1 comments about Born of Fire: The Life and Pottery of Margaret Tafoya.

1. After reading the book cover-to-cover, my mother, Toni Roller and I are proud to recommend this book to anyone who enjoys and collects the works of the descendants of Sarafina Tafoya and her daughter, Margaret Tafoya. There were a few minor errors (names in the geneology) but as a whole, this is a view of a wonderful collection of Margaret's finest works and the retelling of great stories regarding pottery design and the passing on of one family matriarch's legacy. Charles King wisely interviewed many of Margaret's children and grandchildren and includes family stories that are a joy to see in print. This is a wonderful biography we intend to hand down to upcoming generations. Thank you, Charles for a faithful rendering of the stories!
   I believe the release of the book will be followed up sometime in September 2008 with an exhibition of the photographed pieces at Carnegie Hall/Museum. Thank you, John & Carol Krena for allowing us to see the collection! -- Susan Roller Whittington

5 comments about Slow Motion: A True Story (Harvest Book).

1. I enjoyed this book, but was troubled by apparent errors regarding orthodox Judaism. Perhaps the author just forgot, but it troubled me. Did anyone else find this?



2. Dani Shapiro takes the reader on a roller coaster ride in her memoir of post-college years. After her parents are in a terrible car accident, Shapiro reflects on her life and what she has become. A privileged, beautiful 20-something, the reader wants to scream at her "Why are you doing this to yourself?" Her affair with a wealthy, powerful, well-known attorney is sexy, tumultuous, dirty and lucrative leaving the reader disgusted and infatuated at once. The book forces you to wonder if you'd have the will to walk away. You do not pity Shapiro but you want to save her all the same. Fantastic read.



3. Family History, by the same author, was one of the best fiction I've read lately. So I decided to go for the autobiographical one Slow Motion, trying to grasp some information on how the author got her act together to be such a good writer. Fact is, no answer was found in this book. First, the real life character is shallow and so much less interesting than her fictional characters. Second, the book doesn't even touch the issue of fiction writing. You just get the facts: the author went to school, dropped out, went back and then went to graduate school. Lucky of her, at graduation she had a book soon to be published.
   
   For me particularly, the question remains: what happened after graduation that made her so good to write Family History? Where are the insights, what are the relevant people that get her fiction going? Does she seat on a cafe and think about her writing before doing it? Does she get inspiration from her current husband? From having a child? These issues were utterly untouched, and made me research further, so I went to her personal homepage, where there is so much more information about her family and three marriages (one that occurred before she wrote the book and seems to have ended before she started going out with her married boyfriend - I thought it was astonishing that this marriage was not even mentioned in the book). Still, I could find no answers.
   
   
   
   "Operating Instructions: A Journal of My Son's First Year" and "Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life", both autobiographical books by the writer Anne Lamott, are much better at explaining how to get everything together and writing it down.



4. A disclaimer at the outset: I skipped over virtually ever scene involving Lenny as he seemed so creepy from the get-go.
   So, who's to like here? Maybe the father, but he's largely a flashback character. The mother? She had potential early on as being frustrated in the Orthodox life she came to regret; by the end she's rich, bitter and well ... not much else. The older sister? Close, but she expresses enough bitterness herself to be out of the running. The rest were not really significant enough to have mattered much to me - and, yes, I did get confused between "Shirl" and "Shirley Sugarman". To keep the alliteration, the author should've gone for Sandy or Sadie for one of those two women.
   The dust jacket makes mention of Hillside as an "Anti-Semitic" suburb. I kept waiting for examples; mention of vandalism is covered in one sentence near the end. That's pretty much it.
   I gave it a second star because the author is actually a talented writer (except as noted above). Too bad she wasted it on the story of a shallow, self-centered, self-pitying, materialistic brat.



5. An interesting thing happens when people write memoirs of terrible things that happened to them: readers are afraid to say anything bad about the books themselves, because it looks like they're being unsympathetic towards the tragedies described. I felt for Dani Shapiro when her father died, but without that incident, this reads like the work of a self-obsessed rich b*tch who epitomizes solopsism: nothing in the world matters to her but her own experience and what people think of her. It is very important, by the way, that you think she is beautiful, as she reminds you constantly throughout the book. That, to me, is the quality of someone who hasn't quite worked out her own problems--someone who is sadly aware of how she acts and says and what you think of her as a result--and someone who is probably not completely honest with you, dear reader, because the ugly parts of her--the ones for which you won't feel sorry for her--are most likely omitted.

1 comments about Being in Pictures: An Intimate Photo Memoir.

1. Library Journal Review
   
   Leonard, Joanne. Being in Pictures: An Intimate Photo Memoir. Univ. of
   Michigan. May 2008. 252p. photogs. ISBN 978-0-472-11402-3. $35. FINE
   ARTS
   Leonard's (art history & women's studies, Univ. of Michigan)
   autobiographical photographs and photo collages, evocatively and
   eloquently reproduced here, explore the themes of family, childhood,
   life stages, and woman as nurturer. This photographic and textual
   journal covers 40 years of Leonard's life, from early photos she took in
   West Oakland, CA, in the 1960s to her family and friends, relationships
   and separations, a chance encounter with Diane Arbus, the 1972 Sapporo
   Olympics, motherhood, feminist influences and tendencies, and the 9/11
   terrorist attacks. Imagery ranges from cozy familial scenes to harrowing
   and violent series on sex, male domination, and miscarriage. The text
   carries Leonard's story along and helpfully comments on the images. An
   artist's chronology, with exhibitions and publications, concludes the
   work. Leonard is a leading artist, scholar, and educator, and this first
   book-length examination of her life and work resonates both poignantly
   and artistically. Recommended for contemporary photography and women's
   studies collections; at $35, a real bargain.-Russell T. Clement,
   Northwestern Univ. Lib., Evanston, IL

1 comments about Presidential Wives: An Anecdotal History.

1. This book was a pleasure to read. It is a great way to get some basic insights into the wives of our President's, while creating the desire to learn more about these amazing women.

5 comments about Radha: Diary of a Woman's Search.

1. Swami Sivananda is my guru's guru's guru. Swami Radha is a peer of my guru's guru.
   
   It is so wonderful to read of women yogis - those who can and do tread the Dharmic path successfully.
   
   This is a wonderful read that transmits more than the words in print.



2. An intimate and detailed narrative. Highly recommend it to anyone interested in Radha's life and in yoga in general.



3. Uplifting journal like account from a white womans perspective.
   great read on the yogic path.



4. This is a great snapshot of the internal world of a spiritual transformation. Swami Radhananda gives a gripping account of a few months studying meditation in India. She is very frank with her mistakes and experiences. If you liked Autobiography of a Yogi, you will enjoy this book.



5. An uplifting, inspiring, enthralling diary. Recommended by Mas Vidal in Yoga Journal, I bought the book, and read the entire thing in one sitting. You will be left with an uplifted, peaceful spirit. I only wish I could have met Radha while she was still alive.

5 comments about A Perfect Union: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation.

1. I had read that Dolley Madison is probably one of the most interesting, lesser known first ladies in our nation's history. This book definitly prooves that. Although there are a few inaccurate facts surrounding the Yellow Fever experience by Dolley's family in Philadelphia, Allegor seems like a trustworthy source on the topic. Hopefully she will release later editions in order to correct those inaccurate facts. It is also a shame there is not more information about her life before James Madison, with her first husband. But then again, that is not the main theme of this book. Recommended for both the amature and scholarly historian (I have a little of both in me).



2. I am very pleased with the time of delivery and the condition of the book.
   Aleene Wilcox



3. I picked up a copy of A PERFECT UNION: Dolley Madison and the Creation of the American Nation, by Catherine Allgor as research material for a novel set during the War of 1812. I had already read The Velvet Glove: A Life of Dolley Madison, by Noel Bertram Gerson, but I wanted more detail and insight regarding President and Mrs. Madison. I wasn't disappointed.
   
   A Perfect Union is packed full of information for a novelist wanting to add verisimilitude to a story. For anyone with more than a casual interest in the War of 1812, it provides fascinating insight into behind-the-scenes Washington City and a struggling new nation. Unlike most accounts, it illuminates the war and the political scene from a feminine viewpoint.
   
   For the most part, the facts presented by Ms. Allgor were consistent with my other sources. I noticed only a few factual glitches. I believe British atrocities were committed on the raid of Hampton village, not the battle of Craney Island a few days earlier. And I understand that the Capitol was still in two parts, separated by a wooden walkway, when the redcoats torched it.
   
   Overall, A Perfect Union is a fascinating look into the life and times of Dolley Madison.



4. This is a comprehensive biography of Dolley Madison and her role in James Madison's presidency. It was all right, but far too detailed for a biography on someone who was not a substantial contributor to American History. There were endless descriptions of the type of furniture used in the rooms, etc. which got a bit tedious. It was as though someone wrote a 1000 page biography of Jacqueline Kennedy and her role in JFK's administration; this would suffer from the same problems. The book needed good editing and abridgement, in its present form it is just too detailed.



5. Catherine Allgor serves up a great examination of not only Dolley Madison but a revealing picture of early politics in early America in A Perfect Union. I think she does a wonderful job in exposing how the Madison's, primarily Dolley, countered Jefferson in the way they operated in the young capitol. Allgor also gives us an entertaining glimpse into how an eighteeth century wife supported her husband, perhaps even out-shining him a bit. Allgor also shows us the private Dolley; the Dolley who managed a home but also liked to play cards and was pretty good at it. She also liked to drink....just a bit. These and other facts are great counterpoints to the public Dolley we've all learned about.
   
   I'm always a sucker for any book that deals with this period of American history. Early conditions in this country, especially during those years immediately following the revolution, allowed for a great deal of movement, especially socially and politically. Dolley truly shined during this era and Allgor does a wonderful job in painting that picture.
   
   As you read this book it becomes quite obvious that Allgor loves to do research. Her facts aren't in question though some other reviewers believes she goes too far. Perhaps. However, the greater value in A Perfect Union is the fact that the whole story is here
   
   A worthwhile read for sure.

No comments about A Homemade Life: Stories and Recipes from My Kitchen Table.

5 comments about Where the Pavement Ends: One Woman's Bicycle Trip Through Mongolia, China & Vietnam.

1. Far too often discretion is overthrown in favor of "attitude". How refreshing to read a book that not only reflects thoughtfully on cross cultural respect and understanding, but avoids the self-indulgence that is all-too common in travelogues.
   
   Ms. Warmbrunn is, in a very real sense, an adventurer. Setting out independently to explore countries alien to her, she exposes herself to physical danger, political intrigue, environmental challenges, and emotional reward...all from the seat of Green, her beloved bicycle.
   
   Through her experiences of Mongolian culture, and her reflections on their history, I learned more about that part of the world than through any history book I had previously read.
   
   I would recommend this book to anyone who has ever wanted to travel ANYWHERE, who has loved riding a bike, has wanted to be the hero in their own story, or who simply loves the skillful execution of a well-turned phrase. Arm-chair and adventurer travellers alike will warm to this book.
   
   In my heart of hearts, I'd like to think Erika and I would become best friends. I'd invite her to tea, or maybe we'd go to the theatre, and then after spinning around a model globe, which would stop when a finger was placed on it, we'd announce "Let's go there!", and then make plans to head out.
   
   Barring that grand experience, I console myself with her presence on my bookshelf, and hope that you, gentle reader, may do the same.



2. I enjoyed this book and oftentimes found the narrative absorbing. I was astonished by the contrasts particularly between Mongolia, with its frigid weather, expansive plains, and childlike adults, and Vietnam, with its tropical beaches and aggressive, war-weary toddlers! Attention to detail really enlivened the book. I particularly liked the linguistic asides and descriptions of different foods. I always looked forward to the pictures, although I sorely missed a photo of Beijing. The chapter about the author's trip over a dangerous Chinese mountain on her way to Xiangning was loaded with suspense! But then there was no resolution. After her harrowing experience, we needed to see her actually arrive in Xiangning.
   
   The book needed an epilogue, with the author safely ensconsced in her apartment in Vladivostok or Seattle, observing her surroundings and providing the reader with a final sense of perspective.
   
   And it would've been great to have an index in the back, so the reader could easily look up a word or reference that might've appeared 100 pages hence. I had to stick a post-it on page 42 so I could keep looking up the word "orom"!
   
   I hope the author elects to do this again in a completely different part of the world.



3. The good news is, I really liked this book. The bad news is that when I finished it I quit my job, sold the house, drained my IRA and bought a bicycle.

   If you have ever traveled in the third world and experienced the mixed emotions of being a rich American in a poor country you will recognize yourself in this story. From the priceless experiences she has with people who let her into their homes and into their worlds, to those who have had much more experience with wealthy Western travelers and make their livings from them, she captures the two sides of this kind of travel.

   This is a book about a journey, not an expedition. Unlike so many books of this genre, the author parks her ego at the door. While riding a bike, especially as far as she does, is an athletic accomplishment this is not a book about an athlete. She does not try to impress us about how many kilometers she rides a day or how difficult a particular mountain pass was to climb. This is the story of a journey by an intelligent and introspective woman who is interested in getting away from the hippie travel circuit and seeing places she is told not to go and learning about people you will not see from the train or meet in the tourist hotel.

   How wonderful it must be to have all you really need with you on your bike and not really care that you don't know exactly where you are.




4. I picked up this book in anticipation of summer travels and was looking to get a woman's perspective on some of the places I will be going. I enjoyed reading about her different adventures, but ultimately was a little annoyed and bored. Her story was inspiring and what she did was amazing, but the way it was written was rather flat. And, I feel that if you are going to include pictures in your book, they should have accurate labels as to who they are of and when they were taken. In all, an okay book but not a stellar read.



5. I found so much interesting firsthand information about Mongolia, China, and VietNam in this interesting book and for that I am grateful to the author.

   I did feel, not far into the book, that she was rather impetuous in her decision to take this 5,000 mile journey and was not very well-prepared at all. Right away, trying to cross the border into Mongolia was an issue for her and something that I thought she should have found out about beforehand. She also made some serious safety mistakes, as when she was accosted by the two young men on horseback in Mongolia. She could have easily lost her life.

   Her writing beautifully captures the natural beauty of the lands through which she traveled and also the basic goodness of the people whom she encountered during her journey.

   A good reading experience.

5 comments about Gut Feelings: From Fear And Despair To Health And Hope.

1. Ms. Wilson's presention of her history, and how her weight affected her life in every area, speaks to many overweight people. Sharing this lets others know they are not alone in their struggles, both health-wise and socially.



2. Wow - I don't even know where to begin with this book. I bought it because Carnie is an intriguing character - and no disprespect at all - but she was the heavy girl with two beautiful girls. I was curious to her life and her surgery.
   
   Well, what a vulger read we had here. Aside from the expletives everywhere - we learn she lost her virginity at 13 or some too young age - at a parent sanctioned sleep over with her boyfriend. That falls under way too much information.
   
   Carnie has a beautiful voice and she mentions quite often she didn't get the respect she deserved. We get it. Quit whining.
   
   But the coup de gras was what she whispered to her surgeon prior to him slicing her open. I'll save that for you to read for yourself.
   
   Bad.



3. Great book. It tells Carnie Wilson's story of her long term struggle with being overweight and her journey through the weight loss surgery process. It has great information on the topic, a realistic perspective of what to expect and is very inspirational. She really opens herself up and here honesty is appreciaated. Another highly recommended book! Good going Carnie!



4. She tells her story with the enthusiasm of a championship athlete who, after training for years and overcoming personal obstacles, wins the gold medal. She is candid, if not ribald and common with her generous use of the worst possible lanugage (not necessary to tell this story). However, I was dismayed to find her on last season's television show, name withheld, where celebrities compete to lose the most weight. She may have reached her goal in the short term, but sadly this tormented woman has surrendered to her demons. Over time her story fades.



5. I thought GUT FEELINGS by Carnie Wilson was an excellent book. Carnie talks about her childhood up to her adult life and the struggles she has had with morbid obesity. I liked getting to know her in the first half of the book, and the second half of the book went into her gastric bypass surgery and recovery. Carnie didn't hold back any of the "rough times" during her surgery and recovery and didn't "sugar-coat" the hard work people go through deciding to have gastric bypass surgery and the lifestyle changes that must occur afterwards. I have read alot of books on weight loss surgery, but Carnie's was the only book I found that put a personal story to the medical facts and procedures and that really made a difference. I would recommend this book to anyone who is considering bariatric surgery or who has had surgery. I hope Carnie Wilson writes GUT FEELINGS II soon!

5 comments about Chasing Rubi: The Truth About Porfirio Rubirosa the Last Playboy.

1. Once I started reading "Chasing Rubi," I couldn't put it down. The authors have done an extraordinary amount of research and produced a captivating portrait of a man who led a truly unbelievable life. It's a crazy, pedal-to-the-metal journey with glamorous highs, heartbreaking lows, intriguing plot twists and more close calls than you can imagine! Just when you think Rubirosa's story can't get any more amazing, it does. I thoroughly enjoyed the book.



2. I love how this book details one of the most amazing people in our history, yet many may not have heard of him, which only adds to his mystique. His accomplishments and exploits outweigh those of 10 men combined. The authors did a great job of showcasing Rubi. If you want to find out what life could be like if you were to mix James Bond and Hugh Hefner along with the adventures of Richard Branson all in one person -- you have Rubirosa. Entertaining and historical. A great read.



3. I really don't understand all of the five star ratings for this book - it isn't that well written. The strength of the book is the subject matter, the life of pleasure and hedonism of Rubi.
   
   Specially, the book fails to bring Rubi to life. Like a B-grade high-schooler's report, the story is mechanical, overly relies upon big quotes from Rubi's memoirs and FBI documents, and is pedantic. The story lacks any magic; instead, it's just a rote string of descriptions of one biographical event onto the next. The story doesn't get the reader into the head or personality of Rubi; it just tells what he did from one happening to the next. The story fails to deliver any rich anecdotes of his high-life that would inject zest into the story line.
   
   The gnawing question the book only makes a meager attempt to answer is, "How?" Surely with Rubi's fascinating life, of cavorting with Hollywood's leading ladies, pursuing the world's richest eligible bachelorettes, and his associations to the mob, the rat pack, and to President Kennedy, how did the man come about to make this happen? The book provides a few pithy but poor quotes from some celebs who knew him, but they fail to capture the essence, instead only presenting simple quips. Unfortunately, the book doesn't provide its own analysis, of who Rubi was and what made him special.
   
   Rubi is a whirlwind of a story. Too bad this book doesn't bring it out.



4. A friend recommended this book to me. I knew nothing about Rubirosa. What a fascinating character and enjoyable read.



5. I have always had a fascination about Porfirio Rubirosa and this book makes me realize that he really was the Latin James Bond and an inspiration for the subsequent books and movies.
   The book contains truely interesting no where else to be found facts and is written in such an easy to read way. I think that anybody that has ever enjoyed a James Bond movie or book should read this book. I am sure that one day this book will be turned into a move.