Amazon.com
The quirky premise of Carolyn Parkhurst's debut novel, The Dogs of Babel, is original enough: after his wife Lexy dies after falling from a tree, linguistics professor Paul Iverson becomes obsessed with teaching their dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Lorelei (the sole witness to the tragedy), to speak so he can find out the truth about Lexy's death--was it accidental or did Lexy commit suicide?
In short, accelerating chapters Parkhurst alternates between Paul's strange and passionate efforts to get Lorelei to communicate and his heartfelt memories of his whirlwind relationship with Lexy. The first 100 pages or so bring to mind another noteworthy debut, Alice Sebold's brilliant exploration of grief, The Lovely Bones. Unfortunately, the second half of The Dogs of Babel takes too many odd twists and turns--everything from a Ms. Cleo-like TV psychic to an underground sect of abusive canine linguists--to ever allow the reader to feel any real sympathy for the main characters. Parkhurst's Paul Iverson can certainly be appealing at times, and his heartbreak is often quite palpable ("...for every dark moment we shared between us, there was a moment of such brightness I almost could not bear to look at it head-on."). But his mask-maker wife Lexy--Paul's driving inspiration--is a character whose spur-of-the-moment outbursts, spontaneous fits of anger, and supposedly charming sense of whimsy (on their first date, they drive from Virginia to Disney World, eating only appetizers and side dishes along the way), become so annoying and grating that it's hard to believe anyone could ever put up with her, let alone teach their dog to speak for her.
Despite its cloying tone, The Dogs of Babel marks a notable debut. Parkhurst possesses a wealth of inspired ideas, and no doubt many readers will respond to the book, but one hopes that the author's future efforts will be packed with richer character development and less schmaltz. --Gisele Toueg
Book Description
The quirky premise of Carolyn Parkhurst's debut novel, The Dogs of Babel, is original enough: after his wife Lexy dies after falling from a tree, linguistics professor Paul Iverson becomes obsessed with teaching their dog, a Rhodesian Ridgeback named Lorelei (the sole witness to the tragedy), to speak so he can find out the truth about Lexy's death--was it accidental or did Lexy commit suicide? In short, accelerating chapters Parkhurst alternates between Paul's strange and passionate efforts to get Lorelei to communicate and his heartfelt memories of his whirlwind relationship with Lexy. The first 100 pages or so bring to mind another noteworthy debut, Alice Sebold's brilliant exploration of grief, The Lovely Bones. Unfortunately, the second half of The Dogs of Babel takes too many odd twists and turns--everything from a Ms. Cleo-like TV psychic to an underground sect of abusive canine linguists--to ever allow the reader to feel any real sympathy for the main characters. Parkhurst's Paul Iverson can certainly be appealing at times, and his heartbreak is often quite palpable ("...for every dark moment we shared between us, there was a moment of such brightness I almost could not bear to look at it head-on.").But his mask-maker wife Lexy--Paul's driving inspiration--is a character whose spur-of-the-moment outbursts, spontaneous fits of anger, and supposedly charming sense of whimsy (on their first date, they drive from Virginia to Disney World, eating only appetizers and side dishes along the way), become so annoying and grating that it's hard to believe anyone could ever put up with her, let alone teach their dog to speak for her. Despite its cloying tone, The Dogs of Babel marks a notable debut. Parkhurst possesses a wealth of inspired ideas, and no doubt many readers will respond to the book, but one hopes that the author's future efforts will be packed with richer character development and less schmaltz. --Gisele Toueg
Download Description
eBook Special Feature: Carolyn Parkhurst writes an original author article titled 'Every Writer Should Have a Dog'. When his wife dies in a fall from a tree in their backyard, linguist Paul Iverson is wild with despair. In the days that follow, Paul becomes certain that Lexy's death was no accident. Strange clues have been left behind: unique, personal messages that only she could have left and that he is determined to decipher. So begins Paul's fantastic and even perilous search for the truth, as he abandons his everyday life to embark on a series of experiments designed to teach their dog Lorelei to communicate. Is this the project of a madman? Or does Lorelei really have something to tell him about the last afternoon of a woman he only thought he knew? At the same time, Paul obsessively recalls the early days of his love for Lexy, and the ups and downs of life with the brilliant, sometimes unsettling woman who became his wife. A surprising and thoroughly winning novel about grief, love, secrets, and the unconditional devotion of the truest hearts of all - those who have no words with which to express it.
Customer Reviews:
Not what I expected.......2007-10-05
I definitely thought that I was going to read about dogs that talked. I was surprised to find out that none of the dogs in this story really talk. That fact made the book more enjoyable since it made it that much more believable. I don't know why I compare so many books to Catcher in the Rye, especially since I didn't like it. Yet, Catcher in the Rye is one of the most well known depression stories. This book too is a depression story. It's difference with Catcher in the Rye is the fact that the person comes out of their depression and moves back into society. Many depression stories seem to end where they started, a person depressed. Conflict that does not provide a resolution is not a story and should never become a novel. The Dogs of Babel provides both your sense of depression and the constant struggle to push up out of depression.
Section on Animal Cruelty Ruined My Love for this Story.......2007-09-14
I was totally in love with this book and couldn't put it down...until I got to the section that others have mentioned about animal cruelty. I felt like I was floating through this whimsical unraveling of a tragic love story. Then I hit an unexpected wall with the descriptions of animal abuse.
Dog lovers will be drawn to this book and, for me, to read this section really upset me and I did not recover at the end. It was a jolt to the tone of the book; and didn't seem in character for the protagonist...without giving away the plot, there is one decision in particular that he made that seems ludicrious and you immediately know what will happen.
This chapter detracted from what would have been a great novel. It turned me off the book.
"Let it wash over you. It ends soon enough.".......2007-09-01
Some books, the very best, give voice to thoughts or emotions or experiences that you know so intimately but never speak aloud. Some people, a precious few, can share this with you. In the case of "The Dogs of Babel," I was fortunate to find both the person and the book, and both changed the way I experience life. Carolyn Parkhurst, the author, deals with the grief of a man who has lost the woman he loves, a woman driven by a unique and haunting vision of life and a refusal to accept anything less. In coming to grips with this grief, he strikes upon a rather unusual idea for comprehending what happened and walks a fine line between curiosity and insanity in his desperation for understanding and resolution. Along this journey, we are given a glimpse into the beauty and the agony of an intense relationship that ends in tragedy, and the bittersweet wisdom that emerges. For those of us who have known both sides of the mirror in a way that few ever will, this novel will have even deeper impact. I say love it, you will, always, whether in silence or in spoken words.
Great story, rough ending.......2007-08-25
Every character was pretty likeable, even Lexy. Its her character actually that makes the book worth reading. Her sense of humor and tantrums were an expert touch.
This was an intense read but my only dislike was the ending. It slowly builds up and when you finally reach it its not as nearly as climatic as you would have expected...but I guess in some ways its not a bad thing, because too much drama can definately shove a good book to overkill. Although I was not fond of the ending, I love this book.
This is really either a 3 plus or 4 minus [in terms of stars]...........2007-08-04
When I first started to read this book, I couldn't put it down! I almost stayed up through the night -- it was that good. However, as it progressed, I started thinking increasingly more about Paul & Lexy and have the following questions: 1] Why wasn't Lexy in treatment? A few good signs/episodes clearly indicate that she had deep-rooted problems which, apparently, caused her to inappropriately react and/or "act-out." 2] If Paul was so smart, why didn't he beseech her to get help? 3] Was Paul a control freak? I was annoyed that he had so little insight into Lexy's art that he would attempt to diminish the importance of her necessary "artistic spark" by bringing home an "assignment." I realize that most readers would view this as "helpful," but I did not. However, her reation was a bit over-the-top -- once again. LOVED LORELEI -- REALLY LOVED THIS ANIMAL, and I agree that some parts of this book could upset animal lovers. However, it could also upset someone grieving, as well as those who have experienced a specific form of mental illness -- don't wish to give any more info away!! THE WRITING WAS SUPERB AND I WOULD RECOMMEND THIS WITH SOME RESERVATIONS.
Average customer rating:
- Witches, Treasure, Romance - Enjoy !
- Not so bright
- A wonderful treat of a book to wile away winter nights
- Delicious!
- A special author writes a special book
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Night Scents
Carla Neggers
Manufacturer: Pocket
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: 0671567691 |
Amazon.com
When Piper Macintosh learns that her quirky great aunt has sold her historic Cape Cod home to a stranger, she just rolls her eyes. Eighty-seven year old Hannah has always done things her own way. Southern businessman Clate Jackson doesn't understand what compelled him to buy the historic home of a self-proclaimed witch. Hannah claims she brought the Tennessee native to town for her niece because Piper needs a man, and there aren't any good ones to be found locally. Although Piper is embarrassed by her aunt's obvious machinations, she finds herself attracted to Clate. When Hannah reveals that she has been haunted by an age-old family secret, Piper and Clate bond together to protect Hannah from the past. Is it just another ploy of Hannah's to bring the couple together, or is there really danger in the small New England town?
Book Description
Carla Neggers has a magic touch for weaving spine-tingling suspense with romance so sensual it takes your breath away. Here she's at her best, in a delightful potpourri of dangerous intrigue, enchanting wit, and spellbinding desire....
This time Piper Macintosh's great-aunt has really gone too far. Eighty-seven-year-old Hannah, who fancies herself a witch, has sold her historic Cape Cod house to a Tennessean whom she claims is the man for her niece. Piper doesn't think they're a likely match -- particularly not after she meets the reclusive tycoon while trespassing in his garden.
Clate Jackson has come to the windswept Cape to forget, not to get involved with the woman who's digging up valerian root for her great-aunt's crazy potions. But when Hannah reveals an old family secret and warns of danger on the horizon, Clate reluctantly works with Piper to solve a long-ago murder. Unraveling the secrets of Clate's past, however, will take what only Piper can supply: her healing love and her own boldly passionate heart....
Download Description
"Carla Neggers has a magic touch for weaving spine-tingling suspense with romance so sensual it takes your breath away. Here she's at her best, in a delightful potpourri of dangerous intrigue, enchanting wit, and spellbinding desire.... This time Piper Macintosh's great-aunt has really gone too far. Eighty-seven-year-old Hannah, who fancies herself a witch, has sold her historic Cape Cod house to a Tennessean whom she claims is the man for her niece. Piper doesn't think they're a likely match -- particularly not after she meets the reclusive tycoon while trespassing in his garden. Clate Jackson has come to the windswept Cape to forget, not to get involved with the woman who's digging up valerian root for her great-aunt's crazy potions. But when Hannah reveals an old family secret and warns of danger on the horizon, Clate reluctantly works with Piper to solve a long-ago murder. Unraveling the secrets of Clate's past, however, will take what only Piper can supply: her healing love and her own boldly passionate heart.... "
Customer Reviews:
Witches, Treasure, Romance - Enjoy !.......2005-07-17
This is great mystery/romance novel based Cape Cod. Clate Jackson moves to Cape Cod on whim after buying an old Cape Cod property. Piper encounters her new neighbor while digging in his flower bed in the middle of night. It is nice mix of romance, mystery and Cope Cod. I would also suggest 'The Ice House' by Minette Walters.
Carla Negger has a new book coming out Summer 2005 ~ 'DARK SKY'.
Not so bright.......2004-08-13
This is my first book from Carla Neggers. The characters were interesting, but seemed lacking in the "pull". I enjoyed Carla Negger's writing style and sense of humour, but it was slightly steriotype. The main characters were good and but did not have a good chemistry. The storyline was just a little too unbelievable, but overall ok.
A wonderful treat of a book to wile away winter nights.......1997-09-22
Night Scents:I particularly enjoy the New England settings of many of Carla Neggers books. In this one we have the roaring ocean (metaphor for sexual tension), a mystery, a handsome stranger, an eccentric aunt, and a lovely, extraordinary woman. Piper Macintosh lives on a dead end street overlooking the ocean in Cape Cod. Her new neighbor is a Tennessean who bought Piper's great Aunt's property on a whim. Something the successful business finds odd himself, because he is not a man to give in to impulse. Clate Jackson is looking for an escape to the pressures back home when he gets caught up in the whirlwind which is Piper Macintosh.Piper is caught digging in Clate's yard for some root her Aunt Hannah needs for one of her herbal cures. Clate warns her not to dig again on his property. The sexual attraction is too much to be discarded by a word and they are drawn to each as surely as the ocean crashes in waves on the beach. Piper leads an interesting, eclectic life running classes from her home and helping her aunt. She has an old car but her choice of transportation is her bike which she rides all over town. Her father and brothers are overprotective. As local contractors and builders, they also have the muscle to protect her. Clate has to deal with them and prove he's worthy of their precious Piper. Piper and Clate are tied to a mystery her elderly Aunt Hannah recalls of watching from her window for her parents, who never returned from the sea, and seeing a man bury something in the yard. She remembers her father telling her he saved a Russian Princess, and something about a Faberge egg but it is Clate and Piper who must unravel the old, old mystery. Weird accidents start to happen and Piper's life is in danger. Together the Piper and Clate try to find the cause of the trouble, and save the elderly aunt from being put away in a nursing home for being looney.A wonderful, charming, delightful story. I'd tell you more but I don't want to give away more of the plot.Be
Delicious!.......1997-07-24
Carla Neggers introduces us to the most wonderful and unusual characters. Her palette of people is unique and splendid. It warms the heart to turn the pages of her book. Humor is interspersed with romance and intrigues to create a web of silky substance that ensnares and entertains. The end comes way too fast.Kathee S. Car
A special author writes a special book.......1997-06-13
Cape Cod true blue Yankee Piper Macintosh is unhappy that he eccentric great Aunt Hanna hassold her property to rich and reclusive Texas tycoon, Clate Jackson. This action leaves Clate andPiper as neighbors. New Age fanatic Hannah believes that the selling of her property to the ornery Southerner will force her beloved grand-niece to meet her soul mate. Piper, who likes her current lifestyle, wants nothing to do with Hannah's hand picked suitor. Fate resides with Hannah when Piper's life is threatened. The emotionally wounded Clate reaches out to help the independent damsel in distress. As danger engulfs them, the mismatched pair discovers a love that defies all logic. .....Carla Neggers has always incorporated her own special down home humor into her story lines, turning each tale into a treat to be savored. NIGHT SCENTS follows that tradition, but goes one step further as her writing makes this sensory experience almost worth dying to read. Ms. Neggers has clearly jointed the romantic intrigue elite such as Kay Hooper and Iris Johansen. .....Harriet Klausner
Book Description
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE- After her parents mysterious death, Lorelei Duplessis drifts further and further into grief. Rescued at the brink of ending her own life, she concentrates on becoming a renowned French-Canadian culinary chef, her nemesis is a car, a priceless 959 Twin Turbo Porsche, one of only two hundred in the world. But she must sell it to salvage her home and win a culinary competition to salvage her pride.
THE MAN WITH A MISSION - A billionaire business tycoon, with blood on his conscience, Galen Kennedy will go to any lengths to catch the smugglers who are using his ships to traffic weapons to Northern Ireland. Until one night when he knows her scent. Obsessed with the woman he meets in Hyannis, Mass., he will use any means to possess her, knowing that only she can free him from the past, unaware that in doing so, he makes her the target of the largest international weapons cartel operating in Europe.
Customer Reviews:
A STORY THAT READS LIKE A MOVIE.......2002-05-14
I love Nora Roberts, and if you do as well, if like me, you seek for characters with character, beautiful settings and a touch of the suspense thriller, you will not be disappointed. For a relatively unknown author and publisher, this is a superb story. For a reader who wants to be transported, it is a delightful surprise. Galen-the mouth watering David-like Adonis Kennedy - is certainly no umblemished hero, but he is true. Lorelei Duplessis, although oppressed from her past, remains steadfast and dares where no woman would. Justin, the other stud, whom you know will eventually walk toward a story of his own, in the meantime, remains a very strong secondary hero. You fall in love with the characters so easily, so seriously, I actually came to believe in them.
The plot reads like a movie; the sub plots all converge together in the end so that you have the urge, shortly after finishing this book, to read it all over again and re-live the moments. You feel the danger, the despair, the wonder, death being sought and the adventure. The sensuality impregnating all of the intimate moments is what got me the most, and had me thinking on how heated sex can be, how lasting and how intense one can live it. Who says erotism cannot be meaningful?
I give this book 5 stars because it is able to give you much in return, the most important being the illusion that Lorelei and Galen live in your own back yard, and that their adventure can one day become yours.
SIZZLING, HOT NEW SAGA.......2001-12-10
I came across this book because the author is also a winemaker. I drank some of her wines, all named after characters of this book, each described with their own personalities, their own temperament and taste, and excellent, if I may add. Naturally, I wondered what secrets were still held by this story. There are book covers and then there are book covers. One woman is present in three different depictions, one each more intense than the other. So I wondered again at what the 364 pages could possibly hold. A Scent In The Night enlightened me, and gave me more. HOT can easily describe the sexual relationship between the hero and heroine but it's not enough. Amidst some of the incredibly sad moments, are words of hope, words of humor, and one surprise after another. This is a romance about love, of course, but also about hatred, about the unofficial wars of this world and how two people struggle to wrestle out the ghosts in their lives. It's your romance novel with a bit of wisdom, with politics and lots of reality. You'll learn about the culinary arts, about the French part of Canada, and yes, you'll see them deal with Irish terrorism. It's ACTION packed, both in the bedroom and out and as INTENSE as they come. I read the previous review, and if it's true that this is the first story from this author, I can't wait for the next. It's well worth four and ½ stars.
A promising new author.......2001-12-01
A Scent in The Night is a excellent book for this new author. I really enjoyed the struggles that the hero and heroine went through before they could commmitt to each other. You could actually feel thier inner turmoil.
I really enjoyed all the unsuspecting twist and turns the book gave me. Not to give anything away, this book kept me on my toes and I could not put it down until I had finished it.
I also enjoyed the information on cooking and wines. It did not distract from the book at all. It just gave me an added bouns.
This is a contemporary thirller. This is a MUST read I give this author 4 1/2 Stars. I loved it.
Book Description
Danielle Chevalier has a taste for the finer things in life, especially the lush, exotic scents she creates at her fragrance business. Under pressure from her brother to sell the small outfit, Danielle is thrilled when she's invited to an exclusive conference aboard the cruise ship Alexandra's Dream. There she hopes to gain contacts necessary to rally her business and avoid the devastation of a takeover. But Danielle's dreams have a harsh run-in with reality when she meets Adam Burns, a representative from a major U.S. competitor who is determined to outmaneuver her in negotiations.
Fighting off the advances of a competing fragrance company is hard enough, but resisting her attraction to Adam may prove to be the real battle—and mixing business with pleasure may just cost her both.
Customer Reviews:
lighthearted frolic .......2007-07-06
Joe Burns calls his brother Adam to tell him he is all busted up from a Jet Ski accident in which he was doing his sibling a favor so one good turn deserves another. He orders Adam to go on the Mediterranean cruise ship to secure the Dubai company contract for the family run firm, Prestige Scents. He would prefer castration, but Adam does his duty.
On board the luxurious vessel is Les Reves' agent Danielle Chevalier, who is after the same account. When they meet sparks fly. As they spend time together, their initial attraction grows deeper. However, besides the contract rivalry, Adam likes being a swinging single, but Danielle makes him reconsider his bachelorhood. However, both are pros so there remains the competition to obtain the contract for their respective firm.
Cruising on the Mediterranean as the background, these two fully developed lead characters provide the audience with an entertaining contemporary romance. The key is that there is much more to Adam than being a womanizing jet setter and an equal deepness to Danielle as she is not just a pretty face but really understands the business. Readers will enjoy this lighthearted frolic as two entrepreneurs fall in love.
Harriet Klausner
Product Description
Set of 2 paperbacks - first 2 in Vicki Pettersson's new series: The Sign of the Zodiac. The Scent of Shadows & The Taste of Night.
Average customer rating:
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Carla Neggers Collection, A Set of 14 Romantic Suspense Novels (Night Scents, Kiss the Moon, The Waterfall, Carriage House, The Cabin, Stonebrook Cottage, Cold Ridge, The Harbor, On Fire, Night's Landing, The Rapids, Dark Sky, Breakwater, Cut and Run)
Carla Neggers
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000RFQV3I |
Book Description
** COMPLETELY UNAUTHORIZED **
The constellation of characters and themes created in Angel, the popular Buffy the Vampire Slayer spin-off, are explored in this collection of essays. A vampire author, a sex expert, a TV critic, a science fiction novelist, and Buffy writer Nancy Holder provide essays examining the different issues relating to the series, including Angelus as the prototypical high school bully, Angel as victim, Wesley's many transformations, how Spike fits into Angel, the takeover of Wolfram & Hart, and Lindsey's moral center.
Customer Reviews:
Interesting Read.......2005-09-11
I bought Five Seasons of Angel: Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Discuss their Favorite Vampire (Smart Pop Series) because I wanted to know where Joss got his inspiration for Jasmine, Season 4's villian? I thought she was Oprah, ha. But two authors gave their opinions and I was not satisfied with them. So, overall, I enjoyed the book because it had some trivia that I didn't know as well as some unusual takes on the show's story arcs and themes.
My first foray into obsessiveness.......2005-06-14
This book was the first book I've ever read about a television show. I really enjoyed watching the Angel DVDs and discussing them with other equally insightful friends, but eventually our discussions ran out of juice. I mean, Lorne's sweet and all, but really, what is his purpose on the show? And what was the thought behind bringing Lindsay back in the final season? The authors of the essays in Five Seasons of Angel have a wide variety of backgrounds and are often quite insightful - others hit the mark dead-on. (Why, why, Doyle, did you have to die??) After having read this, I look forward to many more books about television shows.
Insightful and Funny.......2004-12-22
As a fan of Buffy and Angel, I try to keep my distance from conventions, fan clubs, and books like "The Watcher Diaries" in order to not appear obsessed with the shows. However, when I found out about this book and its "sister" Seven Seasons of Buffy, I broke down and got them. The reason I was so interested was that the essays in this anthology were written by many different types of fans; some of them hold PhDs, while one essay is written by a crew member from the show, so he had some pretty interesting stories to tell. I must say that some of these people's interpretations of the show are pretty interesting. A lot of them made me take a step back and look at certain episodes again to see what they were talking about. This book will make a good read for even a casual Angel fan.
Five Seasons of Angel is an awsome book!.......2004-11-03
Five seasons of Angel is an awsome book! This book is based on the cancelled WB series by Joss Whedon and David Greenwalt. The book has many science fiction and fantasy essays based on the TV show, Angel! Each of the science fiction and fantasy authors give their own perspective and point of view on Joss Whedon's series. I like this book because it focus on my favorite Angel characters like Angel (David Boreanaz), Spike (James Marsters), Lorne (Andy Harlett), Wesly Wydham-Price (Alexis Denisof), Cordelia (Charisma Carpenter), Darla (Julie Benz), Fred Burkle/Illirya (Amy Acker) and many other Angel characters. Angel in Season 5 is the best season! Angel (David Boreanaz) and his team take over the evil Law firm, Wolfram and Hart! The essays are well written and are very enjoyable,if you are a fan of Angel, I recommeded this book. Five seasons of Angel is a great book! Highly recommended!
The first anthology on ANGEL is a superb one.......2004-10-17
Although BUFFY THE VAMPIRE has already received the anthology treatment four different times (with at least one more on the way), ANGEL has been singularly ignored by publishers. Sure, there are official viewing guides, some of them (especially the one by Kenneth Topping) excellent, but this isn't the same as getting a host of unofficial takes on the show. And to judge by the collections of essays, the folks who do the best job of writing about the show are writers, not academics or scholars (even though my own background is aggressively scholarly and oppressively academic). It isn't surprising that the best anthology on BUFFY is SEVEN SEASONS OF BUFFY, edited by the same Glenn Yeffeth who edited this new ANGEL collection, nor surprising that this volume happily comes up to the same high standards of that volume.
The great problem with anthologies is that they are of necessity uneven. Some essays are simply going to be better than others. Luckily, there are virtually no truly weak essays in FIVE SEASONS OF ANGEL, and a number of very strong ones. The twenty-one essays overlap to some degree, conflict with one another from time to time, sometimes cover subjects that I would have preferred left uncovered, and take up most, if not all, of the potential themes of the show. No one who loves ANGEL can fail to find this collection utterly fascinating, and no fan will fail to gain new insights into the show's characters and storylines. I was grateful that Conner, my least favorite show got scant mention, and saddened that more was not done with both Fred and her transition into Illyria (a plot line that contained scads of potential for the Season Six that was not to be, a season in which producer Jeff Bell revealed that Willow as to guest star and cast a spell that would allow what remained of Fred to escape from within Illyria, allowing Amy Acker to play a permanent double role).
I hesitate to start mentioning specific essays, for most are quite good. Dan Kerns, who was the Gaffer on ANGEL for the final three years and the Best Boy for the first two, brings a host of fascinating behind-the-scenes details in a highly humorous fashion. Nancy Holder has a great essay on how Spike on the final season of ANGEL differed from his previous incarnations on BUFFY. I'll mention only two more. I belong to those who believe that as much as Angel, Cordelia was the thematic heart of the show, in that she showed how even shallow, petty, and self-absorbed people can fulfill their potential and become not only good but genuinely heroic. I also believe that the dismantling of her character at the end of Season Three, its bizarre transformation in Season Four, and nonuse in Season Five (except for a wonderful one episode reappearance). I understand that some real world issues entered into her being written out of the show, but that doesn't lessen her essentiality in the show. Laura Anne Gilman gets at the heart of her story in her essay on Cordy entitled "True Shanshu." And Jennifer Crusie expresses sentiments precisely like my own (hunt down my old reviews of the ANGEL DVDs if you doubt me) in "The Assassination of Cordelia Chase."
The only two things that I really miss in the collection are an essay that deals with the character of Gunn, who was to me always one of the most underutilized characters on the show, and a lot more on Fred/Illyria. Some might complain of the absence of material on Connor, but for me that is one of the strengths and not one of the weaknesses of the collection.
Any BUFFY or ANGEL fan is going to love this collection. While there is now only one anthology dealing with ANGEL (a situation that will hopefully change), at least it is a good oen.
Book Description
With many fresh insights from 20 years in counseling, this updated version adds new chapters and goes even deeper in unearthing the roots of sexual sin.
Customer Reviews:
A powerful guide to finding inner peace .......2007-07-10
Now in a revised and expanded 20th anniversary edition, At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry is a guide for Christian men about the struggle to overcome sexual addiction through faith and spirituality. Author Steve Gallagher, founder and president of Pure Life Ministries, discusses his strict views on sexuality and means by which faithful individuals can overcome their base desires and live a more godly life. It should be noted that At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry emphatically condemns all forms of sex outside of marriage - including masturbation. "The devil can dangle a carrot in front of your face, but there is something inside you that actually wants that carrot. You aren't lustful because some demon comes on you. You are lustful because you have within you a desire for what isn't right." A powerful guide to finding inner peace despite the dual rampant onslaught of today's sexually charged culture from without, and the utterly selfish sexual cravings from within.
A beam of hope in a sex-saturated world........2007-05-15
Everybody does it.
This has become the excuse for sexual sin within the church in our current culture. Internet or video porn, chat rooms, phone sex...perhaps you've tried them. Perhaps your pastor has. Perhaps your husband has.
God has one clear intention for human sexuality, and no matter how seemingly small or harmless, misuse of it is sin. And it can lead to addiction.
If you are sturggling with getting control over your viewing habits, fantasy life, or other misuses of God's gift of sexuality in marriage, this book can truly help you. It helped me. It contains practical advice based on Scripture and personal experience of the author.
We weren't made for darkness. Step into the light and be free from this body of death.
Every man's problem.......2007-05-07
I have read several books that tell of the problem all men struggle with: sexual idolatry or at least lust. Christians are no different!In my opinion, every Christian man ought to read this book. This book grabs the bull by the horns, and in a Biblical way. You'll be fully satisfied with this book!
From the narrator of the book.......2007-04-24
I had the privilege of being the voice reading this audio book. I have known Steve Gallagher personally for five years or so and have personally visited their ministry headquarters a number of times. I know many of the staff members and personally know many men who have been set free from sexual sin through this book and through Pure Life Ministries. I believe this book and Steve's ministry are the best resources available on the topic of escaping from sexual addiction.
Life Changing.......2006-12-14
This book changed my life. I struggled with sexual addiction for years. I've read books, attended seminars and 12 step meetings on the subject but this book really challenges the reader to step up. I am now walking in freedom and teaching others to do the same.
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Book Description
This workbook is designed to be used directly with At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry. The reader will have to dig for answers, both in At the Altar of Sexual Idolatry and in the Scriptures, helping to cement biblical principles into his heart. Each chapter also includes questions uniquely tailored for weekly men's groups.
Customer Reviews:
At The Altar Of Sexual Idolatry.......2007-08-28
Good book
I got more out of my other book breaking free from sexual addiction by Willinignham.the workbook is kind of hard to do.
My Life is Again With God.......2004-08-05
Where do I start with a book of this calibre!!!
I have been a christian for 10 years now and I have had a troublesome life, in terms of my brother dying and my mother having a breakdown... I can go on but I don't wanna bore you to death. Since these tragic events took place, I was not the same person. I basically fell head over hells into depression and I did not realize it until later on in my life.
This is when I began to dabble in porn to keep me satisfied and keep me from losing my mind and devling deeper into depression and suffering. "I am in no way justifying myself just telling you how it is".
As the months and years went by my descendance into porn and fetishes etc became obsessive and become the focal point of my day. No matter what I was doing or who I was talking to My mind and feelings were in a place of sexual fantasy.
I have accumulated £6000 > $10,935.70 "I am from the UK" of expenses on internet sex, fetish, sites and also video's, CD's.
I became entralled with it and my life was about sex and my sexual fantasies. Not My family, GF, or Friends.
I was a very selfish and arragant so and so because all I wanted to do is get off and explore the world of sex and fantasies. My Lust and Urges were only satisfied momentarily.
I believed this was a good therapeutic ritual of destressing myself and saisifying my monsterous urges.
This went on and on.
I knew I was going to far into my obssessive behaviour when I started to explore the darker side of sex. I was getting into things of which I would neverever be excited by if I was in my sane mind. I tried to stop and even went without indulding in my fifth for a week or so, but the temptation and seductive nature of beautiful women and sex etc, always pulled me in and then spat me out. I was a slave to my desire. Visting Prostitues, Mistresses.
This is when I knew I had no control over my obsession, I was very much a fully fledged sex addict.
Now This is the point where I tried to stop and exit this world.
However this was an impossible task for me as I have conditioned myself with this lifestyle to such a degree that all I ever knew on how to get comform, destress and feel a temporary kind of love is by doing these things. I became very lazy, didn't want a relationship at all. I just wanted what I wanted. I was battling with myself all the time trying to come out of this mess I have created.
I didn't realize how far away from god I was until I even thought about him. All I ever thought about was myself and needs.
This is when I began to pray and ask for forgiveness, to repent my sins. It worked. The pull of my sexual deseries became tolerable. However I fell foul of my sin again and again and again. As the Devil knew my weaknesses and my fantasies etc.
I was weak and lost in the world of darkness and emptiness.
Until I made a super strong effort to break free and throw away myold lifestlye completely.
I became close with god once again and god gave me a sample of what kind of peace and love to expect If I obey him and live a life of righteousness and truth. The Feeling was amazaing, I felt soooooo at ease and at peace, It was truly amazing.
I let temptation get me again, I knew at this point I needed some serious help. However I was to paraniod going to my paster or counsellor. So I went looking for some selfhelp books, this is where I found this Monumental Book From This amazing Person Stsve G. God is Speaking Through him on so many levels.
This book has now changed my life completly, I know its hard to believe but it has. The book dissects the mind of a person dealing with sexual addiction, This is the ultimate book about dealing with sexual addiction or sin, I am now close with god and I know the tactics of the enemy. This book will identify why you are having this problem and also give you the tools and weapons on how to destroy thetemptation of lust. Also very importantly how to have a healthy sexual godly relationship with the one you love. I urge you to buy this book, this will completly change your life if you are dealing with this kind of problem. Lust is a hideous monster that can never be satisfied only leaving you empty with no self respect and with even more pain and sufferings. Thank you Lord God Almighty for this book and for Steve G.
Real, Powerful, & the best spiritually based book I've read.......2004-02-03
Where do I begin? This book needs to be read by every single person that considers themselves Christian. Even non-Christians should read this book. Steve Gallagher does an exceptional job with unveiling the roots to problems associated with sexual sin. However, the roots can be applied to any habitual sin. What's great about this book is that he does not sugar coat this issue. He speaks the whole truth and you can feel the realness and sincerity in his words. He backs up everything with scripture, provides useful examples to illustrate his point, and includes quotes from spiritual scholars that drive points home.
This book is written by a man for men. He deals with all types of sexual behavior from pedofiles to Don Juans's (womanizers) and he just makes everything so clear. Never will I have a hardened heart towards men like this for I understand they are under attack.
I first heard about this book because my friend's dad does ministry at a prison where he uses this book to help minister to sex offenders. Every week, his class grows in size and the men have actually attested to ALL that Steve Gallagher has said about this type of sin. As a woman, I purchased this book to understand this type of sin so I can help my brothers in Christ, to help me release the strongholds I had in my mind with regard to men who commit these types of sin, and to forgive the pedofile in my past. I have a younger brother coming up and one day I will have a son. This book equips you with wisdom beyond what you would ever imagine. Steve Gallagher is a true soldier and makes it clear that we are at war. Spiritual war. What's even more fantastic about this book is that there is food that every person, every Christian can eat regardless of how they "think" they're living. Wait until you get to the chapter on Pride. He discusses "Know-It-All" Pride, "Unsubmissive" Pride and several others. He even has a chapter on how a man should love his wife. As a woman, it is good to see this so that my expectations are set at the right level. I could go on about eveything that made this book good but put it like this: I never bother to take the time to highlight books and make notes. It took a lot for me in some chapters to not just highlight the whole page yellow. This author does not waste any words. Everyone of them have relevance. My book has notes in the margin ad highlighted and underlined sections. I actually plan to develop some type of personal book report to help fortify what I've learned. I have purchased 3 extra copies so far to help brothers who I know can gain knowledge on how to free themselves from this bondage.
He helps to paint the picture of how the devil, in his calculating and strategic way, can corrupt the minds of God's children. The author of the book "The Art of War" said: "In order to win any battle, one must know the enemy's terrain". Steve Gallagher, this blessed and beautiful man of God, exposes the devil fully. If this book is not on your shelf, you will either remain in darkness or you will be walking in the light with sunglasses on.
Books:
- The Enlightened Gardener: A Novel
- The Feast of Love: A Novel
- The Female of the Species: Tales of Mystery and Suspense
- The Final Solution: A Story of Detection (P.S.)
- The Flanders Panel
- The Franklin Affair: A Novel
- The French Lieutenant's Woman
- The Ginger Tree
- The Grace That Keeps This World: A Novel
- The Grass Crown
Books Index
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