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Everything Books
Written by: Janet Pope
The Everything Series has a book to cover almost any topic that might pique your curiosity - from budgeting to blackjack, from drums to dreams, from desserts to divorce.
These handy and concise books can help you learn a new hobby, study for an upcoming test or just delve into an interesting topic. There are over 100 books from which to choose and I not only found one for me, but for three other people on my Holiday gift list.
I got myself The Everything Guide to Writing Children's Books, written by Lesley Bolton. It has been a hidden pursuit of mine to be a children's author, and just getting the book in my hands excited me and motivated me. The book, broken down into 20 chapters, does not seem like an overwhelming text book, but a reader friendly book with large print and an engaging style. I immediately began reading and highlighting sections that interested me. There are also shaded boxes interspersed throughout, which spout important facts on the subject, or handy tips.
The chapters break down the daunting goal of writing a children's book into sections like - "Types of Children's Books," "Research the Market," "Writing Your Story," "Consider an Agent," "Submitting a Manuscript," etc. I was immediately struck by words in the very first paragraph of the Introduction - "Wanting to be a children's author is not enough; you have to take action to make your fantasies come true." This book gives the wannabe writer not just the tools, but the impetus and confidence to get started.
In the back of the book are helpful sections listing resources and most importantly, an appendix of Children's Publishers. The book was published in 2003 and some of that material may be dated, but websites are also listed for each publishing house, making any updating research easy.
The Everything Scrapbooking Book, by Jennifer Barr, is for my daughter, who this past year has become a scrap booking fiend. This book is broken down into 21 chapters, with step by step titles like; "Laying the Foundation," "Tools to Begin Scrapbooking," "Photography 101," "Layout Principles" and "Border Patrol."
Again, this book is an easy book to forge through. The layout is open and dotted with clear, bold titles and helpful illustrations. I am sure it will give my daughter some creative ideas, as well as new and helpful tips.
The back of the book has a listing of over 200 web links, as well as magazine subscription information. This is a great book to buy for that special person whom you know loves to scrapbook - maybe they will thank you with a unique photo album.
The Everything Irish History & Heritage Book is a gift for a dear friend of mine who recently visited Ireland to "discover" her roots. This book, written by Amy Hackney Blackwell and Ryan Hackney, claims to hold "all you need to know about the Emerald Isle." There are 22 chapters covering topics like Celtic mythology, storytelling, the Great Irish Potato Famine, "The Troubles" and a guide for descendants. Beside the chapter designations, the sections are humorously dubbed with titles like - "O'Somebody," "MacSomeone," "Pack Your Raincoat...," "Before There Was Riverdance" and "Potatoes, For Better or For Worse."
The book is easy to peruse and a fun and interesting book to look through. I loved the first Appendix in the back of the book which gave A Primer of the Irish Language. The other sections list Irish proverbs, books and movies.
Beside shaded areas listing facts, there are also appropriately green shamrocks denoting fascinating areas to explore, making this a great gift not only for anyone Irish, but for anyone planning to visit Ireland.
I selected The Everything Soup Cookbook, by B.J. Hanson, for another close friend who loves to cook. Included are over 300 recipes for all kinds of soups. The author writes that "There's something about a big pot of soup simmering on the stove," and I agree. I am what you call a "soup person." I can have soup every day of the year and all summer long. I love all kinds of soups, except I must admit - not too spicy and not cold ones. Now that I am writing this, I am not too sure my girlfriend will ever get this book. My mouth is watering just thinking about soup!
The cookbook is broken into 16 Chapters listing - Broths, Seafood, Vegetable, Pasta, Poultry, etc. Each recipe is accompanied by a shaded box with a bit of information on that recipe, whether it is a serving idea or a cooking tip. Browsing through the book, I found many titles I was interested in trying, and if I ever give away the book, as I had first planned, I am sure my friend will find some treasured gems too.
In this computer age, when everyone can find a quick recipe on the Internet, I still find it enjoyable to hold a cherished cookbook.
I loved this series of Everything Books. They have a broad spectrum of appeal and are fun books to give to yourself or others.
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