Kindred (Bluestreak Black Women Writers)

Book Description

More than 250,000 copies sold Dana, a modern black woman, is celebrating her twenty-sixth birthday with her new husband when she is snatched abruptly from her home in California and transported to the antebellum South. Rufus, the white son of a plantation owner, is drowning, and Dana has been summoned across the years to save him. After this first summons, Dana is drawn back, again and again, to the plantation to protect Rufus and ensure that he will grow to manhood and father the daughter who will become Dana's ancestor. Yet each time Dana's sojourns become longer and more dangerous until it is uncertain whether or not her life will end, long before it has even begun.

Customer Reviews:

Thoughtful and fast paced........2007-09-08

I love time travel books! What I don't love is long-winded, implausible explanations of how time travel is possible. This book skips the crazy explanations and goes right to the good part--what happens. The hero is repeatedly sucked back to the time of slavery and must cope with living as a slave until she gets sucked back to the present. It makes you examine modern day prejudice with absolutely no preaching, yet reminds us all of how lucky we are to be living in modern times. I read this book cover to cover in one or two days.

Everyone should read this one.......2007-08-20

Like watching Hotel Rwanda, this book is hard to take--and for that reason, everyone should read it. Butler brings us right into the sheer terror of the experience.

An imaginitive social commentary and a captivating read.......2007-07-29

Octavia Butler cleverly answers the question "how can one become a slave" in her quasi sci-fi novel _Kindred_. Along the way, the complexities of gender, class, and racial relations are explored both in the ninteenth century as well as in the present.

The protagonist, Dana, is called back to the early 19th century to save a distant ancestor and slave owner. The conundrum she faces is, if he dies, she will not exist. As she is repeatedly pulled back in time, Dana begins to understand not only how a slave is made, but struggles with her own identity and concept of "home." The slave owner, as brutal as he is, is her kin.

Butler does not sugar coat the institution of slavery, but her characters (black and white) are neither all good or all bad, doing both good and evil as circumstances (and position) permit. Butler seems to suggest that both slaves and owners are products of their time, therefore demanding a more nuanced view of the antebellum south.

The story itself is fantastic. I am not a fan of science fiction, but the characters, story and the masterful way Butler unfolds events so utterly consumed me I read it in almost a single sitting. A recommended read.

Good Introduction to Science Fiction.......2007-07-11

I am usually not a fan of Sci-Fi novels. But, this book is an excellent choice for someone like me who is new to the genre. I consider it quasi science fiction and not hard core sci-fi. It is definitely a page turner that will keep you mesmerized for hours.

Sonya Armfield

Could not put it down.......2007-06-27

Dana, a 20th-century black woman, is suddenly and inexplicably sucked into the past, to a Maryland plantation in the early 1800s, in order to save the life of a young white child who would eventually live to be one of her forebears. Over and over, she returns to the future for barely enough time to reorient herself before she is transported into the past to rescue him yet again. Between each of her visits, several years have passed in the past, and the child grown older. Her visits become not only lengthier, but, especially for a black woman in the 19-century South, more and more dangerous.

As Kindred opens with a bang, the reader can't help but become immediately absorbed, getting a glimpse of how the book ends before even learning how it begins. Though the detailed depictions of this era of slavery are hard to swallow, they bring the period to life and add an in-your-face sense of realism. I couldn't put it down.

Kindred Spirits: Asher B. Durand and the American Landscape

Average customer rating:

outstanding and influential early American painter

Kindred Spirits: Asher B. Durand and the American Landscape
Linda Ferber
Manufacturer: D. Giles Ltd.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1904832261

Book Description

This major new volume revisits for the first time in over thirty years the world and the works of Asher B. Durand (1796-1886), one of the most important American artists of the nineteenth century.

Customer Reviews:

outstanding and influential early American painter.......2007-06-05

President of the National Academy of Design from 1845 until his death in 1886, Asher Durand had a major influence on American painting in its early, formative years. Durand's influence with his paintings and his writings and work with other can been as second only to Thomas Cole, who was at different times both mentor and competitor to Durand in his long career. Though Cole has the higher reputation, Durand went further in defining the genre of nature painting in this early era, including the Hudson River School, and articulating and exploring its principles, sources, and aims in his writings. A series of nine essays Durand wrote in 1855 for the art journal Crayon: A Journal Devoted to the Graphic Arts, and the Literature Related to Them" are reprinted in the appendix.

One hundred color illustrations of Durand paintings along with more than 80 black-and-white pictures testify to Durand's exceptional touch melding realism and idealism in the nature painting of the first generation of American painters after the United States became an independent nation. "Kindred Spirits," the book's title, is taken from a familiar 1849 Durand painting of the writer William Cullen Bryant and painter Thomas Cole standing on a rock ledge overlooking a valley with a stream running down it. Not only are the two men meant to be seen as kindred spirits representing the brotherly-like love in the new nation, but the two men are meant as well to be seen as kindred spirits with the nature world spreading out around them like an ampitheater. An 1855 painting titled "The First Harvest in the Wilderness" pictures a man working in a field of golden corn or wheat with misty mountains rising around him. In the background is a log cabin with a woman working at something by its doorway. No matter what the subject and scene of a Durand painting, it bathes in an Edenic glow implying being chosen as one of Providence's favorites and boundless promise.

Mostly before he came to the nature painting, Durand did prints, engravings, and drawings too. Forty of these are pictured. "Kindred Spirits" is a full, authoritative study of the life, career, art work, and influence of this leading early-1800's American artist concentrating on his nature paintings.

Kindred Souls: The Friendship Of Eleanor Roosevelt And David Gurewitsch

Average customer rating:

Recommended
Lovefest
Adding to the ER mystic
Generous, enlightening & uplifting
A different look at Eleanor Roosevelt

Kindred Souls: The Friendship Of Eleanor Roosevelt And David Gurewitsch
Edna P. Gurewitsch
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312286988

Book Description

In a letter to David Gurewitsch, Eleanor Roosevelt's personal physician and friend during the last fifteen years of her life, Mrs. Roosevelt wrote, "Above all others, you are the one to whom my heart is tied......" This defines the intense relationship between Eleanor Roosevelt and David Gurewitsch-- friends who often traveled and entertained together and eventually, after his marriage to Edna Perkel, bought and shared a town house in Manhattan.Their private friendship, a companionship they both treasured, has always intrigued historians, but not much was known about it. David kept diaries and took thousands of photographs, but he never publicly discussed their time together. Now, for the first time, his wife, Edna, has decided to reveal their story and hers after she married into their complicated relationship. Reading David's diaries and the hundreds of letters that he and Mrs. Roosevelt exchanged over the years, and then reflecting on her own life after the death of her husband, enabled Edna finally to write this story. She sheds new light on Mrs. Roosevelt's very private journey of self-discovery as she gained the confidence and knowledge to follow her own personal and political convictions: visiting Khrushchev at his home in Yalta, working on Adlai Stevenson's campaign, being charmed by the young Senator John Kennedy into giving her support for his presidential candidacy, and above all inspiring the love and respect of people all over the world for her compassion, eloquence, and devotion to humanity.Given her husband's unique role as doctor and confidant to Mrs. Roosevelt, Edna Gurewitsch draws on his insights and her own as a close friend to offer us a very human and inspiring portrait of this complex woman. Perceived as a strong and deeply caring person, which she was, Mrs. Roosevelt also struggled terribly with loneliness and jealousy and a need to transcend her sometimes overwhelming feelings of inadequacy. Her capacity for friendship was enormous, and Edna Gurewitsch describes what it was like to be on the receiving end of her exceptional thoughtfulness-- the carefully chosen gifts left on doorsteps, the generous notes, and the open conversations she welcomed with a humility that never trumpeted her own virtues or called attention to herself as one of the great minds of the twentieth century.Kindred Souls is filled with personal and unpublished letters from Mrs. Roosevelt. Sometimes chatty and fact-filled, but more often heartfelt and passionate, these letters reveal her yearnings and vulnerabilities as well as her comings and goings, her personal as well as her global concerns. And yet they are always balanced by her special dignity and probity. The book also includes thirty-two pages of never-before-seen photographs taken by David Gurewitsch. Combined with the author's own memories and observations, Kindred Souls is a unique, intimate look at three friends and their extraordinary lives.

Customer Reviews:

Recommended.......2006-07-21

I "read" this book as a book on tape. If you love Eleanor Roosevelt as most people do, you'll feel you "know" her almost as a friend after reading this book. One story in the book that stands out in my mind is this: Eleanor liked to always be 'on time' when she had an appointment or was going to a play, concert, or outing. Dr. Guerevitch and his wife were going with her to a concert onetime. They were "behind schedule" and arrived at the theater a few minutes late. As they entered the theater the audience started to applaud. Mrs. Roosevelt was "miffed" saying with some angry emotion to the Doctor and his wife, 'See, we're late...the audience is already applauding for the conductor!' Eleanor didn't realize that the audience was applauding for HER... not the conductor! This indicates to me that she was a rather "humble" person who wasn't self-centered. Whatever your political persuasion, you'd have to admit that she was a noble person who tried to "do good" in her life. Email:boland7214@aol.

Good book.

Lovefest.......2005-02-23

In 1945, David Gurewitsch became Eleanor Roosevelt's personal physician. Within two years, they became close friends, traveling companions and confidants. Edna Gurewitsch chronicles the relationship between her husband and Mrs. Roosevelt in Kindred Souls: The Devoted Friendship of Eleanor Roosevelt and Dr. David Gurewitsch.

Eleanor Roosevelt was one of the most intelligent, gifted, powerful, energetic yet humble women of the 20th Century. But despite all these attributes, she suffered from a definite lack of confidence in her abilities. This lack of self-esteem had several roots including her miserable childhood, her insensitive husband, her domineering mother-in-law and the shabby treatment she suffered by her five self-centered, spoiled and undisciplined children. To compensate for this serious lacking, Mrs. Roosevelt surrounded herself with an orbit of friends who served as her surrogate family. Mrs. Roosevelt demanded much from her friends, but rewarded them with love, loyalty, devotion and generosity. Her list included Esther Lape, Marion Dickerman, Nancy Cook, Lorena Hickock, Joe Lash, and others. Dr. Gurewitsch was her closest friend for the last 15 years of her life. Right before her death, she wrote to him "above all others, you are the one to whom my heart is tied." Once David married the author, they became a threesome. They even shared a house together until Mrs. Roosevelt's death in 1962.

Edna Gurewitsch's book can best be described as a lovefest. Her fawning descriptions of her "perfect" husband become very nauseating very quickly. If there are any warts exposed in Kindred Souls, they belong to Mrs. Roosevelt. She could be demanding and emotionally needy at times, and often revealed a jealousy toward those she felt were usurping her attention. There were often intrigues between her children and her friends, and even among her friends, as each group vied for Mrs. Roosevelt's love in return. Her children were the worst, as they often found themselves on the outside looking in.

For a Roosevelt fan, there is not much new information to be had, except for the background of Dr. Gurewitsch (which may be interesting, but is not the reason I purchased this book). For most readers, I'd recommend skipping Kindred Souls and reading instead one of Joseph Lash's Roosevelt biographies, or better yet, Blanche Wiesen Cook's two-part biography on Mrs. Roosevelt (which I understand will eventually be six books in all).

Adding to the ER mystic.......2004-07-25

I certainly do not claim to be an expert on the life of Eleanor Roosevelt. However, I have read my fair share of books on her life and that of FDR. As a result, I thought I was aware of ER's circle of friends and the people who shared a close relationship with her. When I discovered KINDRED SOULDS - THE FRIENDSHIP OF ELEANOR ROOSEVELT AND DAVID GUREWITSCH on audiocassete at my local library it came as a welcome surprise. David Gurewitsch was a name that was new to me.

Edna P. Gurewitsch's 2002 book is a memorable history of the relationship between the author's husband, Dr. David Gurewitsch and ER. Based mainly on letters between ER and Dr. Gurewitsch and journals along with Edna's memories, the book presents a charming portrait of Mrs. Roosevelt as a pragmatic, driven, thoughtful, quirky, emotional and sometimes difficult friend. The relationship that developed first beween ER and David, who was ER's physician, and later with the addition of Edna when they married, makes for an interesting insight into the dynamics of this unique set of human relationship. Did ER really love David, a man many years her junior, and resent the intrusion of Edna? Did she finally come to accept this "other woman" in a strange threesome in order to maintain her relationship with David? These are questions that no one can answer and one that the prospective reader can ponder for themselves.

The Roosevelt children do not fair wll throughout the book, which covers the last years of Mrs. Roosevelt's life. They come across as seemingly lacking concern for their mother, going to her when they were in financial straights, especially Elliot and living lives where they believed that the society owes them a great deal because of their place in history as Roosevelts. It becomes almost trite to talk about the result of a dysfunctional family, but it's the only thing that seems to fit after listening to Edna describe ER's relationship with her children. Surprisingly, the references to FDR are few and far between. Edna speaks from the prospective of those who argue that ER took on a new persona as her own person after her husband's death and moved on with her life.

As I said, I don't claim to be an expert on ER, however, I know that she was extremely close to Joseph Lash. Then there is the rumored relationship with her one time driver, state trooper,Earl Miller, both of whom were younger than ER. There was ER's life long friendship (allegedly lesbian) with Lorena Hitchock and her interesting relationship with other women. And these are just the ones that I remember.

As a prolific letter writer ER left a great legacy in her writing. The thousands of letters addressed to "my dearest friend" with comments of "how much I love and miss you" were left behind for historians now to consider. Are we now judging her late Victorian style by 21st century standards? Were these loving comments a result of ER's loneliness and her desire to be loved in return? Only a psychologist can figure that one out.

ER clearly had a close relationsip with Edna and David. Such is evidenced by the fact that she chose to live the last years of her life with them. She traveled with them, spent weekends and evenings with them, and basically made them her family, based on Edna's account. Although Edna talks about ER's many circle of friends, how they also interacted in her life or spent time with her, I came away feeling that there was a part of ER's life that was left out in this particular picture. According to Edna, ER's life was totally encompassed in that of her and her husband to the exclusion of others.

For those who know a good deal about Eleanor Roosevelt, this is an interesting read. As I stated, I listened to it on audiocassette. The reader did a good job of varying her voice but I feel that there were several mispronunciations of proper names. The work included interesting political insights of mid 20th century politicians, especially Adlai Stevenson and JFK. But fitting the Gurewitsch's into the greater picture of ER's life is, I believe, still open for debate. In hindsight history is always reveaaed in the light most favorable to the writer, especially one who claims to have the close personal friends of a famous person. However, I would love to hear other views of the relationship between David Gurewitsch, Edna Gurewitsch and Anna Eleanor Roosevelt. I'm suspect that there is another side.

Generous, enlightening & uplifting.......2002-11-14

This is an astonishingly generous book that gives a different look at the real life of a larger-than-life woman. Mrs. Gurewitsch was (apparantly) completely unthreatened by the strong, deep, and intimate (in the non-sexual sense of the word)relationship between her husband and the redoubtable Mrs. Roosevelt. She limns the outlines of the relationship gently, with great compassion for Mrs. Roosevelt and frank admiration for her many accomplishments. Still, this is not hagiography- Mrs. Gurewitsch tells her story with simplicity and affection, but is still clear eyed about her subjects human foibles.

Through her portrait, and through the extracts of letters to David, it becomes clear that the infamous Lorena Hickok letters must be read in the context of an era (and a woman), in which language was rather more effusive.

Like so many things about Eleanor Roosevelt, the book is a bit bittersweet, but she clearly had made her peace with life, and in the end Mrs. Gurewitsch has repaid Mrs. Roosevelt's trust and friendship. The book is not a comprehensive biography, but you may inspired enough by what you read that you go read one!

A different look at Eleanor Roosevelt.......2002-05-24

I enjoyed this book. After reading so much "trash" about Mrs. Roosevelt and her friendships, this book is revealing without delving into smutty, unproveable theories. It provided a lot of personal information about Eleanor Roosevelt's last years, public and private, as well as valuable insights about her complex personality. On occasion, the author's somewhat proprietary feelings toward her connection with Mrs. Roosevelt were in evidence, but on the whole, it is a memoir that no one with an interest in Eleanor Roosevelt should miss.

Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way we Live

Average customer rating:

A must read by everyone
The World Needs More Dr. Schoens
For Animal Lovers
Dubious information, egotistical tone
Loved it

Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way we Live
Allen M. Dvm Ms Schoen
Manufacturer: Broadway
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0767904311
Release Date: 2002-02-12

Book Description

Treating animals just as any healer would treat human beings, Allen Schoen has become one of America’s most celebrated veterinarians. Kindred Spirits shares the transformative power of his remarkable methods, explores how alternative healing is revolutionizing his profession, and, in the tradition of James Herriot, shares heartwarming stories of animals and their caretakers who have deeply enriched each other’s lives. Through moving scenes–such as an ailing German shepherd who fights to stay alive so he can assist and comfort his ailing human companion–Schoen details the ways in which the human-animal bond can provide a wellspring of love and support, and outlines his own special prescription for improving the care we give our animals through adopting simple healing practices at home. A remarkable new synthesis of science and spirit, Kindred Spirits at last reveals the many ways our animal friends can help us lead happier, healthier, more fulfilling lives.

Customer Reviews:

A must read by everyone.......2007-02-16

So you think you know and understand your pets, especially dogs? Not until you read this wonderful and insightful book can one begin to understand the exceptional love and experiences that dogs bring into our lives. This should be required reading in schools!!!

The World Needs More Dr. Schoens.......2006-06-13

This book is a great primer for people who have an inkling that our relationship with animals runs deep and is often spiritual or even mystical.

Dr. Schoen has given us a one-stop shopping source, with introductions to: alternative medicine for animals, alternatives to commercial pet food, and ways to enrich the human-animal bond through touch, massage, and meditation.

Buy it as a gift for someone whose eyes are opening to the reality that we are all connected and responsible for each other.

For Animal Lovers.......2005-08-04

Allen M. Schoen, D.V.M., M.S., author of "Kindred Spirits" has written a sensitive book that pulled me in from the beginning. I have to confess that I am a person who feels more in touch with animals than than I do with most people. I have enjoyed reading this book so far and would recommend it to any adult who enjoys understanding the complex relationship between man and the animals around us. It is easy to read and full of wonderful anecdotes from the author's experience as a vet.

Dubious information, egotistical tone.......2004-07-08

Dr. Schoen never met a form of "alternative" therapy that he didn't like. I'm all in favor of keeping an open mind and exploring non-traditional forms of healing. On the other hand, I think that your mind shouldn't be so open that your brain falls out. Extraordinary claims should require extraordinary evidence.

Just once, I'd like to hear Dr. Schoen say, "This form of therapy is complete clap-trap. I don't think it works, and it might even be harmful". Instead, Dr. Schoen embraces everything from acupuncture, to Chinese herbs, and all things in between.

And on top of that, the author's tone is one of self-aggrandizement and condescension toward his "less-enlightened" colleagues.

I'm a life-long animal lover and pet owner. I volunteer at the local animal shelter. I really disliked this book.

Loved it.......2003-04-03

This is a wonderful publication on a meaningful subject. I didn't read the book but ordered the abridged cassette tapes. All animal lovers should know about this book or tape and read or listen. Truly one that you'll be glad you bought.

Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom (Vampire: the Masquerade)

Average customer rating:

Very complex, maybe too much so
World of Darkness in the Heart of Darkness

Kindred of the Ebony Kingdom (Vampire: the Masquerade)
Justin Achilli , Voronica Whitney-Robinson , Will Hindmarch , Jason Feldstein , Joddie Gray , and James Lowder
Manufacturer: White Wolf Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1588462390

Customer Reviews:

Very complex, maybe too much so.......2003-07-22

I'm not looking to have an African story but I want to take my players there. For this sort of "vacation" into the continent, "The Ebony Kingdom" is a bit too complicated and too complex. Understanding the Kindred of the continent requires some shifting in how you understand Kindred at all. But if you and your players want to spend time (your players will need to spend hours reading and thinking before trying to create a character for this part of the world) it could be challenging and scary. It would also allow for some neat political and social commentaries. I really wish it had more sample characters included to help me figure things out a bit better -- also give storytellers who just want to visit a helping hand.

World of Darkness in the Heart of Darkness.......2003-06-01

I have to admit, I was nervously looking forward to this book. WW has had a mixed history when doing "non-western" cultures (for instance, Mummy and Year of the Scarab did a good job covering Mid-Eastern culture, but then there were travesties like WoD: Gypsy). The outline that leaked out was good, and when the book final came in I was astonished. This book gives you everything you need to run an African Vampire game. Unlike Kindred of the East, which introduced a whole new supernatural being, this book focuses instead on African cainites known as Laibon. However, the spiritual and cultural beliefs of Africa have worked their own effects on the blood of Caine. The book introduces us to the Laibon's society, a series of Kingdoms ruled over by the Guruhi (one of the clans). There is no Camarilla, Sabbat or Anarchs. Either your with the Guruhi or against them. We also get to see other African "clans", like the shamanistic Shango, the mercenary Kinyonyi and the wise Akunanse. And, of course, the Setites are there as well. Each "clan" is descendant of a western Clan (look at their discipines and weakness to try and figure out if you want), but changed. The disciplines are also changed. Auspex deals more with spirits, Dur-An-Ki (Assamite Sorcery) replaces Thaumaturgy and Vicissitude is... ick. And instead of Humanity or Paths of Enlightenment, you have a whole new system more attuned to African religions.
This aside, theres a wealth of material on African society in general. The book focuses primarily on sub-Saharan Africa (for more on North African areas like Egypt, Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco and such, check out Veil of Night, Cairo by Night and the Assamite and Setite Clan Books) and provides a whole IC journey across West, Cenral and East Africa. Game wise, you also get some new traits, backgrounds and even magical items. Theres also a lot of rituals for incorporating Sangoma and Inyanga, African shaman and healers, along with guidelines for storytelling both in the Ebony Kingdoms and abroad. Stats in the back are also given for a vast array of wild animals, as well as shape-shifters (were-hyenas, jackals, crocodiles, spiders, sharks, etc), nature spirits, ghosts, zombies, African mages (shaman, witch-doctors, healers, witches, priests, etc) and such.
Over all, if you plan on using African material with vampire game, or even just running a general World of Darkness game set in Africa, you should definately check this book out. Its well worth your while. I've already run it in cross-overs with my Mummy game with good results.

Average customer rating:

Great "middle" book
The Lesser of Kerner's work
Do not buy this book w/o the sequel
Awesome! More then five stars! Summer Paulus
I love this book!!!! (and you will too!) :)

The Lesser Kindred
Elizabeth Kerner
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0312890664

Book Description

The stunning sequel to Elizabeth Kerner's Song in the Silence, The Lesser Kindred continues the story of Lanen Kaelar, a young woman who embarked on a search for the great dragons of legend and discovered not only the reality of the myth but her own true love. The course of happiness is not an easy one, however, and Lanen must make some hard choices. Her decisions could spell the salvation of an entire race--but at the cost of all she holds dear. AUTHORBIO: Elizabeth Kerner lives in Scotland. The Lesser Kindred is her second novel.

Customer Reviews:

Great "middle" book.......2007-06-21

This is the second book in the current trilogy about Lanen Kaeler. It is great at being one of those "middle" books in trilogies that tend to not be as good as the rest of the series. Though I think it is the weakest of the three, it is still a great read and you shouldn't miss it. The beginning of the book about drove me out of my mind with all the mushy love talk, and I mean mushy. It goes on for quite awhile, but if you can make it past that the book gets much better. I don't think Kerner has quite mastered the art of going back and talking about things that happened in the previous book. She is almost reciting it to you, rather than the characters telling you here and there what you have missed and need to know about the preceding story. If you can get past the first couple chapters of this book, the rest of the book is excellent!

The Lesser of Kerner's work.......2006-05-05

The story and characters of this series are awesome, Kerner's writing style is top-notch, and when these books reach a climax they are nearly impossible to put down. However, in this second book of the series, Kerner has failed to impress. The first 3/4 of the book is spent recapping the first book or wallowing in unimportant details that don't progress the plot at all. Only in the last hundred pages or so does the story really pick up steam and some action finally come into play. I really wouldn't be surprised if a lot of people start reading this book and quit half-way through (which is not what I reccomend, because the last bit of this one is extremely exciting).

As far as the multiple first-person narrative writing style, I think it is a cool idea and works very well in most regards. It allows for an intimate look into all of the characters minds, providing a deeper understanding of all that happens. However, because the story is told as if the characters have written the book to tell a story that happened long ago, it doesn't really make sense that a character could be telling his story right up until the point when he dies. That's a petty complaint though, and it doesn't take away from the story.

I can't wait to read the last book, this one sets it up for a spectacular ending.

Do not buy this book w/o the sequel.......2005-02-20

While the first book (Song in the Silence) had a satisfying conclusion w/ just enough loose ends to make the TOR marketing department happy, The Lesser Kindred might as well have ended mid sentence. "Book" is too long a work to describe it, I would call it a "bo" and can only assume the "ok" will come in Redeeming the Lost. Of course, as of 2/20/05, it is only available in hardcover and I refuse to reward TOR w/ my $17.65 for such a blatant disregard of the reader.

If, however, you are reading this once all the books are available in paperback... together they form a light story w/ an interesting take on dragons, people and demons. If I had been able to get Redeeming the Lost right away (in paperback) I probably wouldn't have been as irritaed by the format and would go on to read the rest of the story b/c it has been fun so far.

Awesome! More then five stars! Summer Paulus.......2004-11-13

When I read the first book I thought it was good, but when I read the secound book, Wow, I could not get enough! The first book was filled with action, drama, and romance. This one was filled with more action, drama, and a whole lot more romance! Now that I put the book down, well I'm waiting for the last book to come out in paperback. And now that I must wait, I'm tapping my pencil and chewing on my finger nails, I can't wait! But I'm disapointed because the books have to end so soon. Elizabeth Kerner is so talented I want more! I'm writting my own books and look up to Elizabeth as an idal, I'm a huge fan of her books. And now that the books are ending so soon, I don't know what to look for next. I just hope she will write another series that will be as good as this one. I want to be a famouse Author and working on a book right now called Elegant Sea.

I love this book!!!! (and you will too!) :).......2003-10-12

The Lesser Kindred is the breath-taking sequel to Song in the Silence, continuing the story of Lanen Kaeler and her born again husband. Kerner writes with the same resonance as in her first book, and gives the reader a deeper look into the wonderfully vivid characters and their all too fragile world Kolmar. Starting out precisely where her last book left off helps the reader get into the book all the more quickly. Do not be put off by the repetive first chapters of the newly wedded couple, the story takes off soon enough. As with the first book, The Lesser Kindred weaves several plots seamlessly together, leaving the reader enthralled and wanting more. The final book in the trilogy, tentatively titled Redeeming the Lost, is due out the summer of 2004. I know that anyone who reads this book will be marking their calenders for this coming summer. Song in the Silence and Reedeming the Lost are honestly two of the best fantasy books out there!

Average customer rating:

The School and Community Relations

School and Community Relations, The
Donald R. Gallagher , Don Bagin , and Leslie W. Kindred
Manufacturer: Allyn & Bacon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Education | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 020526414X

Book Description

Well researched and applied, this best-seller enables school officials to communicate effectively with their staff and the community to improve school quality and student learning. The authors continue to teach, research and work extensively with school administrators. This book not only tells "why" but "how" to communicate to create a supportive environment where students learn better. Focusing on every audience a school administrator will encounter, this book offers sound advice that is field tested and successful. For anyone interested in school public relations and school-community relations.

Customer Reviews:

The School and Community Relations.......2005-09-30

My order came right on time! Just like it said that it would. The book was in excellent condition. It was neatly wrapped and packed for safety. I will shop here again in the near future.

J. Smith
Cedar Hill, Texas

Sister Gumbo: Spicy Vignettes from Black Women on Life, Sex and Relationships

Average customer rating:

Sister Gumbo: Spicy Vignettes from Black Women on Life, Sex and Relationships
Real Women..Real Stories
Sex, sistahs and relationships what more can you ask for?
Great Book
Gumbo Is an Esculent Gift

Sister Gumbo: Spicy Vignettes from Black Women on Life, Sex and Relationships
Ursula Inga Kindred , and Mirranda Guerrin-Williams
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Relationships | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0312326793

Book Description

African-American women unite as twenty females from all walks of life come together to discuss men, love, sex, affairs, marriage, friendship, and much more. These candid interviews offer a poig-nant and intimate portrait of the struggles of being an African-American woman in today's world. Sister Gumbo is a col-lection of vignettes that makes for an extremely enjoyable read.

Customer Reviews:

Sister Gumbo: Spicy Vignettes from Black Women on Life, Sex and Relationships.......2007-03-13

Great Book for females - I enjoyed reading the personal experiences these women shared in this book and could relate to some as well. It had me laughing out loud!

Real Women..Real Stories.......2006-12-08

My boyfriend bought this book for me as a birthday gift, and I must say I was glad he did. Reading and becoming a fly into the lives of these women was better than watching Nip Tuck or Sex and The City or that crazy Flava Flav! They told ALL their business and secrets and left NOTHING out! Lying, back stabbing friends, mother-daughter relationships gone bad, raising kids, affairs, he said..she said, it's ALL in this book! Men and women will LOVE it! A perfect and easy TEN!!!

Sex, sistahs and relationships what more can you ask for?.......2005-11-15

This book reminded me of a pow-wow me and my sisters have at least once a week where we share our stories with one another. I liked this book because it showed the progression of women. The different views on the same subject matters from a woman who is sixty and twenty was certainly an eye opener. I enjoyed this book ladies please keep reading.
Nikkea "Auset" Lewis

Great Book.......2005-07-02

I thought this book might get boring because I thought it would be hard to relate to 40 and 50 year old women since I'm only 19. I was surprised to find that I could not put the book down. I would sit at my desk at work and be laughing out loud making everybody wonder "what is she reading?". I usually get tired of reading a book after the tenth page but I finished this book and wanted more. I can't wait for the Mister Gumbo to come out!

Gumbo Is an Esculent Gift.......2005-05-29

I'm a reader who enjoys books that are generous in nature. That is, books that are written with so much wisdom that one cannot help but to find themselves rendered gifted as the words enlighten and encourage.

"Sister Gumbo" is that sort of book. Much can be culled from these vignettes; from the openness of the interviews to the very descriptions of the women who divulge their lives. It is as if everyone involved is aware of the importance of this project. Once again we are in "the village" as sisters gather to educate and support one another. I openly laughed and cried as I read and reread.

I would give this book to any young woman, struggling woman, isolated woman, or foolish woman who could use the words of wisdom that are found in this gumbo. It is a treasure that our Grandmothers would want us to have. It should be, in my opinion, in the personal library of all women.

Kindred Spirits (Dragonlance: The Meetings Sextet, Vol. 1)

Average customer rating:

Elf Land
A Dragonlance must fan must read!
good book
Good story, but it had a few flaws and a bad climax.
This series leaves a lot to be desired

Kindred Spirits (Dragonlance: The Meetings Sextet, Vol. 1)
Mark Anthony , and Ellen Porath
Manufacturer: Wizards of the Coast
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1560760699
Release Date: 1991-04-01

Book Description

Magic and Murder

When Flint Fireforge, dwarf and metalsmith, receives a wondrous summons from the Speaker of the Sun, he journeys to the fabled elven city of Qualinost. There he meets Tanis, a thoughtful youth born of a tragic union between elf and man. Tanis and Flint, each a misfit in his own way, find themselves unlikely friends.

But a pompous elf lord is mysteriously slain, and another elf soon meets the same fate. Tanis stands accused, and if his innocence cannot be proven, the half-elf will be banished forever. Solving the mystery will be a perilous task. Time is on the murder's side, and he is not finished yet.

Customer Reviews:

Elf Land.......2006-11-06

This was a very good book about Tanis Half Elven's childhood and how he met Flint Fireforge, the Dwarf. It gives a lot of information about Tanis, Flint, and the Qualinesti Elves. Tanis is accused of murder and he only has 3 days to find the killer and prove his innocence. It is a fun and exciting read!

A Dragonlance must fan must read!.......2004-09-14

I really do recomment this book. Simply put it is the best the meeting books. An if you really like Tanis and Flint this may be one of the best books in the entire Lance series.

good book.......2003-03-30

This is the first book in the Meetings Sextet and occurs prior to Dragons of Autumn Twilight. Flint Fireforge happily settled in the elven land of Qualinost - who would ever believe this? He meets the young half-elf Tanis, and this is where their life-long friendship begins. This is also the start of the collaborative work of the companions of the Chronicles series, and tells part of the story of Flint and Tanis' younger years. I would recommend this book to anyone who really enjoyed the main characters in the Chronicles. The story shares some insights into these two notorious characters.

Good story, but it had a few flaws and a bad climax........2002-10-22

... This book is a real pageturner. I couldn't wait to finally get to a book with some of the Heroes of the Lance. Flint and Tanis have a great relationship. I love reading their interactions. My favorite scenes are of Tanis and Laurana. I know I am a guy, but I do like romance in books! Good story throughout, even though you know who the killer is early on, unless you were a Basketball player from the University of Arkansas. The big problems I did have were that the relationship of Tanis and Laurana is left hanging. I wanted one more scene at the end. The worst part of this book which made me drop it one star is the fact that the ending is waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay to Scooby Doo. It's really bad. I had all this expectation and it was ruined. Too bad because this could have been a good book.

This series leaves a lot to be desired.......2002-07-21

The Meetings Sextet's have not been what I expected at all. I was really disappointed in the series. Although I will say that it gives you a birds eye view of the humble beginnings of our favorite Heroes and Villans of the War of the Lance, Flint, Sturm, Caramon, et. al. I rated it lowly due to the fact that the stories put me to sleep, rather than keep me in good attention. If you want to know more about the characters it is a must read, if you are not interested do not pick up on the series.

Average customer rating:

great art
Laurel Burch Style
Bold and colorful quilts
Color galore
Laurel Burch Quilts: Kindred Creatures

Laurel Burch Quilts: Kindred Creatures
Laurel Burch
Manufacturer: C&T Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1571201602

Amazon.com

The many devoted fans of Laurel Burch's art are drawn to her whimsical creatures rendered in richly saturated colors. In Laurel Burch Quilts: Kindred Creatures, the artist's followers will find 12 projects based on her endearing, instantly recognizable designs. Most of the projects are wall hangings (though there's also a picture frame and a bed cover) and most rely on fused and machine-stitched appliqué, along with occasional fabric painting. Complete, enlargeable patterns are given for each design; however, directions are quite sketchy and beginners are told to consult introductory guides. But Burch devotees who just can't get enough should enjoy these designs, which of course can be adapted to various media other than fabric. --Amy Handy

Book Description

Join celebrated artist Laurel Burch in the infinite realm of her imagination, where her signature style translates beautifully into quilts you'll love to make for yourself and for others. Here are 12 projects, including fun designs like Mariah Moonbeam and Friend, Feline Fairies, Folkloric Flutter-bye, and Dog Tales. You'll discover expert secrets and surefire shortcuts for creating the right look, as well as dozens of tips for fabric choices, fabric painting, appliqué, embroidery, stamping, stenciling, and much more!

Customer Reviews:

great art.......2006-08-03

I love Laurel Burch, so I would like this book even if did none of the projects

Laurel Burch Style.......2004-06-08

This inspiring book has excellent, clear patterns and directions that allow quilters to recreate the beautiful designs exactly. It also has suggestions that allow -- and indeed encourage -- you to use your own ideas. The instructions use a lot of fusing, painting, machine quilting, and even no-sew project ideas, so that you can get good results with speed. There are also ideas for beading and other extra embellishments. In short, the book offers maximum flexibility.
Projects focus on Laurel Burch's dynamic animal designs, with horses, cats, dogs, butterflies, birds, and bold flowers. There are wallhangings, bed quilts, and more, and the designs can be easily mixed and matched.
The general instructions are good and clear with attractive photographs. I think some previous quilting experience would help make these projects successful, but non-quilters might enjoy them too.
Laurel Burch fans will enjoy the book, even if they never make any of the projects.

Bold and colorful quilts.......2002-12-02

Like Mary Engelbreit, Laurel Burch has a distinctive and immediately recognizable artistic style. I got familiar with her work when picking out whimsical ceramic cat earrings for my wife's birthdays or other occasions, and always felt cheered by the bright color and fanciful forms of her artistic universe. As with anything this assertive and unique, you can tire of it, but somehow you can always come back to Laurel Burch and recapture the magic you felt when you first encountered her. It's a delight, then, to see her expand her artistic media into fabric with this book, Kindred Creatures. Mythical, magical horses, dogs, cats, birds, and butterflies gather in myriad combinations to form these breathtaking designs. As you might expect, Laurel doesn't limit her effects to fabric alone. These quilts are appliquéd and embellished with paint, fabric stamps, wire, and any other material that comes to hand. Despite the very clear and detailed instructions, there is lots of room for individual expression as you work on these quilts. This isn't a book of pastels or tea-dyes but a bright, bold excursion into a fantastic dream world.

Color galore.......2002-11-11

Okay, it is another quilt book that I feel can easily cross into wearable art. I actually made a black denim jacket and on the back made the horses with the rainbow manes is book. I enlarged the original picture 200% and appliquéd it on the back of my jacket. I have been in love with Laurel's work for years... could it possibly be the 70's that I got my first Laurel Burch earrings? Well now I created one of her creatures into wearable art. Just a tip, I allowed the black denim of the jacket be my background and simply appliquéd the horse faces and manes right on the jacket. Try it with your favorite kindred creature. I think the cats are next!

Laurel Burch Quilts: Kindred Creatures.......2002-10-01

This book has splendid colour illustrations that support the ideas in the text. I appreciate the author's attention to detail, in how to accomplish the complex and the simple tasks of design assembly of the quilts and wall hangings, plus her personal touch in making the projects attainable! She is a pro at her designs and in how she put this book together.
I'm equally eager to read and use her other book on cat quilts because I know it will be another exquisite contribution to the art of beautiful quilts, wall hangings and reading. Thank you Laurel Burch! I can hardly wait to get started on the projects she suggests in this book. BRAVO!

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