The Octopus: A Story of California (Twentieth Century Classics)

The Octopus: A Story of California (Twentieth Century Classics)
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The indifference of the people is the opportunity of the despot

Untitled

Worthwhile, if you stick with it

"Robber barons" and the Mussel Slough Massacre

A Novel Rich with Loamy Irony

The Octopus: A Story of California (Twentieth Century Classics)
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: Penguin Classics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

19th Century | British | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Classics | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0140187707

Amazon.com

This is a turn-of-the-century epic of California wheat farmers struggling against the rapacity of the Pacific and Southwestern Railroad, which will stop at nothing to extend its domination. The company controls the local paper, the land, the legislature and, when the farmers organize to protect themselves, even manages to control their representative on the state rate-fixing commission. An unremitting tale of greed and betrayal, originally intended as one-third of Norris' never-completed "Epic of the Wheat" trilogy.

Product Description

This important book on the struggle for power and survival between wheat farmers and the Pacific and Southwestern Railroad involves the lives and deaths of many that we learn to care about deeply. The contrast between scenes of starvation and desperation and descriptions of a tycoon's dinner party are devastating. (Eleven 90-minute cassettes and two 60's)

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Ulsteen gave his decision yesterday, he continued, reading from his father's letter. "He holds, Ulsteen does, that 'grain rates as low as the new figure would amount to confiscation of property, and that, on such a basis, the railroad could not be operated at a legitimate profit. As he is powerless to legislate in the matter, he can only put the rates back at what they originally were before the commissioners made the cut, and it is so ordered.'

Customer Reviews:

The indifference of the people is the opportunity of the despot.......2006-12-18

The despot, the octopus, in Frank Norris's forceful novel is the Railroad Cy (RR), which monopolizes the transport of agricultural products and sucks the life out of the farmers: `He searched for the true romance and found grain rates and unjust freight tariffs.' More, the RR owns big chunks of the land alongside the railway, which it `optionally' sold at a modest fixed price to the farmers as a counterpart for developing and exploiting the land. But the RR breaches the contracts.
The farmers are not as indifferent as the vast majority of the masses and try to get control of the Board of Railroad Commissioners through bribery. A brutal and deadly fight explodes between the organized farmers and the delegates of the RR ...

Frank Norris sees two great evils in modern America: the lethargy of the public and the aggression of the trusts. The trusts are exploiting the masses because `they are allowed to do it'.
His analysis of the nation is devastating: `They swindle a nation of a hundred million and call it financiering; they levy a blackmail and call it commerce; they corrupt a legislature and call it politics; they bribe a judge and call it law; they prostitute the honor of a state and call it competition.'
The overall mentality of the public, the spirit of the West, equals a policy of `after us the deluge': `The miner's instinct of wealth acquired in a simple night prevailed. They had no love for their land. When the land, worn out, would refuse to yield, they would invest their money in something else.'

But, astonishingly, for Frank Norris this is all part of nature, `the gigantic engine, the leviathan with a heart of steel, knowing no forgiveness, no tolerance. Men were naught, death was naught, life was naught. Force only existed, force that made the wheat grow. It was the mystery of creation, the stupendous miracle of re-creation.'
For him, `falseness dies; injustice and oppression fade. Greed and cruelty, selfishness and inhumanity are short-lived. The individual suffers but the race goes on.' Everything (e.g., the brutal slaughter by the trusts) is for the good! Man perishes, but the wheat remains.
Frank Norris forgot that for the wheat to grow human arms are needed. Man is part of nature.

`The octopus` is a forceful, naturalistic and brutal novel, with now and then sentimental and melodramatic passages and, in any case, a controversial optimistic and contradictory end.
Not to be missed.

Untitled.......2005-10-22

I bought this book for my 13 year old granddaughter's 8th grade history class. It is on the required reading list for this year. I did not read it and am in no position to rate it.

Worthwhile, if you stick with it.......2004-03-26

Norris flounders around for two thirds of "The Octopus" until he begins telling the story. We don't know who these characters are until we're well into the novel and their lack of first names makes them hard to keep straight initially. Who is the novel's protagonist? Presley? Annixter? Magnus Derrick? I would have liked a little more character development. Presley IS Frank Norris, but we don't see him as anything more than a dilletante until nearly the novel's conclusion. We really don't know why Lyman Derrick sells out his father, or how the "league" bribes his way onto the Railroad Commission. Vanamee's obsession over his dead girlfriend adds nothing to the story. (What the heck are "heavy lidded eyes" anyway?) I expected "The Octopus" to be proto-Steinbeck. It is a story Frank Norris had to tell, but it seems he was writing to satisfy the conventionalities of his time. The conclusion that good prevails after what these people have endured may have rung true 100 years ago. Now it seems contrived. "The Octopus" is worthwhile if the reader can stick with it; infinitely superior to Zane Gray's "Desert of Wheat", which isn't saying a whole lot.

"Robber barons" and the Mussel Slough Massacre.......2004-02-12

"The Octopus" is based on little-known yet well-documented events. In the late 1870s, a number of California ranchers banded together to fight a corrupt railroad corporation that, aided by an equally crooked court system and news media, had bilked them of the property they had farmed for years. The resulting melee, the Mussel Slough Massacre of 1880, generated coast-to-coast headlines. (One newspaper editor who famously supported the ranchers and denounced the railroad was Ambrose Bierce.)

The proceedings that led to the impasse demonstrate capitalism run amok. The railroad monopoly Southern Pacific, after receiving adjoining plots from the government as a subsidy for building the railroad, encouraged farmers to develop and enhance the land, promising it would be sold to them for $2.50 an acre. Eventually, however, the railroad reneged on its agreement and offered the farmland at more than ten times the promised rate to other bidders (some of them penniless "dummy" buyers), refusing even to compensate the heavily mortgaged farmers for any improvements (homes, barns, etc.) made to the acreage. When the ranchers attended a picnic featuring a speech by a supportive State Supreme Court justice, two of the new "owners," accompanied by federal marshals and railroad representatives, sneaked into one of the homes, removed furniture and personal effects, and began taking possession. Word of this ruse reached the homesteaders, and a shootout ensued that resulted in the deaths of several of the ranchers and two of the invaders.

A seminal work of American naturalism, Norris's novel is conscientiously faithful to the basic facts of the incident, fictionalizing the characters and changing a few of the particulars (for example, instead of attending a speech, the ranchers congregate to slaughter rabbits that had been overrunning the territory). Around these details, Norris weaves an absorbing depiction of a community of Westerners, a bitter commentary on the excesses and brutality of nineteenth-century capitalism, and a denouement in which the villain gets his just deserts. He also includes re-imagined versions of other historical figures, such as the notorious train robber Chris Evans, whose story is featured in one of the more exciting chase sequences in nineteenth-century fiction. And, while others have noted correctly that the poet Presley represents Norris himself, Presley's career also mirrors the success of the real-life Edwin Markham and the publication of "The Man with the Hoe."

A few modern readers have complained that the book is just too long. (Set beside many other epic works of the period, Norris's fiction is actually both forward-looking and action-packed.) Part One, which describes each of the characters and the surrounding countryside, might seem "slow" to today's readers, but I could barely put down the book once I reached the second part, when most of the action takes place. At times, the book reads like an old-fashioned Western novel. Yet even the lengthy exposition in the first part was often fascinating: one of the most memorable (and surprisingly believable) portrayals is the conversion of Annixter from a condescending, misogynistic killjoy to an altruistic, devoted husband. Then again, the mysticism and clairvoyance of the ranch-hand Vanamee are bizarrely out of place in this novel; although "realism" wins out, much of this subplot seems a trendy dabbling with the American spiritualism that captured the fascination (and embarrassed the reputations) of contemporary authors ranging from Mark Twain to William James.

Fans of historical fiction and of American realism, then, are especially likely to enjoy "The Octopus." And, bearing in mind the unscrupulous "robber barons" who recently commandeered such businesses as Enron, Global Crossing, and WorldCom, many other readers may decide that Norris's fiction seems, even today, far more realistic than historical.

A Novel Rich with Loamy Irony.......2004-01-30

Certainly a novel with a capital "N", from a time when authors wrote grand, sweeping, "epics of the soil and those who work the soil". Norris was inspired by the work of French novelist Zola, which is funny because some of his harshest writing takes to task San Francisco society matrons attempting to appreciate French style landscape art.

I read this book after reading Kevin Starr's "Californians and the American Dream". While this novel does culminate in a retelling of the infamous "Mussel Slough" shoot out, where a group of "squatting" ranchers shot it out with representatives of the U.S. government and the Marshalls, it is most notable for its classic descriptions of California ranch life circa 1880.

The character's at the center of the Octopus are broad: Vanamee, the "Hebraic" looking sheep herder/mystic who yearns for the sweet embrace of his departed lover; Presley, the would-be poet who gets wrapped up in the affairs of the world, only to turn away from the world in the end; Annixter, the rough-hewn young rancher who is transformed by the love of a woman.

The Octopus is also notable for the supporting cast of minor characters. They reveal as much about life in California in the 1800's as do the major characters.
Still relevant for its historical value, but let's face it... the prose is dated. Also, I agree with other reviewers in that this book is too long by about a hundred pages. Probably a must read for people who are serious about the history of California.

The Octopus: A Story of California
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The Octopus: A Story of California
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: New York, NY, U.S.A.: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000MV4ILO

The Octopus A Story of California
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The Octopus A Story of California

Manufacturer: Doubleday, Page & Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EU0YGG

The Octopus - A Story Of California
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The Octopus - A Story Of California
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: Boston: Houghton Mifflin, 1958
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GVDSMK

Average customer rating:
The Octopus - A Story Of California
Frank; With an Introduction by Starr, Kevin Norris
Manufacturer: Penguin Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000JZV3HK

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The Octopus - A Story of California
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin/Riverside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IYHTG6

The Octopus - The Epic of the Wheat - A Story of California
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The Octopus - The Epic of the Wheat - A Story of California
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: Paul List Verlag
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I6UQ9G

The Octopus, A Story of California
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The Octopus, A Story of California
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: A. Wessels Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KM0NYQ

The Octopus. A Story of California.
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The Octopus. A Story of California.
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: Grant Richards 1901. (The Epic of the Wheat)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000L6HMP4

The octopus: A story of California
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The octopus: A story of California
Frank Norris
Manufacturer: DoubleDay
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000TXO1C6

Book Description

Since Xanth began, the gargoyles of that magical place have been under a magical compulsion to protect the purity of the Swan Knee River which flows in to Xanth from dreary Mundania. But recently the pollution from the outside world has grown ever greater, and young Gary Gar, latest in a long line of gargoyle guardians, is finding it ever more difficult to fulfill his responsibilities.So Gary does what any sensible Xanth resident with a dire dilemma would do. He goes to see the Good Magician Humfrey, who sends him on a peculiar quest--to transform himself into human shape, tutor a precocious child with more than her share of wild magical talents, and find a philter which can restore the river to its previous pristine state.

Customer Reviews:

A few laughs more.......2006-11-04

I just love the atmosphere of these books - all of the Xanth series. This one fits the pattern. Want some good reading time, true relaxation? Try this book!

pointless wanderings.......2006-08-17

I read the xanth series all the way up to number 23 or so, not because they were great literature but just because they were fun. This one however, was just about the most boring fantasy story I've ever come across. I picked it up and put it back down for about 4 months before I finally finished it. And come on, most of these books you can read in three days or less. It's a couple of boring characters holding boring conversations as they traverse the same locations and meet the same people that have been reoccurring in the last however-many books. It felt a lot like Robert Jordan. "Oh look, a road that cuts off of the main path, lets follow that to a mini adventure." Then it's back on the road. I've seen 8-bit video games with more originality and variation in the plot, lots of them in fact. I don't think the xanth series was necessarily better earlier on, though it was more original, Roc and a Hard Place was a lot of fun and I really liked Demon's Don't Dream, but this one you can skip and save yourself a lot of anguish. There's to many good books out there to struggle though junk like this.

Most Exciting Xanth Yet.......2006-05-22

Geis of the Gargoyle by Piers Anthony is the story of Gary Gargoyle, a gentle stone beast who goes on a quest to find the philter (Yes, its spelled that way in the book), which will end the geis of the gargoyles. The geis is to filter all the water of Xanth, so that it is drinkable. Along his journey, Gary is transformed into a human and, is accompanied by the Sorceress Iris, a beautiful sorceress of illusion, and Demoness Metria, a clever and mischievous demon. Also, Gary is given the task of tutoring Surprise, a child of multiple talents. The group finds an unusual city, which turns out to be made of illusion. It becomes harder and harder for them to discern fact from fiction.
I think anyone who loves the Xanth series would love this book. It traps the reader, and you find yourself riddled with suspense, and wanting to read more. Geis of the Gargoyle is filled with the usual puns and clever turn-a rounds that infest Piers Anthony books. It is also one of the longer books of the Xanth series, so you can read on and on. It is a fantastic book, and I give it 5 stars.

This Is The Right Kind Of Score!.......2004-06-11

While previewing the scores given to the book "Geis Of the Gargoyle". I was satisfied with what it got. The overall score was 4 1/2 stars. I personally would have given it a 5 out of 5 because of how much I liked this book! The depth and perception contained in this book astounded me as it seems it did to many others. Another good thing about this book is it's awesome story line, and organized plot. Throughout the story, many mysteries are solved which makes the story all the more exciting! Peirs Anthony is truly a gifted writer and after this book, I could not help but read the rest of his Xanth series!

This Is The Right Kind Of Rating!.......2004-06-10

While previewing the scores of other people that have rated this book, I was not suprised to see 4 1/2 Stars. This overall rating satisfied me because I think this is a great book, and by the looks of it, so do many others! The depth and perception in this book astounded me because it had so much of it. "Geis Of The Gargoyle" intruiged me so much that I simply had to read the rest of Peirs Anthony's series later. The book's story line was clear and the plot organized. Even though the book had some mysteries, they get solved inthe story and thats what makes this a really good book! (I personally would have given it a Five out of Five!)

Geis Of The Gargoyle - An All-new Xanth Adventure

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Geis Of The Gargoyle - An All-new Xanth Adventure
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Tor: Tom Doherty Associates
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JZBQN6

5 Titles in the Xanth Series - 15-19 - The Color of Her Panties - Demons Don't Dream - Harpy Thyme - Geis of the Gargoyles - Roc and a Hard Place

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5 Titles in the Xanth Series - 15-19 - The Color of Her Panties - Demons Don't Dream - Harpy Thyme - Geis of the Gargoyles - Roc and a Hard Place
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: various
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000PU5T9W

Product Description

5 Mass Market Paperback Titles in the Xanth Series - 15-19 - The Color of Her Panties - Demons Don't Dream - Harpy Thyme - Geis of the Gargoyles - Roc and a Hard Place

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GEIS OF THE GARGOYLE
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: TOR BOOKS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000VBGAHU

Average customer rating:

Geis of the Gargoyle
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Tom Doherty
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000IMS2DC

Average customer rating:

Geis of the Gargoyle

Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HKO1YY

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Geis of the Gargoyle (A Xanth Novel)
Piers Anthony
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000NXSHT0

Customer Reviews:

Recommended, but not a favorite.......2006-05-20

Mr. Shetterly lists his influences on an acknowledgments page before he starts the book, and you can definitely see the influences come to life in the pages. There are two or three scenes, for instance, that will remind you quite a bit of The Princess Bride if you've ever read it, or even ever watched the movie adaption. Luckily Mr. Shettlery's story is imaginative enough that this actually just makes the fantasy genre seem more connected rather than like reading an unoriginal piece of regurgitation. He definitely uses themes from other books in his own ways, rather than purely lifting scenes.

This book definitely has some time and thought put into its religion, which most of the story revolves around. Now I can't say I want to believe this myself, and sometimes there feels to be some hostility towards other religions merely by the presentation, but this is definitely an interesting work in regard to its people's beliefs. Let me recap it for you. There is one God, who spread herself out to give life to a variety of minor gods, who act as patrons to different species of mortals, whom the God also granted life: a wolf god, a dragon god, etc. It is said that this one God will one day wake from her sleep, consume all of the minor gods as well as all the life she created in mortals, and choose to either rebirth it all or kill it all. The motive is basically to see how well she did in creating life. Furthermore, there is something of a love story between-oh, I can't say anything without spoiling. (: However, the cat lord has gone missing and this disrupts her plans somewhat. This is definitely something you don't see in other fantasy works. So while I'll never take it seriously as a religion, I definitely had fun reading about the God and her subjects.

Even though the religion is the main focus of the book (which doesn't seem crediting enough, I know, but trust me: the book isn't told through a series of lectures or morality [believe me on that]; but otherwise through the characters' motives revolving around religious points, the characters expressing the qualities of their God, etc.), I generally enjoyed most of the characters as well. Some have fairly stereotypical qualities, which I'm pretty sure was intentional, and they definitely make some choices I disagree with, but they are fairly well-written.

The climax happens very quickly and isn't very exciting. It was well played out and unique, but happened so quickly with very little actual action that it seemed to be over before it started.

Well, I certainly enjoyed this book though not enough to call it a favorite.

enthralling.......2001-01-28

This book was the first I've heard of Will Shetterly. I borrowed it form my dad's girlfriend, mainly because I was bored. This book has everything one could want in a fantasy book; action, a little romance, treachery, mystery, and a little humor. The book revolves around the question of why the cats have no lord, becasue everyother being on earth has a lord. What really happens is that the Cat Lord is trapped, and if he is freed, then God, who made the world, and devided Herself (have to the twist here) among the Lords, wiil arise again when all the Lords meet, and decide if the Universe is still owrthy of existance. This book is reccommended for anyone.

Book Description

Here are twenty-two outrageous original riddles perfectly targeted to the funny bones of beginning readers. Laughing over the sheer silliness of these riddles and their zany illustrations, young readers will discover for themselves the delight of wacky wordplay. And just what do you hear when cows sing? MOOsic, of course!

Customer Reviews:

Absolutely adorable!.......2007-08-01

You can't go wrong purchasing this book. My son was delighted in being both able to read as well as to tell punchlines to jokes.

Great book for early readers.......2000-12-06

I bought this book for my daughter, age 4, before taking a nine-hour train trip. She had me reading it for hours, and eventually ended up being able to read it herself cover-to-cover. ("Q.: Why did the geese honk at the piggy driver.? A.: Because he was HOGGING the road".)

My daughter loves riddles and wordplay, and this is best book that I have found that uses these elements. In addition, the illustrations are first-rate.

A very engaging book for a young reader with a good sense of humor.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Parents and Professionals Working Together for Children with Special Needs
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great perspective!

Developing Effective Partnerships

Do You Hear What I Hear? Parents and Professionals Working Together for Children with Special Needs
Janice Fialka , and Karen C. Mikus
Manufacturer: First Page Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Book Description

This book is unique. Ann P. Turnbull, Co-Director, Beach Center for Families and Disabilities, University of Kansas, states, "Cutting through the rhetoric and jargon of the partnership literature, Janice Fialka and Karen Mikus offer us an entirely fresh, dynamic, and interactive way to gain new insights. They have "colored outside the lines" in creating a dialogue that enables us, the readers to gain insights about the partnership dynamics between parents and professionals. In their unique creation, we learn about the feelings, hopes, fears, uncertainties, and expectations from both parent and professional perspectives. Whether you are a parent, professional, or both, you are in for treat in not only getting more in touch with your own feelings but with the feelings of your significant partner. I strongly recommend it to you with every confidence that new insights are here for everyone."

Do You Hear What I Hear? is designed to be used by parents of children with special needs, professionals who work with families, university faculty members, and other trainers. it is filled with thoughtful stories, suggestions for next steps in partnerships, and practical insights. Highly readable, it is a resource which can enhance self-reflection, personnel preparation, and parent-professional training.

Customer Reviews:

great perspective!.......2003-03-27

This book is an excellent resource for any parent or professional involved in the life of a child with special needs! It is a must have! Written with the personal perspective of a parent, it provides an invaluable insight for professionals working with families on any level.

Developing Effective Partnerships.......2000-02-08

Working on business issues involves sharing your thoughts and mental work load with others (partners, employees, suppliers and customers). No longer can you personally or corporatively keep all the balls up in the air by yourself. Collaboration and partnership is the name of the game.

The process of sharing with others clarifies and enhances your original vision of the business opportunity. Talking it out generates some breakthroughs that can have a major impact on your future direction. Communicating your thoughts with others, who have different experiences and skills, will allow you to discover things you didn't know that you didn't know.

Although collaberation is important today, effective partnerships can be elusive and hard to crasp for most people. A new book, "Do You Hear What I Hear?", by Janice Fialka and Karen C. Mikus published by Procter Publications, LLC, explores the journey to creative partnerships. Although written to parents and professionals who help children with special needs, this book guides us all in understanding how to strengthen our partnerships with others. Here are some points the authors make regarding misunderstandings about the nature and evolution of partnerships:

"...there is often the expectation that parents and professionals immediately are full partners simply by sitting together at a conference table to discuss the plans and goals for a child. Our experience has been just the opposite: that partnershps evolve over time, go through various phases and involve different interactions during various points of working together. For these reasons, we believe that a developmental approach to partnerships is both realistic and useful. This way of thinking helps us to view challenges and struggles in the relationships as normal, universal and to be expected, rather than as hopeless indicators of a doomed relationship."

When sharing your vision and strategy with your partners, good things begin to happen. You no longer have to be the go-to-guy or gal for every decision. Those who work with you begin to understand the basis for past decisions and now feel empowered to make some appropriate decisions on their own. Their self-directed work activity can free you up to concentrate on the important, rather than the urgent, issues facing your organization.

If you are really passionate about your business venture, the sooner you begin to involve others in your business decision making process, the sooner you will foster their commitment to continuously improve your business. Business relationships with suppliers, partners and customers will improve since they know where you are headed and how they can help you get there.

Do You Hear What I Hear? Religious Calling, the Priesthood, and My Father
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Required reading for any Board of Ministry

An Unexpected Pleasure

Do You Hear What I Hear? Religious Calling, the Priesthood, and My Father
Minna Proctor
Manufacturer: Viking Adult
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
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Standing In The Whirlwind: The Riveting Story Of A Priest And The Congregations That Tormented Her

The Oxford Guide to The Book of Common Prayer: A Worldwide Survey

ASIN: 067003326X
Release Date: 2005-02-07

Book Description

At the first revelation that her father, a sixtyish university professor, wants to become an Episcopal priest, Minna Proctor is flummoxed. She neither encourages nor disparages him because she simply doesn't know what it means. Brought up primarily by her mother in a household without any religious expression or guidance, Proctor was surprised to learn that her unconventionally charming, intellectual father had a religious life, and what's more, a higher calling. When he is summarily turned away, Proctor delves into the byzantine discernment process that rejected her father from the priesthood and the pivotal notion of calling. Based on lengthy conversations with her father, interviews with clergy and religious scholars, and readings of classic faith narratives from Augustine to Simone Weil, Do You Hear What I Hear? is a broad-minded and fascinating exploration of a very human phenomenon in the light of cultural shifts over the last three decades.

Customer Reviews:

Required reading for any Board of Ministry.......2005-04-14

Minna Proctor deals with two emigmas in this book; her father, who prior to his divorce from her mother showed little interest in faith and had little to do with developing any sense of a faith journey in her, and the process of ordination which is often a mystery even to those involved directly in it.

This book benefits from an outsiders perspective and her willingness to try to uncover the assumptions that underly the process. In doing this she not only provides a description of the process of discerning the call to ministry, but a sense of history in how we have come to the point of understanding calling in this way. While I am a United Methodist, not an Episcopalian, I found much of the book to be true to my experience of dealing with the Board of Ministry.

Particularly the issue of clairty of call is a place ripe for discussion. While not all callings are alike, the ability to articulate that call is important. The sense of call is the reason a normal intelligent person would submit to such an examination (in some cases a 5-8 year process) and then upon it's completion take on the task of ministry.

In my opinion this book should be required reading for folks who deal with candidates for ministry. We need to be reminded that we hold the lives of not only the candidates, but all who love them in our hands.

An Unexpected Pleasure.......2005-02-08

I grew up Episcopalian and have only recently "returned" to the church after many years away -- it just felt like something was missing in my life and I didn't realize what that something was until I attended a service and heard the liturgy again. I guess I'm a typical liberal (voted for Howard Dean, listen to NPR) but I've always been frustrated with the lack of community on the Left and the moral superiority may liberals seem to feel about anyone who votes for the other guy or drives an SUV or - worst of all - believes in God. I know this is a generalization but watching both Dean and Kerry squirm every time the word "God" was mentioned during the debates was a major disappointment to anyone who shares their values *and* goes to church.

Proctor's "Do You Hear What I Hear?" is the first book I've read about religion by a non-believer that manages to get deep inside the question of what belief is and what it means to our lives. I especially direct readers to the section at the end of the book called "Polemics": it's a fierce indictment of politicans who play God with others' lives without having passed anything like the test that the average person goes through who feels called to the Episcopal priesthood. If Kerry had talked like this in the campaign he might be the President now!

Are you listening, Howard Dean?

Do You Hear What I Hear?: An Unreligious Writer Investigates Religious Calling

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Do You Hear What I Hear?: An Unreligious Writer Investigates Religious Calling
Minna Proctor
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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Leaving Church: A Memoir of Faith

ASIN: B000IOF3GY

Book Description

How does a young, secular intellectual understand her sixtyish university-professor father's sudden calling to become an Episcopal priest? This is the question that inspired Minna Proctor's candid, intelligent, and provocative examination. When her father is summarily rejected, Proctor sets out to find out why the Church makes it so insanely (and appropriately) difficult to join the priesthood and to uncover the historical and doctrinal foundations of its “discernment” process. Confronting the cultural forces that shaped her unreligious early life, her parents' divorce, and her father's spiritual awakening, Do You Hear What I Hear? is at once an intellectual quest based on interviews with clergy and religious scholars and readings of classic faith narratives, a wry document of filial love and incomprehension, and a layperson's fascinating perspective on spiritual calling.

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Do You Hear What I Hear?
Helen Borten
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

Do You Hear What I Hear? (Christmas Theme) (Silhouette Romance, No. 1557)

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A sweet tale of love found at the holidays
Excellent Book
A Second Chance at Love
A Heart-Warming Holiday Read
You don't have to hear what's being said to recognize love..

Do You Hear What I Hear? (Christmas Theme) (Silhouette Romance, No. 1557)
Holly Jacobs
Manufacturer: Silhouette
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

Silhouette Romance | Series | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Contemporary | Romance | Subjects | Books
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A Day Late and a Bride Short
Her Mistletoe Man (Christmas Theme) (Silhouette Romance, No. 1556)
Be My Baby (Silhouette Romance)
Once Upon A Princess (Silhouette Romance)

ASIN: 0373195575

Book Description

Libby's daughter is hearing impaired, but it's Josh Gardner who can't seem to hear her when she says stay away. They've been thrown together planning a Christmas party, which she could make work if they stuck to business. Which they don't. Josh doesn't wait for the mistletoe before he starts kissing her. What does Libby have to do to make him hear her? Can a man who's given up on love teach a woman who doesn't believe in happily-ever-afters that what they have is more than just a passing fancy? That if they listen to their hearts what they'll hear is the sound of love?

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A sweet tale of love found at the holidays.......2002-09-24

Courtesy of CK2S Kwips and Kritiques

Libby McGuiness is a single mother, doing her best to be a good parent to her young hearing impaired daughter, Meg. Between owning her own hair salon and taking care of Meg, she has no time for anything else, let alone getting involved in a relationship. Everyone she knows doesn't agree with her though, and keep trying to fix her up with every "nice young man" they know.

Dr, Joshua Gardener grew up in Erie, PA, before heading off to go to med school. He decides to return home in the wake of his recent divorce to set up a small practice and start life anew. The last thing he wants to even think about is getting involved in a relationship with a new woman.

Libby and Josh's first meeting was far from pleasant, starting over a parking space, so why can't either of them get the other out of their minds? Josh is annoyed by Libby's prickly attitude, but senses there may be something far different underneath. When the two of them are conned into co-chairing the town's annual Christmas party, they are thrown into close contact - too close for Libby's comfort. Sparks fly from the get-go though, and both find themselves looking forward to their "business" meetings.

But Libby is nervous. Every other man she has tried being with, including her ex-husband, runs when they learn of Meg's disability. None have been able to handle the challenges unique to raising a disabled child. She is afraid Josh will do the same, so therefore she won't allow herself to get too close, knowing he will be gone from her life come Christmas. Josh isn't going anywhere though. He wins Meg's affection almost immediately, growing extremely attached to the delightful child, and in so doing he just may win Libby's heart as well.

Ms. Jacobs shows her talent for weaving a charming tale, full of humor, and life in a good-sized city with a small-town heart. She handles a relatively sensitive subject (well it could be for some people) with ease, helping one understand the challenges associated the lifestyle, as well as the rewards. She depicts a family not hindered by it, but enlightened by it and overcoming it. Meg is such a charming child that no one could help but love.

Libby and Josh's dance around their mutual attraction is very amusing, especially the multi page discussion about kissing. The reader will get a lot of laughs out of it. Libby's busybody neighbors and friends are a riot, reminiscent of characters from another series of books by the talented author. No matter what book of Ms. Jacobs a person reads, there are guaranteed to be unforgettable laugh out loud moments. One may get some funny looks depending on where the book is being read when people hear the laughs.

Ms. Jacobs is an author to watch. Her unique style is one to love, which will take her far in the romance genre. This reviewer expects her to climb all the way to the top and become a household name in the near future. This is one reader who will be delighted to say "I knew her when..."

© Kelley A. Hartsell, July 2002. All rights reserved.

Excellent Book.......2001-11-28

Holly has a wonderful way of telling a story that is sweet and incorporates a lot of fun elements. I think the best part of this book is how she uses the challenge of a hearing impaired child and turns it into a great blessing. I also love the bits of humor she injects at the most unexpected places. This is truly a delightful book to read.

I highly recommend this book.

A Second Chance at Love.......2001-11-21

Libby McGuiness has a full life with her friends, her hair salon, and her ten year old daughter Meg. She certainly doesn't need to be fixed up with Dr. Josh Gardner who opened his new practice next door. But the matchmakers's scheme throws Libby and Josh together to plan the business association's Christmas party together, and despite Libby's mistrust of men, she realizes that Josh is actually a nice guy.

Josh is still recovering from a failed marriage and is determined not to make another mistake. But behind Libby's prickly exterior, he senses a warm and loving woman that he'd like to know better. Josh and Meg bond over video games and algebra homework, even though Meg's deafness is a communication barrier.

Holly Jacobs creates lovable, realistic characters--including the unforgettable Pearly Gates--who will win your heart in this sweet tale of second chances. This is her first Silhouette Romance, but hopefully not her last!

A Heart-Warming Holiday Read.......2001-11-19

First, he stole half of her parking space. Then, he stole her heart. But Libby McGuiness isn't going to surrender without a fight. Although the fight really isn't fair. Josh Gardner is gorgeous. He's a doctor. And he's started a great relationship with Libby's daughter's, Meg.

How's a woman supposed to resist that? And when Josh shows up, awkward fingers fumbling with ASL to communicate better with Meg without using Libby as an interpreter, well, Libby's a goner then.

If only she could count on him actually staying...

This book is perfect to curl up with on a wintry night, with a cup of hot coffee or chocolate. It's warm and fuzzy, a perfect holiday sweet romance. (And less fattening than holiday cookies!)

Secondary characters like Libby's friend, Pearly Gates, deliver the gentle humor Ms. Jacobs is known for. This book will have you chuckling on occasion, and will leave you with the same satisfied feeling you get after watching a classic holiday movie. I definitely recommend it.

You don't have to hear what's being said to recognize love.........2001-07-08

...you just need to listen with your heart.

"Holly Jacob's amusing, yet tender story will please readers with its fast pace and offbeat humor." ~ Cheryl St.John, author of THE GUNSLINGER'S BRIDE 9/01

Celebrate Reading Grade 4 Six Volume Boxed Set 1993 4A The Wolf Is At The Door, 4B The World Is Round Just Like An orange 4C We're All In This Together, 4D Y.O.U., 4E Do You Hear What I See?, 4F The Wolf Is At The Door (Scott Foresman Celebrate Reading)
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Celebrate Reading Grade 4 Six Volume Boxed Set 1993 4A The Wolf Is At The Door, 4B The World Is Round Just Like An orange 4C We're All In This Together, 4D Y.O.U., 4E Do You Hear What I See?, 4F The Wolf Is At The Door (Scott Foresman Celebrate Reading)
Scott Foresman
Manufacturer: Scott Foresman
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000E136F6

Product Description

Set of six hardcover student books in a blue cardboard sleeve. The titles of these books are: (4A) The Wolf Is At The Door, (4B) The World Is Round Just Like An orange (4C) We're All In This Together, (4D) Y.O.U., (4E) Do You Hear What I See?, (4F) The Wolf Is At The Door. These books are from the 1993 SCOTT FORESMAN Celebrate Reading series.

Christmas Joy Cristmas Music for Young Bands (The Bells Of Christmas/Do You Hear What I Hear?)

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Christmas Joy Cristmas Music for Young Bands (The Bells Of Christmas/Do You Hear What I Hear?)
Michael Sweeney
Manufacturer: The Goodman Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000W6FPNY

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Christmas: Do you hear what I hear?
Paul H Dunn
Manufacturer: Bookcraft
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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Do You Hear What I Hear
Noel Regney , and Gloria Shayne
Manufacturer: Valleydale Music Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Sheet music
ASIN: B000SJNHXU

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