Virginia Books

I really enjoyed this book as it shedded light on parts of my family I had not known about. Despite the personal connection, I believe the book provides a unique perspective on the hazards of coal mining [particularly timely read based on the Sago mining disaster], life in a company coal town and the struggles of a work force to unionize to raise wages, benefits and increase safety issues.

"Memories From Dante: The Life of a Coal Town" is far more than just a trip down memory lane of a small town in the coal fields of SW VA. The detailed oral histories and the huge number of photographs do provide those living in the area with the chance to renew old memories but it also provides researcheers and scholars with a social, economic, political, religious, and family history of the town and area. Anyone interested in a comprehensive study of a coal town needs this book. I especially recommend it for libraries and archives. Kathy Shearer has done a remarkable job of helping the people of Dante tell their story. Perhaps she never saw a lumb of coal before she came to the area (all the Dante mines are closed now) but the town and its elderly residents live in her book. Without any sense of superiority she has enpowered these people to tell the world what it was like to live in a time and a place now largely forgotten.

This Book took me back to a childhood that many of us only wish we could revisit. Kathy Shearer was able to catch the history of a wonderful little coal town and bring it to everyone's attention. People who grew up in a small town will be able to relate and relive the pleasures of a hometown community. Kathy Shearer took us all back to a time of childhood happiness. This is a wonderful book to read and learn of the struggles these people lived while trying to make a living mining coal and how they held on to each other for support and survival.

I bought this book thinking it's just another novice trying to write about something they know little about, but what a suprise when I started reading it. Kathy has done a thoroughly wonderful job describing these hard working, hard living and honest people in such vivid color you become friends with them instantly.
They become your family, and you love them, laught with them, cry with them, and hate them but you cannot forget them.
She is a first class writer and deserves high praise for a book which is both entertaining and historically founded.
I am just waiting for the sequel.

Francine Prose is one of our more important writers (novels 'Blue Angel', 'After', 'A Changed Man', 'Primitive People'; probing biographies 'Caravaggio: Painter of Miracles'), a writer with a profound respect of the past, for the art of writing and the art of reading. Her most recent book is titled 'Reading Like a Writer: A Guide for People Who Love Books and for Those Who Want to Write Them' should give an idea of what is in store in this most enjoyable and illuminating book THE MRS. DALLOWAY READER.

Prose writes an Introduction that, while brief, offers keys to unlocking the genius that was Virginia Woolf. 'She longed to fill the book [Mrs. Dalloway] with "speed and life", to "give life & death, sanity & insanity; I want to criticize the social system & to show it at work, at its most intense.' Prose extracts quotes form Woolf's writings in an astute manner that allows us to understand the tortured genius who wrote them. As far as the book 'Mrs. Dalloway', Prose writes '...its all here: life, death, sex, love, marriage, parenthood, youth, age, the present and the past, memory, London, war, reason and unreason, loyalty, medicine, social snobbery, friendship, compassion, cruelty; the occasionally apt but more often unfounded snap judgments we make about ourselves, each other, loved ones, strangers, and the world in which chance and fortune have thrown us all together'. She touches on Woolf's insanity and conflicted sexuality that blossomed with Vita Sackville-West, and with her suicide by drowning, but she is far more interested in sharing the manner in which Woolf created her books - her fleshing out of the state of consciousness.

As editor Francine Prose then gathers writings form such erudite dignitaries as Katherine Mansfield, E.M. Forster, Michael Cunningham, Daniel Mendelsohn, Sigrud Nunez et al, couples these observations with Woolf's own serialized beginnings of her famous novel, and then offers us the entire MRS DALLOWAY at the end of the book. Reading Virginia Woolf in this atmosphere serves to enlighten the reader and once again prove that this novel is one of the more important writings of the last century. This book is a treasure! Grady Harp, December 06

Francine Prose's Mrs. Dalloway Reader makes the enigmatic and brilliant Virginia Woolf's masterpiece and bit easier for us modern readers. Since the publication of Cunningham's spectacular The Hours and the movie titled the same, Woolf's writing has undergone a renaissance, rising once again on bestseller lists everywhere. But she's STILL difficult, with the loooong sentences, endless paragraphs, the convoluted windings of words and thoughts and phrases and explanations and descriptions and disclaimers with which her writing is rife.
This book is the missing link. It includes the complete text of Mrs. Dalloway and Mrs. Dalloway's Party, plus relevant journal entries and letters by Virginia Woolf relating to the creation of Mrs. Dalloway. Also included are essays and reviews by other writers, all about Mrs. Dalloway. Taken all together, these snippets function like a lovely roadmap into not only the character of Mrs. Dalloway, but into the mind of her creator.
Top notch.

`Mrs Dalloway' is a kind of cultural phenomena.

Everyone that I know has a different take on who she is, what this book is, and what the novel is supposed to stand for. Enter into this fray the authors own opinion about the whole of it and you have an all-out melee of fiction versus fiction.

This book, The Mrs Dalloway Reader, attempts to focus this problem somewhat. In it, not only will you find the novel itself, but you will also find various supplementary materials that help to ease you into what this novel is and what it means to so many different people. From those whose experience began with trying to impress a girl (and the lucky happenstance of finding the book at a Book-Mobile) to those who fought off the strains of absinthe addiction, the short pieces in range from essays to the first `draft' of the novel `Mrs Dalloway's Party'. Include in this assortment such lovingly-crafted emulations as Jane Mansfield's `The Garden Party' and you've got yourself a real winning combination.

But is this a good reason to buy this book? Don't you need more reasons? Of course!

Take this one: I knew absolutely nothing about Virginia Woolf when I purchased this book. She lived about 100 years ago. She wrote many books and I've seen some of her diaries in the hands of female students when I was in high school about ten years ago. She is popular with the intelligent-female group, those who want to be well-read and know the difference between Mary Wollstonecraft and Mary Shelley. Add to this that I am a guy. Now, take all that and combine it, dashing in the fact that this book single-handedly introduced me to who Virginia Woolf is and what she stood for- just through the supplementary material- and you have not only a great novel but a good place to get your foot into the door of this wonderful writer.

Is that still not enough? Okay: supplementary material aside, how is the book? Wonderful. It is a style of writing that I've heard called `Impressionistic' by some learned person. This is true- until you read Virginia Woolf (who is far easier to understand than other stream-of-consciousness writers such as Joyce) you have no idea what great pictures such simple things as words can express. Mrs Dalloway does this too, moving the reader through a simple narrative that is painted with poetical words, bringing to life a novel that is to fiction what Renoir is to painting; only the basic outline is there, amid all the broad strokes, and you must look to find it...but it is amazing when you see it.

LP

Bottom line: If you know nothing about Virginia Woolf and want a good, solid platform from which to start, pick this one. If you know a lot about her and want to explore more, you pick this one too.

I admit that I almost was very middle aged when I read any of Woolf's novels. And, that was only because I read "The Hours."

I learned that the character names therein related to Mrs. Dalloway and other characters of her novels. So, I picked up "To the Lighthouse" and experienced my first "stream of consciousness" style which I analogize to ADD - now the novel is dialogue, then thought, then observation, then . . . and all in one sentence. But, within that one sentence, you learn more than most authors can present on pages.

Reading one page of Woolf takes twice or three times as much time as other authors. Basically, the density of the writing style prohibits skimming, prohibits glossing, or prohibits you from losing concentration.

Modern authors who can conjure as much in as little paper include J.M. Coetzee or V.S. Naipual. These are three great names in the all-time history of fiction. I truly believe that she influenced these writers and hundreds of others.

This book awakened me to many things which I did not know lay within the pages. And, it also helped explain some of the orthodox-like exactitude of the characters, names and plot of "The Hours." Woolf's fans are true blue, died-in-the-wool absolutists. And, this book reflects that more than anything. Many of the published fans herein are famous in their own right, and they are just as devout to Woolf as her secret admirers - like me and probably you (who else but a Woolfie would be reading about this book?).

I recommend this book greatly as it educated me more than I could ever have imagined about the relationship between the book and her life and other related events.

In today's world of multi-cultural marriages, the surprises seem to be endless. So many women have joined multi-cultural families in the Middle East to find their viewpoint on women is not the same as we see them here in the United States. Much easier to get into the marriage than to get out of it.

Ms. Dale's story of an 60s American co-ed who marries a Frenchman livingin Morocco really taught me a lot about the country at that time as well as expatriates who lived there. It is a captivating personalized history which easily brings the reader back to that time. A very good read indeed! I wish I, like Ms. Dale's heroine, had gotten to see Algiers then. It sounds so beautiful.

Going back to our post-college days and meeting a wealthy foreigner is such a romantic notion,but when reality strikes for the differences in culture, the romance hits a different level. A most enjoyable read on every page, an insight into personalities, cultural differences and the adventure of youth.

Well, first of all, after reading only the review online, I don't think I care to buy this book personally. I am a bit offended by the differences of the title and the caption of what the book is supposed to be about. I am an American and I got married to a Moroccan man in Morocco last October. His family is wonderful. But it seems like this book would have a different title than the one for which it is published. For instance: "Don't marry an aristocrat in Europe." or something to that nature. It seems to have nothing to do with actually marrying someone in Morocco or the family being from Morocco. The family mentioned only has a business in Morocco. This is a very misleading title. It would prompt one at first glance to think that the person was actually speaking of an encounter of marrying someone in the country and being subjected to the hassles of a foreignor marrying a Moroccan national.

Schlafly's story has something for everyone. He is a gifted story teller. A real renaisance man, he brings disparate bits of knowledge together to tell the story of his brewery and so much more. His wit reminds me of Mark Twain. Schlafly is a keen student of history and culture and it shows throughout his entertaining book. Once you start, it is hard to put it down.

This book is tons of fun and is filled with lots of St Louis History that I was never aware of prior to reading it. It's the kind of book that is hard to put down, you can read it in one sitting, by the time you finish you feel like you know more about beer and are a personal friend of Toms! As a business major, I also found it to be a wonderful case study in all the economic good businesses can provide to a community(while turning a profit). Restoring areas that had seen better days by setting up shop and making them vibrant thriving "places to be" again is something to be admired and commended. As a beer fan, I can't speak highly enough of this book, it has piqued my interest in homebrewing and I hope to try my hand at it very soon. God Bless Tom Schlafly! I hope he can bring his "Beer the way it used to be" to the Dallas market!

After about 10 years of indulging in Tom Schlafly's products and enjoying the fine food they serve at his restaurants I was excited to see that he had written a book of his David versus Goliath journey in the St Louis beer industry. I was even more excited this Friday night to get to meet him at a book signing event and have a sip with him of his new "No. 15" brew to commemorate their 15th anniversary in St Louis.

Anyway enough of how I came into the possession of this fine book, which can be read in a matter of hours, and on with the review. Not only is Tom a great person and business man but he also has incredible writing talents. As the story unfolds and you are taken on journey of not only Schlafly's rise in the St Louis brewing arena but a historical recount of his beloved town, family, partners, and even his rivals at AB (or the Brewery as it is called in St Louis). Readers of biographies as well as many other reading genres will enjoy this great account of an American business triumph by the little beer company that could! Good luck Tom we hope to enjoy your products and wit for years to come!

This memoir is an interesting and often amusing look at the entrepreneurial spirit of someone who turned his love of beer and entertainment into a thriving business. The book is an easy read and makes you feel as though you just sat down for a couple of beers with Mr. Schlafly and you listened to his story, with lots of sidebars. It helps if you are familiar with St. Louis and the people and workings of medium sized mid-western cities.

This fascinating book gives the little-known history of the growth in the first half of the twentieth century of a vital community of visual artists in the Greenwich Village -- in the two blocks just north of Washington Square -- and the inevitable gentrification that followed. Using real estate records and other contemporary sources, the author provides an illuminating account of the often collaborative -- and very successful -- effort by landlords and artists to develop and renovate property here. Many of the renovations remain today as highlights of one of New York's most famed and picturesque historic districts. Especially noteworthy is Ms. Budny's illustrated accounts of the transformation of part of one particular block by the use of stucco, glazed tiles, and window boxes to evoke a Parisian charm, and of the artists who animated those spaces.

This gem provides beautiful photographs and fabulous documentation of the interwoven influences of art, artists, and art patrons. Context is rarely provided in discussions of artistic excellence, but Budny gives us the spirit of the time and opens the frame of reference to the broader international and provincial levels that compose the vibrant early 20th century art world. This work is an important link between the fabulous Parisian scene and the emerging American dominance of the avant-gard.

This little book is meticulously researched and rich in historic detail and human anecdote. The text is eloquent--spare and clear; the illustrations--many previously unpublished photos--are stunning and arresting. It tells the story of the conversion of a Greenwich Village neighborhood north of Washington Square at the turn of the 20th Century into a creative mecca evoking the Latin Quarter of Paris. Our knowledge of these artists and their families is enriched; a must have addition to any library, personal or public, that is serious about American art history.

A thoroughly enjoyable read about an exciting artistic time I did not know existed. Well researched and illustrated with a clear love by the author for the groundbreaking artists that inhabited this forgotten area of New York City. Clearly a time of extraordinary artistic sharing between artists like Noguchi, Manship, Lachaise and Hopper and many other characters that fully comes alive with colorful stories from the day. The book is both a redefining of the historical beginnings of America's avant garde in the art world and a poetic call to arms for the need for such a nurturing artistic community in New York City.

The book is a well written collection of autobiographical essays that sometimes include astonishingly honest descriptions of his life and thoughts. It describes his personal journey from a troubled dyslexic schoolboy to an internationally known glass artist. His pathway to success and international recognition was not an easy one - instead, it was marked by his relentless determination, commitment, and an unquenchable desire and pursuit for overall excellence and perfection of his work.

I found the book easy and delightful to read. His stories give a personal insight into this most recognized paperweight artist and leave you feeling that you have personally known and understood him for years. Some of the stories are funny, some are touching and some explain his intellectual and artistic blossoming. His spiritual core values, work ethics and artistic integrity become clearly obvious. In this book, Paul wrote "In the studio, I promote excellence like a holy doctrine."

I found it very inspiring and informative to read about Paul Stankard's path as a glass artist, including his stuggles and triumphs. Not only was this an entertaining read, but I also relate to some of the tribulations Paul has faced along his path and I really connect with his love for nature. As a glass artist myself, I find it comforting to see that with perseverance, one can find the right path and eventually be successful doing what one loves to do. Thank you Paul for sharing so deeply and honestly of your experiences.

Paul Stankard, by all accounts one of the most recognized and successful glass artists alive today, has collected his experiences from decades of work with hot glass into a small tome of reminiscences. His memories are organized into a dozen and a half essays, loosely chronological but often overlapping, doubling back upon, and fleshing out earlier episodes. Additional materials include 32 full-color pages of photographs after the Epilogue, and an unexpected but handy Index following that. All of this is bundled within a thoughtfully-designed cover that cradles Mr. Stankard's prose in tones of green and cranberry.

While short in length (183 pages, not including the Foreword and Preface), No Green Berries or Leaves is densely packed with feeling and reflection. Despite the weight of the material, it is a quick and easy read, owing to the fact that the voice which comes through is Paul's. It resembles more a story he might share over a cup of coffee rather than a piece of print. It is this quality, coupled with the way the book is broken down into small bites of his life rather than chronological chapters, that is the underlying strength of the book. No lofty phrasing or clinical assessments are found here, just plain words written with warmth, thought, and honesty.

Paul gives more than just a standard re-telling of how he got here from there. History is interwoven with artistic philosophies, psychological states, and spiritual beliefs, resulting in a story rich with detail and meaning. He relates his youthful dreams, training, and creative yearnings that led to career changes, but also reveals personal struggles with a learning disability, anxiety, and nagging self-esteem issues, all of which culminate in the development of Paul Stankard the artist, family man, friend, mentor, and human being.

Several themes are reinforced throughout: hard work, perseverance, the importance of continually educating one's self, harmony with Nature and its Maker, and gratitude, to name a few. Paul is forthright about the difficulties he endured, but also encourages his readers that if he was able to overcome those to become the acknowledged glass master he is, others can do the same through hard work, dedication, and faith in one's abilities. He strives to be an inspiration to others just as he was mentored throughout his career. His appreciation to all of the people who played a part in his journey flows through the pages, another prominent layer to the book and the person.

For the paperweight enthusiast, this book offers a rare look into the heart of a master craftsman, delving into what originally inspired him to take up the torch to recreate those lovely handfuls of glass, what drives him to push the boundaries of the genre, and how the medium's siren call draws him ever closer into communion with its mysteries.

Mr. Stankard's story, at it's core, resonates with me. As a enthusiast of glass art, I expected to be interested in his journey, but I did not anticipate Mr. Stankard's level of candor and honesty. The combination of his balancing act of family, his struggle with dyslexia, and the pursuit of excellence is more than an inspirational story, it's an affirmation of life as an artist.

The stories are unique tales that prove as spellbinding as the gorgeous pictures. It's a must read for not only golfers, but any sports fan.

Virginia has long been home to some of America's finest golfers. Virginia golfers have won 16 major championships and 169 PGA-sanctioned events while playing in 27 Ryder Cups, 9 Walker Cups, and 2 Solheim Cups. Virginia is boasts six golfing resorts that rank among America's top 1000, while dozens of the state's golf courses are part of almost every list of the finest places to play the sport in this country. Veteran golf writer Jim Ducibella's Par Excellence: A Celebration Of Virginia Golf explores a grand golfing legacy of players, courses, tournaments, and stories. The informative text is wonderfully enhanced with the stunning photography of Ross Franklin. From Nancy Lopez to Sam Snead, Par Excellence is a splendidly presented tribute and history that is entertaining and informative reading for all golfing enthusiasts.

Just about everyone I know has played or is playing golf. I myself play about four to five times a year and in Massachusetts there is very few PGA rated courses. Par Excellence shows you the world of golf as it is played in a Virginia and these are some beautiful courses.

I was very impressed by not only the stories but also by the pictures. Full color photographs of the courses show how rich in beauty the state of Virginia really is. Some the courses have hosted several PGA events and the storied past of the courses are a true golf fans dream.

The book also covers some of the more famous golfers to have played at these courses, with men like Curtis Strange, Lanny Wadkins, J.C. Snead, Sam Snead and others. The book is only 240 pages but it is clear that author was able to capture the essence of the sport and of the state.

Also included in the book is coverage of over 15 courses and some of the more notable events that have taken place at each course. For a true golf fan this book is the perfect gift. Sports Publishing Inc. has a web site loaded with other books on an abundance of sports topics.

If you're a golfer or you have a golfer in your house, this is a must for Santa's stocking on Christmas morning. The book lives up to its subtitle of being a celebration of Virginia golf, but would be appreciated by golfers in all the states and even around the world. Jim Ducibella is one of the nation's finest golf writers and he captures the history and tradition of Virginia golf in loving detail. He writes vivid portraits of the state's finest golfers as well as giving graphic descriptions of the state's best courses. Whether you're a duffer or a scratch golfer, this is a book you will want to read from cover to cover. And the pictures by Ross D. Franklin make you feel you right on the course. Don't miss this book.

Each chapter is a learning story unto itself. Some, very poignant. This book would be worthwhile for any age. Also, very instructive in showing how art therapy and tactile experience can be vital. Spending time with the recently deceased body is crucial to start the goodbye process, and, one chapter, especially, shows this well.

I was given the amazing opportunity to spend time with Virginia Fry while living in Vermont this past winter. My 14 year old sister had recently passed away after her stuggle against cancer. I was completely lost, and met with Virginia several times. She is one of the most amazing people that I've ever been priviledged enough to have come into my life. This book enveloped every part of her ideas and extremely heartfelt suggestions to get you through the most horrible times. She is such an amazing person and this book reflects that to the fullest extent.

My name is Amy Petrucelli and chapter 5 is about me, my sister Betsy and our brother Frankie.
The very first time I read Ginny's story and at that time it was a draft, it brought tears to my my eyes and my late mothers. If it were not for Ginny and Hospice to help us as children to cope with death and dying, I do not think I would be here today. This book is more than helpful and insightful, at least for me. I encourage any person(s) having known a child or know one who is going through death and dying to read this book and share it with that child and help them to work through their loss, questions and fears, Lord knows the author Virginia Fry did that for me.

I really enjoyed this book. I bought it a few years after my mother died, and it helped me a great deal with what I was feeling, thinking, and seeing. It also helped me deal with the day-to-day struggles that I encountered. Thank you so much for writing this book.

Excellent review material; closest review to actual test. I will use again when I recert.

This was an excellent review book and I really recommend reading it from front to back 2-3 times! It provides information in an organized manner that allows for easy recall! I will definitly refer to this book in my practice.

This review guide is an excellent resource for the PNP exam and PNP program. I would highly recommend it.

Read this book front to back 2-3 times and you can rest assure that you will pass the PNP exam. This is an excellent review of pertinent information and is also my most used reference now that I am a certified APRN in practice.
Excellent review guide.

I bought this book about 20 years ago - It was a favorite of my then young children. TO this day, my daughter, son and I remember the great stories and pictures. They are now 24 and 26 years old. I have given this book for a gift as well. You can't beat this one!

Beautifully illustrated and written. The colors only enhance the beauty of the original black and white drawings. This book will spark interest in African American history, especially that of the Gullah people.

"The People Could Fly" has it's roots in Angollah and the "Gullah" people. Tradition among the US slaves said that the "powers" of the Gullah people were very strong. How do I know this? I learned it from the comments at the end of the book.

After I read this, I remembered that Jonathan Green grew up in the Gullah culture. I LOVE his artwork, so I thought I'd do some research and find out if my memory was correct.

I found out that not only was he Gullah, but that from his birth, Jonathan Green was considered a special child because he was born with a caul which indicates "that the child is touched by uncommonness and magic that will bring inordinate grace to the community". As a result Jonathan was "deferred to and taught many things about his people, their traditions and their beliefs."

All this I learned because I read, "The People Could Fly". Buy this book for your children. And also buy the collection of stories by Hamilton entitled "The People Could Fly". The illustrations in the collection of stories are black and white and every bit as beautiful.

The death of author Virginia Hamilton in 2002 was a blow to the world of children's literature, no question. Hamilton was an extraordinary writer, creating complex fantastical books for children that seamlessly integrated contemporary interesting situations with aspects of African-American culture. Heck, one of the first ways I learned about the Underground Railroad was through her "House of Dies Drear". I hadn't read her collection of black folktales entitled "The People Could Fly" though I intended to. I was a little confused, therefore, when a brand spanking new "The People Could Fly" was published in 2004. I soon learned, though, that the book had taken one of the stories from the original collection, in a beautiful retelling of the amazing title story. This is a book that is beautiful to look at and a joy to read and reread.

For you see, they say the people could fly. Long ago in Africa there lived people who had beautiful bright black wings and who could soar in the sky. When they were captured by white slavers, the people shed their wings in the tight confines of the slave ships and forgot how to soar. They were sent to work in the field under the whips of the "masters" and overseers. One day, a woman and her babe were suffering too much to go on much longer. With the ancient words of the old man Toby, the woman and the babe remember how to fly and soared away from the farm. The story recounts how the people who knew how to fly learned to do so again with the help of old Toby and how the slaves who did not know how to fly watched them escape and retold the story to their children just as this book tells it to you.

It's a lovely story, all the lovelier due to the illustrations of Leo and Diane Dillon. The Dillons have illustrated the covers and books of Ms. Hamilton for years, so it is not surprising that they should do so again here. I've always been a huge fan of the Dillons, and this latest effort of theirs is as beautiful as anyone could hope. Even its endpapers are gorgeous, all matt black with shimmery feathers floating down the pages. What "The People Could Fly" does best is introduce children to the concept of slavery within the context of a folktale. Through this story kids understand the horrors of enslavement, rejoice in the escape of some, and understand that most slaves remained trapped and unable to fly. What really set this book apart for me, though, was the use of Editor and Author's Notes. Some great picture books (such as "Ellington Was Not a Street") are beautiful and interesting but never set their story within any context and leave you feeling very confused. "The People Could Fly", on the other hand, tells you everything you need to know about Hamilton, the origins of this tale, the various interpretations of flight (and how you can find a similar idea in Toni Morrison's excellent "Song of Solomon"), and the degradation of slavery.

All intelligent dialogue aside, this book is just a great read to kids. It'll capture their attention with the beautiful pictures, and the words will give them the additional thrill of wondering what it would be like to fly with wings. It's written with slightly older children in mind. Those kids who still like picture books but may want something a little more sophisticated than your average "Horton Hears a Who". With all the folktales out there, it's sometimes difficult to find African-American tales that aren't ALL based on Brer Rabbit. Fortunately, we now have this story to read to all the children we can find. This is a gorgeous addition to any collection and should be adored for as long as it exists.

The story, prose, and illustrations of this book are beautiful and timeless.

We checked this book out from the library and it became an immediate favorite--we didn't want to give it back! I'm buying my own copy for our collection.