Book Description
Just about everything in Endora, Iowa (pop. 1,091 and dwindling) is eating Gilbert Grape, a twenty-four-year-old grocery clerk who dreams only of leaving. His enormous mother, once the town sweetheart, has been eating nonstop ever since her husband's suicide, and the floor beneath her TV chair is threatening to cave in. Gilbert's long-suffering older sister, Amy, still mourns the death of Elvis, and his knockout younger sister has become hooked on makeup, boys, and Jesus -- in that order. But the biggest event on the horizon for all the Grapes is the eighteenth birthday of Gilbert's younger brother, Arnie, who is a living miracle just for having survived so long. As the Grapes gather in Endora, a mysterious beauty glides through town on a bicycle and rides circles around Gilbert, until he begins to see a new vision of his family and himself....
With this wry portrait of small-town Iowa -- and a young man's life at the crossroads -- Peter Hedges created a classic American novel "charged with sardonic intelligence" (Washington Post Book World).
Customer Reviews:
This book caused quite a stir in my hometown..........2007-01-04
"What's Eating Gilbert Grape" by Peter Hedges has long been popular with my peers while we were attending high school in the late 1990's. For some inexplicable reason, this book slipped by me in those years. Recently, though, a number of parents in the community of Carroll, Iowa (pop. ~10,000) declared the book 'inappropiate' mostly due to the sexual references in the book. With all the sudden publicity, my natural reaction was to read it for myself (many persons around me followed suit.)
Upon reading the novel, I finally discovered why this book connected with the rural youth that I grew up with. The characters in the book are easy to relate to: there are devout Christians with makeup caked on their faces, adulterers, handicapped persons that garner the sympathy of everyone, underage women that the men fantasize over, small business owners facing encroachment by corporate America, and the native who got out of town and thus became a smashing success. The hero, Gilbert Grape, desperately wants to leave his seemingly boring small town of Endora, Iowa, just as so many small-town kids dream of doing. Overall, it is funny and dark but a great coming of age story.
The passages that caused the great controversy in my own hometown were over-exaggerated. There are references to oral sex, masturbation, adultery, and promiscuity in the book; but these make the character seem more tangible and pale in the overall plot and message of the book. Many parents that deemed the book unfit for their teens admitted that they read only select lines. However, those who have read the whole book tend to look beyond those few lines and agree that Hedges' novel is a work of literature with a valuable message, and I could not agree more.
THIS IS A CLASSIC AND WONDERFUL READ ~~~~.......2006-08-09
I read this book years ago -- it literally jumped off the book shelf at the library and landed on my foot and I thought, WOW! THIS LOOKS LIKE A GOOD BOOK ~~~~~~~~~ !!!!!!!!
GOOD is not a GOOD enough word for this book. Having read this epic wonder in 1992, here I am, 14 years later, still thinking of it. That, in itself, should speak for itself!!! READ THIS BOOK.
This is a wonderful story line, plot, cast of characters. They tear your heart out. Have kleenex handy as you will need them. Be prepared to laugh out loud also. Mr. Hedges is a superb author with insight into the human soul.
As most of you know, this was made into a movie starring Johnny Depp and Leonardo C. Leonardo was nominated for the OSCAR for his role. The movie follows the book to a tee. I would suggest reading the book first if you have not by chance seen the movie. However -- even if you have seen the movie and LOVED it, treat yourself and read the book. Books are ALWAYS better.
I have recommended this book to all of my friends and family over the last 14 years. The more people who read this, the better. There is no age limit, this can be enjoyed by nearly every age group and gender. It is just soooooooooooo good!!!!
READ THIS BOOK!!!!!!! You will not be sorry.
Thanks -- Pam
A Dark Story.......2006-08-07
I found this dark story of American life compelling. The book seems to have a lot to do with making choices. This book should be enjoyed by those who like a dark, well told story. The shiny happy people out there probably wouldn't like it.
A great book!.......2006-04-15
If you have not yet read "What's Eating Gilbert Grape" I envy you because you get to read it for the first time. It is one of the great books of our time. It is very complex and contains really effective symbolism, yet it is also very, very down-to-earth. If you are 12, or 22, or 32, or 92, this book will be full of meaning to you. It is about the death of the small town, a troubled family, individualism, and many other themes. It is simply one of the best, if not the best, book I have ever read. The movie is also excellent.
very pleased.......2006-01-10
Reading this book, I was pleased to find the exact description of a small town in Iowa. Peter Hedge's descriptions of what was happening never left me wondering, and always gave me something to picture. I read this book for a class, and had no trouble writing about it afterwards. It's excellent for school, and gives people an entertaining example of how to keep a reader's attention. The scenarios in the book are what most people can relate to. You experience humiliation, excitement, anticipation, and first loves all over again from reading this book. It draws you in and you can't help but feel for the Grape family, especially for poor Arnie who's so innocent. The Grape family is one you will instantly fall in love with! With `obese Momma', `boy crazy Ellen', and `over protective Amy', this makes the whole family come together. Overall I would highly recommend this book!
Average customer rating:
|
Whats Eating Gilbert Grape
Manufacturer: pocket books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HK00G2 |
Book Description
As the usual suspects in Nero Wolfe's latest case -- involving taxes and kidnapping -- become victims, Wolfe breaks tradition, leaving his comfortable New York brownstone to do some legwork of his own.
Customer Reviews:
A high-society kidnapping and murder........2007-03-06
Rex Stout's THE FINAL DEDUCTION receives Michael Prichard's warm recording - indeed, Prichard's narrated all the title by Stout featuring the Nero Wolfe protagonist, which lends a wonderful uniformity to this mystery revolving around a high-society kidnapping and murder.
The Final Deduction.......2007-02-08
Another in fine line of Nero Wolfe mysteries. I first met Nero Wolfe and Archie Goodwin on the A&E TV series and I have enjoyed all of the stories.
Only Certain Cases Are Acceptable..........2005-09-07
...and divorce cases are not.
I guess that a certain suspension of disbelief is needed for any detective fiction of Nero Wolfe's genre. From Sherlock Holmes forward, we've been asked to accept as plausible that a private detective could earn a living by solving murder cases and staying away from messy detective stuff. Like tailing cheating spouses.
Let's face it: private detectives being hired to solve murders for large fees?? Not really likely. Nero himself says, often, that the NYPD and Inspector Cramer's staff are far better equipped to handle these cases...
But we are nonetheless fascinated with the process. One key element: Nero is not hamstrung by the obligations of due process which are borne by the police. In this case, bald trickery is used to snare a murderer. Nero clearly believes that the end justifies the means, and so long as the end is satisfactory to Nero Wolfe, any means is acceptable.
So we like reading this, and we feel kind of uncomfortable at the same time. If that isn't great entertainment, I don't know what is!!
Only 'final' for this particular case.......2002-10-28
Althea Vail, an actress who left the stage to become the trophy wife of millionaire Harold Tedder, was in time left a widow with 2 grown children. A few years ago, she acquired a trophy husband of her own - ex-standup comic Jimmy Vail. When Archie recognizes her on Wolfe's doorstep, he assumes that she's about to try to hire them for divorce evidence, and settles down to watch Wolfe throw her out.
Instead, they learn that Jimmy Vail has been kidnapped, and that Althea is prepared to pay the half-million ransom demanded as the price of his return. But to hedge her bets, she wants Wolfe in reserve, to avenge Jimmy if payment doesn't bring him back alive. Wolfe and Archie aren't to investigate unless Vail is harmed, and he does return home safely - only to be found dead shortly thereafter, crushed by a fallen statue of Benjamin Franklin. A tragic accident, coupled with the murder of Mrs. Vail's secretary...and Mrs. Vail's grown son and daughter aren't interested in hiring Wolfe to investigate it, but rather to recover the ransom money, since their mother will let whichever sibling finds it first *keep* it.
For once, the female characters aren't particularly sympathetic; Archie sympathizes with the son's desire to develop a spine, and can't abide the arrogant foolishness of the daughter. Saul, Fred, and Orrie are brought into play, keeping tabs on various suspects - not to expose a killer, technically - but given the fishy circumstances of the kidnapping, and of the secretary's death, they'll end up solving the murder to find the money. For another not-a-murder-investigation story (but with a wider playing field and more fun), see _Before Midnight_, where Wolfe's goal was to help salvage a contest - where the man bearing the answer sheet had been murdered, putting Wolfe squarely in Inspector Cramer's path. :)
Gluttony Pays.......2002-03-04
This was my first stab at Nero Wolfe the towering 285lb detective who works out of his West 35th Street brownstone with sidekick and narrator Archie Goodwin, a man gifted with total recall of all he hears, sees or reads. Circa 1961 Althea Vail, widow of super rich Harold Tedder, gets a $500,000 ransom demand for Jimmy her dashing second husband, twelve years her junior. Wolfe interviews Althea's striking and tight-lipped secretary Dinah Utley whom he believes typed the ransom note. Dinah's dead before the next dawn.
Wolfe is arrogant, overbearing and unapologetic about how little he has to actually do for his outrageous fees. Both he and Archie are keenly insightful, precise and direct in anything they say though not particularly forthcoming. So they don't tell the police about the kidnapping, their suspicions of Dinah or how it ties to her death until the proscribed time two days later.
In the intirim Jimmy is found dead in the Howard F. Tedder library under a bronze statue of Ben Franklin. Noel Tedder Althea's son comes to Wolfe to recover the ransom money. Wolfe accepts his proposal and declares the murderer is one of those in the library with Jimmy - Althea, her children, her brother or her lawyer.
The story then follows a path that only the genius Wolfe can foresee until the murderer is finally exposed. Enjoy the nostalgia of an Underwood with multiple carbons instead of Microsoft Word and postal zones not zip codes, but don't expect anything logical or realistic in the plot. Michael Prichard, audio book reader, projects the bulk and arrogance of Wolfe in a delightful narration. This was an entertaining story to listen to, though I suspect it would have been somewhat tedious to read.
Product Description
Fiction, Mystery, Nero Wolfe
Average customer rating:
|
The Final Deduction
Rex Stout
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JRP2PC |
Average customer rating:
|
The Final Deduction
Rex Stout
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000LT1RUW |
Average customer rating:
|
The Final Deduction, a Nero Wolfe novel
Rex Stout
Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Stout, Rex | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000LTNVQU |
Product Description
From back cover: The ransom note said -- We have your Jimmy safe and sound. You can have him back all in one piece for $500,000 if you play it right...The lady was upset. She didn't care about the money, but she loved her husband and she wanted him back, so she took the ransom note to Nero Wolfe. Imperturbable as ever, Wolfe kept police and clients waiting while he made sure he earned his fee--enough to keep him in orchids forever!
Book Description
“Adrienne Sharp writes with breathtaking perception about the needs and desires of the body, its resilience and its vulnerabilities. Art, passion, history intersect with burning immediacy in this beautifully crafted book.”
–CHITRA BANERJEE DIVAKARUNI
Author of The Mistress of Spices
The world’s most famous choreographer becomes infatuated with a talented young dancer who proves both siren and muse . . . A rising star plunges into an affair with a principal but finds that the ecstasy on the stage cannot be matched in the bedroom . . . A dying legend reflects on the fading beauty of a life in motion, lost to everything but memory. In this beguiling collection, Adrienne Sharp captures the essence and passion of ballet and its fleeting world and translates them into unforgettable stories. White Swan, Black Swan heralds the arrival of a unerringly graceful new voice in American fiction.
Customer Reviews:
Hauntingly familiar for those that have danced.......2005-08-20
The stories, character development and structure of this novel all contribute to the brilliance of this twisted canvas. The book neither starts nor ends. It simply begins in a world most would be completely unware of unless directly tied to it.
You are thrust into the lives of so many different people that let the world of ballet eat their souls apart until there is nothing left but the dance.
It is unbelievably real. Compelling and honest.
Ms. Sharp has put together a chilling look at the dark side of ballet.
Ballet And The Modern Life.......2005-07-24
Adrienne Sharp, a former ballerina in New York City, writes with the wisdom of her experience and the passion of her art. Furthermore, she has vast knowledge on all things ballet- great dancers of the 20th century, choreographers, technique, the spirituality of the ballet and much more. In her first book, she collects various short stories about the wold of 20th century ballet and historic, actual public figure dancers (like Balanchine in one) Rudolph Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn, Suzanne Farrell, etc. Fictional twists are made for dramatic effect. The world we enter in these stories are passionate, metaphysical, spiritual, but when these dancers take off their ballet slippers they become mundane, loving and learning life lessons like the rest of us. In one short story, a dancer succumbs to AIDS, much like Nureyev himself did. It's not a secret that some male dancers are gay or bisexual, and prior to the AIDS outbreak in the 80's, many of these dancers were having risky sex. It's not unlike what goes on in the porn industry. However, Adrienne Sharp writes with vivid and genuine humanity, full of characters that make us laugh, cry and feel passion for ballet. This is a fine work. Her follow-up is the novel "First Love".
Rave.......2004-06-30
Adrienne Sharp's book is one of the most highly literary books I have ever read. Her prose-like narrative is so moving that this book is hard to put down. Strangely enough, I have read reviews of this book by ballet critics which seems a bit odd because the book is so very literary. What does a ballet critic know about writing? Ms. Sharp may have studied ballet for many years, but read the bio...this woman has her MFA from Hopkins..in Creative Writing. She is a writer and her work is amazing, moving, textured and I will remember the deep sadness of the short -lived dancer's life, the pain of AIDS and loss, and the realization that your hopes and dreams can be dashed so young, leaving a very young dancer to scramble and pick themselves off and replan their lives. A great book for not only those interested in dance but all people who love great fiction. Let's see more Ms. Sharp!
Eloquently Interesting.......2003-01-09
I purchased this book looking for a "light read" while on business travel. Almost immediately I was more interested in the author's fact and fiction mix-match than I was in the reason for my trip. I found the short stories well developed, yet simply put forth. As a reformed ballerina come corporate lawyer, I recommend this work to any aficionado of the ballet world.
Fiction with real names?.......2003-01-06
I did not like this book because the stories were, in fact fiction, but used the real names of dancers. I think this is unfair to the dancers, in that people may remeber the fiction and not the truth. I did not want to read the entire book, as I did not want to confuse these stories with the wonderful autobiographies I have read by many of the dancers.
Average customer rating:
- Great Story
- Fantasy Lives up to it's Name
- A book as beautiful as the cover
- Who'd a thought?
- Story fulfills the promise of the cover
|
The Circle of the Swan
Jana G. Oliver
Manufacturer: Magespell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Fantasy, Futuristic & Ghost
| Romance
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
The Summoning Stone (The Dragonfire Fantasy Series)
ASIN: 0970449011 |
Book Description
Book One of the DragonFire Fantasy Series
Customer Reviews:
Great Story.......2005-03-18
This is the first book of a great series. There's a lot of story here, with excellent characters and a well thought out world. Oliver has developed a rich universe that blends high magic and sweeping themes with common sense and gritty realism so that you can sink your teeth in and have a good read without straining your suspension of disbelief. And though this volume occasionally gets lost in exposition, it is well worth the read. The second book in the series is quite a bit smoother and I look forward to the third book.
Fantasy Lives up to it's Name.......2002-12-24
Oliver wrote a pretty story with memorable characters and plenty of twists and turns to keep your attention. It's a classic fantasy story with magic, action, and romance.
In the fantasy tradition, the language tends toward the formal, but it fits the piece and works with the story.
A book as beautiful as the cover.......2002-12-08
As I was walking around at A-kon in Dallas, I noticed Jana G. Oliver's table displaying a giant poster of the cover of this book. That's the thing that made me end up buying it at the end of the convention.
Not only is Jana G. Oliver a wonderful woman to talk to, but she is also aware of people and what they want. This book delivers exactly what you need to fulfill your fantasy need. From the humor, to the suspense and drama, to the last page, you are hooked. I haven't had the opportunity to read the second book or Lover's Knot, but I can't wait to. It is difficult to find a randomly good fantasy novel, but indeed, I've done it this time. Sadly, every good book has an end. I look forward to seeing her books again at further conventions!
Who'd a thought?.......2002-06-09
Mind you, I'm only a Senior in high school, but I've read my fare share of Fantasy. I like authors who have a sense of humor to the point if I'm reading a book in class, I disrupt it because of a funny part and get told to put the book away.
But that's the great thing about good books. You CANT put it away, and I finished this one in less than 12 hours, wanting a sequel in my hands as soon as possible.
This book rates as high as David Eddings, way higher than Terry Brooks, higher than Patricia C. Wrede, and even higher than Pulman.
I would have never seen this book if I havne't attended A-KON, an anual anime convention held in Dallas, Texas. This is where I was introduced to the first book last year, and got the second one.
To put it short and sweet, this book has every literary element my english teachers preach about, and I enjoyed it.
Story fulfills the promise of the cover.......2001-06-03
I just finished reading this book, and I'm pretty impressed. It's a romance-fantasy, but without the saccharine happily-ever-after that usually taints the genre. I found that the various plot strands were woven together deftly, and the dialogue had an archaic flavor without getting bogged down or sounding stilted. The characters do some serious growing, and I felt that the ending was satisfying without relying on one of those smugly "happy ever after" cop-outs.
It was the cover of this book that caught my eye, and I'm glad that I indulged and bought it.
There are some problems which could have been caught with the services of a good proof-reader. I didn't find any problems with continuity or anything like that, just the occasional mis-used word. I believe that this book was self-published, and despite those few mistakes, I'm pleasantly surprised and quite pleased with the story. The heroine is likeable and intelligent, the hero is moody with good reason, and the villains have understandable motivations.
To put it succinctly, I stayed up to read it.
Average customer rating:
|
Psychology Today: Breaking the Bonds of Food Addiction
M.S., R.D., Susan McQuillan
Manufacturer: Alpha
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Eating Disorders
| Mental Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Drug Dependency
| Recovery
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Pathologies
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Diabetes
| Disorders & Diseases
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Eating Disorders
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Reference
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Anatomy of a Food Addiction: The Brain Chemistry of Overeating: An Effective Program to Overcome Compulsive Eating (3rd Edition)
-
Why Can't I Stop Eating?: Recognizing, Understanding, and Overcoming Food Addiction
-
Food Addiction: The Body Knows: Revised & Expanded Edition
-
Conquer Your Food Addiction : The Ehrlich 8-Step Program for Permanent Weight Loss
-
The Emotional Eater's Book of Inspiration: 90 Truths You Need to Know to Overcome Your Food Addiction
ASIN: 1592572928
Release Date: 2004-12-07 |
Book Description
Finally, freedom from food addiction!
From Alpha Books and Psychology Today magazine comes expert advice that explains the whys and hows of food obsession and compulsive overeating. Readers will gain the background and tools needed to fashion a plan for happier, healthier living and help themselves out of compulsive overeating—starting right now. It also shows readers how to work out individual food issues, move beyond addiction, and maintain a healthy, lifelong relationship with food.
• More than 135 million Americans are estimated to be either overweight or obese
• American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reported that Americans spend nearly $45 billion annually on weight-loss products and services and the American Dietary Association indicates that 65% of all women are currently dieting or plan to start a diet in 2004
Books:
- Year of the Hyenas: A Novel of Murder in Ancient Egypt
- 2nd Chance
- A Catch of Consequence
- A Suitable Boy: A Novel (Perennial Classics)
- Always Running: La Vida Loca: Gang Days in L.A.
- Arrows of the Queen ( The Heralds of Valdemar, Book 1)
- At Home in Covington (Ladies of Covington)
- Atlantis Found (Dirk Pitt Adventures)
- Attention. Deficit. Disorder.: A Novel
- Band of Brothers: A Midshipman Bolitho Novel (The Bolitho Novels)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- A Backward Glance: An Autobiography
- Secrets of the Baby Whisperer: How to Calm, Connect, and Communicate with Your Baby
- Old Friend from Far Away: How to Write a Memoir
- Positive Addiction
- Nice Girls Don't Get the Corner Office: 101 Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Care
- Perils of a Restless Planet: Scientific Perspectives on Natural Disasters
- Statistical Tables for the Design of Clinical Studies
- Polar Dance: Born of the North Wind
- Last Days of Glory: The Death of Queen Victoria
- African Countries Mining & Mineral Industry Business Opportunities Handbook Volume 1: West Afric
What's Eating Gilbert Grape (Special Collector's Edition)
An OCEAN IN IOWA: A NOVEL
Sweet Hereafter: A Novel
Inside the Actors Studio: Johnny Depp
Midnight Assassin: A Murder in America's Heartland (Bur Oak Book)
