Book Description
This elegantly haunting work of fiction features bookstore owner Boualem Yekker, who lives in a country overtaken by a radically conservative party known as the Vigilant Brothers, a group that seeks to control every aspect of life according to the precepts of their rigid moral theology. The belief that no work of beauty created by humans should rival the wonders of their god is slowly consuming society, and the art once treasured is now despised. Boualem resists the new regime with quiet determination, using the shop and his personal history as weapons against puritanical forces.
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Readers are taken into the lush depths of the bookseller's dreams, the memories of his now empty family life, and his passion for literature, then yanked back into the terror and drudgery of his daily routine by the vandalism, assaults, and death warrants that afflict him.
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"Books have been the compost in which Boualem's life ripened, to the point where his bookish hands and his carnal hands, his paper body and his body of flesh and blood very often overlap and mingle. In the end Boualem himself didn't see a clear distinction any more. He has met so many characters in books, he has come in contact with so many destinies that his own life would be nothing without them."
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Marketing plans for The Last Summer of Reason:
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• A percentage of proceeds go to ABFFE. Joint promotions with ABFFE and member stores, including highlight in Bookselling This Week.
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Tahar Djaout was considered one of the most promising writers of his generation, and was a firm believer in democracy. Djaout's murder was attributed to the Islamic Salvation Front, who reported that he was killed because he "wielded a fearsome pen." He is the author of eleven books, including the novel Les vigiles, which won the Prix Mediterranée.
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Customer Reviews:
A lucid, harrowing, testimonial.......2007-02-06
For anyone who fears the threat of religious theocracy, whether in foreign lands or in our own, Djaout's masterful novel is a must read. His stunning prose exposes how fragile our civil liberties are in light of those who wish to dictate public policy by religious faith. For this brilliant illumination, Tahar Djaout was murdered by Islamic fundementalists. When asked why he committed the murder, one of Djaout's pious murders said "[because Djaout] wielded a fearsome pen that could have an effect on Islamic sectors."
When morality is judged by men who cloak reason in dogma, superstition, and faith, this tragic outcome seems inevitable. This novel, and Djaout's untimely and brutal murder, attest to all too familiar fact.
Unforgettable .......2006-09-06
It's been ages since I've read Djaout's "The Last Summer of Reason" but as time marches forward and summer is just behind me, I think of this masterful, poetic story and how it affected me as a reader. The interior life of a man I would never know and with whom I would have gladly shared bread made me revisit the power of the written word and its impact on its readership. I beheld the book, in light, yet others destroyed not only its potential conclusion but its writer. Djaout, with some possible prescience, tells the tale of societal alienation of one man, and brings all of us into the potential spotlight of what is moral and who is immoral.
An Unfinished Masterpiece.......2002-12-30
It is obvious that this book was still in manuscript form when it was discovered. My belief is that the author would have edited out certain passages, tightened up some of the prose, and fleshed out what is now only lightly sketched. Still, as a reader, I felt extraordinarily privileged in being able to read what was here. The novel is chilling and achingly beautiful. There are turns of phrase that are breath-taking, and there are descriptions of totalitarianism that caused my chest to constrict in dread. Reading this book is like reading novels written in the wake of fascism or Stalinism--the idea that all is controlled, no one is to be trusted, the only safety is within one's own head. But it is the meditations on books--on what books mean and how they mean--that is the true gem in this book. And the comparison of how one Book (be it Bible, Koran, or Little Red Book) can be given such power that it must eliminate all competition that comes from other books. And his thoughts on gender and what totalitarianism does to sexual relationships is deeply moving. There are so many things in this book to talk about. I grieve that its author is not around to participate in those discussions.
Too obviously unfinished.......2002-07-28
Although the premise of this small novel is intriguing, especially given current events at a national and world level, The Last Summer of Reason is not worth the time. Yes, the manuscript was discovered after the author's death, which leads to a certain romanticism about him and the work. However, it is still an unfinished, unpolished, unfocused book, badly in need of revision and editing.
Profound and Poetic.......2002-06-05
Tahar Djout's words are absolutely beautiful. A lyrical sledgehammer....this book is ironic in its timing. The reader is given an idea of what it is like to live in a world of extremism and religious fanaticism. Wole Soyinka's introduction is worth the price. Invest a day in reading the words of the late author and think about the fanatics among you. Could we all become Djouts?
Book Description
Janik barely survived his last expedition to the dark continent of Xen'drik. But when he finds himself embroiled in a plot involving the Emerald Claw, the Church of the Silver Flame, and lost wonders of Xen'drik, his one hope at redemption is to return and face the horrors that once almost destroyed him.
Customer Reviews:
Indiana Janik and the Temple of Doom.......2006-11-10
When the Eberron fantasy world was first released, the Wizards of the Coast people pitched it as pulp-meets-traditional-fantasy. Not many people have a good way of defining (or understanding) what 'pulp' is, but it's one of those things that is most likely best defined as "You know it when you see it." The fanciful/fanatastical adventures that graced the pages of pulp magazines from the 1920's into the 1940's certainly seem like they would lend themselves well to a fantasy adventure setting. However, few authors have been able to capture what many Eberron fans would consider to be the true feeling of the setting. Keith Baker, the initial creator of the world, certainly has given readers the best example of the different aspects and flavors of Eberron with his 'Dreaming Dark' trilogy. Here we have another author who gives it a go with "In the Claws of the Tiger".
As other reviewers have already mentioned, although this is book 3 in the War Torn series, there is no need to have read books 1 and 2. However, as 1 reviewer points out, reading the short story 'Call of the Silver Flame' in the "Tales of the Last War" anthology would be helpful, but not really necessary. Basically, this is a good globe-trotting adventure with plenty of good character interaction, a story that is well-paced, and some good dialogue. I will not recap the story as a previous reviewer has already done. Rather, I appeal to those timid potential readers who may have noticed the existence of such books as those in the new Eberron series, but have chosen for some unknown reason not to read one (or perhaps read a bad one). This book has come the closest to capturing that feel of fantasy and pulp combined, almost as good as Keith Baker. For those people who like films such as "Raiders of the Lost Ark", "King Kong", "Bram Stoker's Dracula", or "Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow", why not take a good look at this wonderful piece of writing? To have a better understanding of what I'm talking about, I offer these analogies:
* Janik Martell, historian and archeologist who has been to the mysterious continent of Xen'drik once before and is not anxious (oh really?) to return.
* Many mysterious pervade every square foot of Xen'drik. Ancient and current tribal races, strange animal creatures, and artifacts from centuries old dwellings that would make the Aztecs and Egyptians proud.
* The trustworthy, old faithful companions who accompany Janik on his mission back to Xen'drik.
* Indiana Jones had his Rene Belloq, and Janik has his Krael Kravarat, who is now, of all things, a vampire as well!
* Ancient artifacts which may lead to even greater artifacts, or destruction of civilization if fallen into the wrong hands.
And so forth, and so on. You get the idea. Seriously, take a look at this book and I am betting you won't be sorry. My only reason for giving it 4 instead of 5 stars is the last chapter is far too lengthy, with characters basically talking to each other and going over things that we the reader have just read! The truly great authors know when to call it good and put it to bed. So breeze your way through that last chapter and get to the epilogue. You'll be glad you did, like finding the toy at the bottom of the cereal box.
It is good, but not great.......2006-08-08
This is a stand alone book and not part of any series, so you can jump right in and read. I do have to say I like the characters, good guys and bad guys both and all of their interactions is good. But the books suffers from just being boring in many places. This is Xen'drik, the savage and untamed land of the Eberron setting and they just walk through most of it with no encounters. Another problem is that you will probably figure out a very important plot point early in the book, but the characters in the book don't get it till about 200 pages in.
Also, this book suffers from the same problem many D&D books suffer from. Where's the treasure? Where's the magic items? This is D&D! Could we find a single +1 sword please?
A fun enjoyable read.......2006-08-04
In the Claws of the Tiger by James Wyatt is the third book in a series of stand alone novels set in the Eberron universe titled The War-Torn. These War-Torn novels basically describe how the Last War has affected countless people and the obstacles they must over come, or have over come, to survive.
Before going any farther with this review, I would urge you, if you are interested in this story to first read the short story `Call of the Silver Flame' in the Tales of the Last War anthology. In Call of the Silver Flame Mr. Wyatt sets the stage for some events that are discussed within this novel and it leads to a better understanding of everything. It was a much more enjoyable experience having read the short story first.
The plot of this book is rather linear, while at the same time being complex at times. The main character Janik and his group must go to a set of ruins and figure out what is going on there. Of course, Janik was there three years previously and his world fell apart because of the events that occurred. The majority of this book is about the journey to these ruins. Only the last quarter of the book is the characters actually in the ruins. I would have liked to read more about the ruins, what they looked like and just more action surrounding them. There are a few twists along the way, but the bulk of the action happens, as can be expected, at the end of the book when everything is brought together. At times during the journey to get to the ruins I felt myself becoming a little bored. I understand this is a six month journey, but it took up a lot of print. There were a few occasions that I found myself wondering why something was included. Don't get me wrong though, the plot of this book moves along at a steady pace and should keep most readers interested.
The characters in this book are very well written. They all have different backgrounds, faults, motivations etc. Mr. Wyatt does a good job at balancing everyone's personalities and keeping them `true' to who the character is. Although, my biggest complaint about this book is at times some of the dialog was groan inducing. It felt contrived and almost seemed like the author had no better way to express himself so he flat out told the reader what the reader needed to know. When there are mysterious things for the reader to solve I do not like being fed the solution. Let me think about it for a chapter or two, don't just tell me. Even the character Krael was fun to read and he was a villain. Mr. Wyatt has a knack for writing good characters; if he can match up the dialog consistently he will write some fantastic books.
While the plot may be rather linear it does not detract from the enjoyability of this book. In fact it lends itself to a rather easy read that allows the reader to become immersed in the book without having to think too much. Fans of the Eberron universe will certainly enjoy this latest addition. Readers considering reading something set in the Eberron world should first read the anthology I mentioned earlier and then they can certainly enjoy this. There is something for everyone in this book; magic, sword fights, deception, romance etc. I very much enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Mr. Wyatt.
Book Description
The all-new team-up trilogy.
Spiderman: Marvel's most popular hero
X-Men: Marvel's most popular super-team
Customer Reviews:
Mostly for the series.......2002-12-02
I don't really remember enough about the books individually but I loved the series. I'm a BIG Gambit/Rogue fan, and there was one section in the third book I LOVED. But mostly I liked meeting some of the characters I rarely read about. The guy who's searching through time to find one where his wife lives. Or Spiderman and Bishop bonding (Now there's something odd!) I really liked the series, it said a lot about the not-so-common characters and their connection with the main characters.
A must read.......2002-10-02
I really liked the way this book is written. its a real page tuner.
sweet.......2002-06-08
I very much enjoyed the teaming of the Web Slinger and the Uncanny Xmen
Fair.......2001-07-01
When you actually read the book, it's not as good as you think it'll be. Half the book is trying to understand a machine that if one has seen the 'toon or the comics they already understand. Could have been better.
One actual good thing, IMO was the cliff-hanger in the end. I won't say what it was so as not to spoil it for others.
Well balanced adventure.......2001-01-31
This first part of the trilogy has a good balance of story, characters and cameos. Yes, it is a story involving time travel and thus all the classic time travel elements are in the story. Some might see it as cliched - but I see it as consistent. The pairings of the heroes as well as the characters they encounter in the various time periods are well done.
One of the better novels involving super-heroes that I have read.
Book Description
This digital document is a journal article from Studies in History and Philosophy of Modern Physics, published by Elsevier in 2006. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Media Library immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Description:
In this paper I propose a reasonably sharp formulation of the temporal asymmetry of radiation. I criticize accounts that propose to derive the asymmetry from a low-entropy assumption characterizing the state of the early universe and argue that these accounts fail, since they presuppose the very asymmetry they are intended to derive.
Book Description
Even your favorite dinner can lose its appeal when it’s in constant rotation, so mix it up! With her largest collection of recipes yet, Food Network’s indefatigable cook Rachael Ray guarantees you’ll be able to put something fresh and exciting on your dinner table every night for a full year... without a single repeat!
Based on the original 30-Minute Meal cooking classes that started it all, these recipes prove that you don’t have to reinvent the wheel every night. Rachael offers dozens of recipes that, once mastered, can become entirely new dishes with just a few ingredient swaps. Learn how to make a Southwestern Pasta Bake and you’ll be able to make a Smoky Chipotle Chili Con Queso Mac the next time. Try your hand at Spring Chicken with Leeks and Peas and you’re all set to turn out a rib-sticking Rice and Chicken Stoup that looks and tastes like an entirely different dish.
As a best-selling cookbook author and host of three top-rated Food Network shows, Rachael Ray believes that both cooking and eating should be fun. Drawing from her own favorite dishes as well as those of her family, friends, and celebrities, she covers the flavor spectrum from Asian to Italian and dozens of delicious stops in between. Best of all, these flavor-packed dishes will satisfy your every craving and renew your taste for cooking. With so many delicious entrees to choose from you’ll never have an excuse for being in a cooking rut again.
How about a brand-new 30-minute dinner every night for an entire year?
Tired of making the same old same old, week after week after week?
With Rachael’s most varied and comprehensive collection of 30-minute recipes ever, you’ll have everyone at your table saying “Yummo!” all year long.
It’s amazing what a half hour can do for your tastebuds … 365 days a year!
Customer Reviews:
Sorry, Rachel..........2007-09-18
I bought this book with great anticipation; however, after making several recipes, I am very dissapointed. Many dishes I've tried have absolutely NO FLAVOR at all. If you like dinners from the 1950's, you may like this; but for experienced cooks with sophisticated palates, this is not worth buying. The fact that there are 170 of these used books for sale should tell you something.
Yum-o.......2007-08-25
I liked the listing of recipes so it was easy to choose what to make without flipping through the entire cookbook. Lots of easy recipes for chicken. When you have normal ingredients, you can still make something taste spetacular.
Nothing I would eat!.......2007-08-24
I didn't like this book. It wasn't very clear. My family would NEVER eat any of the recipes. I was looking for a well-rounded list of recipes, (like joy of cooking) but found this was too "kid friendly" and unhealthy. I returned the book.
30 Minute Meals.......2007-08-12
I was somewhat disappointed. There is a lot more time to get the meal together than I expected.Otherwise it is well written and organized.
It's just ok........2007-08-07
I did make some kind of turkey burgers with butter and tobasco sauce...I think they were buffalo turkey burgers...don't have the book in front of me...and they were quite good. It had a blue cheese sauce, YUM-O! (To quote Ms. Ray). She finished off the patties in the sauce...
I made a variation...I take the buns and soak them for a few seconds in the butter/tobasco sauce and grill them...it's the only way my picky son wants his burgers now! So, the girl is inventive...it's just not my first pick for a cookbook at supper time. Know what I mean?
Book Description
From the two-time James Beard Award-winning "Queen of Desserts" comes a wonderful new cookbook devoted entirely to cookies. Covering everything from biscotti and bar cookies to drop cookies and roll cookies, Maida introduces readers to a wealth of luscious varieties accompanied by simple, straightforward instructions.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful cookbook - contains my favorite cookie recipe!.......2004-12-18
Maida Heatter and I share something in common - we love to bake and we love to share our baked goods. Her introduction is entitled "Happiness is Baking Cookies" and I couldn't agree more!
This cookbook is wonderful! I probably have a dozen or more cookie/dessert cookbooks, but this one contains my favorite recipe, Moravian Wafers. This cookie isn't just my favorite one to make - I don't think I've ever had a cookie this wonderful anywhere! They are absolutely addictive. They are very unusual, but every time I make them everyone wants the recipe.
Maida Heatter's cookbooks are always pretty sophisticated with lots of very specific directions to make the cookies come out absolutely perfect (like using parchment paper and rotating the cookies during baking to ensure they are all cooked evenly). But don't let that keep you from trying some of them. I don't always follow all of the detailed instructions, and they still come out really good, but perhaps not all uniform like bakery cookies.
I would recommend this cookbook to anyone who enjoys baking cookies (or someone who thinks it's worth a little effort to eat delicious cookies). My favorite cookie book!
Maida is a goddess.......2000-06-23
Undoubtedly the BEST cookie book ever. Each and every one as tasty as the one before. Maida is a fantastic cookbook author and her directions are clear and concise, and I am sure that not even a beginner would have a problem following along. I make the 'Big Sur' chocolate chip cookies at my café and cannot make them fast enough! A clear winner.
Not a loser in the bunch!.......1999-12-01
I'm slowly working my way through the entire book baking up all the delicious goodies. Maida Heatter's recipes are thorough, concise and most importantly they always work. I can't wait for her to put out her next book!
Hands down, the best cookies on the planet.......1999-01-23
The recipes in this book produce delicious cookies. Maida Heatter's commentary on preparation is helpful and intersting. This book is a must for every baker's kitchen.
As always, Maida Heatter has written another winner!!.......1998-05-07
Maida Heatter is my idol! I love to bake, and I have to say that my favorite recipes come from her cookbooks. This cookie book is no exception. If you don't already own it, buy it today! Then, try her recipe for Palm Beach Brownies with Chocolate-Covered Mints. These are to die for. Her biscotti recipes are also wonderful, and as always, her instructions are precise and easy to follow. One of the best parts of all of her cookbooks is the introduction to each recipe. She includes a short description, and very often an anecdote about the origin of the recipe, or of a time she served it. It is as much fun to read a Maida Heatter cookbook as it is to cook from it and taste the finished product (which always get rave reviews when served!).
Average customer rating:
- I highly recommend this book to every Schoenhut collector
- A Must-Have Book for any Schoenhut Collector!
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Schoenhut Dolls: A Collector's Encyclopedia
Carol Corson
Manufacturer: Hobby House Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Dolls
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Doll Values Antique to Modern
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Jan Foulke's Guide to Dolls: A Definitive Identification and Price Guide
ASIN: 0875884008 |
Book Description
A visual encyclopedia of Schoenhut Dolls. 161 full color of 539 total pictures! Through the magnificently detailed photographs, you will see the comparative ways to identify these sought after American doll treasures. Gain the background knowledge of the Schoenhut family and their evolution as a doll manufacturer! 272 pages.
Customer Reviews:
I highly recommend this book to every Schoenhut collector.......1999-11-02
I have a large web site celebrating carved dolls with several web pages about Schoenhut dolls. I use this book as my main reference for Schoenhut dolls.
I love this book. Carol's method of presenting the dolls by Schoenhut model numbers has changed the way modern doll collectors refer to these dolls. Now a collector might state, "I have a 316 in mint condition". Thanks to Carol, others will be able to picture her doll clearly in our mind.
Carol's stories about the Schoenhut family members and each of their very active involvement with the toy company puts a very personal slant on the history of this family oriented company. It should be obvious from this book that the Schoenhut family took great pride in producing the best quality, durable dolls and toys because they loved children and enjoyed the great fun of watching children at play.
If you collect Schoenhut dolls, then you really NEED this book -- I HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
A Must-Have Book for any Schoenhut Collector!.......1999-09-14
I just love this book. If you collect Schoenhut dolls (or just one) you need this book. Beautiful photos of rare dolls, in depth history of the company, descriptions and examples of the the different models.... just a joy to read and look at.
Average customer rating:
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The Complete Book of Fashion Illustration, Third Edition
Sharon Tate , and
Mona Shafer Edwards
Manufacturer: Prentice Hall
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Advertising
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Fashion Design Drawing Course
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High Fashion Sewing Secrets from the World's Best Designers: A Step-By-Step Guide to Sewing Stylish Seams, Buttonholes, Pockets, Collars, Hems, And More (Rodale Sewing Book)
ASIN: 0130592226 |
Book Description
Designed to help novice sketchers learn the basics — and sketchers with intermediate skills learn to improve and refine their drawings. Offers comprehensive coverage of all aspects of fashion illustration and drawing — using step-by-step drawing and teaching methods for each type of illustration and technique. Emphasizes drawing specific garments and style details. Covers rendering fabrics in detail. Also considers new computer graphics tools.
Average customer rating:
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Franciscan Literature Of Religious Instruction Before The Council Of Trent (Studies in the History of Christian Traditions)
Bert Roest
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 9004140263 |
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Adobe Photoshop 5.5 - Para Windows - Ed. Para Web
Eugenio Tuya Feijoo
Manufacturer: Anaya Multimedia
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ASIN: 8441509980 |
Amazon.com
The title of Ted Koppel's memoir, Off Camera: Private Thoughts Made Public, promises opinions that its author wouldn't deliver on camera, where he's been the anchor of ABC's popular Nightline program since 1980. And, indeed, he's blistering at times in this book, which is essentially a daily journal from 1999. That year began between President Clinton's impeachment by the House of Representatives and his trial in the Senate. Here's Koppel delivering his prognosis of the situation: "Whichever way it goes, it will leave a nasty aftertaste. The President and First Lady will speak piously of national reconciliation, while their loyalists ram the rockets' red glare up the tailpipes of the right-wing fanatics, who have confused low morals with high crimes." Koppel's comments are not always so interesting, but he's reliably candid. He mentions that Jordan's late King Hussein "had his share of adulterous relationships," that Dan Quayle "is not stupid. He is also likable. But you would feel uncomfortable serving under him in a platoon," and that Henry Hyde once informed him privately that "he was incontinent following his prostate surgery."
There's no particular theme to the book; these pages simply collect the thoughts of an important newsman during the course of a year (whose noteworthy events included not just the Clinton trial but also NATO's war with Serbia). Sometimes they're pompous: "I'm off for a meeting with Bill Bradley. It's at his request, which is a clear signal that he's running for the presidency." Sometimes they're funny: "Let's combine all the awards ceremonies for the communications and entertainment industries and name that one event after the single piece of equipment used by all of us--the microphone. I suggest calling the occasion 'the Phonies.'" Koppel is occasionally offbeat, as when he compares George W. Bush to Vanna White, and often informative, as when he's recommending books like Black Hawk Down by Mark Bowden or Meditations by Marcus Aurelius (which he once gave as a gift to Clinton). Off Camera is an eclectic package of thoughts and diversions that will by turns intrigue, frustrate, and entertain readers. --John J. Miller
Book Description
Read by Ted Koppel
5 Cds / 5 hours
Here, closely observed with an insider's eye, are all the significant matters of 1999--from the Clinton impeachment and the war in Kosovo to the transformation of the global economy, and even the phenomenon of Viagra. Here, too, are the people (both on and off camera) who made the news--from Slobodan Milosevic to Hillary Rodham Clinton to Michael Jordan to John F. Kennedy Jr.
But Koppel doesn't stop there: he uses these personalities and events as jumping-off points for other discussions. Memory takes him back to England where he lived until he was 13, to family and friends, and to memorable moments in his career of almost 40 years. He discusses racial intolerance and brutality towards homosexuals. And he examines such cultural phenomena as misleading advertising in Sunday supplements and the price paid for one of Mark McGwire's home-run balls.
Here is the voice we know from Nightline--intelligent, curious, opinionated, witty--reminding us in entertaining and thought-provoking ways that even the most public events reverberate in our private lives.
Download Description
One of America's most admired television newsmen now gives us an intimate chronicle of the final year of the twentieth century. In his engrossing narrative, the year's personalities and events not only are themselves made vivid but also lead to wide-ranging discussions of the past and of expectations of things to come. Here, closely observed from an insider's viewpoint, are the significant matters of 1999--from the Clinton impeachment and the war in Kosovo to the mass-marketing of Viagra. Here are the people (both on and off camera) who made the news--from Slobodan Milosevi´c to Hillary Rodham Clinton to Michael Jordan to John F. Kennedy Jr. to King Hussein. And Koppel's book moves on yet another level as events trigger memories of his own past, providing a more personal resonance to his telling of the history we all share. He takes us back to the England in which he lived until he was thirteen. He revisits his powerful experiences as an interviewer investigating prison abuses and probing the violence in our schools. He discusses the strengths and weaknesses of the media; he talks about racial intolerance, about brutality toward homosexuals, about the absence of political leadership. He also examines such cultural phenomena as our obsession with celebrity and the impact of great theater and overhyped movies. Here is the voice we know from Nightline--intelligent, curious, opinionated, witty, concerned--reminding us in entertaining and thought-provoking ways that even the most public events reverberate in our private lives.
Customer Reviews:
Eloquent with interesting opinions but not deep and profound.......2007-10-09
Ted Koppel is quite eloquent and has many interesting views but the audiobook (unabridged) lacks any deep and profound views or analysis. Nevertheless, well read and not boring. Good for long drives or plane flights, especially now that it is selling at a discount price.
1999 Daily Journal Of A Public Figure.......2005-08-21
Nightline anchor and legendary tele-journalist Ted Koppel set out on January 1, 1999 with an interesting idea. He would write one entry per day in a diary that would record the events in his own life and in the world around him.
Admirable.
Koppel's notes on the goings-on in 1999 seem oddly distant in this post-911 world of 2005. Was the last year of the century just passed really quite as innocent as it seems in this record of a journalist and his travels across the world? That was the biggest point of notice I came away with from this remarkable read: exactly how much our society and the greater world has altered in so small a time.
That said, it is still worthwhile to read through Koppel's thoughts on the happenings of that year and to gain perspective on all that went on in a top-ranking network journalist's life. In those twelve months, Koppel traveled to at least four continents, met with dozens of noteworthies, and also managed to fit in time at home, where he tells us of the joys of something small like a redecorating project after having spent so many of the previous weeks in and out of war zones, jets, vans, and studios. Koppel is never shy about giving his opinion and sometimes I admired his views, at other times he frankly ticked me off. That's probably someplace in his job description.
I've heard Ted Koppel is retiring soon, and I wonder if he intends to devote more time to writing once his days in front of the camera are done? If this book is any indication of what that output might be, then I hope so.
Ignore the bad reviews!.......2003-10-09
Ted Koppel's Off Camera is a caring and informative view into just that, his thoughts and daily activities off camera. Mr Koppel provides us daily journal entries from the year 1999. From Monica to the strains of reporting from Kosovo. I loved reading this book.
Diary copied over into book with no editing........2002-04-23
My first thought in his first couple entries was that he was trying a little to hard to be funny ala Dennis Miller or Jay Leno. However, then I realized that he wasn't, he was just blurting out his thoughts from each day (and almost every day).
I feel there was not much cohesion throughout the book. He spends a lot of time on the war in Kosovo, as that was a big event during that year. However, he puts in little tidbits about his growing up and his new house or something irrelevant. Even though it was meant to be his personal thoughts on various topics, I felt he should have organized the material a little bit.
On the good side, it was interesting hearing about the difficulties of being a reporter during the war, and getting some of that insider information. Similarly, it was interesting hearing his perspective from having been around for a while in the journalism business.
Overall, I made it through the whole book, but every once in a while while listening to it (Audio CD version), I would think, "Now why did he include that?" I feel this work could have been improved through some editting and some thoughtful exclusions or reorganization of the material.
Is this the best you can do, Ted?.......2001-12-12
...The dust cover should be a clue that this book is trivial. Here is Koppel, wearing a leather jacket and holding a stick. If that photo interests you, you will love this book. It is filled with self-indulgent information about Koppel and his grandchildren. It would have been a better book, perhaps, had Koppel chosen to write about the leather jacket and the stick.
Readers who are able to overlook Koppel's arrogance will find little insight into international events. First, these events are quite dated. Kosovo, Monica and Viagra are not fresh, riveting subjects. Secondly, Koppel doesn't have the time to give us thoughtful insight. He appears to be jotting down a few bedtime thoughts about his day. And so often his predictions and views of current events prove wrong.
What I came away with is the realization that much of our daily news stories are fleeting, insignificant events. ...
Book Description
This digital document is an article from American Journalism Review, published by University of Maryland on December 1, 2000. The length of the article is 626 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: Of Groceries and Geopolitics.(Review)
Author: Steve M. Barkin
Publication:
American Journalism Review (Refereed)
Date: December 1, 2000
Publisher: University of Maryland
Volume: 22
Issue: 10
Page: 59
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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