France Books

Does "Scottsboro: A Tragedy of the American South" need any more 5-star reviews to convince readers that it may just be the best historical account of an American tragedy ever written? More than seventy years have passed since nine blacks were wrongfully accused of raping two white women on board an Alabama freight train and the event still rings in the ears as if it happened yesterday. Professor Dan T. Carter has remained the preeminent expert on the Scottsboro case for more than thirty years and his extensive research is evident in this book. Never dry or dull, Professor Carter guides the reader through a harrowing story that must be read to be believed. If you're not familiar with the Scottsboro case and its important role in American and more essentially pre-Civil Rights history, this should be the first book on your list. I also recommend James Goodman's superbly written "Stories of Scottsboro" and Quentin Reynolds' "Courtroom," the biography of Scottsboro defense attorney Samuel S. Leibowitz.

Too often books come and go, getting barely a mention, then fading into obscurity. Others, such as University of South Carolina Professor Dan Carter's 'Scottsboro', make reading both a blessing and a curse. To elaborate, this is not the sort of book one can read and not bite your tongue at the profound tragedy that marked the Scottboro trials and their legacies. You will shake your head in disbelief, want to argue, and, ultimately feel your blood pressure rise on more than a few occasions.

Carter's prose is excellent, well reasoned, masterful. His sources are tremendous, though one needs to consult his dissertation (UNC-Chapel Hill) for the complete listing. In the revised edition an interesting conclusion to the final proceedings is included, lacking none of the dramatics and eccentricities of the original trials decades before.

'Scottsboro' cannot be recommended highly enough. This is history written the way it was should be.

It is hard to imagine that such an terrible injustice could have occured in a country that prides itself on "justice for all." Dan Carter does a meticulous job in presenting us with one of the most engaging and informative books on the Scottsboro case I have ever read. As a pre-law and African-American history student I was thoroughly impressed and I recommend it to anyone regardless of their interests.

I love reading history books, especially when they read like a novel. Carter has produced a detailed account of this nearly forgotten episode in American History and he has done it with so much energy that one can not help but be swept up in his telling of the story. He traces the episode from its hobo origins. A freight train that carried two women and several black young men was stopped. The women, when taken from the train accused all the black men of rape and from here the stories of these rail riders takes off. Working with facinating material, the segregation of the deep South, the idea of a woman's honor, the Communist and NAACP rivalry over the case, the Jewish NYer who comes to represent the boys, the racist judges and the status quo governor and the one judge who martyrs his carreer to stand up for what he believes is right,Carter shows that the tale of Scottsboro is stranger than fiction. Not only is the story itself excellent, but Carter also brings the story up to date. For anyone interested in this time period, this is a must read!

Dan Carter has done a superb job in this study of the miscarriage of justice that took place in the Alabama of the 1930's. His picture is so complete and enlightening and he has attacked all the issues from all sides. If you want to get a very different picture of the atrocities capable in the U.S. of the 20th Century, read this book. I could say so much more.....

. . .of one of the most popular saints in the Church today.

"The Story of a Life" by Guy Gaucher is a well-written, honest, and poignant account of the the life of St. Therese of Lisiuex -- the "Little Flower". In addition to the biographical material, the author includes many photos (St. Therese's sister -- also a nun -- was a photographer) a useful timeline of events in the saints' life; a family tree/family history; and numerous testimonies to the witness of St. Therese.

This book is a "must read" for anyone interested in St. Therese and/or Carmelite spirituality. Read this biography BEFORE you read her own autobiography.

Very highly recommended.

I read the autobiography of St. Therese last year. After reading this book, I have a much fuller understanding of her "Little Way." It also helped me to better follow the chronology of her life. The author integrates her words with his own to help us bring together these two wonderful works. Highly recommended for anyone who loves this Saint.

This book, written by perhaps "the" foremost authority on St. Therese of Lisieux, is a "must read" for anyone interested in the life and spirituality of St. Therese. It provides invaluable information about the life of this Saint and about her relationships with her parents and sisters. In addition, the book provides critical insight into daily life at the Lisieux Carmel during the time of St. Therese. Highly recommended for a fuller understanding of this Doctor of the Church.

"Story of a Life," by Monseigneur Guy Gaucher, OCD, general editor of the critical edition of St. Therese's writings and auxiliary bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux, is a powerful framework for Therese's own "Story of a Soul." She writes, "It is not my life properly so-called that I am going to write; it is my thoughts on the graces God has granted to me." Bishop Gaucher tells, as much as possible, what Therese left untold. His astonishing expertise and understanding of Therese, his passionate attention to chronology, and his attention to detail create a framework for Therese's own writings. The more you love St. Therese, the more you will love this book. Also an excellent guide for persons or groups wanting to work through her life chronologically; one could use this book as a framework for the study of her writings. We are extremely fortunate the book is available in English.

This book was my first encounter with St. Therese, and I still think that it is the best account of her life outside of her own writings. As other reviewers have said, it might be best to read this book before _The Story of a Soul_, as it gives a lot of detail about what else was happening in her life, her family and in the world besides what she herself wrote. (It would also be better to read the version of her autobiography based on her original manuscripts than the standard version, which was sanitized to fit the popular piety of the era, with the best intentions, by her sister Pauline.) Gaucher also uses Therese's own words whenever possible and, as is his stated intention, injects very little of his own opinions and interpretation. On the other hand, his admiration and liking for his subject still comes through in the best possible way, bringing Therese, her family and community to life for those of us who live in a very different world. The book is also enriched by several photographs, most of them taken by Therese's sister Celine, who was an avid amateur photographer.

Sylvia Beach and the Lost Generation

This is an ambitious and serious work, accessible in style, and packed with information in over four hundred pages. It has three main themes, clearly defined in the introduction.
The first is the love between Adrienne Monnier and Sylvia. The details of this, so we are told, 'were and are still little known' in 1983 when this book was first published. The second is her admiration for, and championship of, James Joyce. The third is her bookshop, Shakespeare and Company, which was a key feature of the literary scene in Paris between the two World Wars.
By far the most detail is provided on her professional relationship with Joyce. Her efforts to get Ulysses published and smuggled into America, her financial and personal efforts to support the author, and the amount of time and energy she invested, are the key theme of the book.
Naturally Sylvia knew all the other familiar literary figures of the time. Hemingway and Pound are frequently mentioned, as is Gertrude Stein.
As intimated in the introduction there is less to be said about more personal relationships. In a way this seems rather a pity. The anecdotal style and recurring references to various incidents along the way give the writing a rather disjointed feel. Inevitably there is also a certain sense of déja vu particularly for anyone familiar with biographies of Hemingway for example.
The strength and the weakness of the book is the amount of text devoted to James Joyce. Joyce attracts great, but not universal, enthusiasm. The man himself seems to have had more arrogance than charm. Depending on the side of this divide which the reader favours this book will firmly hold the attention or will, in places, rather pall.

This is one of the best books that I've ever read about the 'lost generation' of Americans literary refugees in Paris. The writing is excellent, the research exhaustive and thorough with unparalleled access to Ms. Beach's 'surpressed' portions of her autobiography "Shakespeare and Company". It is readily apparent from this book that without Ms. Beach and her unflinching support, there would have been no "Ulysses" (and maybe no James Joyce). But there was so many other authors she supported and nurtured as well, as the quote from Ernest Hemingway cited above illustrates as well. This book is almost a 'must read' for those persons interested in American literature of the mid 20th century.

This one has been around for some time now and it is not the worse for wear. For those interested in our literature and literary Paris during the 1920s and 1930s, then this is one of those "must reads" (I truely hate that term, but know of no better to describe the improtance of this work at this time). The author's research is absolutely miticulous and fills in many gaps in the story of this remarkable woman. Do be warned though. Many of the names of people mentioned here are rather obscure (at this day and time) for those not immersed in the literary world. This can make the work a bit difficult to follow at times. That being said, this is a wonderful work to read to cause many of these names to become less obscure than they are now...one more of the many reasons to read this work! The book covers some of the intimate details of Beach's relationship with friends and lovers that she so well side steps in her own account of this time. Recommend this one highly. Actually, you probably should purchase this one as it is one that is a good book for reference and one you will probably want to reread.

This is quite a spectacular book, a privileged look into the most famous English language bookstore in Paris, Sylvia Beach's Shakespeare & Company. Not only is it delightful to read the history of how Sylvia's modest dream became such a huge success, but it is also fascinating to read about Hemingway, Fitzgerald, Gertrude Stein, and James Joyce when they were young. The language is rich and fulfilling, the photos insightful, and in the end, I really felt as if I had been part of it all, sitting in Sylvia's bookstore, hearing the rustle of pages as the day passed away.

This is one of those books where you care about the characters. Their past and future becomes important and that the characters are real people make this book all the more fasinating. A book one does want to end. But end it does with style.

When I was pregnant with my eldest child, I had the services of a wonderful doulah and fairly good childbirth classes at my hospital. I delivered without any drugs and with lots of support with my husband on one side of me and my doulah on the other -- I can't imagine having a baby any other way! Unfortunately with my other children I was unable to have my doulah, but I did have this book and it helped me immensely! I did not achieve a painless childbirth, but I learned to work with my contractions and make the most out of each one. Giving birth has been the most wonderful experience of my life. I look forward to having more children.
I believe this book is more useful than "Husband-Coached Childbirth" by Dr. Bradley....this book is also a little bit dated, but only in describing how conditions were at the time Mrs. Karmel gave birth to her children. Everything else is full of practical advice with lots of help on how to do it yourself. I loan out my copy to pregnant friends, especially those who have had difficult childbirths previously. (Just make sure I get it back! :-)

When I was first pregnant, my mother dug out her copy of this book and I read it and reread it and then read it again! It was my bible and using Dr. Lamaze's methods, not the bastardized version they teach at hospitals these days, is what allowed me to have a completely pain-free childbirth. Not once, but twice, as I used his method both times I was pregnant. This book should be read by anyone who is pregnant. It is well-written, informative and entertaining!

My attitude 35 years ago, when expecting my first child was:"Wake me when it's over" After reading "Thank you, Dr. Lamaze" I actually looked forward to the experience. With Marjorie Karmel's wise counsel and humorous recounting of her experiences and with the help of my wonderful husband and a very supportive doctor (It was hard to find a doctor who would cooperate with "natural childbirth") my first delivery was the most exciting and rewarding experience of my life. I wish this book could have a "rebirth" and be read by all pregnant women so that they could be fully aware and contributing members of the childbirth team. I hope that its use can help to eliminate some of the unnecessary drug use and caesarean sections that are so prevalent.

I was very young and very scared when I was pregnant with my son, Connor. To add to my problems, I am allergic to just about everything, which meant Lamaze was my only choice for childbirth. After reading Karmel's book, I had pride in myself, that 'yes, I can do this' and that, I would actually enjoy giving birth. Needless to say it only took two hours to have my son on a late Sunday night, I took four extra strength tylenol, which was mainly for my nerves and headache from all the nurses telling me I shouldn't be moving around, and returned to work on Wednesday. This book truly works! This should be required reading for anyone who is fearful of labor, or wants to be able to really experience the miracle of life without being being foggy minded bc of medication!

You don't have to be set on "Natural Childbirth" to read this. It is not only for old hippies either; it is also not what you see in your hospital's childbirth class. It is a great beginning to understand what the body is doing and how you prevent your body from misinterpreting it as pain. In the end, if this method is not for you, at least you approached the process with the understanding of what goes on.

Other books describe the process with a suggestion to breath naturally. This does not work. Many books review the phycial process of how the baby moves, but not what you can do to overcome how you feel. This book does that-- giving you things you can do to remain in control throughout your child's birth. It is worth it-- find a copy anywhere you can.

So much research went into this book, it felt like I was right there with the characters.Kathleen deserves all the awards possible for such hard work I loved the book, I was sorry to see it end.I can't wait to see what she does next, she is a genius!

Excellent research by the author. It is much better than sitting in History class. I find it interesting the beliefs of the Indians and Jesuits. Also enjoyed the romance going on between a Priest and an Indian and there beliefs involving such relationship.

Is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

Deuteronomy 24:17 Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow's raiment to pledge.

What I remember from this book was the contrast between two jesuit priests sent into the wilds of Quebec to live among the tame Huron Indian tribe. One priest truly understood the love of God, the other, more legalistic and harsh, a rules rules kind of person, carrying his cross, rosary, bible wherever he went. The vector of the epidemic which rages amongst the Huron peoples following the jesuits arrival comes from one of the implements of their faith.

Kathleen O'Neal Gear and her husband Michael are both archeologists who have worked in the past for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management. Years ago, I read their series of books on American Indian tribes of North America which starts with The People of the Wolf, the account of the indians migration across the Bering Strait. Totally loved those books, learned so much about the different tribes' lifestyle and culture. Some common misconceptions of these people disproved by the evidence found hidden underneath the dirt covering their remains.

I avoided this book because it involved missionaries, well I was mistaken. This is a excellent addition to Ms Gears work. I couldn't put it down, literally. I took the day and just read. Fabulous.

So much research went into this book, it felt like I was right there with the characters.Kathleen deserves all the awards possible for such hard work I loved the book, I was sorry to see it end.I can't wait to see what she does next, she is a genius!

I read this book in fifth grade cause it was on our reading list and we had to do a book report on it, and I aced it and still have the project lying around somewhere. It was the best book I had ever read that time and a lot of things amanda wished for, I did too at the time. My favourite parts were when her room became neat and clean, when she got that horse but was upset to find that the genie stole it from someone to get it to her, and how she became part of a native american legend for inspiration to her class assignment. Also, it was neat how amanda's mother was artistic and constantly going on about horse.

I read this book back when I was in Grade school and I still remember how much I liked it. What I remember the most was the lazy genie who didn't really want to grant wishes. It was funny how he would mess each one up into something that would get his 'mistress' into trouble. It's a good, light comedy, and you won't want to put it down until you find out if she finally gets at least 1 wish right!

I remember first reading this during my early school years. I went through a period of borrowing the book from my school library continuously for a whole year and reading it at least once a week. It my all time feel-good book! LOVED IT!!

The year was 1985 and I got "Toothpaste Genie" as a bookclub book through school and it was the first non-picutre book I ever read and still remember it. For any little girls who've dreamt of a having a little sister this is the book for you!

When I look back to the novels I read as a child, this one comes to mind first. I read this about 20 years ago and still remembered I enjoyed it. What would you do if you could have wishes granted?

a review of Colette's The Vagabond

The opening of the story in the dressrooms of the music hall smell like rancid grease paint, dust, sweat of performers. There's only few people you can relate to, since everyone comes & goes in the music hall, so why make friends?

But the music hall is good place for Renee Nere, a pantomime, who performs half nude in see-through silks, and gets slammed to ground on purpose by her mentor, Brague, who treats her like an amateur: but this a joke between them. Renee is no amateur. At 33 she can out perform anyone

"You get use to not eating, a toothache . . . . but you cannot get used to jealousy." is the way Renee describes her high profile marriage to Adolphe Taillandy, and his many, many mistresses. A marriage ends in divorce when Renee can no longer take it. Divorce from a wealthy man was unheard of in 1910.

Renee, the vagabond, loves the music hall in her own way, even though she hates the dust, the animal abuse, the low-class crowd. But she will never have to deal with Adolphe Taillandy again. She also endures the touring which means terrible food, discomfort, bad hours. It mends her broken life and heart, or gives her a chance to avoid it.

A rich suitor arrives and Renee doesn't want to get involved. She becomes emotionally involve, but then goes on tour, and tries to forget him. She's a vagabond now and she doesn't want to get tied up.

Colette was a master of the word written by a woman, from a woman's heart. She knew how to move from one scene to another and astonish the reader. The most amazing fact of this novel was that it was written in the dressing rooms of the music hall, and on tour too. ("It takes up too much time to write," states Renee, a writer herself, "and the trouble is, I am no Balzac!")

And then there is a nod to people who make up the music halls of Paris: "How unrecognized they are, these cafe concert artistes, how disparaged and how little understood! Forceful, proud, and full of an absurd and outmoded faith in Art . . . . "

Renee's faith in art is on a thin line too, but it saves her from "a woman dying of grief".

Colette's beginning as a writer is one of the strangest in literature. In her early 20s, she married a no-talent hack named "Willy" (that was how he signed his pieces) and wrote a series of novels about a young girl named Claudine. Willy took these pieces and published them under his pen name, giving his young wife no credit.

In her early to mid 30s, Colette grew weary of Willy, and turned her back on him to embark on a career as a dance hall performer. This is the setting for THE VAGABOND, Colette's first post-Willy novel, and the first to bear her own name.

The main character, Renee Nere, has been touring for 3 years, and although she's sometimes lonely, is enjoying her freedom and self-sufficiency. She's also suffering from what we'd refer to nowadays as Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome. Her marriage to her philandering and abusive husband was so wretched, that when she meets another man who loves her, the slighest familiar gesture or word will trigger memories that incite revulsion.

THE VAGABOND is a gem of a novel that beautifully shows off Colette's gift for prose as well as her wonderful descriptions of life backstage as part of a touring group. If that isn't enough, she is also very gifted at revealing the psychological insights of her character. The introduction by Judith Thurman is well-done, and both the introduction and the novel left me wanting more Colette.

Colette's Renee Nere is complex, her name alone tells us that (the last name is the first name spelled backwards, not to mentioned that Renee means "reborn"). This female protagonist would certainly fit in with the modern notion of being female, and in the early 20th century, this was not only rare, but not very-well understood. I adore this book because of the way it encourages women (by example) to carve out their own existence and not to rely upon men for security. It is also wonderfully written. However, you'll be in for a shocker if you read the sequel, "The Shackle".

This was my first reading of Colette. What a poetic, beautiful, and amazing writer she was. In this novel, we meet a woman who is definitely revolutionary for her time and ours. Colette is aware of the sorrow and happiness that are intertwined in life. The main character's life follows a path that has much loneliness and doubt, but she, most importantly, has her will. This is truly a feminist classic. What I admire most is the courage to write such a work and to write it so well. The language is intoxicating.

The Vagabond was my first delicious introduction to Colette, and the first book to make me weep openly. I related strongly to Renée, a professional woman who clung desperately to her independence while falling hopelessly for a man who relentlessly tugged at her vulnerability. Renée's confusion about whether love and happiness could coexist kept me captive in suspense until the very last (and infinitely satisfying) page.

This book is for all ages... If you haven't read all 66 books and want to? Then, this is the right book for you. It summarizes the book and chapter well for all ages to comprehend easily.

This is a very nice bible for children as well as adults. It breaks things down into more understandable reading. I use it myself along with my regular bible.

I've just started out in my walk with Christ so Childrens books have been VERY helpfull in my study. Out of the 10 books this is by far THE BEST!

This is one of those books where the kids version is better than the adults version! It breaks down the Bible, into sections and sub-sections. For example, it introduces the 1st 5 books of the Old Testament as the Books of the Law, explains why they are called that, the main points, the main people, an outline of what happens in each chapter- and then it goes a wonderful step further, and links in known historical information, a map of 'Where It All Happened', and other pertinent information about the world at that time. The same format is followed for each Book of the Bible. Within each book there are small illustrations & summaries of the main events in each chapter, which are surprisingly well done- not off-putting to an adult, very accessible to a child. The reference materials at the end- a good dictionary of words that one doesn't often see outside of the Bible!, Bible geography, good time lines of the Old & New Testaments, and an amazing 16 pages of good color pictures tucked away at the end make this book a must!

There are bits that are clearly written for children, and the section on 'Becoming God's Child' may or may not fit exactly with your view of things, but don't be put off by those: this is a great tool for getting to grips with a lot of information.

I am a Christian Education Director and have been looking for some solid material for older youth 5th-8th grade. This book illustrates each book in the Bible within a couple of pages with black and white line drawing charactures. It may sound young, but even my adult committee wanted copies for themselves. I am putting together an entire curriculum using this book for the youth, over a four year period (two years OT & two years NT), along with "What The Bible Is All About Handbook:NIV Edition" for the teachers to get familiar with the Bible in about ten pages per book and the "What The Bible Is All About 101, 102, 201, 202", which are leader guides to teach.

Fantastic.....I am such a believer of this book I now buy it for friends who call me up with relationship break ups and divorces. I refer to it all the time

The well-credentialed authors lead the brokenhearted through the various steps of grief. This book features truly helpful suggestions for navigating the post-breakup storm and for nurturing the self while not seeking revenge on the former beloved.

Highly recommended.

What a great book!! This book is a must for anyone who has lost a loved one. Clear and concise, very well written. It helped me a great deal. Bravo!!!!

A year out from seperation I was still of a mind that one of the most miserable things one human being does to another, is betrayal. This groovy little book took me back to emotions of shock and anger and gently walked me through to a place I now cherish, freedom to do and be the person I am.

Rick Whiteside and Frances Steinberg have written a wonderful guide to getting through some of the most difficult times people face. When Your Lover Leaves You is sensible and compassionate, and keeps you focused on the all-important realizations that not only is there life after a breakup, there are skillful ways of managing intense feelings. I recommend this book highly - it's short, it's focused, and it's practical...exactly the way it should be for people in distress who are looking for smart ways to cope with loss.

This novel was a great read. I found myself wondering about and worrying for the main character. I couldn't wait to find out what happened as I read through it. A great quick summer read.

Pick up this book for an intricately woven story that is one of those books where you say to yourself, "I'll just read five pages before bed," and you can't put it down.

The characters are fully fleshed out (how refreshing) and the UK setting makes the double story even more engaging--a *great* read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this short novel. I found myself intrigued by the mystery. And, just like the main character, I found myself trying to sort through the twists and turns, until I reached the final pages. The setting and characters were depicted very well. One immediately feels both at ease in the small English towns and then a bit uncomfortable as the main character tries to resolve "Where is She Now?.

Frances Gilbert has written a compelling and insightful story. Her extraordinary descriptions of the English setting invite you in; and, in fact, the setting plays an amazing role in the drama. You will love this short novel.

I am the author of Where is She Now - I am getting some wonderful feedback - readers are enjoying the English settings - yes, they are authentic - I am English and lived there for many years - readers are intrigued by the insecure bond between Rosemary and her husband Brian, and especially by Rosemary's shifting understanding of what is real and what isn't - to me the one reflects the other the more difficult and ambiguous a relationship becomes the more uncertain one becomes in all interactions and the less secure about one's own judgements - so Rosemary struggles to assert herself and find out what happened to her baby, and employs her stronger self, Anna, when she feels overwhelmed - my favorite scenes - the restaurant by the river, where Rosemary first challenges Brian - and the very end, the gaveyard scene - I enjoyed writing that, it gave me closure - Frances Gilbert