The Woman Chaser
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • a fascinating yet nasty piece of literature..
  • Great American Noir
  • One of my favorite noir books
  • Enjoyable book: a quick read, tightly paced "noir-lite"
  • American Classic
The Woman Chaser
Charles Willeford
Manufacturer: Four Walls Eight Windows
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
LiteraryLiterary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Psychological & SuspensePsychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Willeford, CharlesWilleford, Charles | ( W ) | Authors, A-Z | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. The Shark-Infested Custard The Shark-Infested Custard
  2. Wild Wives Wild Wives
  3. The Way We Die Now The Way We Die Now
  4. Miami Blues Miami Blues
  5. Sideswipe: A Hoke Moseley Detective Thriller Sideswipe: A Hoke Moseley Detective Thriller

ASIN: 1568582099

Book Description

Richard Hudson, woman chaser and used car salesman, possesses a pimp’s understanding of the ways in which women (and men) are most vulnerable. One day Richard decides to make an ambitious film, which turns into a fiasco. Enraged, he exacts revenge on all who have crossed him. "No one writes a better crime novel than Charles Willeford." -- Elmore Leonard

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars a fascinating yet nasty piece of literature.........2003-07-22

I have read several novels by Charles Willeford. His latter works from the 1980s, such as Miami Blues, are a blend of crime/humour with a south Florida setting ... stuff that I like. His earlier works from the 1960s/1970s, such as Cockfighter, are rather broodingly serious pieces ... stuff that I don't like. The Woman Chaser is a very early piece from Willeford, written in 1960. To my surprise it is by a wide margin the best of Willeford I've read.

Firstly, The Woman Chaser is not about chasing women. The story is actually about a rather cruel, warped used car salesman who wants to break into films. He abuses everyone to achieve his goal. While this might sound like a trite story Willeford structures it very cleverly, and it is written in the style of Jim Thompson ... in the first person with brutal language. Fortunately the book is not too depressing, and at times there is some humour.

Bottom line: a terrific little book by Willeford. A must read.

5 out of 5 stars Great American Noir.......2002-07-29

Charles Willeford wrote psychopaths better than any sane man should. This book--written, I believe, when he was still in the Air Force--is an examination of a soulless car salesman who wants to create something more permanent. Something lasting. And decides on making a misanthropic movie that will shock and shame the audience. A great, if not THE great, American novel.

5 out of 5 stars One of my favorite noir books.......2002-06-22

I love this book. The ending is so damn brilliant, so startling. Any one who loves noir needs to read this book.

Dave Zeltserman, author of In His Shadow

4 out of 5 stars Enjoyable book: a quick read, tightly paced "noir-lite".......2002-06-05

Without revealing the plot (!)---The main character is a gritty used-car salesman par excellence, and the storyline deals with him becoming aware of his life's limitations, and his subsequent response to this wake-up call for greater meaning. Ironically, the book is not about a woman chaser, per se...

Willeford uses his main character's view to point out a number of human failings, and the brisk plotline and well-developed supporting cast are more than willing to reveal some of life's bitter ironies. The result is an enjoyable and quick read, filled with tinges of sarcasm and understated dark humor.

5 out of 5 stars American Classic.......2001-10-16

The Woman Chaser is a great read. Dark, funny, troubling, REAL, just like life. Willeford is an unrecognized American genius, read The Woman Chaser and find out for yourself.
Straight, No Chaser: How I Became a Grown-Up Black Woman
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • What else is new?
  • Inspirational, Entertaining and Captivating
  • Well-written reflections!
  • Journalist Jill Nelson tells all in new book!!
  • Tell it, Jill!
Straight, No Chaser: How I Became a Grown-Up Black Woman
Jill Nelson
Manufacturer: Penguin (Non-Classics)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

African-American & BlackAfrican-American & Black | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Ethnic & National | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
GeneralGeneral | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
WomenWomen | Specific Groups | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
JournalistsJournalists | Professionals & Academics | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
Media StudiesMedia Studies | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:
  1. Volunteer Slavery: My Authentic Negro Experience Volunteer Slavery: My Authentic Negro Experience
  2. Finding Martha's Vineyard: African Americans at Home on an Island Finding Martha's Vineyard: African Americans at Home on an Island
  3. Sexual Healing: A Novel Sexual Healing: A Novel
  4. Laughing in the Dark: From Colored Girl to Woman of Color--A Journey From Prison to Power Laughing in the Dark: From Colored Girl to Woman of Color--A Journey From Prison to Power
  5. Longing to Tell: Black Women Talk About Sexuality and Intimacy Longing to Tell: Black Women Talk About Sexuality and Intimacy

ASIN: 0140277242

Amazon.com

Jill Nelson's first book, Volunteer Slavery, was an account of her time as a writer at the Washington Post, a sojourn that ended with her resignation and a near-nervous breakdown. In this new collection of essays, Nelson issues a call to arms to black women. As she sees it, black women are at the center of the black community as parents, workers, churchgoers, nurturers, and caregivers, yet are excluded from discussions about the future of that community. In this stirring, sure-to-be-talked-about book, Nelson challenges black women to "speak up and out, to speak the truth about what is really happening in ourselves, our communities, and the larger culture."

Book Description

The face of journalism was forever changed after Jill Nelson came along. Volunteer Slavery, the memoir and explosive expose of her experiences in the white, male-dominated world of The Washington Post, served as a wake-up call to all Americans and placed Nelson at the forefront of the African American political arena.

Now, the bestselling author is back with Straight, No Chaser, a call to arms written in an effort to "look at the sum of [black women's] lives beyond the how-to-snag-a-man, am-I-pretty-enough and how's-my-hair concerns that dominate [their] daily existence." Nelson encourages black women--especially young girls--to develop a positive identity in the face of adversity and to look critically at their role models, many of whom she believes send mixed messages to the African American community. From Barbie to bra burning, Mike Tyson to the Million Man March, Nelson takes a personal and thoughtful approach to the empowerment of the black female.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars What else is new?.......2005-04-15

Jill Nelson is just another angry, bitter, whiny black woman with an axe to grind. This book is filled with the same old whining and cliches which have grown really old and tired. Almost everything she touches on is so predictable whether it's accusing black men who date outside the race as being sellouts (while saying nothing of black women who do the same thing of course), demonizing the Million Man March, whining about the light skin/dark skin thing and basically ranting about how the black woman is a pathetic victim. If it were a black man writing this foolishness, he'd be written off as an angry old coot in a minute. Well that's exactly what Jill Nelson is as far as I'm concerned.

4 out of 5 stars Inspirational, Entertaining and Captivating.......2001-04-17

Jill Nelson has a unique stlye that captivates readers. I have been inspired by her unique expression towards our community, so called leaders and BLACK WOMEN!! Although, it has been some time sense I have read her books; I am often reminded of her experiences towards self-empowerment.

Any woman that is seeking external and internal fulfillment with a sassy approach; This is the book for you!!

Jill Nelson you are a strong Black Woman!! Keep up the good work!!

4 out of 5 stars Well-written reflections!.......1999-10-18

Go Jill! I recently saw you on BET with Tavis Smiley and 3 or 4 Black female ministers.

Nearly every feeling you expressed in your book was something I felt in the past or in some way still do today. What hit home was something significant that most Black people miss, especially the younger ones. As we approach the 21st century, American history is being rewritten to exclude the civil rights movement! And yes, you put it succintly, Black women are becoming invisible, erased!

Why I didn't give this book five stars -- the book ended with no recommendations to resolve the anger and bitterness issues expressed throughout the book. Also, too many open-ended inuendos about other Black leaders such as Al Sharpton, Maya Angelou, etc.

Still, Jill, keep writing.

4 out of 5 stars Journalist Jill Nelson tells all in new book!!.......1999-08-15

I LOVE JILL NELSON!!! I have been a loyal fan and devoted follower of her writings since her days as a writer for ESSENCE magazine and the Village Voice. I even remember reading some of her articles when she was a writer for the Washington Post. Her latest literary effort, "Straight, No Chaser," is written in the same, no-nonsense, subtle yet direct, with just a twinge of sarcasm writing style that made her first book, "Volunteer Slavery," a bestseller and became a Bible of sorts to just about every African-American journalist in America..myself included! In her new book, I was especially touched by Nelson's periodic reference to the Deletha Word tragedy that occurred on a dark bridge in Detroit 4 years ago this month. Nelson writes about the awful event and describes how a minor incident escalated into a terrible tragedy and the loss of a life. I also enjoyed the chapter about violence toward women and how her ex-husband once "slapped me upside my head with his open palm so hard I see red, white and blue stars and my ear rings for twenty-four hours." I also enjoyed how she accurately points out that many of the so-called "black leaders," of today are usually loud-mouthed ministers who ALWAYS want to put race at the forefront of everything and blame all of African-Americans problems on the white man. Finally, while her latest book is very good, "Volunteer Slavery ," is better and still remains one of my all-time favorite books. Few writers are able to reveal so much about others yet, still be able to put themselves and their own faults and foibles on public display as skillfully and as well as Nelson does in each book. Keep up the good work Jill!! You have a legion of fans out here who love you and your work!!!!

5 out of 5 stars Tell it, Jill!.......1999-06-01

Ms. Nelson writes compellingly about many issues facing the Black woman. I found the book illuminating, enlightening and difficult to put down as each sentence demanded my attention. It validated some of my own personal concerns and illuminated other issues I need to be concerned about.
The He-Man Woman Chaser's Club
Average customer rating: Not rated
    The He-Man Woman Chaser's Club
    Milo
    Manufacturer: Milo Publishing
    ProductGroup: Book
    Binding: Paperback

    Love, Sex & MarriageLove, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
    ASIN: 0971964807

    Product Description

    This is a funny book. Great for coffee tables all over the world. The He-Man Woman Chaser's Club is the result of Milo's observations, experiences, and imagination. In Milo's view, all men fit somewhere on a spectrum. Some are the "nice guys" found on the left of the spectrum, while others are juvenile punks found on the right. Somewhere, in the middle, is where the He-Man Woman Chasers are found. In this club, chivalry is encourage and being a gentleman is required - but if you want to drink out of the milk carton, go ahead. You're a guy. We treat our women well and we take the lead in this dance. If you want to know what it takes to be a member, the guidelines are spelled out within.
    Straight, No Chaser:  How I Became a Grown-up Black Woman
    Average customer rating: Not rated
      Straight, No Chaser: How I Became a Grown-up Black Woman
      Jill Nelson
      Manufacturer: Putnam
      ProductGroup: Book
      Binding: Paperback
      ASIN: 0965835995
      Woman Chaser
      Average customer rating: Not rated
        Woman Chaser
        Robert Turner
        Manufacturer: Beacon
        ProductGroup: Book
        Binding: Mass Market Paperback
        ASIN: B000TZ1X8E
        Woman Chaser
        Average customer rating: Not rated
          Woman Chaser
          Don Elliott
          Manufacturer: Pert Publications, Inc.
          ProductGroup: Book
          Binding: Mass Market Paperback
          ASIN: B000KG9IYI
          Woman Chaser (Beacon B464F)
          Average customer rating: Not rated
            Woman Chaser (Beacon B464F)
            Robert Turner
            Manufacturer: Beacon
            ProductGroup: Book
            Binding: Paperback
            ASIN: B000T9RWH6
            The Woman Chaser (U137)
            Average customer rating: Not rated
              The Woman Chaser (U137)
              Charles Willeford
              Manufacturer: Newsstand Library Magenta Book
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback
              ASIN: B000K6ZDP6

              A Little Bit Wicked
              Average customer rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
              • Wickedly good fun....
              • Unusual premise
              • I might have liked it....
              • Great Book!
              • Good Dialogue and Solid Main Characters
              A Little Bit Wicked
              Victoria Alexander
              Manufacturer: Avon
              ProductGroup: Book
              Binding: Mass Market Paperback

              GeneralGeneral | Romance | Subjects | Books
              Alexander, VictoriaAlexander, Victoria | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
              ( A )( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              All 4-for-3 DealsAll 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
              Similar Items:
              1. What A Lady Wants What A Lady Wants
              2. The Raven Prince (Warner Forever) The Raven Prince (Warner Forever)
              3. Surrender to a Scoundrel (Avon Romantic Treasure) Surrender to a Scoundrel (Avon Romantic Treasure)
              4. The School for Heiresses (The School for Heiresses, Anthology) The School for Heiresses (The School for Heiresses, Anthology)
              5. Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3) Beware a Scot's Revenge (School for Heiresses, Book 3)

              ASIN: 006088262X

              Book Description

              Who will be the last unmarried man standing?

              No man in his right mind would want to get married, but every duke, earl, and viscount knows that a fellow must do his duty in the end. So four of London's most desirable gentlemen make a wager—the prize going to the one who remains unwed the longest.

              Gideon Pearsall, Viscount Warton, thinks he has a fair shot at winning. After all, he's managed to enjoy the favors of many a lady while resisting the parson's noose. Even when he's stopped dead in his tracks by the most scandalous woman in all of London—Judith, Lady Chester—he vows to have her bedded but never wedded.

              Beautiful, and more than a little bit naughty, Judith has always kept herself within the bounds of respectability, even while playing by her own rules. And the experience has taught her to avoid marriage. She has no desire to resist Warton's hot kisses, and his tempting touch is impossible to ignore.

              But soon both Judith and Gideon can't help but wonder . . . is it possible to be a little bit wicked and still follow your heart?

              Customer Reviews:

              4 out of 5 stars Wickedly good fun...........2007-08-11

              If you are looking for something light and luscious look no further. A Little Bit Wicked looks to be the start of a wonderful new series by Victoria Alexander. The plot didn't make me think too hard, and with the possible exception of the female protagonist, the characters didn't make me think longingly of strangling them. This lighthearted little gem reminded me the wonderful old romantic movies of yesteryear, but with the heat turned way up.

              5 out of 5 stars Unusual premise.......2007-08-01

              It's not often a romance novel author makes her heroine anyone but a virgin woman, with an untouched past. Alexander takes the risk and gives the reader new twists because of it.

              1 out of 5 stars I might have liked it...........2007-06-12

              If I were 12 again and didn't know what good dialogue was. It was amusing at first, but it quickly got irritating. The lust between the female and male wasn't particularly believable. They weren't particularly likeable either. Lady Chester acts like a high schooler with her games, and Lord what-is-his-name comes off as a complete tool.

              4 out of 5 stars Great Book!.......2007-05-19

              I really like this book. There was a lot of witty dialouge between Gideon and Judith that was very entertaining. A lot of scenes of Gideon and Judith speaking with friends that was refreshing and original. I felt there weren't enough scenes between the two with sex or friends/foes.

              4 out of 5 stars Good Dialogue and Solid Main Characters.......2007-05-08

              A Little Bit Wicked by Victoria Alexander is the story of Lady Chester, a widow of several years with a slightly exaggerated reputation, and Viscount Wharton, whose brief marriage during his youth was quickly annulled. The two come together to start a casual yet discreet affair with no strings attached. They soon begin to realize the affair is becoming anything but casual, but they each have demons from their past that materialize in one way or another and hinder their relationship from progressing from casual to something more.

              I enjoyed this novel. I thought the dialogue was quite good and the reader was given great insight into the minds of the two main characters. Some of the fringe characters were amusing (I especially enjoyed Viscount Wharton's indomitable aunt), but the ancillary characters weren't nearly as well written as the two main characters. There wasn't a whole lot of external action in this novel either. Most of the novel was the internal conflict between Lady Chester and Viscount Wharton, which I thought was portrayed very well.
              A LITTLE BIT WICKED
              Average customer rating: Not rated
                A LITTLE BIT WICKED
                VICTORIA ALEXANDER
                Manufacturer: AVON
                ProductGroup: Book
                Binding: Hardcover

                Alexander, VictoriaAlexander, Victoria | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
                GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
                ASIN: 0739476769

                Product Description

                Bestselling author Alexander returns to Victorian England for her latest, the promising kickoff to a four-book series. In 1854 London, four titled gentlemen make a bet: the last man to avoid the inevitable trap of marriage wins an expensive bottle of brandy-as well as his precious freedom, for as long as necessity will allow. The first to face his trial is Gideon Pearsall, Viscount Warton, who lost his heart years ago to a conniving woman who briefly married him to make another lover jealous. Gideon firmly believes he will never love again, and the new "adventure" he's begun with Lady Judith Chester is merely that-a chance for excitement, a quenching of desire. Lady Chester, for her part, feels the same. A widow whose former husband abused her in secret, Lady Chester simply wants to enjoy her freedom with a man who's merely bad, rather than controlling and cruel. But the wounds of the past have a way of catching up with the carefree lovers, conspiring to expose their real, raw feelings for each other. The rich characters in this first installment of Alexander's "Last Man Standing" series (wickedly similar to Stephanie Laurens's Bastion Club novels) make this a satisfying start, though one hopes for a little more action and passion in future installments.
                Little Bit Wicked
                Average customer rating: Not rated
                  Little Bit Wicked
                  Lucia Bruels
                  Manufacturer: AuthorHouse
                  ProductGroup: Book
                  Binding: Paperback

                  ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                  ASIN: 1420892592

                  Book Description

                  Jillian Omar DuBois has a history of mischief and wild behavior but little does she expect to be called downright wicked. The aristocratic brothers St.James, Geoffrey and Stephen, will be her downfall. Set in the tumultuous days as America struggles for independence, her life is fraught with danger as she's torn from the safety of England. Her reputation in shreds, she loses her heart to the brother who seems not to care. Taken to America, separated from her love, she's held hostage by an American sea captain. Fighting the temptation to allow her passions to have the final say, she returns to England and the mystery of the person who wishes her to disappear.
                  Set of 2 Titles in the Last Man Standing Series: (1) A Little Bit Wicked; (2) What A Lady Wants
                  Average customer rating: Not rated
                    Set of 2 Titles in the Last Man Standing Series: (1) A Little Bit Wicked; (2) What A Lady Wants
                    Victoria Alexander
                    Manufacturer: Avon
                    ProductGroup: Book
                    Binding: Paperback

                    Alexander, VictoriaAlexander, Victoria | ( A ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
                    GeneralGeneral | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
                    ASIN: B000VCC9PQ
                    Death in England: Another Inspector Mirabelle Adventure
                    Average customer rating: Not rated
                      Death in England: Another Inspector Mirabelle Adventure
                      Sam Bobrick
                      Manufacturer: Samuel French, Inc.
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback
                      ASIN: B000R97Z52

                      Product Description

                      A Mystery Comedy by Sam Bobrick. Death pays a call to an English household and discovers he's come to the wrong house. This is the first time he has ever made such a mistake. Slowly he comes to realize that people are dying without his help. He feels totally usurped and helpless. Suspecting treachery of the highest magnitude, England's most cunning detective, Inspector Edward Mirabelle, is called in to get to the bottom of things. Good naturedly twits the Agatha Christie - style murder mystery genre...Bobrick has a wickedly clever sense of humor and the laughs pile up vigorously and hilariously as DEATH IN ENGLAND wends its way through it's remarkable premise to its unexpected (and wholly satisfying) conclusion. CHARACTERS: MICHAEL HEDGES - A well bred man in his early fifties. DEATH - A good looking man in his mid-thirties. JANE - The Hedges maid in her mid-thirties. IRENE HEDGES - Michael's wife in her late forties, early fifties. INSPECTOR MIRABELLE - One of Scotland Yard's finest. Mid-forties to mid-sixties. MISS CONSTANCE LAWSON - A lady of the night. Mid-thirties. ALFIE CROWN - A landlord. Mid-forties to mid-sixties. JONATHAN PIKE - A sinister stranger. Mid-thirties to mid-fifties.

                      Ultimate Egoist: Volume I: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon (Sturgeon, Theodore. Short Stories, V. 1.)
                      Average customer rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
                      • Learn about the development of a master storyteller
                      • The beginning of one of the truly great careers
                      • The beginning of one of the truly great careers
                      • Even the best start somewhere
                      • Best short story writer of the 20th century
                      Ultimate Egoist: Volume I: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon (Sturgeon, Theodore. Short Stories, V. 1.)
                      Theodore Sturgeon
                      Manufacturer: North Atlantic Books
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      ContemporaryContemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                      Short StoriesShort Stories | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
                      Similar Items:
                      1. Microcosmic God: Volume II: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon (Sturgeon, Theodore. Short Stories, V. 2.) Microcosmic God: Volume II: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon (Sturgeon, Theodore. Short Stories, V. 2.)
                      2. Killdozer!: Volume III: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon Killdozer!: Volume III: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon
                      3. Thunder and Roses: Volume IV: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon Thunder and Roses: Volume IV: The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon
                      4. Perfect Host: Volume V: The Collected Stories of Theodore Sturgeon (Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon) Perfect Host: Volume V: The Collected Stories of Theodore Sturgeon (Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon)
                      5. A Saucer of Loneliness: Volume VII, The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon A Saucer of Loneliness: Volume VII, The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon

                      ASIN: 1556432992
                      Release Date: 1998-11-12

                      Book Description

                      The Ultimate Egoist, the first volume of The Complete Stories of Theodore Sturgeon, contains the late author's earliest work, written from 1937 to 1940. Although Sturgeon's reach was limited to the lengths of the short story and novelette, his influence was strongly felt by even the most original science fiction stylists, including Ray Bradbury, Arthur C. Clarke, and Gene Wolfe, each of whom contributes a laudatory foreword. The more than 40 stories here showcase Sturgeon's masterful knack with clever, O. Henry-ish plot twists, sparkling character development, and almost archetypal, why didn't I think of that? story ideas. Early Sturgeon masterpieces include "It," about the violence done by a creature spontaneously born from garbage and mud, and "Helix the Cat," about an inventor's bizarre encounter with a disembodied soul and the cat that saves it. Sturgeon's unique genius is timelessly entertaining.

                      Customer Reviews:

                      4 out of 5 stars Learn about the development of a master storyteller.......2003-08-06

                      I've been excited by the prospect of this book for quite some time. Imagine all the Sturgeon short stories collected in a series of volumes, and not just the ones that were published or previously collected, but ALL of them. Edited and with notes, to top it off, by that most meticulous of literary executors, Paul Williams (the man behind the Collected Philip K. Dick). Unfortunately, Sturgeon never attracted the same fanaticism that Dick did, and this project was on shaky ground for some time. The first book is finally out, and it definitely lives up to the expectations for it.

                      Selected stories here include:

                      * "Heavy Insurance" -- Sturgeon's first published and possibly first completed work. A clever short short revolving around the, then, unusual properties of dry ice. With short shorts I am always reminded of Jack Ritchie's LITTLE BOXES OF BEWILDERMENT, and this story, even as early in Sturgeon's career as it was, can stand among those tales.

                      * "Fluffy" -- A few awkward wording moments, but they don't detract from the joy of a clever little twist story. This would have been a page from Jonathan Carroll except Sturgeon has to have a "logical" explanation (well, OK, *an* explanation--Carroll wouldn't have felt the need for any) for the basic conceit. However, it's still just a twist story. Sturgeon quickly moved beyond it.

                      * "Alter Ego" -- Almost a study in what not to do in a story, this previously unpublished piece reeks of the new writer, for it is all tell and no show. It spans years, yet there is not time sense. There are some specifics, but no details. While the plot itself could become something, it's too pithy for this treatment and too pathetic for longer. It's not too surprising that this one didn't see print in its time.

                      * "Permit Me My Gesture" -- This is my kind of short short: neat set up, perfect background, and clever ending twist. The notes include a letter from Sturgeon to his wife; in it, he calls this kind of story a gadget plot, and "Golden Day" a gag.

                      * "One Sick Kid" -- A short based on Sturgeon's personal experience, kind of a "true life" op-ed piece. A bit formless, though, without a genuine payoff, i.e., life isn't as clever as fiction.

                      * "A God in a Garden" -- Here is the *raison d'etre* for this volume, for the admiration that writers and readers have for Sturgeon is based on stories like this one. The perfect twist tale--what some people would term a Twilight Zone story. A man with a character flaw (he lies to his wife), a conflict (his wife knows about the lying, and is upset), and the twist (he digs up a god in his garden that gives him the ability to always tell the truth--not the actual truth, but whatever he says *becomes* the truth). Sturgeon handles it all brilliantly. The notes seem to agree. This story--Sturgeon's first sale to John W. Campbell for Unknown--was like his coming out party. Finally he had found a market that didn't require formula (the string- tugging as described under "Some People Forget" above), yet welcomed cleverness.

                      * "Bianca's Hands" -- A disturbing little fantasy/horror piece, showing the depth of Sturgeon's mastery of character, mood, and language. Yes, there's a plot, but the plot is nothing besides the description. It is so well done--this description of Bianca's hands and Ran's love for them--that is is close to erotic. Of course, Sturgeon was no stranger to that genre, although his take on it would not be fully revealed until years later with the novels SOME OF YOUR BLOOD and GODBODY.

                      * "The Ultimate Egoist" -- The logical extreme of the philosophical question best answered by Rene Descartes when he wrote, "Cogito, ergo sum." Whatever Woody thinks is, and what he doubts isn't, and it doesn't take long for him to break under the strain.

                      * "It" -- Probably one of the most famous Sturgeon stories, spawning at least two comic creatures: DC's Swamp Thing and Marvel's Man-Thing. Actually what Sturgeon accomplishes here is the envy of every horror writer--he invents a new monster. Unfortunately he did it in a short story rather than a novel or a movie, so his creation has yet to join the full pantheon to which it belongs, taking its place beside Frankenstein's monster, Dracula, the Wolf Man, the Mummy, and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.

                      I hope that this project--to collect all of Sturgeon's short stories-- continues apace. Paul Williams' earlier effort in this vein was the incredible Collected Philip K. Dick, and while the Dick was interesting, PKD was a writer who excelled at novels, not really the short. Sturgeon, on the other hand, was the opposite. I learned a lot about writing from the Dick volumes, and I hope to learn even more from Sturgeon.

                      5 out of 5 stars The beginning of one of the truly great careers.......2002-10-25

                      One of the great tragedies of science fiction's success in taking over the world is that we've lost our sense of the history of the genre. After the explosion of popularity the genre saw in the late seventies, there has simply been way too much science fiction and fantasy for anyone to read all of it, much less read the best of the past. In other words, the time when every fan had read the essential works has passed; in other words, any sense of tradition and common ground has vanished into the mediocrities of Hollywood and the latest endless series of repetitious commercial formula. Which is precisely why this series of Theodore Sturgeon's complete stories, accompanied by the recent reprints of most of his novels, is so incredibly important. When one considers the fact that at the 2002 World Science Fiction Convention I met three fans who had never even heard of Sturgeon, much less read him, these reprints are highly essential. How anyone can call themselves a fan without reading Sturgeon (and Heinlein, and Asimov, and C.L. Moore, and Kuttner, and so many more) is beyond me. This first installment of the complete works of the greatest short story writer science fiction and fantasy ever produce may not be his best, but it is critical for any understanding of where science fiction began to attain the levels of greatness it has all too often forgotten. Among the best this volume has to offer includes the utterly chilling and absolutely unique "Bianca's Hands," which will both revolt and delight you, and the charming "Ether Breather," with its original aliens. As a writer myself, I enjoyed all the journeyman work, especially since I could see how the craft developed; as a science fiction critic and scholar, I also thoroughly enjoyed the biographical story notes at the end, which may be the closest we ever get to a biography. All in all, one of the great publishing events of the history of our chosen obsession.

                      5 out of 5 stars The beginning of one of the truly great careers.......2002-10-25

                      One of the great tragedies of science fiction's success in taking over the world is that we've lost our sense of the history of the genre. After the explosion of popularity the genre saw in the late seventies, there has simply been way too much science fiction and fantasy for anyone to read all of it, much less read the best of the past. In other words, the time when every fan had read the essential works has passed; any sense of tradition and common ground has vanished into the mediocrities of Hollywood and the latest endless series of repetitious commercial formula. Which is precisely why this series of Theodore Sturgeon's complete stories, accompanied by the recent reprints of most of his novels, is so incredibly important. When one considers the fact that at the 2002 World Science Fiction Convention I met three fans who had never even heard of Sturgeon, much less read him, these reprints are highly essential. How anyone can call themselves a fan without reading Sturgeon (and Heinlein, and Asimov, and C.L. Moore, and Kuttner, and so many more) is beyond me. This first installment of the complete works of the greatest short story writer science fiction and fantasy ever produced may not be his best, but it is critical for any understanding of where science fiction began to attain the levels of greatness it has all too often forgotten. Among the best this volume has to offer includes the utterly chilling and absolutely unique "Bianca's Hands," which will both revolt and delight you, and the charming "Ether Breather," with its original aliens. As a writer myself, I enjoyed all the journeyman work, especially since I could see how the craft developed; as a science fiction critic and scholar, I also thoroughly enjoyed the biographical story notes at the end, which may be the closest we ever get to a biography. All in all, one of the great publishing events of the history of our chosen obsession.

                      3 out of 5 stars Even the best start somewhere.......2000-03-24

                      This volume showcases the earliest works of Sturgeon, and it shows both that he was going to be really, really good, and that he wasn't quite there yet.

                      5 out of 5 stars Best short story writer of the 20th century.......2000-01-11

                      Ted Sturgeon was the best short story writer of the 20th century. He wrote the novel "More than Human" in the early 1950's.

                      Writers try to change the world in a way to make it better. Isaac Asimov looked for more intelligence in the world. Robert Heinlein for more deliberate good work, not accidental, in the world. Ted Stugeon, however, looked for more love in the world. Which is pretty much what all of Sturgeon's great work is about: love.

                      It is probably because of this that Sturgeon is still read today. But not as much as he should be. He should be a writer who everybody has heard of.

                      It is sad that the SFWA don't give out the grand master award to those who have shuffled off their mortal coil. Theodore Sturgeon is one who should be granted the title postumously. It is sad that he couldn't be granted it in life, but it something that should be granted to him now that he has pasted from this world.

                      This volume of this series focus' on the early work of Sturgeon. Probably from even before he started thinking of himself as anything more than a parttime writer. It is still good stuff to read though.

                      Unconditional Bliss: Finding Happiness in the Face of Hardship
                      Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
                      • This book opened up my life!
                      • The How of Now
                      • Help in troubled times...
                      • a rare secret revealed
                      • Finally
                      Unconditional Bliss: Finding Happiness in the Face of Hardship
                      Howard Chshnir
                      Manufacturer: Quest Books
                      ProductGroup: Book
                      Binding: Paperback

                      GeneralGeneral | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                      GeneralGeneral | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                      Self-HelpSelf-Help | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
                      Similar Items:
                      1. Setting Your Heart on Fire: Seven Invitations to Liberate Your Life Setting Your Heart on Fire: Seven Invitations to Liberate Your Life
                      2. How Now: 100 Ways to Celebrate the Present Moment How Now: 100 Ways to Celebrate the Present Moment
                      3. Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness Passionate Presence: Experiencing the Seven Qualities of Awakened Awareness
                      4. Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life
                      5. A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose A New Earth: Awakening to Your Life's Purpose

                      ASIN: 0835607925

                      Book Description

                      We can be in a state of bliss at any time, even when life is most difficult. This down-to-earth guide show us how.

                      Customer Reviews:

                      5 out of 5 stars This book opened up my life!.......2002-12-11

                      This book is such a gift. I went through incredible changes and tragedies in my life this past year, and now towards the end of all the chaos, this book has given me the balance and understanding I needed. It teaches us to accept what is happening, and to understand that we can live in the moment and not stress about what will happen. Thank you to the author - this book is truly exceptional.

                      5 out of 5 stars The How of Now.......2002-11-05

                      As a longtime seeker of enlightenment, I've read many a book that promised guidance. And I've received a fair share. But this book has come into my life at a crucial time and seems, more than others before it, equal to the task. It provides a simple and effective--I didn't say "easy"-- method for attaining bliss by teaching a two-question process. The first question brings one's present reality into focus; the second gives one a "leg up" on accepting that reality.

                      When I read a book that thoroughly meets my needs, as now, I don't pretend to be impartial or a careful critic. In fact, I want to say that the writing is exquisite, but don't know how much my pleasure in the book's content informs that opinion.

                      If timing is everything, and I believe it is, then my wish for you, reading this review, is to share my good fortune. May you meet this book with an open heart, letting the gift of its message march in.

                      5 out of 5 stars Help in troubled times..........2002-01-22

                      Cushnir begins by explaining how he came to experience the rejection and finally, his acceptance of bliss. He writes in a friendly tone that helps you understand how living the questions can promote an abundance of profound results in your life.

                      Living the questions teaches you to stay in the "now". When faced with difficult situations, you invoke this two-step process that takes you to a place of internal focus where you feel and experience what's going on "now". Cushnir gives real-life examples to help you clearly understand the experience of bliss and how to use the process to keep you focused in the "now".

                      Cushnir believes that everyone has experienced this profound state of consciousness and explains how we have been trained to reject this mystery of life.

                      Cushnir divides Bliss into four sections: Terms of Service is an orientation to his perspective and development of the book. Basic Bliss, provides a foundation for the questions and examples to put them to use. Advanced Bliss, clarifies questions about the state of bliss and the process to achieve and remain in the "now". The fourth and final section, Beyond Bliss, examines how living the questions gives you tools to transform your life-perspective and tune in to the ups and downs each of us experiences.

                      reviewed by Robert Moore

                      5 out of 5 stars a rare secret revealed.......2001-08-20

                      In this little book you might find some answers.It gives you a simple method to cultivate awareness.And even more,it gives you one method that WORKS for dealing with emotional pain as it happens.

                      5 out of 5 stars Finally.......2000-11-08

                      Unconditional Bliss came into my hands during a devastating breakup. I needed what most self-help books, with their bright covers and promises, never gave me: specific strategies for handling moments of crisis. With great gentleness and humor, Howard Raphael Cushnir asks the reader to study the way he or she feels joy or grief, to see how breathing and self-talk affect that process. The way he does this showed me tools I had never before recognized, and what I learned from using them changed my life. I recommend this book with all my heart.

                      Books:

                      1. The Worst Journey in the World
                      2. The Year of the Death of Ricardo Reis
                      3. Three Weddings and a Giggle: Fine Print/Sweet Chariot/Bride on the Run (Palisades Pure Romance Anthology)
                      4. Unless: A Novel
                      5. Up the Down Staircase
                      6. We Should Never Meet: Stories
                      7. Who Does She Think She Is?: A Novel
                      8. Willa Cather : Later Novels : A Lost Lady / The Professor's House / Death Comes for the Archbishop / Shadows on the Rock / Lucy Gayheart / Sapphira and the Slave Girl (The Library of America)
                      9. Your Blues Ain't Like Mine: A Novel
                      10. A Bit on the Side : Stories

                      Books Index

                      Books Home

                      Recommended Books

                      1. Batman: Fear Itself
                      2. The Cold War: A New History
                      3. Nellcott Is My Darling
                      4. National Geographic Almanac of American History
                      5. Red, White, and Black: The Peoples of Early North America
                      6. Roark's Formulas for Stress and Strain
                      7. The Deep: The Extraordinary Creatures of the Abyss
                      8. Monarchs, Murders and Mistresses : A Book of Royal Days
                      9. Profiting from Real Estate Rehab
                      10. A Theory of Global Capitalism: Production, Class, and State in a Transnational World