|
 |
Author: Peter Mayle
ASIN : 0679731148
Sales Rank : 2622
Studio : Vintage
Binding : Paperback
EAN : 9780679731146
ISBN : 0679731148
Number Of Pages : 224
Publication Date : December 04, 1991
Release Date : December 04, 1991
Publisher : Vintage
Manufacturer : Vintage
Availability : Usually ships in 24 hours
Label : Vintage
| Who hasn't dreamed, on a mundane Monday or frowzy Friday, of chucking it all in and packing off to the south of France? Provençal cookbooks and guidebooks entice with provocatively fresh salads and azure skies, but is it really all Côtes-du-Rhône and fleur-de-lis? Author Peter Mayle answers that question with wit, warmth, and wicked candor in A Year in Provence, the chronicle of his own foray into Provençal domesticity. Beginning, appropriately enough, on New Year's Day with a divine luncheon in a quaint restaurant, Mayle sets the scene and pits his British sensibilities against it. "We had talked about it during the long gray winters and the damp green summers," he writes, "looked with an addict's longing at photographs of village markets and vineyards, dreamed of being woken up by the sun slanting through the bedroom window." He describes in loving detail the charming, 200-year-old farmhouse at the base of the Lubéron Mountains, its thick stone walls and well-tended vines, its wine cave and wells, its shade trees and swimming pool--its lack of central heating. Indeed, not 10 pages into the book, reality comes crashing into conflict with the idyll when the Mistral, that frigid wind that ravages the Rhône valley in winter, cracks the pipes, rips tiles from the roof, and tears a window from its hinges. And that's just January. In prose that skips along lightly, Mayle records the highlights of each month, from the aberration of snow in February and the algae-filled swimming pool of March through the tourist invasions and unpredictable renovations of the summer months to a quiet Christmas alone. Throughout the book, he paints colorful portraits of his neighbors, the Provençaux grocers and butchers and farmers who amuse, confuse, and befuddle him at every turn. A Year in Provence is part memoir, part homeowner's manual, part travelogue, and all charming fun. --L.A. Smith Book DescriptionIn this witty and warm-hearted account, Peter Mayle tells what it is like to realize a long-cherished dream and actually move into a 200-year-old stone farmhouse in the remote country of the Lubéron with his wife and two large dogs. He endures January's frosty mistral as it comes howling down the Rhône Valley, discovers the secrets of goat racing through the middle of town, and delights in the glorious regional cuisine. A Year in Provence transports us into all the earthy pleasures of Provençal life and lets us live vicariously at a tempo governed by seasons, not by days.
| |
December 09, 2007.
great look at the dark side.
Rating: 4
i thought this was a great book, a very interesting look at how the darkside forms how we know it. Darth Bane goes through some of the same struggles that Luke Skywalker does on the other side of the force. overall a very good read and very fast paced book.
December 02, 2007.
Worth the price of the soft cover, Not the hard cover..
Rating: 4
This was a good read. I enjoyed this book very much. It tells the story of Darth Bane and how the Sith order is comprised of only 2, a Master and Apprentice. If you are curious about the Sith and how they began their 1000 years of secrecy and deception leading up to the Emperor and Darth Vader, then Read this book. This is where it all begins
December 01, 2007.
My Favorite Writing Guide!.
Rating: 5
My dad gave me this book many years ago. He always had such faith in my writing ability, and he would mail me articles, books, reviews and such all the time.
Thanks to him, I have many writing Books -- inspirational, how-to, and so on. This is the only one that is dog-eared and has food and coffee stains on many pages.
I noted that one reviewer thought it was really only a book for those who write poetry. I couldn't disagree more -- I have never written poetry, don't plan on it, and actually don't particularly like it. I mostly write non-fiction articles, and I LOVE the author's philosophy!
I do my research and interviews, read-read-read about whatever subject it is I want to write about, and then when it's time to sit down and write -- I just let it flow. I don't stop to think about it -- I just GO with it. My writing has improved so much this way! I used to try to outline and plan -- and my writing was disastrous. I did not listen to my instincts, which told me that my very best writing was always, without exception, the kind that happened with no planning at all.
If you aren't afraid to write without a "plan", get this book. Even if you DO think you need a plan, get this book. Try a different way of writing, and you just might be surprised at the REAL writer within you, dying to get out and express herself (or himself)!
December 13, 2007.
My problem is not with Natalie Goldberg's book....
Rating: 1
This edition is TINY. I would love to be reviewing Natalie Goldberg's book right now, but apparently Amazon saw fit not to include the warning "This book is only 3 by 4 1/2 inches in size (text inside occupies a 2 1/2 by 3 1/2 inch area on the page)."
The is not the sort of book I already have mostly memorized; but if I had, perhaps it would help to have this tiny reference around to jog my memory now and again. Indeed, I do not foresee ever reading it because it is too tiny to hold, or to see. Moreover, since it is a guide to writing, I would ideally like to be jotting notes in the margins. But the margins are about an eighth of an inch wide. So you see my problem.
Amazon, please carry normal sizes. There's a reason for it.
December 19, 2007.
The book that made me a writer.
Rating: 5
This is probably one of the best Books ever on the subject of writing. While Goldberg hardly covers anything technical with regards to writing specific genres (be it poetry, novels, magazine articles), she triumphs by enabling the reader to overcome their writer's block, and dare to write about the things that matter to them. Simply follow her technique, apply yourself to it for years, and you will be able to write fluidly and confidently about anything that you know. No more staring at blank pages, no more tearing out your hair to get the right wording. Subsequent to reading this book, I became a poet (see[...]), a songwriter, and a novelist (with one finished book and one draft). I also, over the last ten years, have filled a 7-foot stack of notebooks with my practice writing, and forged a number of friendships over journal writing sessions. Yes, read this book, but as you read, make sure you start writing, so that the inspiration will not just be a passing phase.
December 18, 2007.
THANK YOU NATALIE.
Rating: 5
Dear Natalie (and how many reviews begin with that), thank you so much for writing this book. If it weren't for your guidance, this resistant writer would still be staring out the window of her Maine summer house wishing she could be published (or that she had anything to say for that matter). A great classic book that I recommend to all my sisters on the journey....Sincerely, Pamela D. Blair, Author, The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and Beyond
December 17, 2007.
Opens your world..
Rating: 5
I have used all her advice and boy does it help. This lady knows where she is coming from and thats from the heart of writing. You will hope to meet her in a cafe where you could talk endlessly with her, but this book does just that. Its your meeting with this one of a kind genius who takes you on a journey of storytelling, how its done and all its secrets.
December 18, 2007.
Sookie's first vamp job..
Rating: 5
Sookie's vampire friends basically rented her out to another group of vampires to find a vampire that disappeared. Sookie gets to develope her telepathic powers by reading the minds of the human employees of the vampires in Dallas. Sookie's detective work leads her right into the heart of a religous cult that has it in for vampires. She gets captured but to find out how she gets out of it please read the book. I like it and so will you.
December 28, 2007.
Sookie Steps It Up.
Rating: 5
The third installment of Charlaine Harris's Southern Vampire series, Club Dead, finds our Sookie facing more danger in her life with the vampires, but this time she's doing it with a broken heart. Bill, her vampire boyfriend, has suddenly taken off, reportedly with his former lover, the vampire Lorena. Bill's boss, Eric, is worried enough about Bill (and a secret project Bill's been working on), that he taps Sookie's expertise in mind-reading to help locate him when it seems that Bill may be actually be really, truly dead, or at least missing.
This episode of Sookie's life among the undead is action-packed, and we are introduced to the handsome werewolf Alcide, who is assigned to assist Sookie in her quest to find the faithless Bill. A new side of Sookie emerges in this book; though her heart is broken, she finds that she is strong enough to pursue the leads to Bill's whereabouts and even take on his erstwhile lover. There is quite a bit of violence in this novel, and things do not get sewn up neatly for Sookie, but she does learn something about herself in the process.
I quite enjoyed this installment. Sookie's rise in self-confidence is stirring, and the introduction of Alcide is quite nice as well. Eric is, as always, funny and sexy; Sookie must decide what her next move will be, and if she has the courage to turn her back on the vampire society altogether. Well written, and good fun! On to the next in the series.
December 13, 2007.
BEST ONE YET.........
Rating: 5
The third and thus far best in the Sookie Series sees our spunky little heroine becoming slightly disillusioned with her vampire boyfriend, Bill. Lately he's seemed more interested in his secret "work" than in her...and to add insult to injury, he is leaving town on a secret "work" mission. Sookie is furious...and even more so when she is informed by Eric and Pam that Bill has become involved with his ex-love Lorena....who also happens to be the vamp who "made" Bill. But Bill has since gone missing...and who better to found out where he is but innocent little mind-reading Sookie? So Eric sends Sookie out to find Bill...undercover as the girlfriend of a Were name Alcide from the town of nearby Hotshot. Eventually it becomes clear that Bill may be in the fight of his undead life....but can Sookie save him before it's too late? Even more importantly, will she succeed in fighting ever-growing feelings for the attentive and attractive Alcide? But more frightening still...how long can she ignore the amorous overtures of the gorgeous Eric, a powerful vampire who also happens to be Bill's boss? Most importantly....how long will she want to?
Another engaging, pageturning installment of our southern vampire series. This one is my favorite thus far...too bad we can only give it 5 stars!!!
DYB
December 04, 2007.
Disposing of the Physical Remains.
Rating: 5
Club Dead (2003) is the third Rural Fantasy in the Southern Vampire series, following Living Dead in Dallas. In the previous volume, the maenad didn't leave any survivors on the deck except Tara. Eric and Bill set fire to the beach house to cover the deaths. Portia took her brother Andy home, Sam took Tara and Eggs back with him, and Eric returned to Shreveport. Then Bill and Sookie also left and Callisto wandered off to who knows where.
In this novel, Bill Compton leaves town after hiding his database files and computer system in Sookie Stackhouse's closet. He tells Sookie that he is going to Seattle, but she knows that he is lying. Then Bubba shows up sitting on her front porch swing.
Bubba says that Eric has sent him to guard her, but doesn't know why. Sookie is on her way to work, but decides that Bubba can't go into the bar area; after all, he is too well known to just sit at a table. Bubba refuses to stay in the car in the back parking lot since he couldn't know when she is threatened. They finally agree that Bubba can sit in the office while Sookie is working.
As Sookie goes into the building to get Sam's permission, a Were gang member grabs her and then Bubba crushes his throat. After a bit of confusion involving Kevin -- a local cop -- Sookie, Sam and Bubba clean up the area and stash the body out of sight. Then Pam shows up later asking about Bubba.
In this story, Sookie learns that Bill has gone to Jackson after being summoned by Lorena, his master. He had called Fangtasia the previous night stating that he was coming back to Bon Temps to take care of some business, but he had never arrived. Eric has learned something about Bill's whereabouts from paid informants, but he can't just go searching for Bill since Mississippi is outside his jurisdiction. Indeed, it is a separate Vampire Kingdom.
Sookie can't read vampire minds, but she can go listen to the human minds in the Mississippi Kingdom. Eric has arranged for a Were named Alcide Herveaux to take her to Jackson and to provide an apartment. Alcide will also escort her in Josephine's, a vampire bar that caters to other supernaturals as well. The Weres, however, call the bar Club Dead.
Sookie is really hurting in this story. Bill has lied to her and then went to another woman. Even if this woman had brought him over, most vampires go their separate ways after the first few decades. Why did Bill go to Mississippi?
This story introduces Debbie Pelt, a shapeshifter who had been dating Alcide, but had recently left him for another shifter. But Debbie doesn't like other women in Alcide's life. She is a vixen in more than one respect.
Sookie also meets Janice Herveaux Phillips -- Alcide's sister -- whom she likes very much. Janice owns a hair salon and insists that Sookie have her hair and nails done properly for Josephine's ambiance. Sookie has never even been in a hair salon before this and really enjoys the experience. She even gets to repeat the experience the next day.
Sookie has problems with the Jackson Weres. The Were who had attacked her in Merlotte's Bar had been from Jackson. Then Jerry Falcon, another member of the same Were gang, accosted her in Josephine's and was forcibly removed. Jerry's body later showed up in Sookie's apartment in Jackson.
Highly recommended for Harris fans and for anyone else who enjoys murder mysteries with vampires, werewolves and other preternatural creatures.
-Arthur W. Jordin
December 21, 2007.
Welcome Werewolf.
Rating: 5
Sookie Stackhouse is asked once again by Eric, a vampire leader, to leave her waitress job so that she can use her telepath skills to locate a missing vampire. The problem is the vampire she is supposed to find is her boyfriend, Bill, who she has just learned has betrayed her.
This is an exciting tale with a lot of emotional ups and downs. Poor Sookie seems to get into one difficult situation after another, all to rescue someone she is really angry with. Helping her on her quest is a werewolf named Alcide. He is indebted to the vampires and takes Sookie to the city and Club Dead as payment on that debt. The sparks fly and he soon realizes his task is not a hardship. I really enjoyed Alcide, I hope we see more of him in future stories.
I normally don't enjoy a book where the two main characters are at odds, but that was not this case with this story. Ms. Harris writes a realistic tale about relationships and their complexities, lacing it with fascinating characters, some battles, a few tears and a couple laughs.
Like the previous stories in this series, this book has a lot going for it; I didn't want to put it down. With the first two Books I was kicking myself for waiting so long to start reading this series, I had wished that I would have discovered them back when Ms. Harris wrote the first one. Now, having read this one, I am glad I have the entire series at my disposal now, because if I had to wait a year for book 4, I think I'd go a little nutty.
December 04, 2007.
Alas....
Rating: 1
Frontline started off so well. I was with it, recommending it to fellow comic readers...then this half. Paul Jenkins is now an author I avoid.
Whatever one thinks of the entire event, this half of Front Line is awful. It's horribly written. Or maybe it's wonderfully written and just has a terrible, awful, brainless, spineless, indecisive, judgmental and irritating main character who is portrayed perfectly with these characteristics.
Sally Floyd is one of the most irritating characters I've ever had the misfortune to read. Taking a simple (and frankly, obvious) trick like the one the government agent uses on her and changing her entire mindset over it was the first time my jaw dropped. I could not believe anyone was that stupid or lacking in any sort of fervency in their beliefs.
I read on, and by the final issue, I had no faith in the character or in the writer behind her. While perhaps Sally is intended to portray a shallow mindset that Jenkins feels is representative of some part of the world (or perhaps of America?)--it comes off feeling as if the book agrees with her arguments against one side of the war, and for another. Perhaps the latter was sarcastic and both were intended as judgmental. It certainly didn't read as such.
Regardless, I regretted recommending this to anyone once it reached its conclusion and do not recommend it to anyone now. In fact, I was chastised for my recommendation once it reached its end. As such: avoid this book.
There are legitimate arguments for why the Pro-Registration side was right, but they are not to be found in the feeble mind of Sally Floyd--only useless, uninteresting, insulting fluff resides there. As in the ending of this series.
December 30, 2007.
WHY DO THIS STORY LINE, WHEN IT WON'T STICK YEARS DOWN THE ROAD? FOR MONEY NOW.....
Rating: 1
Sounds like an interesting story plot. Sounds like an interesting direction. Too bad though that Marvel had to make this such an expansive cross over. Personally, I would have liked one book, one story line, one long running series of this as a possible "Future Event", like X-Men # 141-142 "Days of Future Past".
OK. So I'm old school. I DON'T like MAJOR MULTI-ISSUE cross overs. But not something that tears apart every team or charactor that we care about, and leaves a MESS in the end.
So by this, no more Fantastic Four. No more "True" AVENGERS. Spider-Man is screwed up. A Marvel ICON is left dead. And in my opinion, it was done to SELL BOOKS.
EVEN MORE SO IT DOESN'T MATTER! Because in a few years, they'll start the charactors with new beginnings or origins ALL OVER AGAIN.
THESE ARE COMICS. HOW MANY TIMES HAS THIS HAPPENED ALREADY???
Only problem with this whole thing, is that there are too many books, too may cross overs, and for those who collect comics, six months of having to buy EVERY Marvel comic put out to get the real story. And I'd imagine it was pretty expensive, just like if I decided to buy/collect EVERY CW TPB tie-in book. There are just too many.
I may end up buying the COMPLETE story line in 5-10 years IF this storyline and ramifications from all this still have an impact. It is an interesting idea. MIXED REVIEWS from everyone THOUGH.
Mine is, don't bother.
Until Marvel decides this is the way it's going to be and STICK TO IT FROM HERE ON OUT!
It's just a shame that it had to be done in such a manner that you have to buy 20 some different Books and titls (to increase the sales of the ones doing poorly) to understand it all, everyone's side, and what the heck is going on. Marvel should have kept it in ONE(!!1!!) book, even if they'd have to do it in an expanded COMIC version, using various titles writers/artists to do their story lines, and left out the cross over books. Maybe have had published a new story/comic every week since everyone would have been collaborating. Makes more sense numbering Civil Wars # 1 - 150 (OR WHATEVER) if needed, but left out the cross overs.
As you can tell, corss overs are my BIGGEST complaint. I HATE them. They seem like they try to raise sales by being cross overed in comics who's sales are lagging.
I dunno'. This is alot to grasp. I'm old school. I think I'd rather buy Marvel Masterworks reprints, then this new stuff. Not as complicated.
And besides that, we all know, that somewhere, some time down the road, they'll RE-START the series and charactors again (for the umpteenth dozenth MILLIONTH time) and things will go back to normal. I mean, Aunt May died in the Amazing Spider-Man # 250 or 350 ( One or the other, I'm not going to pull it to be exact. ), yet, she's been back for quite a while. As happened a long time ago in Ultimate Spiderman.
So this is a big PUT-OFF to me.
Reason: No matter how bad Marvel screws this up, and does this or does that, they can, and usually DO, start all over again ( just like DC has TOO MANY TIMES WITH THEIR CHARACTORS ) from scratch, from the beginning, with everyone ALL with a clean slate.
So what is the point of getting excited or involved with this knowing that in a few years, there will be a new origin or something, for all the heroes and teams, or that it happened in an Alternate Universe, and this most likely will be forgotten by the heroes, kept in a Parallel Universe, or something along those lines???
~Yawn~
Which has happened too many times in comics period. Kind of ruins them and their credibility.
So 5-10 years down the line, if this story line is still the direction Marvel is going, and hasn't turned back, and ramifications are still being dealt with, then maybe it would be worth it. Maybe it will be a classice worthy of buying EVERY cross over for my Personal Collection.
But I don't see it happening.
Old schoolers like me think of the Avengers as Thor, Iron Man, and Captain America.
And the FANTASTIC FOUR SPLITTING UP??? C'mon. Give me a break.
So much for a FF 3 movie.
Seems like too many books, too much money, and (probably) not enough conviction by Marvel to keep this storyline alive forever, and make it the way things are, were, should be (because they wrote this story line), and will be a mainsty for the future of the Marvel Universe.
But it ain't gonna happen.
Just a story, yes. But does it make any sense if it's passed over and not a factor years down the road?
Not to me.
At least they didn't butcher the X-Men. They left them out of it pretty much. Smart move. Don't trash your best selling book.
But it's only a matter of time, before Peter Parker goes back to being Spider-Man w/o J Jonah Jamison knowing his identity, Aunt May not having a clue, and SOMEONE changing the Marvel Universe to where the Civil War NEVER happened and everyone's minds are wiped clean of the events, and life goes on as we knew it.
Interesting story line, true. Just should not have been so drastic with too many cross overs, and so many Books done for (PROBABLY) NOTHING.
All in the name of making MONEY for MARVEL....
I'd rather stick to the "CLASSICS" Marvel books, like Marvel Masterworks. And if this turns out to be a classic and impact story line on the future of Marvel comics in 5 - 10 years, then I'll have to buy it. But not now.
CLASSICS ARE ONLY GOOD IF THEY STAND THE TEST OF TIME AND REMAIN A PART OF MARVEL LORE FOREVER.
Dang. Imagine if Stan Lee and Joe Kirby took back some of their work 5 years after doing it. Thank goodness, they had the common sense not to do or try something like this.
No wonder Stan left Marvel for Disney....
Smart move Stan!!!
Too bad most of the charactors you created are hurt by this. It is a shame...
December 22, 2007.
Another great chapter in Jenkins' Front Line series.
Rating: 4
The second collected volume of Paul Jenkins' Civil War tie-in, Front Line, is another great chapter that almost tops the main Civil War storyline in terms of how good it is. As this volume picks up, Daily Bugle reporters Ben Urich and Sally Floyd report on the warring super hero sides as the registration act is in full effect with the warring factions of Captain America and Iron Man at each other's throats. While each reporter has their own reason for believing who's right in this situation, we see that the conflict isn't only happening on the battlefields between the superhumans, but is happening for everyone else on the sidelines as well. In the meantime, disgraced and powerless New Warrior Speedball finds himself a target in prison, with an outcome that no one leaves unscathed. Like the first volume of Front Line, Jenkins shows us the story happening outside the main events of Mark Millar's series, and it's just as, if not more, compelling and entertaining. Featuring great art throughout as well by Ramon Bachs and Steve Lieber, Civil War: Front Line Vol. 2 is another great chapter from Jenkins and co. that is definitely worth picking up for collectors of Marvel's mega Civil War event.
December 15, 2007.
Pure Trash.
Rating: 1
I would have given it zero stars if I could. This book is pure trash. Talk about a race gone to hell in a handbasket. My daughter was able to go into the bookstore at our local mall and buy this book with no problem. When I saw her purchase and started to read it I was appalled and very very upset that my 14 year old daughter who can't buy alcohol, tabacco or porn magazines can buy this smut. Anyone who thinks this book is anything more than trash is sick in the head. Way to uplift the black race. I feel bad being black after finding out there's crap out there like this for my kids to come into contact with. With all the negativity around black people in general and the derogatory names black women are called, this book gives them permission to use them.
December 08, 2007.
An Incredible Read.
Rating: 5
I was in two minds about buying this book at first, but I am very pleased that I decided to buy it. It grips you right from the start and the intro, although disturbing, draws you in and makes you want to read more. It is the story of a life hardened woman called Saucy who lives on her wits and develops a hard and ruthless shell. She exhibits a unique gift for manipulating the right people to help her to achieve her goals. She also has a merciless way of eliminating people who get in her way. Saucy describes having heaving sex on the kitchen floor, as an unattended pan on the stove spits hot fat onto her lovers back, a lover she later eliminates with the passion of a black widow . With a kiss of death, she ingeniously kills him.
There are stylish flashbacks to her childhood and even at that tender age she mercilessly uses people. She is from an impoverished background and is jealous of her privileged but ugly cousin. When her cousin Paris tragically dies of meningitis, Saucy incriminates her own mother's abusive lover, so the authorities step in and take out of her hated home and because of a rapport she has developed with her uncle, she manoeuvres her way into her dead cousin's shoes.
A very gripping novel and one that is worthy of making into a movie or TV Mini-series I'm sure. Well recommended, I was very pleased that I decided to buy it. Although I usually prefer erotic short stories rather than erotic novels I have found this book a welcome exception. If however, you enjoy erotic short stories I can thoroughly recommend 100 PERCENT EROTICA by Suzie Van Aartman, It is very raunchy and explicit book and the action is so graphically displayed it feels as if you are actually there, watching from a few inches away and almost taking part. Check it out; I think you will love it.
December 27, 2007.
Oh so Saucy....
Rating: 5
Noire is OFF THE CHAIN...I read this book in two days. Each chapter in this book was truly an adventure!
Saucy is an unbelieveable child who was forced to be an adult way too soon. Her life is a continuous roller coaster, sometimes with her not knowing whether she would have a roof over her head the next day. Most of the time, Saucy came out on top...literally. Saucy had a few opportunities to lead a "normal" life but couldn't get the street life out of her system.
December 27, 2007.
Don't Be The Last To Read This Book.
Rating: 5
Oh my goodness. Noire has done it again with a book that is sexy, ghetto fabulous and ends with a good life lesson.
What can I not say about this book. Her THONG was on fire and many got BURNED!
December 17, 2007.
Down and Dirty.
Rating: 5
Thong on Fire by Noire
Genre: Urban Erotica
APOOO rating: 5
Amazon.com rating: 5
Thong on Fire by Noire has all the classic components to classify
itself as an urban erotic tale. What sets this novel apart from the
rest of the tales told in Harlem, New York is the twist. A twist
that sheds the many layers of Saucy Robinson to reveal what makes
this woman tick. Through the hurt and pain, trials and
tribulations, the sex and eroticism, Saucy tries her best to land on
top - literally. This is the tale of a woman that suffers at the
hands of many individuals but refuses to be the victim. Saucy will
do whatever it takes and by any means necessary to make sure she is
the woman in the spotlight, in the music video, on the arm of the
hottest artist (male or female), or walking through the velvet ropes
to the VIP section of the club.
The reader is introduced to the many individuals that help shape and
mold Saucy Robinson's character. From the very beginning, Noire
illustrates to the reader the suffering Saucy endures from the death
of her father and the abuse she suffers at the hands of her drug
addicted mother. It is obvious that the scandalous woman Saucy
becomes is because of the rage and anger that brews within. Saucy
has no choice, in her opinion, but to build a wall and to look at
herself, first and foremost. Saucy has been blessed with the exotic
features from a Korean mom and the body of a goddess that has been
passed on by the genes of her African American father. Saucy
definitely uses what she has to get what she wants.
So who should read this book? Anyone looking for a departure from
the traditional erotica story. Do not get me wrong. This is a
novel penned by Noire so the sex scenes will steam up the mirrors.
The reader and Noire fans alike will not be disappointed when it
comes to the scenes in which Saucy really work her magic and earns
her bedroom nickname. The true story is what lies beneath the sex
Saucy so willingly gives up to any man or woman. This is not just
the tale about a video vixen smiling pretty while shaking all her
assets with barely anything there, but about a woman whose judgment
is clouded by the spotlight she is constantly seeking on stage or on
television, the bling she will do anything to obtain and most
importantly, by the life she has had to live and endure. Noire
delivers a captivating page-turner that will be hard to put down.
Thong on Fire is not just a book but a literary journey that goes
beyond the sheets.
Reviewed by Sharon Russ
APOOO BookClub
December 29, 2007.
A unique philosophical examination of the human condition!.
Rating: 4
At first blush, for the briefest of moments, one might be excused for thinking that "Einstein's Dreams" was science fiction or perhaps even physics! But, in fact, Alan Lightman has treated us to an enchanting metaphysical flight of fancy loosely based on that most counterintuitive of ideas that Einstein shared with the world in his General Theory of Relativity - the idea that time is an integral part of the structure of the universe but that it is flexible, ever-changing and dependent on the frame of reference of the observer.
"Einstein's Dreams" is a collage of short, lucid essays that Lightman puts forward as the nocturnal dreamscapes in which a sensitive Einstein might have wandered as his intense genius created his famous theories. Worlds in which time stands still, runs backward, runs at varying speeds dependent on your location, passes in a circular ever-repeating pattern, or runs in a discontinuous pattern of starts and stops, for example, are the setting for a metaphorical examination of humanity's responses to these changing notions of time.
Lightman's elegant narrative prose, near poetry in its simple style and elegance, explores the human condition and demonstrates that such notions as love and hate, motivation or despair, joy or despondency and creativity are implicity dependent on our unstated understanding of the passage of time.
"Einstein's Dreams" is a short read that will occupy littler more than an hour or two to complete but it is thought-provoking, fascinating and quite compelling despite its appealing brevity and simplicity.
Paul Weiss
December 20, 2007.
Simple, yet entertaining..
Rating: 3
First if all, these stories are NOT written by Einstein himself. They are a series of (very) short stories written as if by the great scientist himself, based on his actual writings and memoirs. They are actually written by the author, Alan Lightman.
Some of the stories are very though-provoking and fun, while others are extremely boring. Although, luckily, the slow ones are over with quickly, because none of the stories is longer than a few pages (roughly).
I got through this entire book in about 30 minutes. I would suggest it for a coffee table or bathroom... or, if you're a writer and want to be led in new directions, his book, while simple, is definitely unique!
December 11, 2007.
Very interesting but...
Rating: 4
This brief novel should have a true 5 stars rating if you look only at its content.
The series of dreams Lightman imagine could have haunted Einstein's night during the last rush toward the formulation of Special Relativity are very interesting and suggestive: a true, extensive review of worlds ruled out by different conceptions of time.
I must say that here and there I have been quite bored by Lightman's style. A most recurrent stylistic module throughout the book is to line up many very synthetic icons (e.g.: "A boy is playing with his ball. A woman stands by the balcony looking at the sky. An old man is walking down the street", and so on). I know it is a peculiar feature of the American narrative style, which has been mimicked by some (so-called "neorealists") Italian writers, nevertheless I found it a bit annoying.
Well, I am Italian, so my mother tongue is one of Latin's children and inherited Latin's complex morphology and syntax: so we are used to long, complex phrases which allows a good writer to achieve a fluent style.
On the other hand, an eloquent writer like Henry Rider Haggard sometimes produces long, complex phrases, which are quite difficult to understand: phrases at the edge of English language's expressive possibilities. So I like best a "medium" style, when I read in English, an "aurea mediocritas" without any extremisms.
But Lightman is really a good, refined writer. I must say that Lightman's style has often a great lightness (nomina sunt consequentia rerum), the terseness of a crystal. And sometimes, unexpectedly, with one sudden wing beat, Lightman's writing reaches the highest poetry. These are the magical moments of the novel, often at the end of the chapters - or I should say at the end of the dreams.
I would like to add a last note, a historical flaw I found (see page 77). Lightman says that Einstein has something like "a vision of galaxies". In 1905 almost no scientists (much less astronomers) knew of galaxies: they talked of "nebulae" and the most renowned theory for those objects was that of the protostars. In 1755 Kant expressed his own belief and reasoning on this subject, talking of "island universes" similar to the Milky Way, but his opinion was not so influential.
The Great Debate between Harlow Shapley (protostar theory) and Heber Curtis (island universes) dates to 1920; only in 1923 Hubble proved that the strange nebulae were true galaxies.
December 17, 2007.
Lightman's dreams not necessarily Einstein's.
Rating: 2
Imaginative but also silly and annoying at times.
The title is designed to cash in on the famous Einstein name.
The best parts were when Einstein was ''directly'' alluded to.
December 09, 2007.
a good bedtime book.
Rating: 5
Don't be afraid to buy this book if you're not into science or science fiction, it is more metaphors for time that get you to think deeply about your life. I bought this for my girlfriend who i thought might be specticle, and she loves reading the short stories for something to think about at night. excellent gift, and it would even be good to read to children
December 09, 2007.
Below Par.
Rating: 2
This second sequel to 'The Godfather' includes improbable characters and story lines that diminish the Corleone legend and the memorable characters created by Puzo.
For some reason, Winegardner once again focuses on Nick Geraci, the turncoat Corleone family capo who was forced into hiding in his first sequel. In this book, Geraci is meant to be almost a mythic figure like the Count of Monte Cristo, a wronged man on an epic quest for vengeance. The problem with this story line is that Geraci is not a very sympathetic figure. He's a cold-blooded killer and drug dealer kicked out of the family for conspiring against his boss, not an innocent young man torn from his loved ones by false charges. It's hard to root for his revenge plot when we know that, far from being unjustly accused, he's guilty of even worse things than the Corleones realize. Geraci is not the sort of person you'd ever want to know, and at a very early point in this novel I found myself hoping he would just disappear -- permanently.
The other major story lines involve a plot to kill the Irish Catholic president in order to end the influence of his brother, who is pressuring the mob, and a plot by Michael to seize control of the Woltz movie studio, for reasons never made fully clear. Neither is terribly interesting or original.
Major Puzo characters like Michael, Hagen and Connie are made to seem smaller than life by vignettes that focus on their personal foibles -- it's a bit like reading a biography of Beethoven that is mostly about his untidy personal habits and spends little time on his musical achievements.
The story Puzo told so brilliantly was about organized crime families that began because a few strong-willed men refused to be relegated to membership in an underclass, that grew powerful by serving and exploiting the members of that underclass, and that ultimately waned when that underclass assimilated into the mainstream of American life. Winegardner doesn't seem very interested in that story.
If you're trapped in an airport with nothing else to read, you might want to try this book. Otherwise, don't.
December 04, 2007.
Great fun, surprisingly satifying sequel #2.
Rating: 4
I've always been skeptical of sequels written to enormously popular Books by authors other than the original, but Mark Winegardner's most recent "Godfather" sequel is absorbing and satisfying. Although he is a better, more polished writer than Mario Puzo, he lacks Puzo's blunt, breathless, headlong plunge into a hydra-headed tangle of story lines. By me, that's fine, because Winegardner keeps everyone connected and moving forward in a believable or even unbelievable-but-true page-turner.
Winegardner does justice to ongoing Puzo characters such as Michael and Connie Corleone and their children, and does a really satisfying job fleshing out people we know only fleetingly, such as Sonny's four children, and Tom Hagan's wife Theresa and family. In addition, he painstakingly details the other "crime families," while introducing new characters who dovetail nicely with ongoing or new plot lines. For example, Mike's elusive nemesis Nick "Ace" Geraci, his father Fausto "The Driver," and Nick's wife Charlotte and their daughters--just to name a few--take up where they left off in Winegardner's first sequal. Johnny Fontane, Jack Woltz, their wives, and many more make convincing reappearances in the current chapters of their lives.
If other sequels-by-other-authors were as well-written and engrossing as Winegardner's, we readers would be lucky indeed. I hope he has a third volume at least in the planning stages!
December 31, 2007.
Read this review before you try the book.
Rating: 2
There are too many Books to read to make this one of them. I stuck it out through the entire tape as I was walking while reading. I now wonder why. A very disappointing attempt. Move on up the food chain of books.
December 30, 2007.
mafia dregs.
Rating: 1
Boring and dumb. Mario Puzo's Estate must owe a lot of taxes to have licensed the use of Godfather characters.
December 09, 2007.
No Disappointment.
Rating: 5
This is a good book. Remember, Puzo is unfortunately not with us any more and did not give us any more Godfather Books when he had the chance. Also, there will always be feelings or beliefs that Puzo would never do certain things that Winegardner did--but who really knows what Puzo would have done, all we know is what Puzo gave us. I give credit to Winegardner for having the courage to do some things he did in this book. All I know is that I was entertained and enjoyed the book. I think Winegardner did a better job than almost anyone else would have, and I know there's no way I could ever think of this stuff.
December 18, 2007.
Descriptive and Beautiful writing.
Rating: 5
I just wanted to leave a note that I absolutely love this story, and recommend it to anyone intrigued by Marie Antionette and anyone who loves incredibly descriptive writing. I wish I wasn't almost done with it!
December 14, 2007.
Captivating story telling.
Rating: 5
Strickly from an avid reader point of view as opposed to a literature critic, I found the book completely engaging. The author built an intricate story of possibilities of character around several accurate historical facts. She absorbed me completely into the story and changed my perspective on Marie Antionette's absolute abandonment to a hedonistic life. Her character matured through the years as life began to give her experiences other than pleasure -- child birth, death of a child, hatred of the populace, and finally death by the guilloutine, where her last sights and sounds were of the madden mob shouting in victory and glee over her beheading. Naslund has an amazingly way with detail resulting in a very rich read.
December 13, 2007.
Abundance of detail.
Rating: 5
I adore historical fiction that goes into great detail about what people wore and ate and bathed and thought about. Abundance is written from the narrow respective of Marie Antoinette herself and therein lies much of the book's strengh (or weakness, according to your prespective). It wrenching to follow the Queen from the dream-like life at Versailles to the horrors of the Revolution.
The chilling scene where the crowd outside her prison cries "kiss the lips" gives a better feel for the atmosphere of the Revolution than piles of history books.
December 07, 2007.
Product not delivered.
Rating: 1
It is impossible to review this product because we have not received it as yet in spite of the fact that it was supposed to have been shipped by June 22, 2007. What can we do?
Francis Hinnendael
Nite: I gave it one star because it was necessary to fill in the blank
December 07, 2007.
Not up to par.
Rating: 2
I was disappointed in this portrayal of Marie Antoinette. Naslund describes her as too emotional and immature. The book was way too sappy for me, I couldn't finish it. I understand Marie was young, but this portrayal is flimsy.
December 18, 2007.
Another Excellent novel by Rivers.
Rating: 5
This novel was excellent. I wasn't sure about the topic when I read the description, but I couldn't put it down. I love Francine Rivers Books and I think this is one of her best.
December 04, 2007.
The Last Sin Eater.
Rating: 4
I thought this book was very good. I live in the South and know that the mountains are like living in the darkness because of lack of education. I thought it was well written and held my interest. The only problem I had with it was that the main characters were a little young for what they were going through.
December 03, 2007.
another fantastic story from Francine Rivers.
Rating: 4
I just love how Francine Rivers uses historical fiction to put together a great story about the work of God in our lives. I like too that every book of hers is different so I cannot predict what might happen. In the Sin Eater, forgiveness and faith are what can save this small mountain village. The book provides an interesting look at life in an isolated Appalachian community. Can't wait to see the movie!
December 27, 2007.
True Believers will get a refresher course.
Rating: 4
True believers will read and get a renewal on who Christ is. They should give their Books to others that will need their eyes cleared.
December 24, 2007.
Wonderful.
Rating: 5
This was a wonderful book that I would suggest to anyone, and in particular to those who have ever felt the weight of guilt on their shoulders.
December 13, 2007.
A Year in Provence.
Rating: 5
It is an utmost charming book, full of wit and humorous observation about life in Provence. It is a pity, that the audiobook is abridged. I read the printed edition and bought the audiobook for my blind wife. She enjoyed it greatly, but lost part of it because of being abridged.
December 08, 2007.
FUNNY ANTEDOTES AND INTERESTING PEOPLE.
Rating: 5
I loved the funny antedotes in this book and it's a great book. It's about an English couple who buy a house in France to spend a year there to fix up the house. There's Ramon the plumber who is one of the interesting characters and the book talks about some of the events going on in the area along with some French cuisine. While reading this book, it feels like I'm in France. I really liked this book. It is funny, well written and interesing. I can't wait to read the second book in this series. A great travel book
December 09, 2007.
Must Read.
Rating: 5
This book is a 'must read' for anyone planning a trip to Provence. I kept a page for notes in the back as I read and used them when I planned our trip. Peter has a great sense of humor while accurately telling his story. We enjoyed our trip and reading his book was a bonus.
December 01, 2006.
A Vacation for the Mind: A Year in Provence.
Rating: 5
This book has something for everyone. The anecdotes are charming, funny, and full of deliciously descriptive sentences. I read some passages aloud to whoever will listen. This is the 2nd book I've read by Peter Mayle. I also read "A Good Year" and am currently reading, "Toujours Provence!" Mayle's Books are refreshing and delightful to read.
December 25, 2006.
Delicious reading, creme brulee for your head!.
Rating: 5
I read this book as a follow up to "Almost French" which I thoroughly enjoyed. I wanted more but that author hadn't written anything else (yet?) so I looked to the back cover where there were some recommendations. I am so glad I did!
I always read 2 or more Books at one time, usually because I have required reading for my profession. The book became my dessert and I rewarded myself for all kinds of tough accomplishments (even some teeny weeny ones) with a chapter or 2. It went all too fast and I was sorry to have it end! Sometimes, it was so funny that I had to wake my husband up to read him a passage, while my sides were splitting (he laughed too!) If you like reading anything about the French culture, or even just European culture, you will probably enjoy this book.
|
|
Cheap International Calling - all about phone cards
Prepaid Phone Cards on Netcipia Wiki
All about Long Distance phone calls
|
|
|
|