Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii (Mr Monk 2)

Book Description

Some people think Hawaii is paradise, but Monk knows that danger, like dirt, lurks everywhere. Look at Helen Gruber, the rich tourist who took a fatal blow from a coconut. The police say it fell from a tree, but Monk suspects otherwise. His assistant Natalie isn't exactly thrilled about Monk's latest investigation. It was bad enough Monk followed her on vacation, and now it looks like the vacation is over. Smooth-talking TV psychic Dylan Swift is on the island and claims to have a message from beyond-from Helen Gruber. Monk has his doubts about Swift's credibility. But finding the killer and proving Swift a fraud-all while coping with geckos and the horror of unsynchronized ceiling fans-may prove a tough coconut to crack.

Customer Reviews:

Fun book! Almost like watching Monk on TV.......2007-10-07

I am really enjoying reading these books about Monk. I've read several other books by Lee Goldberg, including the Diagnosis Murder book where the Doc & his son go to Hawaii. I found it hilarious that they also met the same character that Monk & Natalie meet in Hawaii. (talk about recycling a character - LOL!)

Lee Goldberg writes clearly and easily understood stories that completely fit the characters from the TV Shows. It's easier to carry the books with me on the bus to work than carrying the TV with me in order to get my "Monk Fix". I can't wait to buy the next Monk book.

Mr. Monk goes to Hawaii.......2007-09-04

Better than the first in the book series, I quite enjoyed this book. This second book showed Monk more personable and rather protective in his soft way over Natalie against a viper. The series is fun in that it shows Monk solving several mysteries in one book, rather than the TV episodes solving usually only one.

Not quite the Monk we know, but close........2007-08-16

This is the second of Lee Goldberg's Monk books that I've read. I started with "Mr Monk & the Blue Flu" which was written after this one and I'm glad that I did. I don't think the true charcter of Monk was really captured in this book. By the time "Blue Flu" was written I think Goldberg got the hang of it but not here.

There are plenty of funny phobias and strange things that Monk does which kept me laughing but they seemed out of place with the more normal things that he does. The different aspects of Monk are too extreme from one another. He's goes from being really Monkish to being just a regular cop doing or saying things that we wouldn't expect from him & it just doesn't flow very well. Also, he & Natalie play too much of a buddy-buddy crime solving team then they should. Of course I base my comparisons & criticism to the show which has really defined the characters so well that we feel like we know them & we know how they should act.

One aspect from the show that Goldberg recycles here that works well is from the episode where Adrian takes medication & becomes "The Monk". He becomes really cool and laid back with none of his usual worries however he also looses all his crime-solving sense. The author uses this to explain why Monk would get on a plane by himself & fly to Hawaii. It provides for an interesting plane ride.

Since the story takes place on location, we don't have all the regular characters involved otherwise the story might just as well be in San Francisco. Thus it becomes mostly a Monk & Natalie story with very little Stottlemeyer & Disher and I think the lack of their presence hurts the book a litlle bit.

The real strength of the story comes through at the end of the book. Without giving anything away, Monk basically solves the mystery due to his trust in his beliefs and it is very Trudy-related. When Adrian opens up & exposes his emotions he becomes vulnerable yet strong at the same time because he knows he is right. This is the main strength of the show also and it is done very well here.

Overall, not tremendous, but I'm still hooked. Which one should I read next?

Captures the spirit of the show -- and more.......2007-08-11

As a reader who has flung more than one book across the room in disgust for the revolting portrayal of a female character as a sex-obsessed twit (books that are almost always, but not *quite* always, written by men) -- I was truly shocked to read Lisa Shea's review.

One of the things I love so much about the "Monk" series is the fact that Lee Goldberg appears to be one of three male writers in the world that I have come across that can actually write a female character that comes across as a woman *and* as a human being AT THE SAME TIME, and do it so honestly and flawlessly that I forget while I'm reading that the book hasn't actually been written by a woman. (The other two who can manage this incredible feat are Nick Hornby, and Stephen King (but only in his most recent years; he used to be one of the most guilty when it came to authors incapable of writing female characters as, y'know, human *beings*.)) Most other male writers simply cannot manage to write an entirely realistic female character -- or, they can manage a realistic female character, but they just don't quite capture the voice or tone entirely, and, while I can completely and utterly accept their female character as realistic, something is still missing.

I don't have this problem with Mr. Goldberg's "Monk" books. I don't hear the voice of a male author when I read this series -- more to the point, I don't hear the voice of the author at all. I simply hear Natalie, because her inner voice is captured so flawlessly and so *honestly* that nothing else is there but the character herself. Once I read the first "Monk" book, I realized that the series was going to do the impossible -- make me love Adrian Monk even more than I already do -- but I was pleasantly surprised to find that it also made me a bigger Natalie fan.

Natalie thinks about, and comments on, breasts and stomach flatness and cute guys in this book series. But that's *in her character*. (It's in most women's character.) She doesn't obsess over these things to the point of becoming shallow -- it's simply something she occasionally thinks about, which is in keeping with her character and something we HAVE seen on the show. Again, I find the writing to be keeping in perfect step with the Natalie we've gotten to know on the show -- and neither on the show nor in the novels has Natalie ever been portrayed as shallow. Wanting a flat stomach does not make a character shallow. It makes her *human*.

As to the scenes of Natalie kissing Monk's forehead, and Monk rubbing lotion into Natalie's back after she had been hurt ... I've read three of the four currently-released novels (I'm saving "Two Assistants" for a weekend getaway trip in a few weeks), and of the first three, "Goes to Hawaii" is my favorite. I love it for the lush scenery descriptions, I love it for the depth of character show in Natalie when she misses Mitch so strongly and is desperate for answers about what happened to him. I love it for the scenes where Monk goes head-to-head with Swift (I am a violent hater of John Edward, or anyone who preys on people's grief to make a profit), and for the way Monk never lets Swift's prodding at the raw nerves of Monk's grief for Trudy get in the way of his determination to stop Swift. But most of all, I love it for the tender, subtle way that Monk and Natalie's friendship is deepened (but never to anything more than what the show has already shown us about their relationship). I love how protective Monk gets of Natalie, and how angry he is when Swift starts manipulating Natalie's grief about Mitch. And the lotion "massage" scene (which wasn't about massage at all) was so touching that I found myself tearing up while reading it -- and there was so absolutely nothing sexual about that scene that I can't quite figure out how anyone could read it that way. We have seen countless examples of how much Monk and Natalie care about each other, how deep their friendship and understanding of each other runs -- and that scene of Monk cleaning the cut on Natalie's leg and rubbing lotion into her sunburn (particularly seeing as he started out by wrapping his hands in sandpaper-scrape-worthy paper towels) is a funny, tender scene that shows Monk willing to bear up under a handful of his phobias and neuroses to help a hurt friend.

It's exactly those sort of moments that make the show for me ... and exactly those sort of moments that make the novel series such a good one. Kudos to Lee Goldberg not only for his portrayal of a realistic female character, but for creating a book series that follows the tone and spirit of the television show *and* reads not as a TV-show-based "book" but as a true *novel*.

Funny and Well writen!.......2007-07-08

I love the series Monk on USA and I was pleasantly surprised when I found out just a few weeks ago that there were books, too.
This one was the first I have read of the books so far and it was great!
It held true to the character of that nutty but lovable OCD detective.
I also enjoyed it being told by Natalie his faithful assistant.

I recommend it, a great Funny mystery with a little OCD thrown in.

Loved it!

Average customer rating:

Quick but fun

Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii
Lee Goldberg
Manufacturer: Signet Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

ASIN: B000JFLQ8Q

Customer Reviews:

Quick but fun.......2007-09-04

Fun read for Monk fans. His obsessions and inner thoughts are entertaining in print. Easy read to pick up and put down.

Average customer rating:

Mr. Monk Goes to Hawaii (Monk)
Lee Goldberg
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739472593

Average customer rating:

Mr Monk Goes To Hawaii
Lee Goldberg
Manufacturer: NEW AMERICAN LIBRARY
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QBB9LM

Average customer rating:

Good, but short

A great short story in the realm of Majipoor

Not since L E Moddessit jr.

Outstandly Entertaining!

Short-story with novel pretensions
Mountains of Majipoor, The
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Silverberg, Robert | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Sorcerers of Majipoor (Prestimion Trilogy (Paperback))

Lord Prestimion (Prestimion Trilogy)

The King Of Dreams

Valentine Pontifex (Majipoor Cycle)

Majipoor Chronicles: Majipoor Chronicles (Majipoor Cycle)

ASIN: 0553573276
Release Date: 1996-01-01

Download Description

A young prince is unfairly exiled to the life of a low level functionary. Now he has one chance to redeem himself, but he must travel to the far reaches of Majipoor to negotiate with a group of savages who hold a group of scientists hostage. If this were not enough trouble, the strange shape-shifter who serves as the prince's guide seems to have his own motivations during the dangerous journey they must undertake.

Customer Reviews:

Good, but short.......2005-11-24

I would have given this book 4 stars, but it is more of a short story and should have been published as such. Other than the length, I thought the book was very good overall. Great little story and even though I may have made other choices if I were in the main character's shoes, I respected and appreciated his actions anyway. The auther did a good job in swaying me to see things from the character's point of view. If you are trying to decide if it is worth reading, it is. Just don't pay full retail for it.

A great short story in the realm of Majipoor.......2004-04-03

While I wouldn't put this book on the same level as Valentine Pontifex just because of its size, it is still a really fun book to read. WHile the events here do not affect the world of Majipoor in any big way, the simplicity and excitment of this one are really great.

Basically, the story consists of a prince from Castle Mount (Harpirias) being sent on a mission to recover a team of scientist that were captured by a lost tribe of barbarians (the Othinor) in the Kyhntor Mountains. While the story line was very simple, the action was great and the interactions among the characters (which had major communication problems) were entertaining and interesting.

This is a short, easy read, and I'd reccomend it to anyone who has enjoyed Silverberg's other Majipoor novels.

Not since L E Moddessit jr........2002-10-26

God help me, but I cannot comprehend how someone can stand this author.

It is now three novels I have attempted to care about by Silverberg, and I have failed utterly.

Outstandly Entertaining!.......1998-07-26

I had a hard time getting started with The Mountains of Majipoor, but once I did I couldn't put it down. This book is outstanding. The story is so well defined that I plan on reading it again in the near future. It's a must buy for all sci-fi lovers!

Short-story with novel pretensions.......1997-10-24

For those of us who have read Silverberg's novels located in huge, beautiful and diverse Majipoor, the publication of a new book on this marvelous world is always a special event. Two of three previous books in this saga ("Lord Valentine's Castle" and "Valentine Pontifex"), have been full-length novels, with well developed characters and plots, covering 400 pages or more. The third one ("Majipoor Chronicles")is a collection of short stories, which contains one titled "A thief in Nimoya", which I consider one of the best ever written by Silverberg. However, "Mountains of Majipor" is only a short story, maybe what is considered a "novella" in the science fiction jargon. A large print and a clever page layout converted an otherwise short-story in a novel. The books depicts the adventures of a court noble who is disgraced and sent to one of the most remote and harshest areas of Majipoor, where he finds a primitive people, with very strange customs. His mission is to rescue several scientists who have been kidnapped by that isolated tribe. Silverberg's talent for creating believable and interesting aliens appears again in this book, which offers clues to the origin of one of the native peoples of the planet, the shapeshifters. I consider "Mountains of Majipoor" a loosening exercise by the author, preparing himself for the bigger task of giving his readers once again a full novel placed in Majipoor. That one is "Sorcerers of Majipoor", recently published. It was a good read, I liked it, but I expected a little more depth from one of the most respected authors in science fiction.

Average customer rating:

The Mountains of Majipoor
Robert SILVERBERG
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OPJD54

Average customer rating:

The Mountains of Majipoor

Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

MAJIPOOR SEQUENCE: Book (1) One Lord Valentine's Castle; Book (2) Two: Majipoor Chronicles; Book (3) Three: Valentine Pontifex; Book (4) Four: Mountains of Majipoor

Average customer rating:

MAJIPOOR SEQUENCE: Book (1) One Lord Valentine's Castle; Book (2) Two: Majipoor Chronicles; Book (3) Three: Valentine Pontifex; Book (4) Four: Mountains of Majipoor
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NRVEFK

Average customer rating:

The Mountains of Majipoor
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OUPTPC

Average customer rating:

The Mountains of Majipoor
Robert Silverberg
Manufacturer: London: Pan, 1995
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000M0W3TO

Book Description

“Whether you are an avid collector or wine novice, this book offers an extensive resource in an accessible format.”
—Charlie Trotter, Acclaimed Chef and Award-Winning Author

“This book is an invitation to discover the bountiful wine regions, each different from one another, and is an homage to the beauty and uniqueness of the delicious wines they produced.”
—Georges Duboeuf, Les Vins Georges Duboeuf

“The diversity of French wine is one of its attractions, but it can seem perplexing...until you pick up this marvelous guide. The route is well -marked, easy-to-follow, and the destinations are delicious.”
—Kermit Lynch, Wine Merchant and author, Adventures on the Wine Route

“...Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan lead us by the hand down the road of adventure to discover the wines of France that they know so well.... In their relaxed, wise, and mischievous way, they show us the joy and pleasure of drinking French wine.”
—Prince Alain de Polignac, Winemaker, Champagne Pommery

You no longer need to be confused or intimidated by French wine. Authored by certified wine educators and authors Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan, French Wine For Dummies introduces you to the delicious world of fine French wine. Among other things, you’ll discover how to:

Translate wine labels
Identify great wine bargains
Develop your own wine tastes
Match French wines with foods

Here’s everything you need to know to sip and savor the best—and the best-value—Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais, Alsace, and other delicious wines. This lighthearted and informative guide covers:

The story of French wine and how it came to dominate the wine world
How the French name and label their wines and why
France’s most important wine regions—including a region-by-region survey of the best vineyards and their products
France’s other wine regions, including Champagne, Alsace, the Loire Valley, and others

So pour yourself a big glass of Beaujolais Nouveau, sit back, and enjoy the ride as Ed McCarthy and Mary Ewing-Mulligan take you on an intoxicating journey through the wonderful world of French wine.

Customer Reviews:

Straight Forward and Interesting.......2007-07-17

Whether you are a novice to French wines or have experience, this book will give you the information you need to understand what you are drinking. Easy to read and packed with knowledge. If you are looking for a book on French Wine, this is a great one.

A must for Dummies!!!.......2007-02-07

Good educational book,buy it new the price is great for all the info you'll get!!!

A clear overview on French wine.......2005-09-14

A clear and well organized book. If you like a safe start on French wine this book is a must-have

Excellent Resource on French Wine.......2003-08-20

This book hits it right on the head. An excellent, easy to read reference guide on French wine. The book is well-organized and provided good tips and pronunciation keys to help navigate through the French language. This book is a must for the professional or amateur alike and a good value for the money. Useful appendixes contain vintage charts and a handy guide to classes of wine under the rather complex French wine laws.

American Dummy Needed this Book.......2002-12-29

This is an easy-to-read, yet not patronizing, book on French wines. Essentially, its the basics, but it gave me everything I needed to begin exploring and understanding French wines from my local package store. I've enjoyed some really good wines and had fun in the process. This book is easy to use and refer to when you need it. I don't recommend taking it to the wine store with you as you'll look really dumb, but the information is really helpful.

Average customer rating:

French Wine for Dummies

Manufacturer: HUNGRY MINDS (TWLD)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GU69A4

Average customer rating:

True Confessions of a Veterinarian

I so enjoyed this book

It's about love

Outstanding

True Confessions

True Confessions of a Veterinarian: An Unconditional Love Story
Gene Witiak
Manufacturer: Glenbridge Pub Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Animal Care & Pets | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Medicine | Subjects | Books
General | Veterinary Medicine | Medicine | Subjects | Books
General | Veterinary Medicine | Medical | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Animal E.R.

ASIN: 0944435548

Book Description

Dr. Witiak's stories of the bond between the veterinarian, client, and pet take the reader into the exam room and on house calls to experience the laughable calamities, miscues, and surprises as well as the personal sorrows, revelations, and joys that treating animals can bring. This is a book of vignettes and personal commentary by a devoted veterinarian who is dedicated both to the science of his profession and to his personal belief in the importance of being loved and loving.

Dr. Witiak makes readers laugh when he checks a small dog's breath and gets bitten on the nose and then makes them cry when he hugs an old man who has just lost his faithful canine friend. The stories give the reader a deeper understanding of how the unconditional love of our animals enables us to love each other better.

This is a joyous ride where readers bounce from one event to the other just like the veterinarian bounds from exam room to exam room — each with its own surprises. Readers discover just how organic caring is as Dr. Witiak works his magic, enjoying his tongue-in-cheek observations and self-deprecating humor along the way.

Customer Reviews:

True Confessions of a Veterinarian.......2005-04-10

This is an enjoyable and enlightening book. The tales are short, funny, educational, and personal. Anyone who loves animals will love this book. I hope there is a followup book with more stories.

I so enjoyed this book.......2004-12-31

I have so enjoyed reading Dr. Witiak's book. It has brought giggles, tears, and insight into the field of veterinary medicine. This passionate doctor shows his love for his patients and their owners through cleverly written snippets of interactions. His writing reminds me of James Herriot, one of my favorite authors, who wrote about his life as a veterinarian. It is a compliment when some of his pet owners say, "We wish you were our family's doctor." Truly a delightful book!

It's about love.......2004-12-21

Gene Witiak's TRUE CONFESSIONS OF A VETERINARIAN reveals him to be a caring and insightful person. Clearly, he cares about both animals and people, has lots of empathy for both, understands their strengths and weaknesses and how to maximize his skills to advance their welfare.

This book is delightfully written with an excellent blend of humor and seriousness. A great read!

Outstanding.......2004-09-01

Gene Witiak has been my personal veterinarian for 36 years. He is very fine man. I was thrilled when I heard he was writing a book. The book is full of stories both happy and sad about his lifes work of over forty years. The book also has many funny moments. Anyone who has every owned a pet or is an animal lover should read this book.

True Confessions.......2004-08-05

Dr. Gene's years of experience with people and animals gave birth to this wonderful collection of heartwarming "tails" and valuable advice. It goes from advice on a new pet to personal stories of his family and pets. I laughed in places and cried in others. I think all pet owners and pet lovers would relate to one or more of the touching stories in this book.

Average customer rating:

Boxes of Corkscrews a real hit

Boxes Full of Corkscrews (Schiffer Book for Collectors)
Donald A. Bull
Manufacturer: Schiffer Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
Kitchenware | Antiques & Collectibles | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
General | Industrial, Manufacturing & Operational Systems | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
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Collectible Corkscrews (Collectibles)

ASIN: 0764312383

Book Description

In 836 color photographs and engaging text, this book provides the reader with a superb survey of hundreds of corkscrews, all accompanied by their original boxes, wrappers, and packaging. Old and new corkscrews (both 19th and 20th centuries) of every variety are on display, including bar mounts, direct pulls, figurals, lazy tongs, levers, prong pullers, and the Waiters Friend. Also included are useful details about the manufacturers, their trademarks, and copyrights--much of this information coming straight from the original packaging. Current values are included in the captions.

Customer Reviews:

Boxes of Corkscrews a real hit.......2001-12-27

The book is great. It arrived as expected and was all it was described to be. Great color pictures and handy information about hundreds of corkscrews. The price was very good for this book.

Book Description

Collect your memories and mementos in journals that you can make as special as the words and treasures stored inside. Packed with fantastic full-color photos, this guide features more than 30 creative projects and all the “how-tos” you need. Start from scratch or decorate a store-bought book. Have fun shopping for supplies and searching for “recyclable” items to use at home, and then start crafting. Treat your friends to mini, personalized notebooks that can be worn as bracelets. Have a game that’s missing too many pieces to play? Use the game cards or play money to make tiny books! Stash photos, ticket stubs, programs and other highlights of the school year in a book with envelope pages. A magnetic notebook with an attached pen is especially handy inside your locker, and a journal with a tie-dye cover is perfect for recording dreams.

Customer Reviews:

For $10, a treasure trove of totally cool books kids can make!.......2007-09-19

I love this book - I am planning an afterschool book-making class and 12 of the 18 books we'll make are from this book. Brilliantly simple, yet bound to impress the kids! I've taught bookmaking classes before, and I know these designs will appeal to the 3-5th graders. We'll make:

* the Friends book (basically covering a small spiral notebook with foam and initials),

* the keychain books (cute plastic covers),

* the almost origami books (a little more complicated but I know they'll be worth it),

* the snack box diaries (these are so cute - we may do cereal boxes as well as snack boxes),

* the game card books (now how brilliant is that, to use playing cards as mini-covers, or even monopoly cards, for mini-books),

* the tiny tote books (although we'll use gift bags instead of canvas ones),

* school year memory books (using manila envelopes)

* nature journals (although I am debating changing this up some to use pencils instead of twigs)

* pet books (these are completely adorable)

and more!

My only slight quibble is that the author relies quite a bit on a disc binding system, which I don't have. So I'll be finagling my own bindings where she uses the discs.

Overall, this book is a steal. It will provide hours of creative entertainment for your budding writer.

original ideas!.......2004-01-07

this is a very clever concept for a kid's craft book. it helps the kids take the idea of making a book- basically pages bound together- and run with it. the projects are simple to make, age appropriate, yet funky and fun. the photography leaves a lot to be desired (a visual book should be designed and photographed better), as does the "editorial" style (there are lot's of typos)- but the overall creativity shines through. if you're looking for good ideas this is for you.

Book Description

Updated with all-new content for 2002, Terence Conran’s invaluable reference on kitchens tackles the most complex design project in the house.

In many ways the heart of the home, the kitchen is a place where style and function can coexist magnificently. International style king Terence Conran shows us how to do just that in Terence Conran Kitchens. In terms of planning, the kitchen makes unique demands, and Conran covers both the overarching style concerns and the nitty-gritty practicalities of making your dream kitchen a reality. The book ranges from the basics of good design (whether you’re starting from scratch or fitting new appliances into an old layout) to an encyclopedic look at all the materials (storage, lighting, worktops, and more) available to the kitchen designer today. As always, Conran provides case studies and floor plans, bring-ing the best kitchens within reach of every reader. No one embarking on the demanding task of redesigning a kitchen wants to do it without the right book for reference and inspiration. With up-to-date information on the latest styles and a thorough look at classic appliances and materials, Terence Conran Kitchens does it all.

Customer Reviews:

Useless, the worst of the bunch.......2007-04-26

I was a little sceptical as there were only two reviews, but they were both 5 star so I went ahead. What I got was a beautifully put together book with nice paper and photos... of absolutely nothing that was useful to me.
All of the kitchens appear to be European (all of the electrical switches and outlets were European). All of the designs were very modern, high tech, contemporary, and... different. They were also very "designer" as in perhaps not very practical, but very different and put together. If you are looking for something unusual along these lines for a city loft or a very modern space, this might be a great find for you.
There was not a single photo of any kitchen you would consider normal here in the States. Although I read the entire book (faster as I went) there was not a single feature, design, or anything that was potentially useful in my project. There was also very little information, very much an idea book with lots of pictures and little text. The book was not cheap, and it was a complete waste of time for me.

Inspirational.......2007-02-02

I love this book and found it very inspirational when I designed my kitchen. I had already thumbed through the various decorating house and kitchen magazines one might see at Barnes and Nobles. Most of those showed your typical cheesy American kitchen with lots of over-the-top materials badly paired together in one space. The kitchens in this book appealed to me because, as a generalization, they were a little arty, sophisticated and unexpected, without being kooky. I even borrowed a color them from one of the examples. Granted some of the kitchens didn't work but the majority did - and there was a lot of variation among those that did.

great ideas for contemporary kitchens.......2002-07-11

I am design professional and found this book to be very inspirational when looking for contemporary kitchen ideas for my personal kitchen.

Customer Reviews:

Hmmm...delicious...........2003-05-09

It's more like 5+ stars:

It's a thin 64 page book of dark graphic imagery, interjected with humorous captions on how some of the pieces were conceived and received.

Many of art pieces have an ethereal aura to them, like a dream. It's like Shy is trying to seduce you. He has many interlaced images and textural designs that somehow fits. It's dark, beautiful, amazing, sharp, sexy, urban and sometimes you just don't have words. Each picture is its own story, with its own air of something not quite tangible.

All I could say was WOW when I first looked at it; and bought it as soon as I had previewed it in the store. I couldn't part with it and keep thinking how this man can see things with such color and vision.

Book Description

Barrio Boy is the remarkable story of one boy's journey from a Mexican village so small its main street didn't have a name, to the barrio of Sacramento, California, bustling and thriving in the early decades of the twentieth century.

Galarza's saga begins in Jalcocotán, a mountain village just south of where the Gulf of California joins the Pacific. When the turmoil precipitated by the Mexican Revolution begins to escalate, the family leaves their tiny village in search of safety and work in a nearby city. Subsequent moves introduce the boy to the growing turbulence of the Revolution and the uncertainties of city life. He experiences firsthand the difficulties in finding work in a strife-torn nation, securing an education, and keeping a close-knit family intact. When his family finally settles in Sacramento, young Ernesto encounters new experiences and influences that will forever shape his outlook and broaden his horizons.

With vivid imagery and a rare gift for re-creating a child's sense of time and place, Galarza gives an account of the early experiences of his extraordinary life that will continue to delight readers for decades to come.

"Ernesto Galarza has written a long and vivid memoir of his childhood. The only disappointment in the book is that it does not go on for another couple of volumes to recount its author's rare career in redefining America." —The New York Review of Books

"With its suspense, humor, and occasional sadness, Barrio Boy is splendid reading." —American Anthropologist

"[A] personal document where historical self-explanation, philosophical self-analysis, and poetic self-expression merge to tell with irony and humor a social story: an individual's participation in one of the grandest migrations of modern times—the influx of Mexicans into the American Southwest." —Diacritics

Customer Reviews:

Touching Mexico.......2003-04-22

I came on this book by chance and read it in two sittings. As a North American who has lived in Mexico for four years, I found myself connecting with something on every page about Ernesto Galarza's life in Western Mexico until he was six and then following him until he was a teenager in Sacramento. After reading how the Mexican Revolution affected his family's decisions, I want to read more about Mexican history of the period. The book is notable for Galarza's ear and eye as he paints the details of village life, the series of moves in Mexico, and the many decisions the Galarza family made as they moved step by step away from physical danger. The last parts of the book about life in a Sacramento barrio interested me less but still kept me reading.

When I closed the book I went on the internet to learn more about Galarza. I found out he became a leading organizer and scholar constantly involved in Hispanic life but his book would be memorable even if he had led a more commonplace adult life.

On a lighter note, his account of appearing as a first-grader in a Cinco de Mayo performance was so vivid I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Readers who were bored by this book may have been assigned to read it in school. I think Barrio Boy would be an excellent read before before going to Mexico--it's a pageturner that can deepen the Mexican experience for the imaginative traveler.

Touching Mexico.......2003-04-22

On a lighter note, his account of appearing as a first-grader in a Cinco de Mayo performance was so vivid I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Readers who were bored by this book may have been assigned to read it in school. I think Barrio Boy would be an excellent read before going to Mexico--it's a pageturner that can deepen the Mexican experience for the imaginative traveler.

Authentic Immigrant Story.......2002-04-24

This is one of the most capturing stories I have read of an immigrant coming to the U.S. It was like hearing the stories told time and time again by my parents and grandparents. I have read it twice, once in high school and again in college. Both times Ernesto Galarza was able to draw me into his journey and allowed me to travel along side him, while experiencing a tremendous journey made by thousands.

Slow Moving.......2001-09-25

I bought this book based on previous positive reviews and supposed awards it had received. I was very disappointed because the book moved very slowly, and did not draw me into the story. I, too, did not bother to finish this book. I would not recommend this book to anyone. If you want to read a great book about the mexican experience in the USA try Rain of Gold, by Victor Villasenor. Now there is a great great book!

Barrio Boy.......2000-03-10

I found "Barrio Boy" to be very boring, as a matter of fact I didn't even try to finish the book. So save your money and buy something better.

Average customer rating:

Barrio Boy
Ernesto Galarza
Manufacturer: University of Notre Dame Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KDIG4E

Barrio Boy With Connections (HRW library)

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Barrio Boy With Connections (HRW library)
Ernesto Galarza
Manufacturer: Holt Rinehart & Winston
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0030559871

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Barrio Boy

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: 0345025849

Barrio Boy (The Glencoe literature library)

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Barrio Boy (The Glencoe literature library)
Glencoe McGraw-Hill
Manufacturer: Schools
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Average customer rating:

Gives Poetry A Good Name

Musings of a Barrio Sack Boy
L. Luis Lopez
Manufacturer: Farolito Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

Narrative poetry written about working in a barrio (neighborhood) grocery store in Albuquerque, NM during the late 1940's and early 1950's. The poems describe customers, workers, and neighbors in both humorous and sad situations. The poems are written in English, Spanglish (a mixture of English and Spanish), and some in Spanish. Translation notes appear at the end of the book.

Customer Reviews:

Gives Poetry A Good Name.......2001-03-10

This is a sweet, tender collection of the author's recollections of growing up in an Albuquerque neighborhood with both a grocery store, where he worked, and the Catholic Church, which he attended. He writes of his neighbors with gentle wit and wisdom and reveals their souls in a manner that will make you proud that such a poet exists to give substance to the bricks and mortar of a neighborhood. Lopez teaches in the English Department of Mesa State College in Grand Junction, CO. What a wonderful, inspiring poet.

Reality From the Barrio (The Photography and Prose of Native Santa Fe Youth- From Censorship to Survival)

Average customer rating:

Reality From the Barrio (The Photography and Prose of Native Santa Fe Youth- From Censorship to Survival)
Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club
Manufacturer: Santa Fe Boys & Girls Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OP3TKY

Average customer rating:

Bad Boys of the Barrio
Various Cdupr 38402
Manufacturer: UPROAR ENTERTAINMENT
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 6308499455

Average customer rating:

Barrio Boy
Ernesto Galarza
Manufacturer: University of Notre Dame Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OR93KC

Average customer rating:

Barrio Boy
Ernesto Galarza
Manufacturer: University of Notre Dame Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OR938E

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