A Handbook of American Prayer: A Novel

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My Favorite Novel of 2004

Great literate fantasy read

A Handbook of American Prayer: A Novel
Lucius Shepard
Manufacturer: Thunder's Mouth Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1560257938

Book Description

From the first lines of A Handbook of American Prayer, award-winning author Lucius Shepard signals his place in the classic American tradition of confessional memoirists. While his plot is unique, his literary precedents include the great moral chroniclers of crime on the biblical scale.

Wardlin Stuart is an American messiah, a man who seems to have a direct line to God—but if he does, it's a divinity unlike any you may have prayed to. Stuart's story begins when he kills a man in a bar and is sentenced to ten years in prison for manslaughter. In prison, he composes prose, poems, and prayers addressed to no recognizable god. He intends to produce only small benefits, no miracles. But miraculously, what he asks for happens, whether it be a girlfriend for himself or special privileges for fellow prisoners. Soon Wardlin is regarded as a local shaman, and he emerges from prison a national celebrity. Stardom pushes Wardlin into conflict with a fundamentalist minister, and. the two are destined for a showdown. In the meantime, it seems as if the god to whom Stuart prays has come into being, and is walking the earth.

Customer Reviews:

My Favorite Novel of 2004.......2005-01-22

I was first exposed to Lucius Shepard when I heard him give a reading of a chapter from HANDBOOK, then a novel in progress, back in 2003. I was immediately hooked by the chapter's beguiling mixture of the quotidian (an Arizona souvenir shop) and the eerie (a customer who might be a god) and looked forward to the book's publication with great anticipation. Now that I have read it, I can't say that I'm disappointed in the slightest. This is a literary noir thriller of the highest caliber. During the most recent half-decade of his writing career, Lucius has concentrated on novellas and other shorter forms, and his skill for compacting plot is used to great effect in this full-length novel. The book's first thirty pages include enough incident and conflict to fuel an entire novel, and he's just getting started. His characterizations are full-bodied and introduce you to people you'll feel you've known through a long, fulfilling relationship by the time you reach the book's final pages. Lucius's settings, from smalltown Arizona to the Mexican border to the Chilean coast, are vivid and linger in the mind. His prose is rich and serves a cultural satire that never comes across as tiresome or preachy. But best of all, these virtues, enough by themselves to propel another book to the top of many "Ten Best" lists, are harnessed to a plot that grabs you by the throat and never lets go. Here's a book that's not only good for you, but which tastes good, too. After slogging through many highly-praised novels in recent years which sorely (and often successfully) tempted me to put them aside, the fact that this book, a work of high literary quality and ambition, could be so damn entertaining was a very, very welcome gift from the reading gods.

Great literate fantasy read.......2005-01-09

Though I was reminded of both Nabokov's understated humor and Robert Bly's free verse in reading "Handbook of American Prayer," ultimately the book's a satisfying fantasy-genre read, comprising the pleasures of good noir, urban fantasy, and magic realism without neatly fitting any of those categories. "Handbook" doesn't really satirize the TV religion or Hollywood celebrities it involves. Given Shepard's propensity for full-scale attack on media icons, he's surprisingly restrained (though one popular film critic gets a good raking-over). The media trappings merely support the book's exploration of imprisonment -- how the narrator, lacking purpose in his life, falls into jail, goes through a hero's journey to find and exploit the magic that helps him survive it and prosper on the outside, and then extricates himself from that magic to win some psychological freedom. It's a lengthier treatment of the theme Shepard explored so well in the excellent novella "Jailwise" but arrives at a different, more optimistic conclusion, both figuratively and plotwise. Shepard employs a lot of his usual tropes -- altered states of consciousness, obsessive love, seedy locales -- but the narrator follows a different character arc than his usual protagonist, finding his way through an exercise of self-determination and loyalty that his characters usually can't manage, due to their natures or circumstances. "Handbook" is a smooth, coherent, satisfying read, consistently interesting and exciting.

Download Description

The dragonmakers

The beautiful planet Pern seemed a paradise to its new colonists --until unimaginable terror turned it into hell. Suddenly deadly sporeswere falling like silver threads from the sky, devouring everything --and everyone -- in their path. It began to look as if the colony, cutoff from Earth and lacking the resources to combat the menace, wasdoomed.

Then some of the colonists noticed that the small, dragonlike lizardsthat inhabited their new world were joining the fight against Thread,breathing fire on it and teleporting to safety. If only, they thought,the dragonets were big enough for a human to ride and intelligent enoughto work as a team with a rider...

And so they set their most talented geneticist to work to create thecreatures Pern so desperately needed -- Dragons!

"Anne McCaffrey 'remains a master of the well-told tale.'"
    CHICAGO SUN-TIMES

"Few are better at mixing elements of high fantasy and hard sciencefiction in a narrative that disarms skepticism by it open embrace ofthe joys of wish fulfillment."
    NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"This is must reading for fans of the The Dragonriders of Pernseries..."
    SAN DIEGO TRIBUNE

Cover art by Michael Whelan

Customer Reviews:

Dragonsdawn.......2007-10-02

The story of the development of a young Harper and her fire lizards is very good.

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

The new colonists on the planet Pern had chosen it because it looked like a pretty nice place to live. It is, except for that rather destructive thread menace.

They have to come up with a way to fight the menace, with resources available locally, as what they have brought with them won't do much. They turn to genetic engineering when they notice what the little lizard types they have adopted as pets can do. Make 'em bigger!

Great if you like Sci Fiction.......2007-05-13

The Pern series of books from Anne McCaffery are great. Better if you read them in order, (look online at her website for recommendations). This is futuristic science fiction, but if you liked Aregon, you would probably like this series too

WELL, I FINALLY STARTED THIS SERIES.............2006-10-09

After years of putting it off, why, I don't know, I finally broke down and started. What a pity. I have certainly been missing some very good reading. Anne McCaffrey in certainly a natural story teller and so far I am finding her delightful. I realize that this book probably is not truely a good example of the actual Dragonrider Series, but being somewhat familiar with the story line, I found it a good place to start. Yes, there was a bit more "tech talk" than I usually enjoy in a fantasy type novel, but that is okay as it was quite necessary, in this case, to tell the story. It, the tech talk, was not overwhelming and did add to the story which would have been difficult to understand the origins of the Dragonriders without. The story runs smoothly, is interesting and I felt the character development was quite good. All in all, late though it may be, I am glad I started reading these books and will now start with the next. Recommend this one highly.

Back to the beginning.......2006-08-28

My first book from the Pern series was the White Dragon (Dragonriders of Per), it was the on that won me on this saga. I was really thrilled when I found a book which was going to tell the story of the first dwellers of Per and the book did exactly that:it tells the story from the beginning, the only fault may be the end: too sudden, left me with a sens of anticipatin non fully satisfied. Made me look for next book thoug.
If you like to have a look at what the people of Pern loose during the many years passed from the colonization of the planet, this book is a must-read, even if I can't say it has the same driving writing as the Dragonriders of Pern series. Good book.

Average customer rating:

Dragonsdawn (In Russian)

Manufacturer: Eksmo
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

All Russian Books | Russian | Foreign Language Books | Specialty Stores | Books

Russian | Foreign Language Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 5699091750

Product Description

IN RUSSIAN -- Size (in inches): 1.25 x 8.125 x 5.125 --- Published in Moscow 2005 - Publishing run of 5100 copies.

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Dragonsdawn

Manufacturer: Turtleback Books Distributed by Demco Media
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

7 Anne Mccaffrey PBs, Dragonquest, White Dragon, Dragonsdawn, Treaty at Doona +3 More (Pern)

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7 Anne Mccaffrey PBs, Dragonquest, White Dragon, Dragonsdawn, Treaty at Doona +3 More (Pern)
Anne McCaffrey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QH0RPU

Product Description

Paperbacks

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Dragon Series 009: Dragonsdawn
Anne Mccaffrey
Manufacturer: Transworld Publishers Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0593012429

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DRAGONSDAWN
Anne McCaffery
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WQQOZW

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Dragonsdawn
Anne McCaffrey
Manufacturer: New York: Ballantine Books, 1988
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Dragonsdawn
Anne McCaffrey
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Dragonsdawn
Anne McCaffrey
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Binding: Leather Bound
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Dragonsdawn

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books/Del Rey
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Red Planet Run
Dana Stabenow
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books | Alternate History | Anthologies | Arthurian | Contemporary | Epic | General | Historical | History & Criticism | Magic & Wizards | Series
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Red Planet Run
Dana Stabenow
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A lively & insightful history of Christian spirituality

A fascinating history of Christian spirituality

Ways of Imperfection: An Exploration of Christian Spirituality
Simon Tugwell
Manufacturer: Templegate Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Bible & Other Sacred Texts | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0872431649

Customer Reviews:

A lively & insightful history of Christian spirituality.......2001-05-27

This book is a survey of important writers and themes in Christian spirituality, from the early church through the 14th century, plus Jean-Pierre de Caussade (18th century) and Therese of Lisieux (19th century), and skipping some prominent figures who have gotten plenty of attention elsewhere, like Teresa of Avila and John of the Cross. While the book is "scholarly" in the sense of being grounded in good scholarship, don't be put off by all the endnotes. The chapters are brief (7-15 pages), and the book is well suited to the reader with a personal religious interest in Christian spirituality. Tugwell is a Dominican, and his own take on this material comes through in a way that is engaging and that keeps the book from reading like a series of encyclopedia entries.

Chapter titles: The Apostolic Fathers. The Desert Fathers. Evagrius Ponticus. Problems about Grace. The Macarian Homilies. Augustine and Western Controversies about Grace and Baptism. Monastic Rules in the West. Two Spiritual Fathers in the East: Barsanuphius and John. The Christian's "Spiritual Exercise": Guigo II. The Ladder Dismantled: The Lower Rungs. The Ladder Dismantled: The Higher Rungs. Francis of Assisi. Humbert of Romans. Some Themes in English Piety. The Cloud of Unknowing. Julian of Norwich. Jean-Pierre de Caussade. Therese of Lisieux.

A fascinating history of Christian spirituality.......1998-07-05

It seems like a history of writings on spirituality in the Christian Church, which is basically about monks, would be a little dull, but this book is hard to put down. The author presents in each chapter a succinct and entertaining description of a particular time and place in the history of the Church, by presenting the teachings of its notable figures.

At first glance the book seems to be overly scholarly, with pages and pages of references and footnotes, but the style with which it is written led me to imagine each of the people talking, or writing, or in some cases refusing to talk, as if they were in front of me. There is also no commentary by the author about the relation of the historical views with the current doctrine of any particular denomination, which is refreshing for a book about religion. That also allows a reader to relate his or her own views to the views of past thinkers instead of the author's, which was another reason I enjoyed reading the book so much.

I would recommend this book to anybody who is interested in the history of Christian thought, even if it is only a mild interest.

Average customer rating:
Ways of Imperfection, An Exploration of Christian Spirituality

Manufacturer: Templegate
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000CEO9CO

Product Description

Hardcover Copy ISBN # 0-87243-136-3. "Making sense of the practicalities of Christian living and to illuminate Christian hopes and Christian muddles"

Average customer rating:

Hammersmith Farm Cookbook

Hammersmith Farm Cookbook
Hammersmith
Manufacturer: Hammersmith Farm
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9992213981

Customer Reviews:

Hammersmith Farm Cookbook.......2000-09-06

Beautiful spiral notebook cookbook with easy recipes. If you love old homes, hotels or recipes with history, this is the cookbook for you.

Average customer rating:

The Hammersmith Farm Cookbook

Manufacturer: Hammersmith Farm
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound
ASIN: B000HWBXXE

Book Description

Contains superb colour and black & white illustrations of this internationally renowned glass. Another superb book in the comprehensive series detailing the evolution of Murano glass.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Vintage Murano Reference.......2005-08-15

This is an excellent reference with great photos and a section which shows the makers labels and signatures. Really useful book, recommend it for all collectors of Murano from the 1950's/60's.

Average customer rating:

Fantastic book!

Great book for beginners and experienced both

A lasting value

so what's a 5 piece place setting worth?

Flow Blue: A Collector's Guide to Patterns, History, and Values (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Jeffrey B. Snyder
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sculpture | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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A Pocket Guide to Flow Blue (Schiffer Book for Collectors)

ASIN: 0764307762

Book Description

This newly revised third edition combines recent and classic research with hundreds of all-color photographs to survey Flow Blue chinaware, a highly prized and eagerly sought after ceramic. The values, conveniently located in the captions, have been updated to reflect current market prices. Also, a valuable new index to patterns has been added, giving every collector a quick reference source to the patterns found in all four of the author's guides to Flow Blue. As always, the beautiful color photographs, arranged in chronological and stylistic periods, document the changes in Flow Blue patterns and forms throughout the nineteenth century. Everyday objects as well as rare artifacts are portrayed side-by-side to inform and excite beginning and experienced collectors alike. Common and unusual marks from English, American, and European manufacturers accompany the photographs. The history of Flow Blue, its unusual and distinctive decoration, vessel forms, use, and dating techniques all are covered by an archaeologist whose eye for detail make this a valuable collector's guide. Values are presented for the many forms presented, from the smallest butter pat to the largest platters and footbaths.

Customer Reviews:

Fantastic book!.......2007-01-02

This book is a part of my Flow Blue research library. Jeffrey Snyder is a leading authority in Flow Blue collecting. His descriptions are clear and precise. His photography is fantastic.
The prices listed in this book should only be used for insurance purposes as the Flow Blue collecting phase swings with decorating fashions and colors of the times. In reality, you can find prices much more affordable than suggested in ths book.
Add this to your collection and you will enjoy it for years to come!

Great book for beginners and experienced both.......2000-08-02

This book gives readers a thorough understanding of what Flow Blue is, when it was made, how it was decorated and what it is worth. The pictures are terrific. However, a book would have to be huge to provide prices for every piece in every place setting (there are over 1500 patterns)! I'm tired of reviews from inexperienced folks who don't know enough to review responsibly. Get this book and judge for yourself. It's been around for years and is worth having!

A lasting value.......2000-05-08

This book provides newcomers and long time collectors with hundreds of patterns in Flow Blue. The wares are organized chronologically by period and values are provided for the wares shown. For beginners the book defines the wares, details the decorations and how they were applied and provides information on the marks appearing on the wares. This is a very good book with solid research and beautiful photographs that will serve collectors well for many years.

so what's a 5 piece place setting worth?.......2000-04-30

Just a simple question, right? Wrong! I paid a lot of moneyhoping to find an answer to my question. This book is for a collectorwho already knows what the flow blue pieces are worth. If you're a beginning collector, save your money!

Flow Blue: A Collector's Guide to Patterns, History, and Values (Revised & Expanded)

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Flow Blue: A Collector's Guide to Patterns, History, and Values (Revised & Expanded)
Jeffrey B. Snyder
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MS4X2G

Book Description

Building on the success of its Cool Shops line, teNeues is expanding its sights to focus on the many retail offerings of Germany's dynamic capital, Berlin. Known for their variety and vitality, you can find just about anything you could imagine—and some things you probably couldn't dream of—in Berlin's multitude of first-rate shops. From designer clothing boutiques to exclusive car showrooms, or one of the multitude of up-market chocolatiers, you can enjoy any kind of shopping adventure in Berlin.

Book Description

This is a catalogue of digital paintings developed from images which existed on the decorative tiles in the artist's apartment. The tiles were sold under the trade name Carrara

These slightly off-white tiles are covered with extensive patterns of lines, blots and figures in shades of gray, black and brown-orange.

The images seen on these tiles were captured and developed using a digital camera, a Mac computer and Photoshop software. Through color and form manipulations, these abstract images were further developed. Some of them were more obviously present and required only minimal adjustments while others were far more abstract and required significant image manipulations.

This work is now presented to those who might have an interest in the digital art and the others who would like to examine it.

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