Product Description
A biography and “best of” collection showcasingthe man who co-created Marvel Comics.70 years ago, a new publishing company named Marvel Comics stuck its toeinto the first waters of the comic book industry. Before they became a pop culture powerhouse publishing famous superheroes like Spider-Man, the Incredible Hulk, and Iron Man, Marvel’s first ever comic book featured a daring newanti-hero named the Sub-Mariner, created by legendary artist Bill Everett. 70years later, Everett’s watery creation continues to be one of the pinnacles of theMarvel Universe of superheroes, as attested to by its recent option as a majormotion picture.

Bill Everett invented comics’ first anti-hero in 1939; an angry half-breed(half-man, half sea-creature) that terrorized mankind until uniting with the Allied Forces to conquer fascism’s marchacross Europe during World War II. But the reasons to celebrate Bill Everett’s monumental career in comics books don’tstop with his water-based hero. Everett was a master of many comic genres, and was one of the pre-eminent horrorcomic-book artists in the 1950s (before government and societal pressures led the comics industry to censor itself withthe imposition of the Comics Code Authority), producing work of such quality and stature that he ranked alongside theartists who produced similar material for the justifiably lauded EC Comics.

Bill Everett: Fire & Water is the latest book from Blake Bell, author of the acclaimed Strange and Stranger: The Worldof Steve Ditko, and is being produced in cooperation with the Everett family. It will feature the definitive biography ofthe man and his career, and how his personality informed his signature character, before his untimely passing at the ageof 55 in 1973. The main focus, however, will be the stunning display of artwork that few artists can match in breadthand quality. From the superhero and horror genre, to the mid-west, romance, crime, and suspense, Bill Everett was amaster of the medium — all on display in this coffee table art book that is destined to ensure Everett’s place at the tableof premier comic book virtuosos. Full-color throughout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Wonderful book
I don't know what the complaint is re: Amazon's description of the book, but I bought the book through Amazon and the book was as described. It is light on text, but gives a concise biography of Bill Everett that conveys the essence of the man.Many pages (color as well as black and white) of Everett's artwork.A very nice book overall.

Excellent look at an underappreciated artist
Bill Everett died in 1973, almost forty years ago, and I'm pretty sure that this is the first book ever to be devoted entirely to him.Fortunately, it's an excellent book, recounting Everett's life and career from his childhood to his death.Even more impressive are the large, beautiful reproductions of his artwork, which take up more then half the pages of this book.I would recommend this for anyone who is interested in comic books, especially the Submariner, and fans of the Golden Age.One of my favorite books. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Not at all bad if you can stand the politics...
The book is generally well written and has helpful illustrations.

Unfortunately, the author insisted on going political (e.g., "big oil is evil, "Reagan sucks," etc.) in his History chapter.Too bad...I really just wanted information about solar water heating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (36)

inspiring
This book is a story about healthy living. The storyline is very good and not at all what I expected before I purchased the book. In fact I did not even expect a story, just thought it was a book telling about the new healthy living eating plan. Inspired me to try the recipesand purchase the Lickety-Split recipe book.

water with lemon
this is a novel concept.instead of a diet book, i get a story too.very happy w/my purchase.

a story with a moral
This story of an overweight woman was entertaining as a novel, while educational with the accurate nutrition information only an RD can provide. We follow Karen through stops and starts as she learns the proper way to eat from her neighbors who know through experience. She eventually learns that eating right is "not a diet" and understands the small steps she needs to take in order to stop being miserable and overweight, and to stop the blame game. I was very anxious to get to the end to find out how Karen resolves her marriage issues, as well as how she finally gets the "power of one good habit"!

Motivational Book
I had seen Zonya's show on TV and wanted to read her book. The book lived up to all my expectations. It was not so much that I learned things that I did not know (although I did learn a few things), but it was so motivational.It is a great read for anyone who is just thinking about starting a diet or thinking about improving their eating and health in general.

Water With Lemon
This book has been a good read.
It is a fictional story about a woman that is taught
by a neighbor some very good habits that one needs
to develop. Then the weight loss will naturally take place. ... Read more

Product Description
"Water Cures: Drugs Kill"

In 1992, the book "Your Body's Many Cries for Water" introduced a medical breakthrough to the public: the awesome medicinal properties of a simple glass of water for the treatment of a vast range of human health problems.

This new book, "Water Cures: Drugs Kill," has been compiled to turn conventional medicine on its head.The revelations you'll read here will transform the practice of medicine all over the world.They will change the present cost-intensive, drug-peddling, and commerce-driven medical system to a physiology-based and disease-preventing natural approach to health in the future.The information in this book will awaken people to the pharmaceutical fraud and terrorism that are foundation to all that is wrong in our current health-care system in America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A must read before taking drugs
I have been drinking only water for the last 35 years without knowing of this man and his practise.I am now 70 years young,have no need for a doctor or health insurance and am very energetic. I am delighted about learning his insights, understand the power of water so much better.I highly recommend all his books.

Misscma
Very interesting - very informative.I had to go on the web site to find out the how to's though.The book was full of testimony after testimony.What an amazing concept.

Water for Healthy Life
Fereydoon Batmanghelidj was born in Tehran, Iran, in 1931. He graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School of London University, where he studied under Sir Alexander Fleming. In 1979, he was sent to the Evin Prison when the Iranian Revolution broke out. Charges were leveled against him and he was scheduled to be executed, however, it was realized that he was useful as a resident doctor among the prisoners, so his execution was delayed. According to numerous writings by Dr. Batmanghelidj, he discovered the medicinal value of water during his prison stay by treating inmates with water because medication was not available. It was from these experiences that he gained an understanding of water. His methods have been deemed controversial by some, but others have claimed to benefit from his treatment methods.

The main idea of Dr. Batmanghelidj's way of healthy life is to upkeep the desired amount of water in the organism. He gives the overview of substances that decrease and increase the quantity of water in the body. The substances covered are alcohol, tea, coffee, salt, sweeteners and so on. He gives examples of how the lack of water harms various organs and various deceases, including AIDS. Some examples are doubtful, but traditional health care practitioners approve some of Dr. Batmanghelidj's assertions about water.

I personallydo not agree with all of the Dr. Batmanghelidj's statements that water can heal every decease. I did drink a lot of pure water before reading Dr. Batmanghelidj's books, and I also follow his advices about water (I did even heal some of my deceases with water), but I'm sure that in many cases you should not refrain from applying to professional medical care just because you drink enough water. You should not try to heal every disease with just water.

Good Concept. Poor on details
While I am totally in favor of the subject matter the title suggests, this book offers little science and its content is mostly ancedotes.

absolutelly fantastic
Dear Allen J.Botnick.

You should change your urologist immetiadelly. How can he tell you that your bladder distetion comes from drinking to much water? Ihave not read this book yet,but i'm sure it is as good as the first one and I can say it is absolutelly fantastic! People like your urologist try to keep the public dum. five stars are given for the book your bodys many crie for water. ... Read more

Product Description

Crackpot, originally released in 1986, is John Waters' brilliantly entertaining litany of odd and fascinationg people, places and things. From Baltimore to Los Angeles, from William Castle to Pia Zadora, from the National Enquirer to Ronald Reagan's colon, Waters explores the depths of our culture. And he dispenses useful advice along the way: how not to make a movie, how to become famous (read: infamous), and of course, how to most effectively shock and make our nation's public laugh at the same time. Loaded with bonus features, this new special edition is guaranteed to leave you totally mental. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

hilarious, disturbing, enthralling
Waters is one of those quirky entertainers, you either love him or hate him. If you like demented entertainment, you will eat this up.
Chapters 1,5,6,7,10, and 12 had me laughing so hard my stomach hurt.
Waters is the master of filth but he makes it so damn enjoyable, and often times its uncomfortable but you just cant stop reading.
This is a welcome break from the "best sellers".
Surprise mom and dad with this for Christmas or an anniversary gift.

Fun, Fun, Fun!
This book cracks me up. I couldn't put it down. John Waters' books tend to be too much for me, but this book was a lot of fun.

Call my Lawyer!
I physically injured myself from laughing so hard while reading this book.Why Waters has never been signed to his own TV talk show is beyond me. Clearly , one of the funniest voices in this universe!

Hilarious offbeat look at the world
This is brilliant! Very well observed and unusual examinations of the world. John Waters is a very funny writer, what catches his eye is superbly amusing If you like his films you'll love this, if you don't know them, check 'em out!

Crackup
This book is hilarious and creepy all at once. It is also extremely well written by a unique individual with outstanding literary skill.
His Love/Hate essays had me clutching my sides and his observations are so far out of the mainstream that you just want to hug him! There should be more of it!! Viva Waters. ... Read more

Product Description
A May 2007 Book Sense Pick

“Talty’s vigorous history of seventeenth-century pirates of the Caribbean will sate even fickle Jack Sparrow fans. . . . A pleasure to read from bow to stern.”
—Entertainment Weekly

The passion and violence of the age of exploration and empire come to vivid life in this story of the legendary pirate who took on the greatest military power on earth with a ragtag bunch of renegades. Awash with bloody battles, political intrigues, natural disaster, and a cast of characters more compelling, bizarre, and memorable than any found in a Hollywood swashbuckler, Empire of Blue Water brilliantly re-creates the life and times of Henry Morgan and the real pirates of the Caribbean. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (34)

An old empire falling in the New World
Empire of Blue Water is a gripping read - and while it is "history", it reads like fiction, and presents a case for the author's view that the privateer depredations of the Spanish Main were the beginning of the end of the Spanish Empire, and the genesis of the British Empire that would begin in the New World and spread around the globe.

The story begins with Thomas Gage's journey to the Caribbean and the conquest of Jamaica. It then follows Henry Morgan's raids - the sack of Portobello, the looting of Panama, and finally (with the outbreak of peace) his slow descent into alcoholism and death.

Talty paints a vivid picture of the 1600's, and, rightly or wrongly, contrasts the religious views of the British and Spanish as an integral part of the tale (as, to be fair, it was part of politics and life at the time). The Spanish fall of empire is seen as a reflection of the will of God by the Spanish, while at the same time the greed and inflexibility of Spanish administration is another possible culprit.

The book ends with the fall of "the wickedest city" Port Royal into the sea in an earthquake years after Morgan's death - and we are told his coffin burst from its grave and floated out to sea in the destruction. If true, that seems a suitable end for a cruel, driven man who played a small part in changing the world.

Interesting, some fun, drags at times.
The story was great and indisputably thorough, but also needlessly repetitive at times.

One thing I got a kick out of was the moral judgments the author made about Port Royal, the home port of Morgan.Somehow all the sex and drinking that was going on there made it the Sodom and Gomorrah of that day...really?Sex and alcohol are more sinful than enslaving, murdering, and wiping out indigenous peoples and ending their entire way of life?I wouldn't have said so.

The descriptions of Morgans battles are very interesting.They paint a vivid picture of the raw nature of the fighting.I also enjoyed the way that the politics of the nations played out to reward men like Morgan.

I have to say I'm glad I read this book, but by the last 10% I was looking forward to the end.I liked it overall but I can only give it 3 *'s: In my mind the standard I measure all nonfiction history by is The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford.

Keel haul this book lads
If unable, or umwilling, to write or reseach an interesting tale yourself it probably is not the best of ideas to simply quote anothers hard work.I was able to struggle through a few chapters hoping for the best but alas.From excessively relying on another's previous publication to creating a composite individual.....I've had it.Mark my words lads this book and it's lazy author should be cast adrift.

From the Abyss to the Abyss - Talty's Futile Story of Port Royal and Henry Morgan
I was disappointed in this book as a historical swashbuckling tale of the life of the ledgendary Pirate / Privateer Henry Morgan.Stephan Talty's narrative style and lack of creative prose failed to capture my imagination and lead me through a forgotten time.While his depiction of Morgan as an inspirational leader and lifelong loyalist to the Crown was a fair portrait of the man, the book really lacked rviting detail of any significance in it depictions of the successful Morgan raids.The most noteworthy information provided in his writings was the converson factor of the "Booty" collected from "each and every raid" to present day dollars - NOT.Information on the earthquake that destroyed Port Royal and turned the town in to a relic of the past was informative and interesting.....Sadly for Talty nothing quite as tramtic as an earthquake would be needed to spurn his work in to the forgotten abyss that now covers Port Royal....Talty's own hand accomplishes that all by himself.

Great for a ten year old
I thought this was a wonderful book, for a ten year old kid that is. It's light, superficial and trendy style is just the thing to get a kid off of his Nintendo and to reading. It does have various cool allusions to the modern age, such as Morgan sailing off on one of this expeditions is similar to a voyage to the dark side of the moon; another one I loved compared the relations between England and Spain to that of the US and Russia during the 'shooting period of the Cold War', I'll let you work that one out.

I am amazed at the high ratings this has gotten. ... Read more

Product Description

Writing in the tradition of Dennis Lehane and Greg Iles, Attica Locke, a powerful new voice in American fiction, delivers a brilliant debut thriller that readers will not soon forget.

Customer Reviews (28)

Potentially good story ruined by silly mistakes
Another reviewer pointed out that in one scene in the book a shotgun is referred to as 'a shotgun' and 'a rifle' in the same passage.But that's not the worst boo-boo in the book:

In a scene recounting a speech by Stokely Carmichael, famed Civil Rights Activist and the man who coined the phrase 'black power,' the author describes Stokely as looking extremely cool.She says he looks like the bass player in Booker T. And The M.G's.That's ridiculous.The bassist in that band is a guy named Donald 'Duck' Dunn.Not only is Duck Dunn white, during the period in which the story is set he was also kinda pudgy.The comparison might be flattering to Duck but I'm not sure Stokely would have appreciated it.

That's the kind of 'little' thing that can pull a reader out of a story and make him doubt every word he reads after that.

Black Water Rising
This was a well-written, intense debut novel. Ms. Locke truly did an amazing job depicting the feel of the times and the city of Houston by utilizing the firsthand information provided by her parents. Great job, fantastic book. It held my attention to the very end.

Totally falls apart
The author, having created an intriguing and interesting story, completely blows it by making a number of silly mistakes.She literally refers to a weapon as both a shotgun and a rifle in the same sentence.The character with the shotgun/rifle, an eight-month pregnant woman, uses the weapon to blow a man's hand off.Her husband, the protagonist, then takes the gun, which we can now assume is a shotgun, puts a "bullet" in it and shoots the man a second time in the right shoulder at close range.The two then put the man in their car, drop him off at a local hospital, and then return home, clean up the mess and go to bed.No one heard the gunshots (a forty-five caliber pistol was also fired), and the two characters, having cleaned up the mess, go on with their lives.What's wrong with this picture?Oh, just about everything.

To make it even worse, the man whose hand was blown off and who had his shoulder blown apart appears a short time later trying to kill the protagonist with a gun he is shooting with his left hand.

These sorts of mistakes are just careless and thoughtless.I don't understand the hype laid on this novel at all.

An OK read, good atmosphere and tension

The central character is Jay Porter - father to be and financially challanged criminal lawyer. He arranges an evening boat trip on the local bayou for his wife's birthday and the central plot of the book unfolds, as he rescues a woman from the water.

Jay has a history, the baggage of which influences his actions and suspicions. Whilset at college in the 60's he was involved in the political activity around the black power movement. His experiences are gradually revealed as the book goes on, without giving too much away they revolve around the federal governments attempts to infultrate and disband the organisations - this makes him deeply suspicious of any involvement with the authorities.

I found this book atmospheric and the political parts of the book were well explained as events from the past were brought to life through Jay's eyes. The political background is not one that I was familiar with, and Attica Locke does a good job of effectively portraying the history, atmosphere and racial tensions in the 60's 70's and 80's. In terms of the plot I found the twists a bit too predictable. Whilst the events were believeable the baddies seemed to punch below their weight. For someone with such a cautious approach, Jay's actions were not always in tune with his charachter. He draws conclusions from the evidence he has, which often don't seem to add up. There are a few supplots going on, they serve to reinforce the mood and attitude of the times and introduce some of the key characters in different situations - however sometimes it gets a bit confusing as to where the book is going and sometimes the subplots take over the main story. With the exception of Jay the other characters are a bit 'empty' and lacking in detail

So in conclusion, its an OK read, the atmosphere and tensions are well built but the central story didn't really flow.

More than a thriller
This book functions on several levels and is much more than just a thriller. Attica Locke incorporates black history, Texas rascism, and-in depth character development to create a very strong first novel. ... Read more

Product Description
How can we answer the many questions young children have about death? Looking for a meaningful way to explain the death of a five-year-old friend to neighborhood children, Stickney adapted a graceful fable about a water bug that changed into a dragonfly. First published as a book in 1982, it has become The Pilgrim Press's bestselling book, Water Bugs and Dragonflies.This full-color edition features delightful illustrations by artist Robyn Henderson Nordstrom of Cleveland, Ohio. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (48)

Pleasantly surprised
My grandson was having a difficult time dealing with the loss of his grandfather.I was looking for a book that might help him through this tough period.I read the reviews on this book and decided to buy it.It is a very nice story that will help to explain death to a child.As an adult, I found it very comforting.I think it is especially pertinent for explaining Heaven.I would definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for this sort of subject.

"we all go to heaven and it's great"
I thought this was a nice story and my 6 year old daughter enjoyed it.However I think this story helps explain death only if you want to convey the notion that when we die, we all go to heaven and everything is just great.It didn't really address the nitty gritty of death and dying - like feelings of loss, or maybe a less "heavenly" ending like when you die, you die.It's definitely got a religious bent to it, but not in an overt way - justin a "we all go to heaven" sort of way. It's a nice story regardless of your personal beliefs.It's not offensive at all.However, the book does not necessarily explain death and dying, at least to me.

Excellent book
This book is great to help explain to young children how people might move on to another world, but it doesn't have to be sad.It is not religious.It doesn't use the word death or dying.
The only thing is there aren't many pictures, and it is only black and white.

A beautiful way to explain death to a child.
I read this book to my children, 4,7,9,19 and 23yrs old, my parents and my mother-in-law on the 1st anniversary of my husbands death. It touched all of us with its beautiful simplicity. I purchased it recently because it held a beautiful place in my memories and I re-read it to my 4 y.o. (now 9y.o.). She couldn't remember the story, she liked how although her dad left just like the water bug the story told of the wonderful place he was in now and that he is in a place where he can watch her live her life. She accepted that just like the dragonfly he is waiting for her to come and share the beauty when its her time.

This is a beautiful book which helped my children.

beautiful book.
this si a beautiful book.i bought it for my partner who works with children hospice and he loved it. ... Read more

Product Description
In its mother’s womb, a tiny baby grows, explores the waters, and talks with the angel who is there.

These gentle illustrations and wise words tell the story of that baby and the angel in the waters . . . a story that delights all children, because the journey from conception to birth is their story, too. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (49)

Angel in the Waters
After being told how good this book was by several of my friends, I broke down and got a copy.
While reading it for the first time, I nearly cried at the simple beauty of the book. Upon completion, I called 6 of my 7 children together, ages 4 to 14 and read it to them. They sat quietly through the entire reading, only making comments about the illustrations being so wonderful. After finishing the book, they remained quiet, absorbing all they had just heard.
I highly recommend this to anyone of any age, and rate it on the same level as THE PRINCESS AND THE KISS and the WEIGHT OF A MASS. It is a phenomenal piece of pure art and makes you realize that your guardian angel is truly there from the time you are conceived.

Life of the Unborn for even those most recently Born!
A beautiful and entertaining presentation on the life of the unborn. I bought this as a gift for a young family. It is amazing to see and watch! If a child is old enough to pick up the book and open it, they will be fascinated and love it.

A Children's book - but also an adult's book
Everyone in my family - from my two year old brother to my mom - loves this book. A wonderful book, with charming illustrations. Great for the whole family.

The Gift of Life
"Angel in the Waters" is s book with rich illustrations to accompany the prose which shows the process of life from before conception through the growth of the baby in the womb, his birth and beginning of life where he joins the family outside the womb. The story is told from the point of the child in the present tense and is kept company by his guardian angel. The angel speaks with the baby while in the womb and reminds him as he grows up he may not be able to see or hear the angel but that he will always be with the child. Those without faith my fine the angel in the book somewhat disconcerting or the reference the angel makes to a better life that awaits the baby when his time on earth is over. Most parents and parents to be will find this book comforting. This booklet will teach or remind all that human life begins at conception and is indeed sacred.

A favorite
My daughter is 4 years old and this has been one of her favorites for over a year.There are parts of it that she still doesn't fully understand or question, but it seems like each time we read it she discovers something new that she didn't realize last time.She talks about when her sister was inside my tummy, and when she was inside my tummy.We really enjoy how the story is told from the baby's point of view.For us, I think it could only have been better if there was mention of the baby nursing after the birth - that would have really made it complete for us.

We are not a religious family, and this book does have certain religious undertones, but it does not bother us at all because it is pretty subtle and gentle.It refers broadly to the afterlife, but not directly or in a way that my daughter would understand.The angel is a central character, but for my daughter that isn't any more "real" than say a fairy.I think this book is good for religious or non-religious families because they can take from it as much religion as they want. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (16)

AN EYE-OPENER & PAGE-TURNER & A GREAT EXPERIENCE
What a read! I've always been curious about life in Tibet/China, and reading WATER TOUCHING STONE was like a Ph.D - enlightening (learned so much about Buddhism) and entertaining (Inspector Yun has to work hard to solve this mystery) and educational (I was appalled by the way the Chinese treat the Tibetans). The descriptions of Tibet plus the well-developed characters involved in a fascinating plot made WTS not-put-down-able. Loved it & highly recommend it and all the recent Inspector Shan Tao Yun books.

Great but full of typos
i enjoyed reading this book. a senstive story sad at times but at key moments in the narrative errors in spelling distracted me.sigh...no oversight apparently.

Rich & Deep but not The Skull Mantra--or maybe too much so
I loved The Skull Mantra, the first Shan Tao Yun mystery. I continued to love Shan, himself, in Water Touching Stone. But too little was new for me to carry the weight of this second book.

**Mild Spoilers Follow** Once again success depends on a Chinese bureaucrat who originally seems harsh but turns out to be noble. Once again Americans digging up Tibetan treasure stir up trouble. Once again monks give cryptic advice whose import is revealed slowly. **End of Spoilers**

As someone who reads Spenser books (by Robert B. Parker), I shouldn't complain about formulaic action. But The Skull Mantra was so philosophical and complex that I hoped the second novel would surprise me more than other detective sequels. If I hadn't read the first, I would have liked the second (although I can't agree with those who say the second is actually better). On the positive side, the plot resolves more smoothly than that of Skull Mantra, and as many reviewers here have noted, the plot itself is very moving. But I washoping to see Shan work in a different setting this time, or perhaps to see problems arise from within the Tibetan philosophy, rather than a second helping of its superiority to both communism and capitalism.

Superior Sequel
This sequel to Skull Mantra (which was fantastic)is even better. Pattison has a commanding knowledge of China and Chinese culture, especially Tibet and Buddhism, which make his mysteries all the richer. Water Touching Stone is not only a page-turner, it is a cultural and spiritual feast.

Outstanding
This is a great story. I had to get Eliot Pattison's other books. The stories are so real. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (38)

a great read for a great show!
if you like the series, you will enjoy this book. it captures the story behind hansen's family tradition. this is really one of the best books i have ever read.

A Pleasant Find, A Page-Turner
I purchased the eBook version for my reader, and was pleasantly surprised when I started to read. So surprised that I stayed up late to read it all in one sitting! This book is much, much more than just an accessory to the TV show. It is more than a must-read for fans of "Deadliest Catch."

It also covers much, much more than that. There is an insider's view of the Norwegian immigration to the United States, in particular Washington state in the early 1900's. There is a detailed history of the evolution of crab fishing and the Marco crab boat's evolution to supremacy. I was fascinated by the attention to historical details, such as the use of surplus Army cots to build the first crab pots. The wisdom of a seasoned fisherman peppers the book - discussing why certain boat designs work better than others, why a tank full of solid ballast is better than tanks full of mobile crab, and why navigation at sea is not as simple as going in a straight line from Point A to Point B.

Encircling all these historical details are the stories of the Hansen family in the USA. His father's boats. Moving up, moving down and out. The evolution of a skipper/captain.

This book will satisfy the fans. It covers the ground that fans will want to know about - close calls out at sea, pranks between the crew members, embarrassing growing-up stories among the Hansen brothers, and how the Northwestern came to be on TV. It also tells the story of how the first coveted F/V Northwestern jackets came to be!

The digital version of this book had some minor issues. There are many, many words which had been spliced - there is a space in the middle of the word or a dash in the middle of the word inappropriately. The best feature of the digital version, however, was the click-able index. Next to the word in the index was a hyperlink that you could click, which would take you right to the reference.

Well done!
It sounds like this book is what Captain Sig really wanted "Deadliest Catch" to look like. It's a good story of how, with hard work, determination, sweat and plain good luck, a person can succeed in what they know best.

If you're a fan of "Deadliest Catch", it will give you a great insite on how the Northwestern operates, as well as why some of the interaction of the brothers happens the way it does. If you're not a fan, it's a great read that, at first, sounds like fiction but it is far from it.

I'd recommend this book (and don't be surprised if you smell like fish after your're done reading it....)

North by Northwestern:A Seafaring Family on Deadly Alaskan Waters
As a huge fan of Deadliest Catch, it was interesting to read the saga of the modern day Norsemen that trecked to Seattle to basically build the industry. Easy interesting read for those that already know about the fishing industry or just Sig fans!

It was OK
This is a quick read especially because I jumped over the sections of norweign/viking history.The historical parts were tedious for me. I did enjoy the fishing stories and learning more about their family dynamics.Also, the information about crab fishing and how the fishing vessel functions was very interesting.I didn't particularly like the style of writing. I prefer more straightforward story telling and less jumping back and forth with storylines. Overall, I would recommend this for fans of the Northwestern but don't expect an adventure novel read. ... Read more

Product Description
Both a medical drama and meditation on motherhood, The Water Giver is Joan Ryan's honest account of her doubts and mistakes in raising a learning-disabled son and the story of how his near-fatal accident gave her a second chance as a parent. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

The Water Giver
This book is an excellent story of a family's personal struggle through the dark valleys of mental illness as well as a brain trauma accident that could have killed their only son.It is frank, open, and honest.Not sugar coated, nor gory, but realistic.I could so identify with Joan and her determination on demanding the best care for her son, building relationships with doctors, nurses, hospital staff, other families and patients.Your world and your core being are forever changed.Not that you would ever wish tragedy upon anyone, but it changes you, and if you allow it to, and can and will change you for the better.Thank you, Joan for sharing your story.And thank you, Ryan for letting your mom share your story.I hope you are doing well in college and have a life time of good health, love, and laughter.

inspiring
As a mother I found this book to be inspiring, and gut wrenching. I thought it was an honest and candid look at this mom's experience with her son. I felt her emotions, and loved her telling of this story.

mother gets a second chance
Joan Ryan wrote a masterful work in "The Water Giver." It is a touching, yet never maudlin, description of her relationship with her adopted, disabled son both before and after a significant head injury. The author's perceptiveness and ability to understand what her relationship with her teenager is like are outstanding. I highly recommend this book

Got Doubts?
Have you ever had to stand by your child's side as he or she recovered from a devastating accident or illness?The closest I've come is holding my normally active toddler boy who is rendered still by a high fever, or comforting my healthy tween daughter as she is wracked by a violent stomach bug.

This is nothing compared to what parents of special needs children, children with chronic illness, or those involved in serious accidents are dealing with in hospitals in every city every day.

In THE WATER GIVER Joan Ryan shares her experience of nursing her teenage son back to health after he suffers a traumatic brain injury.It's something that no parent wants to face, and about which many parents choose to remain blissfully ignorant instead of facing their worst fears.

However, I find that reading stories such as this remind me to be grateful for the health and safety of my children and to enjoy each moment in the face of the reminder that life is quite fragile.They also help me to be more sympathetic and compassionate towards those who may be facing similar struggles.

This lesson of learning to love and appreciate our children for who they are is exactly what Joan Ryan experienced.The subtitle refers to a mother, a son, and their second chance.You see, when Ryan adopted her son Ryan (who was given his mother's last name as his first name), she never quite felt as if she was connecting with him.With some behavior problems and severe ADHD, he did not live up to the image of the child she imagined raising.

It wasn't until he was in almost-fatal accident when he was sixteen years old that Joan finally felt that she was born as a mother.She finally loved her son unconditionally and felt that tenderness that women expect to come naturally as soon as our baby is placed in our arms.

If you are interested in medical treatment, you will find the information about how Ryan's traumatic brain injury was treated and his months-long recovery fascinating.If you're a mom who has ever struggled with not feeling like a "real mom" should, you will relate to Ryan's story.

THE WATER GIVER is heartfelt, yet not saccharine sweet.

A second chance can change your life
This memoir taught me so much about never giving up. The author's unending optimism and deep understanding of what it takes to get through a crisis taught me how to be a better daughter, mother, spouse and friend. No matter what curve balls life throws you, you CAN make it home. Thanks for writing this book. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (5)

love and gratitude
I am a fan of all Dr Emoto's books which have vital points to make for all of us, although I don't always agree with his interpretations and segues.

If you are new to his work, it might be better to first look at an earlier book, perhaps "The Hidden Messages in Water". There is much controversy about Emoto's claims but, whether legitimate or false, they are too important to be ignored. If they are true, then his books offer tangible evidence that thoughts and words can change body chemistry, given that our bodies are approximately 70% water. This would make sense in light of other research on the effects of prayer and on the mind/body connection. If his claims are false, than hundreds of thousands of people have bought books showing beautiful crystal photography and have held the vibration of "love and gratitude" in their hearts.

This slim booklet is a distillation in which Emoto's focuses on what he thinks, and many agree, is the most beautiful of the many, many beautiful water crystals created by his research, one shaped quite early on by the words "love and gratitude". He points out this exceptionally elegant crystal emanates a miraculously beautiful light.

Emoto has produced beautiful crystals from "love" and from "gratitude" respectively but says that when the two are combined, the result has a mysterious and sacred aura. The author believes this is proof that these concepts are at the root of the creation of the world and he could be right.

This brings me to ask: how many of us, if/when we pray, essentially create shopping lists? And what proportion of our prayers are instead songs of love and gratitude? How would we (and our lives) be/feel different if these ratios were reversed?

Esoteric Study of Water and Deity
This book was a surprise!I was familiar with the author's studies with water and the crystals formed when exposed to negative and positive thoughts/words, etc.But this book started looking at Deity and our relation to it and the world, while weaving in the findings re: water, and it was a delightful surprise.I found myself not being able to put it down.Definitely recommend for some uplifting reading.

Water Messages
This book is informative on the "messages" in water. The book was sent before the promised date. I would do business with this dealer again.

Great photos of water crystals
The photos are incredible. I wish I had read his first book before reading this one. It probably would have explained the process in more detail. It is amazing how prayer and gratitude can create such changes.

Dripping with LOVE and GRATITUDE!
Even though I've read a few of Dr. Masaru Emoto's books, this latest little book of his could not be put down!Every word "dripped" with the messages of love and gratitude that is felt within the heart and soul and radiates throughout your surroundings, day and life.I've studied and practiced many of the concepts that he teaches about, but this little book was like an awesome and perfect condensed reminder that love and gratitude are the true healers and balancers in all things; that those true blissful states of consciousness are the foundation of all wellbeing, no matter what other healing modality or belief system one utilizes. ... Read more

Product Description
Gardens of Water is an enthralling story of two families, and two faiths, in Turkey at the time of the cataclysm of 1999. It tells of Sinan, whose daughter, Irem, dreams of escaping the confines of her family and the duties of a devout Muslim woman. She sees in Dylan, an American boy and her upstairs neighbor, the enticing promise of another life. But then a massive earthquake forces Sinan and his family to live as refugees in their own country and leads to a dangerous intimacy with their American neighbors, as Irem and Dylan fall in love. When Sinan finds himself entangled in a series of increasingly dangerous decisions, he will be pushed toward a final betrayal that will change everyone’s lives forever. Powerful and beautifully written, Alan Drew’s Gardens of Water marks the debut of a brilliant new American writer. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (20)

Issues Addressed in Gardens of Water
Some of the issues I have found addressed in Gardens of Water are:Ethnic groups have trouble accepting each others differences;American arms get sold and used in ways and places Americans have no awareness and idea about;Some Christian groups go to some countries for the purpose of converting the native people to Christianity;Some Muslims believe preserving the family name comes at a very high cost;American 'pop culture' appears fascinating to the youth of some countries;Family love is universal;Forgiveness is always difficult;Youth fall "in love;"Suicide is sometimes thought of as the only way out of a bad situation;Peoples' motives are often misunderstood;Extreme beliefs and behavior can be found in all ethnic groups.

Well written, moving, and tragic
I listened to this story as a book on tape, which I also highly recommend. I would not say that I "enjoyed" the book, because ultimately I was disturbed by its tragic storyline, as well as the larger seemingly hopeless political context. Although the book did not leave me happy, it did move me deeply. I think it is important for all Americans to have a deeper understanding of the many cultures in the Eastern side of the world, and I was glad that I felt I had a window into the Kurdish culture through this book. My partner and I discussed the book at length afterward, and the surrounding political climate. Unlike some other reviewers, I felt the characters were well developed, and the pacing good. I hope more books are written about more "exotic" cultures like this for Americans. Two thumbs up!

Masterpiece.
I love books in which the characters are deeply flawed and thus deeply loveable.The author does not judge his characters, but lets us see them beset by conflict, and make our own conclusions.Finally, there are no "conclusions," only that this is what is, and it is to be accepted.This is a tale of corruption by religious colonialism. You don't have to approve of fundamentalist religious values to sympathize with the Muslims encroached upon by outsiders who can't possibly understand them. I am a Zionist, but frankly, I was grateful to the writer for helping me understand. Now that I get it, I may be more helpful to those who want to make peace.

Seek first to understand - this remarkable story helps with that
Violent Kurdish displacement, a killer earthquake, timely American aid, and two families of two different cultures intertwined by it all.

Reading this book made me more aware of differences we never try to understand.

In the end, greed and poverty, violence and loss, and someone to blame destroy, and Christ saves, but maybe not in the way some think.

Not an easy read, but worth it, engrossing, and impossible to put down.

Brilliant, heart-felt first novel.You will love and care so much for the main characters!They are us, and they are what we do not understand, but can begin to.

Moved by story of people affected by Turkey earthquake
I read this book before the Haiti earthquake of 2010. The author was in Turkey during 1999 earthquake and wrote a fiction novel based on his experiences there. I was moved by the story of the people affected by the Turkey earthquake. The story is centered around a father and his daughter.

Now with the 2010 Haiti earthquake, this novel is worth reading to understand the life of those impacted by devastating earthquakes and loss of family, home, livelihood, but also hope as rebuilding for the future. ... Read more

Product Description
An Italian boy sips from a fountain in the town square. A hiker takes
a refreshing drink from a mountain stream. Black-robed women in India stride gracefully through a field with brass water jugs balanced on their heads. Whether they squeeze it out of a burlap bag, haul it home from a communal tap, or get it out of their kitchen faucet, people all around the world are unified by their common need for water. Barbara Kerley brings home this point simply and eloquently in this beautiful and educational picture book that combines striking National Geographic photographs with a poetic text to show how people in various cultures use and conserve the world's most vital resource. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

The best book for beginner ELLs
A rare find! A book that is interesting and useful for teaching beginner ELLs who are older. This book is ideal for grades 5 and up who are beginners in English. They can learn the verbs with TPR, the nouns with Realia, and can learn to recite its short prepositional phrases in one sitting. Teachers can link social studies concepts by working with the index of photographs and map. Students can study the difference between poetic style and expository narrative in the index of photographs. ... Read more

Product Description
We all drink water, so it's no surprise that there are so many varieties on supermarket shelves. What is surprising, though, is that with additives like sugar and artificial flavors, many of these commercial drinks aren't as healthy as they seem. With Cool Waters, it's easy and economical to create one-of-a-kind infusions that are healthier and better-tasting than anything found in stores. Recipes include Pineapple and Lime Seltzer, Pomegranate Flair, Mint Mist, and even flavored ice cubes, and are displayed in beautiful full-color photos that are sure to make readers thirst for a glass of cool water. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

I LOVE this book!
Cool Waters is a wonderful book that has something for every skill level of cook. The recipes are easy, delicious and original.The photos are gorgeous. It's this year's "Gift of choice!"

Great Ideas!
This book is packed with great recipes you can use for drinking water-healthful and delicious. The photographs are beautiful and inspired me to try more recipes. There are so many interesting fruit and herb combinations which have unique and addictive tastes. I bought a nice glass pitcher to show off the drinks. My monthly artist group loved the Squeeze of Citrus. I bought the book for a sister's birthday present and she really likes it too. Highly recommend if you're bored with plain water and/or you want to make your water healthier. You will need a very good blender, a juicer for citrus, and a very fine large metal sieve.

creative ways to flavor water
This is a great book with wonderful recipes (50 to be exact) to flavor water with ingredients that are easy to find. Some recipes in the book are Squirt of citrus, pineapple and lime seltzer, honeydew-mint mist, rose water with lemon, blueberry twist, crimson dew, sweet tart, and mango ginger "beer" just to name a few. The book is hard cover and the pictures are beautiful.

Excellent book
This is the only book I've found in this topic thats worth the money. It has very good recipes --especially the healthy one --One thing I really like about the author was that he kept health in mind-- Now in days that deserve 10 stars. Most recipes books are field with low nutritious recipes and this one breaks that. I do think however that he forgot one major recipe that is Horchata which I love and it is very easy to prepare.

Cool Waters: 50 Refreshing, Healthy Homemade Thirst-Quenchers
I just received this book and hardly wait to try some of these easy recipes. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (7)

A great read, but sometimes a little too scientific
I really enjoyed this book, however not being scientifically-minded I literally had to skip over some of the more technical essays.Obviously they were written for those doctors and scientists who are nay-sayers and need proof of Dr. Emoto's theories, but they are written in a language that is far beyond a simple math flunky like me!I did enjoy some of the more philosophical essays, though, and thought all in all this was a good book and worth the money.The basic idea that our bodies and our world is comprised almost entirely of water, and we can manipulate that water with our thoughts, is fascinating!

Anthology of articles on water

At first this book proved disappointing, as it turned out that Masaru Emoto is not the actual author of the book, but merely the editor, and some of the preliminary chapters were practically incomprehensible (to me) due to their scientific terminology.

The book is composed of 21 chapters on the diverse aspects of water written by experts in the various fields. Emoto writes a wonderful introduction, and several of the later chapters are also well worth reading. For example, Darren R. Weissman's article on his Lifeline Technique work on the healing power of "infinite love and gratitude". And Richard Beaumont's article about "the dreaming pool of Bath". Here we are told about the dream meetings with nonhuman "inner plane" beings experienced by Margaret Stewart, who was campaigning to reopen one of the Baths, which had been closed down, in the famed English spa town of Bath. When the author himself touched the spring water, this resulted in him himself falling into a deep sleep for ten hours and dreaming of a giant grizzly bear with an overpowering energy and a message for him.

I recommend this anthology of articles for all those interested in the miraculous powers of water and the beings connected with it. Some of the articles are inspiring, others less so, according to your field of interest and level of understanding.

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How do we effect our own bodies when we are negative?
This is a very informative book.It contains both readable information and scientific research results.Because we are a very high percentage of water, we can see how our own negativity can produce illness within us.It is a must read for anyone who is working on self-improvement.
Monica

Must have book in library
This is a classic to have available in your library for the uninitiated beginners who are looking for unthreatening content stepping up on the path.

POWER OF WATER
VERY GOOD BOOK. OPENS YOUR EYES TO THE WATER OF LIFE. WATER ALWAYS ATTRACTS US AND YOU WILL SEE WHY.IT IS THE MOST AMAZING THING ON EARTH THAT WE TAKE FOR GRANTED AND ABUSE. HE WILL MAKE YOU SEE WATER DIFFERENTLY. I RECYCLE MY DRINKING BOTTLES, BUT FIRST I TRY TO RELEASE THE LAST OF THE WATER INSIDE. THAT'S HOW EFFECTIVE THIS BOOK IS. ... Read more

Product Description

Detective Superintendent Duncan Kincaid and his partner, Sergeant Gemma James, take their sons to picturesque Cheshire for their first family Christmas with Duncan's parents—a holiday both dreaded and anticipated. But not even the charming town of Nantwich and the dreaming canals can mask the tensions in Duncan's family, which are tragically heightened by the discovery of an infant's body hidden in the wall of an old dairy.

Customer Reviews (30)

still going strong!
Crombie is just getting better and better.With a minor exception or two, I've found every Kinkaid and James novel to be utterly captivating and engaging and Water Like a Stone doesn'tdisappoint.

Duncan, Gemma and their family go back to Duncan's birthplace where his family still lives to celebrate Christmas.It's particularly unnerving for Gemma because she'd never met most of Kinkaid's family.She meets Duncan's mother and father as well as his somewhat estranged sister, her stand offish husband and their two children, one of which is a haunted teenager named Lally who just happens to be around same age as Kit. Cousin or not, Kit is absolutely captivated, although it seems that she's quite troubled.

Duncan's sister Juliet has set out on her own after working for a time as her verbally abusive husband's secretary restoring old buildings.It's on her current job site that she encounters what turns this from a holiday amongst family into a working vacation.Juliet finds the remains of a dead baby walled up in the mortar of the building site's foundation.

Enter Annie Lebow.Former social services worker, she's taken to a rather isolated live on the rivers in what's known as a long boat.Where In a Dark House dealt with fires and the people that fight them, the central theme of Water Like a Stone is water, namely the boat people of the local geography that somewhat set apart from normal society, mostly keeping to themselves.Annie comes from money, so why isolate herself?Being in social services left its mark on her and she needed to get out.Her story begins when she runs into some of the boat people who's case she was in charge of before she retired.In fact, it was the LAST case she worked before she retired and she saw the system failed Rowan and Gabriel Wain.Their destinies however are fatefully tied into one another.

Life in Duncan's quaint place of birth is hardly as civilized as he remembers as the discovery of the baby's body, a mysterious murder and evidence of the haunted pasts of people's lives that are closest to him come to light.

Just another fantastic addition to the series with great characters and as always, a great sense of place.Crombie excells at making a living breathing character out of the local scenery and geography to the point where you can almost feel as if you're there.Another hallmark are the branching storylines that will have you guessing even though you THINK you may have it already figured out.In a Crombie mystery, you may sometimes know whodunnit but you rarely know the who AND why.Simply wonderful reading.

A great series continues ....
It had been quite a while since I had read a mystery featuring Duncan and Gemma - and it was worth the wait. The plot details are summarized already, so I won't repeat.
Funnily, the mystery takes place around the Christmas holidays and I read it during the same time of year. The crimes being solved are not strictly in the hands of our heroes, as they are visiting Duncan's family. The local police prove an interesting team, with Duncan and Gemma providing key help.
As important as the mystery are the developments within Duncan's extended family - particularly his sister Jules and her family are key, but also interactions with Kit, Duncan's son, and between Duncan and Gemma themselves.
All in all, it was a great way to spend a couple of afternoons - solving crimes along side Duncan and Gemma and seeing how family turmoil turns out.

I love this series!
First Line: Mist rose in swirls from the still surface of the canal.

Duncan, Gemma, the boys and the dog are all spending the Christmas holiday in Cheshire with Duncan's parents. Duncan has always spoken of growing up outside the town of Nantwich as though it were heaven on earth. London born and bred, Gemma's not so sure of this, and she's a bit nervous at meeting Duncan's parents and sister. However, they're barely have time to walk in the door and take off their coats before everything starts going pear-shaped.

Duncan's sister, Juliet, has begun her own business as a builder. Staying late one evening to finish up some tasks in an old barn she's renovating, Juliet discovers the mummified remains of an infant. The investigation calls to Duncan like the Pied Piper of Hamlin, and whenever "his whiskers start twitching", he can't resist leaving his family just to see how things are going. This soon wears thin with Gemma:

"Don't you even think about leaving me home like the little woman," she spat out. "I'm going with you, and you'd better not say one bloody word about it."


Duncan takes the hint... and then a woman living on a narrow boat in a nearby canal is murdered, and Duncan's family is in danger.

This is another wonderful entry in the series. It's almost impossible for me to leave these books alone. I want to read one right after the other as quickly as I can, but if I do that, I'll be caught up and waiting impatiently for the next to be published.

Crombie's plots are always layered and intricate. Once she hit her stride at about book #4, I just can't puzzle out whodunit ahead of time. But this series is much more than a collection of complicated plots. It's peopled by one of the absolute best cast of characters to be found anywhere in fiction. Duncan and Gemma's relationship feels like the real deal. Their son, Kit, could be a living, breathing teenager beset with all sorts of problems that are (eventually) dealt with in the best possible way. When I sit down to read one of these books, I'm smiling because I'm amongst friends who change, who make mistakes, who grow, and who don't live in a bell jar. These characters are just as apt to come to harm as any of us. Their creator doesn't shield them, just as we are not shielded.


Crombie spends a few months each year in the UK to research her books. For Water Like a Stone she researched life on the narrow boats and canals that crisscross the island. If you're anything like me, as you read this book, you're going to find yourself checking for the books she mentions, and firing up your search engines because it's a fascinating subject to weave into her story.

Only two books left before I'm completely caught up. I don't know whether to be happy or sad because it will be torture to wait for each book to be published!

Water Like a Stone
I have now read all the Gemma James and Duncan Kindcaid nevels by Deborah Crombie.This was not a favorite.It was too slow and annoying and I really didn't care who did it.

Not my favorite
First of all, being a huge fan of English murder mysteries, I do love this series.Gemma and Duncan are extremely appealing, the writing is great, and the descriptions really take you there.However, as excited as I was to discover that I had not yet read this latest in the series, I have to admit that I was a bit disappointed.I was not personally that interested in narrow boats, so that whole plot line left me a little cold.Also, I agree with the reviewer who commented that there just wasn't enough Gemma and Duncan in this one...most of the book was about Duncan's family and the police force in Duncan's home town with our favorite (and still unmarried) couple taking a back seat.I also thought the whole story line with Lally and Kit was a bit far-fetched.Regarding Kit, I hope future novels will show him getting counseling considering the poor kid has now personally discovered two bodies including his mother's.The odds of something like that happening have to be pretty high.The climactic scene was contrived and unrealistic, and I thought the ending was rushed as well.Here's hoping that the new novel to be released soon goes back to Gemma and Duncan dealing with bodies in their normal line of work as inspectors and Kit back in school where he belongs.Oh, and come on, Duncan, ask her to marry you already!!!! ... Read more

Product Description
The perfect gift to make a child feel special---like part of the most wonderful family in the world. Beautifully illustrated by award-winning artist Gerardo Suzan, this is a wonderfully imagined story of God's power and love joined in the baptism event---a story that will grow richer in meaning each time the book is read.

Plus, following the story are pages of illustrated thoughts and ideas to trigger family discussions about the significance of baptism, its links to God's biblical story, and to the lives of the readers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (11)

Love this book too!
Absolutley love this book.Beautifully written and illustrated!I cried as I read it to my daughter today.This makes a great baptism gift!

A baptismal poem
This is a book that celebrates the glory of being baptized.When we are baptized, and become "children of God," all creation - sun, clouds, rain, and wind - join in the celebration of a "new life." The lyrical text makes the connection between rain from the Heavens (the water "coming down") and the baptismal font, citing both as God's creations.

And I am the water that flows in a river,
The River of Life, forever and ever -
Yes! I am the water came down to your town,
To find you, child, and you I found -
The day you were baptized.

I am the water they washed you in,
Your head, your heart, your soul, your skin,
Clean of the devil! Clean from sin,
The day you were baptized.

The author cites his use of a Biblical text, from Romans 8, to explain his approach to baptism: "The creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God."Other verses in this book echo this sentiment, showing the sun, the clouds, the rain and the wind, all rejoicing in the baptism of a new "child of God".

The illustrations are a bit cartoonish but they are expressive and colorful and child-like, making them appropriate for a book of this nature.

What I Like: At the end of the book is a section called "The Story of Baptism." The author explains why we need to be baptized and cites Biblical passages for text used in the story.

What I Dislike: The story is written in rhyme. Most of the passages flow smoothly, but in some cases the rhyme is a bit forced, making the text a bit jarring. For instance, the author tries to rhyme "down" with "underground."

It's a truly lovely book, but I think it was written more for the adult than the child, even though it is certainly a picture book. I'm afraid most children wouldn't understand the symbolism in the poetry without a lot of explanation - - but, then again, children need a lot of explanation to understand the concept of baptism.

Overall Rating: Very good.

Age Appeal: 4-8
Christine M. Irvin - Christian Children's Book Review

Seems like 2 different stories in 1 book
I bought this book for my Godson.It is nicely illustrated, but is seems like there are two stories within this book.I like the last half of the book better than the beginning--since the beginning is a little odd.I would not buy this book again.

Beautiful pictures!
I purchased this book for the baby of a close friend and recently for my own grandson for his Baptism. It is beautifully illustrated and it brought my daughter to tears with its description of the special day. I would highly reccomend this book.

Godparents, take note
This is a great book for Godparents to give Godchildren. It is always a challenge to find something meaningful to remind the Godchild of the special event in which they participated. I'm giving this book to my Godchild years later to reinforce her connection with God. ... Read more

Product Description
"One corner of the great American panorama enlarged to highlight starry-eyed visionaries, political machinations, indefatigable ingenuity, and cockeyed optimism."—Kirkus ReviewsThe building of the Erie Canal, like the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Panama Canal, is one of the greatest and most riveting stories of American ingenuity. Best-selling author Peter Bernstein presents the story of the canal's construction against the larger tableau of America in the first quarter-century of the 1800s. Examining the social, political, and economic ramifications of this mammoth project, Bernstein demonstrates how the canal's creation helped prevent the dismemberment of the American empire and knit the sinews of the American industrial revolution. Featuring a rich cast of characters, including not only political visionaries like Washington, Jefferson, van Buren, and the architect's most powerful champion, Governor DeWitt Clinton, but also a huge platoon of Irish diggers as well as the canal's first travelers, Wedding of the Waters reveals that the twenty-first-century themes of urbanization, economic growth, and globalization can all be traced to the first great macroengineering venture of American history. 20 illustrationsAmazon.com Review
Begun in 1817 and completed in 1825, the Erie Canal stretches 363 miles across upstate New York from Buffalo on Lake Erie to Albany on the Hudson River. A stunning achievement, the canal was hacked through a densely forested pass in the Appalachian Mountains using only axes, shovels, low-grade explosive power, beasts of burden, and some ingenious devices. The engineers and workers created locks, bypassed rapids and waterfalls, and adjusted to countless changes in elevation. When the canal was completed it became one of the wonders of the world. But the canal was much more than a spectacular construction project; it also served to bind a young United States to itself and the rest of the world in one bold stroke. In this thoroughly absorbing book, Peter Bernstein describes in vivid detail how the Erie Canal helped to shape the United States into a great nation by connecting the eastern seaboard and western expanses of America, as well as propel the Industrial Revolution and stimulate global trade, economics, and immigration. It was so important to the development of the U.S., argues Bernstein, that without the canal the detached western territories "would in all likelihood have broken away" and created another, if not several, separate countries. Manifest Destiny would have been denied.

In telling this gripping tale, the author offers a brief history of canals through the ages, explains the foresight exhibited by George Washington and Thomas Jefferson regarding the need for a waterway to the west, and outlines the political wars, financing challenges, and seemingly endless delays and false starts to the project. He also reveals much about the political landscape of early America through his profiles of the personalities and visionaries who devoted their lives to the project, along with the engineers and surveyors, most of whom had little experience designing or constructing a canal of any kind, much less such a massive undertaking. Wedding of the Waters succeeds brilliantly in bringing this rich story to life. --Shawn Carkonen ... Read more

Customer Reviews (29)

Good stuff
Great. Very informative & detailed. Also a great replacment book for when your dog chews up the original from the library.

Intersting history
Fun history of the building of the Erie Canal. I enjoyed it, though it seemed a bit optimistic. I'm sure even the building of the canal had a dark side. I recommend it to anyone who loves history, especially if they are interested in New York state as I am. It was fascinating to read about the development of all the places I've visited so many times.

Poor Quality Product
This book was somewhat enjoyable, until the FIRST time he mentioned that "Daniel Boone's road" through the Cumberland Gap was near Cumberland, Md.In fact, Daniel Boone's road through Cumberland Gap is more than 350 miles from Cumberland, with an entire state (West Virginia) between them.Disappointed, I continued reading until, about 50 pages later, he made the same mistake.Where I'm from, you learn about the Cumberland gap and Daniel Boone prior to 6th grade graduation.How the author, let alone editors, missed this is hard to comprehend. Unless of course one assumes that they wanted to rush a shoddy product to market so that they could make some money as quickly as possible.Then I suppose it makes sense, in a twisted way.I agree that it could use much better maps, and spend more time on the actual building of the canal.But that's background noise compared to glaring, easily discoverable and correctable factual errors.

Wedding of the Waters: The Erie Canan and the Making of a Great Nation
Wedding of the Waters: The Erie Canal and the Making of a Great Nation
This is a very informative book.It not only gives the process of the building of this great canal, but it also states the financial and political obsticals of this time period.It has the history of people with the vision of why the canal was needed (which wasn't just for an inland waterway to transport materials); but,why it would was ablsolutly necessary to prevent the French from developing this western widlerness area, thus making it possible for New York and the whole country to expand westward.

Fascinating topic, tedious telling
300 mile canal, ties the young nation together, opens the tremendous flow of commerce, further pushing New York to the economic forefront, keeps the nation from being divided by the Appalachians, out of the hands of European nations.All this, and much more, make this an important, fascinating topic.
But...
Buy your own map so you can picture the location of key towns along the route.Make it a topographic map so you can understand the ups and downs of the canal route.
Fast forward through all the players who had first claim to the idea. Does that really matter?
Buy a book on Tammany Hall to gain the proper perspective on this bastion of neighborhood support, and corruption.
Google the references to precedent-setting canals...this book provides concise, but light, explanations.
In a nutshell...this telling could have been condensed into about 80 pages.
... Read more