Reviews (4)

Nest in the Wind - worth reading
Novel type account of femal antho, well written, easy read.

Personal touch
This book is an ethnography of the people of Pohnpei.The author accompanied her husband to Pohnpei during the 1970s and they lived there together for several years.In the 1940s, army doctors had noted that the people of Pohnpei all had quite low blood pressure.Ward and her husband were the anthropologist components of a team that was trying to determine whether the initial blood pressure observations were accurate, and if so, whether societal influences seemed to be playing a role.Although the blood pressure study was the impetus for going to Pohnpei, and provides much of the framework for Ward's time on Pohnpei, this book isn't about that project.Instead, the book describes how Ward gradually integrated herself into the culture to the greatest extent that she could during her limited stay.
Adventures on a Tropical Island
This book is the best example of pre-modern life on Pohnpei anywhere. Recent visits to websites and stuff have shown me that much of the culture talked about in this book has already disappeared or soon will. If you are taking anthropology, or just interested in the culture of the island, this book will satisfy you. Well written and informative. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - Cultural    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Ethnology    4. Micronesia (Federated States)    5. Pohnpei Island    6. Pohnpei Island (Micronesia)    7. Social Science    8. Social Science / Anthropology / Cultural    9. Social Science / Customs & Traditions    10. Social life and customs    11. Sociology    12. Sociology - General    13. Customs & Traditions    14. Ethnography   

Editorial Review

Not since Truman Capote's Read more

Reviews (21)

A First Hand View into Angola Prison
Bergner's inside look reads more like an expose than a historical account, not surprising when one takes into consideration his background as a journalist. This account, however, it must be noted takes into account an extensive history of Angola State Prison. Bergner spent time there performing the work of a sociologist: observing, writing, detailing, getting to know the inmates on a personal basis; and even sometimes getting caught in the political tides of the prison administration. This work is as much designed for the general reader who seeks an understanding of the life of a prisoner as much as it is for the student of criminal justice or political science who seeks a knowledge base in prison life. Bergner's talents are clearly on display in this sociological masterpiece that clearly details the emotions of prison life. The graphic behavior exhibited by the characters in this work only serve to intensify the reality of prison life and drive home the point that Bergner makes, chiefly being that Angola State Prison, much like any other prison, is a world apart from normal society. This work is an inside view of that other world. It shocks just the same as Jonathan Kozol's Savage Inequalities.

great material, poorly done
The narrative jumps around, unfocused and unsure of itself, and never truly captures the convicts. No dramatic tension and anti-climactic.

Bull-riding behind bars
This book is only incidentally about rodeo, and even less about God. Yes, Bergner uses a prison rodeo as the structural device to build this account of prison life around. But it's not any kind of rodeo you would see authorized by the PRCA. The events are more treacherous, and the men who participate have no experience. They are a spectacle for a crowd of people looking for the same kind of thrills that drew ancient Romans to the Coliseum.Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Louisiana    3. Penology    4. Politics - Current Events    5. Politics / Current Events    6. Prisoners    7. Recreation    8. Rodeos    9. Social Science    10. Sociology    11. United States - State & Local - General    12. Modern fiction    13. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Reviews (2)

Planning a medieval Party?
If you are planning a Medieval Celebration of any kind this is a great book to buy. My Fiancee and I have been looking for medieval books to plan our wedding by and I stumbled across this one its been very helpful and I'm sure it will get alot of use. It has many tradations recipes and lots of fun games a must have.

So-So Information for Event Planning
My fiance and I purchased this book as we are planning a medieval wedding. The title and description of this book implied that we would find lots of valuable information on that topic. Well, we found lots of valuable information for feast planning, or putting on a re-enactment (a la Society for Creative Anachronism), and very little concerning period wedding traditions. The most interesting parts were the recipes/redactions and the instructions for medieval dance steps. There are also several pages that contain sheet music for period songs. If you are looking to put on a reenactment or feast, this is the book for you. If you are looking for anything else, I suggest you look elsewhere. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Europe - Great Britain - General    4. Festivals    5. History    6. History: World    7. Holidays (non religious)    8. Manners and customs    9. Medieval    10. Medieval, 500-1500    11. Medievalism    12. Social history    13. Sociology    14. World - General    15. Europe    16. European history (ie other than Britain & Ireland)    17. United Kingdom, Great Britain    18. World history: BCE to c 500 CE   

Reviews (4)

Massage Parlors of the Ego
For many years, Japan's hardworking salarymen (men working in middle and large size companies engaged in various businesses) have repaired to special clubs after hours to drink and be entertained by women of a demi-monde.Geishas worked in this way in their day, but now, the traditional aspects of Japanese culture that were personified in the geisha are outmoded.The salarymen want ( or at least get) a more modern style woman.What goes on in such clubs ?What is the relationship of businesses to the clubs ?How do such clubs fit into the overall picture of Japanese culture ?Anne Allison became a hostess in one club for some months back in the 1980s.She didn't hide the fact that she was an anthropologist, but was accepted as a hostess anyway.The result is this most interesting and well-written book which answers all three questions very ably.Not only is the description of the research engrossing, but the author contests or agrees with the views of Japanese sociologists very capably.It is a very good idea to discuss what Japanese intellectuals think about hostess clubs, though most such people disparaged her research plan and thought that she would learn nothing.People like myself, who have not read such Japanese academics as Aida, Tada, Minami, Nakane, Ishikawa, Wagatsuma, or Yoda, but are interested in their arguments, will find the subsequent discussion most fascinating.Allison also weaves in some arguments from such theoreticians as Barthes and Lacan, but does not engage in the jargon which mars their work.
Not very good as anthropology, or a description of Japan
I read this book during research for an anthropology paper on women's labor in Japan, and was very un-impressed for the following reasons: Not particularly good anthropology, and dated as well
I used this book in preparing for an anthropology paper on women's roles in Japan, and regretted the choice.(As a quick note, I have been dragged to several hostess clubs while employed at a Japanese company.)The anthropology itself is pretty sloppy- the author seems oblivious to the fact that, as a westerner (before westerners became common in hostess clubs), her interactions will be extremely different from what normally happens in such clubs.The book is long on theory, but short on observation.I can not recommend it as anthropology, or as an accurate observation on Japanese sexuality. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Bars (Drinking establishments)    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Entertaining    4. Japan    5. Male friendship    6. Social Science    7. Sociology    8. Tokyo    9. Anthropology    10. Social Science / Customs & Traditions    11. Women's studies   

Reviews (22)

Breathes with appeal
This book is, by far, the most interesting yet technical book concerning psychoactive plants I've ever read. Plants of the Gods provides anthropological, botanical, and chemical information about every influential psychoactive plant known to man.
Superbly Average
The book is filled with an abundance of information but it's really oddly organized and difficult to follow.It's not quite a reference book, and not quite a history book.The graphic layout is the worse I've ever seen.Page after page is nothing but trivial imagery.We've all seen bad hallucinogenic art and picures of naked indigenous peoples whacked out of their minds.The space wasted on these photos would have been better spent telling the reader how to grow some of these plants.It does not contain any useful growing information, i.e. usda zones or propagation methods.There are chapters for several types of plants, but most of the chapters are in quotations.When this book was published, it was more than likely the best one-stop resource available.I will keep looking for this century's version.By all means, this book is okay until then.My advice, buy it cheap or keep looking.

great lexicon
As an ethnobotany-concentration student, I find this to be a very helpful book. It has beautiful illustrations, and a complete lexicon of poisonous/hallucinogenic plants with pictures and complete descriptions. My botany teacher who has his degree in ethnobotany currently is borrowing it from me and says it's a very good book, especially for its price. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Alternate Spirituality    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Ethnobotany    4. Hallucinogenic plants    5. Healing - General    6. Herbal Medications    7. Social Science    8. Sociology    9. Spirituality - General    10. Utilization    11. Family & Health    12. Medical / Drug Guides    13. Plant life: general   

Reviews (8)

Luckily, France actually is more interesting than this
The general notion is excellent, but the vignettes themselves are too mundane to hold the attention of anyone but the most generous of spirit.Simple, pastoral tales can be entertaining--witness "A Year in Provence"--but these ones are almost entirely without interest.Reading this book may be a more boring way to learn French words than simply memoraizing them.

Better blog than book.
The book was really a series of blogs published on paper.The actual blog is much more interesting because of the photos she includes on her blog.I recommend that next time she publishes her blog that she include the photos.
The book comes form a popular blog and newsletter written by an American woman
The book comes form a popular blog and newsletter written by an American woman living in Provence with her French husband and 'Frano-American' kids. Her long love of all things French led to a fascination by words and phrases which she hadn't learned through schooling - which then led to a lively blog about French culture, language and customs.
Read more

Subjects:  1. Americans    2. Customs & Traditions    3. Essays & Travelogues    4. Europe - France    5. France    6. French    7. French Language    8. Manners And Customs    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Social Science    11. Sociology    12. Travel - Foreign    13. Travel / General   

Reviews (2)

An Interesting Look At Japanese Culture
Since I am going to Japan this summer, I have taken many interests to different books about the country. This one in particular was a wonderful read because it wasn't just "Hey, this is how it works in Japan." It was more of a comparrison to the Japanese lifestyle to the American lifestyle. It also has feelings and oppinions from each culture. Like someone from Japan would state that Americans talk too much but then you would have someone from America say that the Japanese listen too much. I have already recommended this book to others I work with!
I work at a Japanese Company and recently participated in across-cultural learning class.This book was provided as apre-requisite to the class.I was able to get more out of this book than any other book on this subject that I had previously read. The book explains how children are raised in the Japanese Environment, their belief/value system, and how that translates into their eventual adult/working life environment.I have recommended this book to both people inside my company and Companies I deal with on a daily basis. It has taken some of the "mystery" out of the Japanese Culture for me. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Asia - Japan    2. Civilization    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Ethnic Studies - Asian American Studies    5. Japan    6. National characteristics, Japa    7. Social Science    8. Sociology   

Editorial Review

Dorling Kindersley Publishers never fail to create beautiful, engaging children's books, packed with fascinating information. In Read more

Reviews (9)

Very interesting and joyful
This is a very interesting book, with wonderful pictures and lots of joy. It's a book that makes you happy. Many of the celebrations were unknown to me, and it was fun to see that the Swedish celebration of St. Lucia is described correctly in the book (I'm Swedish).
Get your kids involved!
Avisually-rich companion peice to this wonderful kid-friendly introduction to world politics and cultures is "For a Better World: Posters from the United Nations" by EdwardMarks. More than half the posters feature the worlds' children and the plights they face, each in an artistic creation that inspires hope. What better way to educate children that "no human is an island"?

Gorgeous full-color large photos
I love this book and I use it all the time to teach children about other faiths and cultures.The beautiful, realistic photos make it great for sharing.When I am not using it, it makes a nice coffee table book.My only criticism is that it always makes me want to research more (not a lot of text, but the photos and illustrations make it worth having). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 People & Places    2. Children: Grades 3-4    3. Festivals    4. Holidays    5. Holidays & Celebrations - General    6. Juvenile Nonfiction    7. Juvenile literature    8. People & Places - General    9. Social Science - Customs, Traditions, Anthropology    10. Juvenile Nonfiction / Holidays & Festivals / General   

Subjects:  1. Clubs    2. England    3. London    4. London (England)    5. Men    6. Social life and customs    7. Societies and clubs   

Reviews (1)

GORGEOUS pictoral essay on this oh-so-very-Mexican holiday!!
BEAUTIFUL pictures!!!A photographer who captures the very HEART and SOUL of the people, and with a sensitivity to their culture and beliefs that merits the utmost applause!!!If you can't go to Michoacan on November 1st, this has got to be the next best thing to being there!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. All Souls' Day    2. Anthropology - Cultural    3. Archaeology / Anthropology    4. Customs & Traditions    5. Death And Dying (Sociological Aspects)    6. Holidays (non religious)    7. Manners And Customs    8. Mexico    9. Pictorial works    10. Social Science    11. Social life and customs    12. Sociology    13. Cultural studies    14. Customs   

Editorial Review

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Reviews (25)

Wickedly witty, wonderful, and wise
I never read the original (1963) edition of this ground-breaking expose of the "death care industry" (to use that industry's own euphemism), so I can't compare the "Revisited" (1998) edition to it. But it seems, since Mitford primarily addresses methods and practices, that much of the earlier work has been preserved. As other Amazon reviewers have noted, it can be confusing when trying to distinguish the "then" from the "now." Sometimes you simply have to guess based on the prices being discussed. But sadly, the reader can't help but realize that in most matters regarding the disposal of our dead, what was true then (the lying to customers about the "necessity" and "benefits" of enbalming; price gouging on caskets; secretive pricing and resistance to providing itemized price quotes and invoices; etc.) remains true today.
Jessica Was An Original
The late Jessica Mitford enticed me with the original "American Way of Death" in the 1960's. Her graphic description of the embalming process would later inspire me to follow in her work, as a muckracker and consumer advocate. One thing Jessica did was give me an out, if I didn't want to read about the embalming process she directed me to another page. I thought that was a great move on her part because some people just couldn't handle it.
Over-written but Thought-provoking!
A verbose, over-written book. Some say the original book was great; perhaps they're right.I don't know.I've only read this one, and through each chapter I kept wishing that the writer would get to the point and lay the facts on the table.I often found myself out of patience and skimming large sections.As for the funeral industry, I came away from the book thinking that the truth is probably somewhere in the middle.Yes, they'll take you, (and some funeral homes are probably very shady) but the funeral industry is a business too, and a necessary one that not too many of us want to do.And, of course, there are some morticians who doubtlessly see the business as their calling. The book has definitely persuaded me to think carefully about a burial plan and to research the funeral homes in my area. It didn't persuade me to steer away from a pre-need plan.I disagree with the "Buy now die Poorer" philosophy.I certainly don't want to put a $6,000+ bill on my kids.At any rate, this book will make you think seriously about your final earthly bill.
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Subjects:  1. American    2. Current Affairs    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Death & Dying    5. Economic aspects    6. Funeral rites and ceremonies    7. Industries - General    8. Sociology    9. Undertakers and undertaking    10. United States    11. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT    12. Social Science / Death & Dying    13. Sociology, Social Studies    14. USA   

Reviews (19)

Realy a nice junk book
Nothing inside, nothing usefull, 9$ for nothing.
disappointed
This book was primarily forms to use - very little actual information.I was disappointed it was not more helpful.

You have got be kidding me!!
"I wasted $7.00 on this booklet. I do not as a habit comment in a negative way. But, if I were you I would not purchase this booklet. I will never purchase an articles from this (FormerUS diplomat)author again. The booklet I got was the 7th edition I shuttler to think how 1-6 editions were composed. Go to the web and search for event planning, you will get more information than this booklet. Maybe ask you school age child or maybe your worse enemy and I can know you will get some useful information on event planning than in this trash" ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Planning    3. Social Science    4. Sociology    5. Special events    6. Public relations   

Reviews (26)

Well Written, Good Source
I am surprised to see so many negative reviews of this book.Unlike most authors who tackle the subject of the Philadelphia Experiment,Moore and Berlitz stick to hard evidence as much as possible, and attempt to make a genuine argument instead of simply printing incredible stories.The book is also well written, which is a testament to the professionalism of the authors.The problem it suffers from most is that many of its human sources wish to remain anonymous, which hinders any research ino their credibility.I am still skeptical of the whole incident, but here is my final thought:If you want to be entertained by Al Bielek, look elsewhere.If you want something with some real substance, Moore and Berlitz are your source.

where's the story?
I really thought I would be able to learn about the Philadelphia Project from this book, considering the title. However, the actual project doesn't make an appearence until the last chapter. The entire book focuses on ideas that may or may not have contributed to a project that may or may not have taken place.
Suspends your disbelief
Caveat - I wasn't exactly expecting to finish PE a die-hard believer.That said, I was unprepared for how much of my skepticism stemmed from the authors' willingness to believe anything, and mask their suspension of disbelief as objectivity.
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Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. History - Military / War    3. Military - Naval    4. Social Science    5. Sociology    6. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Reviews (2)

A book worth reading
This book is worth reading.As an early work (published in 1908), it has influenced many Anthropologists.Amazingly, it was not translated into English from French until 1960, so students (and others) who wished to read it had to be either fluent in French or willing to translate it sentence by sentence. A good text in anthropology
It suggests a theorticalframework for explaining many cultural beliefs. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthropology - General    2. Archaeology / Anthropology    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Rites and ceremonies    5. Anthropology    6. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Reviews (6)

This book is a must have for all new brides!
I saw this book advertised online and I bought it at our local book store when I became engaged. If you are a bride to be or in love or just love romance? This is the book for you the stories will tug at your heart strings, make you laugh,cry and even think about your new love. I am getting married this Nov 04 and the stories are AWESOME!
The Important Things
Upon reading this book, I am immediately reminded of how strong the bond between couples in love must be, and how they can be.The stories in "Bride's Soul" consistently serve to regenereate and reinforce the fact that a lifelong love becomes a relationship in which the importance of the individual's existence gladly takes a back seat to the value of the couple's happiness together.
Chicken Soup for the Bride's Soul
This great book had me laughing and crying with touching stories on every page. It is not only a great gift for any new bride, but for anyone who has ever been a bride. An excellent anniversary gift idea. This book puts the important things in life into crystal clear perspective. If you like a good love story you will LOVE 101 of them in one book! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anecdotes    2. Brides    3. Customs & Traditions    4. Inspirational    5. Inspirational - General    6. Manners And Customs    7. Marriage    8. Motivational & Inspirational    9. Reference    10. Social Science    11. Sociology - Marriage & Family    12. Weddings    13. Reference / Weddings   

Reviews (7)

kiss and tell
...(This book) is one of the best kissing books ever published. It's full of great kissing advice and for anyone interested in lip-to-lip romantic kissing, there just isn't a better book ...

a great practical guide
Here's a book that's great for experienced as well as new kissers. Anyone who cares about the romantic aspect of kissing will love it. The best thing about the book is that William Cane tells you how to do thirty different types of kisses. Most readers probably only know the french kiss so they'll learn a lot of new kissing techniques. The other benefit of the book is that it answers every question you could think of and is the most detailed treatment of the french kiss in print. After reading it you'll enjoy kissing more. Some other reviewers obviously didn't get the humor in the book but there's plenty of it, which is another big plus. A must read!

Boring
This book is very childish and the author often forgets that he's suppose to give us information on kissing. Sometimes, he just goes off into wild romance-style passages. I didn't buy the book for that. I want info, infoand more info. There are some things that are interesting, but the authorseems to have little to offer himself. He shares very little of his ownexperiences and constantly quotes anonymous school-girls throughout thelamo-book. I don't hate the book, it's just not informative enouph. Theauthor constantly seems to take the woman's side in most issues. What Ihated most about this book was that if your ever in a jam with something,lie to get out of it. What happened to honesty? If your going to be in arelationship and be a phony then you may as well not be in one. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. General    2. Interpersonal Relations    3. Kissing    4. Love & Romance    5. Love / Sex / Marriage    6. Manners and customs    7. Questions and answers    8. Self-Help    9. Self-Help / General   

Subjects:  1. Customs & Traditions    2. Social Science    3. Sociology    4. Sociology - General    5. Social Science / Customs & Traditions   

Reviews (3)

Lakoff Meet Schirch
Within the progressive movement, the term "worldview" is becoming increasingly recognized and valued, thanks to Lakoff's Don't Think of an Elephant and his focus on frames and perspectives.Lakoff identifies a weakness in fact-based movements: they fail to transform entrenched worldviews.Worldviews, Lakoff insists, are rooted in symbols and metaphors and prove intractable if approached by mere facts and figures.
Great resource for exploring symbolic aspects
As the peacebuilding field grows and professionalizes, there is an increasing body of literature on the subject.There is a great deal of research and writing exploring the material aspect of conflict, from delineating issue-based approaches to works aimed at developing concrete negotiation techniques.There is also a growing body of literature exploring the relational aspects of peacebuilding, focusing on processes of improving patterns of relating.Schirch's book, Ritual and Symbol in Peacebuilding, is one of the few resources for peacebuilders aimed at specificially exploring the symbolic aspects of conflict and peacebuilding.
Highly recommend!
Schirch highlights this oft missed element of peacebuilding.I found the book to be an excellent analysis and exploration of how we need to nurture the space for creative transformation.Very well written!A must read for anyone in the helping professions and relevant for everyone else as well. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Conflict management    2. Customs & Traditions    3. International Relations - General    4. Peace-building    5. Political Science    6. Political aspects    7. Politics/International Relations    8. Ritual    9. Sociology    10. Symbolism in politics    11. Conflict resolution   

Editorial Review

When the call went out to listeners of National Public Radio's Read more

Reviews (37)

These stories are America, from one paragraph to three pages long.
I love the stories in this book.I love how they are written by "real" people, not professional writers.I love how they are true, and how every one, no matter how short, makes you feel or learn something strong and beautiful.
hilarious!
This book gathers some of the funniest stories I've ever read, which is saying a lot since they were written by laymen, not professionals.The funny stories were laugh-out-loud funny.The heartwarming stories were touching without being corny.All were provocative because they were authentically relayed by real people.The cynic who said s/he already read these in a "Chicken Soup" book obviously didn't read this collection.I defy anyone to read the story "Rascal" without having a vivid image of the day, laughing out loud from the belly, and being satisfied at the story of someone getting what he deserved!I have read this out aloud many times it's so funny AND rightous.
Good Stories Have Power
In some ways I THOUGHT MY FATHER WAS GOD could be called "Chicken Soup for the NPR Soul." Like the titles in the familiar "Chicken Soup" series, this is a collection of stories from ordinary individuals that have a way of reaching readers. The selections in this volume stemmed from National Public Radio's ALL THINGS CONSIDERED National Story Project. The book is edited by noted writer Paul Auster who selected the stories included in this volume from nearly four thousand entries. The stories themselves range from the humorous and heartwarming to the serious. We meet a variety of people such as a woman who questions life after death when a lost ring is discovered; an artist who falls in love at first sight with a woman absorbed in Dickens' GREAT EXPECTATIONS; and a man who went to a Halloween party dressed as a priest, but gets a taste of ministry from people who have no idea its just a costume. These are juts a sampling of the many stories included in this work. The tales are varied, but share one common characteristic. All find meaning in ordinary events as we interact with the people in our lives: family members, friends, and sometimes strangers. Most of the contributors are not professional writers but each story is the creation of someone who has a desire to share an often times ordinary but deeply held story that needs to be told. When we finish reading the stories in this volume, we may be tempted to say "I can tell a story like that" and since these stories are so human and real, we probably can! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Anecdotes    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Customs & Traditions    6. Folklore & Mythology - Storytelling    7. History - U.S.    8. Oral history    9. Personal Memoirs    10. Social History    11. Social conditions    12. Social life and customs    13. United States    14. United States - 20th Century    15. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (11)

Outlandish, Outrageous Fun
A FUN Read.
Janice is NO lady, but she's VERY funny!
A lady? Are you kidding with all the f-bombs she drops in this books?Still, it's the very thing to shake folks up. In her book, this Zza Zza Gabor of the 21st Century gives us ordinary people a peek into her egocentric "fantastic plastic" world. Normally, that would just annoy me, but I had to laugh at some of the "meow" factor in this book...and let's face, it she does dispense good real-life advice when it comes to dating...stuff that people NEED to hear rather than what they want to hear...and from the voice of true experience rather than some smug but clueless married woman.