Martin Hintz

A children’s book that explores the origins of various Christmas traditions, from the religious celebration of the birth of Jesus to modern-day decorating. Did you know that Canada was the first country to issue a Christmas stamp? That in Belgium teachers are locked out of their classrooms on Dec 21, allowed back in only after they give their students treats? How about the origin of Santa Claus? No, it goes back farther than Saint Nicholas; the Vikings celebrated the winter months, when show more the god Odin gave out gifts (and punishments if you were naughty). And that glorious smell of a fresh-cut Christmas tree? The ancient Egyptians loved the smell of freshly-cut pine; and so did the Greeks and Romans, who decorated their homes and temples with wreaths and garlands.

This short little gem is just chock full of interesting information about a holiday I thought I already knew thoroughly. show less

This bizarre little book was compiled by a group of nuns who had grown frustrated by their ongoing attempts to become ordained priests. For some reason, they decided writing a cookbook would make them feel better and help their cause at the same time. Their introduction states they were trying to speak "to the need of women to seek ordination without bitterness...'The If I Can't Be Ordained, I'll Cook Book' is meant to be part of the waiting--a chance to make the heavy a bit lighter..." They show more were inspired by another group of nuns who wrote the "What to Do While Waiting for Ordination Cookbook" in 1976: apparently this was something of a publishing mini-trend in the late '70s. The sections of the cookbook all have cutesy, churchy titles, like "Lettuce Pray" for the section on salads and "Peas Be With You" for that on vegetables. Since women are still not priests in the Catholic Church, I'm guessing this book had very little impact...but it's still really, really weird. show less

* This was actually published in 2016 so the info is really up to date. It's written in such a way that the recent election doesn't negate anything in it.*

These books used to be a staple of research libraries. The internet now gives you information at your fingertips but there's still a need for books like this. Instead of flipping to sites, you get a great basic overview of all segments of the country, with great illustrated photos to bring the facts to life.

This book is geared to show more children yet as an adult I'm really enjoying it. It's written at a level that in complex enough to give me information I'm interested in. show less

Another disappointing travel book. I can think of a bunch of interesting places that were not mentioned in this book. The book does cover places that everyone knows about, for example the dells, and forgets usual places like Princetons flea market flea market, the largest in WI, John Muirs homestead, An entire Amish town, etc