Book Description
Born in 1951 to a distinguished Arab-American family, Lisa Najeeb Halaby became the fourth wife of King Hussein at age 27. With her husband being not only Jordan's monarch but the spiritual leader of all Muslims, Lisa was unsure what her role would be. This moving memoir provides a timely look at one woman's story against a backdrop of 30 turbulent years: the displacement of over 1 million Palestinians by the creation of Israel, King Hussein's frustrated efforts for peace, and the effect of Saddam Hussein and the Gulf War on Jordan and the royal family. Queen Noor offers intimate new glimpses of King Hussein, Saddam Hussein, Queen Elizabeth, Arafat, and many other world leaders.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous read!!.......2007-10-17
This book is not only a story of Queen Noor's life as Queen and the challenges that came with it, but it is a wonderful introduction to the history of the conflict in the Middle East. There are things our media does not show, or accurately represent, and she provides a window into such events and the history of what led up to them. It is a wonderfully written book, and I appreciate her effort in helping the Western world understand more of the conflict and frustrations that the Islamic community faces. I also appreciate her effort in bringing awareness of the Arabic culture in a time where many aspects of Islamic life have been misconstrued.
Three "stories" in one. .......2007-09-30
This is the autobiogarphy of Queen Noor, the third wife of the late King Hussein of Jordan. Queen Noor, was born and raised in America. Just prior to her marriage to King Hussein, she converted to Islam. Her story is, of necessity, personal, political, and religous all at the same time.
The personal story, especially, the early years, is fascinating. There is no question that her love for her husband is genuine and deep. However, the personal story gets tedious is place. (We visited this place and met so and so, and it rained etc.)
The political story may enlighten some readers to the "Palestian" cause and certainly there is some truth to her point. Yet, the "Palestinian cause" is accepted uncritically. For instance, she recounts an incident where her husband forgave Yasser Arafat and the palestinians for causing a civil war in Jordan. One wonders how the court of history would have changed if her husband had not been so forgiving. She also informs the reader how very much, in the Muslim world, Sadat was despised for signing a peace treaty with Israel. Again one wonders how history would have changed if Hussein had followed Sadat's lead.
There is also much in the book about her role in the ecomonic development in Jordan. In the afterword, she makes a point how such development promotes peace. This is very much true, but the point should have been clearly stated in the body of the book.
The religious story shows that her conversion to Islam is real. Her pilmigrage after her husband's death was clearly a moving experience. Yet, she does not explain why in Islam, except in a few special mosques, men and women worship seperately. Why can't the husband and wife listen to an Iman's sermon together? She does not provide any justification for the "seperate but equal"
religious practice in Islam.
Overall impression: If it wasn't for the repetitive royal travels, I would give this book five stars. There are unanswered questions, but this does not distract from the book's importance.
Remarkable woman.......2007-08-07
What a remarkable woman, wonderful book that gave me a better understanding of the Middle East.....High recommend read.
Leap of Faith--Queen Noor.......2007-08-02
Interesting read. Well written. However, I would like to have read more on her personal life; children, home life, etc., than on political happenings. Too much focus on politics, for my liking.
Compelling story.......2007-06-21
Lot's of books teach you things. If read with an open mind, this book changes your perspective toward the muslim world. The book is a very easy and enjoyable read, especially for someone in the same age group as Queen Noor as she relates her experiences during these times that we have all lived through. She shows how she used the principles of peace and love, which we marched for in the 60's and early 70's, in her journey as the Queen of Jordan. Her story is inspiring and enlightening. She says her husband, the King, spent his life dedicated to those principles. For the past six years in this country we have gone through a period of demonization by the administration, and often by the media as well, of any non-christians, especially muslims. This book shows that moderate muslims are just like moderate christians and believe that their relegion teaches to relate to others with compassion and love. Just like in Christianity, the real "silent majority" is not the fundamentalists.
Book Description
Can a powerless witch find happiness with an arrogant, impatient dragon? If the dragon has his way, she sure as hell will. Book 2 in the award-winning Dragon Kin series! Talaith's life has never been easy. A goddess has forced her into servitude. Her husband despises her. And all those in her tiny village fear her. But just when she doesn't think her life can get any worse, she's pulled from her bed one morning to be burned at the stake for being a witch. What she never counted on was a terrifying silver dragon deciding to rescue her. Briec the Mighty didn't really know what to do with a human female. Especially this one. Chatty and a bit of a complainer, he doesn't understand why she can't simply admit to herself that she wants him. Who wouldn't? He was Briec the Mighty after all. Females fought to spend the night in his arms. But this one tiny woman with her many secrets and her annoying habit of referring to him as "arrogant" has turned his simple dragon life upside down. WARNING: This story contains explicit monogamous sex and graphic violence!
Customer Reviews:
Humouros, and exciting .......2007-09-20
I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were well fleshed out and the story was engrossing. I didn't stop reading until I finished. Yeah I do that. Great read, fantasy but with a nice story that left me wanting to read it again.
Prepare to laugh yourself silly........2007-09-11
Move over Mary Janice Davidson, there's a new queen of comedy in town.
Talaith's life has pretty much sucked up till now. She's basically living in servitude to a goddess with a husband who hates her. Whatever, she's less than fond of him to. But there's that old adage that what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger so she's going to handle things with grace never realizing that the kill you part might be closer than she thought. Dragged from her bed one morning she finds her faithless husband and spineless fellow villagers preparing to burn her at the stake for being a witch. Just perfect. Then she's rescued by a silver dragon, also known as Briec the Almighty, who promptly decides to keep her. Briec is somewhat perplexed. The woman should be throwing herself at her feet in gratitude but all he gets it moaning and negativity. What's a dragon to do? Drug her with sex until she can't think straight and the only word leaving her mouth is yes? Shame that doesn't work. Talaith leads Briec on a merry chase full of sass and sizzle, and you'll be left wanting more from this fun mismatched couple.
Book 2 of the Dragon Kin.......2007-08-13
I was surprised at how very good this book was, I loved it! My only complaint is the book cover could have been better.
Intriging.......2007-06-11
I loved reading this book... It was totally different from the type of books I am use to reading. I am so looking forward to the next book from this collection by Shelly Laurenston.
Bought it for the cover.......2007-04-05
I just could not get into this book. After several attempts to read I had to finally say that I just did not feel that the characters had enough depth to be enticing. However, I sure was captured by the cover!
Average customer rating:
- Dragon's Kin
- Great if you like Sci Fiction
- Watchwhers can do *what*?
- Well, Todd has to start somewhere
- A fan of McCaffrey & Pern
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Dragon's Kin (The Dragonriders of Pern)
Anne McCaffrey , and
Todd J. McCaffrey
Manufacturer: Del Rey
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The Masterharper of Pern (Dragonriders of Pern)
ASIN: 0345462009
Release Date: 2004-12-28 |
Book Description
Beginning with the classic Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey has created a complex, endlessly fascinating world uniting humans and great telepathic dragons. Millions of devoted readers have soared on the glittering wings of Anne’s imagination, following book by book the evolution of one of science fiction’s most beloved and honored series. Now, for the first time, Anne has invited another writer to join her in the skies of Pern, a writer with an intimate knowledge of Pern and its history: her son, Todd.
DRAGON’S KIN
Young Kindan has no expectations other than joining his father in the mines of Camp Natalon, a coal mining settlement struggling to turn a profit far from the great Holds where the presence of dragons and their riders means safety and civilization. Mining is fraught with danger. Fortunately, the camp has a watch-wher, a creature distantly related to dragons and uniquely suited to specialized work in the dark, cold mineshafts. Kindan’s father is the watch-wher’s handler, and his son sometimes helps him out. But even that important job promises no opportunity outside the mine.
Then disaster strikes. In one terrible instant, Kindan loses his family and the camp loses its watch-wher. Fathers are replaced by sons in the mine–except for Kindan, who is taken in by the camp’s new Harper. Grieving, Kindan finds a measure of solace in a burgeoning musical talent . . . and in a new friendship with Nuella, a mysterious girl no one seems to know exists. It is Nuella who assists Kindan when he is selected to hatch and train a new watch-wher, a job that forces him to give up his dream of becoming a Harper; and it is Nuella who helps him give new meaning to his life.
Meanwhile, sparked by the tragedy, long-simmering tensions are dividing the camp. Far below the surface, a group of resentful miners hides a deadly secret. As warring factions threaten to explode, Nuella and Kindan begin to discover unknown talents in the misunderstood watch-wher–talents that could very well save an entire Hold. During their time teaching the watch-wher, the two learn some things themselves: that even a seemingly impossible dream is never completely out of reach . . . and that light can be found even in darkness.
From the Hardcover edition.
Download Description
Beginning with the classic Dragonriders of Pern, Anne McCaffrey has created a complex, endlessly fascinating world uniting humans and great telepathic dragons. Millions of devoted readers have soared on the glittering wings of Anne's imagination, following book by book the evolution of one of science fiction's most beloved and honored series. Now, for the first time, Anne has invited another writer to join her in the skies of Pern, a writer with an intimate knowledge of Pern and its history: her son, Todd.
Young Kindan has no expectations other than joining his father in the mines of Camp Natalon, a coal mining settlement struggling to turn a profit far from the great Holds where the presence of dragons and their riders means safety and civilization. Mining is fraught with danger. Fortunately, the camp has a watch-wher, a creature distantly related to dragons and uniquely suited to specialized work in the dark, cold mineshafts. Kindan's father is the watch-wher's handler, and his son sometimes helps him out. But even that important job promises no opportunity outside the mine.
Then disaster strikes. In one terrible instant, Kindan loses his family and the camp loses its watch-wher. Fathers are replaced by sons in the mine -- except for Kindan, who is taken in by the camp's new Harper. Grieving, Kindan finds a measure of solace in a burgeoning musical talent... and in a new friendship with Nuella, a mysterious girl no one seems to know exists. It is Nuella who assists Kindan when he is selected to hatch and train a new watch-wher, a job that forces him to give up his dream of becoming a Harper; and it is Nuella who helps him give new meaning to his life.
Meanwhile, sparked by the tragedy, long-simmering tensions are dividing the camp. Far below the surface, a group of resentful miners hides a deadly secret. As warring factions threaten to explode, Nuella and Kindan begin to discover unknown talents in the misunderstood watch-wher -- talents that could very well save an entire Hold. During their time teaching the watch-wher, the two learn some things themselves: that even a seemingly impossible dream is never completely out of reach... and that light can be found even in darkness.
Customer Reviews:
Dragon's Kin.......2007-07-17
It was just a minor challenge to switch to Todd's writing style as opposed to Anne's. Todd deffinately was familiar with the whole of Pern, and after the first chapter or so, you can just cruise through the story. A fitting following for the next generation.
Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13
The Pern series of books from Anne McCaffery are great. Better if you read them in order, (look online at her website for recommendations). This is futuristic science fiction, but if you liked Aregon, you would probably like this series too
Watchwhers can do *what*?.......2007-02-09
I bought this book with high hopes for the continuing saga of Pern. All I can say at this point is that Todd obviously has a "get out of canon free" card. The characters were mildly interesting, but I found myself shaking my head over the number of times he "Mary Sues" the watchwhers. Part of what makes Pern, Pern, are the dragons, whers and firelizards. When the basic design and function are changed, and extra abilities are added to the unique creatures (like the whers), it makes me not want to continue reading the series.
I have just about *every* Pern book out there (including the hard-to-find "The People of Pern") but I will not be adding any of these collaborations to my collection of Pernese gems.
Well, Todd has to start somewhere.......2007-02-01
What a legacy for a son and new author. A ready made world to work with. Anne McCaffery has created a fantasy world that has entertained me since the very first book. And she is passing that torch on to her son.
As his first attempt, Todd did a pretty good job. Howerver, it seems that whenever a book is co-authored, the results are a little mixed. And in this case, they had a tough challenge. Are there any new story lines for this planet?
What I loved about this book is the Watch whers have been ignored, by the author and the characters. And Wind Blossom has been reviled for not being as good as her mother when she created these ugly creatures that were not as cool as dragons.
Dragon's Kin tells the story of how watchwhers were originally used and what their talents are in the role of protecting Pern and it's people. I was excited to learn that they can be impressed and bonded to humans and that they can fly and kill thread. What a "revelation". But just how did this information ever get lost? That is a little off.
I like the book as I like most of the Pern series. I am willing to see what Todd can do on his own.
A fan of McCaffrey & Pern.......2007-01-21
This book is "in the tradition" of the great saga of Pern & it's dragons. For all of us McCaffrey fans the book/the story fills in the gap between significant events and storylines in the lives of "dragonfolk" and those that they protect. For fans who found the books that delt with discoveries and pioneers of "First Landing" in the Southern area of Pern the story is plausible and pleasing.
I'm far from being a child, I am a fantasy fan who prefers not to read about odd ugly creatures(to me the dragons are odd but exempt from "ugly") so the stories of pern create another world that is not too bizarre to be entertaining. As a former libray assistant I got hooked because McCaffrey's books were in both the children's collection and the adult collections. I started reading to find out why. I'm hooked for life. I hope that Mom And Son persevere.
Book Description
art love story, part utopian fantasy, part spiritual fable, The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You is "a beautiful, symbolic journey of the soul" (Berkeley Monthly). Into the world of the Ata comes a desperate man, running from a fast life of fame and fortune, drugs and crime. He is led by the kin of Ata on a spiritual journey that, sooner or later, we all must take.
Customer Reviews:
Another Strand in the Web..........2007-10-05
I read this book several times back in the 70's and recently found myself reading it again. The shocker came when I finally discovered the depth of the writing and the amazing parallels to the concepts you can learn in "A Course in Miracles"...(talk about inspired writing!) Anyone who is traveling the Course or who is a fan of Eckhart Tolle, Dr. Michael Ryce, Dr. Wayne Dyer, Don Miguel Ruiz, Brian Weiss, Robert Perry, etc, etc, etc, NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK!
Examples:
Atans have no word for past or future..."only the present Now"...
Atans don't have personal pronouns...all are "kin"...
Atans have unconditional love for all...
The Atan word "Nagdeo" means....God, light, joy, peace, love, right, spirit, etc. Anything that honors kin.
"Donagdeo" means anything that interferes with "Nagdeo"...the people are not pefect, Utopian...they struggle with all the vices and errors everyone else does....but they strive towards the "Nagdeo" and avoid anything "donagdeo"....
The Rays of Light and the "shining jewels" the protagonist sees...
Also this book has the clearest insight I've even heard into the "Loaves and fishes" message...to give IS to receive.
I could go on, that's just a few. I hope I have gotten my point across...you will find your own truths here...
Like the book states ("A Course" does too) in the end words fail and fall short. The Truth is in you and me. You'll recognize it when you see it...Nagdeo.
The Kin of Ata Are Waiting for You
A SECOND CHANCE DANCE..........2005-11-26
This is an allegorical tale that provides food for thought, as the reader accompanies one man on his journey to redemption. The man is question is a deeply flawed one, driven by many of the seven sins. When he kills his girl friend and flees in his car, he has what would appear to be a fatal accident. Instead, he mysteriously finds himself in the land of Ata. Thus, begins this fantastical Utopian tale.
The book is simply written and chronicles one man's entry into a world where the dream state is reality. It is a world where unconditional acceptance of others prevails, and symbolically all are spokes in the circular wheel of life. Much of the book is redolent of Christian ideals. How much of Ata is in this man's mind and how much of it is truly real, I leave to the individual reader to discern. It is comforting to think, however, that the kin of Ata just may be waiting for you.
beautiful, but preaches mostly to the converted.......2005-10-14
It is a lovely book... somewhat surreal and definitely Utopian in theme but Bryant takes you so gently and slowly to her thesis that it's ultimately easy-to-swallow. Reflection over time, however, yields a few problems.
As another reviewer has pointed out, Bryant uses a dispicable character to explain and augment the premise for the culture of Ata; many readers will find it hard to sympathize with his supposed enlightenment. Also, the id is completely glossed over in this book, the idea being that proper socialization within such a Utopian culture would erase or negate animalistic urges down to permanently manageable magnitude; many readers will question her conclusion in that regard and doubts will emerge on the entire premise. Lastly, the protagonists obtuse nature makes the book plod a bit; many readers will "get it" right away and be annoyed with how long it takes the main character to catch up (which in some respects he never really does)
Then there's the attitude of the Kin of Ata themselves. While beautiful and loving and empathic and yadda yadda, they can easily come across as lackadaisical or just plain apathetic. While much is made of their near-telepathic "oneness" and reliance upon their spiritual nature, their repeated indulgence of the main character becomes tiresome.... have they no self-preservation? No passion? No overriding discipline? These questions are best exemplified by the fact that the Ata see no benefit from the notion of the written word. Much is made of their connection to one another; their oral history that becomes the art of storytelling etc. Apparently, historical fact-keeping is anathema to Utopia. I found that notion to be impossible to accept. Within the framework of a people absolutely cut-off from "modern" societies influence perhaps that could MAYBE be true, but one does not simply dismiss an obstacle to spiritual awakening by pushing it out of view. This comes across as a basic ostrich manuever to avoid facing the difficult realities of human natures: heirarchical thinking, competiveness and basic surivival needs that when unmet turn to aggression and antagonistic behavior. Those may not be pleasant realities but they are realities.
For a more interesting (and possibly more intellectual) take on the same notion, try out Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman. Although her victorian attitudes about female sexuality date the piece, all other aspects of her Utopia seem more plausible to me. Which is saying something, really.
Actually, I'd be more enthusiastic to recommend The Dispossessed (or nearly anything by Ursula K LeGuin) or Wild Seed (or nearly anything by Octavia Butler) as both (the books and the writers) explore the notion of a Utopian ideal by handing it to humanity via an alien race who are well aware of the not-so-nice aspects of human nature. Both writers understand that some unsavory elements are iron-clad stuck in us, not just taught to us.
By keeping the Utopianists as human as anyone else, we beg the question "why do those humans never fight, never hurt each other and how would they deal with a natural disaster?" which never seems to be answered by Utopian writers adequately. By beginning enlightenment with an outside species/race, we change the question to "can humanity resist its negative tendancies in order to accept this Utopia?" which is imminently more interesting and quite possibly answerable on some level.
The Kin of Ata... neither addresses nor firmly answers these questions, which is it's only flaw. For fantasy, however, it sure is a wonderful read.
Where dreams are what's true.......2005-04-22
One reading of this book is a modern Utopia. It's a place built on peace: happy, pastoral, multiracial, communal, and sexually liberated. The people are so viscerally in tune with their environment that they very nearly hibernate through the cold season and usually bear their young in the spring. The whole populace is dedicated to their dreams, to sharing their dreams, and to living more deeply in their dreams.
A man from our outer world appears in that place, not the kind you'd want as your representative. He can not see into their depths, and violates one of the women who tends him. These peaceful people still accept him, though, and envelop him in their way. After many years, he finds his place among them. He also finds the true meaning of this Eden, a power and an ongoing place in the world that he never imagined.
I'm still not quite sure what to make of this book. It comes from the hippy/commune era around 1970, and carries the indelible mark of its time. It's a bit simplistic at times, and only the first-person character is developed in any depth. This is a bit more than the common Utopia story, a bit more optimistic and a bit more magical.
The very worst you can say about this is that it's light and readable, even enjoyable if you let yourself enjoy it. The story of personal transformation has been told before and is told well here. I guess real point is that this little land of loving dreamers is itself a dream worth having.
//wiredweird
Forever changed.......2004-12-08
There are no words to describe the immense affect this book can deliver to the reader. The spiritual implications and subtle teachings interlace with this beautiful story that you will never forget. I read this book about 20 years ago or so, and it still remains at the top of my list.
Product Description
A rare blending of the Bible account with information from sciences, archeology, ancient traditions and other sources. Reads as easily as a story, yet teaches actual history. Narrates from creation to Abram, encompassing the whole period usually called "prehistoric". Charts, maps and illustrations help to give a clear picture of times and places. Gives insights into the world before the great flood and into the rebuilding of civilization afterward. Shows the sources of all pagan beliefs. Used as supplementary reading with the course above on Genesis. For the whole family.
Customer Reviews:
Adam & His Kin: The Lost History of Their Lives and Times.......2006-11-16
Purchased book for my son for homeschool. He likes the book because he loves the class and the teacher at his coop.
History Comes to Life!.......2005-08-28
The Bible is the deepest, most intelligent, and powerful writing ever penned. Because it is such a profound book, parts of it may at times seem confusing. Many times I struggled through the pages of the Old Testament trying to comprehend the history. Sometimes I would give up, becoming weary of the long string of names or descriptions of who begat whom.
Why did God's Word have to be so difficult for me? I so wanted to be able to read the Bible and be as interested in its history as I was in the Tudor Era. Of course, I never dreamed that there was a book out there just for me.
When my Mom presented me with Adam and His Kin by Dr. Ruth Beechick I immediately devoured it. The story, the history, the Bible! Mrs. Beechick retells the story of Genesis like no other author has. I found myself intrigued and delighted as I read about Eve's heartbreaking struggle in the Garden of Eden, the tragic murder of Abel, the fascinating story of Noah, and even the tower of Babel.
It was like reliving history beside these amazing figures and the spectacular events which surrounded them. I could actually feel Eve's longing for the forbidden, I mourned for Noah as he was made fun of and taunted while he built the most amazing boat in the world, the boat that God instructed him to build.
In Adam and His Kin history comes to life and you experience what life was like thousands of years ago. In my opinion, this book is a masterpiece and I can give it nothing but the highest praise.
J.M. Age 14
Important Book.......2005-03-11
This important book gives children a Biblically accurate overview of the book of Genesis, told in a narrative style. Read this book to your children before you begin your study of ancient history.
An Entertaining Read.........2004-11-06
The book reads like a narrative, starting with Adam and Eve in the Garden, ending with Abram leaving Ur. It was a refreshing way to read the unfolding of Adam, Eve, Abel, Cain, along with Noah and his son's lives. The author spices things up by inserting what she believes these people felt and thought.
" You won't die, " the serpent said. "God knows that when you eat the fruit your eyes will be opened and you will be as gods, knowing good and evil." The woman contemplated the tree. Its fruit looked pleasant and good to eat. Would it really mak her wise like God, knowing good and evil? She stepped in for a closer look. Then she picked a fruit. Turning it around in her hand, it seemed a small matter if she should taste it. Just one little bite. And so she did. At that moment, the spirit within her died. Its radiance faded, and she stood beside the tree feeling helpless and naked. The serpent quickly disappeared. He was not going to hlep her. "That deciever!" she exlaimed. She did know evil. That much of the serpent's words came true. And how terrible it was! Evil was inside her. Coul she throw asay the fruit? Could she cough up the bite and spit it out? Could she undo her act in any way? No, it was done. She couldn't restore her innocence. Adam must eat the fruit too. He must not leave her alone in this condition. Frightened and distraught, she ran to Adam, the remains fo the fruit still in her hand. Seein her pitiful state, Adam needed no explanation. Her confused words, her crying, her begging tore at his heart.
Though not EXACTLY what may have happened, it's not impossible something to this magnitude did occur. With Cain and Abel, Ruth Beechick writes:
As he shouted at his brother, a terrible idea came into his mind. "Come into my filed," he said. "Let us talk in privacy out there." In the field they continued talking until Cain suddenly rose up with one of his garden tools and killed his brother Abel. Cain had seen the death of animals, but this was the first death of a human. It was shocking even for hard-hearted Cain to see the dead body of his brother lying there...fastforwarding to after God cursed Cain, Ruth writes:
Cain said, "That punishment is more than i can bear." His voice sounded sorry now but it was sorrow not about his deed, only about his punishment.
Ruth also gives some nice information about our biblical characters. She notes tht Seth meant "appointed one." Later on she explains that Nimrod means "let us rebel.", which further illustrated Cush's revolt against God, describing Nimrod's purpose. The characters and where they migrate to, the names, etc are accurate. One has to keep in mind while reading that it's Ruth's interpretation on how the individuals feel or what they thought. It was a very quick read.
Beautiful, Well-written, Excellent book.......2004-07-03
WOW! There were a lot of ideas in this book that I already had, and a few that were new to me, but the way that Ms. Beechick weaved together the Biblical account with history and made it easily readable was just amazing. I've read many books on this time period. Most of them are very scholarly, which definitely has it's place, but this was a quick, light, fun read, that was still jam-packed with lots of info. She also includes a great bibliography, so I can't wait to start researching more.
Average customer rating:
- Don't Call Him Joe; Call him MoJoe now; this book is that good!!!
- Joe, The Reverend and Harlequin Fold-Out
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The Shadows Kith and Kin
Joe R. Lansdale
Manufacturer: Subterranean Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Lansdale, Joe R.
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ASIN: 1596060816
Release Date: 2007-04-25 |
Product Description
The endlessly inventive mind of Joe R. Lansdale whips up yet another batch of stories to amaze, surprise, and entertain you. His new offering covers a lot of territory, producing what may be his best short story collection yet. One tale concerns an East Texas mule race in the early 1900s that proves to be an unexpected turning point and learning experience for the main character, a lifelong loser. It also chronicles the unusual circumstances of the race, which include a friendship between a rare white mule that can run like the wind, and his friend, a loyal, spotted pig. Another tale drops us into the disturbed mind of a mass murderer and his friendship with the shadows. Two others stories reintroduce us to the supernatural adventures of Reverend Rains, the flawed hero from Lansdale's cult favorite novel, Dead in the West. Here ghouls prowl and werewolves howl. There's a poetic collaboration with Melissa Mia Hall about the nature of loneliness and loss that echoes back to science fiction stories of an earlier time, as well as a famous, award winning novella reprinted here for the first time in several years about a clutch of unusual crime solvers. Read about a world where the dead almost rule, and venture into an alternate universe that is the background for perhaps the strangest tale of all, an adventure concerning an earnest and horny steam shovel named Bill, and his challenge to do the right thing at all costs. It's the usual wild and crowd pleasing display of what has become a subgenre of modern literature as only Joe R. Lansdale can present it: Tales Lansdalien. Welcome to his world.
Customer Reviews:
Don't Call Him Joe; Call him MoJoe now; this book is that good!!!.......2007-10-13
In The Shadows, Kith and Kin, Joe R. Lansdale attempts to show you that you've got something in common with either the strange, bizarre, sick, or horrific. Each story seems to take on characters that do unholy things or characters who are so far outside of the realm of normalcy that it doesn't seem possible that there is any point of writing about them: they're too d**n waked out for anyone to believe in them. But then MoJoe Hisownself not only makes you believe in them, he makes you pull for them, cheer for them, pray for them, and even cry for them. You'll get pulled into their world in spite of the distance between you and them and you both come out better for it. The only story reprinted in this collection is the 1992 Bram Stoker winner, "The Events Concerning a Nude Fold-Out Found in a Harlequin Romance," which considering it's so good isn't a bad thing for someone coming to Lansdale for the first time. Even if you've read it before, it's so good it begs for rereading. My favorite story is Joe's take on both The Little Engine That Could and Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel which he calls "Bill, the Little Steam Shovel." Bill here has to learn to believe in himself, see? He's got to believe that he can work, that he has a Dave who will care for him, that he's got a place in society, and, above all, that he can get some bumper from Miss Maudie. Along the way he's befriended by the wise and tuckered-but-tough steam shovel, Gabe, an unforgettable and kind and wonderful character. This book was heavily advertised as the return of Reverend Jebidiah Rains, whom we haven't seen sense the genre-generating novel, Dead in the West. Here we get him in two tales: "Deadman's Road" (a morality tale about hateful and recalcitrant sinners who have no human compassion and the sacrifice that some times has to be made for God's moral order) and "The Gentleman's Hotel" (a Lansdale type of action-packed, true love story mixed with werewolves that would make Lon Chaney, Jr. jealous -- they're probably just as foolishly arrogant as Chaney was, too). You also get two post-Apocalypse tales, "The Long Dead Day" and "Alone." Both are sadly and woefully nihilistic and rival Harlan Ellison's A Boy and His Dog, even coming in under word-weight. It's like watching a bantam-weight battling a heavyweight and taking him the full count. Then, of course, you've got a white-trash, down-home, Southern-fried tale that regales its reader with brilliantly cooked up mishaps: "White Mule, Spotted Pig." The opening tale, from which the collection takes its name, is a truly scary story about a young man that decides to become a sniper in a college's bell tower; realistically scary and woefully timely. Joe Lansdale has never been better in creating well-crafted prose than he is in this collection. The book itself, stitched together by the Subterranean Press, is simply pretty: the boards are covered in nice, dark green cloth and the end papers are textured, (nice)rust orange, and there is even a signature page with Joe's sig. The full-color cover by Mark A. Nelson is a classic, depicting scenes from four of the stories. This is a great addition to Joe's oeuvre, and it proves that he is still hitting homeruns every time he steps up to bat.
Joe, The Reverend and Harlequin Fold-Out.......2007-06-25
Another five stars collection of (partly) unreleased tales by Hisownself.
Do not miss the return of Reverend Jebidiah Rains from "Dead in the West" his smoking guns fight again against Evil!
Another interesting issue is the reprinting of the novellette "The Events Concerning a Nude Fold-Out Found in a Harlequin Romance": pure Lansdale, yummm...
But all the contents are outstanding so be sure you'll have a good read.
Book Description
Enjoy and Learn!Expert Knowledge!Easy-to-Read!This introduction to the diverse yet little known world of spiders is packed with concise, accurate information. With full-color pictures and readable text, this guide identifies representative species and describes:Their characteristics and habitsGrowth, courtship and enemiesWhere they are foundIncludes information on poisonous species and how to collect, preserve, and raise spiders.
Customer Reviews:
needs updating.......2005-07-19
this book is more of a minaturized field guide,..in size (it's about 6" x 4" wide) and in regards to information. there is not that much information but the line drawings help with identifying spiders. i would have liked to see more writen information on the spiders as well as actual pictures. overall for the price it's a nice book to have. i've actually used it several times to identify spiders in my garden.
What kind of spider is that?.......2004-07-28
This was one of the first books I bought with my own money when I was a kid. I have since bought an updated version since most of the pages have come unglued in the old one (from use, not poor quality). Typical golden book illustrations, not photographs. Easy enough for a kid to use but filled with enough spider species for any adult to use. I have only found one or two spiders in my life that were not in this book.
A Good Beginner's Introduction to Non-Insect Arthropods.......2004-05-23
I was introduced to the early "Golden Guides" in the 1950s. My very first book on insects was in this series and I wore out numerous copies of the various titles. Of these I have always especially admired H. W. and Lorna Levi's "Spiders and Their Kin." This little guide had (and to a large degree still has) the most complete systematic treatment of any of the taxa covered in the "Golden Guide" series. Few books were available on these fascinating creatures when this work was originally published and "Spiders and Their Kin" was a considerable improvement. The drawings of spider eye arrangements were especially helpful for identification.
Unfortunately time does not stand still and the reprinted version of this book is somewhat behind in its treatment of spider families. There has been some attempt by St. Martin's Press to revise the classification (the sac spiders are shown to belong to several families), but some of the other families have also undergone major changes (e.g. "Ctenizidae" is now at least three families) and "brown spiders" (a name I really do not like- I prefer "violin spiders" as more descriptive) are now members of the Sicariidae. Neither of the last two changes made it into the revised book, either because they occurred after the corrected copy was submitted or because they were overlooked. The current revision does include the statement that urocteids and oecobiids have been united under the Oecobiidae - as it turns out, having a cribellum is a primitive trait and does not indicate relationships very well- but mistakenly indicates that the "oecobiids" are larger than "urocteids". It also still has the two "families" on different pages, so the revision did not include a rearrangement of the figures. In the scorpions there have been major taxonomic changes as well, but most of these were not noted (again several are probably just too recent to have been included). However, Hadrurus is correctly placed in the Iuridae, instead of the Vaejovidae.
Because of these major developments I cannot recommend this book as an up to date guide to currently recognized spider families, but it still is a good starting place for those (especially young people) who would like to know more about arachnids, millipedes, centipedes, and land crustaceans. Fortunately many, if not most, of the families (e. g. Theraphosidae, Oonopidae, Salticidae, Linyphiidae, Selenopidae, Theridiidae, Araneidae, Tetragnathidae, Lycosidae) are still valid as described in the original edition of the book.
A good little field guide.......2004-02-26
Upon first reading, it is unfortunate that "Spiders and Their Kin" shows but a select few species from among the Arachnid pantheon, but it has been a great read and a great reference over the ten-plus years since I first purchased an earlier edition.
Used as a sole reference, the book is lacking in many crucial details, but there are more specialized books available to those who find that the information within these pages is less than desired.
True, it will not go in-depth with regard to each individual species, and may not show one in particular, but it's a handier starting point for arachnid identification than its larger brethren and, that, I think, is the purpose for which it is intended to be used.
The bottom line: if you know little to nothing about arachnids at this time, or you just need a field guide to get you started on making identifications, go ahead and buy Levi's little gem. If you feel like you need to learn all that can be learned about an individual species of spider or need more specialized/more advanced field guides, then this is probably not the book for you.
Good Starter book.......2003-09-08
I think this is a good starter book for identfying spiders that are more common. There are a couple of pages on webs that I found interesting. In the front it gives a great visual on how the Arthropod group is broken out and how different spider types break out within that - all helps when trying to do the id. There are so many different amazing spiders - this can only scrath the surface but is a really good place to start. I just like taking pictures and having a general idea of what I'm looking at so for me it works...I will be checking out other books too though like "How to Know Spiders" if there is one in that "How to Know" series.
Book Description
All Our Kin is the chronicle of a young white woman's sojourn into The Flats, an African-American ghetto community, to study the support system family and friends form when coping with poverty. Eschewing the traditional method of entry into the community used by anthropologists -- through authority figures and community leaders -- she approached the families herself by way of an acquaintance from school, becoming one of the first sociologists to explore the black kinship network from the inside. The result was a landmark study that debunked the misconception that poor families were unstable and disorganized. On the contrary, her study showed that families in The Flats adapted to their poverty conditions by forming large, resilient, lifelong support networks based on friendship and family that were very powerful, highly structured and surprisingly complex.
Universally considered the best analysis of family and kinship in a ghetto black community ever published, All Our Kin is also an indictment of a social system that reinforces welfare dependency and chronic unemployment. As today's political debate over welfare reform heats up, its message has become more important than ever.
Customer Reviews:
ok for an anthro book.......2001-12-23
I was made to read this book for my anthro class. It was interesting to read about teh family situations, I read all of this book. This book contains a lot of diagrams and charts, so there is even less text to read. A little outdates perhaps though!
Carol B. Stack isn't as boring as I thought.......2001-11-04
By looking at the cover.. you'd think this was the most boring book available at the bookstore. I dreaded reading this when it was assigned to my Anthropology course.. however when I finally got around to reading it is insightful and interesting. It brought up facts that I've seen around me but failed to recognize as part of a culture.
One question I do pose though, when the family which inherits a large sum of money decides to share it among the poor community. Wouldn't the community be better off if that one family decided to move out of poverty, enabling the poor community to become smaller and thus have more items being able to rotate within the community? Eventually the community can become richer because of this instead of dragging those around them down.
Interesting book..
Carol B. Stack isn't as boring as I thought.......2001-11-04
By looking at the cover.. you'd think this was the most boring book available at the bookstore. I dreaded reading this when it was assigned to my Anthropology course.. however when I finally got around to reading it is insightful and interesting. It brought up facts that I've seen around me but failed to recognize as part of a culture.
One question I do pose though, when the family which inherits a large sum of money decides to share it among the poor community. Wouldn't the community be better off if that one family decided to move out of poverty, enabling the poor community to become smaller and thus have more items being able to rotate within the community? Eventually the community can become richer because of this instead of dragging those around them down.
Interesting book..
Truly enlightening & moving portrait of poor black culture.......2000-04-26
This book was assigned reading for an introductory anthropology course, however, once I started reading the book, I simply was unable to put it down. This is one of the most enlightening books I have ever read, detailing every aspect of working poor African Americans in the 60's. Carol Stack immersed herself in this culture and was able to learn all aspects of their daily lives and convey to the reader a vivid and detailed portrait of truly difficult lives of a group of people that make up only 1% of African Americans in this country. As a white woman, this book was especially enlightening to truly understand a completely foreign culture. This should be required reading for all.
Average customer rating:
- There is hope for the world
- Whimsical Endearing Gentle
- Love the book, hate the cover-art on the paperback...
- A Life of Riches is more than money
- I sneezed and almost lost the book!
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Aunt Dimity and the Next of Kin (Aunt Dimity)
Nancy Atherton
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0143036548 |
Book Description
The next page-turning installment in the phantom-detective mystery series that has won the hearts of cozy mystery fans everywhere
Feeling a touch world-weary, Lori Shepherd decides to become a volunteer at the Radcliffe Infirmary, where she can spread a little good cheer. There she meets Elizabeth Beacham, a kind, retired legal secretary with no family, except a brother who has mysteriously disappeared. But after only a few visits, Miss Beacham suddenly passes away, leaving Lori to tie up the loose ends of her late friend's life. Lori soon discovers that hidden among Miss Beacham's belongings are clues that Lori believes her friend left for her to discover. Armed with the generous help of a handsome neighbor and, as always, Aunt Dimity's supernatural skills, Lori begins to unearth Miss Beacham's secrets and, ultimately, the surprising truth about her next of kin.
“Atherton's series is for those who like the puzzle of a mystery minus the corpses. . . . Put on the teakettle and enjoy.” —Rocky Mountain News
“A charming mystery, filled with warmth and affection.” —Deadly Pleasures
Customer Reviews:
There is hope for the world.......2006-09-17
I like the description of the Aunt Dimity mysteries as "Nancy Drew for grown-ups." If you are feeling down and discouraged, grab an Aunt Dimity story, a plate of cookies, and pot of tea for an afternoon. No four-letter words, no sex, and good always triumphs over petty in these books. My only criticism is that Lori is especially obnoxious in Next of Kin (she always is but seems more belligerent, judgmental, and inflexible here). Her moral reclamation is that much more dramatic after her childishness, so it's easy to forgive Atherton's portrayal.
Whimsical Endearing Gentle.......2006-06-02
I bought this book on a whim a few months ago and finally got around to reading it. I am going through a very difficult time right now and my concentration is scattered. I picked up this book and it is a blessing. I was drawn into the warmth of Lori and Ms. Beacham and for a little while was able to transport myself to the cozy English village and Ms. Beacham's neighborhood. I look forward to reading the other books.
Love the book, hate the cover-art on the paperback..........2006-03-29
The Aunt Dimity series is the first mystery series I've read. I really like the "family-friendly" nature of the book, the setting in England and endearing/interesting cast of characters.
What attracted me to the series initially was the "cozy" cover-art, I hope they re-release this paperback with the original cover-art. It's not the same without Reginald and Hamish!
A Life of Riches is more than money.......2006-03-21
I love this series. The premise is that Aunt Dimity, who is dead, can communicate with Lori Shepherd via a journal. Lori talks and Dimity writes her responses for Lori to read. I can accept this because these stories are rich in friendship, love, trust, caring, and community.
Lori's twins boys are now 5 and as active as ever. Lori stays active in the town of Finch, the church, and now visits at the Radcliffe Infirmary those patients who have no other visitors. It's at the Radcliffe that Lori meets Elizabeth Beacham, a retired legal secretary. They hit it off immediately and become friends. But as is the nature of cancer, Miss Beacham dies and Lori is devastated. Then she learns that Miss Beacham has left her a desk in her will. Lori feels that she has to find Miss Beacham's brother who disappeared years ago to find out why his sister died with no family at her side.
Of course this starts the chain of events that cause Lori to learn that Miss Beacham was more than she appeared to be. She also learns that cities can also have communities as tight knit as Finch. She recruits helper on her journey to find Kenneth Beacham and manages to lose her temper, jump to conclusions, and finally approach her goal.
As usual, there is a message to the book. This one examines our preconceptions of people and their roles. If you haven't read any of the previous Aunt Dimity books you can start with any of them including this one but why rob yourself of a wonderful, relaxing, reading experience--start at the beginning with Aunt Dimity's Death. Enjoy.
I sneezed and almost lost the book!.......2006-02-16
What to read after finishing a gut-wrenching, action-filled Star Wars novel? How about a little light mystery? Sounds like a smashing idea! Luckily, I was able to obtain the two latest Aunt Dimity mysteries, by Nancy Atherton. Aunt Dimity & the Next of Kin was first on the stack, so I plowed through it. Actually, plowed isn't the right word. Perhaps traipsed? Yes, the book is that flimsy. Enjoyable as it was, if I wasn't holding it in my hands, it probably would have fluttered away on the breeze that flows through my apartment. But is it good, you ask? If you like a mystery that's less dense than the proverbial "cozy" mystery (and those are pretty thin at times), then you'll love it. It's good, but not really my cup of tea.
Lori Shepherd is an American woman living with a nice lawyer husband in Finch, a small English village outside of Oxford. She is rich, but does her part by contributing to various causes and helping out around the town, going into Oxford to help at the homeless shelter, picking up trash at the church with her two young sons, and volunteering at the hospital. She visits patients who don't have family or friends to visit them. There, she meets Elizabeth Beacham, a terminally ill woman whose only family is a brother who seems to have disappeared years ago. Lori becomes determined to track down this brother who couldn't even be bothered to visit, and with the help of one of Beacham's neighbours, begins unraveling the mystery. Lori thought she was a lonely old woman living from hand to mouth, but the reality is much different. As always, the ghost of "Aunt Dimity" plays the sounding board to Lori's problems and theories, until the truth finally comes out.
The concept behind the Aunt Dimity series is kind of cute, with Lori coming home to talk to the ghost who communicates through the act of writing in a special journal. It's intriguing, but ultimately doesn't mask the utter silliness of the plot. There's no real tension behind the story and not much meat to it either. If there was, we wouldn't need the subplot of Lori playing matchmaker for Beacham's neighbour. And isn't it a nice coincidence that the perfect suitor just presents herself while they're trying to figure the case out! There's no real conflict in the story, with just a little at the end when everything's wrapped up nice and tidy, Lori's found out the truth and has to get her two cents in before leaving the scene. Even that's over in a few paragraphs. What's amusing about this lack of tension is the number of times that Atherton ends a chapter on what appears to be an ominous note, only to have any shred of anxiety dissipate within the first paragraph of the next chapter.
There's really nothing wrong with a nice story about nice characters who have a flaw or two, but no really bad traits. Yes, Lori can have a bit of a temper, but the only time it really asserts itself, she quickly realizes she's been rude and moves to apologize. The other time it comes out is the comeuppance at the end, where the story has justified it. And that's the perfect word for this book: nice. It's a pleasant read, not very taxing, and it can be fun at times. The interplay between Lori and Gabriel (the neighbour) is nicely done, if a bit forced at times. Aunt Dimity is neat too, when she's in the book (which isn't all that often, considering her name's on the front cover...she should sue for more screen time). She's wise and always helpful, and Atherton captures her small English-village sensibility perfectly. In fact, she captures the entire village, making Finch a place I'd really like to spend time in (though I'm probably much too reserved for all the busybodies that live there).
There are two main problems with the book, aside from what I've mentioned earlier. First is the fact that Lori really doesn't do that much to solve the puzzle. She has a lot of information just fall into her lap. Her friend Emma does the Internet searches for information on the brother, a couple of her homeless charges provide her with information on where he used to live, and Dimity provides the perfect clue that opens up everything (maybe that's why her name's in the title). Lori has the wrong idea almost from the outset and refuses to think otherwise until she finds out the real situation.
The second problem is that I don't buy the setup to this story at all. We're led to believe that Miss Beacham set up the beginning of the trail of clues for Lori to sniff out based on the knowledge that Lori has told her that she likes mysteries and has solved a few in the past. That's fine. However, Miss Beacham never leaves her sick-bed at the hospital, so how could she do this? She must have had some outside help to plant everything just right. Sure, the ending of the book explains it to the reader, but for somebody supposedly as intelligent as Lori, that should have been the first question on her mind. How did Miss Beacham do this, and who helped her?
There are a lot of complaints about Aunt Dimity & the Next of Kin, but ultimately I didn't feel like I had wasted my time. It won't take that much time to read for any but the slowest reader, and it is the perfect tonic for someone who just wants a really quiet book. There is a running theme about being alone and how humans need social interaction to thrive, but that's about it. This book is not for everybody, but if you like this sort of thing, it's a great example of it.
David Roy
Amazon.com
For three decades, primatologist Roger Fouts has been involved in language studies of the chimpanzee, the animal most closely related to human beings. Among his subjects was the renowned Washoe, who was "endowed with a powerful need to learn and communicate," and who developed an extraordinary vocabulary in American sign language. Another chimpanzee, Fouts writes, "never made a grammatical error," which turned a whole school of linguistic theory upside down. While reporting these successes, Fouts also notes that chimpanzees are regularly abused in laboratory settings and that in the wild their number has fallen from 5,000,000 to fewer than 175,000 in the last century.
Book Description
For 30 years Roger Fouts has pioneered communication with chimpanzees through sign language--beginning with a mischievous baby chimp named Washoe. This remarkable book describes Fout's odyssey from novice researcher to celebrity scientist to impassioned crusader for the rights of animals. Living and conversing with these sensitive creatures has given him a profound appreciation of what they can teach us about ourselves. It has also made Fouts an outspoken opponent of biomedical experimentation on chimpanzees. A voyage of scientific discovery and interspecies communication, this is a stirring tale of friendship, courage, and compassion that will change forever the way we view our biological--and spritual--next of kin.
Customer Reviews:
Truly enlightening.......2007-06-21
At age 62, I still look for writers who will change and deepen my sense of our human nature and our place in the natural world. More than writers about religion per se, I think these writers are able to help us advance our moral and spiritual understanding and reconcile our human/animal natures. For some years I've been reading Goodall and others on primates, but Next of Kin was, for me, a pinnacle illumination. Even if you aren't interested in these types of questions, I think this book will move you deeply. If you ARE interested, may I also suggest the recent Mycelium Running by Paul Stamets.
Fascinating chimp behavior.......2007-02-25
Although this book was written some time ago, it is exceptionally timely because the information is fascinating in relation to the chimpanzee training and interacting that it describes. It is a page turner because the lives of the author and his chimps are entertaining and engrossing. Also, the lack of compassion for chimps in laboratory studies is still a huge problem worldwide; poaching is still prevalent, and this behavior is reinforced by the backward and ignorant thinking that stems from bible thumpers who fear the truth about evolution and our relationship to the great apes. Roger Fouts and his wife have provided an invaluable service to our understanding of chimps and their close relationship to man.
My favorite book.......2006-09-01
This book is a very thorough treatment not only of the plight of the chimpanzees who have learned American Sign Language, but of other captive chimpanzees and free-living chimpanzees as well. It explores science, philosophy, and philanthropy as they relate to our relationship with our next of kin. I appreciate how honestly it is written and it has since become my favorite book (ten years and counting...).
where to even begin..........2006-05-15
This was a book assigned for a class I took on comparative (animal) psychology. In addition to having a few humorous anecdotes of monkey business, it introduces concepts of zoology, linguistics, and psychology more generally. It also raises questions about what it really means to be human or animal. It's not dense reading, but the issues that it raises are not light either. It's worth the struggle. The mark of a good book: even a few years after reading it, I still recommend it to folks. Including you.
an eye opener.......2005-12-03
I enjoyed this book very much. It is an eye opener to the way research animals are viewed and sometimes treated in our society today but it is written in story form so it does not come off as boring or preachy. Since I work with research animals I found the book to be very educational. It gives you insight into the varying degrees with which people interpret "proper care and well being" of these animals. But the most interesting part about this book is that you get to see just how chimps learn and how more interestingly, how they feel about people and things happening in their lives since they are able to communicate with humans via sign language.
At times it was very sad to read about the fate of some of these chimps but it is written in a way that takes you along for the ride on this man's journey to his destiny working with and speaking for (and with) chimpanzees.
I did find the last chapter (I think it was called back to Africa) to be a little draggy and unfocused. This chapter seemed to jump around in a non-smooth fashion but the rest of the book is excellent.
If you are an animal lover or are just interested in the bahavior of our closest living relatives, the chimps, then I highly recommend this book.
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