5 comments about Fifth Chinese Daughter.

1. Jade Snow Wong writes of her life as a first-generation Chinese-American daughter. There are delightful moments all through the book, but most satisfying is the growth from a somewhat tentative daughter into an independent woman setting out on her own and achieving a career. A trifle dated based on the time, the book is nonetheless affirmative and positive. Highly recommended!



2. I first read The Fifth Chinese Daughter in about 1963 when I was 13 and living 30 miles south of San Francisco. Visiting Chinatown was my first exposure to a foreign culture. It was mysterious and exotic, and I wondered what went on behind the building fronts lining the narrow bustling streets. This book gave me my first glimpse into this other world; very heady stuff for a 13 year old girl. Fast forward 45 years, and I'm looking for a book to recommend to my book club. I had never forgotten The Fifth Chinese Daughter but assumed it was out of print. Imagine my surprise when I found two copies on the shelf of our local bookstore. I snapped up both copies and jumped in. The Fifth Chinese Daughter was just as captivating and poignant to me at age 57. I can now appreciate it from a new perspective, viewing this work as a precursor to the wonderful Chinese American literature that followed. I could go on....but suffice to say, read this book.



3. I became interested in buying this book after reading the author's fascinating story in the L.A. Times last year. Since reading Fifth Chinese Daughter a few months ago, I have given it as a gift to three friends who also found this young woman's story as heartwarming and courageous as I did. Side benefit: I learned a great deal about Chinese-American culture and about American history, circa 1930s - 1950s.
   
   It's also a great book for teen girls. Reading about Jade Snow's sometimes difficult youth and teen years and how she met her goals will be very inspirational to that age group.



4. I usually don't write negative reviews, but I really was surprised by all the glowing reviews here. I truly think this is a terrible book and here is why.

   1). The characters are only skin deep. We never really get to know them beyond their attitudes toward Jade Snow. And Jade Snow herself is very opaque as well, we don't get to know more of her except that she is filial, hard-working and eager to please people. The insides of these characters are not alive and they resemble dull automatons carrying out the actions of a pre-determined script.

   2). The prose is very flat, so the end result reads like a very long summary of the plot rather than the book itself. The author crammed in many minutae of her life into the writing, with a emphasis on the details of food preparation. but most of the details are not evocative and fails to enrich the world she is trying to portray.

   3). A streak of very patronizing attitude to Asians Americans run through out the book. It culminate with a cringe-inducing climax of self-hate at the very end of the last chapter, in a scene meant to be the big emotional pay-off for the whole book. Jade Snow's father tearfully confess that he had done wrong by raising her under the backward Chinese culture, and that he should have raised her in the superior, freedom-loving Christian way.




5. "You must have confidence that I shall remain true to the spirit of your teachings. I shall bring back to you the knowledge of whatever I learn." Fifth Chinese Daughter is an inspiring autobiography that traces the life of Jade Snow Wong from childhood to adulthood in San Francisco's Chinatown. In her book, Jade Snow describes the numerous hardships and rewards that shaped her life. Through her vivid descriptions, the reader is immersed in the Asian culture of early twentieth-century America. Looking through Jade Snow's eyes, the reader is able to experience the conflicting cultural experiences of the middle daughter of a large family of Chinese immigrants.
   Conforming to Chinese tradition, Jade Snow felt that her worth as an individual was dictated by her family. Although Jade Snow's father took pride in educating his daughters in both Chinese and American customs, he valued the future potential of his sons over that of his daughters. Jade Snow's childhood is tainted by unjust punishment and suppressed emotion. Such experiences led her to pursue independence and acknowledgment in a country that offered numerous opportunities for well-educated young woman. However, from her difficult childhood, Jade Snow learned discipline and respect, qualities that allowed her to succeed and gain respect from her family. It is fascinating to witness her transformation from a submissive child to a woman of integrity and perseverance.
   As Jade Snow tirelessly worked her way through college, she came to understand the injustices of Chinese tradition. Ironically, at this time, she also developed a greater appreciation for her Chinese heritage and through it discovered her life's passions. Despite the heavy skepticism and criticism of her family, Jade Snow pursued her dreams with optimistic determination, suffering many hardships along the way. In each of her life's stories she proves to us that great rewards come from hard work and unfailing belief in one's self. If you ever feel hopeless or just want to be inspired, Jade Snow's story will lift you out of your darkness.

5 comments about Kovels' New Dictionary of Marks: Pottery and Porcelain, 1850 to the Present.

1. It was a very informative book, but I guess you would almost have to have been an avid collector to understand it. Really, it should have been done to make is easier for the beginning collector to understand. I have markings not in the book and the companies and markings are all scattered. My oppinion they companies marking should have been together with the different years they used that mark. and if there were extra marks used with that company when were they used and why. not at all helpful to me, maybe after i can siphon the books code to understand it better it will be more helpful. sorry just being honest as I am new to collecting and would like to better know what to look for.



2. More a book for someone who knows what they are looking at or for. I'm a novice so there's a lot of work involved in researching. However, I'm not disappointed in the book and I'm glad I made the purchase.



3. THIS IS A MUST HAVE FOR PEOPLE WHO LIKE AUCTION, ESTATE SALES, AND COLLECTABLES I LOVE IT!!!!! THE SHIPPING WAS VERY FAST AND THE BOOK IS IN GREAT CONDITION HIGHLY RECCOMEND THIS COMPANY FOR BOOKS.



4. Nicely laid out book with lots of information on Pottery and Porcelain marks, great illustrations and contains a comprehensive reference list for further reading.



5. Great quality of shipping. Found book to be in the best condition.
   Thank you so much and I would hope to have the opportunity to purchase
   a book from you again.

4 comments about Collecting Costume Jewelry 202 2nd Edition (Collecting Costume Jewelry 202: The Basics of Dating Jewelry).

1. My wife loves this book. As a collector she found it not only useful from that standpoint, but an interesting read.



2. If you have bought the series of Julia Carroll's books, "Collecting Costume Jewelry 101, 202 and 303," you come to think after each book, this is her BEST one yet! She then writes ANOTHER wonderful book that is filled with more new information on designers, stunning photos of beautiful costume jewelry, and fills the pages with fabulous vintage ads and clear detailed drawings of design patents. One thing about Julia's books that amaze me is the wealth of knowledge she provides on many of the designers by personal interviews with family members, previous employees, and other knowledgeable people that were involved in the jewelry making business. She always takes extra steps to provide collectors with information that not only will help them learn more about collecting, but gives the pieces they already have in their collections a special meaning. It is wonderful to see an actual patent of one of your favorite pieces, the date & name of the designer, and possibly a jewelry ad featuring that piece. Julia, I am one of your biggest fans and your books will always hold a special place in the very front of my jewelry library.



3. This book is an instant reference - I know I will go back to it over and over again! The patent drawings are so beautifully organized I know I will be able to easily find matching patents for my jewelry. I love the Collecting Costume Jewelry series!



4. I want to thank all of the collectors who have purchased my books over the years. I also want to thank Collector Books for giving me the opportunity to write and publish books on costume jewelry.
   
   The second edition of Collecting Costume Jewelry 202 is a huge book (I'm told it took more than twice the time to layout as my other books) bursting with design patent drawings, vintage ads, and collectible costume jewelry. I am thrilled with the way the material is presented - useful as a reference and a beautiful showcase for the jewelry.
   
   I am also grateful to my friends and contributors who helped me to expand the sections on Boucher, Adele Simpson, and Regency.
   
   Thank you all!
   Julia

5 comments about 500 Plates & Chargers: Innovative Expressions of Function & Style (500 Series).

1. Beautiful book, gorgeous photographs of unique and beautiful pieces. Highly recommended. Hundreds of different artists, clay and ceramic art for all tastes. Hours of page flipping, lots of great inspirational ideas.



2. I love the Lark 500 series and as far as a potter goes these Books give so much inspiration to me
   All of my friends have them as well and we look eagerly for new editions



3. great color-clear photos
   and every page a masterpiece
   so many ideas i do not know
   where to begin



4. these lark 500 books are a wonderful resource for artists and students working in ceramics



5. Not quite the depth and color of other books in this series. It is none the less interesting and a good review of a narrow field.

5 comments about The Official Precious Moments Coll Guide to Figurines 4th (Official Precious Moments Collector's Guide to Figurines).

1. Pages 32-62 were never inserted by the publisher. The merchant was notified and my money was refunded immediately



2. I was very pleased with this book. Clear pictures and several ways to look up an item. Always wanted a book like this and now I have it.



3. The Official Precious Moments Coll. Guide to Figurines 4th is a comprehensive guide to Precious Moments figurines. It has great colored pictures of each one. I think it is an excellent way to keep track of the figurines one has and also the value of one's collection.



4. This book is a MUST have for any collector. With the information I found I can place a value on each individual piece for insurance purposes. A real time saver!



5. The 2007 Bomm Precious Moments guide is truly precious since it incorporates retail and secondary values into the same book. The cross-indexing by figurine title and model number is also wonderful. The photos are great quality, too. The guide is a must-have for all collectors!

5 comments about No. 1 Price Guide to M.I.Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures, & More (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, Miniatures & More 10th Ed. (Mi Hummel Figurines, Plates, ... Plates, Miniatures & More Price Guide).

1. I recently started a hummel collection. This book is a MUST have. Hummel collecting can be complicated and making sure that you are getting a good value is almost impossible without this book. I highly recommend it.



2. The book, as a resource guide, contains a wealth of information; it is a very useful, very informative reference guide. The binding, however, stinks. Within 1 day of using the book in a normal manner, the pages started to come out due to the inferior method of glue binding. They should have stuck to the spiral binding method.



3. this book was very nice and the added touch of color pictures was a pleasant surprise.



4. This book made it extremely easy to reference, cross-reference and catalog my collection of Hummels. Although I realize that the market value of these figurines changes frequently, the book will still give me a starting point for years to come.



5. We have remained collectors of Hummel Figurines since 1971. Currently we have some 93 Hummel Figurines and 1971 thru 1982 Hummel Anniversary Plates. We like to keep up with the current values of these beautiful collectible pieces and have found the Robert L. Miller price guide to be full of great information and very thorough.
   
   We truly enjoyed our visit to W.Gobel Porzellanfabrik GmbH & Co. KG located in Rodental, Germany where we were invited to watch and speak with so many artists at work.
   
   Note: Amazon.com. Thank You for your dedicated Great Service.
   
   Sincerely,
   Charles E. Brock Sr.
   

5 comments about Southwestern Pottery: Anasazi to Zuni.

1. I love this book. When I was interested in learning about the pottery of the southwest, I bought this book and have not been disappointed. It shows the different designs and styles of the different tribes of the southwest. Definitely a book to purchase if you are thinking of purchasing southwest pottery.



2. a beautiful coffee-table book on old and modern Southwestern Pottery. I would have liked a little more on the old stuff and a little less by modern potters, but it is a minor quibble.



3. this is a beautiful book the the pictures in the book are so vivid and colorful, it would make a wonderful addition to any library or it would make a great coffee table book!



4. I was impressed with the display groupings presented and the journey of the authors beginnings of his collections and the knowledge he aquired along the way. He gave good advice to new collectors. I open it daily and alway see something I missed. It's a great book to add to your collection.



5. I'd been looking for a book like this for ages. It goes through every pueblo's pottery, describing the special characteristics of each, and talks about the important potters in each pueblo.
   
   This is very well written in an easy going, non-snobish style, instantly increasing your depth of knowledge in southwestern pottery. The photographs are excellent and plentiful, giving many diverse examples from each pueblo/region/era.
   
   Highly recommended for those new to collecting. I gave a copy to my parents in New Mexico, and even though they had been doing a bit of collecting for years, they have a much better understanding of the history of some of the pottery sitting on their shelves. They love this book.

5 comments about 500 Tiles: An Inspiring Collection of International Work (500 Series).

1. I find all of Lark's "500 Series" to be of top quality. Excellent photos, a wide varity of style and execution from the traditional to extreme. The type of book the internet is going to have a hard time replacing. Not only do I get new ideas for my own work, but exposure to artists I'm not familar with.



2. The only reason I gave this four stars intead of five is there was some amazing tile work and some I wondered "why they heck did they bother putting that in". I think they could have chosen a bit better on some of the pics but all in all it was an inspirational book.



3. As a ceramic artist and sculptor, I find the "500" series of books quite inspirational. I especially appreciate the wide variety of techniques used by the individual artists. I live in Australia which in some ways is quite isolated from the ceramic world at large. People in isolation tend to develop their own culture. This is especially true in ceramics. By showing contemporary work being done in other countries, Lark again in this publication, has given the artist food for thought. And the many full-colour photographs give an insite into the techniques being developed by others.
   
   From the book's title, I had expected to find page after page of ceramic wall tiles. But I was happily surprised to find that the book shows more or less flat (or relief) sculpture and is not limited to the sterotyped wall-only "tile" applications.
   
   I would recommend this book to artist who work in clay or any other 3D medium. It especially makes a good read when you are suffering "artists block". There are so many examples of different types of work here, that you are bound to go back to your workbench with a wealth of new ideas.



4. I own a handmade tile business. There was some inspiration to be found in these pages.



5. I am an all around arts and crafts person I thought I would find this interesting. It wasn't what I expected and I sent it back. It is a very large book with pages and pages of tiles...most I didn't like.

5 comments about Kovels' Dictionary of Marks -- Pottery And Porcelain: 1650 to 1850 (Kovel's Dictionary of Marks).

1. great for anyone with an odd collection of antique porcelain trying to deciper the makers mark. Easy to use.



2. Exactly what I was expecting. A bit difficult to understand at first, but once you understand the layout it really makes it easy to use for reference.



3. Overall it is helpful. I am really just getting into this, so it is great to have something I can refer to to get an idea of where the item I have comes from.



4. As with the Kovels other books, this reference is very exhaustive and complete. There are, perhaps, some mistakes, but given the volume of information here that is to be expected. I find I reach for this book first when I'm trying to identify a piece of this age group, and usually find what I'm looking for here. Easy to travel with, from antique shop to auction. A good buy.



5. Rather coplete book but-alas-full of mistakes in entries concerning German and Austrian porcelain.Take for example the Meissen porcelain:the authors put together in one large pile Meissen proper,Thieme factory,Fr.Hirsch,Helena Wolfsohn and other factories,though these are absolutely different things.The authors should make a bit of research before starting the project:What amazes me is that this is the 46th edition of the book and nobody ever corrected those mistakes.

5 comments about Warman's Roseville Pottery: Identification and Price Guide (Warmans).

1. This book is worth the purchase if you are a collector of Hallmark Christmas Ornaments. It tells you the price you paid for it and how much it is worth today.



2. This is a very well done book. It is very informative and really helps to learn about Roseville pottery and its worth.



3. I gave this book to my husband, the Roseville collector of the family, for Christmas. He spent several happy hours looking through it. The pictures are great, but there are not enough of them. This is not the be all, end all book for Roseville, but so far it's the best one I have seen.



4. I was very satisfied with the book I received. I received it in a few days as promised and I really liked that.



5. Book was very helpful in finding out about Roseville pottery, I would recommend, pictures are very good also. Gives lots of info.