Beauty Books

I just attended a reading of "A Beauty that Hurts" by Dr. Lovell, so I am only familiar with two chapters in the book. But those two chapters were well-written and enlightening, and I expect that the balance of the book stays the course.

This work of "creative non-fiction" studies the Guatemalan society as a whole by narrating specific examples from Lovell's travels there.

One chapter explains the plight of an older woman whose son was killed during the civil wars in Guatemala. Even though she and the rest of the family were learning to deal with the loss, it was sad to learn about a culture where people have learned to expect heartache and strife.

Another chapter, "The T-Shirt Parade," is much more light-hearted. Lovell describes his encounters with Guatemalans and the different English-language t-shirts that they wear. Most of them had little idea what their clothes said, and Lovell pointed out the irony linking the undecipherable t-shirt messages and the wearers' lives. Some did understand their t-shirts, and Lovell uses instances like these to describe the Americanization of the developing world and of Guatemala in particular.

I highly recommend "A Beauty that Hurts" to anyone who wants to understand what life in the developing world is really like. The literary style is accessible and highly interesting, and the topics discussed have great importance. It was a pleasure to meet Dr. Lovell, a friendly and caring author, and I recommend his book.

This book is great for beginners ae well as professional. It has every thing u need to know.

It seems to be de rigueur for the introduction or first chapter of any cultural studies book to be a catalogue of theoretical approaches, with the author strictly delineating which ones she or he will adopt in the remainder of the book, and gravely acknowledging some other academic for "bring[ing] to our attention the existence of multiple centers and peripheries," etc. The first chapter of this book follows the same formula, but the mood and interest level brighten up as soon as these preliminaries are out of the way. Even though the author makes a number of serious points about, among other things, the "construction" of gender in Japan, she does so with a light touch and a sense of fun.

The book's focus is on how Japanese, especially in the 20-30-y.o. generation, conceive of and modify their bodies, especially through "beauty work" and "esute" (aesthtic) salons. The author convincingly shows that certain beauty practices long interpreted (in the West) as attempts to look more Western or specifically American (e.g. adding a fold to the eyelids using tape or surgery, lightening the skin, and dying hair blond(ish)) actually have a more Japanese meaning.(She also makes a good point by asking why is it that when a Japanese dyes her hair blonde we assume she wants to look American, but when an American kid pierces his nose or wears dreadlocks we say he's showing creativity or multicultural tolerance?) The book also helped me to accept (though not necessarily to understand) that the rock-stars and other overly smooth, tousle-haired guys I'd perceived to be androgynous "girly-man" types are perceived as manly by many young Japanese women.

Throughout, the author provides entertaining descriptions of various esute experiences that she herself, a middle-aged "hairy foreigner", underwent, and of the chicanery of salon owners (which knows no international boundaries). She also has a lot of affection for the extravagant product names (e.g. Shiseido Proudia Face Escort Super Fix UV) and fads (the Karaoke Diet, the Manicure Diet, etc.) that differ from their Western counterparts only by degree, rather than kind. My only regret is that she didn't include more pictures; the book has over 30 illustrations, but she describes many more images and names various celebrities of bygone eras, all of which (or whom) it would have been helpful to see. Nonetheless, you don't need to have a lot of prior knowledge about Japan to get both insight and enjoyment from this book.

This book can definatly help if my wife wants to do serious make up - or just her face for the night!!!!!!!! She can do weddings and so much more...so easy!!!!!!!!!!!

I totally disagree with the editorial review given here. It is incredibly shallow and downright silly. This talk does make demands on the listener's intelligence, yes (is that supposed to be some sort of defect?) but it is not in any sense a specialist talk.It is universal. Behind Hillman's dry style is a passsionate, engaging voice which, for those who are able to listen deeply, can change one's whole way of looking at cities and urban life, in relation to what is called "Nature". One of the best talks on tape I've ever heard.

Kathleen Norris has long been a sought after author for teenage girls for her rare wisdom and understanding the answer to problems. I'm no teenager but she is also one of my favorite authors.

In this book Vicky Herrendeen had grown up with a thorough distrust of emotional love. Her own beautiful mother's affairs had disgusted her. She determined never t allow herself to be aught in such a trap. So when Vicky consented to marry Dr. Hardisty, it was on a matter-of-fact basis. She would be his housekeeper, and an excellent one. She would be the mother of his children. She would be a constant and pleasant companion. But she would have none of love's more passionate side.

For seven years Vicky believed that her way of marriage was the only safe and civilized way. Then, one day, exquisite Serena set out to win Quentin for herself. And Serena was all to interested in love's most passionate side. Wonderful light insightful reading!

This story is amazing. Isabelle's (Belle from Beauty and the Beast) worst enemy, Kenny McIlhenny(The Beast from Beauty and the Beast)comes down with the chicken pox and his mom and dad are going on a trip. Will Kenny's parents stay home with him or will Kenny stay with Isabelle...Find out when you read this book! Beauty's Revenge.

This is a great little book that is included in the stories of the current book Horse Tales. This story includes the same great writing and storytelling from one of the greatest storyteller to ever live. The read is easy and entertaining, every bit as enjoyable as any of his other stories.

Beauty, Wonder, and the Mystical Mind spreads before the reader a rich word picture of the spiritual realm. Wilson Van Dusen describes the mature mystic, enumerating the characteristics of those whose lives are shaped by the experience of God. He explains how religion fits within the context of culture and how mysticism fits--or does not--within the context of religion. He also compares the mystical to the aesthetic, noting the similar ways in which art and epiphany move and elevate the experiencer.

Believing that all have the potential to experience God, Van Dusen opens the mystical realm to the reader with his warm and accessible style. Writing from lifelong personal experience in the spiritual dimension, he offers a singular interpretation of the history of major religions and their regard for mysticism.

An especially useful chapter introduces a simple, effective practice with an icon to help us "shut off the whirl of events so we can come to experience our own center, which happens to be also the center of the universe."

In every field, some books rise above the rest to become classics. Wilson Van Dusen's is such a book. He writes with refreshing clarity, even luminosity, knows the territory, defines his terms, and maps the mystical path for those awakening to the journey.
--Dan Millman
Author of The Laws of Spirit

Wilson Van Dusen, Ph.D., as chief psychologist at Mendocino State Hospital for many years, was praised for his work with the mentally ill using original methods involving spiritual concepts. Van Dusen was also instrumental in the creation of the acclaimed humanistic psychology department at Sonoma State University, the first such program at a traditional university. He is the author of The Country of Spirit: Selected Writings, The Presence of Other Worlds, The Natural Depth in Man, and Returning to the Source: The Way to Experience God.

A spellbinding and engaging read, will keep you from going to the bathroom. Truly a visionary work of art in an enigmatic interpretation of life at it's most confusing moments.
Mars holds secrets that is the prize in the ultimate reality competition for Dominion of the Planet and then travel to the stars.