Book Description
A fevered storyteller and a captive audience revisit the past in each of David Grossmans new novellas, trying to make sense of a betrayal that neither one can put to rest. In Frenzy, a reserved and respectable man draws his sister-in-law into a paranoid convictionthat his wife is having an affair. In the title novella, a successful but embittered novelist delivers a merciless account of her dying mothers love affair with a much younger teenage boy. Suffused with delirious tension and characters more substantial than in most novels twice its size(The Village Voice), Her Body Knows examines the anatomy of infidelity and desire.
Customer Reviews:
"Women's Literature"? Fiddlesticks!!!.......2006-12-11
This book, which drew me in from the start, and I read it slowly (in the original Hebrew), made me realise how ridiculous it is to talk about 'women's literature', as if only women writers can really understand women enough to write about them. David Grossman gets into the depths of the heart and souls of his protagonists almost better than any woman could, in both these novellas and in "Someone to run with" - you can literally feel all that they feel as you read. Magnificent!
it's all in the passion.......2005-07-10
This is an engaging exploration of passion, the kind that can grab you and not let go. The two novellas each concern forms of passion that many of us would say verge on the pathological. Grossman sucks you in immediately, making the book hard to put down. The relationship between the mother and daughter in the second novella is especially stunning in its depth and depiction.
Although I mostly have high praise, I had some misgivings with this book. First the unfair criticism. David Grossman wrote probably the best book I have ever read ("See Under: Love"), and nothing I've read of his since comes close. Second, both novellas were structured in a way that almost felt manipulative, somewhat like a crime novel (think DaVinci Code) which you read voraciously to find out what happens. The first novella is a journey, a long car ride, and I was anxiously reading to find out what the obsessed and suspicious husband would do when he finally reached his wife and whether any physical intimacy would arise between him and the woman driving him. The second novella also had two such questions, whether the dying mother would make it to the end of the story and whether, decades earlier, she had had a sexual relationship with a teenage boy whom she was instructing in yoga.
Nevertheless, a middle-of-the-road effort by David Grossman may be one of the best fiction books you will read this year, especially if obsessive passion fascinates you.
Under someone else's skin? In some one else's soul !.......2005-05-12
These are two other gems of novellas from David Grossman's ever haunting, amazing pen..... Drawn in from the first sentence, not just under the skin of his protagonists, but into their veins, travelling in their blood and cells to their very soul and beyond - that's the feeling I always get when reading his books - His imagery and vocabulary are gifts to the mind and I savor them long after my eyes have devoured them ---- read on, MacDuf !
Book Description
His yeoman voyage now behind him, Blithe must now accept new responsibilities as he ascends to the rank of
DRAGONFRIGATE WIZARD HALCYON BLITHE.
In the latest chapter of the young wizard’s nautical education he finds himself second in command of a captured enemy vessel that must engage a demonship in combat before returning to port. Upon his return he is assigned duty on a dwarven dragonship where he and his shipmates encounter the deceit of politics and diplomacy before they can regain the security of their Arcanian dragonship and the company of their trusted crewmates.
Combining elements of Hornblower with Harry Potter, and Robert Louis Stevenson with Robin Hobb, the Halcyon Blithe are nautical tales rich in magic and intrigue set against a panorama of fantastic naval battles as we follow the career of a young midshipwizard as he moves up through the ranks of His Majesty's Navy.
Customer Reviews:
A worthy sequel to "Midshipman Halcyon Blithe".......2007-02-19
Combining elements of Horatio Hornblower with Harry Potter, and Robert Louis Stevenson with Robin Hobb, "Dragonfrigate Wizard Halcyon Blithe" is a nautical tale rich in magic and intrigue, set against a panorama of fantastic naval battles. It is the second book in the series, and sequel to "Midshipman Halcyon Blithe".
Halcyon Blithe, a young man of good breeding and lineage--endowed with great potential, is ready to seek his fortune among those who tend and sail the awesome nautical juggernauts--the dragonships which harness the bodies and strength of living dragons with seafaring technology.
In the latest chapter of the young wizard's nautical education, he finds himself second in command of a captured enemy vessel that must engage a demonship in combat before returning to port--whereupon he is assigned duty on a dwarven dragonship. It is on this very ship that he and his shipmates must fight against crooked politics to regain the security of their Arcanian dragonship and trusted crewmates.
James M. Ward does an excellent job of spinning a tale that is fast paced, filled with drama, and highly entertaining. An exceptionally fine book, that is highly recommended.
enchanting military fantasy.......2006-12-16
Sixteen years old Arcania Empire dragonship naval officer Halcyon Blithe has not only received a pardon following a court martial, but also is promoted for his courageous action that saved his shipmates including a dragon on the Sanguine. However, not everyone is pleased to see this late bloomer seventh son of a seventh son rewarded. His on board enemy Elan Swordson is jealous of the attention and acclaim the upstart Blithe is receiving and plots to destroy his rival.
During a battle against a demon ship and its crew, Blithe's demon-half takes over and saves the day again, but also places him on trial for misusing magical essences. His sentence is a promotion to the dragonship Rage where the crew is escorting an elven ambassador to the Dwarven Empire while their enemy the Maleen plots another sea battle.
The second Blithe tale (see MIDSHIPWIZARD HALCYON BLITHE) once again reads like Horatio Hornblower meets Harry Potter. The story line is fast-paced as much of the plot focuses on battles, but insuring that the magic seems real, and the hero and the dragons appear genuine. Fans especially young adults will want to go to sea with Blithe on a dragon ship at they fight against the Maleen and demons ships in an enchanting military fantasy
Harriet Klausner
Even Better Than The First Blithe Book.......2006-12-07
James Ward aptly continues the adventures of Blithe, who manages to land a promotion in this sequel. The character grows during the adventure, leaving the reader wanting another book. The dwarves are particularly well done. Recommended!
Book Description
Years before, the peaceful world of Umbria was torn apart by the ruthless Hanish invaders . . .
Yet that is the only life Maura knows. Until her wizard guardian announces she is to be queen -- but that first she must find and unite with their country's legendary "Waiting King" in order to overthrow the enemy occupation. Men have searched for the fabled warrior for ages -- what chance has a young witch gifted in life-magic? Especially since she has only till midsummer's moon . . .and her guardian's wisdom is tragically taken from her . . .
Filled with fear and determination as well as wits and magic, Maura sets forth. Her only ally is the outlaw Rath. Having Rath as a companion is as dangerous as having an enemy along -- but she must trust in him to save their country. As midsummer approaches, their mission is in jeopardy from the Han outlaws and treasure hunters -- and even their own folk, who are wary of "the witch and the wolf."
But the greatest complication is the knowledge that if they do not find the king, Maura need not sacrifice all to be queen . . .
Customer Reviews:
Mistaken Identity - harlequin in disguise.......2007-04-15
This somehow ended up in with the scifi/fantasy books when I was looking for a quick read. Maybe I didn't look hard enough, but i didn't see anything that would have suggested it didn't belong. It decidely should have been in the bodice-busting romance section. That being said, the ending was so predictable that i got mad enough to literally throw the book across the room. The characters are kind of flat and formulaic. I have to ask - why bother with a sequel?
Predictable.......2006-05-21
"The Wizard's Ward" is a good book to read if you're looking for a fast read; however, if you're looking for something more in depth and more thought out I wouldn't suggest it. The plot line was at best rather simple and at worst very predictable. As of now I'm not even sure I want to read the sequel.
The main character Maura sets out on a quest with an unlikely companion who calls himself "Rath." The two used their combined gifts of stealth, magic, and sheer obstinance to combat the enemies they encounter. On the way they come to love each other but to all appearance their destinies' do not lead to each other. However, they continue the struggle to lead the land of Umbria in a revolution against the invaders, the Hans.
A pretty boring read.......2006-02-15
This book was a little too simplistic all the way around. I really wanted to like it; the plot sounded interesting and the characters weren't so bad, but reading through hundreds of pages of an amazingly monotonous journey finally got to me and I ended up skimming the last hundred pages. I was more interested in what would happen after Maura became queen; I didn't realize there was a sequel to this book at the time and that there'd be none of that.
You can tell how the book has to end once the characters meet, but I was still surprised that there wasn't a little more to the ending than there was. It was hard not to roll eyes everytime the characters thought about how attracted they were to each other, which I swear was every other page. I love romance in my fantasy books but I don't need to hear about how the characters are moping over each other the whole time.
An Amazing Story.......2006-01-06
This book is amazing. You have characters who resemble different people in different ways. The characters make human mistakes, have human thoughts. The characters are completely what you could consider perfect.
The story line gives you lots of twists and turns. It will show you places you never thought would be in this book. This book has things happening in it that you didn't think would happen. This book is suspensful, and will keep you on the edge of your seat.
All in all, this book is suspensful, amazing, wonderful, enjoyable, and completely worth reading. I may not recommend it to young readers, but to older, more advanced readers, pick it up and read.
Pretty Good.......2006-01-03
Basically, this is a fantasy romance novel. It's not an epic adventure with a wide array of characters on a huge quest to save the world. It's primarily about the interaction and attraction between the two main characters. The backstory is nice enough to fill the reasons why the characters are doing what they are doing, but it is by no means something epic. If you're looking for a grand tale about a woman trying to save a kingdom, look elsewhere, this is about romance. That being said, it's pretty interesting. Rath and Maura are both likeable characters and you care about what happens to them. The main gist of the story and what keeps it flowing, is of course the tension between them. I'm not sure how it would fare once they get toghether, the author doesn't seem that accomplished yet on creating worlds and huge backstories, but this book is good enough.
Average customer rating:
- Learning the art of War.
- Good Combination of Magic & Tall Ships
- Adventure on the high seas!
- Very poor effort
- Flying at Half-Mast
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Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe
James M. Ward
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Magic & Wizards | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Sea Adventures | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
All Amazon Upgrade | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Literature & Fiction | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Science Fiction & Fantasy | Amazon Upgrade | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
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Dragonfrigate Wizard Halcyon Blithe
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Goblin Quest
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Goblin Hero
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Fearless (The Lost Fleet, Book 2)
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Resolute (Kris Longknife)
ASIN: 0765312530
Release Date: 2005-08-11 |
Book Description
Halcyon Blithe is a young man of good breeding and lineage who also happens to be endowed with qualities and abilities of a sorcerous nature. Aiming to seek his fortune and fulfill his full potential in the magical world, Blithe gladly accepts his rank as Midshipwizard. In doing so, he becomes a member of the crew who who tend and sail the awesome nautical juggernautsvessels which harness the bodies and strength of living dragons with seafaring technology. Combining elements of Robert Louis Stevenson with Robin Hobb, Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe is a nautical tale rich in magic and intrigue. A tale set against a panorama of fantastic naval battle as we follow the career of a young midshipwizard
Customer Reviews:
Learning the art of War........2007-06-25
16 year old Midshipwizard Halcyon Blithe is on his first voyage in the Navy after having finally come into his Wizard's abilities 8 months ago. He comes from a respectable family with a long history of honourable service in the Navy.
While really written for teens, like so much of today's fantasy, this book is still an enjoyable read if you like your fantasy novels on the high seas. Halcyon learns some valuable lessons in this novel which starts us with his career in the Navy in a war which has been in progress for well over 20 years.
This novel is an enjoyable introduction to this series and I hope to read more of this young man in future books. The book is an easy read, but its not a book of great depth in worldbuilding.
Good Combination of Magic & Tall Ships.......2007-05-13
I enjoyed the way the author combined magic with Napoleon era fighting ships. The ships made on the backs of dragons made the story line interesting.
Adventure on the high seas!.......2006-10-30
I am a great lover of fantasy and of adventure novels such as the Hornblower series. I read this book thinking it would be a great and original combination of these to genre . . . and I was correct. I really liked the story and characters in this book. The action kept a good pass and the author did not waste time explain parts of Halcyon's world that we really didn't need to know about. A fantstic concept and a really good read! I recommend it for people who love fantasy and dragons in particular and people who love old time adventure novels. You will not be disappointed.
Very poor effort.......2006-06-06
I am a fantasy fan and a nautical fiction fan, so I thought this book would be just the thing for me. The concept is good, but the dialog is extremely wooden, the characters are lifeless and the plot is uninteresting.
Maybe the next one will be better, but the author is really going to have to work quite a bit
Flying at Half-Mast.......2006-04-12
Harry Potter meets the Royal Navy is the premise of this new fantasy. I found it shelved in science fiction/fantasy, but it will have strong appeal to younger readers. Given the overall tone of the writing, I suspect this may be its true market, though fans of historical sailing adventures will also be intrigued. My overall impression is more favorable than the comments that follow may seem to indicate. The concept is great, but the execution flags a bit.
Halcyon Blithe is a serviceable protagonist and the events of his first posting, encounters with the crew, etc. are well handled, if a bit clich?; a certain amount of clich? and stereotype are de rigueur in the sailing genre. However, nearly 180 of the 286 novel pages float by before there is any sign of a proper conflict. Most of this is spent orienting readers to everyday life on a sailing ship. Fans of Hornblower & company have been here before, but new readers to the genre may benefit. Blithe's fellow midshipmen are introduced all in one early scene--very promising characters all--but most names are forgotten by the time they play any significant role. As the enemy, the Maleen are rather iconic boogeymen, just so many ducks in a shooting gallery. I expect to see them developed further in sequels.
Ward does a fantastic job with the minutia of sailing and combat at sea. Readers familiar with the tactics and doctrines of Napoleonic naval warfare will appreciate this, but I felt the veneer of fantasy was far too thin. The doctrines of Arcana (British) and the enemy Maleen (French/Spanish) are blatantly obvious to fans of C. S. Forester, Dudley Pope, Patrick O'Brian, and Alexander Kent. I'd like to have seen more imagination at work here. Yet he goes overboard on imagination in the explanation of how the dragonships are designed. This seemed too glib and fanciful to suit me--biologically improbable and impractical.
Ther are nearly 10 pages of songs/sea shanties in the text. Yes, they really sang this sort of thing in days of old, but with no clue as to melody, the songs read as so much nautical blather. A little of this goes a long way--maybe one or two verses at most. Better yet, tie the lyrics into the story with foreshadowing or metaphor. I liked the Articles of War serving as chapter introductions. The chapter titles were a very nice touch--perfect for this type of novel and a practice sadly out of fashion.
Despite the flaws, what this book does well is prime younger readers and perhaps those not familiar with the Hornblower milieu, with a great deal of sailing lore, and ready them for further adventures.
Average customer rating:
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The wizard of the winds
Ward Tunte Van Orman
Manufacturer: North Star Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General | Engineering | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0878390324 |
Average customer rating:
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Wiles of a wizard
Ward
Manufacturer: Wizard Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Magic | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B0007HGNKC |
Product Description
Paperbacks
Book Description
Christians everywhere have been missing the truth about grace-and living in defeat as a result. Grace is God's ability working in you to do what you cannot. It is the power to change. Take to heart the principles in this book, and discover the dimension of Christian living that Jesus called “easy and light.” Jesus has finished the work, so relax and let His grace change your heart!
Highlighted Contents:
Grace: God's Ability
Grace for Sin
The Time of Need
Freed from Sin
Conquering Temptation
Effortless Change
Customer Reviews:
Grace: The Power to Change.......2007-09-05
Grace: The Power to Change
This is one of those books that has the potential to totally change the way you think about yourself and most importantly God. It's thought provoking to say the least. We live in a world that is so performance based. The problem with that is so much of the time it is our own strength and performance that we rely, instead of God's strength in and through us - we think so small.....God wants us to think so much bigger! It is through His Grace (His ability, His strength) that gives us the power to think outside the box that the world and sometimes our circumstances seem to put us in. A must read...great study individually or as a group.
Change Your Life .........2007-01-16
This will change your life and the way you think of yourself.
I realize there are a lot of books on this subject but this one will be the one you re-read over and over again.
Another wonderful book by James Richards.......2005-12-02
I had asked God if I would live and die and not really understand grace, and then I found this book. This author explains grace so you get it. In fact, read anything you can get your hands on by this man, and you won't be sorry.
From mediocre Christianity to High Definition living.......2004-02-17
My life I would say has literally changed after reading this book. One time reading is not enough. We need to sit with this book and the Bible and go hand in hand.
I have stopped laboring for God after I read it. Now I am at peace and rest. Because Christ has completed the work. I don't have to conquer any sins anymore, because he accomplished his mission on the cross. All I have to do is to say to myself Christ has finished the work. He has stripped Satan of all his powers and gained victory. Even death couldn't defeat him. Now I have the same victory too, where all evil is under my feet through Christ. As the book says where man's strength ends, God's strength begins.
MUST READ!
My favorite of Jim Richards books.......2003-01-22
This is my favorite of all of Jim Richard's books. I never understood what Grace meant until reading this book.
Book Description
STEPPING OUT OF THE BUBBLE: REFLECTIONS ON THE PILGRIMAGE OF COUNSELING THERAPY is the story of courage and risk taken by those who seek to better their lives. Drawing on the wisdom of those who provided a foundation for counseling theory and and practice, Krehbiel shares his expertise and wealth of experience. By sharing personal experiences, you will find encouragement to move forward in the journey toward personal growth and development.
Customer Reviews:
understanding myself.......2007-05-01
After reading Stepping Out of the Bubble a year ago, I went back and read it again for a second time. I was able to pick up even more information this time around that helped me understand and overcome some of my own internal conflicts. This is a book you can read at any point in your life and always find information that pertains to that particular moment. Krehbiel has a way of explaining things that others may consider unexplainable. Whether you are a student, a teacher, or just a guy like me, this book can and will change your life.
A practical resource for better living.......2006-03-27
For me, "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" was reminiscent of the renowned books of author, M. Scott Peck, in the style of presenting profound insights into sensible, easy-to-understand language and clear ideas an average person can relate to. Practicing Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Cognitive-Behavioral Therapist and author of "Stepping Out Of The Bubble", James Krehbiel proficiently shares a portion of his expertise, condensing great weight into accessible and workable solutions for a more fulfilling life's plan.
The "bubble" represents our security and comfort zone, but it is also the inner place where we store the pain of our past experiences and the unpleasant reality of that not being made conscious which keeps us bound in unhealthy and self-defeating patterns. Staying within this bubble limits our emotional responsiveness as we numb ourselves to the coexistence even as unresolved issues unconsciously filter forth. To step outside of the bubble is to courageously examine the contents in all honesty and to face life's reality outside of the bubble. Once outside the bubble, one can move forward to experience life in more emotional depth, fullness and passion. "Being a fully functioning individual is about being true to whom you are and letting things be the way they are," explains author, James Krehbiel.
With brilliant and compassionate understanding, Mr. Krehbiel briefly details methods used and pertinent case examples within his therapy practice. "Self-regulation is a goal of therapy. I educate people in the fact that all the answers are ultimately within." "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" strives to do the same, by giving information on how we become trapped in the bubble and how beneficial the making of conscious choices to leave, can be.
Some of the many topics included within this book are: being assertive, characteristics of an "authentic" person, the integration of each of our different personality parts, the difference between true guilt and false guilt, setting boundaries, addictions and addictions to "manic" relationships, awareness (staying in the moment or mindfulness), grounding, honoring one's inner voice, panic attacks, OCD and mood disorders. The section regarding kids and parenting was exceptional, in my opinion, and I found many points about discipline that made much sense. Also appreciated was the section relating to religion (dogma) versus faith (spiritual) as well as what needed to be said about pop culture.
I enjoyed reading "Stepping Out Of The Bubble" and would recommend it to anyone. It is enriching and inspirational.
Reviewed -by C.Gale Perkins-author.......2006-03-18
Stepping Out Of The Bubble by James P. Krehbiel, Is an outstanding book on Counseling Therapy. Krehbiel, is able to put life patterns and fears into perspective so that the lay person can fully understand the mystery that most think is behind counseling. His approach to show that so much of what we seek answers for is within ourselves and with the right counsellor we can become free and step out of the Bubble or Bubbles that a lot of us are in.
This book should be a gift to every teen and their parents, no home should be without it.
Gaining Courage to Live Outside of the Bubble.......2006-02-25
James P. Krehbiel's Stepping Out of the Bubble was a fascinating read. I found myself underlining various passages. His explanation of how we get stuck in the bubble (comfort zone), and how we find our way out is powerful. It provided me with hope as I move through my own personal journey. I found myself experiencing an emotional reaction to many of the case examples and concepts he explored. He definitely hit some "hot buttons" in my life. But Mr. Krehbiel also provided specific guidelines and tools for stepping out of the bubble. At one point he says, "Courage can be defined by those who live outside the bubble as opposed to those who live in it. I like to compare stepping out of the bubble to wading into the water."
His chapter which includes ideas on multidimensional thinking is appropriate in today's political climate. He indicates that true dialogue takes into consideration the appreciation for differences in opinions. He makes some profound statements about pop culture's affect on the lives of today's children. He also gives parents tools and resources for assisting their children in bettering their behavior. The book ends with a resounding "yes" to life with a hopeful, powerful way of perceiving and reframing life's problems. This was an excellent book!
My Review of a Great Book.......2006-02-23
"Stepping Out of the Bubble : Reflections On the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy by James P. Krehbiel is an amazing and outstanding book that provides help and direction to the many people that are suffering from problems described in this book.
I was amazed at how many of the problems and challenges, that the author writes about, are problems and challenges I have seen many people suffer with.
The counseling theory and practice information in this book provides a direction for people that have a problem and are willing to go to counseling and risk moving forward in their journey toward finding personal growth and development, and eventually stepping out of the bubble.
Many people have problems and challenges that they never seek help for and they and their loved ones continue to suffer. This book goes a long way in bringing the thought of counseling to people and helping people to better understand the counseling process.
To author James P. Krehbiel thank you for writing your great book. I am convinced your book will help many people and because of your book many more people will step out of the bubble. I recommend this book very highly and also feel it would be a great college text.
Books:
- Her Own Place (Fawcett Columbine)
- I Stand in the Center of the Good: Interviews with Contemporary Native American Artists (American Indian Lives)
- I, Strahd: The War Against Azalin
- In the Palm of Darkness: A Novel
- Intoxicated: A Novel of Money, Madness, and the Invention of the World's Favorite Soft Drink
- Jerusalem's Hope (The Zion Legacy, Book VI)
- Katerina: A Novel
- Layover
- Lens of an Infantryman: A World War II Memoir with Photographs from a Hidden Camera
- Little Altars Everywhere: A Novel
Books Index
Books Home
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- The Paper Bag Princess
- Band Theory and Electronic Properties of Solids
- 100 Caterpillars: Portraits from the Tropical Forests of Costa Rica
- Wall Street to Main Street: Charles Merrill and Middle-Class Investors
- The Rentier State in Africa: Oil Rent Dependency & Neocolonialism in the Republic of Gabon
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See Under: LOVE: A Novel
Someone to Run With: A Novel
Be My Knife: A Novel
The Zig Zag Kid
The Yellow Wind: With a New Afterword by the Author
