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In this Joyce Carol Oates's novel, a New England confidence man teaches his children the tricks of his trade and sends them out into the world to relieve suckers of their money. The book traces the Licht family's fortunes through the first three decades of the 20th century, as the children come of age, master their talents, and grow away from their father's beliefs. Abraham Licht is a charming but sinister man who is extremely attached to the haunted swamp adjacent to the family home. He schools his children in the arts of assuming new identities and turning one's back on the past, skills which Oates suggests come quite easily to Americans. Licht advises his youngest son, a boy ill-suited to grift, to "assemble your selves with grace," by which he means, be duplicitous and excel at it! Do not bare your heart! However, Abraham's lessons don't stick--one by one, Papa Licht's children let him down. The youngest son becomes a talented musician and composer, while the younger sister devotes herself to a life of helping others as a nurse and suffragette. The other children stick to grift but distance themselves from their father, which breaks his devilish heart. My Heart Laid Bare is a tragic family epic. It is a complicated, ambitious book crammed with ideas, crisply drawn characters, and American history. As Oates unfurls the tragedy, she describes many of the social movements of the early 20th century and posits that this country was shaped by charming, talented liars like the Lichts. --Jill Marquis
Book Description
My Heart Laid Bare is a striking departure for Joyce Carol Oates: a sweeping saga of the fortunes and misfortunes of a family of enterprising confidence artists in 19th-century America. Mythic in scope, ballad-like in the telling, it is Oates's most daring work yet--a stunning tale of crime and transgression--with profound moral consequences.
Oates's picture of America as a land of opportunity to immigrants and settlers takes on a dark tone as we see these veritable shape-shifters exploit the unsuspecting rich by appealing to their deepest flaws. Yet recognizing the sins of greed, lust, pride, and small-mindedness in others does not prevent the patriarch and his brilliant children from being laid low by the same faults.
From the virgin provinces of New York State to the rough and tumble Western frontier, from the backrooms of Washington, D.C., to the Atlantic City of the Gilded Age, from Carnegie Hall to Harlem in the twenties, My Heart Laid Bare transports readers with its mesmerizing narrative voice.
"Dazzling...Oates at her most playful and inventive." --San Francisco Chronicle
"Provocative...Oates's accomplishment here is to construct an original way of looking at American history." --The New York Times Book Review
"A triumph...shows off Oates's macabre, lushly poetic imagination, almost feverish, yet always in perfect control." --San Diego Union Tribune
"Fresh, spirited...full of zestful criminality." --Atlanta Journal Constitution
Customer Reviews:
An American Tragedy .......2005-09-02
I couldn't help but feel sad for Abraham Licht, the father at the heart of this novel set in the age of Ragtime, as first his wives and later his children deserted and betrayed him one by one. I got the impression throughout this book about the fall of a king among con-men, that nearly all Licht did in his career of non-violent, pseudo-victimless crime was done on his offspring's behalf, not his own. It was disheartening to read about the disintegration of a once-proud, cunning, powerful man whose worldly goods all came from his own intelligence and skill. I think the effects of isolation from those who are loved was the real soul of this book more than the grifting and elaborately staged thefts that lay on the surface. I didn't find as much evil in Abraham as others seemed to. He loved his children, he was devoted to them, he served them in any way that was within his range: in return they were disloyal. As he said of his life of schemes and swindles, those he conned were willing partners in their own downfalls. "Complicity? Then no crime." Anyone who fails to understand that this is a sadly revealed tragedy is missing Oates' central story.
it is worth the wait........2001-06-08
when i initially began the book, i almost gave up. it didn't seem to make that much sense...the sentence structure was a bit unconventional. who are these people? it didn't make sense. after the first chapter the entire scene changes and the characters are completely different. Then we are let into the secret of the Licht family. from then on it kept me reading to see what was going to be their next exploit. it was quite a long read for me but worth it. i grew attached to the characters because of their flaws. the Licht family developed a culture all their own.
Overrated, in my opinion.......2001-04-27
Joyce Carol Oates is certainly prolific. But a book this long should not have the same sentence structure on every single page. The prologue is promising, but the rest of the book maintains exactly the same style of questions, incomplete sentences, and sentences beginning in prepositions. I got so bored with the repetition that I couldn't get past the first chapter. The style is pretentious and overly simplistic at the same time. Maybe if you like Oates you'll like this book; if you're not sure, I'd advise at least reading a bit of it before you buy it. Then, if you can imagine enjoying that style of prose for 531 pages, more power to you.
Blazing promise, competetent and brilliant writing, but ...........2000-10-25
"With dignity he rises from his chair; with dignity, manages to maintain his balance; his thin cheeks, hawklike features, the stain of old ivory, a fleeting elderly beauty . . . now his heart's laid bare, for greedy daws to peck at." -Joyce Carol Oates
The story begins in early 1900 at a New York racetrack. The first vignette and the prologue are breathtakingly written; they set a standard and hold out the promise of a journey with fascinating people. The story then jumps from one seeming unrelated event to another, all revolving around a character having a name with "licht" woven into it. It becomes evident that the characters are of the same family, and are involved in "The Game," their father's word for gaining others' confidences and then taking from them. The work details the father's life during the time of his three youngest offspring, and winds its way around the experiences (as well as the people) spawned by this father. It is an exploration into the art of Taking and the art of "The Game." At the end we are presented with the specter of the father who is reaping the fruits of his life. It gives one pause to consider the actual benefits of "The Game" and the repercussions of one's actions.
Beginning with such blazing promise, this book just never delivered. The plot lurches from one vignette to another, presenting characters that are stilted and neither likable or fascinating. The story spans a 30 year period which ended after the election of FDR, and it seemed like it took thirty years of real time to finish, as well. It was a work that was very easy to put down. The writing was certainly competent, brilliant at times, but what was lacking was depth and sparkle, both in terms of the characters and the heart of the story.
I do not see why people make such a fuss..........2000-04-06
I seem to be the only reviewer who did not like this book, and I will try to work out why. I picked up My Heart Laid Bare in the bookstore, rifling through the pages, and because some words caught my eye I went back and read the first chapter. It was spectacular. It caught my attention, and made my mind speed along with what the book promised, so I bought it. But as I moved beyond the first chapter and into the lives of the Lichts, I found myself wrinkling my nose and setting the book aside more often. The characters I neither liked nor admired, the style bored me, and the plot... depressing, bumping along. I don't know what happened to the exciting breathlessness of the first pages, but whatever magic that made me purchase the book was lost by the time I forced myself to the last pages. Since then, I've read a few short stories by Joyce Carol Oates, and found that I didn't like them much either. But difference of opinions like such are common as everyone has his/her own taste, and my disliking of My Heart Laid Bare is just one example.
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My Heart Laid Bare & Other Essays
Charles Baudelaire
Manufacturer: Haskell House Pub Ltd
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ASIN: 0838318703 |
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Previously untranslated essays of Baudelaire, now published for the first time.
THIS TITLE IS CITED AND RECOMMENDED BY: Catalogue of the Lamont Library, Harvard College.
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The meaning of life, my heart laid bare
Allen Guivere Miller
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
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ASIN: B0007EM9J4 |
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Pita-Ten, Vol. 5
Manufacturer: Tandem Library
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Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1417683856 |
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Strangler's Moon (Linford Mystery Library)
Charles Leader
Manufacturer: Ulverscroft Large Print
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Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0708952240 |
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#2 of series, front cover displays spce woman with ray gun
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Stranglers' Moon
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000G9QBGW |
Product Description
The Family D'Alembert Series Vol.2
Book Description
Whether the occasion is a picnic, lunch, brunch, or late night entertaining, sandwiches, panini, and warps provide a unique alternative to the usual fare. Sandwiches, Panini, and Wraps covers everything you need to create these taste-tempting meals. It begins with an overview of the sandwich from a historical perspective and then it deconstructs these multilayered concoctions. There's an overview of breads, basic ingredients, and equipment used to create these recipes, providing readers with a knowledge base that they can use to create their own dishes.
This book features 50 recipes for everything from grilled sandwiches to cold sandwiches, wraps, pitas (including vegetarian and salad sandwiches), soups, salads, side dishes, condiments and spreads, and dessert suggestions to top off the savory meals with something sweet. The author also includes plenty of entertaining and serving suggestions.
Sandwiches, Panini, and Wraps is lavishly photographed and includes easy instructions and creative food ideas for the imaginative sandwich maker.
Customer Reviews:
Delicious!.......2006-02-21
A fantastic book to use with your panini press. The recipes are bold and delicious. Say goodbye to boring sandwiches!
Book Description
Kim Sheridan grew up with animals as her constant companions. Each time she faced the death of a beloved pet, along with the pain came the same questions, to which she could find no answers. Then, mysterious things began to happen that she couldn’t explain, which led her on an incredible journey to uncover the truth. Along with her own extraordinary experiences, she compiled heartwarming and meaningful true stories of everyday people around the world, and discovered compelling evidence that forever erased her own doubts about an afterlife for animals.
This book provides enormous comfort and reassurance to anyone who has ever cherished a pet, and food for thought for anyone who has ever questioned the place of these beloved creatures in the larger scheme of things, both here on Earth and beyond.
Customer Reviews:
EXCELLANT.......2007-10-03
Loosing a 'friend' is never easy....for some, as with myself....tramatic..it has been two months.....
but with Kim Sheridan.........and the stories.....it has helped, given me hope and some peace.
I DO NOT recommend Sylvia Browne's book 'Spirit of Animals"..it is a picture book with two minutes of reading time......and you do not feel any better for it.
This book gives you hope, peace, and that just maybe you and your friend will meet again on THIS side.............
Animals and the Afterlife.......2007-09-06
This book was so helpful in easing the pain of losing a beloved pet. Kim
Sheridan's writing is informative, compassionate and insightful. I would recommend this book to anyone who is grieving a companion animal.
Fantastic Book.......2007-09-05
Once I got started reading this book, it was hard to put down. After reading this book I have the comfort of knowing that the 2 pets I just recently lost are still close by. I was touched by the wonderful stories that were shared by other people. I would highly recommend this book.
Nice Read.......2007-08-24
Comforting book for anyone who has lost a beloved pet. I now even have a new outlook on the rat family. It is filled with many wonderful story the writer received from others who have lost there pets. Easy read, would recommend for anyone of any age.
an emtional warm blanket.......2007-03-18
kim's book has been answered prayers for myself and many family members and friends.i cannot imagine how she was able to pick and choose through so many broken hearts to help us. i shed tears while reading this book both from grief and joy and allowed myself a sense of peace and understanding of transition that i had not learned even after a lifetime of critical care nursing. i appreciate the authors' respect for all life, and the different ways it is celebrated,mourned and honoured throughout the world. i appreciate greatly the biblical referances and the beautiful quotations. even though i miss my family greatly, i rejoice in knowing they will meet me at the rainbow bridge....thankyou kim,bless you and your work...looking forward to the next book....hurry!!!
Book Description
In
SWATCH Frank Edwards documents the origins and developments of Swatch designs, and shows some of the very best made since 1983. The core of this book is a gallery of hundreds of the most beautiful designs.
Customer Reviews:
Thoughts on this book.......2000-04-19
Somewhat disappointed, not a guide for the collector. Covers very little in terms of particular Swatches. Only lists a handful of Swatches from each category, not the exhaustive list the tittle leads you to believe. On the other hand, if you are obsessed with the most interesting watch ever produced, then you should have this book. Just don't expect to use it for looking up unknown Swatches. If anyone knows of a good book that lists all Swatches made please let me know mark.duncan@mindspring.com .
Colorful just like the company.......1999-04-18
I enjoyed this book. It's pictures were very nice and of course colorful. Had a good introduction to the history of Swatch watches and also informitive for the beginner collector. Nice book overall.
Customer Reviews:
This book should be reprinted!.......2006-06-14
What a wonderful book! Most of the animals are in fake fur, which makes them look better than fabric. The animals are mostly farm animals, but the rooster, pig, and donkey will win your heart. There is a Scottie dog with long fur that looks absolutely real. The dolls are gorgeous and have details like a fake fur beard on grampa. There is a giant "TV horse" for children to sit on that is stunning, with beautiful colors and patterns for saddle and bridle. There is a squirrel that also looks real. I also love the furry bunny or puppy slippers and the long haired ape. Good instructions, wonderful things.
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The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament: Aramaic Supplementary Bibliography - Volume 5
Ludwig Koehler ,
Walter Baumgartner , and
Johann Jakob Stamm
Manufacturer: Brill Academic Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
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The Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon of the Old Testament, 2 volume set
ASIN: 9004115285 |
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- Delightful mixture of humor and erotica!
- SPICY, AND EVOCATIVE PIN-UP ART.
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Fastner & Larson's Little Black Book, Vol. 2
Steve Fastner , and
Rich Larson
Manufacturer: SQP
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Binding: Paperback
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Fastner & Larson's Little Black Book Volume 3
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Rich Larson's Bed & Bondage 1
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Rich Larson's Haunted House of Lingerie Volume 2
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Naked Justice Volume 1
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Alazar's Book of Bondage Vol 3
ASIN: 0865621047 |
Book Description
Steve Fastner and Rich Larson warned you this was going to be an annual event, and they weren't kidding! The new year brings with it an all-new full color compendium of cuties, creatures, and cut-throat maniacs, as only F&L can present! Where else are you going to find erotic fantasies and bizarre tales of horror and adventure twisted together in so round and firm a package? Besides breathtaking new illustrations by the team, they've also come up with a new multi-page story entitled, "The Cursed Kiss," a tale of a modern day archeologist and her discovery of a lusty lesbian mummy in search of forbidden love! If it's pretty girls being chased, accosted, bothered, frightened, annoyed, or having various parts of their clothes ripped off while running, it's going to end up in a little black book just like this!
Customer Reviews:
Delightful mixture of humor and erotica!.......2006-04-08
I love the way these guys draw! The women are beautiful with lovely (and often scantily clad) bodies! Most of the drawings seem to be book covers and such, although there is a short "comic book" at the end about a beautiful female mummy who has a taste for other girls! The girl/girl illustrations are, in fact, my favorite parts of this book, with pages 19 & 20 particularly nice. I only wish there were more drawings like those two!
SPICY, AND EVOCATIVE PIN-UP ART........2005-09-19
As a fan of 30's and 40's detective, adventure, and spicy pulps, the art of Fastner and Larson has always had a special appeal to me. No modern artists have managed to capture that devious and sexy pulp look like these guys have been able to do now for some thirty years. This is the second of their "Little Black Book" collections that feature a sampling of their work both new and old as well as a nine page story.
Included are several pieces that are inspired by, and are a tribute to the legendary Weird Tales artist Margaret Brundage. One of these is entitled "Last Kiss" depicting a typical Brundage-style damsel dressed in a whispy pink silk, kissing a demon. In "Shadow Creeps" a woman recoils in horror from a shadowy hand as the threatening fiend is just out of view.
"To the Rescue" is a classic, pulp-inspired piece with a mad doctor about to inject a woman with a needle as the hero crashes through the window, flying with the aid of a rocket pack. In "Devil take Wing" a great, bat-winged demon flies off with his captive female while a mob of angry villagers tries in vain to saver her. "Ticklish" finds a gorgeous blonde in a negligee, tightly bound while another female playfully tortures her by tickling her backside with a feather. This is a wonderfully humorous piece and so typical of their work.
More great pulp-art items include the fantastic back cover with the ubiquitous Oriental, yellow-menace fiend preparing to torture his beautiful captive. "The Devil Wore Evening Clothes" is a magnificently rendered, classic Shadow painting. In addition to these pieces, the book also features a sampling of their comic book related work. The Thing Battles Doctor Doom high atop the Baxter Building, Captain Marvel fights the evil demi-god Thanos, and Iron Man battles a classic beast from the early 1960's, Fin Fang Foom.
The book also shows off a lot of their older work from the late 1970's and early 1980's and you can see how the pair's work has evolved over the years to the near perfection they reached today. As mentioned, the book also contains a 9 page, full color strip called "Cursed Kiss", a saucy tale of 1920's Egypt. The Little Black Book collections serve as a great introduction to the marvelous work of Fastner & Larson.
Reviewed by Tim Janson
Book Description
"I do not speak carelessly or recklessly but with a definite object of helping the people, especially those of my race, to know, to understand, and to realize themselves."--Marcus Garvey, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 1937
A popular companion to the scholarly edition of The Marcus Garvey and Universal Negro Improvement Association Papers, this volume is a collection of autobiographical and philosophical works produced by Garvey in the period from his imprisonment in Atlanta to his death in London in 1940.
Books:
- Other Sorrows, Other Joys: The Marriage of Catherine Sophia Boucher and William Blake
- Paper Bullets: A Fictional Autobiography (Scott and Laurie Oki Series in Asian American Studies)
- Peliculas de Mi Vida, Las: Una Novela
- Pendulum: a love story
- Punk Like Me
- Sentimental Heartbroken Rednecks: Stories
- Seven League Boots
- Sheltering Rain
- Skinny Dipping in the Lake of the Dead: Stories
- Slow Emergencies: A Novel
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Solstice
