The Cripple and His Talismans

Average customer rating:

brilliant but unfortunately a sick tale

Hilarious

An odd tale of Bombay

The Cripple and His Talismans
Anosh Irani
Manufacturer: Algonquin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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The Song of Kahunsha

What the Body Remembers: A Novel

ASIN: 1565124561

Book Description

Prepare to enter a world where the norms of human behavior—even the rules governing time and gravity—are set on their heads. This dark and wry fable begins with the narrator waking up and discovering he is missing an arm. He has no idea how he lost it or how to find it—but as he searches the chaotic, often surreal streets of Bombay, he meets an absurd and marvelous cast of characters who offer him clues: a woman selling rainbows, a beggar living under an egg cart, a coffin maker who builds finger-sized caskets, a giant who lives underwater, a homeless boy riding the rails. They all lead him to Baba Rakhu, master of the underworld, who will reveal the story of his lost arm—for a price.

Funny and wise, violent and tender, The Cripple and His Talismans is an impressive debut. A bestseller in Canada, it has been compared to the works of Samuel Beckett, Lewis Carroll, and Salman Rushdie.

Customer Reviews:

brilliant but unfortunately a sick tale.......2005-08-01

This is Anosh Irani's debut novel. I really admire his craft. His use of similies and allegories is just perfect.
A man wakes up in a Bombay hospital to find his arm has been amputated. He goes in search of it in the dark side of Bombay. Since most first novels are to some extent autobiographical, I continuously wondered what experiences were really part of the author's life. To strengthen my doubts, the experiences of the protagonist are written in first person singular (the character I).
On most occasions the incidents don't make a real sense. The slant gets confusing. What does the author intend to tell?
Is it the rediscovery of a missing part of the personality? Is this some kind of a spiritual quest? (I hope it wasn't) or was the intention to show the dark side of Bombay?
Though incidents have depicted vividly, sometimes they look so distorted as to be called 'ramblings of a psychotic mind.'
Still I must say I enjoyed reading the book and I wouldn't discourage anyone who wishes to read it.

Hilarious.......2004-08-16

I love this book. Anosh Irani has a wonderful wit. I've never laughed so much from a book.

An odd tale of Bombay.......2004-07-31

Many books are referred to as "darkly comic." In this case, it's true. It's a dark tale but one that is genuinely funny. An unnamed narrator goes on a quest for his missing arm through the dark, impoverished, violent and funny side of Bombay.

The journey is episodic as the wealthy narrator encounters odd characters, wakes in new situations and generally moves through an absurdist world that reveals a Bombay he didn't know, as it also reveals a self he didn't know - or at least, he had been avoiding.

In the end, it is a quest for himself. Or perhaps it's more accurate to say a harmonization of himself through the discovery of a strangely and wonderfully contradictory Bombay.

Amazon.com

Stephen T. Johnson's deluxe kiddie carpenter kit My Little Red Toolbox won the hearts of youngsters everywhere. Johnson's latest creation, My Little Blue Robot, takes the simple joy of building to the next logical step--constructing a talking robot on wheels! Made with the same quality as its predecessor, this kit features sturdy, ultrathick cardboard pages from which kids (with a little help) can pry out the flat robot components. First, you build the head. A diagram shows how the pieces for the head (all on the same page) fit together. No glue is necessary, as the pieces fit together with slots and tabs. The rest of the body follows, with clear instructions page by page. On the final page, the book takes a turn for the sentimental: "My robot needs one more thing. He needs a heart. Just like me." Kids then can open up the robot's chest and place the red cardboard heart inside. Awwww. And what does the robot say? Will it cry with Frankenstein's monster-style anguish? Or will it say "Hello!" or "Beep"? We'll let you find out. (Ages 4 to 7) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

He walks and talks, and you build him yourself!
This hands-on companion to the bestselling My Little Red Toolbox is an irresistible counting and concept book that delivers hours of built-in fun. Eager young builders will learn about numbers, shapes, and colors while they construct their extraordinary new friend. And when the very last robot piece is in place, an interactive surprise will delight children and grown-ups alike.
Special features:
*A robot who talks
*A robot with arms and legs that move
*13 sturdy body parts
*More than 20 moving shapes for hours of fun
*A working screwdriver tool and key tool to build with
*An interactive surprise

Customer Reviews:

great for boys that love assembling things and robots.......2006-11-30

This is an awsome book for kids that loves putting things together and taking things apart AND great for boys that love robots. My 3-yr old needs Mom & Dad's help to put the robot together but once it is together he can play with it for a while. The robot does not fall apart easily - my son has to make an effort to take it apart. We don't miss the fact that there is no story - we make up our own! The only complaints I have is that the binding of the book is weak and sometimes it is tough to get the pieces back into the book.

My four year old son loved putting together his own robot........2006-11-25

A lot of thought went into the design and construction of this early sci-fi style robot. The sturdy cardboard pieces pop out of the book and snap together, with a cardboard screwdriver to help with the assembly. The robot talks in a robotic voice when you press the clear window on his belly.

This is our second one!.......2006-06-26

My 3 year old son got this for his birthday. It was by far his favorite gift! You can build a real robot out of this book with cardboard tools. If your child likes robots they will love this book. A year later we just bought a second one because of peices being lost and broken from it getting played with so much!

a junky book and toy.......2004-02-09

My son was very excited about putting together this little blue robot. Although it looks cute and creative, when we put the robot together, we were both disappointed. The parts come apart as easily as they go together. It makes for a frustrating experience for a child. I think it was a waste of money. I hope the publishers of this book can re-think the design for future children.

Not a book for a library...........2002-11-12

This is almost an adorable gift book concept. The problem here is that there is no real story for this book (just somewhat kid-friendly assembly directions)which would be necessary in a library book or with a child interested in reading for that matter! This book cannot circulate in a library system as it is of limited use. No matter if the book is for home or for the library - it needs a story! It would have been great if there had been an actual plot or little adventure for this cute robot - something of use. I remain at 1 star.

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable sci fi
Robot Blues continues a good saga.
If you like Future Stuff, this is your book!
excellent
Once again, I totally enjoyed the book.

Robot Blues (Mag Force 7)
Margaret Weis , and Don Perrin
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Space Opera | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0451455819

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable sci fi.......2002-04-19

The second book in the Mag Force 7 trilogy (hopefully more will be made!) Great space adventure with likeable characters.

Robot Blues continues a good saga........2000-06-11

Robot Blues is the sequel to The Knights of Black Earth and continues with the mercenary group called Mag Force 7. Mag Force 7 is led by the cyborg Xris, who once helped to get Dion Starfire to maintain his throne. In this novel, the group is hired to steal an ancient robot. All seems in order, until the group finds out it was a plot to get one of the most important robots in the history of the galaxy. While Xris is trying to complete his objective, Darlene has attempts at her life......and Xris can't help her.........

If you like Future Stuff, this is your book!.......1999-05-06

Trully Remarkable! The author knows how to write and does it good. If you are a reader that enjoys future tech and future timelines this is unmissable!

excellent.......1998-04-09

What can I say about this book? We all already know that almost any book Weis undertakes is going to be excellent. We all know and love these characters (especially Raul and the Little One) from the previous Mag 7 book and Star of the Guardians. Since we all know this, why haven't you read this book yet?

Once again, I totally enjoyed the book........1997-08-28

I like the way the authors continue to keep the characters so likeable and "human". The story keeps you wanting to read more and more. I can't wait until the next issue of Mag Force 7. Hopefully, a movie can be made from one of the books. Thank you Margaret and Don

Mag Force 7 Trilogy: Knights of the Black Earth, Robot Blues, Hung Out (Set of 3 Sci-Fi Novels)

Average customer rating:

Mag Force 7 Trilogy: Knights of the Black Earth, Robot Blues, Hung Out (Set of 3 Sci-Fi Novels)
Margaret Weis , and Don Perrin
Manufacturer: Roc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000R473YK

Average customer rating:

My Little Blue Robot Display
Stephen T. Johnson
Manufacturer: Harcourt
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0152046445

Average customer rating:

Robot Blues
Margaret; Perrin, Don Weis
Manufacturer: Victor Gollancz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000M64VR0

Average customer rating:

Robot Blues (Mag Force 7, Book 2)
Margaret; Perrin, Don Weis
Manufacturer: Roc Book
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000Q71CM2

ROBOT BLUES ['Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?']

Average customer rating:

ROBOT BLUES ['Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?']
Philip K. Dick
Manufacturer: Chute Libre
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 2851840665

Average customer rating:

message from Blue Rabbit

Satylea Scrolls: Lost Soul
Dot Taig
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1412074010
Release Date: 2006-06-30

Product Description

Finn Blackstone isn't like the other Satylites. His stone is black and contains the Rainbow Rings that only a visionary has. He has been prematurely born, before an earthly soulmate is available for him: without one, he is not expected to survive. He doesn't have time to worry about his fate though as he is kept busy discovering the secrets of his homeland, Satylea. Earthlings regard Satylea as their moon but, as Satyl-Eratosthenes explains,

"An earthling landing on the surface of Satylea will see nothing of our beautiful land. He will stand in a dry crater surrounded by grey dust. He will see the Haemus mountains rearing dark grey against the starry heavens, but not the pink rock they are made of that makes them so beautiful. He may walk through our Sea of Tranquillity but never get wet. He will be unable to touch or taste the kalmoortle berries - only handfuls of grey dust will he sift through his fingers."

Finn is apprenticed to the mysteriously powerful Blue Rabbit. Then he has encounters with the other leading figures of Satylea - including Satyl Darwin, Satyl-Galileo and two faulty robots who keep him amused by their confused antics.

He finds himself involved in fascinating new experiences such as learning to shapechange and to speak to other species. He comes close to extinction on a visit to prehistoric Earth and takes part in the Ceremony of the Stone.

Soon he is communicating with earth in order to look for his own Lost Soul and makes contact with Dr. Dee's son, Arthur, who may be able to help him. But, as Soul Satyl points out:

"To find such a matching soul... It would have to be an earthborn wizard and such wizards are notorious for going missing in body, never mind the soul."

Customer Reviews:

message from Blue Rabbit.......2006-01-29

Hi there. Although I have my back to you on the cover, I (the blue one with the big ears) would like to introduce you to my planet Satylea, better known by you earthlings as... The MOON. It is home to my green companion ( also on the cover) Finn who needs to find his soulmate - an earthborn wizard. Now, such wizards have always been very difficult to find in body never mind soul! However, first Finn the satylite must attend shape changing lessons and learn all about his home planet from Satyl Galileo, Satyl Darwin, Satyl Eratosthenes and of course from ME.. The BLUE RABBIT. I can usually be found in the Hall of Echoes far below the Lake of Dreams.
I enlisted the help of an earthling, Dot Taig, to write up the Scrolls for me along with Fran ( a much younger earthling) to illustrate them.
Dr John Dee, the famous sixteenth century astrologer and his son, Arthur Dee, also appear briefly in this first book but they will have more prominent roles in book two 'Wandering Soul', when Finn actually goes to earth to meet them. Two more books will follow to complete Finn's amazing story as he desperately looks for his soulmate before it is too late.....
Many of the places and characters mentioned will help you become more familiar with your moon. You can find them on any moon map or globe, yes, they actually exist. You won't find mention of me though, as I am not a satylean 'local' like the others!
So let me leave you with a quote from one of Satyl Eratosthenes's lessons:

'An earthling landing on the surface of Satylea will see nothing of our beautiful land. He will stand in a dry crater surrounded by grey dust. He will see the Haemus mountains rearing dark grey against the starry heavens, but not the pink rock they are made of... he may walk through the Sea of Tranquility but never get wet. He will be unable to touch or taste the kalmoortle berries - only handfuls of dust will he sift through his fingers'
And.. did I mention Finn's small friend.. Spiky, the trilobite!
... Byeee...and give me a wave on a clear night when the moon is bright in your sky.

7 Titles By Bellairs - The Curse of the Blue Figurine - Secret of the Underground Room - Dark Secret of Weatherend - Mansion in the Mist - Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn - Eyes of the Killer Robot - Trolley to Yesterday

Average customer rating:

7 Titles By Bellairs - The Curse of the Blue Figurine - Secret of the Underground Room - Dark Secret of Weatherend - Mansion in the Mist - Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn - Eyes of the Killer Robot - Trolley to Yesterday
John Bellairs
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Product Description

7 paperback Titles By Bellairs - The Curse of the Blue Figurine - Secret of the Underground Room - Dark Secret of Weatherend - Mansion in the Mist - Treasure of Alpheus Winterborn - Eyes of the Killer Robot - Trolley to Yesterday

7 Titles in the Apprentice Adept Series - Split Infinity - Blue Adept - Juxtaposition - Out of Phaze - Robot Adept - Unicorn Point - Phaze Doubt

Average customer rating:

7 Titles in the Apprentice Adept Series - Split Infinity - Blue Adept - Juxtaposition - Out of Phaze - Robot Adept - Unicorn Point - Phaze Doubt
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000PU5MUS

Product Description

7 Mass Market Paperback Titles in the Apprentice Adept Series - Split Infinity - Blue Adept - Juxtaposition - Out of Phaze - Robot Adept - Unicorn Point - Phaze Doubt

Book Description

Featuring narrative, chants, songs, and rituals, Dreaming the Dark (100,000 copies sold) brilliantly combines the world of magic and spirituality with the world of political and social change. This fifteenth anniversary edition includes a new preface by the author. Dreaming the Dark is [Starhawk's] best book; it offers myths of fulfillment, rituals of healing, an unusual but perhaps ultimately pragmatic cultural perspective, and a vision for survival and growth. --The Bloomsbury Review

Customer Reviews:

Darkness, Magic, and Truth.......2007-03-22

Enter the mysterious world of magic, sexuality, and the deepest part of yourself. This is the goal of "Dreaming the Dark" by Starhawk, author of the bestselling book "The Spiral Dance", considered essential reading in most Wiccan circles. Picking up where her other books leave off, "Dreaming the Dark" is a guide for putting one's beliefs into practice, an attempt to reach out to a world largely deprived of spiritual experience and reclaim the sacred within and fuse it with political activism.

Starhawk co-founded the Reclaiming Collective, a Wiccan tradition that emphasizes spirituality and political action, and a majority of the text is focus on examining structures of power. She separates power into two categories: "power over" and "power from within" and discusses how such structures have been used throughout history to suppress and control. Magic, as Starhawk defines as "the art and practice of changing consciousness at will", can be teamed with political action to cause effective change in our society and help to preserve what we hold as sacred.

For those unfamiliar with Paganism, "Dreaming the Dark" is the perfect collection of stories, chants, and bits of information that will give the reader and accurate portrayal of Pagan paradigm. Starhawk clearly examines what Witches and Pagans hold sacred, specifically Nature and how it is essential that action is taken for preservation. Beautiful and often poetic descriptions of the Goddess and rituals paint vivid picture of the triumphs and struggles of many in the Pagan movement.

"Dreaming the Dark" is not a book for the faint of heart, but it is necessary. It is challenging yet inspiring and deeply moving. For anyone interested in modern religious movement and especially those interested in politics, it is an essential read. "Dreaming the Dark" is not a book of spells, meditations, or ritual, it is an invitation, a calling to take a stand in the face of injustice and reclaim the whole of our being.

The Personal Is The Magical.......2006-02-06

This is the book that made Starhawk's name as the preeminent voice for politically active Wiccans. It is a call to rescue the world while there is still time, recognizing that magic is not contained in any book or ritual, but relies upon the love we put into life.

Why only four stars, then? I met Starhawk and was completely surprised and dismayed to encounter someone whose manner was more akin to Marie Antoinette than a daughter of the Dark. If magic is the manifestation of our lives, this cannot be less the case for how we regard and interact with other people. I worship the Goddess--not the princess.

The story of great analysts, artists, or technicians whose personal way of being in life lessens or even refutes their professed principles, is an old one. Each of us should meditate upon the challenge of never becoming consumed by our "stage presence" or stardom; the urgency of the real work to be done is too great for such poses or pretense.

Essential Reading.......2004-08-28

The writing skillfully integrates annecdotes with philosophy and there are exercises useful to any group of pagans. For Starhawk, Witchcraft and environmentalism and activism and gender awareness are natural companions; what Witch doesn't care about the earth and nature? What Witch would not know the power of the individual and of people together? How can anyone who honors the Goddess not strive to be aware of gender politics, sexism, and the power of sex? What Witch would not know the power of will, awareness, perspective? But as natural and integrated as these themes are for her, some traditional Wiccans and other pagans are very hostile about Starhawk. There is a lot for even non-pagans to learn from her, and I think every serious pagan should read her work. If it upsets you - please, ask yourself why; what exactly does she threaten? This book is dated, and the history is only as good as we (all) knew when it was first published, but if you want to understand group dynamics, if you ever wondered if Witches should be political, or environmentalist, or activist, or gender aware - read this book.

Brilliant Ecofeminist Book.......2004-08-05

In this inspiring book, legendary Starhawk combines the wisdom of the women's spirituality movement with anarchism and radical environmentalism. It should be required reading for anyone involved in peace and social justice activism.

Dry and hard to read, pollitically driven........2001-11-17

If you're a solitary Pagan, if you're not much for politics and don't really mind the way of the world (and it's inner workings of the politico) you may find this book dry, droll and sorely lacking for any substance or practicality.

If you're in a group that needs help organizing or staying so, if you're a political Pagan or activist who wants to change the world and break the laws doing so, you may well get tons of information from this book.

Customer Reviews:

Other Books.......2007-09-03

Starhawk's followup to the Spiral dance, this book has a message, as opposed to being an overview and guidebook type of tome. She talks about the philosophy of her religion, and ties it into activism and environmentalism, and lays out a philosophy of life, basically. A bit dry and didactic, but that is not too surprising with such a subject.

Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, & Politics

Average customer rating:

Dreaming the Dark: Magic, Sex, & Politics
Starhawk
Manufacturer: Beacon Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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