Pryce-Jones, David
You Can't Be Too Careful: Cautionary Tales for the Impetuous, the Curious and the Blithely Oblivious
1992
Workman Publishing Company Paperback
Have you ever read one of those e-mail "jokes" about the "Darwin Awards" where someone reports about people deservingly removed from the gene pool based on their ill-conceived actions? If someone you know gets a giggle out of those, this is a perfect gift book for them!
The only difference here is that most of the unfortunate people described in the short blurbs were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time:
Five people leapt to their deaths off a fast-moving truck, panic-stricken by the sight of a man emerging from a coffin that lay beside them on the vehicle's back, officials in Bujumbura, Burundi, said. The five had hitched a ride with the driver, who had bought the coffin to bury a relative. But before the passengers got on, his co-driver had slipped into the coffin to take a nap. He closed the coffin to keep out the rain and never realized that the hitchhikers had been picked up. When he woke up and removed the lid, the scared passengers jumped off.
Why do I put this in the "Gifts" section? I received it as a gift from a friend at work!
This book's numerous examples are proof that the truth is stranger than fiction. Definitely not a book for children!
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Sisterfriends: Portraits of Sisterly Love
Photography by Michelle V. Agins and essays by Julia Chance
Buy from Amazon.com U.S.
Buy from Amazon.co.uk
Pictures and essays bring to life groups and pairs of African-American women who are sisters by blood or choice. It's a beautiful book. The photos capture the joy of a moment, an inner beauty, or sense of play. One of my favorites is the picture of friends Bethann Hardison and Marta Vargas on page 20.
The essays contain personal and cultural histories, stories of obstacles and accomplishments, competition and cooperation, and present women from a broad spectrum of careers and lifestyles.
This would make a marvelous gift for a sister, friend, or mom.
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Caselton, Margaret
Beautiful Napkins: Stylish Ideas for Your Table
1999
Running Press Hardcover (Spiral Bound)
I ran across this book at Williams Sonoma on an afternoon of window shopping. It's a very beautiful book and contains instructions for folding napkins in a variety of ways to enhance your table settings for any special occasion. In addition to these and other tips, the spiral binding is a thoughtful publishing touch--the book will lie flat so you can use both hands while following the instructions!
I'm going to buy this book for a friend who always does the most wonderful decorating for parties, and one for myself!
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Collins, Philip
The Art of the Cocktail
1992
As the title suggests, the book is about, and is, art! The photographic presentation of cocktails in beautiful glasses is a treat for the eyes. This would be a great gift for lovers of fine glassware, beautiful color photographs, and Art Deco style. I'm not so sure about some of the recipes, though.
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Jordan, William
A Cat Named Darwin
When I lifted this small book off the shelf at the library, I wasn't sure what to expect. I almost put it back. "Probably a tear-jerker," I thought. "Probably not anything new to a dyed-in-the wool 'cat person' like me."
The author's words: "I was born a Homo Sapiens. Then I became a biologist. Then I became a cat. You have no idea. Read on, friend."
So, having nothing to lose, I gave it a try.
As a biologist, Jordan brings science to the table in this examination of relationships between animals of various types--human-cat, cat-cat, and human-human--and relates them all to his experiences with a stray cat who comes to live with him. During the course of the book, the author's perception of the cat changes. At first it is an object of curiosity, an item to study. At last, he is a friend, with all that entails.
I experienced a few "Aha!" moments--"so that's how it happened to me"--as well as some laughs and tears as I rapidly turned the pages of this very informative and readable story.
All I can say is, "You have no idea. Read on, friend."
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