Book Description
A young, charismatic African-American pastor disappears from his local parish of W--, a comfortable bedroom-community in suburban New England. In the backlash and impending investigation, no satirical stone is left unturned, especially those within the Caruso household, an ordinary American family hollowed out by their world of convenience and easy moral remedies.AUTHORBIO: Benjamin Anastas is also the author of the novel AN UNDERACHIEVER'S DIARY.He lives in New York City.
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing.......2003-05-06
I had high hopes for this novel when I read of its religious themes and satirical voice, and I was further excited by the Gogolian beginning. But, apart from a few laughs, the book is really nothing more than pointless fluff for bored, middle-class suburban housewives. The author could've done better.
Ugh.......2002-01-07
A few well-turned sentences and phrases do not rescue this effort. The heroine is a singularly unattractive character (only her children are worse) and it is difficult to imagine anyone falling for her. It is, however, terribly easy to understand why the pastor disappears after reading his last encounter with her; a protracted whine that belongs on an analyst's couch, not in fiction. The telling is better than the tale.
Disturbing and Hilarious at the Same Time.......2001-08-30
The Faithful Narrative is disturbingly on-target depiction of some of the spiritual soul-lessness of suburban, upper middle class life done in a satirically hilarious manner that makes the novel a terrific read. The novel is really a look at suburban life in it's most unflattering light. I enjoyed the novel--it can be very funny and on target at times. It reminded me a bit of American Beauty in that both satirically strip all the sugarcoating off of suburban life. The novel is just one side of suburbia, and if you don't mind a little sarcasm and satire, I highly recommend this novel.
Not Another Tale of the 5:23 from Manhattan.......2001-07-26
A few drops of John Cheever. A jigger of John Updike. Top up the glass with satire. And what you have is a brew all Anastas's own. Yes, we're back in the New England of Emerson, Hawthorne and Thoreau. And we're reading about a strange mixture of adultery and church. "The Scarlet Letter?" Hardly. "The Faithful Narrative of a Pastor's Disappearance" moves from a tongue-in-cheek look at yuppie lifestyles off Rte. 128 to a sensitive portrait of a woman who would seem, 2001-style, to Have It All. This is a fascinating and, I think, original look at suburbia today.
A prodigious talent tests the limits........2001-07-18
If you are already a member of the Anastas cult, you will love this book! And if you don't know Anastas but enjoy novels which are stylistically unique, you will find yourself intrigued. Anastas, with no pretense of scholarly reticence (some might even say he shows off), creates syntactical fireworks within fireworks here, sentences which take on lives of their own, and mountains of very specific images in his descriptions. He applies a verbal machete to the misguided aspirations and the pretentions of suburbia, from SUV's and designer homes to the patronizing attitudes and unchristian behavior among churchgoers. Few readers will be able to resist his narrative pull.
Anastas's astounding abilities, however, are sometimes given such free rein that they seem to gallop off under their own power. Structurally, the book is loosey-goosey, lacking a sense of purpose clear enough to control both the plot and Anastos's quixotic tendency to pursue new directions. The opening chapter seems to be a paean to his own talent more than a serious introduction to his characters and setting, the chapter consisting of three pages of text divided into just two spectacular, long sentences. The reader becomes more intrigued with whether the sentences will end than with their content. (See the Amazon excerpt.) Initially a broad satire directed at some easy and obvious targets, the book employs flat characters who serve as examples of suburban types, rather than as individuals. The satire is not sustained throughout, however. Bethany Caruso, the main character, develops into a much more a sympathetic character than is consistent with satire, though she never becomes a fully round character, either. Even the mystery of the pastor's disappearance, which serves throughout as the unifying thread and provides a stage for the satire, ultimately turns out not to be the primary story at all. This is really the tale of Bethany, her marriage, and her life in suburbia, and much of the church satire and many of the characters associated with the pastor's disappearance turn out to be irrelevant to her central story.
This is a book of many delights which will gain Anastas a legion of new fans. Students of writing who enjoy observing how an author limits his subject and develops his themes through careful plot construction and use of detail may find themselves a bit nonplussed, however, by Anastas's insistent march to his own drummer.
Book Description
Exercise your mind and the power of your imagination while embarking on a journey of discovery unlike any other. Magic Lands: Journey Beyond the Beyond is a refreshingly unique fantastic adventure that is suitable for readers of all ages while containing all the icky-gooey-creepy details that are sure to delight! Following the village elder's advice, Ray leaves his home village, setting out for the place lost and deep where he will find a companion for his journey to the stone land and where he will discover that there is no easy path. Here's what readers and reviewers have said about Magic Lands: "A first-class novella by a first-rate author. Bravo!" "Fascinating, utterly thought provoking from start to finish." "Robert Stanek paints eerily haunting images that dazzle the mind's eye and delight." "Full of creepy crawly images that have utterly delighted my ten and twelve year old sons." "My son and I have read the book twice already!"
Customer Reviews:
Why kids AND adults should read Magic Lands.......2006-10-15
Remember those times as a kid when you picked up a book and got lost in it? Well, this is such a book. I read Journey Beyond the Beyond a few years back and I was immediately drawn in to this truly magical story. This is a thrilling, edge-of-the seat read, even for an adult like me. You'll be swept away in an amazing world and desperately desire to become part of this magical universe.
Robert Stanek writes deftly as he tells the story of 13-year-old Ray who must journey to the place lost and deep to prove to himself and to his people that he is no longer a child. Ray's journey is a rite of passage, a trial that tests Ray's strength and courage. As soon as he sets out from his village he is set upon by Old Bull, a terrifying creature with human characteristics and traits. Old Bull chases and taunts Ray every step of the journey. The journey to the place lost and deep is only the beginning, however, for Ray's dreams--dreams the village elder warned Ray about--are taking him on a much longer, darker path.
The imagery in Stanek's writing about this watery world filled with strange and wonderful creatures is deep and occassionaly dark. You can't help but worry about Ray and his safety as he faces the many perils along his journey. I was equally impressed by the illustrations throughout this over-sized book. The intricately detailed cover illustration shows Ray leaving his home village, leaving behind his friends Isaac, Tall, Ephramme, and Keene. The back cover has a detailed illustration of Ray battling a large bull. Throughout the book there are amazingly detailed illustrations as well.
If you haven't discovered the worlds of Robert Stanek yet, you should. Here's why:
1. His books have imagination. Most books written for adults are seriously lacking in both aspects. His books on the other hand have rich imagery, well-designed plots, and plenty for imagination to feast on.
2. His books have heart. The books have moral, life, and relationship lessons that are meaningful. The characters show courage, bravery, heroism, loyalty, compassion. You don't feel like you're being preached to because the writing is mature and the subjects are approached in a way that is part of the story, part of the world he creates.
3. His books are Fun with a capital F! They're fairly easy reads that you can pick up and completely lose yourself in. They're great escapes from daily life and from "heavy" literature. With series like, The Kingdoms and the Elves, and In the Service of Dragons, the books get better and better as the series progresses.
4. His books are incredibly good. We all need a little magic in our lives, and his books provide that. It's good to feel like a kid again, and for younger readers it's great to find an author that doesn't talk down to his readers. His books are written in a way that is equally adult-friendly and young people-friendly.
Highly recommended reading!
Such a FUN read!!.......2006-10-10
This is the first Robert Stanek book I read. Even though several years have passed since then I still remember the characters and pick up the book from time to time to re-read it. Anyone who liked Shrek the movie or books with creepy critters in them is going to love this. I totally enjoyed it and recommend it.
Jake Jr.
A truely remarkable book.......2006-08-21
My favorites by this author are his Kingdoms and Dragons books. I love the Kingdoms and enjoy reading and re-reading the books. Magic Lands is very different from the other ones, but still fantasy. This is the story of Ray, a 13-year-old village boy who must journey to the place lost and deep. The journey is a rite of passage, and he must undertake it by himself. During the journey he has many strange encounters with the creatures living in the wild areas around his village. This is a hugely fun and fast read!
A pretty good book.......2006-06-04
I thought this book was a good read in general. I liked the storyline and the characters. It's exciting and fast paced. Easy to read and understand. I strongly suggest you read this event-filled journey.
Marvelous!.......2006-06-04
This is the coolest book ever. I just finished it yesterday and im looking to see if I can find out when the second book in the series comes out so far no luck. I recomend this book to anyone who likes books that keep you on the edge of your seat the whole way through. It's a must read!
Book Description
Join Ray as he sets out on a journey to prove he is a man. Ray's journey is a right of passage for his people, and he must undergo many tests along the way. These tests challenge his will, his mind, his very self, and help him to grow and mature into the man he is destined to become. Features a special illustrated introduction to the world of magic lands, 20 additional illustrations in the text, and a premium quality large format trade paperback size.
Customer Reviews:
Such a wonderful read! My son loved this!.......2007-08-20
My son sat wide-eyed when I read this aloud to him the first time. He just loved it! Now that he's reading on his own, he's read the book many times. The author has such an incredible imagination. The lush details really bring the story to life.
A truly magical journey.......2006-07-30
I first discovered Robert Stanek's wonderful work last year when I listened to his book 'The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches' in audio. I loved the stories of the Kingdoms that I've since bought all the books in both audio and print, and the printed books are the single most loaned out books in my extensive collection.
When I was looking for other books by this author, I found Journey Beyond the Beyond. From the description of the book, I wasn't sure if this was something for me (I'm a 48 year old mother of 4 and grandmother of 1). My teenage son is the one who was keen on giving this a try, so we did, and it turned out to be a wild ride! Journey Beyond the Beyond is a magical, wild adventure through a watery world where dangerous creatures lurk at every turn and the protagonist of the story, Ray, has more than few hair raising encounters with these dangerous creatures.
What made this story great for me is how unique it is. I've never read anything like it, and the illustrations throughout this book help to magnify the wonderful imagery painted by the author. Highly, highly recommended especially if you have boys in the house.
Why kids AND adults should read the Magic Lands.......2006-07-09
Remember those times as a kid when you picked up a book and got lost in it? Well, this is such a book. I read Journey Beyond the Beyond a few years back and I was immediately drawn in to this truly magical story. This is a thrilling, edge-of-the seat read, even for an adult like me. You'll be swept away in an amazing world and desperately desire to become part of this magical universe.
Robert Stanek writes deftly as he tells the story of 13-year-old Ray who must journey to the place lost and deep to prove to himself and to his people that he is no longer a child. Ray's journey is a rite of passage, a trial that tests Ray's strength and courage. As soon as he sets out from his village he is set upon by Old Bull, a terrifying creature with human characteristics and traits. Old Bull chases and taunts Ray every step of the journey. The journey to the place lost and deep is only the beginning, however, for Ray's dreams--dreams the village elder warned Ray about--are taking him on a much longer, darker path.
The imagery in Stanek's writing about this watery world filled with strange and wonderful creatures is deep and occassionaly dark. You can't help but worry about Ray and his safety as he faces the many perils along his journey. I was equally impressed by the illustrations throughout this over-sized book. The intricately detailed cover illustration shows Ray leaving his home village, leaving behind his friends Isaac, Tall, Ephramme, and Keene. The back cover has a detailed illustration of Ray battling a large bull. Throughout the book there are amazingly detailed illustrations as well.
If you haven't discovered the worlds of Robert Stanek yet, you should. Here's why:
1. His books have imagination. Most books written for adults are seriously lacking in both aspects. His books on the other hand have rich imagery, well-designed plots, and plenty for imagination to feast on.
2. His books have heart. The books have moral, life, and relationship lessons that are meaningful. The characters show courage, bravery, heroism, loyalty, compassion. You don't feel like you're being preached to because the writing is mature and the subjects are approached in a way that is part of the story, part of the world he creates.
3. His books are Fun with a capital F! They're fairly easy reads that you can pick up and completely lose yourself in. They're great escapes from daily life and from "heavy" literature. With series like, The Kingdoms and the Elves, and In the Service of Dragons, the books get better and better as the series progresses.
4. His books are incredibly good. We all need a little magic in our lives, and his books provide that. It's good to feel like a kid again, and for younger readers it's great to find an author that doesn't talk down to his readers. His books are written in a way that is equally adult-friendly and young people-friendly.
Highly recommended reading!
Average customer rating:
|
Journey Beyond the Beyond (Deluxe Edition, Magic Lands Book 1) (Magic Lands)
Robert Stanek
Manufacturer: Reagent Press Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1575451328 |
Book Description
Join Ray on his journey of adventure and discover the magic lands today! Readers everywhere are discovering the works of Robert Stanek, and overwhelmingly they agree on one thing: the books are some of the best they've ever read. Featuring a 3-page graphic novel introduction and 20 additional extraordinary illustrations, this powerful fantasy novel will delight the young and the young at heart! Exercise your mind and the power of your imagination while embarking on a journey of discovery unlike any other. Magic Lands: Journey Beyond the Beyond is a refreshingly unique fantastic adventure that is suitable for readers of all ages while containing all the icky-gooey-creepy details that are sure to delight! Following the village elder's advice, Ray leaves his home village, setting out for the place lost and deep where he will find a companion for his journey to the stone land and where he will discover that there is no easy path. About the Author: Robert Stanek is the award-winning, international best-selling author of more than 65 books for young people and adults. He lives with his wife and children in the Pacific Northwest in the United States, and is intensely fascinated with our natural world. He loves the outdoors and frequently takes his family on short trips to see the natural wonders of the Pacific Northwest, including Mount Rainier, Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, and Puget Sound.
Book Description
About a hundred years ago, a group of mutant supermen began playing a major role in our affairs. It is no accident that Tarzan, Sherlock Holmes, Captain Nemo, and Doc Savage were (are?) contemporaries. Nor was it accidental that their biographers titillated their public with hints of their true natures while not daring to part the veil. Just what was it that restrained them from telling all?
Customer Reviews:
Neat Little Book.......2006-06-12
In retrospect it reminds me a lot of Kim Newman's Anno Dracula, both in terms of concept and style. Enough to make me wonder if Newman wasn't inspired by it. The book claims to be based on a recently discovered manuscript written by the hero of Jules Verne's Around the World in Eighty Days. This manuscript tells a distinctly different version of the events that Verne recorded. Instead of a wealthy dilletante with a taste for odd wagers, Phileas Fogg is an agent of an alien race who have been conducting a secret war on earth for years. His race around the world is part of this arcane war generally designed to help ferret out Fogg's nemesis: Captain Nemo. This premise alone should give you a feel for the book. Farmer doesn't work in quite so many literary references as Anno Dracula does but he does a great job of weaving his story into the interstices of Verne's novel and inventively "explains" a lot of oddities in the earlier book. He also manages to work in real life mysteries of the time such as the Mary Celeste. The book has a great pulp adventure feel involving secret wars, classic characters, and teleporting watches. There's also an essay in the back which dissects Nemo's character (with an aim towards refuting the idea the speculation that Nemo was a heroic Indian freedom fighter). It also advances the highly original notion that Captain Nemo is none other than Professor Moriarty.
Clarifies many odd points in Verne's story!.......2003-01-14
This book isn't quite a parallel novel to "80 Days;" it is more like a double take of that book. Farmer extends his "World Newton Family" in Verne's classic, and makes Fogg's mission an intergalactic battle against Captain Nemo, who Farmer believes is Professor James Moriarty of the Sherlock stories.
Farmer, one of the greatest student of "Pop Pulp" culture manages to combine the heroes of the popular literary world in to a coherent world system. In Farmer's world, Tarzan is related to Sherlock Holmes, and Doc Savage is the grandson of Jack London's Wolf Larsen. In a certain sense, we all do this on our own. For example, what would have happened in "A Tale of Two Cities" if the Scarlet Pimpernel had saved Sydney Carton from the guillotine? Farmer's "World Newton Family" functions along these lines. He has even made two rough genealogical charts showing who is related to whom.
As Ir ead this book, two things struck me. First, the approach of this book reminds me of Crispin H. Glover's attempts to read new stories into old classics. Secondly, Farmer clarifies many of the odd things about "80 days." How does Fogg know everything about all of the odd lands. How does he know all the schedules of every boat and train everywhere in the world. Why would a man who lived such a controlled and regimented life on a sudden take a trip around the world just to win a bet?
I recommend that you read Verne's book first, and Farmer's second. I didn't do this, and am still regretting it. I kept on reading Farmer's book into Verne's story, and couldn't enjoy Verne's spell.
Intergalactic conspiracy!.......1999-10-14
This book is a must for those who have read Farmer's biographies of Tarzan and Doc Savage. Farmer, a pioneer in uncovering the secrets behind literary characters, dares to reveal the intergalactic conspiracy behind Verne's classic AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS!
Complete fun from page one!.......1999-08-14
I think I was 19 when I first read this novel. It was my first encounter with Farmer's brand of 'behind-the-scenes' stories and i have very fond memories of the book since I loved "Around The World In 80 Days" as a kid. Now I've really got to turn my mother's basement inside out and find the damn thing and re-read it.
Excellent book for a literary gamesman..Verne would approve........1996-05-26
Farmer is one of the premier literary gamesmen of the day, as his two "biographies" of Tarzan and Doc Savage showed. Here, he turns his attention to Verne...explaining discrepencies in Verne's AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS, involving the more famous Captain Nemo in the process (who is revealed not to be an Indian Prince, but Professor Moriarity). Infuriating to the literalist, but excellent fun for anyone with imagination. A little too dry in areas, and the dialogue is forced sometimes...which may be more Verne's defect than Farmer's, since he had to work with other author's concepts and characterizations. Still, quite excellent
Product Description
The interstellar drama behind Jules Vern's AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY DAYS is revealed at last in this startling new novel by the Hugo-winning author of TARZAN ALIVE.
Average customer rating:
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The Other Log of Phileas Fogg
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Subjects
| Books
| Adventure
| Alternate History
| Anthologies
| General
| Graphic Novels
| High Tech
| History & Criticism
| Series
| Short Stories
| Space Opera
ASIN: 9993904015 |
Customer Reviews:
Can't Love This BOOK Too Much!.......2007-07-04
This author is fantastic. He not only writes well, but he knows his subjects well, and really helps people through his fantastic books. Highly recommend it for the people it may relate too.
Average customer rating:
- very useful book
- very useful book
- Informative and Helpful
|
Stop Controlling Me! What to Do When Someone You Love Has Too Much Power Over You
Richard J. Stenack Ph.D.
Manufacturer: New Harbinger Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Codependency
| Mental Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Interpersonal Relations
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Marriage
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Codependency
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Self-Esteem
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Psychology & Counseling
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1572242469 |
Book Description
Control issues are a major factor in the nearly 50 percent of American marriages that end in divorce. Women with low self-esteem are most likely to attract (or seek) a dominating partner. Hungry for acceptance, they allow themselves to be manipulated. This book offers exercises to uncover mistaken beliefs, identify unacceptable compromises, and regain self-worth, as well as step-by-step tools to end relationships that can't be saved.
Customer Reviews:
very useful book.......2002-12-03
I found this book really useful. I introduced this book to my family and friends and they agreed that it is a good book.
I'd like to thank the authors.
I highly recommand this book to everybody.
very useful book.......2002-12-03
I found this book really useful. I introduced this book to my family and friends and they agreed that it is a good book.
I'd like to thank the authors.
I highly recommand this book to everybody.
Informative and Helpful.......2001-11-30
If you're tired of people pushing your buttons or pulling your strings, this book can help. There are examples of controlling relationships from real people, with the various forces at work clearly explained. Finally, the book helps you apply all this information to your own individual situation. Far more than just theory or discussion, "Stop Controlling Me" is a practical, useable roadmap to better, more honest, and more fulfilling relationships.
Customer Reviews:
Nice Explaination of Whys.......2007-04-06
I liked this book and I have to say that I have learned a lot from it. Robin Norwood explains in detail the types of relationships that selfless women tend to fall into over and over. She does a very good job in explaining how our childhood greatly affects the way we relate to men in general. I could never understand how and why I chose the relationship partners I did and why I put up with as much as I did. My relationships continued to get worse over time, instead of improving.
However, the only reason why I did not give it 5 stars is because I found myself feeling depressed and hopeless while reading the book at times. She tells you why you are this way but not that much to fix it. I also do not necessarily agree with her 12-step ideas to go about helping yourself. She almost makes it seem like you are going to be stuck for a long time with your issues until you can fix them, which can ultimately take years.
Average customer rating:
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When Someone You Love Drinks Too Much
William F. Kraft
Manufacturer: Charis Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Alcoholism
| Recovery
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Self-Help
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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The Normal Alcoholic
ASIN: 1569552800 |
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