Birthdays Books

This is a great, straightforward reference. It covers everything any person needs to know about dining etiquette without any useless "filler" material. The audio format is great and the speaker is one of the best I have listen to.

After a few months as a first year associate at my law firm, one of my former law school classmates told me that their firm had sent its new associates to an etiquette class. I decided that it might be a good idea for me to brush up on my etiquette skills as well, so I purchased this CD and also the Food Scholar Wine Basics CD. I recommend both for new professionals to prepare them for any "dining" situation they may encounter in their first jobs. These situations frequently fall into the "you don't know what you don't know" category of student knowledge.

I, for one, had very little experience in more formal dining situations upon graduating from school. This CD was just what I needed to get myself up-to-speed. It is well-organized and well-presented, covering a number of very specific situations that convey the elements of common sense and consideration that underlie all etiquette.

The author thankfully avoids spending time on how to arrange the seating at a state dinner. What he offers is practical, usable advice on the types of real social interactions that occur in all kinds of business. A very useful CD and well worth the price. Definitely five stars.

I will be graduating from college this year and have started to interview for jobs. I have a decent GPA, am in the career placement office every week for advice, and have spent hours polishing my resume. I thought that I had all my bases covered. Then I started actually interviewing for jobs. I have already had three interviews that included meals and two "mixers" with drinks and appetizers. It was a little overwhelming. I could tell there was an order to things I did not completely understand. A friend recommended this Dining Etiquette CD, so I ordered it. I had yet another meal during an interview after listening to it. It made a big difference. Knowing what to do at every turn during the meal was a confidence booster and I am sure it helped me appear more polished and professional. I HIGHLY recommend it, Two Thumbs Up.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 2: Wine Selection & Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

The last book on CD my wife and I bought was terrible: mens' voices for female characters, etc. And what's the alternative on the radio? Pop music or Howard Stern? I spend twenty percent of my waking life in my car. I might as well spend it wisely. The Food Scholar is easy listening and presented in a way that makes the information easy to learn and remember.

Since when has information about aging been so much fun to read? This fast paced book is chock full of useful information, the questions it answers hit the spot and most of the time you'll have a smile on your face when you're reading as well. (When you can remember where you've put the book down). It reminded me of the film in which Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson become "older" lovers and at one point mistakenly wear each other's glasses. Except that here, the author is firmly in control! I'm going to buy a copy for all my friends...

With my 50th birthday looming large later this year I've been stockpiling books about dealing with aging parents and my own aging. None of these have been pleasure reads...until Ms. Padwa's book came along! Thanks to Lynette Padwa I'm a bit less fearful, and a lot more prepared to face mid-life armed with humor and essential information. And now I know what I'll be getting all my friends for their 50th birthday! Midlife need not be a crisis anymore and it's gals like Ms. Padwa who'll spread that message for all to hear! Thank-you!

As an avid reader its rare that a book that lands on my desk actually lives up to the title. This one does. The author literally covers hundreds of topics in a factual as well as a witty way, which makes the book a joy to read and one of those rare books one doesn't want to put down.

The authors writes about prostates, penis', what men/women really look for in a partner, finances, scents that men/women like most, face lifts, what's better coffee or wine, fitness, baldness (most women don't care), viagra, mind and stress, why do bones creak, medical tests over age 50, digestion, wills, life insurance, medicare, elderly parents and money concerns, job changes, retirement communities, cohousing, sex and dating and much much more.

When I read the table of contents of this gem of a how-to book and found that I kept flipping to page 50 for the topics I wanted, I knew I really could benefit from Lynette Padwa's advice -- as I had from her other wonderful books. I actually thought I could skim a lot Quick, Answer Me because, smarty-panties that I am, I've been 50 for some #*@$ years and have been studying and paying attention along the way. But I must have taken a lot of vacation days. If this book were a test, I'd have to go back to being 30. (I wish.) I highly recommend this book for readers on both sides of the 50. Thank you, Lynette, for giving us the answers AND the questions about what's happened before and why, what will happen next and why, and what is happening to our friends and spouses and significants and why. Thanks for making me laugh out loud about subjects that could make most future geezers cry. Thanks for making the publisher use a decent-sized typeface. You thought of everything!

Lynette Padwa's "...Everything You Need To Know About Turning 50" is the literary equivalent of a Woody Allen movie--smart, fast-paced, and omigod, is it funny. She takes on all the important issues concerning life, love, sex and aging, and still leaves us laughing. Don't miss this nugget.

I loved Olivia Wu's "Turning 50:Fifty Personal Celebrations." It helped me a lot when I turned the corner myself a year or so ago. It strikes just the right balance between joy, courage, and faith on one hand and plain honesty about life's challenges on the other.

The baby boomers are turning 50 en masse. This book shows that the boomers still have lofty aspiration and haven't lost their idealism at 50. It is a wonderful celebration of ordinary folks with extraordinary zest for life and social responsibility.

This is a delightful, well-written book which draws together a wide variety of experiences of turning fifty. But it goes beyond that to look at ways in which people affirm themselves and those around them at any point in their lives. An uplifting, inspiring read, with lots to think about.

The stories of actual people (interesting, creative people!) are so compelling when one reaches this scary milestone, only to discover that we are still young at 50, and there is a lot of wonderful stuff ahead. Inspirational, positive, a perfect gift.

I bought the book at the recommendation of a friend and have not been able to keep it in my study. When I tell others of it they ask to borrow my copy.Perhaps I do the author a dis-service by loaning it, but the content is such that I naturally want t to share it.

I loved the book for lots of reasons. It is small enough to carry easily. It is inspiring and sensitively written.The photos personalized it even more.I knew the people more intimatley. I am disappointed that "Turning Fifty" is not readily available at my favorite bookstore. Were that the case, I know that some of the people I have loaned it to would have bought it On the other hand, it can be read in a couple of hours, so it can be easily passed on to friends. The problem with that is that after reading it the firsttime through,the reader wants to return to his/her favorite individuals represented in the book.

We first got this book from a library. We had to extend it after 30 days, because we have to read it at least twice per evening. My son sometimes requests for us to read it 5+ times in the evening. My son is 2 1/2 years old and has the entire book memorized. The book has great details: the blue balloon, the spider, etc. The illustrations are amazing. This is the favorite book for our family. We recommended this book to family members and few friends. Sometimes my son wakes up in the morning, and his first words are "Wolf's coming", not "Mommy" or "Daddy".

I originally got this book at the library and my son loved it so I decided to buy the book instead of checking it out all the time. The book seems very scary at first but it has a great ending.

Wolf's Coming is just about the perfect scary story for little children. They ask for it over and over. Wolf is stalking through the woods while all the other animals are sneaking around, whispering cautiously to be aware. The conclusion is a surprising delight, yielding big smiles of relief and laughter. Don't miss this gem!

This book starts out scary with the big, bad wolf and then turns into something really cute. The simple rhyming on each page made it fun for my daughter to memorize. We originally borrowed this from the library (and read it daily for 2 weeks) and then returned it and the next day I heard her in her room reciting it to her animals so we had to buy our own copy.

Wolf's Coming has simple rhyming couplets with strong graphics and a suspenseful storyline. The book is my son's favorite and he now shouts out the lines on cue. We love this book and will purchase our own copy after the library copy's returned!

I enjoyed reading this and passed it on to my kids who are visiting the Loire Valley this summer and living with a family there. Proper etiquette is always noticed, and a general knowledge of fine wines can only add to their experience.

Highly recommended! The audio format is a great idea! It makes learning very easy and the information is all relevant. This is one lesson that is interesting and easily finished.

This was my first wine book, and it is still the best beginner's reference. It covers everything you need to get started. The real benefit, however, is the audio format. You actually get to hear the narrator (who is fantastic!) pronounce the names of the various grape varieties, wines and terms. This is a huge benefit and something that cannot be replicated in the written word.

A good etiquette book should sit on every professional's bookshelf alongside "how to win friends" and "7 habits." I purchased this book along with Essential Etiquette Fundamentals, Vol. 1: Dining Etiquette and The Etiquette Edge: The Unspoken Rules for Business Success to cover all the bases. These books do an excellent job covering the important etiquette skills often overlooked in today's environment. Although often underappreciated, exhibiting proper etiquette signals to others (especially your boss and clients) that you are well educated, care about detail, and have respect for others. I highly recommend these books for anyone new to the business world or for those of us who may need to brush up on the basics.

Although drinking good wine isn't difficult, learning about wine can be. Once on a winery tour a vintner explained that there are 15,000 different choices that can be made from grape to bottle. Sometimes picking out a wine can seem daunting. Food Scholar's Wine Selection & Etiquette does a superior job of teaching those of us who would like to learn more without the information being overkill.

While there are more comprehensive books out there on Wine, I really like this book because it excels at being written for the average person. The book is divided into logical sections. I also like that the effect of climates in a region on the grape are covered. This is an easy way to tell what kind of wine you are getting just by looking at where the grape was grown.

This book will enhance your knowledge as well as your ability to pick out wines that you and your guests may enjoy. I would highly recommend this book to those who want to learn about wine, as this book does an excellent job of giving a basic education about many of the wines of the world.

This book is part of the curriculum for 3 year-old children at private Carden schools, along with Good Night Moon. Both are Classics and belong in every child's library. The pictures, although sketches, look like the real animals, which is a plus compared to many cartoons, and the premise Disney's more modern Baby Einstein is based on too. It introduces children to the Real World. It also teaches the quality of being giving and sharing what you have, and how a gift doesn't always have to be tangible, since a hug can be a great gift to give and receive too.

Ask Mr. Bear is a wonderful little classic. I like to read it but more important, my 3 littlest cherubs love to have it read to them. It has a good storyline and the older artwork adds variety. They love the ending -- a big bear hug for mom! It is a favorite at our house with the under 7 year old group.

Wonderful children's classic to add to your child's collection. Heartwarming story about a little boy wanting to buy his mom a birthday gift and along the way he asks all his animal friends. The end is sweet and endearing.

I loved this book as a child, now my children love it. It gets them thinking about gifts they can give, and understand that a hug and a kiss for Mom is one of the best presents they can give. I've gotten a lot more of them since reading this book to them.

I can recall reading this book to my much younger siblings and then to my own 4 children; now I am reading it
to my grandson. I especially like the way the animals help the little boy find a gift for his mother with the perfect
gift not being something material but just a lovely big hug. What a wonderful message to pass on to a child.

I'm thrilled by the gift of The Birthday Princess Handbook. I've already read much of it and am eager to being the journal in November, my birthday month!

The ideas in The Birtday Princess Handbook are certainly inspiring, and I especially enjoyed the book because the writing is so spectacular. Mark Twain once said that the difference between the right word and the almost right word is like the difference between the lightning bug and lightning. Sacha's writing is lightning! Thanks to Sacha for such a wonderful gift, and congratulations to her on her amazing talent. I plan to give this book to all the women I love at the first opportunity!

This book helped me to realize that I have always been treated very special on my birthdays - from childhood to now! With this book, I can plan to make them even better!! I highly recommend this book to all women who wish to make their birthdays extra special!

I found this book to be refreshingly easy to read yet no less thought-provoking than other more lengthy self-improvement books. The inspirational content, though referring to birthdays, applies to life in general and is that much richer.

Birthdays...Smurthdays....whether you love em or hate em, Birthday Princess Handbook shows you a whole other view of a day that is uniquely yours...the day you started being you! So celebrate it, or not, but design your day especially for you...enjoy the read!!!

My wife recently recieved a copy of The Birthday Princess as a gift from her sister. To better "defend" myself, (as I do with those damn quizes in "COSMO"), I reasoned I should take a look at what she's reading! Needless to say, I loved it! What super ideas come forth to celebrate your own earth arrival. I can't wait for the "guys" edition, so I photo-copied some of the pages to use on my upcoming 60th birthday on December 28th. Please ask Ms. Sacha to send me her earliest draft for this Prince.

ILLUMINATIONS is truly a MUST. This book is perfect for those of us who are looking for beauty, understanding, and spiritual richness in life. It is filled with magnificent art work, photographs, drawings and the myriad of various texts just left me astounded. I have given this book to a dozen friends and have received nothing but kudos for doing so! I have referred to ILLUMINATIONS several times during the past year and inevitably receive the inspiration therein.

A book to slowly taste--word by word. Bask in glorious graphics; savor the thick paper; turn only a page a day to make it last!

I gave this book to all my good friends for Christmas. Every one of them, and they are an eclectic group, loves it. This is a book to be savoured like a fine wine. Each time you pick it up, you discover something new and wonderful. I find a favorite poem or photograph or essay or quotation every time I look at it. There are so many jewels here, so much accumulated talent. The editiors, Jennifer McMahon and Mark Tompkins, have truly given all of us who are lucky enough to encounter this book a gift to be treasured for many years. If you haven't been lucky enough to have been given this book, buy one for yourself today. You will love it!

This book is a real treasure. It's a wonderful compilation of art and personal stories from people who are looking for greater spiritual meaning in their lives. Rather than preaching, it has people share their experiences from around the globe about their spiritual journey. It reminded me how alike we all are and validated some of my own inner reflections. I highly recommend this book.

I was delighted and fortunate to discover "Illuminations" through the publication
of one of my poems. It is a gem of a collection, encompassing all faiths and beliefs,
very spiritual and uplifting, filled with beautiful and inspiring pictures, a work of art
in itself. It is at the same time meditation, essay, poetry, and will even spur
your creativity. I was blessed to be part of it and recommend it as an opportunity
for communion with the self.
Helene Cardona, author of The Astonished Universe

This is an outstanding book for all the reasons mentioned below. The recipes are written clearly and easy to follow. I recieved this book as a gift a year ago, and have tried many of the recipes since then. Almost all have been excellent, and it's become the baking cookbbook I pick up first when I'm thinking about making dessert.

I have made about 10 of the recipes out of this book and we have loved all of them. I am looking forward to baking my way through it. The microwave brownies are so simple and our families quick chocolate fix.

As the mother of 2 little girls, I am finding a huge need for baked goods for all kinds of functions. So far everything I've made has been awesome - and simple. If you have children, this a great book to add to the collection!

for years! I always have the ingredients in the house, and the recipes taste wonderful. With Cheap Fast Good and Mom's Big Book of Baking, I can get rid of the rest of my cookbooks!

I checked out this book from the library and was inspired to buy it, I had to have my own copy! My favorite recipe is the blueberry muffins with the crumb topping, so easy to whip up. My 14 yr. old daughter loves to use the book often and surprises us with delicious treats. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves to bake, specially with such easy, delicious recipes.

I loved this book, and so did everyone know who has read it. The three sisters are hilarious, and their experiences/conflicts are unique and enticing. I'd recommend this book to anyone!!!

I discovered Liane Moriarty only by chance, but once I read THE LAST ANNIVERSARY, I had to find THREE WISHES as quickly as possible. My only regret is that there aren't a dozen more of her novels already on the shelf, waiting for me to devour them. Seldom does one find a modern women's fiction writer who tells a story with such humor, perception and literate grace. Liane Moriarty's appeal spans continents and generations of readers; my 28-year-old daughter loves them as much as I do. I am anxiously awaiting her next novel!

Loved this book! I eagerly await another title by this author!

This book starts with a scene where 3 triplets are eating birthday cake in a restaurant. One of the women is pregnant and the other throws a fork at her stomach. The scene is told from a bystander's point of view so we don't know the sisters by name yet. The novel then works backward so we can see how they got to this point.

For me, the middle of the book was best, because it focused on Gemma's story. Gemma is the flaky, endearing, yet smart sister who is scarred by a past relationship. Her fiance died, but no one in her family knew that he was abusive. Because of his behavior, she finds herself bowing out of relationships if the new boyfriend reminds her of the fiance even slightly. For example, one of them asks her to wash the sand from her feet at the beach before getting in the car, and this reminds her of her fiance's wrath when she got sand in his car, so she breaks up with the boyfriend. Gemma is a charming, troubled person and you root for her to conquer her troubles.

One of the other sisters, Cat, is harder to care about. Cat is one of the glass-half-empty people with an enormous sense of entitlement and an equally marked lack of empathy. She feels like she deserves everything in life and takes it out on others when things go wrong. Unfortunately, the last part of the book focuses on Cat.

The third sister, Lyn, is not as well-drawn as the other two. She's a workaholic who has trouble delegating, and her husband presses her to get an assistant to help her with her on-the-go breakfast business (Brekkie Bus).

I also had trouble with something that happened to the girls' grandmother near the end. It seemed completely unnecessary and irrelevant to the plot, on top of being disturbing.

Overall, Moriarty's breezy and clever style, as well as her way with dialogue, makes this book worth reading. But I do wish she had chosen to keep the focus on Gemma and given the grandmother a break.

The Kettle family is quite a trip. There's Nana Kettle, mother of Frank Kettle, ex-husband of Maxine (Max) Kettle, mother of the wackiest triplets on the planet, Lynnette (Lyn), Catriona (Cat), and Gemma Kettle. The girls are long-legged and beautiful, but that's where the similarity ends. Author Moriarty grew up in a family with six children, she being the eldest, so she probably has an excellent concept of what chaos in a family means.

The scene is Sydney, Australia, and the story is about the triplets as they approach their thirty-fourth birthday. There are snippets of their lives from birth, including the divorce of their parents when they were six, the death of the fiancé of one of the girls; marriages, childbirth, miscarriage, unfaithful husbands, etc. There's a good mix of happy/sad/mundane events, but mostly these three girls and their family members try, like most of us, to survive one another. It's quite a hoot. However, there is one aspect of this story I found very disturbing. Since art imitates life, we all know of situations like the one portrayed in the book. All I can say is "Get out!"

Ms. Moriarty not only used prose to tell her story, she included emails between these very modern sisters, which I thought was very clever. In addition, she included vignettes by people who had been "exposed" to the sisters over the course of their lives. These vignettes were presented in italicized text. I liked the feature as it gave the unusual view of the story's characters from people outside the story line.

Carolyn Rowe Hill