Desperation

Amazon.com

A notice to those who feel that Stephen King has lost his magic touch: Desperation is the genuine goods. The ensemble cast of ordinary Americans thrown together by chance, including a disgruntled alcoholic writer and a child who is wise beyond his years, may be a bit too familiar. But the nearly deserted Nevada mining town with an enormous haunted mine pit and an abandoned movie theatre where the survivors hang out makes for a striking battleground, and the grisly action rarely flags. Best of all, though, are the characters of Tak, the ancient body-hopping evil who emerges from the mine, and of "God"--whom the New York Times describes as "the edgiest creation in Desperation. Remote, isolated, ironic, shrouded behind disguises, perhaps 'another legendary shadow,' this deity forms a sly foil, and an icy mirror, to Tak."

Amazon.com Audio Review

Kathy Bates, the award-winning actress who has starred in two film adaptations of King's work (Dolores Claiborne, Misery) showcases her storytelling talent in the audio version of Desperation. In nine chilling hours of narration, Bates brings to life the story of two doomed travelers headed down Highway 50, a.k.a. the loneliest highway in America, in the brutal Nevada desert. Her even, full-bodied voice has the remarkable ability to sound monotone, sinister, and inviting all at once--a marvelous, engaging match to King's prose. (Running time: nine hours, six cassettes)

Book Description

This is knock-out classic horror about the loneliest town off Nevada's Interstate 50-and the scariest.

Customer Reviews:

A group of travelers combat an ancient evil in a Nevada mining town.......2007-09-27

Stephen King is in many ways the epitome of the modern American writer. He's an author whose work people either love or love to hate. Prolific, commercial, and popular, he can also be deeply introspective, poetic, and literary. His works span the range from horrific (Dreamcatcher) to literary (Bag of Bones), epic (the Dark Tower series and The Stand) to romantic (Lisey's Story). Known for his rich characterizations and gritty prose, King displays an easy familiarity with a variety of genres and themes.

Desperation is in many ways classic Stephen King. It is violent, gory at times, and scary, but it is also tender and surprisingly religious. It explores themes like family relationships, alcoholism, heroism, and the nature of God, all set against a backdrop of a dusty Nevada mining town where something ancient and horrible has come out of the earth.

In typical King fashion, the cast of characters for Desperation seems to have come straight out of three or four different genres. There's John Marinville, a burnt-out writer embarking on a cross-country motorcycle odyssey, hoping to rediscover himself. There's Peter and Mary Jackson, a young married couple on a mission of love. There's the Carvers, a vacationing family who happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. There's young David Carver, a fairly normal boy with an exceptional gift. There's Tom Billingsley, a used-up drunk who remembers his town as it once was. And there's Collie Entragian, a former nice-guy cop who has taken to enforcing his version of the law in some extremely unconventional ways.

As the hapless travelers converge on the town of Desperation, Nevada, they discover first terror, then a kind of grim resignation, and finally hope as they discover more about themselves and about the history of the place to which they have come.

Desperation is an interesting book. Readers who have not previously been introduced to King's writing may find some scenes hard to stomach, and even seasoned King fans may find themselves grimacing from time to time. But readers are just as likely to find themselves wiping away a tear or two as the story unfolds. The drama, action, and emotion are all intense, as is the violence and language. As always, King manages to bring his characters to life in a way that leaves readers feeling like they've met some new friends when all is said and done.

It's not hard to find God in Desperation; the story is infused with evidence of God's work as well as conversations about his nature and motives. And while the God in Desperation is not exactly the God of the Bible (it is not necessarily clear, for example, that he is powerful enough to defeat the evil at work in the desert without human assistance), Christians will certainly be able to recognize elements of his character as the book unfolds. The underlying message seems to be that though God at times seems cruel, ultimately God is love. Both sentiments are true.

Like most Stephen King novels, Desperation needs to be approached with caution. It contains quite a bit of objectionable content, but it has a redemptive message as well. King obviously has a keen grasp of human nature, and books like this one are a good example of portraying universal human experience. As we know, human experience isn't always wonderful; in fact, it's often downright ugly. But it has moments of beauty and joy as well. Desperation presents both extremes.

Follow the adventures of the "Collie Entragian Survival Society".......2007-08-13

1996 must have been a heady year for Stephen King--coming off the critical and commercial success of his excellent six part serial, The Green Mile, he followed up with a pair of hard hitting, well-written novels, Desperation and The Regulators. Desperation was clearly his best work since Misery. The Regulators, written under his pseudonym, Richard Bachman, was less successful, but pleasurable reading nonetheless.

The Regulators is King's version of the classic Twilight Zone adaptation of Jerome Bixby's It's a Good Life. The denizens of Poplar Street, located in the small town of Wentworth, Ohio, find themselves sealed off from the rest of the world, trapped in a pocket universe created by the imaginings of an autistic child who has been possessed by a demon. Neighbors must band together to fight off killing machines that seem to have sprung from the television screen.

Desperation features many of the same characters who populated The Regulators, albeit in altered form. Desperation, a small mining town off Route 50 in Nevada, is also under attack by a demon, but here the devastation is far worse. Instead of tormenting a few folks, the demon, after destroying most of the town, has taken to pulling people off the highway to satisfy its perverse longings. Again, a disparate group of people must cooperate to save their lives.

The contrast between these books is startling--if you never noticed the difference between King's and Bachman's styles, reading these two books back to back will be a real eye opener. Bachman creates the aura of immediacy, but we never really get to know his characters. King, on the other hand, hews to his tradition of giving us characters we really care about, people we would like to get to know. Bachman's style is also more disjointed than King's--he tends to jump about, giving the reader bits and pieces as he goes along, while King adheres to a more linear style of storytelling.

Desperation is the superior book. The small asides that link the two books seem natural in Desperation, but more forced in The Regulators. King also does more with the plot elements than does Bachman. Desperation is vintage King--you can feel his energy and confidence from the first sentence. The opening scene sets the pace for the entire book, as two characters are pulled over by a policeman. A nerve-wracking experience to be sure, but one which we are all familiar with. King then takes this ordinary situation and gives it a little twist. As it dawns on the couple that they've been pulled over by Lou Ford's even crazier cousin, they realize they might be in trouble. Little do they know that their problems, and the reader's enjoyment, are only beginning.

Reading these books together should be a lot of fun for most folks. In these novels, King indirectly provides insight into the creative process, proving that it's not where you get your ideas, but how you use them that counts. With the publication of The Green Mile, Desperation and The Regulators, he also showed that he was an extremely savvy marketer, scoring a bookselling hat trick that any advertising professional would envy.

"I guess God is kind of everything".......2007-07-26

My good friend mentioned to me that he was really wanting to read this book by King that he had read when he was younger, a book called Desperation, but he had long since lost his copy. A few weeks later while at the book store I found the book and bought it for him.

After he finished he insisted that I read it. He had told me the basic premise of it and I was honestly a bit skeptical. A story about a demon of sorts that escapes from a mine and reeks havoic on a town and unsuspecting travelers and there attempt to try and stop it? Sounds a little cheesy. But I decided to give it a chance.

Having never read King before I didnt really have any expectations. But I ended up simply adoring the book. It is a basic story of good vrs evil, but it was so much more than that for me. I am a strong believer in God and the way King ties God in and makes Him the ultimate hero was so inspiring. I found more truth in this novel than I usually do in sermons or Christian literature. And it came to me in just the time I needed it.

I cried. I was scared in some points. I related with the characters. There are some flaws here and there and its a little slow to start out with, but overall one of my favorite books.

One of the best books by King.......2007-07-23

I have read most of King (excepting The Dark Tower books, which I just can't get into) and I have to say, this is one of his best. To me, it had all the elements of The Stand, without being bloated. Not knowing Mr. King's feelings about God, I had no idea how the book would turn out, and that kept me going. What would happen to the boy and the crew when they depended on a god who had brought them to such a horrible place? Who would lose faith and who would gain it? Who was the real enemy? It just kept me guessing, and the revelation was no letdown.

Yep, it started out pretty hardcore, and I once put it down because I really don't like books that kill off children, but the worst passes and we get back to classic King. And I always feel just a little more nervous when I see a police car now!

An amazing novel.......2007-07-07

Desperation is a town in Nevada; it is also how people with unbelief feel. Something frightful and wicked has been released in the Nevada desert that had lain dormant for almost 150 years. How do you describe a force that takes joy in evil for the sheer pleasure of it? The plot moves fast from the beginning, with the horror starting from almost the opening pages, and the suspense grows with the turning of each page (I stayed up past midnight reading multiple nights). Once again King mixes story lines from past and present to reveal all the facts. The story grows and the scope of wickedness widens as you read. I found the novel to be very entertaining and recommend it to anyone who enjoys Stephen King.

Average customer rating:

gives hope for people suffering from inexplicable chronic problem
Desperately Sick
Startling Advance for Millions with "Fibromyalgia"
Covers more than just Lyme disease
RENEWED HOPE

Desperation Medicine
Ritchie C. Shoemaker
Manufacturer: Gateway Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Toxicology | Pharmacology | Medicine | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0966553519

Book Description

For 10 million patients suffering from chronic illnesses caused by biotoxins coming from our changing environment, reading this book will be the first step to recovery. From chronic Lyme Disease, sick building syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and more, to illnesses caused by neurotoxins from Pfiesteria, ciguatera, cylindromspermopsis and chattonella, the spectrum of chronic toxin-mediated illness is vast. Physicians can't diagnose the illnesses with standard blood tests -- and antibiotics don't work. A new biomarker, visual contrast sensitivity (VCS), successfully identifies the presence of the effect of neurotoxins. New treatment protocols, described in detail, lead to successful resolution of symptoms and the VCS deficit. These illnesses are environmental in origin and the politics of denial are summarized in the chapter, "The Appearance of Good Science". The case histories are true and the patients are real. The science is rock solid. The book serves as a warning to all of us as our environment is changed by the chemical age. The good news for long suffering patients everywhere is that successful diagnosis and treatment of these destructive illnesses is now at hand! The good news for practicing physicians is that a recently discovered biomarker can rapidly pinpoint the true cause of symptoms which are now being incorrectly blamed on such vaguely defined conditions as depression, fibromyalgia, stress and irritable bowel syndrome.

Customer Reviews:

gives hope for people suffering from inexplicable chronic problem.......2007-02-20

This book tells the story of Dr. Shoemaker's research and documents many cases of chronic fatigue and chronic lyme and many other problems that Dr. Shoemaker has successfully treated. He gives hope to many patients that siffer from chronic painful illnesses taht other doctors don't admit exist. I think this book might be cheaper if you order it directly from Dr. Shoemaker

Desperately Sick.......2003-05-20

After fighting for four years with every kind of diagnosis from chronic fatigue syndrome, Fibro, MS, hypogammaglobulemnia and even Lyme disease, I just knew there had to be more ! More research, more informed physicians, more hope.
I drove over 3500 miles round trip to see Dr. Shoemaker and I have finally found my hope...I started reading this book on my trip home and was not able to put it down. I found the style of writing to be very refreshing for what could be a research intense topic. I never felt intimidated by medical jargon and found Dr. Shoemakers explainations of his research to make perfect sense. He was telling me my symptoms before I even told him and we are discovering that I've been carrying around a coagulase negative staph infection for at least four years. And yet not one of the other doctors, even the Mayo Clinic bothered to do the testing required to find a cause for my pain and illness. Dr. Shoemaker was troubled by my lab results and felt that by all logic, it was surprising that I was still alive.
But now we have a plan of action and I know that although it won't be easy, there is at least logic explainations for illnesses that other doctors choose to ignore...Shame on them. I wish I could buy every doctor in America this book by Dr. Shoemaker.........
A MUST BUY for anyone who has unexplainable symptoms........
Peg

Startling Advance for Millions with "Fibromyalgia".......2003-04-25

This easy to read text outlines the most promising advance in treatment for those suffering from neurotoxin induced chronic fatigue and fibromylgia syndrome in years. Any physician treating these patients (ie. all of us), needs to read this book today! Please send me three more for me partners to read.
Karen Vrchota M.D. Wabasha, Minnesota

Covers more than just Lyme disease.......2003-03-27

Although the book rambles somewhat in a story telling way, it covers useful information about a treatment option that many people with Lyme, CFS, FM, MCS, ADHD, Sick Building Syndrome and many other disorders that Shoemaker classifies as neurotoxin mediated illnesses may benefit from. I wish the book covered in more detail the exact methods and testing procedures that he uses, because from information I've learned elsewhere he does more than just test with the Contrast Sensitivity Test and give cholestyramine to his patients. But the book is a good starting point to learn about his theories.

RENEWED HOPE.......2001-08-26

I HAVE LYMES DISEASE, AND HAVE BEEN DEVASTATED BY THE LACK OF UNDERSTANDING OF THE WHOLE DISEASE. FINALLY SOMEOME HAS BROKEN DOWN LYMES IN TWO DISTINCT CATERGORIES THAT ARE TREATABLE. THE FIRST BEING NEUROTOXIN MEDIATED ILLNESS AND THE OTHER A BACTERIAL INFECTION. CONGRATULATIONS DR. RITCHIE SHOEMAKER FOR ALL YOU COMPASSION AND PIONEERING THOUGHT. I WOULD RECCOMEND THIS BOOK FOR ANYONE WHO LIKE ME HAD WAS LOST IN THE SEA OF PRESCRIPTIONS FOR EVERY SYMPTOM. THERESA GILL

Average customer rating:

The one they will use in heaven ...
Love the quickness but wish for more veggies included
I *LOVE* this book!!!
A lifesaver
You don't have to be desperate to love this cookbook!

Desperation Dinners
Beverly Mills , and Alicia Ross
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 076110481X

Amazon.com

Written by two working moms with four kids between them, Desperation Dinners! fulfills its promise to supply you with more than 250 recipes that can be made from start to finish in 20 minutes. With the help of Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross, you can serve up appealing and nutritious home-cooked meals on nights when that might seem impossible. There are meaty dishes (Fiery Chinese Beef) and meatless ones (Very Vegetarian Chili), as well as Ravioli with Roasted Red Pepper Cream for pasta-lovers, and even Magic Brownies for those with a sweet tooth.

The authors' technique, which calls for using convenience foods (canned, frozen, boxed, bagged, or jarred), is based on the idea that the time saved justifies extra cost and sacrificed quality. Their Desperation Pantry includes staples such as canned beans and broth, along with onion powder, frozen lemon juice, pre-shredded cheeses, and produce that is ready to use, such as chopped garlic and sections of citrus fruit. This is not great cooking, but the meals will rescue families from a surfeit of fast food and boxed-pasta dinners.

Book Description

PART COOKBOOK, PART SURVIVAL GUIDE, PART "WHOLE NEW WAY OF COOKING FOR YOUR FAMILY," HERE IS THE ANSWER TO EVERY BUSY COOK'S PRAYERS.

What's a Desperation Dinner?

How to feed your family well when your spouse is late, the kids are losing it, and the dog is scratching at the door. Features over 250 tempting, nutritious recipes that take brilliant advantage of convenience foods-from individual quick-frozen chicken breasts to chopped ginger in a jar-plus innovative techniques to cut time and "push" flavor.

Desperation Dinners Promise

1. These recipes are not hard.

2. These recipes do not require expensive equipment.

3. These recipes do not lie-every one can be made in 20 minutes, start to finish.

4. Expect to be working, but only for those 20 minutes.

5. These recipes taste good.

A Slightly Desperate Cook's Answer to "What's for Dinner?"

Skillet Shepherd's Pie

Topsail Spaghetti

Pork au Poivre

Chicken Chili Quesadillas

Garlic-Roasted Salmon

Buttered Rum-Glazed Ham

Fish Florentine

Confetti Stuffed Peppers

And When You're Really Desperate

Southwestern Chicken on the Spot

Minute Minestrone

Tuna and Fusilli Alfresco

Miracle Baked Pork Chops

Practically Perfect Peach Crisp

"The dinner dilemma is solved! The Desperation ladies deserve to be stove-side in every busy home." -Nathalie Dupree, author of Nathalie Dupree Cooks Quick Meals for Busy Days

Customer Reviews:

The one they will use in heaven ..........2007-05-21

I'm sure this is the cookbook that they'll be using in heaven. We use it all the time. While we repeat a few favorites regularly, we keep trying new ones, because we haven't found a recipe yet we didn't rave over. WOW!!!

Love the quickness but wish for more veggies included.......2006-09-10

I use this book all the time. Love the quickness of the meals since I've got small children. Just wish that more of the meals were complete meals (meat and veggies together). Most are just meat or pasta with a few veggies thrown in here or there. I still use this book a lot though and some of the recipes do include veggies. I'd recommend it to mothers/fathers of young children. If you don't like pasta or rice then don't buy it though.

I *LOVE* this book!!!.......2006-07-19

I absolutely love this cookbook! It's really fun to read and all of the recipes I've tried have been very easy and quick and have tasted great! I highly recommend this book and also their two other books: "Desperation Entertaining" and "Cheap.Fast. Good!" I own alot of cookbooks and these three are among my favorites that I use all the time!

A lifesaver.......2006-03-24

I've had this book for about 5 years now, and while I only rarely use it now- it literally saved my sanity 5 years ago.

I bought this book after seeing one of the authors on a Discovery channel daytime program. She was cute, perky and promised to have the answer to my prayers- how to cook dinner every night. At the time I had just moved 2,000 miles away from everyone I knew, had a 7 yr. old, an 18 mos. old, and was pregnant with child number 3. My husband had just taken a new job where, for the first time in over two years, he was not traveling. That meant he suddenly expected to come home every night to dinner! Sheesh! I was in no shape to suddenly start cooking, and the two kids had no desire to eat anything "weird". This book provided simple, kid friendly, easily made recipes that really hit the spot.

The recipes in the book are easily done in a half hour- 20 mins. if you follow their directions and devote the entire time to cooking. I usually am in the middle of checking homework, making phone calls and finishing laundry so it adds a few extra mins. Still, easily finished in 30.

There is a pretty good variety of recipes, especially if your family is open to eating shrimp, fish, and salads. It is broken down by groups, such as skillet meals, pasta, and breakfast for dinner (always a hit in our house). The recipes do rely on "convience" foods such as frozen, chopped onions, ready to eat mashed potatoes, and bottled ginger. I balked at the expense of many of these items, but their use is what makes it possible to get the meal on the table in 20 mins, and even with their high price the resulting meal is still cheaper than fast food.

I used this book steadily for the first two years, and then found out one of my children was Diabetic, and another one has food allergies. In the third year I took the recipes that I could adapt to the food allergies, plugged them into my Diabetes software to calculate nutrition information, and thus haven't touched the book in a while. I still make my new versions of many of their recipes, and continue to use many of their ideas for how to get a meal on the table in a short amount of time.

I also took their ideas and combined them with the "once a month" philosophy and have had good results. I buy hamburger and cook it with onion and garlic and then freeze in one pound portions. Then when the recipe calls for ground beef I just pull out my cooked meat and go from there. I also buy onions and freeze them, chopped, so when the recipe calls for "frozen, chopped onion" I pull out my baggies. Ditto the frozen peppers. This has allowed me to save money by not relying on their convience foods, but still make fresh meals in under 20 mins. That's important because I don't have the freezer space to do full "once a month cooking".

I do understand some of the complaints about the recipes lacking flavor, but when you're feeding picky kids the lack of spice is a bonus. My kids really enjoyed the "Sloppy Janes", "Schnitzel", and most of the pasta dishes. My husband has found much to enjoy, and with precooking/chopping the ingredients I find the clean up to be pretty easy. All in all, it's a winner for us. It's also one of my favorite baby gifts- along with a casserole dish filled with one of the recipes. I've had more than one new mom tell me it was a blessing.

You don't have to be desperate to love this cookbook!.......2006-01-30

I've only had this cookbook about a month, but have tried several of the recipes and have received great reviews from 4 picky children and a husband who will eat anything! Living in a small town I need recipes that take "normal" ingredients, and with 4 kids things need to go together pretty quickly with our busy schedules. The recipes are easy to follow, and you truly can put them together in 30 minutes or less. The authors of this cookbook also make the book an interesting read with great tips and ideas for a busy cook. Everything from stocking the pantry and freezer to ideas for easy short cuts. You'll love it!

Average customer rating:

Mucho Desperation in this Finely Tuned Thriller
Chase Scenes Galore, Plus two Plucky Girls to Die for
Fast Paced Thriller
could not put this down
Bungled kidnappings

Desperation Moon
Ken Douglas
Manufacturer: Bootleg Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Action & Adventure | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Psychological & Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

Suspense | Thrillers | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0974524611
Release Date: 2005-09-13

Book Description

Worry about the approaching custody battle for her niece Kelly with Estelle, her dead sister's rich mother-in-law, causes off road race car driver Sara Hackett to lose control of her car halfway through the Australian Desert Safari, a race between Sydney and Darwin. Out of the race, she decides to go back to Long Beach, California a week early. When she arrives home she finds her niece has been kidnapped. The kidnappers want a million dollars from Estelle who Sara believes won't pay. Sara sees on the news that software magnate Cyril Radoslaw's daughter Paige has also been kidnapped. She knows that Clay, her police officer husband, has been advising Radoslaw on security and figures out that he is behind both kidnappings. The next day Radoslaw is found dead in Sara's bed. Now the police are after her and the message to Sara is clear. Radoslaw wouldn't pay either. Sara is desperate. She has to elude her husband, the police and find the girls before the deadline runs out.

Customer Reviews:

Mucho Desperation in this Finely Tuned Thriller.......2007-03-02

In DESPERATION MOON Ken Douglas provides his readers with one of the most despicable bad guys I've come across in a long time. I'm talking about Rice, the aids infected kidnapper of two young girls, who somehow doesn't think he's a pervert, when he so obviously is. Rice is hired by Huntington Beach police officer Clay Tredway to kidnap his wife Sara Hackett's niece along with the daughter of a wealthy software developer.

Sara is a racecar driver and when she comes home early from a race in Australia, she finds a pregnant woman in her house. Apparently hubby Clay is a philanderer as well as a kidnapper. Soon after she finds out about the kidnapping, she figures out what a weasel her husband really is. She sets out to rescue the two girls. But Clay doesn't make it easy for her. He frames her for the murder of the software guy and now she is on the run even as she's running to save the girls.

Meanwhile, Rice, and his not-to-bright accomplice Gundry, have problems of their own as the girls have escaped into an oil field in the heart of California, where the kidnappers had been holding them hostage. Now they don't care about the ransom anymore, they just want the girls dead. Can Sara, and the quirky band of characters she's enlisted to help her, get to them before the killer/kidnappers do?

In a frantic race against time which involves stealing a small plane in the middle of the night, a midnight swim and more tension than you can shake a stick at, Sara finally confronts her bad cop, no good, two timing, kidnapping rat of a husband. And if you're a girl who has ever been two-timed the way Sara has been, you are absolutely going to love the ending of this book as it plays out to the tune of Bob Dylan singing "Tangled up in Blue." This is a thriller.

Chase Scenes Galore, Plus two Plucky Girls to Die for.......2006-10-24

Desperation Moon opens with bad guy Rice looking at his AIDs ravaged face reflected back to him from a barroom mirror. Rice and despicable bad man sidekick Gundry kidnap two girls. One a fifteen year old daughter of a software millionaire named Paige and the other, seven-year-old Kelly, niece of race car driver Sara Hackett.

Kelly's parents have passed away and Sara is raising the girl, however she is embroiled in a custody battle with the child's wealthy aunt Estelle. Sara comes home early from a race in Australia only to find her Huntington Beach police officer husband Clay has temporarily moved his young and very pregnant mistress into her home. Then she learns about the kidnapping and the million dollar ransom the kidnappers want. She doesn't have that kind of money, so she is forced to turn to Estelle.

Then she figures out her husband is the mastermind behind both kidnappings, but before she can do anything about it, Clay kills Paige's software father, puts the body in Sara's bed, then sets fire to the house, framing Sara for both the murder and the fire, so now the cops are after her. And the message to Sara is clear. Find those girls before the cops find her.

And there you have the beginning of this thriller that is just chucky jammed full of chase scenes. The story has it all, planes, boats and cars and thrills on every page. Plus, it's got characters to die for, from the plucky girls who flee their captors, to Sara and the ragtag crew she enlists to help her along the way. I couldn't put the book down. You won't be able to either.

Fast Paced Thriller.......2006-07-26

Desperation Moon is one of the rare books that has it all. Character development, action, suspense, and a very satisfying ending, all in the same book.

Even the first two sentences of the book intrigued me. How is this for a grabber: "Rice stared into the mirror behind the bar. Death stared back." So even from the get-go I knew I was in for a fast-paced ride.

The plot deals with Sara, a female race car driver, whose young niece is kidnapped. Sara is married to a dirty cop, which enhances the suspense, because it becomes "us against them." And the "them" is the entire police force of Southern California, because Sara's husband has convinced the authorities that she is the perpetrator of the kidnapping.

So Sara hits the streets and goes on the lam, meeting some very unusual helpers along the way. Sara's purpose is two-fold: to avoid arrest and to also find and rescue her niece. What makes this scenario so exciting is that obviously Sara cannot depend upon the cops for help. She is running from them, and they are close on her heels.

The adventures Sara encounters are exciting and suspenseful. The author, Ken Douglas, obviously writes from personal experience in many areas, as he has detailed knowledge of boats, planes, and vintage automobiles. This enhances the believability of the story.

Because of the character development, I found myself relating to and rooting for the main characters. The character Sara initially is a woman who is strong on the inside, but weakened on the outside due to her husband's emotional abuse. However, as the story races along at breakneck speed, Sara turns inward to bring the strength she possesses outwards. The results are stunning. This woman can kick (...), and she does.

All in all, Desperation Moon is a fast paced thriller. It has caught my attention to a small publishing house called Bootleg Press. If the other novels that come out of this little publishing house are as good as Desperation Moon, I will be buying more novels from Bootleg Press. They may be on to something here.

could not put this down.......2006-07-22

I discovered Ken Douglas and Bootleg Press by pure luck- I read Desperation Moon in one day- I really enjoyed it and look for more from this author. I have also read Dead Ringer by Ken Douglas and it is another great read!

Bungled kidnappings.......2005-10-27

Two police decide to stage a kidnapping to score bags of undeclared cash. Then they compound the plans by setting up a second kidnapping. Then everything goes very wrong. The wife of one of the cops arrives home early from overseas and walks in on his mistress. The two thugs brought into the act are not trustworthy companions - one has an obsession about raping one of the kidnapped girls, and the other tries to kill the two kidnap victims.

The kidnappers haven't factored in the ingenuity of the victims, and the tenacity of the cop's wife, Sara. Sara picks up some unlikely allies and the chase begins. Sara must find the kidnapped children, both to save them and to clear her own name. Stealing automobiles, playing bumper cars, commiting arson and assault, and even stealing an airplane are on the agenda.

This is a crime story, rather than a mystery, but it is interesting to see how the white hats win. Everything works out well for the white hats, although there are some bumps and bruises along the way. Many crimes are conveniently overlooked. Some people would rather not have too much dredged up to the light of day.

Marriage Undercover: Thriving in a Culture of Quiet Desperation

Average customer rating:

Very, Very Insightful!
God's Grace and Redemption
OUR GOD RESTORES--HIS LOVE REIGNS!!!

Marriage Undercover: Thriving in a Culture of Quiet Desperation
Bob Meisner , Audrey Meisner , and Stephen W. Nance
Manufacturer: MileStones International Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0924748451

Customer Reviews:

Very, Very Insightful!.......2007-05-21

This book creates an awareness for all married couples out there that no matter how saved you are or how solid your relationship is, you are still susceptible to the various wiles of the enemy and one has to be prayerful. It also shows that God is indeed a God of full, complete and total restoration. Any family that thinks that they cannot recover from adultrey is wrong. You can with God's help. That is what this book reveals.

God's Grace and Redemption.......2007-01-28

Marriage Undercover: Thriving in a Culture of Quiet Desperation by Bob and Audrey Meisner tells a beautiful story of sin, sorrow, forgiveness, love and and how all this affects one family's life. I thought the book was too long and full of many repetitions. Bob's whining all the way through did not help either. Audrey is the real hero of the story. Yes, she made a mistake, and she too seems to lament it far too many times, but she was dealing with some stubborn reactions from her husband. I congratulate her for continuing in the marriage under rather harsh circumstances. I heard Bob and Audrey tell this story on the radio some weeks ago and that is why I wanted to read the book. Their broadcast was simpler than their writing style and it truly was a great program. I think they do better under the pressure of time blocks. Despite my criticism, there were some really wonderful passages in this book, especially I thought what was said about forgiveness, God's unconditional love, and the honest way Audrey approached her problem was just excellent and I do believe this book will be a sign of encouragement for many other couples who are suffering in our culture of quiet desperation.

OUR GOD RESTORES--HIS LOVE REIGNS!!!.......2006-07-11

I started reading this book on a Sunday after it was recommended to all of the women of my church by our Pastor's wife as the August reading. I thought, I will take my time and read it. Once I started, I could not stop, I finished it the same day. I am still a newlywed (married 2 years) and I want my marriage to look like this! It took this tragedy & pain to get where God wanted them to be. I will take heed not to be off guard and think adultery could never happen to us, and guard my heart and PRAY that my husband and I can know each other and GOD the way Bob & Audrey do. It was BRAVE & AWESOME how they BOTH let GOD take-over after they LET IT GO. It was awesome to see the LOVE in the body of Christ that poured out to them. It was LOVE & wisdom & counsel & obedience & sacrifice that helped them walk that narrow path to restoration. Their story will minister to me for the rest of my life and to so many others who will never take this path and to so many who already have.

Average customer rating:

Ridiculously Funny
Laughin'...
Cruisin' On Desperation!
"Unbelievably witty...truly an entertaining read filled with interesting characters."
Hilarity on the high seas!

Cruisin' On Desperation
Pat G'Orge-Walker
Manufacturer: Kensington
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Comic | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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United States | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0758218869

Book Description

In this sidesplitting send-up of church life, a hilarious cast of God-fearing, husband-hungry parishioners embark on a mission that's sure to give new meaning to the term man hunter...

The members of the Oh-Lawd-Why-Am-I-Still-Single church group have gathered to complain about the slim pickings in their little town of Pelzer, South Carolina. They're determined to revamp their man-chasing tactics. And newcomer Birdie Tweet, the only Caucasian member of the group, may offer just the opportunity they're looking for...

At forty-two and nearly six feet tall, Birdie's love life has been as unpromising as the other women's until a recent phone call from a man she met two years before. Honey-colored and debonair, Lyon Lipps is an irresistible Afro-Latino hunk. Unbeknownst to Birdie, he's also a con artist who has seduced women of all ages, races, shapes, and sizes. Now he's found Jesus and wants to reconnect with good Sister Tweet.

But when Birdie passes around Lyon's photo, which is actually his mug shot, several in the group recognize him. Even their sorriest wallflower, Sister Petunia, has been blessed--and cursed--with his attentions. With each tale, Birdie's hopes for romance die, and her anger is resurrected...

The ladies devise a way to get payback from Lyon Lipps while improving their chances of meeting men at the same time. They're going cruising aboard the aptly named ship, Desperation of the Seas. And they're planning to trick Lyon into sailing along with them by making him the lucky "winner" of a free ticket.

Soon, they're sailing the high seas, riding a wave of bickering, betrayal, and unholy behavior, with plenty of laughs--and a few genuine revelations--along the way...

Customer Reviews:

Ridiculously Funny.......2007-10-08

This novel was cute although I admit that I didn't get all of the punchlines, it still made me smile. I just wish instead of an epilogue, we could read about the drama playing itself all the way out. The book reminded me of an old storytellers yarn that keeps you listening and laughing all while the moral points are driven home. This would probably make a really cute movie.

Laughin'..........2007-09-21

The Church: Aint Nobody Right But Us

The Group: Oh Lawd Why Am I Still Single

The Members: Needy aka Sister Need Sum, Birdie aka the only white member, Cill, Petunia, Mother Blister

The Plan: Payback on Lyon Lipps for his womanizing ways

When a series of unsuspecting church sisters get married during the summer of 2005, the women of the "Oh Lawd Why Am I Still Single" church group are up in arms! They just don't understand why the Lord seems to have found a mate for every woman in Pelzer, SC but them. When one of their former members gets hitched it's just too much for the women to bear. With just under one month left before the end of the season, they each vow to get a man. When new member Birdie, the wealthy and only white member of the group, shows the women a photo of the handsome man she was going to be hooking up with - things kick into high gear. Not only do they recognize him - they were his victims once upon a time and seek revenge. What better way to enact that revenge than on a ship where the only means of escape from these determined sisters would be to jump overboard! Their plans to find mates are put on the backburner as pay back for Lionel is priority. Retribution is even that much sweeter when gullible Birdie agrees to foot the bill.

So begins the drama and gut-busting humor of this original tale by Pat G'orge-Walker. The characters are like none I have read of before, the dialogue nothing short of hilarious, and the scenarios are just too funny for words. Two characters in particular (Mother Blister and Mother Pray On) peaked my interest. The antics those two carried on with had me saying "Oh no she didn't". While comedic the book also carries a spiritual message that was subtle yet crystal clear. Kudos to Pat G'orge-Walker for this exceptional, very recommendable novel.

Englishruler
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating: 5 Stars

Cruisin' On Desperation!.......2007-07-10

This book was funny in it's on way and it had characters with their own issues.

The names of the character had me going! From Need Sum, Ima Hellraiser to Mother Pray Onn! Mother Pray Onn and Mother Blister was the funniest of the characters. They were always fighting over something... two old women with dementia!

Ima Hellraiser was nothing but a mush pot! She really did have a heart but had to put a protective wall up because of being hurt when she was younger!

Cill and Petunia had their own issues together. The description of Petunia's body could have you falling all over your seat! Cill's military experience I feel helped her mask a lot because I don't think she really wanted the world to see who she really was!

The two Lipps men had their own issues - from Lyon being changed and Lionel needing to change his unforgiving ways - even though he was a minister.

Need Sum, was just as her name was Needy! If she didn't have a man she was moody and cranky and mean - which was all the time. And all those hair problems weren't a good thing either!

Birdie - even though it seem like she have a few missing screws helped these people and that really touched me. Even though everything on the ship seemed to be falling apart Birdie stepped up.

I could understand why all these women were still single and still attending these meetings.

Overall the book is a classic! Thanks Ms. G'orge-Walker for writing this book!

Reviewed by: Q.U.E.E.N.S. Book Club of Mississippi ~ President

"Unbelievably witty...truly an entertaining read filled with interesting characters.".......2007-05-30

"Unbelievably witty adequately depicts Crusin' On Desperation by Pat G'Orge-Walker. This hillarious story will have readers laughing at these characters who are each unique in their very own way."

"Four members of the Oh Lawd Why Am I Still Single church group embark on a cruise aboard the "Desperation of the Seas" seeking revenge on a man that they feel has betrayed them."

"Will they get the revenge they seek or have these four women bitten off more than they can chew. This is truly an entertaining read filled with interesting characters that just might remind the reader of someone they know."

Hilarity on the high seas! .......2007-05-12

Pat G'Orge-Walker is back! The latest book featuring the antics of Ain't Nobody Right But Us - All Others Going To Hell Church by this illustrious author, is yet another offering that proves that her talent for imagery is just as good as it's always been. You may remember her from the tales told emanating from her Sister Betty series of books. If you thought they were hilarious then, wait until you've met with the members of the `Oh-Lawd-Why-Am-I-Still-Single' church group on the current outing! The author in her new book, Cruisin' On Desperation, curtails their antics rather succinctly. Now, this is no ordinary group of ecclesiastical church abiding members. In my opinion, the one thing that stands out while reading this book is the characterization, and how the different settings mesh with a less than embellished storyline.

As a matter of fact, the latter is not indicative of how I rated the book...rather it's the way she allows each character to be the star of their own Diaspora while still managing to be a bridge to each other, which makes the difference. To this effect, the author does an outstanding job of allowing the characters to shine in lieu of a traditional storyline where plot, back-story, and setting are usually apropos. Each of them is aptly introduced, and the author did a good job of putting me in position to wonder which character I like best. Just when I thought one would win out, another would do something that would cause me to want to gain favor. I found out that no one character is solitary for my vote - they ALL win! But let me share with you a few of these characters in name only. You'll have to read the book to get the low down! Check out Sister Need Sum, twins Lyon and Lionel Lipps, Bea Blister, Slim Pickens, Ima Hellraiser, Birdie Tweet, Sasha Pray Onn...and then there's Southside Annie, Two Ton Sally, Patty Cake, et al.

Individually and collectively they their stories are magnified against irony's best adaptations. All of them are well past the age of maintaining and adhering to the amorous ways of love, you'd think. But this bunch gives new meaning to things least expected, with each of them drawn together for the sake of fellowship that goes the wrong way. The first few chapters center on their usual meeting place to haggle and complain about the slim pickings in the little town of Pelzer, South Carolina. Do they have any legitimate reason to cast aspersions? Should they be afforded a man like everybody else? "You betcha!" they say in unison. To wit: When newcomer Birdie Tweet's new beau, Lyon Lipps, proves to be more than what is seen on the surface all hell breaks loose. A con artist extraordinaire, he seduces every member of their group...and the girls are chomping at the bit for revenge! If payback is exacting, this illustrious group gives it new meaning. What do they do? The girls decide to go on a cruise, and this sets the stage for the title of the book to bring justice to what revenge is to be for these feisty ladies. They use all of their wily skills to coerce Lyon into going too. No easy task, but as a last resort they then decide to enlist the help of Pelzer's most alluring --and vindictive young woman, Ima Hellraiser, and the rest is pure chaos and hilarity. Blasphemous things can happen on the high seas on a cruise, this one takes the cake. No strangers to disorderly conduct, the group is in high gear causing scenes, betraying one another, amid adjusting halos gone awry. With plenty of laughs and a few revelations along the way, the girls are on a mission - doing it their way!

If this were your initial introduction to Sister Betty and her raucous crew, you would truly be missing more of what this group is about as I suggest aligning yourself with past offerings. I love this book, and of course anxiously await any and all of what Pat G'Orge Walker produces in this line. I rated the book 5 stars out 5 and recommend it for anyone needing a laugh or two while reading a real page-turner.

In Quiet Desperation: Understanding The Challenge Of Same-gender Attraction

Average customer rating:

horrified, to say the least.
A True Testimony of the Love of Jesus Christ
How sad and sickening to read
Gives Hope to Those Struggling with the Challenge of SGA
Well-intended, but the overall message is a bit hopeless

In Quiet Desperation: Understanding The Challenge Of Same-gender Attraction
Fred Matis , Marilyn Matis , and Ty Mansfield
Manufacturer: Deseret Book Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1590383311

Book Description

A parent's spiritual journey toward understanding. A young adult's search for purpose and peace.

Most likely, someone you know is living a life of quiet desperation, struggling with feelings of same-gender attraction. In an effort to help Latter-day Saints understand and reach out to those who suffer from this difficulty, Fred and Marilyn Matis discuss how they've dealt with the knowledge of their son Stuart's challenge with same-gender attraction, and how parents and others can reach out with love. In addition, Ty Mansfield discusses his own challenge and how he continues to go forward with faith in the gospel of Jesus Christ. "The Lord promised that He would deliver us, but he didn't say when," writes Mansfield. "He never promised that it would happen by Monday, and he never promised it would happen in mortality. He only said it would happen."

Customer Reviews:

horrified, to say the least........2006-09-13

Mrs. Matis:
It sickens me that you are glad that your son is dead instead of living and giving in to homosexuality. Your son pinned a "do not resuscitate" note to his shirt and blew his precious brain out all over the steps of a stake center, and you find peace in it; I am horrified. I cannot believe that you are promulgating the idea that it is better to kill yourself than to be gay...this is the kind of thinking that ended your sons life in the first place.

To prospective readers: this book is not for those who are gay and Mormon; it will just make you want to die.

A True Testimony of the Love of Jesus Christ.......2006-03-17

"Truth" is a word often used flipantly; it is often used to describe opinions, elevating assertions to a level where they do not belong. Contrary to what many would think given the stated subject matter of the book, "In Quiet Desperation" goes beyond the polemic that often surrounds the "issue" of homosexuality, and presents but one simple statement, one simple and wonderous Truth: The arms of God's love extend to every man, woman, and child, regardless of what one's own personal temptations may be. "In Quiet Desperation" is a book primarily concerned with proclaiming the Good News of Christ's Atoning Sacrifice! In making an important distinction between "Temptation" and "Sin", "In Quiet Desperation" offers hope to men and women, like myself, who are attracted to individuals of the same sex; hope that we--I--too may be cleansed in the precious Blood of Jesus Christ; hope that I too may be made innocent through His love. To put it simply, "In Quiet Desperation" is one family's and one man's True Testimony that Christ lives, and that through Him and by Him ALL may live again in the presence of God, if only we are willing to come unto Him. "In Quiet Desperation", through it's magnificent testimony, has been and continues to be a powerful tool in bringing myself and hosts of other back where Heavenly Father wants us--into His loving arms, as revealed through His Holy Gospel. It's a tremendous and humbling thing to know that God loves me too, and that I am welcome in His Church.

How sad and sickening to read .......2006-01-20

I can't believe people, even those who are LDS accept that "Trans-Gender Attraction" is even a real malady.

This just demonstrates the brainwashing that LDS Inc. perpetrates on a daily basis.

To read about these poor men tormenting themselves in the hopes they could change who they are for a bunch of deluded old men in Salt Lake City is heartbreaking.

I know personally men who attempted suicide several times because of their homosexuality and others because they could not stop masturbating, which is also a sin in the eyes of the LDS cult.

Homosexuality is not a disease, medical science and most civilized societies realized this long ago.

"Recovery" from homosexuality is not possible, no more so than I can will my eyes to change color or grow another foot because I wish it so.

The book is not poorly written, but the subject matter is appalling.

Gives Hope to Those Struggling with the Challenge of SGA .......2005-10-19

This is a wonderful book that gave me and so many others struggling with same-gender attraction hope. I know of many who have become frustrated because the change they sought did not come as quickly as they wanted, did not come as easily as they would like, or did not come in the manner they expected. For those that feel this way, this book indeed brings renewed hope.

I have heard several people say that this book is against change. On the contrary, this book is supportive of spiritual change and growth and placing the time-table for overcoming this challenge in the Lord's hands. For some, this challenge may be overcome in this life. But the Lord may ask others of us to endure this "thorn in the flesh" throughout our mortal estate.

Regardless, the message of this book teaches us that we can be worthy in the sight of the Lord, that we have eternal worth, and that there is a place for us in His Kingdom. No more or less is expected of us than any of the rest of God's children.

I have the deepest of gratitude for Ty Mansfield and Fred and Marilyn Matis for writing this book.

Well-intended, but the overall message is a bit hopeless.......2005-07-22

While the writers try to be hopeful and helpful, their overall message is depressing. Many people have overcome same-sex attraction and moved on with their lives. The two stories in this book give the impression that the only outcomes are to commit suicide or just live with it your whole life. There are other options! You aren't born that way, and you don't have to just live with it! See [...]for a rather lengthy review.

Murder in Vegas: New Crime Tales of Gambling and Desperation

Average customer rating:

Stories of Deception, Desperation, and Death

Murder in Vegas: New Crime Tales of Gambling and Desperation

Manufacturer: Forge Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Anthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books

General | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0765307391
Release Date: 2005-02-10

Book Description

The International Association of Crime Writers and New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly have gathered twenty-two brand new, never before published crime and mystery stories about the ultimate playground, Las Vegas, and what can happen behind the glitz and glamour. From a gambler who must win at the roulette table to stay alive to a courier whose only mistake was accepting a package with Las Vegas as the final destination, all types come to the city that truly never sleeps, where fortunes are made and lost every day, and where snake-eyes arent only found on a pair of dice.

Customer Reviews:

Stories of Deception, Desperation, and Death.......2005-11-06

"Murder in Vegas" is an interesting anthology of short stories set in and around Las Vegas, all of which contain a murder. The similarity between the stories stops there, with the authors choosing a number of plot lines to tell their tale. We have stories of desperate gamblers, beautiful show girls, down and out druggies, and even a story about bird-watching in the desert. My favorite story was "Killer Heels Kill Twice as Dead", by T.P. Keating, an author who I'd not read before. In this wicked tale of revenge, a smart show girl tries to get out of an unfair contract she signed under duress. She's out for revenge, and the story is a good one.

One of the most enjoyable things about reading an anthology such as this is the exposure to new authors. In addition to T.P. Keating, I also really enjoyed the stories by Wendy Hornsby and Ruth Cavin, other authors whose work I'd not read before.

Not every story in this collection really appealed to me, but there were enough good ones to definitely recommend the collection. If you're looking for to immerse yourself in the glamour and desperation of Las Vegas (without risking your money at the gambling tables), definitely read this book.

Happy Cruelty Day!: Daily Celebrations of Quiet Desperation

Average customer rating:

Hilarious
The Absurd, Twisted Answer to Page-a-Day inspirational calendars
Works as a blog; does not work as a book
Bob Powers brings the funny -- now in handy print form!
This book is filthy

Happy Cruelty Day!: Daily Celebrations of Quiet Desperation
Bob Powers
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Griffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0312359527
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Book Description

From Metro New York
Day calendars are for people who smell like your grandmother and like Beanie Babies. But the book "Happy Cruelty Day!: Daily Celebrations of Quiet Desperation" redefines day-to-day calendars. In 2007, every day will be a holiday exactly like how the dark and hilarious mind of comedian Bob Powers thinks it should be, such as "Redefine Hell With Every Waking Moment of Your Life Day" and "Your Job As An Organ Pirate Is Making Your Boyfriend Jealous Day." --Plus 363 more. We can't recommend it enough.
-Dorothy Robinson, October 18, 2006

Customer Reviews:

Hilarious.......2007-10-03

I found the book to be a great read for when I'm feeling unloved. Somehow, (children display this most) humans tend to find it enjoyable - the misfortune of others.
If you've been told that you have a dark sense of humor, buy this book. If you enjoy films by John Waters (Especially the real early days with Divine), buy this book.
Might wanna read it on the toilet if you've a weak bladder.

The Absurd, Twisted Answer to Page-a-Day inspirational calendars.......2007-09-17

This book is guaranteed to make you laugh out loud at least once...and that's just from reading the names of the "holidays." They're crazy and ridiculous and sometimes a little offensive but fun to read for their sheer absurdity.

Happy Cruelty Day! almost perfectly captures Bob Powers's quirky sense of humor on the page. I say almost because to truly see that you have to go see him perform live, but in lieu of that, this book is the perfect antidote to all those page-a-day calendars with supposedly inspiring quotes you get sick of by early February. Powers goes in the other direction and conjures up only the most unlikely, ridiculous, over-the-top and unique days to celebrate (while making you wonder how exactly some of these can even *be* celebrated).

The stories used to explain the holidays sometimes meander and you have no clue where he's going with them, and often still don't when you get to the end, but you've cracked up anyway. This book also makes a great gift, and as someone who's given it to family members, I can say that it's also a gift you can give to loved ones as well as enemies (if you were going to buy your enemies gifts, which you probably aren't, but still).

Works as a blog; does not work as a book.......2007-06-23

Anyone who loves Girls Are Pretty -- and who doesn't, really -- may be inclined to read a compilation of GAP posts in Happy Cruelty Day. I would vote against it. Or if you're going to read it, read it just like you'd read the blog -- a post, or maybe a couple, per day. Stylistically, it's not meant to be swallowed in big gulps. More importantly, I don't think there's enough wheat in it to justify all the chaff.

The editors would have made a better decision had they only picked out the 30 or 40 greatest GAP columns. Instead, they have a year's worth of columns spread over 400 pages. Books are just not the right medium for this kind of material.

Bob Powers brings the funny -- now in handy print form!.......2007-03-27

I have always been a fan of Bob's writing on the Web, so I was thrilled when I heard he had a book coming out. It's the kind of book you keep in the bathroom or bedside or with you on the bus to give you a jolt of wicked entertainment each and every day. It's evil and genius and the kind of book that will be passed from cool friend to cool friend. Buy a copy and be that first cool friend!

This book is filthy.......2007-01-24

This book is filthy and raunchy and I find nothing hysterical about it. It belongs in the garbage

Average customer rating:

Another great book in the Desperation Dinners Series
Great quick recipes
Entertain yourself
A guests-are-coming survival guide
One of my favorite cookbooks

Desperation Entertaining!
Beverly Mills , and Alicia Ross
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Quick & Easy | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

General | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books

Tablesetting | Special Occasions | Cooking, Food & Wine | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0761118152

Book Description

Socially inclined but time-deprived? Want to see friends for dinner, but can't do more than order takeout or meet in a restaurant? Well, help is here. From Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross-whose nationally syndicated column reaches millions of readers through 115 papers comes the perfect cookbook for the harried would-be host and hostess.

Desperation Entertaining! is filled with 200 marvelous recipes for impressive dinner party food. Desperation Entertaining! is a complete game plan for having guests over (children included) without having to spend more than 20 minutes on a dish, or 20 minutes per cook-ahead phase. There are tips on saving time (buy prepeeled garlic, doctor supermarket potato salad with fresh chopped onions and paprika); sanity (tie the bottle opener to the cooler); and money (sangria costs less than wine). But of course the genius of the book is in the recipes: Cajun Catfish Gumbo, Cabernet Pasta Sauce with Italian Sausage, Greek Stifado with Artichokes, Citrus Shrimp Kebabs, Grilled Pork Chops with Southern Peach Salsa. Plus plenty of homemade desserts that won't break the host, including Rocky Road Brownie Sundaes, Berkshires Blueberry Crisp, and Sunset Key Lime Pies. Who's coming over next week?

Customer Reviews:

Another great book in the Desperation Dinners Series.......2006-08-30

I have all 3 books by these authors and this one is my favorite. The recipes are good for both entertaining and cooking for your family. Although, the recipes are not quite as quick as the Desperation Dinners cookbook, they are still quick, easy and usually use common ingredients.

I do agree with the other reviewers that this book is heavy on dips. But, when you are entertaining a dip is a very useful addition to the menu. For recipies that are more complex, the authors show you how to break the prep and cooking into steps. I found this to be a great help since as a mom of little ones I usually cook in spurts.

We have tried a number of recipies from this book and have found them to be excellent. I have been in search of a good meatloaf recipie and I finally found one in this book. The Fastest Fruit Salad recipie is also excellent and gets rave reviews everytime I make it for a potluck. The Blue Jay Point Pasta is also very yummy and is great to freeze.

I highly recommend this book to people who like to entertain and like to cook a nice meal without becoming stressed out.

Great quick recipes.......2005-09-08

I have Desperation Dinnners but this cookbook is great for entertaining.Have made several easy things from here which certainly makes entertaining much easier.A must have along w/other Desperation Dinner cookbook.

Entertain yourself.......2004-07-04

This book is a great source of recipes for entertaining or just for your everyday dinners where you want to relax. As with the earlier Desperation Dinners, it is focused on making things easy for you, although in this book not necessarily fast. In the first book, all the recipes took about 20 minutes from start to finish (although they sometimes started assuming you already had the water boiling!). Here the emphasis is on planning things ahead so you can do preparation work before your company arrives, leaving you to time to enjoy visiting rather than go crazy in the kitchen at the last minute!

Don't save the recipes and use them only when you're having company. There are some great recipes that your family will enjoy even when you're not having company.

A guests-are-coming survival guide.......2004-05-01

I pull this book out every time I face an entertaining challenge, and I always find at least one recipe that's perfect for the occasion. The guacamole-with-peas and black bean "hummus" dips wowed my New Year's Day guests and they were really tickled when I revealed the secret ingredients. (They said, "You must really trust the "Deperation" ladies!" I do!)

Witty commentary and helpful shopping, presentation, and decorating tips make this a fun book to browse through.

Some warnings and comments: Unlike the original "Desperation Dinners," this book focuses on multi-stage do-it-ahead recipes. Those wanting lots of menus that can be on the table in an hour or less will be disappointed.One long chapter is devoted only to grilled main dishes; another to slow cooker meats and soups. If you don't grill or slow cook, half of the main dishes won't work for you.

Certain food themes are repeated ad naseum - there are 9 creamy dips, 6 chicken salads, 5 chilis, 4 kinds of slaw, and 8 breakfast casseroles. The beverage and side dish chapters are slim, but the dessert chapter is much larger here than in "Desperation Dinners." Both authors are North Carolinans, and the book is heavy on Southern favorites. Although they make some concessions to low-fat dairy ingredients, this is not the book to turn to for low-fat, low-carb, or low-calorie ideas.

Because these dishes rely on partially-prepared ingredients such as "already-cooked" bacon, and because the authors favor shrimp and fine cuts of meat, most recipes are expensive. If your grocery store is rural or small, you'll struggle to locate some ingredients.

Check this out if you're looking for easy entertainment-specific recipes, throw-together dips, do-it-ahead plans, and lots of interesting advice for the host or hostess. Most dishes serve 8-12.

One of my favorite cookbooks.......2003-04-25

I would rate this a low five or a high four. My big complaint about this cookbook and it's fellow one "Desperation Dinners" is that sometimes there is so much advice and hints, the recipe kind of gets lost on the page.

But having said that, these are great cookbooks. They are full of easy to follow recipes, time savers, hints and helps. The recipes require normal ingredients and rarely anything fancy. Every meal I have made has turned out fantastic. And this book lives up to it's name, in that almost every meal in this book can be served to company.

Well worth the money.
Enjoy

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