Breakfast in Babylon

Book Description

Isolt is down but not out in Paris. She's a sharp-tongued Irish drifter with a fierce instinct for survival who falls into a darkly comic relationship with Christopher, the "hoodoo man." He's a Puerto Rican anarchist and wheeler-dealer from Detroit who fuels his messianic delusions with Iggy Pop songs and smack. From Dublin to Paris, New York to New Orleans, the two run small-time scams, deal dope, and squat among an international underclass of vagabonds and punk-junkies. Begging is their way of life, until Isolt determines a desperate escape. Written with razor-sharp humor and raw storytelling verve, Breakfast in Babylon explores the stark world of a rootless generation - a world of beggars who choose and beggars who have no choice.

Customer Reviews:

Unlike anything I have ever read before, brilliant for it's strangeness.......2007-01-21

I enjoyed this book, in spite of the dark themes of filth, abuse and drug addiction it was really good.

Isolt is the main character, an Irish girl who lives in Paris and makes her living begging. Begging is a way to get enough money for the next hit, a few beers at night with other beggars and friends, and sometimes to get money together to move to the next place. But Paris pays the best. She hooks up with Christopher, an American/ Hispanic drug dealer with his own dark past (and present for that matter) who wants to marry her so he can get papers ot stay in Europe.

I enjoyed this book because it is so explicit about a way of life that is completely foreign to mine, it opened my eyes in many ways to how another group of people live. Highly recommended.

Joyce Carol Oates meets Wm. Burroughs.......2002-05-01

I also could not put this book down. It has many laugh out loud moments; some excruciatingly correct observations about people; and a very refreshing, because female, take on the underside of the world. I felt very engaged by the characters. Ms. Martin did not try to make me sympathize with one over the other, as one reviewer suggests. Hilarious, believable and sympathetic characters do nightmarish things. This novel is most of all about men and women, and the ways that they treat each other. It will leave you saying the Lord's prayer beginning, "our mother," and asking yourself, "am I a Christopher at times." This book is so full of ideas that you can't wait to get back into it, like Burroughs or Hunter Thompson; you know that you have a universe of creativity and character and otherworldliness in your pocket. This is from a very talented writer, and I am set to begin More Bread Or I'll Appear. I leave a star off, because I am conservative about the meaning of five star novels. Caveat: not for weak stomachs.

Meandering tale of Meandering People.......2002-03-08

This novel by Emer Martin ain't all that and a bag of chips...fish and chips if you will since she's Irish. I read this one aloud with meine frau, and although we kept engaged for the description of European cities the story and characters just don't stand out as one's we cared too much about and were never brought to the point of empathy much less sympathy.

As you know from the reviews, it's about a group of indigents that are indigent not because they have to be, but because they want to be, it's the easy thing for them. When they go to panhandle, it's kind of like showing up for work every now and then, gaining enough money to score another hit. It will make you think twice before doling out money to your next street person, not knowing what the money's going for. Although this is fiction, it no doubt reflects some reality, and cheapens the truly needy. It's a valiant attempt for a first novel and by a twenty-eight year old Irish author no less, but I would steer you away. Try something by James McInerney instead.

One Strange Book.......2002-01-10

I had to finish this book once I started, because I had to see how it would end. I'm not sure it did end.

A trip, to say the least..........2001-06-21

This was one strange read. To be honest, as I was first reading through it, I couldn't figure out whether I loved it or hated it. But I sure couldn't put it down, so I suppose that's one point in its favour. I suppose any negative feelings I might've had toward this book may have arose because main character Isolt and I did not click. Though realistic, she is a miserable thing with little or no ambition, a good bit of evidence as to why people don't like punks. Luckily for us, the book is more following her than centred on her, and she serves as a vehicle through which we meet an equally believable, colourful, and far more amiable lot of characters. These folks (such as boyfriend Christopher...I realise Ms Martin meant for us to dislike him and sympathise with Isolt, that's not how it worked out here) combined with a good storyline peppered with vivid descriptions and the occasional foray into Isolt's head are what push this one from the "ambiguous" to the "good" category. This has got to be one of the best first-try novels I've picked up so far, and whether you love it, hate it, or are perplexed by it, I can guarantee you won't be able to close it till you've finished that last page.

Breakfast in Babylon. (book reviews): An article from: The Review of Contemporary Fiction

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Breakfast in Babylon. (book reviews): An article from: The Review of Contemporary Fiction
Eamonn Wall
Manufacturer: Review of Contemporary Fiction
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from The Review of Contemporary Fiction, published by Review of Contemporary Fiction on March 22, 1998. The length of the article is 1340 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Breakfast in Babylon. (book reviews)
Author: Eamonn Wall
Publication: The Review of Contemporary Fiction (Refereed)
Date: March 22, 1998
Publisher: Review of Contemporary Fiction
Volume: v18 Issue: n1 Page: p228(2)

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Breakfast in Babylon
Emer Martin
Manufacturer: New York: Houghton Mifflin and Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OVC3M8

Book Description

The third Dragonlance novel in the trilogy that launched the entire Dragonlance novel line, Dragons of Spring Dawning, has been adapted to a format specifically targeted at young readers. The novel has been divided into two volumes, Hope's Flame and A Dawn of Dragons, that are sized and edited to fit the young reader market. These titles contain brand new cover and interior art and finish up the release of young reader adaptations of the entire Chronicles series.

Customer Reviews:

Great Book.......2005-02-22

The whole Dragonlance series is awesome. This book is very good like the rest of the series. I recommend this book to everyone.

Book Description

Book 9 in the exciting series!

The X-wing fighter pilots have earned their reputation as the Rebel Alliance's ultimate strike force by overwhelming enemies with their rapid-fire assaults. But now they are about to embark on a diplomatic mission that will prove to be even more hazardous than all-out combat....

The neutral world of Adumar has decided to pick a side in the war to control the galaxy. Delegates from both the New Republic and the Empire have been invited to Adumar, and each camp will be given a chance to plead its government's case. But there is one small catch: since the Adumari prize military skill above all else, they insist that both delegations be composed exclusively of fighter pilots. For pilot Wedge Antilles and his company, it's an unfamiliar exercise in diplomacy--and one that's filled with unexpected peril. For once they arrive, the X-wing pilots are challenged by Adumar's fierce warriors and attacked by Imperial assassins bent on eliminating all competition. But these challenges pale in comparison to the threat posed by a rogue Republic agent...one who is determined to win Adumar's allegiance once and for all--even if it costs the X-wing pilots their lives.

Customer Reviews:

Different from the rest..........2007-06-05

This is unique in the X-wing series in it's focus on only four established characters. At first, I was disappointed because my favorites weren't included in the story. But once the book was really going, it was great. There wasn't the constant shifting of viewpoints between many characters that the other X-wing books have. Overall, I think I like Allston's X-wing books a bit better than the Stackpole ones. This is a very enjoyable book, worth reading. I just hope the series doesn't end yet. It's the only series I've ever made it past book three in. I have them all. Each book is good fun reading.

A great conclusion to the series. .......2007-01-26

This book is unlike the other X-Wing novels, in that it is stand alone, not part of a series, or even a very significant part of galactic events. There isn't even a whole squadron, just three pilots.

It's a fun and funny read, on par with everything you expect from the series. It isn't the best book int he series, but it features a really interesting culture and the characters introduced are certainly worth reading.

Overall, this book isn't the must read that I feel the first 7 books are, but it's a worth addition, and a great way to conclude the series.

Unbelievable. Utterly bad........2007-01-24

First off, let me point out that I have read a score or better Star Wars themed novels. In each of these, the reader goes to a long time ago in a galaxy far far away. That said, the theme of the book fits this genre well, but the plot is abysmal. I felt that in this book, the author kept painting the characters into difficult corners and had to magically develop illogical escapes. Now, Star Wars is full of unlikelihoods, but the situations encountered here are beyond impossible, which makes this into a sort of ridiculous farce of a more serious-themed book. I've not been impressed with any of Allston's contributions to the X-Wing series. I think Stackpole did a very fantastic job with the first 4 and then the 8th books in the series, but I would skip the ones written by Allston.

A very good conclusion to the series.......2006-03-24

I really enjoyed this book. I found myself having to keep from laughing out loud at times. This was probably one of the best of the series and I'm glad Allston is still writing for Star Wars. If you have read the other x-wing books and not this one you won't want to miss this one. I don't know if there will ever another x-wing book but if there isn't it was probably the second best series next to the New Jedi Order. Any Star Wars fan would enjoy this book. Get it and enjoy your time reading.

In It For The Laughs.......2006-02-22

This is a great book, especialy for the laughs. take a look.
Excerpt from Starfighters Of Adumar, Page 201-
He heeled over until he could see Janson again. Janson's Blade was now sideways, its lone wing pointed towared the ground, and was beginning a looping desent to the ground.
But Janson was free of it. The pilot wa in open air, a meter-square flat device abovew him; he hung bby straps from it. Wedge nodded; this had to be the Blade's pilot-descent mechenism, a primatie repulsorlift device that lowered the pilot at a safe speed.
Safe, that is, unless someone was still shooting at the pilot. Wedge saw a Blade diving towared the defensless pilot. He saw Janson pulling out his blaster pistol, as though a weapon that small could do and significant damage to a fighter, and open fire.
The incoming fighter exploded. Wedge resolved to find out just what sort of pistlo Janson was carying-

This is a great taste of some of the humor involved in this book of a far off planet, a corrunpt dictator, and four X-Wing pilots, whose ultamite mission, is to save the day.

Star Wars Jedi Starfighter (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

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Star Wars Jedi Starfighter (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
David Hodgson
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0761539174
Release Date: 2002-03-19

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - WarbirdTech Volume 38 (WarbirdTech)

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Great reference on the -104

Lockheed F-104 Starfighter - WarbirdTech Volume 38 (WarbirdTech)
Jim Upton
Manufacturer: Specialty Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1580070698

Book Description

The F-104 Starfighter was one of the most successful and prolific jet fighters of the late '50s and early '60s - and one of the most beautiful. It was the first production Mach 2 aircraft, and it rewrote the performance books for speed, altitude and time to climb. Aircraft enthusiasts called it "the missile with a man in it". After its initial flight in 1954, the F-104 program produced more than 2,500 aircraft, making it one of the largest military aircraft programs ever. F-104s flew for the US and many NATO allies, and were eventually produced under license in Canada, Japan, and several European countries. In fact, Italy is still flying updated F-104s in 2003. This book covers this revolutionary aircraft's design and development, its weapons and other systems, and all 18 models of the F-104, complete with photos of each variant. NASA-modified research craft are also discussed, along with several formerly classified programs based on the F-104. Author Jim Upton was one of the F-104 program's flight test engineers, so he knows the aircraft and the people involved. Includes a foreword by Dick Heppe, retired president of Lockheed California, and chief aerodynamicist of the F-104.

Customer Reviews:

Great reference on the -104.......2004-06-19

This book is a great overview of the F-104s history. The author's work at Lockheed put him in a great position to locate several unusual photographs and drawings of the F-104s development. It also gave him access to many personnel at Lockheed who were involved in flight test and other design aspects, whose anecdotes spice up the book.

The descriptions of systems are on the short side, but well written and make it easy for the neophyte to understand how the systems work, yet have enough detail to satisfy most more advanced readers.

For the modeller there are several photos of unusual stores and experimental equipment that will come in handy. The photos cover many different air forces too.

Average customer rating:

Not Free SF Reader

Novelization of the hit movie.

I wonderful science-fiction book for all ages!

The Last Starfighter
Alan Dean Foster
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Foster, Alan Dean | ( F ) | Authors, A-Z | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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Aliens: A Novelization

The Last Starfighter

ASIN: 0441472133

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-25

A fun space adventure, aimed at the younger crowd, but with enough depth (and videogames) to prevent it sinking.

Novelization of the hit movie........1999-01-03

The movie itself was produced for the teenage audience. It surpassed itself in special effects and subtle plotlines that grownups could pickup on.

The novelization brings out the actual plotline better without having to rely on the special effects to distract you from gaps in the story.

I wonderful science-fiction book for all ages!.......1998-11-10

I first read this book as a teenager and fell in love with it. I have read it as an adult and still enjoy it. It's an interesting story of a teenage boy's encounter with aliens. He has quite an adventure helping these aliens fight their enemy. This book is well written and so will appeal to the various age groups.

Star Wars : Episode 1 Starfighter (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)

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Best PS2 Game Ever!

Star Wars : Episode 1 Starfighter (Prima's Official Strategy Guide)
Prima Development
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Video Games | Games & Strategy Guides | Computers & Internet | Subjects | Books

General | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Video & Electronic Games | Puzzles & Games | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0761533052
Release Date: 2001-02-21

Book Description

Star Wars: Episode 1 Starfighter:–Prima's Official Strategy Guide will give you details on every pilot and their ship, incredible 3D environment maps, tactics for completing every level and discovering every hidden item, and dogfighting techniques to blow anything and everything out of the sky!

Customer Reviews:

Best PS2 Game Ever!.......2001-03-20

This book has really helped me out with the game. Want to use Darth Maul's Sith Infiltrator? No problem. Want to open up the game to the 2 player version? Go ahead!! Want to learn how best to kill off those pesky droids? Then this is the book for you. If you want to get the most out of the best game for the PS2 platform, get this book. Trust me, it's not just for Star Wars junkies, everyday gamers will love this game.

Century Series in Color (F-100 Super Sabre; F-101 Voodoo; F-102 Delta Dagger; F-104 Starfighter; F-105 Thunderchief; F-106 Delta Dart) - Fighting Colors series (6501)

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Real Airplanes!
Only book like it

Century Series in Color (F-100 Super Sabre; F-101 Voodoo; F-102 Delta Dagger; F-104 Starfighter; F-105 Thunderchief; F-106 Delta Dart) - Fighting Colors series (6501)
Lou Drendel
Manufacturer: Squadron/Signal Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

General | Military | History | Subjects | Books

Military Science | History | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0897470974

Customer Reviews:

Real Airplanes!.......2006-11-05

To remember the Century series you have to be "of a certain age". I'm getting there. I had this book when it was first published and it still has appeal. The author has made a good balance between pictures, text and color plates; all showing the advance designs of aviation and all the colorful heraldtry of the time. This is a book well worth having in an aviation library.

Only book like it.......2001-08-07

The century series of fighter aircraft is unique. They were developed at a time when the air force was transitioning from sub-sonic to supersonice aircraft. Hence, these aircraft looked like nothing that had come before, and were as exotic as the YF-22 or stealth bomber are today. Even today they represent, in my mind, some of the most beautiful and sleek aircraft ever built. This is the only book I have ever found devoted exclusively to these aircraft. The pictures are beautiful, and the text isn't dumbed down to make it appealing to people who just want to look at the pictures. Each of the aircraft gets its own chapter, and is covered fairly in depth. If you build aircraft models, or an amateur air force historian, this is definitely a must have.

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Lockheed F-104 Starfighter
Steve Pace
Manufacturer: Motorbooks Intl
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Aviation | Military | History | Subjects | Books

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American Cinematographer Magazine November 1984 (Teh River, Gremlins, The Last Starfighter, Byron Haskin, Last Night at the Alamo, Filming Monitors, Restoring Becky Sharp) (Vol. 65. No. 10)

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American Cinematographer Magazine November 1984 (Teh River, Gremlins, The Last Starfighter, Byron Haskin, Last Night at the Alamo, Filming Monitors, Restoring Becky Sharp) (Vol. 65. No. 10)

Manufacturer: American Cinematographer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Movies | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000GGY6G2

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Bildband Pictorial: German Starfighters
Wilfried Zetsche
Manufacturer: Airdoc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000UZJV1E

Product Description

English/German text. 64 pages of high quality color photos of the Starfighter in Luftwaffe and Marine service.

DIE AUSSERGEWOHNLICHEN MANNER DER KAKTUS STARFIGHTER STAFFEL (THOSE WONDERFUL MEN IN THE CACTUS STARFIGHTER SQUADRON)

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DIE AUSSERGEWOHNLICHEN MANNER DER KAKTUS STARFIGHTER STAFFEL (THOSE WONDERFUL MEN IN THE CACTUS STARFIGHTER SQUADRON)
USAF (Ret) & Cheif Master Sergeant Tom Rhone, USAF (Ret) Co-editors: Col. Barney Oldfield
Manufacturer: Anderson Lithograph Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Leather Bound
ASIN: B000TUITE0

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Eating Gorilla Comes in Peace
Da Free John
Manufacturer: Dawn Horse Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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Eating Gorilla Comes in Peace, The : The Transcendental Principle of Life Applied to Diet and the Regenerative Discipline of True Health
Bubba Free John
Manufacturer: Dawn Horse Press
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