California Books

I originally purchased this book for my daughter who LOVES horses and has been to the Santa Anita track. Since then I have purchased several more to give as gifts. Ms. Davis has an excellent eye and has truly captured the 'aura' of the horses, as well as the people and location that surround them.

The author has created a gorgeous book by simply capturing racetrack life as it happens. She gingerly sprinkles quotes throughout to accentuate her beautiful photographs. A must for your coffee table!

I don't usually do my Christmas shopping in April, but this was just too easy! This will be THE book on everybody's coffee table this year; I bought one for every friend who loves horses, sunrise, or beautiful photography. Gorgeous!

Astounding! This *is* a rhapsody! She has written a whole piano concerto while the rest of us are doing finger exercises ... produced a Raphael while we are finger painting. The rest of us run around snapping pictures but she has given birth to art. Those of us not endowed with such gifts wonder in awe. It is an intimate creation, even for those who don't know the place. Of the highest standard throughout. A masterpiece!

Davis is a genius with a camera. Her book consistently takes your breath away. Passionate, dramatic, and purely gorgeous, with each turned page your eyes widen and you say "Wow!" Women weep. Men get goose bumps. I've watched people. A photographic page-turner! Many horse photos are beautiful but can seem "staged" and artificial. Davis's photos make you feel like you're standing right there. They're alive. Vibrant. And suddenly so are you. But the whole book is a work of genius. From the magnificent sunrise cover, past the stunning and stormy inside front, you're drawn into the private world of morning thoroughbred training at Santa Anita racetrack ... starting in the dark, full moon setting over silent paddock, walking to the back side, looking down a predawn shedrow, horses hungry, fed and saddled, off to the track in mysterious fog, sun rising over galloping steeds, horses getting loose, caught, walked, bathed, and brushed. Bunnies, goats, and cats keep them company. Horses are magnificent animals most would agree, but Davis reveals so many personality traits. Mischievous, stubborn, frightened, trusting, gentle, bored, as playful as a child. We see everything, in a setting so real you smell the hay and want to peel a paint chip off the barn, and drop your jaw at the glorious mountain surroundings. Davis's composition in a photo is perfection, but the order of photos equally captures you, as does the ingenious design ... not just a photo per stark white page, but riders chasing loose horses across two pages; arresting scenes laid against backdrops of *other* photos or pieces of photos enlarged to bring out remarkable detail; a center gatefold that leaves you gasping. Incredible! And just when it couldn't get any better, some of the most evocative lines of Shakespeare---about horses---send chills through you. All professionals aspire to images that leave the clinical, two-dimensional realm and achieve art. Davis succeeds. Sheer genius. Sweet perfection. Passion. They're within her, in her heart and eye. Included are the praises of over a dozen famous jockeys, trainers, artists (practically unheard of in a first edition)! This book puts other horse and track, and many plain old photography, books to shame.

In Book One of this trilogy, Drew Silver has created a cast of characters that you won't forget, and because you care about what happens to them you won't want to leave them alone. These folks are in some serious trouble, scary stuff is going on and there's nowhere to hide. Drew definitely knows when to break the tension with some laughter and some love. I can't wait for the next book so I can learn more about my new friends (and hopefully that bad guy will get what coming to him).

All you can say after finishing this book is "WHOA!". The Vampire Within is a wicked book from cover to cover. I loved it and I can't wait to pick up the next in the trilogy! There are small stories that play throughout that are all a part of the BIG picture.I liked the wicked humor here and there and the characters really pull you into the hell they are about to be apart of. This book is not that gruesome but,Drew Silver writes in a way that make the reader use their own imagination to complete the whole picture. That can be the scariest part of all! You will not be disappointed in this vampire story. It is well written and flows nicely...kinda like the blood through your veins! One of my favorite ways to describe these characters is in the book itself: Emily say that the group was like a twisted version of the Justice League. How great is that? After reading this book, you will set a new standard for vampire books! I know I am hooked! This book will definitely be a keeper. Great story Drew!

I was stuck after 4 paragraphs, I LOVE this book. Looking forward to the ending Can't wait to see how it all turns out, I mean, you feel bad for the main characters knowing that their entire lives have changed. I was a little upset when Eric asked his brother to take the injection knowing what it would make him become and that the good Dr. might have some ulterior motives. I think the good in all of them will prevail. I can't wait for the next book. It is like watching a movie and having to pause it for months. Great Awesome read

This is the best vampire story I have read in a long time! The characters are cool, sexy, and evil and perfectly described by Drew! The story line is great and really "sucks" you in! I can't wait to read the next book in the series! I highly recommend this to all those vampire story lovers out there!

Genre: Fiction
Title: The Vampire Within: The Beginning
Author: Drew Silver
The trilogy begins.......
It is normal for us to wish to improve our health, our appearance or our intelligence. As humans, we strive to improve ourselves to meet expectations, set rightly or wrongly, by forces within our society. There are no easy fixes but every now and then, a simple fix may tempt us to try something that seems too good to be true. This is exactly what happened to a group of college students facing the peer pressure placed upon them by school and particularly, the game of football.
Dr. Cohn, a professional researcher, supported by the local college, has developed a wonder drug to improve almost any imperfection the human body may have. Students are joining his ranks, taking the injections and being paid to be subjects in the human trials. The results are both incredible and terrifying.
Author, Drew Silver begins the novel with a series of unusual events experienced by his characters. Through these events, the reader meets and gets to know the young people who are central to the story. These are intelligent students who attend an informational meeting and get caught up in a plan that spans the world and may, ultimately destroy it. Drew Silver's excellent writing style keeps the reader on the edge of his seat and wanting more. This novel is an excellent beginning of what is sure to be a very popular trilogy.
Author, Drew Silver resides in San Diego. Her experience with law enforcement, martial arts and her love of vampire stories provide a wealth of experience sure to enhance this trilogy. Watch for the 2nd and 3rd books in 2007 and 2008.
Highly Recommended Reviewer: Elaine Fuhr, Allbooks Reviews

It's thick and lucius and keeps rewarding me every time i sit down with it. Having grown up in California, I've heard bits and pieces about many of these places and it's great to learn more about them.

Coffee table books are usually visually beautiful (such as Southwestern landscapes, the National Parks, cuisines of the world, ancient civilizations) while shallow in terms of information. Not so with "Visionary State",a stunning book that is as visually delightful as it is educational.

Author Erik Davis is insightful about California's syncretistic, Gnostic spirituality. He shows how Goddess spirituality, Western Buddhism, yoga, and queer spirituality have deep roots in Californian soil-from the Self Realization Fellowship's temple in Encinitas (not far from where I used to live) to the labyrinth at Grace Cathedral in San Francisco (surprisingly, Davis doesn't mention St.Gregory of Nyssa,famous for its icon of dancing saints,and its dance-centered liturgy)

Davis shows the selective "openness" of Californian spirituality. He explores Zen, Tantra, and Wicca, while dismissing the growth of non-denominational and evangelical churches. It's no wonder he doesn't choose the beautiful white clapboard St. Stephen's Anglican Church in Oakville or the Institute for Creation Research in El Cajon (but he does show El Cajon's Unarius Academy,devoted to UFO and the Space Brothers)

It is pleasant to see places I've been--such as the sylvan sojourn of Harbin Hot Springs in Middletown, the Egyptian temples of the Isis Oasis in Geyserville,the Stanford Memorial Chapel in Palo Alto, the San Diego Mission,and the Self-Realization Fellowship Temple in Encinitas. It also inspired me to go to the spectacular City of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Ukiah-famous for being the largest Buddhist center in the US and its vegetarian restaurant.

"Visionary State" is a look at the kaleidoscope of Californian spirituality. In these pages, you'll learn that Sam Brannan,founder of Calistoga,wanted California to be the capital of the Mormon Church (Brigham Young disagreed),and that the round barn in Santa Rosa was part of the Fountaingrove commune in the 19th century. You'll learn about Lonnie Frisbee, the co-founder of the Calvary Chapel movement whose name has been erased from official histories because he died from AIDS,as well as the Gnosticism of Philip K.Dick,the author of "Blade Runner." "Visionary State" not only looks great,but makes a great read too!

I bought for the photography but I read cover to cover with great interest. Fascinating historical detail. Beautiful photography.

This is a fabulous book, like everything Erik Davis writes. The photography just takes it to a new level. This book will be a standard reference for us in future journeys on the North American west coast. We intend to visit all the sites, or as many as we can, documented in the book.

But it is much more than a travel book. Davis brings his masterful knowledge of American gnosticism and materializes it in his historical, rich narrative about the numerous temples, religions, and cults of California. I strongly recommend "Techgnosis" for a much deeper treatment of the same topic. Let's hope he keeps bringing his skill as a writer to craft more beautiful essays about the rich and fragmented American life, and the strange worlds emerging as the American imperial reign draws to a close.

Davis is probably the most talented of the current psychedelic authors, and has a talent at keeping an open and critical eye on both the dark and light aspects of emerging subcultures.

I love his wordcraft and eclectic reach. Every time I read one of his books, I come back with at least twenty new words and a few new concepts.

The photography and commentary captures the awe of California's spiritual past. There has been plenty of coffee table books on Yosemite, Big Sur and the California coast but never has there been a book describing the vast inner landscape of Californian's themselves. This book is a fine addition to the Cali history enthusiast.

I missed the humor that was so evident in the first book in this series House Of Dark Shadows,but my interest never wavered in this second book despite it's noticeable absence.

There are plenty of edge-of-your-seat moments,and some very interesting twists to the story,plus the father's history with the house,was appreciated.

My only complaint is with that cliff-hanger of an ending,LOL!

As Mr. Liparulo's books marketed more for adults don't really interest me,with the excessive gore warned about for Comes A Horseman,for example,I am hoping that he will write many more YA series like this one.

Watcher in the Woods picks up the eerie, engrossing story begun in House of Dark Shadows, which saw the King family move from Pasadena to the small town of Pinedale when their father Edward accepts the position of principal at the high school, and into a house with a dark history. From the first page of this Christian-published young adult novel we are plunged once again into the high intensity, rapid fire setting of the first. Liparulo cuts to the chase, providing a bare minimum of exposition in the first chapters to remind readers of where the story left us at the end of book one.

This series is one that builds upon itself, adding question upon question, layer upon layer of mystery and uncertainly to the storyline, while revealing few answers. These titles do not stand-alone; each is an integral part of the story. Each book needs to be read in sequence in order to follow along.

David and Xander, the King brothers, throw themselves fool-hardily into the search for their missing mother. Frustrated by their father's lack of action they take matters into their own hands despite their father's cautious prohibitions and warnings. This rebellion against their father marks the initiating of the downward spiral of the King family into the darkness that becomes more palpable throughout this title.

The King family struggles to maintain a somewhat normal façade (with little success) when dealing with the townsfolk of Pinedale. Edward King starts his new job and the King siblings enter the school year in unfamiliar surroundings. Together the family embarks on a plan of deception, and outright lies to mask the disappearance of their mother. I was so dismayed to see this plan being carried out with little concern for the word of God. This is only book two of the series, but as the characters involved are professing Christians I hope to see God dealing with this blatant sin in their lives before the series comes to an end.

Watcher in the Woods is not as cohesive a tale as the first book. Liparulo includes a lengthy scene which appears unconnected from any other events in the series to date. This odd scene seems only to serve as a respite from the relentless action. I am surmising that he will further explain the meaning of this incident in future books and is only starting to weave this thread through the story.

New characters, mysteries and challenges arise but few are solved. The King family learns some rudimentary operations of the portals in their new home, but so much remains to be discovered. I feel that we are barely at the beginning of learning how and why the house and portals work, but this installment hints at a fuller explanation in the near future.

While the ending of the first novel left us hanging with the disappearance of the King's mother, it pales in comparison with the monstrous cliffhanger Liparulo works up to this time. Anyone who has taken a creative writing course can tell you that the climax ought to occur approximately 80 - 90% of the way through a story, leaving the author time to wrap up loose ends and come to a conclusion. You can't expect that sort of formulaic tale telling with this series.

A frenzy of action builds up to the climax, and Liparulo leaves us there with no conclusion. Three dramatic, time-sensitive events occur simultaneously at the end of the novel, bringing stress levels to a crescendo before cuting us off abruptly with the words "NOT THE END". Whew, what a ride. Dreamhouse Kings fans are looking longingly towards the January 2009 release of Gatekeepers, the third title in the series; harbouring the distant hope of a conclusion, an ending, someday.

Okay, this guy named Robert Liparulo decides he can write thrillers. He gives us some great page-turners, then thinks that qualifies him to write YA books, as well. I figure I'll give the series a try, and I speed through book one, "House of Dark Shadows."

Well, this pesky Liparulo fellow leaves me hanging, so I pick up book two right away--which I rarely do when reading through a series--and I race to the end of that one even quicker. Yeah, this writer's that good.

Starting where book one left off, "Watcher in the Woods" churns through more adventures, more conflicts (with police, Civil War soldiers, and WWII tanks), and troubles between the King family members. We also meet a mysterious stranger, who tends to spy on the Kings from the neighboring woods. The Kings have moved into an old home, but find themselves caught in a whirlpool of portals into history. They've lost something very important, and they must figure out how to get this precious thing back without losing their trust in each other.

Although I, just like the story's teenaged Xander, got impatient with the family's plodding approach toward their problem, I began to understand the father's reasoning. Maybe Liparulo just had me tied into too many knots to believe that anyone could approach something so emotional so logically. Either way, "Watcher in the Woods" sucked me along in a few short readings, and left me hanging once again in anticipation for book three, "Gatekeepers."

Phaw! And that Liparulo guy thought he could write YA books. I'll have to keep reading these things until I can prove him wrong.

Sometimes when you know, you know! Right? Like when I first read Robert Liparulo's "Comes a Horseman," I KNEW I'd found a new favorite. You know, forget the fact that he had "Germ" and "Deadfall," along with a couple Young Adult books on the way. I was pretty certain I'd found another author to put near the top of my list. I think he's that good! Ted Dekker endorsed the first 2 books of this series, "Dreamhouse Kings," and Liparulo is creeping right up to Dekker. That's because he's almost as good! That's saying a lot right there. So, how about it? Are you ready for adventure with the King family? And by the way, don't even think about setting a cruise control, the setting is all or nothing!!

If you met the Kings, Xander, David, Toria, along with the mom and dad, you realize that they have a lot going on. Especially with this new house. And in book #2, Mom is missing, and Xander will stop at nothing to find her. And David is just as committed. But somebody else is just as committed, and he's always lurking in the shadows. And right when they meet this stranger, Dad immediately doesn't like him. Adventure, madness and mayhem is the name of this game, but it's really no game to the Kings. But if it is a game, then they have to play along to the rest of the world to assure others that everything is just fine. Does that sound like an adventure you'd be interested in?

Robert Liparulo has caught the attention of many, and he's shocked a lot of people with great writing! Tess Gerritsen, Michael Palmer, James Rollins, Steve Berry, all those authors are bestsellers, and they ALL give Liparulo a seal of approval. I give him nothing but the best, because he IS one of the best today! That's no surprise to me. But the world better watch out, because Liparulo has a ball rolling. And that ball is just rolling faster and gaining amazing speed!! AWESOME!

This story picks up as if it's just the next chapter of "House of Dark Shadows." That's good, if you had "Watcher in the Woods" handy, because you're going to want to go from one to the next asap. That's also the drawback, when you finish "Watcher" you're even more so going to want the next installment - and it comes out in January 2009. Write faster, Bob! Just kidding, I'm sure he's doing everything he can to keep us going.

I have come to really enjoy this family - they bond and grow together throughout this book, and they way they pull together seems to be the antithesis of the disfunctional family we all read about.

The adventures in this book become more recognizable by period and character, and I really look forward to the next 2-3 books as I'm sure you will if you buy these books.

I found myself laughing out loud on almost every page. Mary Beth Crain seems to embody the essence (and the quirks) of living through the process of being a caregiver,grieving her loss and moving across bereavement with her companion Truman. Her humor shines through, giving a light hearted overview of a serious subject. We need more books on Care Giving and the Bereavement Process that uplift our spirits and giving us a good "Belly Laugh" along the way. KUDOS !!For the Laughter!
Katherine Rosengren R.N. M.A.

Aside from being more-than-a-little horrified that she went away for the weekend knowing her cat was ouside with its lower jaw ripped off....this was a wonderful book.

It's a lovely story of how animals help heal our hearts.

But, I still have trouble resolving the woman who wrote this book as the same woman who left her maimed cat alone for the weekend. Temporary insanity is the only explanation. She really should have left that part out.

An entertaining narrative of Chihuahua personality and charateristics per se, as well as an astute insight into the complexities of emotions and perceptions while restructring life after the loss of a spouse. An excellent account of canine capers and especially personal renewal, spiced with humor and tears, says it all so well!

I really related to this story as I too, lost my husband two years ago with cancer. Also my chihuahuas and cats and birds have been my salvation. I really understand where this lady is coming from. She did an excellant job of relating the real feelings one experiences with a death of a loved one. My hat is off to Mary Beth as a really great writer and may she find the happiness she deserves. I too, believe there is a connection with dog and God.Carole

I found this book while searching for manuals on how to raise my new chihuahua "baby." He came into my life not because I had lost someone to cancer like the author, but as a last-chance effort to get over a broken heart. In the end the cause of the loss didn't matter; I could totally relate to the author, her grief and the healing power of 6 pounds of atomic puppy.

My thanks to the author for a book that was an integral part of my recovery and for validating all the feelings I thought were mine alone.

This book is not for the literary snob, or high-brow reader; however, it's pure delight for anyone who thinks they'll never love again after a loss.

There couldn't be two more different places than New York City and the lands of the Maasai in Tanzania. Tepilit Ole Saitoti's story of his journey in and between these two worlds is fascinating. I am looking forward to the update he is writing now that he is a Maasai Elder. This insight into another land and culture is a gift.

Excellent book, very accurate and really worth the money. It gives the picture of a boy growing up as a real Maasai and the new life in civilized world of Germany and USA - a man between two cultures and the difficult question to decide which way to go along. Makes yourself wondering about the way we Western people are living and gives a chance to see our world with other eyers.

After having visited the Maasai area some months ago a good opportunity to compare facts with my own experience and found it even more interesting. Go for it!

I read this book 12 years ago and was so moved that I wrote a letter to to the author - something I have never done before or since. I was so struck by his ability to navigate between two cultures that seemingly had little in common. His book is a testimonial to the flexibility of the human spirit and the power of education. Last week, out of the blue, I received a telephone call from the author. Apparently, he had saved my address all these years. Saitoti is currently in the US as a visiting scholar. He will be speaking in various institutions and he has just started writing a follow up to The Worlds of a Maasai Warrior (The Worlds of a Maasai Elder). I have just shown him these amazon reviews. He is sitting here beside me and
would like to take this opportunity to say: "Thank you to the reviewers of my book for such beautiful reviews and to amazon.com for posting such a wonderful display of my work."

Very interesting first person account of a Maasai man who becomes western educationed and gives insight to what growing up in a Maasai village was like. Quick read - powerful story. You must read this book if you plan on going to Kenya or Tanzania.

After having just visited Africa, I wanted to get a better feel for what it's really like to be Maasai. This book is very real, and gives interesting insights from the "inside". I enjoyed it thoroughly.

Larry's been a close friend of mine for some time. This book didn't surprise me - it's the way he is: brutally honest, even if it hurts. He loves life as much as anyone I know and it came from seeing the other side and not liking what he saw. There's a lot to be learned from this book. If you're as honest with yourself as he is, it'll strike a nerve and make you take a good long look at yourself and the way you treat others.

This is a wonderful book about and by a person who really understands what life is all about.Maybe Larry would take exception with my saying that.Rather than thinking that he has all the answers,he has a deep faith in his God,and tries to live a good life and knows the rest is up to God.
He shows us that the life of a Superstar in the music business ,while being extremely arduous,it is one's decision to pursue it and has many rewards.Obviously,while money has to be a big part of it,it is the pursuit of your dreams ,joys and disappointments and the experiences and friendships that make it all worthwhile.
The great sacrifices and heavy load to keep things together,especially the life on the road and being away from family;can take its heavy toll.As we sit back and enjoy people like the Gatlins,we should keep in mind the effort they put forth to entertain and in many ways inspire us.
From this book we see a side of Larry's life that people outside the business can't really understand.When he talks about other stars ,Mickey Rooney for example,we see he is in great awe of him.Even more than that ,how impressed Larry was in finding that Mickey was so impressed with him.Larry may be a 'big star' but he carried that mantle with an even greater humility.
Maybe ,All the Gold is not in California,in a bank,in the middle of Beverly Hills;a lot is in the hearts and souls of people like Larry and others like him.
People of faith will understand what Larry is saying.Hopefully those without faith,might see what strength faith can be in good and difficult times.
A very good and inspiring book.

Books rarely hold my attention. Can't tell you how many I've started and put down. I started Larry Gatlin's book a few days ago and can't stop reading. Half-way thru the book, his re-telling of successes and failures have me grabbing for a kleenex every few pages. His reliance on God and coming back to God's grace are touching/inspiring. He gives God the credit for every moment that counts in his life that will connect to another open door (try to count how many times he writes, "another God moment.") His writing style is energetic, to the point, down to earth, honest - just as his personality is on stage. (I saw the Gatlin Brothers in concert in Kansas City 12/28/02). This book makes the reader rejoice as we watch him overcome alcoholism and substance abuse. Who wouldn't want Larry to win over these addictions, for his sake and his family's sake back home. He doesn't overdo the details but gives the full picture in few words. Keep the music coming Gatlin Brothers!

I'm a Larry Gatlin fan. His book is written as well as his songs. I was captivated by his life story which he described in such down to earth, honest words. And it is so funny.
What a talent!

I've been around the music business for the past 30 years, I have NEVER seen an artist be this honest and open about the rise and the fall of ones career. Larry lays it ALL on the line and this should serve as a wake up call for those that can not handle "life in the fast lane". Larry's story is 24KT solid gold. A real must read from someone who has certainly been there, done that.

This book is the fascinating, inspiring and enlightening true story of a young man who was a political refugee from Kenya. He came to the US, graduated from college,and went on to law school here. He married a US citizen and they had a child. Seems like it would be a sure thing he could stay.....but not so fast! This is the story of his amazing struggle and shows how our system works. (Actually, not so well sometimes.) Anyway, I HIGHLY recommend it for anyone who enjoys a good read!
C. Bates, Eugene, Oregon

I couldn't set this book down. He literally goes through every possibility, facing years of uncertainty, and still keeps trying - and graduates college and law school in the meantime. I cannot imagine going through what he went through in Kenya, then coming to the US as a safe haven, and facing such a drawn-out, uphill battle simply to stay.

His story is not always easy to read but it is very engaging, even if, like me, you are not a lawyer or law student. David Kenney Ngaruri and his friends and colleagues in this book are very inspirational.

This is an eloquent and heartbreaking tale of one immigrant's journey throught the U.S. Immigration system. It reads like a John Grisham novel although the story is sadly true. The author, a 7-foot tall Kenyan, was a political prisioner in Kenya for his role as a labor organizer. He faced imprisonment and torture and was ultimately able to escape Kenya via the promise of a basketball scholarship in the United States. In his quest for political asylum in the U.S. he encouters heartless judges,corrupt officials, State Department bureaucrats, a beautiful "witch", kidnapping rebels, interpid law students and a dedicated and brilliant law profressor (his co-author). I couldn't put it down and felt a mixture of outrage at the U.S. immigration system while in awe of the power of the human spirit to overcome the most dauting of odds.

This is an amazing book that makes plain the unbelievable complexity of immigration law. Anyone with an interest in immigration policy should read this book.

For those of you looking for a good summer read to take to the beach, or just a great book to snuggle up with on a rainy day, I highly recommend opening up the pages of Asylum Denied. It is both informative and inspiring as it tells the story of David Kenney Ngaruri, the political asylee who struggled to stay in America. Although the book is currently being passed around law schools, as the new go-to-guide for asylum law, I am sure it will not be long before it makes the bestseller stands at nation-wide bookstores or grabs a spot on Oprah's booklist. Asylum Denied, written by two authors, the above-mentioned David Kenney Ngaruri and Philip Schrag, the professor of law at Georgetown University, serves both as a law manual and as a heart-warming story of adventure, perseverance, and love. Unlike most law-related books, it reads very smoothly and catches your attention from the first page. Even if this is not the usual type of book you read, I urge you to give it a try. If the face on the cover of the book is not enough to convince you to read it, then I hope this review will.

"It was about eleven o'clock in the morning, mid October, with the sun not shining and a look of hard wet rain in the clearness of the foothills. I was wearing my powder-blue suit, with dark blue shirt, tie and display handkerchief, black brogues, black wool socks with dark blue clocks on them. I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn't care who knew it. I was everything the well-dressed private detective ought to be. I was calling on four million dollars."

- Philip Marlowe in The Big Sleep

And thus began the criteria for what a private eye would look like and what his moral code would be. Raymond Chandler, author of the Philip Marlowe series of crime novels, set the bar high and generations would follow in his writing footsteps. The Big Sleep and Farewell, My Lovely are two selections from this series and are found in this Modern Library edition. Both the Modern Library edition (which contains two of the Marlowe novels) and The Everyman's Library Edition (which contains three selections) are great buys. Both are hardcover and include more than one novel. The paperback version of THE BIG SLEEP is $10.36 for one.

For those of you who are new to Raymond Chandler, he is considered to be one of the most influential writers of crime fiction and his phenomenal creation of the detective Philip Marlowe has survived decades.

Every time a modern reader discovers a new private eye who is facing some interesting and very tough times but is able to do it with integrity and a strict moral code alongwith a "soldier's eye"; you are meeting Raymond Chandler the writer all over again. And Philip Marlowe his creation is playing a pivotal role in the background.

Raymond Chandler wrote seven detective novels but THE BIG SLEEP is probably his best. Farewell, My Lovely is a close second. He was in his fifties when he wrote these novels yet they have become an American landmark in the hard-boiled detective genre and would really launch Chandler into the icon that he is today.

The reader will discover a unified theme with strong and fully developed characters with incredible imagery and metaphors. Chandler's literary style is distinctive and very crisp. You will love these stories. If you are new to hard-boiled detective stories, this edition might be one that I would start with

In The Big Sleep, you will be introduced to the Sternwoods: General Sternwood, Vivian and Carmen and all three are interesting studies and all three as General Sternwood notes have not "any more moral sense than a cat." General Sternwood is on his deathbed and hired Philip Marlowe to check out why he was being blackmailed by one Arthur Gwynn Geiger. His two daughters, Vivian and Carmen, are quite a handful but General Sternwood feels in part responsible for his plight. As he tells Marlow, "I need not add that a man who indulges in parenthood for the first time at the age of fifty-four deserves all he gets." He describes his two daughters as being "spoiled, exacting, smart and ruthless with the younger girl as being the type who likes to pull wings off flies".

Chandler's novels do highlight crooks and morally-corrupt characters and derelicts, but they are counter-balanced by Marlowe, Bernie Ohls, and General Sternwood--all of whom possess a strong sense of honor, a consideration of what is proper and are for the most part trying to live a life above board.

FAREWELL, MY LOVELY is also set in Los Angeles. You will discover a focus on one of the deadly sins in all of the Chandler's genre. In the case of FML, the focus is on gambling. Chandler's novels always has its share of women loaded with sin and this is no exception. To top it off, Marlowe is continually dealing with derelicts and dirtbag characters galore.

There are numerous murders that take place and a tight interwoven plot which will keep you on the edge of your seat until you get to the last page.

Just as a sidebar, THE BIG SLEEP was published in 1939 there was only an advance of 5,000 copies by Alfred A. Knopf. However, Knopf knew the power and the contribution that this novel would make. They actually took out an advertisement for this book on the front cover of the Publisher's Weekly which was most unusual for a novelist's first book.

The dust jacket flaps read:

"Not since Dashiell Hammett appeared has there been a murder mystery story with the power, pace, and terrifying atmosphere of this one. And like Hammett's this is more than a "murder mystery": it is a novel of crime and character, written with uncommon skill in a tight, tense style which is irresistible."

And so it was. I would highly recommend reading these crime novels and being introduced to Philip Marlowe. THE BIG SLEEP was made into a movie starring Bogart and Bacall with the screen play being written by William Faulkner no less.

Don't miss these. I almost did.

Rating: A

Bentley/October 2007


The Big Sleep & Farewell, My Lovely (Modern Library)

Raymond Chandler, the author, is the definitive writer of the detective genre. His wise-cracking, earthy detective Philip Marlowe constantly sticks his nose into dangerous places, sometimes catching the far end of a swinging fist for his troubles. And trouble is a euphemism for his working life. His books led to the creation of several famous films with Humphrey Bogart playing Marlowe. But having seen the movies, there is no comparison to the quality of Chandler's original prose.

Here are a few witty samples full of imagery from his books:
"I was neat, clean, shaved and sober, and I didn't care who knew it."
"I was as empty of life as a scarecrow's pockets."
"... he looked as inconspicuous as a tarantula on a slice of angel food."
"He looked as nervous as a brick wall."

Chandler's stories move fast and contain a lot of action, just like his protagonist. Marlowe's character is a bit of a blue-collar cynic, an occasional ladies' man, a rebel, and a steadfast (but sometimes puzzlingly) honest man. Marlowe is just an average guy who just happens to solve cases involving the rich and beautiful (and their dirty little secrets) in mid-twentieth century LA. And I suppose Marlowe's fast-talking, action-oriented character is one most of us average guys could identify with, which accounts for the success of his books.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - I don't usually like reading fiction - and highly recommend it. Chandler really is a pleasure to read. Why couldn't we have read something like this just once in my high school English lit classes!?

I've always believed that Chandler was one of the great prose stylists of the 20th century. Read these two novels and try to disagree with me.

Nearly seventy years after it was published, The Big Sleep is still an interesting detective story with an intriguing style. This was Raymond Chandler's first published novel and it made him a celebrity. In an old interview I read somewhere, Chandler said he was going against the grain of the then-popular British detective novels that climaxed with the gathering of all the suspects into a single room while the detective revealed his brilliant solution to the crime. He meant Philip Marlow to be a more realistic and gritty detective. He succeeded. Marlow became America's favorite private eye, both in print and on the silver screen.

As I read the book, two thoughts came to me. First, the Chandler style has been copied and parodied so much, that you can easily forget that this was the original. The second is that although the novel was written at the time as a modern story, it now reads like someone wrote it today as period literature. This adds to the book's charm, sort of like the Chinatown or The Sting.

Raymond Chandler goes in and out of fashion, but if you want to curl up with a good mystery written by one of the masters, you can't go wrong with The Big Sleep.
The Shut Mouth Society
The Shopkeeper

Seeing as how "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell, My Lovely" are the first two Philip Marlowe detective novels that Raymond Chandler wrote (published in 1939 and 1940, respectively), this is a grand place for a Chandler novice to begin pursuing the morally decrepit alleys and boulevards of the rich and not-so-rich in Los Angeles.

One thing you should note is that Chandler held the conventional detective stories (think: Agatha Christie) in disdain. Ergo, any attempt of mine to barf back the plots to you is a waste of time. They are so complex that you often forget exactly what happened shortly after you finish reading the books themselves...which doesn't detract from their quality whatsoever mind you. It's been told often enough that after their publication, Chandler often didn't even know what was going on in his own novels!

Suffice to say that both books concern murder among the wealthy elites in L.A. during Chandler's life--a time when the city was a lot smaller than its present size, and more hostile to outsiders--particularly to people of color. "The Big Sleep" concerns a disappearance and a reclusive millionaire and his two daughters (one is a mentally deranged nymphomaniac; the other is a bit more sensible, but no less shady) and the lengths he'll go to protect them. While this isn't the best Marlowe novel, this is probably the best place to start. Plus, it got made into a pretty good movie starring Bogie and Bacall.

"Farewell, My Lovely" is perhaps the most politically incorrect of the Marlowe books. It starts off with a murder at a bar in South Central L.A. and extends its tentacles into jewel heists and gambling rings where it is difficult to ascertain exactly who is doing what to whom. In Chandler's L.A., nothing is what it seems.

The story itself is engrossing, however, you must prepare yourself for Marlowe dropping the "N" word at least once, and his mockery of an American Indian for speaking in pidgeon English. Remember that this was 1940 and was 25 years before the Watts riots began to put an end to the white-dominated old boys network that used to rule L.A. That in itself makes it an interesting look at the mentality of the powers at be (the wealthy, the LAPD) and see how much has changed since Chandler's day...and how much hasn't.

My personal favorite of Chandler's books is "The Long Goodbye"--the second-to-last Marlowe novel that was published in 1954. I would rank both of these books below that one, but "Farewell, My Lovely" is a close second, while "The Big Sleep" is an auspicious debut for the hard-boiled, cynical, yet romantic ...

For those who are willing to take more than a passive interest in the works of Raymond Chandler, this two-book set is an excellent place to start. Furthermore, for those who are merely casual Chandler fans, this set is great because these two books are among his best (and it looks nice on your bookshelf too!)

Blue Nude tells us a thought provoking story that reads like a beautiful painting whose brush strokes evoke poetry, memory and drama. This novel weaves its way forward and backward through time and ultimately lands us in the present, perched and ready for new beginnings.

I was fortunate enough to read this book very early in '06 and to receive a siged hardcover as Elizabeth was making her book signing rounds on the East Coast in New York and cross country. The reviews posted previous to this one express many eloquent words that all indicate that this writing, by Rosner, is a different flair than the "Speed of Light" which I have read many times. "Blue Nude" is as much a piece of artwork as the picture it illustrates on its front cover. One could frame the text as the words do paint a marvelous portrait that comes to its ending much too quickly as it is hard to put down. However, when relating Rosner's story to a photograhic artist who devotes his life to the study of both light and form, in Alexandria, during a posh fine art show something he said made great sense. After purchasing a start to collecting his work, he turned to me, smiled, and said, "Rosner's artist has just begun and there is more in him to tell". I agree. It is my hope that Elizabeth Rosner can dig deeper within herself and grace us with a sequel. I am absolutely confident that she is capable of even more like this one!

This is a beautiful book! The way Merav and Danzig dance with one another is a perfect metaphor for the larger theme: how any two peoples with a very troubled past can approach reconciliation. The reader can tell that Ms. Rosner is a poet. The book is lyrical, and written with compassion and restraint.

On a day when I needed to rejuvenate myself, I headed up a mountain between San Francisco and rural Marin County, the settings of Elizabeth Rosner's new book Blue Nude. I have my dog and the book in tow and settle into finishing this fine description of two divergent souls who meet on a creative journey. What I found so compelling in finishing this book is that it took me into a creative trance, usually only achieved when intimately involved in my own creative process. As an analytical type, I found myself not studying the writing or the characters, but instead being swept away by the accumulation of their experiences that result in art.

In Ms. Rosner's first book, The Speed of Light, I was captivated by the experience of feeling the second-hand smoke of genocide, seen through the eyes of children of Holocaust survivors. It also gave us a more fresh and raw view of man against man, and the inhumanity that unfortunately is experienced by many peoples throughout the world. Blue Nude continues in this vein and explores characters not just for their own experience, but also the experience that have shaped the people that have shaped them. And Ms. Rosner doles out this information in a way that keeps us curious and expectant, while not feeling that any of it is predicable.

I thoroughly enjoyed both books, not just for the story and the characters, but for the feelings they invoked in me while reading. These books are thought provoking beyond their last pages.

Bestselling author and poet Elizabeth Rosner's second novel (following THE SPEED OF LIGHT) is a rousing tour-de-force --- a window into the artistic lives of two strangers whose pasts, presents and futures are irrevocably intertwined. With delicate yet persistent hands, Rosner explores a multilayered landscape of loss, unrequited desire, passion and isolationism, and weaves a dark and textured story out of what she finds. Her characters are larger than life at times --- bursting with their own specific energies, passions and identities, and righteous in their attempts to make meaning out of the world around them. Yet, they are also nameless receptacles of the universal experience --- mere forms chasing the same questions that have been chased and debated for centuries.

BLUE NUDE is the story of the complex union between two artists in San Francisco --- the elder and once-prominent German painter turned professor, Danzig, and Merav, a youthful Israeli beauty and former art student who makes a living working as a nude model. The two have deep and guarded pasts, both dating back to lives in foreign countries, separate yet intricately connected. Although they are many years apart in both age and experience, their sordid histories haunt their present lives and profoundly influence their decisions, actions and relationships.

Danzig was born immediately following World War II, to an abusive father who played a major role (hinted at, but never explicitly named) in the destruction of the Jews during the war; a painfully submissive mother who did nothing to stand between her violent husband, his post-occupation sullied reputation, and his undeserving offspring; and a depressed and guilt-ridden sister who took her own life when Danzig was seven years old. As he grew older, Danzig became increasingly aware of the events that shaped his upbringing and was disgusted by his father's vulgarity, his mother's lack of self-esteem and inability to protect herself or her children, and his sister's resignation to what she viewed as life's insurmountable injustices. He found solace in painting, however, and eventually left home permanently to relocate to San Francisco in order to explore his art more freely.

Also an expatriate, Merav spent her childhood on a kibbutz in Tel-Aviv and lived with her mother Isabelle and her grandmother Esther, who miraculously survived persecution by the Germans. She learned how to explore herself and life's richness through painting and discovered at a young age the beauty of expression without words. Her neighbor, Yossi, was her best friend, confidant and eventual lover, and taught her that passion could be contained or exchanged in a single touch. They both served their two-year stint in the Israeli army, traveling the vast desert learning (or, in her case, trying not to learn) to kill. Tragically, he was killed after the bus he was on exploded because of an undetected bomb --- an incident that broke her heart (especially because he had just informed her that he was about to marry someone else) and pushed her to move away from a country riddled with death to one where she could begin anew.

In a way, their chance meeting in his classroom in San Francisco --- he, the art teacher, and she, the substitute nude model --- serves as the gateway to their mutually independent yet intertwined rebirth, and infuses life into the deeper, humming themes that resonate throughout BLUE NUDE. Later, as she poses for him, exposed and naked in his studio, he is finally able to move past and through his wrecked childhood, the damaging and ill-fated affairs with two previous models, and resulting period of maddening artistic blockage, to a space ripe with inspiration, confidence and inner peace. She, too, transcends the consequences of her upbringing, Yossi's death, and failed marriage to a photographer who loved her only as a sum of photographable body parts, and walks willingly into a future alive with hope. "She does not want to live as if about to be annihilated. She will not accept that as the truth." Neither will he. Life begets Art begets Life.

BLUE NUDE is an exquisite and quietly beautiful story, told by a writer with surefire talent, grace and profound insight into human frailty. Elizabeth Rosner's knack for waxing poetic is witnessed on every page --- her sentences, deliciously thick with implication and symbolism; her characters, flawed yet persistent, each grappling with life's choices in his or her own way. There are a number of captivating moments that readers will relish and languish on, as they burrow through chapters that jump back and forth in time in each character's life, and shift from perspective to perspective. Of course, the ubiquitous relationship between Art, Truth and Life pulsates throughout these well-drawn pages, offering up many burning and delightfully unanswerable questions so vital to the human experience. Stunning.

--- Reviewed by Alexis Burling