What We Keep: A Novel (Ballantine Reader's Circle)

Book Description

Do you ever really know your mother, your daughter, the people in your family? In this rich and rewarding new novel by the beloved bestselling author of
Talk Before Sleep and The Pull of the Moon, a reunion between two sisters and their mother reveals how the secrets and complexities of the past have shaped the lives of the women in a family.

Ginny Young is on a plane, en route to see her mother, whom she hasn't seen or spoken to for thirty-five years. She thinks back to the summer of 1958, when she and her sister, Sharla, were young girls. At that time,a series of dramatic events--beginning with the arrival of a mysterious and sensual next-door neighbor--divided the family, separating the sisters from their mother. Moving back and forth in time between the girl she once was and the woman she's become, Ginny at last confronts painful choices that occur in almost any woman's life, and learns surprising truths about the people she thought she knew best.

Emotional honesty and a true understanding of people and relationships are combined in this moving and deeply satisfying new book by the novelist who
"writes with humor and a big heart about resilience, love and hope. And the transcendence that redeems" (Andre Dubus).

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

This wasn't supposed to be literary hugs and kisses.......2007-03-25

This is my first and only book read by Elizabeth Berg so far and I enjoyed this book a lot. The ending is a bit abrupt, but people like resolution, I guess. It's unfortunate that some people were expecting the same from EB, which I believe would be a huge sign that the author isn't creative and/or is in a rut. She could really take me back to her childhood and EB capturing the sisterly bond between Ginny and Sharla was a nice read. I read this novel in a women's lit class in college and approached it from a feminist standpoint. The dad wasn't the greatest by any means, but consider what time period this was written for. Martha, the woman seated next to her on the plane, notes to Ginny that "people like 'differentness' in everything except their mothers." If you approach the novel like that, you can empathize with both sides of the story and makes for a much more interesting read.

One of my favorites!.......2007-02-25

I'm not sure why I'm so drawn to this story, but this is one of my favorite books! Maybe it's because I'm an only child and envious of the sisterly relationship between Ginny and Sharla. I love how they're always trying to be the "cool" one and vying for the upper hand. Anyway, I don't have any deep insight to offer, just that I think this is a wonderful book!

Loved the book, not the ending.......2006-10-23

This is my first EB book and I know I will read more of her books simply because I liked this one. The story line held my interest well. Her language dripped with memorable imagery that brought me back to times when I was young. I felt like a spectator in the girls' private world while reading this book. I thought the story ended too quickly without benefit of the fine, descriptive story telling Ginny provided throughout the rest of the book. I was hoping for a more emotional ending.

A Different Take.......2006-09-24

I usually enjoy reading EB's books as I find them insightful, humorous and easy to read in a leisurely fashion. I've read quite a few of the reviews of this book and have a completely different take. If I'd managed to raise two selfish, self-centered monsters who insisted their mother wait on them hand and foot, I'd be like Marion and lament going astray in parenting skills. How anyone could have compassion for these little manipulative twits is beyond me and only wonder why Marion didn't bail sooner. Not only are Ginny and Sharla obnoxious pieces of work, dear old dad is a major loser. Stiff, cold, inflexible, that's dad. I'd rather hang out with Marion than any of these other characters. I'll continue to read EB's books and hope they're more believable than this offering.

Wonderful story.......2006-08-20

I loved this book. The complexity of the relationship between the mother and her 2 daughters was extremely realistic.
Unlike some other readers, I thought the anger/hatred toward the mother was totally justified.
I was disappointed when the book ended, and that is rare for me.

Freedom's Apprentice: Book Two of the Dead Rivers Trilogy (The Dead Rivers Trilogy)
Average customer rating:

Better Than "Turning the Storm"

Hooray another installment

Interesting alternative history with better fantasy elements

Darned good follow-up; I can't wait for the final book

terrific alternate history fantasy
Freedom's Apprentice: Book Two of the Dead Rivers Trilogy (The Dead Rivers Trilogy)
Naomi Kritzer
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Series | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Freedom's Sisters

Freedom's Gate

Fires of the Faithful

Turning the Storm

Cast in Courtlight (The Cast Series, Book 2)

ASIN: 0553586742
Release Date: 2005-04-26

Book Description

With Freedom’s Gate, acclaimed author Naomi Kritzer introduced a dangerous world of magic and intrigue. Now she continues the story of Lauria, a bold young woman who has turned against a way of life she once believed in....

FREEDOM’S APPRENTICE

Once the trusted aide to powerful military commander Kyros, freeborn Lauria hunted down his escaped slaves. But during a mission to infiltrate the bandit tribe known as the Alashi, Lauria’s loyalties shifted. When her
identity was discovered, she was cast out by both sides. Now Lauria is determined to regain the trust of the Alashi, and, with the help of her blood-sister Tamar, liberate those she once returned to captivity. But they cannot accomplish the daunting task alone. Desperate for a spell-chain to free a mine slave, Lauria turns to her enemies–the Sisterhood of Weavers–and apprentices herself to a sorceress. But learning to harness magic will come at a greater price than she ever imagined.

Customer Reviews:

Better Than "Turning the Storm".......2006-06-24

After reading "Turning the Storm" I was disappointed in most of the reviewer's opinions. In short, I didn't like it at all. So, I was very skeptical about picking this sequel up. However, "Freedom's Gate" had me hooked and I pledged to give this one a try. I am so glad I did! Where "Turning the Storm" was frenetic and unfocussed, I found "Freedom's Apprentice" to be a well-considered, carefully produced story. Unlike Kritzer's previous sequel, this one had a direct goal in mind, the freeing of the five slaves Lauria had previously tracked down, and it also allowed for a lot of variation in scene and character development without seeming lost and confused. As a writer matures in experience, I am convinced her work becomes fuller and more matured, as well. This is definitely the case here. I can't wait to read #3!

Hooray another installment.......2005-08-13

This is the second book of THE DEAD RIVERS trilogy. Although is could be read on its own as Ms. Klausner's remarked, a reader would miss a lot of the small details that truly support the story without reading the first novel. The series is set in a fictional reality in what would be our Middle East complete with all of the trappings of the decadent life of the rich supporting themselves on the backs of slaves and what amounts to as indentured servitude. Incase you missed them, please read Naomi Kritzer' s Fires of the Faithful (2002) and Turning the Storm (2003).

Interesting alternative history with better fantasy elements.......2005-06-22

I'm glad I didn't know this was an alternative history novel, I probably would have never picked it up. But she Kritzer changed the history so much, it doesn't even feel like Greek history (which is a good thing).

This has pretty much the same pacing as the first, "Freedom's Gate." Lauria is a great character, with good character development (which is really the basis of the story). Tamar is like her anchor, but enough personality to hold her own (which is good, because the next book will change to have both of their viewpoints.

This book, as well as the previous, deals with the issue of slavery on two levels: people and the djinni. Tamar wants to free slaves to help the world, and Lauria just wants to free those she has wronged. She also has the power to free the djinni, but as of right now will only really do it for selfish reasons (I feel even more development coming on). The one main problem I had with this book is that Kritzer often reexplains things. I felt like saying out loud, "I get it." Maybe she underestimated her audience.

Other than that, this book was very enjoyable. It didn't lose pace like many middle books, and the story moves along quickly.

Darned good follow-up; I can't wait for the final book.......2005-05-18

The middle book in any trilogy is always problematical. The author has to make the situation worse-and-worse for the protagonist, yet move the story forward. Yet, very little can be resolved, because there's a Book 3 to follow.

Kritzer does a great job. In the first book of this trilogy (don't even think of skipping it; you'd be lost), Lauria re-thought her role in the world. Instead of doing whatever Kyros wanted (in particular, catching slaves and returning them to their owners), she joined a peculiar rebellion, and earned a sense of purpose. (I won't say more, in case you didn't finish Freedom's Gate yet.)

In Freedom's Apprentice, Lauria aims to free all the slaves she'd previously recaptured, as atonement for her previous actions. As she travels around her world -- joined by her blood-sister Tamar -- she learns more about the nature of magic, what it takes to control it, and sets an even larger goal.

Oh dear, that sounds like the vague "back of the book" text, but I'm trying to avoid spoilers. The bottom line is that this second book is at least as good as the first; the author makes her world and her people believeable; and this tale is a fine place in which to lose yourself for a few hours. Recommended.

terrific alternate history fantasy.......2005-04-27

After Alexander dies, the Empire went into a decline until Penelope the first weaver learned how to control the djinn. Using their magic, they reconquered the countries that broke away from the empire, most learned to live with the Greeks as their rulers. Lauria, a free woman in service to Kyros the commander of the military garrison in Elpisia, as part of her job brings back runaway slaves who find refuge with the Alashi, a nomadic warrior group who remain free of Greek rule.

After infiltrating the Alashi, Lauria sees how wrong she was to return runaway slaves and vows to free them from their masters. A runaway slave recognizes Lauria and exposes her deception. The Alashi exile her leaving her with no home but even more determined to free the slaves she captured. With her friend Tamar who accompanies her on her quest, the two women free the slaves who are scattered all over the empire. Both women know if they are caught, the penalty for their crimes is a tortuous death.

This is the second book of THE DEAD RIVERS trilogy but it can stand alone because the storyline doesn't rely on the first book FREEDOM'S GATE. The use of djinn in the political and military arena is taken for granted and people see magic in their everyday life as something normal and natural. There is plenty of action in FREEDOM'S APPRENTICE as the heroine undoes the harm she caused to the runaway slaves. Some of the method she uses to find and free the slave are ingenious and will win her the admiration of the audience. Naomi Kritzer's world where the Greek Empire never fell and is the ruler of most of the known world is exciting and believable

Harriet Klausner

Book Description

The spectacular follow-up to Alien Legion: Force Nomad, Piecemaker collects seven more issues in the Alien Legion saga. In stunning full color, Force Nomad resumes duty in a series of far-flung combat zones. The volatile Jugger Grimrod confronts his violent past while Tamara faces a surprising future – amid the always perilous present that is the daily bread of Force Nomad of the Alien Legion.

Customer Reviews:

Amazed at how good this was.......2006-11-14

I really enjoyed this. It would make a great movie. In fact, come to think of it... wow, this would REALLY make a great movie! I think anyone who liked Star Wars would like this.

Weight Watchers Simply the Best: 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes
Average customer rating:

Great Cookbook

Great for picky eaters!

Excellent Cookbook!

great book

Not so impressed

Weight Watchers Simply the Best: 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes
Weight Watchers
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Low Fat | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Weight Loss | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Weight Watchers | Diets | Diets & Weight Loss | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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Weight Watchers New Complete Cookbook

Weight Watchers Take-Out Tonight! : 150+ Restaurant Favorites to Make at Home--All 8 POINTS or Less

Simply Delicious : 245 No-Fuss Recipes--All 8 POINTS or Less

Weight Watchers Make It in Minutes: Easy Recipes in 15, 20, and 30 Minutes

Cook It Quick!: Speedy Recipes with Low POINTS Value in 30 Minutes or Less

ASIN: 0028633504

Amazon.com

If the old saying "butter plus salt equals flavor" is true, somebody neglected to tell the folks at Weight Watchers. Simply the Best is a testament that good food need not always be accompanied by dietary guilt and that flavor doesn't have to be sacrificed in the name of health. The book's more than 250 sensible low-fat recipes cover the culinary spectrum, from entrees such as Bella Braised Chicken to desserts such as Strawberry Crepes.

While the book is designed to accompany the popular Weight Watchers diet program, it can be used by anyone interested in healthy, delicious, low-fat food. The prizewinning recipes are contributed by Weight Watchers members and staff from across the U.S., Canada, and England. For chefs new to low-fat cooking, Simply the Best is an excellent resource for learning flavorful combinations to substitute for traditional high-fat, high-caloric fare. Most inspiring is the sheer variety of recipes included in the book and the unique variations on old themes. While it may sound unconventional to purists, the Apple Cranberry Pie with Granola Crust is wonderful, and the Chicken Marsala with Green Grapes would go well on any table.

Book Description

Weight Watchers has helped teach millions of Americans to lose weight and keep it off while incorporating delicious, good-for-you recipes into a daily diet. Now, Weight Watchers brings you the very best in low-fat, low-calorie cooking: an award-winning collection of 250 outstanding dishes from across the country. These recipes -- Weight Watchers members family favorites -- are sure to win kudos from your own friends and family. They're so delicious and easy that they're certain to become a regular part of your cooking repertoire -- and your family will love every healthful bite. Simply the Best has a recipe to please every palette: Asian Meatballs, Corn and Bean Chowder, Cranberry Basmati Rice, Chicken Tetrazzini -- plus a wealth of selections from soups and appetizers to main dishes and desserts. Simply the Best contains completely up-to-date Weight Watchers weight loss program information and each recipe includes complete nutritional data. Its stylish design and full-color photography make it attractive enough for gift-giving.

Customer Reviews:

Great Cookbook.......2007-08-31

Bought this books some time ago and haven't used it all that much. Just opened it up again and made the Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake and it is amazing. I passed over it because it is made with ricotta cheese and I just couldn't believe it could turn out that great. Just 99 calories for 1/l2 slice. I topped it with whipped cream.

Also try the Oatmeal Raisin Cookies, they are a favorite recipe. I added some nuts and just a tablespoon of chocolate chips. Just those two recipes are well worth the price of the book.

Chicken Marsala and Clam Linguini are favorite recipes as well.

Great for picky eaters!.......2007-07-24

I am a very picky eater,so I usually struggle with cookbooks having recipes I like. This book is great - I just started weight watchers and was very pleased to see this cookbook has not only good basic recipes but also easy to make. It ranges from appetizers and snacks to desserts and everything in between. The recipes are created by real people making their own recipes weight watcher friendly. Very good purchase.

Excellent Cookbook!.......2007-07-08

This is the first WW cookbook I ever purchased, so I wasn't sure what to expect. This one has become the gold standard in my kitchen right off the bat. My previous cookbooks were full of delicious, but not exactly healthy, recipes. This cookbook is full of recipes that not only taste terrific, but are healthy and enjoyable for the whole family.

Some of our favorites so far are these (and I might be paraphrasing the actual name of the recipe and I am going from memory here): Lemon-Tarragon Grilled Chicken, Grilled Herb Turkey Burgers and Turkey Tortilla Casserole. There are several others that we have tried and enjoyed as well. AND, there are dozens (literally) more that I have dog-eared and am anxious to try. Nothing I've tried has been a flop or even a disappointment in the slightest. I'm very pleased with this cookbook. I'd recommend it without reservation.

A+

great book.......2007-05-14

used. a little damage on the spine. Did some tape repairs. Haven't had the opportunity to try the recipes but reading through it, it seems fairly simple and easy to use if you are on the points system.

Not so impressed.......2007-05-10

The cookbook is not very picture friendly. Most of the recipes are not what I expected. I wanted a healthy family cookbook while still being conscious of what we are eating each night. This appeared to be something that might fit the bill, but when I received it I was not impressed. Still looking for a cookbook that is just basic family recipes without weird ingredients that the entire family can enjoy including my children.

Weight Watchers Simply the Best: 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes

Average customer rating:

Weight Watchers Simply the Best: 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes
Weight Watchers
Manufacturer: Wiley
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Average customer rating:

Weight Watchers Simply the Best 250 Prizewinning Family Recipes
Various
Manufacturer: Hungry Minds Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000VGGGHE

Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink (First Edition)
Average customer rating:
Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink (First Edition)
Victor Sperandeo
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails & Food to Share with Friends

ASIN: B000HUDUNC

Average customer rating:

nice one

A Great One

Trader Vic's Book Of Food & Drink
Rh Value Publishing
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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Trader Vic's Tiki Party!: Cocktails & Food to Share with Friends

ASIN: 0517354403
Release Date: 1982-05-26

Customer Reviews:

nice one.......2002-09-15

Haven't actually read it so i can't be of much help

A Great One.......1998-06-23

This book is by "Trader Vic" Victor Bergeron, and Lucius Beebee only does the introduction. I had to clear that up... This book is the first and best thing ever done by Trader Vic, the man who popularized Polynesian food and drink, and added so many colors to America's culinary palate. Funny, smart and very well executed, it's a book of great importance to the American culture -- I believe it's a turning point. This is grand history.

Average customer rating:

Trader Vic's Book of food & drink

Trader Vic's Book of food & drink
Trader Vic
Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Hawaii Tropical Rum Drinks & Cuisine by Don the Beachcomber

ASIN: B0006AQX5U

Customer Reviews:

Trader Vic's Book of food & drink.......2005-09-26

The book was in wonderful shape, for as old as it was. It is a gift for a friend, because I have my own copy. His is much better than mine. Copyrighted 1946, wonder condition.

Average customer rating:

TRADER VICS BOOK OF FOOD AND DRINK

Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000H27Q3U

Average customer rating:

Trader Vic's Book Of Food & Drink
trader vic
Manufacturer: Gramercy Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WAYAHW

Average customer rating:

Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink
Trader Vic
Manufacturer: Doubleday & Company, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000O05CTU

Average customer rating:

Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink
Trader Vick
Manufacturer: Doubleday & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LA036U

Average customer rating:

Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink
Trader Vic Bergeron
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KTRH9I

Average customer rating:

Trader Vic's Book of Food & Drink
and Trader, and Rh Value Publishing Outlet
Manufacturer: Random House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LCIYWS

Average customer rating:

Trader Vics Book of Food and Drink
Lucius (Introduction) Beebe
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000WFJV58

Book Description

This truly comprehensive and practical new work is the first book to be devoted solely to the repair and restoration of the carriage clock, and as such will be greatly welcomed by professional and amateur alike. It describes the variety of movements found in the clocks that were produced by the thousand in France. The details of the simple timepiece, strikers, alarms, quarter repeaters, and grande sonnerie are shown and discussed here. Over 220 detailed and accurate drawings display the operation of the more complex parts and the text describes symptoms, faults, and corrections of each type of movement in turn, with other chapters on tools, major repair techniques, cleaning, maintenance, and a list of suppliers of materials.

Best-Selling Bazaar Patchwork (For the Love of Quilting)
Average customer rating:

Not for quilters

Excellent & fun book for quilters form beginners to expert

Excellent & fun book for quilters form beginners to expert

Best-Selling Bazaar Patchwork (For the Love of Quilting)
Barbara H. Abrelat
Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Embroidery | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Patchwork | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Quilts & Quilting | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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Crazy Quilting in a Weekend

ASIN: 0848711726

Customer Reviews:

Not for quilters.......2006-05-17

Don't buy this book if you are looking for just quilting projects or a book about quilting. This book relies more on the "Bazaar" and less on the "Patchwork side of things. Most of it is about setting up and selling quilt "themed" items. There are only two full size quilts in the entire book and they are not that great.

Excellent & fun book for quilters form beginners to expert.......1999-09-22

"Best-Selling BazaarPatchwork" has many lovely projects to make that will catch the eye of the disearning buyer and are quickly made by the quilter! The projects are fun and easy to make and satisfying when finished. The book contains something for almost everyone, both prospective the buyer and the quilter. It also has some great bazaar tips for the bazaar organizers as well as the sellers that give your bazaar and bazaar tables that extra special touch. Every quilt guild should own a copy!

Excellent & fun book for quilters form beginners to expert.......1999-09-22

Average customer rating:

Best Selling Bazaar Patchwork
Ed Barbara H. Abrelat
Manufacturer: Oxmoor House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J58W42

Book Description

Meticulously reproduced motifs from rare 1882 edition, with informative introduction and notes on original plates. Diaper patterns, medallions for ornamental devices, pillars and arch moldings, bands and borders, floral and foliated designs, alphabets, illuminated initials, much more. Royalty-free designs ideal for visual inspiration or immediate practical use. Introduction. Notes.

Book Description

For the first time, the true picture of the legendary Queen of the News, the incomparable redhead who reigned supreme for 37 years at the first television station between New York and Chicago. Carefully researched and annotated. Thirty-two pages of photos, some never before published.

Customer Reviews:

Scores an impressive hit........1998-07-31

Mote succeeds in weaving together elements from all areas of Fuldheim's life, her own books, her commentaries and her many television interviews as well as her many conversations with society's elite. Fuldheim's life represents a footnote in the history of broadcasting and it is in this area that Mote's book excels. Anyone looking for a good overview of television during its formative stages can find it by reading about how Fuldheim managed to get hired in an industry where experience was non-existent.

...I commend Patricia Mote for the manner in which she captured Dorothy Fuldheim.

From a review in Ohio Writer by Ted Henry, news anchor at WEWS-TV Cleveland.

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