Book Description
Life changes in an instant. On a foggy beach. In the seconds when Abby Mason—photographer, fiancée soon-to-be-stepmother—looks into her camera and commits her greatest error. Heartbreaking, uplifting, and beautifully told, here is the riveting tale of a family torn apart, of the search for the truth behind a child’s disappearance, and of one woman’s unwavering faith in the redemptive power of love—all made startlingly fresh through Michelle Richmond’s incandescent sensitivity and extraordinary insight.
Six-year-old Emma vanished into the thick San Francisco fog. Or into the heaving Pacific. Or somewhere just beyond: to a parking lot, a stranger’s van, or a road with traffic flashing by. Devastated by guilt, haunted by her fears about becoming a stepmother, Abby refuses to believe that Emma is dead. And so she searches for clues about what happened that morning—and cannot stop the flood of memories reaching from her own childhood to illuminate that irreversible moment on the beach.
Now, as the days drag into weeks, as the police lose interest and fliers fade on telephone poles, Emma’s father finds solace in religion and scientific probability—but Abby can only wander the beaches and city streets, attempting to recover the past and the little girl she lost. With her life at a crossroads, she will leave San Francisco for a country thousands of miles away. And there, by the side of another sea, on a journey that has led her to another man and into a strange subculture of wanderers and surfers, Abby will make the most astounding discovery of all—as the truth of Emma’s disappearance unravels with stunning force.
A profoundly original novel of family, loss, and hope—of the choices we make and the choices made for us—
The Year of Fog beguiles with the mysteries of time and memory even as it lays bare the deep and wondrous workings of the human heart. The result is a mesmerizing tour de force that will touch anyone who knows what it means to love a child.
Customer Reviews:
very good page turner .......2007-09-23
I really enjoyed this book;although I did take it slower than most books I;ve read lately.But it was worth the patience..A good ending even if it proves how men are!
loved it.......2007-08-28
I loved this book. We read this for our book club choice, and I think everyone enjoyed it. If it seems kind of slow in places, it is because if you were someone who lost a child, time would literally stand still. I think Michelle really captures the torment, anguish and guilt that would come in a situation like this. The ending was a surprise, but could only have ended in that way. A great read!!
Astounding.......2007-08-26
This was a fascinating, emotional rollercoaster of a novel. I couldn't believe it wasn't a New York Times Bestseller. I'm not going to recap the plot, just suffice it to say my heart was pounding at certain points, and the book contained the perfect balance of hope and reality. I cannot wait to read other works by this author and feel that the hardcover edition was worth every penny.
Thought-provoking and well written.......2007-08-15
I read this book a few months ago. While the subject matter doesn't make for easy reading, I have to say I found the book to be really well written. The author took me to the core of what the characters were going through. The book is a powerful example of how one little misstep in life, one little lapse of concentration, can change our lives forever.
the year of fog.......2007-08-09
As a librarian in small rural library in New Hampshire, my patrons and I
liked this book a lot. It as our vote for one of the best books of 2007.
It has a wonderfully intriguing title, is well-written and Abby who loses her sone-to-be step-daughter on a foggy beach is a great character. The suthor treats the subject of missing children realistically but with quiet dignity, getting the message across how devastating such a loss is to everyone involved. The meditations on menory add substand to the plot. I do, however, recommend that the reader not go to the ending ahead of time (you will be tempted!) or reveal the ending to anyone who hasn't read the book but plans to. This book is a great choice for book club discussion. I recommend it highly.
Book Description
As a concept, storytelling has won a decisive foothold in the debate on how brands of the future will be shaped. Yet, companies are still confused as to how and why storytelling can make a difference to their business. What is the point of telling stories anyway? What makes a good story? And how do you go about telling it so that it supports the company brand? This book is written for practitioners by practitioners. Through real life examples, simple guidelines and practical tools, the book aims to inspire companies to use storytelling as a means of building their brand - internally as well as externally.
Customer Reviews:
The best how-to book on storytelling.......2005-09-05
I have been through a number of the most popular books on corporate storytelling, and this is by far the most useful of them. While they all contain a number of case studies, this book goes one step further and actually provides the reader with clear step-by-step guidelines on how to start using storytelling within your own organisation. Budtz, Fog and Yakaboylu evidently have a lot of real-world experience with their subject matter.
Highly informative.......2005-07-03
It's rare that a European book on branding is endorsed by American gurus such as Philip Kotler, Kevin Kelly and Tom Peters - even marketing guru Seth Godin calls this book "one of the very best marketing books of the year".
The strength of this book is not only its message, but in the simple way it delivers this message - through a range of anecdotes and good illustrations.
Addressing professionals working in management, sales, marketing, PR and human resources "Storyteling - Branding in Practice" is probably the first of its kind to provide a practical, hands-on set of tools for companies to apply storytelling strategically as a source to competive power.
In a few hours the book will give you insights into:
- how storytelling can be applied in a business context
- how and where to find stories about your company or brand
- how to tell these stories in a way that benefits business
Amazon.com
Oprah Book Club® Selection, November 2000: Andre Dubus III wastes no time in capturing the dark side of the immigrant experience in America at the end of the 20th century. House of Sand and Fog opens with a highway crew composed of several nationalities picking up litter on a hot California summer day. Massoud Amir Behrani, a former colonel in the Iranian military under the Shah, reflects on his job-search efforts since arriving in the U.S. four years before: "I have spent hundreds of dollars copying my credentials; I have worn my French suits and my Italian shoes to hand-deliver my qualifications; I have waited and then called back after the correct waiting time; but there is nothing." The father of two, Behrani has spent most of the money he brought with him from Iran on an apartment and furnishings that are too expensive, desperately trying to keep up appearances in order to enhance his daughter's chances of making a good marriage. Now the daughter is married, and on impulse he sinks his remaining funds into a house he buys at auction, thus unwittingly putting himself and his family on a trajectory to disaster. The house, it seems, once belonged to Kathy Nicolo, a self-destructive alcoholic who wants it back. What starts out as a legal tussle soon escalates into a personal confrontation--with dire results.
Dubus tells his tragic tale from the viewpoints of the two main adversaries, Behrani and Kathy. To both of them, the house represents something more than just a place to live. For the colonel, it is a foot in the door of the American dream; for Kathy, a reminder of a kinder, gentler past. In prose that is simple yet evocative, House of Sand and Fog builds to its inevitable denouement, one that is painfully dark but unfailingly honest. --Alix Wilber
Book Description
NOW A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE
In this riveting novel of almost unbearable suspense, three fragile yet determined people become dangerously entangled in a relentlessly escalating crisis. Colonel Behrani, once a wealthy man in Iran, is now a struggling immigrant willing to bet everything he has to resotre his family's dignity. Kathy Nicolo is a troubled young woman whose house is all she has left, and who refuses to let her hard-won stability slip away from her. Sheriff Lester Burdon, a married man who finds himself falling in love with Kathy, becomes obsessed with helping her fight for justice.
Drawn by their competing desires to the same small house in the California hills and doomed by their tragic inability to understand one another, the three converge in an explosive collision course. Combining unadorned realism with profound empathy,
House of Sand and Fog marks the arrival of a major new voice in American fiction.
Customer Reviews:
Immigrant experience is the only redeeming feature of the story.......2007-08-21
The story drags. It is depressing, as others have written. Multiple layers of tragedy, but the most compelling perhaps is the tale of prejudice experienced by the family. There are better ways to spend time than reading this book.
Hmmm..........2007-08-20
I will say that the story line held my interest, the plot was plausible, even the depiction of the cultural differences and what havoc that wrought in the clash between the characters was fascinating and truthful. I cared about each of the characters and was riveted to find out what would happen to them next. The BIG downer of this book, however, was all of the cursing and way too much explicit sex. I realize this was somewhat important for developing the characters of Lester and Kathy, but the mere suggestion of it would have been enough. Instead, it was excessive, dirty, and over the top in my opinion. Overall, I'm glad I read this strong emotion and thought provoking story, but I would be reluctant, embarrassed even, to recommend it without warning of the excessive and explicit sex and cursing.
I can't believe this made Oprah's book list.......2007-08-07
If you think that you are too happy with your life and you want waste a couple hours, then this is the book for you. I can't believe that this book was made into a movie or that Oprah put this on her book club list. It is that bad.
I did find it interesting to review the cultural differences and expectations of different societies, but other than that it was extremely depressing and a total waste of time. If you want to know the ending - everyone either dies or goes to jail. What an uplifting story - not!
Mixed Feelings.......2007-07-02
Rating this novel was extremely difficult because the book left me with very mixed feelings. The writing and imagery were magnificent and certainly worthy of five shining stars. Some of the plotlines and characterizations, however, were relatively disappointing. The characters of Lester and Kathy evoked a lot of anger and frustration, which may have been the author's intention, but their overwhelming selfishness, ignorance, and simplicity was a bit over the top. Their "love" affair was also a bit over the top and Lester's instant devotion was difficult to swallow considering he was essentially a confused adulterer who violently abused his power as a police officer and somewhat took advantage of a troubled woman who had nothing left to lose. This wasn't as emotional a read as I was expecting because it was almost impossible to sympathize with half of the key characters (mainly Lester and more often than not Kathy). I do, however, commend the author for the unique and intriguing cultural perspective he weaved throughout the book.
wow!.......2007-06-14
Even though the ending was spoiled for me ( didn't finish in time for book club) I was captivated enough to finish anyway. I really enjoyed the story. Very well written. I highly recomend this one. ( The film was pretty good too!)
Amazon.com
So, okay, Cindy Pawlcyn adds butter to her mashed potatoes before she adds the milk, which is all backwards according to those who have initiated intense experiments to resolve such issues. But so what? Her food (it's her name on the cover of the cookbook, even though any food coming out of a restaurant as popular and free-spirited as the original Fog City Diner in San Francisco is likely to be something of a group effort--kind of like the Manhattan Project) brightened palates back in 1985 when the diner opened, and it serves adventurous palates just as well today.
Remember when attaching "California" to food actually meant a thing or two? Fog City Diner Cookbook is something of a time capsule in that regard. You have seen similar-looking food on menus in your town. But that's now, and this book (and the food before it) came out back when it was news. What's interesting to note, however, is that Pawlcyn bases her dishes on sound culinary principles. She isn't throwing oddball ingredients together to grab attention or to appear to be clever, she's combining flavors and textures and cultural heritage to achieve specific effects, with new and powerful results. In other words, she shows restraint on the one hand, and knows what she's doing on the other.
For that first blush of that brash California "thang" with food, don't hesitate to hang your hat inside the Fog City Diner. The cookbook, that is. --Schuyler Ingle
Customer Reviews:
Good Diner Food Made Easy.......2006-04-13
I like to browse different types of cookbooks, and to find recipes that I may not find anywhere else. This cookbook did not disappoint. Even though I have not visited the Fog City Diner, I have been to many diners in my day. I was surprised at the large variety of recipes available, and the eclectic ingredients included in the book.
Some of my favorite recipes include: Split Pea and Apple-Smoked Bacon Soup, Mushroom Toast, Cheesesteak Sandwich, Cobb Sandwich, Chicken Curry Pot Pie, Apple Dumplings, Vanilla Caramel Custard, Hot Toddy, and Seasoned Nuts.
Enjoy!
secrets revealed about diner food.......2005-04-11
for many years i was wondering what that german deli down the block from me, was putting in its' tuna salad that gave it a unique wonderful taste. i could never figure it out and was addicted to the tuna salad so was spending a good chunk of my food allowance on it.
tuna is a food that if you can get it to taste great you have a very cheap meal that is good value. tuna as a whole i don't care for except for this german deli tuna.
well i relate this story because the secret ingrediant that i could never figure out is in this book.
for this alone the book was worth the money spent on it.
Okay.......2002-11-04
That's about it. Lots of recipes the average person just would not use.
The recipes work and are fun - a cookbook you will USE.......2000-06-03
Sad to say, I have never been to the Fog City Diner, so I cannot compare my outcomes with the originals. But, the book is great! Enough detail so that even I can get it right, and where necessary (i.e. pie crust) the measurements are PERFECT. The ceviche recipe is an especially excellent one (orange+lemon+lime juice marinade - who knew?). Hearty comfort food with a lot of spirit and panache.
Book Description
Streams, lakes, rain, ice, mist, and fog provide the photographer with a wealth of opportunities to make great images. In this inspirational how-to book illustrated with some 70 stunning color photos, master photographer Tony Sweet explains how to make the most of those opportunities. With a focus on sharpening the skills of interpretation, he shows how to create beautiful photographs of water in all its forms.
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyed the book........2007-08-11
Excellent photography by Tony Sweet. Comments with each image are very imformative. Book arrived in good condition.
Fine Art Photography: Water, Ice and Fog.......2007-06-27
Brilliant! Tony Sweet takes beautiful images and is generous in sharing his techniques as well.
Another fine book.......2007-04-06
This is another fine book put together by Tony Sweet and an excellent compliment to "Fine Art Nature Photography".Tony does a nice job explaining what , why and how he made the photos . With many of the photos I understood what he did and found myself asking "Great idea ,But what if I try this or tweak that"
What more can one ask for then to be shown the possibilities and have their imagination expanded at the same time.
This is another fine addition to his credit and my collection.
Tony Sweet does it well.......2007-03-16
Right up to expectations, and I believe this book will lead me towards better results with my photography
More of the Same (and that's Good).......2007-03-06
In his three published books, Tony Sweet has hewed a constant course. On the left hand side of the fold is a beautiful picture. On the right hand side is a description of the considerations that ran through Sweet's mind in making the picture.
The pictures themselves are quite lovely. Sweet specializes in nature scapes of both the close-up and the long variety. But in these pictures the photographer comes close to abstraction in almost every shot. At first glimpse his work looks like the paintings of Arshile Gorky or Helen Frankenthaler with nary a straight or hard edge. Then suddenly it resolves itself and you realize that you are looking into the heart of a flower or a dew drop with almost no depth of field, or at a fog-filled forest, or onto a frozen river.
Although Sweet claims "there is very little in the way of specific instruction in this book", I thought him mistaken. The descriptions of what he was trying to achieve and the approach he took for each subject seemed to me even more instructive than his first two books. It was not like an explanation of how to pick a proper exposure (although when he tells you to open the aperture wide for a particular effect, that seems pretty specific.) Instead he emphasizes the importance of visualizing what you want to capture and then selecting the tools to achieve that goal. I was particular struck by his regular use of colored filters to achieve a certain tint in his photographs.
After my first reading, I felt that much of the instruction was similar to the material he presented in his other books, with just a slightly different perspective. But half way through my second reading I came across something Sweet suggested that seemed new to me, stopped reading and got my photography equipment, took a picture using a technique I had never tried, and was well pleased with the result.
Because I am such a fan of Sweet, several of these pictures reminded me of pictures in his earlier books and indeed when I looked at the other books I could see great similarities in the treatment of subjects, while also noticing different results. Sweet advocates going back to subjects and places you've already photographed and photographing again and demonstrates how effective this can be.
I suspect that readers who have looked at the photographer's work before and learned nothing about seeing will also be disappointed by this book. Those who learned to see a little better will probably learn to see even more by reading this volume.
Customer Reviews:
Grab hold of this book!.......2007-05-14
Very impressed with the current information found in this book - there are many adult ADD books on my shelf, but this is in my top 3 books for everyday referals...worth purchasing!
2 Old 2 B Relevant.......2006-06-30
Murphy's "Out of the Fog" was published in 1995 -- that's 11 years behind the times! While he might include some informative and interesting stuff here, ADD/ADHD research is piling up with new insights and implications for personal and social-political use.
The very best new work out there, as of 2006, is Thomas E. Brown's "Attention Deficit Disorder: The Unfocused Mind in Children and Adults." Brown, a psychiatry prof at Yale's School of Medicine and the associate director of the Yale Clinic for Attention and Related Disorders, hasn't written a self-help guide here; instead, he's crafted the best overview of current thinking about ADD. He answers doubters -- and, refreshingly, discusses why a number of doubts about the very existence of ADD exist.
If you really want to know about ADD, this is the book.
Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders.......2006-05-30
After completing this review, I realized that if you have ADHD (like me), you may need to take a break in order to make it through to the end.
I am experienced reader of books on the subject of ADHD. The first thing I noticed about the book was the small font and paragraphs which extended very close to the edge of the pages. This is not ADHD-friendly. That said, an effort is made to use summary paragraphs. However, as most all ADHD books feature blocking information, summarizing, and reviewing. I tend to expect this rather than appreciate it. Another feature of the book which threw me off (repeatedly): randomly placed (long and winding) case studies (e.g. "Amy had just been diagnosed ...).
Per the DSM IV, "ADHD" is the proper term and covers three sub-types. The term ADD is no longer used (it's a sub-type under "ADHD"). The author explains this and then, states: "In the interest of simplicity, we will use the term ADD to refer to all three forms." I stopped and scratched my head ... does he believe his reader base to be so inattentive as to render them unable to deal with an extra letter to describe the very condition about which the book is written? That leads to the second question, does simplicity really call for the incorrect labeling of the subject matter of you book? Lastly, even before the DSM IV change, "ADD" as a label leaves out hyperactivity (and combined) - making it simple, but wrong. Why not refer to it properly and in doing so, encompass the entirety of those with the DSM IV's definition of ADHD?
Okay, this guy is old school and wants to save "H" for "simplicity" of reading. I moved on. Shortly thereafter, I got the sensation that I needeed to break out the pom-poms. I don't read about my ADHD to learn all the "wonderful" things I can accomplish despite my condition. At this point, I was becoming impatient. I flipped to the front of the book and noted it is still on the first version which is dated 1995. I knew the medication chapter should make for some useless reading. I had to flip to the chapter covering medication to find out just how useless. As expected, the chapter is pitifully outdated. Without getting specific, I will just let you know that the chapter spends most of its time on Ritalin as the AD(H)D medication and Prozac as a good anti-depressant. Don't waste your time. "Scattered Minds" by Adler (2006) offers medication information to such a greater extent, that fact alone would justify choosing "Scattered Minds" over "Out of the Fog" if you had only once choice.
So, why the 3 stars - kinda high based on my gripes, huh? I set aside my "ADD" label annoyance, worked through the small font and crammed pages, long and winding case studies, and woefully outdated medicaion infomation. What I found is this book offers very useful coping strategies for Adult ADHD. The book also does an excellent job of identifying problems ADHD creates (which leads to the coping advice). The author knows the subject very well. In this regard, the book is better than average.
I have to mention the book's information regarding how to cope with everyday life. You need to take advantage of technology's cutting edge equipment: "computers, fax machines, calculators, and voicemail." Wow. The calculator? It sure is an improvement over that time-intensive abacus.
Those with ADHD will find the layout of this book poor to the point to classify it as a non-starter. If you desire to understand a loved-one's condition, you would certainly benefit from the information (except medication and technology) provided. If you are looking to get your ADHD life under control, I suggest "10 Simple Solution to Adult ADD" (Sarkis, 2005) because it is laid out with the intended audience in mind. It is a quick hitting, information intensive read. (Yes, Sarkis also calls it ADD - oh well.)
Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders.......2006-05-30
After completing this review, I realized that if you have ADHD (like me), you may need to take a break in order to make it through to the end.
I am experienced reader of books on the subject of ADHD. The first thing I noticed about the book was the small font and paragraphs which extended very close to the edge of the pages. There is an effort made to do use summary paragraphs so that the ADHD reader can stay focused. Most all ADHD books feature blocking information, summarizing, and reviewing. I tend to expect this rather than appreciate it. Another feature of the book which threw me off (repeatedly): the randomly placed (and long and winding) case studies ("Amy had just been diagnosed ...). There are too many of them and they are too long. Remember your audience.
Per the DSM IV, "ADHD" is the proper term and covers three sub-types. The term ADD is no longer used (it's a sub-type under "ADHD"). The author explains this and then, states: "In the interest of simplicity, we will use the term ADD to refer to all three forms." I stopped and scratched my head ... does he believe his reader base to be so on short concentration we will be unable to deal with an extra letter to describe the very condition about which the book is written? That leads to the second question, does simplicity really call for the incorrect labeling of the subject matter of you book? Lastly, "ADD" as a label leaves out hyperactivity - making it simple, but wrong. Why not refer to it properly and in doing so, encompass the entirety of those with the DSM IV's definition of ADHD?
Okay, this guy is old school and wants to save "H" for "simplicity" of reading. I moved on. Shortly thereafter, I got the sensation that I needeed to break out the pom-poms. I don't read about my ADHD to learn all the "wonderful" things I can accomplish despite my condition. At this point, I was becoming impatient. I flipped to the front of the book and noted it is still on the first version which is dated 1995. I knew the medication chapter should make for some useless reading. I had to flip to the chapter covering medication to find out just how useless. As expected, the chapter is pitifully outdated. Without getting specific, I will just let you know that the chapter spends most of its time on Ritalin as the AD(H)D medication and Prozac as a good anti-depressant. Don't waste your time. "Scattered Minds" by Adler (2006) offers medication information to such a greater extent, that fact alone would justify choosing "Scattered Minds" over "Out of the Fog" if you had only once choice.
So, why the 3 stars - kinda high based on my gripes, huh? I set aside my "ADD" label annoyance, worked through the small font and crammed pages, long and winding case studies, and woefully outdated medicaion and technology infomation. What I found is this book offers very useful coping strategies for Adult ADHD. The book also does an excellent job of identifying problems ADHD creates (which leads to the coping advice). The author knows the subject very well. In this regard, the book is better than average.
I have to mention the book's information regarding how to cope with everyday life. You need to take advantage of technology's cutting edge equipment: "computers, fax machines, calculators, and voicemail." Wow. The calculator? It sure is an improvement over that time-intensive abacus.
Those with ADHD will find the layout of this book poor to the point to classify it as a non-starter. If you desire to understand a loved-one's condition, you would certainly benefit from the information (except medication and technology) provided. If you are looking to get your ADHD life under control, I suggest "10 Simple Solution to Adult ADD" (Sarkis, 2005) because it is laid out very well for those who struggle to keep focus. It is a quick hitting, information intensive read. (Yes, Sarkis also calls it ADD - oh well.)
Out of the Fog: Treatment Options and Coping Strategies for Adult Attention Deficit Disorders.......2005-10-17
This book has been very helpful so far. It is giving me new ways to think about old problems. I'm only half-way through, but am trying to get a handle on the time management/organizational problems with the help of one of the strategies suggested. I would imagine that most of this information would seem very obvious to the "normal" person, but to those of us who are "in the fog", it is invaluable. Thanks for writing this book Dr. Murphy!
R. Simmons, St. Charles, MO.
Book Description
They said she came in with the ice…
Lenore Featherjohn found the girl, frozen against a snow bank behind Lenore’s bed-and-breakfast. Some said she was a ghost, others said an angel.
Lenore knows better. Fearing that the police might look to her sons as murderers, she hires Jake Rikker and his crusty business partner, May, to investigate the suspicious circumstances surrounding her undesirable discovery. Their search leads them not to the strange girl–or to Earth’s final days, as many in the town suspect–but to Amy McLaren, the wife of a local minister. As Jake and May get closer to the truth, the tension between Lenore and Amy rises, forcing each woman to face the secrets they’ve hidden far too long.
Return to Fog Point in Black Ice, a gripping novel that asks, is any faith strong enough to survive the coldest seasons of life?
Customer Reviews:
Best mystery this year.......2007-07-21
The most compelling book I have read this year. I don't have a lot of time to read, but I made time for this book because it was so good. Linda Hall not only creates a mystery that holds my attention but she has complex characters with clear motive for their actions. The character of Lenore Featherjohn is both poignant and repulsive.Hall does not present the usual cardboard perfect Christians either. Her portrayal is much more realistic and honest. In addition, the details in the setting of Fog Point make it feel like it's a place I could drive up and see. I can't wait to read another Linda Hall book.
Another good mystery by Linda Hall.......2007-07-14
Winter comes to Fog Point, and for the first time in forty-five years ice has moved into the harbor. It snows every day, and as if that isn't bad enough, Lenore Featherjohn finds the body of a young woman back of her bed and breakfast. Lenore has two sons, who are a long way from being saints, and she doesn't want anyone suspecting them. She tells one little lie, just trying to protect her family, and it mushrooms until she is piling lie upon lie, with no end in sight.
Amy McLaren, minister's wife and a mother, knows something is wrong with her family, but she doesn't know what to do. And she's not sure she believes in God anymore, a disaster for a pastor's wife. Her husband is keeping secrets from her and her daughter is rebelling. Something is seriously wrong in Fog Point, and Jake Rikker and May Williams, private investigators, are on a hunt for a murderer before anyone else gets killed.
Black Ice is a tangled story with too many people who have too much to hide. Fans of Linda Hall's Fog Point series will welcome this one.
A New Favorite Author...........2007-07-11
I don't know how I've managed to miss Christy nominated, best-selling author, Linda Hall.
I will be rectifying this.
Black Ice wrapped around me and pulled me in, holding my attention until the very satisfying conclusion. Beautiful, haunting descriptions. Multi-dimensional and realistic characters. Page-turning, haunting plot.
The Christianity elements resemble the Christians I know, chipped, cracked and broken in progress and process.
Well done and recommended.
As reviewed at novelreviews blogspot
A Suspenseful Must Read.......2007-06-16
Linda Hall has done it again--provided her faithful readers with a novel rich in descriptions, filled with real and unique characters, and a mystery that keeps you turning the pages. Black Ice, the second book in the Fog Point Series brings back Fog Point's quirky cast of characters that we all came to care about in Dark Water.
Black Ice opens with Fog Points' local busybody Lenore Featherjohn's discovery of a young girl frozen outside her bed and breakfast entrance. Fearing her sons involvement in the murder of this unknown girl, Lenore moves the body, and positions the girl's hands together as if in prayer. Lenore's decision to alter the body's location and position the hands fuels the local gossip and draws media attention, as they ask, are the folded hands a sign that she is an angel? Does she have mysterious healing powers? Who is she? Who killed her and why?
Thus begins a mystery that involves a cast of thoroughly developed Fog Point characters that includes the resident minister, his wife, and his adopted daughter, along with the local PI team of Jake Rikker and May Williams. But Hall doesn't stop with the locals, as she delves into the girl's past and through varied points of view she brings us characters who unravel the far reaching mystery.
A fan of Linda Hall's writing for years, it wasn't difficult for me to thoroughly enjoy Black Ice. I am drawn to Hall's work because of her rich characters and her ability to engage them in fast moving yet intricate plots. Black Ice is no exception. Hall breaks the stereotype of a minister's wife with Amy who battles her burgeoning unbelief and gives us a glimpse into the real life of a minister's wife. Hall takes Lenore Featherjohn, a woman who would fall under the `extra grace required' category, and shows us what God sees in her, reminds us that no one is unimportant to God. All in all, Hall provides us with real people faced with real problems who happen to be caught up in a mystery that needs solving.
Though you don't need to read Dark Water to understand Black Ice, you might want to pick up Dark Water first so you can enjoy the books in the order Hall has released them. Either way, you won't be disappointed.
Suspenseful read.......2007-06-06
Linda Hall does it again in the latest installment of the Fog Point Series. When Lenore Featherjohn finds a girl frozen in a snowbank, it seems long-hidden secrets are about to see the light of day, leading to dangerous and wide-reaching consequences. Crisp, intense, filled with suspense and intriguing characters, BLACK ICE is a read you won't want to miss.
Marta Perry
Book Description
"Parting the Fog" is a candid, first person account of what it is like to walk in the shoes of someone suffering from fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome. It relays the seriousness of this condition in an easy-to-read manner, while employing humor and focusing on hope. It is a combination of prose and inspiring poetry. Each of the 17 short chapter ends with a personal page to enable sufferers to record their own thoughts and experiences, if they so choose. It also includes: a "Don't Ask-Do Ask" list for "Normals"; a letter to supportive people; a description of the treatment plan the author believes holds the best hope of recovery from symptoms; and chapters on perspective, faith, loss and hope. It is unique, personal, and will help others understand the struggles those with FMS/CFS are faced with. It is an important addition to the FMS/CFS sufferer's library.
Customer Reviews:
Thank you Sue Jones!.......2007-10-08
This book is written from the heart and touched my heart tremendously. First book I've ever read on Fibro/CFS that explained the pain that I've experienced. Thank you Sue Jones!!! I can use this book to help my husband and family understand my condition better.
I meant to give this book 5 stars, can not figure out how to change it now
Best book ever!.......2007-09-22
I'm a 27 years old woman in Denmark with FMS and I have to say to everyone who has this disease or anyone who lives with someone who does, please do yourself a favor and read this book it will answer a lot of questions that you might not ask your loveones directly and it will help you understand what its all about. I its nothing less then fantastic,it gives you a feeling of hope and that you're not alone with this.
The poems in this book has been worth cold to me.
Thank you Sue Jones for sharing with us.
Wanted more detail, less poetry.......2007-08-08
As someone who suffers from fibromyalgia, I've often felt lonely and misunderstood. I purchased this book hoping to find a relatable story within its pages; I'm sad to say my hopes weren't realized. I longed for Ms. Jones to get more specific about her experiences through prose, rather than poetry (I knew there would be poems, but I didn't expect so many). I have nothing against poetry--in fact, I've written a poem now and then about my own fibromyalgia--but I felt the poems took up too much of the book.
As someone who spent the first 26 years of her life in the midwest, I recognized that certain stoicism in Ms. Jones' writing; it echoed the messages I was taught as a child: life's hard, deal with it, don't complain. I actually wanted her to complain more, or at least more specifically. I totally agree that we who suffer need to find hope and move forward, but sometimes, we need to moan and mourn a bit first. I didn't get enough of that. Perhaps this book just isn't the right one for my stage of this condition? I'm glad others have found it helpful, but it was frustrating for me. I found myself wondering if she would "get" me if we were to speak and that isn't what I expected when buying this book.
One example of lack of specifics: the chapter on "guai" mentioned a woman who'd taken guai for two years and three months. Only in the last three months had she found relief. For the first two years, she found it "confusing." How? Why? In what specific ways? Ms. Jones herself mentioned that the protocol can be confusing, but I found myself wanting to know MORE of what she and the other woman meant, rather than be directed to another book for the answers.
I'll be donating this book in hopes that someone can find comfort. For me, it was a waste of time, except to spur me to write my own account one day. I gave it two stars for the effort, and out of respect for a fellow sufferer.
Someone really understands.......2007-07-14
This book was very emotionally satisfying. I felt that this author was writing for me and validated my feelings and experiences. It was a nice change from a medical or technical book regarding Fibromyalgia. It is also a great book to share with someone for a better insight into what a typical day can be like.
Helps us "normals" to understand.......2007-05-08
Although I don't personally suffer from Fibromyalgia or Chronic Fatigue, I do have family members that are afflicted. This book is an excellent way to "part the fog" for those of us who can not relate to the wrath this illness wreaks on it's victims. It is honest and simple, yet eloquent, and does not bog us down with medical jargon or some hidden agenda. I feel that anybody who has a friend or loved-one living with Fibromyalgia should read this book to get first-hand insight into their lives that you may not get elsewhere. After reading this personal account, I had a completely different understanding and appreciation for the symptoms and difficulties experienced by it's sufferers. It is an eye-opener!
Amazon.com
Animal lovers adore Patrick McDonnell's comic strip, Mutts featuring the adventures of Earl (the dog) and Mooch (the cat) told from their unique (and often hilarious) point of view. Just Like Heaven is a poignant and powerful picture book that fans (and their kids) will appreciate. We asked Patrick to tell us a little more about himself and the book, and he surprised us by including a few comic strips to help illustrate his story. Check out his message to fans, and the artwork below. --Daphne Durham
A Special Message about Just Like Heaven
from New York Times Bestselling Author, Patrick McDonnell
I have spent the last twelve years as the creator of the newspaper comic strip Mutts. Mutts is centered on the unlikely friendship between Earl the dog and Mooch the cat. It combines my love for animals with my love for the art of the comic strip.
Becoming a daily cartoonist was something I always dreamed of doing, as was creating children's books. I love the timeless magic found in the best children's books. Like comic strips, its art is rooted in telling stories with words and pictures. Both forms have simplicity, poetry and optimism. Arts that spread joy.
I had the pleasure to do my first picture book last Fall when Little, Brown published The Gift of Nothing. It features Earl and Mooch. It was fun to tell a self-contained, complete story with characters I live with every day.
I followed The Gift of Nothing with Art, a book about a boy obsessed with making art and messes--a somewhat autobiographical love poem to the creative process.
My new book is titled Just Like Heaven. With this book I wanted to celebrate our everyday lives and the things we tend to take for granted, such as nature, birds, flowers, friends and family. It is loosely based on a two week story I once did in Mutts.
Some of the comic strips from that story are included here. While Mooch takes a nap under a tree, a deep fog quietly rolls in. Awakening in a cloud of mist, Mooch concludes that he must be in heaven. With his cat curiosity, he proceeds to explore his surroundings and sees the familiar in a whole new light:
Mutts © Patrick McDonnell, distributed by King Features Syndicate |
I hope the book is uplifting, inspiring and will be something to cuddle up to with your two legged--and perhaps your four legged--little friends. --Patrick McDonnell
Book Description
Animallovers adore Patrick McDonnell's comic strip, Mutts featuring the adventures of Earl (the dog) and Mooch (the cat) told from their unique (and often hilarious) point of view. Just Like Heaven is a poignant and powerful picture book that fans (and their kids) will appreciate. We asked Patrick to tell us a little more about himself and the book, and he surprised us by including a few comic strips to help illustrate his story. Check out his message to fans, and the artwork below. --Daphne DurhamA Special Message about Just Like Heaven from New York Times Bestselling Author, Patrick McDonnellI have spent the last twelve years as the creator of the newspaper comic strip Mutts. Mutts is centered on the unlikely friendship between Earl the dog and Mooch the cat. It combines my love for animals with my love for the art of the comic strip. Becoming a daily cartoonist was something I always dreamed of doing, as was creating children's books. I love the timeless magic found in the best children's books. Like comic strips, its art is rooted in telling stories with words and pictures. Both forms have simplicity, poetry and optimism. Arts that spread joy.I had the pleasure to do my first picture book last Fall when Little, Brown published The Gift of Nothing. It features Earl and Mooch. It was fun to tell a self-contained, complete story with characters I live with every day.I followed The Gift of Nothing with Art, a book about a boy obsessed with making art and messes--a somewhat autobiographical love poem to the creative process.My new book is titled Just Like Heaven. With this book I wanted to celebrate our everyday lives and the things we tend to take for granted, such as nature, birds, flowers, friends and family. It is loosely based on a two week story I once did in Mutts.Some of the comic strips from that story are included here. While Mooch takes a nap under a tree, a deep fog quietly rolls in.Awakening in a cloud of mist, Mooch concludes that he must be in heaven.With his cat curiosity, he proceeds to explore his surroundings and sees the familiar in a whole new light:Mutts - Patrick McDonnell, distributed by King Features SyndicateI hope the book is uplifting, inspiring and will be something to cuddle up to with your two legged--and perhaps your four legged--little friends. --Patrick McDonnell
Customer Reviews:
MUTTS comics is the best ever ..........2007-04-05
I'm sure I sound like a broken record, but Patrick McDonnell is the next Charles Schulz. Mooch and Earl and the rest of the gang never fail to give an endearing, cheerful, often funny view of the tender issues that face our furry friends as well as the world at large. I have converted many, many folks into Mutts fans - and I give this particular book "Just Like Heaven" to every child I know. Birthdays, Easter, Christmas, and for no occasion at all other than I love them, and I love Mutts.
Hug Time!.......2007-03-23
As a children's librarian, I am always on the lookout for new books that will get kids involved. This one is such a book!
As I read it to a rowdy bunch of 1st graders, you could almost feel the "quiet" enter the room as they looked and listened to what heaven may really be like. By the time we got to "hug time" they were so enthralled that with just a little bit of direction, we had a huge group hug and laugh together.
As I read it later to 4th graders, they were more interested in talking about their own ideas of heaven and perfect days, but they agreed that sometimes it is nice to just take a nap and wake up wanting to hug someone.
This would be a wonderful book to just have around to remind yourself that heaven is not made up of possessions, but of people (and animals).
"Stop and smell the flowers.....".......2007-03-09
Short, sweet, and to the point. I read it to my two daughters and the story makes you stop, thank God for what you have and take in the moment.
Must Love Dogs.......2007-01-10
I loved this book...I also have the "Gift Of Nothing" and the rest of the Mutts comic strip books. What can I say, I'm a HUGE Patrick McDonnell fan. This book was cute, simple, and easy to understand. It wasn't as good as The Gift of Nothing, but if you are a MUTTS fan, it will not disappoint. However, the lesson in this book may be a bit advanced for very young ones....I would suggest it for 7+. I however, bought it strictly for my enjoyment/collection and I'm well over 7.
Soft as kitten toes and puppy kisses.......2006-10-12
Patrick McDonnell has done it again! Just Like Heaven reaches into your soul and tugs at your heartstrings with a message as soft as kitten toes and puppy kisses. Most people these days are in a fog by being too plugged in to marvel at the beauty and goodness that surrounds them. This sweet, simple masterpiece will help teach our children and feed our inner children. Giving the gift of Mutts has become a family tradition that I will continue for years to come.
Customer Reviews:
Speedy service.......2007-01-19
Bought the book as a gift so I can't say how good it is, but I received the book in a very timely manner.
Masterful.......2006-03-30
I've been hooked on Morrell since "The Brotherhood of the Rose." A master researcher and a brilliant story teller, Morrell can not be pinned down to any one genre. Always fast paced, his tales drag you along like a fish on a hook until the very last page.
-- Mark LaFlamme, author of "The Pink Room."
Very good read.......2005-10-31
I really enjoyed this book as I am a huge fan of his and I liked that he combined characters from his last two books, 5 stars but not quite as good as the first 2.This is the third and last book of trilogy. This book consist Saul Grisman and Drew Maclane characters together where they meet each other in the story for the first time. Be sure to read The Brotherhood of the Rose book first (Saul Grisman novel) and The Fraternity of the Stone book second (Drew MacLane novel).
QUITE INTERESTING.......2005-09-09
Story goes back to the Saul and Drew characters from THE BROTHERHOOD OF THE ROSE and THE FRATERNITY OF THE STONE.
In this tale both characters are drawn into another mystery when a large number of old men go missing. All appear to have been former Nazis.
I wouldn't say this one is as good as the other two, a slight notch down but not enough to dock it a star. To me, a straight three star means average.
Good pacing, fast read, likeable characters and some interesting fight scenes and thriller locations.
What in the world is going on?.......2005-08-26
Here you have a contrary view. This was the first book of Morrell's I have attempted to read. It will be the last. Obviously, he is popular. But I found the plot to be labyrinthine, dense, confusing, overpopulated, and after plodding along till about page 170, realizing I knew not what was going on, I threw up my hands!
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