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The Poet Game: A Novel
Salar Abdoh Manufacturer: Picador ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 0312209681 |
Book Description
In the wake of the World Trade Center bombing, New York City is ground zero for an intricate web of betrayals and double-crosses in the shadowy world of Muslim radicals.Sami Amir arrives in Brooklyn via Iran, and into a world of militants, arms suppliers, and spies. Unsure of his true purpose, he is sent to New York to investigate rumored terrorist plots that are to culminate with further violence around Christmas and New Years, two weeks away.Amazon.com
Sami Amir, the protagonist of Salar Abdoh's debut novel, The Poet Game, is hardly your run-of-the-mill spook. The son of an American mother and an unknown Iranian father, raised in a Catholic orphanage outside of Tehran, and fluent in English, he has, until recently, made his living as a translator for an operation known as "the Office." Sami's employer is an ultrasecret organization that monitors the actions of the Iranian military and intelligence services in an effort to undercut the influence of hard-line Islamic extremists in the government. To this end, it has sent Sami into the field--to New York, in fact--to thwart an act of terrorism.Pretending to be an operative for an organization known as Section 19, our man from Tehran must infiltrate a bizarre world of Islamic militants, mad-bomber wannabes, reluctant middlemen, and one or two guys who might even be the real deal. Between the Libyans, Palestinians, Pakistanis, and odd-ball American black Moslems, it's getting hard to keep track of the players--and their differing agendas--without a scorecard. Then Sami's contact from the Office shows up and confuses matters even more. An American, a woman, a poet and part-time stripper--and possibly a double agent--Ellena is not what he was expecting. As Sami penetrates deeper into the labyrinthine world of Middle Eastern politics, he is also drawn reluctantly into a love affair with her--a relationship he characterizes as "two failed poets trying to get it right in the wrong trade."
Salar Abdoh is aiming high with The Poet Game--a spy story that is more than just a thriller, a noir novel that transcends pulp fiction. If, at times, the plot becomes overly convoluted and suffers from one double-double-cross too many, Abdoh's elegant prose and deft characterization make up for it. Sami might be a failed poet, but he is no romantic when it comes to his profession: "For what was any of this but another means of making a living--no different really than performing open-heart surgery or collecting garbage at night." And in the end, it is this sad, clear-eyed vision of himself and his world that makes Sami Amir's fate worth caring about. --Sheila Bright
Customer Reviews:
Not a page-turning story of intrigue and drama..........2005-10-28
Decent debut novel.........2004-04-30
WOW.......2002-06-28
Impossible to put down.......2002-01-31
Humorous and intriguing, just a tad flawed.......2001-11-24
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Complete Crumb: Starring Fritz the Cat, Vol. 3
Robert Crumb Manufacturer: Fantagraphics Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 093019375X |
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All-Consuming Fire (Doctor Who-the New Adventures)
Andy Lane Manufacturer: London Bridge (Mm) ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0426204158 |
Customer Reviews:
Elementary, my dear Benny.......2002-12-29
The tale starts in typical Holmesian fashion. During the beginning, Watson gets to play second fiddle while Holmes makes several detailed (though irrelevant) observations and deductions purely to demonstrate how clever he is. This sort of thing will be very familiar to fans of the Sherlock Holmes stories. Their involvement in this case begins with an important client hiring them to discover the whereabouts of several books that have been stolen from a strange and secretive library. During the course of their investigation, their travels intersect with the path of that mysterious and eccentric gentleman -- the Doctor (portrayed here as alternatively goofy and cynical). The two fictional juggernauts actually interact quite well. I was hugely entertained by their initial meetings; there's a very amusing sequence in which Holmes is totally unable to determine much of the Doctor's origins from telltale bits of dust and dirt. What could have gone so poorly ends up feeling really right.
The trail leads them first to India, and then to an alien world known as Ry'leh. The reactions of the two Victorians as their surroundings become more and more bizarre are handled realistically (or as realistically as possible) without being over the top. The conclusion to the story is satisfying, though the book suffers from having a beginning that is so wonderful that even an extraordinary ending would seem vaguely inadequate.
The story is told primarily from the journals/diaries of Dr. John Watson and Professor Bernice Summerfield. Andy Lane is excellent at recreating Arthur Conan Doyle's prose style without appearing to be doing a mere cut'n'paste job. The process of the investigation of missing books is very much in keeping with the flavor of the Holmes stories. The Library of St. John The Beheaded is a fantastic creation, and its description is pure Holmesian. A wonderful combination of concepts and prose.
The Lovecraftian additions near the conclusion are not quite as well handled as the Holmes portions. I am, of course, not the first reviewer to note this, and I'm afraid that I cannot break with conventional thinking here. Lovecraft succeeded by keeping his baddies just out of the corner of one's eye, where one wasn't quite sure what was there or what was going on. While this story does eventually come up with a good reason why it's breaking with the formula, the explanation doesn't make up for the fact that it simply isn't executed as pleasingly. This portion at times seems as if it was hastily bolted on to the main plot. Apart from some fairly superficial name-checks, the Lovecraft villains could have been almost any great evil.
The first time I read this book, I did feel that Holmes was horribly underused during the later series of events. While rereading the story, I was mentally prepared for this, and to my surprise, Lane didn't quite sideline Holmes as much as I had remembered. The great detective certainly doesn't have the same forceful impact on the story that he does in the beginning, but my memory had only retained the portions dealing with his shock and bewilderment. There are in fact several moments where Holmes does arrive at plot-advancing conclusions despite his unfamiliarity with the environment. On the other hand, Benny does seem to enjoy taking the mickey out of the famous sleuth at times and while those who take the detective very seriously may not be entirely pleased with that approach, I couldn't help but giggle. A slight mocking of Sherlock Holmes, perhaps, but one that allows him to come through the story with his dignity intact.
There are just too many little things that the book does well to mention them all. I was greatly amused by Watson's infatuation with Benny, perfectly in keeping with his enchantment for seemingly all of his female clients. The descriptions of the Holmes style of Victorian London are excellent. The delightful puns and jokes in the chapter titles are delightful, and had me flipping back to the beginning of the chapter after I had read it in order to get the joke. Too many fun things to recommend about this one.
Doctor Who & Sherlock Holmes vs. the Cthulhu Mythos.......1999-06-03
Time consuming!.......1999-04-21
I Burned my Copy.......1999-04-11
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ORIGINAL PRINTED PATENT APPLICATION NUMBER 18,074 FOR IMPROVEMENTS IN MEANS OR APPARATUS FOR CONDENSING AND CONSUMING SMOKE IN ALL ORDINARY FIRE GRATES. [1895]
Manufacturer: HMSO ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: B000HH8D00 |
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The Quest in an Age of Compromise (Mission For Truth)
Manufacturer: St. Joseph Communications ProductGroup: Book Binding: Audio Cassette ASIN: 1570582769 |
Product Description
Six Audio Mission For Truth Tapes that explain the fundamentals of the Faith in a clear, comprehensive and uncompromising way. Fr. Caseys presentations are simple and easy-to-understand. They will help you to develop a more meaningful, productive, happy life in Christ. You will be encouraged to think positively, to challenge your priorities in life, and be motivated to achieve your God-given potential.
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Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco
Paula Wolfert Manufacturer: William Morrow Cookbooks ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 0060913967 |
Amazon.com
North Africa is the home to one of the world's great cuisines. Redolent of saffron, cumin and cilantro, Moroccan cooking can be as elegant or as down-home hearty as you want it to be. In Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco, author Paula Wolfert has collected delectable recipes that embody the essence of the cuisine. From Morocco's national dish, couscous (for which Wolfert includes more than 20 different recipes), to delicacies such as Bisteeya (a pigeon pie made with filo, eggs, and raisins among other ingredients), Wolfert describes both the background of each recipe and the best way to prepare it. As if the mouthwatering recipes weren't enough, each chapter includes some aspect of Moroccan culture or history, be it an account of Moroccan moussems, or festivals, or a description of souks, or markets. Just reading the recipes will be enough to induce ravenous hunger even on a full stomach. Once you've tried the Chicken Tagine with Prunes and Almonds, or the Seared Lamb Kebabs Cooked in Butter, Paula Wolfert's Couscous and Other Good Foods from Morocco will become a well-worn title on your cookbook shelf.Book Description
Since it was first published in 1973, Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco has established itself as the classic work on one of the world's great cuisines. From the magnificent bisteeyas (enormous, delicate pies composed of tissue-thin, buttery layers of pastry and various fillings) to endless varieties of couscous, Paula Wolfert reveals not only the riches of the Moroccan kitchen but also the variety and flavor of the country itself. With its outstanding recipes, meticulous and loving research, and keen commitment to the traditions of its subject, this is one of the rare cookbooks that are as valuable for their good reading as for their inspired food.
Customer Reviews:
food lover.......2007-09-24
Moroccan Wife..........2007-09-08
Good Buy.......2007-07-14
Not a cookbook...............2007-06-10
This is an awesome cookbook..........2007-01-19
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Couscous and Other Good Food from Morocco
Paula Wolfert Manufacturer: Morrow Cookbooks ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000OF0N4E |
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Couscous and Other Good Foods From Morocco
Paula Wolfert Manufacturer: Morrow Cookbooks ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000N777CO |
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On Talking Terms With Dogs: Calming Signals
Turid Rugaas Manufacturer: Dogwise Publishing ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1929242360 |
Product Description
On Talking Terms with Dogs second edition with three additional chapters, color photos and descriptive captions. Turid Rugaas is a noted expert on canine body language, notably "calming signals" which are signals dogs give to other dogs and humans to denote stress and to attempt defuse situations that otherwise might result in fights or aggression. Written in practical, down-to-earth, logical language.Customer Reviews:
30?.......2007-09-30
No dog owner should be without it.......2007-09-28
Interesting but useless, from a practical sense.......2007-09-20
Extremely useful Information.......2007-08-27
Newbie interest only..........2007-08-08
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On Talking Terms with Dogs: Calming Signals
Manufacturer: Legacy By Mail, Inc ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: B000HX7VP2 |
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ON TALKING TERMS WITH DOGS: CALMING SIGNALS
Turid Rugaas Manufacturer: Legacy By mail ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: B000NTM8K8 |
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Antler Bone & Shell Artifacts: Identification & Value Guide
Lar Hothem Manufacturer: Collector Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback Similar Items:
ASIN: 1574324616 |
Book Description
The finest North American Indian artifacts were made of organic materials, and luckily many survive. Materials used include the most common, bone, plus antler, shell, fur, ivory, and horn. Artifact classes range from projectile points and awls to fishhooks, gorgets, beads, and more. Collectors today value such pieces because of their artistic beauty and rarity. Most of them were destroyed by natural processes over the centuries, so those that remain are treasured. Lar Hothem, author of the bestselling five-volume series Indian Artifacts of the Midwest, has once again produced a fantastic book for Indian artifacts collectors. Each artifact includes information on type or class, material, size, find-location, and (in most cases) an estimated value. Background information is included about these artifacts, including finds made throughout North America. Advertisements from early dealers are listed, as well as recent auction results. This book opens the window to a fascinating world of study and collecting.
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Collector Books.(Fenton Art Glass: Hobnail Pattern Identification and Value Guide)(Spring- Loaded Fish Hooks, Traps and Lures)(Collecting American Paintings ... Review) : An article from: Library Bookwatch
Gale Reference Team Manufacturer: Thomson Gale ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B000EZ8XSM Release Date: 2007-07-11 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Library Bookwatch, published by Thomson Gale on March 1, 2006. The length of the article is 434 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.
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Christmas With Southern Living 1992
Manufacturer: Oxmoor House ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover Similar Items:
ASIN: 0848710916 |
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Gerard of Cremona's Translation of the Commentary of Al-Nayrizi on Book I of Euclid's Elements of Geometry: With an Introductory Account of the Twenty-Two ... and Medieval Texts and Contexts, 2)
Anaritius , Gherardo , and Anthony Lo Bello Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0391041932 |
Book Description
Anthony Lo Bello's Gerard of Cremona's Translation of Book I of the Commentary of al-Nayrizi on Euclid's Elements of Geometry is the first modern translation of Gerard of Cremona's (1114-1187) Latin version of al-Nayrizi's famous Arabic commentary. Lo Bello gives an introductory account of the twenty-two early extant Arabic manuscripts of the Elements, an annotated English translation of Gerard's translation of al-Nayrizi's commentary, and finally a critical analysis of the idiosyncrasies of Gerard's method of translation.
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Diseno de Logotipos
C. Reese Manufacturer: Editorial Gustavo Gili ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 968887373X |
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Diseno de Logotipos 2
Sayles Graphic Design Manufacturer: Editorial Gustavo Gili ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 9688873993 |
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Diseno de Logotipos 3
Design Studio Top Manufacturer: Editorial Gustavo Gili ProductGroup: Book Binding: Paperback ASIN: 8425219671 |
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Los logos de los autos. (significación y historia de sus diseños)(TT: Automobile logos) (TA: significance and history of their design): An article from: Automundo Magazine
Manufacturer: Automundo Productions, Inc. ProductGroup: Book Binding: Digital ASIN: B00097B23I Release Date: 2005-07-28 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Automundo Magazine, published by Automundo Productions, Inc. on January 1, 1997. The length of the article is 1160 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.
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Michael Redgrave: My Father
Corin Redgrave Manufacturer: Richard Cohen Books ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 1860660002 |
Customer Reviews:
GOOD BOOK THAT SKIPS SOME KEY DETAILS.......1999-11-19
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Shakespeare for My Father: A One-Woman Play in Two Acts
Lynn Redgrave Manufacturer: Samuel French ProductGroup: Book Binding: Hardcover ASIN: 0573627584 |
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