Merging with Monsters

Book Description

Anita Powers struggles to move beyond the experience of a horrific attack and assume a leadership role in a major corporation. Sherry Malone has married a black man in defiance of family and friends, and engages in a desperate effort to save her troubled marriage. Grayson Malone is a man who loses a promotion to Anita Powers and embarks upon a dark journey toward revenge.

Julian Quintana takes the bold step of revealing his potentially career-ending secret to his new boss, Grayson Malone. But Julian's secret compares little to the truth behind the most risky relationship of his life. And Phoebe Jackson contemplates killing herself because she is tired of living with the devastation left behind by a bullet. But Phoebe fights to hold on because her boss, Anita Powers, needs her now more than ever.

Merging with Monsters is a blunt, shocking and highly entertaining examination of the personal battles waged within America's corporate culture.

Customer Reviews:

A page turner.......2007-08-06

Merging with Monsters is a truly great book. It started out with Anita's horrific rape and her subsequent effort to keep it hid from her colleagues. All the while, her trauma is turning into office gossip. While each character had his/her own personal demons that they had to deal with, I truly felt sorry for Phoebe. She seems so depressed and lost at times and I was so sad when her character pass away. The book was a page turner and I was sad to get to the end. I would like to see a sequel to see some closure to the characters drama.

What a ride!.......2007-07-22

A fast moving, intricately woven story, populated with vividly drawn characters trying to muscle their way through life, relationships and sometimes each other. Just when you think you have a handle on one of these wounded renegades, bam! You are hit with something else to consider. This book was over waaay too quickly!

Corporate corruption and betrayal.......2007-06-09

Reviewed by Paige Lovitt for Reader Views (6/07)

"Merging with Monsters" has all of the key elements of a great fictional novel. It has drama, excitement, suspense and a little humor. The story mainly centers around Anita Powers who is an African-American woman trying to break through the glass ceiling of corporate America. She actually refers to it as more of an opaque ceiling because it is so hard to see through.

Anita rose up from an impoverished background and survived a horrifically brutal assault. She is a strong survivor. She still has to deal with the trauma caused by the attack and the betrayal of her fiancé when he walked away from her as she was struggling to survive in the hospital. She has an assistant Phoebe who also has survived a disabling tragedy. Phoebe gets hit with a health crisis from which she finds herself unable to recover physically, but her soul goes on.

"Merging with Monsters" deals with corporate corruption, racism, sexual issues, and infidelity. The characters in the story are well-developed and have depth. The issues that they are dealing with in the story make it really hard to put down. Some of the characters are totally selfish and put their needs before their family and their careers. This reflects heavily in the plot. In each situation, it seemed like the characters were still affected by childhood trauma and they were living their adult lives still stunted by the effects. They have to learn to overcome the adversity to grow and move on.

I highly recommend this novel. "Merging with Monsters" would be perfect for a readers group to discuss. I also think it would be a great book to offer as extra credit in a cultural studies class. Even though it is fiction, there are cultural and homosexual issues involved that I believe really exist in the corporate world. It caused me to think about what people of different ethnic backgrounds and alternative lifestyles experience. I think that college students would benefit greatly from this.

Great Entertainment!.......2007-05-16

Merging with Monsters is an excellent book. It keeps you on your toes from the beginning to the end. I love a good book that keep me interested. Not one of the characters in this book was boring. Every one of them was very entertainment. I didn't want to put this book down until I finish it. My recommendation is to read it when you are alone with some free time because you don't want to put it down. Of course, I have to recommend this book to my friends. Merging with Monsters, is a good title for the characters in this book. Great writer. Keep up the good work, JEG. I'll be waiting for your next book.

You've Never Read It Like This............2007-05-04

When an author breaks new ground with a seemingly old story line, it is often overlooked by main stream readers and reviewers. Which I feel is exactly what has happened with Merging with Monsters. While it would appear, at first glance, the plot has been covered already - this assumption would be in error. Yes, it is true, discrimination has been the subject of many books. But never, like this.

Joseph Green has painted a masterpiece, using a corporate merger and the employees vying for position within the company as his canvas. The characters are very real, three dimensional and flawed. Much like you and me. Each having been effected and changed in some way by that which they have endured. Anita, a woman of impeccable strength and character fights both her inner demons and the glass ceiling of corporate America. Her assistant, Phoebe, paralyzed by a bullet has dealt with hurdles of her own. While Grayson and his wife, Sherry live in a prestigious neighborhood in Colorado, they too struggle with ignorance and discrimination.

Through out this novel I found myself stopping, momentarily to reflect upon my own experiences. So often we know nothing of the people we work with everyday. "You never know what is behind the smile of your co-worker," has never been demonstrated in such a powerful and compelling way. From the highly controversial topics, to the beautifully written metaphors, this is one of the most engaging pieces of literature that I have read in quite some time. Whether you have experienced discrimination in your own life, or simply enjoy a good, suspense filled book - Do not miss Merging with Monsters. Joseph Eugene Green has delivered a novel that will leave the reader thinking and inspired to treat others with a deeper understanding.

Happy Reading!
3Rs-Real Reader Reviews

Amazon.com

This is the fourth volume in Ellen Datlow and Terri Windling's ongoing anthology series that invites modern authors to rewrite classic fairy tales. Like many of the original stories themselves, these retellings are often dark, and many contain erotic subtexts. While some of the authors choose to stick to the more traditional aspects of folklore, others reinvent their tales entirely, such as the seven dwarfs who turn into "Three Dwarfs and 2000 Maniacs" at the hands of author Don Webb. As usual, Datlow and Windling have managed to enlist an impressive roster of professional writers for their project, with headliners such as Joyce Carol Oates, John Crowley, and Jane Yolen. These seasoned veterans are mixed in with some relative newcomers to create a collection that is as diverse as it is unique. --Craig E. Engler

Book Description

A stellar assymbly of many of today's most creative and accomplished storytellers has gathered around the tribal fire to embroider well-worn yearns with new golden thread. BLACK SWAN, WHITE RAVEN revisits the tales that charmed, enthralled and terrified us in our early youth--carrying us aloft into the healthy, beating heart of cherished myth to tell once again the stories of Rumpelstiltskins and sleeping beauties, only this time from an edgy, provocative and distinctly adult perspective. The themes and archetypes of our beloved childhood fiction are reexamined in a darker light by tweny-one superb teller of tales who deftly uncover the ironic, the outrageous, the enigmatic and the erotic at the core of the world's best-known fables, while revealing the sobering truths and lies behind "happily ever after."

Customer Reviews:

Better Than SNOW WHITE, BLOOD RED.......2003-02-20

Why is this fairy tale anthology out of print? It's got a great collection of stories! I liked practically everything that was in here. SNOW WHITE, BLOOD RED may have been the first volume in editors Datlow and Windling's series of such books, but this fourth one is hands-down more gripping... the stories are better written, in my opinion.

Among my favorite selections from this volume are:
SNOW IN DIRT by Michael Blumlein
SPARKS by Gregory Frost
THE REVEREND's WIFE by Midori Snyder
THE TRUE STORY by Pat Murphy, and
GODMOTHER DEATH by Jane Yolen

I hope BLACK SWAN, WHITE RAVEN is published once more so I can grab my own copy. I have the first three anthologies and haven't read number 2 and number 3 yet, but that was only because I had to finish this one in time to return it to the library. Thank goodness they have it!

If you like this series, then I definitely recommend getting your hands on this one.

Good stuff.......2001-05-26

Black Swan, White Raven is an excellent anthology of new fairy tales based on the traditional stories. In this series, all the stories are dark, based on the fact that fairy tales were originally written/told for adults, and their relegation to the the nursery occurred with the Victorian era. Particularly strong and memorable stories are the Rapunzel one by Anne Bishop, the Snow White one by Pat Murphy, and the Tin Soldier one by Nancy Kress.

Outstanding!.......2000-05-13

This is the first book that I have read in the series. Outstanding collection of short stories! These stories bring to light different aspects of the fairy tales we all grew up with. I highly recommend it.

a brilliant series keeps getting better.......1999-04-01

The team of Datlow & Windling have put in their 4th collection of adult retellings of classic fairy tales, and this is the best yet. Strong, haunting tales that are truly not the Disney fluff we grew up on are what this collection is made of. Stories are drawn from many different cultures, not just the familiar Brothers' Grimm type; they also end up in many times/places, not just the dragons and castles type. The entire series is well worth your time.

Average customer rating:

BLACK SWAN, WHITE RAVEN

Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQXIYS

Book Description

This collection of short stories by Elisabeth Vonarburg presents works of vivid imagery and emotional intensity, set in the same future as the award winning novels The Silent City and The Maerlande Chronicles.

Book Description

Hip tips for fabulous fetes on little money and even less time

When the budget is tight and the schedule even tighter, what's a party girl to do? How can she whip up a swanky soiree they'll be dishing about at the watercooler for weeks to come? With The Last-Minute Party Girl, how can she not? A quick dip into this savvy, sassy entertainment guide will inspire any harried, just-got-home-from-the-office hostess to new heights of fabulousness.

Whether an elegant sit-down dinner or a finger food feast, everything required for a party with panache is covered, including innovative invites, cool cocktail creations, and must-have munchies.

This ultimate guide to sensational, spontaneous entertaining includes:

More than 100 recipes for impressive but easily doable dishes
Decorating tricks
Emergency supplies for the party-girl pantry
Quick refreshers on hostess etiquette
Industry insiders' favorite cost- and time- cutting tips

Customer Reviews:

Thoughtful.......2007-09-13

This is the only book I've read that gives advice on how to prepare for your parties. Lighting, Music, Conversation, party favors, prepping the bathroom & where to get items for your party. (some of the links seem to be broken.) How to write invitations. Preparing a pantry of emergency items. A few Food items that can be frozen & revived quickly. She then goes on to give you situations like Cocktail parties, Elegant Dinner parties, buffets & gives menu suggestions based on how much time you have to prepare: Emergency, 2 hours, over the top & cheap.

I've looked as several other famous peoples party books & they don't cover quite a few of the details Erika covers. It's not a lengthy book. But just pointing out things to take care of like: put a candle in the bathroom & bathroom spray that's not out of a can reminds me, "Oh yeh, I gotta put that on my list!" Instead of realizing I forgot something after the party's started.

It is written like a 20 something. But that's part of the fun of it. Read it with humor. She tells some entertaining stories on herself.

Party on!.......2007-01-19

I ordered this for my daughter, who's in charge of sorority sisterhood events. She loves this book and it's helped her greatly in organizing things, knowing what to buy, cook, prepare and it's been of great use to her. It's a great book for any sort of gathering, whether it be college, work or just plain get togethers.

fabulosity at it's most fabulous.......2006-12-23

this little missive is a wonderful way to spice up your next party! filled with lots of good advice and ideas - everything you need to make your next bash a sweet sweet success!

Very Entertaining & Good recipes.......2005-10-31

I bought this book because my husband invited some work people over for dinner. I didn't realize that this is so entertaining (funny), and the recipes are just so delicious. Needless to say, my husband was very impressed with what I put together that night so we have now invited about 20 people over for Thanksgiving. I use the book all the time, and our children loves the appetizers. I also gave it to my single friend who is now engaged. Highly recommended for people who loves entertaining.

Great Ideas.......2005-10-12

I enjoyed the way the author added humor to the book. Overall, great book, but the recipes are not really something that can be prepared "Last Minute". Would have like to have seen more recipes that did not require so much prep. But, great tips on invites and decorations.

The Last-Minute Party Girl : Fashionable, Fearless, and Foolishly Simple Entertaining

Average customer rating:

The Last-Minute Party Girl : Fashionable, Fearless, and Foolishly Simple Entertaining
Erika Lenkert
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OFJDUO

Customer Reviews:

Exactly what I wanted!.......2007-04-13

This was the perfect book. There were lots of photos and extra tid-bits throughout, plus all of the information I needed for choosing and training my Dobe puppy. It was very thorough, but easy to read.

GOOD BOOK.......2001-03-30

This is a very good book. It really surprised me. All the methods sound very good, and will hopefully work. (iam getting a doberman in 2 weeks). I suggest you peoplr give this book a try.

Average customer rating:

How to Train Your Doberman Pinscher

Manufacturer: TFH PUBLICATIONS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GSM57M

Book Description

Now you can learn the history behind the duck stamp program and determine the value of the stamps and artwork that have made this one of the best conservation programs in history. With production figures and current values for every federal duck stamp yet produce, this book is the dream of every collector. It also takes a look at what went into creating a program that has grown into one of the richest art contests ever held. This full-color masterpiece is a must for anyone interested in wildlife conservation, stamp and art collecting or waterfowl hunting.

Customer Reviews:

Great for those into the Duck Hunting.......2001-12-25

I have never seen my husband so entralled by a book before. I can never get him to sit down for 5 seconds but on Christmas morning, he forgot the rest of his gifts and sat and read this book! I was amazed! It contains history with great pictures and facts and he was actually enjoying himself while reading it!
I highly recommend this book for any person interested in ducks, duck stamps or duck hunting.

Beautiful Book, Excellent Read.......2000-07-16

This book is beautiful, interesting, and a pleasure to read. I don't hunt, collect stamps or wildlife art, but this is a great book. I am truly enjoying it. I especially like the section on conservation, which details the history of water fowl degradation and protection in the United States.

The Duck Stamp Story Review.......2000-04-17

This is an incredible book for anyone who is interested in ducks, stamps, history, art, conservation, collectables, or Americana. There's the history of duck stamps as it relates to the entire conservation movement. There are interviews with famous people who are themselves duck stamp collectors and avid conservationists. There are beautiful photographs and artwork of past and present duck stamps, as well as other honorable mentions in the annual duck stamp contests. This book is just chock full of information and illustrations. The author has done a great job of wholistically researching the topic into every tangent of related interests. It is the ultimate coffee table book since there is something to interest just about anyone. You'll find that you meant to just browse through it, when before you know it you've read a whole chapter!

Average customer rating:
Birdhouses: A Step-by-Step Guide to Building Attractive Homes for Your Feathered Friends
John Kelsey
Manufacturer: PRC Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Projects | Woodworking | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Birdwatching | Outdoors & Nature | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

The Complete Book of Birdhouse Construction for Woodworkers

Birdhouses: 20 Unique Woodworking Projects for Houses and Feeders

Birdfeeders, Shelters and Baths (The Weekend Workshop Collection)

Build Your Own Birdhouses and Feeders: From Simple, Natural Designs to Spectacular, Customized Houses and Feeders

The New Birdhouse Book: Inspiration and Instruction for Building 50 Birdhouses

ASIN: 1856486494

Book Description

“The designs are not only attractive but also include practical features like openings for cleaning and predator-proof designs....The best birdhouse title to come along in some time, this is recommended for all public libraries.”—Library Journal. “A step-by-step guide to building 14 nest box projects, suitable for the beginner and more experienced woodworker.”—Woodshop News.

Book Description

At once a fount of ideas and a practical resource, The Bathroom Book provides a peek into some of the most attractive, functional, and original bathrooms across the country, along with guidance on how anyone can create a useful yet aesthetically pleasing space. Home design professionals from Woman's Day and the National Kitchen and Bath Association #151; the leading source of information and education for consumers and professionals #151; help readers figure out which elements of design and functionality are the most important to them and how they can be implemented. There's also expert discussion of the newest hardware, appliances, and materials available today. For anyone looking to remake a bathroom #151; from the tiny guest restroom to the luxurious master bath #151; The Bathroom Book provides both inspiring examples and the necessary know-how to maximize space and create a beautiful oasis in the home.

Customer Reviews:

Good resource.......2006-11-18

I am about to totally gut my master bathroom and increase the size by incorporating two adjacent closets. It will still be on the small side but I was pleasantly surprised to find that this book covers the very small to the grandiose in size and style. The author discusses practical considerations when choosing each component of the bathroom and highlights common mistakes and misconceptions. There are lots of ideas and a selection of floor plans and whilst you cannot expect any of them to be tailor made for your house, they are a valuable resource to build upon. I would recommend this book if you are thinking of redesigning your bathroom.

Bathroom Essentials (Essentials (Ryland Peters & Small))

Average customer rating:

Bathroom Essentials (Essentials (Ryland Peters & Small))
Maggie Stevenson
Manufacturer: Ryland Peters & Small
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Style | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Bedroom Essentials (Essentials (Ryland Peters & Small))

ASIN: 1841726060

Book Description

This beautiful book contains just enough information for you to design and decorate your bathroom -- without getting sidetracked by fussy details or impossibly complicated schemes. Bathroom Essentials begins with a chapter on Getting the Elements Right, which covers room planning, surfaces, flooring, and lighting, and then moves on to consider fixtures and appliances, storage, furniture, and accessories. The second chapter, Putting it Together, showcases different looks and needs, from country style to family-friendly bathrooms. Here you'll see how decorative planning works in practice, with the help of plenty of color photographs of real homes. Hard-working bullet points supplement the text, and each style section ends with an inspirational photographic montage page. Finally, an invaluable list of resources identifies the best places to buy what you need.

Average customer rating:

The Essential Bathroom Book
Joseph Baxter
Manufacturer: Summersdale Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Pop Culture | Note Cards | Book Accessories | Our Favorites | Gift Ideas
ASIN: 1840244127

Average customer rating:

The Essential Bathroom Design Guide
National Kitchen and Bath Association
Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Study & Teaching | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

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

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Professional Reference | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Construction | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

Design | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books

General | Architecture | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

The Essential Kitchen Design Guide

ASIN: 047112673X

Book Description

From splendidly opulent to necessarily Spartan, the residential bathroom exists in a bewildering variety of styles and forms and may be appointed with a seemingly infinite array of fixtures and surface coverings to suit the needs, tastes, and budgets of a broad spectrum of clients. All bathrooms depend on the same basic mechanical systems, fulfill the same functions, and are subject to similar—but not always identical—code requirements. The successful bathroom designer understands bathroom systems, functions, and codes; has detailed knowledge of a broad range of fixture and material types; comprehends bathroom planning principles; and produces professional working drawings that communicate successfully with client and contractor alike.

For many years the National Kitchen & Bath Association has conducted a prestigious education program for bathroom designers. The Essential Bathroom Design Guide, based on the NKBA's own six-volume manual, is an invaluable sourcebook and technical guide on bathroom planning and design. It offers an established set of bathroom planning guidelines—accepted as the norm in the industry—and provides authoritative presentations on every bathroom mechanical system, design issue, and planning principle, as well as fixtures, materials, and other equipment.

Hundreds of design details, descriptive technical photos, and useful checklists help you make the most of all the information provided. Reliable data, proven techniques, and helpful tips prepare you to tackle every aspect of bathroom design, including

Mechanical systems: plumbing, heating and cooling, ventilation, electrical, and lighting
Floor and wall coverings, counter tops, and other materials
Fixture specification
Drawing and presentation standards for the bathroom professional
Cost estimating
Space planning
Bathroom-related building codes
And more

The Essential Bathroom Design Guide is an indispensable tool and an important addition to the professional libraries of architects, interior designers, and anyone interested in pursuing the finest in bathroom design.

Book Description

How do artists, collectors, dealers, and curators whose lives and livelihoods are so intimately affected by the valuation of art manage to cope with such an intangible market?

To answer this question, Stuart Plattner eschews the spotlights and media-hype of glitzy New York galleries, and focuses instead upon the more localized, and much more typical, world of the St. Louis art scene. What emerges is the most comprehensive description ever published of a contemporary regional avant-garde center, where noble aesthetic ambitions compete with the exigencies of economic survival. Plattner's skillful use of in-depth interviews enables the market's key participants to speak for themselves, giving voice to the many frustrations and rewards, motivations and constraints that influence their interactions with their work, the market, and each other.

"Plattner analyzes the social and economic factors that govern art markets outside the long shadow cast by chic New York galleries. An insightful and fascinating work."—Library Journal

"Explains much about the conundrums and paradoxes of the art world as a whole."—Eddie Silva, Riverfront Times

High Art Down Home - An Economic Ethnography of a Local Art Market (Paper)

Average customer rating:

High Art Down Home - An Economic Ethnography of a Local Art Market (Paper)
S Plattner
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OP673U

Book Description

Engaging a wide range of issues, such as gender, he sustains overarching arguement.

Customer Reviews:

Engaging and well-done while remainging accessible.......2002-06-26

Of all Asante's work, this book (compiled in 1993 during the height of Afrocentricity's platform and Malcolm X mania) stands out as one of the more accessible and endearing tomes of his oeuvre. Despite the eye-catching title (for its time), we are treated to some excellent essays on a variety of subjects, which is a refreshing departure from much of the metathoery of his other work. One of the things that people charge Afrocentrists with is not fashioning practical positions on contemporary issues, and justifiably so in many cases. Asante deals with genocide in Africa, Malcolm X, gender and television with aplomb, heart and a solid voice.

A must for Asante fans, and a greta book for essayists, debators and peopel who love challenging, original thought.

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