5 comments about No Cream Puffs.

1. I sat down to read this book and had to finish it in one night because it was so much fun. An engaging, upbeat plot with subtle humor and meanings underneath. As a child psychologist, I appreciate the multidimensional relationship that Madison has with her mom, and her understated, but intense longing for a dad. Madison's relationships are very realistic and psychologically accurate, and they capture your attention in a thought-provoking way. Speaking of attention, this is what Madison is trying to teach herself to do. And this is what I love most about her. She's trying to pay attention to what's really important and not fall for superficiality, whether it is revealed in fame, self-seeking attention, or pseudo-romance. It's very compelling to watch Madison as she tries to make sense of what love is about in all it's ambiguous forms (best friend, a crush, and as a loving daughter). Over the course of the novel, it is also a privilege to observe as Madison changes and grows up. The over-arching theme of being true to yourself and finding out what that really entails is portrayed in a compassionate and enticing way. It is also interesting to witness the dilemmas inherent in what it was like for a girl to become involved in the world of boys' sports in the 70's. You will laugh and cheer for Madison as she tentatively, and then, proudly steps into a new phase of her life.



2. What exactly is so compelling about No Cram Puffs? I have many answers. Primarily, it the immensely likable main character, Madison. We relish in rooting for Madison as she tries to sort out a mess of conflicting loyalties - baseball vs. popularity; fitting in vs. being true to your own ideas and desires; hardworking, present Mom vs. absent, idealized Dad; friendship vs. romance; and those are just a few. It is also that, a mere seven lines into the first chapter, Day reminds us so uncannily about the confusion of adolescence. She has certainly confirmed, for fans of her earlier offering, Tall Tales, that her unerring ability to convincingly write adolescent narration was no fluke. The story is also compelling in its supporting characters, from her loving but imperfect family, to her relationships with her fellow baseball team members, to the poignantly absent best friend, to a couple of surprising characters who skirt the periphery of her life (I won't spoil their impact by revealing here!) In the end, though, buy the book for the reason I can state in five simple words - it's a walloping good read!



3. In the summer of 1980, Madison becomes the first girl in Southern Michigan to join a boys' baseball team. Though some of the other players are more friendly than others, they don't exactly welcome her with open arms. Once they see her play, she earns both their respect and their jealousy. Townspeople start writing letters to the editor of the local paper, expressing their positive or negative thoughts about having a girl on the team, and Madison doesn't know what to say when reporters interview her. After Madison's old friends pull away from her, she finds new friends on the team - one of whom is her first crush, while another might have a crush on her.
   
   No Cream Puffs is a sweet treat. Even with all of the media coverage, Madison never develops an ego and never thinks she's the bee's knees. She doesn't want to make waves; she just wants to play ball and be treated fairly. I highly recommend this book to middle school athletes of both genders and to parents and coaches.



4. What a joy to read a book that is so interesting and fun. It can be enjoyed by people of all ages, including baseball players.



5. I loved this book a little more than Tall Tales which I also liked. Do you suspect that Karen Day pitched on a boys little league team?
   Daddy Day

3 comments about American Silversmiths and Their Marks: The Definitive (1948) Edition (1948 Edition).

1. Not until you open the book to the first chapter do you find out that the marks are limited to the period 1650--1850. No marks after 1850.



2. For the time period covered (1650-1850) this is a very useful, almost exhaustive reference. I turn to it when I need to identify a hallmark, and find the illustrations to be very helpful. I thought it was a good buy.



3. Although limited in periods covered (stops at 1850), this is a handy, easy to carry reference. Kovel's may be more extensive, but the additional info is often not what you need in the middle of the antique mall checking out a possible purchase. I find I use both, write notes in both, and have many pieces I know are American and I can't find the marks in either. So, what the heck, for ten bucks it's worth having with you BEFORE you buy.

4 comments about Classic Hand Tools.

1. I recieved this book for Christmas and just finished it. It is a great introduction to the use and care of hand tools. It has very informative and interesting side bars and is wonderfully illustrated. It blends the aesthetic with the practical very well. Just one hint: skip over the section on handplanes and just purchase Hack's "Handplane book" which is the definitive book on handplanes.



2. Garrett Hack feels that his hand tools have become extensions of
   himself and are linked with what he makes and how he makes it. He
   also believes that learning about hand tools and how to use them
   is part of the pleasure to be gotten from working with wood.

   His beautiful and informative book, "Classic Hand Tools", will
   convince even the most casual "weekend wood-butcher" that he's
   right.

   Hack's presentation of hand tools is organized according to their
   normal purposes: boring, sawing, planing, marking and measuring,
   striking and chiseling and he provides historical insights into
   the development of the more common hand tools. For example,
   "Striking Tools" starts with axes and hatchets and moves through
   twybills and throes to mallets and hammers.

   Each major section surveys numerous variants of the class of tools
   being dealt with, and covers use, maintenance, sharpening and
   tuning. As a bonus, most sections contain informative sidebars
   providing advice and tips from the master.

   Although the author's bias is for Western tools built before World
   War II, he includes explanations and discussion of some Eastern
   hand tools and explains what's involved in making your own tools,
   buying used tools and strategies for restoring old ones. There's
   even a section on workshops, benches and clamps.

   This handsome work is illustrated by more than 300 photgraphs and
   40 drawings and features an introduction, bibliography and index.

   John Sheldon's superb photography more than exceeds the exacting
   standards of the Taunton Press.

   Garrett Hack, a farmer, tool collector and trained architect, has
   been making furniture professionally for more than 25 years. He
   is a regular contributor to Fine Woodworking magazine.




3. The breadth of Mr. Hack's knowledge is truly impressive. The book gives enough detail to understand the history, care and use of a tool while not becoming boring. His technical understanding of tools was very good and he did a nice job of conveying it. I'd recommend it.



4. I highly recommend Classic Hand Tools for many reasons, but in a nutshell it is a book to help me get through the long winter here in Minnesota. I read it randomly and don't mind at all reading parts several times.
   Not only is it well written, (I'm a "professional writer" so I'm hard to please) it is beautifully produced with many excellent photos. You get a short course of the history of hand tools... with a special emphasis on planes. Mr Hack also produced a book of this size and quality, specifically about planes. I plan to get that one on also.
   The book is not limited to woodworking tools; Hack also touches on black smithing -- the sort that many tradesmen would have had to know in the days before mass-produced tools. Also there is a chapter on how to buy used hand tools.

5 comments about Oriental Rugs of the Silk Route: Culture, Process & Selection.

1. Gregorian's book is compelling stuff and speaks about a part of the world where bargaining is as much an artform as the rugs themselves. Gregorian is an expert on buying, using extremely sophisticated, yet seemingly simple, methods developed over generations. It reminds me of what the owner of the most expensive men's clothing store in America once told me, "I make more money buying the fabrics than I do selling the suits."

   Being an author myself ("Why People Don't Buy Things"...the new science of selling products, services and ideas based on over 50,000 interviews), I'm fascinated by the time-proven methods employed by Gregorian. Obviously, they've been passed down by his family and work as well today as they did years ago.

   This book is well worth the read even if you're not into rugs. It could help you save money the next time you're buying an oriental rug, an expensive painting or a luxury automobile.




2. Finally, a niche book with character that focuses on the highest quality carpets. Beyond the pictures it chronicles the Gregorian family experience with this genre and brings us back to the days when the original treasures were more readily available - not that long ago! A must for the serious collector or the simple enthusiast.



3. In Oriental Rugs Of The Silk Route, John Gregorian draws upon his years of expertise to provide an illustrated tour of modern day oriental rug-making centers. The informative, often fascinating text is beautifully and profusely illustrated with superb color photography, complemented by vintage bland-and-white images of Middle-Easter villages and cities, the rug-making culture and process. The reader will find a wealth of expert advice for buying an oriental rug, how to evaluate quality and price, buying and trading customs (with tips on negotiating a purchase), and invaluable ideas respecting interior decoration with original rugs. Oriental Rugs Of The Silk Route is enhanced further with a glossary of oriental rug terminology and a helpful appendix on oriental rug cleaning and repair. Oriental Rugs Of The Silk Route is rewarding reading for the oriental rug enthusiast, and a highly recommended introduction for the novice.



4. We are avid rug collectors and found this book to be a valuable resource. Even though we are fairly knowledgeable about rugs, we still learned from this book. It's the kind of book we wish we had when we were first starting our collection. The author reveals so much in a truly delightful way -- it's kind of like having a close friend or family member with many years of experience guide you through the whole world of oriental rugs. It's hard to say what we like best about this book because it is such a quality piece of work -- from the thoughtful and interesting writing, to the stunning color and black and white photographs, to the fine typesetting, layout and binding. This book is a work of art in and of itself, much like a fine oriental rug. We especially like the colorful stories about the rug weavers, their culture, and way of life. Art is often a great window on another culture, and the author gets this across in a beautiful way.



5. I recently purchased John Gregorian's book with the anticipation that it would resemble his father's earlier book that is among my favourite "rug books".(I have been a collector for over 30 years.) I was disappointed and must add it to other texts of recent years that do not offer a balanced view of present day rug production.
   Iran still produces many beautiful and exquisite pieces that until recently were embargoed by the USA. Fortunately for those of us that reside outside the USA we can obtain these pieces but they no longer appear in many recent books. While rugs from Pakistan, India, China, etc may copy Iranian originals, they rarely use the same dye colors and lack the mastery of the originals.
   To all budding authors out there, "can we please have a truly representative modern rug book free of political prejudice and exclusion?"

5 comments about Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns and Tailoring Techniques.

1. In case you're wondering which turn of the century the title refers to, it's the 20th, not the 21st. This is a reprint of the 1901 edition of _The "Standard" Work on Cutting Ladies' Tailor-Made Garments_, by the Jno. J. Mitchell Co. It is a drafting manual and pattern book for women's tailored garments, such as suits and coats. Like most such tailor's drafting books (they were published into the 1940s but died out along with custom tailoring), it gives the most basic patterns for conservative styles. The garment maker was expected to vary the patterns to provide styles beyond the basics and/or update the basics to the season's trends; to provide his/her own trim ideas; and to draft/grade the correct size for the wearer.

   This edition is very similar to the 1908 edition of _The "Standard" Work on Cutting Ladies' Tailor-Made Garments_, which also has been reprinted and is available under the title, _Ladies' Tailor-Made Garments 1908_, by S. S. Gordon. The 1908 edition contains many of the same patterns, but was reorganized and enlarged.




2. I thought the patterns came with it, and the book was on techniques for the manufacturing. But you have to enlarge the patterns yourself. Other than that, its a good book if you have the time.



3. If you really like the Edwardian period, this is a good addition to your costuming library. But if you're a beginner I wouldn't recommend it.
   
   Instead of giving you the pattern and the picture of what the pattern will make, it gives you a pattern and a few examples of the kind of garment the pattern will make. For example: it gives lots of pictures of tight fitting jackets, and somewhere later in the book it gives lots of patterns for "tight-fitting jackets"). This means that for each pattern you much have knowledge of the style, tailoring techniques, and most importantly, alteration. This is why it isn't for beginners.
   
   I would first suggest a more straightforward book like The Voice of Fashion: 79 Turn-Of-The Century Patterns By Frances Grimble or The Edwardian Modiste: 85 Authentic Patterns By Frances Grimble. But if you can't get books on Edwardian fashions and patterns, go for it.
   
   I would buy Turn-of-the-Century Fashion Patterns and Tailoring Techniques for three reasons:
   1. The clothes in it are really cute
   2. it can act as a source book
   3. it's great for people who are absolutely IN LOVE with Edwardian clothing, like I am.



4. I was looking for patterns for victorian costumes and this book more than fit the bill. You must have more than average knowledge of sewing though.



5. It is a very good book but I missed that in the same page one could find the pattern and the final drawing of the respective dress.

1 comments about Diamond Handbook: A Practical Guide to Diamond Evaluation (Newman Gem & Jewelry Series).

1. Excellent source of updated information on diamond buying. Has a great section on colored diamonds and what to look for.

5 comments about Batik: Fabled Cloth of Java.

1. This book is eye candy. The fabrics shown in this book have amazing detail, sophisticated designs, and the colors are beautiful. The fabrics are lovingly photographed. I would recommend this book for anyone who is interested in design, patterns, or textiles. And the book itself is beautifully produced.



2. This book is essential for anyone interested in batik and its history in the Indonesian island of Java. It also provides Java's religious background and how batik was affected by Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam. The pictures are outstanding, showing to the reader the complexity of batik and the great talent of Indonesian batik artists. I would recommend this for anyone, especially those interested in art or Indonesian culture.



3. As a batik lover...this is a great book. Ever since I travelled to Jogjakarta in Java and saw my first batik mask hanging on the wall in a restaurant I was hooked. I'm traveling back to Yogya this month and plan to take a batik class. As a result of my travels to Indonesia, I decided to start my own business importing batik and other items. So 7 years later, I have manufactured and import tons of batik to the U.S. and love it all. Especially the traditional batiks. Warning...shameless promotion to follow: check out our site 1 World Sarongs for our beautiful collection from Java and Bali or you can even find us here on Amazon Market. Anyway, this is a great book with loads of beautiful pictures and articles. I'm still reading it but so far it's very good. I'm biased because I fell in love with batik.



4. A wonderfully rich book on batik, including valuable contributions by Indonesians. This will become a classic. Lively, sophisticated, and informative, as well as gorgeous in its imagery. This is the kind of writing we need on textile arts! A splendid addition to my library!



5. This book provides so much of the information I was seeking.
   Geographical,historical,pictorial,technical,ancient and contemporary.
   The cloth itself comes with a rich history and part of the pleasure of collecting batik is identifying the motifs and colour usage from various areas.
   This book can and does provide so much background content of interest that it is difficult to peruse methodically and the urge to flick backwards and forwards with each page promising curious temptations
   to absorb.

1 comments about 50 More Ways To Use Your Noodle: Loads of land and water games with foam noodle toys.

1. 50 More Ways to Use Your Noodle offered more GREAT ways to work with people, build teams, and have a great time. I've used the activities with junior high, high school, college, and adult age groups and they all enjoyed the activities and the follow-up discussions really helped open their eyes to new situations or ways of approaching challenges. Easy to follow instructions and fun reading. The biggest challenges I've faced with using these materials are deciding which of the fun activities to use and finding space to keep all of the noodle supplies between trainings! :-)

No comments about Motorcycle Jackets: A Century of Leather Design.

No comments about Warman's Civil War Weapons.