Book Review: Freakin' Fabulousby

Priscilla said...
Freakin' Fabulousby: Clinton KellyOkay I admit it! At first I only picked up this book because I recognized the author: the guy from the TV Show "What Not to Wear" ... you know that show right? With Stacey London?! Well listen up, this guy and Stacey insult and tear to pieces unsuspecting victims of their choosing just to wake them up from their fashion-stupor and make them over to look great after a treatment or two of their medicinal "fashion-lessons".Well, this book is that and more. It is actually very practical, very useful and a real eye opener. Even I got some pretty good tips that I started applying to my everyday life.The second you open to the first page you get the sense this book is like no other. For starters,the chapters are very well organized and cover every subject in life, from how to dress and speak in public to how to behave in public, eat in public and drink in public. It also lists tips on how to pick the best wine that would complement your Poultry, Pork,and Fish Dinner. There are good pointers on how to decorate certain rooms in your house to make them more inviting and also how to throw the best entertainment party in your block!In my humble opinion, the best part of this book is the way Clinton Kelly shows you visually with photos and actual case studies how to do all these fabulous things. When you finish reading this fantastic book you will indeed be "better than everyone else"... or not. But read it anyway.... who knows ... you might be elevated, as I was, to a new degree of "fabulosity"!Priscilla Grant-Owens

Book Review: Merriwether Lewisby

Priscilla said...
Merriwether Lewisby: Thomas C Danisi & John C Jackson Remember Lewis & Clark the explorers? These two brave American explorers decided to "open-up" the southern frontier back in the wild west days. Lewis & Clark, famous for their adventures while traveling along the Missouri River and its western territories. Well, this book is all about Lewis, Merriwether Lewis, who actually became the governor of Lousiana for a while and then died mysteriously at a young age. I won't give away too much detail on this book because it is best for all you readers out there to... you know... read it yourselves.Sign this book out and take it home with you. Sit in your favorite spot and start reading. This book's got everything: history, suspense, description details that just puts you right there in the middle of uncharted territory next to Commander Lewis. The writing team of Danisi & Jackson is great, they really captured the culture and the "air" prevalent during that time period of Lewis' life when he was the Governor of the Louisiana Territories!. This time is even before the famous (or infamous?!)Louisiana Purchase "thingy".You will feel the anxiety Lewis felt while making difficult political decisions that affected Native Americans in the Louisiana area and beyond. You will feel the hurt he felt when his contemporaries, including those belonging to his own religious and political affiliations, rejected and mocked most of his ideas. And finally you will feel enlightened when you read about the amazing facts and details surrounding his final moments on Earth!This is a good read, a bit long, but go ahead and reserve this book today and read it, you will not be dissapointed ... I wasn't!Priscilla Grant-Owens

Book Review: Douglas Fairbanks

Priscilla said...
DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS by: Jeffrey VanceI joined the club this year because I spend so much time at the library anyway, I might as well get some "free" candy while at it! I have the bad habit of reading "in-situ", meaning while I'm still standing in the isle looking for books to read!... I guess is a "good" bad habit yes?!I picked up this wonderful book, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS by Jeffrey Vance. This book describes Douglas Fairbanks' personal life, his incredible body, his "drop-dead-gorgeous" eyes and his contributions to the film history and culture of Holywood during the silent films era. Almost all 367 pages contain reavealing photographs of "Doug", as he was popularly known then, throughout his short life, he died at the age of 56 years old of heart problems. You gotta see these photos, there are a few of him scantily clad, showing off his near-perfect physique and others showing off his family and famous friends. Ahh those were the days just before, during and just after the Great Depression. The grand impact that WWI and WWII had on American Film is clearly documented in every page in this book. It certainly makes for very enjoyable reading for those of us who love history and how it relates to human behavior.I loved this book, the writing style of Jeffrey Vance, while not my favorite, was very readable and full of facts all masterfully included in every chapter of this book.I recommend this book to everyone, even those who do not like biographies! Just open the first page in the introduction and you'll see what I mean... you won't be able to put down the book, trust me.Priscilla Grant-Owens

Book Review: Living with the Dead

Rhianna said...
"Living with the Dead" by Kelley Armstrong.This book is one in a series called women of otherworld. I found it intriguing and will be reading more of the series in the near future. I tend to gravitate towards supernatural stories and strong female characters and this book had both. Hope Adams is a half Demon, Adele Morrissey is a clairvoyent and Robin is a human with a lot of spunk. All in all a fun read

Book Review: DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS

I joined the club this year because I spend so much time at the library anyway, I might as well get some "free" candy while at it! I have the bad habit of reading "in-situ", meaning while I'm still standing in the isle looking for books to read!... I guess is a "good" bad habit yes?!I picked up this wonderful book, DOUGLAS FAIRBANKS by Jeffrey Vance. This book describes Douglas Fairbanks' personal life, his incredible body, his "drop-dead-gorgeous" eyes and his contributions to the film history and culture of Holywood during the silent films era. Almost all 367 pages contain reavealing photographs of "Doug", as he was popularly known then, throughout his short life, he died at the age of 56 years old of heart problems. You gotta see these photos, there are a few of him scantily clad, showing off his near-perfect physique and others showing off his family and famous friends. Ahh those were the days just before, during and just after the Great Depression. The grand impact that WWI and WWII had on American Film is clearly documented in every page in this book. It certainly makes for very enjoyable reading for those of us who love history and how it relates to human behavior.I loved this book, the writing style of Jeffrey Vance, while not my favorite, was very readable and full of facts all masterfully included in every chapter of this book.I recommend this book to everyone, even those who do not like biographies! Just open the first page in the introduction and you'll see what I mean... you won't be able to put down the book, trust me.Priscilla Grant-Owens

Book Review: Freakin' Fabulous

Freakin' Fabulous
by:Clinton Kelly
At first I picked up this book because I recognized the author: the guy from the TV Show What Not to Wear... you know that show right? Stacy London and this guy insult and tear to pieces unsuspecting victims to make them look great after a treatment or two of their medicinal "fashion-lessons".Well, this book is that and more. Is actually very practical, very useful and really, even I got some pretty good tips that I started applying to my everyday life.The second you open up to the first page you get the sense this book is like no other. For starters,the chapters are very well organized and they cover every subject in life, from how to dress and speak in public to how to behave, eat and drink while in a formal gathering. It also lists tips on how to pick the best wine that would complement your Poultry, Pork,and Fish Dinner. There are good pointers on how to decorate certain rooms and how to throw the best entertainment party in your block!In my humble opinion, the best part of this book is the way Clinton Kelly shows you visually with photos and actual case studies how to do all these fabulous things. When you finish reading this fantastic book you will indeed be "better than everyone else"... or not. But read it anyway....

Book Review: Merriwether Lewis

Merriwether Lewis

by Thomas C Danisi &John C Jackson

Remember Lewis & Clark the explorers? These two brave American explorers decided to "open-up" the southern frontier back in the wild west days. Lewis & Clark, famous for their adventures while traveling along the Missouri River and its western territories. Well, this book is all about Lewis, Merriwether Lewis, who actually became the governor of Lousiana for a while and then died mysteriously at a young age. I won't give away too much detail on this book because it is best for all you readers out there to, you know, read it yourselves.Sign this book out and take it home with you. Sit in your favorite spot and start reading. This book's got everything: history, suspense, description details that just puts you right there in the middle of uncharted territory next to Lewis. The team of Danisi & Jackson is great, they really captured the culture and the "air" prevalent during that time period of Lewis' life when he was a Governor.You will feel the anxiety Lewis felt while making difficult political decisions that affected Native Americans in the Lousiana area and beyond. You will feel the hurt he felt when his contemporaries, including those belonging to his own religious and political affiliations, rejected and mocked most of his ideas. And finally you will feel enlightened when you read about the amazing facts and details surrounding his final moments on Earth.This is a good read,reserve this book today and read it, you will not be dissapointed ... I wasn't!Priscilla Grant-Owens

Book Review: FREE MONEY to Pay Your Bills!

Priscilla said...
FREE MONEY to Pay Your Bills!by: Mathew Lesko & Mary Ann MartelloThis book basically lists loads of information on thousands of government programs designed to help out the average, and also not-so-average, person out there living in Recession-Riddled America.Be prepared to read about how to apply for these programs, tips on how to qualify and properly submit these forms to the different government entities. In other words, this does not make for exciting reading ...so don't take it home and open a bottle of your finest vintage wine,no. This is more like just take it home and brew some coffee and read and take notes!Nevertheless,this is a good reference book to look over and jot down the websites and other useful information to keep handy this year and the next. Especially in this economy and the global recession we are going through right now. This book is like a small light at the end of the tunnel for many of us who have been deeply affected by the economic downturn around here.Priscilla Grant-Owens

Book Review: True Colors

jlucjen said...
"True Colors" by Kristin HannahWinona strong character, but ending was lacking finality, (unless theres a sequel)

Book Review: Paradise Lost

jlucjen said...
"Paradise Lost"by JA JanceI guess a book in a series about Joanna Brady, who became the county Sheriff after her hubby was killed on the job. back jacket makes the plot sound more mysterious than it actually is, but it has an ok amount of the character's personal drama mixed with the twists and turns of the crime, ok for its genre.

Book Review: Odd Hours

jlucjen said...
"Odd Hours" by Dean Koontz-Not my favorite out of the Odd Thomas series- and wanted to know more about Annamaria

Book Review: The Swallo & The Tom Cat

Diane said...
The Swallo & The Tom Cat
by Jorege Amado
A very simple story, but this book is all about the way it is told. The description of the animals with unique human characteristics made me laugh out loud. The author takes a lot of chances with his unusual writing style, but he definatley makes it work. Just a fun book to read.

Book Review: The Yellow Wallpaper & Other Stories

Diane said...
The Yellow Wallpaper & Other Stories
by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
This is a collection of stories by a womans rights activist dating back to 1897. This is a fascinating look at the state of woman's affairs early on. Very interesting stories even if you are not interested in the topic. All in all a very positive uplifting collcetion of stories.

Book Review: Blasphemy

Blasphemy
by Douglas Preston
Definitely one of my favorite authors. A gripping account of a frightening set of circumstances that could actually occur. Lends a interesting look into human nature. Well developed characters and a thoroughly developed plot. If you read this book, you will be looking for more of his work.

Book Review: The Murder of Roger Ackroyd

The Murder of Roger Ackroyd
by Agatha Christie
This is my first Agatha Christie, but it's not going to be my last. The characters were well-drawn and the ending came as a complete surprise.Kathy Carter

Book Review: Plum Spooky

Plum Spooky
By: Janet Evanovich
Yet another thrilling and adventurous Stephanie Plum novel. This was one of the between the series novels that I read while waiting to get my fingers on the fifteenth one. As all of the other books, this one had me hooked from cover to cover! You never know whos going to end up involved in the plot, or what trouble Stephanie gets into next. These Stephanie Plum novels are a mix of murder mystery, and comedy. But don't take them lightly because once you pick up the book you won't be able to put it back down.

Book Review: Banshee Cries

I have been hooked on C.E. Murphy whom I came upon on accident. I am just finishing up Banshee Cries which is a novella. This series is about a woman names Joanne Walkingstick who has shamanistic abilities. Love the sarcasm and the storyline!

Book Review: The Other Boleyn Girl

LaMaestra33 said...
I have also read The Other Boleyn Girl and loved every piece of the series. Philippa Gregory has made me hungry for more historical fiction!

Book Review: Who Killed Swami Schwartz?

Who Killed Swami Schwartz?

By Nora Charles

I didn't realize this was a "Senior Sleuth Mystery" when I checked it out, but it really didn't matter. 2nd Book in a series, it is a light easy read about a Long Island transplant widower who solves mysteries is sunny Florida. Quick read, fun characters and a good 'ol who-dun-it! This book is about the murder of a yogi instructor who is murdered at a dinner in his honor. The list of suspects is long and colorful. I read it in under 8 hours. Great beach series!Loking forward to the next book.

Book Review: Pleasure Unbound

Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione was quite a surprisingly pleasant find. The perfect Summer reading material. If you're in to Vampires, Werewolfs, contemporary city settings, and oh yea, love; you'll enjoy this. Can't wait to read the sequel.
July 5, 2009 9:14 AM