5 comments about This Year It Will Be Different.

1. This book had some stories in it that were a tad uplifting, but there were too many other stories with cheating husbands. That was a bummer; I was hoping the whole book would be full of feel-good Christmas tales, not feel-depressed. Anyway, my favorite was the first story, "The First Step of Christmas." I just prefer the happy endings!



2. This book of short stories was okay. The stories were short (thankfully) but not that memorable . Nothing that touched at the heartstrings. It is not one I will pass on.



3. Maive Binchy is a truly outstanding author. Great read. Received in great conditon.



4. What could be better in the heat and humidity of summer than to read a refreshing book of Christmas tales? Each story was just enough to stand on its own, while entertaining. Surely it made one think that the holidays are less than six months away. Better get started on lists.



5. Let me set something straight here ~~ I love Maeve's books. I have read them all and there are several that I re-read over the years simply because they're honest and uplifting. So it was with great anticipation that I sat down with this book ~~ I was expecting something to set my mind on the proper Christmas mood and boy, was I disappointed.
   
   This book is not uplifting at all. In fact, the tone I detected throughout the entire collection of short stories is bitterness. Not bittersweet, just bitterness. Like Maeve has a grudge against Christmas. Maybe she does have a grudge ~~ but anyhow, this entire short story collection is not for the reader who is looking for something to cheer her up before the craziness of the holiday descends. In fact, if you're bitter about the holidays, then this book is perfect for you.
   
   The short stories don't even feel complete nor full ~~ she has written better short stories than this collection so it is very disappointing that I put the book down and say, where's my Maeve?! This one is about women having affairs with married men, parents grown distant from their adult children, women who miss their spouses and lost dreams, and so on. There was nothing, I mean, nothing redeemable about any of these stories.
   
   If you're a die-hard Binchy fan, you might like this collection. But save your money and buy her other books. This one is definitely not going into my personal library.
   
   11-30-07

5 comments about Winchester: An American Legend : The Official History of Winchester Firearms and Ammunition from 1849 to the Present.

1. R.L. Wilson, who wrote this book, also wrote one called 'Colt, an American Legend.' Both books are exquisite, coffee table size--eight and a half inches by eleven inches (landscape)--and each are over 400 pages, almost every page filled with extremely high quality color photographs.

   R.L. Wilson, in addition to being a collector and well-known author in the firearms field, is a historical consultant to Colt's Firearms Division.

   The subtitle on the first page says, "The official history of Winchester firearms and ammunition from 1849 to the present," which pretty much covers the entire history of the Winchester Firearms Company (now known as U.S. Repeating Arms, since a bankruptcy and change of ownership.)

   If you are a Winchester aficionado, or just a Western history buff, with an interest in "The Gun That Won the West," this is a book you will want in your library.

   It is one of my favorite books. It will probably be one of yours, also.

   Joseph Pierre,
   Author of THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS: Our Journey Through Eternity




2. Beautiful to look at. Not heavy in the way of company or technical history, but what a great coffee table book. Costly - if you can find it - but wow!



3. Just the pictures in this huge volume are enough to make it worth thumbing through, but the written information is tremendous and the author manages to cover all connections to Winchesters' Fathers, including John M Browning, my personal hero (other than my Father, Uncle, Grandfather and all other veterans of WWII and Korea). Probably not all the information on Winchester firearms and ammo history but all that I can absorb and still have a social life.



4. the next best thing to owning a winchester rifle itself.
   
   excellent in every respect and well recommended.



5. This book is an eye opener for sure! Okay it is a coffee table book rather than a serious reference work, but hey, you cannot deny the shear luminous beauty of the photography and the well thought out layout and design. There is good info to be had as well, this book is a 'faster' reference than Madis' work and leaves you hungry for more. Well done Mr Wilson, I will be buying more of your work!

5 comments about The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins: A World War II Soldier, Normandy, France, 1944 (My Name is America: A Dear America Book).

1. i read The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins,a world war two soldier.i really liked this book,i give it a 5 star rating, its an interesting historical fiction book,if you are gonna do a historical fiction book report i recommend this book. I only recommend this book to those who like reading about wars or reading about journals.when i picked this book i thought it was going to be another boring old book but it wasn't I just wanted to keep on reading this book, just to see what would happen to scott and all of the people in the war. In this book Scott tells of all his troubles while he is serving in the war. This book has some sad parts that make you want to cry and some happy parts that make you feal happy that he is alive.



2. i read The Journal of Scott Pendleton Collins,a world war two soldier.in this book Scott Collins goes through some tough times like seeing people die, being scared of dying and bomb shells and all those terible things that go on in war.When I picked this book I thought it was going to be another boring old book, but it wasn't. It was actually quite interesting.I usually dont like reading journals, because to me they are boring, but this book is far beyond boring(in my opinion.) some things they mentions in this book are interesting to do reaserch on, like battle of the bulge and when they mention D-day i was thinking what the heck is d-day so i did some reaserch on it and found out what it was, im not gonna tell you because you should do your own reaserch on it.I give this book a 5star rating because i liked this book. If you like reading journals and/or reading war stories then this is the book for you , if you dont like reading books on war and journals then i dont recommend this book for you.



3. 
   My Name is America is a serious book it is about an American soldier Scott Pendleton. I like this book because it has a lot of action and shooting Germans. I like this book because the shooting and explosion never stop. I also like this book because it felt like I was Scott shooting the Germans and driving the tank. Scott liked the new experience of the war but he did suffer a lot when he was shot. I will probably give this book five stars. So go get in your tank and drive to the book store.



4. I did my report on My Name Is America: The Journal of Scott Pendelton Collins. This is a very good book but might not be appropriate for young readers, under the fifth grade.
   This book is about, who is a soldier in World War II. He goes into D-Day, and loses friends on the way. He has to travel by foot, drive, and fight in many battles. He does this whil keeping a journal. He also writes letters to his mother and Annie, the girl of his dreams. He is always troubled with dying or losing a friend.
   This was a very good book, appropriate for middle school readers. I'd give this a 9 out of 10. This was a classic story of a soldier in WWII.



5. I bought copy at school bookstore and once it waa picked up, the reading never stopped. Poor English. Broken phrases. Awkward literary tome that spills the guts of young soldier thrust into storming of Normandy. He knows little at first about war but soon gets used to the drugery, fate, killing, and hardships. A first person account with dates. I am 69 and like the book more than most youngsters. Goes with Scott until he gets a fluke injury and returns to the States. A very vital part of the book tells what happens to him and many friends after they settle back down in
   America. I find this a war gem. Highly Recommend. Easy read.

5 comments about Setting Up Shop: The Practical Guide to Designing and Building Your Dream Shop.

1. Don't know if anyone else has addresed this. I have been building my barn shop for 7 years now. The book covers many of my thoughts and concerns. Would have wanted this sooner than later. Points raised for consideration. Noise and sound. I put in some wood walls, painted white and sealed against moisture, but I fussed with that or drywall. I considered my own sound issues and went with wood. But after reading some of the author's comments I will be spending extra time for fire protection and sound absorption when I do other parts of the shop. Not for me alone, but for my nieghbors as well. Good book to read before, during or contemplating a shop. Hey, we get to find out about how the masters of wood roughed it as well.



2. I was very disappointed in this book. I have found shop set up for effecient layout and dust collection to be the most important aspects of my woodworking. I am always looking for new and innovative ways to be as effecient and effective in these areas. I could find no difference in this book and the earlier version it replaces. Even the photos are same outdated photos that appear to be taken in the late 70's used in the 2001 release. Please, Taunton, don't insult your readers by continuing to regurgitate the same information with a shiny new label in an attempt to sell more books. Please strive to produce new and relevant photos and information. Your books and magazines are already some of the most expensive, it would be nice if the quality matched.



3. Good book for anyone who is contemplating establishing a woodworking shop. After years of dabbling in woodworking, I recently took the plunge and started buying more equipment, and am using the book to guide the sequence of purchases and setup of my basement shop. The book also covers stand-alone shops in garages or polebarns, and discusses the very basics as electrical power needs, lighting, security, heating, dust collection, layout, workstations, and a few other topics. All-in-all, pretty comprehensive treatment of the subject.



4. This book has many practical ideas, is very well illustrated and detailed.
   Effeciency, safety, and comfort are addressed well. Dust collection, electrical supply and shop layout are covered completely. I would recommend it highly.



5. This is a very clear, thorough, well-written book. It details many aspects of setting up a small wood shop, from layout to electrical work to insulation and soundproofing. The author also talks about what tools to select and suggests a priority order for people who cannot get all they want at once. It is an excellent source of information for anyone from hobbyists to beginning professionals.

5 comments about Jewelry: From Antiquity to the Present (World of Art).

1. I am a beginning collector, It gave me a big frame and lots of information. I am still looking for a good book that helps me in buying. This is more a history.As a history book it is great.



2. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and it has done its job - leaving me wanting to know more. Clare Phillips covers the trends and machinations of each distinct period in jewellery making so I gained a good understanding of the styles of jewellery and their evolution and the historic influences of society and how this manifested in jewellery. It is well written and easy to follow with wonderful colour and black and white plates as the best examples of the period discussed. If you don't know the various styles of jewellery and their production period - this is an ideal book to start learning.



3. Clare Phillips's small volume is the best short history of jewelry I have ever seen. The text, though relatively slender, is packed with information, and the illustrations are lovely and educational. If you can only afford one book on the history of jewelry, this is the book to get.



4. This is the book i've been looking for, a complete review about jewelery history,with good pictures and confiable information.Best for those who want to have an overview since the ancient world up to the modern times.



5. Jewelry: From Antiquity to the Present is a well written book with accompanying pictures to exemplify every style of jewelry popular in the Old World throughout history. Focusing primarily on Europe, this is a great overview of all the techniques and materials used in jewelry creation. The book is enjoyable enough to read page by page, as opposed to using it solely as a reference book. I highly suggest it to anyone interested in gaining an understanding of how jewelry has evolved throughout history.

5 comments about 390 Traditional Stained Glass Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive Series).

1. This book is great for traditional patterns, specially for the ones from Great Bretain. It shows different types of patterns depending on the period of influence, like Edwardian, Art Deco and others. I wished the patterns showed some color!!!!



2. I've been looking for ideas for simple patterns; this book helped me a lot!



3. This is an excellent resource book for stained glass artisans. It has a variety of styles and eras in easy to duplicate drawings. Projects range from easy to intricate, designs (in some instances) can be mixed and matched.
   
   Dover has a good selection of stained glass books which provide wonderful references to many and varied types of stained glass design.



4. This book is not my cup of tea, but it's great for someone who's looking for a design from a certain era. The book is broken down by the different eras or styles: Victorian Geometric, Art Nouveau, Victorian Floral, Edwardian, and 1920's. All the designs have a lot of horizontal and vertical lines in them. Also, it's all in black and white so you have to use your imagination to color it. The back of the front cover and back cover has examples in color.



5. The cover gives 14 color examples. The 78 pages are packed with
   an average of 8 black and white outlines to a page.
   This is a lot of ideas but would be challenging to enlarge for
   pattern making. A limited range of symetric styles are divided
   into four groups.

2 comments about Ultimate Handbook Volume II (Littlest Pet Shop).

1. I bought this book for my neice and daughter (both age 6). The two girls love LPS. They sat together and read what each pet likes and dislikes and laughed. It was so sweet. My daughter and I read this book at bedtime, and she enjoys learning what her Littlest Pet Shop pets like. It has many of the pets in it and gives them more character as the girls pretend play with their pets.



2. It's a good book to help kids figure out the names and the animals and know what they want to get next. Advertisement? Definitely, but informative and with every pet there's a story. Helps kids get into the LPS play since they know the background.

5 comments about Return to Love: Reflections on the Principles of a Course in Miracles.

1. I couldn't understand "A Course in Miracles" but I could understand "A return to Love". It made it very easy for me. I'm reading it for a second time and paying very close attention to the lessons. It has changed my way of thinking and my life. I am very happy. If everyone read this book, the world would be at peace.



2. My greatest fear? Buying a book that is discussing another book. I bought this book after watching Coach Carter (Widescreen Edition) on DVD. What I found was an intelligent woman whining on and on about "stuff". She's very smart, but then she has read The Seth Material, which basically tell her how to frame her experiences. The whiny tone was so infuriating that I wanted to slam dunk it in the trash. I couldn't get past the half-way point because after a while she was complaining about people she should leave alone. Marianne seems unhappy and quite content to take it out on the American public. I'm so happy I'm not an American. But maybe that's why I don't get what she's on about. It's better to read the Seth material and other books by Jane Roberts as background first, and then try doing a A Course in Miracles after. If you are looking for good reading material it might be better to look at her primary sources and struggle with it yourself.



3. Reading this book helped lead me to the "miracle" of forgiveness I have been trying to find/give for years. Marianne hits on many vein's that need to be opened - love and forgiveness for one's self and others. I am constantly referring back to this book and marking it with my highlighter!



4. I love the Cd a fabulous and inspiring look at the meaning we all search for and the anwsers to questions we all ask. Marianne Gives an entertaining and honest account of her life and journey, I recommend everyone listen to this wonderful course in miracles CD.



5. For many years, I have been looking for a way out of my personal hell which has included depression, self subotage, painful thoughts and self loathing. I have tried among many other things, willpower, counseling, religion etc. This book has done it for me. I am a brand new person after reading it.

3 comments about Lincoln Cents Folder Starting 1975 (Official Whitman Coin Folder).

1. This folder is an excellent starting point for any new coin collector. The folder has a nice lock-in feature preventing the coins from falling out. The recent dates ensure that the folder can be filled without too much difficulty from simply rooting through pocket change regularly. Highly recommended for young people who wish to start a coin collection.



2. I was given this book by my dad when I was little...it got me interested in coin collecting and is inexpensive! I would recommend it as a gift for kids or adults...it makes a fun hobby!



3. As a child, my Grandfather collected pennies for each of his Grandchildren. As an adult, I am still collecting. The Whitman folders were good enough then, and they are certainly good enough now. Easy to insert coins, yet tight enough to hold them for many years.

5 comments about Standard Catalog of World Coins 1701-1800.

1. This is the best guide to world gold coins dated
   after 1600. Before 1600, look for Friedberg's
   "Gold Coins of the World" which has gold ancient coins
   and gold coins up to year 1600.
   Clark Smith
   www.coinvault.com



2. I need a guide so I just do not blindly pay big bucks for cute pictures. There are a lot of good guides and some more specific on particular eras and locations such as Westphalia. But as you do a coin search you are bound to run across something you are not familiar with and need a guide. This guide is a great place to start; it is easy to navigate and gives cursory information on particular locations and times surrounding the coin's production.
   
   Keeping in mind that this is just a guide, there are holes and the coins are not displayed in color. On the other hand the coins shown are in actual size; size is hard to translate form internet pictures.
   
   With all the electronic references today it is nice to have something tactile, static and transportable. This book meet al those needs.



3. Certainly this is the book for 18th century coins, unless you are mainly interested in one country like the UK or France -- in that case you would find more information more attractively laid out, along with other centuries, elsewhere, usually more cheaply too. But for its coverage of the world, including hugely complicated countries like Gemany, Italy and India, it is unbeatable. This 3rd edition is an improvement over earlier editions, because more pictures (especially of the smaller coins) and more obscurities have been included.
   
   For users in countries which do not speak English, the conversions such as VF = TTB = BB =MBC are very useful !
   The book is not difficult for foreigners to use.



4. My collection of 18th century coins is virtually non-existent and their value is so low that this catalog cost me much more than they are all worth. But I did not buy it to see how rich I am or how wisely I invested my money. I treat this book as a very special history book. I read it every now and then, starting from a state I have never heard of to discover some new information from the past. This is the imperfect but only source to dig into the history of minute Italian, German or Indian states which often had nothing but minting rights which they excercised profusely. About sovereigns who believed themselves mighty enough to have their profiles struck on multiple thalers only to disappear from annals of History within just a few years. About political plans, expectations and pretences of which we can't remember anymore but they were all detailed on coins.
   Coin-collecting is not a way of investing money (it well may be though in most cases it is rather by luck than wise planning), it is a life-time of studies. You have to invest your time, and coins will start speaking to you. Half-worn faces will become flesh and blood individuals from the past. Strange letters will mean their might and their dreams. You will probably never have too many of these coins (even if you have the money, actually) but this is the kind of book which can give you knowledge. And knowledge, in time, may turn into wisdom.



5. It's a complete and very informative book about world coins. I used it everyday as a price reference and getting the right description of old coins.