Book Description
Since Phyllis Currot first published Book of Shadows, the story of her spiritual journey and initiation as a High Priestess in the Wiccan community, Witchcraft has captured America's imagination as a theme for fiction, television shows, and films. Now America's highest-profile Witch returns to dispel more myths and misrepresentations of her faith, and to share a practical guide to the beautiful spiritual rituals and philosophies behind Wiccan tradition.
Rich with enchanting stories from Currot's own experiences and detailed advice for creating potions, working with Nature, and finding the Divine within, Witch Crafting is much more than just another superficial recipe book. Curott's unique guidebook integrates the inspiration of religious wisdom with sound, practical information. Witch Crafting reveals how to: incorporate Wiccan practices into your daily life; master the secret arts of effective spell casting; create sacred space and personal rituals; perform divinations for insight and success; and tap the magical power of altered states, such as dreaming meditation, prayer, and trance.
Perfect for beginners or seasoned practitioners, Witch Crafting is the ideal handbook for anyone seeking to unlock the divine power that makes real magic happen, and to experience the power and gifts of the universe more fully.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect book for Newbies and Experienced Craftpeople.......2007-09-01
Although I have been reading and studying the craft for 10 years, I wish I had found this book early on my path. Curott's own feelings as she ventured into Wicca reflected my own and I am sure many others as well. While I experienced the whole guilt factor of leaving Christianity, Curott just seemed to wrestle with the whole "this feels wierd doing ritual factor." What I loved about this book was that it was simply a non-threatening essay style read-like-a-novel book, so if someone just starting out was curious but did not want to committ to learning ritual, correspondence, Sabbats and Esbats, she could read this book and get a true insight while still picking up a few important facts she could recognize later in deeper study. I recommend this book to any newbie especially. Read it and then decide if you are truly ready to convert to Wicca and dedicate your life to the ways of the Wise and the Goddesses. For the experienced Witch or Wiccan, this book will remind you of your own feelings of the awe and wonder you felt when first starting out. Plus it has some good ritual ideas you can pick up, and read about them as they are performed, not just like a recipe.
PORN WARNING .......2006-10-11
I enjoyed the book. I was ready to buy the sequel. The book is excellent and is NOT porn but true stuff I believe. But the web site mentioned at the back of the book (web site is registered to Ms. Curott) is a pornography site. I contacted her publicist 5 months ago who said she would contact the web master. But after 5 months the web site still directs people to a porn site. Not good. And not good for wicca. Do NOT go to this web site mentioned in the book!
And MS CUROTT. - if you are out there - tell us that that website is NOT your will and that you are fighting it in courts or something! It's disgusting!
Breath taking, Spiritual lifting book.......2006-07-15
This was one of the first spiritual books that I read. I fell in love with this book immediately just by looking at the front cover. This book really touched my heart and soul. It helped me find my spiritual path. I recommend this book to everyone. She is a wonderful author and woman.
Good, but I wanted more memoir.......2006-04-25
I really enjoyed this book. I'm a big fan of memoirs by "regular people" who have a strong interest in something unusual, and this definitely fits the bill. My only wish for the book was that the author had stuck to what she does best: describing her personal experiences and emotions in a vivid and lively way. Occassionally she wanders off into a little mini-lecture on Wicca and the "history of witchcraft" (which is of course a subject of some controversy) and when this happens, the book gets rather flat and dry. Better to leave off the educating and stick to the storytelling. Perhaps it is because I am already well-read on elementary Wicca that I found these diversions distracting, but I suspect that even if it was new to me I would have preferred to have Curott "show me" instead of "tell me." Overall a good read, though.
Insightful, poetic, powerful and just a wee bit scattered..........2006-02-02
The first thing to say about this book is that for the first time in a long time I found myself marking passages where Curott's poetic and melodic phrasing called to my heart and beautifully expressed complicated concepts. There is no doubt that Curott has a poet's heart - I certainly wouldn't hesitate to buy a book of poetry written by her.
The second thing to say about this book is that I completely understand the criticisms levelled at Curott from reviewers. The story is self-indulgent and very ego-centric. Obviously as a fictionalised autobiography (and when you think about it aren't most autobiographies at least partly fiction?) the book is designed to be ego-centric, but Curott is just a touch too self obsessed and self congratulatory.
Additionally, I also agree with some of the criticisms levelled at Curott's explanations of her experiences with the coven. Firstly, Curott continually drives in the point that she is "special" and was "chosen" by these women. This isn't how witchcraft and indeed how covens find members - self determination and personal responsibility is at the heart of every witch's life and these are two things that Curott glosses over.
Secondly, the characters in Curott's book are paper thin and basically a hodge podge of sterotypes - the old wise crone who loves Curott more than the other coven members; the lesbian couple who represent each the warrior and the mother; the friend in a bad domestic violence relationship; her lover the enigmatic Jake; the ex-lover and current boss who still wants Curott and won't take no for an answer. These characters are all "cardboard cut outs" and all basically exist to serve Curott.
I wish we could have seen more of her faults and her shadow side and less of the phrases "ivy league lawyer", "he said I was beautiful", "we have been waiting for you", "you're special", "I knew I was intelligent" and "I was working 15 hour days".
Witchcraft and Wicca has changed immensely since the late 70's and early 80's timeline that this book is situated in. Indeed readers might be surprised to know that Curott is in her 50's now.
The whole first person perspective the book is written in is vaguely successful, but it would have worked a lot better if Curott hadn't packed the entire book full of the knowledge and understanding she gained in the 20 years since the events of the book took place. The result is a weird dicotomy between a naive spiritual awakening and the knowledge gained through 20 years of practice. Sometimes the book is so stuffed with information that four or five pages are spent discussing myths and legends which while interesting, does not fit well with the novel like construction of the book.
Despite my criticisms I have given this book 4 stars because as I said - it has been a very long time since a book has moved me enough to record and preserve pearls of wisdom, passion, thought and belief from its pages.
Read this book, and read the workbook "Witchcrafting". You won't be sorry.
Book Description
When Dwayne Burns turned 18 during World War II, he decided that he wanted to fight alongside America's best. He joined the paratroopers and was assigned to the 508th Regiment of the 82d Airborne Division. Little did he suspect that a year later he'd be soaring in a flak-riddled C-47 over Normandy, part of the very spearhead of the Allied drive to seize back Europe.
Burns landed behind German lines during the dark, early hours of D-day, and gradually found other survivors of his division. The paratroopers fought on every side in a confused, running battle through the hedgerows, finally making a stand in a surrounded farmhouse. With one room reserved for their growing piles of corpses, the paratroopers held their ground until finally relieved by infantry advancing from the beaches.
After being pulled out of Normandy, the airborne troops were said to be "burning a hole in SHAEF's pocket," and thus were launched into Holland as part of Montgomery's plan to gain a bridgehead across the Rhine. This daytime jump was less confused than the nocturnal one, but there were more Germans than expected and fewer Allied forces in support. It was another maelstrom of pointblank combat in all directions, and though the 82d achieved its objectives, the campaign as a whole achieved little but casualties.
The 82d had hardly refilled with replacements when the Germans broke through the U.S. front in the Ardennes. The 82d's paratroopers were put aboard trucks and hastened to stand in the way of the panzer onslaught. Passing through Bastogne they went farther north to St. Vith, where the U.S. 7th Armored and other divisions were reeling. The 82nd held its own with quickly assembled defense perimeters, allowing other units to escape. After beating off massive attacks by German SS, the paratroopers were disgusted to hear that they, too, had been ordered to retreat. They didn't feel they needed to, but Monty was determined to "tidy up the battlefield." On January 3 they counterattacked through the freezing hills, sealing off the Bulge and pursuing the Germans back into the Reich..
In this work, Dwayne Burns, assisted by his son Leland (U.S. Army, 1975-79), not only relates the chaos of combat but the intimate thinking of a young soldier thrust into the center of several of history's greatest battles. His memories provide a fascinating insight into the reality of close-quarters combat.
Customer Reviews:
Perfect first hand account of the 82nd.......2007-07-12
After the world wide attention for the 101st this is a welcome addition to airborne warfare in WWII
great book by an honored veteran.......2007-07-06
This is a very well written book b y a man who was there. Telling the personal story of Leland Burns' travels thru F Co of the 508PIR, Jump Into the Valley of the Shadow is a fine read. Factual and well thought out, it goes thru the gritty days of fighting that only a man who has lived thru it can tell you. But it also goes over the softer, more human side of his time overseas in an in-depth and honest way.
From his personal accounts of his courtship with his wife, to his time in England with both new and old friends, the book is made better by the fact that these are all REAL people that actually existed (and in many cases are still living) that makes this a truly special book to have.
A Book from the 82nd........2007-02-04
This book starts out with the author staring out the open door of a C-47 on the night of June 5, 1944 and realizing that it was now too late to join the motor pool or become a cook. Like a lot of other youngsters, when he was drafted into the Army he decided that he wanted to be with America's best, and that was the paratroopers.
I was glad to see this boook. There has been a lot written about the 101st in recent years and their defense at Bastogne including 'Band of Brothers,' the movie 'Battleground' and a bunch more. Much less well known is the action of the 82nd to hold the north shoulder and prevent the Germans from having more roads to use for their advance. Burns was there. He doesn't tell the big picture - there are a lot of books on the Battle of the Bulge. He tells his story from the bottom side. It looked different from a foxhole.
The book is told in the form of a bunch of little stories, not a day by day diary. This makes it much more interesting, and I recommend it highly.
DIABLO!!! All the way!!!.......2007-01-07
OK! This is one man's story about the "Oh Eight" the 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment (P.I.R.), 2nd Bn, Fox Co. Mr Burns jumped into France, Operation Neptune (D-Day) and Market-Garden (Holland) two jump stars earned the hard way. There are a lot of "soldiers stories" in the book, being with your buddies, goofing off, military life, as well as the stories about combat. Books like these put a human face on anonymous mens faces of black and white photos taken 60+ years ago. It shows they were pretty much the same as most young men, full of life and hopes and dreams, except their lives were forged in the fires of the Depression. It is a good read and a page turner, there are "flashback" type parts of the book, that may disagree with some readers. But I was most humbled and impressed by his story and the stories of other men I have met, ironically from Easy Co. 508th PIR, Mr Burns' sister Co to his own Fox Co. I am glad some of these men have told their story, because too many never have or got the chance to live long enough to. Thier story is told by rows of silent crosses in France, Italy, Holland, Belgium, Germany, and a thousand other lonely places where American boys fought and died. Read this book if you want to know the story of one man's journey through a pivotal time in human history.
Outstanding and Riveting Memories from Training to Combat.......2006-12-17
I highly recommend this book. Dwayne Burns brings to life his memories from elite training as a paratrooper to his feelings and emotions of actually going into combat. Along the way, he shares his personal life stories and how all of this shaped the person he was to became. The incredible bond that paratroopers have which started in their training and lasts to this day is very inspiring. Reading this book reinforced my genuine thanks to these men that "Jumped Into the Valley of the Shadow" along with the rest of the "Greatest Generation" that helped bring peace back to this world in the uncertain time of WWII.
Book Description
In Light of Shadows is the long-awaited second volume of short fiction by the Meiji-Taishô writer Izumi Kyôka. It includes the famous novella Uta andon (A story by lantern light), the bizarre, anti-psychological story "Mayu kakushi no rei" (A quiet obsession), and Kyôka's hauntingly erotic final work, "Rukôshinsô" (The heartvine), as well as critical discussions of each of these three tales. Translator Charles Inouye places Kyôka's "literature of shadows" (kage no bungaku) within a worldwide gothic tradition even as he refines its Japanese context. Underscoring Kyôka's relevance for a contemporary international audience, Inouye adjusts Tanizaki Jun'ichirô's evaluation of Kyôka as the most Japanese of authors by demonstrating how the writer's paradigm of the suffering heroine can be linked to his exposure to Christianity, to a beautiful American woman, and to the aesthetic of blood sacrifice.
In Light of Shadows masterfully conveys the magical allusiveness and elliptical style of this extraordinary writer, who Mishima Yukio called "the only genius of modern Japanese letters."
Customer Reviews:
Immutable tranquility.......2006-09-25
"In Light of Shadows" collects three more Gothic tales from Japanese master Izumi Kyoka. He is not an easy writer to get into, as is style is deep and complex, and filled with allusion to classic Japanese literature that you probably haven't read. However, the skillful translation of Charles Inouye has provided a bridge into Kyoka's world, allowing Westerners to experience the sad beauty of his stories for the first time.
Kyoka's work is of extraordinary depth, and are the kind of tales that muddle around in your head long after you have turned the final page, trying to figure out if you actually understood them. Then, you are drawn back for a second, and a third reading, with each time a little more of the mystery being made clear.
"A Song by Lantern Light" weaves together two storylines, both of which are influenced by two separate Japanese classics, the travelogue "Shank's Mare" are the Noh play "The Diver." Two gentlemen, Yajirobei and Nejibei travel the same route as "Shank's Mare," constantly dropping quotes from the famous novel and trying their best to re-create the circumstances of the trip. Intermixed with this is the melancholy tale of a nameless, wandering singer and a beautiful woman, Omie. A haunting tale of redemption.
"A Quiet Obsession" is Kyoka's attempt at an old-fashioned Japanese ghost story. A traveler visits an ancient inn, where the bath is haunted by the ghost of a beautiful woman. Slowly, her sad story unfolds in an unexpected way.
"The Heartvine" is a story with its own story. Kyoka was dying of lung cancer, and he knew full well that this would be his final tale. A young man considers suicide, but is saved by the intervention of a young woman who killed herself that same night. It is a story of life and death, the kind only a dying man could write.
At the end of the book, there are also individual essays of the three stories, putting them into historical and cultural perspective. Inouye's passion for Kyoka's writing is infectious, and it is wonderful the way he lays bare the secrets of the stories. I can only hope that this is just the next volume in a continuing series of Kyoka stories translated by Inouye.
Made in the Shade.......2006-03-11
This collection of stories by Izumi Kyoka is every bit as excellent as "Japanese Gothic Tales"--possibly better. The haunting moods that Izumi crafts are unlike most anything else I've come across in literature, resembling Poe but more subdued, less horrific. Less dramatic yet more moving. Unlike so many Japanese writers of the early 20th century, Izumi does not throw out the fine literary tradition of Japan in favor of the latest ill-digested trends from Europe, but draws on the best of both traditions to create something altogether more than the sum of its parts. This is probably why he's misunderstood by both his detratctors and his supporters as "quintessentially Japanese" or whatnot. Nope, he's just quintessentially himself, like all the authors we keep reading and re-reading generation after generation,
All three of the fine stories here are distinct in a number of ways too, giving the reader some sense of the scope of Izumi's talent. "A Song by Lantern Light" is one of the more structurally complex of his works, a moving tale of salvation and reconciliation. "A Quiet Obsession" is the closest thing here to a good old ghost story, but the convoluted layers of narration and the sort of time warp effect of the story make for a real mental bender. And "The Heartvine" is easily the most intense; the guy knew he was dying as he wrote it, and you can really feel that he put his whole heart and soul into this partially autobiographical final testament to his readers.
The virtuousi translation work by Charles Inouye should truly be commended, and his essays afterwards are thought-provoking and insightful; he should be thanked too for putting these at the end so that there are no spoilers.
Average customer rating:
- A comprehensive history of the New Georgia campaign
- The Way it Was
- The vivid, powerful story of an almost forgotten campaign
- A Great Read!
- It'll make you cry
|
Into the Shadows Furious
Brian Altobello
Manufacturer: Presidio Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 General | Europe | History | Subjects | Books
General | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
Home Front | World War II | Military | History | Subjects | Books
General | World | History | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0891417176
Release Date: 2000-11-07 |
Book Description
By the spring of 1943, now that Guadalcanal had finally been secured, it was time to move farther up the Solomons in the drive against Rabaul.
Customer Reviews:
A comprehensive history of the New Georgia campaign.......2003-02-16
Mr. Altobello's book does justice to a previously overlooked pacific campaign. Situated chronologically between Guadalcanal and Bougainville, it has become a footnote in history. It, unfortunately, was not a very well run campaign, lasting much longer and costing much more in men and material than anticipated. The reasons for this are several - inadequately trained, poorly led troops,a terrible attack plan that was made worse with modifications, poor intelligence, and a worthy opponent in defense. In all honesty, in 1943, the south pacific theater was low on the list for appropriations, most army troops available were national guard divisions with little or no combat experiance, and the navy was somewhat limited in its' support ability due to enormous losses at Guadalcanal - specifically no fleet carrier support. So, this campaign was a painful learning experiance for theses services ,and learn they did, with the much more successful campaigns in '44-45. The author has obviously done extensive research on this campaign and no facet of it is not well covered. I highly recommend this book to persons wanting in depth coverage of the Solomons campaign or someone with particular interest in the New Georgia campaign.
The Way it Was.......2001-05-13
I participated in this operation and was a member of the lst Raider Bn. The author was very detailed in his various reports of the battles and accurate. His description of the battle fields and terrain were exactly what I remembered. He wrote about the "grunts" their feelings and miseries - the heroes and those not quite as heroics. He pulled no strings for marines or soldiers or sailors. He called the shots. He was so detailed in his reporting that I swear he must have been there. I recommend this to veterans of that campaign especially. You will never know what was going on over there, even if you were there, unless you read this book.
Frank Gee
The vivid, powerful story of an almost forgotten campaign.......2001-03-14
Brian Altobello's Into The Shadows Furious is the vividly presented story of the American battle to drive out the Japanese from New Georgia after the U.S. armed forces had finally secured Guadalcanal in the spring of 1943. The Japanese airbase at Munda on the island of New Georgia was a vital target and the focus of the Army's 43rd Division. The Japanese commander, Major General Sasaki, had prepared a series of strong defensive positions and roadblocks on the trails east from Munda directly in front of the American advance. The ensuing combat in difficult terrain slowed the Americans long enough that General Sasaki managed to evacuate the bulk of his forces. Into The Shadows Furious is compelling reading and a superb addition to the growing library of World War II Pacific Theater with its vivid, powerful story of an almost forgotten campaign that took a tremendous toll in blood and lives.
A Great Read!.......2001-01-02
Altobello does a great job describing the true enemy in the battle of New Georgia, the merciless terrain. His vivid descriptions of the unrelenting jungle of New Georgia and its arsenal of weapons (mangrove swamps, giant crabs, mosquito swarms, and torrential rains) make it easy for the reader to visualize the obstacles our young soldiers faced. Into the Shadows Furious is at its best, however, when Altobello is describing the emotional battles the soldiers endured. Through his own easy to read and insightful prose and through the oral accounts of actual battle of New Georgia participants, Altobello is able to capture the frustrations and mental anguish that our yet untested soldiers faced. The resulting story is a compelling account of both the physical and mental journey each solider underwent during the costly battle of New Georgia.
It'll make you cry.......2000-12-22
My father fought at Munda and New Georgia. He is now dead and he rarely talked about his experiences. As a 50 year old man, I have become interested in the New Georgia Campaign. Altobello makes you understand that Guadalcanal got all the press and that New Georgia was more violent. Altobello forces you to smell the rotten jungle floor and feel the blankets of mosquitos that covered bare skin. Altobello then wraps the physical conditions in terror and fright. I regret that I was ever a hippie.
Customer Reviews:
MUST READ!.......2007-09-17
This book is a must read for women and very insightful. Realizing that Biblical Christianity can touch a life by every single interaction we have, and also that many Christians don't really know how they would approach or broach the subject of religion with a Muslim woman, this book is an excellent resource! Christianity and the Muslim faith are opposing beliefs. They do not believe in the same God, the same Jesus and the same Holy Spirit. To love a Muslim enough to tell them about the God of the Bible will open doors to allowing them to hear the truth. God's Spirit will work from there :)
Well worth the read, and Unveiling Islam is the next book on this same subject that EVERY CHRISTIAN, male or female, should read.
Crescent Shadows.......2007-06-17
Great book. Provides insight into the lives of Muslim women. Their thinking, their mindset, unspoken issues. You judge if you think these women have a voice. What is the outworking of fear in their lives?
forgetting ontology of sexes.......2006-07-07
This book is inviting Muslim women who presently believe;
God transcends sexes(ontologically different cathegories); sexes are for the created
Man and woman are created from the same selves (ontological equality)
A woman can stand up in a mosque and remind the caliph his duties (and the caliph says "she is right and I am wrong")
To another faith which believes;
God is male (a father) that gives birth to a God-son (another male).However the worldly birth is by a human-woman.
Man is the primary creation and the woman secondary
A woman cannot talk in a church but can ask her husband later
With an art finding its roots in sophists who openly said: "our art is one of showing the small big and the big small"
As a proverb in my country says "a mighty arguing thief can overcome the houseowner". Something like that.
Do not forget many ex-christian western people came to the realization that the basis of all inequality is due to a MALE God. The troubles about women's issues are ontological in Christianity and the accusations -which I disagree with most but agree with some- on Islam are in level of law or tradition. Former unsolvable, latter something can be done about if people intend to.
Indeed Muslim scholars are very expertly critical of their hadith collections from the earliest days of their existence. This criticism finds its roots inside Islam:Quran is divinely preserved, Allah said so but Allah did not say such a thing about the sayings of the prophet so noone can say hadith collections are perfect.How much ever you try you may not be able to escape human errors in them. This is most beautifully and very briefly summarized in Murad W. Hofmann's Islam in 3rd Millenium in a constructive way.
Also one wonders if crescent is a shadow and Christ is light are they not equally shadow and equally light for Muslim men? Is this a trick of (conceptually) "divide and destroy"? As we well know Evangelists care less whether we Muslims become Christians or not but basically want to diminish the resistance of Islam to Anglo Saxon/Jewish hegemony which we Muslims mostly find unjust.
The impressionn that the authors have been brought by a muslim cleric father is misleading. Their mother was not Muslim- she was Swedish though I donno if she truly practised Christianity. Due to difficulties in family at an early age they have been taken by Evangelic Christians and they have learnt Islam Evangelic Christian way.By people who HAVE TO look all other religions as founded by Devil in order to exist. And have to interpret everything according to this basis.If you want to know how the basis you accept changes interpretation than a cow is a god in India, something you fight with in Spain, beef steak in North America etc.I have seen books Christians try to show Buddha's light is from Devil or Hinduism's mystical experience is so too. Wheras Islam sees other religions as teachings of prophets corrupted by time and people and yet still carries something precious in them. Quran says Allah gave compassion to Christians' hearts.I believe this was what Caner brothers faced when they met Evangelists.
a women who is walking backwards.......2006-06-09
First of all, I think we need to clear up that Islam is not far off from other religions such as Christianity anyway. You do not need to go into the light , you are already in it. Islam is the true religion and has been the same message that was given to Adam, Moses, Abraham and Jesus. Sadly, after each prophet passed away, their messages were changed by the people and now the religions are very different. People who still follow the old religions of Christianity and Judaism are very close to being Muslim and there is nothing wrong with that. The problem is when Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him) recieved the Quran, it included more of God's message, so it completes it. That's why after that, no prophet has been sent to Mankind. The Quran is all you need. This sister unfortunately has changed her religion for reasons that do not make sense, from a religion that has been clearly explained to a religion that has so many loopholes and things that don't work.
If you read this book , you should know there are many books about people who converted from Christianity to Islam. If Christianity is right, what could possibly make them leave then. If Islam is such a bad religion, then hy is it the fastest growing religion in the WORLD? The message has stayed the same . It's people who have changed. one person leaves, another comes. that's how life goes.
it is a good book to see how they felt but it should not be seen as a true representation of what being a muslim women is like because it's very different.
Authors.......2005-09-10
Dr. Caner is a Turkish, Persian immigrant, and a former Muslim. His father was a muezzine in the mosque. I'll take my chances with his knowledge and experiences, versus that of the people whom you "know" and/or "heard the facts" from.
Book Description
Book Review by New York Times Best Selling Author Ellen Tanner Marsh Shadow Fields By D. F. Whipple What happens when you wake up from the American Dream to find that you are actually living in an American nightmare? Can reality ever be as good as all you had hoped for? In D. F. Whipple's wild original debut, Shadow Fields, we're about to find out. Jack Maguire has it all: charm, power and enough money made on Wall Street to live like a king. But things are definitely not what they seem. His wife Jennifer, for instance, is so plagued by her past that she soon sinks into the brink of madness. His daughter Anne is depressed and suicidal. And Jack's favorite anodyne, work, just isn't doing the job for him all of a sudden. How can Jack live when the only dreams he has now are broken ones? As satirical as Thomas Wolfe's Bonfire of the Vanities and as inventive as Nabokov, Whipple has great fun poking holes into Wall Street sacred cows. His prose is diamond-hard and shining with meaning, and his characters are so alive and rich, you'll swear you know them personally. But Whipple is after more important things than creating mere satire. This is a tough reexamination of lives in the balance, careers on the make or break, and the casual way in which we sell our souls to achieve what we only think we want. Blistering, funny and deeply moving, this cautionary tale tells us to be careful for what we wish for, because getting it may not make us happy. At least not as happy as this richly satirical novel does.
Download Description
Control. Jack wanted it back. It was ripped away long ago. So this life of Wall Street-a realm where reality and myth intertwined-had taken its toll. On his body. On his soul. After December, he felt besieged, and it was all random and meaningless, and Jack knew he was falling into the abyss.
Jack Maguire has it all: money, power, charm, and the ability to overcome any challenge. Until today. Suddenly Maguire, the CEO of Taylor Drake and one of the most powerful businessmen in America, finds himself helpless-desperate for bearings. Working ninety hours a week is no help; in fact, the harder he works, the deeper he sinks. His wife, Jennifer, has grown distant. Anne, his teenaged daughter, is depressed. And worst of all, a tragedy struck on Christmas Eve. After years of camaraderie and laughter, Jack now suffers alone-a winner overwhelmed with loss. Wry, heartfelt, and deeply poetic, Shadow Fields explores the nature of opposites-life and death, success and failure, hope and fear-but ultimately asks whether these are opposites at all. Indeed, Jack Maguire cries out for an answer, and in the process, he speaks for everyone.
Customer Reviews:
Shadow Fields.......2007-05-29
From the moment I opened this book, I knew I would want to know everything there is to know about Jack's life. I felt every pain and victory with him. The writing is truly glorious. Thank you D.F. Whipple!
Stephanie D.
A gem--read it!.......2007-05-28
If you have ever heard someone describe seeing Springsteen at the Stone Pony *before* Greetings from Asbury Park, or saw LeBron play basketball in high school, you can get a sense for how I feel having read D.F. Whipple's Shadow Fields. The book is beautifully written, not just engaging but engrossing. That it comes without the hype of a major publishing house makes it even more delicious.
Shadow Fields tells the story of Jack Maguire, a man on the fast track who gets to the top and wonders what he has sacrificed and whether he should change course. But this is a fresh take on this not uncommon story.
I'm no literary critic, so I can't delve too deeply here, but the highlights of the book for me were the characters and their conversations, which are vivid and oh-so-real; the examination of the marriage, which will have anyone in a relationship doing some soul-searching; and the fact that I did not want to put this book down.
The book also passes my other tests: I will give it to friends confidently; and I will read it again myself to delve deeper into some of the important themes.
Look--I'm rooting for Whipple, in part because he is not backed (yet) by the big publishers. I just ordered Snooker Glen, his second novel, although I wonder if an author who scores big with his first novel can possibly nail the second as well.
And I recommend this book highly. You will enjoy reading it, and it will get you thinking. And someday, we'll all boast about how early we were aboard Whipple's career.
Shadow Fields.......2007-01-27
Who can recall that vivid, altering moment when the confluence of events converge to define one's life course? The trajectory is announced, crystallized...defined. When is that second when the whispered voice of encouragement and self affirmation adjusts to an audible volume, undismissable with its intent? It morphs into a propellant for self confidence...self belief...an embracing escort to the next test. It becomes the impenetrable fiber woven for the vicissitudes of life...not dismissable! D.F. Whipple conducts those pivotal Doylestown scenes with a musical mastery...balancing the "turn of the phrase" with the staccato of anticipation and a sensitive , controlled tempo, until the accelerando vibrates towards its ultimate , exuberant release. I felt present for Jack Macguire's defining moment on those Doylestown Shadow Fields, realizing at once the transforming message of self insight and self affirmation. An invaluable read for life students, who approach the raised bar...no matter what the goal....n'importe! A Shadow Field is there for us all.
A Great Read.......2007-01-10
Shadow Fields is a great read!! Jack is a captivating character with struggles that are well storied by D.F. Whipple. The flow of the story was excellent and the writing superb. No part of the story was left unfinished and I was left with a seamless vision of the characters portrayed. I'd highly recommend buying the other book by D.F. Whipple, Snooker Glen.
Shadow Fields.......2006-08-09
D.F. Whipple's poetic development of a young man in total control of his environment, effortlessly setting and achieving his goals, is eloquent and beautifully constructed. Jack Maquire's fast-paced life and meteroric rise in the most demanding pressure cooker, Wall Street, contrasts sharply with his almost melancholy awareness of 'the true meaning to love and life.' While his inner struggle for Balance ensues, his values and beliefs are shaken to the point of collapse.
Wonderful insight from Mr. Whipple; I loved all the switch-backs; a great read!
Average customer rating:
- Inredible Art, Thought provoking words
- Don't try sewing it on with soap
- shadow
- Gorgeous artwork and imagery
- a good book for folk lore
|
Shadow (From the French of Blaise Cendrars)
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Classics by Age | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Multicultural | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Africa | Fiction | Explore the World | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
French | Multilingual | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Multilingual | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Brown, Marcia | ( B ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
French | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Ages 9-12 | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
( B ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Bauer, Marion Dane | Baum, L. Frank | Benton, Jim | Berenstain, Jan | Berenstain, Stan | Blake, Quentin | Blume, Judy | Bourgeois, Paulette | Boynton, Sandra | Brett, Jan | Bridwell, Norman | Brown, Marc | Brown, Margaret Wise | Bruchac, Joseph | Bunting, Eve | Burnett, Frances Hodgson | Byars, Betsy
Classics by Age | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Multicultural | Fairy Tales, Folk Tales & Myths | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Africa | Fiction | Explore the World | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Multilingual | People & Places | Children's Books | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Poetry | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | Anthologies | Epic | General | Inspirational & Religious | Japanese & Haiku | Love Poems | Poets, A-Z | Single Authors | Spanish
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
-
Duffy and the Devil (Sunburst Book)
-
Golem (Caldecott Medal Book)
-
Hey, Al
-
Black and White
-
Baboushka and the Three Kings
ASIN: 0689718756 |
Book Description
Shadow lives in the forest...
It goes forth at night
to prowl around the fires.
It even likes to mingle
with the dancers...
Shadow...
It waves with the grasses,
curls up at the foot of trees...
But in the African experience Shadow is much more. The village storytellers and shamans of an Africa that is passing into memory called forth for the poet Blaise Cendrars an eerie image, shifting between the beliefs of the present and the spirits of the past.
Shadow...
It does not cry out,
it has no voice...
It can cast a spell over you...
It follows man everywhere,
even to war...
Marcia Brown's stunning illustrations in collage, inspired by her travels in Africa, evoke the atmosphere and drama of a life now haunted, now enchanted by Shadow.
Customer Reviews:
Inredible Art, Thought provoking words.......2005-05-04
In (...)I used to look at the large posters displayed in the school library showing the various Newberry and Caldecott Award winners. On the Caldecott poster the small picture of Marcia Brown's "shadow" always stood out from the other books. When we were asked to check out a book I was always dismayed to discover that "Shadow" was not available in our libray. Having finally read it some 13+ years later the bold use of color and and word play make it as appealing now as it did on a poster in elementary school.
Marcia Brown has translated the poem from the french language and has used an African theme to illustrate some of the literal and more abstract ideas regarding shadows. Through the words and pictures we see the playfulness and darker aspects of shadows. The pictures are so fantastic and rich, truly a great way to introduce African culture to younger audiences.
I agree with other reviews that the illustrations of this book do have at times a darker, ominous look to them. While the illustrations brilliantly complement the text some younger children could be frightened by them. As with any book, preview the book first to make sure it is appropriate for your child.
Overall I was very impressed with "Shadow", the cover alone still a vivid memory from those days of staring at that Caldecott poster in (...). A beautiful picture book and one that truly deserves a proper look.
Don't try sewing it on with soap.......2004-07-16
If you want to watch the progression of an artist, just take a gander at the life and accomplishments of the author/illustrator Marcia Brown. The winner of at least three, count 'em, three Caldecott awards, Ms. Brown began her career with lovely but simple picture books. As her work progressed and her talents extended, she moved outside of her comfort zone and began to take bigger and better risks. As a result, "Shadow" was published in 1982, won the 1983 Caldecott, and remains her best work today. A translation of a French poem by the author Blaise Cendrars, the book is a stunning amalgamation of lyrical text, fabulous illustrations, and jaw dropping metaphors.
Before I describe the book, I want to make something clear. This book is meant to entrance. If you have a child that is comfortable reading (or being read) a story about shadows and our own shadowy natures, this is an ideal tale. If, however, you have a literal minded child that doesn't particularly take to stories that lack plots, avoid "Shadow". In this tale the very nature of our darker sides is explored. Marcia Brown, using her customary woodcut techniques, takes us to different parts of Africa. Here, we see scenes that compliment the text. The book describes Shadow with the enigmatic line, "The eye has no shadow". We follow the tale through the nighttime, as Shadow slides behind storytellers and watches you as you sleep. Equally trickster and companion, Shadow is always dark but it does not kill. Blind, it cannot see but will pull the eagle and the vulture if they try to raise it. The final lines in the poem think deeply about the nature of shadows. "Every breath stirs it to life. It is a game. A dance".
Equally prone to statements like, "Shadow itself has no shadow" and "It follows man everywhere, even to war", the book is tackling a very serious subject in a colorful picture book form. And remarkably, it works. The text is translated by Marcia Brown herself (is there anything she can't do?) and is a deep thoughtful series of images. Matching the tone are some of Brown's darkest images yet. There are some freakin' scary images here. The shot of the blind shadow kneeling and stretching its arms out towards the viewer... that's frightening stuff. There's also an image of a mask with deep jagged teeth that, though awesome in the best sense of the word, is a bit of a shock. The images of Africa featured here are done respectfully and with a great deal of talent. Who can resist the silhouetted shot of a forest against the multi-colored sky of the setting sun? In the foreground a black snake with red diamonds curls down a tree trunk. Using watercolored papers and woodblock human characters I can't even begin to describe the technical expertise that must have gone into this book's production. Needless to say, it works beautifully. You feel the grassy plains where the animals run. You can almost touch the stone mountains and rough paths that lead people to war.
Some picture books are written solely to distract children for a few minutes time. Others hope to be taken a little more seriously and bring deep questions to mind. Then there are books like, "Shadow" that become art itself. The book should have won the Caldecott based on its use of color alone. It's a gorgeous undertaking that will engross and enrapture even the most tentative reader. Consider it highly recommended.
shadow.......2003-03-13
I found this book to be very very weird. It about how a shadow lives and acts. How its around you at all times. How it reacts to the world. Its interesting to read. The book reflects African Culture. So read it
Gorgeous artwork and imagery.......2002-11-29
This book explores the life of the shadow through lush poetry and evocative illustration. For those who didn't understand the book, it is an exploration of the underside, the dark side, THE SHADOW of life. We all have a shadow as does the world itself. A ying for every yang. My 10 year explained this to me. She understood the book, and LOVED the pictures. ONE NOTE: Artwork might be a little scary for a child under 5.
a good book for folk lore.......2002-11-01
"Shadow" by Marcia Brown
In this exciting book it tells about the many faces and states of the "shadow"
It starts out saying that the eye has no shadow, and how the Earth, Sun, Fire, Air, Water, owns no shadow, and how shadow has no shadow. It tells how shadow has no home and it comes out at night, and dances with the music, so it is a dancer and prowler. It is mute but listens, and goes behind the storyteller and slips away when the fire is out. Shadow does not sleep. It goes on about how shadow has no form. Shadow it does not cry out, it has no voice... It can cast a spell over you... It follows man everywhere, even to war...
This book is a real nice book to read if you want to read good folklore tales. This is not that hard to read and it will enhance your child's reading capability.
Book Description
Expanded edition! A radical fairy tale for adults to help face the fears that consume us. The Three Little Pigs is a story of your own transformation. Which little pig are you? Who is your wolf? What does it say about your own past, present, future? "This book is excellent." - Marie Louis von Franz.
Customer Reviews:
Intriguing.......2002-06-01
This book examines transformation, growth and change through the story of the 3 Little Pigs. It suggest that we must make a radical shift to become one with our bad half in order to understand and overcome it.
The book introduces 2nd pig thinking (not really a change although it looks like it on the surface) as 2nd order change (example: a Presidential election).
It's an intriguing book worth a weekend read.
A simple and powerful framework to support transformation.......1999-06-30
By using a familiar story, Charles Bates makes powerful tools easy to grasp. Pigs Eat Wolves engaged me to the point of rethinking significant decisions in my life and the assumptions on which they are based.
I can see a broader range of choices than prior to reading this book. It's easy to read and well worth the effort.
A VERY INTERESTING REVELATION.......1998-07-23
I loved this book. I couldn't imagine at first where Bates was going with this old, old story, but I was delighted with the new perspective and the underlying revelation that he brings out of this old tale. This is not a children's story. It is a completely new story to me, and has contributed to my person growth. I think he has skillfully reworked the metaphor of pig and wolf in a language that speaks to the inner self. It goes beyond the old moral of " work hard and you'll be rewarded in the end." According to Bates, whether you work hard or not, life still has some challenges for you, and understanding that will better prepare you to meet them. I think anyone who is consciously on the path to person growth will appreciate this story. It's short and can be read over a weekend. I hope that he will do the same with some of the other Mother Goose tales.
A Stretch of the Imagination.......1998-03-28
Charles Bates pushes the art of an analogy a bit too far. He uses the story of the Three Pigs to symbolize the coming into adulthood and taking on life and facing the evils that can, if not prepared, devour you.
Customer Reviews:
One to remember for it's action and good editing.......1999-02-10
This book is a fine example of the high quality books writen by the great authors FASA has employed.
Top-notch braided anthology.......1997-11-04
This anthology is a great sample to get a taste of the Shadowrun world. Most of the authors of the short stories in the anthology went on to write full-length novels for Shadowrun, with the notable exception of Lorelei Shannon, who wrote what was in my opinion the best story in the whole anthology, Whitechapel Rose. I would like to see this book reprinted, and a continuation of Whitechapel Rose would be nice.
Average customer rating:
|
Rael (Into the Shadow of the Sun)
Colin Wilson
Manufacturer: Eclipse Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 091303584X |
Books:
- Bright Lights Dark Shadows: The Real Story of ABBA
- Brother Eagle, Sister Sky
- Call Me by Your Name: A Novel
- Complete Champion: A Player's Guide to Divine Heroes (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying)
- Doll -Softcover Volume 1 (Doll)
- Dragons of Summer Flame
- Dungeons & Dragons Core Rulebook Set (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying, Three Book Slipcased Set)
- EMBRACING DESTINY'S CROSSROADS
- Favorite Folktales from Around the World (Pantheon Fairy Tale and Folklore Library)
- Flotsam (Caldecott Medal Book)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Black Dog Opera Library Deluxe Box Set
- Space Wolf: The First Omnibus
- No Second Chance
- Kisscut
- Reclaiming Your Life from a Traumatic Experience: A Prolonged Exposure Treatment Program Workbook
- Streams in the Desert
- Oswald Chambers: Abandoned to God: The Life Story of the Author of My Utmost for His Highest
- Imago Hominis: Studies in the Language of Art
- Nature Walks in & Around Seattle: All-Season Exploring in Parks, Forests, and Wetlands
- Memoirs of a Confederate Staff Officer: From Bethel to Bentonville
Witch Crafting: A Spiritual Guide to Making Magic
The Love Spell: An Erotic Memoir of Spiritual Awakening
Wicca: A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner
The Spiral Dance: A Rebirth of the Ancient Religion of the Goddess: 20th Anniversary Edition
Wheel of the Year: Living the Magical Life
