1 comments about First Fieldwork: The Misadventures of an Anthropologist.

1. This book offer alot of details on the anthro field and it was not just the techinical details but actually personal experiences that added a life-view to the profession. Even though I may not be an anthro major I have a higher respect for it and its accomplishments from this book and the class I had on anthro.

3 comments about A Geisha's Journey: My Life As a Kyoto Apprentice.

1. I was honored to receive an advance copy of this book and I LOVE IT! "A Geisha's Journey" ranks right up there with "Geisha of Gion" (Mineko Iwasaki) and "Geisha" (Lesley Downer)*. The pictures are a fabulous peek inside a geiko's life and I heartily thank Momo-chan and Naoyuki-san for putting this book together for us! The other books I mentioned are great, but Lesley-san's book is mainly about the history of geisha and Mineko-san's book covers a geiko's life in the 70s. It's lovely to get to know a "21st Century Geisha" (as it says on the front cover).
   
   I recommend this book mostly to seasoned "geisha geeks" like myself. If you're just starting out, read "Geisha" first, followed by "Geisha of Gion"...THEN add "A Geisha's Journey" to your collection.
   
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   * For those who have already read this book, one of the geiko that Lesley-san interviews/mentions, Koito, is Komomo's okasan!



2. I have read and enjoyed both Lesley Downer's and Liza Dalby's books on geisha, and this gorgeous photo book serves as a lovely accompaniment to both. The text is somewhat sparse (as is to be expected in a photo book) but Komomo's voice really shines through. The foreword by Koito, her geisha "older sister" is also a treat. We get a glimpse of the unique customs of the Miyagawa-cho geisha district. The photos are intimate at times, but never intrusive - the photographer approaches his subjects with respect and affection. Komomo is truly charming and it is not difficult to see why she was one of the most popular maiko in Miyagawa-cho!
   
   I could wish that this book were a little longer, but it is completely worth its purchase price.



3. This book was a pleasure--beautiful photos and nice comments from the subject that explain the occasion and feelings at the time. Highly recommended!

5 comments about Annabel: An Unconventional Life.

1. I couldn't help becoming fond of this thoroughly interesting woman - a Lady by birth in the British aristocratic system, and having experienced every advantage, yet not of course immune from her share of misfortune. She is likable because, although high-born, she appears very down-to-earth, humble and even accessible.
   
   There is absolutely nothing that I have in common with her, but because there is no sign of airs and graces or name-dropping, (for example, although having met royalty, she doesn't claim to have been close to them, although she probably is actually on friendly terms) Annabel's humility actually elevates her in a strange way and evokes my admiration for her. In other words she is not a snob, although she probably has every right to be, which is how her story can even appeal to an non-aristocratic member of a colony on the other side of the world. She is a "class act" without her having to big note herself. She just presents herself as who she is. Fascinating.
   
   One aside, I loved looking through her family photos, and couldn't help noticing an undeniable and uncanny resemblence of her two youngest sons to the late Diana, Princess of Wales. This was my only disappointment: that any connection to Diana by ancestry wasn't mentioned.



2. I loved this book and believe it is not to be missed. She comes across as being a very warm being, and while most people who write their autobiographies portray themselves as being good and kind people, I prefer to give Lady Annabel the benefit of the doubt. I feel the fact that she and her first husband spontaneously decamped to Austria to help Hungarian refugees in 1956 to speak for her selflessness alone. The jaded and cynical might say this was an act of fleeting youthful idealism (Lady Annabel and first husband Mark Birley were only twenty at the time, this was fifty years ago, and her autiobiography refers to no other grand acts of altruism since), but again I prefer to give her the benefit of the doubt. After all, what does it matter when and why someone does something good as long as they do it? Lady Annabel does refer to holiday homes in Spain and vacation villa's in Italy as if this something everyone can afford to do, but I think that's the point of the book, and is what makes it so interesting.



3. I absolutely adored this book. I have read it twice. Although I have little in common with Annabel Goldsmith, I feel that I learned a lot from the way she has lived her life. A few thoughts, in no particular order: Despite having a title and hundreds of millions of dollars in the bank, she comes across as a truly down-to-earth, self-deprecating, and genuine person. She identifies with all types of people, and seems to be totally at peace with her position in life (not ridden with guilt) and yet you get the feeling that she has never tried to nickel and dime her staff or deny someone a tip, because she has enough class to have an understanding for working people. Also - her perspective on fidelity and relationships is fascinating. She is a woman who has always put her family and children first, yet she is far from a boring housewife. In fact, I would love to settle down with Annabel for a cozy chat some day.



4. Annabel: An Unconventional Life
   
   A unique life shared without shame or too much regret. An exceptional example of living life fully with care and understanding and with deep unconditional love. A true women warrior of it's times and indeed timeless.



5. Reading this, I admired Annabel's easy, natural way of writing her life story. She sounds like a great person to know, too - warm and friendly, with a great heart. By no means has Annabel had a charmed life -- although she has been extremely fortunate regarding her financial situation, her various homes, and in the general good health of her children.
   
   I was a little disturbed by her dependence on men, and the importance she (I think subconsciously) has given to the men in her life, throughout her life, particularly in her involvement and eventual marriage to Jimmy Goldsmith later on. (Putting up with his constant infidelity; the importance she gave to his whims and his desires; his insistence they have children before they married, etc.) The one time, it seems, she stood up to Jimmy and put her foot down was when he tried to insist that she move their family to America, because HE was tired of being brickbatted by the media in England. (Also, apparently, because his newest mistress lived in New York!)
   
   It doesn't appear, at least to me as a reader, that JG was worth the anxiety and heartache that he undoubtedly put Annabel through -- but, I didn't know the man, and, well, Annabel's of a different generation (of women who were trained to give men the upper hand). Also, love is undoubtedly blind and dumb sometimes. There were times, reading about some of Jimmy's demands, when I wanted to tell her, "oh, just tell him to go -- himself! you'll make out fine!"
   
   I was touched when Annabel wrote about the death of her oldest son, Rupert. A real feeling of loss came through and the letter of his that she includes gives you a sense of his charm and intelligence. (He's also the one child of Annabel's who really looked a great deal like her, at least, from the photo she includes.)
   
   I admit, I'm shamelessly addicted to behind-the-scenes stories of upper-crust British society, and Annabel's life story is almost that of a heroine in one of those big, splashy novels that used to be written a few years ago: the kind that take a reader through more than a few decades of love, sex, divorce, some bad decisions, and painful loss.

4 comments about Elvis, Linda & Me: Collector's Edition.

1. The book is good for an new fan not an old fan who has see or hear it all.



2. Great book ! ! !
   I read it and then purchased 4 more for Christmas presents.
   I thank the author for finalling share her story and private photos with us fans.



3. I have read over 200 books about Elvis. I completely disagree with the reviewer who said this was only for people who didn't already know the basic Elvis stories. This has pictures of the upstairs of Graceland as well as many others that have never been released. There were also many behind the seen stories that I have never heard, and trust me I thought I had heard them all. I have been thru Graceland 34 times and met and read the books of practically every one from the ( ELVIS WORLD). DO NOT MISS THIS BOOK! Teresa Melton, Oklahoma City



4. Although I think the book was an okay read, I wish the author would have elaborated more and gone into more detail on the subjects within the book. By that I mean it did not seem like the author wanted to say anything bad about anyone in this book, even though indications were there. Perhaps it could be said that tense subjects were skated around. I must say to the author that this book was done with much taste. She was very ladylike.

5 comments about The Illustrated Discovery Journal : Creating a Visual Autobiography of Your Authentic Self.

1. At first glance The Illustrated Discovery Journal may appear to be a simple book, and yet it holds a simple truth. We have forgotten as women, how profoundly beautiful we are. As we add the snippets of our lives and dreams to the waiting pages, a fairy tale unfolds before our very eyes. Sarah once again, in her brilliant simplicty is the fairy godmother who breaks the spell. She helps us find our beauty and truth beneath the beast that is reflected by the disappointments of our selves, our loved ones, our weight, our lost loves. We are all a glorious spirit waiting to be brought to life. Thank you Sarah for taking the risks to let us love ourselves for who we are, the glorious children of God.



2. This book is twaddle for self-absorbed shortcut-seekers. For this author, words are impediments to expression. Enter at your own risk.



3. As an Art student, I have discovered the power of creating through collages. It is an easy way for everyone to be artistic regardless of drawing or painting skill. Your creations can speak to you in a very powerful way and give you insight that would not otherwise be so easily accessed. I highly recommend this book for fun and discovery.



4. But what is twaddle again? Guess you have to be from VA to know.....



5. There isn't too much writing in this book actually. It revolves mostly around making series of collages from amgazine clippings, etc around different self discovery themes. This is a refreshing change from the usual "Write, write, write!" I found that I felt MORE creative and very relaxed. It's a fun return to the "paste and scissors" free-for-all of your early school days.
   The only frustration I experienced was that you have to wait a while to gather up enough pictures in your theme before you can actually start putting a collage together.
   The themes include: Authenic Style, Entertainment, Authenic Sucess, The House of Belonging, Return to Self, Mystery, Sacred connections, Spiritual Journey, and Someday.
   I was surprised by what pops up out of your subconcious when you look at your pictures as a collection -something that isn't as likely to happen with just writing where you can tend to over-analyze.

2 comments about Five Sisters: Women Against the Tsar.

1. The most amazing thing about this book is its entertainment value actually equals its historic value. These are bios of women who put their values and the lives of Russian peasants ahead of their own. It features the primary account of the world famous assassination of Governor Trepov from the pen of his assassin, Vera Zasulich. It also features Vera Figner's account of her unsuccessful (and finally successful) attempts to assassinate Tsar Alexander II. The sacrifices of these women include shedding aristocratic lifestyles for back breaking labor in noblemen's fields so they could teach peasants how to read and spread propaganda for their cause. Some of their comrades actually went insane in the process. You will read about their experiences as exiles in Siberia, and one of the greatest escapes Hollywood never saw. Whether you consider yourself a history buff, or just appreciate great stories, you will love this book.



2. This book sat unread on my shelves for a while, and now I can't believe it didn't actually leap off the shelf into my hands to MAKE me read it; it's so utterly fascinating and engrossing that I haven't been able to put it down. I was expecting some dry history and feminism; this is a fascinating first-person portrait (or rather, five first-person portraits) of political struggle, social norms, everyday life, and revolution from the writings of five very literate, engaging writer/revolutionaries.
   
   I hardly know how to review a book like this (since I can't talk about plot or about structure of arguments, as it's first-person memoirs), but it's been among the most worthwhile 250 pages of my reading life.

No comments about Hands to Work: Three Women Navigate the New World of Welfare Deadlines and Work Rules.

5 comments about A Hunt for Justice: The True Story of a Woman Undercover Wildlife Agent.

1. This is a GREAT BOOK....there are very few books written by undercover agents that rings so true. This woman had guts....



2. As a female looking for a career in wildlife law enforcement this was a great book to read! Lucinda Schroeder did an excelent job writing this true story, it was hard for me to put it down at night. Because Lucinda is a female she had a great advantage over men at catching poatchers in Alaska, and this reminds us all that you don't have to be male to succeed in this line of work. The book was full of excitment, danger, humor and fun. A great read!



3. In 1974, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service hired its third female agent, Lucinda Delaney. And unlike the first two women in the agency, she was determined to do more than checking cargo and baggage for smuggled contraband.
   And thus began a career in which Delaney, who married biologist Lonnie Schroeder soon after, spent 30 years working undercover, bagging poachers and other hunting scofflaws.
   Her fascinating story has been recounted in "A Hunt for Justice."
   Schroeder tells of her struggles to be taken seriously in an agency that gives "old boy's network" a really bad name. A degree in criminology and an overwhelming passion for solving mysteries led Schroeder to her chosen career, and a dogged determination--some might say stubbornness--kept her in it for 30 years, despite outright and undisguised sexual discrimination and harassment, administrative roadblocks and hostility.
   Today's generation doesn't remember the struggles involved for women in the 1960s and '70 to be taken seriously in formerly "male" occupations. Employers could--and did--discriminate on the basis of sex, motherhood and pure bias; those women who persisted were subjected to verbal and physical harassment. It is a testament to Schroeder's passion and determination to do her job that she not only did it, but was instrumental in bringing down an international poaching ring operating in Alaska.
   And this case is the crux of the story. Her struggles in the beginning, building a family and juggling being a wife, mother and field agent are just background for the real story, the undercover "Operation Brooks Range" in 1991.
   Poachers at this time could make serious money taking hunters into Alaska for "guaranteed" trophies: moose hunts began at $6,000, sheep and grizzlies cost hunters $7,000; combination hunts were as high as $18,000.
   As Schroeder begins her undercover operation, at a hunter's bar called "The Bear Den, she finds out why the costs are so high: " `Wow! Pretty hefty prices,' I said, sliding the brochure and videotape into my oversized black leather purse. `Not when you consider that everything's guaranteed,' (the bartender) replied."
   One of the biggest violators was a guide named "Bob Bowman" (Schroeder changed the names to protect privacy). He had "all the elements of a violator--small airplanes, wealthy clients and lots of big game ..."
   But with 64,000 licensed guides in 591,000 square miles of wilderness, catching him was almost impossible.
   Until Schroeder and an informant wangled their way into a hunt with Bowman by pretending to be hunters in search of big trophies who weren't willing to take the time and hardship to hunt legally.
   Operating by word-of-mouth, with clients coming in from Italy, Germany and other foreign countries, staying under the radar and having an almost supernatural ability to sniff out undercover operatives (and allegedly no compunction about "eliminating" them), Bowman's operation had been going on for years, even thought the agency knew he was dirty.
   Illegal hunts included using small planes to tire out grizzlies and moose, spotting game and dropping the hunters right on top of them, despite a law forbidding flying and hunting on the same day, and conducting hunts in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
   Schroeder spent 11 heart-pounding days in Bowman's camp, worried that violators she'd arrested would recognize her, worried her informant might slip and give up their secret, worried the illegal hunters would leave the country with their evidence--and trying to convince herself that the time away from her daughter and husband was worth the stress and fear.
   This woman has guts--and smarts. She got on Bowman's good side by translating for his Italian guests, got in with them by speaking their language, worked up a relationship with the wives of the poachers by helping in the kitchen and seeming compassionate, kept the foreign hunters' evidence in the country with a well-told lie, and brought home a terrific piece of evidence in the form of a Dall sheep trophy she shot in ANWR.
   Here, Schroeder's overriding reason for taking the risk is seen:
   "I hated to kill a magnificent ram like this one for a case, and I wondered for a minute if I was any better than the crooks who killed animals for their own selfish agendas."
   Schroeder's agenda should in no way be seen as anti-hunting. As she points out in the Preface, "... I championed ethical and legal hunting. Nothing in this book should be construed as being anti-hunting. My job was to stop illegal hunting and poaching that diminished legal hunting opportunities. I fully acknowledge and respect the tremendous contribution that hunters have made to wildlife conservation worldwide."
   This book reads like a thriller, with international intrigue, heart-stopping action and a gutsy heroine who's not afraid to face her adversaries head on--even in a foreign country--in order to make her case.
   Schroeder writes well, infusing her prose with imagery and action, making her characters three-dimensional, even the bad guys. She doesn't hesitate to tell of the lengths she'd go to, nor does she gloss over her fears and concerns about her family and her work's effect on them. But her passion for solving crimes and putting criminals away is obvious, and her book makes for a compelling read. I sometimes forgot I was reading a true story, it was so well done.
   True crime is a genre one either loves or hates, and I happen to love it. "A Hunt For Justice" goes right up at the top of the list of well-written good reads. If you're not a fan of this genre, read it for the history, for the excellent picture of the struggles women have gone through to be considered equal, or for the damage illegal hunting and poaching does to the wildlife populating.
   Whatever your reason, just read the book. You won't be sorry.



4. Quick, interesting read in a direct narrative style. Very informative for anyone interested in the Fish and Wildlife Service, Alaskan hunting, or a woman in a traditionally all-male field. I hope the author continues to write.



5. I can sympathize and empathize with the Author. I did know a few Fed Covert operators who were hung out to dry by Federal Prosecutors. Two of my cases as a State Agent, were taken, then aborted by a couple U. S. Attorneys. I had the 'goods', but they failed to follow through, very frustrating. I know, personally, the one time head of the Enforcement Division of the National Marine Fishery Service, Dave McKinney. We went through the same Alaskan Academy, Recruit Class 35 back in 1981. This is a good read and allows an insight into the slings and arrows suffered by a professional Wildlife Agent.

5 comments about Fireman's Wife, The.

1. This book was given to me by my firefighter fiancee soon after he proposed. What a Godsend! I consider this my "bible". Susan summed up the feelings we as wives have about our firemen husbands and does it in a funny, thoughtful and wonderful way. I recommend this be required literature for every fireman to hand out when they decide to propose!! LOL. Thanks Susan for sharing our side of the story!



2. This is one of the best books that I have read! Susan really knows how to express what all fire wives feel. This book made me laugh, cry, and say "yep, I've seen (heard, felt, done) that!" so many times. I think anyone married to a fireman would love this book. I really appreciate the awareness it has given me. I only wish I read it sooner. As a 9-year fireman's wife myself, I highly recommend it!



3. Loved this book. It was past around for the wives of the fire academy to read. With my brother on for a few years, I thought I knew a lot about what this journey would entail. But this book was insight, funny, heart wrenching. It was a easy, quick read. I will know give this to all the new wives entering this department. It really opens you eyes on what to expect, from the shift to your husband's second family. Worth your time.



4. I am the wife of a Fire Captain and I could relate to so much that Susan writes about. Thank you Susan for telling such a wonderful story! I read this book over a 24 hour period, no easy task with a 7 week old baby and a 3 year old, and with my husband at the fire station. I could not put the book down and didn't want it to end, I laughed and cried and totally enjoyed every page. This is a must read for any wife, or family, of a fireman.



5. My uncle was a Fireman in San Francisco for over 30 years and the realization of his job hit home to me as I read this book I have recommended it to everyone its an awesome story of Love Courage and family and Gods promise to see us through any trial even a fiery one .Lynnette Davis

5 comments about Southern Fried Divorce.

1. There are good books, there are great books, and then there are books that you just don't want to end. Southern Fried Divorce is one you just don't want to end. I have probably read this book 10 times and I laugh and cry with the same intensity every time. Judy Conner's first book is a total smash hit. I have a few books that I never get rid of and this is one of them. She is funny, down to earth, and proves, once again, that love is not always enough to keep two people together.



2. Judy Palmer Conner has a delightfully wicked sense of humor that keeps you laughing as you devour every page of her book, Southern Fried Divorce. She has the ability to capture the true spirit of the most unique of all Southern cities, New Orleans, and proves that love doesn't necessarily end with divorce. Judy's tales of her escapades with "that ex" and the brown dog are hilarious. You will find yourself reading her book again and again, and anxiously awaiting her next volume of "brown dog" tales.



3. This memoir of a bizarre marriage is both touching and hilarious, and the book offers a wonderful glimpse of pre-Katrina New Orleans at its rowdy best. A great read!



4. If you're a "Sweet Potatoe Queen" fan, then I think you'll like her sister's book too! I really enjoyed this book. You'll find yourself laughing out loud!



5. I read this book hoping that it would be good but I was dissapointed in it. It's a pointless story with jokes, recipes, and a boring story about how to divorce your husband and still stay with him. I didn't like the ending at all. It was sort of a let down and the story was boring. Very few of the jokes were funny. I'm glad that I just paid a dollar for this book at a supermarket for charity. One good thing the money went to a good cause. Save your money on this one.