Editorial Review

This spiral-bound journal, conceived by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is designed to encourage writers to explore their life stories and unleash dormant creativity. Every two-page spread is exquisitely bordered by a wood print leaf pattern and includes a sage little quote to set the mood or beckon the muse (such as "People who keep journals have life twice." --Jessamyn West). The large format (11.25 by 9.75 inches) gives writers plenty of room to scrawl down their thoughts and even offers ample space for adding personal artwork or gluing in cut-out images. Several pocket folders are bound into the back for carrying clippings, postcards, or dry leaves--whatever whimsy dictates. Because it is spiral bound (with a sturdy wrap-around cover), writers can lay the book flat while at work--a major convenience.Read more

Reviews (5)

Very enjoyable
There isn't too much writing in this book actually. It revolves mostly around making series of collages from amgazine clippings, etc around different self discovery themes. This is a refreshing change from the usual "Write, write, write!" I found that I felt MORE creative and very relaxed. It's a fun return to the "paste and scissors" free-for-all of your early school days. Great book
But what is twaddle again? Guess you have to be from VA to know.....

The Illustrated Discovery Journal
As an Art student,I have discovered the power of creating through collages.It is an easy way for everyone to be artistic regardless of drawing or painting skill.Your creations can speak to you in a verypowerful way and give you insight that would not otherwise be so easilyaccessed.I highly recommend this book for fun and discovery. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Blank Books/Journals    2. Collage    3. Conduct of life    4. Emotions    5. General    6. Journal Writing    7. Personal Growth - General    8. Psychology    9. Self-realization    10. Women    11. Psychology & Psychiatry / Emotions    12. Self-Help & Practical Interests   

Reviews (50)

Great Visual Book
This book is awesome, its full of amazing pictures that capture the real britney. Even if your not a britney fan you will still admire all of the awesome pictures. This is a must have for any die hard britney fan like myself.

AWESOME
The DVD & poster are great bonus with book. Fully illustrated. I must have for all fans or collecters.

Oh please??
Get real. Britney is So out of date. Not anyone to follow. HA! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Composers & Musicians - General    5. Composers & Musicians - Pop    6. Pictorial works    7. Singers    8. Spears, Britney    9. United States    10. Women   

Reviews (8)

Excellent
I already loved Carolyn Custis James's writing after I read, "When Life and Beliefs Collide." (In fact, I require it in a seminary class I teach.) But after reading "Lost Women of the Bible" I'm convinced she is one of the most important voices in Christendom today. Through James's exporation of Esther, whom God used to rescue His people from genocide, we learn that God's design for woman is not to "be rescued by men" (as is often taught), but rather to partner with them. Through Tamar we see that a woman considered one of the bad girls of the Bible is actually a shining example of loyal love. James guides the reader to look afresh at these and other key Bible characters. In the process she helps both women and men see who God made them to be and how they are designed to interact. Hers is an important message for any era.
I enjoyed this book
What an amazing read!Very thought provoking and enjoyable. Carolyn did an excellant job with her research into biblical times and even more so at using the choices of their lives to impact the lives that we live today.Definately one of the better books that I've read.Now I will have to get her other book,too!

A super book
This little gem of a book has such clarity and liveliness that I would not hesitate to put it into the hands of a teen; at the same time, it contains such significant theological insights that it also belongs in the hands of clergy and those in professional ministry.And women of all ages who are thirsting for strong biblical role models will indeed find the "strength and significance" James promises in her sub-title.
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Subjects:  1. Bible - Topical Studies    2. Bible Study Guide    3. Christian women    4. Christianity - Christian Life - General    5. Christianity - Christian Life - Women's Issues    6. Religion    7. Religion - Biblical Studies    8. Religious life    9. Spirituality - General    10. Women And Religion (General)    11. Women in the Bible    12. Biography: general    13. Christian Interest    14. Religion / Christian Life    15. The Bible   

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Feminism & Feminist Theory    7. Feminists    8. Incest victims    9. Political    10. Political activists    11. Specific Groups - Lesbians    12. United States    13. Women    14. Biography: general    15. Social Science / Gender Studies    16. USA   

Reviews (16)

An extraordinary story
When I hear complaints from friends I guide them to this inspiring story, a young girl whose happy childhood was brutally interrupted by the violence of war.I cannot imagine the grief and fear she endured being alone in Germany for two years while selfless German physicans and nurses diligently cared for Farah around the clock.I was blown away when I read on page 211 that it was my own book, Princess, that played a role in Farah's life.Alyce, a heroine in the story, had been led to reach out and help others due to her reaction to the book I had written about Princess Sultana Al-Saud, and the documented horrors of her own childhood in Saudi Arabia.I applaud Farah and Alyce for their determinations...I, for one, would enjoy a follow-up to this story, and will forever mourn the disappearance of Farah's brothers, who slipped from their lives like an evaoporating mist.Jean Sasson, author of PRINCESS

A great book and an even better author
This is an amazing story.Farah is very inspiring. Sometimes I was scared and sometimes I was happy--and sometimes I just wanted to jump into the story and rescue Farah from all her difficulties.This makes you appreciate your life a lot more.

Inspired
Iread this book in one evening, I just could not put it down. It was a very true look at how things are for children living in Afganistan, and the courage to change ones life to better herself. I was touched by her strength and her ambition and I think this book should be read by all teens who think the have bad lives and teens who want to better the world. I would love to know how she is now and what things she has done with her life. You just want to take her into your arms and never let go,Thank you Farah for sharing this incredible story . ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Elements In The U.S. Population    5. Ethnic Cultures - General    6. Personal Memoirs    7. Refugees    8. Women    9. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (153)

Review From An Old Fart
I have read Notaro's books out of order.Although this was her first, I read it after a couple of more recent ones.I did enjoy this one and thought some parts were funny, but since I am middle aged and way past the single and young days, I could not like it as much as the others.Now that I have read The Idiot Girls' Action-Adventure Club...I can officially say that I have entered Old Farthood.I found myself shaking my head and clicking my tongue...horrrifying, but true.If only Laurie had written this in the 80's.Anyway, there's a Laurie book for everyone.I'm reading them all!

I can sum up this book in one word:
"Fun."
Clumsy Fall Into This Book
And I was pleasantly surprised!! I wasn't sure if I would enjoy this type of book (short stories) as it's not my usual genre.However, I gave this one a try and promptly returned to Amazon to order three more of her books.
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Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Biography    3. Essays    4. Form - Essays    5. General    6. Humor    7. Humorists    8. Humorists, American    9. Notaro, Laurie    10. United States    11. Young women    12. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (77)

A Necessary Follow-up
I read the first book in the "Princess" series and read this one soon after. At first, it was a bit less exciting than the first book in the trilogy, as it has far less shocking new stories and startling information about life in Saudi Arabia.
Followup
This book was filled with a lot of depressing stories, albeit, they were told well and interesting, but they were depressing. However, if you liked the first Princess book, there is no doubt that you'll enjoy this one too.
Moving...
I read this book without having read 'Princess:A true story of life behind a veil in Saudi Arabia' and can say without that background I found it exceptional, disturbing, but still exceptional.I find it interesting to know the intricacies of how people from cultures different to mine live.Having an appreciation of Islam myself, it is, in my opinion not the religion that is the 'excuse' for the behaviour of the males in this publication, but simply, I suggest, tradition, and if I can be so crude as to say, 'pig-headed, male arrogance'!
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Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Middle East - Saudi Arabia    6. Princesses    7. Royalty    8. Saudi Arabia    9. Social conditions    10. Women    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Women's Studies   

Reviews (8)

Beautifully & movingly written blend of memoir. journalism, history
Finding/discovering a vanished father. Untangling a terrible and terrifying, deeply saddening history of a place, personal and poltical, on which colonialism, broken promises, fear, racism, and inter-tribal rivalries and conflicts have all trod. What happens when ideals, hope, and education run up against such a history. The close-up, precise remains of a child's memory, feelings, and confusions overlaid with an adult daughter's detailed investigative and journalistic skills. All of these are part of this compulsively readable book, which tells the story of a family, a country (Sierra Leone), and a world torn apart and painstakingly, to whatever extent possible, reconstructed --- at least in the author's own hard-won understanding. I am a white American who happened on this book by accident. I love and respect memoirs where the author is transparent of heart and mind, especially in the context of a larger societal, political, or situational challenge. This book met these criteria with stunning precision. I could not put Aminatta Forna's courageous book down, and have been recommending it to everyone I know.

Compelling, but....
It is a difficult topic to write about, that relationship between father and daughter. In this case, the narrative is compelling and intensely personal, so much so that it is difficult to get a sense of who Mohammed Forna actually was. Sierra Leone, contrary to its image in the media, was a complex society, and the whole relationship of the Creoles and the 'upline' people is at the very centre of the post colonial struggle. Ms. Forna treats very very lightly with that.
Gripping introduction to Sierra Leone?s convoluted politics
As a gripping introduction to Sierra Leone's convoluted post-Independence politics, this book is unmatched. Read more

Subjects:  1. 1961-    2. Africa - General    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. Childhood and youth    7. Forna, Aminatta    8. Forna, Mohamed    9. Historical - General    10. History & Theory - General    11. Personal Memoirs    12. Political    13. Political History    14. Politics and government    15. Sierra Leone    16. West Africa - History    17. Women   

Reviews (17)

Author went through hell
I am not an abused wife or battered woman, but I can still appreciate what the author went through.She gives the reader a mostly detailed journey through her personal hell.Having said that I find it puzzling that she would choose to go to a costume party as Nicole Brown and OJ Simpson, complete with ketchup on her neck.It was in terrible taste and the author tries to explain it by saying "the reality behind the charade was too important for me to abandon".Then she goes to tell that others at the party thought it was in bad taste and her italicized comments are "that they missed the point."Not surprisingly they did, didn't they. Apparently, she thought they would immediately realize she was abused? She also admits her two youngest children were quite disturbed seeing her dressed like that and she told them it was a game and left it to the babysitter to explain.I, for one, don't look for hidden meanings in Halloween costumes and since Ms. Weldon stressed her love and devotion to her children and how she didn't want them affected by the abuse, I find her attitude about the costumes and her children very strange to say the least. The real deal
Michele Weldon does a magnificent job describing her harrowing journey through domestic violence, and she does so with clarity and unflinching honesty.Domestic violence crosses all socio-economic and cultural boundaries.Just as no two women are alike, no two violent marriages are identical; Ms. Weldon explains her own experience in such a way that anyone living through this hell will see some element of her own situation. Great for a woman who has left an abusive marriage
Thank you Michele Weldon for writing your journey through living and leaving an abusive husband. ---Read more

Subjects:  1. 1958-    2. Abuse - General    3. Abuse - Physical    4. Abused wives    5. Biography    6. Case studies    7. Literary Criticism    8. Literature: Classics    9. Self-Help    10. United States    11. Weldon, Michele,    12. Wife abuse    13. Women Authors    14. Women's Studies - General    15. Biography: general    16. Domestic violence    17. Self-Help / Substance Abuse    18. Women's studies   

Reviews (22)

The "She-Wolf" of France
First off let me just say that I have read a number of books by Alison Weir and she really has shown herself to be the best biographer of English Monarchs currently alive today. With Isabella we may very well have her best biography yet. She sets out to give people a sense of who Isabella really was, not simply the Braveheart version of her or the "she-wolf" version of her. She shows her as who she really was, a very brave, caring, neglected, mis-treated, and powerful woman in a world where women were regarded as little more than property.
Very well written biography of Isabella, but.....
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Weir's biography of Queen Isabella and the demise of Edward II of England.Very well written, and much easier to read than Weir's earlier biography of Eleanor of Aquataine.Having said that, I found myself a bit dismayed by two things: 1. Very difficult to figure out what year events occurred; this author, like many others, wrote entire chapters which gave months & days, but I found myself going back in the narrative repetitively to try and determine the year...and 2. Clearly Ms. Weir's purpose was to do her best to absolve Isabella of Edward II's death!She tries very hard to make a case that Edward was in fact not killed at Berkeley Castle, but rather escaped and lived the rest of his life in exile, primarily in Italy.I found this hard to believe, and the evidence to that effect a bit lacking.One situation which really caught my eye was Weir's statement that Edward's body (or that of a substitute if he in fact was not killed but escaped?) was IMMEDIATELY embalmed and completely wrapped in waxed "cerecloth" after his death in October, 1327.The body was then kept at Berkeley until December when it was released to the Abbot of Gloucester to be buried in St. Peter's Abbey, Gloucester...at which time "the corpse had been dressed in the late King's coronation robes, including his shirt, coif, and gloves...".I found myself wondering how they "dressed" a body that was COMPLETELY wrapped in waxed cloth? Interesting! From my perspective, I don't see that Isabella needed then or now "absolution" for the death of Edward II.He was a very bad king, betrayed her repeatedly with both Gaveston and De Spenser, took away her income, seperated her from her children, etc.The way I see it, Isabella likely harbored a deadly and undying hatred for her husband, and would've wanted to ensure that, after his overthrow, he would NEVER be able to return.Nevertheless, an outstanding book and well worth the time of any reader wanting to better understand the life and times of Isabella of France and her husband, Edward II.

Outstanding author
Allison Weir is an outstanding author who takes a fresh look at Queen Isabella.She paints a picture of a woman who takes on the debauchery and misrule of Edward II and his consorts, and saves England from tyranny.Not only does Weir provide a convincing argument that Isabella was a strong and intelligent ruler, she also shows evidence that Isabella was compassionate and spiritual.Isabella did what needed to be done in a time when women were easily pushed aside simply because of their gender.
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Subjects:  1. 1292-1358    2. Biography    3. Biography & Autobiography    4. Biography / Autobiography    5. Biography And Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Edward II, 1307-1327    8. General    9. Great Britain    10. Historical - British    11. History    12. Isabella,    13. Queen, consort of Edward II, King of England,    14. Queens    15. Royalty    16. Women    17. Biography & Autobiography / General   

Reviews (33)

Unforgettable
The last century was so fast-moving, so eventful -so strange and dense in colossal, nightmarish events -that it will be very difficult for future generations to get an accurate feel for it.Indeed, even for someone like me, who lived through half of it, I know that my knowledge and memories are too patchwork and too personal to allow for a deep understanding of the 20th Century, unless I keep working at expanding my knowledge of it.That is why records such as A Woman In Berlin are so important.Here is a rare, direct, honest account of momentous events from the heart of the greatest human conflagration of all time.
True enough, but something's fishy
Any diary written by a German adult that begins on April 20th and does not immediately note that that was the Fuhrer's birthday is immediately suspect. But if it is fraudulent, fraudulent in what regard? Certainly the author's experience rings true as any surviving Berlinerin of the spring of 1945 can attest. What makes the book so interesting--captivating, even--is the spunk of the author. She keeps her spirits up in spite of having to sleep for food; indeed, in order to lessen the crudeness of her attackers' rapes, she maneuvers her overnight guest list from Russian recruits to Russian officers.
Excellent
This book provides excellent insight into the dangers that women face in the midst of a war zone. Though it lacks a broad overview of the issue, this book offers perhaps the frankest account of mass rape during war. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography And Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. General    6. Historical - General    7. History - General History    8. Military - World War II    9. Modern - 20th Century    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Women    12. Women's Studies - General    13. World War II    14. History / Modern / 20th Century   

Reviews (28)

Absorb the message, avoid writing like the messenger
Abelar's generous sharing of secret shamanism/sorcery knowledge and her tutelage from the tradition of Yaqui Indian brujo Don Juan was insightful and in many ways, useful for self-healing, whatever one's path. For instance, there is great value in the recapitulation, visualization and breathing exercises; regardless if you are a man or woman, the exercises help clean the psychic aura, move negative energy, and assist in grounding after emotional trauma.
The Sorcerer's Crossing: A Woman's Journey
A very informative book with a very feminine viewpoint but still helpful for men as it has some very pratical exercises.

if you want to change your personal history read this
I love the way she draws you into the 'story' while showing you how to set yourself free. If you read this book with an open mind and heart you will be able to apply the insights to your own life.
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Subjects:  1. Magick Studies    2. New Age / Body, Mind & Spirit    3. Religion    4. Spirituality - General    5. Biography: general    6. Body, Mind & Spirit / Parapsychology    7. Magic & alchemy    8. Mexico    9. Mind, Body, Spirit    10. Wicca   

Reviews (1)

A Woman I Would Like You to Know
With the words of the title of this review, Esther Schor introduces the reader to Emma Lazarus (1849 -1887)in her newly-published biography of this late-nineteenth Century American poet, essayist, novelist, critic, and social activist for newly-arrived immigrants. Schor is Professor of English at Princeton University, a poet in her own right, and the editor of the Cambridge Companion to Mary Shelley. Her biography of Emma Lazarus is part of a series of books called "Jewish Encounters" edited by Jonathan Rosen and "devoted to the promotion of Jewish literature, culture, and ideas."
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Subjects:  1. 19th Century American Literature    2. 19th century    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. Jewish - General    8. Jewish American Literature    9. Literary    10. Poets, American    11. United States    12. Women social reformers    13. Zionists    14. Biography & Autobiography / Literary   

Features

• Box set

Subjects:  1. 1969-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography/Autobiography    5. Comic books, strips, etc    6. Fine Arts    7. Iran - History    8. Satrapi, Marjane,    9. Women    10. Biography & Autobiography / Women   

Subjects:  1. 1900-1970    2. Art    3. Art & Art Instruction    4. Art dealers    5. Artists, Architects, Photographers    6. Biography    7. Biography / Autobiography    8. Business    9. Downtown Gallery (New York, N.Y.)    10. General    11. Halpert, Edith Gregor,    12. Historical - General    13. New York    14. New York (State)    15. Reference    16. Women    17. Art sales & auctioneering    18. Biography: general   

Editorial Review

Screenwriter Frances Marion (1888-1973) is the central subject of this excellent book, but mega-star Mary Pickford, journalist Adela Rogers St. Johns, bit-player-turned-gossip-columnist Hedda Hopper, and other high-powered female friends get nearly equal time. The author's skillful mix of biography with Hollywood history results in a densely textured portrait of an industry in formation and the intelligent, ambitious women who seized the opportunities it offered them for creative expression and financial independence. The text also instills new appreciation for the artistry of silent movies. ... Read more

Reviews (12)

Pure Inspriration
This is a must have for any aspiring artist in this industry. Male or Female. It truly does her story justice. I learned so much about the ins and outs of such a remarkable era. Must Read!
Entertaining and Informative
With great appreciation, Without Lying Down tells the story of how women influenced the movie industry in its infancy.The author clearly admires the women she writes about without appearing to compromise her objectivity.The book is well-researched and rich with entertaining details about the world of Frances Marion.The story moves along at a nice pace and the book is well written.It was easy to imagine the challenges and adventures Frances encountered in the days when Hollywood was still taking shape.It is difficult to read the book and not feel a little sad that women don't enough influence in the stories Hollywood tells today.

A long gone girlfriend
After reading Ms. Beauchamp's biography of Frances Marion, I felt that I knew Frances...and felt a bit sad that we would no longer "hang out" within these pages.Read more

Subjects:  1. 1888-1973    2. 20th century    3. Biography    4. Biography & Autobiography    5. Biography / Autobiography    6. Biography/Autobiography    7. California    8. Entertainment & Performing Arts - General    9. Film & Video - History & Criticism    10. Film & Video - Screenwriting    11. Friends and associates    12. History    13. Literary    14. Los Angeles    15. Marion, Frances,    16. United States    17. Women    18. Women in the motion picture in    19. Women in the motion picture industry    20. Women screenwriters    21. American English    22. Biography: film, television & music    23. Biography: historical    24. Biography: political    25. Film & television screenplays    26. Films, cinema    27. Marion, Frances    28. Performing Arts / General    29. Plays & playwrights: from c 1900 -    30. Social history    31. USA    32. Women's studies   

Reviews (223)

For Laci
This book is an incredible tribute by a mother to her daughter. Every mom should read this, I loved it and could hardly put it down.

Bravo, Sharon!
I still can't stop crying as I write this, having just finished this heart-wrenching, inspiring book that should be a must read for anyone who is a mother or who has ever loved a child. Sharon Rocha brings her beautiful daughter to life again and ensures that Laci will live forever. She certainly will live in my heart forever and will always have my thoughts and prayers with her. God Bless Sharon Rocha and her angel, Laci.

Was very interested in her perspective
I followed this case from the begining, and was riveted.I always wondered what Sharon Rocha though and felt as she went through this horrible tragedy.While reading the book, I kept wanting the story to change, as if I didn't know the ending.I also kept shaking my head at the senslessness of Laci's murder.I learned details of the case I hadn't heard before, and a different perspective of some of the same things I'd read in other books, namely the disgusting behavior of the Peterson family. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography / Autobiography    4. Biography And Autobiography    5. Biography/Autobiography    6. California    7. Modesto    8. Murder    9. Murder victims    10. Personal Memoirs    11. Trials (Murder)    12. Women    13. Biography & Autobiography / Personal Memoirs   

Reviews (23)

Couldn't put it down
Amazing story, beautifully written.It has all the elements of an exciting novel, and it is true, which makes it even more awesome.

loss...
A Persian friend gave me this book. I couldn't put it down, so poetic and real. As we live in times of war and devastation, this book reminds us of the power of ideologies and politics.
A real eyeopener
Reading Roya's accounting of her ordeal gives one a profound feeling of the reality of the time.It is amazing that Roya's experience had such an effect on her that the details still remain intact for her reproduce such an amazing book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Biography & Autobiography    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Ethnic Cultures - General    5. General    6. History Of Women (General)    7. Iran - History    8. Judaism - General    9. Middle East - Iran    10. Women    11. Women's Studies - General    12. Asian / Middle Eastern history: postwar, from c 1945 -    13. Biography & Autobiography / General    14. Biography: general    15. Iran    16. Revolutions & coups    17. c 1980 to c 1990   

Reviews (42)

Amazing and inspiring read!
I was a fan of Angelina's prior to buying this book, but after reading it, I gained more respect for her as a humanitarian worker. This is a fascinating insight into her work with UNHCR as she traveled through several countries and kept a journal. These are her journal entries as she was working within the countries. I couldn't put the book down and learned so much about UNHCR and other orgranizations working within countries. It is well-worth reading and I gurantee that you will learn a tremendous deal about UNHCR and gain respect for the refugees as well as admire Angelina for her work with the agency.

Incredible & Horrifying
I admire Angelina Jolie for leaving behind her Hollywood sanctuary to become a Goodwill Ambassador for the UNHCR and taking the trips as she describes in these journals. The stories she tells are so real and scary, it's a sad reminder of what goes on in other parts of the world. Don't expect exceptional writing, but stark reality as noted during the events that Jolie witnessed.I would love to see another set of her journals from trips in later years.

Inspiring Book
I've always liked Angelina Jolie but had sometimes had doubt in her charity work as more than a publicity ploy. Once you read this book it is impossible to doubt her sincerity. It is a quick and easy read but still a very good one. As someone wanting to work with NGOs and be a International Social Worker this book just reinforced that going down that track was not only a great idea but much needed. I think everyone should read this book if for nothing else it helps you to realize just how lucky you are. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1975-    2. Biography & Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. General    5. Jolie, Angelina,    6. Nonfiction    7. Refugees    8. Travel    9. Women    10. Aid & relief programmes    11. Biography & Autobiography / Women    12. Travel writing