Book Description
"A triumph."
HARPERS
Ben Joe Hawkes is a worrier. Raised by his mother, grandmother, and a flock of busy sisters, he's always felt the outsider. When he learns that one of his sisters has left her husband, he heads for home and back into the confusion of childhood memories and unforseen love....
From the Paperback edition.
Customer Reviews:
Her first and definately not her best........2007-04-25
The author has definitely improved as a writer since she wrote this one. This is about Ben Joe and his family. Ben Joe is attending college in NY. He is studying to be a lawyer at Columbia. After learning one of his sister's has left her husband and moved back home, he feels compelled to go home for a visit right in the middle of a semester. Home is Sandhill, NC. The family of 6 girls and 1 boy (Ben Joe), Mom and Grandma, is quirky at best. Some of the interactions amongst characters in this book are just silly (for a lack of a better word). To me, this wasn't really a story that had a nice beginning and a happy, or at least concluded end. It was more like a picture in time that ended abruptly. Tyler has definitely developed as a writer, she is one of my favorites. I am glad I had the opportunity to read this book. It just isn't one of her best.
Phenomenal Descriptions.......2007-04-05
Tyler's first published novel is full of wonderful details that will make you see exactly what she wants you to see.
Excellent.......2007-03-02
Is there a better author alive today? I can't think of one. You can go look at the back cover and it'll seem so simple. But it's not. It never is. Anne Tyler is a phenomenally talented observer who makes you observe exactly what she does. Her writing is life. She's also so adept with language that you hardly notice. Readers all over the world probably think, "If I were a writer, this is what I'd want to write." Hey, I think that myself, and I've got five published titles to my name. She is that good. And while she'll never be on anybody's list of humorists, she makes me laugh at our foibles better than any "comic" ever will. And to think this was the first of her books to ever be published, long before she won the Pulitzer and long before she had 15 titles to her credit. Most of the others are on my shelf unread, so you already know who I'll be reviewing next week.
promise of the future.......2006-10-23
I've enjoyed many Anne Tyler books and am now backtracking to her earlier works. I could only recommend "If Morning Ever Comes" if you are a fan, and are curious. This was her first book written in 1964 and Ms. Tyler has stated in re-reading it, her surprise it was ever published. I concur, as it moves along slower than anything I can ever remember reading, but does show some of the promise we find in her later epics. If you want to check out her best, you might try; The Accidental Tourist, Saint Maybe, Ladder of Years, or The Amatuer Marriage.
Anne Tyler's first book.......2005-12-09
This is Anne Tyler's first novel (one she has disowned), and it definitely shows. Ben Joe Hawkes is a law student from North Carolina who is attending law school in NYC. He misses home and decides to return there for a visit. Home consists of six sisters, his mother, and his grandmother.
We get lots of talk about past incidents, mostly of unusual doings (running off with salesmen, for example) that nobody seems to take too seriously. The book is fairly disjointed (in one scene a drunken soldier appears out of nowhere on their front lawn playing a bagpipe) and filled with lots of talk, much of it not very interesting. Much better work was to follow.
Customer Reviews:
Pure Reading Pleasure!.......2005-02-12
1812 England
GALLANT WAIF is absolutely delightful!
Dauntless but poised, Kate Farleigh is now all alone in the world wondering where her next meal will come from and where she might seek employment and shelter. Tormented war hero Jack Carstairs wants nothing in his life but to be left alone to wallow in his own despair. Lucky for both Kate and Jack, there is Jack's grandmother, the high and mighty and haughty Lady Cahill. Against Kate and Jack's wishes, Lady Cahill conspires to bring these two forlorn souls together, but will she be successful?
Don't pass up this very enjoyable, quick and easy tale!
A few quirks, but a great book.......2003-12-03
I'm fast becoming a regency fan, and this book is partially the reason why! :)
"Mad Jack" Carstairs is a bitter, angry man. After returning from the Peninsula Campaign with a scarred face and a pronounced limp, he is jilted by his shallow fiancee because he was ugly and nearly destitute, as his father had left him practically nothing. Jack retreats to the home his father left him, content to drink away his life in the country.
His grandmother, however, is not content to see her grandson waste away his life in such a manner. A feisty older lady, she learns that her godmother's daughter, Kate, is destitute and is nearly about the enter "service" as a maid. She "kidnaps" Kate on the way to visit her grandson, and soon discovers that Kate is able to bring Jack out of his black mood because she has a temper that rivals Jack's! Kate, who is determined to become a housekeeper because she believes she has no prospects of a respectable marriage because of an incident that happened during the war, becomes Jack's housekeeper (although Jack insists that she is NOT his housekeeper).
Jack and Kate are hilarious, especially since they were always at each other's throats and are constantly bickering. There was little substance behind their relationship, however, in my opinion - there was a good deal of lust, and anger, and anger that led to lust, but little else (so if you're looking for a tender romance, you may want to pass on this book). On the other hand, if you enjoy a good laugh, this book is excellent! I could certainly identify with Kate, especially since I have a similar temper problem! :) I also liked the fact that the heroine was not a virgin, although the circumstances surrounding that were a little unrealistic.
The ending of the book was also unrealistic, from what I know of the era (and I must admit, that's not much), it would be highly unlikely for such a course of events to take place. In the end, however, I think this book was a good one, and I especially loved the sparring that occurred among Jack, his grandmother, and Kate. It's going on the keeper shelf!
I've found a new author!.......2003-10-01
As one who reads "Only" Historical (Regencies, Medieval) romance, and keeps looking for new authors all the time, I was very happy to discover Anne Gracie's Gallant Waif. I laughed, I cried, and didn't want the story to end! Try it, you'll like it!
Touching Regency Tale.......2001-11-08
Having read many great Regency-era novels, I can tell you that "Gallant Waif" by Anne Gracie is about as good as it comes. It has all the ingrediants of a wonderful historical romance: jilted fiances, lost inheritances, war heros, stuck-up society butterflies, and hard-headed heroines. Once you add all of these together you get a humorous, romantic story that keeps you wanting more.
The jilted fiance/war hero here is Jack Carstairs. Having returned from the Peninsular War with a mangled leg and a disfigured face, he finds himself jilted by his fiance Elizabeth. On top of that he is also very broke, you see his father disinherited him before his death because Jack refused to break his engagement with Elizabeth. All his father left him was the deed to a run-down hunting lodge. There Jack confines himself, refusing to see family and drinking his sorrows away.
The other jilted fiance/hard-headed heroine of the story is Kate Farleigh. Having recently lost her two brothers and father in the war she returns home penniless and a broken woman. She also brings back with her a painful secret that caused her fiance to break his engagement and force Society to turn it's back on her. One day Lady Cahill, Kate's mother's godmother and Jack's grandmother, visits offering to sponsor her if she will come live with her. This seems to be the solution to Kate's problems, but she foolishly turns down the proposal. Lady Cahill, feeling that this is her only option, "kidnaps" Kate and takes her to Jack's country home. Once there she offers Kate another proposal, stay at Jack's home for six months and take care of him and then she'll bring her to London and sponsor her into Society. Kate agrees knowing that Jack's home needs cleaning and that she needs a roof over her head and food in her belly.
The interaction between Jack and Kate is nothing short of TNT. It seems that they only know how to argue with each other and throw things. Jack doesn't want Kate cleaning and taking care of him and Kate doesn't want Jack telling her what to do. Eventually, these heated altercations turn into stollen kisses and intimate moments that make each begin to care for the other. But Jack believes that Kate is only trying to "worm" her way into what she believes to be a wealthy estate and Kate believes that Jack is just using her for his own needs. Can each find the truth in one another before Kate leaves for London and begins searching for a husband?
I highly suggest "Gallant Waif" if you're looking for a story with substance and romance. You'll find yourself enthralled with the characters and the situations they find themselves in. The setting and the world events surrounding that era only add to it's appeal. The story will have you laughing, crying, heartbroken, and proud. I'm positive that you'll enjoy this book as much as I did.
Gennie Bailey-Rogers
DEFINITELY WORTH READING.......2001-10-15
Gallant Waif is definitely worth reading -- Couldn't put it down -- Thoroughly enjoyed the main characters Of Jack Carstairs and Kate Farleigh -- they definitely show what happens to people with a bit of too much pride -- The Touches of vulnarablity that our hero and his lady show does much to enrich the story -- I would really like to follow a story of Colonel Francis Masterton, he was a very good friend and buddy of Jacks'. The ballroom scene really tickled me [but it was to be expected] -- Keep reading and enjoying.
Average customer rating:
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Gallant Waif (Regency Rakes)
Anne Gracie , and
Mary Brendan
Manufacturer: Harlequin Mills & Boon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Historical | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books | England | General | Regency | United States
ASIN: 0263836622 |
Book Description
"Once more," said Flay, "I am going to ask you politely and then we will really get to work on you. Where has this base crew gone?"
"I DON'T KNOW!" screamed Bolz.
"Hit him!" said the colonel.
It was the last order he ever issued in this life.
The blow hit the button remote in Bolz's pocket.
There was searing flash throughout the hangar!
The Death Battalion, the warship, the Blixo, the crea, Captain Bolz and Oh Dear glowed, suddenly outlined in the incandescence. They shifted color upward from red to yellow to violet. They went black. They turned to silica, momentarily holding shape, then they became molten glass.
The Death Battalion, sent by Apparatus Chief Lombar Hisst to take control on Earth, was gone.
But had Heller, the Countess Krak, and the dying Emperor of Voltar survived?
The insane Lombar Hisst, out of control on Voltar, holds the fate of Earth and the entire Voltar Confederacy in his clenching hands.
Here is truly VILLAINY VICTORIOUS, the ninth, heart-stopping volume in L. Ron Hubbard's best-selling dekalogy.
Customer Reviews:
Brilliant!.......2000-06-25
In `Villiany Victorious' which is Volume 9 of Hubbard's Magnificent `Mission Earth' Dekology, the story returns to the planet Voltar after a dramatic departure from Earth. Criminal Soltan Gris is neutralized, but his psychotic boss `Lombar Hisst' is back on Voltar running out of control attepting to seize the control of the Voltar confederacy. He sends a Death Battalian to Earth and they are turned to molten glass in an awesome confrontation. Lunatic PR agent J. Walter Madison is unleashed on Voltar to corrupt the culture under the arm of the Apparatus, while Soltan Gris awaits prosecution for his crimes on Earth and begins to write his confessional which is the first 8 Volumes of this series. Soltan Gris becomes the target of Madison's slur campaign in a wild turn of events, and the government of Voltar is in unheaval opening the door for the true villian of the entire series, Lombar Hisst to take contol! The only one in his way is Jettero Heller, who knows both sides of the situation. This book is explosive in content, and is built entirely on the previous 8 volumes of this story. The mastery of Hubbard really shines as all the parts of this Dekology start to come together in a new light, and the reader sees a unique dichotomy of two cultures: Earth and Voltar, and the plus and minus points of each. I truly found this book to be facinating and filled with exciting adventure as the other volumes, but the tale climbs to a whole new level that can only be arrived at by having read the preceding ones. You finally see what Hubbard was doing here with this Dekology, and why it took ten volumes to truly convey and express the story to the reader. This whole series is brilliant , and among the best I have ever read! It combines a satirical look at our own culture, as well as another unique satircal look at a supposed `utopian' culture, and you see the flaws of each in this comparison. `Villian Victorious' is a true blend of great Science Fiction and humor. You will truly enjoy this one, I am sure. It is worth the journey.
Terrible!.......2000-06-24
This guy really can't write. I've heard so much about Hubbard, so I picked this book up on a whim. It's the worst-written sci-fi book I've ever tried to read. The dialogue is incredibly artificial and the plot is pretty thin. I only managed to get a couple of chapters in. Don't bother.
Funny, Witty, Satirical Psi-Fi.......2000-06-02
I loved all of these stories. The tapes make great car entertainment. Hubbard has a fantastic sense of humor, witty & intelligent and often edgy. Definitely way ahead of his time - meaining that you'd never expect a traditional psi-fi writer Hubbard's age at the time to write something this racy and "with-it"! A winner!
A fast, fun read........1999-12-26
I used to think the sex in some of the Mission Earth books was too perverted to be real...and then came the Internet. The Mission Earth series could be subtitled "A Parody of Earth." It is hilarious. Hubbard also works in some strange new concepts of space and time. Funnier and faster than Heinlein, but just as profound.
Awful..Smut.......1999-11-08
The decision to throw Soltan Gris in prison in vol. 7 and remove him as narrator is really hard to defend. There's nothing that couldn't have been done better with Gris still running around the Confederacy wreaking havoc. Monte Pennwell was an atrocious idea. I suspect Hubbard died before the series was finished with someone else finishing it off, assuming the Pennwell identity to mask a different writing style. (Else Hubbard is truly a master of voice..since most writers carry their writing tone in everything they write)
Skip over the chapters involving Teenie, unless you're a undersexed teenager. Awful, awful stuff. Base two books around the worst characters (Teenie and Madison) in the series? What were they thinking?
Average customer rating:
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Villainy Victorious
L.Ron Hubbard
Manufacturer: New Era Publications UK Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Hubbard, L. Ron
| ( H )
| Authors, A-Z
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
| Adventure
| Alternate History
| Anthologies
| General
| Graphic Novels
| High Tech
| History & Criticism
| Series
| Short Stories
| Space Opera
ASIN: 1870451058 |
Book Description
1910. Contents: The Constitution of the Human Being; Reembodiment of the Spirit and Destiny; The Three Worlds; The Path of Knowledge.
Customer Reviews:
An excellent book.......2007-01-03
The title is potentially a little misleading, since beyond superficial similarities it really has very little to do with the Theosophy of Blavatsky and Besant. Steiner really forges his own path, and a quite interesting one at that. This is really the book to start with if you want to understand Steiner's thought and worldview.
Real Truth.......2006-08-31
I find Steiner's work invigorating. Theosophy requires you to THINK, unlike much of the New Age drivel on the bookshelves today. Steiner was obviously a man with a great gift of sight and I feel blessed that he has shared so much with us through his writing.
This is a must read for anyone serious about delving deeper into spiritual truth and wisdom. Not only does Steiner share his vision of the Spiritual world, he tells how we can all gain access to that world IF we are willing to devote ourselves to the work with sincerity and dedication.
Steiner's succienct work stinks.......2006-02-16
There was found to be no original thought put into this writing. Copied from many other authors and in his 'succienct' writtings, he misses out on the One true picture. While covering such a broad subject, one can only draw to the conclusion that plagerism on such a matter as this one could only have been hoped for!
Incredibly profound!.......2005-10-25
In this rich and fascinating study, the tenets of Theosophy are explained in a way that enhances and enriches what you think you already know about the subject. Steiner takes the mind on an incredible journey - one that leads directly to your soul!
Much Needed Wisdom for American Culture.......2004-07-04
The wisdom in this book is exactly what is needed in America today. In this book, Steiner takes care to scientifically explain his knowledge of human spiritual existence, as he himself has observed it. It is a great help in bridging the gap, so prominent in our culture, between science and spirituality. It is a little difficult to get through in terms of its ease of readability, but don't let that hinder you. The book is written that way on purpose so that as you work through it (re-reading sentences sometimes more than twice) it expands your mind to allow it to accept more complex concepts. I recommend it for everyone.
Average customer rating:
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Chinese Technique: An Illustrated Guide to the Fundamental Techniques of Chinese Cooking
Ken Hom , and
Harvey Steiman
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Baking
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Culinary Arts & Techniques
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Chinese
| Asian
| Regional & International
| Cooking, Food & Wine
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Taste of China: The Definitive Guide to Regional Cooking (Pavilion Classic Cookery)
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The Chinese Kitchen: Recipes, Techniques, Ingredients, History, and Memories from America's Leading Authority on Chinese Cooking
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The Chinese Kitchen: A Book of Essential Ingredients with Over 200 Easy and Authentic Recipes
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Chopsticks, Cleaver, and Wok: Homestyle Chinese Cooking
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The Wisdom of the Chinese Kitchen: Classic Family Recipes for Celebration and Healing
ASIN: 0671253476 |
Customer Reviews:
Just about perfect.......2007-03-28
Not as glamorous as much of todays stuff but full of terrific information and recipes.
Out of print I beleive so you need to track it down but it is worth it.
Customer Reviews:
A Cartoon and Promotional Drinking Glass Collectors Delight.......2000-06-01
Softbound, 176 page book with updated 1999 values. This reference contains over 3,000 black and white pictures. Each picture is accompanied by dates, description, and value. Background information is provided covering Explanations and Abbreviations, Paint and Glass Restoration and Glass Condition. A very complete Table of Contents provides quick location of items desired. Topics run from Arby's , Archies and Batman, to Kelloggs, King Kong, McDonalds and Ziggy. A very useful reference tool for cartoon and promotional drinking glass collectors.
Book Description
Unusual disguises, based on authentic Indian artifacts, depict an all-gold Chimú mask (Peru, A.D. 1200); the ferocious Bear Spirit (Klukwan, Alaska, A.D. 1800–1850); the curious Rim Dweller (Iroquois, 1920); the feather-capped Earth and Sky Being (Zuni, New Mexico, 1925) and two others. No scissors needed. Just punch out, attach a string and wear.
Book Description
Instead of leafing through a plethora of magazines for bedroom decorating ideas, now you can find all the inspiration and useful advice you'll ever need in one book - 101 Bedrooms, containing 101 themes for your bedroom, each illustrated with a full-page photograph of a fully decorated room. In fact, with the titles in this series, you can find ideas for every room in the house! The first four titles feature Bedrooms, Living Rooms, Kitchens and Bathrooms are guaranteed to help you find the look that you want. The 101 bedrooms are grouped by style: Contemporary - Classic - Country - Creative - Budget - Bohemian
Each room is illustrated with a full-color photograph and accompanied by invaluable information on the specific features of the room, including color, lighting, accessories and flooring. There is a directory of useful suppliers at the back of the book you'll have everything you need to recreate the look for yourself. So whether you're planning a complete transformation or simply looking for quick facelift ideas, the 101 series will help you create the home of your dreams.
Customer Reviews:
Great Pictures...tough to find the furniture.......2006-06-27
If you want to see pictures that show parts of some great looking bedrooms, than this is a great book. However, if you want to see pictures of the full bedroom, or to use it as a shopping mate - BUY SOMETHING ELSE! I went to every single recommended website for bedding, and not a single site carried any beds like the bed that I liked in this book. This was a complete waste of money for me!
Book Description
Specialty, department and discount/off-price stores, e-tailers, designers, manufacturers and shopping malls are all waging branding wars with a vengeance. And, these major retailers now look to the power of branding in every form as their most potent and important strategic asset. Brandwidth is the term the authors of this "what works" book use to define the multi-media aspects of retail brand building.
Brandstand examines 10 brand strategies used by innovative marketers and explains and redefines the industry's buzz words: Brand Awareness; Brand Image Positioning; Spiral Branding, Attributes, Benefits, Commitments, Destination Branding and Experimental Branding; Brand Associations, and more.
Brandstand is a book of 35 case studies with hundreds of visuals and in-depth reportage.
Best Buy • Bruno Magli • Burjurman Shopping Center • Cartier • Crate & Barrel • Columbia Sportswear • Container Store • Donna Karan • E-Luxury • Ethan Allen • Etro • H & M • Harrod's • Hart Shaffner & Marx • Henri Bendel • Hermes • Holt Renfew • Kate Spade • Keds • Laura Of Canada • Macy's West • Mansour's • Marsh Supermarkets • Marshall's • Men's Wearhouse • Mexx • Office Depot • Pacific View Ventura • Park Royal • Saks Fifth Avenue • Sephora • Talbots • Target • Tyson Corner • Wolford
In Brandstand the top marketing pros from these successful companies share with you what really works for them in the managing of their brand(s). You get first-hand knowledge about their objectives, strategies and execution. We show you the creative efforts they use to communicate the branding story, with over 500 full-color visuals.
Brandstand is a book filled with real insights and hundreds of ideas that you can use in your own business to build and maintain retail brand equity.
176 pages 9" x 12" Over 500 color visuals, hardcover
Customer Reviews:
Inspiring.......2005-02-03
This book is a stunning visual reference guide for anyone interested in branding, and wanting to learn from succesful branding strategies of large companies.
Average customer rating:
- a better biography...but still tabloid heavy
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Ragged but Right: The Life and Times of George Jones
Dolly Carlisle
Manufacturer: Contemporary Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Instruments & Performers
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Music
| Entertainment
| Subjects
| Books
Entertainers
| Arts & Literature
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Biographies & Memoirs
| Subjects
| Books
Sociology
| Social Sciences
| Nonfiction
| Subjects
| Books
| AIDS
| Abuse
| Adults
| Aging
| Children
| Class
| Communities
| Culture
| Death
| General
| History
| Leisure
| Marriage & Family
| Medicine
| Men
| Occupational
| Race Relations
| Religion
| Research & Measurement
| Rural
| Social Groups
| Social Situations
| Social Theory
| Suburban
| Urban
| Women
General
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Performing Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 0809255375 |
Customer Reviews:
a better biography...but still tabloid heavy.......2004-01-04
this was the second of two books about George Jones in 1984. Dolly Carlisle wrote this one. The book reads like a story with hardly any added comments and opinions. There might be a few comments here and there but nothing like Bob Allen's book! Carlisle seemed to focus on the "human" and emotional side of George instead of taking the easy route with one drinking and drug story right after another that seemed to grow in Allen's book. The "bad days" as George calls them are also in Carlisle's book...but presented less gossipy and more sensational, meaning that the stories are more believable coming from her because of her professionalism in talking about them but they still carry a tabloid feel all the same...if that makes sense! Epic and George apparently had no major problems with this book because Carlisle wrote the liner notes for George's 1984 album "You've Still Got a Place in My Heart", something i don't think would've ever happened had the people been angry with her. Years later, when his own auto-biography came out, George commented that the two books that had been written on him were mostly half-truths but he DID make quiet reference that this book was more closer to the truth than the other one.
Books:
- If Nobody Speaks of Remarkable Things
- In the Name of Salome
- Karma Incarnate: The Best of Foolkiller
- Killer Diller
- La cuidad de los herejes/The city of herejes
- Le Colonial: A Novel
- Lord of the Barnyard: Killing the Fatted Calf and Arming the Aware in the Cornbelt
- Memories of Pure Spring
- Music for Torching
- Never Go Home Again: A Novel
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Princess & the Kiss: A Story of God's Gift of Purity
- My First Five Husbands..And the Ones Who Got Away
- Evolution as Natural History: A Philosophical Analysis
- Interaction of High Power Lasers with Plasmas
- History: Fiction or Science
- History: Fiction or Science
- Goldendoodle
- Arts and Culture: An Introduction to the Humanities
- Feast Your Eyes: The Unexpected Beauty of Vegetable Gardens
- Improbable Cause
Morgan's Passing
A Slipping-Down Life
Earthly Possessions
The Tin Can Tree: A Novel (1st Ballantine Books Trade ed)
Clock Winder (1st Ballantine Books Trade ed)
