Robbie Blaser Blaser من عند Qubuq, العراق من عند Qubuq, العراق

When I was about ten or eleven a cousing, ten years older gave me her complete set of Frank Baum's Oz stories. I read them over and over and although they are first editions and worth a lot I could no more sell them than shoot myself. My daughter, Nancy has them for safe keeping down through the next generations of our family. Readers who stop with the first book will never learn of the flatheads and so many other imaginary beings. Frank was ahead of his time -- his could be wonderful hand-held games.

I could not finish this book. In fact, when I finally (and gratefully) decided to stop reading it, I could not even bring myself to return it to my bookshelf. I actually threw it in the garbage, which I have never done to another book. It's a shame, too, because up until about 3/4 of the way through, I LOVED this book. The writing is simply brilliant, and Ellis presents a fascinating and thought-provoking view of 1980's American society, made especially poignant by the fact that it is only mildly less disturbing than the view into the mind of a psycho-sociopath. I thought I was doing really well getting through the elaborately grotesque and increasingly descriptive torture/murder scenes, understanding their placement and function within the bigger picture of the novel, as well as the contrast and compliment they brought to the other, more sane and mundane (but equally elaborate and descriptive) sections. But really, Ellis. Enough is enough. I stopped reading when I found myself literally on the verge of vomiting, and I am still haunted and disturbed by concepts and imagery that have been burned into my brain forever. Thanks a lot, Bret.

Beautifully written autobiographical essays by Nancy Mairs, who writes about her experience with multiple sclerosis, her family, and other aspects of her life. It's a shame she's not more well known as she's an exceptionally fine writer, and this is my favorite of her books. I have the 1987 paperback edition; The original hardback edition was first published in 1986.

Essential book. Like the title says, it really has just about everything. Most of the recipes are basic. Good starting points to augment into something you can call your own. As such, many are a little "bland" on their own. Especially fond of the section on pancakes and waffles. I have spent much time in there honing my waffles.