Book Description
Hijuelos' novel tells the story of Mr. Ives, who was adopted from a foundling's home as a child. When we first meet him in the 1950s, Mr. Ives is very much a product of his time. He has a successful career in advertising, a wife and two children, and believes he is on his way to pursuing the typical American dream. But the dream is shattered when his son Robert, who is studying for the priesthood, is killed violently at Christmas. Overwhelmed by grief and threatened by a loss of faith in humankind, Mr. Ives begins to question the very foundations of his life. Part love story--of a man for his wife, for his children, for God--and part meditation on how a person can find spiritual peace in the midst of crisis, Mr. Ives' Christmas is a beautifully written, tender and passionate story of a man trying to put his life in perspective. In the expert hands of Oscar Hijuelos, the novel speaks eloquently to the most basic and fulfilling aspects of life for all of us.
Customer Reviews:
Destined to be a Spiritual Classic.......2006-01-26
Ever since I first saw this novel listed on the list of the top hundred Christian-themed literary works of the twentieth century that had been put out by the Image Journal, I have wanted to read it. Over the last Christmas break, I finally found time, and this book in no way disappointed.
It's basically about a good man whose life is marked by both tragedy and grace. This is the story of Mr. Ives's long journey toward coming to terms with the evil he has been confronted with when his son is murdered early in the novel.
There's not really any part of the work that is lacking. The prose is astounding. Often, Hijuelos writes in short vignettes that are tied to the overall movement of the novel, and it's particularly in these, to my mind, that he does his best writing. It's often like reading prose poetry, and there's often a sort of transcendent feel produced. It is important that the novel is primarily centered around events that take place at Christmas because the story is so much about those moments where the spiritual suddenly overlaps with the temporal.
I can't really say enough about the novel. It's really a unique reading experience, one that I can't recommend highly enough.
What's the Point?.......2005-01-01
I'm a little shocked by all the 5-star reviews. Some episodes in the book were quite touching, especially Robert's dream of Jesus and the elevator scene, when Edward deals with his inborn feelings of rejection.
However, I have to disagree with the other reviewers on two points. I did not like the prose style much at all. Hijuelos, in my point of view, falls into the "telling not showing" pitfall over and over. It reads like an AP Story...for 300 pages.
Second, I found the spirituality insipid and inconclusive. What was the point? It didn't seem to go beyond the quote on the cover jacket--being religious is hard. Actually, since 97% of the world adheres to some kind of religion, I would think it's the other way around.
I'm sounding harsh here. I suppose it's because I'm disappointed after reading a string of magnificent Catholic novels, such as Vipers' Tangle, The End of the Affair, Charming Billy, and even Lying Awake.
On another note, it's interesting that the chief "miracle" in _Mr. Ives'_ involves the healing of a skin condition, as in _The End of the Affair_.
A remarkable and unforgettable book.......2004-12-28
In this beautifully written novel Hijuelos gives us characters that live, love, suffer tragedy and die while revealing their innermost thoughts, hopes , fears, and doubts to the reader in a most touching and evocative way. The main character. Mr. Ives , is a man who has from earliest childhood been given reason after reason to lose faith and yet he is a man who perserveres and finds beauty in life while living a life of faithfulness to his family, friends, coworkers and even many strangers and random characters that he encounters. He is dealt a serious blow with the loss of a child and yet as he struggles to comprehend, and has his moments of severe doubt and depression he remains essentially good and faithful. This man is no mystery though, Hijuelos has created a character of flesh and blood and spirit who reacts to life in ways that ring true and the reader will relate to real people he/she has known.
Overall this is a beautiful life affirming story that follows Ives and his small circle through the years and in short episodes at different intervals in time conveys their humanity and struggles so vividly that we come to know them like family by the time we finish.
The story is set in Manhattan and the various scenes are also realistically depicted by a writer who obviously knows and loves the city.
A remarkable and unforgettable book.
A tested faith.......2004-06-08
In MR. IVES CHRISTMAS, Oscar Hijuelos' gives us Mr. Ives, a quiet spiritual man who is loved and loves. Ives is successful in his profession, he loves his family and friends, and he is truly a part of his community. Hijuelos also presents us with Mr. Ives' great agony; the sensless murder of his son and his desperate attempts to understand it. We see Ives' life in brief glimpses, each time we get a better understanding of the man and the world that he is part of, but he still remains a cipher. It's as if he is not a fully formed person, or perhaps it's the distance that Hijuelos wants to create in this man who does not truly know where he came from. I found this distance to be my great obstacle in liking this book more. Ives is more symbolic of a crisis of faith than he is a human being. I couldn't connect with him even as he was in the throes of anguish. Hijuelos' prose is marvelously readable, he creates a Manhattan that you can feel. Too bad I can't say the same thing for mr. Ives.
A Beautiful Tale of Faith and Forgiveness.......2003-10-24
When MR IVES' CHRISTMAS was first published, I read the book in just about one sitting, promptly purchased a number of copies of the book, and gave it as a Christmas gift to close friends and family. I still find myself buying multiple copies of the book as presents. The book tells the story of Edward Ives, a character Hijuelos has lovingly created. Ives' life is a mixture of joy and tragedy. Christmas is significant in this novel since many of the joyous events in Ives' life happen at Christmas, yet it is ironic that many of the tragic events of Ives' life dovetail the Christmas too. Immediately the reader connects with Ives. He deserves his wonderful wife and his model son. Ives' world is turned upside down when his son, who longs to be a priest, is killed in a senseless act of violence. Ives' becomes obsessed with reforming the young man who murdered his son. The book could easily be cliché. He is a firm believing Catholic, but he is no saint. He is a wonderful husband, but his marriage is troubled at various points. He wants to reform his son's killer, but he is also tormented by depression and loss.
The book is not necessarily a heart warming book. The Christmas story does not magically transform the events that have taken place in the book, but Ives' belief in, and questioning of the miracle behind the Christmas story is perhaps what makes the book so complex. The faith of Edward Ives is real and lived. The book does demonstrate, through a memorable and likable Edward Ives, the pivotal role that faith can play in a person's life, and how faith helps us cope and live rather than understand all the answers to life's questions.
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MR. IVES' CHRISTMAS
Manufacturer: Harper Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GQ7TF2 |
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Mr. Ives' Christmas. (book reviews): An article from: U.S. Catholic
Patrick McCormick
Manufacturer: Claretian Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
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ASIN: B00095MTQO
Release Date: 2005-07-28 |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from U.S. Catholic, published by Claretian Publications on May 1, 1996. The length of the article is 2638 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: Mr. Ives' Christmas. (book reviews)
Author: Patrick McCormick
Publication:
U.S. Catholic (Magazine/Journal)
Date: May 1, 1996
Publisher: Claretian Publications
Volume: v61
Issue: n5
Page: p46(4)
Article Type: Book Review
Distributed by Thomson Gale
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Mr. Ive's Christmas
Manufacturer: Harper Collins Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000I8D2MW |
Customer Reviews:
Not as good as I'd hoped.......2005-12-25
This book is a futuristic romance full of really hot guys. But it just seemed like some of the plot was not developed enough. I don't want to get into too many details for those who want to read it, but I can say that there didn't seem to be enough development of our hunk's devastating past, or our lovely heroine's link to the future through her parents. The book ended too abruptly for my taste. If you want to check it out, get it used.
Back Cover - Synopsis.......2005-09-28
Blackstar: Future Knight By Cheyenne McCray
Loan agent Kara Marks didn't think her life could get much more boring. When she starts having erotic dreams about a man who comes to her in her sleep, she thinks she's losing her mind. Her mind isn't what's in danger, though. It's her heart-and her life.
Adan Valnez must locate the Blackstar Crystal and to bring it to his new home planet before the Ice-Witch finds it. When he meets Kara on Earth of the past, what he locates is trouble. He cannot stop thinking about her, and he cannot stay away. Even though he visits her nightly, and passion flares between them, he cannot allow her to remember him...until the Ice-Witch finds the Crystal-around Kara's neck.
Product Description
History: Fiction or Science? is the most explosive tractate on history ever written - however, every theory it contains, no matter how unorthodox, is backed by solid scientific data. The book is well-illustrated, contains over 446 graphs and illustrations, copies of ancient manuscripts, and countless facts attesting to the falsity of the chronology used nowadays, which never cease to amaze the reader. Eminent mathematician proves that: Jesus Christ was born in 1153 and crucified in 1186 The Old Testament refers to mediaeval events. Apocalypse was written after 1486. Does this sound uncanny? This version of events is substantiated by hard facts and logic - validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources - to a greater extent than everything you may have read and heard about history before. The dominating historical discourse in its current state was essentially crafted in the XVI century from a rather contradictory jumble of sources such as innumerable copies of ancient Latin and Greek manuscripts whose originals had vanished in the Dark Ages and the allegedly irrefutable proof offered by late mediaeval astronomers, resting upon the power of ecclesial authorities. Nearly all of its components are blatantly untrue! For some of us, it shall possibly be quite disturbing to see the magnificent edifice of classical history to turn into an ominous simulacrum brooding over the snake pit of mediaeval politics. Twice so, in fact: the first seeing the legendary millenarian dust on the ancient marble turn into a mere layer of dirt - one that meticulous unprejudiced research can eventually remove. The second, and greater, attack of unease comes with the awareness of just how many areas of human knowledge still trust the three elephants of the consensual chronology to support them. Nothing can remedy that except for an individual chronological revolution happening in the minds of a large enough number of people.
Book Description
This volume richly illustrates the heroic "battle of the skyfurnaces" in the race for Archangel, the soul prison in the Spiritrealm. Maya, Makita, Kyuzo and Urik test their strength and skill against their former comrades on the decks of the huge ships, in the depths of the fiery Konstantinov hull and in the vast skies above.
Customer Reviews:
The best series runnign today!.......2006-09-08
The journey of the Konstantinov continues. The collected edition of the first volume of The Red Star ended as the two massive SkyFurnaces Konstantinov and Taktarov were locked in battle, entering the Prison of Souls. The newest volume continues the chronicle of their struggle. Imbohl, the evil ruler/sorcerer, has discovered a way to draw energy from the souls of the recently departed. While he has promised a utopian ideal to his citizens, certain few are beginning to wake up to the grim reality of their situation. The crew of the Konstantinov is locked in a fight that will bring them freedom or death. Maya Antares, the Spellkaster, is discovering that she her powers grant her a deeper connection to the tortured souls of the spirit world. But the main focus is battle, and it comes non stop, fast, and furious. It's high noon in the skies, but instead of pistols, the battle involves weapons that can destroy cities and kill thousands in one blast. This volume closes with more questions than answers.
With the increased battle action, the story now focuses less on the personal and more on the political. The world of The Red Star closely mirrors the politics of ours. Interestingly, even the U.S. is involved in the conspiracy. Every major government draws power from the spirit world. The world's economy will collapse without this posthumous slave system. The Konstantinov has a hell of a fight before them, one that any reader hopes they will win. But we're in no rush when the story is this good.
Average customer rating:
- Interesting
- Turkeys and Eagles
- Freedom from Turkey life
- A book for everyone suffering under the load of legalism
- Helps free one from religion to a relationship with Christ.
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Turkeys and Eagles
Peter Lord
Manufacturer: Seedsowers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Hearing God
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Tithing: Low-Realm, Obsolete & Defunct
ASIN: 0940232405 |
Customer Reviews:
Interesting.......2006-12-20
Peter Lord has written an enjoyable fictitious book about living for Christ. Its very simple to read, I read it in approximately three hours.
The story follows that two small eaglets are abandoned by their parents, and are unfortunately raised by Turkeys. Thus they must learn the ways of the Turkeys.
The basic message presented is that as believers, we need to live according to what God has made us. We don't need to work at being righteous, we are the righteousness of God. Sinning isn't something we do habitually because God has given us His Holy Spirit who shows us when we sin, and helps us to change.
Reading this book was pleasant. The message is one we all need, and also need reminding of. Although I question some of the comparisons made with Eagles/Turkeys and believers, ultimately the story was interesting.
Turkeys and Eagles.......2004-09-21
What a great book! Peter Lord tells us that everything we do is important to God - whether it's working on a job, cleaning house or caring for our children, etc. All of these things God has called us to do. And we are to soar with the "eagles"!
Jeanetta Bearden Pollard author of "Mrs. Claus Shares Stories From the Heart" Founder of http:/www.jeanetta@jeanettapollard
Freedom from Turkey life.......2003-03-13
This is one of the 10 best books I have ever read! The story and the test and the explaination show the reader why they are frustrated with the typical Church experience and why they need to have an "eagle" life. Hearing God and Soul Care by the same author are good follow ons to this.
A book for everyone suffering under the load of legalism.......1999-03-05
In a very simple yet profound way, Peter Lord does much to heal wounds in souls burdened by the excesssive demands of conformity to man made rules and regulations. The book encourages us to realize that we are sons and heirs with the Master Jesus Christ. What a wonderful little book. When i finished reading it, I did indeed begin to feel my spirit souring. Thank you Peter
Helps free one from religion to a relationship with Christ........1998-07-13
Lord shows us how easilly we have been duped into wrong thinking about who we really are as Christians. We are eagles who were created to soar in life. Instead, we have been taught that we are just turkeys, never experiencing the fulness that was intended for us.
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The Crescent and the Eagle: Ottoman Rule, Islam and the Albanians, 1874-1913 (Library of Ottoman Studies)
George Gawrych
Manufacturer: I. B. Tauris
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1845112873
Release Date: 2006-12-26 |
Book Description
A balanced and original picture of Ottoman rule and the Albanians during a critical period of Balkan and Middle East history. The Crescent and the Eagle examines the awakening of Albanian national identity from the end of the 19th century to the outbreak of the First World War – a period of intense nationalism in the Balkans – from an Ottoman perspective. Drawing on Ottoman and European archival and other primary source material, Gawrych contradicts and undermines the usual negative stereotypes of Ottoman rule. Instead he provides a critical but objective examination of the evolution of government policies toward Albanians, from attempts to mold them into an “iron barrier” to establishing a uniform system of administration. The author also analyzes the general problems of endemic violence and misadministration at the provincial level, and examines Albanian efforts to gain nationality rights and maintain local privileges and tribal autonomy. A stimulating study which offers many fresh insights into the dynamics of power within the Ottoman Empire.
Book Description
Your practical guide to becoming the extraordinary person you've always wanted to be. Here are winning strategies, techniques, methods and thoughts that will empower you towards a better future. This book will make you laugh, it will make you cry, it will make you think, it will challenge you, but most of all, it will make you better. It is essential reading for anyone who seeks success.
The book contains valuable inforamtion about ...
Handling Stress,
Accepting Change,
Appreciating Criticism,
Attitude,
Mentors,
Health,
Communication,
Expectations,
Leadership,
Enthusiasm,
Achievement,
The Power of Laughter,
Salesmanship,and
Principles for a Well-Balance Life.
It also contains 86 examples of people being TURKEYS.
Customer Reviews:
Life Lessons.......2005-10-24
I had the pleasure of hearing Robert Stevenson speak at one of our client conferences. His book has great short chapters on all stages of life and his logic on home and work situations are easy to understand and implement....
I ordered several to send to my clients and was delighted to find the books were hand signed! Not sure all are, but it was a nice touch.
We all know Turkey's...learn ways not to be one....
An Excellent Book.......2005-10-22
I found this book to be exceptionally good at cutting through the baloney that we so often find ourselves confronted with, and helps to set us in the right direction. I recommend this to anyone who wants to succeed in business -- whatever it may be.
Product Description
A practical guide for personal and professional achievement.
Book Description
Three Key Lessons in Leadership offers strategies to:
1. Continue to develop the managers of your organization since nothing in an enterprise gets better measureably or sustainably until the leadership does.
2. Effective methods to fully develop your top producers and why they must be treated differently. Leveraging the strengths of your organization in this manner is the key to reaching your potential.
3. Ideas for either turning around or getting rid of the people on your payroll who no longer cut it.
Average customer rating:
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Turkeys & Eagles
Peter Lord
Manufacturer: Christian Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000CSEGPK |
Average customer rating:
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Turkeys And Eagles
Manufacturer: Christian Book Room
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GLD7YY |
Average customer rating:
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Turkeys And Eagles
Peter Lord
Manufacturer: Christian Book Room
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000U2DRVC |
Book Description
This digital document is an article from Doors and Hardware, published by Door and Hardware Institute on January 1, 2003. The length of the article is 1216 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: Trimming turkeys and securing eagles. (Guerilla Interview Tactics).
Author: David Poole Anderson
Publication:
Doors and Hardware (Magazine/Journal)
Date: January 1, 2003
Publisher: Door and Hardware Institute
Volume: 67
Issue: 1
Page: 12(3)
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Books:
- Mr. Sampath--The Printer of Malgudi, The Financial Expert, Waiting for the Mahatma (Everyman's Library)
- My Old Sweetheart
- Nothing Like the Sun: A Story of Shakespeare's Love-Life (Norton Paperback Fiction)
- Our Kind: A Novel in Stories
- Patience and Sarah
- Peel My Love Like an Onion: A Novel
- Quicksilver & Shadow
- Ravishing of Lol Stein
- Remind Me Again Why I Married You
- Searching for Caleb
Books Index
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Malinche's Children
Iustitia Dei: A History of the Christian Doctrine of Justification, Third Edition
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Empress of the Splendid Season
