Book Description
Once the Orme family’s magnificent ancestral estate, Observatory Mansions is now a crumbling apartment complex, home to an eccentric group of misfits. One of them is Francis Orme, who earns his livelihood as a living statue. When not practicing “inner and outer stillness,” Francis steals the cherished possessions of others to add to his private museum. The other tenants are equally as odd: his mother and father, who haven’t interacted in years; a man who continually sweats and cries; a recluse who prefers television to reality; and a woman who behaves like a dog. When Anna Tapp arrives among them she stirs their souls, bringing long forgotten memories to the surface–and arousing fears that this new resident intends to provoke a metamorphosis.
Reminiscent of Beckett, Ionesco, and Millhauser but startlingly original,
Observatory Mansions is also unexpectedly beguiling. Upon its publication in England, it was a literary sensation, and John Fowles called it “easily the most brilliant fiction I’ve seen this year.”
Customer Reviews:
Observe the eccentric.......2007-05-30
This is one of the most impressive first novels of an author I think I may ever read. I still find it so hard to believe that with his first book -this- is the type of quality he could deliver. The story of Observatory Mansions is so weird and eccentric and crazy and unbelievable. A child who collects random items that grows into an obsessive man who can't even stand the sight of his own hands. A father who is deadly still and silent because he has found his inner stillness. Neighbors that seem to be the most exaggerated annoyances of all time, yet you still feel a bond with them as you see the world Carey unravels before you. The first page is so well written you can't help but wish to continue reading this makeshift story of love and friendships and ultimately of lose. You begin to truly care about Carey's characters even the most outlandish habits and rituals only work to enforce your feelings towards Twenty, Francis, and all the characters in the mansion.
To give a brief summary (although it will not do justice to the novel I hope it sparks someone to pick it up) Observatory Mansions is a building that was once a prized home for a wealthy family the Orme's, but now it has been turned into an apartment building one that sticks out like a sore thumb in the thriving city that has swallowed it. The building is only the first sign of out of place in the story as every tenant within the build seems to have something outrageously odd about them. You follow a changing lifestyle from the eyes of Francis Orme the last member of the original family who owned Observatory Mansions. His parents both still alive could hardly be called living. The story really begins the day the new tenant moves into the building. She seems to be the most normal of the people within the building. Ultimately Carey unwinds his majestic story into a heart tugging love story that makes you hope for the best with the characters and you just long to see them find happiness. It's considered and classified as a post modern novel and in the true nature of post modern the word carnival will tell you more about this book than any other.
Carey delivers in his first novel what many authors never accomplish. Characters with tragic flaws that become more lovable than the most heroic of people. A story that guides you through all the twist and turns patting your hand to keep you calm the whole way. You find at the end the most amazing relief when you close the book because you feel "it'll all be okay." I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys something different and loves a story full of exciting characters.
Very Odd & Innovative.........2007-03-23
Yes,this was one dark,eccentric book. But mostly in a good way. The main charactor,Francis,is a 37 year old man-child who lives with this equally strange parents in his family's anchestral home located in an unamed English city,which,for ecomonic reasons,has been dividied into apartments. After Francis(who works as a "human statue in a nearby park and constantly wears white cotton gloves (due to a traumatic childhood)and,as a hobby, collects objects that have sentimental(or practical) value to others which he keeps in the chapel of the building beside his long-buried ancestors. The story then (through Francis)introduces the other residents of the building,among them,a woman who thinks she's a dog,an elderly lady who watches TV constantly and forgets about the world outside,as well as his formerly sadistic tutor who harbors a guilty concious over a long ago incident involving a former student.These people live in their own varingly levels of isolation until Anna Tap,a 30ish no-nonsense former costume restorer (with her own deep,dark secret) moves into one of the flats and gets each of these closed-off people to reveal themselves. She especially develops an interest in Francis and tries espeically to break through his wall of strange rituals and extreme shyness. This is not a book with "overall" appeal,with it's rather strange structure (in addition to the strangeness of the people in it) But for those who give it a chance,I think they will be glad they did..
Completely original, engrossing read.......2006-01-18
I picked this book up after I read through the jacket and thought it might be different. Wow, was it ever! My daughter asked me how my book was once I was a few chapters in and I replied, "these are the most bizarre characters I've ever read." They were bizarre, yet compelling. I was drawn to feel sad for each of their neuroses; each had a logical reason for his or her strangeness (except we don't find out what the Porter's problem was). The novel was not entirely unpredictable, but the behavior of the characters gave you the unsettled feeling that just about anything could happen. I was happy for Francis and Anna in the end (though Francis could be cruel in his struggle to remain distant), and the symbolism of Francis' dig for freedom was profound and satisfying.
Brilliant is the only word for this story........2005-07-26
Oberservatory Mansions is in a class all by itself. In fact, I can think of only few other novels of such quality, ingenuity and effect. It captivates you from the first page and never disappoints you. Its filled with sad characters but the story somehow never saddens you. The writing style is superb. Could possibly make an excellent movie only if Carey was in charge if every aspect.
Brilliant is the only word to describe it.
The Rules for Gloves.......2005-01-10
Carey, Edward
Observatory Mansions
Random House Canada, 2000
356 pages
Somewhere in urban Britain, Observatory Mansions is a tenement which was once an impressive country estate. Over time, the city has not only encroached upon it, but has surrounded it. Now it is a mostly empty, decrepit building waiting for the demolisher's wrecking ball. Meanwhile, however, it is home to Francis Orme and his aged parents, members of the wealthy and respected family once owners of Observatory Mansions and the lands around it.
Converted into an apartment block some time ago, it has never been a desired place for anyone to live except the very needy and the very eccentric, and as it deteriorates, a succession of bizarre characters passes through the place: a woman who has adopted the behaviour of a lost dog, a lascivious porter who hisses and badgers the tenants over misdemeanors against cleanliness, a woman whose real world unfolds behind the TV screen.
Told in the first person by Francis Orme, we learn very quickly that he is probably the most off beat of all the characters. He wears white cotton gloves at all times, is a meticulous collector of memorabilia of love - objects which meant a lot to people, mostly stolen by him - and makes his living busking, standing motionless on an abandoned plinth in the vicinity of Observatory Mansions and moving only to acknowledge coins dropping into his can by blowing soap bubbles at the donors.
Edward Carey is a playwright and freelance illustrator and his drawings of the faces of some of the characters of the "mansion" add to the surreal quality of the text. His narrator, an obsessive/compulsive collector and maker of lists and rules, turns out to be the perfect spokesperson for the people of the world whom time has left behind. I would be hesitant to put a theme to the novel - Carey's first - but I was struck mostly by the struggle for meaning in each characters attempts to survive on a shifting sea they barely recognize.
The dust jacket, incidentally, is wonderfully done. All hand drawn and printed, it is of a piece with the books contents, an achievement only the best book designers can rightfully claim.
****
Average customer rating:
- A quick, fun read!
- Three Wives Club
- Some Nerve!!!!!!!!!!!
- Very Funny, Memorable Characters and Storyline!
- great fun!!
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Our Husband
Stephanie Bond
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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In Deep Voodoo
ASIN: 0312975651 |
Book Description
They're three women with one thing in common....Our Husband.When they found out about his cheating heart, they wanted to get even. But how even?Fate has just thrown a curveball at the women in Raymond Carmichael's life-- all three of them. When they meet at his hospital bed, they discover they're all married to the same man. And when Raymond suddenly dies, the police suspect that one of these spunky ladies has commited murder....The Socialite- Blonde, post-menopausal, and mad as hell, Beatrix always suspected Raymond married her for her daddy's money....twenty-one years ago.The Doctor- a smart, small-town family physician, thirty-five-year-old Nathalie had ironically insisted on only one thing from her husband of seven years....absolute honesty.The Stripper- Twenty-one and an exotic dancer, Ruby would have chalked up her brief marriage to a learning experience....if she hadn't been pregnant.Now they're three women left with a man's betrayal-- and worse, each other. But one thing they each insist-- they didn't kill Raymond. What can they do? Something outrageous and probably impossible: stick together to catch a murderer....A Selection of the Doubleday Book Club
Customer Reviews:
A quick, fun read! .......2006-09-28
I am not a morning person... but I have to give this book a lot of credit. I actually laughed out loud while reading this book at 6 in the morning. I never do that! It is a fun read! If you want a lot of depth, not going to happen... but I love the humor! So yes, I am going to continue to read her books. Thanks Ms. Bond for the entertainment!
Three Wives Club.......2006-03-15
This book is about 3 very different women who find out they all share the same husband. They find themselves thrown together trying to figure out who killed their husband and they find out some things about themselves in the process. Stephanie Bond's style is very similar to Janet Evanovich. This similarity is further brought out in the audio version performed by C.J. Critt who does many of the Evanovich audios (One of my favorite readers, BTW). This is not a very deep book, the characters are fairly one dimensional, but still it's a pretty decent read.
Some Nerve!!!!!!!!!!!.......2004-07-14
This was a very good story. Some men actually have the nerve to
have 3 wives. I thought the way they all found out was just too
much.
Keep up the good writing.
Very Funny, Memorable Characters and Storyline!.......2001-12-15
I was impressed with this off-beat story about three wives and one dead husband. The humor was rich and the mystery great, it had you wondering althrough who the killer was. This is a first from Ms. Bond and I will be reading more from this talented author!
~Take one blonde socialite, post-menopausal and fuming mad. Beatrix always suspected that her husband Raymond Carmichael married her for her money twenty years ago, but never imagined he would take on two more wives in the process!
Take one smart brunett. A very well respected doctor in a small town. Thirty-five-year-old Natalie had only wanted one thing in her marriage to Ray, honesty. This was the very reason she was ready to kill the man when she found out he was married to two other women!
Take a gorgeous redhead, twenty-one and an exotic dancer. Also married to Ray. The only problem here is she was pregnant from the lying jerk!
Fate has thrown these three mismatched women together when the only husband they have ever known gets into a car crash and ends up in the hospital only to be further shocked when all 3 of his wives show up to see how he is! Suddenly he suffers a massive heart attack and leaves the three angry wives to sift through his muddled life.
Fate is nowhere near done with the women and they find themselves in trouble with the law when they are all suspected of killing the man and conspiring with each other, only they all know each one would never do such a cold-blooded thing.
Clues soon begin to surface and the truth is more shocking than what they had imagined. Now they are all in danger and must trust one another to survive this mess!
Very funny and witty. I will always remember these characters! They were all so different, yet I connected with them all and smiled throughout the book. But I have to say, my favorite was Raymond's first wife Beatrix, she was spunky and no-nonsense. The way she handles the women are nothing less than hysterical. Very enjoyable, but I must say, there isn't much romance in the book, its more of a comedy/mystery. But I didn't mind. The wives more than make up for any romance lost in the pages! Well worth the money!!!
Tracy Talley~@
great fun!!.......2001-11-30
I had never read anything by this Author before, but I really enjoyed this book. The story revolves around 3 very different women who find out they are all married to the same man. And, they find out that the husband in question isn't all he seemed to be. This book should be classified as a "who dunnit, that has a few laughs in it"
Read for the fun of it!
Average customer rating:
- Out of the Blue
- Out of the Blue
- Finding God and Finding Each Other
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Finding God, Finding Each Other How Our Marriage Was Saved By The Power Of God
Vincent Ruhl
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Marriage | Relationships | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0785267735 |
Book Description
He was raised a Protestant. She was Jewish. They were both clinical psychologists, convinced that human reason could explain everything and eventually resolve every issue. But when their relationship began to fall apart, a miraculous vision became the beginning of a pilgrimage that would lead these two non-believers into a deep and lasting relationship with each other-and with Jesus Christ. Finding God, Finding Each Other is the story of how God intervened miraculously to transform them and helped them create a loving and lasting marriage relationship. This love story not only chronicles the spiritual journeys of Linda and Vincent Ruhl, but also reveals biblical principles of individual character change, relational transformation, and how a broken marriage relationship can be redeemed and made whole.
Customer Reviews:
Out of the Blue.......2003-03-20
I went to school and played high school football with Dr. Ruhl. He sent me this book out of the blue as we had not seen each other for many years. Strangely enough, it arrived at a difficult time for me. I took an afternoon off and read the book. This is not a panagyric or metaphysical homage though the inspiration for "finding each other" was communion with Jesus. Instead, the spiritual messages the author and his wife experienced were simple truths, basic guidelines that have illuminated a path the couple have since taken, an illumination, one suspects, would ever after guide them whenever that path came to a fork and another choice had to be made. The author's honesty, self-examination and acceptance of responsibility in the hardships he and his wife faced, make the book an informative read and one that enables the reader to easily identify with the situations, be they arguements, interaction with kids, job interviews and, even, happiness. Dr. Ruhl (Vinnie to me) was a helluva lineman and saved me from a lot of sacks but he's an even better writer.
Out of the Blue.......2003-03-20
I went to school and played high school football with Dr. Ruhl. He sent me this book out of the blue as we had not seen each other for many years. Strangely enough, it arrived at a difficult time for me. I took an afternoon off and read the book. This is not a panagyric or metaphysical homage though the inspiration for "finding each other" was communion with Jesus. Instead, the spiritual messages the author and his wife experienced were simple truths, basic guidelines that have illuminated a path the couple have since taken, an illumination, one suspects, would ever after guide them whenever that path came to a fork and another choice had to be made. The author's honesty, self-examination and acceptance of responsibility in the hardships he and his wife faced, make the book an informative read and one that enables the reader to easily identify with the situations, be they arguements, interaction with kids, job interviews and, even, happiness. Dr. Ruhl (Vinnie to me) was a helluva lineman and saved me from a lot of sacks but he's an even better writer.
Finding God and Finding Each Other.......2001-05-04
For those who believe that marriages can't be saved after tragedy, this book proves not only that they can be, but that life can be even better through the power of a committed relationship with God. A truly remarkable story and one that the reader will never forget. Awe inspiring. I feel very fortunate to have read this.
Average customer rating:
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The Men in Our Lives: Fathers, Lovers. Husbands, Mentors
Elizabeth Fishel
Manufacturer: William Morrow & Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
General | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Marriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
Social Groups | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0688064272 |
Book Description
A day after losing her job in a bank merger, all Laura Merrow wanted to do was finish up her chores and pack her bags for vacation. But the serenity of housework shattered when her husband's employer called to say that he was being rushed to the hospital after collapsing on the job. Suddenly Laura's chief concern was no longer which paperback she should toss into her beach bag but rather the life and death struggle facing her husband as he tried to survive the devastating effects of a brain aneurysm. Plunged into a nightmare of surgeons, nurses, hospital rooms and operations, Laura battles her own pain to aid in her husband's recovery. What begins as a laundry list of questions for his doctors evolves into the heart-rending narrative Can You Feel My Tears? Written to comfort and inspire other families who face a grave illness, Merrow's moving, deeply personal memoir of survival is a testament to the love of life and the joy of family.
Customer Reviews:
Lauri's Daughter.......2007-05-15
I'm the Danielle referenced in the book. I can say having lived through this at 11 years old, reading this book when it was finally published years later was one of the hardest things I have ever done.
You should all know that it's now 2007 and Steve - my mom's husband - will be giving me away at my wedding this year. It's so great that my stepdad was given a new lease on life and has been a wonderful dad to me, my brother Jimmy, and my two sisters Dawn and Becky. We are so grateful that God was able to be with us through that trying time.
If you're going through anything - please read this book. And know that my mom and our family are with you in spirit.
heartbreaking but so true.......2006-08-17
Lauri, I can't say enough to fully represent what I feel right now, after I just finished your book. I must admit that pretty much, along every page of your diary, I have cried. Your story is heartbreaking, and maybe it is because I was faced with similar situation. My husband of 4 months was diagnosed with brain cancer, and after two and half years of a battle, he died. The situations and feeling that you described were so true. I was with you when you held your husband's hand, and stood with a brave face. I was with you when for the first time you broke down and cried. I was with you when you were in disbelief. I was with you when you had to see your husband be wheeled out to yet another brain surgery. The strength and courage that you present are outstanding. The love and friendship that you and your husband hold, is extraordinary...
I could see myself and my husband in your story, although we were 26 and with no children, when he passed away, the pain was so real. I relived every situation all over, but at least I could somehow connect with my husband.
To all potential readers - this is a must read for all those who are faced with brain diseases. If you a spouse, a parent, a sibling, a child or a friend, it's good to know what really happens behind the closed doors. You might be needed... You should know how to deal with it.
Again, great book! Very easy to read, although I must say, keep Kleenex next to you. Hope everyone can find this book as interesting and rewarding as I did.
Average customer rating:
- In the midst of chaos, God is carrying you!
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Help! My Husband Has Sexually Abused Our Daughter: A Devotional Guide for Mothers of Victims
Debra, Butterfield
Manufacturer: Booklocker.com, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Motivational | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Abuse | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Child Abuse | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books
Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1601451385 |
Book Description
"What do I do now?" From a mother who's been there, discover comfort for your heartbreak, practical help for your circumstances, and more in this 30-day devotional. Find the hope and healing you long for.
Customer Reviews:
In the midst of chaos, God is carrying you!.......2007-07-03
Help! My Husband Has Sexually Abused Our Daughter by Debra L. Butterfield is a book of reflection and healing while going through turmoil of emotions and family issues.
Debra chose the Book of Psalms as her path to find comfort and deepen her relationship with God. Every day start with the reading of five recommended psalms to help the reader to relax and be prepared to walk in her shoes for more than a mile. You will get a close look at her story, understand the lesson learned, a recommended course of action, and end the devotion with a personal prayer. You will experience Deb's emotions and ride the rollercoaster of her family during this journey of faith and total surrender to the Father's plan for our lives.
I recommend this book for individuals and families who are dealing with problems of incest and/or sexual molestation. The book is written in a very personal language which makes it easier to read and understand without judging those involved in this type of situation. It is a great tool for counselors working with Christian patients who need the assurance of God's loving arms around them in such a time like this.
"He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps" (Psalm 40:2)
Other books recommendation:
The Window To My Soul : My Walk With Jesus
We Believe: Forty Meditations on the Nicene Creed
Book Description
Every dementia patient is different; so is every care-giver. If you happen to be anything like me, and if your demented spouse is anything like My Great Dane, this, if I may be so bold, would be my advice: Go down that slippery slope with your spouse. When he developed Alzheimer's or a similar dementia, your life changed. The more you try to hang on to normalcy, to preserve yourself and your sanity, the more likely you are to injure yourself. Go willingly. Go lovingly. Even though your spouse may not be able to appreciate your companionship on the way down, you will. When well-meaning people advised me to take time out to do those things I really enjoy, I couldn't relate. Single-minded as I am, I focused on Hal, and it was in his company that I most enjoyed myself. Perhaps that's why I survived. And now, as a tribute to Hal and to myself, I intend to take laughter and joy with me on the trip back up the hill to recovery. Thank you for sharing our experiences. Read with understanding, compassion, and love.
Customer Reviews:
MY HUSBAND, MY CHILD: Our 14 Years into Dementia".......2003-03-19
.....Eve Jensen has captured in loving details the path she shared with her husband. She has written in essay form events which show great insight into the gradual deterioration of a life, a love, a man.
.....With the masterful skills of a former English teacher,
Mrs. Jensen tells about how her husband was taken
from doctor to doctor to find out the cause of his behaviors
and physical problems. He was never labeled with Alzheimer's
disease but had many of the same symptons.
.....As these steps were being taken together, she captures
daily events, personal activites, the loss of skills,
the loss of friends for her true love-Hal. The trip was
long but well documented.
.....Hal and Eve were both teachers. Hal was a music,
science, and CWE teacher. He was also a master of
several languages, had lived in the Orient and Europe
and was a fun loving Dane. At one time, they both were
employed by the Dept. of Defense Overseas Schools,
met, and married while living and teaching
in Bad Kreuznach, Germany. After retirement,
their lives were intermingled with many adventures
but the biggest, longest, and hardest of these was
the trip they shared with Hal's dementia.
.....THIS BOOK SHOULD BE PURCHASED BY
ALL WHO ARE DEALING WITH EVEN A HINT OF DEMENTIA
WITH A LOVED ONE. Books should be purchased
by Alzheimer's Associations across America
to be given to other families dealing with their
loved ones. A good idea would be to give gifts to
the directors of local organizations to see what
they think. I know that they will see the
potential help for personal experiences which
families are currently sharing.
.....PASS THE WORD! Help someone else
through Mrs. Jensen's capture of her and Hal's
"... 14 Years into Dementia."
SIGNED:
A friend and former peer-- Cathryne N. Blocker
Average customer rating:
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Our Heavenly Husband
Amanda, J. Hellwig
Manufacturer: His Work Christian Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback
Women's Issues | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0977832880 |
Product Description
Our Heavenly Husband includes both real life lessons along with revelation from God's word to see Him in a new and intimate way. Geared toward a female audience, the author compares a woman's relationship with God to a physical marriage, and gives different aspects of that relationship along with Scripture references to explain God's love and passion that goes beyond our understanding. This encouraging book will help women give God his rightful place in their lives--as their Heavenly Husband.
Average customer rating:
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Our Husband
Stephanie Bond
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NSGMB0 |
Average customer rating:
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Our Husband
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739412302 |
Product Description
In her debut novel, Bond offers readers an enjoyable but predictable read. When traveling prosthetics salesman Raymond Carmichael has an automobile accident, three Mrs. Raymond Carmichaels meet for the first time at his hospital bedside. First wife Beatrix is an aging socialite who uses booze and home shopping to solace the loneliness of a moribund marriage. Second wife NatalieAthe character Bond lets readers know best and who appears to be the most distraught about the turn of eventsAis a harried but good-hearted small-town doctor who has just discovered that Raymond has plundered their marital assets. Ruby, his third bride, is a 20-something stripper with a baby on the way. Raymond soon dies, apparently of a heart attack, leaving the women to cope with his betrayal even as they battle over everything from funeral arrangements to inheritance. The plot thickens further when it is discovered that Raymond was poisoned. Since all three wives have both plenty of motive and access to the poison, they're immediate suspects. Bond's fun and frothy story keeps the plot twists coming and offers up an appealing love interest in pawnbroker Brian Butler, a charmer who is genuinely interested in Natalie and eventually wins over her bruised heart. At the book's center, however, is the transformation of three very different women from enemies into allies. Husbands may come and go, but girlfriendsAhowever unlikelyAare forever. Booksellers should be aware of this talented new author, whose first work reads like an ultra-light twist on Terry MacMillan's Waiting to Exhale. Agent, Ruth Kagle, Jane Rotrosen Agency.
Book Description
Originally intended to be a collaboration with the author, this collection of the most memorable short stories of the late George Alec Effinger is a tribute from those who best knew his work—his friends, fellow writers, and editors. In addition to handpicking their favorite pieces, Michael Bishop, Neil Gaiman, Barbara Hambly, Mike Resnick, Howard Waldrop, and others have contributed a personal introduction or afterword to accompany each selection that reveals their deep respect for and insights into the author. The short stories "The Aliens Who Knew, I Mean,
Everything" and "Everything but Honor," both Hugo Award finalists, are among those included. Of special interest are seven previously uncollected short stories and a poem written under the author's pen name, O. Niemand. Introduced by Gardner Dozois, former editor of Asimov Science Fiction Magazine, these stories are uniquely written in the style of other authors including Ernest Hemingway, John Steinbeck, James Thurber, and Mark Twain. Considered by Effinger to be "sympathetic homage" rather than parody or caricature, they present his perspective on how these noted authors would have tackled science fiction, such as "The Man Outside," the John Steinbeck-inspired story about a loner in a domed city on an asteroid deep in space.
Customer Reviews:
A Genius Live! .......2005-05-10
I'd read very little George Alec Effinger before I picked up this book, and what little I had read -- correct me if I am wrong -- was a novelization of the short lived "Planet of the Apes" TV series that I found down at the library in seventh grade. Little did I know that the man's original works -- the copyrights for which, bizarrely, a Louisiana hospital tried to claim as its own when Effinger owed them for medical bills -- far outstripped the tie-in work he accepted (as it turns out, he did tie-in work to frustrate creditors like the hospital, who could not try to repo the copyrights of others).
In the roughly two dozen tales that comprise "George Alec Effinger Live! From Planet Earth" (Effinger had suggested something shorter but just as snazzy -- "The White Album," for example), this brilliant satirical writer takes on war, racism, politics -- all the usual oxen fit for a goring, and not only does he roast them to a turn on the barb of his tremendous wit, he marinates them with a delicious blend of compassion and ruthlessness. The collection even gathers his "O. Niemand" stories, in which he imitates --faultlessly -- the themes and styles of a half-dozen great American writers, from Mark Twain to James Thurber to Flannery O'Connor. These tales are set in a domed city called Springfield, located on an asteroid in deep space, and one can only wonder whether, if he had lived long enough, the man who tracked Don Marquis' Archy (of the Archy and Mehitabel adventures, told by a cockroach in vers libre) to his asteroidal Springfield, might not also have paid a visit to some futuristic, but still crude and humorous, version of The Simpsons. Now -that- would have been sci-fi heaven, and a satire lover's dream come true, and if anybody would have had the flat-out red-pepper gumption to write such a tale it would have been George Alec Effinger.
Book Description
Kirwan not only sounds a clarion call for thorough integration of psychology and theology, he demonstrates that it can be done.
Customer Reviews:
Well explained & easy to read .......2007-05-17
I'm probably bias but I really enjoyed reading this book and how it viewed christian counselling and how psychology could be integrated. It was easy to read and I liked how the argument on integrating christian counselling was presented.
Simple Approach to a Complex Subject........2002-07-26
This work by William T. Kirwan is the place to start when looking at the field of Christian Counseling. The outline of this book is very complete and provides depth in many aspects of Christian Counseling. The cited works used in this text provide a "Who's Who" presentation for the aspiring counselor. This text helped launch my hunger in the field. The book starts slow but it quickly builds the reader's vocabulary and presents information with an ease toward comprehension.
Outstanding...a must read for integration.......1999-10-03
This work has integrated my thought in a most helpful way. Highly recomended.
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.
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