Bonds Books

I would be extremely happy to find out if this author ever wrote anything else I could get my hands on. This is one of my favorite books- I've re-read it three or four times, something I rarely do. If anybody has any information about possible other titles, I would appreciate it.

Larry Fondation's latest novel, Fish, Soap and Bonds, is the story of three homeless people struggling to survive in Los Angeles, two of whom (Fish and Soap) were married on the streets. All three characters are average people who unexpectedly find themselves without a home: Fish loses his job as an insurance salesman, Soap's husband divorces her, and Bonds ran a restaurant until demand lessened due to changes in the local economy. Told in a series of short, interrelated vignettes, the novel deals in depth with the everyday events of their lives, through which the reader observes the discrimination, apathy, and compassion found in American society.

Fondation's treatment of difficult subjects, such as poverty and social justice, is both subtle and multifaceted, often incorporating humor, pathos, and social criticism in the same narrative space. A scene from Fish, Soap and Bonds that exemplifies this quality takes place when Soap gets the makeover she's always wanted at a high-end department store. When she later attempts shoplifting cosmetics as a way to relive this memory and is taken to court, Fondation uses this anecdote as a way to critique both the unfair biases within the justice system and the comic absurdity of its rules and regulations. For example, Fondation writes in a section called "Not Grand Larceny": "`Your honor, I move to have the charges reduced to misdemeanor simple larceny...' `On what grounds, young man? Your client stole more than $200 worth of merchandise. You're familiar with the statute...' `Excuse me, your honor, but the items were on sale.'" (97-98). As Soap's lawyer gets her charges reduced from grand larceny to petty theft by demonstrating that the items stolen were on clearance, this section juxtaposes the gravity of a trial with the frivolousness of shopping at Neiman Marcus or Lord & Taylor. These incongruities within the courtroom become the source of humor and irony, but also suggest that the statutes which determine Soap's fate are just as arbitrary as the sale sign. Through juxtapositions like this one, the author hints that such laws don't really enforce justice or protect citizens, but instead present unnecessary obstacles to marginalized individuals.

As Fondation critiques the social structures that have made life difficult for Fish, Soap, and Bonds, rendering these aspects of society at turns ironic, ridiculous, and imposing, the shape of the narrative becomes just as diverse as the author's take on his subject matter. The novel is presented in the form of vignettes, also including recipes, encyclopedia entries, lists, and police reports. This innovative use of form enables the author to shift point of view, allowing the reader to view the same plot through the eyes of all three protagonists, in addition to giving background information in an economical, engaging manner.

Another impressive aspect of the book is its use of repetition in depicting the lives of Fish, Soap, and Bonds. Images and themes often are presented in the narrative, later resurfacing several times in different contexts, providing a more complex and nuanced view of the initial thought. The "Chaos Theory" sections that are woven throughout the story are one example of this quality in Fondation's writing. For example, the first section of this kind reads: "She is taken to a hospital where the doctors bill the federal government a lot of money for setting her broken leg. The Senate, crying deficit, cuts the housing budget so when she is released from the hospital, the shelter in which she has been living has shut down for lack of funds" (17). Emphasizing the interconnectedness of people's lives in this initial section on chaos theory, Fondation elaborates on this observation later in the book. In the second "Chaos Theory" section, the author stresses that many people, although their lives are interdependent, know little about each other and become too absorbed in their day-to-day lives to give it much thought. For example, Fondation writes about a lawyer who passes by a homeless man on his way to work: "After a month-long trial, the lawyer wins his case on behalf of an insurance company. He is sure to make full partner now. The man in the box spends his time in and out of jail. During the rains his box is ruined. It takes him nearly two weeks to get a hold of a new one" (124). Describing both the interrelatedness of people's lives and their blissful obliviousness to it, Fondation presents this abstract and philosophical subject in a concrete, tangible manner that is carefully structured and lyrical throughout.

Overall, Fish, Soap and Bonds is an enjoyable, eye-opening read. If you're looking for a book that presents serious and difficult subject matter in an appealing way, this one's for you.

This is the latest in the CJ Floyd mystery saga. CJ Floyd left bail bonding, or so he thinks!
Greer does a great job weaving a great mystery and as always, it's always the person you never guess.
If you are a lover of black mystery writers with a western edge, pick Greer

This book serves as an excellent introduction to the municipal securities business. As the title suggests, it covers the fundamentals and covers them quite well. The writing is crisp and concise and the book contains plenty of useful examples to illustrate the principles and rules of the business. This book will also serve as a useful reference guide for those still relatively new to the industry.

From Back Cover:

'Games for Social and Life Skills' is an essential collection of more than 80 games which teach a range of communication, social and life skills. It provides guidance for teachers, youth leaders or social workers who are new to games and helps them to make the best selection as quickly as possible.

Each game
* is immediately practical
* lists materials, time, procedure and variation under clear headings
* lists its suitability for different ages, sizes and types of group

Contents include: An introduction and advice on preparation, self-awareness games, games for social skills, goal planning, decision making, non-verbal communication, trust, giving and receiving feedback, and much more.

Examples of games include:

* Self Awareness: Pet Hate Auction, Truth Game, Goldfish Bowl Discussion, Role Swap, Group Values, Labels
* Goal Planning: House of Cards, Flying Far
* Listening : Rounds - I'm Going to Alaska; Rounds - London Bridge, Listening Chain, Listening in Threes, Paying Attention
* Giving and Receiving Feedback: Draw This, Something in Common, Tangrams, The Message of Happiness, The Good and The Bad
* Barriers to Communication: The Owl and the Pussycat, Washing the Elephant, Escape, Saboteur
* Trust Games - Group Breathing, Group Laughter, Head Trust, Face Trust, Tangled Human Chain, Moving Human Chain, Knee Sitting, Trust Walk, Trust Fall, Lifting the Person, Passing the Person Back
* Sharing, Negotiating & Compromise : Squares, Dream Holiday, Workmate & Choosing a Car

Among others...

Whether you're getting started in savings bonds or have owned some for years, this book is good for general overview of the history and nature of bonds, and provides a list of the sources from which people can get much needed charts. I find this book great for review aswell.
The author explains the technical terms and then retells them in parenthesis as he uses them (e.g. Some bonds . . . guaranteed for the oringinal maturity period (until the bond reaches face value.)). I find this very helful.
I recommend this book for those who want to know about their bonds or who are thinking about investing in savings bonds.

I think this book is fabulous. I remember reading it over and over and over again. I never got tired of it. The story line is fantastic and magical. The author had a truly exquisite imagination.

I once read an article by a woman who declared that real friendships can only be developed in one's youth. What a sad thought! And so untrue. I made my bestfriend after the age of 30, and I'll keep making new friends as long as I live. I think if you enjoy people, there will always be opportunities for more friends. I bought a copy of this gift book for my best friend because I love her so much, and I also love words and books. It is only because she is my best friend, that I am willing to give it up. This lovely, thought-provoking volume hallmarks the friendships that women experience. It enhances one of the values of being a woman beautifully: the closeness we feel to our women friends. Is there anything else like it? Being silly, listening, encouraging, empathazing, sharing thoughts that would abhor men. It makes you really glad to know that so many of us just love being inside the skin of a woman! This little gem shares quotes from unidentified women about their friends. Here is a sampling: "The more we let our girlfriends know how much they are valued, the stronger our friendships grow." "The bond that we forged so many years ago is now unbreakable." "Every healthy, loving relationship between two people requires that both individuals be able to tolerate the differences between them." "A true friendship is in trouble when you pick and choose what you reveal." "All we may need is a friend to share her strength , and we can become clear-headed again." "We share our vulnerabilities with each other and come away stronger." "Regardless of culture or time or distance, women bond together through laughter, dares, and crazy plans." There, now that I've saved some of my favorite quotes, perhaps I can give this volume up to my friend, Cheryl.

This story is so outrageous that its sad to be true. Mr. Campeau is directly responsible for much of what we see and don't see today in the department store industry, especially industry behemoths and the disappearance of once celebrated stand-alone department stores. It is a warning for investment bankers, private equity buyers, and corporate buyers who have quickly forgotten how the excesses of the 1980s came crashing down, as well as providing a solid foundation the department store retail sub-sector. To top it off, it is a good, well written, and entertaining story.

"Goldfinger" has always been one of my favorite James Bond novels from the pen of Ian Fleming. I have read it several times through the years and I still return to it. It is just so well written with Fleming's unique style that the words linger in your mind forever. Good book. Great cover on this SIGNET edition.