No comments about Collins Handy DIY: A Complete A-Z Guide.

5 comments about The Everything Baby's First Food Book: Tasty, Nutritious Meals and Snacks That Even the Pickiest Child Will Love-From Birth to Age 3 (Everything Series).

1. I regret buying this book, since it promised to cover different topics, providing lots of different meals ideas, and it is mostly theoretical and has almost no recipes. If you need theory buy this book, but common sense, obvious theory. If you want ideas for your babies meals look for something else.



2. As a new mom this book is good for basics but light on details. I found
   myself having to buy other books once my son was ready for solids.
   I also felt the information jumped around a lot; it would have been nice to have it organized more month to month rather than topic to topic.
   Not a bad choice but don't expect to be your only book on food.
   Good luck!



3. This book is a must for all first time mothers and fathers. It gives detailed information on how to feed your baby from birth to toddler with excellent examples and food product information. My husband and I especially found the alternatives to junk food section very helpful. We want to feed our daughter healthy food, and now we know the healthy altenatives to junk food. Also, this book gives examples on how to pack healthy lunches and snacks. Bravo!!!



4. From the title, I thought I was getting lots of suggestions about foods to prepare for the beginning eater to toddler. I have rasied all my own children and now my children and their friends are having their first babies. I remembered how I poured over baby "cook books" to learn how to prepare good, simple, tasty and inexpensive food for my children. I want to give the same resources to new mothers. This book looks like it will give you lots of ideas but it contains much of the same material you find in "the first (second etc) year of your child's life" which is a wonderful series. Sorry but I was not impressed.



5. I came across this book while visiting with friends who kept this book handy on their kitchen counter. Over the course of two weeks I was able to browse and review the book. I found it to be a good collection of basic recipes for babies and toddlers. Other reviewers stated it was basic, redundant, etc. Not a bad thing, really-- I am ordering it now as a source for ideas and no nonsense recipes. For any parent who wants to feed their baby something homemade, but worries that they will have sufficient time or creativity--this book is a perfect start. Note: I will also be purchasing "Mommy Made" as a companion, as I felt that MM takes baby cooking to a more sophisticated, original level that Everything was lacking.

5 comments about I Like You.

1. Dear Amy -
   
   I like your book. No, I love it. No, wait, I totally *heart* it, in fact. It is way awesome. Much like you. I bet you throw the craziest parties. Will you kindly invite me sometime? I know I'm one of those annoying vegans who will totally muck up your dinner menu, but I promise to make it up to you by bringing plenty of booze.
   
   Anyway, back to your book. Why do I *heart* it so? Well, the pictures totally kick it; it takes a special lady to pull off the bottomless-but-for-pantyhose look. Your gourmet masterpieces look yummy despite the animal ingredients. And your diy décor is do-able even for the not-so-crafty among us. Googley eyes on peanuts! Who woulda thunkit? And you're so retro, too, Amy! Like a Fiona Apple video, or those `70s douche ads that all us hairy-legged feminist bloggers like to pass around on the internets. I LIKE YOU is, like, the perfect coffee table book for people who think people who have coffee table books are kinda sorta pretentious jerks. For reals.
   
   But wait! There's more! Your book also has words! And they make me laugh, and laugh, and laugh. And then chortle and guffaw. And then some more lolz. Your sections on entertaining the elderly, babycakes (sorry, "children"), ladies' nights and "when you get to play nurse" (not as fun and/or dirt-ay as it sounds) are especially amusing. Even the book flap provides several minutes of enjoyment.
   
   In sum, Amy, you give this misanthrope hope! Plus, you taught me how to locate my vagina with a hand mirror. I will always remember you for that. With much fondness and warmth. Make of that what you will.
   
   hugs & kisses
   
   - k
   
   PS - Did you by chance ever go by the name of Charlene, maybe in the early `80s? Because you totally remind me of Dr. Stephen Colbert, DFA's ex-lover of the same name. No? Whatevs, nm.
   
   PPS - I know it's you.
   
   PPPS - I am eagerly awaiting my dinner party invite.



2. Can you believe this book???? Practical, funny, creative, liberated, boy it just racks up positive adjectives, doesn't it? But be forewarned, it's also revoltingly gross here and there and above all this is comedy, not a foray too far into Martha Stewart territory. But then again, if you needed me to tell you that you probably don't know who Amy Sedaris is. I had fun reading Amy Sedaris' assault on vulnerable Eisenhower-era values, actually learned a thing or two, and, who knows, might try a few of her recipes next time I'm feeling antidisestablishmentalitarian. And, oh yeah, her, ahem, charming wit is amusing too. (Marbles in the medicine cabinet?! What to do with organic lemons? Where the heck does she get that stuff?) I'm a fan of books that walk the thin line between parody and information, offensive and endearing, and gods help us, the irreverent I Like You does that extremely well.



3. enjoyable but would have liked it to be a little more off than if was.



4. I love this book. She is a genius. Writing & photos are funy, and I want to try the recipes! BUT, it isn't for everyone. I was reading the 1 star reviews, and was sorry to see how people weren't getting it. It is a Kitschy, Rated R, humorous book on hospitality. If you don't like swear words, "ladies parts", and 70's photos, don't buy it. If you love all those things, get it! You won't be dissappointed. PS: I now own a planter in the shape of a log with a squirrel sitting on it. It reminded me of this book so forcefully, I HAD to buy it! We should all be more like amy ;-)



5. This is a general warning before reading the review: This book is VERY odd, so if you don't like oddball humor, go find another book.
   
   The book's flap shows you how funny it is, as she gets angry with you for not purchasing the book. And there it begins.
   The layout is very old-fashioned. The chapters are spread out with many photos and crudely drawn images. Usually these images make you chuckle. The whole book is in full-color, so no guessing as to what color such-and-such is.
   
   The content is hit-and-miss, but generally a hit. It'll make you chuckle, and you'll definately think "what was she on?" during some chapters, and that's the point. But that's not all; you also get a giant reference manual to easy-to-make recipes! Rachael Ray, move out of the way! This book also shows you how to entertain and be a guest, as these are also part of the hospitality boat. You'll eithe laugh or end up scratching your heads at the comedy.
   
   ------------over-all grade-------
   
   Writing: B+ - It's funny, but it drags on for much longer than necessary.
   Layout: C+ - It's very old fashioned, which is a big turn-off. Full of yellow and greens.
   Overall: B - It's a generally fun guide to entertaining, but beware if you don't find it funny or you'll be returning to Borders right quick.

1 comments about French Food: On the Table, On the Page, and in French Culture.

1. This cultural history of French food provides essays which examine a range of topics; from food issues throughout French history to historical and cultural transition points in the culinary world. These literary essays go beyond most recipe-oriented titles to examine the foundations of French affections with food.

5 comments about Quick Guide: Basements: Step-by-Step Construction Methods (Quick Guide).

1. I am a novice do-it-yourselfer and I bought this book so I could finish my basement. It has both textual descriptions of each stage of the project, and also has step-by-step pictures on how to do the each stage of the project from how to install a vapor barrier to how to do the dry-wall and ceiling work.

   A MUST HAVE for the do-it-yourselfer looking for step-by-step instructions.




2. If you are staring down a flight of wooden basement steps leading to the cells where you keep your crazy aunt, and if you are wistfully picturing a cheerful downstairs game room with lots of clean, well-lighted spaces where the kids can scalp each other, where Bud and Sis can take their dates to play Twister with lime Jello on those nights when Mom and Dad are out at the shooting range, meaning you're contemplating a full basement renovation, BUY THIS BOOK. It will save you thousands of dollars, hours of anguish, and it may save your sanity.

   Even for hardened do-it-yourselfers, the task of renovating a basement is dirty, dark, and difficult. In this case, knowledge is not only power but illumination. This book takes you by the hand and shows you how to do each step.

   This is a damn good book.




3. Makes it look pretty simple and straightforward.
   I hyaven't done anything yet.
   Although I have found a slip up in the book; They recommend using this one form of foam insulation for the basement wall but then neglect to tell you how you are supposed to run wires through it.



4. Book has many clear pictures and covers all areas of remodelling a basement. Easy to follow with lots of help. This book is cheap and all you need.



5. This is a decent step-by step guide to finishing your basement but there are better out there. Even though its 1998 it seems very dated. This book contains no photos for design inspiration it is only a how to manual. Taunton's Build Like a Pro was much more thorough and current.

5 comments about If I'd Only Listened to Mom: Hundreds of Household Remedies.

1. I don't know I managed my home before this book. It has an answer for every problem or situation I've encountered. I wouldn't want to be without it!



2. Everyone should own this reference guide. I have given this book to many of my friends and they have thanked me profusely. They find themselves reaching for it often. All are pleased to own such a reference for their home. I strongly recommend this author and title for purchase. You won't be disappointed.



3. No self-respecting reference library would be caught dead without this valuable and practical guide. Anyone who lives indoors should own this.



4. This book should be part of every households library. That includes you bachelors Everything I try from this book has worked perfectly and is very easy to follow. I originally bought a copy for my newly married daughter but after really studying it before I wrapped it I went out and bought one for our house as well.



5. This book is a gold mine of hints on everything from dealing with laundry and household stains to how to pack for a trip. After receiving the book, I immediately ordered three more copies for my college-age children. I highly recommend this book!

No comments about Ready, Set, Explore (Barron, Marlene. Ready, Set, Learn Series.).

No comments about Collins First-Time DIY: The Step-By-Step Guide fot the DIY Novice.

5 comments about Bar Code: Your Personal Pocket Decoder to the Modern Dating Scene.

1. I've been out of the scene for a while and trust me, this book is still great fun! Everyone can relate to these hilarious terms if they've ever dated in college and beyond. And amazingly, it's already catching on! I heard the term "updating" used in the Barcode context just a few weeks ago and the ultra-trendy user admitted to sneaking lingo from the book. I'm giving a copy to all my friends for Christmas to help them remember half the things they wish they could forget!



2. If you ask me, Bar Code has come 20 years too late. If I'd only known back in my single days to watch out for my Tammy tendencies, I surely would have done better at Red Rover. Instead, I spent too much time running Memory Laps, Pair-a-Scoping, and naively falling for those guys with Altered Egos, who were only interested in the Pammys anyway. Fortunately, I was completely on-target about my husband's Premarital Specs, so now I'm sleeping in Fuddy Duds, no longer worried about Down Thighzing. Still, this hilarious little guide has helped me bring closure to all those haunting memories of my dating past, and I bet it will do the same for all those 40-and 50-somethings who still CAN'T BELIEVE we wore that, said that, or did that way back when. This year I'll be putting Bar Code in the Christmas stockings of all my still- or newly-single friends. It's my duty to save them from all those Federlines out there ... and from themselves.



3. This book had me laughing out loud. I plan to give a copy to friends because everybody needs to reminiscence and laugh about the dating and single days. So cleverly written.



4. PENS ENVY [penz en-vee]. n. The green-eyed fury that you haven't either the wit or the perception of the authors of this hilarious definitions book.



5. This book is hilarious! I have been out of the dating scene for years but each and every page brings back a memory that leaves me laughing out loud. My husband and I bring it out every time we have friends over and pass it around. Everyone has his/her own Barcode story.

1 comments about Food, Cookery, and Dining in Ancient Times: Alexis Soyer's Pantropheon (Dover Cookbook Series).

1. Prepare to be grossed out! If you are a history buff, a teacher or a chef, amateur or professional, this is a really fun book to read. You will what dishes were preferred in Ancient Rome and Greece, and how cuisine developed through the ages.
   
   The section on cooking meat is probably the most horrific; I should warn animal rights activists and vegans to utterly avoid reading this book if they are queasy. Some of our forebears enjoyed gladiator battles as a sort of reality tv, and their idea of party food was equally cruel. I am neither PETA member (unless it's People Eating Tasty Animals) or a vegan but I was utterly dismayed at some of the ways animals were treated. Truly, the Old Testament prohibition against cooking a kid in its mother's milk was to teach people to be mindful about cruelty.
   
   Another fascinating facet was to see how many writers have used this book as a source for historical writing. For example, Taylor Caldwell used one whole section on Roman orgies to write a scene in "Dear and Glorious Physician", a novel about the life of the apostle Luke.
   
   It's interesting reading to find out what was considered good-tasting in Ancient Rome--I was constantly amazed at the use of certain strong herbs for seasoning; perhaps to cover the taste of meat that was not refrigerated, but also to stimulate a jaded palate. If you are curious about cooking through the ages, I recommend this book.