Amazon.com
Jacob Jankowski says: "I am ninety.Or ninety-three.One or the other."At the beginning of Water for Elephants, he is living out his days in a nursing home, hating every second of it.His life wasn't always like this, however, because Jacob ran away and joined the circus when he was twenty-one.It wasn't a romantic, carefree decision, to be sure.His parents were killed in an auto accident one week before he was to sit for his veterinary medicine exams at Cornell.He buried his parents, learned that they left him nothing because they had mortgaged everything to pay his tuition, returned to school, went to the exams, and didn't write a single word.He walked out without completing the test and wound up on a circus train.The circus he joins, in Depression-era America, is second-rate at best.With Ringling Brothers as the standard, Benzini Brothers is far down the scale and pale by comparison.

Water for Elephants is the story of Jacob's life with this circus.Sara Gruen spares no detail in chronicling the squalid, filthy, brutish circumstances in which he finds himself.The animals are mangy, underfed or fed rotten food, and abused.Jacob, once it becomes known that he has veterinary skills, is put in charge of the "menagerie" and all its ills.Uncle Al, the circus impresario, is a self-serving, venal creep who slaps people around because he can.August, the animal trainer, is a certified paranoid schizophrenic whose occasional flights into madness and brutality often have Jacob as their object.Jacob is the only person in the book who has a handle on a moral compass and as his reward he spends most of the novel beaten, broken, concussed, bleeding, swollen and hungover.He is the self-appointed Protector of the Downtrodden, and... he falls in love with Marlena, crazy August's wife.Not his best idea.

The most interesting aspect of the book is all the circus lore that Gruen has so carefully researched.She has all the right vocabulary:grifters, roustabouts, workers, cooch tent, rubes, First of May, what the band plays when there's trouble, Jamaican ginger paralysis, life on a circus train, set-up and take-down, being run out of town by the "revenooers" or the cops, and losing all your hooch. There is one glorious passage about Marlena and Rosie, the bull elephant, that truly evokes the magic a circus can create.It is easy to see Marlena's and Rosie's pink sequins under the Big Top and to imagine their perfect choreography as they perform unbelievable stunts.The crowd loves it--and so will the reader. The ending is absolutely ludicrous and really quite lovely.--Valerie RyanBook Description
As a young man, Jacob Jankowski was tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. It was the early part of the great Depression, and for Jacob, now ninety, the circus world he remembers was both his salvation and a living hell. A veterinary student just shy of a degree, he was put in charge of caring for the circus menagerie. It was there that he met Marlena, the beautiful equestrian star married to August, the charismatic but twisted animal trainer. And he met Rosie, an untrainable elephant who was the great gray hope for this third-rate traveling show. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and, ultimately, it was their only hope for survival. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1141)

Captivating!
Sara Gruen's new novel, Water for Elephants, challenges the childhood memories of circus acts and clowns with its eye-opening melancholy and beautifully written story. The novel follows Jacob Jankowski as he reminisces about his life as the Benzini Brother's veterinarian. After running away from a life of heavy expectations, Jacob is adopted by Uncle Al and August, the crazy, immoral ringleaders of the circus. The novel's attention to historical detail and well as the strangely believable plot will entrance mature readers.
However, to those looking for a light read: this is not it. Water for Elephants was, at times, a little difficult to follow. Gruen's style got a little contrived at times; clichés abound. The language is a little flowery at times, the details sometimes overwhelming. Conversely, some may argue that it's part of the book's charm. Gruen spares no detail, making the novel haunting and a little gruesome. The images stay with you: a man thrown bodily off a speeding train, a woman beaten by her bipolar husband, the almost disfiguring endowments of the circus stripper.
The details in the story were what made it so amazing. This well-researched novel was heavy on historical fact. Some of the most fantastic and unbelievable aspects of Gruen's book were the ones that were the most true. The writing was beautiful, if unsettling, and I found the story fascinating. While the ending was a bit simple, and more than a little predictable, this captivating read comes highly recommended for mature readers looking for something a little off the beaten path.

Great read
Jacob Jankowsky is 90...or 93.He can never remember.As the book begins, he is a "resident" in an assisted living facility, so I related to it right off, having just spent 2 days with my mother-in-law at an assisted living facility.As Jacob begins to look backward, we discover that he was "orphaned" as he was getting ready to take his exams for his veterinary license and join his father's practice.When his parents are killed in an auto accident, he is left with no money and, through an accidental twist of fate, he joins a circus, where he becomes the resident veterinarian.Over the next four months he learns the good and the bad about circus life, falls in love, discovers the secret of the newly acquired "stupid" elephant, and witnesses the one of the worst circus disasters in history.

Gruen is a wonderful writer, with a rich use of language which paints vivid pictures of a world most of us have never experienced.This is a riveting story with a couple of surprising twists at the end that I didn't see coming.

I highly recommend this book.

Water for Elephants
This was one of the most interesting books I have read in a long time.
It was filled with wonderful characters, some good and some bad. I couldn't put the book down until I found out the surprise ending. I would recommend it to a mature person.

Great book
This is a wonderful story and full of interesting information about the circus. I didn't quite know what to expect and wasn't sure that I'd "love" its circus setting, but was pleasantly surprised. The story of a boy's youth, as told by himself as an old man, is full of unexpected twists and turns. The many fun and crazy characters made this book really enjoyable to read.

Shallow page-turner
The story of this plot-driven book keeps you turning the pages, but I did not much care for the characters. They didn't have much depth; they could have been developed so much more. In addition, there are quite a few scenes that are either offensive or gross or both, apparently for sheer sensationalism. The circus train theme is interesting and fun to read, and this is what keeps the book going. One scene near the end depicted the main characters in a church; I thought this would be developed further. It turns out this was just added in to try to show the morality of Jacob, perhaps to foreshadow that he could never kill Marlena's husband August. Jacob started out at the beginning of the book as a naive innocent kid. How he could change into such an experienced risk-taker in a period of just a few months confused me. He certainly doesn't seem the church-going type by the end of the novel. And the fact that he and Marlena end up together, with lots of animals, by way of Rosie eliminating August, is just plain silly. ... Read more

Amazon.com
Do we really need more recipes for beef stew, polenta, and ratatouille? If they're the work of famed restaurateur and "food activist" Alice Waters, undoubtedly. In The Art of Simple Food, Waters offers 200-plus recipes for these and other simple but savory dishes, like Spicy Cauliflower Soup, Fava Bean Purée, and Braised Chicken Legs, as well as dessert formulas for the likes of Nectarine and Blueberry Crisp and Tangerine Ice. In addition, readers learn (or become reacquainted with) the Waters mantra: eat locally and sustainably; eat seasonally; shop at farmers markets. These are the rules by which she approaches food and cooking, and hopes we will too. Organized largely by techniques, the book is a kind of primer, designed to free readers from recipe reliance.

Some readers may look askance at advice that they search out sources for locally produced food, for example, given the everyday exigencies of shopping and getting meals on the table. Yet it is precisely the need to "remake" our relationship to food that, Waters contends, determines the ultimate success of all our cooking and dining, not to mention our health and that of the planet. This relatively small book has a large message, and good everyday recipes to back it up. --Arthur BoehmBook Description
Perhaps more responsible than anyone for the revolution in the way we eat, cook, and think about food, Alice Waters has “single-handedly chang[ed] the American palate” according to the New York Times. Her simple but inventive dishes focus on a passion for flavor and a reverence for locally produced, seasonal foods.

With an essential repertoire of timeless, approachable recipes chosen to enhance and showcase great ingredients, The Art of Simple Food is an indispensable resource for home cooks. Here you will find Alice’s philosophy on everything from stocking your kitchen, to mastering fundamentals and preparing delicious, seasonal inspired meals all year long. Always true to her philosophy that a perfect meal is one that’s balanced in texture, color, and flavor, Waters helps us embrace the seasons’ bounty and make the best choices when selecting ingredients. Fill your market basket with pristine produce, healthful grains, and responsibly raised meat, poultry, and seafood, then embark on a voyage of culinary rediscovery that reminds us that the most gratifying dish is often the least complex. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (45)

I've bought this for my whole family
After buying this book for my girlfriend for Christmas - I then bought it for my brother (a brilliant chef) and my mom (mother of a brilliant chef).

All three love it - i love it. it makes my mouth water.

So far I'm happy with the book
This book would make a wonderful present.For me it's like having a basic cookbook, but feeling like you're getting cooking secrets that make your cooking better.It's changed the way I think about cooking.The recipes I've tried so far are yummy.I've tried the Bolognese sauce, which I highly recommend.My husband had four servings, I kid you not.I was hoping for leftovers, no such luck.The carnitas and the roasted chicken.All were excellent.Even my kids 4 and 7 enjoyed them.It makes you want to experiment and try new things.I feel inspired when I menu plan each week.It's taken the doldrums out of cooking and brought in new enjoyment.You also get information about the importance of buying local and there's more, but that's what I remember most.

I've only tried three recipes, but I look forward to trying more.

Worth a read.....
There are so many reasons I appreciate Alice Waters and the fact she is such a 'foodie'.The fact she supports eating local foods, is trying to educate school children in her area, and for the most part prepares food in a simple direct way, are all reasons I admire her.

But lets not forget as she noted on the Charlie Rose Show, she hasn't cooked in her own restaurant since her oldest child, now in their twenties, was born. It does bother me that with all the emphasis on eating local, that many of the recipes call for ingredients from across the world.

And it also bothers me that modern day 'foodies' can often have a snob element.But I try and overlook these negatives and appreciate the fact she is trying to educate folks on buying local, and organic foods. Would like for Ms Waters and other authors of food books, would remind readers that its ok to play around with recipes and punch them up to fit ones own tastes.

But I would have liked her to write more on how do those working families, trying to keep their heads above water, afford organic foods where they live?

Yes, organic is best in the long run, but so often those with money living in upscale areas of the community, don't really grasp what everyday folks working long hours with less money are up against.

But I still recommend the book because I like new recipes and figure there is more positive than negative to what she has written.

Very disappointing
I was very excited to received this book since I had read so many positive reviews about it. Unfortunately, it was a pretty big disappointment. To start with the layout is, in my opinion, terrible. The pages are very crowded and since there is no ingredient list in teh beginning of every recipre, you need to read the whole recipe to make sure you have all of the ingredients. I have only made a few of the recipes so far but I found them to be just average.

A wonderful book for the kitchen-lover
This book is wonderful, a fascinating look at the basics of cooking with fresh insights that will please even an experienced cook. Of course, all these tidbits are supported by the author's long experience with fresh and local foods. I am not a "high" cook, but I do enjoy the kitchen and would recommend the book to anyone. ... Read more

Book Description
Here's a strong addition to our Inspirio Miniature Editions(tm) line. John Ortberg, author of Love Beyond Reason and The Life You've Always Wanted, uses humor and inspirations as he encourages readers to face their challenges and make things happen while discovering a fulfilling relationship with God.Download Description
Winner of the 2002 Christianity Today Book Award!You're One Step Away from the Adventure of Your LifeDeep within you lies the same faith and longing that sent Peter walking across the wind-swept Sea of Galilee toward Jesus.In what ways is the Lord telling you, as he did Peter, "Come"?John Ortberg invites you to consider the incredible potential that awaits you outside your comfort zone. Out on the risky waters of faith, Jesus is waiting to meet you in ways that will change you forever, deepening your character and your trust in God. The experience is terrifying. It's thrilling beyond belief. It's everything you'd expect of someone worthy to be called Lord.The choice is yours to know him as only a water-walker can, aligning yourself with God's purpose for your life in the process. There's just one requirement:If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (71)

SMALL BOOK
Thought the book is good, I was not aware that I was getting one of the TINY books that you can fit in your pocket! I was a little disappointed with that.

Good book
This book will challenge you to do the things you wanted to accomplish anyway. It makes you look inside to see things around you in a new way. It helps see ways that you can, and should, make a difference.

Powerful, Moving, Easy Read
If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat

This book is an all-time favorite of mine!It is an easy read that offers excellent advice that is applicable to people in all walks of life.I have used this book as an individual devotional book, and I have also worked through this book as a group study.This book is AWESOME!

Ortberg gives real-life situations that today's Christian can relate to and understand!His writing is clear and entertaining at the same time.

If you are looking for something to propel you forward in your walk with Christ, this is your book!!!

Great Study tool
I really enjoyed the ease of how this read. Easy to have 10 minute study times each day that had a complete lesson so consise!

Inspiring words- minature book- extremly minature
I guess I overlooked the word minature (my fault) at a glance it just looked like the regular size book and was very excited to find it at such a good price, and hardcover at that!PLEASE know if you order this you are not going to get the full version of the book.I am going to pay closer attention and get the whole thing next time.Felt a bit silly when I opened my package and the book was about 2 inches x 4 inches.For me I'm going to BAM and shop in person for this one! ... Read more

Amazon.com
Order this book ... and please don't be put off by its pallid subtitle, A Black Man's Tribute to His White Mother, which doesn't begin to do justice to the utterly unique and moving story contained within. The Color of Water tells the remarkable story of Ruth McBride Jordan, the two good men she married, and the 12 good children she raised. Jordan, born Rachel Shilsky, a Polish Jew, immigrated to America soon after birth; as an adult she moved to New York City, leaving her family and faith behind in Virginia. Jordan met and married a black man, making her isolation even more profound. The book is a success story, a testament to one woman's true heart, solid values, and indomitable will. Ruth Jordan battled not only racism but also poverty to raise her children and, despite being sorely tested, never wavered. In telling her story--along with her son's--The Color of Water addresses racial identity with compassion, insight, and realism. It is, in a word, inspiring, and you will finish it with unalloyed admiration for a flawed but remarkable individual. And, perhaps, a little more faith in us all.Book Description
This is a book that will "make you proud to be a member of the human race," says Mirabella, and countless readers have already discovered its power. Written in remembrance of his Polish-born, Southern-raised Jewish mother-who married a black man and raised twelve children, all of whom completed college-The Color of Water is a classic of the memoir genre, a testament to love, and a truly American story. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (575)

All time favorite!!
This is my all time favorite book.I came across it by chance while working at a book store in college and have read it 3 times in 5 years.The juxtaposition of the authors "story" with his mother's is unlike anything I have ever read.People of every race, every religion, and every generation will relate to the joys, angst, and triumph of this story.I've told everyone I know about this book.It's is an easy read and worth every penny and every second of your time.

This book always stand out in my mind...
I actually read this book when it first came out, I believe that was about 10 years ago, which does seem correct as I believe I was about 14-15 when I read this book. Although it was a long time ago I don't remember all the finer points of this book but for some reason this book has always stood out in my memory. I really fell in love with book, I rememeber not wanting to put it down but at the same time dreading turning each page as it was getting closer to the end. I say give it a try, I don't think you will be disappointed. I hope it leaves as big an impression on you as it did with me. I might even read it again soon!

Crazy Story
I did not enjoy this book as much as some others have. I found the mother somewhat cruel. It is amazing that any of these children turned out well. The author has a writing style that's easy to read, and it's great that he can look back on his life as he does, but, as an outsider, I found myself wanting to wring this woman's neck every few pages! I just could not find any redeeming values for her. And, why have sooooooo many kids that you cannot afford to raise?? Still, an interesting read.

Entertaining, Yes...Informative, No....
The Color of Water chronicles the childhood of James McBride, an inter-racial kid born of a Jewish mother and a Black father.The book describes James' mom's philosophy of raising her kids as "colorless," with undeniably good principles such as education, respect, and family unity.James is one of the youngest of many kids, and thus is relegated to menial chores and destined to ignorance in his early years, because his mother refuses to answer any of his questions.

At first, the book is actually quite interesting as you learn of the fiber of the Jordan/McBride family.The older kids are generally more rebellious and usually argue with each other about race and politics.The younger kids look up at the older kids but they reserve their ultimate respect and admiration for mommy.As the book progresses, however, the story gets extremely redundant and stereo-typical as other reviewers have mentioned.Apparently, mommy failed to instill the notion that skin color doesn't matter to their kids as they each begin to turn to racial groups and rebel against the "white man."

This book can be a page turner if you focus on only reading the book for the sake of it's story.If you attempt to read this book to gain knowledge on how to raise your kids or any other ultimate motive, I am sad to report that you will likely be dissapointed, as was I.

If you like stereotypes...
If you like reinforcing stereotypes, then James McBride's book is for you.Jews have big noses, they only care about money, and of course, his converted mother only finds love through Jesus.But let's move past that.A great mother?Perhaps her children would not have had to eat sugar as a meal or wake up at 3 am (when she came home from work with free food from her employer) to eat-- else they went hungry if she had the number of children that she and her could support.Perhaps living in a house where the dog's feces is kicked under the radiator is not an indication of a strong mother. How about when she pays one fare for the subway and puts herself and the twelve children through on that one fare. These are not virtues.The writing was weak; the message was weaker. ... Read more

Book Description
This book has the potential to profoundly transform your world view. Using high-speed photography, Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them. He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns. In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors. The implications of this research create a new awareness of how we can positively impact the earth and our personal health. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (171)

The Hidden Messages in Water
This book was fascinating, riviting and fantastic!!!I loved it.I believe Mr. Emoto has discovered something truly remarkable.
Jane Steinagel

Hidden Messages in Water calendar review
This calendar really is pretty.It is definately not like any calendar I have seen before! The information in this calendar is also very interesting. I ordered this because it seemed original & it really is.I like it very much!!

Hidden Messages in Water review
I've owned this book for quite awhile and wanted to share it with some friends who have not read it before.It's beautifully written and full of amazing photos to back up what the author it trying to get across.IT's a good book on one's path to spiritual awareness and enlightenment.

Living Water?
Curiosity is my nature.The title "The Hidden Messages in Water" was the hook that made me buy the book. "This book has the potential to profoundly transform your world view."I wondered how this little 157 page book could manage that monumental task, so with skepticism I read on.

Dr. Masaru Emoto discovered that crystals formed in frozen water reveal changes when specific, concentrated thoughts are directed toward them.He found that water from clear springs and water that has been exposed to loving words shows brilliant, complex, and colorful snowflake patterns.In contrast, polluted water, or water exposed to negative thoughts, forms incomplete, asymmetrical patterns with dull colors.

The implications of this research create new awareness of how we can positively impact the earth and our personal health.

Of what is the universe made?Is it possible to change the world with our thoughts?Do the frozen crystals in water demonstrate our Creator aspect?Is this the proof that invisible, unseen frequencies of thought directly affect us and everything around us?

You'll have to conclude that for yourself.But, if you ask my opinion...I send love to water everyday...water I drink, water I wash and bathe in, water in my acquarium.Who can say or measure on a graph the impact and result of these thoughts?I conclude that it harms nothing and makes me feel wonderful to contribute my love to the world at large.

I've developed a frequency of my own that contributes to the purification of earth's elements.Whether or not my contributions amount to anything is the perception of the perceiver.

Phenominal Work and Proof !
Well, you cannot dispute the photos. His work is valid and his message pure. Thanks for all the great messages Dr. Emoto! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

A soaring celebration of familial love
Some reviews here say it all.This is indeed a remarkable biography/autobiography, so I would only add my praise for such a loving, touching homage to a very special lady and her remarkable family.I loved the forthright descriptions of this numerous mixed-race family and was touched by Mrs. McBride Jordan's personal tale, kept inside for so long.Her buried past and the author's own reminiscences entwine flawlessly, making this an emotion-stirring book.By writing it, James McBride is finally able to piece together his own past and that of his mother, thus quenching his desire to learn more about his origins.

The difference with the original edition is an interesting Afterword, summarizing the 10 years since its first publication (1996) and the impact its success had on the author himself, his family and, above all, his mother.I shall not disclose anything here, but it is worth to look into.

I truly think this is a standout among the various memoirs I have read so far, an inspiring and remarkable contribution to race-related literature.

Shades of gray
I feel almost silly adding another review when others have said so much already. So, I'll keep it brief. This is an extremely well written book. It flows seamlessly back and forth between time periods and generations until, before you know it, it's over. And, contrary to what some others have written, it is not obsessed with race. Race, as McBride presents his struggles, can be seen as a metaphor for exclusion. McBride's experience brings to life the consequences of the unfortunate human tendency to separate people into in-groups and out-groups, and to denigrate those who belong to any out-group. Most of all, this is a heartwarming story about the power of love to overcome trauma. I recommend it to everyone, and most especially to anyone who has ever felt that they didn't fit into someone else's dichotomous box.

A Story We Can All Learn From
There are many people today who live their lives completely oblivious to different parts of the world and the unique histories that have brought us to where we are today. I'll be the first to admit to this naivety. I have lived my whole life in Arizona. It was quite shocking, as a result, to read James McBride's memoir.McBride attributes this memoir to his mother and opens the reader's eyes to the hardships and struggles of both religious and racial discrimination in the twentieth century.
James McBride was born in 1957 to an African-American father and a mother who was not only a Polish, Jewish immigrant, but white. McBride delves into what life was like growing up, and also reveals the many struggles that his mother overcame. Throughout the memoir, McBride describes the unique character of his mother and triumphs when he finally is able to uncover the past that she tried all her life to hide from. It wasn't until James was in college that he finally learned the truth of his mother's past and how hard it was for her as a Jewish immigrant living in Virginia in the 1920's and 1930's. Her childhood was hard enough growing up with an abusive father and discrimination against her Jewish family, but she eventually ran away to Harlem, New York to marry an African-American. She survived the death of two husbands and was left to care for a total of twelve children all on her own. And yet, she sent every one of them to college where they each got degrees and grew up to lead very successful lives.
James also relates what it was like growing up in a chaotic household of twelve children with a single mother. He reveals the racial discriminations promulgated toward his black siblings and white mother. He also opens the reader's eyes to what it was like to live in hunger and poverty. But if there was one thing James' mother instilled in her children, it was a belief in Christianity and the importance of an education; and even though they were constantly scraping by for food, they all made it through college with the value of education and with divine help. It is a true story of fulfilling the "American Dream."
One of the very unique aspects of McBride's writing is his original organization. The entire memoir is a puzzle. With each chapter, the point of view shifts back and forth between his own personal story and his mother's in her own words. This creates a fascinating effect as the reader seems to inch along through the discovery of James' mother's past just as he inched along throughout his whole life. It's almost like reading two separate memoirs; and yet they intertwine so skillfully that they aid each other.
McBride's style of writing also adds to the memoir and reveals what he has gone through and how far he has come. He has a great balance of comical facts and intense judgments of life. Before I was even through the first chapter I compared McBride's style to that of The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger. Even though this novel is not a memoir, it takes the reader through the life of sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield who is also trying to find out who he is. Both of these works relate to each other and have a similar style. They are both very blunt and the honesty shows through as they just "tell it like it is." Both works also follow characters through their lives and their different struggles and trials that they had to overcome. They both deal with issues of education, personal morality, values, and self understanding. However, McBride adds racial and religious discriminations, poverty, and death to the list of issues.
The Color of Water is not only educational in describing life in the north and south during the early years of America, but it is an inspiring book. There are many instances where McBride will step back and give his views and beliefs on different issues."Given my black face and upbringing it was easy for me to flee into the anonymity of blackness, yet I felt frustrated to live in a world that considers the color of your face an immediate political statement whether you like it or not. It took years before I began to accept the fact that the nebulous "white man's world" wasn't as free as it looked; that class, luck, religion all factored in as well...Yet the color boundary in my mind was and still is the greatest hurdle." The unique racial insight that James McBride exposes is something every human being should be aware of. It is also good to know the different kinds of hardships that many people face in our country's history and how they can pull through hard times and still succeed. As a whole, The Color of Water wasn't the most thrilling or romantic memoir. It is honest and tells things as they are. But it also draws out deep emotions from the reader as you sympathize with those who have to live through struggles yet conquer them in the end.

A Great Read
This may be my favorite book. It's a beautiful, engaging story. Several friends and I read the book around the same time and all agreed that we hatedto reach the end. If you just want to enjoy a great story, read this book.

A new point of view
This was a great book that told a story of a young boy who wanted to know why his mother didn't look like him. I really enjoyed reading this book, and I got an inside look at a bi-racial family. ... Read more

Amazon.com
As a result of extensive research into the role of water in the body, the author, a medical doctor, believes that he has found chronic dehydration to be the cause of many conditions including asthma, allergies, arthritis, angina, migraine headaches, hypertension, raised cholesterol, chronic fatigue syndrome, multiple sclerosis, depression, and diabetes in the elderly.

According to Dr. Batmanghelidj, the body possesses many different thirst signals. A dry mouth is not a reliable indicator of your body's water needs. He describes a variety of more reliable ones, and helps you learn to understand when your body is calling for water. In this way, he claims you can prevent, treat, and cure a variety of conditions of ill health, at no cost, with what he calls nature's miracle medicine: Water. The author explains how much water one needs to drink a day to stay healthy, and why tea, coffee, and sodas are not good substitutes for water. Book Description
For the first time in medical history, F. Batmanghelidj, M.D., has identified the crisis calls of the body for water --pain, asthma, diabetes, hypertension, multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome, and more.He has discovered the key to a longer, healthier, and more vigorous life.He shares with you his medical breakthrough that many people put their minds and bodies under intolerable and unecessary stress and become sick simply because they do not drink enough water.Unintentional dehydration leads to illness and painful, degenerative diseases that can be prevented, treated, and cure by drinking plenty of water.

You will learn how to use water to:
* Prevent and reverse premature aging
* Eliminate pains including heartburn, back pain, arthritis, colitispain, anginal pain, migraine headaches
* Cure asthma in a few days, naturally and forever
* Cure hypertension without diuretics or other medication
* Lose weight effortlessly and naturally, without strict dieting ... Read more

Customer Reviews (100)

Common Sense Prevails at Last
I have always been interested in ways to imptove my health and because of this I have remained very active.I am 69 years of ageand joined a fitness club 18 Months ago which has kept me very active.However, I had minor complaints. for example , my breathing was not what it should be despite doing quite a bit of running. Also I developed a slight problem with my left hip. I put this down to inflamation but niggling at the back of my mind was that the hip joint had gone. I came across an article about water. Like most people I assumed that I hdrank enough water.My eyes were soon opened after I read this book. I started putting into practtice what I read and the results have been amazing.Not only has my breathing improved but the pain in my hip has very much decreased.Moreover, my blood pressure dropped and I am now free of medication. I am also more alert and have a lot more energy.I would ask anyone who purchases this book, easily read and understood, to keep and open mindand give the princples dicusseda chance.They will be delighted with the results.I have recommended this book to a number of the younger generation at my club and also to close friends.Certainly a very worthwhile buy.

R.Williamson

Excellent reading
I believe everyone would benefit from reading this book. I've followed the advice and have been able to eliminate antacid's from my daily life. It should be required reading for physician's also. Sometimes the easiest solution IS the best answer!I recommend this book highly to everyone.

A Salute from Humanity... Dr. B.
Groundbreaking studies with water and salt.I have read and studied,
Self applied, and witnessed in others the truthfulness, being the effectiveness, of the information in this life-changing study book.It works!Water is the key to the many so-named diseases, in fact 95% of them.
The greatest medical advice in the world, bar none, is in these pages.I agree with some reviewers that the writing could be more fluid; however the material is gold and can be even better extracted by re-reading. Which, If your serious about you and your families health you will do regardless. Know these teachings and you will be the far better, as well as a help to others. Dr. Batman has other books, tapes, and a CD all of which I've spent much time studying. This man is a brilliant scientist undergoing painstaking investigation concluding in these things he tells you simply.. And simply "It Works." He's right! And you? You are saved from the world of deadly and dehabilitating drugs.

Credibility?
The author spends so much time complaining about how the mainstream medical community shuns his ideas, I began to question the point of this book!It also begs the question, why would so many highly respected doctors think this guy might be blowing the issue out of proportion?

No doubt, many people are dehydrated and could stand to increase their water intake.But, as a cure for depression, arthritis, CANCER and many other ailments--I am not so sure, perhaps some of it can be attributed to the placebo effect.

This book is through and through alternative medicine: not traditional medicine.There is some science here, but some areas seem lacking.I came looking for advice about how to manage neurally-mediated syncope triggered by low blood volume when I am dehydrated.I found more information on medical websites about how to manage my condition, and specifically blood volume, than in this book.

Keep in mind that it is possible to drink too much water.If you drink too much water too quickly you can throw off the osmosis levels in cells.This is why medical responders to disaster areas like theWorld Health Organization use oral rehydration solutions (consisting of essential salts and minerals to manage proper osmosity levels) for people suffering from severe dehydration.I am not saying this book is dangerous, but it is important for people to know that you can hurt yourself drinking too much water.

Water- The Elixir of Life
A million thanks to Dr. Batman for his excellent research on the relationship between dehydration and the body's many diseases and conditions. I've been religiously following his methods for about a month now and my body is responding beautifully. I have become more aware of my body's functioning and constipation is now a thing of the past. With toxins flushed out of the body more regularly, I feel more energetic and mentally alert. My skin tone and texture have improved visibly. I have 2 to 2.5 liters of water per day with dissolved crystal sea-salt. I have a much better sleep.

My mother has arthritis in her knee and hip joints for many years now and she has tried calcium, vitmain D, Glucosamine, Chondroitin, massage, etc., but nothing has given her relief. Now that she is following Dr. Batman's water cure, she confirmed that her joint pains have come down by about 50% 2-3 weeks after she started the therapy. This is amazing. My wife too has reduced her dependence and frequency of use of asthma pumps after following the instructions for the same.

You owe it to yourself to give this therapy a chance because it's the most natural treatment you can have without any side effects. I highly recommend that you buy this book and also "You Are Not Sick; You Are Thirsty" and you'll cherish them for life. ... Read more

Book Description
Powerful, emotional, and beautifully written, Alan Drew’s stunning first novel brings to life two unforgettable families–one Kurdish, one American–and the sacrifice and love that bind them together.

In a small town outside Istanbul, Sinan Basioglu, a devout Muslim, and his wife, Nilüfer, are preparing for their nine-year-old son’s coming-of-age ceremony. Their headstrong fifteen-year-old daughter, İrem, resents the attention her brother, Ismail, receives from their parents. For her, there was no such festive observance–only the wrapping of her head in a dark scarf and strict rules that keep her hidden away from boys and her friends. But even before the night of the celebration, İrem has started to change, to the dismay of her Kurdish father. What Sinan doesn’t know is that much of her transformation is due to her secret relationship with their neighbor, Dylan, the seventeen-year-old American son of expatriate teachers.

İrem sees Dylan as the gateway to a new life, one that will free her from the confines of conservative Islam. Yet the young man’s presence and Sinan’s growing awareness of their relationship affirms Sinan’s wish to move his family to the safety of his old village, a place where his children would be sheltered from the cosmopolitan temptations of Istanbul, and where, as the civil war in the south wanes, he hopes to raise his children in the Kurdish tradition.

But when a massive earthquake hits in the middle of the night, the Basioglu family is faced with greater challenges. Losing everything, they are forced to forage for themselves, living as refugees in their own country. And their survival becomes dependent on their American neighbors, to whom they are unnervingly indebted. As love develops between İrem and Dylan, Sinan makes a series of increasingly dangerous decisions that push him toward a betrayal that will change everyone’s lives forever.

The deep bonds among father, son, and daughter; the tension between honoring tradition and embracing personal freedom; the conflict between cultures and faiths; the regrets of age and the passions of youth–these are the timeless themes Alan Drew weaves into a brilliant fiction debut. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Excruciatingly sad yet painfully beautiful
The conflict in the Middle East doesn't seem to be dissipating any time soon, and America's imperialistic presence in that part of the world continues to be met with much derision by people at home and abroad. Because of that fact, literature written about the subject matter is flooding the marketplace --- especially as the Iraq war threatens to bubble over into Iran and more and more people are dying in the name of freedom. Just because Alan Drew's debut novel lands comfortably in the pile along with the rest of it, by no means should it be looked at as commonplace. Quite the opposite --- GARDENS OF WATER is nothing short of extraordinary.

Set in a small town outside Istanbul, the book opens as Sinan Basioglu, a Kurdish shopkeeper and devout Muslim, is preparing for his nine-year-old son Ismail's circumcision ceremony. Right from the start, Drew sets the scene for his readers: the bustle of the overcrowded streets, the smells wafting from the market food stalls and the sounds of the mosques calling patrons to prayer. As the day wears into evening, Ismail's party peters out, and family friends, who have been happily crammed into a small room, eating, dancing and offering up good wishes for Ismail and his family, leave for the night --- including Marcus, his wife Sarah and their 17-year-old son, Dylan, the American neighbors whom Sinan and his wife, Nilüfer, begrudgingly invite at the last minute.

Then disaster strikes. An earthquake (reminiscent of the actual Marmara earthquake of 1999 that Drew experienced firsthand) hits and destroys most of the town, claiming thousands of lives, including Sarah, who dies preventing Ismail from being crushed by the fallen rubble. What follows is the incredibly complex story of what's left of these intertwined broken families as they move into a Red Cross refugee camp and struggle to move past their respective losses in order to survive.

It's difficult to pinpoint just one aspect of GARDENS OF WATER that makes it so excruciatingly sad yet painfully beautiful. Instead, it's the convergence of each interdependent, interwoven thread that makes the story come alive with meaning. For one, the forbidden love affair between Irem, Sinan's 15-year-old daughter, and Dylan is fraught with the boundless passion and naïveté that can only stem from inexperience and each character's dogged fascination with the unknown. While Irem and Dylan's clandestine meetings erupt with energy and hope, it soon becomes only too clear that their disparate cultural backgrounds and familial responsibilities loom too large to be recklessly ignored.

What's more, the intricacies of each character's belief system underlie every interaction throughout the book --- especially Sinan's. He cherishes his daughter yet cannot condone her love for an American boy who flouts all sense of tradition and faith in his reverence of modern music, sex and other worldly pleasures, while Irem longs to break free of the crushing weight of her parents' control --- at least she thinks she does. He feels indebted to Marcus for saving his son and bringing his family food and supplies, but he resents Marcus's Christian values and hates the Americans for the atrocities they continue to commit against his country in the pursuit of oil and power in exchange for the supposed freedom of the Kurdish people. He is the bastion of pride and honor yet is haunted by shame and guilt for the decisions he has made regarding his family's future. Sinan epitomizes the fallen hero --- one who strives for greatness but can't help but be crushed by the fallibility of his own soul.

Above all, GARDENS OF WATER is a vivid snapshot into the lives of downtrodden people ravaged by war, greed, religious persecution and centuries-old misunderstanding. With every word, Drew captures the truest essence of what transpires when two dissimilar cultures collide under desperate circumstances. And while the catalyst for Sinan's family and neighbors' troubles is a natural disaster instead of war, one can't help but think that the book hints at a larger metaphor: the inexcusable transgressions happening worldwide to people who are taken advantage of in the name of religion, the acquisition of land, or the plundering of natural resources. Though some Americans hate to admit that we might be at the center of such controversies, Drew tastefully places us at the forefront of the equation in a gesture that refrains from placing blame, but merely points out the complexities of the situation.

GARDENS OF WATER is a remarkable work from a compelling new voice in fiction.

--- Reviewed by Alexis Burling

Highly Recommended
A terrific debut novel about a conservative Kurdish family in transition in Turkey -- geographic transition, due first to military instability and then an earthquake; and cultural transition, initially sandwiched between Islamic fundamentalists and secularists, then among Western (American) Christians.

Alan Drew develops sympathetic and true characters, and his writing style, sprinkling of foreign-language terms, and evocative settings immerse the reader in 1999 Turkey (on a par with Khaled Hosseini's style). Short chapters and alternating viewpoints (a father and his 15-year-old daughter) keep the story moving, though at a leisurely pace until the final 75 pages.

This novel entertained and informed me, but it also did the best thing a book can do: it inspired me to learn more -- outside of the story -- by seeking and exploring additional sources on my own. Highly recommended!

Grab this for your book group!
Gardens of Water--Alan Drew

My suggestion: Don't bother with plot summaries or opinions, just read it for yourself and if you're in a book group--make it a group read.

Gardens of Water has a lot for everyone, and gives insight into the culture clash within Muslim families in a way that's different. The Kurdish family (father, mother, 15-yr old daughter, 9-yr-old son) has been displaced to Turkey in the late 1990s.For the first time I feel some understanding of the Muslim male viewpoint, usually portrayed in a rather simplistic almost inscrutable, cold way. The father is old-fashioned strict but not a fundamentalist, a step toward middle-of-the road; I saw him as equivalent to first-generation European immigrants to the US: one foot in the old world and not quite sure how to raise their children, who are being exposed to values and situations they never faced.

You can read plot summaries anywhere, so I'll just concentrate on my reactions.
This fine book doesn't take the easy road of pat answers; many of the characters experience true inner conflict on several issues and both sides of the several issues seem to get fair treatment. The best part for me was gaining some small understanding of the thought process and crescendo of emotions in people (American and Kurd) whose beliefs are so different from mine. It also provides some insight into the effects of the situation in Iraq during Hussein's rule and the general area, but on a personal level. The writing is straightforward--none of the look at me I'm writing stuff--and the issues are quite accessible. In some ways, it's a kinder, gentler Kite Runner or Thousand Splendid Suns. Some have compared elements of the story to Romeo and Juliet, which I would have found off-putting.For me, the story was much a culture clash within the families and internal to the various people. But because it's told in an even-handed way, you get to explore your own feelings through each character. These folks have some tough issues to face and I found it quite moving.It's the type of book you hate to have end because you won't spend time with these people any more.

This is likely to be an extremely popular AND worthwhile book--lots to discuss when your feelings setlle.

easily overlooked flaws
Sometimes, obvious flaws in things like characterization can be overlooked because of how well the book is written overall. Such is the case here. It wasn't until I was nearly at the end of the book, when things were clearly winding down, that I realized that most of the major characters had not been fully developed, nor were their motivations always totally clear.

But perhaps in this book the individual characters were stand-ins for the eternal conflicts of East vs. West and one generation against another. Both are realistically drawn as Irem struggles with herself against the traditions with which she's been raised, but is unable to completely break away from them. Her mother struggles to reconcile the choices she's made, and her desire to raise her daughter in the same way she was raised, with the evident changes in the world around her and the greater opportunities Irem could take advantage of. Sinan, Irem's father, struggles to support his family and to maintain the religious traditions that are important to him. None of the characters ever fully resolves their struggles, which is perhaps very realistic, although in some cases their own actions or events outside their control inadvertently lead to a resolution.

Drew portrays these struggles very well. Indeed, in some places he demonstrates a rare gift for the ability to paint a scene. One scene in particular that deserves special mention is the scene where Sinan takes his son to visit the holiest mosque in Istanbul. There, while trying to teach his son how to pray, Sinan must deal with the distraction of Western tourists who are touring the mosque. This scene is so vividly rendered that the reader can't escape the implications of the potential dangers to Sinan's faith and way of life inherent in the encroachment of Westerners.

Exceptional Tale of Colliding Cultures
In the debut novel "Gardens of Water," an earthquake, both physically and metaphorically, shatters the lives of two very different families. This collision sets the families on a path of sacrifice and pain so deep the reader is compelled to continue, hoping for happy ending, yet unable to imagine what that resolution might look like.

Sinan, a devout Kurdish Muslim, lives with his wife, teenage daughter, and young son outside the city of Istanbul. In the apartment above them lives an American Christian, Marcus, with his own wife and teenaged son. After a party celebrating Sinan's son's entry to manhood, a devastating earthquake strikes. The earthquake does more than destroy these two families' homes; it destroys everything each man holds dearest.
Soon Sinan's family is living in an American refugee camp where Marcus attempts to befriend them. What was once an innocent flirtation between the two teenagers turns into a dangerous march toward rebellion. Their story is in some ways so typical of any teen love story, yet so much more dangerous in their setting. As his daughter's rebellion swells and his son's nightmares unfurl, Sinan labors to gather funds in order to return his family to the unspoiled small-town of his youth. There, Sinan believes, he can protect his family from Western influences. But, as the teen lovers hover dangerously close to an edge, the tension builds like a wall of loose brick awaiting another earthquake. The reader knows it's coming, can feel the little aftershocks; yet when the proverbial earthquake happens, the reader is devastated along with the characters left standing.

"Gardens Of Water" might first appear a convoluted read, but the actual reading is so smooth and well driven one forgets the multi-layered complications involved in Muslim and Christian relations. The writing is vivid and enlightening with perfectly building tension. The teen scenes are "Romeo and Juliet" inspired, each heartbeat quickening the tale. My favorite quote from the novel is so very poignant (especially to this empty nest Mom): "Our children are not ours. That is our mistake. We think they are. It seems so for awhile - but they aren't. They never were."

This story also provides an exceptional look at the American influence in the world and the Muslim desire to hold onto it's own traditions. There are enumerable cultural perspectives and the negatives of each religion are evenly portrayed. The appendix of author conversations offers further enlightenment.

"Gardens Of Water" is a brilliant story to be especially enjoyed by lovers of historical fiction, or those enjoying themes of conflict between religion, culture and modern ideals, or remorse for past decisions, or the blossoming danger of forbidden love.


. ... Read more

Book Description
Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life in tum-of-the-century Mexico became a best-selling phenomenon with its winning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit.Download Description

Earthy, magical, and utterly charming, this tale of family life inturn-of-the-century Mexico became a best-selling phenomenon with itswinning blend of poignant romance and bittersweet wit. The classic lovestory takes place on the De la Garza ranch, as the tyrannical owner, Mama Elena, chops onions at the kitchen table in her final days of pregnancy.

While still in her mother's womb, her daughter-to-be weeps so violentlyshe causes an early labor, and little Tita slips out amid the spices andfixings for noodle soup. This early encounter with food soon becomes away of life, and Tita grows up to be a master chef. She shares specialpoints of her favorite preparations with listeners throughout the story.

"A tall tale, fairy tale, soap-opera romance, Mexican cookbook, andhome-remedy handbook all rolled into one."
   SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE

"A wondrous romantic tale. Esquivel has given us a banquet."
   LOS ANGELES TIMES

"Like Water for Chocolate is deceptively simple and simplywonderful. A story of love, sex, war, and the sweep of Mexican historythat belongs to women."
   BOSTON GLOBE

"A mystical, piquant novel. Like Water for Chocolate is a savoryand satisfying tale."
   PEOPLE

Customer Reviews (426)

A Fantasy / Love Story / Cookbook
"Like Water for Chocolate" is a fun book that mixes fantasy story-telling with a love story -- and throws in an authentic Mexican recipe with each chapter!It's a little bizarre, but it's just a lot of fun to read and the recipes look delicious.

The story is about a Mexican girl who has been told that since she is her mother's youngest daughter, she can never marry.She must take care of her mother until her mother dies.As a result, she spends most of her time growing up in the kitchen and becomes a magnificent cook.

As fate would have it, she meets a young man and falls in love.When the young man (Pedro) asks for her hand in marriage, he's told that Tita cannot marry but he can marry her sister.Pedro does just that in order to stay close to Tita.This love affair lasts throughout their lives.

Highly recommended.This classic can be read in 1 day.

A Delight To The Senses
When I first picked up this book, I'd heard of the movie, but had never seen it. I knew that this was a story of romance, that somehow involved cooking, but knew nothing more. So it was much to my delight that the book turned out to be a complete revelation.
The way Laura Esquivel describes Tita's love of Pedro and her passion for food, almost makes you want to grab the nearest man, and rush headfirst into the kitchen. And even though this book was originally published in Spanish, the language used in the English translation is rich and textured. You can feel the heat, hear the sounds of the kitchen, and smell the sauce bubbling on the stove, as our heroine (Tita) pours all her blood, sweat and tears into each dish.
Like Water For Chocolate is tragically sweet, but incredibly satisfying. Tita's gentle strength resonates throughout the story. And instead of feeling sorry for her, you can only admire this young woman, who is doing the best she can, with the circumstances that she's been given.

Zara Stevens (Author - Boy Meets Girl: A Pocketful of Wedding Stories)Boy Meets Girl: A Pocketful of Wedding Stories

Love this book!
How to describe this book? It's just one of the most beautiful stories I've read. This is not an action-adventure story, although there are moments of both, it's a story about family and food mostly. Almost from the minute this story began I was enthralled.

To each their own...
I picked this book up for free at an orchard, they have a great book give away system. I had heard of this before but never read it. It was okay, but I'm sure I'll never read it again. The story is about 3 sisters and their mom on a ranch is Mexico. The older sister marries the younger one's love, and the story takes off. The problem is, I didn't connect with any of these characters. They story would have grim reality, then fantasy in the next paragraph. I can undrestand why some people would enjoy this, but it's not my thing. I think this is one of those books that you'll love or hate. If you love this book, you'll be shaking your head and wondering what's wrong with me that I didn't like it. If you didn't care for it, you'll understand what I'm saying. Whatever, to each their own.

Delicious!
The story of Elena De la Garza, the youngest daughter of Tita, is told by Tita's granddaughter. Cultural tradition is that as the youngest daughter, Tita must remain with her mother, unmarried, to care for her until she dies.
Tita's sister Gertrudis marries Tita's love Pedro.Rosaura has love fire and goes off to the Revolution to couple with a general in the army and becomes an officer of the army herself.This book is fantasy, magic, emotion, reality of love, told in chapters headed by ancient Mexican recipes handed down for generations. Ingeniously constructed, with a beautiful voice, this book is a classic. ... Read more

Book Description
Now in paperback! From the award-winning author of Babe: The Gallant Pig comes the story of how the Loch Ness monster finds his home, thanks to the human family that raises him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent Book for Children!
I bought this book for my 7 year old niece.She has already read the first 5 chapters and she really enjoys the story!She was somewhat disappointed that the illustrations were not in color, but I explained to her that this was just how the book was printed.Her interest in it now has really peaked since I took her to see the movie that the book is based on!I would recommend this reading for ALL children!!!!!

This is a cute book on 'Nessie'
I have to say the advertisements for the movie of The Water Horse prompted me to look to the book it was based on and what a cutie of a book it is -
Set in 1930's Scotland, after a huge storm a family goes to the shore to see what has washed up - and they found something very strange -
maybe something alive? an egg? what is it?
Well the kids take it inside and place it in the tub with water - to their surprise when they go to the tub the next morning, the container is open! And there is a cute creature that 'chirrups' at them - the grandfather tells them it is a water horse - the kind of creature that is of legend in the lochs of Scotland -
They feed the little fella and call him Crusoe and soon he needs to be placed in a pond, then a larger pond and when he is almost too big, the family takes him to a large loch to spend his life -
The family loves him and he loves them and learns that all humans aren't like them -
It is a story of love for the family and love of an innocent animal that has charmed the world with its legendary existence -
I plan to see the movie, but my imagination soared as I imagined the tiny water horse in the bathtub eating sardines...
Charming!!

Wonderful book - but don't see the movie
This is a sweet story, appropriate for young children starting at about age 5.It is very low stress, benign.Just right for parents who are tired of stories about violence and meanness and seek out magical tales full of caring and goodness.Too bad they took this darling tale and turned it into a terrible hollywood movie full of canons, war, a dead father and chase scenes.In saying this I give nothing away about the book, because NONE of this was from the book.

The Water Horse by: Dick king-Smith
If you're into exitement, adventure, & mystery then read The Water Horse by Dick King-Smith. In this book you will find that a girl named Kirstie finds an egg on the beach and keeps it for a pet. But, Kirstie doesn't know that the egg she has is really a ferocious monster. Kirstie finds out that every day when she checks on the monster it never stops growing. I would recommend this book to anyone that's into adventure and mystery because this book is very interesting in a weird sort of way!

Sincerely,
Luis

Adorable...
A satisfying explanation of a well-known mystery--but I won't spoil it by telling you which one. All the main characters are charmingly written (my favorites are the grumpy old grandpa and Angus, the little boy who is always ready to eat) and I loved how King-Smith described what the water horse was thinking. This book leaves you with a good feeling.

P.S. If you're a Pokemon fan--I wonder if this is where they got the idea for Lapras?!? ... Read more

Book Description

Heating water with the sun is almost as old as humankind itself, and it is done all over the world. Yet there are strangely few resources on the topic in North America.

Solar Water Heating fills this gap. It reviews the history of solar water & space heating systems from prehistory to the present, then presents the basics of solar water heating, including an introduction to modern solar energy systems, energy conservation and energy economics. Drawing on the author's experience as an installer of these systems, the book goes on to cover:

• Types of solar collectors, solar water and space heating systems and solar pool heating systems, including their advantages and disadvantages
• System components, their installation, operation, and maintenance
• System sizing and siting
• Choosing the appropriate system.

Since people often get turned off by the up-front cost, the book focuses especially on the financial aspects of solar water or space heating systems, clearly showing that such systems can save significant costs in the long run. Well-illustrated, the book is designed for a wide readership from the curious to the student or professional.

Mother Earth News Wiser Living Series

Customer Reviews (8)

Excellent treatement of solar water heating
This book takes a tutorial approach, providing an overview behind the impetus of solar hot water systems, the various systems available and their applicability, and provides a good deal of "how to" information regarding installation.This is the kind of treatment of material that I most prefer when attempting to learn for the purpose of later application of that knowledge.It stands in contrast to books by Dan Chrias (see my reviews), who tends to provide a more overview approach to the information.Coupled with a good understanding of conventional hot water systems, this book may be enough to successfully size, install and operate a solar hot water system.It's only weakness, given its objectives and the volume of the material, is that it glosses over the techniques for system sizing, especially how to manage the relationship between demand and supply (sun availability).

solar hot water
This is a great collection of information on the subject of solar water heating.I love how the author doesn't pull any punches.There are definite reasons why we don't use more solar hot water in this country.Regan led by example in the 80's when he pulled the solar collectors off the white house roof. While the author spends a bit on the history of solar heating this is definitely a manual on how to design and install a system.The author obviously has had a lot of experience with these systems and he knows what works.read this book and get a high quality solar hot water system up and running in your home.Our planet depends on it.
In fact he dedicated the book for our earth.

Great support
I read the book fully with one breath. Basically it contains almost everything what need to know about solar systems and their application. But I gave 4 stars. The reason is simple: I am not sharing the view as vacuum tubes or heatpipes are having a same efficiency as normal flat collectors having. In our climate only heatpipes are able to supply enough heat for heating and support for heating. All others are excellent!

Homeowner's Guide to Solar Water Heating
Find out why your next home should be heated by a solar water system.This book will explain the ins and outs of various kinds of systems.

Comprehensive
Not being a plumber I can't say this book will be as much value to someone with those skills.He covers the systems so thoroughly that I would imagine if you had the plumbing ability this book would be all you need to get started.

I was a little frustrated having read the first chapter only to find out that several systems described in detail the author would never recommend using.I was thinking to myself why did I waste time reading about those.But that's where the comprehensive part comes in.And by knowing why the author doesn't recommend those systems you get to participate in the joy of knowing everything there is to know about solar water heating.

I especially enjoyed the cost analysis of the hot water systems vs. gas and electric, as well as the discussion of using solar heated water to provide whole house heating. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Water with lemon
I found this book to be very helpful and interesting. It has a lot of tips for eating healthy that I never thought of before.

Makes good common sense
A good story that is believable as well as good sound health advice. Quit
dieting and start living.P.S. Ihave lost 25# since September 2006. I am looking forward to the sequel on excercising.

A fun way to learn sound eating habits!!!!
As a Nutritionist,I am always searching for books to recommend to my clients. As a result of this, I have read more then my share of nutrition guides. Water with Lemon is unique and fun. This book is entertaining not "preachy".No only a great book to read when you are relaxing but abook that is full of simple, proven methods to improve your health through nutrition.Practical, fun, unique!What more could you ask for?

Entertaining.Fun.Interesting.
A very different "diet book".Entertaining story as well as sound diet advice.All too often diets are just to hard to follow for any length of time.This is about easy life style changes told in a very interesting way.

Water with Lemon: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
Water With Lemon: An Inspiring Story of Diet-free, Guilt-free Weight Loss!

First of all I would like to say that the basis of this book is fantastic, which is why I continued to read it. However, instead of coming out and giving you the 8 habits, the author weaves you through probably the worst novel I have ever read, using highly unbelievable characters,giving you the habits one by one in a very slow and methodical process.

The one character exception,Fowler, is fabulous and it is this character that keeps you reading on. He is very believable and I found him in my head all day long and especially reaching out to me at the grocery store where I began to look at fat and sugar content, as well as chemicals versus real food! He is also with me in the kitchen when I'mpreparing meals!

I loved the story line idea used to teach the 8 habits. The 8 habits are fantastic yet simple to incorporate into everyday life. I just had a horrible time getting through this poorly written novel, but in the end, the rewards are worth it because the lessons you learn fall right into what I feel eating right and living right is all about.

I would give the book a 5 star review if it were not for the poorly written story line. Another example of this was the way the author set up each chapter. I could find no ryhme nor reason to why he stopped one chapter and started another! It is choppy and simply doesn't flow well. In fact, I felt compelled to read on sometimes just to see what the author would do next!

Also, at the end of the book you learn that you really need to purchase the receipe book that follow these 8 habits. I have heard that it is simply fantastic and so I am going to purchase it today. It is called Lickety-Split Meals by Zonya Foco.

I should just stop here but for those who want to know why I feel it is a horrible novel I will tell you I had a terrible time believing some of the rest of the characters. For instance, the 6 month old baby was very unbelievable and I couldn't for the life of me understand why this character was even in the story! Also, Karen had just had a baby 6 months ago? Come on now! Most women have extra pounds to shed after having children and it took 9 months to put it on..., so maybe it takes 9 months to get it off. Karen's husband is a jerk and also an irrevalant character I felt.

It is very worthwile reading if you can just get through it!
... Read more

Book Description
A do-it-yourself guide to designing, building, and maintaining water tanks, cisterns and ponds, and sustainably managing groundwater storage. It will help you with your independent water system, fire protection, and disaster preparedness, at low cost and using principles of ecological design. Includes building instructions for several styles of ferro cement water tanks. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

another great book from oasis design
I love all those oasis manuals. Once again Art Ludwig surprises us with a manual full of info reagarding water catchment and storage. Although I'm working in this field for more than 10 years, I always find something new and interesting in Oasis manuals and ther are a fundamental part of my permaculture-libary

Water Storage: Tanks, Cisterns, Aquifers, and Ponds for Domestic Supply, Fire and Emergency Use--Includes How to Make Ferrocemen
This book can help you for how to planning the different water systems in rural and urban areas, the best is how to make ferrocement water tanks.

Read the book, Build the tank
I Built a 10,000 Gal tank straight out of this book for US$ 1,500.
It looks good & it doesn't leak.
What more can you ask for ?

very excellent detailed book
This book is well written and complete.I feel that after reading this book I can safely capture rainwater and I know all the details to think about when designing our system, specific reasons to place pipes etc in specific places ... an excellent detailed referrence book and enjoyable read; I read the entire book and enjoyed it.If you are seriously considering to have a rainwater catchment system this is a must read.

Water - more important than oil
Wow! This book has a ton of usefull, usable information packed into such a thin booklet! No wasted space, which makes me feel that I've not wasted my money on this book! If you are serious about helping to save this planet, or even just surviving the next tragedy that may befall upon us: Get. This. Book.
Can I just say again: WOW! ...