Dave at Night

Amazon.com

"Gideon the Genius" and "Dave the Daredevil," their father called them: two Jewish boys growing up in 1920s New York, playing stickball and--in Dave's case--getting into trouble. But when their father dies, Dave finds himself separated from his older brother and thrust into the cold halls of the HHB, the Hebrew Home for Boys (which he later dubs the "Hopeless House of Beggars" and the "Hell Hole for Brats," among other things).

Eager to escape the strict rules, constant bullying, and tasteless gruel of the orphanage, the Daredevil hops the wall one night to explore the streets of Harlem. He hears what he thinks is someone--or something?--laughing, but traces the sound to a late-night trumpeter shuffling backward into a wild "rent party." And just as quickly as he'd found himself stuck in the HHB, Dave is immersed in yet another world--the swinging salons and speakeasies of the Harlem Renaissance. Cramped, crazy parties packed with the likes of Langston Hughes and Countee Cullen give Dave refuge from life at the orphanage and awaken his artistic bent. And Dave's new friends, among them a grandfatherly "gonif" ("somebody who fools people out of their money") and a young "colored" heiress who takes a shine to him, help turn things around for him at the HHB.

The skilled Gail Carson Levine, Newbery Medal-winning author of Ella Enchanted, clearly tells this tale from her heart, as the story is based on her own father's childhood spent in the real-life HOA (Hebrew Orphan Asylum). (Ages 8 to 12) --Paul Hughes

Book Description

If nobody wants him, that's fine.He'll just take care of himself.

When his father dies, Dave knows nothing will ever be thesame. And then it happens. Dave lands in an orphanage -- the cold and strict Hebrew Home for Boys in Harlem -- far from the life he knew on the Lower East Side. But he's not so worried. He knows he'll be okay. He always is. If it doesn't work out, he'll just leave, find a better place to stay. But it's not that simple.

Outside the gates of the orphanage, the nighttime streets of Harlem buzz with jazz musicians and swindlers; exclusive parties and mystifying strangers. Inside, another world unfolds, thick with rare friendships and bitter enemies. Perhaps somewhere, among it all, Dave can find a place that feels like home.

Customer Reviews:

Easy Race Relations.......2007-07-04

Dave is eleven when his father dies, leaving him with his brother and their stepmother. Their stepmother insists she can't handle raising the boys, so their uncle agrees to take Dave's quiet and smart older brother. Nobody steps forward to take Dave, though, so he is sent to live at the Hebrew Home for Boys, an orphanage.

Dave is devastated about being in the home, and things don't go smoothly for him there. A bully sits next to him at meals and eats half of his food. Instead of teaching, his teacher simply lectures about what a chore it is to try to teach orphans. And the headmaster of the school steals a carving done by Dave's father and then beats Dave when confronted about it.

One night shortly after arriving, Dave leaves the home after lights-out and explores the city. He stumbles upon an amazing party where he meets Solly, a strange fortune-telling man who tells everyone Dave is his grandson. Dave also meets Irma Lee, a beautiful black girl about his age. She seems as enthralled by him as he is by her.

As the weeks pass, Dave comes up with a plan to run away from the home. The only problem is that he is starting to like it there. He likes the boys his own age, who stick up for each other and are better than family. He likes his art teacher, who recognizes that he has real talent. And Dave even has a plan for taking care of the bullies at meals. Will he stay after all?

Solly's character was great; he had such interesting reactions to Dave and great interactions with the people at the parties. Dave's buddies at the home were also good characters. I liked that they were able to make a kind of new family and support system for themselves.

I don't know if it was realistic for whites and blacks during this time period to mix as easily as they did in this book. This story seemed to indicate that there was no animosity between the races and everyone would be accepted in Harlem. I found that hard to believe.

One of my favorites....................2007-03-26

This is one of my favorite books! I enjoyed it alot, to be compleetly honest with you at times it was a little boring but then the excitment would come and everything would show up.Like hey now that makes cense.This book is one that you can not belive that a story so big of greatness could be in a small book.Dave at night is not just a children's story it is for everyone.I got hurt when dave got hurt, when Dave cried i cried inside, when he fights i feel like punching the one he is fighting.Oh yes you are more into this book than tv shows that are just so good get you into their story.You are,almost Dave in Dave at night you are like his soul.This is an incredible story.
DAVE AT NIGHT

I am if woundering not Melanie Litzinger i am Carly Litzinger age:11!

Dave at Night.......2006-10-25

This book is about an orphane named Dave. His father had fallen of a roof and died. When he came home from school he was in dinile. His step-mom Ida had every one come to their house after the funeral. Well while they were all there she desided that she could care for Dave and his brother. But no one wanted to take Dave because he was to loud. The boys' uncle took Daves brother with him when he left. So Ida Deicide that DAve was going to live in an orphange. Before his brother left he gave Dave a carving that their father had made. But when he got to the room and looked in his suitcase it wasn't there. Well it turns out that the owner of the HHB,the Hebrew Home for Boys, took the carving.
Thats when dave deiced that when he got the carving back he was going to leave. The first night he was at the HHB he snuck out to a park and met Solly. They became friends and went to rent parties. So after the first party Dave went back to the HHB. And every night after that he stuck out and met up with Solly and his "girlfriend" Irma Lee. But he still wanted to get the carving before he laft so he went back to there every night till he can get the statue. If I tell anymore I'm going to ruin it so You'll have to read it and find out.

This was an awesome book I thought. If you like it you wont be able to put it down till tour done.

Excellent!.......2006-09-07

When Dave's father dies, he is sent to the cold, gritty orphanage 'The Harlem Home For Boys' (the HBB). Levine tells her tale with warmth and humor, and creates a memorable and well developed cast of characters. Dave is an engaging hero who will linger in the memory of the reader.

Dave at Night Book Review.......2006-03-08

DAVE AT NIGHT

Dave at night is about a young boy named Dave. He is living with his Dad, step mom and brother in an apartment in England. His Dad dies unexpectedly when he falls off of a ladder. His step mom can't support the family so Dave's brother had to live with his uncle and Dave has to go live at the Hebrew Home for Boys (HHB for short). There with a couple hundred other boys, he is given little food and a meager education. He is an orphan now but some of the other boy's parents visit sometimes and bring food to them. Dave brings a boat that was carved by his Dad with him to the HHB and Mr. Bloom of the HHB steals it. Dave sneaks out one night and meets a man by the name of Solly who takes Dave to a party. There he meets a young African American girl by the name of Irma Lee. They become instant friends and Irma invites Dave and Solly to her mom's party. Dave sneaks back into HHB and is caught. He is beat and sent to classes once more. Solly comes to HHB and says he is Dave's grandfather. They go to Irma's party and have a good time. When Dave gets back to the HHB, he and his buddies plan to steal the boat that Mr. Bloom stole. When Mr. Bloom leaves his office, Dave sneaks in and gets the boat. As he is leaving Mr. Bloom comes in and catches him. Dave is about to be in serious trouble when Irma Lee's mom, Mrs. Packard saves the day. She catches Mr. Name and gets him fired. The HHB gets better food, better teachers and a new furnace. In the end, Dave is happy.

Home To Harlem (Northeastern Library of Black Literature)

Average customer rating:

a classic; McKay is worth your time
An important work of the Harlem Renaissance

Home To Harlem (Northeastern Library of Black Literature)
Claude McKay , and Wayne F. Cooper
Manufacturer: Northeastern
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1555530249

Amazon.com

An enlightening trip through Harlem--from its colorful street life and its incomparable jazz venues to its back rooms, where drinking, drugging, gambling, and women helped some take a load off. Jake Brown is a lover of life and takes in all that Harlem has to offer like a long, cool drink. Though he's subjected to the same oppression as those around him, he chooses to rise above it and delight in the blessings he does have. Ray, on the other hand has been defeated one too many times, and despite, or perhaps because of, having a formal education, he is bent on revolt. First published in 1928, this was Claude McKay's first novel.

Book Description

With sensual, often brutal accuracy, Claude McKay traces the parallel paths of two very different young men struggling to find their way through the suspicion and prejudice of American society. At the same time, this stark but moving story touches on the central themes of the Harlem Renaissance, including the urgent need for unity and identity among blacks.

Customer Reviews:

a classic; McKay is worth your time.......2000-04-20

After reading an issue of Black Issues Book Review, I decided to give this book a try. It is a great story and perfectly relays all the nuances and moods that are New York. The main character meets a prostitute named Felice his first night in Harlem and his quest for her begins there. Try this one out; you will enjoy

An important work of the Harlem Renaissance.......2000-04-19

In terms of plot and character development, this work is average- perhaps even below average. However, McKay does suceed in creating beautiful imagerary through his prose; especially in terms of the physical descriptions he provides of African Americans and the city of Harlem. Besides language, another reason to consider reading this work is because of its historical role in the Harlem Renaissance. The release of this book caused a great deal of controversy- much of which centered around the manner in which McKay portrayed African Americans. If you do decide to read this book, it is a quick and easy read. The typing and margins are pretty large and the chapters are relatively short.

Harlem Style: Designing for the New Urban Aesthetic

Average customer rating:

Lovely book
Finally, a book about urban living!!
Harlem Style - a great book!

Harlem Style: Designing for the New Urban Aesthetic
Roderick N. Shade , Jorge S. Arango , and Star Jones
Manufacturer: Stewart, Tabori and Chang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Architecture | Professional & Technical | Subjects | Books

Decorative Arts | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Design & Decorative Arts | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Crafts & Hobbies | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Decorating | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

General | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Style | Interior Design | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1584790911

Book Description

Harlem style has become a global style, bringing sophistication to urban home design everywhere. In 100 photographs that explore the work of some of the hottest names in contemporary urban design, this book surveys the historical roots and the stylistic elements that define this trend-setting aesthetic. 90 color photographs, 10 black-and-white historical photographs.

Customer Reviews:

Lovely book.......2007-06-20

I brought this book for my mom who loves interior design and she adores the photographs in the book.

Finally, a book about urban living!!.......2003-08-27

This wonderful coffee table book won't be on the coffee table long! It is chock full of beautiful pictures with practical ideas. Although many of the rooms are decidely high-end, there are several ideas that can be applied to more moderate tastes.
I highly recommend that this book be added to any home design library.

Harlem Style - a great book!.......2002-11-26

If you enjoyed Spirit of African Design, then you will love this book. There are nice room pictures showing african art in primarily a contemporary design style.

Customer Reviews:

EX-PATRIATE BLACK AMERICAN WRITERS.......2000-08-30

Any mention of ex-patriate American writers in France evokes the images of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fritzgerald, John Steinbback and other white literary luminaries. Seldom are African-American names mentioned or acknowledged in terms of their presence as well as literary output from France. Michael Fabre, author of "The Unfinished Quest of Richard Wright", who was a Black expatriate from the United States, provides us with a history of Black writers who from 1840 to 1980 came to France as expatriates. Most people are unaware that Blacks from Louisiana were the first handful from the States to come to France for education, freedom and to write. From this small group the tradition continued with Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, Du Bois and other great Black intellectuals.

Why did they come? France's tradition of liberty, equality and brotherhood was an attraction. Throughout the early 20th century, Blacks came to escape the racism of America and have the opportunity to work in their craft which was denied them in Europe. France's "lack" of racism was a breath of fresh air to African Americans under the mantle of segregation. France enabled them as writers to be artistically free. Each generation of Black writers who came to France were inspired by its so called liberalism. Yet even in its liberalism Black writers in the 60's began to scrutinize the racism of France that was articulated in its treatment of those colonials from Algeria and Senegal.

Product Description

This story is based on the Greening of Harlem program. It began in Harlem, a section of New York City, in 1989.

Harlem (City of New York): its origin and early annals, prefaced by home scenes in the fatherlands, or, notices of its founders before emigration ; also, ... and the recovered history of the land-titles

Average customer rating:

Harlem (City of New York): its origin and early annals, prefaced by home scenes in the fatherlands, or, notices of its founders before emigration ; also, ... and the recovered history of the land-titles
James Riker
Manufacturer: Cornell University Library
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Book Description

This volume is produced from digital images from the Cornell University Library Making of America monographs collection.

Average customer rating:

Home to Harlem
Claude McKay
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000TZ70D6

Average customer rating:

HOME TO HARLEM

Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000G8N3I2

Product Description

Vintage paperback

Average customer rating:

Master Of The Jinn: A Sufi Novel

A thousand doors of wisdom unlocked

Brilliant

A sufi story to sooth the soul

MORE REAL THAN LIFE!
Master of The Jinn: A Sufi Novel
Irving Karchmar
Manufacturer: BookSurge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fiction | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Muraqaba: Art and Science of Sufi Meditation

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The Book of Sufi Healing

ASIN: 1594577234
Release Date: 2004-09-01

Product Description

Here is a tale set on the Path of the Heart, a beautifully written mystical adventure wherein a modern-day Sufi Master sends seven companions on a perilous quest for the greatest treasure of the ancient world- King Solomon's ring. The legendary seal ring is said to control the Jinn, those terrifying demons of living fire, and in seeking it the companions discover not only the truth of the Jinn, but also the path of Love and the infinite mercy of God.

Customer Reviews:

Master Of The Jinn: A Sufi Novel.......2007-08-06

I only wish there were more books like this to read! Words cannot express the joy it brought to my heart.

A thousand doors of wisdom unlocked.......2007-06-08

Master of the Jinn is a life-giving tale of self-reflection, awakening, and ultimately, realization of Truth. Despite such spiritually lofty accomplishments, it is surprisingly approachable for the non-initiated and easily digested in a few sittings. Sufism, being a path that cannot be adequately explained through doctrines or discourses is here delivered in the most traditional form: through stories.

In doing so, Irving Karchmar extends the undying legacy of sufi storytelling that has guided humanity (and jinn) through darkness and into light since the dawn of civilization. After reading it, I feel as though a thousand doors of wisdom have opened, each leading to a thousand more.

Brilliant.......2006-12-02

The Book is truely brilliant and moving. A must read for anyone who considers him or herself a spiritual person, regardless of their religion.

A sufi story to sooth the soul.......2006-11-25

This book was not a real page turner for me, and it's hard for me to pinpoint why. I enjoyed the story, the Sufi mysticism, the fanstasy, and the King Solomen mythology. Perhaps it was the characters, which I didn't always identify with. The darvishes in the book tend to do a lot of crying, but the tears, and the causes of the tears did not always move me.

The spiritual messages of the book are good old fashioned stuff, like God is merciful, God is loving, and man should not presume to know the will of God. Beautiful and powerful messages which get repeated maybe a tad too often through the story.

Although I had no problem putting this book down to go do something else, I was always drawn back to it after a short time. Maybe it's not a book to be devoured, but one to be pondered.

Entertainment: 4 stars
Enlightenment: 4 stars

MORE REAL THAN LIFE!.......2005-11-12

I do not know why the book "Master of the Jinn" is called a Novel. It is definitely more that. It is a tale on the Infinite Mercy of God and I cried towards towards the end of the story! And yes like the characters in the story, my sleep was perturbed and I had strange dreams!

If the book is to be deemed a novel, then since reading Charles Dickens, I have not been kept so captivated and hooked on any other novel. It has definitely a great story line and wonderful real-life characters!
I will not be surprised if one day, the book is adapted to the big screen and emerge as an Hollywood blockbuster exceeding any episode of the Indiana Jones saga! The author has blended real events with fiction in a very original and incisive style at times reminiscent of Khalil Gibran!
Mystic sayings and pearls of wisdom abound and peppers the tale throughout the adventure!
On a personal note, the book answered one of my lingering doubts and I seize the occasion to thank the author for such inspired thoughts that permeate throughout the book!

Average customer rating:

It's a blast!

Fillmore And Geary Take Off! The Adventures of a Robot Boy and a Boy Boy
Mark Shulman , and Phillip Fickling
Manufacturer: Amazon Remainders Account
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000H2M7F2

Book Description

Fillmore and his robot pal Geary are best friends and expert inventors. So it's only natural that when they decide they need a dog, they work together to build one. But Sbot (short for Super Dog Robot) doesn't turn out quite the way they planned!
So build your own rocket (punch-out included), fasten your seat belts, and join Fillmore, Geary, and Sbot on a hilarious intergalactic adventure that's sure to rate high on every kid's Read-O-Meter.

Customer Reviews:

It's a blast!.......2007-01-17

This book is about the super cool and funny adventures of a boy and his robot trying to turn their latest invention, a robotic dog named Sbot, into a "real" dog. They visit various dog planets and end up in New York City, where they realize that Sbot is great just the way he is.

Book Description

Raped in her own home, Heather's terror went beyond her own safety: Were the kids sleeping soundly in the next bedroom, or did their silence mean something else? Would her husband save her, or would he face the same knife she did? And Heather's agony did not end after the rapist left: Against all odds, she became pregnant as a result of the rape. Would she and her husband remain united as they faced the tyranny of the choice before them? Would they endure the strain of anxiety as they waited for HIV test results and answered strange telephone calls?

This gripping true-life story walks readers through Heather's journey--from rape to restoration. Startling Beauty is undeniable proof that God can bring blessings out of the worst situations in our lives.

Customer Reviews:

Another page turner from Heather Gemmen.......2007-08-21

I find I'm never disappointed when I open a book written by Heather Gemmen. Regardless of the topic, her books inspire me to read the entire work in one sitting so I can find out how each ends. In this case, I admire the way Heather opens herself and describes not just the very personal attack she experienced, but she also shares the details of her life surrounding that time. She shares the effects on her marriage, on her views on abortion, and racism. Oh, that I could express my own feelings half so well as Heather does that I could have readers needing to know what will happen on the next page. I spent the majority of the book cheering for all of the characters and then reminding myself that they were all real life characters, not fictional.
I highly recommend this title, but be prepared to set aside a few hours to read the entire story once you start because you'll get caught up in it as I did. What an encouragement to know that God used Heather and her difficult life experiences in such remarkable ways! She definitely has experienced the abundant life promised to all believers, and more importantly, she comes out victorious through her faith.
Thanks, Heather, for another great read!

Startling Beauty.......2007-03-02

Heather Gemmen was raped at knifepoint in her own home while her two young sons slept down the hall. The subject matter is real and not sugar-coated. We feel her pain and read her thoughts as she shares honestly and openly the struggles faced by herself, her family, and friends, and the agony surrounding each day and every decision.

After I read the book, I stood in the shower and sobbed. I wept for Heather, for myself, and the others who have endured this torment. Rape is violent, degrading, and demoralizing. Startling Beauty is proof that God can heal, restore, and turn suffering into a thing of beauty.

Thank you Heather.

Inspirational!.......2006-09-01

I bought this book after hearing Heather interviewed on a radio programme. She sounded so friendly, serene and content with her life. If I hadn't heard her before I read the book I might have thought she was 'too good to be true' because in the book she comes over as a unbelievably forgiving and accepting of God's will.
However this really IS a story of hope and positivity and shows that if you have a positive nature and strive to put your trust in God (do what your instincts feel are right and good)then you can overcome anything. Like Heather I truly believe God never gives us anything we aren't equipped to cope with.

A book that I didn't put down until I'd finished it!

Startling Beauty out of Stark Reality........2006-07-30

As a reader of Heather's blog, I couldn't wait to read her book. I've always been impressed by how 'real' she is - no holds barred, tell it like it is, but gently. She is always full of wisdom and great advice.
When I received my copy of Startling Beauty, I was immediately taken by the front cover, and moved by the wonderful picture of Heather and her daughter on the back. As I started to read, I thought, oh, this is in first person. I'm not a fan of books written in first person, but after the first page, I didn't give it a second thought.
This story is told in a way that draws you in to Heather's world. I felt as though I was one of her friends, perhaps one of the women in her bible study, or a member of her church. I was there, living this story with her, crying with her, praying for her, and feeling her pain.
I asked myself some hard questions as I read this book. What would I do in Heather's situation? How would I react? What choice would I make?
I confess, I have no answers.
The stark reality of the evil that exists in this world moved in to Heather Gemmen's life without invitation. It affected her, physically, emotionally and spiritually.
But she did not allow evil to ruin her life.
She allowed God to rule, and she allowed Him to bring her through what I can only imagine would be the worst experience a woman could go through.
Heather's story is one of hope, perseverence, and restoration. It is a true gift for any woman who has been a victim of rape, or any physical abuse. It is a message of faithfulness, of following God when everything within you wants to run in the opposite direction.
I couldn't put it down.
After two days, when I finally closed the covers of this book, with tears in my eyes, I silently prayed for Heather. And I thanked her for her bravery in telling this story.

Inspirational!.......2006-05-12

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