Book Description
"An alchemical mix of Borges, Raymond Chandler and
Buffy the Vampire Slayer."-Salon.com (Best of the Year)
"A delightful collection."-
Cleveland Plain Dealer
"My favorite fantasy writer."-Alan Cheuse,
All Things Considered
The eleven stories in Kelly Link's debut collection are funny, spooky, and smart. They all have happy endings. They were all especially written for you. A Best of the Year pick from Salon.com,
Locus, The Village Voice, and
San Francisco Chronicle. Includes Nebula, World Fantasy, and Tiptree award-winning stories.
Kelly Link lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, although she can often be found driving across the country.
Customer Reviews:
A modern take on classic stories.......2007-08-10
(Mostly) a collection of classic fairy tales seen through the eyes of a modern person, neurotically and critically at that. Haunting, inspiring and funny.
reading this book was like wacking my own life into pieces with a hammer........2007-07-06
my life's course was set. i was going to be the next chekhov, or maybe the next john cheever. then i read this book, and the dream was over. kelly link is very very talented, and her talent made me see the light. i really have no talent. next to her stories, mine are merely vomit on unfortunate pages. i might as well get one of those sturdy, all-purpose brushes and go off into a future of scrubbing public toliets for a living. this woman has shown me that i am no writer. why did i ever read this book! why??????????????
"Mastery of a very particular kind" .......2007-04-09
In his liner notes to a 2005 CD titled "Back in New York," jazz enthusiast Peter Straub (yes, that Peter Straub), briefly touches on the concept of mastery, stating "What is represented here is mastery of a very particular kind. As a rule, mastery of any kind demands both a rich talent and an utter dedication to its development; in improvised music, only a few obtain mastery of this kind." Although Straub was referring to the great tenor saxaphonist Scott Hamilton with those words, he probably could be persuaded that they also apply to fantasist Kelly Link (heck, he's already dubbed her "the most impressive writer of her generation") , who, for the last decade, has demonstrated an unparalleled mastery of the short story form in every sense of that word. In retrospect, to say she has mastered the form is perhaps an understatement: not only has she tamed this particular beast, she's taught it a few new tricks. Her talent and dedication shine through in each and every tale.
Link's collections are treasure troves of creative storytelling, each volume a celebration of the power of the imagination, each story a unique, glittering gem worthy of careful and repeated inspection. Combining fantastic concepts with familiar elements of the real world, Link's works reveal there are myriad ways of interpreting and portraying "reality". You'll rarely encounter a writer as warm, adventurous, eclectic and sharp witted as Link. Fearless, there is no place she won't go; empathic, she effortlessly conveys to her audience the nuances of her characters' pain, bewilderment, joy and understanding.
Stranger Things Happen contains stories about dead men, newlyweds, twins, thieves, princesses, strange cousins, cannibals, marriage, unrequited love, ghosts, and girl detectives. Magic for Beginners sports stories featuring handbags, zombies, cannons, a haunted house, felines, contingency plans, divorce, a television show, and peacocks. Link writes about each of these topics with equal aplomb and inventiveness. She's aware of the numerous levels of story, of tales within tales, of the many paths she can choose in telling her stories-amazingly, she always picks what seems to be the most entertaining road to travel.
Her titles alone are arresting. Stranger Things Happen (featuring stories written between 1995-2000) contains, among others, "The Specialist's Hat," "Flying Lessons," "Travels with the Snow Queen," "Shoe and Marriage," "Most of My Friends are Two Thirds Water," and "The Girl Detective." Magic for Beginners (with stories written between 2002-2004) boasts the title story, "Catskin," "Some Zombie Contingency Plans," and "The Great Divorce." The titles fulfill their strange promise in surprising ways.
Simply put, these collections are delightful, the stories perfect for engaging your intellect and sense of whimsy and purging yourself of the mundane. Check them out, and learn for yourself that, when it comes to spinning edgy tall tales, the unconventional Link is in a class by herself.
a fine debut collection of the fantastic.......2007-03-17
With her debut collection Stranger Things Happen Kelly Link offers us a fresh new voice in fantastical short stories. While her stories could easily be shelved in the Fiction / Literature section of a book store, the short fiction of Kelly Link has such a strong element of the fantastic running through her work that they firmly belong as Fantasy. These stories get to the core of what fantasy means, and there are no elves or wizards or castles or orcs. As the title suggest, sometimes stranger things happen in life. Kelly Link's stories are those stranger things.
One hallmark of Link's stories in this collection is that they are all grounded deeply in reality but in each story there is something going on that isn't quite right, that isn't quite natural. In "Vanishing Act" the story is about one girl noticing that her cousin is slowly vanishing. In a very real sense this means that the adults and other people are not noticing her cousin because the cousin is withdrawing into herself, but the sense of unease comes in when we realize that no, Jenny Rose really is disappearing.
Link touches on an invasion of sexy blonde aliens in "Most of My Friends Are Two-Thirds Water", ghosts in "Louise's Ghost", Nancy Drew in "The Girl Detective" and this closing story is nothing like the Nancy Drew (or Hardy Boys for the guys) stories that we read as a child, but perhaps there really was something going on behind the scenes of Nancy Drew.
"Water Off a Black Dog's Back" is one of the creepiest stories in the collection and half the time it simply feels like a guy dealing with a girl who doesn't really want him to meet her family, but it has a sense of the windigo mythos, except for the whole heart of ice thing that comes with windigo. The malevolency is certainly there.
Overall, Stranger Things Happen is an impressive short story collection with none of the trappings of fantasy but still it sits very much in the fantasy genre. Kelly Link shows the reader what can be done with fantasy.
-Joe Sherry
No way this book can be a 5 star book.......2007-01-18
I bought this book, and her other book Magic for Beginners, based on the great reviews they have received and the fact that Gene Wolfe likes Kelly Link. However, the stories were not nearly as good as I expected besides Travels with the Snow Queen which is very good. You can tell that Ms. Link is a talented writer who has a lot of potential but this collection is just not that good. I will say that I read this collection while alternately reading Michael Swanwick's short story collection "Tales of the Old Earth" and I found Swanwick's collection vastly superior.
Also, Peter Straub calls Kelly Link the next voice of horror. I find that ridiculous as most of these stories are not part of the horror genre. The fact that a story has a ghost in it does not make the story part of the horror genre. For me, the stories had too much humor in them to be considered "horror".
Book Description
She may be a Mississippi belle, but Sarah Booth Delaney is no pampered daddy’s girl. Unwed and over thirty, Sarah has her own set of problems--like coping with regular hauntings by her great-great-grandmother’s nanny, a busybody of a ghost who’s set on marrying her off to the first suitor who comes calling. But when an old friend is in trouble, Sarah Booth doesn’t hesitate to get involved.
Splintered Bones
Eulalee McBride has confessed to murdering her husband...and she wants Sarah to dig up the dirt on the violent scalawag to prove he got what he deserved. Sarah Booth suspects that her friend is lying through her pearly whites...but why? There’s certainly no lack of suspects in Zinnia, Mississippi, including Bud Lynch, a horse trainer who arouses killer lust in the town’s women. As Sarah Booth begins to put together the pieces of the case, a killer is preparing to strike again. And this time it could send one late-blooming southern sleuth into an early grave.
Customer Reviews:
Seems a step back from the quality of the second book.......2007-09-01
I found that I kept putting this book down and did not want to pick it back up. I couldn't care less about the main character or the "innocent" accused (who else figure out the farm hand was the girl's father in the first couple of chapters.) The men who arrived to date Sarah Booth were somewhat amusing but then again, what gives with this? Is the author trying to convince us that her main character is so alluring that men flock to her. I'm not convinced. I still enjoy Tinkie (rich, daddy's girl). I still feel that the ex-slave ghost is annoying and frankly, somewhat insulting to black women. Why is this ghost so determined to have Sarah Booth get pregnant. I purchased the other books in this series in hopes that the author would improve over time. I am hoping that I don't regret the purchase.
A must read.......2006-08-03
If you like mysteries, then this book is for you. Carolyn Haines writes wonderful books with wonderful characters. I always think I have the murderer figured out until the twist at the end. Ms.Haines style of writing makes you feel like you are there with Sarah Booth helping her solving the mystery. If you like this book then you need to read all of her series.
Who really killed Kemper?.......2004-08-26
Sarah Booth Delaney is asked to help her friend Lee McBride. Lee has confessed to murdering her husband Kemper. She doesn't want Sarah to find a way to get her off, she just wants her to dig up dirt on her husband proving that he got what he deserved. She also wants Sarah to take care of her teenage daughter, Kip. What Sarah doesn't know is Kip is a real handful!
Sarah feels that Lee is covering for someone, but she isn't sure who - Kip, Avenger, Bud (the trainer), or someone else. She knows that if it turns out to be Kip, nothing she could do would make Lee admit it. So, Sarah begins investigating with the help of her friends Tinkie and Cece.
Plus, once Kip moves in, all sorts of things start happening. Sarah is unmarried and thirty. One night Kip overhears Sarah talking to herself (or so she thinks) about this. Then men start appearing at the door to escort Sarah to the ball. This is just the beginning of trouble.
What Kip doesn't know is that Sarah was talking to her great-great-grandmother's nanny's busybody ghost Jitty. Jitty helps Sarah talk over the case throughout the book.
At the ball, the barn where Avenger, Kip's horse, is burns down. Everyone saw Avenger, Kip and Bud in the fire. No one saw them come out. Sarah doesn't know how she can face Lee with this terrible news.
While I had a little trouble with the ghost, I really enjoyed this book. The story moves at a good pace and the characters work well together. The many references to daddy's girls gave credence to it. I love books set in the south, so Zinnia, Mississippi added a lot to this book.
I recommend this book. I hope to read more in this series myself.
Good Entry.......2003-10-26
I enjoyed this third entry in the Mississippi Delta mystery series. I was happy to see that Jitty played a smaller role in this episode as I find the main character, Sarah Booth Delaney, and her cohorts interesting enough without the added benefit of the ghost (that trick also works better, I think, in the Nancy Atherton series, Aunt Dimity, and in the Mignon F. Ballard series with angel Augusta Goodnight). And in this book, I found Jitty especially irritating as she was basically a one-note song, continually harping on her desire for Sarah Booth to get married and have children.
In this book, a friend of Sarah Booth's, Lee, confesses to the murder of her husband, a particularly loathsome man with quite a few enemies. She asks Sarah to dig up evidence that the man deserved to die, intending to play on the jury's sympathy in order to escape punishment. Sarah Booth quickly realizes that Lee is lying and she sets out to solve the crime.
There are plenty of laughs and some excitement along the way to make the book enjoyable. The one complaint I do have is that she sort of stumbled onto solving the mystery and I usually find that somewhat disappointing.
Will definitely pick up the next book in the series, Crossed Bones.
Not too good.......2003-09-12
I know that this opinion is different than the one of many other people. Most people actually seem to like this book...I didnt though. It was pretty boring and -in a certain way- annoying to me. I disliked the main character, Sarah Booth Delaney. Shes simply too much of a wise guy for my taste. Another thing that other people might find charming is the ghost Jitty, who talks to Sarah Booth...for me, this was just stupid.
"Splintered Bones" is not a bad book...its well-written and the story is okay too, but all in all, its not a masterpiece.
Average customer rating:
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Water King's Laughter
Esther M. Friesner
Manufacturer: Avon Books (Mm)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
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ASIN: 038075410X |
Average customer rating:
- Eye opening and a blessing for your life
- A great Guide
- User-Friendly and Empowering Book of Healing
- Tried and true
- Understanding Chinese Elements for Body Health All Year
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Staying Healthy With the Seasons
Elson M. Haas
Manufacturer: Celestial Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Healthy
| Diets
| Diets & Weight Loss
| Health, Mind & Body
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General
| Nutrition
| Health, Mind & Body
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General
| Exercise & Fitness
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Chinese Medicine
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Healthy Living
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Similar Items:
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A Cookbook for All Seasons: A Healthy Eating Plan for Life
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The New Detox Diet: The Complete Guide for Lifelong Vitality With Recipes, Menus, and Detox Plans
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Staying Healthy With Nutrition, 21st Century Edition: The Complete Guide to Diet & Nutritional Medicine
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The False Fat Diet: The Revolutionary 21-Day Program for Losing the Weight You Think Is Fat
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Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life
Accessories:
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Airborne Effervescent Health Formula, Original Orange, 10 Tablets (Pack of 3)
-
Tanita BC533 Glass Innerscan Body Composition Monitor
-
RESPeRATE Blood Pressure Lowering Device
ASIN: 0890873062 |
Book Description
A balanced blend of Eastern and Western medicines, nutrition, herbology, exercise, and a wealth of other health topics has made this one of the strongest texts on preventative medicine ever written. Included is a clear and concise introduction to applications of traditional Chinese medicinal theory and the five elements.
Customer Reviews:
Eye opening and a blessing for your life.......2005-04-18
I truly agree with the review written by M. Savoie "waxnwane" (Bound Brook, NJ USA). I add that this book is like an owner's manual for the human body. I, too, went to a Holistic Massage School, and I thank the powers that be that I got this book from them! I am learning things from this book that I have not found (written or spoken) anywhere else. It is easy to use, and most of the ingredients can be found in your local grocery store (for the cleanses). I keep this book in plain site in my home, and anyone who asks me gets overwhelmed by my response. If you buy no other "health" book than this one, you have purchased the best one! Someone had to do it .... THANK YOU ELSON M. HAAS for writing this book!!!!
A great Guide.......2004-08-28
This is an easy book to read no complicated words just right to the point no misguiding information, plus it has everything you need from top to bottom. This is a reference book that I think is great for people who wish to learn about the 5 elements and chinese medicine. I recommend it to all types of people.
User-Friendly and Empowering Book of Healing.......2003-09-09
I discovered this book as it was part of my curriculum in Holistic Massage Therapy School. But it is applicable to anyone who is looking to learn about holistic health self-care. Based on the Chinese 5-Element theory, Staying Healthy With The Seasons explores the particular energies, meridians, organs, moods, strongpoints and pitfalls of each season. It is easy to read, and pick and choose which ideas you like and would like to incorporate into new habits to try. There are so many ideas for each season, ranging from dietary cleansing, to mental patterns, to holistic bodywork recommended for the season, that you are bound to find some ideas that really appeal to you where you are now, and others you may like to try later.
This book really helped me to grow in ways I hadn't expected, and to release some difficulties and toxins I'd been holding onto on an emotional as well as physical level for several years. I felt very empowered using it to cleanse and refresh myself, inside and out!
Tried and true.......2002-04-04
This book is fabulous! I've done the elimination cleanse twice to astounding results. I'm about to do it again. It takes effort and about a month, but it's worth it for the absolute well-being you feel as a result. I've recommended this book to many people and all of them sing its praises! You will too!
Understanding Chinese Elements for Body Health All Year.......2000-08-15
I have owned and read this book for well over fifteen years. It is the first book I consult when self diagnosing any ill health for myself, family and friends. It had accidently fallen behind my other health books on my book shelf and I truly panicked. My very first thought was where can I get another copy. Having searched the entire shelf and joyfully locating it once more, I was determined to order another for back-up. It is the only book I have ever read that succinctly and clearly explains the five elements in the body, how they each are prominent in their own season and how best to cure any ailment during each season. Wisdom of the ages for our modern era.
Average customer rating:
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Staying healthy with the seasons =: [Si ji jian kang fa]
Elson M Haas
Manufacturer: Celestial Arts
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General
| Personal Health
| Health, Mind & Body
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Chinese Medicine
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ASIN: B0006S6GRW |
Book Description
In this provocative new book,Owen Bird writes frankly and with authority on the German wine industry; how it got into trouble and how it can rescue itself. He gives considerable insight into the pre-eminence of Riesling as driving the future of the industry. An in-depth analysis of German wine laws, labelling,competition from the New World and the advent of "flying winemaking" are all presented from a winemaking point of view. The steps taken by the German Wine Institute and the Verband Deutscher Pradikatsweinguter (VDP) to renew the image of German wine are compared and contrasted. For the first time in English, the new "Great Growths" Classification system launched by the VDP is explained and the individual terroirs discussed making this an ideal reference book and providing a current overview of the German wine industry.
Customer Reviews:
Not gold.......2007-09-19
This is, as far as I can tell, the only English-language book currently available that deals exclusively with German wines (not counting the translated version of the Gault-Millau, which has little more than number ratings). Sadly, it's a pretty mediocre effort. Owen Bird is reasonably knowledgeable about German wine, but this book could have used a lot more editing. The writing is frequently rambling, jumping from one point to another, giving a seemingly random example, before returning to a point addressed earlier. There are frequent errors in German spelling and obvious oversights in the English editing. Also, the book lacks an index. Clearly an amateur effort.
As for the substance of the book, Bird deals primarily with how to revive German wine from an international marketing point of view. An important topic, but not necessarily the most relevant one for German wine. How about reviving QUALITY in, say, the Rheingau? Reading this book, I got the sense, again and again, that Owen misses the point or has none at all.
It's worth trying to find a used copy of Stephen Brook's Wines of Germany, which is far better written and much more comprehensive.
An in-depth, comprehensive survey of industry trends and influences any serious wine drinker must have.......2006-05-26
Any interested in the German wine industry's history and ups and downs must have RHEINGOLD; THE GERMAN WINE RENAISSANCE. Unlike most wine surveys of Germany, RHEINGOLD provides a strong historical focus with an in-depth analysis of German wine laws, labeling, competition, and changing image. From the wide-ranging influences of Asian cuisine and its influence on German wine production to the VDP's grouping of regional associations, RHEINGOLD is not your usual light review of grapes and wineries, but an in-depth, comprehensive survey of industry trends and influences any serious wine drinker must have.
Diane C. Donovan, Editor
California Bookwatch
Book Description
More Than a Directory, It’s a Shopper’s Almanac—Listings for More Than 1,000 Locations!
All over the world, millions of people frequent flea markets looking for anything from oddball junk to valuable antiques.
The Official® Directory to U.S. Flea Markets lists more than a thousand flea markets nationwide, plus selected Canadian and international markets. Alphabetically arranged by state and region, each flea market listing includes a complete description of the merchandise as well as hours of operation and admission fees. Endorsed by the National Flea Market Association, the national organization of flea market vendors, this extraordinary directory contains everything about flea markets that novice collectors and experienced dealers need to know.
Customer Reviews:
helpfull.......2006-07-29
Helpfull but out of date, an update at least every two years would be nice.
Useful information, but not always up-to-date..........2003-08-07
I've found this book to be very useful to bring on road trips on the east coast and on the west coast. Having the information of where and when a flea market is taking place all in one place is handy and convenient. The flea markets are broken down by state, and then by city. The larger flea markets have a description of what you can expect to find, types of dealers, size, etc. There also a "phone book listing" after the larger flea markets in a state that are just names, phone numbers, addresses, but no description. So far, most of the flea markets I have looked up and gone to are there. The only problem has been in the descriptions for the larger flea markets: they aren't always on the mark in terms of what you can expect to find. Some of the decriptions are outdated and some are too general leading to disappointment when finally arriving at a new flea market. But overall, for the information (names, dates, locations) this is useful.
Customer Reviews:
Could be better..........2006-11-09
The book isn't good choice for a beginner. Too many mistakes, missconceptions and lack of basic explanations of radio equipment makes this book usefull only if you had more simmilar books nearby. While drawings are OK, photos are of really poor quality. Could be better, much better.
Good Start.......2006-08-07
This gives a new comer a good start on the basics. I was suprised to find it was written by a Brit. Too many specifications in Metric for a beginner, Also would expect a better glossary at the beginning before telling someone to attach something to a horn. What the heck is a horn. Ya, I finally did figure it out. All-in-All a good read.
Average customer rating:
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Accessible Design for Hospitality: ADA Guidelines for Planning Accessible Hotels, Motels, and Other Recreational Facilities
Thomas D. Davies , and
Kim A. Beasley
Manufacturer: Mcgraw-Hill (Tx)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Architecture
| Professional & Technical
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Residential
| Building Types & Styles
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Hotels, Restaurants, & Retail Spaces
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ADA Compliant
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General
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ASIN: 0070156549 |
Book Description
This updated and expanded guide to designing barrier-free facilities for the hospitality industry now covers the regulations and guidelines of the recently enacted Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The book offers architects, interior designers, and facilities managers the expertise they need to ensure that hotels, motels, restaurants, recreational and conference centers, and other facilities meet all pertinent ADA rules. Readers will get detailed information that enables them to do cost/benefit analyses of various design options, plus handy checklists and survey forms to help them assess what barriers need to be removed or modified. They will also learn how accessible design can lead to increased sales, greater customer satisfaction, and prudent planning. From entry lobbies to hotel corridors, from eating areas to guest rooms and rest rooms, from saunas to outdoor showers--it's all here in one convenient guide.
Average customer rating:
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The Devonshire Collection of Italian Drawing: Roman and Neapolitan/Venetian and North Italian Schools/Tuscan and Umbrian Schools/Bolognese and Emili (Devonshire Collection)
Michael Jaffe
Manufacturer: Phaidon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Renaissance
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Private
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Catalogues Raisonnes
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Drawing
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ASIN: 0714829374 |
Average customer rating:
- Un-put-downable!
- Delightful!
- Weakest Link, She Is Not
- Refreshing!
- The best biography you'll read for a long time
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Memoirs of an Unfit Mother
Anne Robinson
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Entertainers
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Similar Items:
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A Million Little Pieces
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I Feel Bad About My Neck: And Other Thoughts on Being a Woman
ASIN: 0743448960 |
Book Description
Who is Anne Robinson?
She's the notorious grand inquisitor of the television sensation The Weakest Link. She's the first woman in nearly half a century to host a prime-time game show. She's the highest-paid female journalist in British history. She warrants fan mail and death threats, fear and loathing, unqualified admiration and unabashed hatred....
But what you don't know about the Host from Hell could fill a book.
From pioneering journalist to overnight pop-culture phenomenon, Anne Robinson tells all with the same bar-nothing candor that won her the honor of "rudest woman on TV" (Britain's TVTimes). But now Anne Robinson trains her steely-eyed focus on her own past. With unblinking honesty she shares the events of her formative upbringing by a sensitive father and a driven, hardworking mother who was "part magic, part monster." With unreserved pride she reveals the headline-making battles to carve out her own career as a journalist, a controversial consumer reporter, and a BBC anchor -- a calling that took its toll on a troubled marriage and a sensational, highly publicized custody battle.
And with biting humor, Anne Robinson explores what brought her to her latest level of infamy: the autocratic style, withering glance, and stinging lash of the lady in black, landing her in the unique position of being both the most popular and unpopular television personality in history.
This is Anne Robinson. Are you game?
Download Description
Who is Anne Robinson? She's the notorious grand inquisitor of the television sensation The Weakest Link. She's the first woman in nearly half a century to host a prime-time game show. She's the highest-paid female journalist in British history. She warrants fan mail and death threats, fear and loathing, unqualified admiration and unabashed hatred.... But what you don't know about the Host from Hell could fill a book. From pioneering journalist to overnight pop-culture phenomenon, Anne Robinson tells all with the same bar-nothing candor that won her the honor of "rudest woman on TV" (Britain's TVTimes). But now Anne Robinson trains her steely-eyed focus on her own past. With unblinking honesty she shares the events of her formative upbringing by a sensitive father and a driven, hardworking mother who was "part magic, part monster." With unreserved pride she reveals the headline-making battles to carve out her own career as a journalist, a controversial consumer reporter, and a BBC anchor -- a calling that took its toll on a troubled marriage and a sensational, highly publicized custody battle. And with biting humor, Anne Robinson explores what brought her to her latest level of infamy: the autocratic style, withering glance, and stinging lash of the lady in black, landing her in the unique position of being both the most popular and unpopular television personality in history. This is Anne Robinson. Are you game?
Customer Reviews:
Un-put-downable!.......2002-12-03
Like me, I think that many mothers have a nagging doubt that they're in some way falling short. In some way - 'unfit'. Ann Robinson's memoirs is an honest description of her own roller-coaster experience of motherhood. It leaves you feeling that if she could go through all that and still create a balanced and happy daughter there is hope for the rest of us!
Delightful!.......2002-10-20
I always watch "The Weakest Link" here in Europe with sort of a fist in my mouth - how can that woman be so horrible to people, and what an utter delight it is when someone gets one up on her. This biography talks not only about the way in which a truly dedicated woman got to the top of her field, but also about the way in which this "unfit mother" really did turn out to be a wonderful mother, with a wonderful daughter and with a wonderful relationship with said daughter. I suppose that Anne Robinson must be feeling sort of like Boris Karloff these days - he wasn't really Frankenstein's monster, and she isn't really the iron-fisted dominatrix of the television show. I read every word with great pleasure, and I recommend the book to everyone. The reason for four instead of five stars is that there are about three paragraphs in the whole book about "The Weakest Link". I really would have wanted to hear a lot more about the author's thoughts about what is a phenomenal show. Other than that, though, it was a great, great read.
Weakest Link, She Is Not.......2002-08-28
In this brisk, mostly no-nonsense book, Ms. Robinson lays out her life like a feature story in the Sunday Times. She paints a witty portrait of her mother (who deserves her own book), a domineering, beautifully dressed, luxury-loving, hard driving businesswoman and a protective overbearing mother. Interestingly, this description fits author Anne like a glove.
In affairs of the heart, Anne calls herself a "belligerent doormat." I loved this phrase! I doubt that many of her long-term love interests would have agreed with the "doormat" part, but she felt/feels she takes to heart every criticism made of her and goes into a passive/aggressive mode. Though she seems very bare bones honest in reporting her emotional entanglements, there are strange gaps. For instance, how in the world did she make her second husband-to-be so angry with her that he testified against her in the custody trial for her daughter?
"Memoirs--" is worth the price if for no other reason than Ms. Robinson's honest and bleak reporting of her crippling alcoholism and how she gradually climbed out of this life-threatening spiral of devastation. And it did ruin her career and almost kill her. Interestingly, Ms. Robinson, though she spares herself very little, is a champion grudge holder. She clearly has never forgiven the court for the judgment that caused her to lose custody of her daughter. Yet at the time, she was a non-functional alcoholic who was totally undependable.
She turned her life around big time, and went on to become a highly successful reporter, radio and TV personality, which I found quite inspiring. I admit I have not yet seen "The Weakest Link," but now cannot wait to see her. I am sure Ms. Robinson can triumph in any and all situations. The book is well written, just what you would expect of a top-flight reporter. She has an excellent, if acerbic, sense of humor that makes her story even more enjoyable.
Refreshing!.......2002-08-16
I disagree with the Library Review's comment: "Only die-hard fans of Robinson will find this even mildly interesting." I am not a die-hard fan, but I could not put this book down. It is refreshing and even exhilarating to hear someone being honest about their own faults, especially when everyone nowadays wants to be the victim. Robinson does just that, pointing out that obviously her mother contributed to her life in negative ways as in positive ways, but her mother did not make her a drunk and her mother did not get her dry. Anne got to both of those locations herself, and candidly describes each journey. After reading this book, I HAVE found myself to admire this lady and even want to emulate her in many respects. I believe anyone with an open attitude towards her would have to say the same. Evidently the Library Reviewer was already predisposed to disliking Anne Robinson--a bad predisposition for journalists, in my opinion!
The best biography you'll read for a long time.......2002-04-29
This woman is human! You can relate to her in so many ways. Bravo to Annie for turning her life around and regaining the daughter she lost! The reader can feel the pain she experienced when she lost her daughter and when she lost her mother to Alzheimer's. Liverpool is vividly depicted and you will journey with Anne on her bumpy road to success. This book is about pursuing dreams and overcoming the obstacles to make it happen. You only wish you had someone like Anne to advise you on life. She tells it like it is without any whitewash on herself.
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MEMOIRS OF AN UNFIT MOTHER
ANNE ROBINSON
Manufacturer: TIME WARNER PAPERBACKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0751532681 |
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