Book Description
Summer 1967. The turmoil of the Maoist revolution is spilling over into Hong Kong and causing unrest as war rages in neighboring Vietnam. White Ghost Girls is the story of Frankie and Kate, two American sisters living in a foreign land in a chaotic time. With their war-photographer father off in Vietnam, Marianne, their beautiful but remote mother, keeps the family close by. Although bound by a closeness of living overseas, the sisters could not be more different — Frankie pulses with curiosity and risk, while Kate is all eyes and ears. Marianne spends her days painting watercolors of the lush surroundings, leaving the girls largely unsupervised, while their Chinese nanny, Ah Bing, does her best to look after them. One day in a village market, they decide to explore — with tragic results. In Alice Greenway’s exquisite gem of a novel, two girls tumble into their teenage years against an extraordinary backdrop both sensuous and dangerous. This astonishing literary debut is a tale of sacrifice and solidarity that gleams with the kind of intense, complicated love that only exists between sisters.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting, but I just didn't care about the characters.......2007-10-13
This book has some beautiful passages, but it never grabs you with a good story or with characters that you want to learn more about. We read it for book club, and about 30% of the group loved it for its lyricism...but the rest of us, while respecting the skill with which it was crafted, were apathetic to the story. And it's the story that brings me to a book and keeps it on my mind. If it weren't for book club, I would not have finished it, honestly.
Haunting and different.......2007-09-08
I picked this book for our book club (end of last year) and had searched and searched for the 'perfect' book. What drew me to the book were the vivid descriptions the book was supposed to have. I agree - that part was true, but the only reason I gave it a 3 was that it just didn't go over big at all with my club. Our of 8 members, only one really liked it. No one else really 'got' the story, though it is hauntingly and beautifully written. I felt bad because I so wanted to pick a book everyone would just swoon over and they just gave me weird looks.
A chick book and so much more.......2007-05-20
Two American sisters Frankie 14 and Kate 13 live with their distant self-absorbed mother in Hong Kong in 1967. Their father is a photographer away covering the war in Vietnam. The girls are often left in the care of their Cantonese amah who is ill-equipped to deal with them. They get into all kinds of mischief. As Frankie becomes wilder and wilder Kate becomes the grown up sensible one who tries to save her older sister from her self-destructive behavior. This novel delicately deals with tragedy, sibling rivalry, first love, and some competition between the girls and their mother for their absentee father's affection. Woven into the background of the novel is the Cultural Revolution that manages to spill over from across the border. Interstingly, there were people in Hong Kong enjoying freedom and a high standard of living who also supported Mao's policies. It's short and easy to read but, beautifully written.
Thoughtful character descriptions.......2006-12-22
What I liked best about this book is the way the author could describe how someone is feeling in the most understandable terms. What I didn't like about this book is sometimes I wanted more information. The author would write about an island or a beach or some location. But I am not familiar with Hong Kong or Vietnam so I didn't know where it was or if it was 10 minutes away or 6 hours. Also sometimes she would write of items that I didn't know about -- for example lychee fruit -- what does it look like? what does it taste like? do you peel it? etc. Sometimes I couldn't visualize the details in my imagination. But I did love the variety of characters and the rich descriptions of their feelings. It was a nice short book.
Very engrossing story.......2006-08-24
This is a short book that can be read in a day or two. It is very well written with an interesting setting and plot line. You can see, hear and smell the authors description of Hong Kong, and the references to Viet Nam during the war are very haunting. This book would make a good gift.
Average customer rating:
- Qatar section terribly out of date
- Great tips for Kuwait & Bahrain
- Useful, but way out of date...
- Great guide, great places, enjoy!
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Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar (Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar)
Gordon Robison , and
Paul Greenway
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United-Arab-Emirates & Yemen
| Middle East
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Similar Items:
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Qatar
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Kuwait Explorer : The Complete Residents' Guide (Living & Working for Expats)
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Bahrain Explorer :The Complete Residents' Guide (Living & Working for Expats)
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Qatar Complete Residents' Guide
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Qatar Berlitz Pocket Guide
ASIN: 1864501324 |
Book Description
Whether you're an expat or an independent traveller, you'll discover all you need to know about these three Gulf States - from chaotic camel races to traditional teahouses - with this indispensable guide.
- 12 maps, including a full-colour regional map
- up-to-date political, historical & cultural information
- extensive accommodation & restaurant options for all budgets
- helpful advice on getting around, including tips for self-driversuseful Arabic language chapters
Customer Reviews:
Qatar section terribly out of date.......2004-12-15
I bought this book to prepare for my relocation to Qatar (from Australia).
The book is so out of date it is downright useless. For example, even basic information such as visa requirements is wrong (you *can* get a tourist visa when you turn up at Doha airport). And recommendations about what's on, what's good, what's bad are meaningless - many of the things described don't exist any more or have been superceded.
I was seriously considering sending my book to Lonely Planet and asking for my money back, but it's easier to hop onto the web and complain instead. More useful too!
Having said that, I don't know of any other guides to buy instead. My suggestions are:
If you're planning on moving to Qatar, do. Quality of life here is fantastic, except that outdoor activites are curtailed by the heat most of the year. Recommend you get in contact with someone who lives here for tips.
If you're planning on a holiday to Qatar, don't. There is almost nothing here for tourists, except for 4WD'ing on the dunes which is unique and fun (go for Arabian Adventures, they're the best operator). I would recommend instead Oman (for the scenery and Arabic culture) and Dubai (shopping, astonishing real estate developments)
Back to the book: Completely out of date, and you can pick up the history bits off the net. And I'm just talking about the Qatar section here, no comment on the other two countries (but I would *really* question why you would want to go to them)
Great tips for Kuwait & Bahrain.......2004-11-18
I purchaed this book as was traveling extensively between Bahraina and Kuwait - and it was perfect for this. I found the information contained within to be very accurate, and useful in planning my trip.
Bahrain information was spot on - and we managed to follow the complex directions contained to find the Burial grounds, Fort, and basket weavers without hassle. The information on arrival and departure tax into Bahrain was very useful - without this information prior to our travel we might have been refused entry!
I haven't used this book to travel to Qatar, but for Kuwait and Bahrain the information was very useful, and a definite must read before you travel for etiquette and language tips.
Useful, but way out of date..........2003-03-29
I bought this book for a recent business trip to Qatar, and was dissapointed to find quite a number of things that were very out of date. The phone system has been updated since publishing, and now all numbers are 7 instead of 6 digits. you can fix most by adding a 4 at the beginning of most listed numbers, or a 5 for cell phones. Also, some crucial info, like the address to the US Embassy, was wrong. The Embassy moved several years ago. I found most of the societal and historical info to be very handy in preparing for the trip, however, so it was worth it for that.
Great guide, great places, enjoy!.......2001-02-12
I have spent time in all three countries and can say that this book will be invaluable for first time vistors and seasoned traveller alike.
Bahrain with its charming city of Manama, is a Gulf delight, with so many things to see and do. Qatar and espcially Doha is a gem, and Kuwait is exotic, enchanting and modern all at the same time.
There are some great places to eat in all of these places and at good prices (has anyone had a bad meal in the Gulf?) and gives sound advice for people touring the area on a wide range of subjects.
If you are planning to go to Bahrain I would recommend the Mishal Gardens for a Shisha (apple or mixed fruit hubbly bubbly) and the Diplomat Hotel for its great floor show, amongst many things. Also, don't forget to visit the siouk (old shopping markets and shops including gold and real pearls).
Great book! Great destinations!
regards,
martyn_jones@iniciativas.com
Book Description
Coverage: Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe
Southern Africa is an extraordinary and varied region. Explore its coral reefs and mountain peaks, fast towns and ghost towns, red deserts and Cape vineyards with this indispensable guide.
- 131 detailed maps, including a colour regional map
- up-to-date information on visas, border crossings and safety
- extensive advice on hiking, white-water rafting, pony trekking and bird watching
- a wide range of accommodation options, from camp sites to luxury lodges
- invaluable language sections, with phrases in 16 local languages
Customer Reviews:
Rotten Guide.......2007-09-16
This book may have everything you need about Southern Africa... that is unless you plan to travel there. It is full of background facts and history, but of no use if you actually want a guide to attractions, accommodations or local culture.
I bought it for a trip to South Africa and Zimbabwe. Big mistake. For South Africa, it misses several of the major attractions altogether, including Seal Island and Gold Reef City. When the book does mention attractions, it rarely gives any information on how to see them. In an illustrative moment, it mentions the Sternfontein Caves in the introductory section on Africa's ancient past--but no where in the book does it mention that they offer a museum and guided tours in South Africa an easy distance for Joberg. (The Sternfontein Caves are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, not a minor attraction by any measure).
So that's what you can expect for the most well-traveled of the countries in this book. I won't bore you with details on the political diatribe that Lonely Planet calls its guide to Zimbabwe. It suffices to say I would not rely on it for a trip there.
ZAMBIA Bradt Travel Guide.......2007-07-22
The book is good in general terms although up to date jul 2007 is a non updated in certain chapters (flights, taxi fares, lack of more buses info between villages..)
Is good reading to learn facts on the country.
To travel to Zambiais a good thing to buy
Not specific enough.......2007-06-11
Very small section on South Africa. I was just traveling there and was under the impression this book would cover just that country. Instead it covered all of southern africa which I was not interested in. May be good is you are traveling all over but if you are not, don't bother.
Excellent Travel Resource.......2007-06-08
Purchased this comprehensive resource to aid me in my South Africa travels. Lonely Planet Southern Africa proved to be excellent covering all major details that I had questions about.
Diana.......2006-03-20
This book has everything you need to see Southern Africa.
It does not go into the detail the individual books do for each country, but I find it is better in this condensed version for travel.
Book Description
The establishment of ecological networks in Europe and greenways in America has required application of the principles of landscape ecology to land use planning. This book provides a thorough overview of recent developments, combining theoretical concepts of landscape ecology with the practice of landscape planning and management. In addition to biological and physical considerations for biodiversity protection and restoration, equal coverage is given to cultural and aesthetic issues illustrating how sustainable land use policies can be implemented.
Book Description
Cities are growing at unprecedented rates. Most continue to sprawl into the countryside. Some are only now adopting policies that attempt to control air pollution from vehicles, reduce water pollution from urban runoff, and repair fragmented urban ecosystems. Can good urban design and sound environmental design coincide at a neighborhood level to create healthy communities?
Absolutely, and the strategies presented by Cynthia Girling and Ronald Kellett in Skinny Streets and Green Neighborhoods illustrate how to weave together contemporary thinking in urban planning with open space planning and urban ecology. Drawing from eighteen case studies, these green neighborhoods are the best examples of how the natural environment can play integral roles in neighborhoods.
Green neighborhoods offer a mix of housing types in order to serve a broad cross-section of people with a finely-grained variety of land uses and services, all close to home. In ecologically sound communities, the urban landscape is a functioning part of the whole ecosystem. Wooded areas, meandering streams, wetlands, and open spaces are planned and engineered to clean the air and the water. Skinnier streets and practical pathways weave into a functional, economical network to provide a range of equally good transportation choices, from walking to mass transit, that move people efficiently and economically.
This book moves beyond identifying problems to demonstrate proven methods and models that solve multiple, complex problems in concert. With innovative ideas and practical advice, Skinny Streets and Green Neighborhoods is a guide for today's planners, architects, engineers, and developers to better neighborhoods and a more natural metropolis.
Customer Reviews:
Green.......2007-07-27
Used it in a board meeting to convince them GREEN is the best color and strategy for design initiatives!! Amazon shipped fast and was right on time for the meeting.
Great reference book.......2007-06-27
I love the bbok, it is beautifully edited, and very relevant for anyone researching on sustainability and cities. It is probably too much focused on the suburban type of neighborhood ( I think they are trying to justify this model through green sustainability ) , but it is very clear and precise on the strategies taken by all these developments.
I was still in needs for more images and detailed sections of the models proposed, that's why I think of it as a reference book. All drawings are very basic, beautifully made but basic.
An outstanding contribution to Environmental Studies and Urban Studies reference collections.......2006-04-03
Expertly and knowledgeably co-authored by Cynthia Girling (Director and Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture at the University of British Columbia) and Ronald Kellett (Professor of Landscape Architecture and Director of the Neighborhoods LAB in the Design Centre for Sustainability at the University of British Columbia) Skinny Streets And Green Neighborhoods: Design For Environment And Community is an innovative modern introduction and study of urban planning and ecology that deftly provides the reader with an exceptional selection of proven methods for solving generally difficult problems for community landscapes in urban areas. Inclusive of in-depth analysis with years of experience in the urban planning, with an excellent selection of design strategies for opportune placement of plant life for the essential betterment of the environment. An outstanding contribution to Environmental Studies and Urban Studies reference collections, Skinny Streets And Green Neighborhoods is very strongly recommended for all students of ecological design within the context of an urban environment.
Book Description
How are greenways designed? What situations lead
to their genesis, and what examples best illustrate
their potential for enhancing communities and the
environment? Designing greenways is a key to protecting
landscapes, allowing wildlife to move freely,
and finding appropriate ways to bring people into
nature. This book brings together examples from
ecology, conservation biology, aquatic ecology, and
recreation design to illustrate how greenways function
and add value to ecosystems and human communities
alike.
Encompassing everything from urban trail corridors to river floodplains
to wilderness-like linkages, greenways preserve or improve the
integrity of the landscape, not only by stemming the loss of natural
features, but also by engendering new natural and social functions.
From 19th-century parks and parkways to projects still on the drawing
boards, Designing Greenways is a fascinating introduction to the possibilities—
and pitfalls—involved in these ambitious projects. As towns
and cities look to greenways as a new way of reconciling man and
nature, designers and planners will look to Designing Greenways as an
invaluable compendium of best practices.
Book Description
As cities continue to expand, Christ calls the church to bring the gospel to these centers of population, culture, and political power.
Customer Reviews:
Great urban textbook.......2005-11-20
In the nineteenth century the church made a great commitment to overseas missions opening new works in many countries that had never heard the gospel. The new challenge in the twenty-first century is to reach the cities which are growing rapidly and the cities of the world are larger than they have ever been before. This book, "Cities: Missions' New Frontier," endeavors to guide the reader to reaching the cities of the world for Christ. Most of the book is written by Roger Greenway with six of the twenty chapters being written by Timothy Monsma. The authors come with different experiences giving the reader an idea of ministry in the United States as well as in the rest of the world, especially the southern half of the world with it's large and rapidly growing cities.
The beginning of the book give the biblical framework for ministry in the city. Greenway invites the reader to imagine what it would be like had sin not entered the world, then he focuses on the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21. This helps the reader focus on what the ideal is and exposes the problems in the city. Greenway explores the New Testament church in Antioch and how this urban church was a pattern of a great church and shaped the life of the early church and even today through the writings of the Apostle Paul. The great call upon the church is to find biblical solutions for urban needs.
There is some great teaching regarding ethnic changes in the city and how neighborhoods go through change. The authors arrange several chapters to cover a number of different topics relevant to urban ministry. There is teaching on how to do research in an urban context to find the best ways to minister in a community. There are other chapters that cover issues in the urban context such as poverty, the homeless, those working in the red-light district, raising a family while ministering in an urban setting and the pros and cons of a ministry owning their own building.
This book comes out of the rich ministry experience of the authors. The reader is informed as well as inspired to minister in this needy mission field.
Customer Reviews:
Missionology 101 and then some.......2002-05-14
GO and Make Disciples is a must read for any existing or potential missionary. The facts, figures and how-to sections were more than informative. This book provides not only the basics of missionology but leads you to the next steps for anyone feeling the call of God.
The Biblical basis of missions and why some people are called to be missionaries is at the very foundation of missionary service. This foundation shows what God has in store for the missionary as well as the people he will be serving. Throughout the pages, one will clearly see that foundation and why it is so important. The text also shows what to expect on the field by providing examples from such great missionaries as Jesus and the Apostle Paul. As the reader peruses the pages, not only does the Biblical basis for becoming a missionary become clear, but also the issues that one could possibly face on the mission field, including interaction with religions other than Christianity.
The Trinity of God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit echo in each part of a missionary's mind, body and spirit throughout the entire book. Whether the reader is a potential candidate for mission work or a veteran missionary, this book will provide insight and practicality. Because it was so full of useful information and was the first book of this type that I have read, I felt I needed to read it a second time to make sure I did not miss anything important. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering mission work.
Book Description
SUITE DEATH
Elegant Maxfield Plaza Hotel, in downtown St. Paul, is packed to the rafters with the power brokers of the charismatic Church of the Firstborn--and a national convention of the Daughters of Sisyphus.
Between the two gatherings, five old college roommates are reunited: food critic Sophie Greenway, now owner of the hotel; Adelle, who married into the founding family of the Firstborns; Lavinia, mastermind of the Daughters; and Bunny and Cindy, Lavinia's top aides. But when a murderer terminates one of the gang, Sophie senses that not everyone is devastated by the loss.
As Sophie delicately probes the private affairs of her hotel's star guests, she recalls another death--of a young woman who had been the group's sixth roommate. The buried secrets of that long-ago death are exhumed as a clandestine killer once again commits the oldest sin. . . .
Customer Reviews:
Best for fans of the Sophie Greenway series........2004-10-12
Heroine: plump/voluptuous
Sophie Greenway has fought hard to put her past as the wife of a strict religious leader behind her, painful though it was to lose custody of her young son in the process. So she is more than a little disturbed when she finds that the family hotel is now hosting a convention of her former denomination, the Church of the Firstborn. But she welcomes contact with some of her old college roommates, other girls who had been sequestered in the campus' fat farm dorm. Sadly, though, not all of her chums are present, as one passed away during their time at Purdis Bible College.
But Sophie's reunion is marred by murder, and the heinous crime throws the death of their classmate many years before in a new light. Suddenly there is a conspiracy afoot, and Sophie no longer knows who she can trust. One of the women she long counted as a friend may well indeed be a killer, and Sophie herself may be the next victim.
What worked for me:
I felt the mystery was the best part of this book, for despite having a fairly transparent opening it was difficult to be sure who the killer was.
Size-wise Sophie was voluptuous as a girl.
What didn't work for me:
The writing was uneven, breezing along in some spots and lurching through others. And for some readers it might feel a bit soap-boxy, but the message resonated with me, both on the issue of big girls and oppressive religions.
Overall:
Worth the read for die-hard fans of the Sophie Greenway series.
Warning: there is some coarse language in these books, and discussions as well as religious insights that might offend some people.
If you liked "The Oldest Sin" you might also enjoy the Tory Bauer mystery series, the Odelia Grey mystery series, the Southern Sisters mystery series, the Josephine Fuller mystery series, "Death by Dessert", "Lady Blue", "Teacher's Pet", or "Love by the Pound".
Books:
- Advertising Secrets of the Written Word: The Ultimate Resource on How to Write Powerful Advertising Copy from One of America's Top Copywriters and Mail Order Entrepreneurs
- Alice Waters and Chez Panisse: The Romantic, Impractical, Often Eccentric, Ultimately Brilliant Making of a Food Revolution
- America's Great Depression
- American Environmentalism: Readings In Conservation History
- Basic College Mathematics (7th Edition) (Lial Developmental Mathematics Series)
- Basics of Industrial Hygiene (Preserving the Legacy)
- Best Practices in Leadership Development and Organization Change: How the Best Companies Ensure Meaningful Change and Sustainable Leadership (Essential Knowledge Resource)
- Beyond the Bubble: How to Keep the Real Estate Market in Perspective--and Profit No Matter What Happens
- Business and Its Environment (5th Edition)
- Business and Its Environment (5th Edition)
Books Index
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