Parties Books

Ms. Scarrow has taken what might appear to be a dry and uninteresting subject to most laypeople and made it accessible and fun. Great job Susan. I can't wait until my book club brings up your book for discussion at our next Monday Night Book Club.

Even before I discovered that Dr. Scarrow's book is in the British Parliament's House of Commons Library, I thought it was a remarkable work. Since finding out that fact, I've been pleased to have my high opinion of her research validated. Her command of her subject matter is superb and I highly recommend this book if you want to find out more about the strategies of German and British political parties in the middle years of the last century.

In 1984, The Ecco Press published a handsome thirteen-volume edition of The Tales of Chekhov containing the highly respected, if somewhat dated, English translations of Constance Garnett. The original thirteen volumes were subsequently supplemented by two additional volumes, "The Unknown Chekhov: Stories and Other Writings," translated by Avrahm Yarmolinsky (a volume which is still in print under the auspices of another publisher) and "Notebook of Anton Chekhov," translated by S. S. Koteliansky and Leonard Woolf. While I was fortunate to have purchased the entire paperback set at a pittance during a remainder sale (and it remains one of the favorites of my book collection), it is, alas, sadly out-of-print.

"The Party & Other Stories," volume 4 of The Ecco Press edition, contains eleven stories written during the period from the mid-1880s to the mid-1890s. These are stories from Chekhov's so-called "middle period," the years after Chekhov had finished his medical studies and began writing and publishing the longer, more serious psychological studies whose characteristics became a universal ascription for short stories of that sort: "Chekhovian." As Harold Bloom has written, "the formal delicacy and somber reflectiveness [of Chekhov's stories] make him the indispensable artist of the unlived life, and the major influence upon all story-writers after him."

Every one of the stories in this volume is a remarkable example of Chekhov's ability to write in simple, straightforward fashion, while, all the time, illuminating with almost microscopic precision the internalized, psychological lives of his characters. As one commentary on Chehov's writing during this period has noted, apropos of the stories in this volume (and in contrast to Chekhov's early humorous stories): "Characters are no longer perceived satirically, as social archetypes, but seen from within. And the inner life revealed is often an unhappy one, the characters' `real life' being in sharp contrast with their `world of desire,' reached only through memory or fantasy."

The stories range from long to short, each a near-perfect model of the short story, worthy of enjoyment and careful study. The longest of the stories, "A Woman's Kingdom," tells of Anna Akimovna, the daughter of a factory owner who, as a young girl, mingled with the working classes, only to find herself the lonely, single, middle-aged heiress and proprietor of those same factories later in life. It is a remarkable exploration of Anna's loneliness and of her yearning to return to the life of her childhood, as well as of the separation between owner and worker in an industrialized Russia. As Anna says, longingly: "Yes, I'll go and get married. I will marry in the simplest, most ordinary way and be radiant with happiness. And, would you believe it, I will marry some plain working man, some mechanic or draughtsman."

In the title story, "The Party," Chekhov brilliantly probes the mind, the thoughts, the silent unhappiness and dissatisfaction of Olga Mihalovna, a pregnant, married woman who clearly does not like her philandering, brash husband or her social obligations. In a passage that strikingly illustrates both the luster of Chekhov's art and the deep-seated discontent of the character of his story, Olga stands watching her guests, the partygoers of the story's title, glide by in boats:

"Olga Mihalovna looked at the other boats, and there, too, she saw only uninteresting, queer creatures, affected or stupid people. She thought of all the people she knew in the district, and could not remember one person of whom one could say or think anything good. They all seemed to her mediocre, insipid, unintelligent, narrow, false, heartless; they all said what they did not think, and did what they did not want to. Dreariness and despair were stifling her; she longed to leave off smiling, to leap up and cry out, `I am sick of you,' and then jump out and swim to the bank."

These are just two of the stories. The volume also contains "The Kiss," a story that no less a literary arbiter than Bloom considers the best of Chekhov's early stories (written in 1887, when Chekhov was 27 years old). And the rest are equally good, demonstrating why Chekhov is considered among the greatest practitioners of the story-writer's art.

If you can, find this volume and the others in The Ecco Press's wonderful edition of Chekhov and read them all. If you can't, then find another edition. Just read Chekhov. You will not be disappointed.

...

"The Party & Other Stories," volume 4 of The Ecco Press edition, contains eleven stories written during the period from the mid-1880s to the mid-1890s. These are stories from Chekhov's so-called "middle period," the years after Chekhov had finished his medical studies and began writing and publishing the longer, more serious psychological studies whose characteristics became a universal ascription for short stories of that sort: "Chekhovian." As Harold Bloom has written, "the formal delicacy and somber reflectiveness [of Chekhov's stories] make him the indispensable artist of the unlived life, and the major influence upon all story-writers after him."

Every one of the stories in this volume is a remarkable example of Chekhov's ability to write in simple, straightforward fashion, while, all the time, illuminating with almost microscopic precision the internalized, psychological lives of his characters. As one commentary on Chehov's writing during this period has noted, apropos of the stories in this volume (and in contrast to Chekhov's early humorous stories): "Characters are no longer perceived satirically, as social archetypes, but seen from within. And the inner life revealed is often an unhappy one, the characters' 'real life' being in sharp contrast with their 'world of desire,' reached only through memory or fantasy."

The stories range from long to short, each a near-perfect model of the short story, worthy of enjoyment and careful study. The longest of the stories, "A Woman's Kingdom," tells of Anna Akimovna, the daughter of a factory owner who, as a young girl, mingled with the working classes, only to find herself the lonely, single, middle-aged heiress and proprietor of those same factories later in life. It is a remarkable exploration of Anna's loneliness and of her yearning to return to the life of her childhood, as well as of the separation between owner and worker in an industrialized Russia. As Anna says, longingly: "Yes, I'll go and get married. I will marry in the simplest, most ordinary way and be radiant with happiness. And, would you believe it, I will marry some plain working man, some mechanic or draughtsman."

In the title story, "The Party," Chekhov brilliantly probes the mind, the thoughts, the silent unhappiness and dissatisfaction of Olga Mihalovna, a pregnant, married woman who clearly does not like her philandering, brash husband or her social obligations. In a passage that strikingly illustrates both the luster of Chekhov's art and the deep-seated discontent of the character of his story, Olga stands watching her guests, the partygoers of the story's title, glide by in boats:

"Olga Mihalovna looked at the other boats, and there, too, she saw only uninteresting, queer creatures, affected or stupid people. She thought of all the people she knew in the district, and could not remember one person of whom one could say or think anything good. They all seemed to her mediocre, insipid, unintelligent, narrow, false, heartless; they all said what they did not think, and did what they did not want to. Dreariness and despair were stifling her; she longed to leave off smiling, to leap up and cry out, 'I am sick of you,' and then jump out and swim to the bank."

These are just two of the stories. The volume also contains "The Kiss," a story that no less a literary arbiter than Bloom considers the best of Chekhov's early stories (written in 1887, when Chekhov was 27 years old). And the rest are equally good, demonstrating why Chekhov is considered among the greatest practitioners of the story-writer's art.

If you can, find this volume and the others in The Ecco Press's wonderful edition of Chekhov and read them all. If you can't, then find another edition. Just read Chekhov. You will not be disappointed.

My 4 year old daughter loves this book. The short chapters are perfect for early readers who want to move beyond shorter picture books. This book still has lovely black and white drawings, but is a slightly more "sophisticated" Angelina book. Fabulous!!

The reader will enjoy the entries. My daughter enjoys these diaries. We read an entry every night before she goes to bed.

I do believe that Bust magazine suggested this, and I am really glad that they did. Mad Libs is still a lot of fun, and this particular edition is especially hilarious. This is definitely only for sassy girls and loose-wristed boys who aren't ashamed of being queens.

I bought this for a game night I was having for a bunch of single friends. It was a great way to keep people entertained and have fun in the process. It was tons of fun reading what was written the next day. They sound even more ridiculous and funnier than they did the night before.

Joni Woelfel has done it again! Her words flow magically into the heart of the reader and "A Party of One" not only gives insight into a journey that is personal but rings truth within each of our own souls. There is a part of each of us on the pages and even though she gives us permission to read her work in any order that benefits us --- it would have been difficult for me to put it down and not flow with the pattern of ministry she unknowingly knits into the lives of all who read the book. Like the leaves churning in the soft fall breeze, her writing evokes a certain calm in the midst of life's storms and helps us to see the beauty our precious Lord is creating on the canvass, if we only turn the storms over to Him. She gives glory and honor to Him in her written work which is done in deep, beautiful tones to match each episode she shares. Hunker down, get cozy and get ready to enter into an experpience that brings you the freedom to say, "YES" to what life may bring your way. This is a book that makes a wonderful gift. First, a gift to yourself and next a gift to pass on to anyone you cherish in life --- whether they are living alone or not.
Kathlee Kjolhaug
Mother of six
Kindergarten teacher
Column writer

Love this book! It's easy to read and provides many interesting stories & tips for those living alone (and for those who do not live along for that matter). Great work!

Great menu and party ideas. Well-organized with various party venues, invitation, decoration and serving ideas.

Got as a gift from my father more than 20 years ago and it has served me well for all kinds of entertaining.

Entertaining, recipes, drinks all in one. I have used it for over 20 years and am delighted to find it still in print.

Buy this! I am a person who loves parties so i absolutely loved this book, but i think anyone would like this book...it has so many ideas and it even has things that you would ask yourself but didn't even think would be in there like, what to wear, and what food to eat, and if someone stays a really long time and you can't get them to leave!! i loved it, a must have!

This American Girl book is very good. Get this book if you want you're next birthday party to be at your house. This book will tells you who to invite, what games to play, what to eat, how to plan your party, how to be a great hostess, what to dance to, and lots more. A must-have for American Girl book lovers.
*****

I bought this book for my 3 & 4 year olds. The pictures are fun and imaginative. Best of all, the face paints are like crayons and wash off very easily. They are able to face paint themselves with very little mess or help from me.

We got "Percy's Fancy Face Paint Party" at my child's nursery school book fair about ten years ago. It is still our most-consulted resource for faces for costume parties and Hallowe'en.

The face paints are very high-quality and they do not stain skin or clothes. I intend to order it again just for the paints, and so that both our daughters can have a copy for their kids.

I have tried out this book in a local nursery school and found that it was just as exciting to the children as Jonathan Lycett-Smith's previous publication 'Kitten Kid Were are You?'. This was also a Walker Book Publication obtainable at the Early Learning Centre. The children loved the little monster and joined in with all the face pulling, ending up with big smiles that knocked us all flat in an ectasy of laughing. What a joy to have a well illustrated book that all the children could relate to in a joyful manner.

In Judy Hindley's delightful picturebook story for very young readers, The Perfect Little Monster, Baby Monsters seems perfect to his parents. He has horrible little eyes and a horrible little nose. he loves to scowl and how and make a terrible mess. But when Baby Monster's whole family gathers for his first birthday party, he reveals he's not quite as perfect as his parent's think! Jonathan Lycett-Smith's colorful, whimsical artwork is perfectly suited to Hindley's fanciful story.

This book explains the how-tos and wherefores of party-giving so straightforwardly and inspirationally you're bound to be a smashing host / hostess, no matter what your level of expertise. Must arrange a cocktail party? A dinner do? A supper buffet? Perhaps you're in an al fresco picnicking mood, or have the yen for a garden fete. Not to worry, it's a snap. Everything's in here, explained in plain English and gorgeous photographs: decor and plans and food and more. Included is a helpful timeline / checklist for your more involved parties, which removes all doubt as to when to book the venue (6 to 12 months ahead of time), clean the silver (5 days ahead of time), and uncork the wine (2 hours before your guests arrive), plus all the nitty gritty in between. Get hold of this book, browse it through, then phone up friends and throw a bash! Forward by Sir Elton John (what doesn't that man do?)

i LOVE this book. we entertain a lot and i have so many books on the subject. this book, however, leaves nothing to chance and covers every base, soup to nuts. i know i will be using this as a reference constantly. i am so glad i bought this book, highly recommend it for all interested in party giving!