Reviews (7)

Courtesy of Teens Read Too
Linda Wells, the founder and editor-in-chief of Allure magazine, has put together a book filled with the best beauty secrets, tips, and tricks that she's come across since the magazine's launch fifteen years ago.Although Allure isn't an actual teen magazine, the beauty, style, fashion, and makeup tips that it contains are perfect for anyone who wants to look their best.
Confessions of a Beauty Editor
One stop shopping with the lovely Linda Wells;it was great.I enjoyed reading beauty tips all in one place;I appreciate the reference tips being close at hand;I have them at my fingertips.And even I must confess, I have used them several times.Thanks so much Linda!!!

What a terrific beauty book!
Confessions of a Beauty Editor is not only a beautiful book, but it is an extremely helpful one.So many great tips at my fingertips.I find myself refering to it often.Great job Allure editors! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Beauty & Grooming - General    2. Beauty, Personal    3. Diet / Health / Fitness    4. Fashion & Grooming    5. Health & Fitness    6. Health and hygiene    7. Health/Fitness    8. Personal Health    9. Women    10. Biography: general    11. Health & Fitness / Beauty & Grooming    12. Personal appearance & beauty care   

Reviews (4)

All in all, it's worth a read
Eric Bischoff: Controversy Creates Cash is the autobiography of Eric Bischoff, who rightfully self boasts himself as the second most influential man in professional wrestling history, behind Vince McMahon. In his autobiography, he attempts to cover his side of the things. Although he does tell an interesting story, some things just seem to be missing.
Bischoff doesn't tell all
I was expecting to read about Bischoff criticizing many WCW and WWE wrestlers because, if you've ever seen WWE Raw during a commercial break, Bischoff runs down a list of people in the wrestling industry who he believes will be angry with him when these certain people read his book.I don't think so.His opinions on the wrestlers are pretty brief and he doesn't do much in the way of putting down anyone.Disappointing.
Well Written Read With A Lot Of Information
You learn a lot about Eric Bischoff and what has driven him.This book shows the side of him that we don't see in front of the camera.The information about the wrestling industy and the politics of it were very fascinating to someone who has been a fan for many years (particularly a fan of WCW).
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Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Education    5. History    6. Sports - General    7. Sports Economics    8. World Championship Wrestling, Inc.    9. World Wrestling Entertainment, Inc.    10. Wrestling    11. Biography & Autobiography / Sports    12. Biography: sport   

Reviews (27)

Engrossing, Frustrating
I have been nourished in my faith by Barbara Brown Taylor's writings and presentations over the years.This book is no different.Once I began reading it, I was engrossed in her images and descriptions and connections, as she described her spiritual and professional journey.In many passages, she writes moving descriptions of the grace that happens in congregational life.I highly recommend this as an example of intellectually honest and deeply rooted faith.I have been thinking about it a great deal in the months since I read it.
Cathartic, Even for Me
Barbara Brown Taylor never claims that her approach to the ministry was typical, nor does she advocate that other people follow her footsteps in leaving the church (although she does have some interesting suggestions for empowering churchgoers and the faithful in general).Her story of "finding, losing, and keeping," is merely one personal narrative that successfully avoids the pretense that everyone shares the same dramas and should therefore listen to her wisdom.She is not selling anything.Her book is rather an intimate, articulate self-revelation about her path in the world.
Missing a Sense of Call
I have enjoyed Barbara Brown Taylor's essays in The Christian Century and there is no question that she is a talented and descriptive writer. This book is a pleasant (and quick) read largely because her prose flows so beautifully.
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Subjects:  1. Anglican Communion    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Christianity - Episcopalianism    7. Clergy    8. Episcopal Church    9. Episcopal Churches    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Religious    12. Taylor, Barbara Brown    13. United States    14. Women    15. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (1)

Harry Truman's Secretary of State
Mr. Beiser is the author of several books on diplomacy ("American Foreign Relations Since 1600" -- 2003). This definitive and long (800 pages) biography of Dean Acheson, a Democratic player (through the Roosevelt and Truman administrations) and foreign affairs genius. As Truman's Secretary of State, he was present at the start of the post-war era and created the framework for the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, the occupation of the Axis countries and NATO. As a result, Mr. Acheson titled his memoirs, "Present at the Creation." The writing is engaging and interesting as is Mr. Acheson himself (he managed to alienate President Roosevelt). Though this book obviously can not be read at one setting, it is a good history tale. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Historical - U.S.    5. Political    6. American history: postwar, from c 1945 -    7. Biography & Autobiography / Political    8. Biography: historical    9. History, American | Since 1945    10. Political leaders & leadership    11. The Americas   

Editorial Review

"God, he was a smart kid..." So why did Christopher McCandless trade a brightfuture--a college education, material comfort, uncommon ability and charm--for death by starvation in anabandoned bus in the woods of Alaska? This is the question that Jon Krakauer's book tries to answer. While itdoesn't—cannot—answer the question with certainty, Read more

Reviews (886)

Only read if you can relate to the protagonist
I recently read Under the Banner of Heaven and loved Krakauer's writing, so I picked up Into the Wild.Krakauer didn't disappoint.His writing was honest, personal and to the point.He doesn't mince words, and while his bias is obvious, he presents evidence that reveals many sides of Chris McCandless.
But why?
This is defiantly not my typical read, but once I started I found it compelling, hard to put down, but that does not mean I did not have some problems with it.It seemed like the author tried too hard to make McCandless a sympathetic figure, almost a hero in an odd way.Everything Chris does though leads to his own destruction, he has no one to blame but himself.I don't have much experience in the wilderness so maybe I am just ignorant, but it sure seemed like he could have saved himself.Going off into the woods to die does not seem heroic to me.That being said , the author has done his research and is talented writer.He convinced me not to head off into the Alaskan wilderness alone!Speaking of tales of the wilderness I highly recommend "Across the High Lonesome!"

Jon's Quest
Jon tried to help us understand the unexpainable actions of a misguided youth.Only through Jon's vivid description of his own journey into the the Alaskan wilderness, did we come close to feeling Chris McCandless' intentions. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1968-1992    2. Adventure and adventurers    3. Alaska    4. Biography    5. Biography & Autobiography    6. Biography / Autobiography    7. Biography And Autobiography    8. Biography/Autobiography    9. Essays & Travelogues    10. General    11. McCandless, Christopher Johnso    12. Regional Subjects - West    13. Travelers    14. United States    15. Wayfaring life    16. West (U.S.)    17. McCandless, Christopher Johnson    18. Travel / Essays & Travelogues   

Editorial Review

In the past, Antonia Fraser's bestselling histories and biographies have focused on people and events in her native England, from Read more

Reviews (67)

Great Read
This book was wonderful to read!! I even read it a second time a few weeks later, excellent!

best biography I have read
wonderful work of history, takes the reader beyond the myth and caricature of Marie Antoinette, to reveal a complex, very interesting queen. Not a dull moment in the book.

Another soap opera
There is no doubt that Antonia Fraser's "The Journey" is written in the author's usual wry, witty and highly engaging style (although I must say that I never before heard of sex described as "lugubrious.") There is also no doubt that Fraser has done a great deal to redeem Marie-Antoinette's shredded reputation by accurately describing her as being compassionate to the hardships of the French people. The book is full of vivid detail which makes it very readable. However, I was disappointed to see that Fraser resorts to many popular misconceptions. For one thing, why does Fraser act like Marie Antoinette was the only princess to be sent away from home as a teenager to seal a dynastic marriage? What about Sophie of Anhalt-Zerbst (Catherine the Great) who was also a young stranger in a foreign land? This sort of thing happened all the time - it was what being a princess was all about. I was glad that Fraser did not fall into the myth of Louis XVI's impotence/ phimosis and surgery and all that. She simplistically portrays him as being asexual, which was not true, because he told his aunt after consummating his marriage that he enjoyed "it." But never has any other biographer subjected the reader to the spectacle of Fersen and the queen fiddling withprimitive prophylactics while consummating their grand passion. I must say, it is a first. Fraser insists that Marie Antoinette slept with Fersen for many years and yet gives no solid proof, while at the same time maintaining that she was a woman of high moral character. I usually do not think of a woman who is shared by both a lover and a husband as having a high moral character, but I guess Fraser does. Oh, well. It is such romantic fantasies that turn this book into more of a soap opera than a serious biography. I found it absurd when Fraser insists that the tormented queen of France was ultimately a martyr for the cause of the socialism and democracy which the French people now enjoy. If the queen had had her way, her descendant would be reigning today, and that is just the reality of it. For a better study of Marie Antoinette's relationship with her husband, I would recommend Vincent Cronin's "Louis and Antoinette." As for better biographies of the queen, let me join some fellow reviewers in the hope that the works of Delorme and Bertieres will soon be available in English. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1755-1793    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. France    7. Historical - General    8. Marie Antoinette,    9. Queen, consort of Louis XVI, King of France,    10. Queens    11. Women    12. Biography & Autobiography / General    13. Reading Group Guide   

Editorial Review

In Read more

Reviews (268)

Informative & entertaining
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It helped me understand manic depression better and it was written in a very personable way. Highly recommended!

this book changed my life
even years after being diagnosed with BP, I still felt....just 'misunderstood'. After reading through this book, I found myself yelling in my head THAT'S ME!!!!! she's talking about me!
Kudos for Courage
Like it or not, human nature tends to box and label people, and unveiling mental illness carries a threat of permanent stigma.I applaud Dr. Jamison's courage in exposing her affliction with manic-depressive illness.Unlike many others who suffer from this disorder, she has survived, learned to cope and effectively manage medication; she has maintained her professional credibility and salvaged creativity.Yes, she's been fortunate, but by sharing her personal wisdom in AN UNQUIET MIND, Kay Redfield Jamison offers hope! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Depression    5. Manic-depressive persons    6. Manic-depressive psychoses    7. Specific Groups - General    8. United States    9. Women    10. Women college teachers    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / General    12. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (6)

A Valuable Recovery Read
Broken is outstanding!I am an alum of Hazelden, sober 22 years, and have worked as an adolescent chemical dependency counselor.This book is the best description of addiction, treatment, relapse and recovery that I have come across.It is well written and well documented from the author's journals and correspondence from his father.
Powerful and Brutally Honest
I was amazed once I started reading at how well this book reads.Even more amazed that it wasn't one of those books about someone who went into recovery and never relapsed. The pain of relapse is something Mr Moyer described perfectly. I share in Mr Moyers addiction and now I have been blessed with sharing his recovery.I have ordered from Hazelden for some time now, so when this book came out, it was a must add to my recovery library.Thank you William, for sharing your story in print so that so many struggling addicts can see that there is hope and the miracle is just around the corner.It works if you work it!

Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption
Thank you so much, William, for sharing your story.It takes enormous courage to ascend out of the nightmare of addiction, and further courage to tell that story!You do an immense service to the many millions who struggle with this disease, both as addicts and alcoholics themselves, but also for the many others who love them and want to do the right thing.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cocaine abuse    6. Drug Abuse    7. Drug addicts    8. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    9. Journalism (General)    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Rehabilitation    12. Substance Abuse & Addictions - General    13. United States    14. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Editorial Review

John Perkins started and stopped writing Read more

Reviews (431)

Yawn...
While it does contain a few interesting bits here and there (mainly in the first half of the book) this book fails to live up to the buzz surrounding it. There were few actual "insider" details (or details of any kind, in fact) and the author's voice grated on my nerves -- very self-serving. I suppose those interested in U.S. foreign and overseas development policy during the Cold War and post-Cold War era will find it worth reading, but getting through it is something of a chore. It took all my will power to plow through the last quarter of the book...

Sadly not the book it's been touted to be
The premise for "Confessions Of An Economic Hitman (COHM)" couldn't be more intriguing and the book did after all sell tons of copies and has remained on most booksellers' recommended reading list for ages. So my expectations were high for John Perkins' blow out confessional, the product of a conscience that struggled with but manfully prevailed against the temptations of a financially lucrative and high flying career as an "economic hit man".
enlightening insight into US foreign economic policy
I am so glad I read this book. While it has been critized for relying largely on the testimony of the author, John Perkins' book fits squarely into a lineage of books that are beginning to reveal the United States' plans for "global empire." Like Chomsky, Perkins reveals the actions behind the double-speak and PR-sanitized language that occludes the economic domination that is really going on in the form of "aid," "development," etc.
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Business    6. Conspiracy & Scandal Investigations    7. Economists    8. Energy consultants    9. Foreign Relations Of Developing Countries    10. Government & Business    11. Intelligence officers    12. International - Economics    13. U.S. Government - Intelligence Agencies    14. United States    15. Business & Economics / Economics / International   

Subjects:  1. 1638-1715    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Favorites, Royal    7. France    8. France - History    9. General    10. Historical - General    11. King of France,    12. Kings and rulers    13. Louis    14. Monarchy And Aristocracy    15. Relations with women    16. Royalty    17. XIV,    18. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Editorial Review

Fans of Augusten Burroughs's darkly funny memoir Read more

Reviews (191)

You have to read this!
As a recovering addict (3 years clean) I fell in love with this book. The way he describes his struggle to overcome the addictions, to get past his childhood trauma, and to just be a grown up was charming. I especially related to him describing how he could keep the electricity and phones turned on cause he couldn't pay the bills, not because he didn't have the money, but because he became overwhelmed at the thought of responsibility. Also the way he described his mother's suffocating needs, saying that even the smallest task ("changing a lightbulb) seemed so daunting and huge.
going through hell and back...
"Dry: A Memoir" is my second autobiographical book by Augusten Burroughs.His "Running with Scissors" was brilliant; I was awestruck at how any child can survive through such a bizarre childhood.In "Dry.." we discover that Mr Burroughs didn't exactly sail through early adulthood unscathed.Although remarkably successful in the frenetic world of advertising at a young age, the author quickly self-destructs.Alcohol, drugs and failed relationships find him in rehab while only in his twenties.From there "Dry.." recounts the author's attempts to get his life back together.A rough journey ensues.
Even Better Than Running...
Read this right after reading his childhood tale, Running with Scissors.This is more believable, more relatable and more heartbreaking.This is the one they should have made a film out of.At times I was proud of him, disgusted with him, sad for him, and found myself rooting for him.A sign of a well written book.Can't wait to read the next installment. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Advertising agencies    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Copy writers    8. General    9. Literary    10. New York    11. New York (State)    12. Novelists, American    13. Personal Memoirs    14. United States    15. Biography & Autobiography / General    16. Reading Group Guide   

Reviews (3)

Graceful and Often Affecting
Donald Spoto's new biography of Audrey Hepburn will please those who wish to gain a fuller understanding of Ms. Hepburn's private life and rise to stardom.
Enchanting!!!
I am very impressed with Donald Spoto's review of Audrey Hepburn. Reading Mr. Spoto's biography of Audrey Hepburn shows a huministic side of the actress and woman the world loved and adored. This book is a wonderful addition to Sean Ferrer's book and Barry Paris's book. I am sure anyone that buys this book will enjoy it as much as I do.

Hepburn's Life and Career Skillfully Examined With Sympathy and Offers Some Surprises
There are already a number of posthumous biographies of the fabled star on the market, the most notable being her son Sean Hepburn Ferrer's loving 2003 memoir, "Audrey Hepburn, An Elegant Spirit: A Son Remembers". Author Donald Spoto adds another one, a respectful portrait that may lack the personal detail Ferrer provides but at the same time, allows enough distance from the subject to be a bit more objective. In 1983, Spoto wrote a fascinating profile of Alfred Hitchcock where the legendary filmmaker came across as a repressed, twisted individual whose outlet was the terror he could instill in his films. This time, he etches an in-depth portrait of a woman whose vulnerability, personal insecurity, and innate love of family endeared her to all those exposed to her - Hepburn's inner circle, friends, colleagues, lovers and ultimately the world.
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Subjects:  1. 1929-1993    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Entertainment & Performing Arts - Actors & Actresses    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. Hepburn, Audrey,    10. Individual Movie Actors And Actresses    11. Motion picture actors and actresses    12. United States    13. Women    14. Biography & Autobiography / Entertainment & Performing Arts   

Reviews (68)

A must read for anyone who aspires to live better
While I find most food writing, particularly autobiographies, tiring to the core this book warmed my jaded little heart.
From Awkward Tourist to French Cooking Fame!
My Life in France is the most entertaining memoir I've read in 2006!It's a winner.
"Splendid"
What an incredible read!If you tire of the endless array of predictable fiction plots based on dysfunctional psychological drama, read this as a tribute to the life of a cultural icon.If you have any bias against French established cultures, please read this - it'll give you a more objective frame of reference from Julia Child's perspective. She not only embraced France but took that passion she found and made it her success.Positive and humorous.I loved it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Cookery, French    6. Cooking    7. Cooking / Wine    8. Cooks    9. France    10. French Cookery    11. History    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Regional & Ethnic - French    14. United States    15. Women    16. Cooking / History   

Editorial Review

"Long before it legally served me, the bar saved me," asserts J.R. Moehringer, and his compelling memoir Read more

Reviews (82)

A Friend of Mine Recommended and I love her for it
A friend of mine recommended this book to me and I am so glad she did. A sweet and entertaining read that dipped into the more important parts of a young man's life. I loved Moehringer's moments of clarity that he disperses throughout the text - moments he remembers with "the men" that he knows shaped the man he was to become. Never overly sentimental but clearly emotional in a practical, thankful, respectful way. Well done.

"And Plaaaan-dome Roah---ohd!!!"
How many times have I heard the conductor (or The Voice on the Intercom) say this when I travel the LIRR -- but have I ever been there?? Never---well, wait... YES!! I've been there vicariously ...In the pages of JR's book!!
A great American memoir
Unlike any other memoir I've read.Yes, it has the telltale family strife, growing pains, life lessons etc., but the setting and premise of the story is very unique.I have never heard of a bar described in so many ways, it often reads likes poetry.I guarantee you will not be able to enter a bar and see it in the same light again! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Arizona    2. Bars (Drinking establishments)    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography And Autobiography    7. Biography/Autobiography    8. Editors, Journalists, Publishers    9. Journalists    10. Manhasset    11. New York (State)    12. Personal Memoirs    13. Social aspects    14. United States    15. Bartenders   

Reviews (12)

Bringing the message home
This is a book you will want to share with colleagues, patients, family and friends if you are in an integrative medicine healing practice. Those that "get" what you are doing will love it for its clear description of our vision. Those that don't "get" what you are doing, may very well after reading this extremely well written, passionate story. Matthew understands that yoga goes far beyond his personal experience or any story for that matter. He uses his story to share how yoga is indeed a "waking" of the human consciousness and a responsiblity for us all. His use of humor, irony and candor make for an engaging, personal experience while pushing the reader to look beyond their personal limits.

The Connection of Mind and Body
This memoir was a fabulous read.I couldn't put it down once I started.Matthew's story of his accident and recovery was heartbreaking, but the inspiration he provides for all of us gives ushope that we toocan overcome the obstacles we face in our ownlives. We do not stand apart from Matthew, but we walk with him, all of us.I feel that Matthew does not what us to feel sorry for him, but to learn from him that we all can be whole, healthy and live productive lives.I was amazed by his insights and the poetic elegance of his writing.This author will go far.Read it!

Waking, by Matthew Sanford
This was an awesome book.A great story for anyone really, but very helpful as well to those in the medical or alternative health care field, as I am a massage therapist. I found the linking of trauma and injury with the body very helpful in understanding clients and even my own limitations or prior injuries, it proves that your muscles do remember and even have flashbacks to trauma incurred to the body.I was totally inspired by Matthew and all he went through and accomplished during his journey back to health and Im so grateful that he shared it with us. It is also a good book for anyone experiencing aging in their bodies to read as well, lots of helpful insight for all of us as we start to disconnect from our bodies because of limitations or injury or age.Very inspiring and uplifting and hopeful. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Health aspects    6. Paraplegics    7. Personal Memoirs    8. Specific Groups - Special Needs    9. Yoga    10. Biography: general    11. Coping with disability    12. True stories of endurance & survival   

Reviews (105)

grand ole' time
Hilarious encounters and stories involving ample idiots and alcohol.A great read, but definitely not for the sensitive types.My female friends and I all loved it!Word for the wise, you need a cynical outlook and sick sense of humor to enjoy.But if you're a slightly twisted individual as myself who has no problem laughing at other's unfortune/stupidity, you will have a field day with this quick and easy read. I may even inspire you to take down some of your own unbelievable stories.

Hilarious
I didn't know how funny a book can be until I was reading this book. I didn't think reading it in public would be that bad, but apparently, bursting out in hysterical laughter on the eliptical machine in the gym is a little frowned upon, especially if I accidentally mension the fact that he shat all over himself during my laugh. I believe I fell in love with Tucker just a little, but too bad he doesn't look as good as he does on the cover, the little chubster. Hopefully, I hear of more encounters with women that aren't blonde haired and blue eyed. He should visit hawaii where he can get more variety.