California Books
Books-Under-Review-->Computers-->Computer Science-->Academic Departments-->North America-->United States-->California-->27
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250
California Books sorted by
Average customer review: high to low
.
Opting Out? Why Women Really Quit Careers and Head Home
Published in Paperback by University of California Press (2007-06-01)
List price: $24.95
New price: $22.13
Average review score: 
Good Read
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-29
Review Date: 2008-04-29
This book was great. I would recommend this book to any women thinking about starting a family or anyone concerned with the shortage of women in corporate world. This book read almost like a novel since you follow the lives of several women. It is very enjoyable and dosen't preach about which choice is better for a women to make, working or staying at home. I really liked it and learned a lot. My one complaint is that women in this book are all super rich and had very powerful jobs. Perhaps the author should have looked at minority and middle class women as well.
Stories that grabbed my heart
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Review Date: 2008-03-01
Beautifully written,this book tells compelling stories of real lives, while exposing the often hidden factors that force women to make tough choices between caring for their families and continuing in their chosen professions. Lack of flexibility on the job, luck of the draw in finding sympathetic bosses, ridiculous social norms of working as if no employee had a personal life, lack of mentoring, low continuity in corporate relationships and networks, stigma of part-time work, pressure on single-earner spouses to spend more and more time on the job--all these constrain our ability to find the optimal balance of work and life. The women in this book speak to all of us, men, women, stay-at-home moms and working moms, with or without children, seeking to find true productivity and happiness. This book is thought-provoking! Enjoy it!
important topic
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-13
Review Date: 2007-11-13
It's hard to understand how the great United States can fall behind other countries in this area (and don't get me started about breastfeeding.) For me as a mom who sort of opted out or took a hybrid approach (took a decrease in pay to work part time out of my house), I was actually surprised at my own reaction to having children. Before I became a mom, I was sure I would always work and find a nanny for my kids. Once they were actually here, I couldn't pull myself away from them, bear to leave them with someone outside my family for any extended periods of time, or ever dream of being pulled away from them when they were sick. I guess the good thing about that is that there was no internal struggle. I knew where I needed to be. I am working and with my kids at the same time-and my mother helps me on those days. (If I could swing it financially, I would quit all together and be with them completely.) Thanks for researching and writing about this important topic. I hope it encourages more work in this area.
A nicely balanced look at the pros and cons of opting out, with real examples
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 2007-08-02
Review Date: 2007-08-02
What I particularly liked about this book: Stone's interviews and discussions with actual women who decided to opt out of working (even though many of them could have made big bucks) as well as her solid research.
Readers should be aware that the author, by her own admission (p. 15 of the book), focused on white married women with children and that these women had previously worked as managers or professionals. If you don't fall into that group, this book may not appeal to you. These women, for the most part, also had husbands who could support their decision to stay home.In short, these women often had expensive college degrees and were high achievers.
Stone also points out that women who tend to "opt out" are the exception, not the rule, citing studies that indicate that 70 percent of the women who are married mothers of preschoolers still continue to work. Turn this figure around and the reality is that one out of every four women DOES decide to stay home. This book is an exploration of these particular women and it is written in what I found to be a very nonjudgmental and open style.
The author was also able to get some company heads to admit their mixed feelings about mothers in the workplace, their fears about them being less committed to their jobs or more likely to quit.
Other areas covered in this book include:
Most women quit only as a last resort (p. 18)
Each woman's story was unique, often complex and with many factors.
There was often ambivalence and a shifting of roles within the home
Their decision did NOT signal a return to traditionalism (p. 19).
Their former workplaces often made it difficult, if not impossible, for them to continue balancing family and work, rejecting their attempts to create innovations while maintaining productivity.
If you'd like to know what is featured in each Chapter, here's a quick rundown:
Chapter 1 - Looks at various women (the former Ivy League sports star, the CPA, the Consultant, an editor, a stock trader, etc) and their various experiences at work.
Chapter 2- 3- Looks at the families, children and husbands.
Chapter 4- Focuses on work, problems and challenges and factors that lead to a decision to opt out.
Chapters 6-8 - Life at home, coping techniques, finding new identities.
Chapter 9- Explores possible ways that women could continue to work (if they chose) and minimizing the obstacles that make staying home a necessity, not a choice.
Readers should be aware that the author, by her own admission (p. 15 of the book), focused on white married women with children and that these women had previously worked as managers or professionals. If you don't fall into that group, this book may not appeal to you. These women, for the most part, also had husbands who could support their decision to stay home.In short, these women often had expensive college degrees and were high achievers.
Stone also points out that women who tend to "opt out" are the exception, not the rule, citing studies that indicate that 70 percent of the women who are married mothers of preschoolers still continue to work. Turn this figure around and the reality is that one out of every four women DOES decide to stay home. This book is an exploration of these particular women and it is written in what I found to be a very nonjudgmental and open style.
The author was also able to get some company heads to admit their mixed feelings about mothers in the workplace, their fears about them being less committed to their jobs or more likely to quit.
Other areas covered in this book include:
Most women quit only as a last resort (p. 18)
Each woman's story was unique, often complex and with many factors.
There was often ambivalence and a shifting of roles within the home
Their decision did NOT signal a return to traditionalism (p. 19).
Their former workplaces often made it difficult, if not impossible, for them to continue balancing family and work, rejecting their attempts to create innovations while maintaining productivity.
If you'd like to know what is featured in each Chapter, here's a quick rundown:
Chapter 1 - Looks at various women (the former Ivy League sports star, the CPA, the Consultant, an editor, a stock trader, etc) and their various experiences at work.
Chapter 2- 3- Looks at the families, children and husbands.
Chapter 4- Focuses on work, problems and challenges and factors that lead to a decision to opt out.
Chapters 6-8 - Life at home, coping techniques, finding new identities.
Chapter 9- Explores possible ways that women could continue to work (if they chose) and minimizing the obstacles that make staying home a necessity, not a choice.
Complex issues; no easy choices
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-10-02
Review Date: 2007-10-02
Women are torn in a way men are not in this intensely personal profile of females in the workplace. Highly educated and successful women, who had no plans to leave their careers... felt pushed, shoved or dead-ended suddenly. Jobs evaporated, job requirements were redefined and the struggle to commute, feed a family and juggle children, a house and still smile while the husband continued on the fast track proved impossible for many. What about the laundry and cooking? Some but not all hit a wall! Some intelligent women were also lucky and with good timing and some flexibility there are success stories. As someone who was pushed about 15 years ago...and somehow landed on her feet...I still miss my career, miss the office environment (but not the politics)and struggle with the frustrations of raising kids...often alone. My husband works hard and has had to accept the fact that my job plans disappeared when my family responsibilities took over. A must read for women who want to go back to work, and also recommended for the next generation of females who are choosing careers! Keep your eyes open and read Pamela Stone's insightful and well-researched text!
The Parable of the Tribes : The Problem of Power in Social Evolution
Published in Hardcover by University of California Press (1984)
List price:
Used price: $4.95
Average review score:
The Ways of Power Explained
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2008-02-18
Review Date: 2008-02-18
This book proposes a novel systemic hypothesis about human behavior that on its face seemed like a synthetic exercise: that our political systems have evolved according to the systemic rule of "power maximization."
It sets forth a novel conundrum that is anything but synthetic and that proves the author's point in a rather profound way. The conundrum is called the "Parable of the Tribes." Simply stated, the parable exhausts all the possible outcomes in a competition between a number of "non-power maximizers" and a single determined "power maximizer." The result is that in order to survive, the "non-power-maximizer" has no choice but to become a power-maximizer himself; that is to say, he must also adopt "the ways of power" whether he wants to do so or not. And in doing so, the circle of power is continued and the "ways of power" are extended.
According to the author's theory, it is selective biological and environmental pressures that have been responsible for the evolution of our human political systems into power-maximizing forms. However, in a world, where recently, there were two power-maximizers, each with enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world several times over, the dilemma of those facing a determined power-maximizer became more than just an abstract theoretical notion. It became a very real global existential trap indeed, escape from which required equally novel solutions.
As an Analyst for the U.S. Arms Control & Disarmament Agency (ACDA), I am proud to admit that we actually took Professor Smookler's theories literally in search of a way to deal with the very real problem of the threats that USSR nuclear arsenal posed.
Suffice it to say that most of the analysis involved expanded version of the classic "Prisoner's Dilemma" game theoretic schemata, and in particular, the Meta-game tableau, which expanded it, as formulated by Professor Nigel Howard. As well, we used some of the very excellent Game Theory work developed by Professor John Nash, whose life became a popular movie biopic.
The upshot of our analysis was that escapes from both the "Prisoner's dilemma" and the "Parable of the Tribes" could be found provided the "decision surfaces" were expanded to take into account new "meta- possibilities." In some ways, our proposed solutions were similar to the solutions Professor Smookler's oproposed in his subsequent work.
In any case, the book shows how serious theorizing can be put to good use in dealing with actual "real world" problems in our complex times. Since it was published, this has been one of my favorite and most cherished books.
Ten Stars.
It sets forth a novel conundrum that is anything but synthetic and that proves the author's point in a rather profound way. The conundrum is called the "Parable of the Tribes." Simply stated, the parable exhausts all the possible outcomes in a competition between a number of "non-power maximizers" and a single determined "power maximizer." The result is that in order to survive, the "non-power-maximizer" has no choice but to become a power-maximizer himself; that is to say, he must also adopt "the ways of power" whether he wants to do so or not. And in doing so, the circle of power is continued and the "ways of power" are extended.
According to the author's theory, it is selective biological and environmental pressures that have been responsible for the evolution of our human political systems into power-maximizing forms. However, in a world, where recently, there were two power-maximizers, each with enough nuclear weapons to destroy the world several times over, the dilemma of those facing a determined power-maximizer became more than just an abstract theoretical notion. It became a very real global existential trap indeed, escape from which required equally novel solutions.
As an Analyst for the U.S. Arms Control & Disarmament Agency (ACDA), I am proud to admit that we actually took Professor Smookler's theories literally in search of a way to deal with the very real problem of the threats that USSR nuclear arsenal posed.
Suffice it to say that most of the analysis involved expanded version of the classic "Prisoner's Dilemma" game theoretic schemata, and in particular, the Meta-game tableau, which expanded it, as formulated by Professor Nigel Howard. As well, we used some of the very excellent Game Theory work developed by Professor John Nash, whose life became a popular movie biopic.
The upshot of our analysis was that escapes from both the "Prisoner's dilemma" and the "Parable of the Tribes" could be found provided the "decision surfaces" were expanded to take into account new "meta- possibilities." In some ways, our proposed solutions were similar to the solutions Professor Smookler's oproposed in his subsequent work.
In any case, the book shows how serious theorizing can be put to good use in dealing with actual "real world" problems in our complex times. Since it was published, this has been one of my favorite and most cherished books.
Ten Stars.
Simply Amazing
Helpful Votes: 10 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2005-08-10
Review Date: 2005-08-10
I will keep this very short since this is a something that truly speaks for itself. In the past two years I have read around 50 books pertaining to a variety of topics. This book, The Parable of the Tribes, was by far the most interesting book I think I may have ever read. It brings to light so many answers to questions that any normal inquisitive human being has pondered over once or twice in his or her life. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in society, civilization, evolution, economics, philosophy, phychology, and sociology. I am eagerly looking forward to reading the two other books he wrote after this one.
The Origins of Violence
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2003-09-29
Review Date: 2003-09-29
Imagine a group of tribes living within reach of one another. If all choose the way of peace, then all may live in peace. But what if all but one chooses peace?
So begins this paradigm-bending book, an elegant theory of social evolution, as well as a brilliant prescription for modern peacemakers. Schmookler not only accounts for the origins of the ancient cycle of human violence, he provides a path from domination, competition, and unilateral decision-making to partnership, cooperation, and multilateralism. As Schmookler guides the reader through possible answers to the parable, it becomes clear that, when faced with violence, whether one chooses to fight back, surrender, or run away, each "solution" tends to spread the power dynamics of violence through the system. Even the most peaceful culture, when forced to defend itself, must shift to that degree of militarism deemed necessary for survival.
The liberating message for peacemakers is that violence is neither a hard-wired aspect of human nature nor God the Father's indelible curse on humankind; rather, violence arose as a regrettable solution to human conflicts and has since spread from person to person and culture and culture like a social virus, or meme. By focusing on what Schmookler calls "the problem of power in social evolution," we can chart a new course through personal and political conflicts and find lasting, nonviolent answers to the parable's dilemma. A vital book in the peacemaker's library.
Arguably the Greatest Non-Fiction Book Ever Written
Helpful Votes: 14 out of 15 total.
Review Date: 2001-08-06
Review Date: 2001-08-06
THE PARABLE OF THE TRIBES is an awesome achievement that will completely restore your faith in human nature. The book presents a stunning theory of social evolution every bit as revolutionary as Einsteinýs theory of general relativity or Darwinýs theory of natural selection. Like those two previous theories, the PARABLE represents a paradigm-shift in thinking. (My jaw hung open the whole time I was reading.) The book provides a path beyond guilt, shame, and hostility toward love, compassion, and wholeness within the human condition. Ranging over the subjects of psychology, anthropology, religion, and sociology, the bookýs implications could not be more sweeping and profound. It presents a breathtaking critique of civilization that shows us how humankind is more the victim and less the instigator of historyýs violence and oppression. It disproves the erroneous commonsense view that civilization is merely human nature and human choice writ large. It leads us to understand fully our predicament so that we might solve our problems intelligently. For a couple million years, humanity lived within a fairly circumscribed biological niche. Culture evolved slowly and was in step with biological evolution. Suddenly with the agricultural revolution 10,000 years ago, social evolution began to outstrip biological evolution. In an unprecedented way, our genetic inheritance came to be out of joint with our environment. Schmooklerýs book shows that with the advent of large-scale agriculture, suddenly anarchy came to characterize the inter-societal system. Societies began to compete using the vast new possibilities offered by civilization. A process of selection began, continuing to this day, which favored the ways of power--a process that is utterly indifferent to natural human needs. Ways of being that had been inherently more humane and more sustainable were slowly but surely swept away in favor of cultures and societies wielding ever greater power. Schmookler reveals how Power is a contagion that leaves destruction, despoliation, and misery in its wake. The book also presents possible solutions to this problem of power. The PARABLE will definitely be one of the greatest, most liberating books you'll ever read.
Tough Reading, Great Bottom Line, a Classic
Helpful Votes: 23 out of 25 total.
Review Date: 2004-01-25
Review Date: 2004-01-25
This is tough reading, in part because the publisher's choice of paper and font are not the best. As one who has previously recommended such books as Lionel Tiger's "The Manufacture of Evil: Ethics, Evolution, and the Industrial System", Norman Cousins "The Pathology of Power", and many other books on the pathologies of treating man as a "good", of scientific objectivity as "value neutral" and therefore bad, of secrecy as counter-productive to "precautionary principle" decision-making, I immediately recognized this book as an integrative work, possibly supplanting all those other books by bringing the various arguments together in one place.
This is indeed a brilliant product by a towering intellect, and it has the bibliography and index that one would expect from a world-class endeavor. I recommend it together with Philip Alott's "The Health of Nations: Society and Law beyond the State", Stewart Brand's "Clock of the Long Now", and John Lewis Gaddis "The Landscape of History".
The author's bottom line: not only must we come to grips with how power is managed in every nation and organization, but also we must manage at the *global* level if we are to succeed in optimizing fulfillment at the *individual* level.
Piece of Mine
Published in Hardcover by Women's Press Ltd,The (1986-03-04)
List price:
Average review score:
Short stories were not my cup of tea, BUT
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-30
Review Date: 2007-01-30
I have always hated short stories, because they had no substance for me. This was the first of J. California Cooper's books I read and I am now HOOKED! In reading these books I can relate to people I really know. This is the first time I had actually laughed out loud reading a book. I am now a huge fan. I feel these are a must read.
Funny
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-09-22
Review Date: 2006-09-22
I simply loved the stories especially Liberated. That woman had me saying "you go girl!"
Now that's what I call writing!
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2001-05-29
Review Date: 2001-05-29
I borrowed this book from a friend, and I am upset that I have let this treasure sit in my apartment for 2 months without reading it. This book is awesome! The writing is simple, wisdom-filled and flavorful! Without making her characters heroic, you find yourself admiring them, because they are so human... full of good, but full of frailties at the same time. I didn't want this book to end, and I'm about to order any book of hers that I can get my hands on. Ms. Cooper is a good writer, with an obvious love and respect for her craft. More than that, without being preachy she manages to impart insight into human nature. I loved this book! The book and the woman who wrote it are classics!
Outstanding and uplifting
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-08-14
Review Date: 2000-08-14
A wonderful, quick read. Her stories touch the heart and some even make you say "you go girl". Iloved this book and would pass it on to many friends. You won't put it down!
A Piece of Mine
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-06
Review Date: 2001-01-06
I'm enjoying the work of J.California Cooper more and more. I've never been one to read short stories but I'm hooked now. Each story touch my heart and reminds me of someone I know. I feel as if I'm sitting on the porch talking to my grandmother when I read some of these stories. So heartwarming. God's Blessings.
Pier Fishing in California: The Complete Coast and Bay Guide
Published in Paperback by Marketscope Hourglass Bk (1992-05)
List price: $16.95
Used price: $11.00
Average review score:
great for newbies, salty dogs and historians alike
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-13
Review Date: 2007-02-13
My title says it all. If you're looking to start a new hobby, get better at your current one, or want some leisurely California history reading, this book can't be beat. I can't wait to hit the piers...
Filled with facts and tips for novice and experts
Helpful Votes: 11 out of 11 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-18
Review Date: 2004-08-18
Public Piers are great places for families and visitors to fish because they are the only places in California where anglers over 16 don't need a license. I've been fishing for 26 years now and build my own rods. I've traveled a lot and fished internationall and this book is unique in the focus it brings to fishing in my home state of California. Much thicker than the first edition and filled with tips and facts that have made my trips more productive. I have other books, like Tom Steinstra's well thumbed guide to California fishing spots, but, those are just a general guide without much depth. Ken Jones gives a detailed review of all the Public Piers in CA. I'd recommend it as required reading for those who are truly interested in catching fish off any California Pier. I've used the book and and found it invaluable as a deskside reference in looking up and planning fishing trips and answering questions authoratively on Ken's Pierfishing.COM website.
Ken Jones' Masterpiece
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-07-15
Review Date: 2006-07-15
If you fish piers in California, you need to buy this book.
pier fishing in CA
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-30
Review Date: 2006-06-30
Lots of info and history,easy to read and use
The best source for Pier Fishing In California
Helpful Votes: 8 out of 8 total.
Review Date: 2004-08-19
Review Date: 2004-08-19
The new edition is larger, but is chalked full of usefull info for any angler. It has great rigging techniques, and a huge amount of info on all of California's piers. Ken Jones knows his stuff, and the book shows it. I own both editions and they are perminant items on my coffee table at home. I'd highly reccomend this book to anyone interested in fishing...these books have it all!
Quiet talks with the Master
Published in Unknown Binding by DeVorss (1938)
List price:
Average review score:
Words of Comfort
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-24
Review Date: 2006-08-24
Quite Talks with the Master is a wonderful book easy to read. It feels like a warm gentle hug from above. Read this book and you too will find comfort, love, and peace in the words.
The Voice of Christ
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2001-12-20
Review Date: 2001-12-20
For those of you wondering what this book is about, I can only say that it is profound in that these are the actual thoughts of Christ (Eva Bell Werber being in the presence and spirit of Christ at the time of writing) There is a beauty of spirit beyond words in this work and the other works written by her. When you first read the words there is a feeling of being spoken to directly by God! That is exactly the intent and meaning for all of us. This is what God actually thinks and expresses through those who are able to be in the "Christ Conciousness": I believe these are works by Eva Bell Werber that you will value for a lifetime. God bless.
Sincerely
Kelvin Otis
QUIET TALKS WITH THE MASTER
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-27
Review Date: 2000-06-27
OH, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE WORDS...I ACQUIRED THIS TREASURE UPON MY FATHERS' DEATH. THE BOOK WAS A PART OF HIS RARE BOOK COLLECTION. THE FIRST PAGE MADE ME KNOW THIS WAS MINE FOREVER. THE BOOK HAS FALLEN APART, I TYPED IT IN MY COMPUTER TO PASS IT ON TO MY SONS. SUCH A BLESSING, I READ IT EVERYDAY. FOR 10 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN A INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE AND OTHERS. THANK GOD!
Those who walk the path with me ...
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-01-02
Review Date: 2000-01-02
I bought this precious little book so many years ago that it cost just $1.50. The Copyright is 1936 and is dedicated to `Those Who Walk The Path With Me.' It is one of those sacred little joys we come across and keep forever. The Master is talking to just "you" as you read these powerful messages and the author asks that the words go forth to bless other lives and bring them to a living Consciousness of their Oneness with Thee! You will never tire of it.
QUIET TALKS WITH THE MASTER
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2000-06-27
Review Date: 2000-06-27
OH, HOW BEAUTIFUL ARE THE WORDS...I ACQUIRED THIS TREASURE UPON MY FATHERS' DEATH. THE BOOK WAS A PART OF HIS RARE BOOK COLLECTION. THE FIRST PAGE MADE ME KNOW THIS WAS MINE FOREVER. THE BOOK HAS FALLEN APART, I TYPED IT IN MY COMPUTER TO PASS IT ON TO MY SONS. SUCH A BLESSING, I READ IT EVERYDAY. FOR 10 YEARS, IT HAS BEEN A INSPIRATION IN MY LIFE AND OTHERS. THANK GOD!
Raymond Chandler: Later Novels and Other Writings: The Lady in the Lake / The Little Sister / The Long Goodbye / Playback /Double Indemnity / Selected Essays and Letters (Library of America)
Published in Hardcover by Library of America (1995-10-01)
List price: $35.00
New price: $20.63
Used price: $15.48
Collectible price: $33.03
Used price: $15.48
Collectible price: $33.03
Average review score:
Maturity in his writing
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-09
Review Date: 2007-12-09
After reading his earlyworks you can see how Chandler used his previous stories and ideas to develop these incredible novels featuring his most famous detective Philip Marlowe.
Classic American, cynical detective stories.
Helpful Votes: 12 out of 12 total.
Review Date: 2005-05-11
Review Date: 2005-05-11
Chandler is arguably the best detective story writer out there. If you expand this genre to all mystery writers, he would still be one of the best.
Detective stories aren't as common as they once were, but if you look at the offspring of the Pulp magazine once so popular, television, they are still as popular as ever. Chandler was one author who defined what a detective story was. This book contains four novels:The Lady in the Lake, The Little Sister, The Long Goodbye, and Playback. These are wonderfully entertaining stories that contain the archetypical hard-bitten detective, Philip Marlowe. After reading these stories you will forever see Marlowe in every detective story you see or read, from Magnum to the latest TV cop. How can you not love an author who sums up Modern American Capitalism with lines like these? "We make the finest packages in the world, Mr. Marlowe. The stuff inside is mostly junk." Or an author who in the early 50's, (50 years before the current 'Queers Dress Up' shows) so presciently wrote, "The queer is the artistic arbiter of our age, chum." Or his comment on a speech by a politician, "He did not bore us with any facts."
These books are not just riveting, fun reading, but full of thoughtful quotes like the above.
Chandler also is must-reading for his understanding of criminality, venality, human nature, Southern California, Movies, American culture and American relationship dynamics. I hate to use the word "classic" to describe stories that are just so plain fun to read, but I find it hard not to.
This volume also contains a screenplay, Double Indemnity, and a few essays and letters. The essays "The Simple Art of Murder", and "Writers in Hollywood" should be required reading for anyone interested in 20th century culture, movies, and literature. Just a few tidbits more. Chandler on English Mystery Writers - "The English may not always be the best writers in the world, but they are incomparably the best dull writers." Chandler on boredom - "There are no dull subjects, only dull minds." Chandler on critics - "The average critic never recognizes an achievement when it happens. He explains it after it has become respectable."
My only criticism is that the plots are contrived and sometimes complicated. But such criticism is like complaining that the Mona Lisa would be a fine painting if only it were of a different size.
Chandler is simply wonderful, funny, cynical, and yes, - respectable.
Detective stories aren't as common as they once were, but if you look at the offspring of the Pulp magazine once so popular, television, they are still as popular as ever. Chandler was one author who defined what a detective story was. This book contains four novels:The Lady in the Lake, The Little Sister, The Long Goodbye, and Playback. These are wonderfully entertaining stories that contain the archetypical hard-bitten detective, Philip Marlowe. After reading these stories you will forever see Marlowe in every detective story you see or read, from Magnum to the latest TV cop. How can you not love an author who sums up Modern American Capitalism with lines like these? "We make the finest packages in the world, Mr. Marlowe. The stuff inside is mostly junk." Or an author who in the early 50's, (50 years before the current 'Queers Dress Up' shows) so presciently wrote, "The queer is the artistic arbiter of our age, chum." Or his comment on a speech by a politician, "He did not bore us with any facts."
These books are not just riveting, fun reading, but full of thoughtful quotes like the above.
Chandler also is must-reading for his understanding of criminality, venality, human nature, Southern California, Movies, American culture and American relationship dynamics. I hate to use the word "classic" to describe stories that are just so plain fun to read, but I find it hard not to.
This volume also contains a screenplay, Double Indemnity, and a few essays and letters. The essays "The Simple Art of Murder", and "Writers in Hollywood" should be required reading for anyone interested in 20th century culture, movies, and literature. Just a few tidbits more. Chandler on English Mystery Writers - "The English may not always be the best writers in the world, but they are incomparably the best dull writers." Chandler on boredom - "There are no dull subjects, only dull minds." Chandler on critics - "The average critic never recognizes an achievement when it happens. He explains it after it has become respectable."
My only criticism is that the plots are contrived and sometimes complicated. But such criticism is like complaining that the Mona Lisa would be a fine painting if only it were of a different size.
Chandler is simply wonderful, funny, cynical, and yes, - respectable.
Outstanding in so many ways
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-02-24
Review Date: 2007-02-24
First, let me say that there's a separate volume of Chandler's early novels. As much as I liked this volume, I actually enjoyed the earlier novels just a little bit more and suggest starting there. I started reading one story and wound up going through all of them in both volumes in the space of a few months. I also wound up reading and enjoying all the Dashiell Hammett stories, but I give Chandler a slight edge.
I won't try to list all the ways these novels are great and entertaining, but here's one thought that hasn't been mentioned in other reviews. Chandler is excellent at presenting a hero-character who has to worry about money and making a living. Indeed, Chandler makes this issue integral to the character's persona and to the plot line. Yes, the books are escapist in so many ways. Yet, in this respect at least, they are far more realistic than almost all of the fiction, and much of the non-fiction, these days.
I won't try to list all the ways these novels are great and entertaining, but here's one thought that hasn't been mentioned in other reviews. Chandler is excellent at presenting a hero-character who has to worry about money and making a living. Indeed, Chandler makes this issue integral to the character's persona and to the plot line. Yes, the books are escapist in so many ways. Yet, in this respect at least, they are far more realistic than almost all of the fiction, and much of the non-fiction, these days.
The best of Raymond Chandler
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-05
Review Date: 2005-12-05
This book, contaning Chandlers later works, is perhaps the best collection of Chandler you can find. Sure, does not contain the better-known novels - The Big Sleep and Farewell my Lovely - but it does contain The Long Goodbye, which is not only Chandler's finest, but a great novel by any measure.
Chandler lived a tough, hard-drinking life, and these later works came out of his mind with difficulty. But the quality of The Lady in the Lake and The Long Goodbye (The Little Sister is less memorable) make this collection essential.
In addition, the book contains some essays and letters, including Chandler's writing on the mystery genre, which will interest any budding suspense author.
In short, read this book! Read The Long Goodbye, then read it again. This is not just a great mystery, but it is also great literature.
Chandler lived a tough, hard-drinking life, and these later works came out of his mind with difficulty. But the quality of The Lady in the Lake and The Long Goodbye (The Little Sister is less memorable) make this collection essential.
In addition, the book contains some essays and letters, including Chandler's writing on the mystery genre, which will interest any budding suspense author.
In short, read this book! Read The Long Goodbye, then read it again. This is not just a great mystery, but it is also great literature.
Writing at its best - and it happens to be in detective noir
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-20
Review Date: 2006-06-20
C-L-A-S-S-I=C HIGH/low notes. These stories are like a deck cards, all aces...... but there are way too few left. I finished "Little Sisters" (GREAT), "Farewell, My Lovely"- is recommended in the other half (earlier edition). The hook is Marlow. In times where many take the easy/cheap way out, I ride hard with Marlow. Marlow does it with style, humor, wit, grit, and nothing less than an all american: get the job done. But in a way that is the opposite his nemesis: the monopolies of power & money. Of course they admire and hate him. But it just doesn't get any better than Chandler. Need an excuse? Then read it for the wrting alone. The best!
Salt Dreams: Land and Water in Low-Down California
Published in Paperback by University of New Mexico Press (2001-03-01)
List price: $24.95
New price: $15.54
Used price: $14.95
Used price: $14.95
Average review score:
A Tale of a Magnificent Disaster
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-11
Review Date: 2003-03-11
I visited the Salton Sea to photograph birds and found it impossible to describe, telling friends they had to go there themselves to experience the place and the people. Now I tell them to read this book. From the creation of the Sea to the creation of Salvation Mountain, deBuys tells it's colorful history in a prose that fills you with the sounds and smells and people of the Sea and Imperial Valley. Anyone with an interest in man's unlimited folly, vision, corruption, and the coming environmental train-wreck in southern California needs to read this book.
Yet another award for SALT DREAMS
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-18
Review Date: 2001-01-18
*Winner of the 2000 Norris and Carol Hundley Award from The Pacific Coast Branch of the American Historical Association.
SALT DREAMS wins major awards
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2001-01-17
Review Date: 2001-01-17
*Winner of the 1999 Western States Book Award for Creative Non-Fiction. *Winner of the 1999 Clements Prize for the Best Non-Fiction Book on Southwestern America.
What Every Member of Congress Should Know...
Helpful Votes: 5 out of 5 total.
Review Date: 2002-01-28
Review Date: 2002-01-28
Bravo! Salt Dreams is the first of its kind to wrap up all of the issues surrounding the Salton Sea and Colorado River delta in one volume. The best since Cadillac Desert in its cinematic portrayal of a complicated host of issues. Awesome writing on the heroism of US Fish and Wildlife staff. My only criticism is that Congressman George Brown is slighted; Sonny Bono often called him "Mr. Salton Sea". Certainly, a book Mr. Brown would have loved.
Reclamation/Folly in the Desert
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2001-07-10
Review Date: 2001-07-10
Superlative read revealing the vast natural beauty of the desert and its inhabitants and man's irreversable errors in judging it as a fallen Eden. Together with Cadillac Desert it ranks as a southwest water classic. Beautiful writing and stunning photographs.
San Andreas Ain't No Fault of Mine
Published in Paperback by Fawlty Press (2005-10)
List price: $14.95
New price: $14.20
Used price: $12.98
Used price: $12.98
Average review score:
Fantabulous!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-18
Review Date: 2006-02-18
This is a travel guide with an attitude. And Bonnie Stone's attitude is, "How unique is this?" I've lived in the Antelope Valley eight years, and Bonnie has unearthed destinations and facts that I've never heard of. We have out-of-town guests coming from New Jersey, and I bought a copy for them, too. Who can resist a guidebook that lists "the world's only drive-through earthquake fault"? (Yup,it's the San Andreas.) This book's a keeper!
San Andreas Ain't No Fault Of Mine
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-14
Review Date: 2006-02-14
Years ago while in high school I would bus to Lancaster to play basket ball and run track and always thought, "Who would ever want to live in this burning desert with its torrid heat, high winds and blowing dust." I now live in the Antelope Valley and am enjoying it immensely because of Bonnie Stone's new book about the Antelope Valley. If you enjoy history, like finding new nearby places to visit or just learning everything about the area around Lancaster, Palmdale and Mojave this is the only book you'll ever need.
The other day I looked for interesting places to take my 8 year old grandson and settled on The "Milestones of Flight Air Museum" listed in the book. It was a great trip. I am looking forward to visiting many other interesting places mentioned in her book. It would make a very nice gift for anyone living in southern California.
The other day I looked for interesting places to take my 8 year old grandson and settled on The "Milestones of Flight Air Museum" listed in the book. It was a great trip. I am looking forward to visiting many other interesting places mentioned in her book. It would make a very nice gift for anyone living in southern California.
Great Ideas for Bored Kids
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-14
Review Date: 2006-02-14
As a mom of five children, I'm always on the lookout for things to do in our area. I came across this book and feel that I found a treasure trove of information. We've already seen the Vasquez rocks and an Air Museum based on her recommendation and the kids are really loving it. This is a good book for family fun.
Humorous guide to Antelope Valley
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-13
Review Date: 2006-02-13
For the many people new to the Antelope Valley of California, this book should be a "MUST HAVE". It is a humorous, accurate guide to the many unusual things to see and do within a short drive from home and available at low cost or free. You think there is nothing to do in the desert north of Los Angeles? Yes, there is, and Stone shows you how to find those things. People who have lived here for years will also find much information they may not have known. This book will be especially useful for families.
Informative and Delightful
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-22
Review Date: 2006-02-22
An interesting, informative, and practical guide to the Antelope Valley and High Desert Area of California! Provides a delightul mix of historical and contemporary information. Highly Recommended!
--Steve Michiels
(Antelope Valley native)
--Steve Michiels
(Antelope Valley native)
Sanctuary: A Peter Decker/Rina Lazarus Mystery
Published in Paperback by Wheeler Pub Inc (1994-11)
List price: $23.95
Used price: $4.75
Average review score:
ROUGH DIAMONDS
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2003-11-12
Review Date: 2003-11-12
In this entry of the popular Rina/Peter Decker series, Kellerman assures us of more Jewish history and customs as the victims in this one are of the Jewish faith. This time the double-edged mystery sends Peter and Rina to Israel to track down the sons of a wealthy diamond magnate and his wife. Did the boys kill their parents? Add to this, the search for a friend of Rina's from New York, who comes to California for a visit with her three children and then mysteriously vanishes as well---to Israel. Add a cool ice queen named Kate Milligan, a shady partner named Shaul Gold, add a few other nasties and Kellerman sends her heroes off into a labyrinthine plot.
Kellerman's a good writer and as she progresses, she tries to focus more on plot and suspense, and not so much on Rina's faith. It does seem surprising though that she manages to slight other religious beliefs while sanctifying her own? Hopefully, as she progresses she'll take some clues from her husband Jonathan and write more substantial works.
Kellerman's a good writer and as she progresses, she tries to focus more on plot and suspense, and not so much on Rina's faith. It does seem surprising though that she manages to slight other religious beliefs while sanctifying her own? Hopefully, as she progresses she'll take some clues from her husband Jonathan and write more substantial works.
One of Faye Kellerman's best!
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 13 total.
Review Date: 1999-03-20
Review Date: 1999-03-20
In my book, this title vies with 'Ritual Bath' and 'Justice' as Kellerman's best. As with 'Ritual Bath' the reader is treated to the all encompassing traditions of Judaism. Although the Honey Klein angle seems to get more emphasis in reviews, I found the diamond merchant subplot more believable and fascinating. Descriptions of Israel and the West Bank were super--I enoyed the travelogue. Faye, give us more!
A well-plotted pageturner with vivid characters
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2003-10-15
Review Date: 2003-10-15
I had trouble putting down this book from the very start -- it's a real page turner with a well-plotted mystery -- two of them actually -- keeping you going. The mysteries involve a family who has disappeared out of the blue -- he's a California diamond dealer, so perhaps this was part of a theft -- and a woman and children who arrive unexpectedly for a visit with Detective Decker and his family -- her husband is also a diamond dealer in a Chasidic community in New York. As Decker goes about trying to solve the disappearance of the California family, odd things begin happening with the New York family who are visiting -- they also disappear. Is there a connection?
The mystery takes Decker and wife Rina to Israel, a major diamond cutting/dealing country.
I learned a lot about diamonds and Israel reading this book, and for the most part really enjoyed it. The dialogue was more natural than in some Kellerman books I've read. But -- her pro-Jewish, anti-everything else sentiment was present in this book again, this time in an anti-Moslem bias. Why are metal boxes on door frames considered good religious practice but painting a doorway blue (as Moslems do) treated as superstitious? It seems to me that the customs of Orthodoxy Judaism are unusual enough that Kellerman should be more tolerant and openminded about the practices of other faiths.
Diamonds are a detective's best friend
Helpful Votes: 4 out of 4 total.
Review Date: 2003-03-28
Review Date: 2003-03-28
Peter Decker and his wife Rina are enjoying family life with her sons and their new baby daughter when Rina's old friend Honey Klein asks to come visit. Rina is surprised because they hasn't been in close contact with Honey in recent years, but she agrees to the visit. Meanwhile Peter works with his partner Marge on a case involving an entire family who have suddenly vanished. The husband is a diamond dealer, and there are many motives for a possible murder, most of them having to do with money. Coincidentally, after Honey comes to the Lazarus home, her husband, also a diamond dealer, is mysteriously killed. Peter's quest for the truth in these matters eventually takes him and Rina to Israel where they pursue missing persons from both of these cases. As usual, author Kellerman weaves interesting facts about the orthodox Jewish religion as well as Peter and Rina's evolving family life. The trip to Israel adds an extra dimension to the story, and the total package is very satisfying for a mystery reader.
One of the best in an incredible series!
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 6 total.
Review Date: 2002-12-11
Review Date: 2002-12-11
In my book 'Sanctuary' is one of the best in the Peter Decker/ Rina Lazarus series. The story revolves around the missing husband of Rina's friend. The search takes Rina and Peter to Israel where we are treated to a fascinating tour of the West Bank and the diamond trade in Israel. What makes this entry so important today is the portrayal of the continuing conflict and violence that shapes Israel's future and her people. It is a pleasure to read a book that is both thoughtful and fun to read.
My only other suggestion if you are new to Faye Kellerman is to start at the beginning with 'Ritual Bath' to see the relationship between Rina and Peter unfold. Then read all her books in the order in which they were written. Its a great series.
The Silk Road: Two Thousand Years in the Heart of Asia
Published in Paperback by University of California Press (2004-09-20)
List price: $19.95
New price: $11.00
Used price: $8.55
Collectible price: $19.96
Used price: $8.55
Collectible price: $19.96
Average review score:
A great history of the Silk Road!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-12
Review Date: 2007-12-12
A wonderful read of Asian history along the famous trade route. The art and photographs are beautiful and the author's style is easy to read. Not your typical, dry history read.
excellent book!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-29
Review Date: 2007-01-29
This book is full of interesting facts and it takes you in a cultural voyage the whole time. I found it easy to read, informative and engaging.
A Magnificent Panorama
Helpful Votes: 13 out of 14 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-12
Review Date: 2006-11-12
Fraces Wood's SILK ROAD is a highly readable if somewhat compact survey of the Silk Road which manages to encompass history (interesting discussion of Marco Polo among other things), geography, and culture. This is an excellent introduction to an area of the world, Central Asia and the Roof Of The World, which is likely to become increasingly important as well as accessible. I would suggest reading this book before starting to read very much about The Great Game (Peter Hopkirk's Central Asia books, Meyer's TOURNAMENT OF SHADOWS), or indeed about Central Asia in general. Documentation appears excellent as one would expect of a scholar of Wood's background and credentials. The writing style is exemplary; this is am far more readable treatiste on the subject than the English ranslation of Luce Boulnois' SILK ROAD (which seems to have lacked vigourous or at least effective editing.)
the best book about "the" silk road
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2007-12-31
Review Date: 2007-12-31
This is the best of all the many books I've read about "the" silk road, since I have been visiting Gansu province, China, for the past ten years. It is very informative, as well as beautifully illustrated and engagingly written. Wood adeptly covers the subject from varied perspectives: historical, geographical, cultural, artistic, political,etc. Superb!
Photogenic Silk roads
Helpful Votes: 6 out of 7 total.
Review Date: 2007-01-04
Review Date: 2007-01-04
Just for the photos alone, this book is worth purchasing. In addition, it provides a fascinating overview of the history of the various cultures, religions, trade products, explorers and adventurers who have made the words "silk road" evocative of a mythical and exotic time and place.
Books-Under-Review-->Computers-->Computer Science-->Academic Departments-->North America-->United States-->California-->27
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250
Related Subjects:
More Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 168 169 170 171 172 173 174 175 176 177 178 179 180 181 182 183 184 185 186 187 188 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 199 200 201 202 203 204 205 206 207 208 209 210 211 212 213 214 215 216 217 218 219 220 221 222 223 224 225 226 227 228 229 230 231 232 233 234 235 236 237 238 239 240 241 242 243 244 245 246 247 248 249 250