it too.

Still Stripping after 25 years
This was a great book by Eleanor Burns.It was wonderful as a beginning quiltr and has many quilts to make by strip piecing for more advanced quilters also.Has all the directions for making each quilt in various sizes.Excellent buy--someone had borrowed mine and didn't return it but i had to get a second copy!!

Eleanore has done it again
If you enjoy stip piecing this is the book to get.No page will be left unturned once you get started.Quick and easy quilt piecing with so many different options for blocks and quilts.Can you go wrong with an "Eleanore" book? ... Read more

Product Description
Offers a whole year of patterns in various skill levels and quilt sizes. Some patterns are designed to be quick and easy while others offer a challenge as skills develop. Autumn is harvest time with cool, crisp air offering welcome relief from hot summer days. Winter brings to mind a time of gathering with family and friends to celebrate the holidays. Spring is a rebirth of barren trees and frozen ground . Summer delivers warm sunshine and dreams of lazy afternoons. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (33)

Nice Book
I have enjoyed this book.I has good ideas with good instrucions which are esay to follow.
It didn't have as many ideas as I thought it would, and the quilts are pretty much the ones you find in any book.I will use it for reference - it isn't my favorite, but I did find some good ideas in it. Not sure I would buy it again, but maybe?

Wonderful Book
Eleanor Burns in my opinion is the best teacher when it comes to quilting.Her book is easy to follow and the pictures are wonderful.If you only get one book on quilting, this is the one to have.This would be not only for the beginner but also the exerienced quilter.All her books are great!

Ideas to share, shortcuts to make our work easier
As a "beginner quilter," I need so much help. Ideas and hints which keep me from giving up on a project (translation: UFO) are welcome.This book shares inspiration and hope!

Packs a Punch
I've been an Eleanor Burns fan for a long time, but I think she really outdid herself with this book and the corresponding DVDs (2-DVD set of Quilts Through the Seasons By Eleanor Burns). There are twelve unique patterns that run from very simple to wonderfully challenging. Each project will help you learn new techniques and creative ways of simplifying what only looks complicated. The Lodgepole Pine is probably my favorite because I love the appliqued Cardinals in the pine branches. The Harvest Tablerunner is another beauty -- perfect for a thanksgiving dinner with family. If you are a visual learner like I am, don't miss out on the 2 DVD set. It runs almost 6 hours and makes it even easier to see how simple some of these "hard" techniques really are.

The one I returned
The book itself is awesome it's exactly what I wanted. But in ordering this book I had accidentally ordered 2 so had to return one. I had a problem with the shipping so ended up paying for the return at the post office and had the return label on there that I had printed for the return. So when you all recieved it you gave me back the money minus $3.99 for the shipping label which I ended up not being able to use. I have emailed once in regards to this issue but have yet to receive a response. ... Read more

Product Description
The complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War--based on the celebrated PBS television series. This non-illustrated edition interweaves the author's narrative with the voices of the men and women who lived through that cataclysmic trail of our nationhood, from Abraham Lincoln to ordinary foot soldiers. Includes essays by distinguished historians of the era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (35)

Easy to follow what took place.Good organization.
This book is well organized and makes it easy to follow what took place.It's a good buy.

Civil War - Burns
Very good, it follows the video series very well.
Using the book, the DVD and Google Earth I can get an excellent appreciation of what went on and where. I have marked most major sites and battles in google earth and referenced them to the book, DVD and other internet web sites.

Excellent Narrative that Brings The Civil War to Life
I enjoyed reading this book!Like the companion PBS series that aired in 1990 (can you believe it has been 20 years!), this book is just as compelling and riveting.Although many are trying to rewrite the purpose of the Civil War as being about "States Rights", but in unequivocal fact, the Civil War was about slavery.The southern economy depended on cotton, cotton that was sold to Europe.And the last thing the southern plantation owners was to lose their right to keep slaves to work the fields.The stories of how slaves were treated are horrific and should never be forgotten.

It is true that the founding fathers owned slaves, but they knew it was wrong and were torn over the entire issue.Lincoln knew that the issue of slavery would turn our country upside down long before the war started.Publicly, Lincoln took the middle road, but privately knew slavery had to end.

How ironic that it took another 100 years for African-Americans to gain basic civil rights.

Don't pass this book up.

Excellent Narrative that Brings The Civil War to Life

Great overall Book
This book is a real well-written GEM!!! As a history buff who reads several books a year this book really gave me a great understanding of worse war in American history.From the origins of the conflict to the epic battles to how it ended this book delivers.
The book was about 400 pages but can easily be read within a week. I enjoyed it so much i read it a second time and took some notes in case I want to review the highlights of it.
Seems like very few Americans remember this war with any depth. While WW2 seems to always take center stage this epic C.W. should be read by not only history buffs but by all educated peoples.
IF you want to know the true causes and origins of this sad conflict read the book. Just the thought of Lincoln giving the Gettysburg address in a field of thousands of corpses sends a shiver down my spine.

book review
The Civil War: The complete text of the bestselling narrative history of the Civil War--based on the celebrated PBS television series
This i a very complete review.I had borrowed it from our library and realized it was a book I would like to own.I can more leisurely refer to it through the years.We are taking a trip to some of the war sites and it was very helpful to review the history.Pictures are excellent.Some of the facts I had learned in school as a history major but in time you forget things.It has helped me understand the reasons for the war and how slavery contributed to the division between the north and the south. ... Read more

Product Description
Commissioned by the Circle Repertory Company, Burn This first appeared at the Mark Taper Forum in Los angeles in 1987 to near-universal praise. Set in the bohemian art world of downtown New York, this vivid and challenging drama explores the spiritual and emotional isolation of Anna and Pale, two outcasts who meet in the wake of the accidental death by drowning of a mutual friend. Their determined struggle toward emotional honesty and liberation--by no means guaranteed at the play's ambiguous end--exemplifies the strength, humor, and complexity of all of Lanford Wilson's work and confirms his standing as one of America's greatest living playwrights.

Lanford Wilson was born in Lebanon, Missouri, in 1938 and attended the University of Chicago. A founding member of the Circle Repertory Company in New York, he has seen many of his plays produced in theaters all over the United States and abroad. He is the recipient of many awards, including a Drama Desk Vernon Rice Award, the Pulitzer Prize, and two Obies.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Great Dramatization of 1980's New York.
This play has seemed to disappear. "Burn This" was a theatrical event when it opened with John Malkovich and Joan Allen. Malkovich was replaced by none other than Scott Glenn who got even better reviews in the leading role of "Pale." This character is as mesmerizing as Stanley Kowalski in "Streetcar Named Desire."

That said, get yourself a copy if you can find one.

The Dancer Meets The Mess
What I like about Burn This is it's mystery. There were many instances when I wasn't clear what people were talking about or why they were saying it. That ambiguity fuels the whirlwind nature of what ends up being a kind of hard luck love story.

Anna is a dancer, and the focal point of the story. She is surrounded by three men, Burton, a born-wealthy and successful writer, who may or may not be her boyfriend, Larry, her gay roommate and confidant, and Pale, the volatile brother of Robbie, whose death inspires the action.

As Anna struggles with the death of her best friend and dancing partner, all three men, who were also connected to Robbie must deal too with where they are in life, and why.

Eventually though, it comes to Anna and Pale....

And there the heart of Burn This lies. In the mystery of attraction.

Good play. Good characters. It goes into the ether areas, and made me wonder about passion, life's work, the force of personality, and tactics to winning and overwhelming hearts.

A Well-Crafted Play
This was the first Lanford Wilson play I had read, so I didn't quite know what to expect.Though in the end I certainly wasn't disappointed.Without over-simplifying, "Burn This" is the story of the emotional turmoil associated with the death of a friend and an unlikely romantic pairing.

"Burn This" is a well-written play with both fleshed-out and believable characters.Wilson is able to convey meaning in subtle ways and does not bog-down the play with overly-verbose dialogue or obvious statements.He wonderfully weaves a story centered around a character we never even meet.

Moreover, Wilson deals with the issues and themes in the play appropriately -- not over- or under-playing their importance.For example, the entire focus of the play is not on homosexuality, nor should it be.But it is still a key part of the play, and receives the attention and focus it deserves without becoming overly-inflated.

I was lucky enough to see a production of this in New York in the fall of 2002, which was absolutely phenomenal.There was even a post-performance Q&A session with Lanford Wilson and the cast, which while brief, was very interesting.Nonetheless, seeing a live performance made the play even more powerful.(Of course, this was helped by having an excellent cast.)Even so, if you get the chance to see a production of "Burn This", don't hesitate to.

Don't burn it, its hot already
Every play Lanford Wilson writes is intelligent as well as passionate and dramatic.It is almost beyond belief how hard it is to combine all of these qualities in the same play.In "Burn This", Wilson is in top form.Pale (the male lead) is such a clearly written and deeply felt part that an actor does not have to fill in any gaps; if an actor can read well, he is assured of at least an above average performance.The dialogue is spicy, funny, sad, bitter and more.In movie terms, it is a Nicholas Cage part (although Malkovich originated it).

Pale's love interest and foil (the Joan Allen part) is not secondary to Pale because she has the power to heal him.A magnificent love story.

Just right
This play is a meaningful, and yet almost simple, masterpiece.The story unfolds with the death of a gay man, which ultimately brings an unlikely match closer together.Wilson's use of homosexual issues is the perfectsprinkling: it is not the main focus of the play, but gives it just theextra touch.This is how homosexuality should be written about in thetheatre (or any form of entertainment).It isn't over-played orunder-played, but just right. ... Read more