Suicide Blonde

Book Description

Vanity Fair called this intensely erotic story of a young woman's sexual and psychological odyssey "a provocative tour through the dark side." Jesse, a beautiful twenty-nine-year-old, is adrift in San Francisco's demimonde of sexually ambiguous, bourbon-drinking, drug-taking outsiders. While desperately trying to sustain a connection with her bisexual boyfriend in a world of confused and forbidden desire, she becomes the caretaker of and confidante to Madame Pig, a besotted, grotesque recluse. Jesse also falls into a dangerous relationship with Madison, Pig's daughter or lover or both, who uses others' desires for her own purposes, hurtling herself and Jesse beyond all boundaries. With Suicide Blonde, Darcey Steinke delves into themes of identity and time, as well as the common - and now tainted - language of sexuality.

Customer Reviews:

Suicide Blonde.......2007-05-23

This book was a good guilty pleasure. It really wasn't about suicide at all, which is what I was expecting. I would only read this book once.

DREARY BUT WORTH READING.......2006-12-14

This is not the sort of book I ordinarily read, but one reason to read is to see into the minds of authors and characters that are completely different from oneself. So I read Suicide Blonde. The book is just as pessimistic and depressing as the title suggests. While the book does not provide insight into why the characters are so emotionally messed up, this is perhaps because it is written in the first person, and the main character seems to have no understanding of herself. She does, on the other hand, sometimes say things that are intriguing and make one stop and think, such as: "What is love but nostalgia for someone's history?" I shall not give anymore of these pithy statements away, as they are what makes reading the book worthwhile. But despite these little gems, the author presents a view of life and people I do not care to ever encounter again.
(Peter Payne, Author of CAPTAIN CALIFORNIA BATTLES THE BEELZEBUBIAN BEASTS OF THE BIBLE)

Blonde a Bomb.......2006-04-23

Not for nothing, but I thought this book sucked. Maybe I'm not as deeply troubled as the people who could identify with its character I thought this book was very very wordy and didn't say a whole lot of anything! It is a perverse sex book hidden behind some profound meaning of ourselves? I don't think so. It would be easier to just go and rent a triple xxx film and get your jollies. I found the writing to be eratic and by the end of the book I felt like I just finished one big run on sentence. I was angry I wasted my time!

Suicide Blonde .......2005-12-08

This book will be a big help for you, if you are in love with someone who doesnot love you back.

Poetic Prose.......2005-11-26

This book will appeal to people who really get into poetic prose. The story is pretty dark, but it's pretty involving. I like this book the best out of her others (I'd rank "Jesus Saves" second) and I'd read it for a third time. I love the way she writes!

Suicide Blonde: The Life of Gloria Grahame

Average customer rating:

Gone, but not Forgotten
"the manner of a schoolgirl & the eyes of a sorceress"
Suicide Blonde

Suicide Blonde: The Life of Gloria Grahame
Vincent Curcio
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Direction & Production | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0688067182

Customer Reviews:

Gone, but not Forgotten.......2007-04-08

Gloria Grahame was an extraordinarily talented woman and actress. She lived a very interesting life, both on and off the screen. Her performances are as good or better than some of the most famous actresses of her time, and I think she deserves the same respect and recognition they have received.

Suicide Blonde is the only biography of Gloria Grahame that I have found. The back and forth style of writing, e.g. career life to home life, then back again, is not the kind of writing style that I normally enjoy. I got a little confused from time to time as to what films she was in at the time so and so happened in her life and then had to go back to try and figure it out. However, even with that said I can't find fault with either the content, which was very interesting to say the least, or how well written it was, especially the ending, which I found to be a beautifully written and moving piece.

All in all it was a great biography and I hope she is never forgotten.

"the manner of a schoolgirl & the eyes of a sorceress".......2005-03-28

This is, as far as I know the only biography of Gloria Grahame, and once you start reading it you can't put it down! Her life and film career are explored in depth, using eyewitness accounts as well as Gloria's own words. Gloria Grahame is best remembered today for her awesome femme fatale roles in such classic noirs as "Crossfire", "In a Lonely Place", "Macao", "Sudden Fear", "The Big Heat", "Human Desire", "The Naked Alibi", and "Odds Against Tomorrow". In short, she was THE female icon of 1950s film noir, with a wonderful combination of sensuality and vulnerability in her screen characters.

While reading this book, I was very surprised to learn of Gloria's lifelong obsession with improving her appearance, and I had no idea about her many operations on her face (which was beautiful to begin with!). Obviously she suffered heavily from a lack of self-esteem, although she (usually) didn't let that interfere with her acting. Her troubled and often controversial marriages are explored in depth, although not in a degrading, National Enquirer-like manner. Much of the book covers Gloria's tough but ultimately futile fight against cancer, and I am simply amazed by the courage with which this talented actress faced this final battle of her often tragic life.

Gloria Grahame left this world far too early, but thanks to the popularity of film noir as well as her underated performances she will never be forgotten. She was a great actress and a very friendly person, and this book pays fitting tribute to her. My only complaint is that there is no filmography listed at the end of the book (although all her films ARE discussed in the book). Overall, I highly recommend this outstanding biography to any Gloria Grahame fan.

Suicide Blonde.......2000-11-25

This book is a book that keeps you turning pages. It is the most ravishing book. To tell you the contents is to tell you the story. It is a story of life love and pain. Something we all live with on a day to day basis. It will inspire you yet you will see yourself. A book that should be read over and over till your brain works no more.

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Suicide Blonde
Darcey STEINKE
Manufacturer: Sold
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IURTOM

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Suicide Blonde

Manufacturer: The Atlantic Monthly Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H6QUO2

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Suicide Blonde 1ST Edition
Darcey Steinke
Manufacturer: ATLANTIC MONTHLY @ PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q3CP40

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Suicide Blonde Signed
Darcey Steinke
Manufacturer: ATLANTIC MONTHLY @ PRESS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SN0ZG8

Yambar and Broderick's Suicide Blonde Book One

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Yambar and Broderick's Suicide Blonde Book One
Chris Yambar
Manufacturer: Airwave Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000J42NZW

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Suicide Blonde
Darcey STEINKE
Manufacturer: Atlantic Monthly Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000P82Q5E

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Suicide Blonde: Book One

Manufacturer: Airwave Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000B6LCMS

Product Description

This choco-erotic sci-fi thriller features the exotic and beautiful assassin, Suicide Blonde, and her mission to rid the universe of the most most lethal and dangerous substance ever created: chocolate!

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Suicide Blonde: Suicide Blonde
Steinke
Manufacturer: Washington Square Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QYFHEE

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Once A Rebel (The Fortunes of Texas: Reunion)
Sheri Whitefeather
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Keeping Her Safe (The Fortunes of Texas: Reunion)

ASIN: 0373389345

Book Description

"What's the point of loving a woman when she might just cut and run?" -Ethan Eldridge, veterinarian

It's not easy living down a wild-child reputation. But Susan Fortune has never done anything the easy way. Who would have guessed she'd turn out to be a well-respected San Francisco psychologist with a knack for helping wayward teens? Not Ethan Eldridge, her secret crush who lived in Red Rock, Texas, seventeen years ago.

Now back on the ranch to pay respects to ailing Ryan Fortune, Susan lets Ethan in on her little secret. However, the sexy and serious veterinarian has a surprise for her, too. Their longing was mutual. And how can he say no to a second chance with Susan? But Ethan's heart is scarred. And if she wants to keep him, Susan's got to prove that even rebels have to put down roots sometime.

Average customer rating:

A wonderful read

I Find Jo Hard To Take

Adversaries united in passion -- very highly recommended
Once A Rebel: Jewels of the Sea
Tammy Hilz
Manufacturer: Zebra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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Similar Items:

Once An Angel: Jewels of the Sea (Ballad)

Once A Pirate (1st in Jewels of the Sea)

ASIN: 0821767798

Book Description

Once A Rebel...Forever in love. Ever since they nearly destroyed her village, Joanna Fisk has nursed a burning hatred for the nobility. So when Jo encounters Nathan Alcott, a man who seems to represent everything she despises, she furiously fights the growing attraction between them. Then Jo learns that the handsome aristocrat secretly plans to transport a cache of gold to France. Commandeering the Sea Witch, the ship she and her sisters used to priate the seas and save their village, she steals the gold and takes Nathan as her prisoner.

But Nathan needs the gold to pay his sister's ransom, or possibly lose her forever. He isn't about to let Joanna keep the gold, so they strike a bargain. Now, as she and Nathan head into a dangerous adventure together, their passion can no longer be denied. And yet, Jo's heart is torn, forcing her to admit that the man she calls her enemy, is the same man who has captured her heart.

In 1760's England, three daring sisters defy the convention of their day--by boldly taking to the sea to champion noble causes. Each will meet a man who embraces both her beauty and her proud spirit. And each will find a love more precious than any pirate's treasure.

Once A Pirate, October 2000
Once A Rebel, February 2001
Once An Angel, June 2001

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful read.......2001-07-27

Joanna is a wonderful woman so unsure of herself yet she can talk herself into anything. She fights for what she believes in regaurdless of what it does to herself. When Nathan walks into her world she finds out that things are not always what they seem. And no matter how hard she tries to force him out of her life she can not fight the attraction that they share the firce argumentive complete oppisites attrack really comes into play here. I loved the book and found it to keep me going threw the end and wanting to start to read it all over again.

I Find Jo Hard To Take.......2001-06-15

There is nothing "strong" about Jo. I am appalled that she allows her self-centered, scatter-gun, class-envy to put her entire family's lives at risk AND do what she does to David's ship. It was a mistake when she slipped her dagger ALL THE WAY into Nathan's body? What a crock. She had been wanting to do this through the entire previous book.

I loved Morgan and David in Pirate. At least Morgan did what she had to do to survive. Jo is a self-centered little brat who can't see anything beyond her own blind rage. She was in London for how many years? Four!! And she managed to find one whole group of orphans. Big whoop. Now she's ready and willing to take steps that will get her whole family hung. Personally, I think she's stupid, bordering on insane. I think I will enjoy "Angel" much more.

I'm having a hard time finishing this book. It is my most fervent hope that Nathan drop kicks her butt straight into the ocean. That would be the only thing that would make this book worth reading to me.

Now, I will say that this author writes very well and I do enjoy her work, but she just didn't choose the right heroine this time.

Adversaries united in passion -- very highly recommended.......2001-03-17

In 1760s England, three sisters face danger and adventure on the high seas as pirates to champion their noble causes. Each meets the man who is their destiny, learning to value love more than any pirate's treasure. ONCE A REBEL, the second novel of the miniseries, is the story of Joanna Fisk, the fiery redhead who will stop at nothing to achieve her purpose.

Joanna only attends the ball to please her elder sister. Attired in fabulous dress and feathered mask, her emerald eyes suite the name rumor gives her, "The Emerald of London." Using the rumor to her own advantage, Joanna gains an introduction to Nathan Alcott, a man who represents all that she despises most. But she can't resist the thrill of attraction, the electric connection they share.

Preferring her own company to the partygoers as they step into the dining room, Joanna escapes to her brother-in-law's study. There she overhears just enough information that, if she takes to the seas, will solve her pressing issue. Too often Joanna feels she's let down those who needed her, especially her little brother and Sammy who both died, and she won't let down the rest of the children. Nathan is borrowing her brother-in-law's ship and headed to France with $50,000 in gold. Plenty to pirate and use to provide much needed food and shelter for the orphans of London's streets.

The attack on her adversary was fiercer than Joanna planned, causing considerable damage to the ship. When she boards and her crew captures the gold, however, Nathan doesn't give up the money without a fight. In a desperate sword fight, Nathan beats Joanna, but she can't loose the gold. Without thinking, she thrusts her dagger into his side. Devastated by her own actions, Joanna brings both gold and Nathan back to her ship. When she learns the purpose of Nathan's desperate flight to France, she offers her help. Both Joanna and Nathan fight the electricity they share, yet these adversaries must eventually admit the passion that grows between them.

This fiery heroine and her rash decisions provide a fast-paced, addictive plot sure to keep the pages turning. Tammy Hilz has a talent for weaving impossible situations and then providing the perfect solution in just the nick of time. ONCE A REBEL is brilliantly-crafted, fabulously rendered, and a must read!...

Average customer rating:

Very Good!
Once a Rebel
Micki Brown
Manufacturer: St Martins Mass Market Paper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312921020

Customer Reviews:

Very Good!.......1998-09-16

I loved this Civil War novel. The historical battles are not as detailed and descriptive as some other Civil War novels, however, Micki Brown captures the readers with the mischievious antics of the characters during their adolescent years. The plot is general, boy hates girl while young, girl taunts boy while young, girl matures, boy matures, boy chooses the to fight for the 'wrong' side, girl remains a staunch rebel. Man loves and protects woman while woman spies and tries to thwart the Union, even with the possibility of her losing the one she loves. If you're a Civil War fan or a fan of romances set during the Civil War, you will enjoy this novel by Micki Brown.

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Once a rebel
Simon Kaplan
Manufacturer: Farrar & Rinehart, inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Eastern Europe | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007DWDAA

REBEL IN SILK (A Once Upon a Time Romance)

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Engrossing western romance.

REBEL IN SILK (A Once Upon a Time Romance)
Sandra Chastain
Manufacturer: Fanfare
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0553564641
Release Date: 1994-03-01

Customer Reviews:

Engrossing western romance........2001-05-29

A range war seems imminent in a small town in Wyoming with the arrival of more immigrant farmers encroaching on land that cattle ranchers use for grazing. The problem is exacerbated by the mysterious attacks of the 'Devil of the Plains' who supposedly caused the death of the local newspaper editor.

Dissatisfied with the lack of progress on her brother's case, ex-Pinkerton agent Dallas Burke decides to use reopening her brother's newspaper as a cover while she searches for his killer...

MAVERICK!!! That's what rancher Jake Silver's mind screamed the moment he clapped eyes on the newpaperman's sister--trouble with a capital T. Because of a painful past, Jake's motto is not to get involved with feelings & wars. However, his non-involvement principle is no match for Dallas, who's determined to stick her nose into everyone's business.

In a time when a woman's role was of the traditional homemaker, Dallas challenges the women of the West to stick up for themselves & those they love.

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Rebel runner reforms as coach.(Sports)(Former Oregon runner Brad Hudson now teaches lessons he once ignored): An article from: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR)
Gale Reference Team
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B000JFZGNW
Release Date: 2006-10-06

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR), published by Thomson Gale on September 22, 2006. The length of the article is 1062 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Rebel runner reforms as coach.(Sports)(Former Oregon runner Brad Hudson now teaches lessons he once ignored)
Author: Gale Reference Team
Publication: The Register-Guard (Eugene, OR) (Newspaper)
Date: September 22, 2006
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Page: D1

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Malory Family Series: Love Only Once, Tender Rebel, Gentle Rogue, The Magic of You, Say You Love Me, The Present, A Loving Scoundrel, Captive of My Desires (Set of 8)

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Malory Family Series: Love Only Once, Tender Rebel, Gentle Rogue, The Magic of You, Say You Love Me, The Present, A Loving Scoundrel, Captive of My Desires (Set of 8)
Johanna Lindsey
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000PDK7G4

Malory Series Set of 7 - Love Only Once - Tender Rebel - Gentle Rogue - Magic of You - Say You Love Me - The Present - Loving Scoundrel

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Malory Series Set of 7 - Love Only Once - Tender Rebel - Gentle Rogue - Magic of You - Say You Love Me - The Present - Loving Scoundrel

Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000I4L53E

Product Description

Seven massmarket paperbacks. Malory Series Set of 7 - Love Only Once - Tender Rebel - Gentle Rogue - Magic of You - Say You Love Me - The Present - Loving Scoundrel

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ONCE A REBEL
MICKI BROWN
Manufacturer: St Martins Mass Market Paper
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OTLMLS

Where rebels once reigned: A landmark of the Confederacy, its White House, is newly restored as Jefferson Davis knew it

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Where rebels once reigned: A landmark of the Confederacy, its White House, is newly restored as Jefferson Davis knew it
Harold Holzer
Manufacturer: Americana Magazine
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00072R8UQ

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A satisfactory read for Asimov fans

Flawed Premise

Not as good as it was

An early gem from Asimov.

Pebble is a Worthy Conclusion to the Galactic Empire Trilogy

PEBBLE IN THE SKY (The Empire Novels)
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Asimov, Isaac | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Paperback | Asimov, Isaac | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Stars, Like Dust (The Empire Novels)

Robots and Empire

The Robots of Dawn

The Naked Sun

Foundation and Earth

ASIN: 0553293427
Release Date: 1991-12-01

Customer Reviews:

A satisfactory read for Asimov fans.......2007-09-24

This is the third novel in what Asimov fans sometimes call his "Empire" series (the other two being "The Currents of Space" and "The Stars, Like Dust). This novel takes place on Earth, shortly after the establishment of the full Galactic Empire, which has its capital on the distant planet of Trantor.

Earth is a backwater in the Empire. It is radioactive--the legacy of some ancient atomic catastrophe. Earthmen are the subject of prejudice by other planets in the Empire, who believe that Earth's people are radioactive, eccentric, and unclean. Most of humanity has, in fact, forgotten that Earth is the original home of humanity.

This novel is centered on a human being of the 20th century who is transported in time to the Galactic Era, and through an unlikely mishap then becomes the object of experimentation--which experimentation causes him to acquire "wild talent" mental powers.

Personally, I thought that this might have been a better novel had the great Asimov left out the time travel and "wild talent" elements to the story, and simply made this another one of his excellent suspense-Sci Fi novels. But Asimov did not check in with me when he designed his plots, and in fact this novel is quite readable, the plot moves along smartly, and the story holds the reader's interest. Asimov's speculations about the nature of planet Earth, and of the Empire, in the context of the assumed facts he presents are quite interesting. Further, this novel has an interesting plot (no spoilers here) which stands very well on its own, and keeps the reader in suspense.

Not Asimov's greatest work, by far, but certainly a novel to be enjoyed by all of his many fans.

Flawed Premise.......2006-12-22

With the "Foundation" stories being published and gaining fans, Isaac Asimov wrote a story which he initially titled "Grow Old with Me" in 1947 with plans to publish it in "Startling Stories". When he finished the novel, he found that the editorial policies for the magazine had changed and they no longer were interested in the story. Asimov then offered the story to John Campbell Jr., but he also was not interested in it. Thus, it was never published in that form. In 1949, Frederik Pohl offered to be Asimov's agent, and since Asimov had not been able to sell this story he let Pohl give it a try. Pohl found that Doubleday & Co. were interested in the story as a novel, and so it was expanded and retitled as "Pebble in The Sky" and it was published as the first novel length story in the "Foundation" universe on January 19th of 1950.

The story focuses on several characters, the first being Joseph Schwartz, who in 1949 is a retired tailor walking down the street in Chicago, when suddenly he finds himself transported into what he later learns is the far future. The time now is the year 827 G.E. (Galactic Era), and the difference between the times is unknown but estimated to be 50,000 years. Earth has become a radioactive planet, likely the result of a war, and the Galactic Empire is run by Trantor. Other key characters include two Earth physicists, Dr. Affret Shekt and his daughter Pola, and Dr. Bel Arvardan an archeologist from Sirius.

There are numerous problems with the story, and for the impending reprinting of the novel in 1983, Asimov wrote an afterword in which he declared that he now longer believed the scientific theory which was key to the story plot. Just how this story fits in with his universe is also not clear. Clearly there was a nuclear war on Earth, but was that before or after space travel? There are several mutations in humans which differentiate Joseph Schwartz from the rest of humanity. Man has occupied hundreds of millions of worlds, most if not all are part of the Galactic Empire, and somehow along the way historical records have been lost, not just on one world, but throughout the Empire. The timing given in later "Foundation" stories also do not agree with those included here.

This book is usually linked with "The Stars, Like Dust", and "The Currents of Space" as the three precursor novels to the "Foundation" series. However, each of them stands on their own, and they are only very loosely connected. They take place hundreds if not thousands of years apart in time.

Given that the science which is critical to the plot is considered out-of-date, and the fact that this story doesn't directly link with any of his other stories, it ultimately is only of interest to those who are Asimov fans. There is some flavor of life in the Galactic Empire, but as the story takes place almost entirely on Earth, there isn't really all that much of it. "Pebble in The Sky" was nominated in 2001 for the Retro Hugo for novels published in 1950, but that may have more to do with Asimov's name than the actual quality of this work. There are many more deserving works by Asimov than this one.

Not as good as it was.......2006-09-26

I've recently been rereading Asimov; some from my own collection, others from the library. I've decided I need to stop since they aren't holding up.

Pebble in the Sky starts slow, but Asimov slowly creates an intriguing world and several characters that seem to have a little more depth than usual (for both Asimov and that era of science fiction.) Unfortunately, the plot soons starts to stumble. Then come several absurd twists and a rather silly "all too convenient" ending.

Yeah, it's still worth reading, just not critically.

An early gem from Asimov........2004-09-09

This story of a twentieth century man thrust into the far future was one of the few S.F. novels of Asimov that I had not read. I picked it up at a garage sale and I was not disappointed. This was a very enjoyable story of time travel and political intrigue.

Tailor Joseph Schwartz gets accidentally transported from modern day (1949) to the far-flung future of the Galactic Empire. (I am always a sucker for a time travel story.) What transpires is a classic Asimov story line. Schwartz is "volunteered" for a science experiment in which he inadvertently acquires the ability to read minds and influence them. This type of "happy accident" is evident in other Asimovian stories. In Robots of Dawn R. Giskard is given similar abilities by a child playfully rearranging his programming. In Foundation and Empire the Mule is a mutant born with such abilities. While this is all OK, I wonder why he used it so much.

Even though I liked the book, the ending came too quickly, which seems to be Asimovian as well.

Pebble is a Worthy Conclusion to the Galactic Empire Trilogy.......2004-01-20

Pebble in the Sky is the last of Asimov's Galactic Empire trilogy, which precedes events described in the masterful Foundation Trilogy. Pebble adds further detail about the Empire of Trantor and the place of Earth within it, thousands of years in our future. Humanity is spread across the Galaxy, inhabiting a hundred million star systems and numbering in the quadrillions. Yet atomic warfare has reduced Earth to a radioactive backwater, despised by the other imperial citizens.

This is the world where Joseph Schwartz, a complacent and mild-mannered tailor, finds himself after being catapulted forward in time as a result of an accident in a nuclear lab in mid-20th century Chicago. He soon meets two brilliant scientists: Dr. Bel Arvardan, who is intent on proving that Earth is humanity's birthplace, and Dr. Affret Shekt, physicist and inventor of the Synapsifier, which can boost intelligence in astonishing ways. They team up to foil a plot that could destroy nearly every human alive in the Galaxy.

The book is not without weaknesses. The future science that drives the plot is often a bit dodgy and far-fetched. Schwartz is propelled into the future as a result of an experiment with crude uranium gone freakishly awry, but how exactly this happens is never explained. Nor does Asimov convincingly describe how the biological WMD at the heart of the plot could actually spread across the Galaxy so quickly without the many technologically-advanced worlds of the Empire discovering a way to stop it. Then there is some of the dialog. Even though most of the book takes place so far in the future that humans have evolved miniature appendices and no longer grow facial hair or wisdom teeth, the characters sometimes lapse into dialog reminiscent of American slang straight out of a bad 1950s detective novel. Dr. Arvardan, for example, after knocking down an obnoxious Galactic lawman who has slapped him, asks: "Any other .. think he can play pattycake on my face?" Ughh. These weak spots make suspension of disbelief a bit challenging at times.

As with the other books in the trilogy, however, Pebble's strengths outweigh its shortcomings. It is a worthy addition to Asimov's pre-Foundation future history and a fun read to boot.

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The Empire Novels
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: Science Fiction Book Club
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Asimov, Isaac | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0739431056

Product Description

Ominbus of "The Stars, Like Dust," "The Currents of Space," and "Pebble in the Sky." Special publication of the Science Fiction Book Club.

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Pebble in the Sky (Crest SF T1567)

Manufacturer: Fawcett Crest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
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ASIN: B000H6P11K

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Pebble in the Sky
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0385481578

Triangle: Consisting of the stories "The Currents of Space" "Pebble in The Sky" and "The Stars, Like Dust"

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Triangle: Consisting of the stories "The Currents of Space" "Pebble in The Sky" and "The Stars, Like Dust"

Manufacturer: Doubleday & Co., Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GSZT3Y

3 Titles By Isaac Asimov : Pebble in the Sky - The Gods Themselves - Earth Is Room Enough

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3 Titles By Isaac Asimov : Pebble in the Sky - The Gods Themselves - Earth Is Room Enough
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000WU3MJ4

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

PBS Tallest Bldg in Sky Brd Bk (Pebble Soup)

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PBS Tallest Bldg in Sky Brd Bk (Pebble Soup)
Dzamtovski
Manufacturer: Rigby
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: 0763565008

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PEBBLE IN THE SKY
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OA2E2I

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Pebble in the Sky
Isaac ` Assimov
Manufacturer: Fawcett Publications, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000THFVXA

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Pebble in the Sky
Isaac Asimov
Manufacturer: Doubleday & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OB47O0

Book Description

In the heat of midsummer, in 1960, nineteen-year-old Deborah and several other young women share a cab to a convent on the Iowa bluffs of the Mississippi River. The girls, passionate to become nuns, heedless of all they are leaving behind, smoke their last cigarettes along the way and enter their life as postulants. In the same precise and beautifully crafted prose that distinguished her successful novel The White (“a brutal and beautiful novel”–The New York Times), Larsen’s memoir lets us into the hushed life inside the convent. We learn about such practices as “custody of the eyes,” the proper devotion to the rule of one’s superiors, and the importance of avoiding “particular friendships.” Her intimate episodic account captures the exquisite sense of peace–even of Presence–that dwelt among the women, as well as the strangeness of living under such strict rules. Gradually, she admits to a growing awareness that there is much life and beauty outside the motherhouse, which she is missing. The physical world–the lush experience of the tulip she stared at in the garden as a girl, the snow she tunneled in, and even the mystery of sex–begins to seem to her a significant alternative theater for a deep understanding and love of God.

With The Tulip and the Pope, Larsen delivers a swift and moving exploration of Christian experience and young womanhood in a more innocent time, and a message of devotion that extends far beyond the high walls of the convent.

Customer Reviews:

Interesting, Excellent Memoir. Highly Recommended.......2007-09-21

Rarely do I read a book as quickly as I tore through this one. It took me four bedtime readings to read this book, which is extremely rare for me. Since, as a child and early teen, I longed to be a nun myself, I found this book to be compelling and intensely interesting. I spent many years amongst the cloistered nuns (what an honor!) at the Benedictine convent near my childhood home, and I yearned to become one of them myself. By the time I was old enough to consent, I had found my commitment to God outside of this arena. Besides, I wasn't even Catholic! But I digress. This book gives a very personal glimpse inside the convent of cloistered nuns in the early `60's - a turbulent time within society and within the Church. I was very glad that there was an epilogue that told of her life forty years later, and how she lives her life now.

I found the writing to be lacking at times - she writes as she probably speaks, and sometimes I can't follow her though process. However, this is a book NOT to be missed, regardless of your religious orientation.

The Pope and the Tulip.......2007-08-03

This was an autobiographical story of a former Sister which brought back memories of my early life as a Sister. I was sorry to read that the author left her community because it seemed as though she had great potential.

aAyone who wants a "bird'eye" view of convent life will enjoy this work

The Tulip and the Pope.......2007-06-28

My wife ordered this book and loves it. The book seems to cover the subject well.

The Tulip and the Pope.......2007-03-19

The book is a good read, a smooth and lovely read. It is the product of the perfect nun. Deborah Larsen disappoints in the sense that she does not reveal any emotional reaction to her life. She does a service by making it plain why convents are not getting recruits these days. As beautiful as the prose is it can not hide the emptiness of the life.
But I hope it encourages many more ex nuns to write and publish because we have not yet gotten a true glimpse into this life.

Wonderful memoir of a spiritual journey.......2006-11-20

Neither Catholic nor recovering Catholic, I wouldn't have picked this up if I hadn't been so impressed with Larsen's beautifully spare THE WHITE. However, this did not disappoint. Written in short, almost stand-alone essays, it takes us through Larsen's youthful decision to enter the convent and her eventual decision to leave, including an interesting epilogue forty years later. It's a balanced, respectful, down-to-earth, wry look at faith and vocation and I'd love to give a copy to all the faithful, thinking women I know. (Larsen supplies a great list for further reading, too.)

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Tulip & the Pope a Nuns Story
Deborah Larsen
Manufacturer: ALFRED A KNOPF
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UDA0RU

A wider world.(The Tulip and the Pope: A Nun's Story)(Book Review) : An article from: Commonweal

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A wider world.(The Tulip and the Pope: A Nun's Story)(Book Review) : An article from: Commonweal
Madeline Marget
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Commonweal, published by Thomson Gale on November 4, 2005. The length of the article is 1204 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: A wider world.(The Tulip and the Pope: A Nun's Story)(Book Review)
Author: Madeline Marget
Publication: Commonweal (Magazine/Journal)
Date: November 4, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 132 Issue: 19 Page: 22(3)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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