Inspector Imanishi Investigates (Soho Crime)

Average customer rating:

TV series 'Suna no utsuwa' with Ken Watanabe much better!

1960 Japan Magical Mystery Tour..........

A Very Japanese Detective, and a Trip through 1960s Japan

Leisurely read

Excellent police procedural

Inspector Imanishi Investigates (Soho Crime)
Seicho Matsumoto
Manufacturer: Soho Crime
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1569470197

Customer Reviews:

TV series 'Suna no utsuwa' with Ken Watanabe much better!.......2006-11-09

This book is fairly enjoyable, and more along the lines of a Japanese Columbo. However, when the method of the murders is revealed, it is far too bizzare to be believed! Also, characterization of characters other than Imanishi himself is very poor. It really leaves you disappointed, and the relationships among the characters is disjointed and contrived at best.

I will agree, like other reviewers here, that the insight into Japanese culture and the importance of group over individual is one of its strong points.

The 2004 Japanese TV series "Suna no Utsuwa" (Vessel of Sand) did several things differently, which would be bad if the book was excellent, but the TV series was a vast improvement. 1st, it changed around which characters are related to whom and how, and what happens to whom, for a far better plot. 2nd, it gets rid of the totally ridiculous method of murder that made the novel a horrible futuristic-techno-thriller wannabe. I recommend either not reading the book first or viewing the series without expected correlation with the book (and that's a good thing).

3rd, and this is what makes the TV series a MASTERPIECE, it created an entire dramatic backstory for the murder which made the crimes believable and gave us sympathy for what the murderer has gone through. It is really the main part of the story, and the reason the TV series was an award-winner in Japan. It is also entirely realistic. It resonates, because it is true just because someone becomes extremely successful does not mean they have transcended their background and worked out their emotional and psychological problems. Not only that, but how well-raised, caring people can get caught up in the crimes or at least the covering-up is authentic. Very, very realistic and emotional.

"Suna no utsuwa" was extremely moving, emotional, and dramatic, especially in the last 2 episodes, when Inspector Imanishi finally puts it all together: we are, in the course of finally viewing the story of how the murderer got to where he is today, treated to absolutely breathtaking views of Japan and the story of a boy's intense love for his flawed father. "Utsuwa" is simply a far superior story -- it is a HUGE drama that makes you cry many times!

Also, Ken Watanabe plays the intelligent Imanishi working on the case with neccessary politeness and deference to dig into the psyche of the people he deals with, without doing the goofy "Columbo" thing. (I like Columbo, but it's not appropriate in a serious crime drama.)

I don't understand why the book was ever a best-seller, except maybe people liked the Imanishi character. It's just "OK".

It will cost you a pretty penny to buy the "Suna no Utsuwa" TV series, but it's worth it!

1960 Japan Magical Mystery Tour.......... .......2005-07-25

This is a very atmospheric, slightly dense procedural, with twists and turns that go through Tokyo, the war, Osaka, several villages, and the Japanese Rail system. Not to mention a Magrait-like inspector with all his family and middle aged concerns. The cast of characters includes some 20-something nouveau artists/ musicians, a wise elderly abacas maker, and a victim, at first unknown, but who is described as saint-like by all who knew him. Not to mention a look at Japanese society, one so polite that everyone says "Welcome", even to the police; where it is normal to bow, and where please and thank you are seemingly obligatory. Interestingly, almost no one looses his temper, and even arrests are made as discretely and politely as possible. A very fine and different police tale!

A Very Japanese Detective, and a Trip through 1960s Japan.......2005-07-25

Seicho Matsumoto is apparently extremely well known in Japan, but was unknown to me. The book draws one in slowly, but it becomes worthwhile. In some ways the hero is a Japanese Maigret, but lower in the hierarchy of a then VERY hierarchical society. A psychological detective story, with complex clues and twists like a Sherlock Holmes (but Imanishi gets there by stolid persistence, not drug-fuelled brilliance).
Also a wonderful visit to Japan of the early Sixties, when poverty was still recent, when rural houses were still thatched. When the country was not yet in thrall to Gucci (an incredible percentage of Tokyoites now own at least one Luis Vuitton item..) The translator has for me done a wonderful job of conveying the nature of the original Japanese: I have not read that for this book, but I do know the importance of honorifics, level of formality, depth of bows. Yes in places it can sound a bit stilted to us, but then these people are not, like, Valley Girls and "awesome". As I read this book I could hear the cadence of the Japanese in my mind, envisage the depth of the bows and who was bowing more deeply to whom. Indirectly the book gives a magnificent picture of traditional Japan, its strengths and weaknesses. Although even then there was the love of clever gadgets... I had difficulty getting going, but then I could not put it down.

Leisurely read.......2005-06-16

I liked the book Inspector Iminishi Investigates, a leisurely story that is buttressed by the Japanese setting. A large part of my satisfaction was the authentic seeming police procedural. I believe that a Japanese police force would work in this way as opposed to the 48 hours mentality of police in our country,i.e. most crimes are solved in the first 48 hours.

I was able to put the book down and would go back to it which is pretty much how I judge a book. Some I can't put down at all hence the 4 stars.

Excellent police procedural.......2004-04-20

This is an excellent police procedural set in Japan in the early 1960s. It brings out the rigidity of traditional society, the smallness of the circles that most people move in, and the claustrophobia felt by the young and the sensitive (which doesn't include the hero, who is neither young nor sensitive). But it's also about the possibilities for remaking yourself that exist in a society still torn apart, just below the surface, by the war. A lot of lucky breaks, and some fairly far-fetched concepts, somewhat weaken the mystery part of the book, but it's well worth reading for the atmosphere alone.

Average customer rating:

Inspector Imanishi Investigates
Seicho; Translated by Cary, Beth Matsumoto
Manufacturer: Soho Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IWNMXC

Average customer rating:

Inspector Imanishi Investigates -
Seicho Matsumoto -
Manufacturer: Soho Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PS0Y3A

Book Description

With the success of Operation Phantom Flame, the Abh Empire is now in control of vast amounts of territory. For their efforts, Lafiel and Jinto are made into Territorial Ambassadors to the newly acquired planet Lobnas II, a former prison planet! When the United Mankind returns in an attempt to reclaim Lobnas, Lafiel must choose between rescuing the man who has been her advisor and friend or saving her ship from the oncoming enemy fleet.

Customer Reviews:

Great Magna, but leaves some unanswered questions.......2004-10-13

I'll admit it, I was waiting for this Magna to come out. I first found this series about 2 months ago, I saw the cover and though it looked good. Since then I've bought Banner of the Stars I as well as the complete first season of Crest of the Stars on DVD.

Well now this wonderful Magna is out, it carries on the story of Lafiel and Jinto and their "adventures" as Abh Terratorial Ambassadors. The story overall is very well written. t does deeper into the unique relationship between the 2 main characters. There was some minor profanity in the book, which did catch my eye as the previous magna didn't have any (unless you consider Mud-Turtles as profanity).

The biggest difference in this novel is the artwork. It seems the previous artists wereunavaliabe for this book and it shows. Some examples of differences was the fact that the hair of the characters was more drawn out, the artist went through great lengths to show off detailed "wiffs" of hair, while this is appreciated it does differ from the shaded "blotches" of hair from the previous 2 books where it was ust an outline of hair and was shaded in. The eyes and lips were far more defined, but at times I thought "too" defined. But art aside, the book looks greatand the story is solid.

Speaking of the story here were, at least im my opinion, 2 huge story gaps.

***Spoiler Alert***

First is the relationship between Eureka and Jinto, I had hoped to see moe into this but just like the preious magna was denied. :(

The second is the month long gap that Jinto was down on the surface on the planet. Just what happened down here, frst we see him in his uniform looking at the Abh transport fly off, and the next it saids 1 month later and he's in a cave half starved. I mean what happened!!! What happened to Lafiel? Did she try to rescue him? What abour Spoor, what happened to her? Geeze louiose, one would think to explain these things.

This I hope will be covered when the novels are (hopefuelly) translated into english. These are the stories and sub-plots that I would very much like explained.

Overall I enjoyed this story, and I am crossing my fingers that this Magna contunies beyond the "Trilogy". I admit it, I'm hooked, and I need my fix of this great Magna/Anime.

Average customer rating:

Best. Manga. Ever.
Great Anime!!!
Great manga

Seikai Trilogy: Banner of the Stars
Hiroyuki Morioka , and Toshihiro Ono
Manufacturer: TokyoPop
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1591828589

Book Description

After his home world is ruthlessly taken over by the Abh—a space-faring race that has conquered many worlds—a boy named Jinto begins an unforgettable journey that stretches the boundaries of the final frontier. With a beautiful princess at his side, he will attempt to unlock the secret behind Abh domination and discover that all's fair in love and interplanetary war.

Customer Reviews:

Best. Manga. Ever........2005-01-21

I am a huge fan of manga and anime, and this by far the best, along with the rest in the series. Anyone who likes manga or star wars will love this!

(Im to lazy to type more. :p)

Great Anime!!!.......2004-07-26

This is another awesome book put out by Tokyo Pop! The panels are open and clear so you don't have to go over the book trying to figure out the story, though the characters sometimes use words in another language and it's annoying going back and forth to the Dictionary in the back but that doesn't take away from the great work of Toshihiro Ono, Aya Yoshinaga and the original story writer Hiroyuki Morioka!

Great manga.......2004-06-21

I just got this manga, and I must say, I really loved it. I am a huge fan of the anime and I found this to be a must-have companion. The only drawback is that Banner of the Stars won't be released until August 3. Oh well.

Seikai Trilogy, Vol. 2: Banner of the Stars I

Average customer rating:

Seikai Trilogy, Vol. 2: Banner of the Stars I

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417683783

Seikai Trilogy, Vol. 3: Banner of the Stars II

Average customer rating:

Seikai Trilogy, Vol. 3: Banner of the Stars II

Manufacturer: Tandem Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417683791

Average customer rating:

Saved my quality of life

Terrible! Not based on any science

The Best Baby Book Ever

best book

i agreed with everything in this book! a must for first time moms and dads.

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
Tracy Hogg , and Melinda Blau
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Infants | Babies & Toddlers | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
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Baby Bargains, 7th Edition: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on baby furinture, gear, clothes, toys, maternity wear and much more! (Baby Bargains)

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Health o Meter HDC100-01 "Grow with Me" Teddy Bear Scale for Babies and Toddlers

Braun IRT 4020 ThermoScan Ear Thermometer

ASIN: 0345479092
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Book Description

“TRACY HOGG HAS GIVEN PARENTS A GREAT GIFT–the ability to develop early insight into their child’s temperament.”
–Los Angeles Family

When Tracy Hogg’s Secrets of the Baby Whisperer was first published, it soared onto bestseller lists across the country. Parents everywhere became “whisperers” to their newborns, amazed that they could actually communicate with their baby within weeks of their child’s birth. Tracy gave parents what for some amounted to a miracle: the ability to understand their baby’s every coo and cry so that they could tell immediately if the baby was hungry, tired, in real distress, or just in need of a little TLC. Tracy also dispelled the insidious myth that parents must go sleepless for the first year of a baby’s life–because a happy baby sleeps through the night. Now you too can benefit from Tracy’s more than twenty years’ experience. In this groundbreaking book, she shares simple, accessible programs in which you will learn:

• E.A.S.Y.–how to get baby to eat, play, and sleep on a schedule that will make every member of the household’s life easier and happier.
• S.L.O.W.–how to interpret what your baby is trying to tell you (so you don’t try to feed him when he really wants a nap).
• How to identify which type of baby yours is–Angel, Textbook, Touchy, Spirited, or Grumpy–and then learn the best way to interact with that type.
• Tracy’s Three Day Magic–how to change any and all bad habits (yours and the baby’s) in just three days.

At the heart of Tracy’s simple but profound message: treat the baby as you would like to be treated yourself. Reassuring, down-to-earth, and often flying in the face of conventional wisdom, Secrets of the Baby Whisperer promises parents not only a healthier, happier baby but a more relaxed and happy household as well.

From the Trade Paperback edition.

Customer Reviews:

Saved my quality of life.......2007-10-11

This book is a life saver for new moms or moms struggling with babies sleep patterns. I thought I was loosing it until my father gave me this book. A short easy to implement program to train your baby to sleep regularly.

Terrible! Not based on any science.......2007-10-02

I bought this book when my baby was four months old. I tried every technique in there (early waking, cluster feedings) and nothing helped. I ended up baby "Happy Child, Healthy Sleep Habits" and he basically debunked all her theories with science and baby sleep studies. I tried his theories and now I have a great baby who developed into a toddler that sleeps so well! This book is seriously a waste of time, I need to sell mine or give it away. This woman has no real or scientific experience with babies, I would love for to come to my house and use it on my child, because I will promise you that her stuff doesn't work. Plus, at nine months, giving cluster feedings won't help, babies wake up at that age because of habit or neurology, not because they're hungry. It was just such a waste of money!

The Best Baby Book Ever.......2007-09-27

I was given this book as a gift and have since purchased it for everyone I know who is having a baby. Great Book!!

best book.......2007-09-20

i buy this book for all my friends who are having babies. this book is just incredible. i followed it and my daughter slept through the night at six weeks. i couldn't have been more pleased. too bad i didn't have it when my son was born....
WORTH EVERY CENT!!!!

i agreed with everything in this book! a must for first time moms and dads........2007-09-18

i picked up this book on the recommendation of a friend, and i was not disappointed. the author is a baby nurse and has a "special" way with newborns and infants, and is passing along her wisdom and experiences in this book. i found myself agreeing with everything she had to say, and have implemented her "e-a-s-y" way of caring for infants with my new baby. i also agree with the s-l-o-w technique to determine what your baby might need (why are they crying?), to avoid stuffing a pacifier in their mouth at the first sign of fussiness. one thing to note, my baby is a "textbook" baby, and it was fairly simple for us to implement these techniques. for people with colicy or super fussy babies, using this book may be more difficult and take longer to implement. ultimately, i totally agree with giving a baby a routine (not an inflexible schedule), and for treating babies like the people they are, and respecting them and their personal space. i highly recommend this book!

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby

Average customer rating:

Some good information
Try and read this before the baby arrives
Great information
What a great resource
The best money you will ever spend!

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
Tracy Hogg , and Melinda Blau
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Accessories:

ASIN: 0345440900
Release Date: 2002-01-29

Amazon.com's Best of 2001

The last thing new parents can find time for is quiet reading, so many helpful books on infant care rely on bullet points and a "let's get to the point" writing style. Tracy Hogg, a neonatal nurse, teacher, and mother of two, uses these techniques to good effect in Secrets of the Baby Whisperer. Focusing on newborns and their parents, her simple programs are a blend of intelligent intuition and methods based on years of experience. The first half of the book is devoted to E.A.S.Y--her name for creating a structured daily routine for you and your baby that makes the most of your baby's awake times and also leaves time just for you. These concepts aren't designed to force your bundle of joy into not following her body's needs, but rather to create a feasible middle ground between total rigidity and on-demand food and sleep (and no time for mom to shower). If it still strikes you as too regimented, keep reading. The author makes room for differences in personal style and includes short quizzes to determine whether you're a "planner" or a "winger", and what level of daily structure you are likely to find helpful. In the same chapter, she identifies five general temperaments of infants, how to get an accurate feel for yours, and what methods of care are likely to be the most effective for his temperament. Her statement that babies prefer routine is backed up by research from the University of Denver. While most of the book relies on anecdotes to get the points across, Hogg does find room to back up some of her statements with quotes from various researchers and institutions. Included at the end of the book are assurances that E.A.S.Y. can be followed even with a colicky baby or one who's been ruling the roost for the first few months. Frustrated parents might like to read the last page first: "all the baby-whispering advice in the world is useless unless you're having a good time being a parent" is an excellent reminder to enjoy this time with all of its ups and downs. --Jill Lightner

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Some good information.......2007-08-29

I did get some vital information on putting my kiddo to sleep. But her advice drove me insane when I tried to apply it to a new born! He was just too young at 1 week to perform under her requirements and I felt like a terrible mother with an abnormal kiddo. Now that he is older (2 1/2) months much of what she writes about independence and getting your kiddo to sleep is helpful. When my son was 1-4 weeks his schedule was *his* schedule and I really just had to be there for him. I still co-sleep even though Hogg advises against it and I still like to put my kiddo to sleep in my arms. He sleeps in noisy rooms and quiet ones. The list goes on. THE MOST IMPORTANT THING A WELL READ NEW PARENT CAN TAKE FROM THIS REVIEW IS THIS: read all you can even Hogg's book but always keep your instincts when it comes to raising your baby, no author is you and no one person can know your baby on a personal and visceral level the way you do. On the breastfeeding....I think her tips on the actual act of breast feeding are wonderful as for the politics I could not disagree with her more. This is a very politically and emotionally charged issue no matter your position. As for her being responsible for whether or not a woman chooses to breast feed by the opinions expressed by Hogg in this book: I do not agree. If it takes so little for a mother to quit breast feeding then maybe she just was not cut out for it. I *knew* breast feeding was the best for my kid so I do it...period. Some women just cannot or will not go the extra mile no matter what they read.

Try and read this before the baby arrives.......2007-08-28

This book has been great for us and I believe this is largely because we read it before the baby was born and started implementing Hogg's techniques immediately. Having read both Sears/AP and Ezzo parenting books as well, we have found Hogg's methods to be a great middle ground. The EASY method is working great for us. I love her chapter on Awake activities and appropriate playing at different ages and stages. She breaks down bathing and massage techniques, as well. Her advice on using a pacifier makes so much sense. And, of course, the easy to follow charts that allow you interpret and respond to your baby's cries and movements are excellent.

Best of all though is the confidence we have in putting our baby down to sleep - because we started this from day one we were able to implement Hogg's techniques that allow us to put the baby in her crib while sleepy but still awake and watch her gently drift off to sleep on her own. Our baby has been learning how to self sooth since day one and it's amazing to watch her.

Great information.......2007-08-18

This book was recommeded by my OBGYN. I read a few other books but found Tracy's information and advice useful and accurate. I found her writing style to be enjoyable--like reading a good novel, therefore, I retained the information; rather than trying to recall what you should do in a particular situation.

What a great resource.......2007-08-10

I have a 3 month old baby boy and I would highly recommed this book. In fact, I wish I had read this book earlier because it would have saved me a lot of stress. Tracey's insight is really helpful and I feel that I've connected with my baby much better since reading this book. She also provides a lot of support to women who choose not to breastfeed. I was feeling guilty for not breastfeeding especially since my son had formula issues but Tracey help to put things into perspective about it being a very personal choice and there being nothing wrong with choosing formula feeding.

The best money you will ever spend!.......2007-08-10

This book changed my life.. for the first 8 weeks of my new baby I thought I was going to crack up. I had read that babies shoudl sleep a lot and therefore it confused me that my little one did not. It was not because she didn't like sleeping, it was because I was not reading her cues and not knowing what to expect. This book explains it all very easily and actually it is all down to common sense.. i.e reading your baby and knowing what is wrong. As soon as i read the book i could see where i was going wrong and as soon as i put my little pone on the recomended routine, my life changed forever.. she slept for long periods during the day, all night long and basically became a dream child. It is all about common sense and once you get over the initial hurdle of trying to find time to read the book, your life will be chnaged forever!

Average customer rating:

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer, How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your Baby.
Tracy & Blau, Melinda. Hogg
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NXNO48

Average customer rating:

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
Tracy Hogg
Manufacturer: The Ballantine Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9991395946

Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your B

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Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate With Your B
Melinda Blau Tracy Hogg
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000RRYN9U

Average customer rating:

Secrets Of The Baby Whisperer: How To Calm, Connect, And Communicate With Your Baby
Tracy; Blau, Melinda Hogg
Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000O2F748

Average customer rating:

Average customer rating:

Fabulous book that results in amazing food!

Reads almost as good as the food tastes

The First Thai Cookbook to Get. The Last You'll Need

pretty good

May Be Authentic, but many recipies are AWFUL

True Thai: The Modern Art of Thai Cooking
Victor Sodsook
Manufacturer: William Morrow Cookbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0688099173

Book Description

True Thai is one of those rare and important cookbooks where cuisine and culture meet. Food lovers will come away with layers of understanding, discovering the soul of a country where cuisine is a sacred art.

True Thai takes us from the jostling Bangkok streets and canals to countryside rice paddles and mango groves, from distant mountain villages to Thailand's stately Royal Palace, delivering True Thai taste in every sense of the word.

Victor Sodsook, a native Thai, chef/owner of Los Angeles's celebrated Siamese Princess restaurant, has written the authoritative Thai cookbook that American cooks have been waiting for. True Thai satisfies an increasing public interest in the seductive flavors of Thai cuisine, and a decreasing emphasis on high-fat, high-calorie red meats, eggs, and oils. The lively, easy-to-follow recipes are tailor-made for today's adventurous, aware cook.

Most of the tools and ingredients used in True Thai are probably already in your kitchen. And its wide-ranging glossary of ingredients will help you select the most flavorful spices and freshest produce, as well as the best brands of key Thai ingredients like coconut milk and fish sauce. Among True Thai's 250 recipes, you'll find the many Thai dishes that have already won over Americans, such as Crispy Sweet Rice Noodles (mee krob) and soothing, aromatic Chicken-Coconut Soup with Siamese Ginger and Lemon Grass (tom kha kai). Everything is here, from the deliciously spiced barbecued chickens found in Thai provinces to the elaborate and time honored cuisines served to Thailand's royal family, such as King Rama V's Fried Rice. Since Thailand teems with both fresh- and saltwater fish and shellfish, you'll find an abundance of healthful, provocative seafood dishes, such as Ayuthaya Haw Mok Talay, a scrumptious mousse of curried fish, shrimp, and crab, redolent with chili and coconut milk, grilled and served in fragrant banana leaves.

Surprisingly light preparations for meat include Fiery Grilled Beef Salad, a classic of Bangkok cafe cuisine, and mu kratiem phrik Thai, a simple stir-fry of pork medallions sizzling with garlic and black pepper. The Thai Vegetarian Cooking chapter is really a whole book unto itself, encompassing its own blend of curry pastes, soups, appetizers, entrees, and one-dish meals-all completely free of animal or fish products. The Thai Salads chapter showcases such recipes as Coconut, Lemon, and Ginger Salad or Grilled Lobster Salad with Green Mango that demonstrate the great variety and sensuousness of this branch of Thai cooking. Drinks and desserts include such ethereal treats as Rose-Petal Sorbet and the refreshingly herbaceous Lemon Grass Tea, wonderful either hot or cold. There's also a chapter that shows how to marry these newfound Thai tastes with classic American cooking, through such improvisations as Bangkok Burgers with Marinated, Grilled Onions and Spicy Thai Ketchup.

True Thai is more than a cookbook; it is a collection of grace notes exemplifying Thai cuisine's dedication to pleasing the senses. There's even a chapter on preparing Thai-style table decorations, many of them as edible as they are lovely.

True Thai's 250 recipes, each with helpful and fascinating notes, present Thai cuisine with simplicity and elegance. True That is the most authentic, authoritative, and accessible Thai cookbook ever printed in English.

Customer Reviews:

Fabulous book that results in amazing food!.......2007-07-23

I wanted one Thai cookbook that would tell me how to do everything for my Thai cuisine loving hubby.

This is it!

Ok, it's very time consuming. But believe me, it's worth it! Each time I've made these recipes for dinner guests they've been blow away.

You do need access to a good asian grocer in order to make the recipes in this book. When I've been in a hurry, I've even cheated by using a reputable brands "curry sauce" as a base, reviewed the ingredients in it and IMPROVED it by using the recipes in this book.

Reads almost as good as the food tastes.......2005-10-05

I never knew a cookbook with so few photos could be so beautiful! The descriptions are so vivid, you hardly miss the photos. While you learn to make curry pastes and hot sauces from scratch, you can also learn the history and culture behind different dishes. The recipes I've tried so far have been delicious, and they taste even better knowing some of the background of the dishes. It's also more gratifying knowing that you made everything yourself with fresh ingredients, rather than buying premixed spices. I made the pad Thai for someone last night, and he agreed that it tasted just like what he would get at a restaurant.

The First Thai Cookbook to Get. The Last You'll Need.......2005-10-03

Victor Sodsook tells us early on of his experiences as a child at his mother's elbow, pulverizing spices, garlic, and ginger in a mortar and pestle. This, he explains is one of the most sensual parts of cooking and when he teaches others to cook he starts them the same way. The story proves that Sodsook knows and loves his topic and is passionate about having his audience know it and love it as he does. This places his food writing in the same echelon as Marcella Hazan's.

Whenever I read the recipes, my mouth waters and I want to cook them. Unfortunately, however, I live half an hour's drive from the nearest location that would have all of the essential ingredients. Each recipe has at least one ingredient I do not stock. And my kitchen boasts at least sixty dried herbs and spices. It is the fresh lemon grass, galangal, tamarind, Kaffir lime leaves, cilantro, and fish sauce that always seem to be missing. If I cooked Thai weekly, I could stock the fish sauce and tamarind. The lemon grass, leaves, and galangal, and cilantro are a bigger problem. People who live near a really good Asian food market or are willing to plan their meals more carefully than I do may find this problem quite tractable.

So I have a wicked confession. I have not yet cooked from this book. I live near six very good Thai restaurants, each of which is reasonably inexpensive. And in all of the places I have lived, I believe it must have been easier to buy really good cooked Thai meals than to buy the ingredients for them.

Still, if one is determined to learn Thai cooking, this is an excellent place to start. The recipes cover a wide variety of foods, cooking techniques, and ingredient combinations. The instructions are spare but clear and complete. The methods are not elaborate. Few voices beckon a cook to new territory or welcome him so warmly as Sodsook's.

pretty good.......2005-09-13

The red curry is AMAZING, but 4 other recipes I tried were terrible. I wasn't crazy about the pad thai either- it didn't taste like the kind I've bought at restaurants. Because I love red curry, I'll give the book 3 stars. But the other recipes weren't great.

May Be Authentic, but many recipies are AWFUL.......2004-04-14

I have used many thai cookbooks over the years, and this one was absolutly the worst. Most of the recipies are rather bland in flavor or way overdone in spices.

If you are someone that is looking to make the flavers you find in thai restaurants....this is NOT the book for you.

Because of the other reviews I bought this book, but apparently it's recipies are VERY authentic thai.....and what is served in restaurants isn't.

My advice.....check the book out at the library and TRY it. Then if you like it, buy one.

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