Important Note: All reviews reflected on this page are solely the expressed opinions of the reviewer. Our reviewers are not paid or given any incentive by any publisher.
Title: 72 Hour Hold
Classification: Fiction
Author: Bebe Moore Campbell
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating: 
Reviewer Comments: 72 Hour Hold is overall a good read about a
mother's struggle to save her child from the strangle hold of mental illness.
As her child turns 18 Keri can no longer control her child's whereabouts
and 72 hour holds are the only thing saving her child and herself from
her child's Bipolar disorder.
Title: Aeiou - Any Easy Intimacy
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jeffery Brown
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating: 
Reviewer Comments: Aeiou is a cute graphic novel about a relationship.
Based on the one of the author's previous relationships; it offers humor
to what everyone goes through in the beginning of a relationship and even
through rocky times and sadly the end. The pictures themselves are humorous,
almost rough sketches.
Title: Along Interstate 75 (13th Edition)
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Dave Hunter
Publisher: Mile Oak Publishing Inc.
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: For those who travel along Interstate
75 quite often or are just merely taking a family vacation. This book
has everything, including an easy to read map for North or South on 75.
It lists in detail every exit, historical points of interest, rest stops,
speed limits, speed traps, detours, construction and everything else imaginable
to keep you entertained and educated for your travels. The only set back
is the lack of Florida, this book takes you from the North of 75 in Michigan
to just a few miles south of Georgia. Florida is in a separate book which
makes it difficult for Florida snow birds.
Title: And
Tango Makes Three
Classification: Children's
Author: Justin Richardson and Peter Parnell
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating: 
Reviewer Comments: A true story teaching children that diversity
exist in animals as well as people. The penguins in the story are still
at the zoo listed in the book.
Title: Bell Jar
Classification: Fiction
Author: Sylvia Plath
Publisher: Harper & Row
Copyright: 1971
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The Bell Jar, a non conforming classic, tells a story of Esther Greenwood in the beginning of her career and a mental breakdown. Poetically written on such a hush hush topic, Sylvia Plath hides her own autobiographical miseries in this honest "fiction". Sylvia Plath was way ahead of her time with her novel and poems.
Title: Best Places SAN FRANCISCO, Editon 1
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Rebecca Poole Foree & Matthew Richard Poole
Publisher: Sasquatch Books
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating: 
Reviewer Comments: If this was the only book I ever saw for San
Francisco I would have to think it was a pretty boring place. Best Places
never once shows a photograph or drawing of any place it talks about except
for the cover. Readers have to rely on their own imagination for the place
they're about to vacation to, which seems scary. It does have an extensive
list of places to eat and things to do. But it doesn't give you much of
an idea as to where these neighborhoods are or what they're all about.
This book does have one amazing feature; there is an awesome pull out
map in the front of the book with almost every possible street listed
on a compact map.
Title: The
Cape Ann
Classification: Fiction
Author: Faith Sullivan
Publisher: Crown Publishers
Copyright: 1988
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book has touched me. I often wonder about
the lil' protagonist and where life has taken her. Curl up with a box
of tissues.
Title: The
Catcher in the Rye
Classification: Fiction
Author: J.D. Salinger
Publisher: Little Brown
Copyright: 1951
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: All time favorite!!! This book was my bible
through high school. Salinger has the greatest detail and effort put into
a character.
Title: The
Celestine Prophecy
Classification: Fiction
Author: James Redfield
Publisher: Warner Books
Copyright: 1994
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The Celestine Prophecy borderlines for a controversial
New Age book. Redfield has hinted at the prophecy being true teachings
about coincidence and consciousness.
Title: A
Child Called "It"
Classification: Self-help
Author: David J. Pelzer
Publisher: Health Communications
Copyright: 1995
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A sad but true account of one boy's struggle
through one of the worst accounts of child abuse. A definite tear jerker.
Pelzer has written several other recovery books.
Title: Clumsy
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Clumsy is an very
honest graphic novel about the author and one of his past loves. As his
debut of many graphic novels, Jeffrey tells it all with elementary drawings.
He is naive, jealous, obsessive but all so loveable and honest. He's my
new anti-hero.
Title: Define
"Normal"
Classification: Children's
Author: Julie Anne Peters
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Voted as one of the best books by ALA for Young
Adults, this fiction novel has a great message. Don't judge a book by
it's cover. The two main characters are as opposite as possible. And they
are pushed to come to terms of what "normal" means. The book
is great for any teenager trying to be themselves no matter who judges
you.
Title: Dykes To Watch Out For
Classification: Fiction
Author: Alison Bechdel
Publisher: Firebrand Books
Copyright: 1986
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: As an old school classic, this graphic novel takes you back in the day of the 80's. The graphics are as lewd as the 80's. Dykes To Watch Out For covers everything like the ABC's of lesbians to humorous comics of life as a dyke.
Title: Flap Your Wings
Classification: Children's
Author: P.D. Eastman
Publisher: Beginner Books a div of Random House, Inc. Scholastic Book club ed
Copyright: 1969, 1977, 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Another Dr Suess "I can read it all by myself beginner book," offers lessons and entertainment. A misplaced lost egg finds a home with family of birds to be raised. No matter what the baby may or may not be the mom and dad bird raise the baby as their own. And one day the baby must learn to fly! It's a quick book, good for a bedtime story even for a 25 year old.
Title: From
the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler
Classification: Children's
Author: E. L. Konigsburg
Publisher: Atheneum
Copyright: 1967
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Every child fantasizes about having an adventure.
The siblings in this book live it for you as they run away from home and
live in a museum. As usual, the novel beats out the movie any day.
Title: Frommer's SAN FRANCISCO 2006
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Erika Lenkert
Publisher: Frommer's
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Frommer's is always a safe bet for travel guides.
It offers photographs, and maps for each neighborhood mentioned, and one
big tear out map of the city in the back of the book. The restaurants
and hotels mentioned are always rated and so far I have never been let
down. Chapters are split up by hotels, restaurants, shopping, and fun
things to do; under each neighborhood. There are tons of website and contact
information. The best feature for this book is the maps that offer the
cable car, muni, and bart schedules; for those of you who are planning
to walk and rely on public transporation. Frommer's always has so much
info and always offers gay travel inforamtion.
Title: The
Garden of Vegan
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Tanya Barnard and Sarah Kramer
Publisher: Arsenal Pulp Press
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This book not only offers great tasting recipes,
but also party ideas, and vegan beauty tips. The authors are sassy and
hysterical. This is a sequel to "How it All Vegan".
Title: The Giving Tree "35th Anniversary"
Classification: Children's
Author: Shel Silverstein
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Copyright: 1964, 1992
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: An ultimate classic for any age. Shel Silverstein has never written a bad book. The Giving Tree's 35th Anniversary book is a great gift for anyone. It comes in a special cloth slipcase. The story is an oldie but a goodie. It's about a boy and a tree. Through the years the boy changes and has very different needs. And the tree is always there willing to offer the boy anything for a little time with the boy.
Title: Good
Faeries Bad Faeries
Classification: Religion & Philosophy
Author: Brian Froud
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Editions
Copyright: 1998
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A cult classic for all Faerie lovers. Froud's
work has continued to inspire and intrigue all New Age readers. His works
include "The Goblins of Labyrinth" and "Rune of Elfland".
He also had collaborated with Jim Hensen on the movies "Dark Crystal"
and "Labyrinth".
Title: Histroic San Francisco
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Rand Richards
Publisher: Heritage House Publishers
Copyright: 1991
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Historic San Francisco gives information that a typical travel book cannot. Rand Richards offers more about my favorite city in his 300 page book than all the previous travel books I have reviewed. Not only can you find out the truth behind fortune cookies being a Japanese treat; but you can map out what land fill made streets used to be part of the bay. Ever wonder how San Francisco picked up the name Barbary Coast? You can learn a lot about a city's current personality by learning it's history first.
Title: I
Have Chosen To Stay and Fight
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Margaret Cho
Publisher: Riverhead
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A bit current affairs, a bit political, and
a whole lot of Cho humor to make this one of the most entertaining reads
in a long time.
Title: I
Know a Rhino
Classification: Children's
Author: Charles Fuge
Publisher: Sterling
Copyright: 2002
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A new book to add to the classic's list. These
are the cutest illustrations I've seen in a long time. It's a great board
book for toddlers, but also a favorite for adults.
Title: I
Know This Much Is True
Classification: Fiction
Author: Wally Lamb
Publisher: Harper Collins
Copyright: 1998
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A long, but great read. Lamb's book will make
you believe you know the protagonist personally as he journeys through
life with his challenging twin brother. For those of you who like happy
endings, this is a must read. Also, this novel has been included on Oprah's
book list.
Title: Imagining Ourselves - Global Voices From A New Generation
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Edited by Paula Goldman Foreword by Isabel Allende
Publisher: New World Library
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I truly wanted to love this book.
How could any feminist not
love a book about Women and how they're changing the world? It's a great
idea, and many different women are listed throughout this book. But I
found most stories, poems or blogs uninteresting, uninspiring. I had a
hard time trying to understand the overall point of the book. There are
several women posted in the book with great art, or ideas; even several
more women associated with the International Museum of Women, where the
books idea flows over too. However, the book was a let down. I personally
know women who would have made the book better, provided the books objective
was more clear.
Title: Ink: the not-just-skin-deep guide to getting a tattoo
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Terisa Green
Publisher: New York: New American Library
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: If you are thinking about getting a tattoo for the first time you MUST read this book. This guide book goes over every thing you need to know to get a safe, and beautiful tattoo. It covers the history of tattooing, the myths of the tattoo world, types of tattoos, flash, picking your artist, picking the right tattoo for you, placement, aftercare and do's and don't's. It even gives tips for those annoying questions like, "Did that hurt?".
Title: Inside Out SAN FRANCISCO
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Unknown
Publisher: ?
Copyright: ?
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The world's smallest travel guide is also one
of the best. Inside Out offers a hand held book that includes: two detailed
pop out maps (easy to fold back into place), light pen, compass, and travel
guide. The maps are among the best I've seen. They're super tiny so you
don't look too much like a tourist trying to fold and unfold a huge map
you have no place to lay flat. The travel guide list every possible neighborhood
and the best places to go to. Also, it offers chapters such as Buy it,
watch it, taste it, know it, note it, speak it and a directory with info
on flights to transportation, web sites and annual events. All this info
and tools in a guide smaller than your hands. Inside Out offers guides
also to: Chicago, Hong Kong, Orlando, Paris, Toronto, & DC, etc.
Title: It's Not Easy Being a Bunny
Classification: Children's
Author: Marilyn Sadler Illustrated by Roger Bollen
Publisher: Beginner Books a Division of Random House, Inc.
Copyright: 1983
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: I recently started a collection of Dr Suess's "I can read it all by myself, Beginner Books". I wanted to have some classic for when I start a family of my own soon. So far I haven't been disappointed. "It's not easy being a bunny" is about P.J. Funnybunny not being happy with who he is. Page after page he tries on different identities only to find out he likes it best when he is being himself. This Beginner book offers a lesson as well as entertainment.
Title: Kissing
in Columbus: Romantic Things To See and Do in and Around Ohio's Capitall
Classification: Social,
World & Cultural Studies
Author: Amber Stephens and Jennifer Poleon
Publisher: Emuses Press
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A great guide to Columbus. The book talks about
unknown romantics restaurants, hotels, and adventures; along with common
hot spots.
Title: More Dykes To Watch Out For
Classification: Fiction
Author: Alison Bechdel
Publisher: Firebrand Books
Copyright: 1988
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Alison Bechdel did it again. This graphic novel might be from the 80's; giving an interesting perspective on life as a lesbian in the crazy 80's, but even in 2006 I can find myself and certain friends in the characters portrayed in these humorous graphic. Bechdel brings back some old characters from her first graphic novel, "Dykes to Watch Out For" and also some fresh faces
Title: The National Geographic Traveler SAN FRANCISCO
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Jerry Camarillo Dunn, Jr.
Publisher: The National Geographic Society
Copyright: 2000
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This travel guide had awesome photographs, great
maps, and tons of history; however it lacked decent sources of things
to do. The hotel suggests section was a few pages stuffed in the back.
Restaurant suggests were pretty much non-existent. So if you'd rather
have a full history and not get lost opposed to knowing what to do in
San Francisco this is your travel guide.
Title: New, Improved! Dykes To Watch Out For
Classification: Fiction
Author: Alison Bechdel
Publisher: Firebrand Books
Copyright: 1990
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Alison Bechdel always makes me laugh out loud at her lesbian based graphic novels. The 3rd book in the series "Dykes To Watch Out For;" Bechdel get more in touch with the characters with a "bio" introducing each main lady in the beginning. The same loveable but challenging Mo is getting touch with herself with therapy. We get to see Lois' softer side. And Clarice and Toni look at the meaning of monogamy.
Title: Self-Made
Man
Classification: Social,
World & Cultural Studies
Author: Norah Vincent
Publisher: Penguin Group
Copyright: 2006
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Self-Made Man goes where no woman has gone before.
Norah becomes Ned and enters manhood to learn the difference between man
and woman. As Ned, she joins a bowling team, is employed on a testosterone
driven sales team and even dates women. She offers interesting insight
as Ned, as well as Norah. She emerges back into a woman with many ideas
that spark one's curiosity, "Who really has it harder, men or women?"
Title: Sex, Drugs, and Cocoa Puffs*
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Chuck Klosterman
Publisher: Scribner
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Schizophrenic, opinionated but humorous; Chuck
Klosterman is a highly intelligent writer with many thoughts but none
all too serious. From media, to breakfast cereal, to a Guns-N-Roses tribute
band you'll be angry and laughing at the same time.
Title: Suggestion
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Illegal Art
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Suggestion is a book of just that suggestions. Illegal Art walked through New York City with a suggestion box, asking the people on the street to make suggestions of any kind. Each page is a new suggestions from the serious, to the funny, to sad, to political, to the religious. Complete with grammatical errors and poor handwriting, some in other languages and some written by children. This book is a fun must have.
Title: Unlikely
Classification: Fiction
Author: Jeffrey Brown
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Copyright: 2003
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: Jeffrey Brown has
done it again, in his tell all graphic novel about his first girlfriend.
From the start you know they're all wrong for each other. But Jeffrey's
hope for his first love is hopeful and vulnerable. After reading three
of Brown's graphic novels I wonder if he is doomed for life in the love
department.
Title: Wedding
Favors & Decorations
Classification: Self-help
Author: Paffrath, Grasdal, & Mcree
Publisher: Quarry Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: The book had some decent craft ideas. Some of
the suggested wedding favors aren't practical. If someone was having a
small wedding some of the decorations might be affordable and practical.
I could see Martha Stewart cringing.
Title: The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill
Classification: Social, World & Cultural Studies
Author: Mark Bittner
Publisher: Harmony Books
Copyright: 2004
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: On
the cover of the book it says, "A Love Story....with Wings." There really
is no better way to describe this amazing book. Mark Bittner is an old
soul living in San Francisco; down on his luck he discovers a flock of
wild non-native parrots and falls in love with them. The story teaches
about fulfilling dreams, trust and love. By the end of this book you'll
be wishing to live on Telegraph Hill watching these beautiful creatures
that could show the work what it is to really live and love.
Title: Will you still love me if I wet the Bed?
Classification: Fiction
Author: Liz Prince
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: This is by far the best graphic novel I ever
read! Liz Prince offers a look into her relationship with her boyfriend;
with cute comics about love and the odd things we say to each other when
it's just you and your lover. You'll read this and laugh out loud at how
similar it is your own relationship. There is no better way to describe
it than to say, "read it!"
Title: Women's
Comfort Book: A Shelf Nurturing Guide for Restoring Balance in Your Life
Classification: Self-help
Author: Jennifer Louden
Publisher: Harper
Copyright: 1978
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: A women's self-help bible. The Comfort Book
is full of ideas to unwind, relax, heal and to add comfort to your life.
Title: The Worst-case Scenario Survival Handbook: Weddings
Classification: Self-help
Author: Joshua Piven, David Borgenicht & Sarah Jordan
Publisher: Chronicle Books LLC
Copyright: 2005
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: If there is one book to read in preparation for your wedding this is it. Your wedding is suppose to be a perfect day. What do you do if you spill red wine on your dress? Or if you can't fit your ring on your finger? What do you if you break a heel on your shoe? Or what kind of thank you card do you send for a certain gift. All this and more you can find out in the hysterical and practical book.
Title: An
Unquiet Mind
Classification: Self-help
Author: Kay Redfield James
Publisher: Vintage
Copyright: 1997
Book Rating:
Reviewer Comments: James is one of the leading writers, doctors
and spokeswomen for the Bi-Polar Disorder. An Unquiet Mind is a true account
of her life with this disease. It offers hope and information for anyone
struggling with Manic-Depression. The author adds a personal touch with
an occasional poetic thought.
Meet
J
Hi! I'm J and I am a bookaholic!
Stats
Zodiac: Virgo
Status: Engaged
Hometown: Port Charlotte, FL
Education: Enrolled in Fakir Musafar's School of Body Modification
Bookstore History: I was only with the bookstore for 4 months before it closed; however, it was a lifetime experience to work with such customer service driven co-workers.
Job: Librarian Assistant
Hobbies and Interests: Playing guitar, reading, traveling and collecting Tribal and Asian art.
Pets: I have 3 cats - Nikki, Ani and Griffin
Travel: I had my coming of age when I drove across the country alone from Florida to San Francisco, CA to Ohio.
Favorites
Color: Blue
Restaurants: Molly Woo's, Barcelona, Haiku in Columbus; and Butterfly, Delphina, Osaka in San Francisco.
Place: Japanese Tea Garden, San Francisco
TV Show: The L Word
Music: Tegan & Sara; Yeah, Yeah, Yeah's; Modest Mouse; Janis Joplin; Nick Drake; Ani DiFranco; Tori Amos; Sigus Ros; Doria Roberts; Postal Service; Caesars; System of a Down; PJ Harvey; and Led Zepplin.
I do it for the joy it brings, cause I'm a joyful girl. 'Cause the world owes us nothing, we owe each other the world.
~ Ani DiFranco