Brass Ankle Blues: A Novel
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • (RAW Rating: 4.5) - Connecting With Oneself
  • Growing Up in a Mixed-Up World!
  • Delicate Treatment of a Rarely Discussed Subject
  • Great read! It was hard for me to put down.
  • Marvelous writing!
Brass Ankle Blues: A Novel
Rachel M. Harper
Manufacturer: Touchstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0743276809

Book Description

"When I was seven I told my father that I wanted to grow up to be invisible." So begins this stunning debut novel.

As a young woman of mixed race, Nellie Kincaid is about to encounter the strange, unsettling summer of her fifteenth year. Reeling from the recent separation of her parents, Nellie finds herself traveling to the family's lake house with only her father and her estranged cousin, leaving behind the life and the mother she is trying to forget.

Now, as she navigates the twists and turns of first love and shifting family loyalties, what has always been a warm, carefree time is suddenly filled with new tensions. As the summer progresses, Nellie moves toward a definition of self that encompasses all the aspects of her paradoxical -- yet truly American -- identity, only to find her family growing more divided with each passing day. Does her newfound identity require her to distance herself from those she loves?

With depth and compassion, Rachel M. Harper charts the remarkable, captivating journey of a hero-ine's first encounters with our vast and sometimes dangerous country. Not only is Brass Ankle Blues a story of a young woman's search for autonomy, it is also about the things that keep family together: loyalty, forgiveness, and love.

Download Description

With depth and compassion, Rachel M. Harper charts the remarkable, captivating journey of a hero-ine's first encounters with our vast and sometimes dangerous country. Not only is Brass Ankle Blues a story of a young woman's search for autonomy, it is also about the things that keep family together: loyalty, forgiveness, and love.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars (RAW Rating: 4.5) - Connecting With Oneself.......2007-02-10

Coming of age while facing the problems of others can cause quite the conundrum. Are you to focus on your own growth and development or put self to the wayside and turn your attention to the problems in your family? Is it feasible to do both? Nellie Kincaid deals with this in Rachel Harper's BRASS ANKLE BLUES, and the result is a spectacularly engrossing work of literature.

Fifteen-year old Nellie Kincaid enters the awkward phases of womanhood while encountering familial breakdowns. She embarks on a summer trip in Minnesota with her black father and white cousin, whom she had met only once before. Surrounded by the familiar setting of her childhood summers, Nellie faces questions of loyalty, love, and the ties that bind.

My first time reading Harper's work was memorable. While most of the main characters were under the age of eighteen, the author was able to present them in a way that made them timeless, ageless, and, most notably, extraordinarily human. The story went so much deeper than just the run-of-the-mill tragic mulatto tale. While there were a few major dramatic events, BRASS ANKLE BLUES was a more character and relationship centered novel, and Harper aptly crafted them. I would love to read more about these characters, but will read Harper's next offering whether or not they are included. I read on her web site that she is considering adapting BRASS ANKLE BLUES into a screenplay. If the movie ever hits a screen, I'll be the first in line.


Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

4 out of 5 stars Growing Up in a Mixed-Up World!.......2006-04-04

Rachel Harper has crafted an engaging debut novel with Brass Ankle Blues. Family dynamics drive the action in betrayal, mixed heritages, self-discovery, loyalty and forgiveness. Brass Ankles Blues is told from the perspective of Nellie Kincaid, the fifteen year old protagonist of the story. Nellie is the product of an interracial marriage--an African American father and a Caucasian mother. She is trying to find herself in a world where she feels like an outsider. In the summer of her fifteenth year, she comes of age as she leaves childhood behind and matures into an independent thinking young adult. It is a summer complicated by her parents' separation and the uncertainty of their relationship. At times, she feels abandoned and emotionally isolated from the two people that she loved the most and believed would always be together. It is the summer that she spent with her first cousin (from her mother's side), Jess, who is a rebellious, reckless, attention seeking sixteen year old who has been tossed from pillar to post by her wayward parents. On the surface, they appear to have nothing in common and barely tolerate one another. As the summer progresses they will learn the true meaning of "blood is thicker than water" no matter what color the outer exterior is. To maintain some semblance of normalcy and balance in her life, Nellie travels cross country with her father and Jess to Minnesota for the annual summer family gathering. Along the way, she has a chance to ponder life, explore her identity and experience a few roadside mishaps which actually turn out to be moments for lessons learned. In Minnesota, she will face situations that will require her to make quick decisions that will affect her as well as her loved ones and have impact for years to come.

Harper has a fresh voice and is a creative writer. Her talents are best showcased via the eloquent and lyrical prose she uses to describe imagery, places and scenery. Earthy and richly evoked settings of the Great Midwest made me want to pull out a road map and plan a summer excursion with the family. The attention to detail and small items were impeccable. Although at times the narrative slowed down the pacing as it was detailed heavy with a little too much telling and not enough showing. The characters were memorable; however, I wish I could have gotten to know a few of the secondary characters better. Nellie was a remarkable heroine, but her story lacked depth and breadth. Given that we only shared a brief summer in her life, the three month timeframe centered only on her was exasperating at times. Journeying with her included the sullen, withdrawn, angry, attitudinal teenage behavior that turns off most adults after one day; having to experience it for three-fourth of a novel was painful at times. I felt like I was reading a semi-autobiographical account of Harper's life during the summer of her fifteenth year. Stories evolving around bi-racial girls coming of age have been done...often. The story would have been a more compelling read with shifting points of view. While Nellie's parents were flawed, they were also endearing and the little that was shared about them was interesting. It would have been insightful to hear their voice...to hear the voices of parents of bi-racial children as well as what it likes to be part of a bi-racial couple and married to someone of a different race.

That aside, I appreciated that Brass Ankle Blues was more than another tragic mulatto story. Harper has a distinctive and refreshing voice and I look forward to reading future releases--outside of the interracial theme--from this gifted and talented, young author. APOOO rating: 3.5 stars

Reviewed by Yasmin
APOOO BookClub
www.apooo.org

5 out of 5 stars Delicate Treatment of a Rarely Discussed Subject.......2006-03-25

This is a book that, although fiction, tackles a situation rarely discussed, the effects of society on the children of interracial marriages. The character at one point says: 'The only time I feel black is in a room full of white people, and the only time I feel white is in a room full of black people.' This is an indication that neither culture is willing to accept her as she (in this book 'she,' but equally applicable to a 'he') is, as a person regardless of the tone of her skin.

This is a first novel, and it is a coming of age novel. The story is full of characterization and the identification of the troubles that a family can generate among its members is impressive. Indeed the kinds of troubles Nellie Kincaid is forced to face in her summer with the relatives is almost a textbook of real life.

If this introductory book is any sample, Ms. Harper seems destined to become a major talent in her future writing.

5 out of 5 stars Great read! It was hard for me to put down........2006-03-17

I really enjoyed reading the book. My expectations weren't too high because I thought 'oh, another coming of age novel, great, just what we need.' Boy was I wrong. I loved the author's writing style and the characters and story were so captivating that I had a tough time putting it down. When I finished it I was sad because I didn't want to leave the characters behind. I highly recommend it even if you're not a person of color or of mixed race (I'm not and I loved it).

5 out of 5 stars Marvelous writing!.......2006-03-05

What a wonderful novel! Here is a fresh and exciting voice in coming-of-age fiction. Harper's earthy and sensual descriptions of landscape and memory make her story sing; reading about the Minnesota lakes made me yearn to plan a trip there. All of the characters are interesting and memorable, but the main character, Nellie, is the perfect travel companion. This novel about an American woman's journey takes the reader on a magical tour of adolescence and the development of consciousness. Nellie is seeking nothing less than her own soul. Her desire to be an adult, a person with autonomy and spirit, is clear from the very first chapter, but her discoveries along the way, including some vividly detailed encounters with memorable characters, make this a reader's dream as well. I was sorry when the novel ended. Let's hope Harper writes a sequel! Or anything else!

Love's Unending Legacy/Love's Unfolding Dream/Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Love Comes Softly Series 5-8)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Love Comes Softly review
  • Love Comes Softly Pack
  • Love Comes Softly Books 1-4
  • Refreshing!!!
  • Heartwarming and soulful!
Love's Unending Legacy/Love's Unfolding Dream/Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Love Comes Softly Series 5-8)
Janette Oke
Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Missions & Missionary WorkMissions & Missionary Work | Evangelism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
RomanceRomance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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  3. Love's Abiding Joy (Love Comes Softly Series #4) Love's Abiding Joy (Love Comes Softly Series #4)
  4. Love's Unending Legacy (Love Comes Softly Series #5) Love's Unending Legacy (Love Comes Softly Series #5)
  5. Love's Unfolding Dream (Love Comes Softly Series #6) Love's Unfolding Dream (Love Comes Softly Series #6)

ASIN: 0764291009
Release Date: 2004-03-01

Book Description

LOVE COMES SOFTLY, the first series from the pen of Janette Oke, follows the lives of one family through three generations-beginning with a hated""marriage of convenience,""through hardships common to life on the prairie in an earlier time, leading at last to an abiding love. These eight stories reflect the enduring hope of Christian love and faith despite adversity and hardship. More than 6.5 million copies of the books in the series have been sold. Books 5-8 are in this box set.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Love Comes Softly review.......2007-09-30

This series is awesome. They are so easy to read that you just flow. The only complaint is skipping in the years but you could not begin to read all of the years i guess. Very hard to put down once you start reading.

5 out of 5 stars Love Comes Softly Pack.......2007-07-25

I enjoyed reading these books for content and because they were very easy to read. They were written in a comprehensive language that allowed the reader to flow quickly through its content.

5 out of 5 stars Love Comes Softly Books 1-4.......2007-05-07

Good strong moral values are taught in this series. Easy reading gives you an idea of what it was like to live in the 1800's including travel, homelife, and strong work ethics. It takes you back to a slower pace of life. These books are worth reading.

5 out of 5 stars Refreshing!!!.......2007-05-07

I bought all the movies and all the books for my Mom (83) and she absolutly loves them, she read all 8 books in about a week, said she "just couldnt put them down"!! Highly reccomended!!

5 out of 5 stars Heartwarming and soulful!.......2007-05-06

The Love Comes Sotfly books are wonderful! The characters jump out at you and come alive. They are much better than the Hallmark movies, and it was fun to read the differences and follow the lives of Clark, Marty and their children through the pages. Read the Prairie Legacy also by Janette Oak, they continue the story of Clark and Marty. What a wonderful set of books, I really reccommend them, especially if you like sequels and want to know the rest of the story.
Love Takes Wing (Love Comes Softly Series #7)
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Love Takes Wings
  • I loved this story
  • Belinda's story - her job, her life and her loves.
  • WONDERFUL!
  • WONDERFUL!
Love Takes Wing (Love Comes Softly Series #7)
Janette Oke
Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
FictionFiction | Literature & Fiction | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
RomanceRomance | Literature & Fiction | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Missions & Missionary WorkMissions & Missionary Work | Evangelism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
RomanceRomance | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
RegencyRegency | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0764228544
Release Date: 2004-02-01

Book Description

Book 7 of the bestselling Love Comes Softly series. Belinda Davis had trained as a nurse to assist her older brother, Doctor Luke. But as time goes by and she sees those she's grown up with getting married and settling into their own lives, Belinda becomes restless. What had seemed exciting and fresh becomes dull and routine. When she meets an elderly woman who needs nursing care, Belinda jumps at the invitation to go to Boston-a large, ''civilized'' city with cultural opportunities she's never even dreamed of in her little prairie town. But in spite of financial security and countless new experiences, Belinda finds herself restless, lonely, and empty inside.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Love Takes Wings.......2007-04-11

In Book 7 of the "Love Comes Softly" series, Belinda is spreading her wings and trying new things. She finds that Home is a great place to be.

5 out of 5 stars I loved this story.......2005-10-24

I loved this book. It was such a fun and sweet story.

4 out of 5 stars Belinda's story - her job, her life and her loves........2003-11-10

Belinda is featured in this seventh book of the series. Her brother, Dr. Luke has trained her well and she is working full time as his nurse. Her job takes a twist when a wealthy, elderly socialite suffers a stroke on the train and must be taken off and cared for in their small town. After the critical period, Belinda then becomes a private duty nurse in their small town.

Meanwhile, she has seen her 2 best friends and nieces Melissa and Amy Jo marry and move out west. Nursing has consumed so much of her time that she has hardly realized that life is passing and she does becomes aware of TWO possible suitors at the same, exact time - Jackson has returned as a Doctor and joins Luke's practice. Rand is an up and coming builder who has plans for a home for Belinda and himself. An offer to accompany the rich old woman to her home in Boston removes Belinda from the predicament of 2 suitors and no real love on her part.

Not only does she accompany, but she stays on at the Boston mansion of her employer. Never has she seen or even dreamed of such finery but she does learn to adjust. "Aunt Virgie" thinks of Belinda more as a daughter than a nurse which causes no small stir among the other household help. Matters are complicated even more when the old woman's grandson Peter comes to America for a visit. Will a friendship or romance develop between the two young people? Aunt Virginia hopes so, to keep her beloved Peter nearby.

Belinda travels abroad with her employer, and even though she is experiencing once in a lifetime events, she is empty and dissatisfied inside. Has she traded her peace of mind in a tiny prairie town for a life of luxury and discontentment?

I am excited to begin book eight in this series, Love Finds a Home.

5 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL!.......2000-04-17

The continuing saga of Clark and Marty finds Belinda, their youngest child, traveling to faraway Boston as a private nurse. Her new life is much different from the one in the West, but Belinda adapts and enjoys her new life. Janette Oke has written this series so well that you feel that you are there and a part of the Davis family. This book is as rewarding as the six before it. Happy Reading!

5 out of 5 stars WONDERFUL!.......2000-04-17

The continuing saga of Clark and Marty finds Belinda, their youngest child, traveling to faraway Boston as a private nurse. Her new life is much different from the one in the West, but Belinda adapts and enjoys her new life. Janette Oke has written this series so well that you feel that you are there and a part of the Davis family. This book is as rewarding as the six before it. Happy Reading!
Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Janette Oke Keepsake Series 7-8)
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Janette Oke Keepsake Series 7-8)
    Janette Oke
    Manufacturer: Guideposts Books
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Hardcover

    Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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    ASIN: B00073BZRM
    Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Janette Oke Keepsake Series 7-8)
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Janette Oke Keepsake Series 7-8)
      Janette Oke
      Manufacturer: Guideposts Books
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Hardcover

      Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
      ASIN: B000O5ZWK4
      LOVE FINDS A HOME/LOVE TAKES WING
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        LOVE FINDS A HOME/LOVE TAKES WING

        Manufacturer: Guideposts
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Hardcover

        Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
        ASIN: B000GQWZFG
        Love Takes Wing (Love Comes Softly Series #7)
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Love Takes Wing (Love Comes Softly Series #7)
          Janette Oke
          Manufacturer: Bethany House Publishers
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Paperback

          Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
          ASIN: 0553805754
          Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Janette Oke Keepsake Collection 7-8)
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Love Takes Wing/Love Finds a Home (Janette Oke Keepsake Collection 7-8)
            Janette Oke
            Manufacturer: Guideposts Books
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Hardcover

            Oke, JanetteOke, Janette | ( O ) | Authors, A-Z | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
            ASIN: B000GH1GSC
            When Love Takes Wing
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              When Love Takes Wing
              Sharon Sanders
              Manufacturer: Avalon
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Hardcover
              ASIN: B000GNYCE6
              When Love Takes Wing
              Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
              • Flying high up in the sky---leads to love
              When Love Takes Wing
              Sharon Sanders
              Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Paperback

              United StatesUnited States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
              GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
              RomanceRomance | Large Print | Formats | Books
              ASIN: 156054600X

              Customer Reviews:

              4 out of 5 stars Flying high up in the sky---leads to love.......2002-04-01

              I selected this book because the author has the same last name as I have. I was hoping that I would learn of a long lost relative. Well, I am confident that Sharon Sanders is not a relative of mine at all. As a matter of fact, I learned that the name is a pseudonym for Robert A. Deckert. Surfice it to say, Deckert is not a relative either.

              Inspite of the confusion in the author's name, the book was an interesting one. Handsome Derek Reid flys into the heart of lovely Diana Gardner after establishing himself as one of her trusted flight trainers, businessman turned defender. This was a short story which again shows that hard work pays off and committment to estabishing oneself (Diana) as a bonafide flying/training/flight escort business can lead to everlasting love. How I love a LOVE STORY!!! Beverly C. Sanders
              Condor crime book
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                Condor crime book
                Frank Nunn
                Manufacturer: Condor
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Unknown Binding

                BritishBritish | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | Classics | Contemporary | General | Historical | Humor | Letters & Correspondence | Middle | Old | Poetry | Renaissance | Shakespeare | Short Stories
                ASIN: B0007K70KQ

                The Ring Of Naar
                Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                • A fantasy Tourdeforce
                • An original new fantasy novel
                • An unpredictable and interesting fantasy jaunt!
                • Complex and Intriguing
                • Great book
                The Ring Of Naar
                Patrick D. Catlett
                Manufacturer: Virtualbookworm.com Publishing
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Paperback

                GeneralGeneral | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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                1. The Wolf and the Worm The Wolf and the Worm

                ASIN: 1589395913

                Book Description

                An overwhelming enemy advances on the small kingdom of Su'Meeryn. The new king finds himself faced with the destruction of his fragile realm as the horde is too strong to be stopped by his small army. But an aged prophet tells of an ancient artifact-The Ring of Naar-that can save Su'Meeryn and usher in a new and triumphant age. Two young men are sent on a dangerous mission to locate the ring and return before the castle is overrun. What they find is more perilous and sinister than either could have imagined.

                The Ring of Naar is the beginning of a new and original fantasy series with a riveting and astonishing climax.

                Customer Reviews:

                5 out of 5 stars A fantasy Tourdeforce.......2004-12-25

                Move over Tolkien, Moorcock and the rest of the old guard; Patrick Catlett has arrived. The Ring of Naar takes the typical fantasy genre to almost unbelievable new heights. It will likely be the defining scifi/fantasy book of this generation and will undoubtedly blaze a new direction in Fantasy novels for this millenium. The story is intricately woven with vivid scenes painted by the authors spirited descriptions. Its truly a captivating read. What takes place is both familiar and surprising with an (ending?) that will stun even the most hardcore fantasy fanatic. Hopefuly the author has not fully spent his talents on this masterpiece as I am looking forward to seeing the story continue. With the recent popularity of the Lord of the Rings movies, this novel should also be considered seriously by up and coming film producers for a potential film version. In any event, I am definitely looking forward to the next in the series..

                5 out of 5 stars An original new fantasy novel.......2004-11-29

                Not what I was expecting. Well paced and surprising.

                4 out of 5 stars An unpredictable and interesting fantasy jaunt!.......2004-11-28

                On the whole, I liked this novel. I just found it a bit short for a typical fantasy novel, but most of them are huge anyway.

                At times, things did not always go as planned, causing the main characters to need to adjust accordingly. I would have liked to see the spiritual aspects behind Naemon, Teracuss, and Iridan developed more, and the mysterious strangers (The White Man, etc...), after their meeting. The story changed focus around this time, so that ended up not being that important. The development of Teracuss and Iridan aside from their involvement with Naemon was well done and in depth.

                I found many elements of the fantasy genre present, especially in the description of the siege. The king's reflections upon his situation and his relationships really gave you a feel, through him, for the kingdom of Su'Meeryn. At one point in the story I found it odd that the fantasy idea of a powered object was rejected, yet other themes like those involving a certain creature's actions in a certain situation, and also the creature's ability to speak, were readily accepted.

                The way the story ended left many more characters dead than I would have expected, but in a way, the results of the battle were made more realistic and honest in that way. I liked the reflection of one of the main characters at the end and the questions he raised. I guess the resolution of those questions will be explored in the next novel.

                Overall, I believe fans of the fantasy genre will enjoy this novel and I do recommend buying it. It is fresh and imaginative and I think many people will like it!

                5 out of 5 stars Complex and Intriguing.......2004-06-23

                This story has a few twists to it that threw me for a loop. The journey of the main characters was intriguing. I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Well worth the read!

                5 out of 5 stars Great book.......2004-06-14

                I really liked this book. Very vividly portrayed with gret dialouge. The ending was great. I highly recommend it.
                Further investigation of the value of the Brucella ring test on samples from milk tanks =: Voortgezet onderzoek naar de waarde van de abortus bang-ringtest bij melkmonsters uit melk-tanks
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Further investigation of the value of the Brucella ring test on samples from milk tanks =: Voortgezet onderzoek naar de waarde van de abortus bang-ringtest bij melkmonsters uit melk-tanks
                  W. K. W Hill
                  Manufacturer: s.n
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Unknown Binding
                  ASIN: B0007B174K

                  On Desire: Why We Want What We Want
                  Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                  • Thoughtful and easy to read for philosophical novices
                  • Irvine, Christianity and the Steps
                  • An Evolutionary Perspective, but Then?
                  • Great Stuff very readable for lay person
                  • Eye-opening
                  On Desire: Why We Want What We Want
                  William B. Irvine
                  Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Hardcover

                  Consciousness & ThoughtConsciousness & Thought | Philosophy | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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                  5. Monkeyluv: And Other Essays on Our Lives as Animals Monkeyluv: And Other Essays on Our Lives as Animals

                  ASIN: 0195188624

                  Book Description

                  A married person falls deeply in love with someone else. A man of average income feels he cannot be truly happy unless he owns an expensive luxury car. A dieter has an irresistible craving for ice cream. Desires often come to us unbidden and unwanted, and they can have a dramatic impact, sometimes changing the course of our lives. In On Desire, William B. Irvine takes us on a wide-ranging tour of our impulses, wants, and needs, showing us where these feelings come from and how we can try to rein them in. Spicing his account with engaging observations by writers like Seneca, Tolstoy, and Freud, Irvine considers the teachings of Buddhists, Hindus, the Amish, Shakers, and Catholic saints, as well as those of ancient Greek and Roman and modern European philosophers. Irvine also looks at what modern science can tell us about desire--what happens in the brain when we desire something and how animals evolved particular desires--and he advances a new theory about how desire itself evolved. Irvine also suggests that at the same time that we gained the ability to desire, we were "programmed" to find some things more desirable than others. Irvine concludes that the best way to attain lasting happiness is not to change the world around us or our place in it, but to change ourselves. If we can convince ourselves to want what we already have, we can dramatically enhance our happiness. Brimming with wisdom and practical advice, On Desire offers a thoughtful approach to controlling unwanted passions and attaining a more meaningful life.

                  Customer Reviews:

                  5 out of 5 stars Thoughtful and easy to read for philosophical novices.......2007-09-28

                  A former professor of mine recommended this book to me, and I actually read it twice in a row. It's incredibly lucid for a philosophy text; Irvine's style is gentle and meditative, but sharp, and the book has plenty of relatable, real-world examples of what he's talking about woven through it.

                  Irvine seems to ultimately side with Buddha, Epictetus, and many other thinkers who concur that mastering desire is the key to lasting happiness. But Irvine's perspective is, of course, that of a 21st century human being, so perhaps this book is easier to take than a canonical text. It's not as heavy as it looks. A thought-provoking but not brain-crushing read.

                  4 out of 5 stars Irvine, Christianity and the Steps.......2007-04-29

                  Irvine is strongest in his review of the psychological literature regarding the manipulation of desire (through brain stimulation, etc). These experiments make the physical basis of "desire" disconcertingly clear,though the ability of the "mind" or "reason" to temper them is minimized in this section and yet featured in the section on "mastering desire" a contradiction not entirely resolved.
                  Christians beware. Irvine either knows little (or cares little) about this major religious system for controlling desire. He presents Christianity as little more than a system of suppressing desire by offering "pie in the sky by and by." (Catholic) Christian systems of targeted asceticism are at least as complex as the Zen practices that Irvine clearly prefers. Christianity is also a complex ethical system for living a satisfied life with others in this world, a dimension Irvine mostly ignores. Islam and Judaism fare little better.
                  He also gives short shrift to Alcoholics Anonymous (and derivative 12 step programs). Though comparatively modern, these have proven to be extremely successful in curbing what appear to be obsessive, genetically based desires of great power. How this is accomplished by combination of belief, community support and re-education is deserving of more than a paragraph in a 300 page book on Desire.

                  4 out of 5 stars An Evolutionary Perspective, but Then?.......2006-04-28

                  Irvine is to be commended for offering one of the few books to ask the "big" philosophical questions, starting with the reality that human nature is carved out of evolutionary bedrock. If for no other reason, this book is a treasure.

                  But he concludes, "the best way to gain... lasting satisfaction... is to change not the world and our position in it but ourselves... we should work at wanting what we already have." Okay, so another book to tell us that "meaning is found within." In other words, the value or meaning to life is in its being lived! And, if one adds the sentiment of others, then the life "lived well."

                  It is true that the meaning to our lives is found within ourselves; I hope this is not new insight? And Irvine is to be praised for looking at the "big issues" from an evolutionary perspective; after all, that is our inheritance. But once we've agreed that life itself is what confers meaning, and that the life involved is embedded in evolutionary perspective, why not go the full gamit and suggest ways in which our evolutionary history "informs" that life? By failing to make that "next" step, Irvine falters.

                  Many other books do not leave one wondering. Matt Ridley, for example, examines our "virtues" in light of our evolutionary history, and while he refrains from being prescriptive, he at least suggests some of the features our evolutionary past must surely inform our present. People may not like his adumbration, but at least he has an idea of what that evolutionary past "means" for us in the present (hint: tit-for-tat ethics; a Hayekean kind of society).

                  It's Irvine's failure to make any connection with the evolutionary past that makes his work disappointing. Even Robert Wright, another evolutionary thinker, came up with some ideas about our inheritance and what he thought it suggested (hint: one-world government, based on utilitarian calculus). Wrong as I believe Wright to be, he at least tried to connect the evolutionary dots.

                  Because Irvine is too timid to make any claims, not just too timid to make bold claims, he leaves the reader wondering, So what? Yes, my evolutionary past is part and parcel of my present, but, "What does that mean?" Ridley and Wright (even Pinker, Tooby and Cosmides, etc.) have suggestions. Of course, no one is certain, but at least they make a stab at it! That's the excitement about evolutionary biology and psychology that is changing perceptions about everything.

                  Even if Irvine does not feel comfortable about making any claims, surely he must have some thoughts about what "might be" involved. Even if wrong, at least one has another perspective to add to the list. But to add nothing to the discussion is a serious omission, almost too serious to recommend the book. Still, if you want unvarnished evolutionary theory as it applies to Homo sapiens, without any postulations of what "that" might mean, Irvine presents a good foundation upon which further study can build. Otherwise, I recommend Wright's "The Moral Animal" or Ridley's "The Origin of Virtues." The two come to very different conclusions, but at least they try to "make" something of our evolutionary past. If no implication is involved, then, So what?

                  5 out of 5 stars Great Stuff very readable for lay person.......2006-02-24

                  Actually this book reminds me a bit of Alain De Botton's excellent books on philosophers the Consolations of Philosophy and How Proust Save My Life, but without the humour these books tickle you with. At the same time it is refreshing that Irvine does not take himself too seriously. he never gets int he way of his very absorbing topic. I quit smoking while reading this book. and now i know why. ha!

                  5 out of 5 stars Eye-opening.......2006-02-08

                  If you're looking for a "philosophy" book that is practical, this book is a welcome addition. Reminiscent of the Ancient Schools of Philosophy - i.e. those that believed that philosophy should make a practical difference in your life, this book provides a comprehensive overview of desire along with some thoughts that may lessen our slavery. If there is one shortcoming, it comes from the fact that because the author covers so much ground, much of it is covered at a very surface level. It would have been helpful if the author could have included a "For Further Reading" section at the end of each chapter. However, when all is said, the value of this work is that it has organized and synthesized the topic and makes you think about what really is driving your behavior.
                  On Desire: Why We Want What We Want
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    On Desire: Why We Want What We Want
                    William B. Irvine
                    Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback
                    ASIN: B000OKTCKU

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