Book Description
In modern Las Vegas, a Jack the Ripper copycat terrorizes the city. Written by Max Allan Collins (The Road to Perdition), this volume captures all the gritty realism of the TV show and keeps readers guessing to the very last page.
Customer Reviews:
An actual review for CSI: Secret Identity.......2007-08-01
Unfortunatley a lot of the reviews here are actually for different volumes of IDW's CSI comics. This is a review specifically of CSI: Secret Identity written by Steven Grant and illustrated by Gabriel Rodriguez and Steven Perkins.
This is volume 5 of the CSI line, each graphic novel collecting a mini-series put out by IDW. The first three miniseries were written by Max Allen Collins (Ms. Tree, Road to Perdition) and were, quite frankly, boring. The fourth volume written by Kris Oprisko wasn't bad, but it had to do with the Las Vegas mob scene, and so felt a bit cliche.
However this volume, written by Steven Grant is complex and dynamic. He has a great sense of pacing, knows how to weave a complex story that's still possible to follow, and has great cliff-hangers at the end of each chapter.
The story is complex. The fictional Safari Hotel is being demolished. The implosion is made into a big public event. A tourist filming the implosion thinks he sees a body in the debris. He goes to the police but the video image is difficult to make out because of the dust and dirt kicked up by the implosion. But when the tourist is later found dead, his video camera and copies of the tape stolen, the police start looking deeper into the case. They find a body that had been buried in one of the cement pillars during the hotel's construction. The problem being that the corpse is a dead wringer for Vince Lansing, the owner of the hotel who died only a month ago.
The case takes a lot of twists. All of Lansing's family members and former business partners seem to have something to hide. As more evidence, not to mention bodies, are uncovered, the case is definately leading somewhere but the dots don't quite connect. And when they really start getting close a CSI member gets physically assaulted on the front steps of the police station.
Gebriel Rodriguez, who has been the artist on all of IDW's CSI books so far, has really developed as an artist. His characters, not only the CSI characters we already know but also the new characters introduced in this volume, are visually distinct and easily identifiable. His compositions and story-telling in this volume are a lot more dynamic than in previous volumes. Some of the credit for that should go to the writer for giving us great scenes like the old man trying to get away from the police in a golf cart who drives himself right into a sand trap.
The painted art (which is used in the flashback and theoretical sequences which are usually shown in a different color or with CGI on the TV show) is by Steven Perkins. It's intentionally rough, imitating the work of Ashley Wood who illustrated the same types of seqences in the first three volumes. Personally I don't think using a rough painting to imitate a detailed CGI moment was the way to go, but it all boils down to personal taste.
The weakest point is that there's no uniqueness to the characters, though, to be fair, this can be a weak point in some episodes of the show as well. The characters don't show enough individual personality, and could easily be swapped with any other character in almost every scene.
Also, the binding on my copy came apart. This is easily fixable, but it's a disappointing trend in comics in recent years.
All in all, I think this is a good book, much more solid and entertaining than the previous volumes of CSI.
Great Read.......2007-03-22
Great Read, if you are a fan of CSI, you will love this book
A comic book -- yes!.......2007-01-23
Well, I felt compelled to write a review after reading the only review it had below. The book doesn't deserve one star simply because it isn't what the buyer expected. Amazon clearly states in the book description that it is a collection of 3 comic book mini-series.
Anyway, this isn't the greatest comic book out there, it's not even the greatest crime comic out there. But, it is entertaining for fans of the show or fans of Max Allan Collins (writer of Road to Perdition -- yes another comic book, this one turned into a Tom Hanks movie).
What drew me to this was that it is of similar style as Marvel's Essentials and DC's Showcase Presents lines of comic reprints. Those lines reprint large chunks of material in large black and white books.
So, I felt the need to write something to guide people other than the first review. Yes it is a comic book, yes it clearly states that it is. But, any fan of the show or the books will like these stories just as much.
P.S. Look for volume 2 sometime in May, 2007
Nothing but a comic book.......2006-12-13
Bought this book - I guess without reading all the fine print. This book is printed in comic book style and not really what I wanted. Buyer beware - it is like a comic book not a book with text.
Disappointing.......2004-02-26
I watched a couple of CSI episodes so i knew what to expect in terms of plot, characters and such...
I read the excellent "Road To Perdition" by Collins so i was sure he could deliver...
But sadly, this book is a waste of time. The art is mediocre at best (except for Brian Wood's painted art for some extremely stylish a-la tv show cuts & flashbacks), the crime story itself isn't really interesting, but the biggest downside - you don't care what's going on. The writing is a bit heavy, but nevertheless it never captivates a reader. All main characters are in fact just one - "a CSI cop solving a crime", there's no feel for characters whatsoever.
I was really disappointed by this book, because i expected to get more than (let me quote another reviewer here): "Mediocre plot, mediocre art, mediocre characters".
I would probably read another CSI series at some point. Maybe the quality will improve.
If you like comics and are looking for a solid crime story, i suggest to skip this one and read something else instead. "Gotham Central" for example (the first TPB is due April).
Customer Reviews:
Comic book style is awful. Very disappointed!.......2006-09-28
I didn't realize this book was written like a comic. I loved the other CSI books that were written in the traditional style. The comic style is so much harder to read. I am truly disappointed in this purchase.
Jack's Back, Again.......2005-05-05
I have been reluctant to acquire any of the CSI books because I was concerned that the authors would be unable to match the style of the television series. I was quite pleased that Max Allan Collins was able to write an intriguing story to the art of Gabriel Rodriguez and Ashley Wood.
We have seen variations on this story before. A serial killer is on the loose who is killing women in the style of Jack the Ripper. There is a Rippermania convention in Las Vegas with too many people who know too much about Jack the Ripper, and it appears that the killer is trying to duplicate Jack's crimes precisely. This story goes into extensive detail regarding the original crimes of Jack the Ripper. I am unfamiliar with the details of Jack's legacy, so I must accept that the facts as stated by the CSI team must have some historical accuracy. If so, it appears that Max Collins must have done a lot of research.
The story follows not only the mystery of the serial killer, but there is a second murder to intrigue the reader, similar to the style of the television series. There is some evidence that the second murder has some relationship to the serial killings.
I personally enjoyed the story. While another reviewer stated they knew who the killer was immediately, I only had an idea who the killer might be until the team had eliminated the suspects sufficiently to allow me to guess more accurately. When it comes to mysteries such as this, you may guess correctly, but someone else, like me, may not. If you do guess the killers correctly, congratulations! However, I would rather follow the team and see how they scientifically find the killer rather than guessing, which leads to mistrials and dismissals.
I was somewhat disappointed with the artwork. Some of the art was good. In other places the artwork was poor, with the faces of the CSI team out of proportion. When the artists changed to a more highly conceptual form to illustrate in a more artistic style the results were often interesting. However, on average the artwork was mediocre. Of course, I read the story for the story and not for the artwork, though better artwork would have enhanced the story.
If you need more of a CSI fix than three television shows and their numerous syndicated reruns can give you, then give this book a chance. I thought the story was intriguing. The artwork is only fair, so ignore the artwork for the story. If you tend to guess the solutions to mysteries accurately, you may also want to pass this book by. I will probably re-read the story because I liked it, but I will also be watching for clues to the killer, now that I know who he or she is.
Average customer rating:
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CSI - Crime Scene Investigation #2 : Serial Part II (IDW Comics)
Max Allan Collins
Manufacturer: IDW Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000SC1FS6 |
Product Description
"SERIAL"
by Collins, Rodriguez, & Wood; cover by Ashley Wood.
In modern Las Vegas, a Jack the Ripper copycat terrorizes the city. This mini-series was written by New York Times best-selling author, Max Allan Collins, and captures all of the gritty realism of the TV show, keeping readers guessing to the very last page. MATURE READERS
Product Description
Book Club Hardcover Edition
Customer Reviews:
Consolidation of the 3rd Triad of Garrett Books.......2005-11-12
Since most of Cook's Garrett books are long out of print and very difficult to come by, you might end up having to buy this consolidation to find the individual stories. This book, "Garrett Investigates," is the 3rd of the three consolidated so far. The others are "The Garrett Files" and "Garrett, P.I.." This book contains the 3rd triad of stories in the Garrett series: "Deadly Quicksilver Lies," "Petty Pewter Gods," "Faded Steel Heat." "The Garrett Files" contains the 1st triad: "Sweet Silver Blues," "Bitter Gold Hearts," and "Cold Copper Tears." "Garrett, P.I." contains the 2nd triad: "Old Tin Sorrows," "Dread Brass Shadows," and "Red Iron Nights." The remaining two books ("Angry Lead Skies," and "Whispering Nickel Idols") still appear to be in print on their own. As were the other two consolidations, this book is well bound, has good quality paper, and is well cut. As a pure average of my ratings for the three contained stories, I rate this book at a Very Good 4 stars out of 5. My individual reviews follow:
"Deadly Quicksilver Lies:" Not Very Happy With This One. Unfortunately, it's not up to par with the rest of the series. First, the book just seems to wander around in the middle. Garrett doesn't seem to be going anywhere with the mystery. It does pick up near the end, but that leads to the second problem: the solution to what's been happening just doesn't mean anything. We know who did what to whom and why (mostly). But, nobody really gets anything out of it. For the reader, the answers to all the questions are just emotionally empty. The final "big" problem with the book is that the character of Garrett's love interest, "Chastity," just falls apart. She's fine through most of the book, but then at the very end, she just drops out of the character (personally, emotionally, and professionaly) Cook set up for her. There's no explanation for it. It's very jarring and unwelcome. Because of this, I can only rate this book at an OK 3 stars out of 5.
"Petty Pewter Gods:" Good, But a Bit Disjointed. This is a good book that's fun to read. Unfortunately, it's not quite as good as other books in Cook's Garrett series. In many places, you can see that Cook wrote bits and pieces of the book and then cut-and-pasted them into the final order. It's not a big problem, it's just that the roughness is a bit disconcerting. A more irritating problem is that Garrett is working with a couple of pantheons of gods which I just couldn't keep straight. The individual gods, and the pantheons they belong to, just blend together and I couldn't tell who was doing what to whom. The biggest problem, though, is that the ending just appears out of thin air in the last 10 pages of the book. As I got closer and closer to the physical end, I kept wondering if this was going to be a two-parter: there was just no indication of a reasonable solution. With a sudden flurry of activity, the Dead Man and Garrett take a guess at what's going on and all heck breaks loose (which confirms their theory). Not a very satisfying ending at all. Still, I did enjoy reading the book and do recommend it. I rate this book at 4 stars out of 5.
"Faded Steel Heat:" Very Good But Has Inconsistencies. As are all Glen Cook's books with the title format of [adjective][metal type][noun], this is an interesting, fun, action-packed read. It's definitely a page-turner. Unfortunately, the minor inconsistencies I noticed in the previous book seem to be propogating in this one. Some of these errors are merely editing or lack of note-checking. For instance, near the beginning of this book, Garrett's talking to CAPTAIN Block. But, from two books back, we know that Block was promoted to COLONEL. A hundred pages on, though, Cook's got Block back as a COLONEL. In another case, Garrett's looking at a captured wagon. He specifically notes ONE prisoner. A couple pages later there are TWO prisoners. One page later, THREE. More seriously, there are behavioral problems. For instance, Garrett and his harem can't keep their minds on their business. In earlier books, Garrett's womanizing didn't really interfere in his business. In this book, both he and the women just stop working on important things (like infiltrations, kidnappings and murder) for a little bit of groping. And I mean they stop right in the middle of those things: not afterwards. Also, Garrett just misses obvious clues. He narrates to us about them, but nothing apparently clicks in his head. And then there's where he takes Tinnie with him to visit the headquarters of The Call (a militant human rights group). But, as noted in earlier books, Tinnie is part elf. Nobody ever notices. These problems are still minor. This is definitely a book to read (along with all the rest of the series). But, because of these discrepencies, I've lowered my rating for the book to 4 stars out of 5.
Book Description
Since the end of the war, there had always been bigotry against non-humans in TunFaire. Even though many species had sacrificed in battle, some groups of humans thought the "Golden Rule" translated to "Humans rule. Now give us your gold." With the streets descending into bloody race riots, and the organized "human" brotherhoods flexing both physical and economic muscle, TunFaire was a hairsbreadth from total chaos. Garrett is a wise-guy private investigator who speaks loudly and carries a big stick. Backed by a circle of friends no one would wish on their worst enemy Garrett is caught in a conspiracy of hate that pits man against.everybody!
Praise for Glen Cook:
"Lively homage to Chandler and company, with plenty of suspects, sex, and corpses...Cook turns fantasy inside out!" --Locus
"Garrett spouts argot and attitude worthy of the hardest-boiled detective who ever pounded mean streets...fun to read!" --Fantasy Review
"Fast-paced adventure that combines sword and sorcery with hard-boiled detective fiction!" --Library Journal
Customer Reviews:
Two more books to go..........2002-01-08
From what I understand, Glen Cook had finished the next Garrett book, due out in March 2002(?) and called Heavy Leaden Skies. He is planning one more Garrett book and then appearently the series will end. :/
Unique series--but where to from here?.......2001-12-19
Cook's Garrett series, culminating in Faded Steel Heat, is some of the best and most unique fantasy I've read. The basic shtick of the series is that it places a cynical, film noir-style private eye in a setting of magic and monsters. Cook's attention to realism and detail make the juxtaposition believable and the plots are always suitably complex. There is also a large dollup of dry humor, the kind that makes you wince as much as laugh. I can't believe that the series was not more widely read; it's better, in my opinion, than Cook's much darker Black Company series.
As you can tell, I'm a fan. So here's my concern: Now where? I don't want to give away the plot for those who haven't read Faded Steel Heat. But it seems to me that this novel, much more so than its predecessors, wraps up loose ends and would make the series difficult to continue. A few characters are left dead, and others seem defeated. The web of remaining characters may have become too tangled to draw out into further plot lines, or at least plot lines involving those characters. And what would a Garrett novel be without Morley and the Dead Man and Tinnie and company? Much less fun, that's for sure. Cook has written his way out of seeming endings before, but this sure felt more final than any of the previous books.
I don't know. I do hope more TunFaire novels are in the works. But that's not for me to decide. Mr. Cook, if you read this, please give us more of Garrett! Any idiot could write hero-slays-dragon generic fantasy; but Garrett and his world are like nothing else out there. Let him tell us another tale from the Garrett files . . .
good, but..........2001-11-29
I found FSH to be oddly disjointed, compared to earlier Garrett novels (particularly the seamless Old Tin Sorrows, by far the best of the series). Often I had the impression that Cook expected me to understand something that he hadn't bothered to explain, simply because Garrett had understood it -- or perhaps because similar situations in previous novels *had* been spelled out explicitly. Every so often, I'd find myself reading a page three or four times, convinced I'd missed something, because the next page was inexplicable (e.g., the sudden appearence of the Dead Man in the later part of the story).
That said, this was a good, morally ambiguous, sprawling monster of a plot. Without spoiling anything, I can say that this book finally unifies a lot of plot threads that have lurked in the Garrett books for years. The 'all-star-cast' nature of it makes me wonder, actually, where Cook intends to go next. His own military experiences have informed so much of the series' development that I was a bit shocked at the back-cover text of the book announcing the 'end of the war', and now I wonder if the setting can sustain itself without that constant source of angst and suffering.
I can't recommend this as a *first* Garrett novel -- look in used bookstores for some of the earlier, now out-of-print books. Especially Old Tin Sorrows -- did I mention that it's incredible? :-) But as the latest entry in the series, it does its job admirably -- even with the jerky, disjointed nature of the storytelling.
Very Good But Has Inconsistencies.......2001-10-11
This is the 9th in Cook's Garrett series ("Sweet Silver Blues," "Bitter Gold Hearts," "Cold Copper Tears," "Old Tin Sorrows," "Dread Brass Shadows," "Red Iron Nights," "Deadly Quicksilver Lies," "Petty Pewter Gods," "Faded Steel Heat," "Angry Lead Skies," and "Whispering Nickel Idols"). As are all Glen Cook's books with the title format of [adjective][metal type][noun], this is an interesting, fun, action-packed read. It's definitely a page-turner. Unfortunately, the minor inconsistencies I noticed in the previous book seem to be propogating in this one. Some of these errors are merely editing or lack of note-checking. For instance, near the beginning of this book, Garrett's talking to CAPTAIN Block. But, from two books back, we know that Block was promoted to COLONEL. A hundred pages on, though, Cook's got Block back as a COLONEL. In another case, Garrett's looking at a captured wagon. He specifically notes ONE prisoner. A couple pages later there are TWO prisoners. One page later, THREE. More seriously, there are behavioral problems. For instance, Garrett and his harem can't keep their minds on their business. In earlier books, Garrett's womanizing didn't really interfere in his business. In this book, both he and the women just stop working on important things (like infiltrations, kidnappings and murder) for a little bit of groping. And I mean they stop right in the middle of those things: not afterwards. Also, Garrett just misses obvious clues. He narrates to us about them, but nothing apparently clicks in his head. And then there's where he takes Tinnie with him to visit the headquarters of The Call (a militant human rights group). But, as noted in earlier books, Tinnie is part elf. Nobody ever notices.
These problems are still minor. This is definitely a book to read (along with all the rest of the series). But, because of these discrepencies, I've lowered my rating for the book to 4 stars out of 5 (unfortunately, I can't edit those stars on this review).
BTW: At the time of this review, this book is long out of print. It's tough to find anywhere. As an alternative, look around for the SFBC's "Garrett Investigates." This book is part of that collection.
Another great book in the line.......2000-05-22
The book started out a little awkward, almost as though Mr. Cook couldn't quite get things moving together at the same time. Once the story took hold, however, it was another great book in the series. Not a good place to start, so if you're new to the series, start back several books.
Average customer rating:
- Was a skeptic. -The key word there is WAS.
- Calm, cool and refreshingly deepening
- Save your Money
- Relaxing and Motivating
- Worth The Buy
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Total Wellness (Health Journeys)
Belleruth Naparstek
Manufacturer: Time Warner AudioBooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette
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Health Journeys: A Meditation to Help You Improve Self-Confidence and Reach Peak Performance
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A Meditation To Help with Anger and Forgiveness (Health Journeys)
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Health Journeys: A Guided Meditation for Healing Trauma (PTSD) (Health Journeys)
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Health Journeys: For People Managing Pain (Health Journeys)
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Health Journeys: A Meditation to Help You with Weight Loss (Health Journeys)
Accessories:
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
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Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
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RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
ASIN: 1586211196 |
Customer Reviews:
Was a skeptic. -The key word there is WAS........2007-02-26
Wonderful set! This was recommended to me by an acupuncturist, who explained to me the very powerful mind-body calming and healing effects of guided imagery and Belleruth Naparstek's work in particular (both of which I knew nothing!). I was really skeptical (and so was my husband). But we both listen to these together at night before we go to sleep, and we never seem to make it past 10 minutes into it. I've been told it's perfectly fine to sleep through them (they work anyway - the words and images are supposed to be even more powerful when falling asleep). In fact, Naparstek advises NOT to listen while driving. It does actually seem to be working - I now fall asleep faster and STAY asleep through the night (unheard of before buying this set!). I wake feeling refreshed, renewed, healthier, and indeed...more "balanced". To the reviewer that thinks her voice drones on...my husband made that same comment when we first started listening to the first one, but having used these for a while now, it's very evident that if her voice was filled with inflection, we wouldn't be lulled into such calm, deep relaxation...and remain there. I'm not listening to these to hear some sappy-sweet, sing-song cheerleader type voice. I'm listening to them to do exactly what they're doing! Great set.
Calm, cool and refreshingly deepening.......2006-03-08
Initially upon first trial I was only moderately satisified with the guided meditations employed in this inclusive package. With continued and regular usage, however, I've begun to experience a restful deepening that provides refreshment even when I'm unable to sleep (which is frequently). One of the CD's is actually tailored for persons with sleep disorders, and I've used it a couple of times with success, but my focus has been on stress and general wellness and so have used those CD's more frequently. Repeat listening on a regular scheduled basis really is the only way to get the most out of this material so I've had to avoid getting off track in trying to use all of them in the same period of days and weeks. Bella Naperstak's voice is calm, authoritative, and restful allowing one to let go. I think that I'd still prefer more poetic images than she tends to use but then she does perhaps allow for a greater range of imagination by not being overly detailed in her descriptive language. Overall this set is an excellent buy and a solid introduction to Bella's approach to Guided Imagery.
Save your Money.......2006-02-23
Save your money. While the first few minutes of listening may be relaxing, after a while, Belleruth's voice begins to drone on and on and becomes annoying. It has not proven to be at all helpful or therapuetic. I would recommend a good book on related issues or a walk in the park with a friend instead.
Relaxing and Motivating.......2005-08-03
I purchased this set after listening to Belleruth Naparstek's Meditation to Ease Grief after the death of my brother. It was well worth the investment both financially and mentally. They have gotten me through some very rough times. I also enjoy the walking meditation for those times when I need to get a break from everything and need focus on myself. I would recommend this set.
Worth The Buy.......2003-08-10
I've bought this set about 6 months ago and have been listening to it regularly, with the Meditations for Anxiety-Release a permanent staple in my main CD player and the Meditations for General Wellbeing in my Discman as the main staple CD. The results have been considerable, with an increase of peace, focus, mental-clarity, and a sense of stability and self-confidence. Listening and following along with the Anxiety-Release meditation helps to build courage to face each new day's challenges, as such it also improved my health and relationships with people. However as with all types of meditative aids, you will need patience to see the results but the results will become addictive.
Belleruth's voice is soothing. The imageries are fresh. The pace is excellent to induce calmness. The music is a wonderful backdrop that strimulates your imagination and soothes you at the same time.
Average customer rating:
- Abolitionist-Online Review
- It's so easy, even I can do it!
- A splendid addition to my cookbook collection
- Vegan cultural ambassador
- Deliriously Delicious Chuffy Chestnut Soup
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Dining with Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine
Lee Hall , and
Priscilla Feral
Manufacturer: Friends of Animals' Nectar Bat Press
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Binding: Paperback
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125 Best Vegan Recipes
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The Mediterranean Vegan Kitchen
ASIN: 0976915901 |
Product Description
Vegan Cookbook by Friends of Animals ALL NEW --- ALL VEGAN --- ALL DELICIOUS 129 innovative recipes as enjoyable to prepare as they are to eat. Everyday cooking ... raw foods... festive holiday occasions... homemade breads... salads... breakfasts... sandwiches...soups for all seasons... classic pastas... heirloom recipes... perfect cheesecakes...
Customer Reviews:
Abolitionist-Online Review.......2007-07-25
Life without dairy will never be the same again after purchasing this unique and colourful vegan cookbook. Dining With Friends is dedicated to each person who is willing to take a chance. Who stands out as different when indifference is the norm. And whose main ingredient is love.
Every vegan cookbook leaves it's stamp upon the Animal Rights Movement and it's with regret that The Abolitionist-Online cannot review the plethora of vegan cookbooks out there due to space restrictions so we do our best to pick the best, the non-predictable and the simply divine.
This cookbook passes all three tests. It's written by animal activists. Both Priscilla Feral and Lee Hall are passionate and committed animal rights and vegan activists who have spent a lifetime promoting an ethical vegan lifestyle.
Friends of Animals The Art of North American Cuisine appears to effortlessly and joyfully produce an infusion of amazing varied vegan food. Priscilla herself has said in the Intro that "I have always thought of feeding people as a way of loving them" and the recipes that both women have put together reflect that philosophy.
Let these stylish, simply spectacular recipes convert you to vegan cooking to change the world we live in.
Gardeners Delight Fettuccini, Walnut Pear Salad with Celery Seed Dressing, Butternut Squash Sauce over Linguine, Ellie's Arroz y Habichuelas (Purto Rican Rice and Beans), Blackened Tempeh with Roasted Red Pepper Sauce, Braised Brussell Sprouts with Lemon, West African Peanut Soup to name just a few.
The dessert section is equally a standout. Coconut Layer Cake, Fresh Ginger Cake, Liberated Chocolate Cake with delectable and dairy-free desserts, pies and cheesecakes have a section all to themselves.
Dining With Friends takes the world of healthy vegan cooking to new levels of consciousness which incidentally by tracing the history of human nutrition and evolution coincides with tracing the history and evolution of human consciousness. Noted in the Intro is a pearl of wisdom on the changing consciousness occurring all around the world today, "Behind every great Mocha latte is a veal calf."
The love of life coupled with vegan cookbooks like this is moving us forward. For a society that seems to have lost it's direction, that's spending billions of dollars on heath care after the fact, on hospitals and animal tested drugs then let these fabulous recipes do their thing with the underlying principles of sound nutrition behind them. Healthy, delicious and reinvigorating recipes in Dining With Friends has dispelled the myth once and for all that vegans are "doing without".
Nothing could be further from the truth!
I can't finish this review without mentioning the stunning photography. The recipe photographs are mouth-watering and professional.
We thoroughly recommend Dining With Friends.
It's so easy, even I can do it!.......2006-09-20
It's not often that I use a cookbook while cooking. Many times, the recipes call for mysterious or expensive ingredients, are too oily for my taste, or involve lengthy preparation. Dining With Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine is an exception. I was pleased to see that I had most ingredients in my kitchen already, and the recipes never carried over to two pages.
I noticed that many dishes were those that could be served at holiday meals and family gatherings. Indeed these festive additions were the authors' intention since many "vegans have a special interest in sharing their holidays with others." Recipes such as the Spaghetti Primavera, Mashed Yukon Potatoes, Sweet Corn Bread and Friends Dip are non-threatening to those who are leery of vegan meals.
For those who are more open to trying meat and dairy alternatives, this book includes recipes such as the Tempeh London Broil and Tofu Spinach Lasagna. The authors suggest that perhaps the reason we enjoy(ed) certain animal-based dishes is not because of the animal products involved, but because of the "seasoning and texture developed by a certain way of cooking them." For example, regarding Scrambled Tofu, they write, "It's perfectly possible to arrive at the same texture and taste using plant-based ingredients."
For myself, a vegan of nearly 5 years, I prepared four recipes (so far), using the cookbook. The Linguine with Cauliflower and Onions surprised me with its simple ingredients and savory taste. I used the variation, adding garlic, nuts and yellow raisins, and enjoyed the different textures and hint of sweetness.
The Green Beans with Almonds took an easy ten minutes to prepare, and would be an excellent addition to a holiday meal. In fact, the authors write that this dish is served at an annual Thanksgiving buffet.
Another festive side dish is the Mashed Sweet Potatoes, which was well worth the blister I got from peeling potatoes. A splash of orange juice gives the sweet potatoes an interesting accent, and I enjoyed the aroma and taste of the toasted almonds.
Finally, I tried my hand at a dessert. The Apple Cinnamon Crisp is the first apple crisp I have ever made, and it was so easy! I will definitely be making it again.
Many of the ingredients I used were bought at my local farmer's market, so I knew my meals were fresh and seasonal. Simultaneously, I ate lower on the food chain and lower in the food industry. I do believe these small acts of compassion make a difference... one recipe at a time.
A splendid addition to my cookbook collection.......2006-09-20
I'm glad that there are a lot of people interested in putting together vegan cookbooks, but many of those published in the last few years seem to be interchangeable. How great it is then to find a cookbook comprised of interesting and innovative vegan dishes. Priscilla Feral and Lee Hall have constructed such a cookbook in Dining with Friends: The Art of North American Vegan Cuisine.
Dining with Friends contains all of the most necessary cookbook components - clear and easy to follow recipes, ingredients that are readily available, and of course the resulting food is delicious.
Where Dining with Friends really sets itself apart from other cookbooks is the creativeness of its recipes. These fresh takes on North American cuisine are meant to be savored so that each exquisite flavor may be enjoyed. While many of these recipes can be prepared on any given day, the finished product always looks and tastes as if it's meant for a holiday or similarly special occasion. What could be better then that?
Vegan cultural ambassador.......2006-09-13
One important thing about Dining with Friends--besides the things reviewers on this site have already said, such as the fact that the recipes are superb, the introduction is inspiring and the pictures are fabulous--is that the book is being very well-received around the world. I have sent copies of the book to friends in Africa, where they have remarked that the dishes are not only well-received at parties and social events but that, in a practical way, the book is eminently useable. The spices are accessible there and the recipes seem designed to fit into other cultural traditions at the same time that they accent them in a very pleasing way. Brava to the authors for a book that is a cultural ambassador for the vegan philosophy!
Deliriously Delicious Chuffy Chestnut Soup.......2006-09-12
Word has it that this book is being slipped into kitchens in the New York metropolitan area. In Connecticut, even meaty eateries are swiping the recipe for chestnut soup and other delicious concoctions. The last pooh-poohing reviewer must be myopic, or have a reading tracking problem, as Dining With Friends is a very good book. The recipes make everyday cooking and special occasions a gorgeous, satisfying experience.
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