LA Plaza Del Diamante/the Diamond Plaza

Book Description

Acaso la mejor novela catalana del siglo, ésta fue publicada en 1966 y profusamente traducida y reeditada. En ella, la sencilla historia de una mujer se carga de una profunda significación al condensar la evocación de toda una forma de vida que agoniza. Colometa (Paloma) nos narra desde su particular prisma, entre naïf, desequilibrado y sumamente poético, las vivencias que tiene que atravesar en los duros tiempos de la Guerra Civil española y de la terrible posguerra. Un personaje inolvidable que permanecerá en el interior del lector que sepa apreciar la belleza de su testimonio.

Maybe the most acclaimed Catalan novel of the past century, published in 1966 y profusely translated and re-edited. In this novel, the simple story of a woman acquires a deep significance by condensing the evocation of an entire life that is in the death throes.

Customer Reviews:

Easy to miss, worth reading.......2002-03-01

If Catalan, the language in which this novel was written, were a world language like Spanish, Merce Rodoreda would be as famous as Gabriel García Márquez, who called La Plaza del Diamante "the most beautiful novel published in Spain after the Civil War."

Surreal cruel reality.......2001-12-13

A very human story, the surreally interpreted world of a woman, through her life. Reminds me of Camus' "Stranger" for athmospheres and coldness of style. Highly rewarding reading.

!Excelente!.......2001-04-29

This book is well worth reading. The portrait of Catalunians at the time of the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939)is excellent. The ramifications of war on non-participants is examined, particularly on women and children. Although originally written in Catalan, it is studied in Spanish as an exemplary example of Spanish Literature of the 20th Century. Just so you know, it has also been made into a movie with English subtitles, although as usual it is much better to read the novel. Natalia becomes "Colometa" (pigeon/dove)and reverts to Natalia. She finds herself in a controlling relationship...will she find her wings? Pay attention to the imagery of the doves and the diamonds and the constant tracing of images.

Catalan literature classic.......1999-11-02

Advise: The book was written in catalan. So, the original title is "La plaça del diamant". It's one of the best of Catalan literature. It's around the story of a woman during the civil war

Book Description

Jolie Goodman never yearned for a life in Atlanta's fast lane. All she wants is a career in real estate, and she's willing to sell shoes in Neiman Marcus over the holidays to make ends meet. But recently, her boyfriend vanished -- with her car -- and her search for answers leads her to some very exclusive circles. Jolie hooks up with a pair of retail fashionistas who have made crashing society bashes an art form, and soon findsherself rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous ... and rubbing other body parts with one of Atlanta's most eligible bachelors!

But Jolie can't shake the feeling that she's being pursued ... right into a dangerous clique where friends and enemies look the same, and flirtation is the preferred party favor. Jolie and her gal pals become the toast of the town ... until a body turns up at a sexy soiree the women have crashed. The fun and games come to a dead end when the "crashers" are fingered for the murder. The women have to pull all the tricks out of their designer bags to try to trap a stalker before Jolie, once the life of the party, becomes the death of the party.

Download Description

"E-Book Extras: ONE: Confessions of a Shoe Salesperson; TWO: How to Successfully Crash a Party; THREE: Discussion Group Questions for Party Crashers

But Jolie can't shake the feeling that she's being pursued ... right into a dangerous clique where friends and enemies look the same, and flirtation is the preferred party favor. Jolie and her gal pals become the toast of the town ... until a body turns up at a sexy soiree the women have crashed. The fun and games come to a dead end when the ""crashers"" are fingered for the murder. The women have to pull all the tricks out of their designer bags to try to trap a stalker before Jolie, once the life of the party, becomes the death of the party.

Customer Reviews:

A fun read!.......2005-03-23

This book had a little of everything in it. From humor to a great mystery, and an "edge of your seat" suspense. The characters were well drawn out, leaving no voids in your imagination. I enjoyed every minute of it! I look forward to reading more from Ms. Bond.

Loved it!.......2004-11-05

A must read for any girl who loves shoes, going to parties, Neiman Marcus or the city of Atlanta!

This was my first Stephanie Bond novel and I am looking forward to reading more. She combined page turning fun until the last word.

I couldn't put the book down!.......2004-05-23

I thought this book had everything to offer from suspense to romance to learning how to crash a party! I thoughouly enjoyed this book and will continue to read more of Ms. Bond's books.

A Letdown.......2004-05-13

I quickly picked up this book when I saw it was another Stephanie Bond. I have really enjoyed her books in the past. In this book, however, I was never on board with the romance piece. It seemed rushed and poorly formed. Hope the next book is better.

fine mixing of humor and love within in a crime thriller.......2004-04-29

Realtor Jolie Goodman quit her job over her new boss demanding she do an unethical act in order to make a sale. Jolie temporarily sells shoes at the Nieman Marcus in Atlanta's Lenox Mall. There she meets Beck Underwood of Underwood Broadcasting, who needs socks and shoes having just returned from Central America. The duo is attracted to one another, but nothing comes of it not jus because she is working, but police Detective Salyers arrives to question Jolie about her missing boyfriend Gary Hagan, whose car was found in the Chattahoochee with a dead woman inside.

The police suspect that Jolie abetted Gary in his escape though she denies involvement. As Detective Salyers searches for Gary, he quietly warns Jolie to watch herself as he is in danger and she might be. Meanwhile she runs into Beck at an event that she crashes and soon they begin to fall in love. However, after Gary, she has doubts about her taste in men besides which she is in danger from people who believe she has something of Gary's that they want at any cost.

Though the police procedural-Gary subplot in many ways takes center stage and the conspiracy behind all this is overdone, the contemporary romance between Jolie and Beck is well written and cleverly interwoven with the case. The support cast adds depth especially those co-workers like the ultra-tall long necked professional party crasher who mentors the heroine in the arts of attending celebrity events for free. Fans will appreciate this mixing of humor and love within in a crime thriller while attending an advanced class in Party Crashing 301.

Amazon.com

As the executive director of the Log Cabin Republicans, a political action committee for gay conservatives, Richard Tafel is used to criticism and scorn. "I've been demonized and been called names by those on the right who have never taken the opportunity to get to know me," he says. "And I've been caricatured and demonized by those on the gay left who also would rather despise what they think I am than find out who I really am." Party Crasher reveals a fascinating individual, an ordained minister (mentored by Harvard Divinity's Peter Gomes) comfortable debating scripture with fundamentalists and a political activist unwilling to accept the common wisdom that gays and lesbians should give their allegiance to the Democratic party. While always friendly towards queer campaign contributions, Tafel notes, the Dems have failed to follow through on many of their promises. Far from allowing gays and lesbians to serve openly in the military, he reports, the Clinton administration has been responsible for expelling more homosexuals from the armed forces than any other in American history. And then there was Clinton's trumpeting to the religious right of his approval of the Defense of Marriage Act, which refused federal recognition for same-sex unions. Tafel rejects the identity politics that lead to such unproductive alliances, favoring instead an emphasis on individual rights and responsibility in which political commitment is based on a desire to personally do the right thing rather than be "accepted" or "loved." "If you want to be embraced," he warns, "get a boyfriend or a dog. But don't get involved in politics because you need a hug; you'll just get hurt."

Party Crasher is filled with anecdotes of Tafel's encounters with people at all sorts of points on the political spectrum, such as the time that the radical group Queer Nation invited him to a college campus to criticize homophobic activities by members of the college's Young Republican chapter, or his perspective on the controversy surrounding the 1996 Dole presidential campaign's rejection of a Log Cabin contribution. And there are several profiles of other gay Republicans (heavily skewed towards men, it's true, but as Tafel says, openly Republican lesbians are even more rare than their gay male counterparts). There's something in this book to upset just about everyone's preconceptions, but what comes through most is Richard Tafel's passion and commitment for social justice and genuine acceptance of everybody's differences. --Ron Hogan

Book Description

Gay Republicans?
Yes, gay Republicans -- not only do they exist, but they are proactive in both party and national politics, and as this book explains, they are intent on changing the status quo.

In Party Crasher: A Gay Republican Challenges Politics as Usual, Richard Tafel, head of the Log Cabin Republicans, issues a challenge to some of America's most sacred political institutions with an insightful analysis of the past, present, and future of gay politics in this country. Using personal anecdotes as well as the stories of other gay and lesbian Republicans, Rich Tafel succeeds in humanizing the struggle he and others have undertaken in their effort to have their party deal fairly with gays and gay issues, as well as their campaign to make gays aware of the benefits that can accrue from having political alliances with others besides traditional left-leaning Democrats.

At first glance, this gay Republican's story may seem a quixotic quest, but by book's end the reader is reminded of the power an individual can wield. In a political system in which apathy and cynicism reign, Tafel's maverick style is refreshing; in a culture filled with people in need of being liked, Tafel offers the alternative belief that being respected is more important than being liked. And through his stories it becomes clear that even his most ardent opponents on the left and on the right have to harbor a grudging respect for the integrity and depth of his beliefs.

The book is laid out in three sections: "Life," "Liberty," and "The Pursuit of Happiness." In the part entitled "Life," Tafel shows that gay political ideologies are a product of the rejection gays experience. The next section, "Liberty," shows how those ideologies play themselves out in the course of day-to-day American politics, and Tafel warns of the dangers gays face in being taken for granted by the Democratic Party while being written off by the Republicans. In the course of this discussion, he chronicles the process by which the Democratic Party became the overwhelming party of choice for gays, and he challenges the treatment of gays by the Democrats as a triumph of empathy over substance, while at the same time blasting the Republicans for pandering to the zealots of the far right.

In "The Pursuit of Happiness," Tafel argues that political strategies alone aren't enough to advance the cause of gay rights -- spiritual values and morals, he says, must be at the heart of the gay strategy. Here he challenges both those within the gay community who reject moral language and spirituality and those in organized religion -- particularly those in his own Christian faith -- who view sexuality simply as a matter of choice, and a choice to be condemned if it is not the straight and narrow.

By the book's conclusion, Rich Tafel has crashed any number of parties: the Republican establishment, the Democratic establishment, the gay establishment, and the religious establishment. What is unique in his criticism of his community, his church, and his political party is the underlying desire he has for all parties to live up to the "better angels."

More than a book about gay politics or Republican politics, Party Crasher is a reminder that a few committed people, basing their actions in integrity, can still make a difference in the jaded world that American politics has become. Certainly that is a message that Americans need to hear.

Customer Reviews:

Somebody more clueless than Bush.......2004-09-06

I was always amused by Mr. Tafel and the Log Cabin Republicans. Although I am a heterosexual, I had always wondered why these people would give so much time, energy, and money to a political party who would (because of the growing southern conservative base) rather see them burnt at the stake than equal partners.

To this extent, I originally had believed that LCR's were simply confused individuals who came out of the closet, but secretly longed for the 'mainstream recognition' brought by virtual gay bashers. Because our society is so filled with hate and fear of 'difference' this strategy could actually represent a level of comfort to some people in a time when GLBT people (although not without ongoing challenges) have an easier social and political existence than enjoyed by previous generations. Apparently, I was wrong.

Tafel does want equality, but only for gays and lesbians who fit a 'cookie cutter' mold of respectability. Anybody pointing out the world (and public policy) does not operate in that manner becomes castigated. Meanwhile, like heterosexual bigots---Tafel and company's `respectability' serves more to judge and condemn 'other' people than convincingly build their own argument.

Unlike homophobes, Tafel...etc then actually has the nerve to wonder why the community cannot take him seriously. He actually does not realize that you cannot proscribe such sexuality and then expect everybody (especially those people falling outside of your stated ideals) to be enthusiastic about your organization and/or yourself.

At least the Jerry Falwells of the world admit their rhetoric burns bridges with the community.

Because the book is about how great TAFEL's own views are (and conveniently glosses over contradictions) it is not for the serious researcher. This title is something which you would read in the library or pick up at the used bookstore.

Disenchanted Democrats should read this book!.......2001-05-01

Rich Tafel answered many of my questions as I struggled to figure out why I was still committed to the Democratic party. Tafel makes clear and cogent points about the differences between the Democratic and Republican parties and comes out on top every time. He gives evidence to the contrary that gay Republican is an oxymoron. This is a must read for anyone who cares about the political future of gays and especially for those who see morals and values not as buzz words used by the Right but a way of life that should not be anathema to the gay community.

Gay? Republican?.......2000-12-13

A dilusional view of a person who thinks that, by sucking up to Republicans, he will eventually attain the quality he deserves.

Having said that (I've always wanted to say that about Tafel), it is a very good book. It's thought-provoking and a good read...even if you happen to 100%, totally, positively, without question disagree with every single solitary word in the book.

Get it, read it, make up your own mind...

Eye Opener.......2000-02-29

I, a 22 year old gay man (Democrat) who future hopfuly will be in gay politic, I LOVE THIS BOOK! It has given me insights, and expanded my mine on issue dealing with America Today. I'll have to admit after reading this.. this March I'll be voting republican.

poorly written nonsense.......1999-08-24

So much of this silly book is laugh out loud funny. It looks like a real book, but in reality it's part Jimmy Swaggart, part Teletubbies. I was at the gay parade in Los Angeles and the crowd booed the Log Cabin float. At the time, I thought that was wrong. No longer. If this bewigged, misguided, and not very bright toadie is running things, I'm terrified.

Confessions Of A Party Crasher (Harlequin Signature Select)

Average customer rating:

madcap romance
What's a girl to do?

Confessions Of A Party Crasher (Harlequin Signature Select)
Holly Jacobs
Manufacturer: Harlequin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 0373837070

Book Description

Sneaking in is the easy part. But living it down is tough . . .

One corporate pink slip and Morgan Miller is back in Pittsburgh bunking next to her mother. But when Morgan agrees to attend a posh wedding reception for fabulous "Penny and Sam," she's appalled to learn her invitation is far from legitimate.

Though her friends agree that party crashing is a superlative way to meet men, Morgan's life is becoming completely unmanageable. Wedding photographer Conner Danning keeps shooting her swoon-worthy glances and Morgan's ex is trying to de-ex himself.

She can't wait to run home to San Diego, but maybe living life as an "unofficial guest" is better than no invite at all!

Customer Reviews:

madcap romance .......2006-06-17

Morgan Miller came home to Pittsburgh from San Diego to attend the funeral of her surrogate "Uncle" August Banyon, but instead of gloom everyone toasts Auggie as the big fan of Gilligan's Island, who named his house filled pet zoo after the cast, would have wanted them to. To her chagrin, Morgan's mom Annabelle seems to flirt with every single male at the Auggie gala reminding the California resident why she needs a country between her and her mom.

Mom takes Morgan to the society wedding of Penny and Sam only to have the daughter further ashamed to realize they crashed the party. At the nuptials, Morgan meets photographer Connor Danning; both are instantly attracted to one another. However, she was recently dumped and fears a rebound romance while he looks forward to no commitments because he was there for his injured brother who just recovered and moved out. As Connor and Morgan become acquainted, they fall in love in spite of mom, the Skipper, Gilligan and a few other obvious matchmakers, but she lives across the continent.

The sweet lead couple plays straight man and woman for a zany eccentric support cast starting with Annabelle, from the grave Auggie, and his Gilligan horde. The story line is fun as Morgan is constantly ashamed by her relative's not so subtle antics while Connor takes it in stride with a smile (it's not his DNA). Fans will enjoy the madcap romance between the photographer and the wedding crasher.

Harriet Klausner

What's a girl to do?.......2006-06-13

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

What's a girl to do when her life falls apart, she comes back home, and discovers she's been roped in to a party crashing lifestyle by none other than her very own mother? Live it up of course!

Morgan Miller had the life she'd always longed for in California until the day she is downsized right out of her career. She comes home to Pittsburgh to reevaluate her life while looking for a new job. Her mother, Annabelle, is thrilled to have her home and takes Morgan out on the town to a high society wedding to knock Morgan right out of her blues. Only to have it just happen to come out that they *gasp* aren't exactly on the guest list. Too bad Morgan meets the most amazing guy, Conner Danning, under false pretenses.

Morgan decides to help her mother consider options for the company Annabelle inherited, Oakland Chair and Dish Rental (OCDR), from her recently deceased dearest friend. This gives Morgan the perfect opportunity to keep up her charade with Conner, wedding photographer extraordinaire, asking for his help in looking at possibilities for the company. Unfortunately, it also brings her into close contact with a business entrepreneur wanting to buy OCDR. Mark Jameson is Morgan's usual "ideal" man but surprisingly, he just leaves her cold. Then there is Morgan's more off-again than on ex-boyfriend from California, who wants her back. She is swimming in men but only wants the one she can't have, Conner.

Now Morgan must decide what's most important to her. She begins to realize what she wants and what she needs may not be the same thing.

Morgan is at a crossroads and at a loss as to what to do with her life. When the time comes to make her final decision, she realizes she's wasted so much time looking for the wrong thing. Who hasn't, at some point in their life, had to really think about what is most important to them? This dilemma makes Morgan even more realistic, causing readers to be able to relate to her.

Conner has given up everything he dreamed of to take care of his brother after a horrendous accident. He doesn`t regret the sacrifice, but he longs to get back to the business of realizing his dreams. Meeting Morgan at one of the weddings he was photographing causes him to open his eyes again to the world around him and think about what matters most.

Annabelle is a key character in Confessions of a Party Crasher, since her life so strongly affects everyone else. She is lonely after being widowed for so long, and suddenly losing her oldest friend. She decides she doesn't want to be alone anymore and though her attempts to remedy the situation are not exactly the most recommended, they provide many laugh out loud moments. It is also so very evident that Morgan is her shining glory and she wants her daughter to be truly happy. While following Annabelle's story, I couldn't help but think about my own mother and how much of her own life has been dedicated our family, to give us the fullest and best we could possibly need or want.

Readers will like the concept of the whole story being written as e-mail messages to Morgan's best friend EJ from California, as she regales him with the dilemmas in her life. The cast of characters is and eclectic bunch, with Annabelle often stealing the show. And who can forget a certain ancient dog who thinks he's still a young pup? There will be plenty of chuckles over him as well.

Confessions of a Party Crasher is a book about relationships and life. As always, Holly Jacobs uses plenty of zany humor to enhance the story and make it dazzle.

© Kelley A. Hartsell, May 2006. All rights reserved.

Average customer rating:

Absolute Genius
Ripoff

Finger Flix Party Crasher
Joe Sharpnack
Manufacturer: Andrews McMeel Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0740704656

Book Description

Finger Flix #5. Finger Flix is a new series of wacky flip books based on off-the-wall humor found in social expressions. Finger Flix go beyond simple motion cartoons and supply the reader with comic relief, punch line and all.

Customer Reviews:

Absolute Genius.......2003-06-21

What "War and Peace" is to novels, this tome is to flipbooks. Unknown and Sharpnack have done themselves proud. One almost gets the impression that this book was nurtured in the basement of a green farmhouse on an old printing press. If the Pulitzer committee offered prizes for flipbooks, this would be the thumbs-up winnner.
When I first read this book I couldn't put it down. I bought it late on a Friday night right before the bookstore closed so that no one would see my guilty pleasure. As soon as I paid, I whisked it into my backpack and darted glances around to see if anyone had caught my dirty deed. I scurried home to my garrett--taking backstreets and little used alleyways. As soon as I entered my small abode, I bolted the door and wedged a chair underneath it. Two days later, I finally woke up in a daze, my fingers raw from all the flipping. The following Monday morning, dazed from no sleep, unshaven and aching for a fix, I waited at the door of the bookstore. When the clerks arrived to open up, they knew what I was after--another fix. I scurried over to the flipbook section and got the next Sharpnack tome. I giggled to myself as I poured a heap of pennies, nickles and two Canandian dimes on the counter. I saw the clerk hike in his breath to complain about the Canuck change but--seeing the low ridge of my brow, the look of desperation in my eyes and the greedy way I ground my teeth back and forth while staring into his eyes, he relented and cut me loose.
Now, weeks later, my supply run dry and a long wait until the next batch, I am reconsidering my obsession. I found myself waking up in the night on the floor--sweaty and confused--yelling "mattjoe mattjoe mattjoe!"

Please be careful if you buy this book--it could ruin you like it did me!

Ripoff.......2003-01-09

This is a ripoff of a very fine flipbook called Happy Birthday by Matt Pollard of Thumb Cinema. This book is a complete waste of time and money. Go get a Guinness instead.

Average customer rating:

Party Crashers

Manufacturer: Harper Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: 0739442260

Product Description

Modern-day Cinderella Jolie Goodman isn't dressing up for the ball in Miu Miu shoes and an Ultrasuede jumpsuit "borrowed" from Neiman Marcus in order to find her princeâ"she's trying to discover who's behind the disappearance of her shady boyfriend. And instead of being hindered by two evil stepsisters, Jolie has two expert party crashers at her side, sneaking her into Atlanta's most exclusive affairs so that she can grill her boyfriend's upper-class pals. Jolie's prince eventually does appear, in the form of hunky media empire heir Beck Underwood, satisfying the book's "romantic suspense" label, but as Jolie stumbles from one near disaster to another, Bond (Kill the Competition, etc.) lays on the laughs with such enthusiasm that "comic suspense" might be a better description. The danger and hilarity stirred up by Jolie's amateur sleuthing play strongly off each other, leaving Beck looking like a monkey in the middle until the unlikely, syrupy denouement, which seems as tacked on and superfluous as a giant bow on an elegant Vera Wang gown. But Bond delivers a true catch-you-by-surprise plot twist that gives the story a good yank in the right direction and may even leave readers with a few devious thoughts on how to crash some parties of their own.

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The Party Crashers of Paradise
Reginald Lockett
Manufacturer: Creative Arts Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Sports Illustrated Magazine September 15 1997 Party Crasher Venus Williams

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Sports Illustrated Magazine September 15 1997 Party Crasher Venus Williams
Sports Illustrated
Manufacturer: Time Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LD98D6

From Handcuffs to Cocktails: The Wild World of Peta's Party-Crasher

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From Handcuffs to Cocktails: The Wild World of Peta's Party-Crasher
Dan Mathews
Manufacturer: General Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575440326

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Party Crashers
Stephanie Bond
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEX51I

Book Description

Now in English is the second volume of the acclaimed Phoenix series, regarded as Tezuka's masterpiece. Osamu Tezuka painstakingly created his epic 12-volume series over several decades, stretching the limits of comics to address fundamental questions about existence. All 12 episodes of Phoenix are linked by the presence of the mythical bird, an immortal guardian of the universal life force. Beginning in A.D. 270, Phoenix: Dawn follows the ambitions of Queen Himiko, capturing with precise period detail the early phase of Japanese civilization.

Customer Reviews:

Great story, some oddities in editing.......2007-09-28

If you are reading this, you are probably already familiar with Osamu Tezuka's work. There is little need to discuss the quality of the stories and art contained within as most agree that Tezuka is without peer. Having said that, I wanted to point out some strange things about these english editions.
First of all, I have looked through the first five volumes of the original Japanese first run printings. I say "looked" as I can't read japanese. The first thing I noticed about these english editions are the size, they are significantly smaller than the originals. However, the new printings seem to be on better quality paper.
My conversation with a japanese friend who read both editions revealed that the translation was a good as could be expected between two such different languages. Some dialog will seem odd, and some of the context will invariably be lost. That said, the stories are still captivating.
Finally, I noticed a strange thing about the book as a whole. The english version, naturally will read from left to right, as opposed to the japanese edition. The pages are in reverse order from the japanese version. However, I noticed that not only were the frames rearranged in reverse order to facilitate english-language readers, but each frame seemed to be reversed as well. For example, the character Nagi, who is a right-handed archer in the japanese version, becomes a left-handed archer in the english edition.
These are minor quibbles which in no way detract from the quality of the art within. I simply thought every one should know what's inside. Enjoy!

Five stars to Phoenix & no stars to Amazon: 2,5 stars, let's make it a 3.......2006-02-26

According to this:

"Instant Order Update for Ornitorrinco. You purchased this item on October 7, 2005. Check the status of all your recent orders."

I bought this item by that day, in fact I bought the five Phoenix books by then. Nonetheless, I am still waiting for this particular one, the other four arrived well.

I am very dissapointed because now I have been asked three times if I still want the item. Of course that I want it, but I want it now.

I understand that the item is out of stock, but anyway I could not be more dissapointed by the Amazon.com costumer service department. I once argued why my book had not arrived after FOUR MONTHS and they still stated in this page that the items ship within 2 to 3 weeks. Did I receive an apology, a greeting? No. I received again the other four books, but not this one, the only one I still needed; and they charged me again for the books. Fortunately, I received a refund for the books, but still didn't receive "Dawn"

Please, personnel of Amazon.coom, if you cannot send this book for some reason, don't claim it will be shipped within three weeks, basically because of the fact that you won't do it.

Buy it directly from Viz at:
http://store.viz.com/product/GNVST0002/s.4ew8l4zZ

Manga of Humanity.......2005-03-05

This is a very special manga and a piece of literature. First of all, for those who have never read a Tezuka manga, you'd be distracted by the inferiority of the artwork by today's standard. By if you can ignore that, you'll find the storyline is one of the greatest achievements in literary history.

The entire series is shifting between past and future. And the interval between time will become smaller and smaller. For example, the story started from pre-historical Japan, then shift to circa 3000 AD in the future, but the jump between time will become shorter as it goes.

The series is incomplete, due to Tezuka's untimely death, though in other sense, it's completed because I think Tezuka probably knew he probably didn't have time to finish it, so the last published chapter already nailed the point that you can't really miss.

Each episodic story is clearly told, but once you began try to link the point of each story, you'd realize it's actually a collage of pictures with a repeating theme that tries to tell you about this vicious cycle of life. Every story is essentially the same, about how human being overwhelmed by their own greed and do stupid things over and over, disregard the passage of time.

So what's the main conflict? There are some side stories, but all the core stories are united with this Phoenix figure, which essentialy the god figure of the story. The Phoenix is immortal. According to the legend, anyone who drinks her blood, will become immortal as well. That's our conflict. People will do stupid things and kill each other just to become immortal (or become god-like).

Anyways, the original title of the series is called "Hi no Tori", which literally means Bird of Fire in Japanese. The Bird of Fire symbolizes sun in East Asian culture and sun is the source of life. It's highly ironical that the source of life is also the source of death. The translated title "Phoenix" isn't too far off, because there are chapters in the stories that will refer to the immortal bird as the Phoenix when the story is set in China (as that's the Chinese name for such bird).

The story transcends time. One of the chapters is about human cloning (not yet translated into English at the time of this review). Now that's something everyone should read about before one go gaga over this cloning issue that's hotly debated right now. It's about how a Reality TV show ran out of ideas, so he started this new show about clone hunting. Now, I'll let you guys read the story. Keep in mind this story is decades old. That's how ingenius this series is and no wonder Tezuka is called the God of Manga.

Major Spoiler now:

You may at some point feeling lost why Tezuka kept the stories going even though they just repeat itself despite of cosmetic changes (rather similar to life, as I see it). Well, just keep on reading to the end of the last published chapter, things become much clearer (as shift of time become narrower and therefore, more focused). The Phoenix will reveal she is sick and tired of being immortal as she will have to oversee human repeat their stupidity, doing a greedy but pointless quest. If you can see it from this way and draw a parallel to our own existence, you'd be enlightened. It's essentially the same enlightenment Buddha is trying to tell us, but Tezuka was smart enough to make another story that's easier to digest than Buddha's teaching. (btw, Tezuka also have a manga called Buddha, but that's a historical fiction about Buddha's life)

It's a masterpiece no one who is interested in humanity should miss. BTW, EmDee stands for MD. It's an in-joke made by Tezuka, because Tezuka was a medical doctor before he abandoned it to become a manga artist.

The Future is hopeless - but there is hope........2004-08-21

Osamu Tezuka is a household name in Japan, often refered to as the God of Manga. He started work in the late 1940's and personally invented virtually every part of the visual and storytelling style that are now part of the Manga basic language. He's the Shakespeare of the artform.

Well maybe not. He's was not the greatest true artist out there and sometimes his characters and dialog-tone are too similar from one book to the next. He produced litterally 10 pages per day for many years, and such amazing output makes these foibles more understandable.

But what he does contribute more than anything else is real situations, with suffering and death and unexplained chaos. There's no way to tell where a Tezuka story will move, just like real life. He's not writing with a formula, or writing 'just so' stories where things have to balance. He's far better than that. His people are often shallow, but they have real emotion and convey it very simply and with great precision.

Largely due to Tezuka's influence over other writers and artists Manga became a major Japanese cultural export to the entire East Asian region. He was by far the most famous person in his artform for many decades and when he died in 1989 the whole Japanese nation mourned his passing.

These Mangas, especially the Pheonix series which was written for adults, make a an over-arching statement about the nature of the world & how he sees a cycle of hope and destruction and rebirth. One reads Tezuka and automatically thinks 'this is about something deeper than what's on the page..what is he trying to say here?'.

In this book, which documents the end of the world and humanity and then it's rebirth in the very distant future, the Phoenix takes her chosen human servant on a journey through the microverse and the macroverse, showing it to be a place of vibrant life and spiritual energy.

It was both incredibly ambitious and very moving - I felt transformed by reading it - that this wasn't just a comic - that this was a worldview that was real and which could be conveyed successfully through this artform.

Although many artists have since come along who are more gifted than Tezuka and a few of his more recent Manga peers are at least his equal in other ways (Hayao Miyazaki), I can think of none who would pursue such an unusual and central human theme in this way, with such directness and with the talent to succeed. That's why he's the God of Manga. He will be in print for centuries to come.

Undescribably buetiful.......2004-01-13

Osamu Tezuka amazes me, I'd throw everything away just to be like him, words short of god fail to describe him. He is a master of his art, invoking feelings from sadness, to hope, to despair, to joyfulness, and back again. I'm a guy who has gone through pain unlike what you could most likely imagine, at the very least I've hardened to the point where I couldn't care less, to do this to me, to make me feels exactly what the characters are feeling as they are feeling it, is beyond indescribable. I don't know japanese or french, if what they say is true, then that just means I'll have to create my own masterpieces in english.

Book Description

Insight and encouragement from God's Word to guide and bless you! Find powerful insight from God's Word and effective leadership principles in this topical book taken from the NIV Leadership Bible. Scripture verses and devotional thoughts are combined in an excellent, hands-on resource for those who want to expand their leadership skills, strengthen their faith, and motivate others.

Customer Reviews:

God's Words are Best for Every Part of Life.......2000-09-22

This book is not another "pop psychology" book on leadership. This book takes the critical issues that face every leader - issues like Accountability, Change, Relationships, Power and Influence, Integrity and Organization - and provides meaningful advice and counsel based on God's Word. These are principles that never change and that can never fail. Buy this book for your boss, your peers and those who report to you. You will grow and your organization will prosper if you base your leadership on the words found in this book.

A Place To Stand: The Word Of God In The Life Of Martin Luther (Leaders in Action)

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Unexamined

A Place To Stand: The Word Of God In The Life Of Martin Luther (Leaders in Action)
Gene Edward Veith
Manufacturer: Cumberland House Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

Religious | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1581824203

Book Description

Archimedes, the discoverer of the lever, said that if he had a place to stand, he could move the world. But, of course, there is no such place to stand. However, on April 27, 1521, a young monk from a small town in Germany declared before the powers of his day, who demanded that he take back his faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, that his conscience was bound by the Word of God. "Here I stand," he declared.

A PLACE TO STAND summarizes the German reformer's life and topically treats his worldview, inspiring readers to delve deeper into the man whose contribution to the betterment of the world LIFE magazine in 2000 ranked as the third most significant of all time and the TORONTO GLOBE & MAIL ranked number two. Nearly five centuries after his time, we can see that Martin Luther indeed had a place to stand. And he did move the world.

Customer Reviews:

Unexamined.......2006-08-18

I was intersted in reading this book because like many others I wonder about the escalation of exposure in our society, with songs called "Promiscuous" clogging the airways and ankles no longer at all provacative. Have we lost something while gaining the freedom to display our innate sensuality?

However, this book failed to make much of an argument at all. It presented two opposing forces: the Bible, and our society, and did a very bad job explaining these. It seemed, rather, to work from two stereotypical mindsets. I found the Biblical passages overly literal, with no real scholarship applied to them, more just a sort of parroting, and found myself becoming defensive on the behalf of sensuality, which seemed to be getting a bum rap. Perhaps Nelly Furtado is not a notable advance in Western Culture, but surely some things are, and for every five or ten Nellys and Britneys, there is an Allen Ginsberg who would have been killed for love in an earlier time.

What really upset me about this book, however, was the not-very-well-hidden sexism. I went into the book expecting modesty to be something we might encourage in all people, but instead found it to be something we largely want to encourage in our women. Most of the biblical quotes seemed to deal with women and their roles, and many of the examples seemed to be at the expense of girls. As a woman, I am offended by the notion of virtue and modesty being a woman's responsibility, as if men a) have nothing to hide or b) have no control over their reactions to what women wear.

All in all, I found this book a very disappointing read and do not suggest buying it.

Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy

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understanding myself
A practical resource for better living
Reviewed -by C.Gale Perkins-author
Gaining Courage to Live Outside of the Bubble
My Review of a Great Book

Stepping Out of the Bubble: Reflections on the Pilgrimage of Counseling Therapy
James P. Krehbiel
Manufacturer: Booklocker.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Civil Rights | Nonfiction | Gay & Lesbian | Subjects | Books

War on Drugs | Crime & Criminals | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

Anxiety Disorders | Mental Health | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Clinical Psychology | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Psychoanalysis | Psychology & Counseling | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1591138019

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.

Divine Moments for Leaders: Everyday Inspiration from God's Word (Divine Moments)

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Divine Moments for Leaders: Everyday Inspiration from God's Word (Divine Moments)
Ronald A. Beers , and Amy E. Mason
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1414312296

Book Description

Divine Moments books are designed to help you experience a daily breakthrough with God. Inside each handy book you’ll find life application topics such as acceptance, brokenness, calling, comfort, crisis, decisions, doubt, endurance, giving, healing, hurts, loss, love, miracles, mistakes, planning, purpose, risk, romance, stress, temptation, tragedy, and wisdom. Under each topic you’ll find a question that we all ask at one time or another about how we relate to God and how our faith relates to everyday life. When we bring our deepest questions to God, we can find answers. Discover today how God’s Word provides answers to our deepest questions about life and answers hundreds of the greatest questions of all time.

God's Daily Promises for Leaders: Daily Wisdom from God's Word (God's Daily Promises)

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God's Daily Promises for Leaders: Daily Wisdom from God's Word (God's Daily Promises)
Ronald A. Beers , and Amy E. Mason
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Book Description

God’s Daily Promises contains daily promises from the Bible for every day of the year, presented in a "through the year" format. It focuses on life-related topics that hold great interest for everyone, topics like acceptance, brokenness, calling, comfort, crisis, decisions, doubt, endurance, giving, healing, hurts, loss, love, miracles, mistakes, planning, purpose, risk, romance, stress, temptation, tragedy, and wisdom. Imagine if every morning we could be inspired by a promise of God’s Word and then live the rest of the day in expectation of God fulfilling that promise or with a new sense of confidence and trust that the promise has indeed been fulfilled. These little but powerful books (God’s Daily Promises, God’s Daily Promises for Leaders, God’s Daily Promises for Students, God’s Daily Promises for Women, God’s Daily Promises for Men) will help people think throughout the day about how God cares for them and will inspire them to see how God intervenes in their lives.

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God's Words of Life for Leaders Access
Zondervan Publishing
Manufacturer: Inspirio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Devotionals | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0310989744

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