Book Description
J.California Cooper writes with a transparent clarity and such exuberant energy that her characters leaop off the page, bursting with the stories they've got to tell--stories of simple people, stories of families and fate, of love and marriage, of death and the triumph of the human spirit. Cooper is that most rare and wondrous thing: a true storyteller whose tales trace the energies of life itself.
Customer Reviews:
the best kept secret.......2005-04-23
This book is worth the price just for the single priceless story "Sisters of the Rain." My students never fail to read the last line- together- and say- "Now THAT is a good story. Why don't we have more like that one in school." J. California Cooper writes real. And real appeals to teens. And students are right-- stories worth reading are the ones they should be given. That's the rainbow for them.
Thanks for some of that Soul.......2003-10-28
I absolutely Loved this book. This was my first J. California Cooper Book and it will not be my last. I tell you I felt like I was sitting around the Kitchen table, Down South somewhere and just listening to one of the Elder Woman telling stories to the younger generation. I really embraced the characters' joys, pains and struggles. They were stories of everyday people that could live next door to you or me (or be you or me) but it gave me a warm feeling. It made me reflect on myself and embrace my struggles. The Author, J. California Cooper is an excellent storyteller and I definately look forward to curling up with more of her hearty stories. I've already purchased A piece of mine and it is pretty consistent with Some Soul to Keep. Enjoy!
Some Soul To Keep.......2003-01-18
Some Soul to Keep is a great book to read. It has many true things that happen in life and people can learn about them. I liked this book because it's really in teresting and it has a lot of drama. This book also makes it easy for a person to understand how the author feels and is talking about. I rated this book a 4 becuase everyone can relate in a way to her stories and it's not boring at all. I got into the book fast and I think who ever read it will, too.
J California Cooper is the Best.......2002-09-04
I have read all of J California Cooper's books, and I must say that I have never been disappointed. Some Soul to Keep is a wonderful collection of heartwarming stories.
Some Soul To Keep.......2001-12-06
This book is very depressing, I bought it two weeks ago and I am only on the first Chapter. I pick it up and put it down, because it is hard to read. I believe that black people came out of this state a very, very long time ago. Unlike "Church Folk" which was humoring and relaxing. I can't wait until the author writes another book. I have searched the book store often, hoping to find something else. I never had time before or thought I had time to read a book, however since reading Church Folk my reading has expanded greatly.
Gladys Gravely
Book Description
The classic series now in one volume for the first time!He appeared out of the northern mountain fastness, wielding powerful magics and claiming to be the Sun God's own child. His burning desire was to rule the entire world, and he inspired the loyalty of men who would fight for it with him. But conquering an empire, and ruling it, are two very different things. Even for the children of a demi-God.
Customer Reviews:
Second Book a Major Let Down.......2006-05-19
The first book, Hall of the Mountain King, is worth the read. Vadin and Mirain are interesting, compelling characters with a good, solid dynamic that is interesting and engaging to read, if not exactly the most original thing ever written. Mirain claims to be the son of the dead heir of the Kingdom of Ianon and the sun god Avaryan, giving him the right to the throne. Vadin is pressed into his service by the king, completely unwilling. There's a lot to be said for Mirain's struggle for the throne, his growing relationship with Vadin, and Vadin's just a good, fun narrator. Not Book of the Year, but a solid read.
Then we got to The Lady of Han-Gilen. I suppose this 'Lady' thing should have been a hint. Vadin is no longer the narrator - in fact, he's out of the book completely before it's halfway over. Five pages into the new character Elian and her narrative, I was quite sick of her. Beautiful Princess, Talented Warrior, Perfect Lady! Is there anything she can't do? Hall of the Mountain King did not set me up for a painfully traditional, by the book romance. Vadin and Mirain's enthralling, bittersweet dynamic? Gone, to be replaced by the Red Headed Wonder. And you will hear about how very red headed she is, poetically and every other page. The biggest trial Elian seems to face is that she's torn between two soon to be emperors who love her madly. Never fear, though, she gets to chop off her hair and disguise herself as a boy so she can join her One True Love's army.
Elian is infuriatingly perfect; traits previously reserved for Mirain - who is the son of a god, I remind you - are snatched up. Anything anyone else can do, Elian can do better. And let's not forget her beautiful red hair, which should be a character in its own right. By the second chapter, I could have told you how the book was going to end, because there's very few places books like this go. A bad narrator and a simple plot make for a tedious, dull story.
I'm not looking forward to the third book anymore.
not your cookie-cutter fantasy novel.......2004-09-17
Avaryan Rising combines the first three novels of Judith Tarr's series (The Hall of the Mountain King, The Lady of Han-Gilen, and A Fall of Princes). Having had no previous experience with the author, I picked up this book on an impulse in the book store. I'm glad to say that I was pleasantly surprised.
In my opinion, Tarr's strongest point by far is her skill in character creation and development. Anyone who reads a lot of fantasy at some point tends to become a little bored with the same cookie-cutter characters that appear to dominate much of this genre. Tarr offers a refreshing alternative. Her characters are unique, fascinating, and extremely well developed. Already on the first page of "The Hall of the Mountain King", I was drawn to the powerful (if somewhat tragic) figure of the old king, who stands on the top of his battlements day after day, in sun, wind, rain, and snow, keeping watch for his beloved daughter. The characters that follow are similarly fascinating, haunting, tragic, powerful, and seemingly real. Examples: Mirain, the young son of a mortal and a God, who sets out to conquer what he claims is by right his Kingdom and Empire. At the beginning of the book, Mirain is only 15 years old, but his description as someone who commands the love and respect of his people seems very believable to me, as Tarr immediately sets him apart from other young men his age, due to his heritage (which is gift and burden at the same time ... something that Tarr explores in much detail and very well). Vadin, his squire, who is initially so overcome with his hate for Mirain that he proposes a wager that would forfeit his soul, should he ever feel any friendship for his new master. The list goes on, and each new character is as unique as the first.
The plot is overall very character-driven (as opposed to action-driven). If you read this expecting fast-paced chapters with lots of action sequences, you will probably wind up being disappointed. Although there is certainly a good amount of action in this book, Tarr seems more interested in showing the inner turmoil of her characters as well as the developing relationships between them. She does it exceedingly well!
Probably the only 'problem' I have with this book lies in Tarr's writing style. Overall her prose is beautiful and a pleasure to read. Every now and then, however, the writing becomes "experimental" (for lack of a better word), with sentence fragments and unexpected shifts between subjects. I found myself having to re-read sentences at times in order to keep up with the plot. I do get the feeling that these sequences are very much intended, but they did not quite work for me. Having said that, I don't think it takes away from the overall experience of the book.
In conclusion, I would certainly recommend this book as a refreshing alternative for any compulsive fantasy reader, although it is not up there with my personal favorites. That, however, is a matter of personal preference above anything else, so don't lend too much weight to it.
Best,
Anika Leithner
Average Fantasy Fare. Yawn........2001-02-23
I read The Hall of the Mountain King back in 1988, and I jotted down my impressions of the novel at that time. The male characters in this novel were very effeminate, and I don't think that's what the author intended. Rather, I got the impression that the author just wasn't skilled in showing how males express deep friendships toward each other.
The plot concerns a youth who's the scion of a sun god. He comes to accept his inheritance of his grandfather's kingdom, but first he has to defeat his uncle. The boy has mind control powers and is a quick swordsman, so he kicks butt through most of the book. However, halfway through the book we find out he's only 15 years old! Suspension of disbelief is shattered at that point.
Save your money. This isn't worth reading.
I couldn't put it down!.......2000-06-23
Before this, I've never read any of Judith Tarr's work, but after reading this trilogy, you can be sure that I will be searching for everything she's ever written! At certain points in the story, I found myself breathless. The characters were very well developed and believable. The tapestry of magic, romance, power and sacrifice that Ms. Tarr weaves is complex and beautiful. This is a definite "must read."
A great read.......1999-04-01
I could rave but it'd be pointless, my opinion of this book could not be expressed in less than several pages; Tarr has unsurpassed talent in this area, READ IT.
Book Description
A Song Called Youth, Book II
Customer Reviews:
dont worry-the end of world will have commercials :).......2006-08-27
My review for Episode I of eclipse stills stands for this 2nd part of the series. Shirley raises the bar here for sci-fi/cyber literature. More action, more characters, and more insanity-in a good way. Not only can Shirley write a good action piece he also gives you just enough about the many characters to care about them, or depise them :) If you want a story that has shoot em up action, cyber-tech action, even sex,drugs,and rock and roll than look no further. Shirely may suprise but he does not dissapoint!
A Fine Work Of Cyberpunk Fiction.......2001-06-02
Once more John Shirley gives a fascinating, riveting tale about 21st Century Fascism attempting to take hold in the United States and Western Europe, in the waning phases of a conventional war between the United States and the Soviet Union. Dissent and treachery are rife in the leadership of the Christian Fascist Second Alliance (SA) and its primary opposition, the New Resistance (NR). The SA's grip on Western Europe grows tighter as it bids to win control of FirStep, the orbiting space colony. A splendid tale filled with mesmerizing characters that is among the finest works of cyberpunk fiction.
Deep, disturbing, beyond all catagory.......2000-11-09
A heavy, dramatic, science fictionish story about facism youth, old age, and propaganda. The second volume in the amazing Song Called Youth trillogy, with even more amazing charaters that the first volume, the stakes are higher, and it's even more crushing. Simply amazing. You should buy every John Shirley book you can find, but it's good if you can find this one.
Book Description
Guided by Carole Bloom's so clear, so simple you'll-kick-yourself-for-not-doing-this-sooner instructions, you'll be on your way to making batches of some of the 90-plus treats found in TRUFFLES, CANDIES, AND CONFECTIONS in no time. Featuring Orange Chocolate Truffles, Vanilla Cream Caramels, Raspberry-Almond Squares, Espresso Hazelnut Fudge, and much more, this revised and expanded edition includes an updated introduction covering ingredients (buying and handling), equipment, techniques, ideas for packaging gifts, and the author's special, trademarked tasting chart. Using tools found in most kitchens (you don't even need a double boiler) and ingredients found at most grocery stores (including gourmet chocolate these days), you can start your own candy-making tradition. Don't waste another calorie on store-bought, mass-produced candy—learn to make your own and never look back.
Customer Reviews:
Instructions Lack Detail.......2006-09-10
I've enjoyed making many of the recipes out of this book, but have found that the instructions lack detail and are sometimes inaccurate, requiring the reader to fill in the gaps. This is ok if you're willing to try out the recipe several times, inventing the instructions on your own.
Otherwise, the variety of recipes covers many candy-making genres, and the book is a good starting point for those getting into candy making.
What? No Fondants?.......2006-08-24
I feel that this cookbook is missing a couple of important candy genres. Although it does include two recipes for marzipan, a rare phenomenon in the world of American candy books, there is no mention of hard candies other than nut brittles, and perhaps even more surprisingly, there are no fondant recipes. I consider fondant to be one of the cornerstones of candymaking, and lovely though this book may be, I can't help but feel cheated by its misleadingly wide-ranging title. It does, however, boast an extensive section on truffles, and the technique chapter at the beginning of the book sports an exceptionally thorough and unique explanation of chocolate tempering and how one holds a temper. If you already have a collection of candy books that covers all the bases, ¨Truffles, Candies and Confections¨ is a nice addition. But if you're looking for an introduction to candy making in general, this is not it.
Candy Making at Home.......2005-04-22
For those who want to make candy in their kitchen at home, this book is the only game in town. In spite of some shortcomings, I do recommend it for the dedicated home cook. There are a number of older candy books, but are mostly out of print and date back 50 years or more; as such, they do not reflect current abilities or tastes. This book is the only complete one on confectionery I can think of published in recent years. This is a reprint of the original published in 1992.
This book does a good job of representing those candies that people want these days. When they think of confectionery, they mainly are thinking of chocolate truffles and clusters; consequently, the first half of the book is devoted to just that. The second half contains chapters on caramel, brittles and marzipan, fudge and nougat, and fruit. The recipe instructions are well described and easy to follow. The sections on ingredients, techniques, and equipment are also important, as these subjects in older candy books are out of date and mostly worthless.
There were some shortcomings, however. The description on tempering chocolate is brief, and leaves out many details. I object to the many ministrations that chocolate be put into the refrigerator. Many of the recipes in the second half call for hot sugar to be cooked to 240 degrees and beyond. This is the most dangerous thing in the kitchen to do (even more dangerous that deep-frying in oil), yet there are no instructions on how to do this safely. This subject by itself would need a section 3 or 4 pages by itself. There should also be more information on the difference between milk, white, and semi-sweet chocolates and the various brands.
Super candy book for everyone........2004-11-11
This is the best book that I have ever bought on candy making. It is clear and very easy to use--and the recipes are all my favorites. I really like the chocolate truffles that Carole does and the peanut brittle is the best I have ever had. I am going to make everything in this book, over and over again :).
Customer Reviews:
Love this book.......2007-09-29
I'm so glad I got this book. I refer to it often. Great pictures, easy recipes and wonderful ideas. Love it, love it, love it.
great addition to any candy recipe book collection.......2007-01-22
I have an obsession with making candy. Therefore I am constantly buying any candy book I can to see if I can add just one more wonderful recipe to my collection. Out of all my books, I use this one the most. It has great pictures and the recipes that I have tried have been excellent. The golden fudge and Shirley's wonderful caramels receive rave reviews where ever I take them. The book itself has good pictures, tips, and a good variety of recipes for the beginner to the advanced candy maker. Those ladies know what they are doing!
The best available book on candy.......2005-11-30
I bought this book not long after its release, almost twenty years ago. As I was in a period of prolonged unemployment at the time, I thought learning "a little something" about candy would help pass the time. The authors hooked me and I haven't stopped making their delicious treats since!
The fondants in particular are precisely explained and the methodical instruction allows for understanding of the underlying candy structure. I have since used these recipes to branch out and make many new flavors of my own, and often make over 100 pounds of dipped fondants at Christmastime, as gifts.
It's true, as another reviewer has noted, the instructions on chocolate dipping and tempering are not as encompassing as they could be, and if you have trouble with the subject (as I did) I would recommend finding an instructor. No matter how many books I read about tempering, I simply did not get it until I had someone standing at my elbow showing me. I found a lady willing to teach me by putting up a inquiry on the church bulletin board.
The caramels and fudges are heavenly; the licorice caramels in particular are unusual and delicious. At least one of the fudge recipes is identical to a family treat we've been making for five generations now -- Golden Fudge. This candy is so good I've had people fight over it, literally.
A chapter on Divinity, Nougats, and Marshmallow offers such recipes as a gem for making your own marshmallow eggs, Cherry Nut Divinity, and a rolled nougat, caramel, and peanut bar that resembles a famous maker's.
Brittles and Hard Candies offers countless variations on brittle, recipes for taffies and lollipops, toffee, and the single best butter mints I've ever had. I've never had a single problem making them.
Additional chapters offered include Jellies and Fruits; Microwave and Easy Candies; Molded Candies and Compound Coating. I am not a jelly fan and haven't tried the recipes, but the microwave offerings I have made have all been easy, fast, and well worth the effort. There is also a resource listing of mail order sources.
This book does offer clear instructions on how to test the boiling point at your elevation and adjust cooking times accordingly, however they do push the water test method for determining doneness. I personally learned water testing before owning a candy thermometer and still prefer it. This will take some time to properly master, but having done so, you will be in a postition to know by the look, smell, and consistency of your candy when it is done, rather than relying on the thermometer to tell you.
An inexpensive treasure........2005-11-08
Candy is unique from other foods in that there is an exact science to it. Therefore, it is not surprising that Home Economists, such as Ruth Kendrick, write the best candy cook books. (Lee Edwards Benning's "Oh Fudge" is another favorite)
Although no book is as helpful as a demonstration for a beginner, the vivid pictures in this book are fantastic. Those with experience making candy will love the presentation ideas photographed in this book.
I like the simplicity of some of the recipes. Microwave Caramel Corn in 10 minutes...30 Minute Caramels made with ingredients I keep in the cupboard...Cream Cheese Mints similar to those I made as a child....treats that are easy enough to make on a whim.
There are more sophisticated candies too. I learned to make Cherry Cordials and Chocolate Covered Marshmallows from the instructions in this book. This book also covers the basics such as fudge, toffee, divinity, peanut brittle, and truffles.
My family has a holiday tradition of making candy and "Candymaking" has been a great new addition to my collection of candy recipes. It is an inexpensive treasure. Buy it.
elegant and extravagant.......2005-11-04
If you've been looking for a book to teach you how to make elegant, extravagant, black-tie candies, look no further. This book is full of divine, delicious indulgences. Though you're always the right age to enjoy candy, most of these recipes seemed geared toward a more adult market. After all, not every young child wants dark chocolate truffles. Still, this is the largest selection of fondants and elegant taffies that I have seen in a cookbook. Many of the recipes have pictures, and those pictures are mouth watering.
There's only a few negatives. Many of the recipes are complicated and none of them are rated, so the novice might have trouble knowing which one's are too complicated for them.
But there are so many positives. Most of the ingredients can be found in the local grocery store, and each recipe tells how many pieces you can expect to have when you're all done, so you can gage how many you'll need for parties or gifts.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking to make candies at home that will make Godiva jealous!
Customer Reviews:
Truffles, Candies, & Confections: Elegant Candymaking in the Home.......2007-02-08
This book made a great Christmas gift for my daughter. Thanks
Candymaking made easy.......2005-01-25
This is a great book that shows you how to make fabulous candies at home easily.The author gives a wealth of information about chocolate and other ingredients, minimal equipment needed, and great recipes. My favorites are Caramel Chocolate Truffles, Orange-Hazelnut-Chocolate Clusters, Chocolate Nut Bark, and Mocha-Spice Fudge. Everyone on my list will be receiving homemade candy this holiday season.I enjoyed this book [...].My personal favorites are the truffles, especially the Green Tea Truffles
Yum..........2004-11-23
I made the classic truffles recipe from this book and it turned out great, my fiance ate the truffle middles before I got a chance to dip them.
Chocolate Bliss for the Home Chocolatier.......2003-03-11
Carole Bloom says that this book is "all about pleasure" on page 1. This 200-page book includes recipes and techniques for making a wide variety of candy and chocolates right in your own home.
The book is organized topically into chapters: Introduction, Ingredients, Equipment and Tools, Techniques, Truffles, More Chocolate Candies, Caramel Candies, Nut Brittles and Marzipan, Fudge Nougat and Divinity, Fruit Candies and an Appendix of Sugar Stages/Temperatures/Weights and Measurement Equivalents.
Using the chapters on techniques and ingredients, even the beginner will be able to create luscious truffles at home. While there are only 11 photographs in the book, the equipment chapter has several drawings that will enable you to locate the right tool.
Each recipe includes a brief introduction, an expected yield, a list of ingredients, paragraph-style instructions on how to prepare the recipe, and variations. Recipes include Tropical Clusters, Swiss Chocolate Truffles, and Florentines.
From the basic to the exotic, you are sure to find the candy recipe you need in this little book.
If you like truffles..........2000-02-22
This book has excellent, easy to follow recipes. I made 5 batches of different truffles for Valentine's Day gifts, and they were very well received. If you have not worked with chocolate before, I recommend also purchasing 'The Art of Chocolate' by Elaine Gonzalez. The techniques of chocolate handling are explained in detail. When these techniques are combined with Ms. Bloom's recipes, it was a fun and easy endeavor.
Average customer rating:
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The Ultimate Candymaking Kit
Laura Dover Doran
Manufacturer: Lark Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Confectionery
| Sweets
| Meals
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1579900739 |
Customer Reviews:
The best book I've found on making all time favorite candies.......1999-02-13
I have read a number of books and tried many recipes on making old fashioned candies. This book is by far the best I have found. The author includes everything from molded chocolates and classic fillings like caramels, marzipan and nougats, to taffys, fondants, jellied and hard candies like candy corn, butterscotch drops and many more. These recipes are classics and a must have for anyone interested in making old fashioned candy.
Average customer rating:
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Candymaking in Canada
David Carr
Manufacturer: Dundurn Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Canadian
| Regional & International
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Industries & Professions
| Business & Investing
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Canada
| Americas
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1550023950 |
Book Description
Why does Canada have such an inflated portion of the global bubble gum market? What is driving modern versions of the old penny candy store? Candymaking in Canada takes the wrapper off Canada's thriving chocolate and sweets industry. Confectionery is a global business with remarkably regional tastes, and this book offers a first-time glimpse inside it. It's a nostalgic look at the chocolate phenomenon, the role of seasonal treats, and the importance of packaging. From the sugary highs to the low-fat lows, this is the story behind many of Canada's favourite brands in a beautifully illustrated volume.
Average customer rating:
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The Candy Cook Book
Alice Bradley
Manufacturer: Little, Brown & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: B000NZS144 |
Product Description
Hardcover with light brown pictorial boards. (Depicts pink taffy hanging from a hook)Approximately 8" by 5 1/2"
222 pages plus advertisements in back.
Books:
- Something's Not Quite Right
- Starting to Draw (Artist's Painting Library)
- Steel Ashes
- Stinz, Vol. 3 #8: Playthings
- Sun Inventions and Perfumes of Carthage: Two Novellas (Jewish Latin America)
- The Art of Seeing: A Novel
- The Asiatics: A Novel
- The Best Thing That Can Happen to a Croissant
- The Bookshop, The Gate of Angels, The Blue Flower (Everyman's Library (Cloth))
- The Captain and the Enemy (Penguin Classics)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Murder Under a Mystic Moon
- English-Spanish and Spanish-English Glossary of Geoscience Terms
- History: Fiction or Science
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- Stories and Early Novels: Pulp Stories / The Big Sleep / Farewell, My Lovely / The High Window
- Introduction to Quantitative Ecology
- Las Cantinas / Taverns of Mexico
- Fee-Only Financial Planning: How to Make It Work for You
- The New Rules How To Succeed in Today's Post-Corporate World
Homemade Love
The Matter Is Life
A Piece of Mine: Stories
Some Love, Some Pain, Sometime: Stories
In Search of Satisfaction
