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- more fun adventures
- Good Series -- Too Slow to Release
- My son loves these books
- Amazing
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Bone Volume 5: Rock Jaw Master of the Eastern Border
Jeff Smith
Manufacturer: GRAPHIX
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ASIN: 043970636X |
Book Description
In this fifth volume of the BONE saga, Fone and Smiley Bone strike out into the wilderness to return a lost rat creature cub to the mountains. It doesn't take long before they run smack into Rock Jaw, "Master of the Eastern Border," an enormous mountain lion with a none-too-friendly disposition. Life gets even more complicated when they befriend a group of baby animals who are being orphaned by rat creature attacks. Everything comes to a head in an earth-shattering clash between Rock Jaw and Kingdok, the leader of the rat creatures.
Customer Reviews:
more fun adventures.......2007-08-17
The Bone series just gets better with every volume. This volume follows the adventures of Fone and Smiley as they travel to the eastern end of the valley and the difficulties they encounter along the way. As in the previous volumes, the characters are wonderful and fun, and the plot takes many twists and turns, making for great reading. I love Bone!
Good Series -- Too Slow to Release.......2007-05-07
This is an alright series, somewhat enjoyable, but not as exciting as say Harry Potter. But, I have found that it has been a great way to get my kids interested in reading a bedtime story. I want the whole set, but Scholastic really needs to re-evaluate this release schedule of only one every six months. I bet they wind up losing a lot of their early audience that drops off after the first one or two.
My son loves these books.......2007-04-03
My seven-year old literally jumped for joy when we received book 5. He loves these books, and I had great difficulty not reading the entire book to him in one sitting. As it was, he looked at every page of the rest of the book. At bedtime, he went to sleep with the book beside him.
Amazing.......2007-03-11
I go to the bookstore and find a book that looks good by the cover. I enver read it. I am very picky about finding the "perfect" book. And i just found it back in early March of 2007. I was on a band trip [took 3 hours] and my friend pulled out the 3rd Bone series book. I was curious and started to read it. I got a little bit confused because I didnt read the 1st or 2nd one. The coloring is amazing! It must of took forever to make it! It has alot of adventure, and keeps you wondering. I finished the 3rd book [175 paages] before we even got to our destination. I couldnt put it down! It is such an AWSOME book! on March 9th I bought book 4 and 5... I read both of the books in 3 strait hours! I cant wait untill the 6th book comes out so I can start to read it!!! If your kid wants a exciting book.. This is the book for you!
Once Again, Great Color with a Hitch.......2007-02-04
The fifth and middle installment of the Bone series returns to the epic's beginnings, temporarily putting aside the Valley's violent political upheavals for a fast-paced and funny story of Fone Bone and Smiley Bone encountering an assortment of cute talking animals as they try to return a baby rat creature to its home in the mountains. On the way, they run into the opportunistic Rock Jaw, a giant mountain lion, and the two stupid rat creatures, who are still bent on baking Fone Bone into a quiche.
Probably the weakest of the Bone series, Rock Jaw: Master of the Eastern Border is nonetheless exciting and entertaining, and does contribute further development to the story's unfolding mysteries.
Steve Hamaker's coloration is again bright and pleasing, but once again he mixes up the two stupid rat creatures. Physically identical but with distinct personalities, the rats are color-coded (brown and purple) in the color version, but at one point Hamaker switches them, causing some puzzlement.
Book Description
Like Michael Cunningham in The Hours, Colm Tóibín captures the extraordinary mind and heart of a great writer. Beautiful and profoundly moving, The Master tells the story of a man born into one of America's first intellectual families who leaves his country in the late nineteenth century to live in Paris, Rome, Venice, and London among privileged artists and writers.
In stunningly resonant prose, Tóibín captures the loneliness and the hope of a master of psychological subtlety whose forays into intimacy inevitably failed those he tried to love. The emotional intensity of this portrait is riveting.
Customer Reviews:
THE REAL LINE OF BEAUTY.......2007-09-05
After the dreary, inconsequential "Story of the Night," Colm Toibin's superlative new novel "The Master" represents a gratifying jolt forward for this fine gay writer. The subject is the interior life of Henry James, who may have gone to his grave a virgin--a gay virgin. His entire life and work were deeply closeted and every loved one who sniffed around him, trying to open what was closed, found themselves stiff-armed brusquely. If James wrote today, out of the closet, I am convinced he would have emulated Toibin's gleaming, crystalline elegance instead of his dense, unnatural voice of the fusspot. This, not Hollinghurst's "Line of Beauty," should have won the Booker Prize for that year. The London gay mafia backed the wrong homo.
Henry James's life in fiction.......2007-07-16
This book has gotten many detailed rave reviews, and I'll rave about it also, but I'd like to make this a more practical and useful review. I loved the book, but Henry James is one of my favorite authors. I've read several of his novels as well as seen the films and PBS versions. The American is one of my all time favorites. Colm Toibin brings James to life and takes you into his time. I really felt a part of the James family when they were going through the Civil War. He gave me a vivid feeling of the ghastly poverty in 19th century Ireland and the behavior of the English as an occupying army. He takes you from Newport to Boston to Paris to London to Dublin and proves that with good research and ability, an author can write convincingly about a time he never lived in and countries not his own.
However, I feel not everybody will find this book as appealing as I did and I'd like to try to save those people some time and money. First, this book is written in the 19th century style, with a slow-moving story, more description and less dialogue and graphic action. After all, life was slower-paced in those days. If you prefer contemporary literature, with a fast-moving plot, you may not care for this book. People who are not familiar with Henry James or haven't read his books may not be interested. The exception is people who are always meaning to read his books, but haven't gotten around to it. This book will be a good introduction for those readers and they can decide which of his novels they want to start with. Finally, there are people that don't like James's writing and I can't see them wanting to read this book. The Master really boils down to each reader's personal taste. I'd recommend it in a heartbeat, but it's a good idea to give some thought to what you like to read.
obviously a five star........2007-07-03
A whole troupe of modern authors claim a debt to Henry James but they've had at least the good sense to make their own work readable, which is more than could ever be said for the man himself. Toibin's well honed and manicured prose is a clear scion of this evergreen source. It's hard to choose between this one and David Lodge's marvellous novel "Author,author" so it's probably best to read and enjoy both.
Live and remember.......2007-03-02
This fine novel -and that's what it is and not an academic biography- takes us through four and a half years in the life of Henry James, from January 1895 to May 1899, that is, from his 52nd to his 56th years of age. It begins with James's failure as a playwright in London, which fills him with disappointment and frustration, as well as with resentment towards triumphant and frivolous Oscar Wilde, whose judiciary calvary is about to begin. In Ireland and back in London, while James starts to conceive "The Turn of the Screw", he remembers bits of his former family life, including the sad life and death of his neurotic sister Alice and the sad fates of his brothers Bob and Wilkie, hurt in the Secession War. Back in England, he decides to buy a house in seaside town of Rye, Lamb House. While he goes through that process, he continues to remember parts of his life, including passages very beautiful and sad like his cousin Minny Temple's life, and of his friend Constance Fenimore Woolson, who throws herself out of a window in Venice. In Rome, James makes the acquaintance of sculptor Andersen, with whom he falls in love and later invites to Lamb House, where the magic disappears. The final chapter tells the stay at Lamb House of his brother, the famous William James, and his family, including the lovely niece Penny.
This novel flows with the same elegant and slow, but enchanting, rhythm of James's novels and tales. It is very beautiful, nice to read, with vivid descriptions and moving stories. It shows that Toibin acquainted himself very closely with his subject character. It makes you want to follow by reading more of James's work, which I did by reading "The Aspern Papers", a wonderful story set in Venice and which I will review soon here on Amazon. This is a very good novel, and by the time you are done with it you will feel it has come by so quickly. The James character, as well as the rest, comes alive fully fleshed out, and Toibin has the knack for giving us a terse piece of refined literature. Much recommended.
Channeling Henry James: The Portrait of a Gentleman.......2007-02-07
Whether you are a serious admirer of 19th century American authors (Henry James, for example), a fan of Irish writer Colm Toibin's meticulously-crafted prose, or just enjoy fictional biography that breathes life into every character, this novel is mesmerizing. From what I know, it is scrupulously researched, but the bare facts of Henry James' life form only the skeleton of the book. The flesh and blood come from Toibin's delicious imagination of James' exotic travels, cautious friendships, oh-so-polite confrontations, painful recriminations, and moral dilemmas.
This channeling of James seemed so spot-on that I felt the same frustrations I felt as a college freshman reading "The Portrait of a Lady" and "Washington Square" - Toibin's James, and James' major characters, are so constrained by their social positions, their peers, and their inner voices. They all live in their heads - but what marvelous intellectual company this is!
Warning: this is not light-hearted beach reading. But it is great for long airplane rides or cold evenings by the fire when you want to escape into another era with an articulate and erudite guide.
Book Description
This third volume in the new Modern Masters series spotlights the artist Bruce Timm's career, with his most comprehensive interview to date, discussing his influences, how his style evolved, and what it takes to succeed in both comics and animation. It also showcases page after page of rare and unseen artwork, including a gallery of his best commissioned work, as well as behind the scenes animation concepts! Often imitated but never equaled, he blends the cartoony and the realistic in such a way that is undeniably appealing, and this book is the ultimate look at the work of a true Modern Master: Bruce Timm!
Customer Reviews:
For the hardcore Bruce Timm fan..........2007-06-04
As other reviews have stated, this is basically a book-length interview with "Batman: The Animated Series" co-creator Bruce Timm. It's a quick, conversational read detailing Timm's somewhat reluctant entry into the world of animation through the production of "Justice League".
What'll you get: Lots of great Timm line art fleshes out the pages, showing his progression from toy-insert mini-comics to extremely influential animator/comic penciler. Those curious about the history of Timm's various animation projects will enjoy some behind the scenes info. If you're interested in breaking into comics or animation, you'll learn how Bruce did it (decades ago), though it's not likely to be vary relevent to your endeavors.
What you won't get: There's not a lot of time spent on Timm's techniques or methods - this isn't a very technical interview. Also, any of his recent projects (like Justice League: Unlimited) fall after the making of this book.
If you're a hardcore Bruce Timm fan, you'll definitely want this in your collection. It's a very enjoyable read. However, if you're looking for insight on "making it" in the comis/cartoon world, move along...
Excellent.......2007-01-15
You don't know Bruce Timm unless you've read this indepth interview. Passionnate, accurate, detailed, this is another welcome one in Modern masters Series. I won't give it a 5 stars rating as iconography unfortunately falls behind text (you can find much more on the internet). There are manys pics and drawings anyway, some unveiled for the first time. Comments accompanying those reveal a lot, kind of behind the scenes stuff about one of the greatest all time artist. A must have for Bruce Timm fans, comics books fans and animation fans alike!!
A story of He-Man and naked ladies.......2006-08-26
I have always been a fan of Bruce Timm so this book seemed like a no brainer. This book covers his life up to the end of the Justice League cartoon (and has a few of his early JLU designs). It is an interesting book when he is talking about his early years in animation and his comic work, but anyone who has watched the special features on his DVDs already knows most of the story.
However, like a comic itself the story is only half the battle. This book is filled with tons of Bruce Timm art and if you like his style this is a real treat. There are pictures of monsters, marvel characters, DC characters and of course lots of sexy women. The end of the book has a color art gallery, which looks great.
If you want to learn more about Bruce Timm's life and style you should pick up this book.
Bruce is a Master... not the book.......2006-07-19
Bruce's work is masterful in it's simplicity and emotion, a second coming of Jack Kirby. Although many argue, myself included, that "the King" can never be equalled. Mr Timm has come close. There are a few artists, comic books may it be, that can show emotions for their characters without going overboard. I can only wish that the book could have provided a more elegant way of presenting that talent.
A good follow up buy to Batman Animated.......2006-01-20
If you're a fan of the art from the series, pick this up- but only after getting the book Batman Animated.
Either way, this has some nice exclusive artwork, plus some full color art at the back of the book.
Book Description
This newest of the Elm Creek Quilts novels continues the series with a tribute to matriarch Sylvia Compson, who surprised her fellow quilters by marrying her longtime sweetheart on a recent holiday. Eager to honor their favorite Master Quilter, the Elm Creek Quilters hasten to stitch a bridal quilt for the newlyweds. Until the time comes to unveil the surprise gift, Sylvia will be the one in the dark.
Such little white lies seem harmless enough. But the quilting retreat at Elm Creek Manor thrives on women sharing their creativity, their challenges and their dreams. Somehow, in their race to commemorate in the bridal quilt all they hold dear about Sylvia's wisdom, skill and devotion, her fellow quilters forget to give honesty its pride of place.
Just when it seems that the women have everything to celebrate, forces conspire to threaten their happiness and prosperity. Two among them falter in their personal relationships, while another suffers financial problems. As still two others weigh the comfort of the present against dreams of a future far from Elm Creek Manor, closely guarded secrets strain the bonds of friendship with those who may be left behind.
Customer Reviews:
Friendships and mystery........2006-12-08
This book was obviously not the first in the series, but this is where I decided to jump in. I am hooked! Women and friendships, plus a bit of mystery, I couldn't put it down, even when my eyes were trying to shut on me.
It was a bit confusing at the beginning when it reads back and forth, but I soon caught on and it had me hook, line and sinker. I love the books without foul language, sex etc.
It starts out, Sylvia gets married without telling anyone, and so the ladies decide to have everyone make a quilt piece for a quilt for the newlyweds. Someone breaks into the quilt shop, destroys a dream and takes all the made quilt pieces. Who was it? Why did they do it? Will friendships be torn apart with so many secrets? Read this and find out!
Repetitive.......2006-11-03
I found this book to be unbearably repetitive. The same situations with the same dialogs from the viewpoints of about 8 different characters were repeated again and again. It was very frustrating to read and I found myself skimming over parts of the book.
That being said, I did enjoy the plot. Despite my earlier comment, I do think Jennifer Chiaverini is a great writer, as earlier books in the series have proven to me. I like reading the parts about quilting, of course, because I find it inspiring and it helps me to get in the mood to do my own quilting. Her characters and their relationships with one another are also interesting and dynamic.
I do hope she will continue to add books to the series as I am a faithful follower of the series.
GREAT TOPIC but to repative.......2006-08-17
I have read five of the Elm Creek novels and enjoyed all for different reasons. This one I can't say was that great. The author kept repeating the facts over again with each character and it began to get very boring. I wanted to skip sections and move on. I would have prefered more quilting tips and information regarding quilts and less scandals.
Great idea, good themes, and amazing style.......2006-05-24
This book felt like an experiment in group quilting in itself. The style was quite amazing and a little disconcerting in the first 50 pages, once I got into it I really enjoyed it.
The book starts with a planning session for the coming summer season, there are problems afoot with some of the Elm Creek Quilters and also joy. They have decided that they will celebrate 85 year old Sylvia's coming wedding with a special quilt and have invited all the previous Elm Creek Quilters to submit a square. Everyone at the meeting is distracted however, and Judy has to field a couple of cell phone calls. Later in the first week of camp there is disruption, Judy is called away at the last moment and has to leave her classes for Sarah to organise, and Bonnie just doesn't turn up to her class.
All is slowly revealed in a very nice manner. The following chapters are all devoted to telling the story leading up to and including the day of the class disasters, from several different points of view. There are some mysteries - why, how and who broke into Bonnie's shop, what will happen to Craig and Bonnie (of Grandma's quilts), where is all Craig's money? and how can Grandma's Quilts be saved? Where is Judy? Will the group get enough squares for Sylvia? Will they find the missing squares? and finally, what will Summer and Judy decide to do?
These are small mysteries but it is not immediately obvious what the outcome is. Chiaverini is definitely not a mystery writer, the issue of Craig and his money is telegraphed early on. But this isn't a dreadful thing, this is a novel about human relationships and interaction, not about solving whodunnits and the resolution is the important thing.
There are some nice little touches, Gwen is passed over for promotion, but in the action finds greater strength to pursue her interest in quilting and 'women's work' as forging the nation and as a bonus her reptuation on campus as the 'quilt lady' allows her to recover an important item which might not have otherwise come to light. It also helps her solve a crime.
The only real drawback to this novel (for me) is the ongoing dispute with Mary-Beth, the next door neighbour and almost pathologically jealous president of the Waterford Quilting Society who the Elm Creek Quilters walked away from. Seeing things from her point of view was interesting for a change, but I dislike her so much, and her viewpoint is so black that it is hard to feel she is anything but a one dimensional villain. Now having said that, I know that people like her exist. But I suppose I just prefer that characters in a rich novel like this be deeper and more profound in their actions and motivations.
Overall I really enjoyed this novel and I read it quickly. The series is amazing and the trials and tribulations of the women and their quilting are compelling. I am looking forward tot he next in the series.
6th installment of the Elm Creek series.......2006-05-12
This is the 6th book in the series. I have read the first five, and enjoyed them all. I didn't care for this one as much as the others. The Author (Jannifer Chiaverini) has said that this was planned to be the last in the series. But she did very well with this book (high sales) and so the series continues past this.
However you can tell that she made some attempt to wrap-up some stories. What I didn't like about this book was that if felt VERY negative. Bad divorce... also very unbelieveable story about the wife being locked out of the condo... Bad real-estate development deal... Slimy and made you feel like you needed to take a shower and get clean after it.... NASTY neighbor who never learns her lesson, and is raising a mean-hateful son... Distruction of property with silly insurance problem... Hip, cool Mom who acts like in idiot when FULLY grown daughter moves in with boy-friend. Really... it went on and on. (Don't even get me started on the bad husband or the college chairmanship.)
If I had it to do over again, I would read this series HOWEVER I would skip this one.
On the good side, nice to hear about the wedding quilt and what each person picked to express their feelings for Sylvia and Andrew.
Book Description
In the long, fabled history of Rome, there was never one so beloved by so many--yet so feared and despised by lesser men whose power he eclipsed--than Gaius Julius Caesar. On the field of battle, he is invincible, and those who fight at his side would gladly give their lives for his glory. But even as Caesar sweeps across Gaul--brutally subduing the united tribes who defy the Republic--his enemies at home are orchestrating his downfall and disgrace. Vindictive schemers like Cato and Bibulus would tear Rome asunder just to destroy her greatest champion, using their wiles, position and false promises to seduce others into the fold: the spineless Cicero, the avaricious Brutus...even Pompey the Great, First Man in Rome and Caesar's former ally. But ill fortune can only come to the "Good Men" who underestimate Caesar. For rome is his destiny--a destiny that will impel him triumphantly on the banks of the Rubicon...and beyond, into legend.
Customer Reviews:
More of the same.......2006-09-23
If you're familiar with McCullough's books, than you know what to expect. "Caeser" has the same qualities and faults of her other works. If this is your first McCullough "Roman" novel, then be warned: she seems to receive praise beyond her due.
As always, the research involved is impressive but the writing can be weak. What bothered me about this particular volume was the flatness of the characters. Caesar is (as one can guess from the title) the object of attention and he is perfect beyond believability: a towering genius awash in a sea of incompetence and stupidity. Only Caeser can do anything right. He sees all, knows all, and can second-guess every maneuver of every enemy. Hero worship doesn't make for good reading.
I was especially disappointed by the handling of Vercingetorix (I actually bought the book to read about him, not Caeser). He has the potential to be made into such an interesting character but, alas, McCullough simple uses him as a shabby mirror to reflect Caeser's perfection. Vercingetorix is portrayed as a foolish hothead; a rabid Gallic nationalist with little else to him. Even Vercingetorix begins to take on sycophantic tendencies as he comes to worship Caeser.
The only reason I give this three stars is because the writing has improved from the Soap/Toga Opera that was "Fortune's Favorites" (I didn't even bother with "Caeser's Women). This will probably be the last McCullough book I ever read.
Not my favorite McCullough book in the series.......2006-05-30
I didn't find this as interesting as The First Man in Rome. That's probably because of the subject matter. I love historical fiction, but I prefer it to be more on the lifestyle side than the battle side and since this book concentrated on that part of Caesar's life where he became the Caesar then it is heavily weighted toward the telling of battles and history of war.
But don't get me wrong, the book still paints such a vivid picture of Rome and Roman times that it's a good read.
My star ratings:
One star - couldn't finish the book
Two stars - read the book, but did a lot of skipping or scanning. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection or search out other books by the author
Three stars - enjoyable read. Wouldn't add the book to my permanent collection. Would judge other books by the author individually.
Four stars - Liked the book. Would keep the book or would look for others by the same author.
Five stars - One of my all time favorites. Will get a copy in hardback to keep and will actively search out others by the same author.
Caesar: A Complex Perfectionist.......2006-01-12
Colleen McCullough's Master of Rome series, includes 6 books, with Caesar being the fifth in the series. Her work can truthfully be called epic, both in scope and historical accuracy. What McCullough has done, is to create out of the dry and often boring tomes about Caesar and the attendant fall of the Republic, a vivid, absorbing and highly entertaining set of books.
The settings span Rome, Germany, Gaul of the Long Hairs and what was known as Africa Province, which included Egypt. The hand drawn maps included in each book, aid the reader in placing the action and locations of the known parts of the countries, either under Roman rule or at war during this turbulent part of Roman history.
The characters, who for the most part are genuine historical figures, spring to life, under McCullough's deft hand.
Gaius Julius Caesar: A man in his prime and at the peak of his powers. He is a perfectionist, who values his dignitas more than life itself. A superb general, wily politician and possessed of a mind bordering on genius, Caesar is hated by a small group-the Boni (good men) for all of his vast abilities. Continually impeded and frustrated by them, he is finally forced to do the unthinkable-cross the Rubicon, and enter Roman lands with military force.
Pompeius: Allied once to Caesar, by marriage to Caesar's beloved daughter Julia, he has become enmeshed in the Boni's plotting to bring Caesar down. Arrogant, selfish, cunning and jealous of Caesar's outstanding successes in the conquering of Gaul, he obtains a Consultatum Ultimatum, which was as close to Dictator as a Picentine upstart was going to get.
Marcus Portius Cato: A moral man, so filled with fears, phobias and a strident hate for Caesar, he continues to obstruct him in everything he does. McCullough's thorough and deep portrait of Cato, shows her continuing refusal to take the easy way out and paint her antagonist in monochromatic shades.
Quintus Cicero: Younger brother of the famed orator Cicero, Caesars ally and beloved friend. Throughout the long grueling campaign in Gaul, Quintus Cicero grows to love, respect and admire his general. His loyalty in the face of his wife Terentia's and his famed elder brother's hatred of Caesar, is simply awesome.
Marcus Antonius: Marcus is a very shallow seeming and pleasure loving man, perhaps a bit too fond of wine. Yet when ordered to accompany Caesar to Gaul, he shows the inner strength and discipline to carry himself well in battle.
Brutus: His heart shattered by Caesar when his betrothal to Julia was broken, is a weak and ineffectual man. Cowed from a very young age by Servillia, his mother, who is Caesar's lover, he is a lost soul. Forbidden by Servillia when young, from seeing his Uncle Cato, when finally freed by the breaking of his engagement, he begins a long slide into destruction amongst the Boni. He is his Uncle Cato's man to the bitter end.
There is something for everyone in the book: politics, greed, ambition, military tactics that are nothing short of amazing, and underneath all, the relentless driving nature of the man called Caesar. The irony here is of a man who wanted so badly to be given his due, who wanted to work with, not against his opponents, who refused to repeat the proscriptions and murder done by his predecessors, and yet received nothing but opprobrium and hate for his pains.
McCullough demonstrates a keen understanding of human nature, and how often we seek to destroy the truly excellent men of our times, yet celebrate the villains. Her scholarship and research on the Roman military and its tactics shows throughout the series, but particularly in Caesar.
This is McCullough's Magnum Opus, and she should be lauded for bringing history to life, in a way that very very few are able to do. If you want a true appreciation of the work and care that went into creating the Master's Of Rome series, start with the first book: First Man In Rome, and read them all. I promise you, it's time well spent, and makes for simply wonderful reading.
Difficult, awkward style, but good storytelling.......2005-12-29
This is the fifth in a series of books that is both engrossing and sometimes...a trial of my patience.
Let me begin by saying that, as far as the political implications of the story in the context of today's world, or the accuracy of the historical minutiae, or the artistic greatness of the book, I will make no comments at all. I didn't read these books for any of those reasons. I read them simply for fun. When and where they were fun to read, I was satisfied. Nor did I expect to find fully fleshed-out, believable, or (I say this with a scoff), "accurate" characters. We know so very little about what ANY of these people were really like that (if you ask me) no one knows just what kind of a man Caesar or Antony or Pompey was. And considering the number of characters in each book, it would be foolish to expect that more than a handful of them would become more than stage props.
So far, I've read "First Man in Rome," "The Grass Crown," and "Caesar." I read "First Man" and then "Caesar" and I'm glad I did, or I might have quit. Because "The Grass Crown" has been the weakest so far.
The reason is that, although McCullough is for the most part an excellent storyteller, her style of writing can be difficult, even downright annoying. For instance, her characters are constantly grinning. Grinning, grinning, grinning. It's a word she uses so much that you can't help but stumble on it every time you see it (and this can be several times in a given page).
A good author should rarely, if ever, need to describe a character's expression, especially, as is usually the case in these books, the grin occurs as part of a dialogue. If the dialogue itself doesn't tell the reader what the speaker's expression would be, then the dialogue should be rewritten. (It seems hard to believe that an author with as much experience as McCullough would not recognize this. That leads me to wonder whether these books were edited, or whether we're reading what amount to rough drafts.)
She has other quirks. She feels compelled to describe characters' teeth, and they're always either dazzlingly white, or large and yellow. Eyes are always "luminous." This is especially true if a character is described as otherwise homely. She frequently goes even further to describe flecks of yellow in green eyes, or--another favorite--blue eyes that are ringed with a darker blue it's almost black.
My thoughts on this kind of detail are that you shouldn't harp on a particular character's appearance in detail unless it's important to the story or the theme. Yes, we need to know what Cato looked like. His very appearance reflects his personality. But when every single one of the countless characters are templated with either great or rotten teeth, and large, luminous eyes, the detail becomes a meaningless blur.
There are many other examples I could cite of the author's bad habits, but rather than dump out all of my pet peeves, I'll let these few examples suffice.
These little tics of the writer don't destroy the narrative, but they damage the flow and rhythm. There are times when I'm tempted to start skipping ahead, because between all of the grinning and the bad teeth and the flecked eyes, I lose my train of thought.
There are the other, usual problems associated with historical fiction. Long stretches of the book are really just historical exposition thinly concealed as dialogue. Such as, "As you know, Claudius, the Romans expelled the kings in blah blah blah." It's unavoidable for an author who expects a publisher to present a book to a mass audience. In general, McCullough handles these expositions fairly well, not going into too much dry detail, or too much at one time.
Overall, this book fares better than the other two I've read. In the first two, perhaps McCullough hadn't yet fully found her way; or maybe it's just that she had what were really a bunch of different stories to tell, so none of them really shined. Here, the focus is primarily on Caesar, and primarily on his campaigns in Gaul, and later fighting against Pompey. McCullough is at her very best here, and she brushes with storytelling greatness. The style continues to stumble, but the narrative of just how Caesar pacified Gaul is mostly excellent. There are a few times when, after exhaustive detail, the author sort of waves a magic wand and says, "And then this whole other large region was conquered, yada yada." But I have a far, far better understanding of what happened in Gaul than I did before reading the book. And the handful of illustrations were flawlessly done. (Whether they're historically accurate is another matter. They fit the story told by McCullough perfectly.)
One other minor quibble is that the maps McCullough provides are excellent, but especially in the paperback editions, the text is so tiny that even a magnifying glass barely makes it readable. Frustrating! And large parts of the maps disappear in the page gutters. Even in the hardbound editions, the text is far too small; the mapmaker clearly didn't think about what size the maps would be in the final printed edition, or the effect of the gutters. But then, the text of the book itself is so small in the paperbacks that I've decided that the ones I like will be replaced by hardbound editions.
It's a shame that this book, and the others in the series, didn't get better attention from an editor. The publishing world today tends to make editing an afterthought, or it's left up to the author. Few authors can serve as their own editor, so I'm not being unduly harsh on McCullough. She wrote a good 5000 pages for this series of books. It would be a bit much to expect her to have fully edited them all as well. So the quirks and tics in her style I pin on the publisher. And if someone else did edit these books...he needs to go back to editing school.
To Cross or Not to Cross that is the Question........2005-12-26
Ms McCullough has done a deep historical research in order to write her "Roman Saga" started with "The First Man in Rome" (1990), continued with "The Grass Crown" (1991), "Fortune's Favorites" (1993), "Caesar's Women" (1995) and "Caesar" (1999).
She delivers an accurate picture of the late Roman Republic, bringing to life historically characters with amazing detail.
The author follows and reveals step by step all the intricacies of that rich and complex era.
Does this mean that the book is boring? By no means, Ms McCullough is able to show daily life, dressing, feeding, religious rituals, political and social structures in a magnificent fresco and at the same time construct an engaging story that will trap the reader for hours.
The present volume starts in the year 54 BC when Caesar is in Britain and receives notice of the death of his daughter Julia. Immediately his friendship with Pompeius Magnus starts to deteriorate. The Boni jump to the golden opportunity of enrolling Pompeius and turn him against Julius Caesar.
The author follows the great Gaul Revolt and the Civil War that erupted against Caesar's will.
There are also vivid descriptions of Clodius murder, Curio's allegiance to Caesar, Octavius drawing Caesar's attention and the start of Marc Anthony's ascent.
Last but not least the author has drawn beautiful busts of the main characters; detailed maps of different ancient scenarios where action takes place and very complete glossary.
I advise reading the first volumes of the series, but even if you don't do it, you may start here and consider it as a standalone volume.
I strongly recommend this book to any serious history aficionado!
Reviewed by Max Yofre.
Book Description
Providing a survey of the short story in-depth, the anthology encompasses a rich global and historical mix of the masterpieces of short fiction and presents them in a way readers find accessible, engaging, and relevant. "Author Perspectives" -- short lively statements from 52 authors that discuss the writing process and refer to specific stories in the anthology. This unique feature provides readers with critical reflections and insight into the stories they are reading. "Critical Approaches to Fiction" -- introduces readers to 10 leading schools of critical theory in an accessible way. The Glossary of Literary Terms is the most complete glossary in a short fiction book on the market. For those interested in the short fiction genre.
Customer Reviews:
Great Collection Covers Major Themes.......2002-06-09
This book has a great collection of stories and profound themes. One way to use this book is to pair up the stories. For example, one can look at "The Misfit's Misguided Quest for Love" by studying "Bartleby" by Melville and "The Overcoat" by Gogol.
Another good pairing is to study "Lost Love and Alcohol" by looking at "Babylon Revisted" by Fitzgerald and "The Swimmer" by John Cheever. In both stories the characters lose free will as their self-destructiveness reaches a point of no return.
The power of empathy to remove blindness can be found by looking at Raymond Carver's "A Small, Good Thing" and "Cathedral." Another great story about the power of empathy is Richard Baldwin's "Sonny's Blues."
Also take a look at "Gimpel the Fool" by Singer and Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "A Very Old Man with Enormous Wings" to study the love and widsom of fools.
The dangers of intellectual pride are dramatized in Flanner O'Conner's "A Good Man Is Hard to Find" and Hawthorne's "Young Goodman Brown."
Yet another fine pairing can be found by studying the conflict between romantic, personal love and public responsibility in Chekhov's "The Lady with the Dog" and John Updike's "Separating."
One of my favorite pairings is to study "The Love of the Tribe over the Love of Humanity" by studying "Those Who Walked Away from Omelas" and "The Lottery."
There are even far more stories than the ones I've mentioned. But these pairings give you an idea of how many themes you can study in a collection as rich as this one.
Book Description
This book shows the reader how to take timeless storytelling structures and make them immediate, now, for fiction that's universal in how it speaks to the reader's heart and contemporary in detail and impact.
Each chapter includes brief excerpts and descriptions of fiction from many times, many genres - myth and fairy tale, genre and mainstream fiction, film plots of all types, short story and novel.
Find 20 fundamental plots that recur through all fiction - with analysis and examples - that outline benefits and warnings, for writers to adapt and elaborate in their own fiction. Ronald B. Tobias has spent his career as a writer moving from genre to genre, first as a short story writer, then as an author of fiction and nonfiction books and finally as a writer and producer of documentaries for public television. He is currently a professor in the Department of Media and Theatre Arts at Montana State University and the author of The Insider's Guide to Writing for Screen and Television. He lives in Bozeman, Montana.
Customer Reviews:
A Great "How To" Reference for Writers.......2007-09-10
This book provides a great analysis of plots and how to build them. Plots covered are quest, adventure, pursuit, rescue, escape, revenge, the riddle, rivalry, underdog, temptation, metamorphosis, transformation, maturation, love, forbidden love, sacrifice, discovery, wretched excess, ascension, and decension.
The author (Ronald B. Tobias) states on page 229 that, "the idea of this book is to give you a sense of what each plot looks and feels like". In my opinion he has successfully done that.
Excellent Reference for Writers .......2007-03-13
found it very informative and easy to follow. very good examples of each plot.
not really worth it........2007-01-14
I found about 5 pages of this usefull. Is that worth it?
It's helping me out constantly.......2006-12-29
This book is a really great help to me, a young writer. The book doesn't promise to solve all of my plotting problems for me, it makes me think! I'm constantly learning something about plotting each time I pick it up. (Now I need to buy a style guide....) Great buy-
My only complaint is that its sometimes too repetitive. In one chapter he said the same thing 4 different ways! Though I must admit, it did help me remember and understand a little bit better.
WORTH STUDYING.......2006-12-12
20 MASTER PLOTS (And How to Build Them), by Ronald B. Tobias, provides an interesting analysis of plot, in general, and then a chapter-by-chapter countdown of twenty specific master-plot scenarios. Whether you believe there are really only one or two basic plots upon which all stories are built, or whether you believe there are an infinite number of plots, 20 MASTER PLOTS is worth studying.
Customer Reviews:
Engaging Dr. Strange Collection.......2007-08-10
This here's a solid collection of Doctor Strange, with most of the artwork by the distinctive Gene Colon. I'd forgotten Colon's run on this title and looking at it again, I'd have to say I rather prefer Colon's work to most of Ditko's. Steve Ditko laid a great foundation, that few have been able to follow up on. Most Dr. Strange books have fallen flat without the Ditko touch. Not here. Colon and Thomas do real nice work.
Also, if you're a Doctor Strange fan look for Doctor Strange: The Oath (New Avengers). The Oath is just about the best Dr. Strange collection ever.
Book Description
Modern Masters Volume 2: George Perez contains page after page of rare and unseen artwork, illustrating a comprehensive interview with Perez on his stellar career. This second volume in the new Modern Masters series delves into the artist's life, as Perez discusses his Puerto Rican upbringing, how he broke into the comics field, and the attention to detail that has made him one of comics' top talents.
Customer Reviews:
One of my Top 3 favorites in the series..........2007-05-05
Whether you like his art style or not, George Perez has had a truly phenomenal career- it's really great to read about(!).
I especially like the behind-the-scenes info on the various situations & projects he's been involved with over the years. Things like which inkers he felt complimented his work, how he feels about his own work looking back on it, and the unique relationships he's had with various creators are detailed here. From being an assistant to Rich Buckler & Kirby swipes, to becoming famous for Teen Titans & Avengers, the many comics he's been a part of are all visited in a pretty personal interview overall. Like the John Byrne interview, this entry in the MM series is sprinkled liberally with various pieces of black & white artwork, featuring both pure pencils, and inks. It's all exclusively black & white here, unlike some other entries in the series.
My other current favorites in the series include Modern Masters, Vol. 7: John Byrne (Modern Masters), and Modern Masters, Vol. 5: Jose Luis Garcia-Lopez (Modern Masters). Yet they keep on releasing great interviews!
Truly a Modern Comics Master.......2007-02-10
George Perez is a fitting subject for this series of books -- He's been in the comics business for decades, as both artist and writer. This volume includes an extensive interview with Perez, touching on virtually everything he worked on, including the Avengers, the Teen Titans, Wonder Woman, The Justice League, Crisis on Infinite Earths, JLA/Avengers and many more. Following the interview (which itself is liberally sprinkled with art), there is a 28 page art gallery featuring lots of previously unpublished pieces.
Average customer rating:
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Early Novels of Benjamin Disraeli (Pickering Masters)
Manufacturer: Pickering & Chatto Publishers
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Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 1851967362 |
Books:
- Brian Jones Straight From The Heart: The Rolling Stones Murder
- Brimstone (Pendergast, Book 5)
- Brunelleschi's Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
- Cane River (Oprah's Book Club)
- Charles Dickens Four Complete Novels (Great Expectations, Hard Times, A Christmas Carol, A Tale of Two Cities)
- Cien años de soledad: Edición conmemorativa (The 40th Anniversary Edition)
- Complete Vampire Chronicles (Interview with the Vampire, The Vampire Lestat, The Queen of the Damned, The Tale of the body Thief)
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- Desperation
- Dope, Inc.: The Book That Drove Henry Kissinger Crazy
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