Journals Books

One woman's journey into Torah study as vehicle for touring the world of modern Torah study in the late 20th Century. Vanessa Ochs tells of her quest to discover on a very personal level if women have a place in Torah study. Nearly 20 years later, many of these issues seem dated. But Ochs' story is so intimate and so well told that I doubt one can read this book without coming away with a burning desire to study Torah for one's self. On another level this book is a treat simple for the people Ochs encounters in her journey. The book is worth reading for her portrait of Aviva Zornberg alone. Also featured are: Pardes Institute, Nehama Leibowitz, Matan, Malke Bina, Batya Miller, Chana Safrai, Judith Lieberman Institute. This book is a gem!

As a Christian I had very little understanding of the traditions of Judaism. I had difficulty understanding why contemporary, intelligent, independent women would follow such strict rituals. Bt weaving her interesting personal story and academic study into this story Vanessa Ochs provided me with a start of understanding. Very interesting, enjoyable and entertaining.

A very well written and enjoyable account of a woman's experience trying to learn Torah in Jerusalem. The author portrays other women's attitudes towards Torah learning (which has traditionally been reserved for men throughout Jewish history) as she tries to formulate her own attitudes. The reader travels with Ms. Ochs as she goes from the highs of grasping a complicated Torah passage to the lows of realizing that some Torah ideas are just plain sexist (in her perception).

As a theology minor during university, I was assigned to teach this text for a women in northern american religion class. It so moved me, that not only did I go on to study Judaism, both on my own and with a rabbi, I also converted. Truly amazing.

This is a brilliant insight into the wonderful world of art by the a number of great writers. From the excellently edited magazine, Modern Painters, this book takes "the best bits," displayed beautifully with exquisite pictures. a MUST for anyone this Christmas.

These essays DO present a fresh perspective to art and artists--much of the pedantry and obfuscation so common in dialogues on art is absent here. As well, Mr. Burnett's editing, crisp and elegant, contributes greatly to a fine volume. Highly recommended.......... a must.

Puzzled by modern art? Bored by art criticism? Then "Writers On Artists" is the book for you. This unique collection of modern art works accompanied by essays by contemporary writers is a colorful feast for the eyes in every way.

Just as each writer may take a distinctly different view of modern art, every contributor is sincere in bringing modern art to the many who find it remote or incomprehensible.

With 350 full-color reproductions as well as portraits of the artists and writers this stimulating and challenging volume provokes discussion just as it provides entertainment. Reading Will Self's take on outre Damien Hirst makes art fun.

Author Howard Jacobson takes on Andy Warhol, and Germain Greer extols the virtues of Portugese artist Paula Rego. Noted British author Julian Barnes finds challenges and implicit questions in the paintings of Edgar Degas.

And so it goes in "Writers On Artists," a fantastic journey through the works of artists guided by the writers' pens.

- Gail Cooke

I really enjoyed learning more about art and artists from these writers. They approach the artists from a neutral place, they ask fresh questions - often revealing a lot about themselves in the process and they obviously want to learn about the art rather than judge it. Excellent reading.

One has to read very closely the five stories, five observations, and several essays to understand what these men are doing with this delightful book.
Robert Canipe is playing with narratives employing several styles from first person with immediate sequencing to omniscient narrator with flashback. His writing is a fine example of the Southern Oral Tradition that peppers the southeast and into Texas. Canipe's characters are real people--warts, curse-words, and all--and their problems are real problems from robbers whose intended store is robbed before he can finish the job to men who get out of jail and search for an identity that is lost to them while in prison. The tales are tightly written and suspenseful and the character's voices are real.
Carter Monroe represents the curmudgeon of the Southern Tradition who likes what he likes because he likes it and that is all there is to it! From his comedic trip to the eye doctor for new glasses to his tale of buying a stereo with cash, Monroe shines as the philosophical old buzzard who refuses to give in to Life's constant nudge to evolve into something alien. From his front porch perch, cigarette in hand, Monroe preaches Southern life with an authority. Here is to Life in the Provinces!!
Tim Peeler writes of education outside the classroom and in the world of the working man. He relates tales of old men who flip the bird to convention. They learned in the school of hard knocks and do not care who knows it. Peeler's prose is poetical with a lilt of southern charm missing in today's "Southern" writers.
This collection is far better than I thought it would be. These men will be heard from again.

What makes Writers On The storm a significant tribute to Modern
literature is not so much the inventive and expressive prose
style of all three contributing Authors, though is indeed present. Rather it is the fact that amid a confusing and often baffling array of hypertextual nonsense, on the one hand, and 'pop' sensationalism as it proports to some 'Avante Gaurde'
and exhibitionist approach to literary fashion, on the other,
which are the modern standard in so many published works these days...That as apposed to the ways and means a kind of hyperbolic fashion which has become the norm, this book in general and in particular with regaurd the last author Tim Peeler, has reasserted the need for a the kind of 'thoughtful
creative calm' present only in the form of the Essay Proper.

Whereas it is true that individual works of nonfiction in this book take on a more narrative charecter, build themselves in
in their concept and thematic appropriation in what tends to be
a highly anecdotal manner, they still reassert those 'classical'
and thorough going aspects appropriate to what one considers
as apposed to NON FICTION PERSE...the Essay Proper. In an age
as intellectually divorced from serious literary thought of course, there are quite a few people capable of only a more
direct and visceral and entertaining assessment of human values
and human existence. This is a failure of the Age which we live in and not at all one of this wonderful collection.

Writers on the Storm: Stories, Observations, and Essays
by Tim Peeler, Carter Monroe, and Robert Canipe

One of my favorite living authors, Carter Monroe, has several stories in this collection. Monroe catches the flavor and humor of small town Southern living. Being from the provinces myself, I can vouch that his characters are true to life. The American short story is in good hands with Peeler, Monroe and Canipe.

In WRITERS ON THE STORM, the reader encounters three very different voices/perspectives that are nevertheless headed in the same general direction. The book begins with the realistic and often rowdy short fiction of Robert Canipe. Canipe breathes life into blue collar protagonists that include a convenience store robber, a failed son, and a paroled convict. It is almost scary to realize the depth of his understanding of these characters.

Carter Monroe follows with several lengthy essays in which he reflects on provincial life in Eastern North Carolina. The analytical quality of this work is outstanding and the tongue-in-cheek humor a reward for the reader.

The book concludes with a number of short essays by Tim Peeler, the majority of which study the idea of experiential education. This is accomplished as he recounts his version of local history in a Western NC county.

It is remarkable how well these diverse genres and styles mesh. You know these characters; you may be them.

I'm sitting here at the computer with two books spread in front of me. They have the same title, but look nothing alike. I don't mean that they merely have different cover art (both feature roses). One is dog-eared, underlined and annotated, and it flaunts four different colors of sticky notes. I bought it new. However, it is a used book--a well-used book. The other is newer with only a little underlining. I wanted to keep it pristine, but I can't discipline my hand; she keeps grabbing a pen and marking the good parts.

When Writing from Life came out in 1996, Susan Wittig Albert was a pioneer. She recognized the need for women to tell--and to share--their stories. All women--not only movie stars, Arctic explorers or famous women. For women who agreed with Susan but didn't know where to begin, this book served (and still serves) as a starting point.

Over a decade later, other books on memoir writing and related activities burden my bookshop shelves. But Writing from Life, for me, deserves a shelf of its own. I am delighted and grateful that the book came out again, this time with a new foreword and a revised, updated bibliography. Fortunately, the text of the book itself is unchanged.

Susan also founded Story Circle Network (SCN). Like many of its members, I cannot remember if this book led me into the organization or if SCN brought me to the book. It doesn't matter. Both have strengthened and enriched my writing life, no--my entire life.

Susan's new foreword recalls origins of the book and of SCN. She reiterates the reasons that women's life writing is critical, almost essential. Why should women tell and share their stories? It gives perspective and understanding to one's own life. It is healing, even to physical ills. It strengthens families and communities, and it leaves a legacy. Any one of these is reason enough to begin writing.

That's what the reader of Writing from Life will immediately want to do--grab a pencil, warm up the computer. The book lives up to the promise on the cover of both editions; it sets the reader off on "A journey of self-discovery." Early on, it encourages the writer/reader not only to tell her story, but also to create a book of her story. Seems daunting? Susan suggests writing out the words, "I am writing my life. I am telling my true story," and then taping them over a mirror or desk. She encourages,

"Nobody every writes a book all at once. As I write this, I'm writing a sentence, a word at a time. I collect sentences--three or four or seven or eight of them--into paragraphs, and two or three of those are enough to fill a page. A dozen or two dozen pages make a chapter. A covey of chapters is a book.
"But right now, I'm not worried about writing a book. Right now, I simply have faith in this true word, and this one, and the next. I have faith in this honest sentence, this paragraph, this page. That's all I need. Faith. Word by word, sentence by sentence. If I care enough about telling the truth, my truth, my book will speak for itself."

The journey the book promises begins in the beginning, but the road doesn't run in straight autobiography style through sixth grade, first date, marriage. Instead, Susan compares a life to a musical composition with themes and resonating chords that appear and reappear. So we explore our beginnings but also other birthings and beginnings, move on to gifts and graces, and then through relationships, homes, journeys and more. A new and fascinating way of regarding life.

I particularly enjoy the section on "Body Language," where we pause to have conversations with our body parts. Does your uterus have a name? Mine is Polly. (Don't ask me why!) And I'm going to have a serious conversation with my right hand about this constant underlining! Sounds light-hearted. It is. But even "fun" exercises lead to deep thought.

This kind of organization is appealing. Not only does it force our minds into new corners, but it allows for some dipping. If I don't feel like doing "Soul Mates" this week, I can flip forward to "Journeys." Since I've been dipping in and out of this book for quite a few years, I've also learned that time may or may not bring wisdom, but it certainly brings fresh perspectives. I can compare my responses to one chapter written several years ago to one I did last week and see how I have changed and, I hope, grown.

This is also a book about sharing. Susan shares her life story as she explains the process, but she also spikes the narrative with passages from her writing students as well as from published memoirs (plus there is a great reading list in the back). It's almost like belonging to a Story Circle. In fact, the book is designed to be used by Story Circle groups (the book and the organization are almost twins!), although it works well when used independently.

Looking back at the stories I have written, the stories I've shared with other writers (I am a member of an OWL Circle--another group sponsored by SCN. in Georgia and two on-line SCN groups), I reflect on the words in Susan's new foreword... "at the simplest level, many of us find that the truth is often more compelling than fiction, if only because it is...well, true." Amen. Particularly when those truths are our own truths.

by Patricia Nordyke Pando
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

for women interested in mapping out the journey of their lives.Includes meditations, excerpts from other women's writings, and pragmatic exercises that wil help you put into words the losses and the celebrations of your life.

We have been using this book in my writer's group and we've learned so much --- some of us are published writers, others are not. It doesn't seem to matter where you are in your writing journey, professional or not, this book is well-done and an inspiration. Pamela D. Blair, Ph.D., Author, The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Midlife and Beyond

If you don't know how to start your life story or need to be recharged, this is the book to help you with an excellent approach.

This little book is perfect to give to girlfriends for any occasion! It is filled with fun quotes and quips that will make you laugh - all of us women can relate!

0 to Bitch in 10 Seconds or Less is the perfect addition to brighten up a woman's day! This book had me smiling from the first to last page. I couldn't help but laugh out loud and share the quotes with my friends. Ms. Hatch has put together a fine collection which will make any woman feel proud to be so!Whenever I need to cheer up, I just take out the book, and read a few of my favorite quotes. Every woman,from teens to adults, should own a copy of this book and keep it close!

The title of this book caught my eye, & I scooped it right up. Filled with funny snippets, amusing quotes & entertaining thoughts, this is a great book. Perfect for giving to friends & as an eye-catching coffee table book, its light reading & anecdotes will put a smile on anyone's face - bitch or not!

Great Journal! I bought two, one for me and one for a special friend. We filled in the pages to relieve the stress of each day. Then we switch books and read the heart warming words of gratitude. I highly recommend this for some one to record their life. Take account of what is good in their life, and take their mind off what is bad.

This was the perfect gift for my sister! I cant wait to give it to her! Beautifully done!

I loved this journal. It was very fullfilling. It made you think about the good things that are all around you and inside of you. It helped me have more direction in my life and be grateful for every gift. Not to mention that it is a beautiful book. In fact I'm getting another one for a friend. LOVED IT!

The book/DVD set is a superb documentation on the CBS News live coverage of What We Saw as the events unfold and the aftermath on this horrible day of Sept 11, 2001. A wonderful DVD (2 hours of original news reports/interviews). Kudos to CBS News for putting together a great package. The best documentation I've seen on this tragic event.

Also recommended Books: 1)World Trade Center:The Giants That Defied The Sky 2)September 11th, 2001:A Collection of Newspaper Front Pages...The Poynter Institute

I shredded Reuters earlier 9/11 book, but this one seems refreshingly clear of soapbox lectures and political propagandizing. This is the book Reuters SHOULD HAVE released earlier. As one who has been to ground zero and taken many photographs, I will tell you that the photos in this book are reason enough to purchase it. The record of the 9/11 aftermath contained within is STUNNING. I found the text to be informative if not always necessary. The photos really speak for themselves. Along with Life magazine's 9/11 book, this is a keeper. It is hard to believe that only months ago I stood so close to this sacred site...

...

In After September 11, the forward is written by Tony Blair, British Prime Minister. He begins by saying, "Everyone will remember where they were and what they were doing when they first heard of the September 11 terrorist attacks." His statement is so chilling accurate of that day. The first Reuters title did a great job of capturing the events surrounding September 11. In this title, After September 11, I'm impressed by the incredible journalistic detail and follow-up in what's happened since September 11th. After September 11 is a very thorough view of what is still happening in the world.

What's important is that we never forget what has happened and that we take active, viable steps to make this world a safer and better place. I think After September 11 does a great job to remind us of those ideals.

I recommend this more than any other title out there right now.

Perhaps the most profound single book I've ever read..... James/Jane's brilliant treatise on the combined effect of the distorted fictions of Freud, Darwin, and Western religion is worth the price of the book alone. The last three chapters are some of the most inspiring material ever written. Should be required reading for those who worship assumptions.

This is a warm and enticing journey leading from the past into the future. This book draws you in and transports you to another level of reality with the most amazing insights and explanations of how our belief system was molded and the culture of the western world was shaped, based mainly on religious and scientific ideas. In simple and concise language a very beautiful picture of a bygone era was painted with loving care and a tender sense of humour. Then, in profound and graphic detail, a most brilliant future was depicted for all of us to look forward to.

This book can be used as a bridge to marry all the wonderful ideas espoused in Seth's books. A most invigorating and soothing work.

I am eternally grateful to Jane Roberts and Robert Butts for devoting their lives to this work, they have done so many of us an enormous service.

This is a great book and belongs in the library of any Seth enthusiast. The information is terrific and presents many of Seth's ideas from a "lower than Seth" perspective but still higher than our physical perspective but closer than Seth's.

...lovely and profound.

Martin's work here and on the canvas is deceptively simple. Not really about silence but about the possibility of grace and knowledge within.

This book recommended for all artists and lovers of art, life, and silence.

This book is a must have for every artist, any discipline and a gem for anyone. Agnes nails it and by her testimonial acknowledges difficult feelings and the impossible path of making art as well as it's unique role and brilliant emotion.

How many great painters have been eloquent on their work or methods, or, for that matter, on art or culture in general? In recent times, only Ad Reinhardt compares with Agnes Martin, who has that rarest of gifts among the non-literary, a voice. In a series of articles, some of which were apparently talks given to art students, she delves into consciousness, creativity, judgment, personal development, self-assurance, transcendence, meaning, value. She takes on the big subjects with language that is gloriously unpretentious in a style epigrammatic and occasionally poetic.

Visiting an exhibition of her pencil-grid paintings a few years ago, I experienced the transformative power of her paradoxically simple physical means to create shimmering, magical spaces. The staying power of that work has inclined me to believe that she's one of the greatest painters of the second half of the twentieth century. This book of her writings is a delightful enhancement to that discovery.

so lucrative it attracted doctors & lawers . alaska's great salmon fisheries.

This is a profoundly moving account of a young commercial fisherman working in the pristine, danger-filled fishing ground of South-Eastern Alaska in the early 70's. Told in first person in a diary format, events of the four months of the fishing season takes the reader from descriptions of the beauty of the sea & land to terror of nature on the edge. There is direct manner to Upton's style that puts the reader right in the boat. This is great reading for any arm chair sailor that has dreamed of exploring The Great Land by boat.

Call me crazy, but this one is a 10 for me. I got my copy in 79 when it came out. Joe is a wonderful story teller. This book documents the joys and challenges of Upton and his wife during a season as small boat trollers in the southeast Alaska troll salmon fishery. The book is about commercial fishing, but really it is about staying alive and making a living in storms, good fishing and bad. If you can find it, GET IT