Book Description
Set in Montana in the early '60's, it is the story of one man who against impossible odds refused to give in to despair and hopelessness. Amos was a man who thought he'd experienced all that life had to offer when, with a capricious turn of fate, he fell through the cracks of society's institutions, into the merciless cogwheels of human apathy and carelessness. After a tragic accident that kills his wife and leaves him with a shattered hip, without family, and penniless, Amos is deposited in the county poor farm, Sunset Home, outside a small Montana town. He believes his life is over and he resolves to let go and die as quickly as possible, isolating himself from the other residents of the poor farm.
Under head nurse Daisy Daws's iron-clad rule, he notices small cruelties and injustices but attempts to ignore them in his refusal to accept this meaningless end to his life, until an unthinkable horror witnessed by chance in the middle of the night reawakens his deeply felt sense of justice. Ever so often, indifference and neglect mutate into unmitigated evil and then humanity goes on trial. Rarely, someone stands in the breach and shouts "No" with only courage and dignity as weapons. Amos, in spite of himself, becomes that person when he says aloud to himself in the darkness of his bleak little room, "I'm not going to die, by God, and I'm not going to let her get away with it!" The story of his struggle with Daisy Daws not only to survive but to overcome is a compelling testimony to the inner strength and irrepressible spirit of man. Albert Camus once said, "In the midst of winter, I found there was within me an invincible summer." This became Amos's credo. With a growing respect and affection for his fellow inmates, with a newfound romance with the lovely Fern, and against devastating odds and arrogant brutality, he finds a triumph he never expected.
Customer Reviews:
Amos.......2007-01-20
Enjoyed this book very much. Had a different ending than expected, which was great. Loved it!
A good read, but disturbing.......2003-01-17
I enjoyed this book, but only gave it 4 stars because the subject matter was very hard for me to read. If you have any relatives in nursing homes, this story will hit home. The plot is all the more disturbing because it is based on true events from a real nursing home. West again creates characters who are dynamic and persever even when faced with amazing odds.
Brilliant Book.......2001-01-22
An extraordinary book, highly entertaining and very suspenseful. A celebration of the human spirit!
Average customer rating:
- I am a hopeless romantic
- What true love is all about...
- the coolest love story ever
- The Last Valentine
- You cannot put it down!
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The Last Valentine
James Michael Pratt
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
General | Romance | Subjects | Books
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General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
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Mom: The Woman Who Made Oatmeal Stick to My Ribs
ASIN: 0312968221 |
Book Description
Television reporter Susan Allison is looking for the perfect story about true love, yet she doubts where such a thing really exists, Neil Thomas, Jr. wants to share his parents' bittersweet love story with the world. On February 14, 1944, Caroline Thomas said good-bye to her beloved husband, a Navy pilot sent to the Pacific. For fifty year, she waited for him--until a miracle happened, and she received his last valentine. In the present day, when Susan and Neil meet, can the story of Neil's parents bring them together in a love as powerful as she dreams of and he remembers?
Customer Reviews:
I am a hopeless romantic.......2006-08-10
So I absolutely adored this book. I love the timeless love story between Neil and Carolyn.
I lent the book to my mother and gave her a box of Kleenex to go along with it. She chuckled at the tissues at first, but then, when she started to read it, she understood.
In my opinion, it is a beautiful story that shows love never fails. I cried through the whole book.
Unfortunately, I lent it to a co-worker, who, when she left, took my book with her. This is one to treasure forever. Best when read on a windy, rainy, cold day....
What true love is all about..........2005-04-19
As a reader who's tired of all the so-called "romance" novels, I was hesitant to pick this book up. Once I'd started it, I couldn't put it down. This book is both a war adventure and a story about TRUE love, the way it was designed to be. I bought this book because I knew I'd end up reading it more than once!
the coolest love story ever.......2004-09-27
I usually dont like love stories but this is not your usual love story. It has everything you want in a book .its one you cant put down. anyone that has ever been crazy in love will love this book.
The Last Valentine.......2003-11-07
THE LAST VALENTINE, written by James Michael Pratt is a book of faith, hope, devotion, and most of all never-ending love. A writer Neil Thomas Jr. wants to share the amazing story of the unconditional love his parents shared. Susan Allison just happens to be looking for a love story that she believes cannot exist. The story is of Lt. Neil Thomas and his wife, Caroline. Lt. Thomas must leave his wife and unborn child for war on their first anniversary, February 14, 1944. From Union Station, he gives her a long goodbye and a promise. For fifty years, on the very day they said good bye she returns to Union Station, hoping for the promise he made. On their fifith anniversary, just two days after finding out the true story of her husbands heroic death, she recieves his last valentine. The story of Neil Jr's parents gives him the hope that maybe he will be able to find a love as pure as the love his mother and father shared, and give Susan Allison the faith that there really is love that is strong enough to last through anything.
The Last Valentine was one of the best books I have ever read. At times, I would get confused when the book would continue changing from the past to the present and back to the past, I was unsure of what time era I was reading about. However, I really enjoyed how James Michael Pratt, the author, set up the reading of his book. Even though it could be confusing it allowed for me to understand the whole story. The book allowed for romance and the action of war to keep the story going and it allowed for me to feel and imagine what was happening during the whole book. I would recommend this book for people who don't mind emotional books, and who enjoy reading about romance continuing to last through the burden of World War II.
You cannot put it down!.......2003-07-06
This book kept me up all hours of the night. Be prepared to fall in love with these characters! You will love the emotional experience and the feeling that you were actually there. I felt as though I was saying good bye to my husband and that he was leaving for the war. This book is a must read!
Book Description
On a beautiful July morning in 1991, three men gathered in a hotel suite for an informal breakfast and conversation. The discussion ranged widely over events and characters of the past, famous names and fabled accomplishments flowing along with the coffee and juice. Two of them, Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio, were the ultimate symbols of athletic glory for generations of American men. The third man, Fay Vincent, was living a dream, sitting with and asking questions of his boyhood heroes.
Fay Vincent never set out to be the commissioner of baseball. He got into the game alongside his good friend A. Bartlett Giamatti, as deputy commissioner, when Giamatti was named to the sport's highest office in 1989. They spent their first spring and summer dealing with Pete Rose's gambling, and Vincent's legal expertise complemented his friend's moral thunder. But that was to be their only season working side by side, as Bart Giamatti's heart gave out just days after the announcement of the Rose suspension. Vincent found himself the only logical candidate to fill a position as guardian of the best interests of the game he loves.
In The Last Commissioner: A Baseball Valentine, Vincent takes us along for the ultimate fan's fantasy camp. As commissioner, he got to talk baseball with the likes of Yogi Berra, Larry Doby, Warren Spahn, Ernie Banks, Eddie Lopat, Whitey Ford, and Henry Aaron. He brought his legal training to bear on the delicate issue of whether Roger Clemens uttered the magic word that would justify his being tossed out of a playoff game (and it's not the word you think). He was one of the few outsiders at the annual Hall of Fame banquet for the new inductees and their immortal peers, where he watched, amazed, as Johnny Mize demonstrated to Ralph Kiner his method of hitting an inside pitch -- a piece of advice from forty years past. And he brought equal respect and attention to the greats of the Negro Leagues, listening to the gracefully told stories of Joe Black and Buck O'Neil, slowly learning how Slick Surratt earned his nickname, hearing Jimmie Crutchfield give as good a definition of a well-lived life as we will ever know.
Vincent shares these stories and more: his high regard for umpires, instilled in his youth by his father, an NFL official and respected local ump; his close relations with the Bush family, forged in a summer spent working in the oil fields with his schoolmate Bucky Bush, the 41st president's brother (and 43rd president's uncle); his unusual experiences with the relentless George Steinbrenner, including the famous meeting where the Yankees owner was facing a two-year suspension and plea-bargained it down to a lifetime ban. Vincent also gives his candid views on the state of baseball today, firm in his belief that the game will survive its current leadership and even prosper.
Through it all, Vincent's deep love of baseball shines through. His most remarkable accomplishment as commissioner may have been to emerge from the office with his fandom intact. The Last Commissioner is truly a valentine to the game, written with the insight and vision that comes from the lofty perch of the ultimate front-row seat.
Customer Reviews:
Book better than I thought it would be.......2006-10-20
I tend to stay away from autobiographies as some could better be cross marketed as fiction.
Vincent didn't care for Selig or Kuhn, as he states that Selig & Reinsdorf were the ring leaders in the 1987 collusion. He doesn't really have a whole lot to say about Uberroth, other than collusion. Selig wanted the job of commissioner all along. Okay, that was no surprise statement, as I think most astute fans surmised that during Bud's protracted interim commissioner period. George W. Bush called Fay (family friend) on at least two occasions to mention that Selig said that George could have the job if he wanted it. Fay told George that he thought that Selig really wanted the job for himself and that he should forget about becoming commissioner. Personally I think there's good chance that Bush may become commissioner come 2009.
Fay doesn't come out and say say it but other than for window dressing the hiring of Bill White as NL President was a mistake. Vincent does confess that the job of league president is little more than getting along with the umpires and keeping peace within the league with little policy making or management skills particularily needed, which qualified White for the job. Fay states that White admitted that he always has had a problem with authority figures. Vincent & Giamatti tried to get White to take the lead on improving minority issues in MLB, but White said that he had no interest in that as he was tired of beating his head against the wall.
I can think of worse league presidents than White (Gene Budig immediately comes to mind). Fay loved Len Coleman and thought he shouldn't have been dumped by MLB, when his position as NL president was no longer needed.
Vicent does give some interesting insight as to the hard core owners were who wanted to bust the MLB union (Selig, et al), and has some very innovative ideas on how a better relationship between the owners and players could be had. Fay had some interesting comments about Joe D & Mays. I found it amazing (but maybe I shouldn't have) how the owners gave Giamatti everything he wanted in the contract to be commissioner that Vincent negotiated for his friend Bart. The problem was that MLB really had no point person to negotiate the contract in their behalf, Giamatti was really ordained as commissioner before the terms were negotiated.
Heavy on the valentine, light on the commissioner part.......2006-05-05
Most of this book consists of Vincent relaying very short and sweet stories about small incidents and moments in time. Particularly, he pays very much attention to retired players he met and coming to terms with the differences in public personas and actual personalities.
I expected a far heavier treatment given the first half of the title. However, the opinions and issues are very skant throughout the book. There moments he gives opinions are often not substantiated and the depth of material is actually suited best for younger readers.I expected the opportunity to be taken to rationalize the role of the commissioner and outline a concrete argument about Vincent's experiences and how things could improve. Instead, the minor essays give a taste of the subject that most hardcore baseball fans would already know before reading.
A Man Too Worried About His Legacy.......2006-01-10
I was a fan of Fay Vincent during his tenure as commissioner. I did not always agree with his decisions, but I respected him. That respect has waned some over the years, particularly in light of his invoking 'the best interests of baseball' clause which was just a euphemism for 'what I want.'
Fay Vincent shone on the brightest stage for a brief period. His handling of the 1989 World Series' interruption by earthquake was a public relations ten strike as well as a needed healing element in the Bay Area. But Vincent was aloof and arrogant in interviews, and he simply did not bring the love or zest for the game that his predecessor, A. Bartlett Giammatti brought.
Vincent was also clearly pushed offstage by the owners for their ill-fated 1994-95 showdown with the players. Let's face it, replacing a commissioner with a fellow owner is a conflict of interest in any scenario much less one where there are billions of dollars at stake on both sides. So he has my sympathy for that.
The book shines in a couple of spots, particularly the stories of the 1989 World Series and his friendship with Giammati, who died in September 1989. It also tells - from Vincent's viewpoint anyway - the story of the man with whom Vincent's name along with Giammati's will be eternally connected, Pete Rose. Vincent seemingly plays the Emporer to Giammati's Darth Vader - and without blushing, arrogantly holds to Rose's punishment.
Pete Rose bet on baseball. This fact is not in doubt. Pete Rose deserved to be punished. Banned forever? Perhaps. Denied entry into the Hall of Fame? Not a chance. Vincent's attempt to distance himself from this is disgusting. Of all those involved with the Rose investigation, Vincent and prosecutor John Dowd have retained an arrogant posture towards Rose. Their view seems to be, "He bet on baseball, he's banned for life, tough." Fair enough. Except that these two conspired to keep the names of UMPIRES who were gambling secret during the exact same time frame!!!
On March 8, 2002, several news outlets reported that Vincent had 'secretly' placed umpires Rich Garcia and Frank Pulli on probation in 1989 (the same year as the Rose scandal) for gambling. Vincent's 'defense' is that 'there was no evidence the umpires bet on baseball.' That sounds good but it evades the bigger issue - gamblers and bookies. The fear is that an indebted gambler will throw a game or fix the outcome to pay off his debts. Does not a home plate umpire have a MUCH GREATER effect on the outcome of a game than a manager (none of Rose's gambling occurred when he was a player - at least from the investigation's standpoint)? Vincent's hypocrisy on this issue renders his verdict meaningless and indicates he clearly still has 'it' in for Rose.
Vincent even engaged in some libelous hearsay in the book by claiming that USA Today writer Hal Bodley had told him Rose had gambled on baseball as a player back in the 70s. Hmm. Vincent, of course, didn't bother to mention that he had absolutely no evidence for that, however.
I think Vincent is worried about being famous. Face it, if Rose is ever elected to the HOF, the only long-lasting claim to fame that Vincent has is gone. He'll be remembered as the guy who went overboard - even to the point of denying the guy a place on the Hall ballot - to ensure his legacy. The first time I ever heard of Fay Vincent was the night after Rose was banned when I read that morning's USA Today. Vincent wanted NO NEGOTIATION on when the lifetime ban could be overturned. Here's a man who has shown hypocrisy in his dealings between gamblers and doesn't even offer a chance at redemption (never mind his inane view that drugs are somehow different - look at the steroid scandal and get back to me).
The book has its highs and its lows. I do recommend a read but check out many of Vincent's claims that do not withstand scrutiny.
Fay Vincent was a good head of Paramount and Coca-Cola; he was mediocre as a commissioner.
Marvelous.......2003-09-27
Fay Vincent calls his book his "valentine to baseball" and it's not too far off from the truth. He has divided each chapter into their own "half innings," the "top half" being about a particular topic, and the "bottom half" being various lists. In between, his stories and opinions I found to be quite entertaining and even in some cases thought-provoking. Whether it's relaying old baseball anecdotes involving Hall of Famers like Yogi Berra, Ted Williams & Joe DiMaggio, or old Negro League ballplayers he got to know during his stint as Commissioner, or stories about his friendship with both George Bush and his son (a one time Texas Rangers owner), or more serious topics like the suspension of Pete Rose, his time and friendship with Bart Giamatti (the commissioner he succeeded in office after Giamatti's death), or his experiences at the earthquake-marred 1989 World Series, the reader is certainly never bored. I especially found his story about this fascinating, as I was among the crowd at that game 3 some thirteen years ago now. I never realized how much Isaiah Nelson, a SF cop on duty at the game helped to orchestrate the orderly evacuation of the park.
After reading his thoughts on Rose, I as well as another reviewer have come to change my mind about whether Rose should be re admitted to the game (although as of this review, pressure to reinstate Rose in some capacity seems to be growing). I also agreed with him about Steve Howe, whose continued readmittance to baseball after several drug convictions in my humble opinion marred the game. When Vincent resigned as commissioner of baseball in 1992, I felt the game has been deprived of a leader, even if I sometimes disagreed with his decisions. I wouldn't call this book a "great masterpiece," but I'm glad I ignored a couple of negative reviews I've seen of it. This book is an enjoyable read and makes me wonder how different today's game might have been if Vincent had been allowed to at least finish out his term as commissioner, much less be commissioner today.
Anecdotes abound.......2003-02-13
The anecdotes of old time baseball are worth the price off the book alone. Vincent's tales of meeting with Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio are priceless. The splitting of chapters into topics and lists were fun. Each chapter offered something new, a virtual learning experience. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it to any real baseball fan. It shed a new light on his commissionership in my opinion and, in the true test of writing, actually changed my mind about Pete Rose and his inclusion into the Hall of Fame. I always thought Pete should be admitted, but after reading Vincent's words, I have changed my mind.
Product Description
Clean and solid copy. Doubleday direct large print ed.
Average customer rating:
- The Review
- Thought Provoking!
- The Awakening
- Madness
- A new genre
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The Last Dream Before Dawn: A Novel
David Valentine Bernard , and
D.V. Bernard
Manufacturer: Strebor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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God in the Image of Woman
ASIN: 0971195323 |
Book Description
A haunting psychological thriller, The Last Dream Before Dawn is a chilling tale of a man who has it all -- until his past catches up with him.
A powerful, handsome attorney, Roland was one of the most eligible bachelors in New York City. Famous for his successful career and on the fast track to further greatness, he has everything a young man could desire. With such envious attributes, Roland seems untouchable...until a chance meeting with a prophet named Kain. The mysterious seer shares his ominous prediction with Roland -- the world is going to end -- and this strange introduction turns Roland's life upside down. Soon a string of random acts of violence seizes the city, and Roland finds himself accused of crimes he did not commit. To prove his innocence he must separate himself from the incriminating shadow of his father, a man executed for a vicious crime when Roland was a child.
Suspenseful and intriguing, The Last Dream Before Dawn is an evocative novel guaranteed to set minds reeling and pulses racing.
Customer Reviews:
The Review.......2005-01-06
Stunning. Poetic. Mr. Bernard did not merely "scratch the surface" but more like savagely clawed the surface (smile).
This book exposes or has the reader examine the whys and whats of what we, as humans, do, in all aspects concerning the way we live our lives.
There were times when it got to be to much as I was like "I'm going to read something else as this is too deep even for me," but by saying that it made me want to read more as I became addicted to this book. This book similar and different than when I read "The Darkest Child" was intoxicating.
This book, the characters, all became real and I recognized that this was fiction, but Mr. Bernard wrote this in such a fashion that made it real.
If you want a book that is and will take you on a trip that delves into the human psyche then I stronly recommend "The Last Dream Before Dawn" as it will truly rock YOUR world and have you examine yourself and others more closely.
Thought Provoking!.......2004-12-28
It took me awhile to get into this book but it was worth it in the end. Serious book about a very serious issue. Good read and a very deep story.
The Awakening.......2004-03-15
D.V. Bernard presents a fresh viewpoint of the rising violence and scandal in America in his debut novel, THE LAST DREAM BEFORE DAWN. Twenty years ago, Roland Micheaux's innocence was shattered when his father was executed for heinous crimes. Now, as a successful New York attorney, Roland finds himself face to face with the very thing that he has tried to put behind him. One night in a parking garage his father's persona comes to haunt him as Roland makes a calamitous move that will send his life into a tailspin and cause him to question reality. Roland then meets Jasper Kain, a seer of sorts, who tries to convince him that the world is coming to an end and that madness will take its reign on the city. Kain's prophecies defy rationale, but Roland soon sees that these ideas should not be so easily dismissed.
THE LAST DREAM BEFORE DAWN is a flurry of characters, scenes, and plots, but somehow, Bernard coheres it all together into cerebral fiction that challenges reality and sanity. A distinguished entrance into the literary arena, this novel is splendidly written and brilliantly executed.
Reviewed by CandaceK
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Madness.......2003-09-19
Roland Micheaux is no stranger to violence and holds a secret that he hopes will never be discovered. He is sitting on top of the world working as a successful attorney with a top law firm in New York City. Then one day he commits an unspeakable act and his world is turned upside down; and he is left pondering the question of who and what he has become. Leading him down this path of self-discovery is the unusual and elusive Jasper Kain.
Jasper Kain is a mysterious man who seems to just appear out of no where and feeds on evil and chaos. He is one of the most important characters in this book because he seems to hold some influence over all of the major characters.
Alexander Randolph is a Black Republican and Mayor of New York City. In his mind, he is one of the most important men in the world. Even though he has all of these things going for him, Mayor Randolph is not immune to madness.
The paths of these three men cross continuously throughout the book as each of them is touched by the madness and evil of the world. In reading this book, just when you think things can't get any worse they do. THE LAST DREAM BEFORE DAWN is an unusual book.
Reviewed by Simone A. Hawks
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
A new genre.......2003-09-04
This book was a great departure, from what I normally read, which is black fiction, based around romantic relationships. These books are more commonly known as "sistagurl" books. This book was written intelligently, and dealt with issues that we can all relate to in society. This book was a page turner, filled with mayhem, suspense, love, hate, violence, peace, and introspection. This novel makes the reader feel as though they are a part of the story, and I hope it will go on to be a best seller.
Average customer rating:
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The Last Valentine
Pratt
Manufacturer: Origin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000HMOMJG |
Book Description
When you're seven-feet plus of walking, talking stone, you're bound to draw the media spotlight, especially when you live in Tinseltown. Concrete's celebrity status is sometimes a pain in the buttress... but it does bring the occasional paycheck gig. When the producer of a low-budget science-fiction film approaches Concrete to use his prodigious strength to help save money on the film's FX budget, the siren call of Hollywood draws Concrete like a moth to a flame... a seven thousand dollar a week flame, that is.
Customer Reviews:
As strong as the first volume.......2007-08-01
One of the best graphic series I've ever read, if not the best -- beautifully and imaginatively drawn, with deep, moving stories that contain most every characteristic people look for in storytelling (intellect, humor, pathos, adventure, sorrow, joy, awe, sex, movie parodies, and a three-legged dog). What would your life become if you were suddenly transformed into a 1,200-pound hunk of ugly rock? Paul Chadwick answers that question from most every conceivable direction, often with unexpected, hilarious, exciting, and very touching results. The series hasn't lagged at all in quality so far--this third volume is just as good as the first, sometimes even better.
Customer Reviews:
Right up there with the best.......2007-09-30
Ellen Chen's translation, along with her excellent commentaries for each chapter is one of the best.
I rank it up there with Derek Lin's version for its clarity and succinctness.
While these two versions don't always agree, they do offer more than just a translation. I believe that is a major plus factor.
A Chinese Cat, a Ball of String.......2003-11-12
Here is the best commentary on the Tao Te Ching, along with an excellent translation. Of all the translators, Ellen M. Chen is the finest Tao Te Ching teacher! Why? Because she has the most complete understanding of those deep, deep Chinese sensibilities that are alive and at work in the ancient Chinese characters. As an experienced teacher, a master teacher, she also knows how to lead the student into the heart of the meaning of the Tao Te Ching, carefully linking each chapter to the next, and often jumping forward or back to connect expressions that repeat in different contexts. However, there is nothing overly academic or dry here. Chen's delight in the text, and her joy in unravelling it, are so evident that we are encouraged to join in, becoming mystery-seekers ourselves, like a Chinese cat with a ball of string...
Best of The Best.......2002-06-02
In our humble opinion, this work should be seen as superior to all other translations and interpretations of the Tao Te Ching; and I have read and studied over 20 of these while developing a synthesis for a multimedia CD. This text contains a very broad and deep foreword. The verse translations and commentaries are both very authentic and yet poetically spiritual. It further contains a bibliography, a glossary of Chinese terms and an index.
Arriving as Guests to a Banquet........2001-05-11
Although I must have collected upwards of twenty different editions of the Tao Te Ching over the years, Ellen M. Chen's has always stood at the top of my list,... it's a shame this truly wonderful edition isn't better known.
Chen, who is a Professor of Philosophy at St. John's University in Jamaica, New York, is not your usual sort of scholar, the type who views ancient wisdom texts as a mere quarry for materials. In contrast to the sterile type of academic who pride themselves on a purely illusory 'scientific objectivity,' Chen is a dynamic and concerned personality who seems utterly committed to trying to get the world to see the fantastic importance and value of the Tao Te Ching.
For her, in fact, the wisdom of the Tao Te Ching is a wisdom that could save us from the utter ruin the human race is heading for, if only we would start to take that wisdom seriously. Hers is a wise, well-written, thoroughly researched work which rises way above the usual run of scholarship, and it is far too rich for me to be able to do justice to it here.
Briefly the work falls into three parts. First we are given a full and quite unique 48-page Introduction in three chapters: 1. Date and Authorship of the Tao Te Ching; 2. The Tao Te Ching as a Religious Treatise; and 3. Use and Translation of the Text. Chapter 2, which is divided into six sections, is a minor masterpiece, and even if you don't intend to acquire the book, you should certainly read her 'Humans Become Gods on Earth,' 'Two Pseudo-Religions of the Twentieth Century,' and 'Religion For or Against Life' (pages 31-39). Here in a nutshell you will find her striking analysis of the essence of the modern problem, and its solution. I often return to her words, and I wish there were some way of getting everyone in the world to both read them and take them to heart.
The second and main part of the work is made up of her New Translation and Commentary. For each Chapter of the Tao Te Ching we are given: 1. A translation with interspersed key terms given in Chinese; 2. A brief General Comment on the import of the chapter; and 3. Very full and valuable detailed comments. Chen is a well-qualified scholar and highly competent translator, and her work reads very well indeed. Here is a brief example from Chapter 32, slightly modified since it should be set out as verse:
"Tao everlasting (ch'ang) / is the nameless uncarved wood (p'u) / Though small / Nothing under heaven can subjugate it (mo neng ch'en). / If kings and barons can abide by (shou) it, / All creatures will arrive as guests (pin) to a banquet" (page 133).
Her interspersing of the Chinese is a marvelous device, and provides a painless way of aquiring a vocabulary of key Chinese terms. The third part of the book, besides containing a full and scholarly 13-page Bibliography of both Western and Chinese sources along with an index, also contains a detailed 12-page Chinese glossary which gives the romanization and Chinese graphs (characters, ideograms) for all Chinese names and terms used in the book.
The Tao of Ellen Chen is evident everywhere throughout this book, and she has placed a splendid banquet before us. It's a banquet to which we have all been invited. I'm certainly glad it's one I didn't miss.
Outstanding Commentary.......2000-10-03
The book by Ellen Chen is outstanding for the completeness and clarity of its comments. Anyone who is at all serious about studying the Tao Te Ching needs to read several interpretations to get an idea of just how ambiguous the original text is. One translation is simply not adequate. You will find that different chapters seem to be translated more fittingly by different references. No one author will convey the message most convincingly to you for every single chapter, and what is best for you may not be best for me.
I first compiled my favored, composite translation of the Tao Te Ching 23 years ago. At that time I relied mostly on the translations (and commentary) of Wing-Tsit Chan and Lin Yutang, although I used about 8 references altogether. I recently checked out of the library three new translations, including the one by Chen, in order to compare them with the earlier works. As I delved into Chen's book I became more and more impressed by her translation, and especially by her commentary. Although for me, Wing-Tsit Chan still has the more consistently preferred translation, I am learning much more from Chen's commentary than I ever learned from other works. I think it is a shame that her book is seldom cited in lists of "best translations" of the Tao Te Ching. Her work is far more penetrating and lucid than all the favorites.
Even if you finally decide of a particular section that you prefer another translation to Chen's, you will learn much from her explanations. I'm going to buy my own copy when I return the one I have to the library!
Books:
- An Architecture of the Ozarks: The Works of Marlon Blackwell
- As Hot as It Was You Ought to Thank Me: A Novel
- Beachcombing for a Shipwrecked God
- Black Mischief, Scoop, The Loved One, The Ordeal of Gilbert Pinfold (Everyman's Library Classics & Contemporary Classics)
- Blue Octavo Notebooks
- Bosque de los Pigmeos, El
- Breakfast on Pluto: A Novel
- Broken Verses
- CENTER OF EVERYTHING, THE
- Charlotte Gray
Books Index
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- The Sparrow
- The Empress Theodora: Partner of Justinian
- Tax Aspects of Transfer Pricing Within Multinational Enterprises: The United States Proposed Regulat
- Crisp: Basic Business Math, Revised Edition: A Life-Skills Approach
Blind Your Ponies
Finding Laura Buggs
Sweet Shattered Dreams
Until They Bring the Streetcars Back (Mysteries & Horror)
Growing an Inch (Fiction)
