Shamrock Tea
by Granta Books
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (09 November, 2001)
list price: $19.95 -- our price: $13.97
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (4)

A good book, but not an easy read
Reading Shamrock Tea was not as easy as first expected.Given that this book has 101 3-page chapters, I figured it would be a fast one to get through.However, that is not the case.While I could still turn the pages rather quickly, the words were not frivolous ~~ Shamrock Tea definitely makes you think.

When first opening the book, the reader may not be aware of what is going on.But the longer you read, the easier it is to pick out what is happening to the main characters.Here is what I gathered:The narrator, a young boy with the last name of Carson, and his cousin, Berenice, discover that smoking a substance labeled Shamrock Tea and staring into a picture, The Arnolfini Portrait, they would find themselves pulled into its world.Later, Carson meets a friend at school named Maeterlinck, and together with Berenice, they find out the secret about their lives and the mission they are to undertake.

Having said that, this novel does not take the quick road to get to the end.The author goes off on tangents about characters who aren't really characters in the book, telling stories about their lives, the Catholic saints' lives, and more.Plus, the longer he goes on, the more confusing you can get ~ the stories of these characters and saints can, at times, blend together and suddenly you aren't aware of what happened to who.

I am not disappointed with this book.I found it to be rather interesting, when I understood what was going on (which took me awhile).Shamrock Tea is definitely a novel for an intellect, one who knows their Catholic saints or their Irish history.Since I know neither, I had trouble.But I was entertained, nonetheless, which is always a good thing.

QUITE A MIND-BOGGLING BREW...
...SHAMROCK TEA, the novel, is almost as hallucinogenic as the concoction itself.The book is a wonderful swirl of fiction, art/political/social history, philosophy, religion and Irish culture.

Carson takes the reader on quite a trip, with 1959 as a jumping-off place, centering around three children.As the story unfolds, connections are made between systems of thought as well as points in space and time -- and the idea of parallel universes is not left out, either.In the book, points in the space-time continuum is described as being similar to pages of a book -- separate, but lying very close to each other, distant and adjoined at the same time.

The cast of characters is immense -- besides the children mentioned above, and their guardians and teachers, appearances are made by Arthur Conan Doyle, Oscar Wilde, the philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein, the artist Jan Van Eyck (whose amazing painting THE ARNOLFINI PORTRAIT plays a huge role of its own in the story), and innumerable saints from throughout the history of the Catholic Church.Everything -- and everyone -- is inter-connected, which is one of the messages of the story itself.

The novel is constructed in 100 chapters, each of only about 3 pages in length, and each named for a color.The boy who narrates the story begins by describing the wallpaper in his room, along with his general sensitivity to colors in his surroundings -- and from this seemingly ordinary starting point, the reader is off on a journey that is by turns frightening and wonderful, but always fascinating.

I'm looking forward to reading Carson's FISHING FOR AMBER -- and, being a fan of Irish traditional music, his LAST NIGHT'S FUN as well.

Enthralling!
I am a reader who demands a good story, so novels that play with structure often bore me."Shamrock Tea," however, is just fascinating to read.I have to give credit to the author here, because I can't think of any good reason to be gripped by discussions of pigment and what seems like an infinitude of hagiography.The reason is:just plain superlative writing.This is not a book without a plot; it has an extremely well-structured plot that is not immediately evident to the reader.The sense that something, and something major, is happening even though one can't perceive it createsan almost addictive tension.Moreover, even after the primary "missing piece" of the plot is supplied near the end of the book, the author has the plot taking another dizzying turn.It's really exciting to read writing of this caliber!

If you read this book, you will understand why I'm hoping that Carson has plans, not for a sequel, but a companion novel (think of the structure of the "Norman Conquest" trilogy of plays, here -- characters offstage in one play are onstage in another, co-occurring play about the same characters).I'd trust him to make it work brilliantly.

I see that I have not mentioned what is actually the major theme of the novel, and find that I'm reluctant to do so because it's so much fun when the pieces come together and enlighten (rather than surprise) you.I will say that although this book is not written like a fantasy, people who read complex, cerebral fantasies are likely to enjoy it very much even thought it's not quite in that genre. ... Read more

Isbn: 1862073988
Sales Rank: 541583
Subjects:  1. Fantasy fiction    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - General    4. General    5. Literary    6. Modern fiction    7. Fiction/Literature   

Landscape Painted with Tea (Vintage International Series)
by Vintage
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 1991)
list price: $19.00 -- our price: $13.30
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (8)

Knees Need To Read, Thumbs Only Twiddle
As exceptional Serbian author, Milorad Pavic always says, "The future always starts from the large intestine."This may be taken as either prophecy or advice.In either case, you should begin the rest of your future by getting ahold of this novel.Of course, as he says, "Whoever wants the second half of life has to remain in the first half of everything else."Let's hope this does not mean your large intestine.But if we concentrate on Pavic' story, rather than on his aphorisms, I think we can quickly conclude the dude is a genius, though one who is not easily understood.What can we say about a heroine who falls in love with you, the reader ?The protagonist with several pasts has several futures too.He is a Yugoslav architect whose designs are never built, but in one future he builds exact replicas of Tito's luxury palaces in the New World.His father was a Yugoslav soldier who disappeared in Greece, or else he was a Russian mathematician who could shovel snow extremely well.The hero winds up extremely rich, but lonely.Or maybe lonely, but extremely rich.Does it have to do with those people who like to work in sync with others or those who prefer to be lone wolves ?Pasts intersect and divide, the future is over though it hasn't started either.Yes, you will dig the leaping non-sequiturs that lead to larger truths or else you will be left scratching your head.Hey, if you always admired Bob Dylan's great songs like "Subterranean Homesick Blues" or if you found Dali's paintings intriguing, you are going to grok this novel in all its fullness.If however, you want a linear, conventional book, forget this one completely.

"All readers of this book are entirely imaginary.Any resemblance to actual readers is coincidental."M. Pavic So be warned.

When I was very little, I had a small purple stone which I swallowed.I never let on to anyone.I felt purple inside.So when I saw a purple stripe on the cover of this book in the library, I knew I would either read it or eat it.Now I can't remember what happened, but as a character exclaims in LANDSCAPE PAINTED WITH TEA, "In sleep, one doesn't age."The same is true with volumes in your stomach.Or was that `brain' ?You can read this book like a crossword puzzle---literally.The author took great pains in its construction, which recalls (Argentine author) Julio Cortazar in some bizarre way.I read the novel in the conventional fashion (or I ate it with a knife and fork) not because I have a stolid or military personality, as Pavic would claim, but because I admire turtles, who always take the shortest route to the pond.The Tajiks say that eels never swim towards the sun.The readers of this book will not wind up enlightened either, but they will be delighted by the author's wit and imagination.Or they will get a stomach ache.

Lyrical and Playful
It's difficult to comment on this book because this is a book that almost defies comment.One has simply read it...or one hasn't.It is the lucky one who has.

In this lyrical and playful novel, Milorad Pavic tells the story of Belgrade architect, Atanas Svilar and his journey through life, a journey he hopes will answer the question, "why had his life been barren and futile, despite the enormous effort invested?"

His journey leads him to an ancient monastery on Mount Athos in Greece, that holy mountain reserved for men, a mountain where no woman has set foot for centuries, the mountain where Atanas' father disappeared during World War II.

Since Atanas doesn't find all he is seeking on Mount Athos, in Book Two, he abandons his family, changes his name to Atanas Fyodorovich Razin and moves to the United States with the beautiful Vitacha Milut.There, something goes his way at last, and he becomes wealthy, at least in a material sense.

Like Pavic's first book, "Dictionary of the Khazars," "Landscape Painted With Tea," is a playful enterprise containing chapters that can be read "down" or "across," much in the same way a crossword puzzle is read.The person who solves the solution to the ultimate puzzle is said to have the key to the solution to the puzzle of life.While I didn't find the key to life in these pages, I did find fun and enjoyment, and, not surprisingly, quite a bit of beauty.So much so that I'm recommending the book to all of my friends.

If stark realism is what you enjoy, you'd probably be better off skipping this book.Those who love writers who can spin magic with words, who are playful and inventive as well as creative, will no doubt love "Landscape Painted With Tea" as much as I did."Dictionary of the Khazars" made me a Pavic fan; "Landscape Painted With Tea" has simply cemented my admiration for this playful and inventive author.

Landscape Painted with Tea
Usually, I do not read the reviews when buying books, and similarly, never write them.However, when it comes to writings of Milorad Pavic, it is difficult to remain indifferent.Unfortunately, he is not too well known in the United States, and only few of his books had been translated. Pavic's characters, or rather, settings, seem to be appearing from a different dimension, the existence of which, we all feel instinctually, but unable to grasp with our senses.Landscape Painted with Tea, is in many ways similar to the paintings of Salvador Dali; it is surreal, it can be perceived on many different levels, each with its own beauty and mystery, and yet, being a part of the whole.Also, people either love it, or hate it, no one, however, remains cold or untouched by it.Just as the unusual twists of Pavic's imagination lead his unsuspecting readers deeper and deeper, layer by layer, into a world where fantasy and reality meet, so the readers' perception alters depending on the surroundings.Thus, if you read one of his novels during the day, your impression will be different from that of the morning or evening readings, and so on. Landscape Painted with Tea also can be compared to a dream, sometimes, strange, and sometimes leaving you guess about its true meaning, but always fascinating. Well, a praise, however high, will not suffice - you must read it for yourself!I hope, you will enjoy it! ... Read more

Isbn: 0679733442
Sales Rank: 119399
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - General    3. General    4. Fiction / General   

A Cup of Tea (Ballantine Reader's Circle)
by Ballantine Books
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (07 April, 1998)
list price: $13.95 -- our price: $10.46
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

A Cup of Tea adds a touch of class--and a love triangle--to the classic theme of parallellives and their accidental crossing. New York City, in the uncertain days of World War I, is home toRosemary Fells, who is the sort of woman with the time to strike stunning poses and rearrange her curls;Eleanor Smith, whom Rosemary finds under a street lamp, miserable and shivering, is certainly not. MissFells indulges a whim of beneficence, whisking "the creature" home to share warmth, tea, and achange of clothing. Once clean and dry--fortified with sandwiches and brandy--young Eleanor andRosemary's fiancé meet in the hallway and exchange a look, the kind of look that will foreverchange the course of their lives.

A Cup of Tea is a well-crafted, terse novel that reads like a good short story. It's a refreshing stepback to yesterday, a time when the fates picnicked on the glass slopes of privilege. ... Read more

Reviews (69)

Really good quick read...
I really enjoyed this book. I noticed that not to many people here seemed to like it, but I wasn't expecting literary genius when I picked this up. This is a very short (only 200 pages) little book about how much one woman's life changed with the passing of a look.

Set in 1917 NYC, Rosemary, a very prominent society girl, decides to help a young woman, Eleanore Smith, by getting her off the street corner and out of the rain, to bring her home for a cup of tea and some dry clothes. While there, Rose's fiancé Philip comes by, and an unmistakable look of want passes between he and Eleanore. Rose quickly gets the girl out of the house and thinks nothing more of the incident.

But Philip hasn't forgotten about the beautiful young woman, and what takes place in the following pages forever changes the lives of everyone one involved. I finished this book in a day, just picking it up in between chores and other things. It was very hard to put back down. The chapters are very small, only a few pages, and you'll become engrossed in this book from the first one. I highly recommend this book as a great afternoon read. You won't be disappointed.

Just okay
This book is really short (200 pgs) and a really simple read. It's a nice story, but something about it didn't click with me. The story is set in 1917, but some of the dialogue seemed more up to date than I was expecting. If the book would have been much longer I probably wouldn't have finished it. This isn't a book I would highly recommend, but if you're looking for something short and simple to pass the time, this might be a good choice.

A Nice Quick Read
This is book #2 on my Randomly Picked From The Library Reviews.

Many of the reviews of this book have a huge flaw.Apparently people pick up novels expecting Emily Dickinson and are disappointed when Amy Ephron shows up.The beauty of genius is that it is rare.Do not expect genius, hope for genius.

Now for my review of the book:It was overall a very decent read.Definitely a great book for someone who is not yet reading historical fiction and you think will enjoy them.Sure, the book had a few flaws, but overall it was very decent.

My one issue was the chapter set-up.I believe the longest chapter in the book was four pages long, which just seemed silly as I was reading the book.It is 200 pages long, but if condensed into normal chapters would have been lucky to hit 150 pages.

Overall, a decent rewrite of the Katherine Mansfield short story.I'd recommend it for anyone looking for a quick read or who wants to dabble in the historical fiction genre. ... Read more

Isbn: 0345425707
Subjects:  1. Fiction    2. Fiction - Historical    3. Historical - General    4. Literary    5. Fiction / Literary    6. Reading Group Guide   

Tea With the Black Dragon
by eReads.com
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 2000)
list price: $12.95 -- our price: $10.36
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (25)

A Forgotten Treasure
This is one of the books I share with people I really like.It very nearly defies description.The closest I can come is to say that I know magic when I see it, and this is magic.Mayland Long is an enigmatic oriental gentleman who just might be the human incarnation of a Chinese Dragon.Martha MacNamara is a fiftyish woman who plays fiddle in an Irish jig band, and she just may be the Zen master that Mayland Long has been waiting for.Together, they unravel a mystery that makes San Francisco of the nineteen-eighties seem as sinister and magical as any land ever depicted in a fantasy novel.Tea With the Black Dragon was written twenty years ago, so the computer technology is severely dated, but that doesn't really detract from the story.If you're anything like me, you'll be so swept up in this book that you won't notice anyway.

Jeff Edwards, author of "Torpedo: A Surface Warfare Thriller"

Great for people who don't normally read fantasy
This is a sublime little book.I normally don't go for books that contain a lot of internal dialog.But, this book is like a perfectly crafted little jewel.Don't mistake it for something that would only appeal to people who read fantasy books.I'm so happy to see this back in print.

A great Re-Read, even almost 20 years later
I read this book when it first came out in paperback and loved it.The storyline stuck in my mind, especially the character of Mayland Long. Re-read it recently in the e-publish paperback version and still found it a great read.I did notice the "computer" lingo was way out of date and I wish Ruth would update the next edition, and correct the minor flaws that an earlier reviewer pointed out. All in all, STILL a GREAT read, while it's not Shakespeare, it wasn't meant to be... just a fun frolic on a winters day.Me?I'm looking for my own Black Dragon. :-)mary w3 ... Read more

Isbn: 1585861979
Sales Rank: 258595
Subjects:  1. Fantasy    2. Fantasy - General    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Psychological Suspense    5. Psychological   

Darjeeling : A Novel
by St. Martin's Press
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (23 July, 2002)
list price: $24.95
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Forbidden love, sibling rivalry, and the immigrant experience in New York City: these are just some of the themes packed into Bharti Kirchner's Darjeeling. As the novel opens, 40-year-old Aloka stares out her apartment window in midtown Manhattan, contemplating the end of her marriage to Pranab--a man she met in her homeland of India. The lost marriage, like the lost country, fills her with nostalgia and angry confusion. Soon the reader learns the source of Aloka's bitterness: her sister's affair with her husband, a scandal that propelled her to this distant city with its "gray-brown bustle." Chapters alternate between the two sisters' lives, and Kirchner renders the passions of both women with empathy and grace. At the heart of Darjeeling is the question of thebroken bond: will the sisters be able to cross the emotional and geographic distances that separate them? --Ellen Williams ... Read more

Reviews (5)

intriguing introduction to Bharti Kirchner....
Bharti Kirchner, a locally-based writer in my hometown of Seattle, has written several novels where food and culture go hand in hand.I first was introduced to Ms. Kirchner and her writing at a multicultural literary exposition.She read a passage from "Pastries," another novel where food is an important part of the relationship between people and also a metaphor for their interactions.

I happened to spot "Darjeeling" on the book shelf at the library and was intrigued by the tea business in India and how it connects and divides a prosperous family involved in the cultivation of tea and the upkeep of the land from which itis produced.The patriarch, Mr. Gupta, has two daughters.The eldest daughter, Aloka, is beautiful, vivacious and seemingly has all of the breaks.The younger daughter, Sujata, is plainer, less social and the black sheep of the family. A twist of fate divides the two sisters when a young man, Pranab, comes between them.The arrogant and hard-headed young man wants to overthrow the power weilded by their father over the numerous workers he presides over.Pranab feels Mr. Gupta is exploiting them and not adequetly taking care of their basic living needs (healthcare, fair wage, etc).While Pranab is in love with Sujata and charmed by her brilliant mind, he is expected to be married to Aloka, the older, more well-respected daughter.Still, he embarks on a love affair with Sujata during their engagement.This is a scandal that divides and alienates the women from each other as Aloka agrees to go along with the marriage in spite of Pranab's poor character.

At first it was hard for me to grow accustomed to Kirchner's systematic writing style.At times, I felt I was reading an instruction manual.(Kirchner was a computer engineer for many years, prior to becoming a writer.)The second half of the book grew on me as I, as the reader, observed a transformation in both women who must rise above the patriarchical and misogynistic culture they have been raised in.Aloka was raised as the "good Hindu wife."This meant she wasn't to question her husband regarding any of his extra-marital affairs or his coldness.Sujata also undergoes a tremendous transformation and gains great self worth through great adversity and self discovery through life's hardships.

Good read
Fast paced, good descriptions of scenery, tea business, manhattan immigrant life and food, food..food. I like Kirschner's writing more for food descriptions than anything else and this is no exception. In general the storyline is more like a hindi movie - two women for one man and a benevolent 'thakur ma' and an angry dad and so on. But credit should be given to the author for portraying women - particularly immigrant women's dilemmas with clarity and respect. The ending also speaks for the same thing, both women doing what they believe in and letting the men know and get what they deserve!

Darjeeling
It was a good read.Learned a lot about tea.Liked the book but there were a couple of places where it felt that the author either overlooked the culture or didn't do enough research. Here are some inconsistencies that bothered me:

It puzzled me that the Bengali father knew that his eldest daughter's finance was sleeping with his youngest daughter but he stayed calm.Once his mother let's him know that she too is aware of the affair he does react in a more traditional way by hiring thugs to kill the guy.

Also, Grandma Nina keeps referring to the tea plantation as something belonging to her ancestors but it didn't belong to her ancestors; she came into the family as a young bride.

Anyway, overall it is a good read. Enjoy. ... Read more

Isbn: 0312286422
Subjects:  1. Asian American Novel And Short Story    2. Darjeeling (India : District)    3. Fiction    4. Fiction - Romance    5. General    6. Plantation life    7. Popular American Fiction    8. Romance - General    9. Tea trade    10. Triangles (Interpersonal relat    11. Triangles (Interpersonal relations)    12. Fiction / General   

The Agony of the Leaves : The Ecstasy of My Life with Tea
by Henry Holt & Co
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 October, 1996)
list price: $23.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (6)

A Great Read with a Cup of Tea
This is a pleasantly readable book about tea.Even the serious tea lover can discover new aspects of the beverage, and casual drinkers are sure to learn to appreciate tea more.Even if you're not willing to take as serious an approach to tea as Helen does, this book can teach you some great tips for making and appreciating tea.
My only complaint is that some of the recipes do not yield results quite as good as the author's description of them.Nevertheless, they do make tasty treats for teatime.

A sweet book for friends
I was afraid this was going to be another restaurant-puffery book, but I was so pleasantly surprised! The engaging stories and accompanying recipes were charming. In fact, I borrowed this book from the library and then ran out and bought three copies to give away as gifts and one copy for myself!

Wonderful book to read slowly
This morning I finished reading a lovely book, _The Agony of the Leaves_ by Helen Gustafson, who is the tea buyer for Chez Panisse in Berkeley.The title refers to a description of what happens to tea leaves when boilingwater is poured over them; they contort and twist, releasing theirflavor.

The book is subtititled "The Ecstasy of My Life inTea," and it's a charming chatty thing about tea cultivation andtechnology and history, woven in with reminiscences of tea parties fromchildhood to middle age.I've been reading it a few minutes at a time,while my tea brews in the morning. ... Read more

Isbn: 0805038450
Sales Rank: 646489
Subjects:  1. Beverages - Coffee & Tea    2. Biography / Autobiography    3. Biography/Autobiography    4. Cookery    5. General    6. Tea    7. Anecdotes    8. Gustafson, Helen   

Farberware Classic Tiburon 2-1/2-Quart Whistling Stainless-Steel Teakettle
by Farberware
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $40.00 -- our price: $16.44
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

No stovetop is complete without a charming teakettle, and this Farberware Classic Tiburon makes a handsome as well as useful fixture. Created from corrosion-resistant, high-quality stainless steel, the kettle features an attractive bell shape with a flared bottom for efficient burner coverage and faster heating. It whistles clearly when water boils, and the lever-controlled spout locks open with a simple flip for easy pouring and filling. The kettle also fills through the tidy top lid. Farberware uses a stay-cool synthetic to make the piece’s handles, arcing the top one high for finger clearance. One design element to note here--lifting and spout-flipping are possible to perform with one hand (flip down the lever with your thumb and pick up the pot) though not as simple as the trigger-style spouts on some kettles. Polished to a mirror-finish, this kettle keeps its shine with a little bit of standard maintenance. Measuring 8-1/2 inches in diameter, it stands 9 inches high.--Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• 2-1/2-quart-capacity; 8-1/2 by 9 by 8-1/2 inches
• Whistling teakettle with flared bell shape for quick heating
• Lock-open spout cap for convenient filling and pouring
• Made of 18/10 stainless steel with high-polish mirror finish
• Stay-cool synthetic handle and lid finial

Reviews (55)

A wonderful teakettle and a lesson learned about reviews....
This is a really great teakettle. You should buy it if you need one-- and the price is fantastic-- I just bought two more. I really loved my kettle-- then I knocked it off the stove accidently and the whistle and handle broke. So I ordered another and then another after that, rather than pay for shipping- now there is a spare!

Alot of these reviews are just wacky. Are these people high? Nitpicky. Delusional, maybe. I learned to take these online reviews with the proverbial grain or two of salt. I almost was afraid to order this kettle in the first place because of reading some of the reviews that made it sound so bad-- and as it turns out, it's great!

I took the broken whistle mechanism apart, so now I can adjust the spring in the current kettle to make the whistle louder, if I want. There is definately a variation. The second kettle has a whistle 40 % quieter than the first, and the loudness is a function of how hard the whistle is pressing against the spout. I'm going to save this job for when I am really bored though. Anyway-- great kettle-- try it, you'll like it.. And I reccommend that we all ignore some of the more extreme statements in online reviews. Best, Walter. November 2004. Cheers.

can't close spout when hot
This is a nice kettle, but it is very difficult to close the spout once you open it without actually pushing right on the hot opening.The thumb toggle to open the spout locks open, preventing easy closing.I threw my kettle away because it was just impossible to use.

Inexpensive and inoffensive
I've been using this for several months now and am reasonably pleased with the purchase.I wasn't expecting perfection, after all, for a $15 sale item.The kettle is lightweight, the space between the top and the handle is wide and tall, making it easy to use with most faucet/filter attachments, and I like that the lid is completely removable. The kettle heats water extremely quickly in comparison to the Revere copper-bottom I had previously.The only downside is that the handle gets a bit warm when heating.So far, this has not been so hot as to require a pot holder, but I suspect if one were to leave it on high heat boiling for a length of time, it would become extremely hot (I normally remove the kettle from heat the moment the whistle sounds..). ... Read more

Asin: B00005NCWS
Subjects:  1. (Faberware)    2. (Farberwear)    3. (Farber Ware)    4. Farberware    5. Classic    6. Tiburon    7. Whistling Teakettle    8. Stainless Steel    9. Teakettles    10. (Tea Kettles)   

Philips Electric Kettle HD4651
by PHILIPS
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $34.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Stainless steel heating disk
• Bell signal for boiling water
• Pirouette center connector
• 10-cup capacity
• Auto shutoff

Reviews (86)

Best Quality For The Price
We checked out a lot of electric kettles before deciding on this one. My husband is Irish and they take their wee cup of tea very seriously. The Philips kettle is well built and designed. We've used the one at home daily for over 2 years now with no problems. I purchased one for work about 6 months ago and even though a large group of people are using it throughout the day it is still working without any problems at all. I would recommend the Philips kettle over some of the more expensive brands as it combines quality materials and design. Some of the more expensive brands have small openings at the lid which makes them hard to fill and/or clean. Some of them are also designed for aesthetics rather than function and don't pour well.

Wonderful tea kettle!
I recently purchased this, and LOVED it immediately.After spending time over the years in Europe, it reminded me of "putting on the kettle".This one works great and heats the water FAST.It also looks fantastic on the counter.I'm impressed with the quality of this kettle, and highly recommend it.

Good Company - Bad Product
This item broke after about 4 days of use.A spark came from the base and then the smell of something burning.I wrote the company and they were GREAT about replacing the item.They shipped a new one out right away and I shipped the old one back.The only problem was, the new one didn't last any longer.After two or three days the kettle died.No spark or burning this time, but it wouldn't stay engaged long enough to heat. Although I love the company and think their customer service was great, I didn't bother going through a third tea kettle.I bought a different brand that I've happy with. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OTY4
Sales Rank: 352
Subjects:  1. Tea    2. Teakettles    3. Hot Pots    4. (Tea Kettles)    5. Kitchen    6. Back to School   

Zojirushi Smooth Serve 1-Liter Carafe, Stainless Steel
by Zojirushi
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $17.20 -- our price: $16.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Capable of keeping 1 quart of a beverage hot or cold for up to10 hours, this vacuum carafe is perfect for pouring tea or coffee allday in the home or at the office. The stopper unscrews and comes out sothat coffee can be made by a direct-brew method directly into thecarafe. Glass-lined, the 10-1/2-inch-high carafe is clad in hard,gleaming, white plastic and wipes clean with a damp cloth. --FredBrack ... Read more

Features

• 10-1/2 inches high
• Vacuum thermos keeps 1 quart of beverage hot or cold for 10 hours
• Stopper comes out to permit coffee making by direct-brew method
• Clad in hard, gleaming, stainless steel
• Glass lines

Reviews (10)

Great carafe, highly recommend
This little carafe is amazing. I made coffee at 3:00 pm and left about half in the carafe overnight and the coffee was still hot enough to drink at 7:15 am the next day. Thats 17 hours folks. I always prep the carafe for at least 5 minutes with hot tap water. I have had no leaking problems as other reviewers. I bought two of these and they are worth every penny.

Explosion
In general, I would say that I liked the carafe.It did keep hot things VERY hot, and cold things VERY cold for hours on end.I did not experience the leaking problem that others have spoken about.
I would warn users about using ice in the carafe.In the summer months I would start every day by putting 5 or 6 ice cubes in the carafe, and then fill it with water.Thus, I would have cold water at my desk all day long.
This worked out great for about two months, then one day as I was putting a few ice cubes in the carafe.BOOOM!As I was adding my second or third cube, the glass lining inside just EXPLODED!And I was left with a plastic shell full of glass shards.
I don't see how I could have dropped the ice in too hard, I mean - the ice cubes were smaller than average (small enough to fit through the lid of the carafe), and I wasn't THROWING them in there - just sliding them past the lid openning and then dropping them.I guess maybe the sudden temperature change cuased it - but I didn't go suddenly from boiling hot to ice cold -- just an empty carafe at room temperature with a couple of ice cubes added in.you would think a THERMOS could stand up to that.

It leaks
If not fully upright, the liquid contents leak. The seal contains a stop which does not allow the user to close the top to maximum tightness. If you plan on transporting liquids in your vehicle, I do not recommend this carafe. ... Read more

Asin: B00005OBCD
Subjects:  1. Teapots    2. (Tea pots)    3. Coffeepots    4. (Coffee pots)   

Nissan 11-Ounce Stainless Steel Coffee and Tea Traveler
by Nissan
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $29.99 -- our price: $22.00
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Virtually unbreakable, this lightweight, vacuum-insulated thermos travels to work or your favorite recreation spot. On arrival, and for hours afterward, coffee, tea, or soup will still be hot. Or lemonade, pasta salad, or a sports drink will still be chilled. Compact (7 inches high) and shapely, this thermos has a "waist" for firm gripping indented in its satin-finish exterior and tough, nonslip, black plastic top and bottom. There's a choice of two twist tops, one for coffee and another, with a stainless steel strainer, for tea--each has a sip-hole, and a cap twists onto either to prevent spills. Fine threading ensures tops and cap seal tightly, while the smooth interior cleans with sponge or cloth. Preheating or prechilling with hot or cold water is recommended. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Reviews (32)

Super...but mine broke!!
I agree with what everyone here says.I think this is a great product, and there's nothing else like it you can find.Thing is - you must be careful about not ever denting it! Mine got dented at the rim after I dropped it after only 3 weeks of use, and it is now totally useless because it won't seal anymore.I hoped it would be more durable than this.

Read the instructions
This quality and highly efficient thermos works perfectly if you simply follow the enclosed written instructions.It is plainly stated that no part should be placed in the dishwasher.Also, if you make sure that the caps are properly aligned the thermos is absolutely leak-proof.

This rugged, smartly designed thermos packs easily, insulates well, and avoids sloppy spills by utilizing a deeply recessed sip cap.I am completly satisfied with my purchase and expect it will give me many years of service.

Perfect Solution
I have had this mug for several years.I am coming back to buy a second one so I will never be without one when I forget it at work.This is the only solution I have found where I can take my coffee in my briefcase with 0 risk of spills.

I love it and most of my friends who have seen it have bought one for themselves. ... Read more

Asin: B00004S1CV
Subjects:  1. Travel Cups    2. Travel Mugs    3. Insulated Beverage    4. Thermal    5. Commuter Mugs    6. Commuting    7. Tumblers    8. Nissan    9. Thermos   

Fiestaware Turquoise 149 18-Ounce Jumbo Cups, Set of 4
by Fiestaware
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $44.00 -- our price: $30.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

These jumbo Fiestaware cups are a fitting tribute to the product line introduced in 1936 and still beloved in the 21st century. Adding original Fiestaware's signature art deco design and bold palette to the grande-size mug popularized by the coffee craze of the last two decades, these cups successfully merge old and new. Their 18-ounce capacity and 4-1/2-inch diameter make them ideal for coffee, soup, or even dipping cookies in milk. They are more contemporary in appearance than many other Fiestaware pieces and mix well with casual contemporary dishes or with the full spectrum of Fiestaware products in different colors. Match these cups with Fiestaware jumbo saucers for a cup and saucer set. --Emily Wolf ... Read more

Features

• Great for coffee, soup, or even cookies and milk
• 18-ounce capacity, 4-1/2-inch diameter
• Vitrified china with lead-free glaze
• Complements other Fiestaware pieces for a well-matched set
• Dishwasher and microwave safe

Reviews (17)

Perfect fit under a Senseo Coffeemaker
I like a big mug of coffee, and the Senseo coffee maker just does not have that much room under the spout. My tall mugs don't fit, but these do perfectly. Just a note for fellow Senseo lovers.

perfect but just a bit too big
brilliant nicely shaped monster mugs.look great, but we still keep reaching for the old regular-style non-fiestaware mugs cause the jumbo ones are often just too much (and we live in texas, where oversized is always better).definitely agree with previous reviewer who wishes there were an in-between size from fiestaware.those little mugs with the pretty but useless ring handles don't work, and the wonderful jumbo mug is overkill for normal use.i'd vote for keeping the design, just scaling it down a bit.

Very BIG, but very useful
My only beef with these mugs is that they're so big. I own the smaller Fiestaware mugs too, and I complained about those being too small, but seriously - I wish there were a middle ground. Though I'd take 'too big' over too small any day. You can have a big cuppa tea or coffee or soup with these things. An excellent multitasker, I've even used mine to store cups of broth in the freezer. These definitely need some sort of tight-fitting lid developed for them for better storage in the fridge or freezer. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Y9KD

Fiestaware Yellow 149 18-Ounce Jumbo Cups, Set of 4
by Fiestaware
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $44.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

These jumbo Fiestaware cups are a fitting tribute to the product line introduced in 1936 and still beloved in the 21st century. Adding original Fiestaware's signature art deco design and bold palette to the grande-size mug popularized by the coffee craze of the last two decades, these cups successfully merge old and new. Their 18-ounce capacity and 4-1/2-inch diameter make them ideal for coffee, soup, or even dipping cookies in milk. They are more contemporary in appearance than many other Fiestaware pieces and mix well with casual contemporary dishes or with the full spectrum of Fiestaware products in different colors. Match these cups with Fiestaware jumbo saucers for a cup and saucer set. --Emily Wolf ... Read more

Features

• Dishwasher and microwave safe
• Great for coffee, soup, or even cookies and milk
• 18-ounce capacity, 4-1/2-inch diameter
• Vitrified china with lead-free glaze
• Complements other Fiestaware pieces for a well-matched set

Reviews (17)

Perfect fit under a Senseo Coffeemaker
I like a big mug of coffee, and the Senseo coffee maker just does not have that much room under the spout. My tall mugs don't fit, but these do perfectly. Just a note for fellow Senseo lovers.

perfect but just a bit too big
brilliant nicely shaped monster mugs.look great, but we still keep reaching for the old regular-style non-fiestaware mugs cause the jumbo ones are often just too much (and we live in texas, where oversized is always better).definitely agree with previous reviewer who wishes there were an in-between size from fiestaware.those little mugs with the pretty but useless ring handles don't work, and the wonderful jumbo mug is overkill for normal use.i'd vote for keeping the design, just scaling it down a bit.

Very BIG, but very useful
My only beef with these mugs is that they're so big. I own the smaller Fiestaware mugs too, and I complained about those being too small, but seriously - I wish there were a middle ground. Though I'd take 'too big' over too small any day. You can have a big cuppa tea or coffee or soup with these things. An excellent multitasker, I've even used mine to store cups of broth in the freezer. These definitely need some sort of tight-fitting lid developed for them for better storage in the fridge or freezer. ... Read more

Asin: B00004Y9KC
Subjects:  1. Coffee    2. Tea    3. Cups    4. Mugs    5. Fiestaware    6. (Fiesta Ware)    7. (Fiestawear)    8. (Fiesta Wear)   

This tea towel will fit right in at your summer cottage, in your powder room or kitchen, or as a bridal shower gift. European quality and sophistication distinguish the generously sized, 20-by-28 inch towel, which is 100% cotton damask in a classy white-on-white windowpane design. Finely embroidered on the towel are three bunches of dainty purple pansies. --Fred Brack ... Read more

Features

• 100-percent cotton damask towel, 20 by 28 inches
• Embroidered with dainty purple pansies
• Three clusters of pansies in pretty detail
• Background is white-on-white windowpane design

Asin: B00004U63F

Mierco Darjeeling 2-Piece Kitchen Towel Set
by Mierco
Average Customer Review:
Kitchen
list price: $30.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Come teatime, you'll want to use this elegant tea towel ensemble. One towel is predominantly white waffle weave, with a stripe of yellow and blue on one end and a blue stripe with different teacups in white on the other. The second towel features blue jacquard weave on which is pictured an old-fashioned teapot, teacups, lemon wedges, and tea leaves. You could also use them as table centerpieces or oversize napkins. These 20-by-28-inch towels are larger than average. Made of 100 percent cotton, they're easy to care for--just throw them in the washing machine. --Doree Armstrong ... Read more

Features

• 100 percent cotton; machine wash; made in Belgium
• 20-by-28-inch rectangular blue and yellow tea towel ensemble
• Jacquard weave of teapots, cups, lemon wedges, and tea leaves
• One towel mostly white waffle weave; second towel blue and yellow designs
• Use as towel, table centerpiece, or oversized napkin

Reviews (1)

Lovely design and useful, too
You can use these as kitchen towels, but I use them as "tea towels." We like English tea on Sunday afternoons, and I use a large wooden tray to hold the pot and paraphernalia. I line the tray with one of the towels. It looks great and catches the drips from the pot and keeps the teapot from skidding on the tray. The Dajeeling theme is appropriate and goes with any of our pots. ... Read more

Asin: B00004U64N

Long Dark Tea Time of the Soul
by Pocket
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (15 February, 1991)
list price: $7.99 -- our price: $7.19
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (61)

Dirk returns
this is yet another wonderous zany journey from Douglas
Adams. If you've ever wondered what humans do with all the brain matter they don't seem to use, what happens to gods when people stop believing in them, or whether it's possible to get pizza delivered in London, this book is for you. Same series as "Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency", but I read this one first and the plot didn't suffer. Absolutely incredible.

Hugely Entertaining & Refreshingly Funny
THE LONG, DARK TEA TIME is a surprisingly different detective novel in which the hero, Dirk Gently, suffers from a number of humorous personality quirks. Dirk refuses to open his refrigerator, follows cars that seem to know when they're going when he's lost, and prefers to consider impossible scenarios over highly improbable ones. He also has a penchant for taking things that aren't his... although no matter how badly things seem to be going for him, he always seems to manage to end up in the right place at the right time. And perhaps this is the greatest lesson that Dirk Gently has to share.

I laughed out loud so often while reading LONG DARK TEA TIME that I cried, and found myself reading and re-reading passages to savor them again and again. Douglas Adams is truly a master story teller, even when dealing with a plot that ping-pongs back and forth between two main character who are coping with extremely unusual (and dare I say impossible) situations. Keeping track of the plot was challenging at times, but well worth the effort.

I highly recommend this book, and now plan to make sure I read everything Adams has written!

Fascinating
I just wanted to add (to all of the other reviews) that, while the Dirk Gently books may not be as hilarious as the Hitchhiker's book (and at times verge toward drama), I would say they are much more interesting.The plots are complicated to be sure, at times esoteric and puzzling, and you may even have to re-read, but I find it is well worth it.Fascinating. ... Read more

Isbn: 0671742515
Sales Rank: 4120
Subjects:  1. Fantasy - General    2. Fiction    3. Fiction - Fantasy    4. Science Fiction - General    5. Science fiction    6. Fiction / Science Fiction / General   

Taking Time for Tea: 15 Seasonal Tea Parties to Soothe the Soul and Celebrate the Spirit
by Storey Publishing, LLC
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (15 June, 2000)
list price: $16.95 -- our price: $11.53
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (1)

A Special Gift for Tea Lovers
For many people the drinking of tea has become both a tradition and a ceremony.This book is written for these "tea people," whether they are just beginning a tradition of tea drinking or whether they'veenjoyed tea for years.The author shares many thoughts and ideas forsetting aside a special time each day for enjoying tea.She offerssuggestions for special tea celebrations throughout the year and includesmeditations for each celebration.She also covers basic information on thehistory of tea and gives a number of simple recipes for dishes to serve attea time.However, this is not a recipe book. Its writing primarily feedsthe minds, souls, and hearts of tea lovers.Finally, the photo montages inthe book are beautiful. ... Read more

Isbn: 1580172458
Sales Rank: 273523
Subjects:  1. Afternoon teas    2. Beverages - Coffee & Tea    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - Brunch    6. Menus    7. Tea    8. Cooking / Coffee & Tea   

Mama's Tea Cakes: 101 Soul Food Desserts
by Birch Lane Press
Average Customer Review:
Hardcover (01 June, 1998)
list price: $14.95 -- our price: $10.17
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (1)

Wonderful Recipes
If like me, you enjoy cooking, old style southern meals, you will enjoy this cookbook. ... Read more

Isbn: 1559724641
Sales Rank: 264339
Subjects:  1. African American cookery    2. African American cooking    3. Cooking    4. Cooking / Wine    5. Courses & Dishes - Desserts    6. Desserts    7. Regional & Ethnic - African American    8. Regional & Ethnic - Soul Food   

Tchaikovsky At Tea Time: A Refreshing Blend For Body And Spirit
by Philips
Average Customer Review:
Audio CD (11 June, 1996)
list price: $11.98 -- our price: $11.98
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (3)

Beautiful
One of the best aspects of Tchiakovsky's music is the ocnsistency: he just DIDN'T compose any bad pieces. And with such consistency, you can compile a CD such as this.
THis CD gives you a proper taste of Tchaikovsky's style, and is a very nice sampler of some of his most famous works. This CD lacks some of his more energetically volatile works, but it thus lives up to its title. It is extremely relaxing, and soothes you as you listen to it. The works are melodic, and the orchestras and soloists are superb, especially in the Serenade and the Rococco Variations. I highly recommend this CD for anyone, even if you aren't a huge classical music fan.

Tchaikovsky's Most Enchanting Tunes
Like the title suggest, a good companion for tea time. Or any time. Themusic of Peter Ilych Tchaikovsky is beautiful, lyrical and full of a graceand charm that parallels to Mozart's. A great collection of music by thelegendary Russian composer. He had a gift for making music in a style thatdid not sway away from Russian folk music but that added a Classicalperfection, or better yet a Romantic mastership. Who can forget theSleeping Beauty suite. Here is the Panorama scene.. gorgeous music. Irecommend the entire ballet score. The Nutcraker and Swan Lake are alsohere. The Piano concerto no. 1 in B, Andante Cantibile and so much more. Igarauntee any listener satisfaction.

A great companion to your classical collection!
Most classical music fans enjoy Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker", as well as "Swan Lake". This compilation is a great sample platter, so to speak; of Tchaikovsky's other work. It also has greatrenditions of more well known pieces by some great orchestras! It is one ofmy favorite albums, and goes great with Earl Grey! ... Read more

Asin: B0000041FC
Sales Rank: 53884
Subjects:  1. Ballet    2. Chamber    3. Classical    4. Concerto    5. Orchestral   

Healing Garden Green Teatheraphy Meditation Tea Candle
by Healing Garden
Average Customer Review:
Health and Beauty
list price: $7.55
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Please read all label information on delivery
• Meditation candle in fresh green tea scent
• Helps focus the mind and illuminate the soul
• Comes in glass holder with metal lid
• Do not burn for more than 3-4 hours at a time

Reviews (1)

Memorable!
This candle is a truly memorable and delightful scent.It's beautiful aroma is unique but not overpowering.I enjoy this candle in my office to keep me calm and alert during my work day.However, this scent would be a pleasant edition no matter what your environment - home, work or travel.Enjoy! ... Read more

Asin: B000052Z5J
Sales Rank: 11758