Customer Reviews:
the Realm of Existentialism.......2006-11-12
"There is no more obnoxious way to punish a man than to force him to perform acts which make no sense to him, as when one empties and fills the same ditch indefinitely, when one makes soldiers who are being punished march up and down, when one forces a schoolboy to copy lines."
What will the modern man do when slapped in the face with the absurdity of his own existence? Become an adventurer, passionate, serious, intellectual? Where will his values come from when there are no values -- how will he create them out of nothing? Is it easier to adopt a game full of illusions created by someone else? de Beauvoir forces the reader to come face to face with the absolute absurdity of the human condition, and then, proceeds to develop a dialectic of ambiguity that will enable the reader not to master the chaos, but to create with it. This book will probably alter many well-rooted philosophical perceptions -- so, reader beware! I could have done without the dramatic image of how the Nazi's conditioned themselves to become insensitive to human suffering (de Beauvoir used as an extreme example), but oh well... This book is a keeper, and very quotable! Highly recommended, especially for those diving into the Realm of Existentialism! --Katharena Eiermann, 2006
A Short Philosophical Work...That is Brilliant.......2005-12-16
I am in the group of people who has read this book, and has understood it completely. It is probably my favorite philosophy text, and I have read my share of philosophy texts. Unlike the worldview in other existencial writers, there is a large degree of hope and connectiveness in de Beauvoir's works. If you have seen the movie I heart Huckabees, you are probably familiar with a simplified version of de Beauvoir's ideas in this book, through the existencial detectives.
Also ignore the one star review, it is a pretty easy book to read and understand. It may take a couple of reads to comprehend all of what she is talking about, but most philosophy works are this way.
A wonderful exploration into the nature of humanity, and a wonderful introduction to de Beauvoir.
Great Teaching Text for Existentialism.......2003-12-27
This is an excellent and original work of philosophy, closely related to the contemporary ideas of Sartre and Merleau-Ponty, but quite unique and not reducible to their work. I find it to be one of the best books (indeed one of the few books) to use to teach existentialism in introductory classes. I recommend skipping the first chapter, because it is self-consciously "literary," (in an obscure way), and contributes nothing essential to the book. Chapter 2 is the core of the book, and it is an incredible and compelling piece of writing that brilliantly discusses the distinctive nature of childhood experience, and then develops a dialectic of "bad faith" that offers a sort of system for understanding personality types--ways, that is, of embracing (imperfectly) our freedom. The third chapter studies politics in a very thoughtful way, (though I find it is often lost on my intro students because they just don't have enough experience of political realities to appreciate the significance of what she is saying). This text is often wrongly belittled by commentators (and, indeed, de Beauvoir herself wrongly said disparaging things about it), but I think it is one of the classic texts of existential phenomenology and deserves to be widely read.
Great Teaching Text for Existentialism........2003-12-27
This is an excellent and original work of philosophy, closely related to the contemporary ideas of Sartre and Merleau-Ponty, but quite unique and not reducible to their work. I find it to be one of the best books (indeed one of the few books) to use to teach existentialism in introductory classes. I recommend skipping the first chapter, because it is self-consciously "literary," (in an obscure way), and contributes nothing essential to the book. Chapter 2 is the core of the book, and it is an incredible and compelling piece of writing that brilliantly discusses the distinctive nature of childhood experience, and then develops a dialectic of "bad faith" that offers a sort of system for understanding personality types--ways, that is, of embracing (imperfectly) our freedom. The third chapter studies politics in a very thoughtful way, (though I find it is often lost on my intro students because they just don't have enough experience of political realities to appreciate the significance of what she is saying). This text is often wrongly belittled by commentators (and, indeed, de Beauvoir herself wrongly said disparaging things about it), but I think it is one of the classic texts of existential phenomenology and deserves to be widely read.
Concise Existential Account.......2003-06-09
By exploring the meaning of "existence before essence" and the fundamental reality of choice, Beauvoir presents the reader with a livable program for life in the modern and multiplicit world; namely existentialism. Ethics is both concise and poetic, maintaining a clarity that Being and Nothingness lacks. The Second Sex is essentially an entailment of the ideas explored in this book. Few other philosophers of the 20th century were able to combine practical philosophy and rigorous metaphysics with such eloquence.
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Allegories of the Wilderness: Ethics and Ambiguity in Kuranko Narratives (African Systems of Thought)
Michael Jackson
Manufacturer: Indiana University Press
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ASIN: 0253304717 |
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Robert Frost: The Ethics of Ambiguity
John H. Timmerman
Manufacturer: Bucknell University Press
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Emmanuel Levinas and Maurice Blanchot: Ethics and the Ambiguity of Writing
William Large
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Maurice Blanchot: The Refusal of Philosophy
ASIN: 1903083338 |
Book Description
With a central focus on themes of ethics and subjectivity, this analysis pairs Maurice Blanchot's creativity with Emmanuel Levinas's philosophies across topics of friendship, the opposition of speech to writing, and the ethical role of language.
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Ambiguity in Moral Choice
Richard A. McCormick
Manufacturer: Marquette University Press
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ASIN: 087462505X |
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- Fabulous Read
- Wake Me Up, Please
- An unexpected delight. An "A" read.
- This One Just Didn't Work For Me...
- 3rd book of series needs some pick me up
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A Lady of His Own (Bastion Club)
Stephanie Laurens
Manufacturer: Avon
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The Lady Chosen (Bastion Club)
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A Fine Passion (A Bastion Club Novel)
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A Gentleman's Honor
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Captain Jack's Woman
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To Distraction (Bastion Club)
ASIN: 006059330X
Release Date: 2004-09-28 |
Book Description
The seven members of the Bastion Club have served loyally in the perilous service of the Crown. Now they've banded together to support one another through their most dangerous mission of all: getting married.
When Charles St. Austell returns home to claim his title as earl, and to settle quickly on a suitable wife as well, he discovers that experience has made him impatient of the young ladies who vie for his attention—with the exception of Lady Penelope Selborne. Years ago, Charles and Penelope's youthful ardor was consummated in an unforgettable afternoon. Charles is still haunted by their interlude, but Penny refuses to have anything more to do with him.
If controlling her heart was difficult before, resisting a stronger, battle-hardened Charles is well nigh impossible, yet Penelope has vowed she won't make the same mistake twice, nor will she marry without love. But when a traitorous intrigue draws them together, then ultimately threatens them both—will Penny discover she has a true protector in Charles, her first and only love, who now vows to make her his own?
Download Description
New York Times-bestselling author Stephanie Laurens specializes in writing historical romances set in Regency England. Her first such novel was Captain Jack's Woman, published by Avon Books in 1977. Ms. Laurens is best known for her long-running, award-winning tales of the ducal Cynster dynasty: The Ideal Bride; Devils' Bride; A Rake's Vow; Scandal's Bride; A Rogue's Proposal; A Secret Love; All About Love; All About Passion (the story of "honorary Cynster" Gyles Rawlings); the "twin novels," On a Wild Night & On a Wicked Dawn; The Perfect Lover; and The Promise in a Kiss: A Christmas Novel, about the founders of the Cynster dynasty. All these titles are available from PerfectBound e-books. Ms. Laurens is also the author of The Bastion Club novels, commencing with The Lady Chosen and A Gentleman's Honor in late summer 2003. She resides in a leafy bayside suburb of Melbourne, Australia with her husband and two daughters and their cats, Shakespeare and Marlowe. Please visit www.stephanielaurens.com.
Customer Reviews:
Fabulous Read.......2007-10-04
I absolutely loved this book!! It was very intriguing and entertaining! Stephanie Laurens really knows how to write a very, very good book!!!
Wake Me Up, Please.......2006-07-18
This is the story of Charles and Penny (Bastion Club Series). They were childhood friends who became lovers in their teens. He left and went to war, she stayed at home and never married. When Penny's late family is found to be involved in possible spying for the French, Charles is sent to investigate. He knows it is time to get married and decides Penny is the one for him. He vows to take his time so not to scare her off. In the meantime, they decide to investigate if her late brother and father as well as her living uncle and cousin are guilty of spying for the French.
This is one of those rare books that took me weeks to read. I can usually read a good one in one day. The problem, repetitive dragging and boring filler for the first half of the book. The second half overdid the sex almost like Ms. Laurens was trying to pep it up desperately after such a boring start.
I started reading Stephanie Laurens Cysnter novels and got hooked after the first couple of books. However, it seems almost every book afterwards has been a disappointment. She uses the same formula for every book. Boy pursues girl, girl resists, boy gets girl they investigate a mystery and the girl almost gets killed but is rescued by the boy. Yawn! Please give us some original material.
An unexpected delight. An "A" read........2006-01-12
A Lady of his Own was a welcomed surprise. In recent years, especially with the Cynster series, Stephanie Laurens has fallen into a very predictable rut. While enjoyable, her books had basic carbon copies of characters and plots. Lady, however is a great exception.
Main Characters Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel and Lady Penelope "Penny" Selborne grew up together and had one intimate encounter 13 years ago. Now back from spending those 13 years as a spy in France, Charles needs a wife. He's bored and put off by all the vapid Misses and their willing subterfuge that he no longer wants any part of. He wants someone who will be a real, loving wife. A partner with a real connection. To his relief Charles has been sent to his home to investigate the possibility that secrets were sold there during the war. Enter Penny. And a mystery.
Penny has tried to put Charles behind her. She loved him when she was 16 but was under the hurtful impression that he saw her as just a bit of fun. Of course, that couldn't be further from the truth. In the midst of her turmoil of Charles's return, she is running her own investigation, believing her family to be the ones who sold the secrets to the French.
A thoroughly adult and cliché free tale, Laurens brings to life characters and a couple that are completely relatable with out any of the insane runaround and monologue that many other books indulge in. She even avoids the much over played line that 29-year-old Penny might be "incomplete" because she does not have a child. On the contrary, she is happy for her friends with children, but has never felt especially maternal. Penny and Charles know what they want and progress towards it with nary a misstep. Supportive, open, intuitive, and protective of one another they are everything you wish your own relationship could be.
The mystery is a good one as well. While the perpetrator is obvious half way through, the exact nature of things is not revealed till the end.
The only negatives I can list are a tendency to use modern terms like "cramp his style" and a few many redundant monologues concerning the mystery.
This One Just Didn't Work For Me..........2005-12-28
This is the second novel by SL that I have read. I also picked up "A Fine Passion" and read and reviewed that earlier (good book). Unfortunately, this second pick was not quite up to par.
Although I found the story line interesting and the characters a challenge...it was almost a bit too much of a good thing. The basic nature of this was a spy tale not a love story. The elements of spying on each other and solving the mystery of the heroine's family legacy and the possible killer on the loose over-road the basic love story of the main characters Penny and Charles. Just when I would read some passages of serious love interaction between the two...they would then jump into spy talk, detective actions and so on. Then when I would get engrossed in the spy passages....they would have flashbacks to their early years together and/or current sexual attraction issues. It was like a tennis match - back and forth, back and forth. I think it was simply a good thing gone bad.
I think the author tried hard to make the story deep and intriguing to balance out the typical lightness that goes with historical romances but, for me...this one just didn't work. I like the authors writing style, her development of plots and character depth but, on this book, I just didn't ever bond with the situation or the people. Too much going back and forth killed the story and intensity for me.
The fact that these two seemed to be so attracted and sexual 13 years earlier and then meet up and nothing has changed seemed a bit far fetched. They spent ½ their lives apart and yet things can take off better than ever? That was too much for me. Plus...neither seemed to fight their feelings and just acted on impulse all the time. Although this was great in the spontaneity areas and their was plenty of sexual outings together, it didn't seem likely for the time or the risk of pregnancies back then.
Both these characters - Penny and Charles had so much potential but....sadly, it just never developed in the current context. Most of what we knew about these people were about who they used to be? I just couldn't get a grip on who they were now and why they would be creating a future together. They had too much past, not enough now and only the spy tale seemed to pull them together again.
The side characters in this book didn't warrant much interest either.
Although this book only got three stars, I still bought other books by this author and hope for better in the other stories. Don't give up on SL if you don't like this book - it just wasn't one of her better or more memorable tales. It could have been but, simply didn't work out that way. On to another....
3rd book of series needs some pick me up.......2005-07-10
I had a really hard time reading this book. I love Stephanie Laurens she's usually such a wonderful writer. Most of her leading ladies are older and mature not young giddy things. The men too usually know what they want and what they're looking for. This book however seems to be dragging. Almost as if there needed to be filler. The filler drags the book. I will continue to read her books but hope that the others will be full of action and speed along.
Product Description
The Barnes & Noble Review: Stephanie Laurens delivers a welcome third entry in her popular Bastion Club series, featuring adventurous ex-spies who have determined to foil the matchmakers of the ton and marry ladies of their own choosing. Here Charles St. Austell, Earl of Lostwithiel, finds himself face to face with his onetime love, the unforgettable Lady Penny Selborne, when he returns home to Cornwall. At the request of his former commander, Dalziel, Charles starts to investigate rumors of spy smuggling in the town, even as he reignites a powerful sensual relationship with Penny. As he uncovers Selborne family secrets and possible hidden treasure, will he also damage any possible future with Penny? Ginger Curwen
Customer Reviews:
Marvel Legends: Wolverine is a must have book!.......2004-08-01
Marvel Legends: Wolverine is a must have book! this book is written by Larry Hamma and the artwork is done by fan-favorite comic book artist, Marc Silvestri. In this book, Wolverine takes on the Japanese Yakuza, Faces down a legendary Canadian monster, and uncovers secrets of the Mysterious Weapon X program. The book features X-Men characters like Cable, Sabretooth,Silver Fox, Professor X and Jean Grey, this book collects Wolverine#31-34,#41-42,#48-50. This is a must have book because Marc Silvestri did a wonderful job with the artwork. Highly Recommended!
interesting, although a bit confusing.......2004-06-09
I wasn't really sure what sort of stories I would be reading when I first started this volume. The X-Men have been around for a while, and I have only read a small fraction of the X-Men comics out there. This volume showcases comics penciled by Marc Silvestri, which means that the issues included are Wolverine #31-34, 41-42, and 48-50. I was a bit confused about how connected these groups of comics were, plot-wise, but it was still an interesting read. The first comics in the volume are about Wolverine battling Yakuza on really scary drugs, the next comic has the Hunter in Darkness. Then there's some comics with a little android girl named Elsie-Dee, as well as comics where Wolverine tries to find out which of his memories are real and which are false.
For me, it seems like a pretty mixed bag, but avid fans of the X-Men and Wolverine might feel differently. For the most part, I really enjoyed the artwork - Silvestri does an excellent Wolverine, in my opinion.
Average customer rating:
- And what a story!
- Messing With Creation...
- The Story I found myself a part of . . .
- Certainly interesting adventures
- It really gets you thinking!
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The Story We Find Ourselves In: Further Adventures of a New Kind of Christian
Brian D. McLaren
Manufacturer: Jossey-Bass
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Binding: Hardcover
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The Last Word and the Word after That: A Tale of Faith, Doubt, and a New Kind of Christianity
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A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends on a Spiritual Journey
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The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything
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A Generous Orthodoxy: Why I Am a Missional, Evangelical, Post/Protestant, Liberal/Conservative, Mystical/Poetic, Biblical, Charismatic/Contemplative, Fundamentalist/Calvinist, Anabaptist/Anglican, Methodist, Catholic, Green, Incarnational, Depressed-yet-Hopeful, Emergent, Unfinished CHRISTIAN
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Adventures in Missing the Point: How the Culture-Controlled Church Neutered the Gospel
ASIN: 0787963879 |
Book Description
After many years as a successful pastor, Brian McLaren has found, as more and more Christians are finding, that none of the current strains of Christianity fully describes his own faith. In The Story We Find Ourselves In — the much anticipated sequel to his award-winning book A New Kind of Christian— McLaren captures a new spirit of a relevant Christianity, where traditional divisions and doctrinal differences give way to a focus on God and the story of God's love for this world. If you are searching for a deeper life with God— one that moves beyond the rhetoric of denominational and theological categories— this delightful and inspiring fictional tale will provide a picture of what it could mean to recapture a joyful spiritual life.
Customer Reviews:
And what a story!.......2007-06-30
In the most unlikely of settings with the most unlikely people, NEO (see book 1) tells his imagined story of the universe and life, ending with a a very interesting preview of what Heaven might be like. (Some characters: terminal cancer PhD biologist/atheist and her hippy son, Jamaican ex-preacher-still-Christian PhD scientist and believer in evolution (NEO), a disenchanted preacher, and his family). The book centers around a long story by NEO , who is on vacation, that starts in Ecuador trying to explain how he can be a Christian and a Science teacher to a sceptical atheist biologist who is trying to save species. It continues and concludes in Maryland where NEO finally convinces her (with God's help, of course). Shortly before she dies of cancer she becomes a true believer and is baptised. It sounds pretty far fetched and terribly melodramatic the way I put it here, but actually, for me, it was a believable, fascinating continuation of the first book, "A New Kind of Christian", well worth 5 stars. I am going on to read the last of the trilogy, with great thanks to Brian McLaren for some beautiful insights and a touching narrative.
Messing With Creation..........2007-03-26
...but in a good way, I think. McLaren's ideas in this installment of the trilogy are excellent, shying away from any kind of doctrinal statement but instead placing ideas and thoughts within the wider meta-narrative of Hebrew religion, Judaism, and Christianity. The best move this book makes is placing sexuality, perhaps THE most overlooked part of the human experience in evangelical culture and American culture as a whole, within the framework of creation. McLaren is absolutely right in pointing out that any debate on origins shouldn't start with creation vs. evolution, but should start with sexuality. McLaren's ideas have always been more conversational, and this book follows in that stance of critiquing rational minded religion.
So, why three stars? To put it as nicely as I can, McLaren's prose is underwhelming, his characters are one dimensional, and the plot of this book would have been better written by a team of writers from "General Hospital." Some might disagree with me and would say that McLaren's book is more conversational theology than novel, but I would counter that it would have been better as a strictly conversational theology book and not a novel.
But, its hard to argue with McLaren's intentions and this book is a welcome addition to his end of the theological conversation.
The Story I found myself a part of . . ........2007-03-09
In part 2 of the this series we find the characters coming to the realization of no boundaries, unexpected discoveries, and love for all of creation (not just the human creation). What the author brings forth for all who read is not a pointless liberal agenda, or leftist mentality, but rather a perspective of the truth that transcends categories. It is a story about the inclusive rescue by God for all creation, our role in that rescue, and the role of others past, present and future. This book- and series- has challenged some of my earlier notions and categories and is bringing about an emergence of a new perspective. I am gratfeul to the author for writing this book.
Certainly interesting adventures.......2007-02-15
This book is definately not as helpful as the first book. In this book Brian takes the journey and metaphors a bit too far. He strays a bit too far from the scriptures to make his point. Keep to the first book definately more helpful.
It really gets you thinking!.......2007-01-09
Wow, what a great way to continue "A New Kind of Christian: A Tale of Two Friends On A Spritual Journey". The story is not only easy to read, but is interesting in it's different aspect of the Story itself.
I would highly recommend reading "A New Kind of Christian" first as it will help you understand the characters more clearly and the background of their ideals and feelings toward the subject.
Books:
- The Five Bells and Bladebone
- The Fool's Progress: An Honest Novel
- The Greatest Player Who Never Lived: A Golf Story
- The Hellion Bride
- The Last Convertible
- The LAST PICTURE SHOW : A Novel
- The Magic of Ordinary Days
- The Mezzanine
- The Mitford Snowmen (Mitford Christmas)
- The Most Beautiful Woman in Town and Other Stories
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Stonewall Jackson: The Black Man's Friend
- Peace, Love and Healing: Bodymind Communication & the Path to Self-Healing: An Exploration
- Crazy in Alabama
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- Handbook of Water and Wastewater Microbiology
- Getting Started with MATLAB 7: A Quick Introduction for Scientists and Engineers
- Favorite Dogs Coloring Book
- Business Masterminds: Roads to Success -- Put Into Practice the Best Business Ideas of Eight Leading
- Qatar Business Intelligence Report
The Second Sex
Existentialism And Human Emotions (A Philosophical Library Book)
Being And Nothingness
The Mandarins (Harper Perennial Modern Classics)
All Men Are Mortal
