Books

Book Description

Bill Buford—author of the highly acclaimed best-selling Among the Thugs—had long thought of himself as a reasonably comfortable cook when in 2002 he finally decided to answer a question that had nagged him every time he prepared a meal: What kind of cook could he be if he worked in a professional kitchen? When the opportunity arose to train in the kitchen of Mario Batali’s three-star New York restaurant, Babbo, Buford grabbed it. Heat is the chronicle—sharp, funny, wonderfully exuberant—of his time spent as Batali’s “slave” and of his far-flung apprenticeships with culinary masters in Italy.

In a fast-paced, candid narrative, Buford describes the frenetic experience of working in Babbo’s kitchen: the trials and errors (and more errors), humiliations and hopes, disappointments and triumphs as he worked his way up the ladder from slave to cook. He talks about his relationships with his kitchen colleagues and with the larger-than-life, hard-living Batali, whose story he learns as their friendship grows through (and sometimes despite) kitchen encounters and after-work all-nighters.

Buford takes us to the restaurant in a remote Appennine village where Batali first apprenticed in Italy and where Buford learns the intricacies of handmade pasta . . . the hill town in Chianti where he is tutored in the art of butchery by Italy’s most famous butcher, a man who insists that his meat is an expression of the Italian soul . . . to London, where he is instructed in the preparation of game by Marco Pierre White, one of England’s most celebrated (or perhaps notorious) chefs. And throughout, we follow the thread of Buford’s fascinating reflections on food as a bearer of culture, on the history and development of a few special dishes (Is the shape of tortellini really based on a woman’s navel? And just what is a short rib?), and on the what and why of the foods we eat today.

Heat is a marvelous hybrid: a richly evocative memoir of Buford’s kitchen adventure, the story of Batali’s amazing rise to culinary (and extra-culinary) fame, a dazzling behind-the-scenes look at the workings of a famous restaurant, and an illuminating exploration of why food matters.

It is a book to delight in—and to savor.

Customer Reviews:

Mostly entertaining but not satiating.......2007-06-05

Bill Buford decided in his early forties to ditch his job as a successful New Yorker editor to enter the world of food. What started with a simple assignment to write a magazine story on Mario Batali, the reknowned Food Network chef, ended up taking him to Italy and becoming a cook. "Heat" details this journey, including the back stories of numerous chefs and foodies with whom Buford ending up working, such as Batali.

The book is entertaining for the most part; hearing about the difficulties of being a line cook in a three-star New York restaurant is certainly interesting. Buford started at the bottom by prepping, including spending hours dicing carrots only to have them thrown out because they were done incorrectly. The book certainly conveys the message that great food requires precision and working in these kinds of restaurants is brutal. Of course, we've seen this same idea before in numerous other "insider" books.

What sets "Heat" slightly apart is the path that Buford takes. When he first starts cooking, he's the "kitchen b*tch" in Batali's Babbo Italian restaurant, and you really don't think he'll make it for more than a few months. However, he becomes enthralled with food, in particular homemade authentic Italian food. He becomes convinced that he has to follow Batali's lead and spend time as an intern in Italy, first learning pasta and then working for a famous Tuscan butcher.

Buford meets some interesting characters along the way and tells some fun stories. However, I could never shake the feeling that Buford was just playing a role. Indeed, he tries to downplay the fact that he entered this world as a writer - we don't get the full explanation of why he started in Batali's kitchen (i.e., to write a story) until page 141. In addition, he's supposed to be an underling in Batali's kitchen, yet several times he's invited to meals with Batali and treated as something different than the lowest ranking cook in the kitchen. Perhaps this complaint is quibbling, but it broke the tone for me enough to dock the book a star. Foodies of all sorts will probably enjoy reading this book and may even learn a few things, but I still found it strangely unsatisfying.

My New Favorite.......2007-05-25

My preferred reading is almost anything to do with cooks, chefs, restaurants and especially food history. How could I be so lucky as to have someone write the perfect book for me. Add a wicked sense of humor and a lot of bravery that's involved in being - older - a novice - and hold a day job - yikes! What a fun, informative and interesting read. Couldn't put it down.

"Must read" for chefs, chef wannabees or anyone into the world of professional cooking and restaurants........2007-05-07

Far more than just a history of "Molto Mario", Bill Buford takes us on an impassioned search for perfection in cooking and ingredients, and introduces us to some incredible real-life characters in the process.

Couldn't Put it Down.......2007-04-26

I have to say, it is rare that a non-reference/instruction book actually teaches its readers skills, facts, and useful practices. Heat is both enjoyable and, I can honestly say, highly practical. As I read about Buford's highly entertaining apprenticeships, I also learned how to make specific kinds of pasta, prepare a really great pasta dough, how to prepare several meals, and many other fascinating classical Italian methods of food preparation. It doesn't hurt that, in profiling Batali and his mentors (notably Marco Pierre White), Buford finds highly unique individuals and careers from which to draw interesting anecdotes. The only downside (and even this isn't much of a bother) is Buford's lack of objectivity when it comes to Batali. Buford clearly is infatuated with Batali and his cooking, but we, as readers, learn little about the man's flaws or unfiltered reactions. I feel as if I came away with a wonderful understanding of Buford as a person, but still know little about Batali.

What a pleasant surprise!.......2007-04-21

I can cook, but I don't. I do, however, watch the Food Network religiously and find it quite entertaining despite the fact that I wouldn't eat much of what I see cooked on the shows I watch. That said, I have become fascinated with the cooks and chefs I see each day and how/why they do what they do. I personally have never felt compelled to research the food I eat and how and why is it treated/cooked/served in the way that it is, so I am intrigued by those that are so passionate about that very thing.

As a Food Network devotee, the promise of a "back story" on Mario Batali is what convinced me to read this book. There is a good bit about Mario and his restaurants (particularly Babbo) in the book and those sections are revealing, humorous, and sometimes shocking (if I'd planned a trip to Babbo before reading this book, I'd probably cancel my reservations now). This book is SO much more than that, though, and my interest in the non-Mario parts of the book truly surprised me.

Buford tells of his nearly-compulsive need to learn the true roots of Italian cooking and writes intensely detailed descriptions of pasta-making (when did eggs become part of the recipe?, handmade vs. machine-made, etc.), butchering (pigs and cows), animal husbandry, the origin and geography of authentic Italian ingredients and the lives and backgrounds of his Italian mentors. Because of his work at Babbo and his relationship with Batali, he (Buford) did his best to replicate much of Batali's early training in Italy, visiting the same places and working with the same mentors when possible. If someone had described this part of the book to me, I'd have certainly said, "Boring!," but I was surprised at just how compelling the story was and how I was drawn into it so easily.

The writer is gifted and his passion about his subject matter is apparent throughout the book. The characters are intriguing and the anecdotes are entertaining, allowing the story to carry "non-foodies" through some of the more detailed sections (described above) that may seem tedious to them. "Foodies," I suspect, will love the book in its entirity...minute details and all.

PS: On a side note, watching "Molto Mario" and "Iron Chef America" on Food Network is a whole new experience for me after reading this book. Mario has always seemed a bit snobbish to me regarding Italian cooking, ingredients, flavors, etc., but this book helped me understand his passion for and knowledge of all things Italian...language, geography, culture, food, etc. If you are a fan of Mario's, I'd definitely recommend this book -- you'll see him in a whole new light once you've read it!

Average customer rating: Great Very good Highly recommended A Must Have for Game Developer Wannabe's! Good Choice for the Rookies

The Game Maker's Apprentice: Game Development for Beginners Jacob Habgood , and Mark Overmars Manufacturer: Apress ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Programming | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books Software Development | Software Design | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books Game Programming | Programming | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Software Development | Design & Development | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software Similar Items: Basic Game Design & Creation for Fun & Learning (Game Development Series).Book & CD-ROM. 3D Game Textures: Create Professional Game Art Using Photoshop Mastering Unreal Technology: The Art of Level Design Beginning Flash Game Programming For Dummies Game Development Essentials: An Introduction ASIN: 1590596153

Book Description

The Game Maker's Apprentice shows you how to create nine exciting games using the wildly popular Game Maker game creation tool. This book covers a range of genres, including action, adventure, and puzzle games--complete with professional quality sound effects and visuals. It discusses game design theory and features practical examples of how this can be applied to making games that are more fun to play.

Game Maker allows games to be created using a simple drag-and-drop interface, so you don't need to have any prior coding experience. It includes an optional programming language for adding advanced features to your games, when you feel ready to do so. You can obtain more information by visiting book.gamemaker.nl.

The authors include the creator of the Game Maker tool and a former professional game programmer, so you'll glean understanding from their expertise. The book also includes a CD containing Game Maker software and all of the game projects that are created in the book--plus a host of professional-quality graphics and sound effects that you can use in your own games.

Customer Reviews:

Great.......2007-06-27

It's a great book for anyone who is interested in game development. Very easy to use even for grade school students.

For college-level students, this is a great book to learn GameMaker from and to make prototype games for your game designs in mind.

Excellent value for the price.

-Karlo

Very good.......2007-05-13

This book gives lots of great techniques to use in the creation of your own games. It really covers all aspects of GM6 and has a vast range of techniques which can easily be adapted into any of your own creations.

Highly recommended.......2007-05-13

This is an excellent book and highly recommended if you want to learn how to create 2D games using the Game Maker software. It is not just that one of the authors is the person who created the software and thus knows it better than anyone else, it is because its so clearly written. Very clear and sequential. A mix of tutorials to make games, and the CD has them all at different stages if you get stuck, and brief chapters on game design.

It is obvious that the authors have taught this material many times. I wish all software instruction manuals were so good (and used so many illustrative graphics on good quality stock).

A Must Have for Game Developer Wannabe's!.......2007-04-12

The title should be The Game Maker's Master Teacher! This book is very well written with clear, step by step instructions and visual images for reference. After completing a section, the authors provide a graphic of what your computer screen should look like if you followed directions correctly. My son, 9, and I worked through the first chapter over a 2 day period (about 3 hours total) and created our first game. He was thrilled! He immediately had ideas on how to "tweak" the game to make it even better. The great thing with this book and accompanying software is that you have the freedom to do so! The disc provides many images to use in game development or you can create your own. Each chapter adds new skills and details to make more interesting and complex games. However, even the first game is fun!

I would highly reccommend this book to anyone interested in creating your own video games. It is extremely user friendly and perfect for the beginner. My son is able to read through and understand it on his own, but it's more fun to work on it together. (Also, he was more apt to use the visuals to take him through the process but not read the supporting information along the way!) By the end of the first chapter he understood the process fairly well and was able to remember (more than me!) most of the steps as he started creating his own new game. The only improvement I could see is having a "quick reference" page outlining the major steps. With it's user-friendly format, however, it has been pretty easy to flip back through the chapter for reference.

Good Choice for the Rookies.......2007-04-03

If you want to make your own computer games with Fancy Graphics + Great Sound Effect, just download the user-friendly tool, Game Maker.

No matter you are an expert or just a Rookie, this book is definitely your right choice to develope professional-like games with lots of funs. Step-by-step instructions are easily for anyone to follow.

Don't miss the chance to get the book and create your home-make Shooting, Platform, Actions games. You will receive more fun on making games rather than just playing them.

Average customer rating: Good book A Work of Art Best bread book! Excellent book for the serious baker Most valuable bread book ever

The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread Peter Reinhart Manufacturer: Ten Speed Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Bread | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books Food Science | Agricultural Sciences | Science | Subjects | Books General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books General | Food Sciences | Agricultural Sciences | Professional Science | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books Look Inside Cookbooks | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Health Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: Crust & Crumb: Master Formulas for Serious Bread Bakers American Pie: My Search for the Perfect Pizza Bread: A Baker's Book of Techniques and Recipes The Bread Bible Nancy Silverton's Breads from the La Brea Bakery: Recipes for the Connoisseur ASIN: 1580082688

Amazon.com

"A bread baker, like any true artisan or craftsman, must have the power to control outcomes," says Peter Reinhart, author of The Bread Baker's Apprentice. "Mastery comes with practice." As in many arts, you must know and understand the rules before you can break them. Reinhart encourages you to learn the science of bread making, but to never forget that vision and experimentation, not formulas, make transcendent loaves. The Bread Baker's Apprentice is broken into three sections. The first is an amusing tale of Reinhart's visit to France and his discovery of pain à l'ancienne, a cold-fermented baguette. The second section comprises a tutorial of bread-making basics and Reinhart's "Twelve Stages of Bread." And finally, the recipes: Ciabatta, Pane Siciliano, Potato Rosemary Bread, New York Deli Rye, Kaiser Rolls, and Brioche, to name a few. All recipes include bread profiles and ingredient percentages. Reimagined for modern bakers, these mouthwatering classic recipes are bound to inspire. --Dana Van Nest

Book Description

Co-founder of the legendary Brother Juniper's Bakery in Sonoma, California, author of the landmark books Brother Juniper's Bread Book and Crust & Crumb, and distinguished instructor at the world's largest culinary school, Peter Reinhart has been a leader in America's artisanal bread movement for over fifteen years. Never one to be content with yesterday's baking triumph, however, Peter continues to refine his recipes and techniques in his never-ending quest for perfect bread. In THE BREAD BAKER'S APPRENTICE, Peter shares his latest bread breakthroughs, arising from his recent pilgrimage to study in several of France's famed boulangeries and the always-enlightening time spent in the culinary academy kitchen with his students. First you'll peer over Peter's shoulder as he learns from Paris's most esteemed bakers, people like the brothers Poilâne and Phillippe Gosselin, whose pain ancienne has revolutionized the art of baguette making. Peter then walks readers through the twelve steps of building great bread, his clear instructions accompanied by over 100 step-by-step photographs. Then it's on to over 50 new master formulas for such classic breads as rustic, chewy ciabatta, hearty pain de campagna, old-school New York bagels, and the book's Holy Grail—Peter's version of the famed pain ancienne. En route, Peter distills hard science, advanced techniques, and food history down into a remarkably accessible and engaging resource that is as rich and multitextured as the loaves you'll turn out. This is original food writing at it most captivating, teaching at its most inspired and inspiring—and the rewards are some of the best breads under the sun.

Customer Reviews:

Good book.......2007-06-10

This is a beautiful book and addresses the science of bread making and the chemical processes that occur during it in an in-depth fashion. The question then becomes, why don't I use this book more? I bake bread weekly and, although I have made several of the recipes in this book, I usually find myself turning to other books, where the recipes are clearer and quicker.

Most of the recipes in this book require 2 days to make. The selections are beautiful and tasty, but seem more like breads for special occassions, rather than the everyday fare I'm usually looking for. If you're thinking about getting into the business of breadmaking, I'd certainly recommend buying this book. If, however, you just bake for your family, I think you can find more affordable books that will give you extremely good recipes.

Check out "The Garden Way Bread book" if you want a more eclectic book with very tasty recipes.

A Work of Art.......2007-06-10

This is the most helpful book I have read about baking bread. At first it may seem a little bit intimidating, with its formulas and proportions and a lot of words. But the explanations are very clear and precise and the pictures are inviting. There are lots of tips and suggestions, and encouragement to explore and experiment with different techniques. In the few years since I have had it, I have come to look at it as a friend, it sits with me in the kitchen and my bread baking has certainly improved, just ask the family. To me, the very best. Ever.

Best bread book!.......2007-06-08

I love this book, I make near perfect bread every time. It has many simple recipes inside (as well as more difficult ones), and I use my kitchenaid mixer and I'm done in no time at all.

Excellent book for the serious baker.......2007-05-23

This is a very attractive book filled with real information about bread making. It is ideal for someone with cooking experience that has made bread before and is ready to get serious about making really GOOD bread.

Includes many great "formulas" (i.e. recipes), bread shaping techniques, discussion about pre-ferments and natural leavens, ingredients, tools, and ovens. Even if you've read several other books on bread, you will undoubtedly learn something.

Most valuable bread book ever.......2007-05-21

This book gives history, details, understanding, the whole deal. I was always pretty good at home made bread but with this book my bread has gone to a whole new level of yum! If you can only have one bread book in your library, this must be the one. I loved this book so much that I also bought it for my daughter who also loves to bake.

Average customer rating: Excelent service Very Good I love these books with all my heart. Head and shoulders above most fantasy Couldn't put it down

The Bartimaeus Trilogy Jonathan Stroud Manufacturer: Miramax Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Adventure & Thrillers | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: Eldest (Inheritance, Book 2) Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2) Septimus Heap Book One: Magyk CD (Septimus Heap) Inkheart ASIN: 142310420X

Customer Reviews:

Excelent service.......2007-05-14

I received the books much faster then I expected and where a great read

Very Good.......2007-05-07

I have ot admit it is very well written but it does get a bit slow at times and I will actually skip paragraphs to get to the action. All in al a very good series

I love these books with all my heart........2007-03-27

It's true that fantasy, London and government don't go together, but I think that Stroud makes a great parallel universe in which a stubborn, glory-seeking boy makes a huge mistake and lets out his true name to a even more stubborn, glory seeking djinn, Bartimaeus. The book is filled with great dialouge, and an interesting writing style, as when you're with the djinn the subscripts give Stroud's idea of how upper beings minds work. I found at the beginning that the subscripts and the footer noting was a bit much, but I actually grew to enjoy reading the djinn's part of the story more than any of the other characters because of his magnetic attitude.
By the second novel, you get introduced to another character. Through the rest of the second book, and into the third, you switch between the boy, the djinn, and her until your head's spinning.
I personally found that the books get darker in sequencial order. They are definately growing up books, like J.K.Rowling's Harry Potter series. I do like Stroud's style, in the matter that he doesn't make a child's book. It's more of a story of a boy that grows up too quickly in a world of almost corrupted politics and magic wars between the countries of Europe.

If you are interested in this particular book, you have to like magic, and you have to like sarcasm, and with those combined you get the humor that I absolutely adore in Stroud's work. They're fast reads, and worth time to read.

Head and shoulders above most fantasy.......2007-03-21

This trilogy scintillates with an intricate and detailed plot, imagination-stretching mythical beings, and most of all especially, the feature act. Bartimaeus! Funny and satirical, he provides biting humor in a dark themed series. The books depressed me the first time I read them, but I have since been reconciled to them and they stand in my top ten favorite books. The satire and just plain British humor is almost incomparable, with slight hints of Sir P.G. Wodehouse and strong overtones of Leonard Wibberly, both of whom I highly reccomend although their books are lightyears apart from Stroud's. Wodehouse and his most famous characters, Bertram Wooster the harmlessly stupid idle aristocrat, and Jeeves his intellectual and stoic valet, contrive tongue in cheek British humor at its best. Wibberly, far less widely known, is less funny that Wodehouse but makes up for it with excellent satire. That was something of a tangent, but anyway I advise any red-blooded fantasy fan to read these books

Couldn't put it down.......2007-02-23

I couldn't put these books down! They keep you guessing the whole time, even making it nearly impossible to decide whose side you are on! Stroud does the "magic thing" differently than other authors out there and brings us a whole new set of moral and ethical circumstances to consider. The stories of the three main characters are woven into each other, told from different points of view and time periods, and are all seamlessly tied together by the brilliant writing. The main characters are so endearing that I hated to see the books end. But they did indeed end, and the ending itself was a fantastic piece of writing that brings out so many different emotions.

This set is now has a place on my "favorite books" shelf.

Average customer rating: Great first half of a tale. Good but not as good as books 1&2 Another great book! The Icebound Land ( Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3)

The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3) John Flanagan Manufacturer: Philomel ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: The Burning Bridge (The Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2) Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle for Skandia (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 4) The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 3) Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) ASIN: 0399244565 Release Date: 2007-06-26

Book Description

Kidnapped after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue Will, and he will do anything to keep his promise—even defy his King.

Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will's friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia. On their way, they are challenged constantly by freelance knights—but Horace knows a thing or two about combat. Soon he begins to attract the attention of knights and warlords for miles around with his uncanny skill. Even so, will they be in time to rescue Will from a horrific life of slavery?

The smash hit series continues with another heart stopping adventure.

Customer Reviews:

Great first half of a tale........2007-06-28

I haven't read the United States version of this book, having purchased the australian edition over a year ago. "The Icebound Land" is the first half of the tale of Will and Evalyn's adventures in Skandia, while Halt and Horace set off to rescue them. As a book, it does not quite stand alone, and you really need to read book #4 "The Oakleaf Bearers" to read the conclusion of the tale. Book #4 is a five star book. You can order the Oakleaf Bearer from the online Australian bookstores - they cost about $15 each. Books #5 (the Sorcerer in the North) and #6 (The Siege of Macindaw) are also a single story with the same issue - book #5 doesn't quite stand by itself, and then book #6 completes the story. I found the vocabulary in the Australian editions to be more advanced than the Scholastic versions available in the United States - I don't know if Flanagan is using a more mature vocabulary in the later volumes, or if the U.S. editor is making the stories easier to read for their targetted audience because, as I said, I haven't read the U.S. versions to compare. Ranger's Apprentice is a great series - the books will not let you down.

Good but not as good as books 1&2.......2007-06-27

I enjoy the Ranger's Apprentice series and was looking forward to this book (so i bought it the day it came out). it was a tad short (i finished it in a little over 5 hours) and the plot was never compleated. It leaft a ending that was very disadifying. I feel that more should have happened. thoughout the 250+ page book it seemed that very little was acomplished to the main plot. It's still a good read, oh, and don't bother with the 9-12 age thing cause i'm 15 and i still like em. can't wait for book 4. I'd say buy this book but don't expect it to be as good as the burning bride (thats my faviort of the 3 published ones).

Another great book!.......2007-06-27

If you expect great things from John Flanagan like I do, you will not be disappointed with his new book! With Will and Evelyn in Skandia and Halt making every effort to find them, even when it cost him what he thought he would never give up, it keeps you guessing and leaves you hanging in anticipation for more. Even at my age (23) the story of the Ranger's Apprentice series draws my attention, and I know that people of all ages and backgrounds will love this inventive and passionate story.

The Icebound Land ( Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3).......2007-03-09

It is action packed adventure following the 2 books 1. Ruins of Gorlon and The Burning Bridge. Definitly a 5 Star Book! On a scale from 1-10, 9.85!

Average customer rating: Great Plot Great Series...Book 1 and Book 2 super! Good Read, Suspenseful Ending! Efficient It was a gift

The Burning Bridge (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 2) John Flanagan Manufacturer: Philomel ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books General | Children's Books | Mythology | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books Look Inside Children's Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Fiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Similar Items: The Ruins of Gorlan (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 1) The Icebound Land (Ranger's Apprentice, Book 3) Curse of the Bane (The Last Apprentice) Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2) ASIN: 0399244557

Book Description

Bracing for a final clash with the evil warlord Morgarath, the Rangers rally the kingdom's allies, and Will is chosen, along with his friend Horace, as special envoys to nearby Celtica. But the simple mission soon takes an unsettling turn - the Celticans have disappeared, their town abandoned. The scheming hand of Morgarath, it seems, has been far from idle. He has found a way to bring his legions over the once impassible eastern mountains and is planning to ambush the king's army in a rout. Now with help many miles away, Will and Horace are the only ones standing in the way of the dark lord's plans.They have shown great skill and courage in their training, but how will they fare in the face of true evil?

With bigger battles and higher stakes, John Flanagan's epic adventure charges ahead with this rousing follow-up to The Ruins of Gorlan.

Customer Reviews:

Great Plot.......2007-05-26

When I speak on this book, I will speak for the entire series. I read the first book about a year and a half ago, and the events in it are still dancing around in my mind. In a good way. This was the perfect storyline I'd been waiting for. An orphaned boy who never met his parents gets chosen to become a Ranger. When I say Ranger, I mean the man who gets espionage-like info for the kingdom, and learns to move around unseen, not Walker, Texas Ranger. This series will be a great read for kids, and really anyone who likes fantasy stories.

Thanks for listening.

Great Series...Book 1 and Book 2 super!.......2007-03-15

Read these first two (after begging my son to let me read it) and loved em. My son is 11 and so enjoyed the books we ended up buying 3 more from australia. Great company therea to work with called Abbey. recommend em if you can't wait for TWO MORE YEARS!

Good Read, Suspenseful Ending!.......2007-02-20

I bought this book for my two oldest sons, who are 11 and 7, respectively. I pre-read all books beforehand, then read them aloud to my boys. I love the way this book flows. The chapters are not overlong and always leave you wanting more. In fact, that is my one complaint- I want more! I can't wait until the next installment comes out. I would have given this book 5 stars, but I felt it was too short for my tastes- I would have liked a little more to savor...

Efficient.......2007-01-19

This item came to me very quickly. I was very surprised. Packaging is good, however I will not know about the game itself until my sons birthday. But I imagine it is just like it should be.

It was a gift.......2007-01-18

I gave this to my grandson as a Christmas present and he was thrilled to get it and started reading it that day!!

Average customer rating: Not just for apprentices Great Book to Learn After Effects A must Have! A Hit!

After Effects Apprentice (DV Expert Series) Chris Meyer , and Trish Meyer Manufacturer: Focal Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Web Graphics | HTML, Graphics, & Design | Web Development | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books Communication & Signal Processing | Circuitry | Computer Science | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Graphic Design | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Software | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books General | Science | Subjects | Books Digital Design | Electrical & Electronics | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books Look Inside Computer Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Science Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books General | Software Books | Custom Stores | Stores | Software Similar Items: Photoshop for Video, Third Edition (DV Expert Series) Adobe After Effects 7.0 Studio Techniques The DV Rebel's Guide: An All-Digital Approach to Making Killer Action Movies on the Cheap Broadcast Graphics On the Spot: Timesaving Techniques Using Photoshop and After Effects for Broadcast and Post Production (On the Spot) (On The Spot {Series}) CINEMA 4D 10 Workshop ASIN: 0240809386

Book Description

If youre new to After Effects and want to get up to speed quickly, After Effects Apprentice was created just for you. With 11 core lessons plus a fun final project, youll quickly get into the program and learn how to tap its potential whether you want to create motion graphics for a network program, your companys video, or your own independent production.

In this book, youll get a professional perspective on the most important features a motion graphics artist needs to learn to use this program effectively. Youll learn to creatively edit and combine layers, animate eye-catching titles, replace a screen on a computer monitor, place a studio shot in anew environment, manipulate 3D space, and use effects to generate excitement or enhance the realism of a scene. Easy to follow step-by-step instructions take you through each technique, including projects that encourage you to express it in your own way. Youll learn more than just the tools; youll learn skills that you can immediately put to work in your own projects.

Topics include how to:
* Animate, layer, and composite images and text.
* Manipulate keyframes to create more refined animations.
* Use masks, mattes, stencils and modes to add depth.
* Manage layers to make them easier to coordinate.
* Add 3D to your animations.
* Use tracking and keying to create special effects.
* Includes new CS3 features; Shape layers, the Puppet tool, Brainstorm, and Per-Character 3D Text.

DVD contains: All exercise source material and projects in AE7 and CS3, video guided tours, and movies of the finished projects.

* Full color presentation of professional workflows
* Core motion graphic techniques in 12 engaging lessons
* Companion DVD features QuickTime movies and lesson media

Customer Reviews:

Not just for apprentices.......2007-06-10

As advertised, this book is a great introduction to motion graphics design and After Effects. The Meyers are both great artists and great teachers. They really understand how to present both the theory and the practice of building compelling motion graphics.

I'll be using this book for my intro video post production class in the fall, but the name is a little misleading. After Effects users who consider themselves proficient, but aren't familiar with all the ins and outs of the application can benefit from the book as well. I've been using After Effects professionally since version 3, and I've learned a lot from this book.

Great Book to Learn After Effects.......2007-05-31

Initially, I knew nothing about After Effects but after reading and completing exercises on just the first 5 pages, many of the After Effect fundamentals were well explained. The book is very well illustrated - both through quality of illustration as well as numerous pictures supporting the text. The examples to explain functionality are very practical techiques that have immediate application to my movies. I can find only two slight faults with the book: 1) the author is clearly using a Mac and sometimes finding functions being described is a little confusing since I use a PC. Also, the example files on the DVD (supplied with the book) sometimes have different filenames than that given in the book which makes finding the correct file difficult. These are little annoynances and pale when compared to the ease at which one will learn how to quickly learn to use After Effects in very practical ways. I highly recommend this book.

A must Have!.......2007-05-12

This book is a must have! I purchased this book from amazon.com and I just can't put it down! I was told by Richard Harrington that this book will 1.) Give you more than the basics but will also... 2.)DELIVER! and I must say that it has!... After Effects Aprentice should be bought by everyone that is new to AE... and Adobe should jump on this band wagon quickly! The pages and diagrams are (in color! and ) easy to understand for the new AE novice. I am having a great time with Lesson 6 "Parenting and Nesting". I was afraid of AE but not anymore. This book should be your first purchase, then the other Trish & Chris Meyers books should follow. I must add that there are other books that should be bought as supplemental tools such as: "Broadcast Graphics on the Spot" By: Richard Harrington, Glen Stephens and Chris Vadnais. There are other amazon members that will post more than my suggested list but all in all many will agree with me that this book is truly a Home-Run! You will not regret it... that's my promise to you.

A Hit!.......2007-04-17

This book is going to be another Meyer hit! The overall layout of the pages and the flow of information are going to be very conducive to the learning process. My courses use the Meyer books extensively and this will be no exception. Thanks Chris and Trish!

Average customer rating: The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging Good book but missing key information The Thoughts of a REAL RIGGER The only thing like it for traditional craft A Simple Compilation of Rigging technique

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging Brion Toss Manufacturer: International Marine/Ragged Mountain Press ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Naval | Military | History | Subjects | Books General | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books Repair & Maintenance | Ships | Transportation | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books Boating | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books General | Sailing | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books General | Sports | Subjects | Books Military Engineering | Special Topics | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books Look Inside History Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Nonfiction Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Outdoors & Nature Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books Look Inside Sports Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Engineering | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books History | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Nonfiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Professional & Technical | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Sports | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books Similar Items: Sailmaker's Apprentice The Splicing Handbook: Techniques for Modern and Traditional Ropes, Second Edition The Marlinspike Sailor The Art of Rigging The Arts of the Sailor: Knotting, Splicing and Ropework ASIN: 0070648409

Book Description

Combining and updating the renowned Rigger's Apprentice and Rigger's Locker, The Complete Rigger's Apprentice is also a free-roaming collection of useful ideas and tips on everything from supplementing winches with block and tackle, to rigging snubbers at anchor, to using pantyhose for an emergency fanbelt. In short, it's the definitive book on the art of rigging, written by its most entertaining practitioner.

Customer Reviews:

The Complete Rigger's Apprentice: Tools and Techniques for Modern and Traditional Rigging.......2006-11-10

to basic ok for sailboats not much for other rigging

Good book but missing key information.......2006-02-21

This book has LOTS of really good information. But it is missing some significant stuff, Brion. PLEASE PLEASE do another addition and include SOME information about the following:

1. Chainplates. Nothing. How is a proper chainplate shaped, mounted, doubled, etc? Where do they go? What should you consider when changing from single boomking backstay to double backstays?

2. Bowsprits. Hardly a word. How is a proper bowsprit mounted? What kind of materials are appropriate for a bobstay? etc.

3. Stemheads. Hardly a word. Come on, what good is a rig if it isn't mounted to something????

4. Mast steps. The rig seems to float in air with this book, and no proper consideration is given to how it MOUNTS TO THE BOAT.

Other than that, it is a great book. Lots of good info, formulas, etc. Lots of great knots, lots of funny quips, good explanation of how single and double spreader rigs are stayed and shrouded.

But most of us also have boats to go along with our rigs, and it would be nice to have a WHOLE CHAPTER on how the rig connects to the boat, because many of us need to maintain, repair, and improve that part of the rig as well.

Good book, but it is incomplete as currently published.

The Thoughts of a REAL RIGGER.......2004-06-19

As a rigger myself, i thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it most informative and useful for my trade. However, there was little or no mention of brews OR 3 leets - surely this is an integral part of being a RIGGER? Also, there is only one rigger.

Me!

Oh, and Ryan Jendoubi.

The only thing like it for traditional craft.......2003-12-04

Brion Toss has become "da man" in modern rigging in many ways, and a lot of that is attributable to this great book. It's a big, thick thing, loaded with information, not all of it easily absorbed on the first read. It's meant to give you a firm grounding in what rigging is, what it does, and how to inspect and maintain your own rig, how to adjust it, how to replace worn sections. Will it tell you everything you need to know to design a rig from the ground up on a serious racing yacht? Heck, no. It isn't meant to. What this book does is give you the tools you need to approach your own rig without fear and trembling - to realize that, after all, it's just a bunch of parts, and that you can comprehend and work with those parts, understand their roles, and get the most from your boat. Will you be forever independant of professional riggers? Probably not. But it goes a long way toward making that a realizable goal, if you apply yourself. And it should be known that this book is especially strong on traditional rigs, the more traditional the better. You'll learn how to worm, parcel, and serve, how to lace deadeyes, and why galvanized is great and stainless isn't stainless. And if that last sentence frightens you, you're probably not in the intended demographic. Rod rigging and carbon fiber masts are mentioned, at best, in passing, and largely for comic relief. Keep that in mind. Makes an absolutely perfect companion to Marino's "Sailmaker's Apprentice."

A Simple Compilation of Rigging technique.......2002-08-24

THE COMPLETE RIGGER'S APPRENTICE by Mr. Brion Toss is a no-brainer simple compilation of standard rigging technique. Most of which can be found by reading past editions of old rigging manuals and from the writings of the International Guild of Knot Tyers, or from company product manuals. Nothing new or original has been done in this work; and the 'Compilation' of any subject matter has always been considered a cheap way of getting published.

Average customer rating: Masterwork, Like It or Don't Robin Hobb AKA Megan Lindholm AMAZING!!!! Good writing...weak plot * Spoliers* Unrelentingly Depressing

Assassin's Apprentice (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 1) Robin Hobb Manufacturer: Spectra ProductGroup: Book Binding: Mass Market Paperback Hobb, Robin | ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books Look Inside Science Fiction & Fantasy Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books ( H ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books Similar Items: Royal Assassin (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 2) Assassin's Quest (The Farseer Trilogy, Book 3) Fool's Errand (Tawny Man, Book 1) Fool's Fate (The Tawny Man, Book 3) Golden Fool (The Tawny Man, Book 2) ASIN: 055357339X Release Date: 1996-03-01

Book Description

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill--and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family. As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Download Description

Young Fitz is the bastard son of the noble Prince Chivalry, raised in the shadow of the royal court by his father's gruff stableman. He is treated like an outcast by all the royalty except the devious King Shrewd, who has him sectetly tutored in the arts of the assassin. For in Fitz's blood runs the magic Skill -- and the darker knowledge of a child raised with the stable hounds and rejected by his family.

As barbarous raiders ravage the coasts, Fitz is growing to manhood. Soon he will face his first dangerous, soul-shattering mission. And though some regard him as a threat to the throne, he may just be the key to the survival of the kingdom.

Customer Reviews:

Masterwork, Like It or Don't.......2007-06-28

You owe it to yourself to try out this first book of the Farseer trilogy. If it doesn't appeal to your personal taste, nothing lost. If it does, *much* to be gained. This and the Tawny Man trilogy are true literature on a par rarely to be found in the fantasy genre, much as I hate to admit that. In my own estimation, given that I connected with Fitz, Night Eyes and the Fool on some sort of bizarre yet real personal level, this is hands down the most thoughtful and inspiring fantasy series that I have read--and that includes Martin, Bishop, Zelazny, Pullman, Williams, and many others. Not insignificantly, it is also a *complete* series--Farseer, Liveship and Tawny Man. You won't get "Martinized" in return for your investment.

Robin Hobb AKA Megan Lindholm.......2007-06-20

I'm not sure who is the really person but I do know I enjoy this writer's books emensely.
I originaly read the Liveship Traders series before this series and thought it was inventive, original and something I had not read before. This series is no different. Are there some sterotypes, yes but when creating fantasy they are fairly hard to avoid.
But what Robin is really fantastic with are her characters so much depth they have, how real even to being petulant and selfish at times. But it is truly a fasinating read.
Her books are character driven not description driven. Something I have less and less patience with these days is when writers take up pages and pages to describe a place to the smallest detail but leave their characters mostly two-demensional. Robin does not waste our time with extraneous descriptions. She gives us a vivid picture but not at the loss of her people.
I have just ordered the books from the Tawny man series and the first two from the new Soldier Son series. I cannot wait to read them!!

AMAZING!!!!.......2007-06-06

This is my favorite fantasy series, and my second favorite over all. The story is involved without being irritating and a drag. Fitz is a perfect hero. I LOVE watching him grow and make mistakes and realize his mistakes. This series has everything - plot twists, intrigue, political machinations, plots, romance, magic, dragons, sinister villans and lovable heroes. Once you begin this book, you won't stop until you have finish every book related to the Farseer world. My one recommendation is to read the Liveship trilogy last, because there are some aspects of the Liveships are revealed that would take away from the mystery of them when they come up in the other two trilogies

Good writing...weak plot * Spoliers*.......2007-04-26

3.5 stars. This book started off very good. Ms. Hobb easily draws you into Fitz's world. How can you not when the hero of the story is a thrown away bastid? But somewhere around the two-hundred page mark, you realize that the book's title is very misleading. The fact that Fritz pretty much just kills people who no longer have a soul, doesn't really lean to the assassin part. Sounds more like mercy killing. I don't understand the whole Chad and Fritz neck-breaking journey to Forge. What was the game plan? I wanted to know more about this Wit stuff. Shrewd didn't really live up to his name and really didn't understand why Chivalry had to step down for having bastid, when it seemed everone had one. Though I'm new to fantasy books, I do know that bastids are really no big deal and couldn't see why someone couldn't be come King because it. The last act with the whole Verity/ Galen angle seemed so contrived and weak that I really don't think I can express how disappointed I am about it; especially given how popular this series is. The saving grace is Ms. Hobbs writing ability. I hope the next book has a little more Hoomph! to it. Still, the book is worth a peek. Recommeded.

Unrelentingly Depressing.......2007-04-10

Book: D- Prose: C- Plot: D Characters: F Enjoyment: F+ SERIES: F!

This is so unrelentingly depressing, each plot development seemed forced, the character's behavior are completely unrealistic in most situations, oh and nothing happens, it's boring, very boring, oh did I mention depressing!

If you like depression, stories where nothing ever goes right for the main character, where there is no emotional payoff, where character suffering is the plot, then this book is for you!

IF not, try one of these instead;

George R.R. Martin's, A Song of Ice and Fire, (A Game of Thrones (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1), A Clash of Kings (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 2), A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3), and A Feast for Crows (A Song of Ice and Fire)).

Paul S. Kemp's, Erevis Cale trilogy,(Twilight Falling (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy), Dawn of Night (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy), and Midnight's Mask (Forgotten Realms: The Erevis Cale Trilogy, Book 3)) or Shadowbred (The Twilight War, Book 1) (The Twilight War, Book 1).

Richard Baker, The Last Mythal series, (Forsaken House (Forgotten Realms: The Last Mythal), Farthest Reach: The Last Mythal, Book II (Forgotten Realms: The Last Mythal), and Final Gate (Forgotten Realms: The Last Mythal, Book 3)).

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1. The Lord Peter Wimsey Collection: Starring Ian Carmichael (Radio Collection) [AUDIOBOOK]
2. A Sweet Scent of Death
3. The Apprentice
4. Murder in the Title: A Crime Novel
5. Bone China
6. Dust to Dust
7. Death Spiral
8. Murder on the Gravy Train
9. The Heart-Shaped Box
10. Sons of the City

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