The Beet Queen: A Novel (P.S.)

Book Description

On a spring morning in 1932, young Karl and Mary Adare arrive by boxcar in Argus, North Dakota. After being orphaned in a most peculiar way, they seek refuge in the butcher shop of their aunt Fritzie and her husband, Pete; ordinary Mary, who will cause a miracle, and seductive Karl, who lacks his sister's gift for survival, embark upon an exhilarating life-journey crowded with colorful, unforgettable characters and marked by the extraordinary magic of natural events.

The bestselling, award-winning author of The Painted Drum, Louise Erdrich dazzles in this vibrant and heartfelt tale of abandonment and sexual obsession, jealousy and unstinting love that explores with empathy, humor, and power the eternal mystery of the human condition.

Customer Reviews:

A disappointing read.......2006-10-25

I chose this book for my book club because I had read Erdrich's other novel, The Master Butcher's Singing Club, which was flawed, but still great reading. I was so disappointed in this novel. It did not meet my expectations. I expected the wise and wonderful writing I encountered in The Master Butcher's Singing Club, but was given plot twists that were just plain silly. The author ruined her opporunity to say something profound with Sita's death by throwing in dead body humor a la "Weekend at Bernie's." Although for the most part I found her characters compelling, I felt like this book had very little to say. I am less inclined to try her other novels after reading this one.

Simply an amazing book.......2006-01-20

This book is amazing and a truly beautiful work about the human spirit. The characters are numerous and complex, and the way the book skips around in terms of characters and time keeps you on your toes and keeps the story interesting -- you never know what to expect.

It was really the highlight of a recent vacation -- I couldn't put it down.

Determinedly bleak.......2005-03-01

I started this novel after reading Erdrich's Love Medicine. While it is clearly not as lyrically written, it is more accessible, and I admired Erdrich's inventiveness as she creates a very unique set of characters. I never finished "Beet Queen", quitting not that far from the end. When Celestine's child turned out to be so impossible, it was the last straw. "Beet Queen" is just too determinedly bleak, to no higher purpose I could discern or discover in reading reviews here.

Off The Beaten Path.......2005-02-04

From the mesmerizing first chapter I was hooked. This is an adventure that makes you want to turn the pages quickly. I've noted that others have characterized this book as "bland," yet, isn't that the point? To truly feel the emotional palate of the characters, there can't be a big surprise at every corner. If you finish this book feeling confused, depressed, and a little hungry for her next book, then this author has done her job. If you like "cookie cutter" stories, then this book isn't for you.

Many Voices, Many Stories - One Powerful Novel.......2004-12-19

Louise Erdrich once said that her novels fell "together like a quilt, a crazy quilt,", and The Beet Queen is no exception. The author has constructed a powerful novel out of many voices and individual stories. The novel begins in 1932, with young Mary and Karl Adare getting off a train in Argus, North Dakota by themselves. A moment of fear sends Karl running back to the train, and Mary in the other direction, towards her aunt's house. This division between them sends them on different paths. Mary grows up as the despised cousin of lovely Sita, the foster daughter of Pete and Fritzie who own a butcher shop. Karl is eventually sent back to Minnesota to grow up in a Catholic children's home. The people who know them - Sita, Celestine, the Chamber of Commerce president Wallace Pfef, and finally Dot, the Beet Queen of the title - add their voices to weave a story that goes beyond Karl and Mary to include the entire town of Argus. Spanning forty years, the novel encompasses changes not only within the characters but in the town and the times in general.

Erdrich's characterizations are complex and heartfelt, especially since the multiple points-of-view allow us to see the characters from both inside and out. When characters describe the same incident from different perspectives, we get a deep understanding of what is at stake for each.

The Beet Queen is one of Erdrich's finest novels. Fans of Erdrich's will recognize some of the characters that appeared in the earlier Love Medicine and in her later books, but you don't need to be familiar with the author's work to become engrossed in this one. Highly recommended.

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The Beet Queen
Louise ERDRICH
Manufacturer: Henry Holt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Beet Queen
Louise Erdich
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OGQVL2

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The Beet Queen
Louise Erdrich
Manufacturer: Henry Holt & Co. c1986
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Beet Queen
Louis Erdich
Manufacturer: Henry Holt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OUVT9W

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Beet Queen 1ST Edition
Louise Erdrich
Manufacturer: HENRY HOLT & CO
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

The Beet Queen: Love Medicine (Excerpts E)

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Love Medicine

The Beet Queen: Love Medicine (Excerpts E)
Louise Erdrich
Manufacturer: American Audio Prose Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

General | Books on Cassette | Audiobooks | Formats | Books
ASIN: 1556441495

Customer Reviews:

Love Medicine.......2000-06-04

This book did a great job of descrbing in detail the life of a Native American on a reservation. It helped me understand the diffrent struggles and issues that Native Americans faced while living on a reservation. The only thing that I really didn't like in this book was the disgusting and rude sex scenes. I think that the author could have left out the details and still could have gotten her message across. Other than that I think that the book was pretty good.

4 Titles By Erdrich - Love Medicine - The Beet Queen - Bingo Palace - The Last Report on the Miracles At Little No Horse

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4 Titles By Erdrich - Love Medicine - The Beet Queen - Bingo Palace - The Last Report on the Miracles At Little No Horse
Louise Erdrich
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Product Description

4 trade paperback Titles By Erdrich - Love Medicine - The Beet Queen - Bingo Palace - The Last Report on the Miracles At Little No Horse

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The Beet Queen
Louise Erdrich
Manufacturer: Henry Holt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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The Beet Queen
Louise Erdrich
Manufacturer: Harcourt Brace College Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

as confused as ever but wanting more

Hoping for more

The Entire Griffin & Sabine Collection is a gift!

Cooling off period

Down fall
Alexandria: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Unfolds (Griffin & Sabine)
Nick Bantock
Manufacturer: Chronicle Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books | Action & Adventure | Children's Literature Guides | Classics by Age | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | General | Humorous | Literary Criticism & Collections | Poetry | Popular Culture | Read-Aloud | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Short Story Collections
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Bantock, Nick | ( B ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Gryphon: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Is Rediscovered

Sabine's Notebook: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Continues

Griffin & Sabine: An Extraordinary Correspondence

The Golden Mean: In Which the Extraordinary Correspondence of Griffin & Sabine Concludes

ASIN: 081183140X

Book Description

Alexandria will continue to delight the 3 million readers who fell in love with the epistolary romance of Griffin & Sabine. Awash with gorgeous artwork, the mystery of Griffin Moss and Sabine Strohem now entwines Matthew Sedon, an archaeologist steeped in Egyptian antiquity, and Isabella de Reims, a student in Paris whose vision holds the key to a new reality. Intrigue turns to danger and romance turns to passion as Matthew and Isabella struggle to make sense of a world-and feelings-beyond experience. Only the guidance of Griffin and Sabine, expert navigators of myth and reality, can keep them safe. Author and artist Nick Bantock brings a new sensuality and romance to his vivid dreamscapes and unique visual perspective. Alexandria is a breathtaking new chapter in a saga that has captured hearts, minds, and imaginations the world over.

Visit griffinandsabine.com!

Customer Reviews:

as confused as ever but wanting more.......2007-10-01

After having read and reread all six of these very creative, interesting and unusual books, I still have yet to sort it all out. I have to report they are very "out there" for the person looking for a light read.
Please read them, you will be left wanting more.

Hoping for more.......2004-05-17

I like the novelty and skill in Bantock's work - I like it a lot. It's just that I don't see a lot of his novelty in this second trilogy. In the first series, a man is driven to some unseen fate by correspondence from a mysterious, other-wordly being. In this series, a couple is driven to some unseen fate by correspondence from a mysterious, other-wordly couple.

The format is very evocative. It's a voyeuristic look at the letters and postcards between the dramatis personae. We actually open the envelopes and read their mail. It gives a sense of naughtiness - "Is it OK for me to do this?" It's the same format as in the first series, though. The freshness is off it, it can't be a new experience again.

I would have been a lot happier if this series gave new information. Where is Paolo, or the Sicmon Islands? Who or what is Frolatti, and what is Frolatti's involvement? How does Sabine do - well, I'm not sure what she does.

I like Bantock's layered art (even when it's over-worked) and his fascination with stamps and postmarks. I really do want to see the story of Griffin and Sabine move forward. The tale seems to have stalled, though. Perhaps his success with the original G&S has left Bantock nervous about changing his formula.

The Entire Griffin & Sabine Collection is a gift!.......2004-02-24

These books are themselves, works of art. Not for the obvious reason of a tale well told, but for the delivery of that story as well.By way of personal corresponence, the reader is immediately drawn into the story of Griffin and Sabine, and later, Matthew and Isabella. Each postcard, stamp and letter add a graphic element that ties to the story at one point or another. Reading other's mail is unmistakably fun, but one cannot help but feel protective of these two couples; are they crazy or is someone really trying to bring them harm?

My teenaged daughter introduced them to her fellow bookloving friends at sleepaway camp and they were passed around the cabin,9 girls in all, with nothing harmed or torn when they came back home with her! That's a miracle, but they knew they weren't just reading a book,too. I recommend the entire series whole-heartedly!

Cooling off period.......2003-02-01

This book has the same visual flair as the previous books- it's the narative that seems slack. To be fair, these books are more about feeling and emotion than plot, but nothing seems to happen in this one- I didn't feel it had much focus. It might be time to wrap the plot up in a book or two.

Down fall.......2003-01-15

This was a really great story told in a really cool way but with this last book it almost all gose down hill. What was mistrious is now sappy a qultia. This is the down fall of the a great story.

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A Must-Read for Male Christian Leaders

Why Great Men Fall
Wayde Goodall
Manufacturer: New Leaf Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Leadership | Management & Leadership | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books
General | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Business | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Practicing Greatness: 7 Disciplines of Extraordinary Spiritual Leaders (J-B Leadership Network Series)

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ASIN: 0892216220
Release Date: 2005-06-20

Product Description

The news is filled with devastating reports, almost on a weekly basis, of famous men who fall from grace either morally, ethically, or criminally. Goodall, a pastor and mentor, is fascinated by this modern phenomena, and offers wise counsel for others to avoid the pain of public humiliation and judgment. By focusing on well-known examples, Goodall, through his compelling writing style, points to easily identifiable signposts that trapped great men. The profiles in Why Great Men Fall give pause to others in similar environments: corporate execs, ministry heads, even fathers and husbands struggling to maintain their families. Goodall explains why biblical morality is the key to avoiding ethical failure. His thousands of hours of counseling also provide unique insights into the character flaws that contribute to falls from grace. Issues covered inside the pages of this powerful book: Why Great Leaders Fall Entitlement Entrepreneurs without Balance Compartmentalization Expectation of Silence The Sex Issue Integrity Anger Accountability Conscience Mentors and Coaches Ethics Stress and Pressure Money Depression and Moods The One Who Can Keep You from Falling

Customer Reviews:

A Must-Read for Male Christian Leaders.......2006-02-23

Goodall here has the courage to tackle a subject that has been overlooked or unmentioned in Christian books today -- the pitfalls of male Christian leadership. The author directly addresses 15 key areas to which leaders should give attention. From my knowledge and experience of ministry, his words are extremely relevant.

I recommend this book very highly to all male Christian leaders, especially pastors. Being aware of our weaknesses and points of vulnerability is the first step towards safeguarding our integrity. This title is an excellent investment and addition to one's library.

Book Description

Deborah Taylor-Hough is the queen of creative-cooking methods and her new cooking guide offers yet another way to revolutionize cooking. Forget running to the store to grab last-minute dinners, or calling the Pizza-Man while your child's stomach growls. Deborah will show you how to creatively "mix and match" your pantry contents to create great stating meals. Try your hand at the Mix-n-Match Soup, Use-it-Up Quiche, Mix-It-Up Muffins, and much more. In addition you'll find fun and easy ideas to keep kids busy in the kitchen, cooking tips and shortcuts, grocery saving hints and more!
Deborah Taylor-Hough is the author of the best-selling Frozen Assets Series. She lives in the Seattle area with her husband and three children.

Customer Reviews:

Your kitchen recipe solution to the mealtime dilemma.......2004-06-10

This cookbook maybe thin but it is jam packed with recipe solutions. One of our favorite meals is the mix and match skillet recipe. A definite buy!

Recipes from Seattle.......2004-01-29

"The recipes in this book are a result of creatively meeting the needs and desires of my family over many years of living on a tight budge with competing demands on my time and energy. Sounds a bit like the story of modern American life, doesn't it? Extremely busy, sometimes broke, but always resilient and resourceful." ~Deborah Taylor-Hough

Have you ever thought of making cookies with a cake mix? Well, lately, I even made biscotti from a cake mix. It seems there is no limit to what you can do with a cake mix when it comes to cakes, cookies and all things dessert.

Deborah shows you how to "mix and match" various items from your pantry so you don't have to run out to the store every time you want to make something different. Of course you will want to have a certain number of ingredients on hand. There is a nice list on page 21 that gives you a list of pantry items. You probably already have many of these items lurking about on your refrigerator shelves or in the pantry.

Sometimes I like to challenge myself and see how long I can go without buying anything at the grocery store. This book is helpful in that regard. Sometimes all you need is a bit of inspiration and you can turn a few ingredients into an appetizing meal.

In Deborah's Mix and Match Soup, you have so many choices. You are sure to have one of the ingredients for each section of the recipe. If you don't have rice, you can use corn or pasta. If you don't have tomato soup, you can use chicken. It is that easy.

Some of the recipes you will enjoy include:

Create a Casserole
Mix and Match Quiche
Super Smoothies - lots of ways to make delicious fresh fruit smoothies
Mix and Match Quick Bread
More Creative Cookies - one recipe with three variations
Warm and Wonderful Drink Mixes - Fireside Coffee Mix and Café Vienna Coffee Mix. Remember "Russian Tea with Tang?" This book has the recipe.
Plenty of Pies - Pies you make with ice cream and ready-made crusts

The last section of the book starts with a "master" mix recipe. You make the mix, store it and then use as many cups as needed to make recipes like Biscuits, Snack Cake and Shortcake.

Now, this book is not just about edible recipes, you can also make a spa milk bath, facial mask or fizzing bath bombs. So, there is fun to be had. Kids will enjoy making sidewalk chalk, soap crayons, homemade stickers and edible finger paints.

Mix and Match is a tiny treasure of a cookbook that will get you in and out of the kitchen in a hurry. The recipe for the Mix and Match Fruit Crisp is worth the price of the book. I love this recipe, especially served with ice cream.

~TheRebeccaReview.com

Cute Title.......2003-10-29

Mix and Match is a new idea to me and I love it! Great size I can throw it right in my purse when I go shopping.

Expensive for what you actually get........2003-07-28

This was a good book with some helpful ideas. I'm sorry to say though it was mostly old news, and fairly expensive ($... for 64 pages with few new ideas.)

A "must-have" for all home cooks, especially new ones!.......2002-12-28

I'm adding this book to my list of gifts to give at Bridal Showers. If you're like me, you have days when you stare into the pantry wondering what to make for dinner. There's food in there but does it make a meal? With this helpful little book, I've been able to go to the cupboard and pull together a complete meal for my family without running to the store for missing ingredients. My two favorite ideas in this book are the Master Skillet Meal and Master Soup recipes. A bit of this, a dab of that, throw it all in the pot or skillet, cook for awhile, and dinner's served. I'll never buy those convenient pre-packaged boxed dinners for tuna or hamburger again!

Customer Reviews:

Don't waste your money.......2004-03-18

I bought this book a few years back and returned it to the store the very next day. It is full of errors. One of the most obvious is this...The author claims that Elvis' twin brother is buried at Graceland. Even the most casual fan knows that he is buried near Tupelo. I don't know what the problem is with David Stanley. He is incapable of telling the truth. Awhile back, he took part in a TV documentary, stating that Elvis committed suicide. His latest fabrication is really hilarious. According to Stanley, The Beatles knocked on Graceland's front door and asked to see Elvis. David and his mother, Dee, were decorating the Christmas tree and Dee refused to let them in because of their long hair. The Beatles were only in Memphis on one occasion and that was in August, 1966, 4 months before Christmas.If you insist on lying, David, at the very least, do a little research so you can keep your lies consistent with historical facts.

indispensable for elvis fans.......2002-08-27

If you want to know everything about Elvis, then this is the book you need. It contains everything about his personal life, his music, his movies, his friends and family, his likes and dislikes and more.
It was compiled by his stepbrother David E. Stanley and it has a foreward by Lamar Fike, Elvis' best friend.
It also has an Elvis trivia quiz for the real fantics.
If you need to know those more obscure songs he sang, you'll find it in here.
Since this book was first published in '94, I can only spot two original albums missing from the "his music" section.
"For the asking" and "Tomorrow is a long" time were supposed to have been released in the early and late sixties respectively, but instead they were dropped in favour of soundtrack albums. A lot of the songs from these two albums were used as fillers on soundtrack albums of the sixties.
Now these two long lost albums have recently been released by RCA. So the only reason they're not mentioned in this book, is because they weren't commercially available at the time this book was published.
It does mention at the beginning of the music section "this anthology contains only records released commercially - no bootlegs or unauthorised material".
They released this book with an alternative front cover in '98 (in the uk anyway), and I'm assuming it's exactly the same. I might buy that book because I've looked at my book so many times, especially in the music section, that some of the pages have come out. This is probably due to flicking back and forth so much.
Buy this book! You won't believe the amount of info in it.

The Elvis Encyclopedia: The Complete and Definitive Reference Book on the King of Rock & Roll

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The Elvis Encyclopedia: The Complete and Definitive Reference Book on the King of Rock & Roll
David E. Stanley with Frank Coffey
Manufacturer: JG Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ND5OAA

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