Average customer rating:
- Great book, great author
- The best
- A Gracious Plenty
- we all have stories to tell
- What a book!
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A Gracious Plenty: A Novel
Sheri Reynolds
Manufacturer: Three Rivers Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Firefly Cloak: A Novel
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Bitterroot Landing
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The Rapture of Canaan
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Floating in My Mother's Palm
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Sister
ASIN: 0609803875
Release Date: 1999-03-16 |
Book Description
Badly burned in a household accident when she was a child, Finch Nobles grows into a courageous and feisty loner who eschews the pity of her hometown and discovers that she can hear the voices of the people buried in her father's cemetery. Finally, when she speaks to them, they answer, telling their stories in a remarkable chorus of regrets, expla-nations, and insights.
A Gracious Plenty is like an extraordinary amalgam of Steinbeck and Faulkner, Spoon River Anthology and Our Town. It is a reading experience that you will not soon forget.
Customer Reviews:
Great book, great author.......2007-06-08
I very much enjoyed this book. I'm in the process of hunting down all of her books.
The best.......2006-07-31
This is by far my favorite book and I have read tons. I so wish should write a sequel or another like it. It was like leaving a good friend when I finished it.
A Gracious Plenty.......2006-04-04
This book should be put on your shelf of southern writers, right between William and Flannery. It is a story of a girl who becomes a bit of a grotesque through an accident. She becomes the primary caretaker of a cemetary, and is so in tune with the deceased that she can communicate and see them. This gift makes for a fine story. The description here is achingly beautiful, especially when Reynolds discusses nature. It is strangely comforting to those who have recently lost loved ones, too.
we all have stories to tell.......2005-12-02
This book spoke to me from the library shelf and I read it in two days with a toddler in the house. LOL The main character learns lessons from the dead and the main lesson; is that we all have stories to tell and not to be so quick to judge. I loved that all the characters grew in one form or another.
I'd never heard of the book, nor the author, but I thought the author did a fantastic job at giving each character their own identity and having them tell their stories in their own way. I strongly suggest reading this book.
What a book!.......2005-10-17
I was first acquainted with Sheri Reynolds' writing when I read The Rapture of Canaan. It has remained one of my favorite books for years and I've read it over and over.
Being such a fan of the author, I moved on to Bittersweet Landing....and hated it! However, I still had enough love for the author to try out this book, A Gracious Plenty.
I was not disappointed this time! The characters were deep and interesting and the memory of their stories will not leave me soon. This is the type of book that you continue to think about long after you've turned the last page.
Book Description
In the second book of her "Sisters of Willow Pond" trilogy, USA Today bestseller Gayle Callen writes about an enigmatic faux–Duke who enchants and seduces a sheltered governess...
After her father dies, leaving Miss Meriel Shelby and her mother penniless, Meriel takes the position of governess to the Duke of Thanet's son. But all is not what it appears, and her new employer is really Richard O'Neill, the duke's bastard brother! Richard had agreed to participate in the masquerade to help protect the duke's six–year–old heir from their cousin, a man who is next in line to the dukedom, but he certainly didn't agree to further complications in the form of the tempting Meriel living in the same household. Now they not only have to worry about protecting the young heir's life, but Richard and Meriels's hearts are at risk....
Customer Reviews:
Fun installment by Callen.......2006-10-09
While many of the reviewers have mentioned this is a well known and used plot line I think Callen adds another wonderful book to the genre. She makes her herorines spunky and not pushovers as many do, and she doesn't let the men get away with too much. I think if you like historical romances give this a try as well as her other books.
Meriel is in sudden need of a job to help support her mother and sisters. As the daughter of a once well to do banker, who died leaving them ruined, a governess is the job she is most suited for. She is interviewed by the Duke of Thanet and hired. While she had been initially curious about the Duke she is now down right intrigues there is definitely something different about him. Even his son comments that he is around more than he normal, and more interested in what he is doing.
Richad O'Neill is the "bastard" older half brother to the Duke of Thanet. When the Duke's life appears to be in jeopardy he agrees to masquerade as him to help find out who is bound and determined to kill not only the Duke but his young heir. Looking enough like the duke this should be easy to pull off. But, he had not figured on the attraction he found to the new governess. It is making it hard for Richard to act the rogue, and flamboyant man when he wants to act as the levelheaded thoughtful person he really is.
When the young heir figures out that Richard isn't really his father, as he takes him fishing which his "real dad" would never do he is sworn to secrecy. But, as young children do he eventually lets it slip to Meriel. It is partially reliefs to Meriel as she can't believe she is so drawn to the notorious rouge and has let him not only kiss her but more. On the other had Meriel is furious that she has been tricked. That is until she finds out her young charge is in danger at which point she joins in and works to keep him safe.
Truely Disapointing.......2006-10-08
What happened to this book. Mrs. Callen writes fairly decent novels, no she is not one of my favorites but her books are usually good light reads. But this book is just disapointing. The H/H I felt had no chemistry, no deeper feelings, no trust nothing but two boring characters thrown into a non-supsensfull plot. Meirel was uptight, pushy for a governess and hung up on not being smart enough to figure out that her parents had financial problems before there downfall. Richard semed a little better but not much. There was no background information, nothing to show about his true character besides him disguising himself as the duke. He portrayed the duke so much that I never got to know him as a person. And the problem with Meriel about her trust issue was just stupid. It was discussed for one paragraph and then instantly over. You would think if it was such a major concern throughout the whole book that it would have required more than just mentioning it to Richard for it to have closure. But in this book everything seems to go wrong. And lastly were is the suspense. There is none. You keep reading and hoping that the ending would make it worth it but again you are sadly mistaken. Save your money. Save your time.
Not Bad..........2006-09-04
This was my first experience with this author. I found this to be an enjoyable read. I would definitely read this author again. If you enjoy Alexander, Laurens, Lindsey, and Woodiwiss you will enjoy this book.
2nd book in the Sisters of Willow Pond" trilogy.......2006-08-21
The Duke in Disguise by Gayle Callen is a great historical romantic mystery novel. This novel starts in the middle of the The Lord Next Door storyline. Meriel goes to work as governess for the Duke's son. The Duke comes to his country home to relax after his `illness' - but something is different about the Duke and Meriel finds herself liking the rake. The Lord Next Door (1), The Duke in Disguise (2) The Viscount In Her Bedroom, (coming out July 2007). If you enjoy this genre I would also check out The Lady Lies The Lady Killer and The Lady's Code by Samantha Saxon
Not as good as her usual!.......2006-08-20
For me this was just ok. I guess some of my favorite authors I expect a little more from. The plot was good but there just did not seem to be the depth to these characters that I like. They were just not as believable for me that they were falling in love. And there was just not the sizzle in the intensity of the romance. For me it was just ok. I would tell people that they should read it but it is not the best of the new books recently released for sure!
Product Description
Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages Publisher: Avon (June 27, 2006) Language: English
Book Description
"The Klingon Empire is dying...and I think it deserves to die."
With those words, Lieutenant Ezri Dax propelled Lieutenant Commander Worf to the most fateful decision of his life -- to vanquish Klingon leader Gowron in honorable combat and install in his place a low-born, one-eyed soldier of the empire who might lead their people back to the path of honor.
Under the weighty mantle of chancellor, General Martok led the forces of the empire to victory in the final Allied assault against the Dominion. Now, with Worf at his side as the newly appointed Federation ambassador to Qo'noS, Martok at last is coming home, bringing with him the hope of a bright new future for his people.
But the new chancellor's triumphant return to the Klingon homeworld is met by treachery and upheaval. As the demons of the general's past rise up, so too does a usurper to the Imperial Throne, one who knows exactly how to crush Martok and all who stand with him -- and who won't be satisfied until they are ashes under the foundation of a new Klingon Empire.
Download Description
""The Klingon Empire is dying...and I think it deserves to die."" With those words, Lieutenant Ezri Dax propelled Lieutenant Commander Worf to the most fateful decision of his life -- to vanquish Klingon leader Gowron in honorable combat and install in his place a low-born, one-eyed soldier of the empire who might lead their people back to the path of honor. Under the weighty mantle of chancellor, General Martok led the forces of the empire to victory in the final Allied assault against the Dominion. Now, with Worf at his side as the newly appointed Federation ambassador to Qo'noS, Martok at last is coming home, bringing with him the hope of a bright new future for his people. But the new chancellor's triumphant return to the Klingon homeworld is met by treachery and upheaval. As the demons of the general's past rise up, so too does a usurper to the Imperial Throne, one who knows exactly how to crush Martok and all who stand with him -- and who won't be satisfied until they are ashes under the foundation of a new Klingon Empire.
Customer Reviews:
The Left hand should slap the producers and make this the film!.......2007-05-04
Why production giants always seek to move backwards in order to tell a story will always baffle me. After reading book one of "The Left Hand of Destiny" I must say I was taken into the world of Klingon and I did not want to come back. Believe me when I state this, There is no better person to capture the soul of the Klingon character Mar'tok then the actor who gave years to his creation! I am the type of person who wishes not to ruin any part of the story in my mini review. Therefore take my words to year eyes, and store them in your brain as you read this. This is by far the greatest trek book and would due the Star Trek Universe justice if brought to the big screen.
The developments which move forward in this novel truly delve into the aspects of Klingons in ways we have yet seen. I can not wait to read Book 2, and wish I would have seen this when it was first released!
FANTASTIC NOVEL!!!
Left Hand of Destiny - A Favorite!.......2006-10-05
The Left Hand of Destiny Book I and II have been some of my favorites of the continuing stories of DS9. I think this was the most exciting set of books so far. There were many references to the DS9 episodes, and quite a few characters were pulled in for this set of books. It's sometimes shocking yet strangely satisfying when some of the characters are killed off and "put to rest" in the relaunch. It kind of brings a finality to that part of the series and story.
The action in this LHoD was superb. I stayed up very late at night reading these books - I could not put them down.
"a new day must dawn for our people...".......2005-04-05
In perhaps the most dramatic and memorable scene ever made in the television history of "Star Trek Deep Space Nine", Worf defeated Gowran in a duel during the dominion war and installed General Martok as the new chancellor of the Klingon Empire. Martok reluctantly accepted the position.
This book starts off where the final television episode left off. We join Martok and Worf as they head to Qo'noS to have a meeting with the Emperor and to be officially installed as chancellor and ambasidor respectively. Chaos then erupts as the Great Hall is attacked and thousands of innocent civilians are killed. Not long after, they discover that there is a mutinizer who has an entourage and considers it his duty kill Martok and Worf. Not only are Martok and Worf considered federation puppets, but they are "low born". Much of the story focuses on how Martok, Worf, Sirella (Martok's wife) and Alexander (Worf's son) struggle for survival in a world that seems to be rapidly turning against them.
This first book starts things off well with compelling characters and good action. Some of the fights and battles are quite graphic.
Klingon action!.......2003-10-05
Wouldn't it be great if the next Star Trek incarnation was a Klingon series, and the premier episode this story! This is great Klingon action. One of the best things I liked about it, the Klingon women get a lot more respect than on the past TV series. Besides the evil Gothmara, Martok's wife is much better written here than the TV script. On DS9, she was such a, LOL, how do you say "female targ" in klingonase? IThe novel is a two part, and the second one is great too. I deduct a point, because parts of it seem a copy of John Ford's "The Final Reflection", and others seem word for word out of Kat Ramo's "Citizen Of The Empire". Not that that would be a disappointment to true fans of the Klingons! I recommend this highly!
Spectacular novel!.......2003-09-05
J.G. Hertzler and Jeffrey Lang have crafted a true Star Trek epic in every sense of the word. Rich in detail, it is the story of Martok's quest to learn what it really means to be a Klingon. Think "Star Trek meets King Arthur by way of John Eldredge (Wild at Heart)", and you have the essence of "The Left Hand of Destiny". If it's possible to give this 2-part story a sixth star, I would do it in a heartbeat, it is that excellent! :)
Customer Reviews:
Prayers From The Ark/The Creatures' Choir.......2004-10-01
This book is funny and heart breaking. It captures something in nature that most of us never take the time to notice. Do creatures comune with God? Why not? Who are we humans to think that only we can speak to our Maker. Even if you are not an "animal lover" this book has something for you.
-"The voices of animals raised to God in song"-.......2002-05-22
PRAYERS FROM THE ARK was written and published first, and the poems are in the form of prayers. THE CREATURES' CHOIR was written quite a few years later and these last poems are more like letters to God, where the animals refer to their daily problems. The author did not write sentimental verse. The poems of the animals seem to radiate with truth.
I was first introduced to PRAYERS FROM THE ARK in 1977 by my sister, Susan who lent me her book. Since that time, I've purchased two copies myself, and have given several as gifts. The original book was written in French by Carmen Bernos De Gasztold, and published in 1947. The famous author, Rumer Godden discovered the work and was so impressed with the poems that she translated them into English.
There are over fifty beautiful poems in this book where each animal speaks to God in his or her own voice revealing their individual traits and personalities.
The Dove--"The Ark waits, Lord; it has endured. Let me carry it a sprig of hope and joy."
The Dog--"No one but You and I understands what faithfulness is."
The Ladybird-- "Thank You for having made me so that no one is afraid of me."
This is a charming book for an adult to read and a wonderful way for a child to learn that every creatures' life has dignity and purpose.
Prayers from the Ark.......2001-04-30
This is a whimsical book - as much for adults as for children - great to read aloud to children - and wonderfully illustrated.
Lovely and gentle.......2000-11-23
I found this in a used book store's remainder bin, and I was so touched that I nearly cried on the bus.
Bernos de Gasztold, who lives in a French abbey, has written some very simple prayers by animals. Rumer Godden is an inpired translator.
PRAYER OF THE (ROOSTER) Do not forget, Lord, it is I who make the sun rise. I am Your servant but, with the dignity of my calling, I need some glitter and ostentation. Noblesse oblige... All the same, I am Your servant, only...do not forget, Lord, I make the sun rise. Amen.
PRAYER OF THE CAT Lord, I am the cat. It is not, exactly, that I have something to ask of You! No -- I ask nothing of anyone -- but, if You have by some chance, in some celestial barn, a little white mouse, or a saucer of milk, I know someone who would relish them. Wouldn't You like someday to put a curse on the whole race of dogs? If so I should say Amen.
THE PRAYER OF THE MOUSE I am so little and grey, dear God, how can You keep me in mind? Always spied upon, always chased. Nobody ever gives me anything, and I nibble meagrely at life. Why do they reproach me with being a mouse? Who made me but You? I only ask to stay hidden. Give me my hunger's pittance safe from the claws of that devil with green eyes. Amen
THE PRAYER OF THE OLD HORSE See, Lord, My coat hangs in tatters, like homespun, old, threadbare. All that I had of zest, all my strength, I have given in hard work and kept nothing back for myself. Now my poor head swings to offer up all the loneliness of my heart. Dear God, stiff on my thickened legs I stand here before You: Your uprofitable servant. Oh! of Your goodness, give me a gentle death. Amen.
God's Other Creatures.......2000-03-17
If they could talk, what would God's "other creatures" say? Read this book and find out. The author's imagined, unspoken expressions of as yet unrecognized intelligence in the animal and insect world will instill new sensitivity in those who previously took these fellow beings all too much for granted. Read this and realize that the earth belongs to them as much as to us. Hear their voices and understand their world. A must for every child - for every adult.
Customer Reviews:
A GIFT TO ALL WHO LOVE GOD'S CREATURES.......2000-10-09
This is a wonderful collection of small poems. The various travelers on Noah's Ark each have a distinct prayer to God. The simplicity of these prayers ring with truth as they tell of the work and difficulties that the animals endure. The author must have had great insight to write such simple, but beautiful verse.
Prayers by different animals on Noah's ark........1999-05-25
This book consists of a selection of poems, translated from the French by Rumer Godden, from "Le Mieux Aime" (1947) and "Prieres dans l'Arche" (1955) by the Benedictine nun Carmen Bernos de Gasztold. It is an illustrated collection of poems, each a prayer by an animal in Noah's Ark. The poems are accompanied by beautiful illustrations.
Product Description
1968 19th printing for Prayers From the Ark and 1966 2nd printing of The Creatures' Choir
Book Description
More than 220 casserole recipes.
Casseroles are back—and not in the form of your mom's tuna casserole! Today's cooks are excited about fresh herbs, terrific pastas, lighter ingredients, and quick twists on yesterday's time- consuming classics. Here chef Ellen Brown dishes up delicious new casserole flavors, updated classics, and more breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert recipes.
-Publications from New York Times to Web MD have said “casseroles are trendy for 2005”
-Recipes note what can be prepared ahead, lighter substitutions, variations including meatless options, and freezing and reheating recommendations
-New, updated Complete Idiot's Guide recipe layout to make book more clear and usable for readers
-Just in time for fall, family gatherings, and cool weather's comfort foods
Customer Reviews:
For the busy cook who wants to put a home-baked meal on the table.......2006-02-06
Casseroles are the answer to the busy cook who wants to put a home-baked meal on the table, but most recipes focus on condensed soup and tuna from the can - so try something new with a new concept in casseroles in Complete Idiot's Guide To Cover And Bake Meals, covering everything from Lemongrass Chicken Curry with Linguine, Coconut and Bean Sprouts to Caribbean Braised Ribs with Mango, Pineapple and Rice, or Sole Almandine with Vegetable and Rice Stuffing. No color photos, but despite the lack of canned ingredients in most dishes, the easy instructions don't need them.
Book Description
Royal Bayreuth porcelain's whimsical shapes and elegant tableware have delighted collectors for decades. Produced in Tettau, Bavaria, for over 200 years, Royal Bayreuth found the global market early and today there are collectors worldwide. With over 500 beautiful and detailed color photographs, the book is visual feast, displaying the Strawberry, Tomato, and Lobster lines, as well as other figural pottery motifs. Also well-represented are the Tapestry lines and scenics in various forms of table and boudoir pieces. Each photo has a concise caption and a current value.
Average customer rating:
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Designer China: Hand Painting Ceramics to Decorate Your Home
Lesley Harle
Manufacturer: Hearst Marine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0688109233 |
Book Description
Learn how to use seven popular color schemes to beautify your home with color and create the look that's right for you with inspiration from Waverly (R) At Home with Color published by Meredith (R) Books.
Book Description
Here is a striking collection of minimal graphic designs that get the message across. The best design work today is minimal. Crashing type, unreadable text, words used as "texture" and in-your-face images are on the way out. The visual overload of the last decade is being replaced by simple, seamless design with a clean approach.
Customer Reviews:
Dated, cluttered designs... this is a book on MINIMALISM?.......2002-06-20
I bought this book in the hopes that it would contain cutting-edge visual ideas - hypermodern typography, low-contrast color schemes - I mean, just look at the picture Amazon has up - it looks cool, no?
Well, while it does contain a wide variety of interesting visual ideas, this book doesn't really specialize in MINIMAL design. The whole idea behind minimal design is to have a curve, or one letter, or a few colored shapes together to effectively convey an idea. I mean these are just ideas, but the stuff in this book is, more often than not, convoluted and cluttered - far from minimal.
If you're looking for a TRULY MINIMALISM-ORIENTED book of design, this is probably not the one for you.
Go buy a copy of URB or one of the other DJ/pop music magazines. There's more potent stuff in one issue of that than in most of this book.
Still, though, there are quite a few different ideas in here, which does make it a somewhat valuable resource. If you do a lot of corporate work for guys in suits - give it a shot.
Just my two cents.
Yet another illustrated picture book.......2001-06-23
What I hoped I was getting was a design book that would teach the concepts and principles behind minimal design. What I receieved, however, was yet another picture book of business cards, stationary, annual reports, and posters that other designers have created with the standard boilerplate verbage attached. You know what I mean:
"This beautiful piece was created for the ABC foundation's annual report. Created by XYZ design in three hours on a $25 budget, it illustrates the simple but bold use of colored lines on paper and allows text to flow to any length desired."
As I said, boilerplate. The bottom line is, if you want yet another "idea" book with--don't get me wrong--some pretty good designs shown then feel free to buy. If you're looking, as I was, for more of a "how to", then this book isn't it.
Minimalism is a good thing!.......2000-10-11
This book is truly helpful as compared to so many others which are, well, less than helpful.
First, the design projects are remarkably similar to design projects you might actually DO in real life.
The common denominator is well-conceived designs, that have a natural flow. These great ideas and effects are suggested by the purpose and not by the latest "cool technique" you learned to do.
I warn you, there are a few typos in the book, but if you can get past that, it's really worth the time and money.
first step into the world of design.......2000-04-07
This is the first design book that I've concentrated most. Why? I can learn how to make things beautiful and stylish with the minimal colors, shapes and lines.This book is so good that covers many kinds and styles of graphic design. And among the works, they all seem to direct a message: what simple is true and beautiful.
I remember there's a design which is very stunning. Although there is only a white number '23' inside a black circle, that's it! Simple is the best, minimal is wonderful. I cannot imagine that this design is so impressed.
I would recommand my friends and people who see this review to read this book before they go to work on designing assignment covers or even banners. Of course, not to copy others works, but to get inspiration from them.
Average customer rating:
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Minimal Graphics: The Powerful New Look of Graphic Design. (Book Reviews).: An article from: Technical Communication
Geoff Semonian
Manufacturer: Society for Technical Communication
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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Release Date: 2005-07-29 |
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This digital document is an article from Technical Communication, published by Society for Technical Communication on February 1, 2002. The length of the article is 639 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Minimal Graphics: The Powerful New Look of Graphic Design. (Book Reviews).
Author: Geoff Semonian
Publication:
Technical Communication (Refereed)
Date: February 1, 2002
Publisher: Society for Technical Communication
Volume: 49
Issue: 1
Page: 106(2)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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- Slate's Diaries
- Too many writers writing about writing
- Are Liberals Essentially The Only Interesting People?
- writers turn out to be boring people
- a wonderful collection
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The Slate Diaries
Manufacturer: Public Affairs
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Amazon.com
One of the most popular features in the pioneering online magazine Slate (edited by Michael Kinsley) is the "Diary"--an actual daily diary written by an interesting person and published in real time. The Slate Diaries collects several dozen of the best. It's impossible to describe their marvelous eclecticism, except perhaps by sharing a few highlights. Tucker Carlson, a writer for The Weekly Standard:
Had the sort of day that gives magazine writers the reputation--entirely deserved--for being lazy and overfed: Played with the kids in the backyard after breakfast, wrote at home till noon, had an enormous lunch at the Palm, returned a few calls, then sat around the office to gossip, telling stories, and trading theories about Clinton's sex life.
Larry Doyle, a producer for The Simpsons:
I have not seen Beauregard [his dog] in nine weeks, though I have been kept abreast of his bowel movements. I told Becky [his wife] yesterday in a way I missed Beauregard more than I missed her, because, after all, I got to talk to her on the phone every day and--well, I was trying to make the very interesting point that the bond between man and wife is essentially a higher meeting of the minds while the bond between man and dog is a more primal, physical one, but Becky didn't find this very interesting.
Untenured, "an assistant professor at a well-known private American university":
Let me assure you that I love my job. This is no mean feat given some of the drawbacks of academic life. Academic survival requires that you endure a Darwinian test that selects for a peculiar cocktail of masochism, sadism, perversity, and the ability to withstand large quantities of institutionalized torture over long periods of time with few measurable rewards.
Also, find out where Bill Gates says he "must have met more famous people in one place ... than anywhere I've been," what Karenna Gore Schiff (daughter of Al Gore) thinks of her Secret Service codename "Smurfette," and how federal judge Alex Kozinski handles writing a tricky dissenting opinion: "I really want to say that my colleagues are out to lunch, but in a way that won't tick them off." Other contributors include former Pakistani prime minister Benazir Bhutto, film critic Roger Ebert, memoirist Dave Eggers, writer Malcolm Gladwell, author Michael Lewis, and novelist Cynthia Ozick. The Slate Diaries is a surprising, inspired, and wonderful anthology. --John J. Miller
Book Description
Each week the editors of Slate, one of the best-loved online magazines, invite a different person to keep a journal to be published in real time on the site. The Slate Diaries is a selection of some of the finest installments. Contributors include distinguished writers such as Cynthia Ozick, Amy Bloom, David Sedaris, Malcolm Gladwell, Dave Eggers, and Douglas Coupland. Also included are figures from the worlds of commerce, art, and government, from Bill Gates to former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto to game show host Ben Stein to the rock star Beck. But some of the most riveting diaries come from people you probably don't know, among them a school nurse , a NYPD detective, a UPS driver, a writer for "The Simpsons," and an AIDS researcher. In an entertaining introduction, Slate editor Michael Kinsley writes about diaries and why we like to peer into other lives.
Everyone likes to read someone else's diary--so there's something for everyone in this endlessly browsable, entertaining compendium of fascinatin g looks into a diverse range of hearts and minds.
Generally considered home to some of the best writing on the web, Slate is an on-line magazine edited by Michael Kinsley. It currently has more than two million visitors each month.
Sample list of contributors: Beck, Amy Bloom, Douglas Coupland, Roger Ebert, Stanley Fish, David Sedaris , Mavis Gallant, Ben Stein, Benazir Bhutto, Bill Gates, Atul Gawande, Malcolm Gladwell, Allegra Goodman, Andres Martinez, Dan Menaker, Dave Eggers, Daniel Sullivan, Karenna Gore Schiff, Ira Glass
Customer Reviews:
Slate's Diaries.......2001-01-13
Slate's Diaries are a delight to read. Most of the diaries are short, impressionistic descriptions of the contributors' daily activities, which are artfully and, for the most part, humorously written.
I can say unequivocally that nearly all of the contributors' weekly journals, selected for Slate Diaries, held my attention. Regardless of vocation, these individuals were able to transform the quotidian into interesting and lively stories. As Mike Kinsley suggests, the diary-genre of writing is more difficult than it looks. For some, it comes naturally-perhaps because writers generally keep diaries and they're used to describing events and thoughts. In my opinion, today's journalists are not practicing narrative writing. Lord only knows what would happen if they were asked to describe a landscape, a person's attire, the scent and sounds of the city or the country, or the way a building is designed. This genre of "descriptive" journalistic writing has nearly all but vanished in our major newspapers. Michael Kelly argued that narrative died when the television camera became the "image-maker".
Michael Kinsley initiated the Diarist at the New Republic and thank goodness he has kept the tradition going at Slate. Slate Diaries prove, against the wave of mechanistic writing, that narrative writing is still very much appreciated! It is also fascinating to note that the contributors who are not professional writers-turned out to be the best writers. For example, Lakshmi Gopalkrishnan, a lead site manager for Microsoft Office, wrote a fascinating account of her homeland, while visiting her family in Kerala, India. It has all the qualities of a Chekhov short story: irony, darkness, humor and symbolism. My favorite contributor to Slate is Masha Gessen whose writing rates with Tolstoy's Confessions and Zola's Germinal.
There are a few authors in this collection, however, like Tucker Carlson, who write as if the spotlight were directly on them. And even if there are moments of humor in Carlson's diary, the author's ego eclipses the content. But that is to be expected from Carlson.
Overall, I give this book a rating of 4 stars. It's a good read.
Too many writers writing about writing.......2001-01-02
What's good about this book: the ordinary, everyday people who aren't writers, journalists or who don't work in publishing. Hell, even Bill Gates fits into this category (though his entry is strangely mundane). Intensely enjoyable, harrowing, shocking, uplifting entries from all walks of life. I don't know where else you'd find this. Some serious, important writing in these entries.
What's bad about this book: way too many entries from journalists, writers or those in publishing. It's inevitable that Slate staffers are going to know lots of these people, but the urge to indulge has not been curbed. Like so many narcissistic TV shows that are about other TV shows, publishing or the media, this book has way too many writers writing about writing. Well, I have a news flash with story at 11: You're just not that interesting.
Give me more of the New York public defender taking on the hopeless murder cases for the homeless; give me more of the school nurse's insight and wisdom glimpsed through the children she sees; give me more of the hilarious classified ad sales person. What I don't need is more of the self-regarding petulance of the author and literary editor whose story got rejected.
By all means grab a copy of this at the airport and skip the boring entries -- exactly what I ended up doing during a 3 hour delay in Denver. Or head over to the Slate web site and pick the wheat from the chaff yourself. Not a bad book, but not what it claims to be either -- "the best" Slate diary entries.
Are Liberals Essentially The Only Interesting People?.......2000-12-26
Slate editor Michael Kinsley needs a reality check. This is one of the strangest anthologies ever put into print. There is little reason for anybody to purchase a copy. Every single one of the included diaries are readily available for free. One merely needs to go to www.slate.com's web site and use its search engine. The only benefit of this volume is the assurance of its editors that these diaries are the best of the lot. Other than conservative writer Tucker Carlson these decision makers seem to think that only extremist to moderate Liberals are interesting. Of course one should not overlook the fact that according to an in-house poll Slate is so liberal that only a handful of its staff voted for the Republican candidate in the recent Presidential election. Why therefore should we be surprised by the inclusion of Al Gore's daughter Karenna as a diarist? The addition of decontructionist philosopher Stanley Fish was particularly irritating. Even the diary of Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates reflects the pervasive Liberalism of its contributors. Gates might be the current foremost champion of capitalism, but it is disquieting to observe the software magnate attending the 75th anniversary dinner of Time magazine where it seems left of center celebrities are the only ones that caught his attention. Like Kinsley and some of the other contributors, Bill Gates also attended Harvard University, a school which appears to indoctrinates its students body into believing that modern day Liberalism is the font of all wisdom and moral decency.
Now that I've ranted and raved about the pervasive Liberalism of the Slate diarists, do I have anything nice to say? The answer is yes. There are many humorous insights concerning how these people live out their everyday lives. They might be mostly Liberal but I do find them to be intelligent and entertaining. James Fallows, one of my favorite neo-Liberal writers, tells us about the decisions an editor of the U.S. News & World Report must make as the printing deadline approaches. Have you ever wondered how film critic Roger Ebert gets through the day? Now you can find out. Novelist Cynthia Ozick remarks upon the obliviousness of an employer who has not a clue that he shares the same name with the great Scottish philosopher David Hume. It has been my experience that most people are ignorant about the fact that there are scholars and scientists with names similar to their own. They seem indifferent unless one can point to a famous sports figure or actor. Jan Reid, a founding writer of the Texas Monthly, recounts about the time he was shot during a robbery in Mexico City. I also cynically appreciated the candor of the anonymous professor who reveals the political infighting that is unavoidable for those without tenure. Last but not least, I envied the UPS driver who spots a car with a bumper sticker reading, "I fantasize about the UPS man." Some guys have all the luck!
I recommend buying this book only as a gift. Unfortunately, there are still many people lacking the basic talent of how to find stuff on the Internet. Other than that, simply click five or six strokes to peruse the total diary offerings of Slate.com.
writers turn out to be boring people.......2000-12-19
I had high hopes for this book, based on the concept and the back cover. However, I far preferred the submissions by regular people writing about their jobs than the tedious entries by writers, which unfortunately overwhelmed the book. Although Michael Kinsley heralded the "instantaneous submission" aspect of these diaries as bringing some extra element, I usually felt they would have been better with more time and thought put into them.
My favorite diary was from the woman who worked in Classified advertising (a hilarious must-read); the anthropologist who consulted with police departments was also pretty interesting. And why such a short entry from Karenna Gore? If anyone has good material from her life, it's the vice president's daugher. This book is NOT a lively updated internet version of Studs Terkel's Working, which is perhaps what I wanted it to be. My advice for anyone thinking of getting this book is to read the diaries online for a time to get a flavor for them.
a wonderful collection.......2000-12-06
This book is a total delight. I can't decide who I like more: the "professional" writers like Ron Carlson, Cynthia Ozick, Allegra Goodman, David Sedaris, etc., or the amateurs whose diaries are amazingly well written and moving. You certainly get a voyueristic sense from some of these--it is a guilty thrill to read someone's diary. But mostly you just get a ton of great writing. This is fabulous!
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