Fox's Earth

Book Description

Ruth Yancey was only a small child the first time she saw Fox's Earth, a magnificent three-storied Georgia house that was home to the privileged Fox family. The daughter of a mean, poor mill worker, Ruth vowed that someday she would not only live in such a house, but rule it as her own.

Years later, becoming Ruth Yancey Fox, she does. For decades she will dominate Fox's Earth and its inhabitants with evil manipulation, cruelty, and lies. Until eventually, even she realizes that her secrets will have to come out . . . .

Customer Reviews:

More like 3 1/2 stars..........2007-09-03

Ruth Yancey was enthralled by her first glimpse of the stately Southern home, FOX'S EARTH. She is willing, even at the age of 10 to do whatever is necessary to own this home and to escape her lowly status as a mill rat. Her mother, Pearl Yancey, encourages this madness, and sets Ruth on a lifelong journey of manipulation. Ruth Yancey soon becomes Ruth Yancey Fox but how far will she go to reach her goal? Her devious scheming will reverberate through the generations, affecting even her great-granddaughter's life as FOX'S EARTH will never be the same once Ruth sets foot in its door.

FOX'S EARTH is a dark and often disturbing tale, recounting the depths of madness that can drive one person to destroy others without mercy. One initially feels sympathy for Ruth, a precocious child trapped with an abusive, raving father and a harsh mother. But Ruth learns her lessons well and soon my sympathy turned to a deep dislike. Page after page of Ruth's evil nature passes with nary a redeeming moment in sight. FOX'S EARTH is not a happy tale but one that instead takes readers into the heart of the destruction wrought by calculating madness.

Anne Rivers Siddons does a phenomenal job at creating characters who evoke strong emotions. While none of the characters in FOX'S EARTH are truly likeable, there are characters who are memorable for the anger they invoke. Ruth is of course the most developed character as it is her legacy and her sick pursuit of a childhood dream that affects her descendants. However, Rip, one of the household servants, plays a surprisingly strong role in the novel. Initially, I understood Rip's reluctance to undermine Ruth, not only because of the obvious status issues but also Rip's desire to protect the children. As the story progressed, I found myself wanting to shake some sense into Rip and beg her to intervene so that the inevitable doom wouldn't occur.

FOX'S EARTH is on one hand an extraordinarily well-written tale. However, the unsettling nature of many of the events will not appeal to all. FOX'S EARTH is not so much a Southern tale despite the setting as it is a tale of one woman's drive to obtain and keep power and control regardless of the cost.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

Sorry - I wanted to love it!.......2007-01-04

But it just wasn't in the cards. Normally I love a good ol' southern novel and the thought of one with psychological trauma sounded too good to be true. (It was!) Very poorly written, and I have enjoyed Siddons before. Unbelievable, yet also boring story line, very stereotypical characters. Just not worth the time or money. Start with another Siddons: Low Country, Peachtree Road or Downtown. If you start with this one, it will be your last, I'm afraid. Pure southern crap with a dollop of boredom, topped off with a bit a racism. (So sorry, Ms. Siddons!)

like being slowly dragged through destruction.......2006-11-02

Disappointing Siddons. A depressing story of one demented woman destroying everyone around her. No matter how well written, it is still depressing to the end. Save your money unless you like to read detailed descriptions of madness leading to grief and loss and destroyed lives.

Oh, come ON..........2005-08-07

Unputdownable - for several reasons, most of which the reviewer who calls him/herself 'A reader' nicely nailed.

Left more questions than it answered, eg: Why would Rip stand benignly by while mad Ruth wrought her insanity on so many people Rip supposedly cared about? Would Hebe really bave just snapped out of her childlike haze after a lifetime of living off the planet? While there are no doubt some people who manipulate those around them and abuse every ounce of power they have, would Ruth really have had so much control of so many people for so long? Wouldn't SOMEONE have twigged to her evil? They don't even seem suspicious of her motives.

I especially loved the rare sex scenes between Paul and Ruth - they were comical, even with their dastardly undertones. Siddons is such a descriptive writer - often TOO descriptive - but she manages to convey a wealth of emotions when creating scenes such as these.

A nagging irritation about Siddons' writing of African-American characters - she seems self-conscious and way too PC about them, relying on 'noble savage' cliches to avoid any suggestion of racism. There's good and bad in everyone, but Siddons appears too nervous to paint any hint of darkness of personality to her Af-Am characters.

Not her best, by far!.......2004-10-16

I agree with Jeff. The overuse of the "N" word was unnecessary and racist, and Ruth Yancey Fox ruining life after life for over 300 pages was just about too much to endure.

Average customer rating:

Diverse Paths but One Experience
The Universal Church of God.
What is he thinking
FINDING IT ALL IN ONE PLACE
As complete a tome of spiritual knowledge possible

One River, Many Wells
Matthew Fox
Manufacturer: Tarcher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1585423262
Release Date: 2004-06-17

Amazon.com

Who but Matthew Fox--former Dominican priest, author of countless influential books such as Original Blessing and The Reinvention of Work, silenced by the Vatican for his controversial statements about creation spirituality, and now an Episcopal priest--would combine rave dances with a religious mass? And who else would now attempt such a distillation of the world's religions as this book brings us? Combining writings from a multitude of spiritual traditions, Fox here puts into practice the idea of deep ecumenism that he has been exploring in a series of books going back to The Coming of the Cosmic Christ in 1989. To accomplish this task, Fox focuses on four categories of spiritual inquiry that he sees running like a river through all spiritual traditions: how we relate to creation, to divinity, to ourselves (this includes topics such as meditation, art, ritual, sexuality), and, finally, how we relate to the future, a section that explores issues of service and compassion, justice and spiritual warriorhood. He then concludes with "18 New Myths and Visions" that summarize his central message.

Simplicity and clarity are the goals of this book. To achieve this Fox weaves his own brief commentary through a series of quotations drawn from a myriad of traditions. While it may be faulted by some for this method of making easy connections between traditions, the book serves its purpose as a kind of primer for deep ecumenism. It will be especially useful for those new to such ideas, and to those who might otherwise never meet Hildegard of Bingen and Julian of Norwich, Hafiz, and the Sufi Ibn Arabi--not to mention Thomas Aquinas, physicist Werner Heisenberg, and geologian Thomas Berry--all sharing each other's company. --Doug Thorpe

Book Description

Maverick theologian Matthew Fox brings readers into the common heart of the world's great religions, illuminating a "deep ecumenism" for seekers everywhere.

We get to the core of religion by going to the heart experience, Matthew Fox says, not by dwelling on doctrines that so easily divide even within religious traditions. In One River, Many Wells, Fox exhorts readers to embrace the common faith of deep ecumenism.

Fox masterfully distills the common principles of the world's religions, and shows exactly how the different fingers of world faiths connect to a single hand. Drawing on seminal quotes, lessons, and ideas from the great faiths, he demonstrates how each expresses a common goal and approach to life, and concludes the book with "18 New Myths and Visions" that will inspire readers to embrace deep ecumenism.

One River, Many Wells is an indispensable resource, envisioning a new and exciting way of faith that erases the lines of false distinction between religions and calls upon each of us to worship from our common heart.

Customer Reviews:

Diverse Paths but One Experience.......2006-01-01

This book by Matthew Fox is a wealth of information derived from many sources, the Old and New Testaments (Bible), the Koran, the Vedas, African religious traditions, Native American, Celtic sources, and Buddhism. Writing it must have been a huge undertaking but amazingly, the information flows *naturally* as it reveals the outpouring of Spirit in the lives of mankind throughout the world and over the millenia. Many of the experiences described are words which attempt to capture Divinity at work through particular individuals, societies, and their outcomes. The book is an *essential* exploration of mankind's relationship to each other, community, the earth, and the cosmos. It is an exploration of the meaning of Life itself. Like a previous reviewer, I had difficulty getting started. Initially, I tried reading it straight through but could not. Gradually, at different times, glancing at the chapters, I felt a surge of energy. The ideas and concepts explored by the author set my emotions and mind at ease. Eventually, I was able to "plunge in" and "swim" through the material with relative ease.

The book is divided into five sections, "Relating to Creation", "Relating to Divinity", "Relating to Ourselves: Paths to Encounter and Enlightenment", "Relating to the Future: What the Divine is Asking of Us", and "Where Do We Go from Here? How Deep Ecumenism Explodes our Imaginations with Eighteen New Myths and Visions". Each section has further subdivisions where the author expands on specific themes, such as, Creation, Light, Community, the Names of God, Form, Formlessness, Nothingness, the Divine Feminine, Meditation, Mindfulness, Art and Ritual, Joy, Suffering, and Dying, Resurrection and Reincarnation, the Spiritual Warrior and other topics. Each theme is given a thorough examination connecting many different cultural viewpoints and providing unique insights. The author's vast experience in the realm or religion and personal enlightenment, along with his courage to tackle controversial subjects is greatly appreciated and admired.

The author's vision for mankind is very broad and inclusive ... he sees beyond the barriers of dogmatic belief, ritual, and any other differences that separate people. He gets down to *personal* experiences as expressed by the Great Spirit of Life in the vast expanse of time both from the past, in the present and future. The subject is spiritual expression in the lives of humanity and how the many different ideas and experiences have only One source. This is a very highly recommended book for anyone who is interested in comparative religions and spirituality. Also recommended is "One Heart" by Bonnie Louise Kuchler. Her book is an excellent source of quotations and meditations from different religions and spiritual practices. It is a less complex but similar work. Many readers who find Matthew Fox too deep would benefit from her book. Erika Borsos (erikab93)

The Universal Church of God........2004-09-20

Fox is giving the hounds of the status quo a run for their money with this near encyclopedic outline about fighting the good fight. Those with an open mind and heart will find much food for thoughtful contemplation here. Fox admits his book is in no way complete. That it is meant to be suggestive of what future Scriptures will and must contain; wisdom from all Wisdom traditions, a bias in favor of what we have in common; a religious humility that lets traditions other than our own speak for themselves; a use of primary sources; God as experience, not doctrine... Fox succeeds in his stated goal.

This book is an encouragement for fighting the good fight. For becoming a spiritual warrior. Anyone can be a soldier telling the Emperor or their Priest or their Boss what he or she wants to hear. Being a warrior means taking a stand. A warrior has a dignity a soldier never realizes. The warrior fights his holy wars with internal enemies before going on any external jihad. The enemies of personal pride and greed and such. Anyone can be a brute, or a terrorist, in the name of God or Country. Fox points out that even in Islam there is a distinction between a lesser and a greater jihad. The greater jihad being that struggle against one's own demons. As the Sufi mystic Hafiz states, battle without love, can render a person mad. As I like to say, it does not matter what a person believes if they don't have love in their heart.

With that said, "One River, Many Wells" is well worth the read. It is a very good outline to work from regarding one's own spiritual journey. Fox brings to light what Meister Eckhart said 700 years ago, "God is like a great underground river." Thus "One River, Many Wells" is short for One Underground River (Source, God), Many sacred Wells-religious traditions. Again, as I like to say, God speaks to anyone that will listen. To meditate is to dig one's own sacred well. Be still and know that I am God. There are no atheists in Foxholes.

What is he thinking.......2001-11-18

It's hard to tell where Matthew Fox is and where he is going. His books have been a trail of hit and, mostly miss, wanderings.

He recognizes a common source for spiritual reality. And yet he pushes an ecumenical (and even New-Age) agenda to try and mold all existing beliefs into a vision that it cannot be. 'Only if the religions of the world would stand together...' These religions are organizations with their own agendas and systems. Perhaps Fox should listen to the Dali Lami who said that ultimately there is no reconciliation between the *religions* of Buddhism and Christianity. There may be one spirit, but not a single religion or even meaningful coordination of them. (Vivikenanda says that would be very boring.)

Mysticism is the root of all real spiritual experience and Fox knows this. But each religion is an outgrowth (and hence not true development) of the founder who had the mystical experience. The goal of any true (spiritual) path is personal experience. Fox keeps attempting to join all religions (forms) into a great ecumenical mandala and this cannot be done. Personal experience is always unique. It is wisdom that we can see from other beliefs. But Fox keeps on pushing in yet another book.

To be perfectly clear, his inclusion of various spiritual and mystical source in this book is commendable. Everyone else is realizing wisdom of many sources so why not M.Fox. However his approach is always one of 'Look how great what I am saying is'. He claims great visions and breakthroughs for humanity if we will just believe what he is saying. Check his past books. He always does this.

The inclusion and recognition of various sources does not, in his writings, yield meaningful synthesis. This is because there is no coherent meaning to be achieved through shallow or 'deep' ecumenism (joining of outward forms). Neither by dancing, or having estatic sex, or by bringing in ethics or spirituality to work (all themes of his). Neither volumes of writing nor diversity of inputs has meaning on its own. There is no substantial vision presented in his works that rises above religion (form) and beyond his own (elevated) concepts of how things should be. His previous books have not resulted in major changes to society and it does not appear this one will have much effect either.

FINDING IT ALL IN ONE PLACE.......2001-09-03

I had a difficult time getting started in this book. I'd picked it up and put it down several times. But once into it, it was a pleasant surprise. I read about spiritual matters and paths of every religion and each reading talks of it's own spicific area of knowledge and experience. But Matthew Fox picks a subject and covers it from all angles, Jewish, Catholic, Islamic, Hindu, Buddist, Native American, African American, even the Celtic and the Goddess. It's a great book and a great read. And then you know why you like to study them all.

As complete a tome of spiritual knowledge possible.......2000-12-13

Matthew Fox has outdone himself with this work, taking similar themes from the works of mystics spanning diverse traditions. To those who are regular consumers of Fox's writings, this compellation provides a "Bible" for his idea of "Deep Ecumenism". It is as complete a tome of humanity's spiritual knowledge that I have seen on the bookshelf. The best part- Fox has included sources not just from typical religious sources, but from science and literature as well.

Average customer rating:

--------A really good read--------
Like fox hunting?
Absolutely rivetting!
An extrodinary book...
What a wonderful story!

Fox River
Emilie Richards
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0778322521

Book Description

An artist's sudden blindness is diagnosed as psychological trauma-but what is it she doesn't want to see?

An innocent man is released after nine years in jail for a murder he didn't commit.

In a community of millionaires and the people who serve them, a drama of scandal, secrets and murder is about to be exposed. . .

Daughter of a legendary Virginia hunt master and aristocrat, Julia Warwick grew up in a world where Thoroughbreds and fox hunting are passions, not pastimes. Julia found her own passion in Christian Carver, a talented young horse trainer. But when a beautiful heiress is murdered and Christian is convicted of the crime, a pregnant, desperate Julia marries a friend who offers solace.

Now, though blindness darkens her world, it opens her eyes to hidden truths. About her husband, her family, her friends and the man she loved. And as the story starts to emerge, a forgotten memory begins to return, a mystery comes to light. . .and two lovers torn apart by forces they couldn't control face each other once and for all.

Customer Reviews:

--------A really good read--------.......2007-03-17

FOX RIVER takes place in Ridge's Race a mythical town in Loudoun County Virginia. Loudoun County does exist and there are many beautiful scenic estates on huge tracts of land. Fox hunting is centuries old and is mostly the sport of a wealthy and privileged group of individuals. This story brings in the beauty of this area and some interesting information about fox hunting.

Emilie Richards weaves a fascinating tale about a group of close friends and neighbors who suffered from the after effects of the brutal death of Fidelity, a popular young woman who they all knew well. To make matters even worse, Christian Carver, a well-liked twenty-year old is accused of the crime and sentenced to life in prison. Christian had lived on the fringe of society since his father had been a horse trainer for wealthy Peter Claymore. The story begins nine long years after the killing. Some facts surface and a serial killer in Florida, admits to killing Fidelity and gives information to collaborate his story. Peter Claymore never gave up on Christian and always provided legal help for the young man. He's delighted that Christian is free and offers him a home and a job.

This story follows Christian as he is released from prison and tries to pick up his life. He has to face his former girlfriend, Julia who was so overcome with the death of Fidelity that she did not completely stand by him at his trial. She married shortly after Christian was imprisoned and has a daughter. Julia, is blind after a fall from a horse, but the doctors feel that her blindness is emotional since no physical case can be found. Julia's mother, Maisy Fletcher always believed that Christian was innocent of the crime and welcomes him back with open arms. Christian is still haunted by the past and wants to know more about Fidelity's murder.

This book also hosts a story within the main story. Maisy Fletcher who is a very unusual woman, tells Julia that she is writing a manuscript and would like to read it to her in the evenings. Julia is not enthusiastic about it but allows her mother to read a chapter or two each night. Soon, she becomes immersed in the story and wants her mother to write faster. I don't usually care to follow two stories at once, but the author handles it in a skillful way and it works very well in this book.

Like fox hunting?.......2004-09-10

If you like fox hunting, you'll like this book. However, if you aren't really interested in it, you will be a little bored with sections of this book. I would have liked it more had she focused on the characters more and the fox hunting less.

Absolutely rivetting!.......2003-08-26

Ever since I read Richards' Prospect Street, I have been on the hunt for her earlier books. And this is one of them. Once again, she proves to be an author that I really would love to read more of. I don't have an idea why she's labeled in the romance section of the bookstore ~~ she hardly touches on the romance of relationships, she writes more about strong women and their journies in life. This book is just as good as Prospect Street if not better.

Julia finds herself blind after a horseback riding accident ~~ though all the specialists said that there were no physical cause for it. She returns home to Ashbourne with her daughter, intending to make her separation from her husband temporary. With the love and support of her mother, Julia begins to find her way back to life again. Her former lover is released from jail after evidence shows that he did not murder Julia's best friend ~~ and chaos erupted. Julia finds herself on the road to recovery ~~ but had to endure a lot of secrets that had lied dormant for too long.

Also, in this story is a novel that Maisy, Julia's mother, had written ~~ so this makes this book unique ~~ a novel within a novel. I was entranced from the first page to the last ~~ and I loved every moment of it. It's a mystery novel too ~~ and keeps you on your toes throughout the book.

I wish I had discovered Richards sooner ~~ her books are hard to find in the local bookstores ~~ and/or out of print ~~ because I am really enjoying the depth she brings to each woman in her stories. She makes them come alive and real ~~ like you and me. If you like an intriguing story that is full of descriptions and mystery ~~ this book is for you. It's a wonderful addition to anyone's library!

8-25-03

An extrodinary book..........2003-08-13

After a fall from her horse, Julia Warwick is diagnosed with hysterical blindness. An embarrassment to her husband, he has her committed to an institution where he tells her she will get well. It only takes days for Julia to realize that the last thing that will happen in the clinic is her getting better. When her mother, Maisy, offers a home to her and her eight year old daughter, Julia accepts. Back at her childhood home, Julia tries to heal so she can hopefully get her sight back. When Christian Carver suddenly returns to her life she knows nothing will ever be the same. For he is the one man she loved with all her heart and the one man she let down.

Christian Carver spent nine years in prison for a murder he didn't commit. When he was released after someone else confessed to the crime, Christian thought he would be able to go on with his life. He didn't expect to feel doubt about the confession, but he knew that until he knew exactly who murdered Fidelity, he would not have closure in his life. Then there is Julia whom he has never forgotten and soon learns to forgive. He just doesn't know if they have a chance for a life together even though he wants nothing more than to be with her and Callie for the rest of their lives.

In her normal fashion for writing, Emilie Richards delivers heartwrenching emotion and characters that will stay with you long after the last chapter has ended. Not only did we have Julia and Christian, but we were also brought Julia's mother, Maisy, who I loved from the first page. I can never put her books down and I look foward to the next one.

What a wonderful story!.......2002-11-02

This was a beautiful story, very exciting, riveting at times, I wish it would have gone on and on! This was my first Emillie Richards book and I have ordered many more of hers. This book wove a web of many stories within stories about a Virginia family and their good times, bad times, sad times and happy times. There was never a lull in the story like some books I've read. The ending was just right also. Do yourself a favor and pick up this book today!

Average customer rating:

A very thoughtful and lovely book
Like Bread into Chocolate! well, except that it's stones into gold...
From Tim Myers, author of "Basho and the River Stones"

Basho and the River Stones
Tim J. Myers
Manufacturer: Marshall Cavendish Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 076145165X

Book Description

The great poet Basho lives in the woods and shares the cherries from his cherry tree with the local foxes. But one tricky fox becomes greedy--He uses his magic to turn three river stones into gold coins, and then tricks Basho into giving up all of the cherries. When the fox returns to gloat over his victory, he discovers that Basho is content. Wiser than the fox, Basho knows that a poem inspired by the beauty of the river stones is more valuable than gold. Oki S. Han's watercolors evoke ancient Japan in this sequel to the New York Times bestseller Basho and the Fox.

Customer Reviews:

A very thoughtful and lovely book.......2006-03-27

I have given this wondrous book to a number of friends and relatives. It is a trickster tale that is delightful, humane, and highly poetic. The artwork is lovely and vibrant. This is a book to treasure, share and read aloud to people you care about.

Like Bread into Chocolate! well, except that it's stones into gold..........2005-12-07

This beautifully illustrated book imagines the 17th century inventor of haiku, Matsuo Basho, and his encounters with the magical foxes of Fukagawa. We first see Basho asleep under a cherry tree, surrounded by a fraternity of suspicious looking foxes clad in Hugh Hefner-esque silk kimonos. Initially, Basho and the foxes shared great "wa," or harmony. (Tim Myers deserves kudos for using the interesting and accurate Japanese words in a kids' book!) One fox, "particularly fond of cherries" wants them all, and so he uses his trickster powers to transform himself into the figure of a "'yamabushi,' a wandering monk." The fox turns three stones into gold, and enters into an exclusive rights-to-the-cherry-tree contract with the money-strapped poet.

The next day the gold reverts to the stones, but they inspire a haiku:

How many years have
These stones loved the river, not
Knowing they were poor?

Basho, ever the poet, tells the fox, "A good poem is worth more than money--and it lasts much longer." The fox admits his deception, and then seeks to make it up to him. In the process, the fox learns much about cultural attitudes towards charity, and, especially, honor. The repentant, wiser fox uses his magic again--this time to procure enough money for Basho to buy food for the long winter ahead.

Oki S. Han delivers some of the best illustrations I've seen recently; her watercolors have both power and grace (a grace found also in Myers' flowing language). We see traditional Japanese dwellings and marvelously colorful, variegated foliage. Even the ornamental designs framing the text are beautiful, sometimes staggeringly so. Han is a master of light and dark, and she uses close-ups, scene-setting panoramas, and overhead views in an incredibly beautiful display of illustrative mastery. The story has a very satisfying ending (which includes the fox writing his own haiku), and Myers' "author's note" talks about Basho, the deeper meanings of haiku (he wrote the two in the book), and his own heartfelt gratitude ("ongaesha") for Basho's inspiration. Very enthusiastically recommended!

From Tim Myers, author of "Basho and the River Stones".......2004-10-15

One of the things I most love about stories is their ability to present us with simple truths in compelling fashion. That's part of what I tried to do with "Basho and the River Stones." Naturally, I wanted this story to entertain readers (adults and children alike). But my years as a writer and a professional storyteller have taught me that even entertainment is more successful when it carries some resonating truth. In this book, the fox is capable of selfishness and deception--he's quite "human" in that way. But when Basho's shining example is set before him, he's also capable of shame and a determination to do better. We're all like that, I suppose, to whatever degree--I can certainly see both sides of human nature in myself! So I'm uplifted and comforted at the thought that, like the fox, I can learn, grow, come to a new vision of things, deepen my values, realize what's most important--even if it takes a little trickery to set things right. After all, we have to use the gifts we were given, eh? I hope you enjoy my story! May the river stones in your life turn to gold, and the gold to river stones. Regards, Tim Myers

Average customer rating:

'Whammy' yourself and read this.
Original and stunning
A strange story about nature, sex, and the magic that ties it all together
What writing!
Lyrical and beautifully written but what the hell was it about?

Trash Sex Magic
Jennifer Stevenson
Manufacturer: Small Beer Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1931520062

Book Description

It's a romance, it's funny, it's sexy, it's about family and kinship, mothers and daughters, homecomings and never leaving home at all. It's got villains and magic and even a tornado, along with characters who go through unexpected trans-formations (some quite literal). It's a page-turner. Raedawn Somershoe lives in a trailer on the banks of the Fox River. She likes men and men like her. It runs in the family: her mother can seduce a man just by walking across a road. When they set their sights on a man, something magical happens. Alexander Caebeau drives a bucketloader for a construction company. He's lonely, homesick, tired of cutting down trees and putting up ugly buildings. He'd like to go back to the Bahamas, but his grandmother won't let him come home and when Alexander meets Raedawn Somershoe, something magical happens.

Customer Reviews:

'Whammy' yourself and read this........2007-07-20

Truthfully, this book is a challenge; but not one through which it's impossible to find enjoyment and amazement. Its narrative is somewhat abrupt and trippy, but don't think you'd be cheated out of a terrific story. Stevenson gives due coverage of the natural powers, the sensual aspects, and the earthly rhythms of life along the riverbed in a northern plains setting. Her careful attention to the plant and animal species brought me the two-mile distance from where I live from the Fox River myself straight to its muddy banks.

The nutty and random sexual activity of "T-S-M"'s characters, though, made me blush and giggle. The seeds of power clearly reside within the females; these characters seem to germinate the tumult and bear the burden of change for their folk and property. Through all the struggle, however, it's the ladies who are having all the fun. The contrapuntal futility of the males' lack of influence on the survival of these loosely bonded river residents delivers the hottest frustrating points in this story. Their failures and ineptitudes magnify the sadness of the poverty (and that of their illegitimate children) they suffer. Fortunately, their misery is alleviated by the riverside women and their channeled energies.

Original and stunning.......2007-02-17

Hard to believe no one's reviewed this book! My 15-year-old daughter and I both found it powerful and original. This is one of those first novels that you can hardly believe IS a first novel. Head and shoulders above those hundreds of Tolkien derivatives cluttering up the Fantasy shelves. Read it, and hope this writer isn't done!

A strange story about nature, sex, and the magic that ties it all together.......2007-01-21

"Trash Sex Magic" is a beautiful book, which is quite a surprise considering that the two main characters are a mother-daughter pair of white trash sluts who live in a trailer near Illinois' Fox River. (That may seem a bit harsh, but trust me, it's true.) Gelia Somershue and her 24-year-old daughter, Raedawn, are the local women of ill repute. Both women manage to seduce a large number of the local men (who are also nothing to write home about), as well as anyone else who happens to pass through the area. Believe it or not, though, in spite of their slutty behavior, both of these women are absolutely endearing, as are the other colorful characters who reside in this rural area along the riverbank.

Unfortunately, the small riverside community stands in the way of a new housing development. A greedy developer is hell-bent on acquiring the property, and he stirs up a lot of problems for the residents...and finds himself in a lot of trouble as well. Additionally, there's the matter of Alexander, a large, dreadlocked man from the Bahamas who is employed at the construction site. After some construction equipment is mysteriously tampered with, Alexander's nasty boss forces him to sleep at the site in the evenings to keep an eye on things. Strange things begin happening to Alexander, and he also finds himself falling under one of Raedawn's bewitching spells.

This is a very interesting and creative novel. It's about nature vs. urbanization, and it's also about...well...trailer trash women who have magical sexual powers! I really enjoyed this book because it's so different from everything else I've ever read. "Trash Sex Magic" is funny, inspiring, sexy, and downright strange at times. If you're looking for an unconventional novel, this is definitely the book for you.

What writing!.......2006-05-06

This is a book to make you remember why you love books. Stevenson writes as if she's never read one, her insights and imagery are startlingly fresh, making you shake your head and see -- and feel -- the world a bit more clearly. She writes with a tremendous love for being alive: evil characters are as beloved as kind ones, the smell of diesel fuel is as much a part of the landscape as the smell of fresh rain. Highest recommendations.

Lyrical and beautifully written but what the hell was it about? .......2006-03-29

I read this in one sitting and I kept wondering if there was a metaphor that I missed somewhere. But no, it is paranormal at it's strangest depth. It was as if the writing was magical, very beautiful and difficult to stop reading. The flow was musical and yet if I had to describe this book to someone in a word, I would have to say STRANGE. There is one character in this book that was so beautiful in human form and magical form and that is where I wondered whether I had missed a metaphor. Alexander Caebeau is a beautiful Bahamian man of such a gentle and giving nature, incredibly beautiful in every physical and spiritual sense, he is someone you think about out of the clear blue, many months after you've read the book, at a time perhaps when you secretly wish there was an Alexander Caebeau in your life. And maybe that is what the book is about. I can never be sure but the prose is so lyrically appealing and Alexander is uncommonly innocent and sublimely beautiful which made the book worth reading, even if it was the strangest book I've ever read.

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Hiking & Biking in the Fox River Valley
Jim Hochgesang , and Sheryl Devore
Manufacturer: Roots & Wings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Sports | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1884721052

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Fox River
Emilie Richards
Manufacturer: Mira
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0739417568

Product Description

Historical Romance

River Otters and Red Fox --Getting to Know Nature's Children

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River Otters and Red Fox --Getting to Know Nature's Children
Laima Dingwall
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

ASIN: 0717266958

Product Description

Colorful Informative book on the habits, habitat, characteristics, and diet of River Otters & Red Fox.

The Lehigh Valley Cement Industry (PA) (Images of America)

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The Lehigh Valley Cement Industry (PA) (Images of America)
Carol M. Front , Joan Minton Christopher , and Martha Capwell Fox
Manufacturer: Arcadia Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Economic History | Economics | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

Industrial Relations | Industries & Professions | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0738538558
Release Date: 2006-02-06

Book Description

America's portland cement industry began in the Lehigh Valley. The rich deposit of limestone known as the Jacksonburg Formation arcs through the valley from Berks County, Pennsylvania, to Warren County, New Jersey, and today it still provides the raw material for the Lehigh district's famous high-quality portland cement. Cement from the Lehigh Valley built America's skyscrapers, dams, and highways. The Lehigh Valley Cement Industry documents not only the quarries and cement mills but also the dozens of companies that sprang up to supply and support the industry. The photographs also tell the stories of the people who formed the cement communities—the entrepreneurs, executives, engineers, and immigrants whose legacies live on in the five multinational companies still making cement in the valley.

The Fence and the River: Culture and Politics at the U.S.-Mexico Border

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The Fence and the River: Culture and Politics at the U.S.-Mexico Border
Claire F. Fox , and Fox Claire
Manufacturer: University of Minnesota Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Mexico | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0816629994

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