Average customer rating:
- A master of irony
- Fast and very readable
- Delightful
- A Great Book
- Was good.
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Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less
Jeffrey Archer
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
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Kane and Abel
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First Among Equals
ASIN: 0312997132
Release Date: 2004-05-04 |
Book Description
The conned: an Oxford don, a revered society physician, a chic French art dealer, and a charming English lord. They have one thing in common. Overnight, each novice investor lost his life's fortune to one man. The con: Harvey Metcalfe. A brilliant, self-made guru of deceit. A very dangerous individual. And now, a hunted man. With nothing left to lose four strangers are about to come together-each expert in their own field. Their plan: find Harvey, shadow him, trap him, and penny-for-penny, destroy him. From the luxurious casinos of Monte Carlo to the high-stakes windows at Ascot to the bustling streets of Wall Street to fashionable London galleries, their own ingenious game has begun. It's called revenge-and they were taught by a master
Customer Reviews:
A master of irony.......2007-09-30
This was my first Jeffrey Archer novel and I was very impressed. (Incidentally, I believe this was Jeffrey Archer's first novel.) Archer is a master of irony, a modern-day O. Henry. This is a masterful novel of revenge. If you like Ocean's 11, you will LOVE this book.
Plenty of "twists in the tale."
Fast and very readable.......2007-03-21
I recently found a copy of Jeffrey Archer's first book in an Op-Shop and nearly passed it by..it was an old and battered original paperback, and was convinced that I'd read it 30 years ago when it was first published. Flicking through it, it dawned on me that I'd only THOUGHT I'd read it and was delighted to start on it at once, and what a super read it is! It's in the fresh language of a new author and full of the funny and intriguing plots of four men who have been swindled out of large sums of money by an American con man, Harvey Metcalfe. The leader of the four men is a brilliant mathematician who is working as a Professor at Oxford University and who thought up the idea of the four "suckers" getting together to not only get revenge on Metcalfe but also to retrieve their money. The men, a Harley Street doctor, the owner of a prestigious London art gallery and the son of an Earl, concoct several ingenious plans to this end and the result is a very likeable book which was great fun to read, albeit 30 years after everyone else!
Delightful.......2007-01-08
When four men lose their life savings to a wealthy Boston swindler in a stock market scam, how will they get their money back? That's the plot of this highly entertaining novel that can best be summed up as: don't get mad, get even. Their goal is to recoup exactly the $1 million they collectively lost, hence the title of the book. With revenge that can be described as "playful" rather than mean-spirited, the book has a light-hearted tone that will leave readers upbeat.
As the reader of more than half a dozen novels by Jeffrey Archer and one collection of short stories, I thought it was about time to read his very first novel.
Often, after I have sampled an author and decided I like their writing, it is fun to go back and read their first efforts - seeing how they have matured over the years and polished their craft. But in this instance, I had another reason as well: the man himself fascinates me. I realize his personal life is as scandalous as his fictional characters, and if you happen to be a Brit, he probably ranks right up there with the royal family in terms of tabloid coverage. But you have to hand it to the guy: for someone who was on the brink of bankruptcy and forced to step down from political office in financial disgrace, he didn't sit around and moan. He took up pen and paper, wrote his first novel, and launched a stellar writing career.
I have no idea if the novel was simply catharsis for him, or if he was confident enough in his abilities to think he could regain his fortunes with just a single book. For those that don't know the story, he invested $1 million of his own money in the early 1970s in a Canadian company that turned out to be a scam. He found himself almost penniless overnight and although he did not ultimately declare bankruptcy, he came awfully close.
But the rest, as they say, is history. The fact that he sat down to write rather than just curl up in the fetal position tells me something about the tenacity of the human spirit in this man. So, it was with much anticipation that I got my hands on a copy of "Not a Penny More, Not a Penny Less," Archer's first novel. I was looking forward to seeing the book that started a remarkably prolific career. And I suspected that more than a few details in the book would be drawn from his personal experience being swindled out of his own life's savings.
The book is a wonderful read. Comical, witty, well-paced and well-plotted, Archer shows his skill as one of the world's foremost storytellers. The ending is highly satisfying and includes a twist on the very last page (literally) that puts the icing on the cake.
A Great Book.......2006-11-22
Not a penny more, not a penny less, is a book about four people who lose over a million dollars in a stock market scam. They get together and decide to steal all there money back, but not a penny more, not a penny less. I enjoyed this book a lot, and I definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoyed movies like Oceans Eleven and The Italian Job. The plot was great, and it has twists and turns along the way, that keep you reading it. It is definitely a book worth checking out.
Was good........2006-08-16
When I read on the first page of this novel that this is Jeffery's best novel before he wrote more after 2000 I was bit remorse. The reason was simple. As this novel is just good! not excellent or page-turner the others have to be less than good. Apart from all this I can not help myself to give rating except 5.
Product Description
A novel of a million-dollar swindle and the elaborate capers the four victims undertake in revenge.
Book Description
MOVE OVER MISS MARPLE
Allegheny "Ally" Green has spent her entire life being the voice of reason in Clover Leaf, Texas. Between her family and her nursing job at the local hospital, Ally's hands are too full for things like everlasting love and personal fulfillment. After all, when your aunt talks with the deceased and your sister shoots her cheating boyfriend in the foot, someone has to pay the bail.
Then dead bodies start tuning up---including her sister Sissy's ex. And when Sissy herself becomes the sheriff's number one suspect, it's up to Ally to save the day yet again . . .All she has to do is track down a murderer, save her sister, avoid any romantic notions involving the sheriff and find a life of her own.
Simple, really.
Customer Reviews:
Charming romance-mystery.......2007-09-19
All her life, Allegheny Green has taken care of her family. She's the only sane one in a bunch of eccentric characters. When she discovers two deaths involving her jerk-magnet sister Sissy, she dons her Nancy Drew cap to prove Sissy's innocence, while fighting her lust for new sexy sheriff Sam Conahegg. Suddenly she has to balance her own needs with the needs of her very needy family.
Wilde, who is know for her racy romances, has created a charming lighthearted and humorous romance with just a touch of spice. She goes into new unfamiliar territory by writing it in first person, which provides more insight into Allie's need to keep watch over her helpless family. It's one of my favorite Wilde novels.
Ally Green, Heroine Extraordinare! (B Grade).......2007-06-21
Lori Wilde has written a nice, light mystery romance with a heroine who is so caring to the point she doesn't think for herself. You feel for Ally as she goes through constant drama with her kooky aunt and mother as well as a younger sister who involves herself with abusive, drug addicted jerks. Ally is the only woman in this family with her head on straight.
But then one night little sister shoots her loser boyfriend in the foot. But things aren't that bad as the lust of Ally's dreams, Sheriff Conahegg is on the case. From that moment on Ally's life becomes even crazier with murder, out of control neighbors and the man she wants who keeps giving her mixed signals.
Ally has a back bone but is afraid to go after the best things in life, which means our hunky sheriff. Will Ally let loose, or will her sister and family bring her down?
Oh, and Ally finds herself becoming an amateur sleuth when her sister maybe up for murder charges.
Some may think this is more a popcorn read, but overall and enjoyable way to spend a few hours. The romance is sweet and Ally's internal thoughts are cute.
Katiebabs
Good overall story but...........2007-06-21
the ending was too abrupt--the alternate ending was not any better. I am a fan of this author but she really needs to put more time into the final chapter after writing such an interesting read. She must have gotten bored towards the end.
Murders Shake Up Allegheny's Dull Life.......2006-11-27
The cover graphics make it look like a teen novel, but it isn't. The back cover says "Move over Miss Marple," but again, it's not a cosy mystery.
Overly responsible Allie Green tries to mother her wild sister, their flakey mother and fortune-telling aunt. She's tempted to fling herself into a romance with the sexy sheriff, but somehow they end up at odds most of the time.
The mystery involves several suicides, or murders that seem to revolve around her sister. It's not a standard steamy romance, nor is it a routine crime solver, but is a blend of those two. Some colorful characters add to the books flavor.
Some bonus features include an alternate ending (I liked the original ending best) and an author interview.
Bright, funny, and mysterious.......2006-08-10
This book is a kick. Smart contemporary dialogue, characters I hated to leave behind at the end of the book. It was on of the few mysteries I didn't guess the ending of ahead of time. Then again, I was distracted by Ally and the sheriff's antics. A wonderful message about "dependency," too. It was so much fun to read, I wish there were a sequel.
Amazon.com
The Neutronium Alchemist: Conflict, is the second part of the second novel of Peter F. Hamilton's space opera epic that ranges not only across interstellar space but across the boundary between life and death. (The series begins with The Reality Dysfunction: Emergence and Expansion). This book mainly revolves around Dr. Alkad Mzu, creator of a doomsday weapon so powerful it scares even the citizens of this high-tech and heavily beweaponed future. Mzu is on a decades-long quest to take vengeance against the people who destroyed her home planet, and she wields alarming cunning and ruthlessness in the pursuit. But what gives even her pause is the war against the souls of the dead who have returned from a hellish Beyond to possess the living. Both sides want her: the dead want the weapon, the living want to keep the weapon out of the dead's hands. Unfortunately for them, that means they must find and take Mzu alive, while all the dead need to do is kill her, bringing her into their realm.
Rarely has science fiction produced a series as rich, satisfying, and big as this one. In addition to the action, Hamilton continues to beguile us with the greater mystery of the returned dead--new clues are discovered, only to create new enigmas. --Brooks Peck
Book Description
The Neutronium Alchemist: Conflict, is the second part of thesecond novel of Peter F. Hamilton's space opera epic that ranges not only across interstellar space but across the boundary between life and death.(The series begins with The Reality Dysfunction: Emergence and Expansion).This book mainly revolves around Dr. Alkad Mzu, creator of a doomsday weapon so powerful it scares even the citizens of this high-tech and heavily beweaponed future.Mzu is on a decades-long quest to take vengeance against the people who destroyed her home planet, and she wields alarming cunning and ruthlessness in the pursuit.But what gives even her pause is the war against the souls of the dead who have returned from a hellish Beyond to possess the living.Both sides want her: the dead want the weapon, the living want to keep the weapon out of the dead's hands.Unfortunately for them, that means they must find and take Mzu alive, while all the dead need to do is kill her, bringing her into their realm.Rarely has science fiction produced a series as rich, satisfying, and big as this one. In addition to the action, Hamilton continues to beguile us with the greater mystery of the returned dead--new clues are discovered, only to create new enigmas. --Brooks Peck
Customer Reviews:
The lessons of St. Francis.......2007-07-23
This is a very pratical book, and it is very much aimed at how to bring simplicity and sprituality into a modern life.
Unrewarding.......2007-05-06
I was expecting so much more based on the glorious reviews below but they totally missed the mark. Equivalent to a book report done by a 3rd grader with ADD, this has little to offer.
Quotes seem misplaced and most stories go nowhere. I was hoping this would be more inspiring with USEABLE knowledge and not another pulpit for Christianity.
Wayne Dyer has done a far better job using the teachings of ST Francis.
Lessons of Sarint Francis.......2007-03-13
Well written book discussing prinicples guiding Francis of Assi's daily life. Excellent for personal spiritual growth or in an adult group discussion
John Michael Talbot's The lessons of St Francis.......2007-02-04
This is an excellent book for those trying to live the Franciscan charism in the world. It is full of very practical common sense but linked with a deep spiritual insight. I found it very easy to read and very enlightening.
Worth reading more than once.......2006-03-20
John Michael Talbot captures the essense of Franciscan spirituality in this delightful book. Talbot maintains a deceptively simple writing style while drawing his reader in to savor the depth and breadth of Saint Francis' life and values.
Customer Reviews:
Very Authentic.......2007-06-16
This cookbook does indeed have ingredients in it that assume you have a relationship with your local asian food store. Daikon, black moss fungus, wood ear mushrooms, shiitake, channa dhal...if you are looking for a book that doesn't require a trip to the international food store (and an adventuresome palate), this is not your book. If, however, you consider your asian food store to be a treasure trove of fun and excitement, then this *is* your book--to start with anyway. I confess, I lived in Japan for over three years and traveled all over Asia during that time, and so I'm always on the lookout for books that present actual recipes that natives would recognize. This book manages just that, and the recipes turn out very yummy and authentic.
I have noticed that I'm usually--OK, pretty much always--the only white chick at my asian food store, so maybe that's why this book doesn't sell better. Still, if you're looking for recipes that replicate what your Chinese/Japanese/etc. host mother put on the table every night while you were studying/working abroad, start here.
Also, it has a beautiful photo for every dish, and the spiral binding insures that the cookbook always lays flat--I wish every cookbook was spiral bound. I think that this is a great book for what it is.
I will try to keep this brief..........2006-05-27
When I recieved this I was excited to begin cooking right away. Problem was, most of the ingredients in this book are foreign and hard to find. I expected more noodle/rice dishes and instead there was only a few. The recipes in this book are repetitive, and easily copy each other. What can you expect for a cheap hardcover book? Plus, many of the recipes requires Garam Masala, I thought that was ment for Indian dishes NOT for Asian...I could be wrong, and as much as I enjoy Indian cooking I bought this book for Asian cooking...
I would not suggest this book to anyone, have a nice day...
Book Description
Knives can be both luxuries and necessities. For the outdoorsman, as well as for the soldier, a knife can be used to gather and prepare food, build and tend a fire, create a shelter, and signal for rescue. When the chips are down, they will also do duty as lethal close combat weapons. For the more domestic user, knives can simplify and make convenient a wide variety of tasks.
KNIVES is a complete reference to the history and culture of these fascinating tools.
Customer Reviews:
An introduction to current knife use...............2006-06-23
Pat Farey's "Knives" is more of an introduction to knives, than a detailed encyclopedia covering specific knives or specific knife types. While a decent introduction, the book does not go into depth and is greatly biased towards knives in current production. It does however cover the essentials, and the pictures are clear and instructive.
A quite condensed Encyclopedia.......2005-01-04
Being one of the man's oldest tools, the knife has a lot of material to work with, trying to sum it up in a single volume of only 144 pages it's really an enormous challenge that the author tries to tame with some success, but to call the book an encyclopedia is misleading, it can be called a good reference, but since it contains too many personal opinions and absolute truths, that can't be upholded even now, that the scientific sense that the word encyclopedia infers is lost; the substantial references to commercial knives and products available only in some places and in a given time (even tough no longer available at the date of the publishing) makes this a short lived and forgettable book.
Product Description
The Collectibles Quilt book inspires quilters to build fabric bookcases and cupboards which hold family photos and special collectibles. The perfect project for capturing a lifetime of memories in a quilt.
Customer Reviews:
The Collectible Quilt II.......2001-02-03
If you are looking for some exciting and creative ways to use old photographs and memorabilia, this book has it all. Although not for beginning quilters, the ideas offered are so unique and inspiring you'll want to get started right away. I'm making one of these special quilts for my mother's 80th birthday . Our whole family has become involved in collecting mementos for "Grandma's Quilt". Happy quilting!!
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New Wave Quilt Collections II (Excellence of Excellences)
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Progressive Quilt (Japanese Quilt Art, No 2)
ASIN: 4838101171 |
Amazon.com
There's more to decorating a home well than simply selecting furniture and accessories for each room. A well-dressed home has a certain flair throughout that's stylish and inviting. That sense of style unfortunately doesn't come naturally to most people, so Signature Style aims to help you learn from those who have it in spades. The book features eight American designers, each of whom has a distinctive sense of style, and all of whom are masterful in their approach to interior design.
Charles Faudree, for instance, specializes in combining French and English touches, such as toleware and Staffordshire figures. This artful mix of European high style and country brings warmth, comfort, and class to all of his rooms. Gary McBournie, on the other hand, brings a very American look to his homes with rag rugs, New England furniture, and antique handmade quilts, while also incorporating European and Asian pieces. Mary Douglas Drysdale melds neoclassical design with modern pieces and throws in her trademark detail of antique weathervanes; Kely Amen, on the other hand, favors the use of bold color over accessories. Other designers whose works are profiled include Thomas Bartlett, Paula Perlini, Kelly Amen, Douglas Rasar, and Alessandra Branca.
This assemblage of designers brings an impressive amount of training and knowledge to their field--many have classical training at prestigious interior design schools, as well as backgrounds in art, art history, and architecture, and formative experiences in other countries. But the proof is in their designs, and the result is always breathtaking.
Well written and laid out, this beautiful book is checkered with plentiful, large color photos of each designer's work. The editors have done a superlative job of selecting some fine American designers to feature in the book--each of these artists brings a timeless yet unique style to his or her work. Readers of Signature Style would do well to take some cues from the designers featured when trying to formulate their own signature style. --Kris Law
Book Description
This book takes traditional style to a new level by breaking with staid, prescriptive decorating. The individualistÂ's approach to design shines—as expressed in bold colors, sophisticated neutrals, contemporary flair, updated American classics, Continental and French flourishes, contemporary edges, singular artwork, and relaxed traditional spaces.
Major, new projects from eight renowned, imaginative interior designers.
Lavish, all-color photography.
Profiles of designers including their singular design philosophies and preferences.
Inspired ideas about scale and proportion, color, fabrics, furniture, antiques, collections, art, and other essential design details.
Comprehensive design sources.
Customer Reviews:
Loved it Sooooooooooooooo Much!.......2006-04-23
I can't believe some of the ratings I've read on this book that were Negative! This is an abosolute fantastic book, the photographs are superb, the rooms are fantastic! This is one of the best design books I have seen before. I wish that more were this colorful and diverse in its presentations! Thanks for allowing me to review this wonderful publication.
Dissappointing at Best.......2001-12-28
The book does not live up to Traditional Home's reputation of quality work. Frankly, I can find better photos and design insite from magazines than what I found in this book. It's easy to understand why there are so many people wanting to sell the copies they have. It is honestly a disppointment if you are used to truly inspiring design publications. If you decide to buy this book, do yourself a favor and purchase a used copy. Even at Amazon's reduced price it's still over priced for what you get.
INSPIRING PHOTOS.......2001-02-15
I truly enjoyed the beautiful photos in this book. Lots of ideas and details in the photos. It would be hard for you NOT to pick up some ideas for your own home---just from looking at the photos. Well done!
Beautiful dream book. Great gift book........2000-09-12
Another reviewer said the book was not like Traditional Homes magazine. I disagree. This book is very much like the magazine. I enjoy the stories about the interior designers and the pictures of interesting homes that they have decorated. Several friends have seen the book on our coffeetable, so I plan to give several books for upcoming holiday gifts. A lovely gift book because it is large, colorful, and beautifully bound.
Wonderful, stylish.......2000-08-17
I love this book and must disagree with another customer who reviewed it saying that obviously the magazine had nothing to do with it. I know one of the featured designers, who confirmed that he was chosen by the magazine editor to appear in the book. And the long bok introduction is written by the editor in chief herself.
Book Description
This volume, one in a series of lavishly illustrated paperback books on major artists and their works, tells the story of Durer. From a look at the artist's life and times, to the historical and social context in which he worked, to an analysis of his masterpieces, this is a vital visual resource with more than 300 superb full-color illustrations. The fact-based text is aimed at the general reader, and makes the series perfect for art-history students and art lovers of all ages.
Customer Reviews:
Great Book.......2000-06-07
This Phaidon Durer book is probably, for the price, by far the best comprehensive introduction to the life and works of Durer. It is also one of the best books on Durer in absolute terms. The photographic reproductions vividly bring out the color and sharpness of the dozens of key Durer paintings illustrated in the volume. The photographs show that there is simply no substitute for an up-to-date book utilizing modern photographic reproduction/printing techniques to reproduce paintings. I have looked at several older books in librarys with color reproductions of Durer works, and this newer Phaidon book has much better quality color reproductions. It also has examples of key Durer drawings, such as "Praying Hands," and "Architect," as well as good-quality reproductions of the three classic Durer engravings ("Melancolia I," "Knight, Death and the Devil," and "St. Germone in his Study") and beautiful, crisp and brilliantly colored reproductions of several key Durer watercolors, including the classics "Hare" and "Great Turf," as well as key landscape watercolors. Of particular interest are the reproductions of the 3 classic self-portraits, of which the one Durer did at age 28 was so fascinating that it alone made me buy this book and is alone worth the price of the book. Another fascinating painting is the one that Durer made of Wolgemut, who was his mentor and who taught him how to paint. It is startlingly brilliantly colored, and has amazing color depth for a photographic reproduction of a painting. This book shows how Durer may well have been the greatest graphical artist of the Western World, and one gets a sense of his amazingly modern personality from the selections in this book and the quality of their detail. It is hard to believe that a man as modern-thinking and scientific as Durer lived 500 years ago.
You'll Adore Durer!.......2000-01-23
This book was a very pleasant addition to my art library. I never saw it in a bookstore, so I was hesitant to buy it when I saw how little it cost and how small it was. But, I didn't know anything about Durer and wanted to learn and I figured I'd take a chance on this book. Good decision! This book is well put together and a tremendous bargain to boot. The book starts off with about a 25 page, obviously brief, biography by Mr. Bailey of Durer. Then there are 48 full page color plates with descriptions and explanations of the paintings on the opposing pages. The reproductions are of good quality and the descriptions are well written and informative. Any of you out there who own a lot of art books know what 48 color plates usually does to the price of an art book, so "Durer" is really a steal. After you see this book you will realize what a great all-around artist Durer was. He wasn't only a painter of religious scenes but an equally talented landscape and portrait painter. (Some of the portraits are just fantastic!) He also did some beautiful nature studies. Included are 2 paintings he did of a hare and of the wings of a bird that will just knock your socks off (assuming you wear socks!). He worked well in all mediums. The watercolors are as beautiful as the oils. Phaidon has a whole series of these books in their "colour library" and this book makes me want to check out some of the other titles concerning other artists I haven't learned about yet. Definitely worth purchasing as an introduction to an extremely gifted artist!
Download Description
"From the award-winning writer of The Good House, The Living Blood, and more, Joplin's Ghost is a chilling tale of a star-in-the-making whose life goes haywire as she is haunted by the ghost of a long-dead music legend. When Phoenix Smalls was ten, she nearly died at her parents' jazz club when she was crushed by a turn-of-the-century piano. Now twenty-four, Phoenix is launching a career as an R & B singer. She's living the life young artists envy and seems destined for fame and fortune. But a chance visit to a historical site in St. Louis ignites a series of bizarre, erotic encounters with a spirit who may be the King of Ragtime, Scott Joplin. The music of Scott Joplin is strange enough to the ears of the hip-hop generation, but the idea that these antique sounds are being channeled by the protegee of rap superstar G-Ronn is nothing short of ludicrous. With growing violence in G-Ronn's inner circle and a ghost bent on living forever through her, Phoenix's life suddenly hangs in the balance,"" writes Tananarive Due. Can the power of her own inner song and the love of a music writer who believes in her give Phoenix the strength to fight to live out her own future? Or will she be trapped forever in Scott Joplin's doomed, tragic past? "
Customer Reviews:
Still a fan.......2007-07-19
Tananarive Due still does not get the attention she deserves. This book should have put her over the top. She first came to the attention of this Iowa white guy in the anthology Dark Matter: A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora. As I write this. I see the following on the same page:
"Tag Suggestions:
african-american horror, africa, vampire, african-american sffantasy, mystery, interracial romance bwwm, science fiction, tananarive due, african-american fiction"
I'm merely asking the question; I have no answer to this poser: is she being marginalized because of her ethnicity? I don't know. I do know that she should have a much wider (whiter, perhaps?) audience. Ah, bad puns will be the death of me and I know I may be poking a hornet's nest with a short stick, but I'm serious. The fan base seems to be black females and, clearly, that's okay. But, it's as if no one else even knows she's there. I'm just speculating here, but I wonder if her work is even being marketed to a larger audience. I definitely do not believe she should - and pray she doesn't try - to write differently to attract more readers. Joplin had a limited audience and was never appreciated in his lifetime. He deserved more attention, too.
This book is a real treat. I can think of no one who better researches her material; few that even match her. I love the complimenting characters: a young lady seemingly at the top of her game and an old man who died in obscurity. A hip-hop artist who learns that she has more to learn, and a dead rag time composer who seems willing to share his writing talent in exchange for her performance of his work - whether she wants to or not.
Each of Tananarive Due's works seems to have a completely different narrative voice. I wonder now whom she may be channeling. So many authors' works sound the same, and basically are the same. Each of Ms. Due's novels are refreshingly different and always a pleasure to read. I am still partial to My Soul to Keep, but I definitely like this book. I would love to one day meet this women, shake her hand, and thank her for providing such excellent entertainment mixed with well-researched history. May I also suggest her nonfiction collaboration with her mother: Freedom in the Family: A Mother-Daughter Memoir of the Fight for Civil Rights by Tananarive Due and Patricia Stephens Due, which should be required reading in every high school.
Fantastic Supernatural Aspect - But................2007-05-31
The main characters in the book did not appeal to me. Unlike the characters in My Soul to Keep & The Living Blood, who I loved and remember them completely, these characters were forgettable.
I love Ms. Due. But this book just did not draw me in any way.
After saying that, what I remember and liked about the book was the supernatural and the historical aspect. It was superb. I am a history buff, and Scott Joplin has been a subject I had on my list to read. I can now say I am a semi-expert on Scott Joplin's life and music. Thanks Ms. Due.
Please don't stop incorporating history into your works. This is why I enjoy reading your books. Your books aren' fluff and have depth. Their is a lot fluff and junk out there. I had never heard of Lilabella before I read My Soul to Keep. I am visiing Ethiophia this year to see the town and the rock churches. Ms. Tananarive keep manifestin'dat 'ashe!
Sistah Tananarive I want the old you back. You are an amazing story teller. Phoenix and nem just did not do it for me. I still love you gurl.
Hits all the high notes.......2007-01-17
Tananaruve Due's gone and done it again. As she did in her historical novel, The Black Rose, Due has me delving into the history books looking for the real person behind the story. The Black Rose told the story Madame C. J. Walker, but this time she takes on the King of Ragtime, Scott Joplin.
Joplin's Ghost is a fabulous mix of ghost story, history, and 1990's music world. The book opens in 1917 with Joplin dying of syphilis in the Manhattan State Hospital. As he is wheeled into the day room, he notices a beat-up piano in the corner and tries to play it. The scene is heartbreaking; imagine those fiery fingers gnarled and twisted from that awful disease, unable to do anything but create a cacophony of noise.
Then flash forward to 1991. Phoenix Smalls is but a child of ten when a piano falls on her and she almost dies. That's when it starts; the music that Phoenix can't ignore. The music she plays and writes without any knowledge of having done so. After growing up in a Miami nightclub, Phoenix wanted to be a singer. She formed a band, made a couple of CDs, but soon fizzled out.
Still, she's been working hard to make it alone. When in St. Louis, her manager/father forces her to make a pilgrimage to Joplin's apartment, the site where "The Entertainer," featured in the movie "The Sting" was written. It's there that Joplin makes his first appearance. He attaches himself to her and begins to channel his lost music through her, thus restoring it to a public who can only dream of ever hearing it again.
At the crux of this delightful novel is the music. A lot of Joplin's music has been lost, especially his opera "Guest of Honor." The story weaves between Joplin's life, especially when he lived in St. Louis, and Phoenix's life. Part romance, part ghost story, part urban contemporary, part historical fiction, this complex and absorbing novel is completed, yet simple, and unerringly readable for fans of many genres.
Armchair Interviews says: The characters, past and present, feel real.
Great Concept, poor execution.......2006-12-26
Due is my favorite black horror writer. I expected so much more from such a creative and engaging author. The concept of Scott Joplin's ghost was very fascinating considering I knew very little about his life. I enjoyed the historical fiction component of the novel. However, Due's character development for the contemporary music chapters was very weak and seemed contrived. Due's attempt to connect hip hop culture with ragtime was sincere but I had little emotion for any of the present day characters except for Sarge (Phoenix's dad) and Carlos (Phee's boyfriend).
On the positive side, Due kept with her style and depicted a loving couple willing to face any challenge together and with undying love. Due keeps with the theme that continues to run through all of her books -strong loves despite supernatural barriers.
Also there were many editing mistakes that are not characteristic of Due's publisher and very sexually graphic scenes that didn't add anything to the story.
I hope Due isn't trying to sell out her gift with hopes of making money off of the Urban Fiction craze. She is one of the few genius writers we have left.
This was great.......2006-12-17
I really enjoyed this fictional novel. Tananarive Due is one of my favorite authors. She took a very real person and wrote a fictional story. Reading this fictional story about Scott Joplin gave me the desire to learn more about the real person.
Books:
- Novia Oscura, La
- Out of the Mist
- Portrait in Sepia: A Novel (P.S.)
- Queen of the Darkness: The Black Jewels Trilogy 3 (Archive)
- Rabbit Angstrom : The Four Novels : Rabbit, Run, Rabbit Redux, Rabbit Is Rich, Rabbit at Rest (Everyman's Library)
- Ragman - reissue: And Other Cries of Faith (Wangerin, Walter)
- Ramage & the Rebels (The Lord Ramage Novels)
- Rand McNally 2006 Motor Carriers' Road Atlas (Rand Mcnally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas Deluxe Edition)
- Red Cell: Rogue Warrior II (Hardcover): Red Cell
- Regards: The Selected Nonfiction of John Gregory Dunne
Books Index
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