Rather ho-hum

So many mistakes! I've been crocheting for many years and could probably figure out the errors on my own, but for those just learning I can see how they would be very confused and discouraged. Most of the designs don't appeal to me or anyone that I know regardless of their ages. I have made an afghan from the skull potholder design charts and I've made the Jolly Roger sweater (another skull design) for my daughter. Nothing else appeals to me. If I'd had a look at this book in the shops instead of buying it sight unseen online, I'd have put it back on the shelf.

Brilliant Book

This is a must have for anyone who needs excellent expert advice to do with their little doggie. I'm thinking about my Beagle having a litter of her own in time and this book was recommended by her breeder and a local vets. It covers lots of info and is helpful in every area.

A must have!!

Stick to the TV series...................

I came to this after watching (and re-watching) the TV series.

As military history is a favourite subject of mine I thought I'd give the book on which the series is based a go, and? Well, I wish I hadn't bothered.

Firstly the book is written by an American, and is written, very much, from the American standpoint - need not have been a problem but as Ambrose would have it, the 'Band of Brothers' won the war single handedly and despite the assistance of the British (characterised, when they are very rarely mentioned, as incompetent, upper class toffs), the French (cowardly, untrustworthy etc). Actually Stephen, the war had been going on quite a while before D-Day (the first action of the 'screaming eagles').

The training camp may have been hard work but I'm sure it was infinitely better than actually doing something, you know, dangerous? fighting perhaps?, maybe Dunkirk?? Oh, but your boys had to run up Currahee in 40 minutes............

Then back to England for a bit of R&R

So where else did they see action? The Battle of the Bulge, horrific yes, but there own incompetence and lack of reconassaince almost certainly contributed to the situation they found themselves in - no mention of this, however.

Now, the big claim to fame - capturing the Eagles Nest - fine, I'll give them that one (although mention should be made of the fact that they put up roadblocks and stopped troops of other nations getting there), but in reality what did capturing this really involve? the Germans had virtually abandoned the place and the few remaining troops were hardly front line and ill prepared to meet any serious opposition. They turned up, looted the place, got drunk and that's about it...........

We spend most of the book in the company of Major Winters, and as mentioned in other reviews, he comes accross as rather self regarding, pompous and arrogant (fit's in well with Ambrose's attitude).

All in all, not worth bothering with if your interested in serious, unbiased military history.

Yes, they were a well trained group of fighting men, are they worthy of all the adulation? probably not in my opinion, or if they are, so are a lot of other people/squadrons/units that fought and suffered (a lot more in most cases) in the war

for all cat lovers!

Finished this last night and would definitely recommend it to anyone who has had the pleasure of sharing their life with a cat. Funny observations a lot of which I could realte to although I only have the 2 cats (for now....) Highly recommended!

Style worries banished

I found this book amazing, and plan on reading it a second time, this time carrying out research on the way. The underlying message is wear what you want as the most stylish item is your self-confidence. When reading the book's 'setting the scene', it makes you wish you were a witness to Nina's life as it sounds so exotic and indulgent, and makes you just keep on reading.

The clothing items you are advised to invest in are classic items that you always promise yourself you will buy, but in the end you let your head run away with the latest trends and go for the pair of rainbow platform shoes instead of the black cashmere cardy. This book gives reasons as to why you should believe in the basics, the crisp white shirt, the black cashmere. The only downfall is that it has the most beautiful drawings of chic ladies, but when the book describes items of clothing such as Jackie O's jeans, it doesn't show a picture of what is being referred to. But in all, love it, and it is taking pride of place on my bookcase.

Magnificent book

I bought this book for myself after birthday hints failed and what a treat it is. It is one of those books that is both beautiful and inspiring, providing lots of practical suggestions for creating stunning displays of edible plants - vital wghen you have minimal space.

The recipes are not prescriptive but form very sound guidance allowing you to adapt and experiment as you become more familiar with the plants and varieties out there.

I already had some basic knowledge of growing before buying this book but have never considered growing things to be a particularly complex issue worthy of the song and dance created by some. Even for a beginner I would say that there is enough in this book to provide the basic grounding anyone needs to be relatively successful with their plantings.

If you are inclined to get your nickers in a twist and need a basic Noddy's guide then this is probably not the book for you - but then it doesn't claim to be. There are plenty of books out there that will do the job instead. What this book does do is provide what many others don't - ideas for creating beautiful rather than just practical displays and guidance as to what plants compement each other well. The food recipes are an unusual and welcome addition.

I've got plans to recreate several of the schemes from this book next spring and in the meantime the book keeps coming off the bookshelves because it is just so lovely to look through.

Ideal for floral students or beginners

hi I am currently trainging to become a florist and bought this book on the off chance that it would help me......well i must say this book is excellent and i am so pleased with my purchase, not only does it show what you need to become a florist but it shows step by step guide to make floral arragements for all occassions. I would recommend this book to all flower arranging lovers.

Most useful book for twin mums

This book is really useful for anyone expecting twins or who has just had them. There is a lot of anecdotal advice about what the author found useful with her twins and you don't feel bullied into doing what she says. There is a very handy list of what to buy - although products have changed a bit since publication it gives you an idea of what to look for e.g. when buying a double buggy. It definitely helped me in the first few months after having my twins as you have some ideas for things to try, know that there are other twin mums in the same boat as you, and most importantly, it makes you see the funny side of your twin-related problems. I would say it is much more useful than more formal pregnancy or childcare books, and all the cartoons ring true!

Buy this book

I have so many books on Baby's first year but this is the best. It summarises what is important, gives practical tips and wonderful checklists. I am very impressed by this book. The author has managed to cover all you need to know in an easy to read way. The book is structured in 5 main topics"Practicalities","Sleeping","Crying","Developing" and"Feeding". All topics are separated per age; 0-3 months, 4-6 months, 7-9 months and 10-12 months. In addition there are recipes for during pregnancy and weaning as well as guidance on what to look out for when buying baby equipment. Each chapter also contains a perfect summary on your baby's development for that particular age.
I feel so confident having this book and use it as a reference daily.

Brilliant Every Day Food

This book says everything in it's title""Every Day" .. If you're looking for good, honest, tasty family food that can be eaten at any time of year with easy to follow recipes that don't take too long to prepare, or cook, then this is the book for you. We can't rate it - or another of Bill's books, Simply Bill - highly enough. In fact, we've just bought two more, and after a hard day at work we're just about to cook his"Fragrant Chicken and Spinach Curry". Delicious!!

An absolute godsend

Before buying the Cleaning Bible, I always struggled with keeping things clean and tidy. To say this book has changed my life may seem a little overdramatic but it wouldn't be far from the truth. It is extremely user friendly the way it breaks things down into bitesize chunks of priceless guidance and advice. As a reference book it is second to none and I would recommend it to anyone and everyone who wants a helping hand around the house.

Great for enthusiasts, helpful for beginners

Like many Collins guides, this is the one you want if you want to know pretty much everything. The range of species is vast and covers many of the unusual trees you'll find in aboreta, too. No other portable guide comes close. Oxford University Press's recent Trees: A field guide to the trees of Britain and Northern Europe is the only photographic contender, which has the additional benefit of distribution maps of the natural range of many species. My favourite tree guide, however, remains Cassell's Trees of Britain and Northern Europe - monster publication which lacks the illustrative detail of the Collins guide but helps guide you through the hardiness and suitability of trees for gardens, parks, etc. So whilst Collins is very much a naturalist's guide, Cassells is more geared towards tree planters and admirers.

Easy to use for all

Another good book from this author. This is easy for the beginner and also for the professional dog trainer. Short, simple and explained really well it sets out not only what to do with a dog that pulls, but also explains the reason why it's pulling in the first place. There are also lots of nice photos to illustrate along the way.

Easy to digest problem solving book for all levels of doggy experience. Highly recommended!

The Essential Garden Design Workbook

After ploughing through endless variations on this theme it's good to find something that's user friendly and totally practical. The best feature is that the book follows the design process in a logical manner identifying principles and showing you how to apply them in a practical way; it also shows you what works in design terms and what doesn't plus some tricks to achieve more professional results with plan presentations. Another thing of interest is the quirky graphic style of illustration used to highlight non- plan points. Extremely useful throughout.

Beyond Toddlerdom: Every Parents guide to the 5-12 ...

This book has been and still is my Bible for keeping track of changes in my children. It is written with great sense of humour, gives practical advice without exaggeration, and I highly recommed it.

Excellent for beginers and new pet owners

I watch victoria on the T.V and am always facinated. I purchased the book and read it in a flash. Very easy reading and a good insight into a dog's mind. Excellent for a new pet owner with a good layout.

Excellent reference book with easy to follow diagrams

Everything you need to know about pruning all types of plants. The diagrams are easy to follow and the text is clear, unlike any other book on the subject that I have found.