Average customer rating:
- Good Story
- Sister Hood overcomes all
- Babylon Sisters: A Love Story Without All The Mush
- a good story, well-told
- Outstanding, Something out of the Ordinary
|
Babylon Sisters: A Novel
Pearl Cleage
Manufacturer: One World/Ballantine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General
| African American
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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| Books
Cleage, Pearl
| African American
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
General
| United States
| World Literature
| Literature & Fiction
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Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
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Suspense
| Thrillers
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
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General
| Mystery & Thrillers
| Subjects
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Playing My Mother's Blues
ASIN: 0345456092
Release Date: 2005-03-29 |
Book Description
Catherine Sanderson seems to have it all: a fulfilling career helping immigrant women find jobs, a lovely home, and a beautiful, intelligent daughter on her way to Smith College. What Catherine doesn’t have: a father for her child– and she’s spent many years dodging her daughter’s questions about it. Now Phoebe is old enough to start poking around on her own. It doesn’t help matters that the mystery man, B.J. Johnson–the only man Catherine has ever loved–doesn’t even know about Phoebe. He’s been living in Africa.
Now B.J., a renowned newspaper correspondent, is back in town and needs Catherine’s help cracking a story about a female slavery ring operating right on the streets of Atlanta. Catherine is eager to help B.J., despite her heart’s uncertainty over meeting him again after so long, and confessing the truth to him–and their daughter.
Meanwhile, Catherine’s hands are more than full since she’s taken on a new client. Atlanta’s legendary Miss Mandeville–a housekeeper turned tycoon–is eager to have Catherine staff her housekeeping business. But why are the steely Miss Mandeville and her all-too-slick sidekick Sam so interested in Catherine’s connection to B.J.? What transpires is an explosive story that takes her world–not to mention the entire city of Atlanta–by storm.
From the New York Times bestselling author of What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day . . . comes another fast-paced and emotionally resonant novel, by turns warm and funny, serious and raw. Pearl Cleage’s ability to create a gripping story centered on strong, spirited black women and the important issues they face remains unrivaled.
Download Description
Catherine Sanderson seems to have it all: a fulfilling career helping immigrant women find jobs, a lovely home, and a beautiful, intelligent daughter on her way to Smith College. What Catherine doesn’t have: a father for her child– and she’s spent many years dodging her daughter’s questions about it. Now Phoebe is old enough to start poking around on her own. It doesn’t help matters that the mystery man, B.J. Johnson–the only man Catherine has ever loved–doesn’t even know about Phoebe. He’s been living in Africa.
Now B.J., a renowned newspaper correspondent, is back in town and needs Catherine’s help cracking a story about a female slavery ring operating right on the streets of Atlanta. Catherine is eager to help B.J., despite her heart’s uncertainty over meeting him again after so long, and confessing the truth to him–and their daughter.
Meanwhile, Catherine’s hands are more than full since she’s taken on a new client. Atlanta’s legendary Miss Mandeville–a housekeeper turned tycoon–is eager to have Catherine staff her housekeeping business. But why are the steely Miss Mandeville and her all-too-slick sidekick Sam so interested in Catherine’s connection to B.J.? What transpires is an explosive story that takes her world–not to mention the entire city of Atlanta–by storm.
From the New York Times bestselling author of What Looks Like Crazy on an Ordinary Day…comes another fast-paced and emotionally resonant novel, by turns warm and funny, serious and raw. Pearl Cleage’s ability to create a gripping story centered on strong, spirited black women and the important issues they face remains unrivaled.
Customer Reviews:
Good Story.......2007-03-04
I have several of Pearl Cleage books, but have yet to read any of them until one of my book clubs pick this one for our read. I didn't finish it before our meeting, but I finished it afterward and it was a very good book. A little slow but good. I will have to read my other books by Ms. Cleage.
Sister Hood overcomes all.......2007-01-29
I enjoyed this fast paced, easy to read novel with characters I felt that I really knew. I was ready to drive around the city to find these locations mentioned since the book made them so real to me. I love a good plot and this one fooled me all the way!
Babylon Sisters: A Love Story Without All The Mush.......2007-01-26
Pearl Cleage does it again! She successfully puts into words those emotions that are all too common to most of us. Surprisingly, she is able to speak not only for the women characters, but for the men as well. Babylon Sisters is a love story without all of the mush. What I liked most about this book was the complexity of the characters - they have layers and the more you find out about each one, the more believable the character becomes. This book would make a great birthday gift to a friend. If you're a fast reader you can finish this in one weekend.
a good story, well-told.......2007-01-10
I loved this book, on many levels!
I'm a white woman in the Midwest, whose reading tends towards mysteries and gory thrillers, or travel- or food-related fiction and non-fiction. I was looking for something "different" and "light" to read over Christmas, so a book by a black woman about black characters in Atlanta, dealing with "women's issues" and immigration sounded interesting. (See the editorial reviews for story line.)
The mystery thread was engaging (even without anyone getting murdered!) as were the minor plot lines. I was afraid the "single-mother" and "romance" themes might be too sappy, but they weren't.
The glimpse of 'black culture' was interesting and "natural". I liked the characters; you'd be lucky to have them in your circle of friends. It was refreshing to see well-educated, affluent black characters.
There were references to books I've heard of but not read, so I'm now interested in seeking them out (e.g., the one that plays in role in the storyline).
The author's style was so enjoyable. Her turns of phrase were pleasing and the pacing of the chapters made it hard to put down. This was a good story, well-told. I plan to read more of her books.
Outstanding, Something out of the Ordinary .......2006-04-22
This is my first Pearl Cleage book and it won't be my last. The story doesn't have the typical urban fiction storyline its got a lot more to offer. The end is far from predictable. The chapters are short and the book is a quick and easy read. Cleage kept things moving from the beginning to the end. The book offers everything romance, drama, and a good discussion of immigration politics. If you want something out of the ordinary read this book.
The book is about Catherine Sanderson an advocate for immigrant woman and her daughter seventeen year old daughter Phoebe. The relationship between Phoebe and her mother grows rocky when she fails to reveal who her father is. But the main story line is about Catherine and her new job for Miss Mandeville. While working for Miss Mandevile Catherine learns about a female slave ring. Things quickly heat up as she uncovers more and more about immigrant women being sold and used as prostitutes.
Customer Reviews:
why are my people so confused?.......2003-10-31
Blanche White is an extremely dark-skinned african american woman who goes through life without suffering fools well and not caring what others think. The talented tenth, as described by W.E.D Du Bois is " The talented Tenth of the Negro race must be made leaders of thougth and missionaries of culture among their people... The Negro race, like all other races, is going to be saved by its exceptional men." That has been interpreted over the years as the more people in the race who look, act, and entertain and an old southern republican the better. Blanche goes to Amber Cove to go on a little vacation and to spend time with her kids. Amber Cove is owened by the Talented Tenth. Bright -light-skinned black people who are probably more racist that most bigots. When Blanche gets there she feels madly out of place, she isnt light, she isnt rich, and she doesnt care. the day Blanche gets there she over hears people talking about a woman who died. Along her stay there she meets some wonderfu characters, Mattie, Tina, Hank, Carol , and Stu, her love interest. WHen Hank commits suicide out of the blue he leaves Carol, his wife, damn near catatonic. Mattie, his friend, awe struck and Blanche confused. Blnache among the talented tenth is the struggle that image-concious black people go through to keep themselves considered among the 'Talented Tenth.'
If you've ever been to Martha's Vineyard - you'll understand.......2002-07-16
If you've ever been to Martha's Vineyard you will understand how thoroughly she described the African-American society in this book from your own personal experience. I enjoyed how she had trepidation about describing what she did for a living to the upper crust of the community. I enjoyed her personal intuitive tug-of-war regarding the pros & cons of dating a local man. Most importantly, as a woman, she was great at picking up clues and reading human nature. This was generally enjoyable nevertheless one may find it difficult as your personal pain resurfaces when she describes her personal experiences at being teased because she's dark skinned or the negative experiences or teasing of being light-skinned.
Not much mystery.......2002-06-24
Read this book because it is well written and has interesting characters, not because of the "who done it" aspects as there are few.
Holding up the mirror.......2001-11-24
Blanche White is without peer in the detective mystery genre. She is a dedicated domestic worker who seems to meander into situations most us strive to avoid. In no small measure (being extremely inquisitive, make that downright nosy), is at the root of all her predicaments. In this outing, author Barbara Neely, through the thoughts of her heavyset heroine, takes intra-racial classicism to task.
Blanche is on a vacation/ research outing amongst upper class blacks in a small resort community on the coast of Maine. She is anxious to see what it is about peer influence that has resulted in perceptible attitudinal changes in her two wards, Taifa and Malik. Once she arrives on site, she is immediately confronted by the not so secret and yet existent stratification of the black community, color consciousness. As with first novel of the series, Blanche happens to fall into a mystery but equally as consistent, that aspect of the book takes a back seat to a wealth of commentary regarding economic disaffectedness and prejudice. The difference is, in this instance it is black against black, or more accurately, light denigration of dark.
This book is as formulaic as the first, and for that matter the third, only the enmity normally directed towards white antagonists has been redirected inwardly against segments of the black community. While much of what Blanche observes and encounters rings true, like the other stories, it is in balance where the book is lacking. As I have noted with the others in the series I have reviewed, fans looking for a well developed mystery may come away disappointed.
blance cleans up..........2001-08-18
i met barbara neely when she came to san francisco earlier this month to promote her new novel. she was warm, ebuillient, and was eager to explain the writing process and signed autographs, without a fuss....
i loved this novel. blanche is an uncommon sluth who proves that mother wit can carry you just as well as book learning. and blanche proves her point nicely as she deals with the vacationers at a maine resort. neely also touches on the issues of racism within the black race ( color consciouness ) and dillemmas between the rich and poor. blanche is not another woman fretting about not having a man, but neely shows blanche to be a desirable, witty and charming woman. neely also points out with uncompromising honesty how blacks do what they can to survive in white society. i also admire neely for the references she makes to the goddess religions and african=american culture. she shows black readers there are other alternatives to christianity....
Average customer rating:
- interesting and enjoyable
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Weird Tales from Shakespeare
Katharine Kerr , and
Martin H. Greenberg
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Greenberg, Martin H.
| ( G )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Kerr, Katharine
| ( K )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Anthologies
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Anthologies
| Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0886776058 |
Customer Reviews:
interesting and enjoyable.......1999-04-19
The turning of the tide shows the uprise of the popularity of Shakespere. And rightly so too-it It seemed that for a while, his name was condemned to a fate of "just another white, male, Anglo-Saxon writer". This book has brought a different light to all of the plays that were once forgotten. Even though this book has also been forgotten and reshelved for the new, some libraries still have it, and I really enjoyed some of the offerings. My favorite was the "this is the way it actually happened" scenerio of Hamlet and the possible importance of Yorick. Another great one was the joke of the porn director trying to enlist the brightest stars of Hollywood to try to recapture the "prestige" of Hamlet with Mel Gibson. There is a little mention of Tom Stoppard in it too, which I liked. Recommended!
Book Description
A comprehensive text that provides easy-to-understand explanations of medical aspects of common chronic illnesses and disabilities.
Customer Reviews:
how do you rate a class text?.......2005-10-23
this is required reading for a class that I am taking. Since it is required - the text could be considered perfect - without it I would be unable to complete the class.
Other than that, the book is well organized, thorough, and dense with information. A good text.
A must read for the layman and the professional........2000-03-18
Prof. Falvo has produced a book that clearly outlines not only the medical concerns, but the very real psychological aspects of chronic illness that are frequently misunderstood. Specific examples are used throughout the book and it is quite readable to someone who is not a medical professional like myself. The author shares her insights and experience to provide the groundwork for trying new approaches.
The book also cites numerous references for someone who is interested in pursuing additional research. I can certainly recommend it for anyone interested in the topic.
Customer Reviews:
Most Valuable - Needs to be Reissued.......2004-06-23
This is one of the best recipe books around. My wife bought this book for us because she was tired of the junk that is out there called food. Some of the recipes call for more natural ingredients including things like wheatgerm.
What flavorful foods my wife has made since getting this little gem. There is information regarding antioxidants, reducing sugar intake, recipes for people with chronic conditions.
One thing that happened to me was really peculiar. I felt a little deprived the first day or two, then, suddenly, the dishes were actually giving me massive amounts of energy. I thrive on these foods now.
To say that I highly recommend this book would be an understatement. Since I dislike superlatives, the above will suffice.
Foods That Heal by Salaman.......2003-11-25
This is an excellent work. The author cites all-natural methods
for healing. For instance, appendicitis may be prevented with
a high fiber diet. Arthritis may occur due to food sensitivities;
such as, nightshade plant derivatives, pepper and eggplant.
The Bingham Regimen consists of 16 hours of bedrest, 8 glasses
of water daily, an increase in protein, fish, lean meats,
nuts and seeds, organic fruits/veggies, no alcohol or tobacco,
2000 ml. Vit C, 3 glasses of raw certified milk, Vit D 1000 IU,
fish oil, pantothenic acidic foods, royal jelly, soy, lentil,
alfalfa, peanuts, bee pollen and walnuts-all aimed at arthritic
conditions. Gallstones may be minimized with Vit E.
Vitamin A and B2 and bilberry are noted for eye problems.
Cramps may be controlled with Ca., Mg., K(potassium-deficiency),
B6, Vit C and Vit E.
A "Vitamin C protocol" consists of rose hips, guava, black
currant, green peppers, spinach, papaya, tomato and squash.
Cod liver oil, tuna, egg yolk, cheese, milk and bee pollen
are natural sources of Vitamin D.
This book has a wealth of information pertinent to the treatment
and control of a variety of chronic and painful conditions.
As people get older, they no longer get diseases that tend to
go away with an overnight treatment. Instead, many conditions
require ongoing treatment, maintenance and diagnostic tests
before a meaningful remission can be accomplished.
This work is well worth the cost. It should be in every health
maintenance library.
Customer Reviews:
Classic in the field.......2000-03-03
If you want to see what collectors of American antique furniture could find in the first half of the 20th century, this is a great book. It contains many, many (black & white) photos of wonderful pieces in all major categories of furniture. Each category is chronologically organized from the Puritan period up to late Federal (nothing really from Neo-classical on however). Note that there is very little data provided for each item - this is really a photographic reference. Even so, for the novice this is a great book because it provides so much variety to view in one place. For the expert it is a great place to see rare and highest quality pieces. No collector of American period furniture should be without this book.
Product Description
1972 edition of the Ethan Allen American Traditional Interiors catalog. A great resource for interior decorators, designers, historians, museum personnel, and antiques and collectibles dealers.
Product Description
Catalog of early american furniture published for the New York World's Fair. Oversized paperback suitable for a cofee table. 156 pages.
Average customer rating:
- Very good resource for filet
- Great for beginners
- Inspiring
- One of the best filet books on the market
- Book doesn't give thread recommendations and yardage
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The Filet Crochet Book: More Than 100 Elegant But Simple Country Lace Projects
Chris Rankin
Manufacturer: Sterling
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Photography
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Crocheting
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Crafts & Hobbies
| Home & Garden
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0806958235 |
Book Description
“From the simple to the sublime, this volume encompasses it all.”—Quick & Easy Crafts. “A touch of lace added to shelves, pillows, coverlets, blankets, linens, lingerie, and apparel can make a lovely difference....More than 100 designs. No prior knowledge is necessary.”—Booklist.
Customer Reviews:
Very good resource for filet.......2007-06-05
this book includes very good basic instructions, including how to increase. There are lots of beautiful patterns ranging from florals, scenics, geometrics and some for children. Included are curtains, table covers, edgings, and many others. One can easily adapt the filet charts to uses other than those shown. Photos and charts are very clear.
Great for beginners.......2002-02-14
I have crocheted before but everytime I tried to follow instructions on how to filet, I couldn't understand them. This explained it very well and I was quickly making very nice projects. Filet works rapidly and you can really make things quickly.
Inspiring.......2001-12-28
The projects in this book are what I would call 'sophisticated country' in style. I have found the directions to be excellent. I made a doily from this book as my very first project having just learned to crochet. I have made an edging from the book to adorn a linen baptismal gown. I know I will choose projects from this book for many years to come, and have spent many hours just enjoying the pictures.
One of the best filet books on the market.......2001-06-06
This is the one of the most detailed books on filet crochet that I have ever read. It has background, history, comparisons, patterns. The pattern section has a good variety to choose from and are not just doilies. The instructions are excellent and the patterns are just beautiful. The introduction and general "how to" instructions are detailed and have large illustrations. There is a conversion chart of hook sizes, as well as US and British terms for chart symbols and abbreviations. There are complete instructions on how to read charts, do increasing and decreasing, make turns and calculate patterns. It has a great "first project" with one the best illustrated directions I've seen for how to work the stitches and where to actually place your hook for stitches and turns. I would recommend this book regardless of whether you are already into filet crochet or want to learn how to do filet crochet. Chris did an excellent job.
Book doesn't give thread recommendations and yardage.......2001-01-03
This is a wonderful book, but a new edition could be more useful if it listed the thread size and amounts in yards used for the projects as illustrated. While the book lists thread weights in grams, the weight can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Before you do a project, make sure to crochet a gage swatch and make estimates based on the swatch.
Book Description
Acclaimed designer Michael Smith has earned a reputation as the thinking celebrity's decorator, with a client list that includes Cindy Crawford, Kate Capshaw, Steven Spielberg, Dustin Hoffman, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Pairing lush interiors with dynamic insider advice, Michael Smith's Elements of Style beautifully captures the essential building blocks of good interior design. Smith covers in depth the most common decorating decisions everyone faces: working with color, selecting the right paint, choosing window treatments and floor coverings, creating a luxurious bed, and building a furniture collection over time. Illustrated with stunning color photography, including a dozen homes presented in depth to demonstrate how rooms work alone and together, the book also includes practical sidebars on learning how to buy antiques and attend auctions, how to ready your home for sale, and how to create a house that can evolve over time. This invaluable, idea-filled resource is about polished, fresh design that is both aspirational and attainable.
Customer Reviews:
ONE OF THE BEST AMERICAN DESIGNERS.......2007-03-19
MICHAEL SMITH IS ONE OF THE BEST AMERICAN DESIGNERS PRACTICING TODAY AND IT SHOWS IN THIS BEAUTIFULLY PHOTOGRAPHED BOOK...EVERYTHING ABOUT THE TEXT, THE WAY IT IS WRITTEN AND HOW IT LEADS YOU THROUGH THE BOOK, IS FIRST RATE.....I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK FOR WHAT WILL EVENTUALLY BE HISTORICAL INTERIORS; AND ITS DESIGNER, WHO WILL BE IN THE YEARS AHEAD THOUGHT OF AS A GREAT, GREAT DECORATOR... MR SMITH KNOWS HOW TO PUT ATMOSPHERE INTO A ROOM......
Michael S. Smith, artist.......2007-02-10
This book is instructional and very well done. The "instructions" are in the photographs. Read them like paintings, which is how I think Michael S. Smith's rooms each look. There are 2 illustrations in the Amazon listing. Look first at the pictures of the room with the green sofa, then at the cover illustration. Then, please, read below & see whether you agree with me.
1. Pairs help to create a formal look: See the 2 leaf green lamps w/blue grey shades, 2 crystal sconces on end wall, 2 ornate crystal candelabra, 2 brass candlesticks on mantle, and 2 photos framed alike.
2. Echoes: Black fireplace box w/white surround & mantle echoes... the black & white photographs/sketches w/white mats & black frames and...the black piano next to all-white floor lamp; Painting of black curving figures on light tan background in brass/gilt frame echo the very solid black coffee table on the cream rug w/tan curving figures.
3. Use of Color in this Room: A subtle example -- There are 3 pieces of furniture with painted wood (excluding the piano): A chair with a cream/white frame, a table/stool in oxblood, and a settee with a blue grey frame. These are shades of the three primary colors. The colors of these 3 painted pieces together comprise the complete spectrum. The "color scheme" of the room as a whole also comprises the complete spectrum. The painted wood is a microcosm of this characteristic of the room. (And the complete spectrum gives us? ...Light.)
4. Gradations of Tints: The use of light-to-dark shades of each color gives a painterly quality to the room, softening the contrasts of colors and emphasizing the volume of the architecture, of the space. RED: cherry rug border, oxblood table, deep coral chair, pink & red flowers (5 shades of red, 3 not counting flowers). GREEN: deep & light green in settee fabric, brighter green in sofa & curtains, slightly brighter green in lamp bases, spring green in leafy bouquet (5 shades of green, 4 not counting bouquet). GOLD: Cream walls & rug background, gilt of picture frame & candlesticks on mantle & gold of print on settee, light tan of painting background and sisal rug, light camel of rug pattern and side chair, deep bronze of oblong sofa pillow and mantle figure, muted yellow of Chinese vase, sunny yellow of blossoming plant on coffee table. (7 shades of yellow, 6 not counting flowering plant). BLUE: Light & darker blue in settee print, soft deeper blue of Chinese vase (3 shades of blue).
5. Use of Black: Always important, but especially obvious here. It's needed to balance the massive black piano.
6. Rooms Need an Element of Surprise. Here it's the settee. The architecture of this room, its paneled walls, high ceilings, wide windows and volume, as well as that 7-foot Steinway (I think.) suggest the use of traditional furnishings. The settee is a subtle and beautiful contrast to the overall English look here. The "surprise" of a steel & glass table, for example, would have been a boring cliché and no surprise at all, don't you think?
7. Now for the Cover Photo. Its design follows that of the previous room, even though the style is completely different. The branches and leaves of the paper, bouquet and table echo one another. Here too the colors yellow, blue/green and red all range from light to dark, pale to bright, and there is a restrained presence of black. The bright blue Chinese vase, the gilt table and the cherry red (of the cherries) in the paper dramatically form a full spectrum, emphasize the full-spectrum of the color scheme and create light right across the center of the photograph. The surprise here is the hand. I think the main role of the pagodas is as verticals against the movement in different directions of all the curvy diagonals in the paper, the table and the vase of branches.
8. True, in the end, it's in the eye of the beholder. And yes, some, even many, of the rooms in this book may not be what you want for yourself. Nevertheless, study this book -- carefully. Then follow Michael S. Smith's lead. Simple as that! (Sorry this is a bit long.)
"A lot of money for a book cover".......2007-01-04
I bought this book only because of the very rich Tony Douquette-like intior on the cover, fully expecting to see more of the same or similar inside. After all isn't the cover supposed to represent the main "idea". It spoke to me in my language, and looked like a room ripped from my own home. A friend of mine saw it and even said it looked like I had designed the room myself. Big mistake. There is nothing in the book that comes close to the richness, depth and beauty of the picture on the cover. It was a big disipointment!
Sophisticated style.......2006-10-04
This book is perfect for the advanced home owner or individuals who have developed a mature and sophisticated style. I find myself returning again and again to the advice of Michael Smith. The more I know about design the more I appreciate his unstructured yet very elegant and extremely discerning method of putting a home together. A terrific resource from a very talented designer!!!
Don't be fooled by the reviews.... like I was!!.......2006-08-15
This book leaves me cold. I ordered it as an 'add-on' because I was getting a couple of others and I guess it's what I deserve, for buying it sight unseen. This is the first time I have been compelled to write a review... and it is really just as a warning to others to look through this book first, before purchasing. I don't even like the pictures!
Average customer rating:
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El Placer de Dibujar Los Primeros Trazos
Olmedo
Manufacturer: Idea Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Drawing
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Drawing
| Instructional & How-To
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
Spanish
| Foreign Language Nonfiction
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
Dibujo
| Instrucción y Referencia
| Arte
| Arte, arquitectura y fotografía
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
Dibujo
| Diseño Gráfico
| Arte, arquitectura y fotografía
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
No-Ficción
| Libros en español
| Formats
| Books
| Automotriz
| Ciencias Sociales
| Crimen y Criminales
| Educación
| Estudios de la Mujer
| Feriados
| Filosofía
| Gobierno
| Hechos Verídicos
| Planeamiento Urbano y Desarrollo
| Política
| Sucesos de Actualidad
| Transportación
ASIN: 8482361112 |
Average customer rating:
- A Lost Paradise
- The Mayor's platform was "A porkchop in every fridge"
|
Toast of the Town: The Life and Times of Sunnie Wilson (Great Lakes Books)
Sunnie Wilson , and
John Cohassey
Manufacturer: Wayne State University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Entertainers
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
African-American & Black
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Ethnic & National
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Historical
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Business
| Professionals & Academics
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
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General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
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General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Blues
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
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| Books
Jazz
| Musical Genres
| Music
| Entertainment
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| Books
Food & Lodging
| Reference & Tips
| Travel
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| Books
| Bed & Breakfast
| Dining
| Hotels & Inns
| Parks & Campgrounds
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
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Michigan
| State & Local
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| Americas
| History
| Subjects
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Oral History
| Historical Study
| History
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0814326951 |
Customer Reviews:
A Lost Paradise.......2004-01-05
Sunnie Wilson was like the John Dancy's and the Francis Kornegay's of the Detroit Urban League: High-yellow blacks who loathed the dark-complexioned blacks. If you don't believe me, read E. Franklin Frazier's Black bourgeois, or Victoria Wolcott's Remaking Respectability.
It was not my intention to linger on the issues regarding Wilson's conspicuous story, rather than to make the point that Wilson belonged to a particular elite social circle that was set apart from the common black folk of/in Black Bottom and Paradise Valley. Albeit not stated in my theses, it is my belief that one of the reasons that Black Bottom fell was because black elites abandoned the community in time of real need. Instead of coming together to forge a political strategy to battle Mayor Jeffries infamous Detroit Plan, Black elites (with the aid of a 1946 Supreme Court ruling) fled to the suburbs, and Idlewild.
Wilson's story is an important source in Black Bottom historiography because he forces us to rethink the hiring practices of Detroit Urban League, where Forrester B. Washington, and other black community leaders, believed that light-skinned women seeking employment - as opposed to the those of darker skin tone - were more attractive because they "were as a rule girls who have had better opportunities than the pure blacks who were mostly southern girls from the rural districts." This reductionist viewpoint allowed leaders like John Dancy to place light-skinned women employees in coveted positions in effort to improve the image of African American female workers in Detroit. In other words, the Detroit Urban League - composed mostly of color-conscious, "high-yellow" blacks - funded by wealthy whites, allowed themselves to become the filtering station for the white establishment to scrutinize and choose the type and kind of blacks they would allow to enter their workforce. And who would be better suited for such a job other than the black bourgeois, whose main goal and objective was to be loved and accepted by white folks. Now, one could argue that the Detroit Urban League had simply played the cards they were dealt (as Richard Thomas might would argue), or one could argue that the Detroit Urban League could have done more to challenge the racist, paternalistic, and patriarchal actions of the white establishment, and pushed for a more humanistic approach to solving the problems of employment affronted the black southern migrant - both dark and light-complected.
Wilson's book forces us to look at these problematic issues that would, in my opinion, ultimately cause the fall of a great and unprecedented example of perhaps the most impressive black community the world would ever know. Wilson was part of an elite circle of (high-yellow) black folk that fleeced the black community in the same way that Jews had historical done. And when Black Bottom and Paradise Valley began to see hard times, rather than bond together their resources, influence, political power and wealth, the rich and elite black folk (including Wilson) packed their bags and fled the scene. Wilson would like to make us believe that it was black crime ("Soon I made up my mind that I could no longer do business in a section full of dope peddlers and petty criminals") that pushed him away from his responsibilities toward the black community revitalization movement, but it was probably the opportunity to retain his elite ties and lifestyle that ole Sunnie - a high-yellow elitist - saw the benefit in heading up north to forge together a community of "well-to-do black cottage owners and vacationers." Wilson reveled in the joy and prestige of rubbing elbows with the black rich and famous, who would become regular attendants of Idlewild: Dr. W. E. B. Dubois, Madame C. J. Walker, Charles Waddell Chestnutt, and Dr. Daniel Hale Williams who originally owned the island from 1915 to 1916 before giving it to his sister, Virgil (whom Wilson, consistently obsessed with color, describes as "a very light-compected woman..."). As I read Wilson's story, I became somewhat convinced that part of the reason that Black Bottom and Paradise Valley "became a victim of `slum clearance,' or what became known as urban renewal," was because the black community's most vital resources -black wealthy elites - abandoned it. Rather than see the benefit of fighting to restore, rebuild, and revitalize the fledgling black economy (fledgling since the riots) the black economic power-base (the Barthwells', the Gordys', The Roxboroughs' , the Wilsons' ) closed ranks and hit the dirt running. And the "big-money interests like Mr. Webster and the J. L. Hudson family bought up parcels of land," while, "to make way for the I-75 freeway, the city decimated Black Bottom and Paradise Valley."
Today, a comfortably retired Wilson unapologetically recants his act of treason: "I thought the takeover was wrong, but sometimes you can't fight `progress,' especially when you are poor and your adversary is armed with the power of millions of dollars." But Wilson, like his friends and associates, were wealthy, or at least, collectively wealthy, which meant power. Rather than fight, they ran to the suburbs and Idlewild, while the less affluent blacks in Black Bottom watched their lives crumbled beneath the mammoth city-owned bulldozers.
The Mayor's platform was "A porkchop in every fridge".......2001-11-04
and Sunnie Wilson lived up to that motto by giving back generously to the black community. His motto might also have been "a bed and good meal for every musician" because he owned and operated the Mark Twain Hotel expressly for that purpose. BB King, Dizzy Gillespie,Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and many more stayed there. Sunnie also ran several show bars in Detroit's "northern" Paradise Valley. The book contains hundreds of stories having to do with musicians whose names are very common today. He was also very influencial in the political climate of the 1930 and 1940s in Detroit, and provides much insite into those times. Some of his greatest successes occured in the rich entertainment district that centered around John R, where today the Detroit Medical Center sits. To understand the history, you have to read the book, almost nothing remains of what was sometimes called the "near eastside ghetto".
A great read. It reads like a novel, but leaves you with hard facts that easily pop up in conversation, and give perspective into the future.
Books:
- Babyville: A Novel
- Bell, Book and Dyke: New Exploits of Magical Lesbians
- Brothers Of Gwynedd - Comprising - Sunrise In The West, Dragon At Noonday, Hounds Of Sunset, Afterglow & Nightfall
- Catching Midnight (The Upyr Series, Book 2)
- Christmas Jars
- Cinco Personas Que Encontaras En El Cielo, Las
- Da Gospel According to Ali G
- Dangerous Depths: An Underwater Investigation
- Darklighter (Star Wars: Empire, Vol. 2)
- Dirty White Boys
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
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- Brunner and Suddarth's Textbook of Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Audio- and Video-Based Biometric Person Authentication: Third International Conference, AVBPA 2001 H
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- Buddhist Goddesses of India
- Cultivating Communities of Practice
- Classic Jamaican Cooking: Traditional Recipes and Herbal Remedies
- The Gilded Room
- Architectural Detailing: Function - Constructibility - Aesthetics
- Bomarzo
