Book Description
No novelist alive knows the human heart better than Scott Spencer does. No one tells stories about human passion with greater urgency, insight, or sympathy. In A Ship Made of Paper, this artist of desire paints his most profound and compelling canvas yet.
Daniel Emerson lives with Kate Ellis and is like a father to her daughter, Ruby. But he cannot control his desire for Iris Davenport, the African-American woman whose son is Ruby's best friend. During a freak October blizzard, Daniel is stranded at Iris's house and they begin a sexual liaison that eventually imperils all their relationships, Daniel's profession, their children's well-being, their own race- blindness, and their view of themselves as essentially good people.
A Ship Made of Paper captures all the drama, nuance, and helpless intensity of sexual and romantic yearning, and it bears witness to the age-old conflict between the order of the human community and the disorder of desire.
Customer Reviews:
Desire does have costs (4.25 *s).......2007-08-11
Having encountered a personal assault in NYC, Daniel Emerson returns to his hometown of Leyden in upper state New York with longtime girlfriend Kate and her young daughter Ruby to begin an idyllic life with him as a small town lawyer and her as a putative novelist but more practically a freelance journalist. But domestic serenity unravels when Daniel becomes fixated with Iris Davenport a married woman and perpetual grad student at nearby Marlowe College who he meets when taking Ruby to daycare and who happens to be black.
The book is a very absorbing examination of the consequences of desire. Beyond exhilaration there are the lies, rationalizations, and appearances that must be maintained, but with the ever increasing likelihood of causing pain, chaos, and even ruination. The cheated-on spouses are hardly undesirable, yet as the author says, there can be no turning back for Iris and Daniel.
The author keeps the story moving and has a flair for the well turned phrase. There are some racial overtones but ultimately are irrelevant. There are no resounding conclusions, but is simply a sensitive view of infidelity.
Amazing Lesson.......2007-04-27
I felt a surge of energy reading this book. It was delightfully insightful into the true nature of humans. The main character falls through many holes trying to fulfill his desire and love for a married woman. Even though he already has a commitment, he dives into the relationship at full speed. This book teaches about the many imperfections of love, consequences be damned.
Kate.......2007-01-09
The only reason why this book sneaks by with three stars is the character of Kate. She is racist in a very complex way, also a mother and lover with the same complex dimensions. Her character helps explain a lot in modern day society, why some people are still racist, in a less overt way. Just about every other character seems to be one dimensional, at best. So, though this book is far from perfect, you should still read it.
Obsession or True Love???.......2006-12-30
I read this book about a year ago and recommended it to a few friends. This still sparks discussion amongst us even today. The debate mostly centers around Daniel's obsession or love for Iris. You be the judge! I found the author's use of setting and mood to match perfectly. Spencer does an excellent job of painting word pictures and weaving plotlines together smoothly. I finished this book quickly based more on the intrigue of the novel than length. If you're looking for a book club book for the new season pick this one up!
Prideless Love .......2006-11-29
This review is supposed to be about why you should or shouldn't read this book. You should read it because the character Kate, gives an honest account of racism and love. It's clear she believes blacks are inferior to whites she seems to have an "in their place" view of blacks. The author gives us a very good view of her ideas. You can't study or challenge racism if you don't see it or pretend it doesn't exist. But through this book, especially through Kate, we have that opportunity. This book would make a good study for a cultural diversity class.
love? Kate, again. She clearly loves Daniel and she does something about it. I'll say that again, it's the most important point in the book. She does something about it. Her character reminds me of the phrase "love has no pride". When it comes to Daniel, she doesn't.
If this book is about love, it's about the love Kate has for Daniel (the love Daniel has for Ruby is also percious but he doesn't have enough). The main characters Daniel and Iris talk a good game, but they never show their hands. There is painful honesty in this book about the limits (or lack there of) one will go for love, but you need to look towards Kate to find it.
Customer Reviews:
Delightfull !!!!!!!!!.......2004-07-07
I had delightfull moments reading that book. It's another winner from author Cheryl St. John. Highly recommended (almost 5 stars for me)!
A Must Read and Another Keeper!.......2004-03-24
Brock Kincaid is just as [wonderful] as his brothers, Caleb and Will and cousin James portrayed in the anthology of Big Sky Grooms, another must read and also a keeper!
Be sure not to miss Big Sky Brides anthology of the delightful contemporary sisters, Suzanna and Diana Brennan and the historical story of their great-great grandparents, Isabella and Kyle Running Horse Brennan.
Another poignant wonderful Cheryl St. John Book!!.......2001-08-28
Brock Kincaid was home and the last thing he expects is to find himself staring into a set of eyes that look hauntingly familiar...the eyes of a son he never knew he had. Is he too late to build a relationship with his son? Abby Watson wants nothing to do with the man who murdered her brother, left her pregnant and broke her heart. But how can she deny a father's right to know his son? Brock and Abby have to work to overcome the past, live through the present and possibly find a future together. Cheryl St. John is known for her tender, poignant stories that touch readers' hearts, but she's outdone even herself with The Gunslinger's Bride, a tender story about letting go and loving.
Book Description
One moment Conrad Schwartz was suffering from a severe hangover as he hiked through the mountains of present-day Poland, the next he was running for his life from an angry Teutonic knight. Things went downhill from there, and he finally had to face the disheartening fact he had somehow been stranded in 1231 A.D. He would have been happier if he had known less history. But there was very bad news in his new future, so he set out to turn Medieval Poland into the most powerful country in the thirteenth century. It wouldn't be easy. He would be investigated by the Inquisition, be knighted, round up vassals, build a city, survive armed combat with the Champion of the Teutonic Knights, invent the steam engine and cloth factories, establish universal education, and organize an army. He needed the army most of all, because he knew that the Mongol hordes would attack in only ten years and destroy Medieval Poland-and that would really mess up Conrad's life.
Customer Reviews:
Trashy but oh so good........2006-07-05
We've been trying to find the paperback versions with no luck. Thanks!
An Awesome, Time Travel/Alt History Story.......2006-04-21
I'm a scifi fan and this is the only complete series I've ever read. At 700+ pages I assume this volume contains the whole thing. It's about an engineer/soldier mysteriously transported back centuries and how he changes history with his knowledge and initiative. Very thought provoking.
A Great, Classic Series!.......2005-08-15
This series is a real favorite of mine. Great story line, great characters, and unique ideas. Now (as of Summer 2005) the latest Conrad book, "Conrad's Crusade" is now available from [...], on line! It is solid action on par with the best in the series. [...], and I recommend it highly.
Rousing funny tales that hold up to multiple readings.......2005-01-31
It's rare I reread a book yet Frankowski's I have, discovering subtle insights and deep thinking underlying fast-moving exciting stories full of humanity, humor, well-drawn characters, rousing action by ill-prepared people wildly improvising, a little-known setting (medieval Poland just before the Mongol invasion, and a very well done reworking of Twain's "A Connecticutt Yankee in King Arthur's Court" with more real laughs and far more purpose. There's a thousand lessons on history, technology, science, religion, economic development, warfare, trade, Playboy Clubs, time travel, project management, and politicking, so it's well worth an adult's time while a ripping yarn for an adolescent. Robert Heinlein, Neal Stephenson, Eric Flint, and S.M. Stirling would be in this caliber.
Book one.......2005-01-15
This is the first book, alt time travel? not much on details but has a good story line. Really liked it.
Book Description
NEW LIGHT ON THE PAST
Conrad Stargard, a twentieth century Pole marooned in thirteenth century Poland, had just ten years to prevent the Mongol hordes from slaughtering everyone in Poland.
So he "invented" all the modern advances--things like prefabricated housing, Playboy Clubs, steam engines, universal education, cloth factories, and belly dancing.
But wars are fought by warriors, not strong economies, and Conrad needed the very best. So he set out to create an army . . .
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful.......2004-10-12
I am a female reader and do not agree with the other review about these books.
In general, I do not enjoy science fiction or fantasy. So when I was desperate for a read a few years ago, I borrowed these from a friend. What a great surprise. I have since collected the series for myself. Wonderful Stories.
This is a five book series that is unfortunately out of print. If you can get your hands on one or all of these books, do so.
although the books can potentially stand alone, it is much better to read them in order. They are a quick interesting read.
Conrad is modern day man in Poland on a hiking trip when he happens to get transported back in time. He is able to invent things and bring some of his modern day experience into the past. It is a fascinating read. The author does not get caught up in the philosophy of time travel but instead has fun with the idea.
In this book Conrad begins with, once again, dealing with his nemesis and then begins developing a new army. Excellent reading.
Well worth the money.
Enjoy.
Excellent 5 Book Series.......2000-08-15
This is the best time travel series in a realistic timeline ever written. Before these books, L. Sprague De Camp had held that title for decades with his "Lest Darkness Fall", but it was too short. Mark Twain may be the most famous with his "Connecticut Yankee in King Arthur's Court", but that is more light hearted than serious, and disappointing at the end. The Conrad series delivers on all the promise, and even after 5 books, it still leaves you wanting more. (There is a sixth book now, but Conrad is a minor character, and I've reviewed it separately.)
I say realistic timeline, because Conrad isn't really from our timeline. I was a little suspicious right from the start, but it wasn't until Conrad reminisced about the Mongols invading France that I thought "Hey, wait a minute". It turns out that it didn't happen to us (even without Conrad). But the historians I read agree that it would have, except the great Khan died and the Mongols had a war of succession which they never recovered from. This is often used as an example of the actions of one person changing history. I never even heard the story, until Conrad got me to look it up. Go figure.
This is an action story, with fighting and sex, where Conrad overcomes insurmountable obstacles, and usually has a good time along the way. The author doesn't just ignore the time travel though. He writes a science fiction sub-plot about that too. In fact, the author is obviously an engineer, not just because it takes an engineer for Conrad to build the things he does, but also from the way the books were planned out and crafted. Obviously the author planned the Mongol invasion and built the series around it, but he also foreshadows romantic sub-plots 3 books in advance.
I love these books, and share other reviewers disbelief that they haven't been reprinted since 1993. If you've already read them, and love them too, you might want to try "The Misplaced Legion (Videssos Cycle, Book 1)" by Harry Turtledove, about elements of one of Caesar's legions travelling into Rome's future of the Byzantine Empire. Only it's not the real Byzantine Empire, it's a parallel universe where magic works. Aside from that, it's Byzantium during the 1100's written by a Byzantine historian. And of course you'll want to read the "Island in the Sea of Time" series by S. M. Stirling, about modern day Nantucket going back in time to the Trojan War. These works are different, but also 5 stars.
Boot Camp!.......1999-04-01
This was a fun read! Infidel Moslems, and the return of the insufferable Sir Stefan make up the first half of the book, but the Radiant Warrior really shines (no pun intended) in the second half when Conrad attempts to build a US Army-style boot camp for his new Army. Highly recommended!
One of my all-time favorites.......1997-10-27
If you can find it, GET IT! Well-written, thoughtful, and entertaining. Love and joy, sadness and pain, the adventure of time travel gets lost behind the story of the daily life of an ordinary person in extraordinary circumstances.
great book, loved it, went and bought the sequal.......1997-10-24
made me think, taught me about midevil poland, and moderen day science, and all around enjoyable read
Book Description
My hope is to provide a resource for inspiration and a tool for self-reflection. This book was written from the discussions between a teacher and a student. The stories were collected from the oral tradition of the Martial Way. Within these words is the pure desire to invoke the Spirit of the Warrior. Only the form we forge for ourselves in our innermost will is ours without question. The journey is yours alone. We must fight for freedom with every step. Use what is useful and discard what is not. Discover your Warrior.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Library Bookwatch, published by Midwest Book Review on February 1, 2005. The length of the article is 385 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: Baen Books.(Very Bad Deaths)(Warp Speed)(Tinker)(The Far Side Of The Stars)(Conrad Stargard: The Radiant Warrior)(Book Review)
Publication:
Library Bookwatch (Newsletter)
Date: February 1, 2005
Publisher: Midwest Book Review
Page: NA
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thompson Gale
Book Description
Offers a rare view into the world of a Zulu shaman
• Includes 14 Zulu myths as told by a traditional Zulu story keeper
• Reveals Zulu shamanic practices, including healing techniques, dreamwork, oracles, prophecy, and interactions with star beings
In this rare window into Zulu mysticism, Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa breaks the bonds of traditional silence to share his personal experiences as a sangoma—a Zulu shaman. Set against the backdrop of post-colonial South Africa, Zulu Shaman relays the first-person accounts of an African healer and reveals the cosmology of the Zulu.
Mutwa begins with the compelling story of his personal journey as an English-trained Christian schoolteacher who receives a calling to follow in his grandfather’s footsteps as a shaman and keeper of folklore. He then tells the stories of his ancestors, including creation myths; how evil came to the world; the adventures of the trickster god Kintu; and Zulu relations with the “fiery visitors,” whom he likens to extraterrestrials. In an attempt to preserve the knowledge of his ancestors and encourage his vision of a world united in peace and harmony, Mutwa also shares previously guarded secrets of Zulu healing and spiritual practices: including the curing power of the sangoma and the psychic powers of his people.
Customer Reviews:
zulu shamanism.......2005-01-06
Here we get a fascinating account of how a Zulu shaman gets called to his profession and what healing and divination entail in the context of South African native healers (sangomas). Mutwa brings in details that I haven't seen anywhere else... for example, how divination bones, the essential aspect of sangoma art, are obtained and how a combination of plants and energy are used in healing mentally and physically sick people. He talks about ancient power objects held in storage by his tribe and about the knowledge, accumulated by his tribe of hundreds of years, of the alternate reality that one can encounter in the bush. Above all, this book allows one to one witness the sophistication of the Zulu, including their techniques for training and retraining the initiate's perception and awareness.
This is a valuable book.
An invaluable contribution to African Metaphysical Studies.......2004-04-03
Vusamazulu Credo Mutwa is a "sangoma" (a Zulu Shaman who has chosen to go beyond the traditional boundaries of silence). Edited by Stephen Larsen, Zulu Shaman: Dreams, Prophecies, And Mysteries is the autobiographical story of Mutwa, an English-trained Christian schoolteacher who followed the calling to become a shaman and keeper of folklore even as his grandfather once was. Presenting powerful stories and myths of creation; how his ancestors came to the world; tales of gods and evil beings; and visions to promote peace and harmony, Zulu Shaman is a unique work of spiritual insight and Zulu mysticism which is an invaluable contribution to African Metaphysical Studies reference collections and reading lists.
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Made in Vermont
Manufacturer: Olmstead Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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New England
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ASIN: 1587540096 |
Book Description
From rolling hills and craggy rock walls, sparkling countryside vistas to small city delights, Vermont is a rarity, a place where wilderness and civilized city pleasures go hand in hand. Each of the four seasons in Vermont offers distinct charms, showcasing the uniqueness of this special state. A popular destination for travelers, Vermont is evocative of a purer, simple way of life, where hand-made also means made with love and from the heart. Select Registry Inns are excellent Inns that travelers can depend upon for an enjoyable lodging experience in unique, stylish, and tasteful surroundings with warm hospitality. Inns recommended by Select Registry have gone through a gauntlet of reviews and inspections by some of North America's leading hospitality professionals, including a full property visit by incognito inspectors who evaluate the Inn and the hospitality of its Innkeepers before the Inn is chosen to be a Select Registry Inn.Now, Made in Vermont, a culinary celebration of that enticing New England countryside, carries on this tradition of goodness. Seventeen of Vermont's Select Registry favorite country inns have joined together to create a delightful cookbook that highlights the bounty of the land and the uniqueness of these inns. With selections from award-winning innkeepers and chefs, Made in Vermont captures the special character and charms of each inn. Made in Vermont offers over 180 mouth-watering recipes that feature local Vermont produce like maple syrup, fresh dairy products, newly harvested fruits and vegetables, and all the special touches that make these inns a coveted destination. With Made in Vermont you can create the distinctive joys of a Vermont country inn in your own home. This book also offers a special traveler's guide to the featured distinctive inns. Whether you are traveling to southern Vermont or the distant reaches of the Northeast Kingdom, this is a book to delight all comers.
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How Teddy Bears Are Made: A Visit to the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory
Ann Morris
Manufacturer: Cartwheel Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Crafts & Hobbies
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ASIN: 059047152X |
Book Description
This volume is produced from digital images created through the University of Michigan University Library's preservation reformatting program.
Amazon.com
Packed between the covers of this undersized volume are classic film posters drawn by the likes of Norman Rockwell, Thomas Hart Benton, and many unknown illustrators. Bambi, Gone with the Wind, The Phantom of the Opera, Casablanca, The Thin Man, and King Kong are just a few of the film titles readers will recognize from Hollywood's heyday. The exaggerated lettering, the dramatic rendering of the movie stars' faces, the bright colors, the sensational slogans, and the overall layout of the posters have all but disappeared from contemporary movie advertising. The wide selection of posters promises to please movie buffs and design fans alike.
Customer Reviews:
Superbly written, sumptuous presentation.......2002-11-14
...This is a groundbreaking book, the first (and only one since!) that truly unearths the story of how movie posters were created, who drew them, why each studio had a certain 'look' to their posters and what impact they had on the popular culture. The text is wise, witty, thoroughly enjoyable while it imparts vast amounts of fresh and fascinating information. And as for the images, they are magnificently chosen and reproduced, each one of them accompanied by intriguing and smart observations on the films themselves, their making and their role in Hollywood history. This is an ambitious undertaking, yet it's an ideal book to get lost in during a lazy weekend. Hard to put down, beautifully done and crying out for a sequel. A classic!
Misleading.......2000-10-02
Reel Art is like looking at a carpet sampling booklet. The paperback edition that is. Apart from a few none specific notes given a the front of the booklet the information on offer is very limited. Page after page of vintage posters with no text to accompany them makes this flick book an annoying "read". If all you require is visual this is an excellent choice. However, if you thought this book would actually tell you anything about the posters published, think again.
Hope you find this helpful. JG
spectacular book well worth having.......1999-05-19
This is a must have book, even if you aren't "into movies". It is a sheer visual delight and a worthy addition to any library. Those with an interest in the graphic arts should definately acquire it. Arranged in a thoughtful manner, the glorious artwork is accompanied by intelligent text that is never dry and always informative.
This undisputed classic actually surpasses its reputation........1999-03-10
This undisputed classic actually surpasses its reputation. The sumptuous, coffee table-style volume, over 340 pages, would be worth owning alone for its eye-popping reproduction of rare poster images that advertised such films as King Kong, It Happened One Night, Dracula, The Old Dark House, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, Casablanca, Gilda, Gone With the Wind, It's a Wonderful Life, The Wizard of Oz and hundreds of others. Each chapter is beautifully organized into genres making the tome as compulsively entertaining as it is enlightening. Don't mistake this one for any of the other copycat poster books, though, which merely display page after page of images with no analysis or comment. What makes Reel Art a must-have, definitive book on the subject is its witty, hefty, impeccably informative text and extended captions which reveal so much about how the old-time Hollywood publicity and marketing machines worked to sell the moviegoing world not only on particular stars, directors, films, but also on the sexiness of things like cigarette smoking and the patriotic duty of going to war. Talk about "The Hidden Persuaders"! I especially appreciate the groundbreaking information Rebello and Allen reveal about the actual artists (some very famous, like Norman Rockwell, Al Hirschfeld and Miguel Covarrubias) and art directors who were responsible for the distinct visual style of posters from MGM, Paramount, Universal, Columbia, RKO and even the so-called "poverty row" studios. There's even a lengthy section of illustrators' biography, complete with actual poster credits -- something I have never seen anywhere before this. What research the book must have taken! Awesome and essential, as I guess is to be expected from author Rebello, who also did the first-rate Alfred Hitchcock and the Making of `Psycho.' Only quibble: this book cries for a follow-up, so when will the authors get around to the sequel?
Customer Reviews:
A great source of inspiration and information on vest making.......1996-08-08
Ms. Parks includes 90 large color close-ups of some very interesting vests by 40 talented designers. If these photos were all there were, it would be a good book for anyone wanting to create wearable art vests. Ms. Clark makes it a great book by including gridded vest patterns and instructions for making and embellishing your own vests. If you want to create a great vest, this book will help
Book Description
Painting Your House Inside and Out explores today's range of paint and special effects products and offers instructions for choosing, mixing, and using them for a variety of home-decorating purposes. Here is practical advice on everything from preparing surfaces, choosing colors and equipment, and understanding paint properties to mastering techniques. It includes tips on avoiding common and costly pitfalls as well as a step-by-step plan for getting the desired results. Over 250 photographs and illustrations are featured.
Customer Reviews:
This book has the answers.......2004-03-11
I like this book very much. Not only does it answer color questions for inside my house, but it gives me color guidance and inspiration for the outside of my house (which is in dire need of a paint job). The photography in the book is lovely . The detailed instruction for choosing colors makes it easier than I thought it would be. This beautiful book is a useful tool.
Very good resource.......2003-09-20
My wife and I found this book very helpful in determining colors for the outside of our house. I learned what was needed to prep and paint the house as well. My wife enjoyed the information on color for our rooms and is planning a color scheme. This book is worth the investment.
Quick and Easy Paint Color Solutions.......2003-07-11
I gave this book to several friends as house warming and wedding gifts. Both friends said they loved the book, but more than that, they were able to get use out of it. One friend found a beautiful putty paint color for the outside of her house. Her house looks amazing with charcoal colored shutters. She is so happy with the result. My other friend chose a color scheme for her living room, dining room and family room. She said the book made it easy. I have since purchased a copy for myself. I'm reading it now and am getting very inspired to make changes in my own home.
It's Got It All!.......2003-06-25
This is a very comprehensive guide for choosing colors for both the interior and exterior of your home. It includes everything you would ever need to know about color, painting techniques, and everything in between. This is the only guide that I will need to accomplish my goals. There is simply nothing about the color selection and painting process that isn't thoughtfully addressed in this book. Plus, the photographs and are beautiful! It's got it all.
Book Description
One of TV's Most Popular Home Designers Shows How You Can Achieve Beautiful Home Decor
Everyone wants a beautiful, well-designed home. However, decorating can be daunting: coordinating furniture, color palettes, fabrics, finishes, and accessories from a vast array of manufacturers is an overwhelming task. Well-known TV personality and brilliant interior designer Beverly Murphy has written a visual, inspirational, and clear-cut plan that shows homeowners how to achieve the look they want for every room of their home.
Take the guesswork out of home decor:
* Beautifully designed with 150 full-color illustrations
* Provides a gamut of options ranging from budget-conscious to mid-range to high-end
* Helpful sidebar notes on topics such as antique collecting, outdoor living, entertaining, and gardening
* Time-saving resource listings for manufacturers, retailers, trade associations, and consumer groups
* Covers a wide range of styles including coastal, cabin, French country cottage, urban lofts, and traditional style
Customer Reviews:
Flawless Interior Decorating.......2005-09-02
I was very disappointed in this book. It basically divides interior decorating into styles such as traditional, contemporary, cottage etc and tells you the colors that are predominantly used in that style and the fabrics.
It does not give any advice on HOW to do anything. I would not buy this book again---save your money
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Creative Edge Type (Creative Edge)
Lynn Haller
Manufacturer: North Light Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Graphic Arts
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
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Typography
| Graphic Design
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
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General
| Arts & Photography
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Desktop Publishing
| Graphic Design
| Computers & Internet
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General
| Publishing & Books
| Reference
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General
| Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems
| Engineering
| Professional & Technical
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Type
| Design
| HOWdesign Studio
| Specialty Stores
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Creative Edge Page Design (Creative Edge Series)
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Creative Edge: Letterhead + Business Card Design (Creative Edge)
ASIN: 0891349510 |
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Creative Edge: Type
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
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Calligraphy
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ASIN: 0688171788 |
Book Description
Author of the widely acclaimed New York Times Notable Book The Gutenberg Elegies, distinguished critic and essayist Sven Birkerts explores in this brilliantly written memoir what it means to be an American with roots in a distant culture. The son of Latvian immigrants, Birkerts describes how his struggle to find his own path thrust him up against the myths of his origins-the turbulent lives of his grandparents, whose artistic ambitions played out against a backdrop of revolution and war-as well as the excesses of the 1960s counterculture. A moving saga of a writer's painful-and comic-coming-of-age, My Sky Blue Trades is an absorbing chronicle of the circuitous path Birkerts took to becoming one of America's foremost literary figures.
Customer Reviews:
Conformist Memoir.......2003-10-28
A few themes run through these memoir-essays: rebellion against the father, books as an escape from life. Ok just two themes. The fifties and sixties (Birkerts was born in 1951) are what might be the most documented decades in the history of man. Its very difficult to write a memoir about this time that doesn't sound cliched.
Birkerts parents were from Latvia and spoke Latvian in the Michigan family home. Ok thats new. But Sven who insisted on being called Peter was a rebel with a cause as a young man: he wanted to conform and be American. As he got older he traded in the desire to conform for a desire to be different and so he became a hippie and he did all the things hippies do: drug experiences, sex, travel, Woodstock. Though well written this kind of book is routine. Birkerts is strongest when he is talking about his grandparents but he is at his weakest when he is talking about the counterculture and his various girlfriends. Birkerts' first love is not women but books. When he is discussing a book all the lights come on in his head but when he is talking about a woman the room remains dim.
Memoirs are reckonings and the person the writer is really attempting to reckon with is themselves. I get the feeling however that Birkerts has not quite gotten there yet. In this self-portrait the artist hides behind a series of 1950's and 1960's cliches; the experiences Birkert's describes just seem too generic. It is as if his mind is clouded with the popular view of 1950's-60's and he cannot see beyond that to form his own view of the times. Also there just isn't enough of his inner life in this book; no sense of intellectual evolution, no great awakenings to the world except in the most cliched kind of way, and no sense of love for his craft. In fact he doesn't really talk about his craft much. I was expecting some irony or some literary comment on the sameness of childhood and teen years. But no irony, no originality, just a generic MEMOIR.
A few observations are precisely worded though the thoughts themselves do not sound particularly authentic. Birkerts is a careful reader and his essays are often thoroughly researched and he is excellent at giving an overview of an author's career but I don't thnk he has a particularly unique vision of life to offer. To offer something unique he needs to dig deeper into his experience than he chose to do here.
Curses and Blessings of the Immigrant Experience..........2003-01-17
Having grown up in much the same time period and with much the same ethnic background (my family, too, came to the United States from Latvia during WW2), even in the same approximate area (lower Michigan), I picked up Birkerts' book (and, as chance would have it, I found it in the bookstore in Ann Arbor he describes as his place of employment) with immense curiosity. Just how similar would his experience be to mine? Initially, it was rather exhilirating to read this memoir that spoke of so much that I, too, knew so well, down to the ethnic bone. As I read of his discomforts and anxieties about learning a new language other than the one spoken in his home, his sense of being something of a misfit in both the Latvian and the American communities, I identified in most every detail. Ah, yes, this too I felt on my adolescent thin hide... Mine, I felt simultaneously as blessing and curse, as perhaps, in conclusion, did Birkerts.
In later years, of course, Birkerts' experiences forked away very much from my own... but no matter. I didn't need to look into a mirror to sustain my interest. Indeed, that is the whole appeal of this book - it is not only for the multicultural reader. The writing is excellent, and my exhiliration at sharing in a similar experience soon veered to an exhiliration simply in reading a book so well written. Perhaps that is one of the blessings of being bilingual, this ability to approach a second language with greater awareness. Birkerts' use of language is vibrant and lush and frequently stunning. His insights and perspective on his work, his relationships, the inner workings of his developing self.... all are richly portrayed. No matter from what backgrounds we come, we all question ourselves and our life choices, we all struggle with similar demons at one time or another. Family dynamics are not so different, I'm sure, no matter what the ethnic background.
Birkerts' `My Sky Blue Trades' is a valuable portrayal of the immigrant experience for more than one generation, but is also of value simply as a well written book.
Books:
- A Sky So Close: A Novel
- A Yellow Raft in Blue Water: A Novel
- Accidental Happiness: A Novel
- Amata Means Beloved
- An Ice-Cream War: A Novel
- And Now You Can Go: A Novel
- Barometer Rising (New Canadian Library)
- Cage of Stars
- Cloud Chamber: A Novel
- Crawling at Night: A Novel
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