Average customer rating:
- Nothing more and nothing less
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Blood on the Dining Room Floor: A Murder Mystery
Gertrude Stein
Manufacturer: Creative Arts Book Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Stein, Gertrude
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ASIN: 0916870472 |
Customer Reviews:
Nothing more and nothing less.......2001-07-27
I read _Blood on the Dining Room Floor_ a couple months ago, during a time when I read almost nothing but sharp, hardboiled pulp detective stories. I might suggest that method -- read some old Sam Spade shorts (contemporary with Stein's writing of this little gem), then read this book, then go back.
Where Hammett and company's tales are sharp, grittily realistic, and driven by swarthy melodramatic plots, Stein's one mysterious foray into the Murder Mystery genre has little discernible plot, is distinctly un-swarthy, lacks melodrama, and for these reasons is perhaps far more realistic than Hammett et al. are held to be; _Blood_ clearly reflects the confusion we (I) feel in the face of traumatic events... the mind reels before the reality (which always lacks cliche and melodrama) of violence and leaves one (me) with nothing but an almost incoherent froth of language in one's (my) head, out of which occasionally bubble moments of "clarity": bits of facts and/or memories of incidents and characters which may or may not be accurate. Sometimes, too, the froth dissolves into moments of almost ritual invocation: "Lizzie do you understand do you understand lizzie": the mind reaching out to (hi)stries of past violence (the fall river axe murders, lizzie borden) to unsuccesfully but compulsively try to order and give meaning to the violence at hand.
Dazzling. The full effect of this book (the composition of "my take" on it which appears above) came only after weeks of letting the book sit in the back of my mind, as I moved back to pulp detective stories and on to other things.
It is classic Stein, a pure uncut jewelled antidote to the false-feeling closures of the usual mystery novel and the journalistic, faux-objective treatments of the violent throughout fiction, film, and (dare I mention) TV. A true refuge for the "thinking" person.
Customer Reviews:
Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03
With Oberon back, war with Chaos appears inevitable, something which does not thrill Corwin. Oberon therefore dispatches him on a mission through Shadow.
More subterfuge is discovered, and in the end, the unicorn with the Jewel of Judgement appears.
Great premise, terrible rambling style.......2006-02-24
I am very disappointed in this author, though I continue to read the series. I find myself skimming. I don't have the patience to put up with his nonsense, but I do want to know how the story develops.
He makes us wait and wade through garbage before he continues telling us the story. He sends us through unreal and just plain stupid scenes, describing them in detail as if they are real and significant, when in fact they are just vague meanderings of the mind of an author who has gone way off the track.
We never know how a friend or enemy will turn out. Maybe an apparent friend will attack Corwin suddenly. Maybe an apparent lover and soul mate will simply get stubborn and ditch Corwin. Maybe an enemy will suddenly be just peachy keen. It all depends on what side of the bed Roger has woken up on. There is no consistency, only the whim of the writer.
There are no rules to his universe. The only rule is that he will do what he damn pleases at any moment, and will bore and frustrate the hell out of his readers whenever he likes. He will go on and on about some stupid philosophy, and then will make fun of it.
It is a frustrating experience to read this series because the writing is often terrible, but the basic premise of the story is excellent and makes me want to keep skimming, if not actually reading, this garbage.
I wish someone taught the author how to tell a story directly. He needed an editor who would take this epic ten story fantasy and cut it down to a fraction of its size, leaving out all the bull.
At one point he decides to give us a bar full of leprechauns. For God's sake. At one point he decides to give us a friendly jackal who suddenly turns to attack. Oh leave me alone, you frustrating excuse for a writer. You have made your point. You will pull anything you like out of your tush and call it a story. What a waste of a sensational premise. I just wish that a good author wrote this series.
Does anyone really read every word as you describe one more boring unreal scene after another, oh there are flowers falling, oh the sky is zebra colored, oh there is no sense of gravity here, oh there is a stranger standing there staring, oh there is a woman hanged, oh the leaves rustle, blah blah blah. Put your head on straight, stop screwing around, and just tell us a story.
Follow the Solid Black Road.......2005-04-21
Finally, the end is in sight. With the fifth volume in the Amber series Zelazny brings the first cycle to a close. Oberon has returned to the throne, Brand has been revealed as the real traitor, and the Courts of Chaos await the final battle for Amber's existence. Corwin finds his sudden relegation to second fiddle irksome, especially since Oberon's offhand manner hasn't changed in the least, but he knows his duty and the family pulls together for the final struggle.
The key order of business is to repair the damage to the pattern and close down the threat of the black road. Oberon's final decision, to remake the pattern is one that will likely kill him, whether he succeeds or fails, and Corwin suddenly discovers that his irritation with his father is only skin deep. It is with a heavy heart that Corwin follows his father's command and starts his hell ride for the courts.
And runs straight into Brand, who has no intention of allowing Corwin and Oberon to undo his plotting and return things to normal. Corwin is delayed by one conflict after another. Not only is the final outcome in doubt, but the reader must cope with the possibility of two endings at once.
It was no mean feat in the 1970's to turn out a five volume series that could keep reader interest at a high level. As the volumes progress, the writing develops, and it is interesting to compare this book, which consists of one long and detailed hell ride to other efforts in the series to capture traveling through the shadows. The Courts of Chaos find Zelazny a much stronger writer than he was when the series started out. He not only sets a compelling pace, but Corwin's character blooms as a several thousand year old man suddenly matures before out eyes.
The Courts of Chaos is really the best of the series that had a great start and then wobbled a bit in the middle. It guaranteed that Amber would have a place in the hearts of fantasy lovers for some time to come, and set the scene for the next five Amber volumes. While these aren't my favorite Zelazny works, they are still outstanding writing.
A new pattern?.......2002-02-02
The battle of Brand and Corwin reaches its climax as everyone tries to create a new pattern in the battle with Chaos itself.
Courts of Chaos has all the usual twists and turns of an Amber novel. It is an absolutely wonderful series and it probably goes without saying that you should begin at the beginning, and not here.
my review..........1999-06-28
This series was damn good. 'Nuff said
Average customer rating:
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The Courts of Chaos
Roger Zelazny
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Zelazny, Roger | ( Z ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 9993911550 |
Product Description
Volume 2 contains Sign of the Unicorn, The Hand of Oberon, and The Courts of Chaos
Product Description
5 massmarket paperback Titles in Amber Series - 1 Nine Princes in Amber - 2 Guns of Avalon - 3 Sign of the Unicorn - 4 Hand of Oberon - 5 Courts of Chaos
Product Description
5 massmarket paperback Titles in Amber Series - The Courts of Chaos - Trumps of Doom - Blood of Amber - Knight of Shadows - Prince of Chaos
Average customer rating:
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Chaos in the Courthouse: The Inner Workings of the Urban Criminal Courts
Paul B. Wice
Manufacturer: Praeger Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Civil Procedure | Procedures & Litigation | Law | Subjects | Books
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General | Criminal Law | Law | Subjects | Books
Criminology | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
General | Criminal Law | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
Civil Procedure | Procedures & Litigation | Law | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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General | Law | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
Criminal | Law | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
Reference | Law | New & Used Textbooks | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0275901858 |
Book Description
This book is a comprehensive portrait of our nation's criminal court system with its primary focus on the judge's role. It provides a first-hand look at the criminal justice system based on interviews with 500 judges and other key members of the criminal court workgroup, including prosecuters, public defenders, private criminal lawyers, court clerks and probation officers, in 15 major jurisdictions nationwide. In addition to a discussion on the art of judging criminal cases, the book compares and contrasts the criminal courts under consideration.
Average customer rating:
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Hook/the Official Movie Adaptation (Marvel comics)
Charles Vess
Manufacturer: Marvel Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic
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ASIN: 087135800X |
Amazon.com
Todd Wilbur has baked, boiled, digested, fried, and tested--all in the name of duplicating some of America's favorite convenience foods. He now shares 41 of these naughty but nice gastronomical delights in Top Secret Recipes. If you've ever craved a McDonald's Big Mac at 3:00 A.M. on a Sunday morning, then Wilbur has just the recipe for satisfying your junk-food desires. Even better, no cordon-bleu expertise is needed for this particular clone--just simple frying and chopping skills! Simplicity is the key to all of Wilbur's replicated recipes--all are composed of rudimentary ingredients available at any store, needing only minimal preparation. These recipes are fun and fast--two dozen Snickers Bars in less than 10 minutes (plus cooling time), a delicious Orange Julius in less than 60 seconds (that's considerably quicker than waiting in line for the real thing)! These culinary creations are organized in alphabetical order by manufacturer or restaurant, and illustrated with simple pencil drawings. Top Secret Recipes is a chatty and informative guide to recreating the burgers, candy bars, and cookies of your strip-mall dreams. --Naomi Gesinger
Customer Reviews:
Non Fiction.......2007-09-03
A fun book that looks at how to make your own home made facsimile versions of some famous junk food. At least famous in America, some of them some other people probably will not have heard of. If you want some cooking silliness, this one is definitely for you, or to throw a version of something passable by way of some of those mini-humans.
Fun recipies.......2007-02-01
I've had a lot of fun with some of the recipes in this book. People have asked for the recipies of items I've taken to potlucks and BBQ's. There are a few items that don't quite hit the mark, but overall it's a good cookbook.
Hit and miss oversimplified clone recipes.......2006-10-21
I bought this book out of intrigue to find out the secret sauce behind famous recipes. While there are a few select recipes where the secret sauce is let out, there are dozens of others where the recipes are plain oversimplifications and superficial replicas. What should be an exciting book is mostly common sense.
The book was frustrating because the clone recipes produced average mimics at best. Detail is replaced by simplicity as most recipes seem embarassingly easy and unrefined, lacking the clarity that makes a famous fast food recipe truly unique. I didn't buy this book to be told that a Quarter Pounder with Cheese recipe requires 1/4 lb ground beef and a Kraft cheese slice. Each recipe comes with pointless engineering diagrams showing the assembly, with notes showing the reader to place the cooked hamburger patty in between the top and bottom of the bun.
The book does contain some interesting fast food history with each recipe. However, 95% of the recipes are common sense that could have been derived by the most casual of cooks. For a book that appeared to have a lot of promise, it hasn't turned my hamburgers into Big Macs or my milkshakes into Blizzards.
AWSOME cookbook!.......2006-01-02
I love to cook, hope to go to college at the Culinary.
My sis' Laura, got this for me for Christmas.
The book is sooooo cool!
The hint on it was 'no more fast food!!"
LOVE IT!!!
I will let everone have my e-mail; svgypson@yahoo.com
Todd Wilbur is KING!.......2002-11-19
I made my own Twinkies and Reese's cups!! They were pretty darn close, that's good enough for me because everything was delicious!! (My hips aren't crazy about the book.) It's fun to impress people as well as make their mouths water when you tell them what you have accomplished. If you like to have fun in the kitchen, this book will not disappoint you. Then again, I do not know you. Enjoy!! :o)
Product Description
This latest mouthwatering compilation includes 133 brand-new versions of restaurant recipes, 30 bonus recipes never before published in book form, and 26 of the author's own favorites from his previous book. Easy-to-follow numbered steps and Wilbur's special blueprints help you recreate a variety of chain cuisine, fast-food fare, and more tasty treats like a pro. The spiral-bound, hardcover format lies flat on your countertop or cookbook holder, and includes tabbed and labeled sections for quick reference.
Customer Reviews:
YUMMY.......2007-05-13
This book is great. It has a lot of recipies in it that look delicious and sound easy to make. It is layed out nicely and is easy to follow. I can't wait to get started!
Product Description
Low-Fat Top Secret Recipes. Creating Kitch Clones of America's Favorite Brand-Name Foods by Todd Wilbur Bestselling Author of Top Secret Recipes. In this follow-up to Top Secret Recipes Lite! bestselling author Todd Wilbur shows you how to re-create your favorite brand-name foods and restaurant recipes at a fraction of the colories, and how to plan popular low-fat dishes and treats in the privacy of your very own kitchen.
Product Description
A relatively quiet parrot, the domestic African Senegal makes a good pet and companion for owners who might hesitate to keep noisier birds. Friendly and acrobatic, these bright green and yellow clowns must be socialized early and their domesticated behavior patterns must be regularly maintained in order that they stay tame. This book offers valuable clues to the Senegal's sensitive temperament and other specialized needs, and information about the bird's behavior, dietary needs, and appropriate indoor environment. Paperback / 96 Pages / 6-1/2" x 7-7/8" /
Customer Reviews:
Complete guide to Senegal Parrot.......2007-01-15
If you are looking for a excellent guide to Senegal parrots, this is the one. I did my research and everything I found gave this book high ratings. After reading it, I know why! I utilized the information to aquire, hand feed and raise two Senegal parrots. The depth of knowledge this author gives can't be measured. I would definately buy from her again.
Guide to the Senegal Parrot.......2006-11-13
A very informative book on the Senegal parrot. Sometimes the information given seems to be the author's opinion not always fact. But it gives you a lot of information on the breed.
Understand your bird (written by an African Grey).......2006-08-02
exuse me splling.it hard to tipe with just 4 tose..I now 75 year old..never had frend just human master..but now with internet I slowly learn how to buy everything onlin by waching my master. finaly I made my run for freedom..I gorged my master eyes out and then i extrectrecuted him when he went to wash his blood off...then i buy a senegal..them is hot hot birds..finally i going to get some with a reel bird and not no arm after 75 years. this book get me ready for day my lovely senegals arrives. I didnt know senegal likes to lie on back..hehehehe
SUPER Book.......2006-07-21
This book gives great insight of not only the personalities, but the care and what to expect if you are wanting a Senegal. This book answered all my questions and more.
Guide to the Senegal Parrot and Its Family.......2006-06-27
Excellent source of information. Easy to read.
Average customer rating:
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Request Response Reaction: Australian and New Zealand Designers
Stephen Crafti
Manufacturer: Images Publishing Dist A/C
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Architecture
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ASIN: 1876907517 |
Book Description
The 'heavy-weight' designers of Australia and New Zealand are featured in this long-awaited profile of the Australian and New Zealand design industry. Together, they dominate a very high-profile section of the world's design scene. The material is by Stephen Crafti, who previously compiled and wrote 'Beach Houses of Australia and New
Book Description
This richly illustrated book provides an innovative reinterpretation of the Cultural Revolution through the medium of the poster-a major component of popular print culture in China. Using an array of full color and black-and-white reproductions, an eminent group of scholars explores the discursive power of visual artforms in Chinese public life.
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Pacific Affairs, published by University of British Columbia on December 22, 2000. The length of the article is 1024 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: PICTURING POWER IN THE PEOPLE'S REPUBLIC OF CHINA: Posters of the Cultural Revolution.(Review)
Author: James A. Flath
Publication:
Pacific Affairs (Refereed)
Date: December 22, 2000
Publisher: University of British Columbia
Volume: 73
Issue: 4
Page: 582
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
In Africa, white men don't walk! They come in vehicles, they always drive. Ward was different. Ward Walked. He walked with us across some of the most difficult terrain in West Pokot, Kenya. No white man had ever done that before. So the message went out across the land, "A white man is walking to Mbaro." It was the first time many along the way had seen a white man. It was historic. Ward is, to us, a legend. At the end of the walk, the elders gave Ward the title "Nyakan," meaning "a brave man who faces the unknown with only faith in God." John Lodinyo, Pokot pastor
The pages of this book open the doors to a life-changing experience rich with unexpected fellowship, insight and self-discovery. Ward's adventure walking across the terrains of East Africa, and his encounter with the local people became a faith journey that was to change his life and his heart forever.
Customer Reviews:
Nothing too deep, but a very good book nonetheless.......2007-09-13
I have been to Uganda a two occations and I think that Ward expresses the universal thoughts and feelings of a short term American missionary in this part of the world. I enjoyed the book very much, but I don't know that people who are unfamiliar with this part of the world would find Ward's thoughts very deep or interesting. Ward himself expresses his frustration in his inability to communicate his African experiences to common Americans. It's a common frustration with people who have been to Africa, and this book may only exemplify this frustration with its inability to engage untravelled Americans. But as a world traveller, I enjoyed the book very much.
Walking with a White Man.......2003-09-18
I was drawn to this book by the title being a person of color and once i started it i actually felt as though i was really taking this extraordinary walk with the white man who wrote it!
The segways into other experiences that Brehm has had from among some of the most difficultand dangerous places in Africa to Statehouse meetings with Presidents was amazing! Great style of writing and an important message of hope about a continent in trouble.
A Page Turning...Couldn't Put Down... Will Read Again Book!.......2003-09-16
This is a difficult book to put down. From the very beginning, Brehm captured my attention and held it firmly to the end. It is a captivating story about a "Survivor-like" experience that takes place deep in the Kenya Bush. I enjoyed learning about the primitive people he befriended there several years ago and ultimately came to rely upon for his life in this adventure. Brehm has an easy-to-read writing style. His ability to share his emotions, humor and faith were especially refreshing. This will be a "read once a year" book and "reccomend to all my friends" book for this reader! Very powerful.
Books:
- Burke, Paine, Godwin, and the Revolution Controversy (Cambridge English Prose Texts)
- Cast a Pebble in the Ocean
- Collected Novellas: Leaf Storm, No One Writes to the Colonel, Chronicle of a Death Foretold
- Cuentos Completos "Sergio Ramírez"
- Dr. Neruda's Cure for Evil
- Eating Mammals: Three Novellas
- Echo House
- El Anatomista
- Eleanor and Abel
- Enter Sandman
Books Index
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