At Paradise Gate: A Novel

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at paradise gate

Ponderous and pretentious

(3.5 stars) Complexities of family life

difficult characters, unlovable, but real

The surprises of a mother's love.

At Paradise Gate: A Novel
Jane Smiley
Manufacturer: Free Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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Smiley, Jane | ( S ) | Authors, A-Z | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0684852233

Book Description

In this brilliant novel, Pulitzer Prize-winning and bestselling author Jane Smiley delves into the domestic drama of the Robison family. While seventy-seven-year-old Ike Robison is dying in his bedroom upstairs, his wife defends the citadel of their marriage against an ill-considered, albeit loving, invasion by their three middle-aged daughters and their twenty-three-year-old granddaughter. Amply fulfilling the expectations raised by Smiley's other celebrated works, "At Paradise Gate" is a compelling, gracefully wrought portrait of intergenerational strife and family survival.

Customer Reviews:

at paradise gate.......2005-11-12

Anna Robison and her three daughters: artistic Helen, practical Claire and the youngest, tomboyish Susanna, plus her granddaughter Claire love to reminisce about their past. They
gather in Anna's house, where their father Ike is dying. Anna, who refuses to consider a live-in nurse, must tend Ike herself. As she goes about her every day tasks of preparing food and doing housework, she recalls her often rocky marriage and motherhood. Smiley has a keen eye for detail for these
homely tasks and the day-to-day aspects of dealing with an invalid shine through keenly.

Ponderous and pretentious.......2004-05-24

It's rare that I finish a book and conclude that the author is a person I probably wouldn't like very much, but that's exactly what I experienced with "At Paradise Gate." When the characters in this humorless tale speak, they utter paragraphs at a time -- long, weighty diatribes of the sort that no one actually says (but which novelists apparently like to write). The narrator drops some real gems, too, like this one: "Unsorted images crowded Anna's mind ... herself at her best, alone, looking, smelling, hearing, all her thoughts concentrated on the quality of light or air." Now, what could this possibly mean? To me, it means "no more books by Jane Smiley."

On the upside, the story offers good, solid three-dimensional characters. Unfortunately, they're not exactly likable, and their views on marriage and family are so dated as to be at times offensive, at times unintentionally funny. But not funny enough to justify picking up this foul fossil of a novel.

(3.5 stars) Complexities of family life.......2001-04-26

Jane Smiley is at her literary best when dealing with intergenerational family issues. Three daughters and a granddaughter gather at their parent's home, concerned with Ike Robison's declining health, solicitous of their mother, Anna. After 36 seminal hours, we find that the daughters could not be more different, yet complementary in ways only close families recognize.

Each of the daughters view their parents from a personal perspective, especially their mother, Anna, projecting their own disillusionment onto her. Meanwhile Anna, mostly silent, muses about the grown daughters who surround her, wondering how they all came to live so close, gather so readily like a flock of restless birds, when she had meant to teach them to fly. Two daughters already widowed, one divorced, the women have all outlived the men, save Ike, and have lost their balance.

When granddaughter Christine comes home to visit, as well, she brings her own distractions. Twenty-three and newly married, Christine is full of the natural exhuberance of youth. The three daughters shift their attention back and forth, from Ike's worsening health to Christine's surprising announcement.

Occasionally a small voice from upstairs calls to Anna, "Mother! Mother!". Ike wishes only his wife to tend to his few needs. Moving between the two realities, Anna finds time for reflection upon her fifty-some years of marriage. In Anna's ruminations, there is a quiet revelation of her life through the years, as a young girl, as a married woman, years spent washing, cooking, cleaning. Years of service given without a thought to feelings or needs, or to the vagaries of married love. Looking back, her memories are as sharp as thorns and as sweet as new-shelled peas.

The power of the family dynamic seems at first to rest with the daughters, each pushing for her own resolution. They form temporary alliances, based on sibling rivalry, change perspective, shift yet again. Anna finds them engaged in their own busy pursuits; even the granddaughter falls into a deep afternoon slumber. Ultimately, it is Anna who holds our focus in this well crafted novel, her thoughts, her dreams. Never mundane or banal, the dialog is as sharp as the plot.

difficult characters, unlovable, but real.......2000-11-29

Jane Smiley managed to write a novel with unlikable characters that i enjoyed. That takes some skill!

The older you get, the more assertive you become, the more you know what to say or how to behave yourself in a tough situation. Right? Not really, if one is to look at Anna. She is just as insecure at 72 as she was in her youth. If one is to hope for invaluable wisdom as a payoff for lack of energy, strength, health, looks, etc., we are all screwed. This was my secret hope, and i am now very disappointed. Anna has been feeling weak as long as she can remember, first with her mother, then with her husband and his family, now with her daughters and even her granddaughter. What i find most pathetic is her inability to resolve her resentments towards her husband when she should have. She did not deal with whatever he did to her at its right time, and now that he is sick and almost an invalid is not the time to bring things up, yet Anna can't help herself. As a character, she infuriates me. If you don't do the right thing at the right time (in this case, deal with your husband), then let it go. Don't store it up and let it fester for decades. The rest of the family is sad and well portrayed. Ike is a sick man angry at the world for whatever obscure reason. Helen is pretentious. Claire is envious. Susanna is on the same path Anna is right now. Christine is the perfect example of why marriage and reproduction should not be allowed for anyone under 30. What's with her sense of entitlement and arrogance? At one point, her own mother calls her a 'dope'. Well put!

My two objections are Dolores, who is referred to time and time again and is never developed as a character (by comparison, Abel is very well described and understood), and Christine's final decision. It doesn't make sense, after spending half the book defending her arguments to now change her mind so quickly.

In this novel, which takes place in 36 hours, we get to know a family with generational problems and character problems. The imperfections of these characters make them real, and although none of them is lovable, they form a beautiful book. The detail and thoroughness that Jane Smiley goes through is remarkable.

The surprises of a mother's love........1997-07-14

In the midst of life's uncertainties, one has always been sure of a mother's love. It's one of life's givens, or is it? The startling perspective of the aging, female narrator in this superbly written novel is certain to give you new insights on the dynamics of family relationships, particularly the intricacies of mother-daughter and sibling relationships. Like a rich and original tapestry, the novel weaves the past, present and future of its characters into a beautiful blend of sadness and joy, always affirming the value of life, but life that is never predictable or obvious. Reading At Paradise Gate reminds us that while the gate may be in view, our feet remain firmly planted on earth

Customer Reviews:

el gran maestro... otra vez.......2007-08-13

una estupenda obra del gran maestro Manara. 100% recomendable. Además el envío perfecto, en tiempo y calidad. GRACIAS

Piranese.......2007-05-12

This is an excellent graphic book,very far above average in writing, and a total work of art in graphics.

Book Description

A Flag Full Of Stars

It has been eighteen months since the Starship Enterprise completed her historic five-year mission and her legendary crew has seperated, taking new assignments that span the galaxy.

On Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk has married and started a new life as the Chief of Starfleet operations where he is overseeing the refit of his beloved ship, now commanded by a new Captain -- Willard Decker. Kirk's only tie to his former crewmates is his Chief of Staff, a young Lieutenant Commander named Kevin Riley.

But Kirk's new, quiet life changes when he meets a scientist named G'dath who is on the brink of perhaps the greatest scientific discovery in a century. G'dath's invention could mean tremendous strides in Federation technology, or -- in the wrong hands -- the subjugation of countless worlds.

When Klingon agents capture this new technology, Admiral Kirk and Lt. Commander Riley are all that stands between peace and devastation for the entire Federation.

Download Description

Eighteen months have passed since the Enterprise completed her historic five-year mission. Her legendary crew has separated, taking new assignments that span the galaxy. On Earth, Admiral James T. Kirk has married and started a new life as the Chief of Starfleet operations where he is overseeing the refit of his beloved ship, now commanded by a new Captain-- Willard Decker. Kirk's only tie to his former crewmates is his Chief of Staff, a young Lieutenant Commander named Kevin Riley. Kirk's new, quiet life changes when he meets a scientist named G'dath who is on the brink of perhaps the greatest scientific discovery in a century. G'dath's invention could mean tremendous strides in Federation technology, or, in the wrong hands, the subjugation of countless worlds. Klingon agents capture this new technology, and Admiral Kirk and Lt. Commander Riley are all that stand between peace and devastation for the entire Federation.

Customer Reviews:

Second book of the Lost Years saga.......2007-03-22

Eighteen months after the end of the Enterprise's five year mission, and following the events of THE LOST YEARS this novel finds Kirk still at his temporary assignment in the Admiralty, a position that he is beginning to suspect is not so temporary after all. Kirk has married Lori Ciana (see THE LOST YEARS and STAR TREK:TMP) who is also coming to realize that she has been manipulated by Admiral Nogura. The couple's dissatisfaction with their professional lives has taken a toll on their personal lives as well. Kevin Riley is still working as Kirk's assistant but is also having his own problems, both professional and personal. Across the continent a Klingon scientist is dealing with his own problems. G'Dath is held in suspicion by Klingon society, he is not a member of the warrior caste and is interested in scientific research for the sake of knowledge itself, not as a means to wage war more efficiently. He has come to Earth in order to pursue his work only to discover that human society is also suspicious of a peaceful Klingon. The only position he could find was teaching an advanced course for high school students. The novel switches between these different storylines until they all merge for an exciting climax.

For serious Star Trek fans, paticularly those of the original series, this is a must read. The LOST YEARS Saga answers the questions raised by the first motion picture, A FLAG FULL OF STARS focuses on Kirk's activities during this period to the near exclusion of the rest of the crew. It is a well written novel that moves the saga forward. For Kirk fans it is a treat but Spock, McCoy and other fans will be disappointed. Those who are only casual fans of the series should probaby just give this one a miss.

Mixed emotions........2003-10-25

This book is well-written, with characters handled well and a plot that moves well, with a writing style that is very enjoyable to read and few sloppy errors.

Unfortuantely, there are two major problems with it: one is that I find the basic concept to the "Lost Years" stories somewhat dubious; if, during the time between the end of the five-year mission and the first movie, there continued to be major, exciting things going on involving Kirk, it seems doubtful that he would have become the bored and boring paper-pusher who was so desperate to get out of his admiral's office and back into a captain's chair. It seems far more likely that nothing of note happened during those years, which is WHY he became so dissatisfied. So for that reason, among others, I find that I have difficulty accepting the story here (and in its predecessor, "The Lost Years") to be canonical.

Secondly, there is a related issue: it may satisfy the curious to read stories told about the "Lost Years", and it has some of the same morbid fascination as watching a train wreck, but it really isn't my idea of entertainment to read stories about the years during which Kirk became a boring and bored pencil-pusher. It is enough to know that this HAPPENED, and that that explains why he would actively pursue a demotion in order to regain command of a ship later. This was an effective cautionary tale about the dangers of the Peter Principle, accepting promotions to your level of incompetence, but it seems to me it worked better as an off-screen, behind-the-scenes story. It loses some of its effect when examined closely.

This book is interesting.......2002-05-13

Far above your typical Star Trek novel. In this book Kirk is an admiral and as usual has to solve an intergalactic conspricy with nothing(except the resources of an entire galaxy). I remember reading this book and the reason why I rmember it is because of the unique inovation of putting impluse engines on the (by then) old space shuttles. A must for any Star Trek fan.

The kitten rocked, the children didn't.......2001-09-03

This book is a part of The Lost Years-saga, and although puplished as the third of the four books, chronologically it takes place after the thirdly puplished "Traitor Winds".

"A Flag Full of Stars" doesn't live up to the expectations of "Traitor Winds", wich is, without a doubt, the best of the four.

"A Flag Full of Stars" comes second, though, due to the boringness and not-beliavability of "The Lost Years", and the simple meaninglessness of "Recovery".

The Biggest strenght of "A Flagg Full of Stars" is that it's an unconventional Trek novel.

Taking place mostly on Earth, the novel centeres around original, and more-or-less succesfully constructed characters. We have a story of a Klingon scientist, living on Earth, teaching, and a tale of one of his students.

As so often, the youngsters act at least five years younger than expected, are shallow and underestimated as characters.

The Klingon scientist on the other hand is written extremely well, but even he can't measure up to his pet kitten, who is clearly the best character of the entire spectrum of the characters introduced in this novel.

The setting is exellent, the writing good, characterization decent, but the plot leaves something to be desired for.

It's bases are ridiculously devoid of credibility, introducing a machine that can create energy out of nothing. And most ludicrous is the fact that it's created not in some top secret research lab, but at the inventors home, vithout the inventor even knowing what's being created. Whatever happened to the laws of physics and common sence?

All in all the kitten, the writing, and the use of good characters elevate this book into a decent one, that might have been exellent, if it had had at least a slightly intelligent plot.

Lost No Longer.......2000-11-27

One of the biggest questions that every Star Trek fan asks is this: what happened between the end of the original series and the first movie? How did Kirk become an admiral, why was Spock trying to finally divulge himself of his human heritage, and what happened to McCoy? The Lost Years Trilogy answers all these questions. The first instalment from 1989, 'The Lost Years', by now-veteran Trek author J. M. Dillard was a Star Trek classic. It has been on my bookshelf for almost 10 years, and I have read it many times. Brad Ferguson's 1991 novel 'A Flag Full of Stars' is a worthy sequel, examining the blossoming relationship between Kirk and fellow-admiral Lori Ciana and the continuing adventures of Spock and McCoy. The Klingon co-star of the book provides Ferguson with a way to delve into the still-relevant issue of racism, and how even the bad guys sometimes produce a hero. The whole issue of the exploitation of altruistic scientists and their ideas is also examined here, providing a neat allegory for the emergence of nuclear power. The ending, a direct, and nail-biting cliff-hanger, shows that Kirk, ever the swashbuckler, was never intended to pilot a bureaucrat's desk through uncharted frontiers of paperwork, a theme that runs through this book, reflecting and explaining events and attitudes from the first two Star Trek films. It is an absorbing and exciting novel, and while it is not as well-written as 'The Lost Years' it is still of admirable quality compared to many other Trek authors, comparable to the work of long-time fan-favourite Michael Jan Friedman. It is also a vital piece of Trek continuity (and a thoroughly enjoyable one at that) that no fan should be without. The greatest tragedy is that, as yet, I have been unable to track down the third and final instalment that would take the trilogy up to the events of 'Star Trek: The Motion Picture'. It was slated to be 'The War Virus' by Irene Kress, but it still eludes all my attempts to pin it down. Nonethesless, this sad fact cannot detract from the value of the first two parts to the trilogy. 'A Flag Full of Stars' is a worthy addition to the Star Trek mythos, and not only is this good Star Trek, this is good science fiction in its own right.

Star Trek the Lost Years : Traitor Winds/Recovery/a Flag Full of Stars/the Lost Years (Star Trek : The Lost Years Series)

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The Lost Years - this is how it should be done.

Star Trek the Lost Years : Traitor Winds/Recovery/a Flag Full of Stars/the Lost Years (Star Trek : The Lost Years Series)
Pocket Books
Manufacturer: Pocket Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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

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Science Fiction & Fantasy | Boxed Sets | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0671851543

Customer Reviews:

The Lost Years - this is how it should be done........1999-04-12

If you're an aspiring Star Trek author, you should read "The Lost Years". This is one of the few original Star Trek novels which reads like a screenplay from the original series. Bravo.

This book fills in the motivations of the main characters that were missing from the movies. These motivations make total sense given the background in the original series and the movies. Too many of the other novels introduce new elements and ideas which have no basis in the original show nor the movies.

Average customer rating:
A Flag Full of Stars
Don Robertsn
Manufacturer: G. P. Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JVOW54

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A Flag Full of Stars
Don Robertson
Manufacturer: G P Putnam's Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NPW79E

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A Flag Full of Stars
Robertson Don
Manufacturer: Putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NYEQ5S

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A Flag Full of Stars
Don Robertson
Manufacturer: Fawcett crest
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000JTN0UY

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"Nashville" circa 1948

A Flag Full of Stars
Don Robertson
Manufacturer: G P Putnams Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GZWUXE

Customer Reviews:

"Nashville" circa 1948.......2006-11-22

Structural similarities to Robert Altman's classic movie are notable in Don Robertson's "A Flag Full of Stars," a novel of American values and personalities. Set against the 1948 Truman-Dewey election, the points of view shift between the business, entertainment, politics, and jus-plain-folks dealing in and affected (or not affected) by not only the upset Truman victory (one character bets marriage with another on the election's outcome) but by the shifting social mores of the post-WW2 era. The ensemble cast acts and reacts with each other in precisely the way ALtman's "Nashville" people did, pairing up, moving on, and going from personal crisis to personal triumph with an American resilience that will make you glad you met these interestingly-drawn characters. I'm amazed this was never made into a movie, and I'm tempted to try my hand at a screenplay myself.

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A Flag Full of Stars (Star Trek #54)
Brad Ferguson
Manufacturer: Star Trek
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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A flag full of stars : a novel
Don Robertson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B00005VXG3

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A Flag Full of Stars, a Novel
Don Robertson
Manufacturer: Putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KKNQ9M

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Just on time!

Life Isn't Fair but God Really Is? Is He?

Schuller's books are cathartic

Makes You Appreciate Your Life

Life's Not Fair But God is Good

Life's Not Fair but God Is Good
Robert Schuller
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Christian Living | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0553561677
Release Date: 1997-02-11

Book Description

Tum every obstacle into a step on the road to greater faith, hope, and happiness. There's no doubting that life can be tough and sometimes even seems downright unfair. But Dr. Robert H. Schuller, the world's premier positive thinker, has great news. Even when life is toughest, even when you're battling more than your share of disappointments, you can rise above adversity and find new hope and true happiness Dr. Schuller shows you know to keep your faith in good times and bad. You'll discover how to turn disappointments into stepping-stones to success. Five self-esteem boosters that can give you the confidence to turn your dreams into reality. Six easy steps for unlocking the tremendous healing power of prayer. The nine commandments of thankful to restore your positive outlook on life. How to keep your goal in sight, even when obstacles get in the way. . .and much more! Life may not always be fair, or easy, but you can triumph over any obstacle that comes your way if you remember these simple but powerful life--affirming words: God is good.

Customer Reviews:

Just on time!.......2005-08-03

I had not been having such a good 'spiritual' time this past year and this book fell into my hands in a providencial way. It helped me to refocus where I had to focus on, God. A certain moment came and, in a way that I would not have been able to respond earlier in the year, I was able to live the moment in faith and peace. I give thanks to the Lord for being there always, because "God is good". Praise be the Lord! Thanks also to Robert H. Schuller for being an instrument of Him. God bless you!

Life Isn't Fair but God Really Is? Is He?.......2004-10-29

Each individual lives with hopes - Who give Hopes? Robert Schuller does! Yeah, Life Isn't Fair always as we face a lot of ups and downs and hopes make one survive. It's a faith strong to build within and to read Robert's Books means keep the faith as he instil hope in the minds that Life may not be fair but keep the faith and sure, God Really sees your problems and help comes at the nick of hour. Being a great fan of Robert Schuller, his inspirations leads to a perspective to think Positive. Obstacles come your way but it is upto me, upto us, to face the challenges by keeping the faith in God. In the Religious text of Gita, it is said in hindi language 'Jo hota hai voh accha hi hoga, jo hoga voh accha hi ho raha hai...apna karm karte jao' Meaning to say, What happens is for good, what will happen will happen good, just do your good deeds. So, I believe, Robert also gives a hope and help you to be happy even in time of difficulties as you read the book coz his words in this book reflect a message to Keep the Faith and believe, trust in God. God really is fair, Is he sometimes??? Only he knows! Good console, good book.

Schuller's books are cathartic.......2002-04-22

This is only the second of Schuller's books that I've read and I am already noticing his uncanny knack for making you put your life into perspective. In "Life's not Fair but God is Good", Schuller relates more stories about himself, the people he's known, and the difficult situations they've all worked their way out of, through faith and positive thinking.

Unlike other motivational authors, Schuller doesn't so much tell you how to "change" your life, as much as he shows you how to make the best of the life you now live. "When life hands you lemons, make lemonade" as they say. Reading about some of the situations Schuller and many of his longtime friends have dealt with in their lives, only to come out better people, it increasingly makes me feel as if my biggest source of stress and tribulation, that being my work, is really nothing to take personally. A job is just a job and in reality, the rest of my life is going just fine. There are some people who not only don't have a job, but who couldn't work anyway because of some health problem. Schuller seems to know a lot of the folks who were able to figure out how to do what they love, in spite (or because) of their health or other such obstacles.

Pick up "Life's not Fair, but God is Good". I also recommend "If it's Going to Be, it's Up to Me". This kind of pseudo-therapy from Robert Schuller at the small cost of his books is a steal.

Makes You Appreciate Your Life.......2001-05-03

In the past four months life has dealt my family some severe blows and I wish I had read this book two months ago. It still had a profound effect on how I will view my future but it would have helped me get on the right track sooner. It will help you understand that God is really Good and not our enemy. Rev. Schuller explains with simple examples and simple words how our attitude toward the "unfair events of our lives" can be turned into the most rewarding and enriching times. He helps us to understand that giving thanks to God is the key to finding peace and our way in this earthly life. His message shows that finding God replaces the emptiness and the fear of what might happen. I recommend this book to anyone who is facing challenges in their lives or has recently lost someone dear to them. I bought this book two weeks ago and have already shared it with two friends.

Life's Not Fair But God is Good.......2000-06-28

Reverand Schuller has done it again. This is a sensational book. I received this book from my father a few months ago. After reading just the first page, I was totally captivated by it. Reverand Schuller gives hope to everyone, no matter what their religion or belief. This book has made me laugh, cry and literally drop my chin to the floor. Reverand Schuller shows us that no matter what our situation may be, there is always a brighter side with God showing us the way.

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LIFE'S NOT FAIR BUT GOD IS GOOD
SCHULLER ROBERTH H.
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JJXGAI

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Life's Not Fair, but God Is Good

Manufacturer: Bantam Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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