The Woman Who Knew Gandhi: A Novel

Book Description

Based on an aside in Mahatma Gandhi's autobiography, in which he mentions a brief but seductive youthful flirtation with an Englishwoman, The Woman Who Knew Gandhi boldly imagines a long correspondence between a spiritual leader from the East and an ordinary woman from the West. In 1948, just after Gandhi's assassination, Martha Houghton receives a letter from Gandhi's son, who himself lies dying of tuberculosis in Bombay. Having found a stash of her letters to his father, he asks to meet her. The request sends Martha into a tailspin, for her husband knows nothing of her lifelong friendship with Gandhi. Martha and her husband are forced to reevaluate their long marriage, and she must find a way to reconcile the disparate halves of her life. Moreover, their small community becomes a magnet for the press, and Martha finds her words twisted and used against her. Ultimately, she must decide whether to meet her old son's friend on his deathbed, or to remain in England and mend the rift in her marriage. Charmingly and elegantly written, The Woman Who Knew Gandhi explores the many definitions of love and friendship and the surprises of marriage.

Customer Reviews:

American Classic Novel.......2004-08-25

This novel has every element of a classic American novel. Post-war England is contrasted with the newly independant India. The characters are multi-dimensional, unlike too many "cardboard" characters in current writings. Character development is a key element of the novel, though the plot is engrossing as well. The reader is drawn into the story from page one and each page has some pithy observation which the reader is eager to discuss with someone else. There are subtle leit-motivs if one is inclined to look for them. Besides the philosophical comparisons of various marriages, religions, countries, values, happiness, there seem to be subtle questions about loyalty to one's country, mate, family, history and other human importances. This is a book that I will read again, even though there are yet so many unread books out there. After a marathon of reading this summer, finding this gem outweighs all the precious time spent reading mediocre books. After reading the last paragraph of this book I was reluctant to begin another. What can follow perfection?

A wonderful read.......2004-01-09

I stumbled across this book in a store-- I hadn't heard anything about it. And so I was surprised at how great it was. Keith Heller is a beautiful, understated writer and this is a really "satisfying" (as Elizabeth Berg says on the front) book. It's about the two sides of love, the practical and spiritual sides, and how one woman must reconcile them. I highly recommend this novel if you like subtle, rich, elegant writing and reading about the extraordinary moments of ordinary lives.

Book Description

Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.

Customer Reviews:

Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03

Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.

Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19

Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.

Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09

There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.

For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.

Very Interesting.......2007-03-07

It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.

History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10

Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.

I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.

Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.

Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.

I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.

This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.

THE COMPLETE (Compleat) BOOK OF SWORDS: The First Book of Swords; The Second Book of Swords; The Third Book of Swords

Average customer rating:

THE COMPLETE (Compleat) BOOK OF SWORDS: The First Book of Swords; The Second Book of Swords; The Third Book of Swords
Fred Saberhagen
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GVWWL8

Average customer rating:

Completely Entertaining
Its been a few years since I've read this but....
This should be required reading
Under-rated
Under-rated

The Complete Book of Swords
Fred Saberhagen
Manufacturer: Doubleday Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1568650094

Customer Reviews:

Completely Entertaining.......2007-06-18

As the title suggests this is the complete book of the first three sword books. If you are a fantasy fan it is a must read. From the opening epilogue of Vulcan forging the 12 swords, Saberhagen will captivate you to finish the first book and the remaining two. It starts out describing the smith god with somewhat human characteristics and very descriptive action scenes, that take the human condition and forge them into the 12 swords. It starts off as a game of the gods but later turns out to be the architecture of their demise. The development of the key characters is second to none. Saberhagen conveys a deep connection with Mark and Ben even Marks father Jord. I would only say that the laps between the books does leave the read in wonder a little, there is a little of a time lapse, where I think the author could supply us with some more details, but this does not take anything away from the substance of the stories. This compilation sets the stage rather nicely for the books to follow which tell of the exploits of the remaining swords. So sit back and enjoy this carefree read!!

Its been a few years since I've read this but...........2005-07-04

... but I did read the entire Book of Swords and the entire follow up The Book of Lost swords.
This review is more in response to a few of the other reviews. The Book of Swords is a fast paced fantasy that plays out a game started by "the gods" for their amusement. There are magicians everywhere good and evil, guilds, kingdoms, battles, and at least one character growing into himself. What more could you want... Oh yes you could want to go around in circles and get a whole lot more in depth so each book would take a couple of weeks instead of a couple of days.
Saberhagen did not need to go anymore in depth for a book at this reading level!
If that isn't enough for you than you probably don't want this series. If you wander what your getting yourself into when you start a series of books than...
This is an excelent choice for someone who is not used to reading very long books but does not like a (good) story to end. This is one story that is broken up into smaller self sufficient stories. If you usually just read one book and your done you will be pleased with this book and may even expand your horizons. You can keep going if you want to but you don't have to if you want to be finished. However, if you are looking for your reading for the next year you would be sourly disappointed. It goes comparativly quickly for a series.
I don't believe this series was ever intended for a college level reader, except perhaps in discusing symolizm (in fact it is full of it my english 102 professor would have a field day).
This is a great book for some one who might be intimidated by a large book with large words. Someone on the 6th or 8th grade level should get through it but anyone who enjoys magic would be able to enjoy as well. I read strictly sci. fi. before I read this series but now I love the longer fantasy stuff. I haven't gone back to short Sci. fi. novels.

This should be required reading.......2003-01-31

If you like a good fast read, that leaves you wanting more, then this book is for you. Luckily, there are stories that follow that are equally fun.

Under-rated.......2003-01-25

The book was very good reading material if you just want a story. The characters in the book are a little under-developed but the book still had meaning. If you cast aside the difference of the Roman and Greek names of the gods its a good book. I think the worst part of the book was the ending but i still would recommend it to anyone who just wants to sit down and read a good book without spending an hour analyzing it.

Under-rated.......2003-01-25

The Complete Book of Swords; Comprising the First, Second and Third Books

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The Complete Book of Swords; Comprising the First, Second and Third Books
Fred Saberhagen
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B000GZYO2E

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An excellent book
Not That Great

The Complete Book of Swords: Comprising the First, Second and Third Books
Fred Saberhagen
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: B00072EXOK

Customer Reviews:

An excellent book.......2002-08-29

This book is about a dozen swords with unique special powers forged by the god Vulcan. The swords were then scattered across the world. Mark, the main character with a somewhat unknow background is the one who figures out most of the swords and eventually finds more out about his background and patronage. While this is not your typical fanatasy book with in depth character development, it is a book of many individuals and thier stories with each of the twelve swords. An excellent read for a tale of how powerfull artifacts alter peoples lives.

Not That Great.......2002-08-20

This book followed the footsteps of Mark, a young man whose father helped the god Vulcan make 12 magical swords. The swords were intended to be part of a game that the gods set up. However, the gods miscalculated how powerful the swords were and the power that ordinary humans had. Mark could be an interesting character, but lacks real depth and development. The story is really about the swords.

There are three books in this one, but they don't really flow together. They stories are chronological and do make sense, but there is a lot of repetition and not a whole lot of characterization or smooth plot development. The end of the last book leaves many loose ends and doesn't provide anything resembling a sense of satisfaction with a book well written and worth reading. I was very glad that I had borrowed and not bought this book.

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The Complete Book Of Swords
Saberhager
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JFD418

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The Complete Book of Swords

Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HNZ78A

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The Complete Book Of Swords -
Fred Saberhagen -
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday Publishing -
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UMZD6O

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The Complete Book of Swords Comprising the First Second and Third Books
Fred Saberhagen
Manufacturer: Doubleday Book & Music Clubs
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NQI49U

Average customer rating:
THE COMPLETE BOOK OF SWORDS COMPRISING THE FIRST, SECOND ADN THIRD BOOKS
Fred Saberhagen
Manufacturer: Doubleday
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OTH5SM

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Dumarest of Terra Omnibus 1: Gath, Derai, Toyman, Kalin
E. C. Tubb
Manufacturer: Wildside Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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The Temple of Truth (Dumarest of Terra, No 31)

ASIN: 0809544911

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I use ONE recipe ALL THE TIME

Good Recipes for Ice Cream

Piss and moan

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book

Must cook before making ice cream

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book: Over 500 Ice Creams, Sorbets, Granitas, Drinks, And More
Bruce Weinstein
Manufacturer: William Morrow Cookbooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Desserts | Baking | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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The Best Ice Cream Maker Cookbook Ever

KitchenAid KICA0WH Ice Cream Maker Attachment

ASIN: 0688161499

Book Description

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book contains enough recipes to fill your summer days with delicious frozen desserts -- but after acquainting yourself with this book's hundreds of tempting concoctions, you'll want to use it every day of the year. With over 500 recipes, author Bruce Weinstein has put together the most comprehensive cookbook of its kind, covering just about every conceivable flavor of ice cream, sorbet, and granita; dozens of different recipes for shakes, malts, and other cold drinks; how to make your own ice cream cones; and toppings galore.

If you ever worried that you might not get full use out of your ice-cream maker, cast your doubts aside. Ice cream recipes feature such unusual flavors as lavender, chestnut, rhubarb, and Earl Grey tea. Even Weinstein's vanilla ice cream is anything but plain, with variations like Vanilla Crunch, Vanilla Rose, and Vanilla Cracker Jack. There is also a plethora of light, refreshing recipes for sorbets and granitas, with flavors like Apple Chardonnay, Coconut, and Kiwi. Top everything off with the author's recipes forhomemade sauces. Whether it's a special event or a midnight snack, The Ultimate Ice Cream Book has what you need to make any occasion a little sweeter.

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Customer Reviews:

I use ONE recipe ALL THE TIME.......2007-07-16

I really do like this book--I see all sides of the reviews (mostly). It's not sophisticated, or an "ice cream bible," but I've made a great majority of these recipes and have found I like them all! The one I consistently use as a jumping off point for many creative endeavors, is the "lower fat vanilla" with the sweetened condensed milk. Delicious!!!

Good Recipes for Ice Cream.......2007-07-15

This book is very thorough, well-organized, and easy to use. I like the diversity of recipes, although I find that the ones that came in the little brochure with my ice cream maker are the ones I use more often. (Because I think they are even easier.) I am glad I bought the book and get a lot of pleasure from its recipes.

Piss and moan.......2007-04-07

One half of the reviews whine about it not giving enough information rather than discuss it's merits for its target audience. So the complaints are not about the end products (which are marvelous), but making a bad decision. The blame one's own mistakes on the book approach. In the final analysis, the recipes are straight forward, interesting, and simple to produce.

The other half complain about the fact that there are many flavors a family would never create. True, but the title says 500 recipes -- what do you expect? 500 variations on vanilla, strawberry, and chocolate? With 500 recipes available, expect the mundane and the unusual. If your only concern is making something for the grandkids or the team, stick with the book that came with your maker. That being said, the final products are creative and generally delicious, depending of course on personal tastes.

The Ultimate Ice Cream Book.......2007-04-05

Now here's a BOOK! Great and unusual recipes. Many very easy, a few more complicated, but, hey, Ice Cream is serious business! Best book I have seen on the subject.

Must cook before making ice cream.......2006-11-24

I read the reviews and many people complained about the recipes having eggs in them. I thought that I could just omit the eggs and still have good ice cream. Well, I have owned the book for over a year and have yet to make a single batch of ice cream. All ice cream recipes must be cooked in advanced and then cooled. Probably 95% of them have eggs in them. While the recipes may be delicious (I don't know), it is far too much effort for me. I exclusively use the manual that I got with my ice cream maker and have played around with that instead. The author has some great ideas for unique types of ice cream and the sugar cone recipes are interesting as well, but I'll probably just donate this unused book to the library.

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