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Tom Does it the Hard Way

Instead of doing the sensible thing and taking the train to faraway Temple Camp, Tom Slade decides to get there on his own, first by canoe and then on foot. Accompanied by fellow scouts Roy Blakeley and Pee-wee Harris, Tom braves fire, flood, mystery, an escaped convict, possible murder-and even faces down a lawyer.

First published in 1917, this book is a classic boys' adventure by Percy Keese Fitzhugh, and has delighted generations of readers. It is imbued with the can-do spirit of the time, when nothing seemed impossible (and nothing was impossible) to a boy with stalwart friends and the courage of his convictions. ... Read more

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Karen Black born July 1, 1939 is an American actress,screenwriter, singer and songwriter. She is noted forappearing in such iconic films as Easy Rider, Five EasyPieces, The Great Gatsby, The Day of the Locust, Nashvilleand Alfred Hitchcock's final film, Family Plot. ... Read more

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He'd lost his job. His reputation. His family's regard. And much of that was due to her betrayal. So why was P.I. Dominic Cordasic considering working for widow Rachel Adair? Because she asked. And because she feared for her son--a child that should have been theirs. Rachel trusted only one man to help her. Dominic. She looked guilty as sin, and with someone gunning for her, she wanted--needed--Dom to watch her back. And if hiring his protection gave her a chance to tell him her side of the story--to redeem them both--she'd risk everything once again. ... Read more

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From roasts to brews, coffee bean to coffee cup, this ''Essential Guide to Your Favorite Perk-Me-Up'' gets you into the espresso lane with more than 70 tempting recipes for coffee drinks and treats. Rise and shine! 160 pages; 4-1/4 wide x 5-3/4 high; concealed wire-o binding; book lies flat for ease of use; elastic band place holder. ... Read more

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Carry Nation is on the loose again, breaking up discos, smashing topless bars, preaching clean living to men more intent on booze and babes. And what of Tonto, ever-faithful companion of the Lone Ranger, turning 40 without so much as a birthday call from the masked man? In these and 13 other short fictions, Fowler once again demonstrates the imaginative virtuosity that is fast winning her critical acclaim Author readings . ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Whatever Happened To...

We don't have to ask whatever happened to Karen Joy Fowler, because since the relatively early stories collected here she has become one of America's foremost purveyors of literary fiction. But "whatever happened to..." is a recurring theme in many of the stories in this volume, as Fowler explores the unknown or unappreciated women behind the men of history or literature. Great examples of this here are Gulliver's exasperated wife in "The Travails" and Einstein's lost daughter in "Lieserl." The same goes for the anonymous women left behind by war in one of this collection's strongest tales, "Letters from Home." In a different but also widely-used motif, in "Lily Red," "The View from Venus: A Case Study," and "Game Night at the Fox and Goose," Fowler looks at male/female relationships in a very distinct way, via the imperfect biases of both sides. Other winners in this collection include the less personal but more adventurous fantasy/sci-fi of "Black Glass," and "The Brew" (the second of which reminds me of a rather whimsical update on "To Kill a Mockingbird"). The only problem is that many of Fowler's short stories end abruptly before reaching closure on the thematic issues raised by the characters and their relationships, while subversion and social satire pop up occasionally but could be put to much more powerful use. [~doomsdayer520~]

Pulled me in immediately
I picked up this book as an afterthought.It sounded slipstream and the cover spoke of magic realism.... The cover doesn't do it justice.Fowler is part of the SF community, but none of these stories are strictly science fiction or even speculative fiction.However, they have SF's ability to stand outside and question the norm. Many of the stories address male/female relationships in a daring and forthright manner.Usually, there are a few stories in a collection that fail for me.That's the treasure of anthologies; the author gets another shot at you.But all of these affected me in some way.Bravo!I'm glad that I took the chance on a writer new to me.

Fifteen Dark Gems
As wonderful as Fowler's novels are, her short stories pack an even bigger punch.The blurb on the inside front cover wants you to notice that there are stories here about Gulliver's Travels, Carry Nation and the Lone Ranger and Tonto, but don't let the publisher's name-dropping turn you off; Fowler doesn't need to invoke names of legend or other fictions to tell her stories.She's got wit and intelligence and a total lack of mercy when it comes to her characters.

Take a story like "Duplicity," where a pair of women are captured by what might or might not be aliens, who manage to slowly and chillingly turn the captives against each other.Or a story like "The Elizabeth Complex," a multi-faceted meditation on women and their fathers.Or the way Fowler uses history to paint unpleasant pictures of our own present, as she does with "Shimabara."Fowler is as much at ease with stark and unsanitized childhood remembrance ("Go Back," "The Brew") as she is with ironic reflections on radical Berkely ("Letters From Home," "The View From Venus: A Case Study").Her stories are funniest when they are biting, her characters cut deepest when they are smiling, and she is never, ever, one hundred percent reliable.

This is a great collection.I await more.

Possibly the most original writer in English today
Fowler is probably best known for the novel Sarah Canary (also highlyrecommended), but it's in her short fiction that this writer's unique andimpressive talents shine brightest. All the stories in this collection areoutstanding, displaying Fowler's characteristic intelligence, wit, andinstinct for organic story structure.If you're daunted by the length andcomplexity of the title story, skip forward and start with"Contention" -- in just a few pages, this tale of domesticdisgruntlement and tabloid sensationalism packs in more sharp humor,observation, imagination and political acuity than most novels.The"Reader's Circle" edition of this book includes an interview withFowler as well as some less-than-insightful "discussion topics."

Lily Red more than Black Glass
Other than the longest, first, and book titling short story being my leastfavorite, "Black Glass: Short Fictions" is varied and filled withsurprises.I'm glad I got past "Black Glass" and kept reading. I would much preferred to have the volume titled after another story,"Lily Red."Karen Joy Fowler is able to capture our imaginationsquickly, develop the story, give us enough twists and leave us satisfiedbut wanting more.Many of these stories have a science fiction flare. Lily Red was perhaps my favorite.I could see it developed into a hauntingromantic film script.Lily is stopped by a police officer, directed to"Mattie's," a little bed and breakfast, where everyone asks herif she's come to see "the caves."The police officer turns outto be an American Indian named Henry who is quite older than his appearanceof 33 years.The torrid love story of Henry and Lily in the cave comes assomewhat of a surprise, and then more twists of reality occur.I did notcare for "Black Glass" because of the issue of drugs, butappreciate the way Fowler twists language and traditional story structureto reflect a hallucinogenic experience.It was quite individually done. "The View from Venus: A Case Study" was an excellent explorationof the conundrum of romance.My second favorite story was "TheBrew" which connects the magical traditions of the past, witches andunicorns, to the real story of friendship in present day.Mr. McBean issuch a drunken and delightfully crotchety character that he scares us andmakes us curious at the same time.He begs to be put on the stage.Ihonestly don't know what to make of "Game Night at the Fox &Goose," but I liked it.The story seemed to leave off just as it wasbeginning, leaving my mind to suggest how it might have worked out. Fowler's language is hardly lyrical, but is rooted in the conversationalpatterns and idioms of the present.This volume offers plenty of materialfor oral literary performance; and the often used first person enhances thestories when read aloud. I might have wished for a bit more of a spirituallevel, a couple stories of faith and joy, but as is, these stories arefresh, well written, and greatly entertaining. ... Read more

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The 1st Identification Guide Of Late 19th & Early 20th c. Italian Pottery & Porcelain Marks for English-Speaking Collectors. Praised by collectors & dealers internationally as an essential guide, it's been included in the traveling library of Antiques Roadshow & received a glowing review in NEAJ, July 2005. Mr. Wendell Garrett, Senior VP of Sotheby's & Editor at Large of The Magazine Antiques said in a personal note to the authors "I am most impressed. The book is comprehensive in scope, scholarly in research, beautiful in its illustrations, and clear in its writing. Everyone interested in ceramics -- collectors, curators, scholars and students should have a copy on his or her shelf." (6/13/05) For the very first time information on more than 120 Italian factories, studios, artists & over 300 identified marks becomes readily accessible to those who can't read Italian, making this Guide indispensable for the collector. ... Read more

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Praise for Black Tie Optional: A Complete Special Events Resource for Nonprofit Organizations, Second Edition

"I wish I had had this invaluable book when I was helping plan fundraisers in the past. My life would have been easier, and our bank account healthier. Don't torture yourself: get this book, follow its advice and be a hero!"
—Richard B. Stolley, Senior Editorial Adviser, Time, Inc. Founding Editor, People magazine

"Black Tie Optional is anything but an optional read. This step-by-step guide on how to strategize and execute a successful fundraiser is essential to anyone considering how best to tackle the complicated world of event planning. Black Tie Optional is the archetypal roadmap for those undertaking the rewarding yet overwhelming journey of successful fundraising. An absolute must read!"
—Cathy Elkies, Senior Vice President and Charity Auctioneer, Christie's

"Harry Freedman knows how to plan an event. He has it down to an art. "
—World-renowned artist PETER MAX

Regardless of the kind of big event your organization has planned for its next fundraiser, everything you need to know and do is in this thorough and essential handbook. Now in a Second Edition, Black Tie Optional demystifies the process and makes it as easy as possible to have a successful event that generates money as well as new supporters. Authors and industry experts Harry Freedman and Karen Feldman cover all the angles and show you how to:

• Decide on the best kind of event for your organization
• Select the best location and date for your event
• Develop budgets
• Reach and book celebrities
• Create invitations and get publicity
• Set ticket prices
• Organize and motivate your committees

This handy, how-to manual takes you step by step through the entire process of selecting and producing simple and complicated events and arms you with all the information you need, including practical advice, real-world examples from actual events, summary checklists, and worksheets. Black Tie Optional is destined to become your dog-eared blueprint for making money and allies in the name of your cause. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Great resource guide for the little details
It is one thing to have a great idea for a fundraiser and quite another to pull it off successfully. I have authored "Nation's Hottest Fundraising Events" as a resource book for event ideas but suggest that people then get a book like "Black Tie Optional" for all of the specific planning details.this book covers them all in depth and detail.

Excellent resource
If you need to put on a fund-raising event, this book will help you!It has all the nuts and bolts plus some sage advice.Useful for large events as well as small.

Nicely surprised
Wow. This book looks like it has never even been opened. I was very happy with both the condition of the book and the timeliness of the delivery. Would order again from this supplier. Thank you.
Didn't realize it was a "Second Edition" so it's a little different than the one I'm familiar with but that's ok. :)

Excellent resource guide
Enjoyed this book very much and found it quite helpful. Don't let the examples of high end events put you off the same principles can be used for any event. Don't try to reinvent the wheel use what others have learned.

Excellent Book!!!
If you are looking for a book to explain how to plan and implement a special event, this is the book for you.This book explains what to do and what not to do, so that your organization can get the most money out of your event.You can read it straight through or just go to certain chapters to get the information that you want.Also, don't let the celebrity/high society examples turn you off.What is in this book works even if you don't have access to a celebrity or society connections. I used what is in this book to raise money for my local Lions Club.Don't get any other book for special events--Black Tie Optional is the guide for special events. ... Read more