Amazon.com
Father Tim Kavanagh and his wife, Cynthia, return from Whitecap Island to "the little town with the big heart" in Jan Karon's seventh novel in the bestselling Mitford series, In This Mountain. Retirement holds challenges Father Tim hasn't anticipated, and even as Cynthia's career as a children's book author and illustrator brings her new accolades, he finds himself dogged by health troubles and dissatisfaction with the way his life is turning out. However, the beloved villagers of Mitford are on hand to offer support and humor through every crisis, and a few new characters are introduced to keep interest in the series fresh. Throughout the tale, Karon folds in themes of grace and forgiveness, and offers hope for even the most difficult situations. Fans will be delighted to find that this installment of the series is full of the engaging descriptions and charming depiction of life in Mitford that first won Karon the loyalty of legions of readers. --Cindy Crosby
Book Description
Moving. Soul searching. Timely.
In This Mountain is Jan Karon's newest and best.
Father Tim and Cynthia have been at home in Mitford for three years since returning from Whitecap Island.
In the little town that's home-away-from-home to millions of readers, life hums along as usual. Dooley looks toward his career as a vet; Joe Ivey and Fancy Skinner fight a haircut price war that takes no prisoners; and Percey steps out on a limb with a risky new menu item at the Main Street Grill.
Though Father Tim dislikes change, he dislikes retirement even more. As he and Cynthia gear up for a year-long ministry across the state line, a series of events send shock waves through his faith - and the whole town of Mitford.
In her seventh novel in the bestselling Mitford Years series, Jan Karon delivers surprises of every kind, including the return of the man in the attic and an ending that no one in Mitford will ever forget.
Customer Reviews:
As expected.......2007-09-24
This is a great "next chapter" to the series. If you've read the others you'll love this too.
Uplifting.......2007-08-31
I have read all of the Mitford Years books, and have found this one
just as entertaining and uplifting as all the rest. It is spiritual
without being "preachy", with a strength and gentleness that renews
ones faith in her fellow man.
In This Mountain Audio CD.......2007-07-23
I obviously didn't read the product info well enough - this is an ABRIDGED audio book, which I don't enjoy; I like to hear every word the author wrote, and feel frustrated when the action doesn't flow smoothly as originally written, but hops and skips all over the place.
In This MOuntain.......2007-06-09
Like all the other Mitford Series I loved this one and looked forward to the next one!!
Dwindling ever dwindling.......2007-05-26
I very much enjoyed the first few books in this series, but it seems that the author had written herself out, alas, and had nothing much more worthwhile to say. This seventh offering in the lot is just not worth reading, when there are so many other books out there waiting.
For one thing, the author waxes more and more religious with each book. In this volume people are throwing prayers at each other on virtually every page, over the smallest of trifles. It gets a little annoying after a time, annoying and ludicrous. For example, when the bishop has chest pains, his secretary calls Father Tim and asks him to pray for the bishop. The call might have been spent to greater good in finding a competent cardiologist first. Jesus himself admonished his disciples to pray in private without fanfare or show, for those who pray loudest in public "have their reward." At various times Tim does remind himself to pray the prayer that always is answered: Thy will be done. Asking God to change his laws or abrogate the laws of nature feels wrong to me. Prayer and dogma get in the way of the story and weaken this novel to a great extent. That the prayers are answered in fiction is a matter of the writer stacking the cards that way.
Secondly, while I'm sure some readers are much taken with Dooley, I've found him unpleasant and occasionally obnoxious (for lack of better words) since book one. He is no better in book seven. Why Father Tim takes such pleasure from seeing him is beyond me. Dooley is self-centered and thoughtless.
My advice to a reader who has not read any of this series would be to stop after book four. There is nothing after that worth one's time.
Average customer rating:
- Apple Seeds Hollywood
- Not required reading
- Disappointed. Not what I expected
- How Walter Murch Edited Cold Mountain Using Apple's Final Cut Pro and What This Means for Cinema, First Edition
- A Must Have Book!
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Behind the Seen: How Walter Murch Edited Cold Mountain Using Apple's Final Cut Pro and What This Means for Cinema, First Edition
Charles Koppelman
Manufacturer: New Riders Press
ProductGroup: Book
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Similar Items:
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In the Blink of an Eye Revised 2nd Edition
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The Conversations: Walter Murch and the Art of Editing Film
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The Cutting Edge - The Magic of Movie Editing
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First Cut: Conversations with Film Editors
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On Film Editing
ASIN: 0735714266 |
Amazon.com
Cold Mountain, the recent film based on the Charles Frazier novel, is a love story set during the American Civil War. Behind the Seen, being the story of how accomplished film editor Walter Murch (of Apocalypse Now fame), is also a story of love in a time of internal conflict. The difference being that Behind the Seen has to do with how Murch used Final Cut Pro, a software package that runs on any modern Macintosh and costs less than $1000, to edit Cold Mountain and thereby incite debate among professional film editors. Can such a mass-market product, accessible to anyone with a camcorder and a FireWire cable, be a serious tool for professionals? Murch proved that it can.
Behind the Seen deals with the technical accomplishment of using Final Cut Pro to assemble a feature film, but more importantly explains to its readers how shooting and editing work--and how the personalities involved in Cold Mountain worked together. This is a book of nonfiction that you can read from beginning to end; it is a technical book but not in the click-and-drag sense. Rather, it's a story about a creative team and the tools they used to deliver a work of drama. --David Wall
Topics covered: How Cold Mountain was shot and edited, using Final Cut Pro as the principal editing suite.
Book Description
The first volume to reveal the post-production process of a major motion picture (Cold Mountain) edited entirely in Final Cut Pro!
- Offers a rare inside glimpse at the creative process of one of cinema's giants: threetime Academy Award-winning editor
Walter Murch.
- Includes anecdotes from the director, edit staff, and producers; photos, emails, and journal entries from Murch; and behind-the-scenes insights.
- Accounts from Apple's Final Cut Pro team about what they think about the future of it in feature films.
As the first software-only desktop nonlinear editing system, Final Cut Pro sat the film industry on its ear when it debuted back in 1999. Now it's shaking things up again as editor Walter Murch, director Anthony Minghella, and a long list of Hollywood heavy-hitters are proving that this under-$1,000 software can (and should) be used to edit a multi-million dollar motion picture! This book tells the story of that endeavor: the decision to use Final Cut Pro, the relationship between the technology and art (and craft) of movie-making, how Final Cut Pro was set up and configured for Cold Mountain, how the software's use affected the work flow, and its implications for the future of filmmaking. More than anything, however, this is Murch's own story of what seemed to many a crazy endeavor-- told through photos, journal entries, email musings, and anecdotes that give readers an inside view of what the film editor does and how this particular film progressed through post-production. The book includes, in his own words, Murch's vision, approach, and thoughts on storytelling as he shapes Cold Mountain under the intense pressures of completing a major studio film.
With Academy Awards for his work on Apocalypse Now and The English Patient, sound and film editor Walter Murch is one of the few universally acknowledged editing masters in cinema. Along with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola, he is one of the founding members of the Northern California cinema community. Author
Charles Koppelman has been writing screenplays and directing video and film since the early 1980s, including the independent feature film, Dumbarton Bridge, award-winning documentaries, and commercials.
"An exploration inside the editorial engine-room of a major feature film - the first book of its kind ever and sure to remain the best. Charles Koppelman chronicles Walter Murch's astonishing high-wire trapeze act as he works his way through the first large-scale implementation of Apple's Final Cut Pro editing software. Must be read by anyone interested in film, computers, or how the creative process unfolds."-- Francis Ford Coppola, director of The Conversation, The Godfather,Apocalypse Now
"This is probably the subtlest and most tender account of what a craftsman brings to a motion picture ever written. It is fascinating in its detailand awesome in its gradual uncovering of the ear, the eye and the soul ofWalter Murch. The book may seem technical, or 'professional,' but anyreader will be thrilled by the description of a struggle and the necessarycommitment to it. To be read by anyone who has ever thought it might be funto make a movie."-- David Thomson, film critic and author of The Biographical Dictionary
"BEHIND THE SEEN is not only revelatory in terms of technicalinnovation, but it reads like a thrilling suspense novel. Superblywritten and paced, the book captures the brilliant and daringfilm/sound editor-scientist Walter Murch in all his passionate andcreative glory. Charles Koppelman has crafted a truly unique additionto the canon of film history, delivering a must-read for anyoneinterested in how movies are made."--Barry Gifford, author of Wild at Heart, Lost Highway and City of Ghosts
"... excellent, original and tremendously informative book...Koppelman's account reads like a thriller... Behind the Seen achievessomething remarkable: a chronicle about technology and data, machinesand methodologies which also manages to record a story of friendshipsand dreams-not least the dreams I have been lucky enough to sharewith my friend and editor over three films and for almost a decade."--from the book's foreword by Anthony Minghella, writer and director ofCold Mountain, The English Patient, and The Talented Mr. Ripley
Customer Reviews:
Apple Seeds Hollywood.......2007-01-06
This book offers a fascinating record of the interaction between art and technology, artist and corporation. It describes in thorough detail the logistsics of shooting and editing a feature film from start to finish using a totally untried and discouraged software and hardware tool chain formerly for amatuer efforts only.
The meeting of Silicon Valley and Hollywood industries creates a riveting plot that is hard to put down. The gorgeous graphic layout and attention to detail also help.
Only grumble was the detachment of one page from the binding, but if you don't sleep next to your copy, it probably won't be a concern.
Anyone interested in cutting edge (hah!) technology and/or legendary Bay area genius Walter Murch must read this book.
Not required reading.......2006-08-01
Get this is book if you want to read all about...
1. Walter Murch.
2. Cold Mountain.
3. What it was like to edit a feature film on consumer software that was not ready for prime time.
4. The practical problems facing an editor.
Do not get this book if you want to improve your editing technique. While Murch drops some nuggets of useful information here and here, I think that you have to go through too much irrelevant material to make it worthwhile. The lessons that Walter learned from FCP 3.0 are outdated, for the most part.
Disappointed. Not what I expected.......2006-04-05
I picked up this book expecting to get a blow-by-blow account of the editing of Cold Mountain and how Walter Murch translated his film cutting techiniques (that are well explained in either "In the Blink of an Eye" or "The Conversations...") into Final Cut Pro.
Instead the bulk of the book was spent in excruciating detail about the selection of Final Cut Pro as an editing platform. There was much talk of the concerns around using FCP3 to edit a feature-length film project. Likewise there was too much detail about the worries they had about shipping these systems to Romania for the edit. Would they have tech support?!? Would they have enough hard drive space?!? Would it survive customs?!?
There are even copies of e-mails of the order of the system and how grand a moment it was... Sorry, I found the inclusion of this material to be boring. I lost interest well before the edit actually started.
To me it was more a story of how Digital Film Tree (God Bless 'em. They ARE good people.) took a big chance on championing this effort and how they supported Murch and his Assistant Editor to provide the technical knowledge of FCP than it was about the actual Edit of Cold Mountain.
The information IS dated now that FCP is in version 5.1 (as of 4/2006) and that may have tainted my read of the book.
How Walter Murch Edited Cold Mountain Using Apple's Final Cut Pro and What This Means for Cinema, First Edition.......2006-03-24
Interesting, well written and easy to get your head around.
A Must Have Book!.......2005-08-10
I have been using Final Cut Pro since version one, and when I heard about Walter Murch using it to edit Cold Mountain, I was so excited. The book is well written and it gives you first hand knowledge of the pain and excitement of editing.
I'm not a big book reader, but I couldn't put this book down.
Walter Murch is a true pioneer.
A must have for your book collection!
Product Description
Single-volume edition of the trilogy consisting of This Star Shall Abide, Beyond the Tomorrow Mountains, and The Doors of the Universe. Noren knew that his world was not as it should be--it was wrong that only the Scholars, and their representatives the Technicians, could use metal tools and Machines. It was wrong that only they had access to the mysterious City, which he had always longed to enter. Above all, it was wrong for the Scholars to have sole power over the distribution of knowledge. The High Law imposed these restrictions and many others, though the Prophecy promised that someday knowledge and Machines would be available to everyone. Noren was a heretic. He defied the High Law and had no faith in the Prophecy's fulfillment. But the more he learned of the grim truth about his people's deprivations, the less possible it seemed that their world could ever be changed. It would take more drastic steps than anyone imagined to restore their rightful heritage.
Customer Reviews:
Wonderful Book! .......2006-04-28
Overall, I was really impressed with this book. At times it goes a little slow, but Engdahl made up for it in the wonderful plot of the book. The surprising things, is that Noran, the main character, would actually be considered a static character, which is not typical of an engaging main character. His views do not change, nor does his personality or goals throughout the entire book. What keeps the reading turning the pages is the strangeness, and the fact that this sci-fi book could in fact be based on events that could happen one day. Another aspect of the book that was really engaging was the originality of the ideas used. It was not the typical sci-fi book that included space-crafts, aliens and the like. The ideas were extremely original, and fact-based. The other reason I enjoyed the book so much was that throughout the entire thing there was a mixture of sci-fi writing, and science. Sections of the book were devoted to explaining the concept of genetic engineering, which if you are interested in, is used very well in this book. The fact that a good book can incorporate aspects of reality, in the form of genetic engineering, is amazing, and makes the novel that much more notable.
I would recommend this book for people who won't get frustrated with the sections that are very slow-paced, but who are dedicated to reading each and every page, because they all add to the entire meaning of the book as a whole. It is not a typical sci-fi book, so don't expect lots of space-ships and people from different planets, but instead look forward to a well written novel about a culture struggling to re-build its self. You will follow Noran as he struggles to find his place in a world that he feels is wrong, and corrupt. Be open to twists in plot, and strange themes brought up again and again throughout the book, and you may enjoy it as much as I did.
This Star Shall Abide -- Welcome back to a long out of print book!.......2005-09-02
Noren is a young man who is frustrated about the class stratified society that he lives in. When he decides to challenge the system, he finds himself on a perilous journey . . . facing truth as he has never imagined. When I read this story many years ago in junior high, I realized for the first time that it was possible to have a perspective on life that did not encompass a large enough view of the truth. This story challenged my views on the limitations of my own perspectives. It is science fiction at its best. This book is a compilation of the trilogy that begins with "This Star Shall Abide".
leaves an impression - a simple review.......2005-01-05
I first read these books (now book) over 10 years ago. They have remained among my favorite books. The book is appealing to people young and old. Ms Engdahl's writings have a way of staying with one always.
This trilogy serves as a thought provoking journey through the relationship between society, religion, and science. It starts out with one man challenging the foundation of his society, to him embracing it, and back to him challenging it yet again, but for a completely different and selfless reason. Ms. Engdahl paints a wonderful picture of a futuristic and simultaneously primitive world whose advances and way pique the imagination.
Ms. Engdahl throws a taste of her intergalactic society into the final installment, but no one recognizable from Enchantress from the Stars or The Far Side of Evil.
Children of the Star.......2003-08-21
Everything Ms. Engdahl writes is gold. Not only does this book have a great storyline and characters, it also is thought provoking. She centers around themes about the importance of spacetravel and innovations in science. Even if you aren't usually a fan of science fiction, you will love this book!
Unique, compelling, satisfying!!.......2003-01-24
Sylvia Engdahl's intelligence, thoughfulness and care in weaving this story have brought about a book unlike anything else I've read. The hero is never allowed the easy way out, the reader is never treated with condescension. If you enjoy grappling with big chunky issues of politics, philosophy and theology all rolled together, rites of passage, technological challenges, and a delicious flavour of ultimate conspiracy... do yourself a favour and read it!!
Book Description
The Shiloh Legacy series covers the lives of four young soldiers and their families through these great events: the end of World War I in France, the return of the soldiers to America, the Roaring Twenties, the stock-market crash, the resulting Great Depression, and the rebuilding of lives that must follow. Yet with all the racial, social, and cultural intolerance that marked the day--seemingly immovable mountains in the lives of these characters--God works through the tragedy, the laughter, the pain, the joy, the dramatic, and the ordinary to create a yearning in their hearts for a faith that moves mountains.
Customer Reviews:
Another wonderful Thoene book.......2007-08-23
This is the third in a series of books beginning post World War I and up to 1929 and the stock market crash. It gives a great perspective on the effects of the manipulations of the bankers and stock brokers on the average family. Typical for Thoene books, it's wonderful historical fiction and a great way to enjoy a book and learn at the same time. I was sorry when it ended.
Say to This Mountain (shiloh Legacy).......2007-06-25
The book was received on time and in excellent condition. The book was inspirational and well written for the time frame in history that was covered.
BOOK WORM.......2007-01-05
THE THOMES HAVE DONE IT AGAIN!!! THIS BOOK IS PART OF A SERIES AND YOU WILL WANT THEM ALL!! YOU WILL LOVE THE CHARACTERS AND THE HISTORICAL RESERCH IS EXCELENT!! YOU FEEL AS YOU WERE THERE. FIND YOUR FAVORITE READING SPOT AND GET READY TO ENJOY!!!
EMILY SIMPSON
Excellent book by excellent authors.......2001-10-06
I love books by the Thoenes, but any book from this series ranks right at the top of the list. *Say to this Mountain* is real. It deals with what was reality in America in 1930. Doctors forced to imagine illnesses in employees of a factory in order to keep their jobs. Black men arrested and losing their property to [...] sherriffs. A man and his son chased by a mafia member who desired nothing more than to execute them both.
I can imagine that some people might read those things and think that it sounds too sad to read for pleasure. Please don't assume that. There is so much beauty to the people and the stories that it is enjoyable reading.
Life can be good to live even when one goes through awful things. The same is true in the books that we read. Even though we may ache for the people in the stories, we love them. We live along with them.
This book, along with the other books in the series, is excellent, because it gets you to live right along side those in the books. You don't just learn about their lives. You participate in them in a very real sense.
Heartwarming Book.......2000-07-07
Another great addition to the Shiloh Legacy Series. This book was especially fulfilling as it ties many of the characters together and also ties up some "loose ends" from the first two books.
There is just the right amount of humor to counteract the many serious issues dealt with in this book. Many of the chapters bring on laughter, while others bring on the tears.The only thing that I did not particularly enjoy was the "mob" aspect of the book. Yet, it was realistic to the history of New York and necessary to the plot. In addition, the New York City meets Shiloh aspect is one of the funniest things about this book.
The Thoene's characters are real and often not as predictible as many other historical fiction series. They are not perfect by any means, yet many are great examples of faith in adversity.
Customer Reviews:
A Book That Presents The Challenge of Mark's Gospel.......2005-11-19
Ched Myers' BINDING THE STRONG MAN, first published in 1988, was one of the most innovative interpretations of Mark's Gospel in the twentieth century. Myers challenged readers to become involved in the story of Mark, which is believed to be the first of the four gospel accounts to be recorded. It can a sparse and at time harsh gospel, yet it is also the one that challenges the status quo perhaps more than any other writing in the New Testament. SAY TO THIS MOUNTAIN is an attempt by Myers and four other writers of different Christian religious traditions to make the concept underlying BINDING THE STRONGMAN accessible to a wider audience. Most of the readers of this book will presumably be American, and at least middle class, so the book challenges the reader to view the Gospel of Mark from the point of view of one who is at least somewhat privileged while also looking at larger world concerns.
This is a work that can easily be adapted for the purposes of a Bible study or discussion group. The book is organized by chapter and looks at the Gospel in the context of Mark's world and then looks at the words in the context of our own world. It also has an appendix that contains materials that will enhance reading this book. The Gospel of Mark appears in both the Roman Catholic lectionary and the common lectionary every three years. It fits rather well into the weekly gospels and would be a wonderful way of extending scripture lessons on a deeper level. It will also help people who preach and feel that a challenge of Mark is "more of the same" to find ways this gospel can both challenge and invigorate people.
Book Description
Can you imagine living in a place that is so high you have trouble breathing because the air has less oxygen? Or where the most common farm animal spits and has tassels in his ears? In this book you will find out all sorts of things about what it is like to live in the Andes Mountains of South America. Try to imagine living there!
Customer Reviews:
My 4-year-old loves it!.......2004-03-08
This book focuses on the people, climate, history, food and culture of the Andes mountains, particularly Peru and Bolivia. It is not a "quick" book to read, as it goes quite in-depth for a childrens book. I thought the long paragraphs and depth of information would be too much for my four year old, but I was wrong. She is fascinated with the book and the pictures and loves to have it read over and over again, and I have learned along with my daughter. I look forward to reading others in this series with my kids!
Book Description
This is the complex story of New Hampshire's White Mountains, from the range's days as the majestic homeland of the Abenaki, first seen by English colonists four centuries ago, to its unassailable standing today as one of America's most beloved national forests, comprising 112,000 acres of protected wilderness.
Christopher Johnson, an avid hiker intimately familiar with the White Mountains, achieves two important objectives in This Grand and Magnificent Place. He lovingly explores their rich ecological, political, economic, and cultural history and, more broadly, opens a panoramic window on the evolution of American attitudes and policies toward wilderness over time.
Two competing visions of wilderness historically have coexisted in America: the instrumental, in which the wilderness is seen as a conglomeration of resources to be exploited for the benefit of entrepreneurs and consumers, and the aesthetic, in which the wilderness is appreciated for its natural beauty, the personal growth that it stimulates, the national pride it engenders, and the spiritual truth it offers. Johnson never loses sight of this fundamental dichotomy as he shares marvelous true tales of the first intrepid European settlers who "tamed" the Whites. He discusses Ethan Allen Crawford, the area's first innkeeper, the emergence of tourism, and America's love affair with the "wilderness experience"; and he explores tales of Thomas Cole, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and other renowned artists who immortalized these mountains in their works. He considers the coming of grand resort hotels--and the contemporaneous wilderness revival--in the late nineteenth century and the passing of the landmark 1911 Weeks Act, which was instrumental in preserving American wilderness in the face of development and threats of irreparable environmental damage. Johnson traces the perilous course of the twentieth-century movement toward wilderness preservation, which has successfully conserved the Whites, an extraordinary American treasure, for future generations. Finally, he poses thoughtful and essential questions regarding the destiny of this American wilderness, exploring the balance between maintaining its usefulness while conserving its glorious heritage.
This skillful and accessible history will rivet general readers, students, and professionals interested in the history, culture, and politics of the White Mountains, as well as those fascinated by environmental history and wilderness protection everywhere.
Customer Reviews:
This Grand and Magnificent Place.......2007-02-01
I am about halfway through reading this book, which is a new purchase for the Wentworth Library in Sandwich, NH. After all the books that have been written about White Mountain history and background, I found this new work intriguing in its depth and excellence. I first came across much of the legend and lore portrayed in here while attending the last UNH Forestry Camp at Passaconaway in 1964. We were too rowdy a bunch for this institution to continue further, but it introduced me to the beauty of these unique mountains and Doc Stevens fascinated me with their stories. I climbed Mt. Trypyramid with Keith Kidder as my first 4,000 footer, clambering up the slide to the Middle Peak as described herein by pioneer trampers. Later, I would work at Mizpah Hut for the AMC and pack to many of the huts in the summer of 1965. I missed the mountains like crazy while in the Army, so convinced my friend Fred Stetson to accompany me on a week long trip in the Pemi following Flight School. He has been visiting and writing about this mountainous area ever since, too. Efforts to describe and paint the experience of the White Mountains continue to produce historic memories of the past, and this book indeed does the job. I especially like the portrayals of Thomas Cole and Hawthorne, and how the region has stimulated considerable aesthetic reflections and deep intelligent regard. There is something truly inspirational here, and I enjoy introducng my friends from afar with why I am stuck on the place. It is grand in its magnificence; nothing compares to it, despite attempts to try. I am too old now to climb all like I used to, but I can still read about these summits and regain the reasons I originally chose to live out my life here. This book will be a keeper to relish this wild region so special to us....
Average customer rating:
- Morgan Revives 1920s Appalachia
- Sequel??
- A hard life in the outback of the South.
- Takes you to the mountains
- vivid and poignant tale...............
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This Rock
Robert Morgan
Manufacturer: Algonquin Books
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ASIN: 1565123034 |
Book Description
From the author of Gap Creek-an international best-seller and winner of the Southern Book Critics Circle Award-comes the gripping story of two brothers struggling against each other and the confines of their mountain world in 1920s Appalachia.
The Powell brothers-Muir and Moody-are as different as Cain and Abel. Muir is an innocent, a shy young man with big dreams. Moody, the older and wilder brother-embittered by the death of his father, by years of fighting his mother, and by his jealousy of Muir's place in the family-takes to moonshine and gambling and turns his anger on his brother. Muir escapes by wandering, making his way around the country in attempts to find something-an occupation, a calling-to match his ambition.
Through it all, their mother, Ginny, tries to steer her boys right, all the while remembering her own losses: her husband (whose touch still haunts her), her youth, and the fiery sense of God that once ordered her world.
When Muir, in a drunken vision, decides that his purpose in life is to clear a space on a hill and build a stone church with his own hands, the consequences of his plan are far-reaching and irrevocable: a community threatens to tear itself apart, men die, and his family is forever changed. All that's left in the aftermath are the ghosts and the memories of a new man.
Customer Reviews:
Morgan Revives 1920s Appalachia.......2005-02-17
I knowed this be a gud book (English teachers cringing, the bad American English and spelling is intentional). Robert Morgan, author of the bestseller "Gap Creek," transports us to a 1920s Appalachian Mountain town in "This Rock."
The story takes place over a three-year period and focuses on the polar-opposite Powell brothers, Muir and Moody. Muir is ambitious and quiet. Moody is an appropriately named, unstable character that runs moonshine and gambles.
Morgan uses the perspective of Muir and Ginny Powell, the brothers' widowed mother, to narrate the brothers' conflicts. Remarkable details are laid out for the reader to behold and enjoy like gems. Morgan paints the beautiful landscape of the mountains, a feast for the mind's eye. The drama echoes stronger due to Morgan's inclusion of mountain dialect. It's as if the author time-traveled to the locale and used the Edison gramophone to record the hillbilly speech.
The story builds nicely as Muir's decision to build a church atop the mountain has ripple effects throughout the community, most notably his brother Moody. "This Rock" is a page-turner illustrating the common and difficult aspects of 1920s Appalachia life. In fact, I bet after you've reached the last page, the cool morning dew will be lingering on your hands.
Bohdan Kot
Sequel??.......2004-06-12
I really enjoy Robert Morgan's work. But I read The Truest Pleasure first. I was very disappointed that they skipped over a lot in this second book. Don't read this if you haven't read either book...
When did Jewel die? This really bothered me. Also when did U.G. become Muir and Moody's cousin- Florrie's son, did she adopt U.G. when he was older? This is the only thing that would make sense since U.G. was older than Muir. The last we knew, Ginny was the only one who had children, at least according to the first book. There was a huge gap in between books, that didn't explain enough. However, I did like how they brought the characters from Gap Creek into this book. Hank and his wife and Annie their daughter who now Muir likes... but it didn't really finish their story (Muir and Annie).
A hard life in the outback of the South........2004-01-27
This fascinating story is my introduction to Robert Morgan, a New York Times Bestseller, writer of six earlier novels, lots and lots of poetry and even a textbook on poetry.
The first half follows the disparity between the two young brothers, so different and yet so much alike, and all the despair of growing up poor in the 1920's.
Mainly, though, it is the account of the younger, Muir who breaks out of the farmlife of rural North Carolina. "For once in my life, I was going to do what I wanted, what I had to do."
On his trek northward, he drives his model T through the Cumberland Gap from Tennessee to Kentucky and ponders on the Civil War battle there where his Confederate grandfather died. He uses poetry to describe his feelings of "driving through history to the future."
However, he's not sophisticated enough to endure the harshness of the weather and the Northerners. He is the son with the conscience, so he returns the car and takes the train on another adventure. A year after his experiences on the Tar River, he sets out to work on his major project, which turned into a memorial for his brother Moody. A mountaintop feels closer to Heaven, just as I felt the first time I went to Oneida, TN.
Morgan is poetical in his descriptions of the wonders along the way, but I wish he knew grammar a little better. He is a good storyteller and teaches life's lessons well. This volume is worth reading, even if you do cry at the ending.
Takes you to the mountains.......2003-11-13
As you read this book you will be transported to the mountains. The vivid descriptions and colloquial dialogue caused me to care about the characters and their outcomes. I also love the way Morgan switches perspective. Some chapters are from the point of view of Muir. He is one of two brothers and the "Abel" character in a kind of Cain and Abel allegory. Moody is the "Cain" character, but the book doesn't exactly parallel the bible story. Other chapters are from the point of view of their mother, Ginny. I really felt for Muir and wanted him to succeed. One even begins to root for Moody toward the end. The last chapter concluded and tied together the many journeys the reader takes with the various characters in a poignant and satisfying way. The EPILOGUE, however, ends with a strange twist that was a downer for me. That's why I only gave 4 stars. I was hoping for a different ending, and a little confused by what Morgan wrote on the last few pages. Perhaps what makes it good fiction is that I'm still thinking about it. Our church is using this for a churchwide Book Club. There are many life lessons here concerning work ethic, confidence, being true to yourself and your family, and finding your true calling.
vivid and poignant tale......................2003-07-17
Robert Morgan recreates the tough life of the 1920's in the Carolina mountains. This is a tale of two brothers searching for the meaning and purpose in their lives. One brother Muir tries many different things, from preaching, to hunting, to building. Moody the older brother appears to be a callous, uncaring young man with a penchant for alcohol and trouble. Their mother attempts to let them lead their own lives but the clashes that are the result are heartbreaking for her. This is a great story of family and faith. Robert Morgan delivers the unique dialogue that breathes life into this tale of a poor mountain family. A delightful surprise is the appearance the main characters from his novel Gap Creek, which brings the feeling of familiarity to the story for those who have had the pleasure of reading that novel. Robert Morgan is a gifted Southern writer who spins a vivid and poignant narration of life for Ginny and her sons, Moody and Muir.
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Mountain splendor: This is my Father's world
W. Phillip Keller
Manufacturer: F. H. Revell Co
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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Natural History
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Alpine
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ASIN: 0800709616 |
Books:
- Invisible Monsters
- Jasmine
- Judge & Jury
- Just Like That
- Labyrinth
- Lost Girls
- Lost in the Forest
- Magic Tree House Boxed Set 2, Books 5-8: Night of the Ninjas, Afternoon on the Amazon, Sunset of the Sabertooth, and Midnight on the Moon
- March: A Novel
- Memoirs of a Geisha
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