Deadstream

Average customer rating:

Misrepresented and ripped off

Tense

Deadstream

Who is this Bradley T. Platt?

Compelling

Deadstream
Bradley T. Platt
Manufacturer: Xlibris Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
All Titles | Qualifying Textbooks - Fall 2007 | Stores | Books
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Ice Run: An Alex McKnight Novel (Alex McKnight Novels)

ASIN: 1599260182

Book Description

Deadstream is the first release of a trilogy. Set in the late 1980´s in a small fishing town in the Midwest, Brendon Castleman arrives home to find his mother´s body, an apparent victim of suicide. As Brendon struggles to come to terms with the loss of his mother, grief, corruption, and tension bubble beneath the surface of the bucolic place; a place where drug smugglers and undercover agents coexist, each dangerously aware of each other. Deadstream is a searing portrait about the depth and boundaries of the human spirit. A compelling thriller of what Man is capable of when tested combined with the haunting introspection of a coming-of-age story. A thriller that truly thrills.

Customer Reviews:

Misrepresented and ripped off.......2007-01-03

I have never written a review before, but felt like I had to say something about the book "Deadstream". I read constantly. Mostly adventure thrillers, and when I read the reviews on Deadstream, I thought I had found a real winner, and while I could not find it in the library or any stores, I gladly paid the $15.00 to buy the book on Amazon. I love Amazon, and this has nothing to do with them. From the first few pages, I felt that the writing was awkward, repetitive and poorly paced. I found myself putting all of my speed reading skills to work. I usually only give a book 50 pages to decide if it's worth continuing to read. This book was difficult to get past the first 25 pages, but based on the reviews, which I am now convinced were written by the author, and or his close friends, I kept on reading, thinking that it would get better and be worth it in the end. When I finally got to the pitifully unsatisfying end, I felt insulted and ripped off. This book has no flow, half of it is written in italics, which became quickly annoying, and spiraled on to an ending which made me angry at myself for not adhering to my 50 page rule. When I finnished Deadstream, I honestly felt insulted. I mean no malice toward the author, but I just felt like I had to write this, so other people reading the reviews would get a more balanced opinion base.

Tense.......2006-05-11

Sleek and nasty. A tense, scary, suspenseful read. I was gripped from line 1 and can't wait for the likely sequel.. well done Bradley T Platt, more of the same please!

Deadstream.......2006-01-29

Deadstream is a compelling thriller that kept my attention from page one. I really enjoyed the Michigan setting and the story line kept me on the edge of my seat.

Mark Oselka

Who is this Bradley T. Platt?.......2006-01-24

Deadstream has every element of what a great book should. A gripping tale that would lend itself almost as if it were a true story. The end left me wondering if there may be a sequel. I hope this is the case. I'll be the first in line. If your ready to ride an emotional roller coaster, I highly recommend Deadstream. The end.

Compelling.......2006-01-21

A gritty, compelling tale woven with unique style and imagination. Wickedly unpredictable. Creative storytelling with a climactic finish. Highly recommend this fresh, new author.

Customer Reviews:

saving the world 101.......2007-03-02

As I've greatly enjoyed the "Arrows" and "Herald Mage" series by Mercedes Lackey, I'm disappointed to find the "Bedlam's Bard" one so lackadaisical. This installment has Eric attending a Naming ceremony for his daughter in the elven Underhill, which was a nice diversion, however, the events outside were lackluster. An elf lord has managed to enslave a human servant and plans to use her to destroy the world. (Yes, again.) A character from the first two books, Kayla, a teenage Empath who is attending Columbia, makes an appearance, and is a spunky addition, but like other reviewers have pointed out, she would be closer to thirty years old, if the author had been true to the timeline. Also, there are a LOT of descriptions of what everyone is eating and wearing - warning: the book may make you ready for a snack or at least a bottle of designer water. This book wasn't really any worse than the others in the series, but then it wasn't really much better either.

Definite Disappointment.......2006-02-08

The book, despite the inconsistencies that have been pointed out by other reviewers, moves along with an interesting and well-paced plotline. Well....for two-thirds of the book, that is. Sadly, Goblin Market was much too similar to the Bazaar from Robert Asprin's Myth series. The pathetic nod to Fritz Leiber's Fafrhd and the Gray Mouser was enough to make one retch at first read. And then the storyline devolves and becomes something right out of the X-Files with a good splash of Tolkien and Chinese myth tossed in for fun. Mercedes Lackey is well known for her character depth -- not in this one. A very bad writing indeed.

A consistant storyline would be nice.........2003-12-06

So Eric Banyon is still living in New York and going to school. I don't know if I'm the only one who noticed this, but in "Beyond Worlds End" he had come out of hiding after the events in the first two books in the series. Well, since time gone differently, it had been somewhere between 10-20 years in our world, so he hadn't really aged much because he was in Underhill. He said the authorities would be looking for someone much older than he was, like in his 40's, but in this book, she messes up COMPLETELY. After saying it had been years and years and years, Kayla comes to New York, and is still a teenager. She was 17 in the first two books, and now she is preparing to go to college. Wouldn't she be in her 30's if the plot was actually CONSISTANT? There are other various things in this book that just don't go along with previous storylines, and it's just boring and doesn't really drag me into it like the "Last Herald Mage" series did. I know Mercedes could do better than this, but there were such glaring oversights it makes me wonder who her editors are, and if she ever thinks out the plot lines.

Somewhat entertaining, but..........2003-07-05

In this world, Eric Banyon is a New York Subway Busker and Julliard student. But you don't have to worry about that, because instead of actually attending college, mostly he hangs out with various magickal people and entities, both this-worldly and other-worldly. Eric is a practitioner of Bardic Magic, you see, and it gets him into sticky situations as well as occasionally helping him save the world.

Maybe it's that I haven't read any of the other books in this series, or even in any of the related series, but I had a hard time getting into this book. From the beginning, there are too many characters and too much backstory that is only implied or hinted at, making the first few chapters really confusing. I also had a hard time getting past the fact that everything in this book is really derivative. The setting reminded me of a cheap, American imitation of Charles DeLint's _Moonheart_, the characters were flat Urban Fantasy knock-offs without any true personality and there was absolutely nothing new to say here about magic, elves, the hollow hills, or anything else. All of this is wrapped up in a Pagan-Fem ethic and aesthetic that I find at best naive and at worst nauseating and irresponsible.

Once the story gets going it stops taking itself so seriously and is somewhat entertaining, provided you can overlook glitches like the secret government installation called the "Black Lab" (Woof!) and the PhD folkloricist who has never heard the word "Sidhe." (Doh!) There are quite a few good one-liners. I liked the dragon. I liked the haunted banjo. Trouble is, there were just too many plot threads going and none of them was developed particularly well. They all came together...kind of...but to me, it seemed that the books consisted of a bunch of random action and then all of a sudden MAJOR CONFLICT!

_Spirits White as Lightning_ is a short, easy and relatively mindless read with some amusing scenes. But get it out of the library.

Spirits White and Wonderful.......2003-07-02

"Spirits White as Lightning" is a very intriguing book, set in the "Bedlam's Bard" series. Throughout the books, Eric Banyon (the bard in question) has grown, changed, and become a better person. He started out as a sort of young, angry-at-the-world kid, and has now matured into an older, more thoughtful and introspective man, without losing his ironic look on life or losing any of his earlier appeal. This is tough to do; I applaud Mercedes Lackey for doing it (as she started the series, and has continued it).

Rosemary Edghill is the co-writer for this book, a direct sequel to "Beyond World's End." Eric's trying to learn how to teach Bardcraft; he takes in a young student, Hosea, for training -- even though Eric is a flutist and Hosea plays the banjo. Thing is, once he gets Hosea back to his place, he finds out Hosea not only has the potential for bardic magic -- he also has the potential for Guardian magic (Guardians watch over cities and countries; bards mostly influence people more directly. Something like shades of the same thing, but the magic is normally wielded differently.)

There is also a subplot about the Unselidhe Sidhe (basically, the Dark Elves) and their meddling, and another subplot about Beth and Kory and their quest to have a natural child together. This isn't as easy at it might appear at first; Elves and humans normally do not crossbreed, and need magical assistance.

While there's lots of derring-do being derring-done (and done quite well), the main points of interest are Eric and his relationship with his new apprentice bard, Hosea, the reappearance of Kayla from earlier books, and the subplot about Beth and Kory (one of the earliest books showed their romance, which at the time seemed very star-crossed and miserable; nice to see things have settled down a mite for them).

In addition, most of the people drawn as evil aren't totally such (making it a bit more understandable to see how they trick mortal followers; they play on the instinct mortals have to believe in the best of anyone).

And there's a lot of witty by-play throughout, further enlivening the story.

I think Ms. Lackey and Ms. Edghill did a very good, thorough job here; it's a highly satisfactory sequel, which makes me want the next book, "Mad Maudlin," all the more.

Average customer rating:
Homecalling And Other Stories: The Complete Solo Short Sf Of Judith Merril (Nesfa's Chocie)
Judith Merril
Manufacturer: Nesfa Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 188677854X

Book Description

A brief history that is as complete as it is concise, this book traces the origin and development of English Bible translations from before the invention of printing to the present day. A brief synopsis of all modern translations is provided as well as an extended treatment of all essential and significant versions found throughout history. An exhaustive appendix is included listing each translation by year and author. A survey of the formation and establishment of the printed editions of the Hebrew and Greek texts is also included since they are the primary foundation upon which all translations are based.

Customer Reviews:

Very brief coverage of too many translations!.......2002-03-21

This short (114 pp) book provides a very brief overview of 166 (I counted them) translations of the Bible or New Testament, starting with Wycliffe and ending in 1991. As you can see, this limits the coverage of most versions to a short paragraph. Many of the versions covered are quite obscure, and not to be found outside of the rare books collections of major libraries. So if you want to know about Samuel Palmer's translation of the New Testament in 1765, get this book. Otherwise, if you want a more in-depth treatment of versions you are likely to find at the bookstore, along with a good short introduction to issues like text criticism and priciples of translation, I suggest "Essential Guide to Bible Versions", by Philip W. Comfort. Vance's book is not much help in actually choosing a Bible.

Translators and translations;: A brief history of the making of the English Bible

Average customer rating:

Translators and translations;: A brief history of the making of the English Bible
Harold L Phillips
Manufacturer: Warner Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007EG5Y4

A brief account of the original state of the sacred writings, and the changes which they have since undergone both in ancient and modern times, and particularly ... English translations & editions of the Bible

Average customer rating:

A brief account of the original state of the sacred writings, and the changes which they have since undergone both in ancient and modern times, and particularly ... English translations & editions of the Bible
William Richards
Manufacturer: Printed by Jones and Wright
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0008CYE48

Average customer rating:

Great recipes, great insites into the people and their food.

Goose Fat and Garlic: Country Recipes From South-West France
Jeanne Strang
Manufacturer: Kyle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
French | European | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Regional & International | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Charcuterie and French Pork Cookery

ASIN: 190492039X

Book Description

This is a celebration of la cuisine du terroir-the cooking of the land-the high quality of the yearly harvest and a style of cooking that is rooted in the rural culture of South-west France. With over 200 classical, country cooking recipes, coupled with fascinating information and anecdotes, every page of this book will delight and inspire.

Customer Reviews:

Great recipes, great insites into the people and their food........1999-01-30

Discover the food and philosophy of the people of the South West of France. From a simple omelette with truffel shavings to a terrine of foie gras. Jean and Paul Strang has lived in France for over thirty years and know the warmth of the people and the simple honesty of their food. I have cooked from the recipes and found them to be accurate and delicious. " Pangs of hunger forced me to stop half way through the Cassoulet recipe...fascinating and delicious" Peter Mayle

I am buying this book as a gift, so that I may retrieve my copy.

Book Description

There are few collectibles that so vividly mark a design period as do the colorful ceramic fish, bubbles, mermaids, and seahorses of the 1950s and 1960s. The popularity of these bathroom decorations swept the land and became a fad that would be remembered for years to come. They were the creations of gifted artists, ceramic designers, and pottery makers, including Kay Finch, Freeman-McFarlin, Hedi Shoop, Josef Originals, DeForest, and Ceramicraft. In addition, there were countless smaller producers, who started well-intentioned, but all too often short-lived ceramics businesses as hobbies or avocations in their homes or garages. These brightly colored creations are chronicled in this new book with 222 beautiful color photographs, current values, manufacturers marks, company histories, and the reflections and insights of the author. Also included are decorating ideas to help the reader find a fitting place for these collectibles in todays home.

Customer Reviews:

Ceramic Fish,Mermaids & Seahorses.......2005-09-18

This is clearly the best book on the subject of Ceramic Fish, Mermaids & Seahorses of the 1940's and 50's. The photographs are fabulouse and helpful. I do hope that the author Arleen Smith will publish an update to this and add 1960's and 70's to.

Average customer rating:

Tidings of Comfort & Joy

Story of forgiveness and love

Excellent

wonderful reading

This book touches the soul and sweeps the heart in the story

Tidings Of Comfort and Joy: A Tender Story Of Love, Loss, And Reunion
T. Davis Bunn
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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The Gift

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The Warning (Reluctant Prophet Series #1)

The Presence (TJ Case Series #1)

ASIN: 0785272038

Book Description

As the questions begin, an extraordinary story unfolds. A story of love and loss and caring, of separation and reunion. Of small acts of heroism in a distant and war-weary English village, now half a century ago.

As her grandmother shares this story with Marissa, the two discover that the most precious gift of Christmas is that of the present. And the season of giving is not limited to once a year.

Customer Reviews:

Tidings of Comfort & Joy .......2007-01-30

THIS BOOK SHOWS HOW IMPORTANT FAMILY IS TO ONE ANOTHER. ALSO, HOW GRANDPARENTS HAVE A GREAT INFLUENCE ON THEIR GRANDCHILDREN. EACH RELATIONSHIP IN A FAMILY IS IMPORTANT FOR GROWTH AND UNDERSTANDING OF AGING.

Story of forgiveness and love.......2005-12-04

Honestly, of the several Janette Oak fiction books that I've read, I haven't been particularly riveted by any. When I saw that T. Davis Bunn was associated with her writings, I was a little skeptical of how well this book would be written.

This is my first experience with T. Davis Bunn, and I am very satisfied. This book particularly touched me with characters who were refraining from the easy entrapment of bitterness and unforgiveness. Grandma, with who she thought was the love of her life, displayed emotions so close to what I felt with "my first love". Subsequently, she showed how important it was to give forgiveness to someone who had abandoned and hurt her so much.

I recommend this book to anyone who has ever been hurt in relationships where there was abandonment or a lack of committment.

I plan to read more of T. Davis Bunn's works.

Excellent.......1999-12-23

This book was so good it brought tears to my eyes. The autor was able to control my very thoughts.

wonderful reading.......1999-09-16

This was my first book from the author. I would highly recommend this book to anyone. The grandmother gave Marissa a wonderful gift of healing. Truely a wonderful book.

This book touches the soul and sweeps the heart in the story.......1999-02-04

This book was wonderful. As the story slowly unravels you get more attached to the characters. Definitaly worth reading.

A Cup of Comfort for Christmas: Stories That Celebrate the Warmth, Joy, and Wonder of the Holiday (Cup of Comfort)

Average customer rating:

Author of Live in the Moment is included in this book.

A Cup of Comfort for Christmas: Stories That Celebrate the Warmth, Joy, and Wonder of the Holiday (Cup of Comfort)
Colleen Sell
Manufacturer: Adams Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1580629210

Customer Reviews:

Author of Live in the Moment is included in this book........2005-12-08

My story "Ho Ho Hold On" is in this collection and it's just one of about 50 pieces that share the joy of the holiday season. This book is perfect to place on the night table of your guest room this time of year. Leave it lay around just about anywhere for quick little doses of holiday joy. Enjoy!

Christmas Comfort & Joy (Better Homes & Gardens)

Average customer rating:

Christmas Comfort & Joy (Better Homes & Gardens)
Better Homes and Gardens Books
Manufacturer: Better Homes and Gardens
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Christmas & Hanukkah | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Seasonal | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

jp-unknown1 | Specialty Stores | Books
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ASIN: 069621539X

Book Description

Includes photos and more than 500 new ideas for beautiful crafts, foods, and decorating projects.

Everything needed for the best Christmas ever—soups to cookies, centerpieces to lighting.

Doable projects offer novice and expert crafters detailed instructions and patterns for guaranteed success.

Ideas for making one-of-a-kind projects to give away, decorate the house, and entertain guests.

Average customer rating:
Comfort & Joy: Cozy Christmas recipes, favorite holiday memories and the sweetest gifts from the heart. (Gooseberry Patch)
Gooseberry Patch
Manufacturer: Gooseberry Patch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Plastic Comb

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Seasonal | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Christmas Pantry

Coming Home for Christmas: Cherished memories, family recipes, easy how-to's and delicious gifts from the heart of your holiday home.

ASIN: 1931890439

Book Description

Cinnamon, pine, cranberry and sage...and plenty of gingerbread! Comfort & Joy Cookbook is filled with a sampling of cozy recipes that are sure to warm your family this winter. Try savory chicken with mushrooms, 3-cheese potatoes and parmesan herb bread. Top off the meal with rich and creamy snow cocoa and farmhouse cut-out cookies. Tips include decorating touches that evoke memories of home, and we've also included an entire chapter of crafts and comforting holiday memories you'll enjoy all season long.

Average customer rating:

Easy, fun reading

Tidings of Comfort & Joy: A Classic Christmas Novel of Love, Loss, and Reunion

Tidings of Comfort & Joy: A Classic Christmas Novel of Love, Loss, and Reunion
Davis Bunn
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1595540733

Book Description

Customer Reviews:

Easy, fun reading.......2007-05-19

A nice Christmas story of times gone by and current times. Leaves you feeling warm and cozy. Can be read and enjoyed any time of year!

Tidings of Comfort & Joy: A Classic Christmas Novel of Love, Loss, and Reunion.......2006-12-27

This is the best written Christian Christmas novel I have ever read. The sophisticated writing style and fully developed plot set it aside as a memorable read.

Better Homes and Gardens: Christmas Comfort & Joy (501 CRAFTS, DECORATING, AND FOOD IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY UNFORGETTABLE)

Average customer rating:

Better Homes and Gardens: Christmas Comfort & Joy (501 CRAFTS, DECORATING, AND FOOD IDEAS TO MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY UNFORGETTABLE)

Manufacturer: MEREDITH BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0696224275

All They Want for Christmas: Comfort and Joy / Merry Christmas, Baby

Average customer rating:

Don't bother

All They Want for Christmas: Comfort and Joy / Merry Christmas, Baby
Judith Arnold , and Pamela Browning
Manufacturer: harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0373217250

Book Description

Christmas comes but once a year . . . And for Jesse and Jake, that's once too often!

Jesse Lawson, a legal-aid lawyer who fought the good fight against poverty and injustice, thought Christmas was a time-wasting distraction from the realities of life. But Robin Greer and her energetic seven-year-old son believed Christmas became a promise of all the good things that might touch Jesse's life, if only he'd let them.

Comfort and Joy
by Judith Arnold

Christmas was just another day to Jake Travis, a rough-and-rugged carpenter. But this year a freak accident and a winter storm had him sharing the holiday season with an abandoned baby, a secretive Santa . . . and a beautiful blonde. Was this the year Jake turned from Scrooge to Father Christmas?

Merry Christmas Baby
by Pamela Browning

Customer Reviews:

Don't bother.......2006-11-07

Since the back cover description is already included on this page, I'll skip straight to my review:

Both of these stories are reissues, and old ones at that. Judith Arnold's COMFORT AND JOY was originally published in 1987, and Pamela Browning's MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY was originally published in 1993. Pamela Browning's story also appeared Harlequin's A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS collection, released in 1998.

I wasn't really sure what to expect from Judith Arnold. She often writes some amusing moments, but some of them go over-the-top and end up feeling contrived or silly. However, silliness wasn't the problem in COMFORT AND JOY, creepiness was. The hero becomes almost instantly fixated on the heroine's son, and that ends up being what draws them together. I can tell you, if I was a single mother and a man that I had just very briefly met the day before started earnestly asking if he could come to my house and meet my son, I'd have alarm bells going off in my head. Do I just watch too much Law & Order, or doesn't that sound like something a child molestor would do? Absolutely NO WAY would I bring a strange man home to spend time with my young (2nd grade!) child. Honestly, the hero came across as obsessed with this kid, and I never understood why. It's not like he suspected it was his son, (and it wasn't!), since he'd never even met the kid's mother (the heroine) before. So what was with his obsession. Unfortunately, I was too bored by this point (and weirded out) to keep reading. Two stars.

I've already reviewed Pamela Browning's MERRY CHRISTMAS, BABY from when I read it in the A DADDY FOR CHRISTMAS collection, but I'll include the review here to help you out. It started out well. It captured my attention and was quickly becomming a "can't put it down" book. I loved the touch of magic woven into the pages. Santa kept appearing, then disappearing, leaving the heroine to wonder if he'd ever been there at all. Intriguing. But then it sort of fell apart at the end. I felt that the reason she felt that she and the hero couldn't be together to be very weak, and that really detracted from the story. Three stars.

Neither story was very good, so I can't recommend ALL THEY WANT FOR CHRISTMAS. There are better Christmas romance anthologies out there. [...].

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS CHRISTMAS COMFORT & JOY

Average customer rating:

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS CHRISTMAS COMFORT & JOY
Carol Field, ed. Dahlstrom
Manufacturer: Publisher Unknown
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WR3O7M

Average customer rating:

Christmas 1987 (Comfort & Joy)
Heritage House
Manufacturer: The Southwestern Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IN3QCI

Comfort & Joy: A Celebration of Christmas

Average customer rating:

Comfort & Joy: A Celebration of Christmas
Great American Opportunities
Manufacturer: Favorite Recipes Press (FRP)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Reference | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Christmas & Hanukkah | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Customs & Traditions | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0871974673

Customer Reviews:

Cool View into Londoners Living Their Design Dreams.......2001-03-13

Fabulous photos and a tremendous variety in decorating styles make this a fascinating look into the homes of Londoners. *London Interiors* features homes of both celebrities (people like suit designer Ozwald Boateng and one of the Gallagher brothers and his wife) and non-celebrities (including some pseudo-celebrities such as designers and internet entrepreneurs.)

What the people in the book have in common is their interest and ability to use a space to its utmost/ create a space which really speaks to them personally. These folks are all successfully practicing "unofficial" feng shui, wearing their inner creative hearts on their sleeves, er, homes. Many of the photos of the homes and apartments/studio/work-spaces have the owners in them, smiling away. I thought this was a nice touch, because it let me see the face behind the design/living style, and gave a fuller glimpse/view into the personality of the person(s) living there/using the space.

Each (color) portion is foreshadowed by a black-and-white photo of the street/outside portion of the home. An interesting way to say, "you're here, welcome inside," before the color, personality, and personal style beckon and dazzle before you. I thought it was interesting to see that behind the somewhat drab London brick facades, these colorful and multi-faceted worlds existed, normally hidden from view. The next time I'm in London (hopefully someday, sigh, it's such a great city), I will have to make a point to remember all these funky little oases hidden away, and that I've gotten to see them close-up, and vicariously experience going into these homes/studios.

Definetely one to check out -- I found it by chance at the local library, and really enjoyed reading it. For the decorator interested in seeing a large variety of distinct, personal styles, each taken to the hilt. Highlights are the kitsch/color/clutter-filled apt of the man in the leopard skin suit (you'll see what I mean :) ), to the completely opposite almost thoroughly minimalist house, with not a stray speck of color or furniture anywhere (besides the ABSOLUTE basics) -- ie: even the bath is made of slate.... rather, three pieces of it set into a wall -- you can hardly tell it's there or what it is!

It will definetely inspire you to take a new look at the space around you and maybe give you some nudges in the direction of making some design changes. It is a varied and eclectic book, so chances are, you will find one home or idea that speaks to you the most. If not, even seeing people unafraid to take their design ideas and run with them will probably be inspiring in and of itself. A caveat, however, this is not an interior design guide-book or how-to book. It is just a snapshot view into early 21st century life in a living, thriving London.

Since *London Interiors* is one of many products in the European "Taschen" series, there are small paragraphs in italic German and French text translating the larger English paragraphs on each page.

HOMES IN THE EUROPEAN CAPITAL OF COOL.......2000-12-07

Contemporary London is an extraordinary city - endlessly creative and imaginative, vibrant and contradictory, multiculturally unique, paradoxically sophisticated and iconoclastic, sometimes eccentric, but always intriguing. This book is a window on the private worlds of a handful of Londoners whose homes reflect the city in all its spirited diversity.

Architect John Pawson and wife Catherine's rigorously minimal, utterly disciplined, nearly color-free home contrasts with the lush, jewel-toned environment of clothing designer Ozwald Baoteng. Peter Hone's extraordinary West-London flat is packed, literally up to the ceiling, with priceless plasterwork architectural artifacts, while interior designer Jonathan Reed's Chelsea loft is handsomely kitted out with masculine antique and modern pieces in the natural palettes of stone, wood and leather. Retailer Sam Robinson's Notting Hill flat is a living scrapbook of vivid, cozy femininity and contrasts completely with Rolf Sachs's light filled showcase of contemporary art and collectible furniture.

Not just selected from the expected posh and stylish areas, LONDON INTERIORS shows us homes in up-and-coming, but still gritty Hoxton and Shoreditch, and off-the-expected-path Spitalfields and Hampstead.

LONDON INTERIORS is packed with 450 gorgeous pictures showing the infinite variety of modern London living, and with nary an inch of chintz in sight.

Jane Edwards trained in fashion, journalism and photography at London's St. Martins School of Art but became interested in interior design while living in Hong Kong and South East Asia during the 1990s. She was a contributing editor to Elle Décoration among other magazines and is the author of a book on Asian interior design. Ms. Edwards lives and works in London.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent visual companion to Zappa.......2000-08-14

This is an excellent companion to your Zappa collection. It might be of little interest to those totally not in the know about Zappa; unlike Bet Watson's excellent "Negative Dialectics of Poodle Play" however, it is not incomprehensible to the novice. The chronological flow and the wealth of biographical material is a fine bonus, as are the hitherto rare photos of Zappa with various family members. Of particular interest are the bits about Zappa in the Czech Republic - his welcome there, his interaction with Vaclav Havel - did you know he set up a company to represent Czech business interests in the US? (The book does not go into detail on how the Bush administration arm-twisted Havel into withdrawing this accreditation from Zappa, but that is another story) For the hardcore Zappa-phile, there are shots of Zappa with the earliest Mothers, a rare photo of the legendary Studio Z, Zappa with Beefheart, and so on and so forth. Unlike most of the quickie picture books designed to cash in on the latest boy/girl/whatever - band craze, this book will stay by your bedside for years.

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