Book Description
In the life of Precious Ramotswe–a woman duly proud of her fine traditional build–there is rarely a dull moment, and in the latest installment in the universally beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series there is much happening on Zebra Drive and Tlokweng Road. Mma Ramotswe is experiencing staffing difficulties. First Mr. J.L.B. Mate-koni asks to be put in charge of a case involving an errant husband. But can a man investigate such matters as successfully as the number one lady detective can? Then she has a minor falling-out with her assistant, Mma Makutsi, who decides to leave the agency, taking the 97 percent she received on her typing final from the Botswana Secretarial College with her.
Along the way, Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate a couple of tricky cases. Will she be able to explain an unexpected series of deaths at the hospital in Mochudi? And what about the missing office supplies at a local printing company? These are the types of questions that she is uniquely well suited to answer.
In the end, whatever happens, Mma Ramotswe knows she can count on Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who stands for all that is solid and true in a shifting world. And there is always her love for Botswana, a country of which she is justifiably proud.
Customer Reviews:
Another triumph for McCall Smith.......2007-09-28
I eagerly awaited this new installment in the series, and was not disappointed, although there were a few parts in this novel that moved slowly. The situations in this novel seemed real, the types of human relationship issues we all deal with on a daily basis. Things are not always lovely, people do disagree and doubt one another, and this novel revealed this underside of humanity. I hope this series will continue, as I am anxious to find out more about Mme Makutsi and her upcoming marriage, and also about the kids, who appeared only briefly in this novel. If you have not listened to the audio, run to your public library and check it out. Lisette Lecat's wonderful voice has gotten me through many long and tedious road trips.
The Best So Far!.......2007-09-20
My husband and I listened to this on our trips to my doctor and we really enjoyed this one. It has more than one subplot, and held our attention. As always, the narrator is wonderful. This series is like comfort food - always satisfying even if it doesn't have the most substance. No profanity, no real violence--just great entertainment.
Another charmer.......2007-08-28
What can I say? This is another charming installment in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I wish Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni really existed so I could meet them. At any rate, this series makes me want to visit Botswana. If you liked the other books, you will definitely like this one. If you are starting out, read them in order from the beginning.
Earthy Wisdon.......2007-08-26
Close to the earth, close to what's real and true (if there is ever a 'true'). Very personal to me as I lived in Botswana some years ago for a few years. An authentic rendition of the ways of living and the general 'feeling' of Botswana. I have all 7 of the series and re-read the previous 6 before reading the newest one. I loved the immersion. Mma Ramotswe is wise. Her character is not unique to Botswana but Botswana offers a fine ambience for developing and displaying wisdom. Over the coming years I intend to re-read the series frequently.
Not the best in the series..........2007-08-24
This was a surprise eighth installment to a series that was supposed to end with seven. While I am a big fan of the series, I found this particular book to be disappointing for a number of reasons, most of them related to the plot.
As is his usual set-up, McCall Smith starts a series of mini-mysteries to be solved by the ever-resourceful Mma Ramotswe and/or her colorful assistant, Mma Makutsi. In this book, several characters get their own mystery to solve, some with more success than others. Some of the plot lines break down, only to be gathered up hastily with weak explanations. There is also a lack of continuity between some of the story lines.
While the subplots have some definite leaks, the author's painting of the characters continues to be what makes these books so good. The reader learns a bit more about Mr. JLB Matekoni, although the mystery behind his depression remains as such. Mma Makutsi continues to have enjoyable dialogues with her shoes as she prepares for the next phase in her life. The children, Motholeli and Puso, make only brief appearances, as does Phuti Radiphuti.
There are still a few open loops in the tale of Mma Ramotswe and cohorts, so the author might not be finished with the series. Should there be a next installment, however, I hope that McCall Smith finds a fresh supply of creative plot lines.
Book Description
This book from a pastor associated with Promise Keepers will help men understand the power of sexual temptations and show them strategies for overcoming them.
Customer Reviews:
When Good Men Are Tempted (updated version).......2007-08-06
This updated version (07/07) of When Good Men Are Tempted covers a subject that is not normally covered in Christian Books: sexual sins. The author does not preach; this is a first person account of fighting sexual temptation.
Rather than feeling isolated in sins or temptations of a sexual nature, this reader felt like a "normal" Christian fighting a battle that other Christian men are also fighting.
Is masturbation a sin? (you hope not, right?) What does the Bible say about it? Ever bring up the subject at Bible study? Ever heard a sermon on the subject? Probably not. This book has a chapter to cover the "M" word.
Subjects that are difficult to discuss with your pastor (or wife) are discussed in this book along with the accounts of great men of the Bible who failed when tempted with sexual sins. Yet there is victory. The author gives the reader a Bible based, prayer based, Christ based plan for victory over sexual temptations.
In a world that is becoming more and more sexually explicit, Christian men need a plan to overcome the world's temptations; I feel that this book, When Good Men Are Tempted, gives us that plan
great reading.......2007-01-11
This is the best book i've ever read I would recommend it to anyone who is serious about his relationships and jesus.
WINNING THE BATTLE OF TEMPTATION .......2006-01-29
Pastor Bill Perkins produced a high quality book on why men succumb to sexual temptations and how they can win the battle against lust. The book begins with an outline of the struggles encountered by men with respect to temptation. The author explains why naked women look so beautiful and in particular, why other women look better than our wives. He explains why men often succumb to lust and why it can be very addictive.
The author comes up with practical suggestions that should help men comprehend the immense power of sexual temptation and how to overcome them. One major step forward is to admit the problem if lust has taken control instead of hiding it. Despite men falling victim to lust and temptation, the author explains that God still loves us and is ready to assist in overcoming the problem.
Among the insightful solutions the author suggests is for men to cultivate buddyship, whereby men develop a strong relationship with a small group of other men, where they share their problems, open up and reveal the secrets that may be bringing shame and guilt to their lives. Together as buddies, and with the help of earnest prayers, they can be helped to overcome the problems with lust and temptation.
I, however, see the possibility of some women readers getting the impression that Christian men see women as sexual objects. This would be unfortunate as the author's message is clear and directed to a particular audience, men, focused on helping those men afflicted with lust and temptation to overcome this menace and not in any way to degrade women.
The author uses a simple writing style that makes the book readable and makes the reader understand the temptations that men are subjected to on a daily basis. The author provides an honest and insightful presentation of why good men are tempted and how they can overcome this problem. The book is recommended reading by all men.
Comments from a Pastor of Men's Ministries.......2004-04-08
Aa a Pastor of Men's Ministries, I frequently have men coming to me for advice because they are struggling with the issues outlined in this book. Sadly, often is the case when these men are not willing to fight but simply give in to their temptations without realizing the consequences of their actions. Bill Perkins does an excellent job of outlining the steps needed to insure victory.
One of the highlights of the book was author Perkins full disclosure in graphic terms of his own vulnerabilities and the battles that he fought to overcome temptation. Often in ministry, you do not hear of this type of transparency and therefore, the ministry leaders credibility becomes questionable. Throughout the book, the author speaks with the authentic reality of what a man's man deals with in daily life to be able to put the Lord first and the seriousness of His commands.
As a result of the impact that I have seen in my own life and many of the men in our church, I can heartily recommend this book for everyone. This statement includes the wives and significant others who will need to better understanding the temptations that every man is subjected to in a world that has become hostile to a fully devoted follower of Christ.
Good Guidelines For Winning The Battle.......2004-01-27
After reviewing the deeply flawed "Every Man's Battle I mentioned that I would read another book with the same theme of sexual purity. To that end I purchased "When Good Men Are Tempted" by Bill Perkins. It is an honest and often disturbing look at the subject. The book claims that "Bill Perkins details a plan for sexual integrity - one that works. He shows men how to achieve a purity that will preserve the sanctity of their marriages, the security of their families, the vitality of their walks with God, and the strength of their relationships with their brothers in Christ."
The book begins with an attempt to understand the struggle men face. Perkins shows why naked women look so good and why other naked women look even better than our wives. He speaks of the addictive cycle of trying to repeat "young love" or our first sexual experiences. We want to be able to relive the original excitement we felt during those often illicit experiences. He illustrates these concepts with the example of Samson.
The author's solution to this problem surrounding lust is simply to raise the white flag. We need to surrender to God and admit the problem rather than run from it or try to hide it. Lust, he says, cannot be overpowered, reformed or starved. It needs to be dealt with and dealt with now! To be dealt with it needs to be dragged into the light so we can deal with the shame and guilt. We need to admit specific sins to God and ask Him for His forgiveness.
The close of this section contains a chapter regarding families of origin. This chapter is confusing and often left me confused as the author discussed the codependent roles we assumed as part of our families and how this leads to problems with purity later in life.
Having admitted the struggle, we are now able to find freedom. To do this we must choose our master and count the cost of the one we will choose. To cease a lifestyle of lust the cost of continuing needs to be higher than the cost of quitting. We need to see that continuing in a lifestyle will have consequences in our relationships with our families, our spouses and most importantly, with God. We need to realize that God can fix us and that He wants to fix us. As He fixes us He will help us discover the new men we are through Him. Through Him we have a new perspective, new presence and new power. With these we can now begin to break the addictive cycle that continually leads us to sin. The practical suggestions the author provides are: memorize Scripture, call on God and find what rituals lead us to sin and learn to break those rituals.
The final section focuses mostly on building accountability relationships with other men. Every man needs ally himself with a small group of men who can help him win the battle against lust by holding him accountable. There is a small section about sex and ideas for spicing up a sex life, followed by a chapter detailing some "tools for tight corners" that can be used in a moment of weakness.
The book is written in a personable way that leaves the reader feeling like he has had a personal chat with the author. Perkins admits his own weaknesses, leaving the reader comfortable admitting his own. Perhaps the greatest strength in this book is the emphasis on the "why" of sexual temptation. Having an understanding of the reasons behind temptation gives a solid perspective on how to deal with it. The author does not attempt to blame our lust on Satan, but emphasizes that our sin is ultimately our own and we need to deal with it. If the emphasis on the "why" is the strong point of the book, I would suggest that the "how" is the weak point. It may be, though, that I am looking for a magical key to stopping sinful behavior. Still, as with Every Man's Battle I am left hoping that God truly can remove this sin, rather than just masking it and helping us deal with it time and time again.
In the end, this book does a far better job of dealing with the subject than "Every Man's Battle" and it receives my recommendation.
Book Description
For anyone who thought happily-ever-after only occurred in fairy tales, who thought their so-so marriage was the best they could expect, It's (Mostly) His Fault is required reading. Drawing on over 30 years of experience as a psychotherapist and marriage counselor, Robert Alter's central, controversial argument is that the man is primarily responsible for the marital problems. Here he reveals the win-win rewards for both men and women when husbands learn to take more active roles in their relationships. In straightforward language even the most resistant couples will embrace, It's (Mostly) His Fault shows men how they can: - Be great husbands - Stop the nagging - Have more sex - Win adoring wives It gives women: - Less reason to criticize their husbands - Partners they actually want to have sex with - The supportive and loving husbands they always wanted!
Customer Reviews:
Will make things worse for most couples.......2007-08-15
As a couple's therapist, I see every day how men shoot themselves in the foot in relationships. Distressed about how unhappy his wife is with him, a man will withdraw and be defensive in a way that ensures his wife continues to feel abandoned and unhappy with him.
I also see every day how women shoot themselves in the foot in relationships. Distressed about the lack of closeness in the marriage, a women will blame and be critical of her husband in a way that ensures he will stay defensive and not want to come close to her for anything but sex.
The more blaming and critical she gets, the more withdrawn and defensive he gets, and the more withdrawn and defensive he gets, the more blaming and critical she gets. It is a vicious circle.
I feel sorry for the women who read this book and become even more entrenched in the blaming, critical stance that is their contibution to the vicious circle that is destroying their marriage.
A more accurate title would be "Stuart Smalley gets married".......2007-06-30
The good news is that unlike most books written on relationships, "It's (Mostly) His Fault" was written by a professional and has a nominal target audience of men, not women. The bad news is that unlike most relationship books, the advice is so laughably bad that it's everything critics worried about "Surrendered Wife" for men without the redeeming message that book sends to women to stand up for themselves on the things that really matter. Despite periodic insights into making some relationships work that almost was worth a second star, unless you want Stuart Smalley as a partner this isn't worth a read. One star.
Robert Alter apparently has counseled a lot of couples in his marriage counseling practice, and so some of his basic premises make sense: to be a good partner and to be in his words a "grownup", the male needs to take responsibility for his own actions and work with their partner to make things better. As you'd expect from a counselor, he focuses on improving communication and in this some of his tips aren't half bad. While he may not know men or women well ("women aren't competitive" was one of the better laughs of the book) he has heard them talk to each other. He points out how critical it is to listen to a woman, tips to keep her talking, and that women need to stand up for their needs. Along with men needing to get in touch with their emotions and treat their wives generally better than a food-preparing sex machine, that's good advice.
Where Alter goes wrong is that apparently he had an eyeopening experience regarding the sacrifice of firefighters and policemen on 9/11, and decided to apply it to his practice when it came to working with selfish men. That is, his advice now resembles Kathyrn Hahn's fake marriage counselor in "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days" - every change that a woman wants in a relationship is not only good, but necessary. Or to quoth, "A good husband lives in a state of service to his wife" and (a man) should "figure out what she wants...(try) to give it to her...and the next moment (figure) out what she wants and (try) to give it to her again!"
So a woman should be encouraged to "get angry at him" and a man is supposed to "take it," but male anger on the other hand simply brings up "3000 years of history of (patriarchal) oppression" (there's actually a chapter on this) and should be suppressed. Might one partner be overweight and unattractive? If it's the man, "out of love for her" he needs to get in shape. If it's the woman, while they nominally should care about their health, they "are supposed to get heavier" in a relationship and the only concern a man should have is to "provide her with a feast of love." (The implied patronization here for every woman who struggles through pilates and yoga and salads to stay in shape for -herself- is mindboggling.) Problems with money? Men should have "discipline" and not bring up their wife spending $295 on a dress that the man can't afford because doing so would "make her feel bad" and if "she wants to drive a Lexus around town" you need to come up with some compromise on work/life balance that still provides that, but if the man has problems with money, it's a good reason to dump them. And of dumping? It's perfectly ok for a woman to "internally divorce" a man but stay with him if it's better for her financially or otherwise; about the only thing he advises is to not have an affair. That doesn't sound like a marriage. It sounds like two people trying to be Al and Peggy Bundy.
In short, the ideal relationship is one in which the man subjugates his needs entirely to his partner, but worse than that lets the woman walk all over him without any regard to those feelings or needs since they are entirely irrelevant as long as it results in the man getting more sex. Essentially, the man's role is to be a cromagnon Stuart Smalley, the fake therapist addicted to 12-step behavior that Al Franken made famous. Perhaps in a very few relationships this will work, but if you're interested in a 21st century relationship of equal partners this book won't get you there.
A Guy's Book on Marriage.......2007-06-23
I love this book. It's easy to read, timely and offers excellent suggestions to take active steps to love my wife.
We heard Robert Mark Alter speak at our Catholic parish, Holy Family Catholic Community in Inverness, IL. (The Mission Driven Parish) this past May. His common sense approach and experience in working with men to "get it" in honoring their wives is sure to be a welcome relief to many marriages.
Dave Pipitone
The Rainbow Chronicles: A Bedtime Story for a New Day
It's (Mostly) True.......2007-06-23
I already suspected that a great deal of our relationship issues stemmed from what society expects of men ... and these things haven't changed over hundreds of years. But when Mr. Alter gets down to the roots of it, how men and women should be equal in a relationship and that when good deeds are matched back and forth for a true "give and take", there will be great harmony in a relationship. Just another version of the Golden Rule, really. It also touches on how men 'retreat' to other things in order to avoid addressing issues -- and this is a form of "I shouldn't have to deal with / hear this right now" ... and he explains why men should. And it also touches on how women should deal with their anger in a loving and constructive way. When I first began the book, yes, I felt it was an unbalanced 'argument' of sorts, but after reading it in its entirety I can see the validity of his points -- and I learned my own lessons. Although it is written for men, women are to read it in its entirety before giving to their husbands. They're expected to learn their own lessons, see their own faults, and do their part to address their own issues. It is NOT meant to point out every inadequacy in men while not expecting the same of women. While my husband's initial reaction was "This guy is whipped - his wife must've beat him down" he now sees how a relationship is a give and take; that after years of behaving a certain way, he needs to mature, grow, enlighten himself and, with my help, become the great man he is. If you aren't sure about this book, check it out from your local library first. But, I guarantee you - what Mr. Alter has laid out is so clear and logical that you will end up returning here to buy your own copy.
irresponsible.......2007-05-08
Grossly oversimplified and astonishingly unbalanced. I can see where the author is trying to get men to take ownership of fixing their marriages, but for those already enlightened, who's marriages still aren't working, there's nothing offered but "keep trying it's your fault". After reading this, all i want to do is crawl into a hole and die. To me it almost seems to have been written strictly for profit, recognizing that women buy the bulk of self help texts and therefore catering to this market segment. Suggesting that the average unhappily married woman buy this book for her husband to read so he can "fix himself" in my view invites further marital strife and quite possibly violence.
Book Description
This unique new book gives practical and insightful advice to women to help them make a wise choice in a marriage partner. Using time-tested strategies and surprising new ideas, it outlines the criteria most important in the selection of a mate. This book is required reading for every woman before she makes the most important decision in her life, and is a must read for parents of a daughter!
Customer Reviews:
Back to the age of innocence.......2005-04-03
This book is for those who have a good working relationship with their families and want a guidebook to the old fashioned ideas of courtship. I was a little skeptical of this book at first only because I've grown up in this modern ultra sexed society. When I had the chance to read it I found myself highlighting practically the whole book. If you've read books like "Anne of Green Gables" and wished that you too could engage in the gentle courtship Anne received in her Victorian society, this book will help guide you down that path. This is most definately not for everyone. Most people I know could never give up their way of dating and cohabitating together before marriage. We live in a selfish self centered world. For those who are fed up with these modern ways and long for the old, give this book a try. And remember, 75% of all married couples who cohabitated before they were married, get divorced. This is a terrible statistic. Fight the trends and go for the road less traveled.
Great Book for any age!.......2005-01-07
Hi, This isn't just for teens! Yes, there maybe some references in the book that seem more like "teen" kind of things. However, even an adult looking for a true husband is able to glean something out of this book. I find that "courtship" is a better word for true "dating". Usually, it takes a few months to one year to get to really know someone even if you live long distance. If you really think that person is Mr. Right, then its time for the "courtship" stage where you get more serious and this is still before engagement. It's like a pre engagement stage. Once you are engaged--you shouldn't have to be thinking "what if I am wrong". You should KNOW once you follow the advise in this book. That way the engagement stage is REALLY the time to Prepare for Matrimony and not have to worry so much. So, give this book a try even if you are an older adult looking for the "perfect" husband. He's out there--just give it a try!
Wish I had this book 28 years ago..........2003-03-28
If young men and women would read and heed this book we would probably have less divorce. I know that if I had read this book before I got married we would have had less "bumps" in the road during those first few years. This book helps you ask the pertinent questions to see where you may have the problems and correct them before you get married. I recommend it highly for anyone who is even thinking about the dating game. It's a great alternative. The younger the reader the better!Pre-teens would be my suggested audience. Moms and Dads - you will be glad that you purchased this book early and save yourself and your kids a lot of heartache.
Average customer rating:
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The ABC's of choosing a good husband
Stephen Wood
Manufacturer: Family Life Center Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
 Mate Seeking
| Relationships
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
Dating & Single Life
| Relationships
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Women's Issues
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
| Subjects
| Books
Similar Items:
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Jesus of Nazareth
ASIN: 1965856241 |
Average customer rating:
- Love the title-love the book
- Too good for me
- The Character That Carry The Tale
- What's next?
- Not So Good
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The Good Husband (Virago Modern Classics)
Gail Godwin
Manufacturer: Virago Press Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Contemporary
| General
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
Godwin, Gail
| ( G )
| Authors, A-Z
| Literature & Fiction
| Subjects
| Books
ASIN: 1860499139 |
Book Description
Godwin creates a superbly drawn portrait of two marriages and four unforgettable characters in the throes of life and death. 2 cassettes.
Customer Reviews:
Love the title-love the book.......2007-02-26
I have loved every book I have read by Gail Godwin. She has such great insight into people and is perceptive, all while writing with a compassionate heart. She has an amazing ability to create characters that you can care about, dream along with, and feel for. The 4 main characters truly grow and are made stronger by their sufferings. I loved Francis and his simple joys in life. I loved his true devotion to Magda. He is truly a good husband. Come along on the journey with these characters. This book made me love and appreciate my life more...my family, my marriage and my own good husband.
Too good for me.......2005-11-05
It's set in an upstate New York liberal arts college and centers on two married couples. Brilliant Martha is married to saintly Francis and dies of cancer. Perfect Alice, traumatized by the death of her parents and perfect brother, is married to flawed Hugo and suffers a stillbirth. The cancer death, the mourning for the brother, and the stillbirth are described in excellently written, detailed and realistic passages which, being a shallow superficial person, I found depressing.
I'm probably not nice enough or clever enough to properly appreciate this. I feel rather like I do listening to Bach when I'd just as soon listen to the top 20 on my car radio..
Some of the writing is ingenious post-modern stuff, such as the scene where Hugo, a creative writing teacher, who has written an autobiographical novel, is listening to a dimwitted creative writing student who has written an autobiographical short story and fantasizing that he (Hugo) is describing an autobiographical story to a creative writing teacher,
This is great literature, full of profound insights and deep poetic understanding. I gave it five stars. Now I'll go back to Elmore Leonard and Janet Evanovich.
The Character That Carry The Tale.......2004-10-28
As far as I'm concerned, you can't possibly care about a book unless you care about the characters. The fabricated inhabitant of a novel's pages are the catalyst for the entire tale. Gail Godwin's The Good Husband is no exception, and is, in fact, a wonderful example of this premise. Godwin manages to create fully textured and sympathy evoking characters in a plot that, while wrought with tragedy, remains genuine.
The story circles around the slow death of Magda Danvers, a brilliant college professor suffering from cancer. Magda is a lively, feisty spirit who, even in her deterioration, is difficult not to like. Her sarcastic yet somehow warm ways draw us in as we watch her prepare for what she refers to as her "Final Examination." We find ourselves wishing that we could have known Magda before her illness. It would be very easy to let the demise of such a person become overly dramatic, sappy, soppy. However, like Magda herself, Godwin handles the death of Magda Danvers's with all the grace and dignity that can be mustered.
In fact, I find myself hurting more for poor, gentle Francis than the tough and tenacious Magda, who must care for his wife during the process of her death, an ordeal that is remarkably painful for them both. Looking in retrospect at the novel, I find that I would normally have been irritated by Francis's tireless, unending, persistence to the point of obsessed devotion, coupled with his repeated disintegration into tears in nearly every chapter. Instead, curiously enough, it only endears him to me. I feel sympathy for Francis to the point of being angry at the dying Magda for being so cross with the struggling man (I mean, sure she's dying, but does she have to yell at the poor man?). Francis's enduring goodness under any circumstances cannot help but win over my affections, because in his submission to Magda, he actually displays tremendous strength that comes from the deepest love. Somehow, Godwin was able to make this point without making the reader gag.
Similarly, she manages to write the character of Alice Henry with surprising realism despite Alice's ludicrously tragic history. At seventeen, she lost her mother, father and brother (who she adored to the point of incest), and had to move in with her aunt, who later related that her beloved brother was not actually her brother, but adopted, and soon after died herself. As if that wasn't enough, the story opens soon after Alice and her husband lose her baby, and have to cope with their deteriorating marriage as Alice struggles with feelings towards the humble and meek Francis. If that's not trashy soap opera, I don't know what is. Yet, Alice manages to keep such a seemingly calm, even tone about her that you seem forced to take her seriously. She doesn't mope or whine over her deplorable situation, and one has to respect that. She truly possesses the attitude of one who's gone through so much, that they've learned long ago messy scenes bring no solace. Throughout the novel, I found myself hoping desperately that Alice would finally be able to somehow gain that solace.
Living with Hugo, certainly, would not bring this to her. Hugo Henry, a writer-in-residence at Aurelia College (where Magda taught), although probably my least favorite character, seems to me to be most realistic. His flaws are so intricately worked into his character--his homophobia, misogyny, and deep insecurity--that you almost don't notice them until they are pointed out, a very impressive feat of writing. You have to pity Hugo, especially when you look at his desire to make everyone around him happy. The tragedy is we know Hugo can't make anyone happy, because he himself will never be happy.
Overall, Gail Godwin has conjured up an amazing cast of characters and masterfully woven them together. She is able to instantly create a bond between the reader and her little cast that completely sucks the reader into The Good Husband. By the end of the first chapter, you feel as though you know these people, and have known them for the longest time. And by the conclusion, you feel as though you've experienced everything with them and only want for their happiness. This, to me, is what makes a novel worthwhile; this is what reading is all about.
What's next?.......2004-10-28
"What next?" This common theme in Gail Godwin's The Good Husband seems to be fitting when you finish reading this articulate story of life, love, death, and everything that is encompassed within these complex experiences. The story focuses upon the lives of two professor/novelists (or should it be novelist/professors) and their spouses. The intricacy of every interaction, of how life and death can change one's mindset and of how love can be wrong, fade, or at least become skewed throughout a person's lifetime, with the interactions and cross-interactions of Magda Danvers, her husband Francis Lake, Hugo and Alice Henry make this novel go.
Magda Danvers and Francis Lake make an interesting pair; she is a pure academic whose mind never stops wondering or questioning, while he is a caretaker who emphasizes the physical, often overlooking the intellectual. During her dying months, Francis tends to all of Magda's needs, except the one that she really wants him to - her mind. Magda has no qualms about taking her frustration out on him about this, even though he always keeps the composure of a man of God, which he was once studying to be. At the beginning, you get the sense that the good husband is just a description of Francis; however, Magda makes a reference to her good husband as death. But, of course, this allusion is over Francis' head, just like all of her others.
At the same point that Magda Danvers is on her last leg, Hugo and Alice Henry lose their child during birth. The significance here lies in the fact that with this loss of child, so goes the loss of their relationship. However the question must be asked if they would have had a healthy birth of their child, could that have saved their marriage? Alice begins visiting with Francis regularly during Magda's illness, grows a strange attraction toward him. He is very different from Henry, but is that the reason for her attraction, or is he simply a better fit for her personality? Love can be a confusing thing, and this strange love square, it offers no solution to this quandary.
When I began reading this book, I became bored and uninterested. The overuse of unneeded repetition throughout the beginning chapters, the all-to-simple metaphor of their front yard's demise corresponding with Magda's, the sometimes jumpy narrative style, and the storyline that seems to be going nowhere left me pained during reading. However, Gail Godwin comes back strong from these annoyances with a story that is more about the reader's self reflection than anything that she could possibly put down on paper. This idea of one's death as a final examination left me pondering my own life for hours after I had laid the book down. The way that she shows love in all its intricacy (and delicacy) through the point of view of omnipotent narrator allows the reader to see perspectives that might have never been able to come from one single person.
After reading this book, I have some new ideas concerning love and its role in my life. I am trying to sort through the parts of my life that are what matters and what's ... garbage. I also have contemplated how I want my final exam to look ... even with the possibility that we might all get the same grade.
Not So Good.......2004-10-28
In the final act of Gail Godwin's The Good Husband, novelist Hugo Henry compares the process of writing a novel to the progress of marriage. First comes attraction to the idea, then one must decide whether to continue forward or abandon the story. Godwin must have seen great promise in this novel's concept, but should have realized it was a fruitless endeavor midway through writing it. If she had followed her own advice, The Good Husband would not exist only to fail like the marriages it describes.
The Good Husband peers into the lives of two married couples. The four individuals are brought together by death; the death of a spouse and the death of a newborn. Throughout the course of the novel we observe these characters tackle various obstacles. Magda Danvers, an arrogant professor at Aurelia College, struggles through a slow death via cancer while her husband Francis Lake cares for her with unflagging devotion. Aurelia's writer-in-residence Hugo Henry must cope with both his son's homosexuality and his own failing marriage. Alice, Hugo's spouse, finds her attention drawn toward both the ailing Magda Danvers and her long dead family, as opposed to her own marriage, in the wake of her first child's death-at-birth. Throughout the text Godwin alludes to a plethora of scholars and writers, all well researched, to emphasis connections between the four major characters.
An interesting scenario, but one of the key problems with The Good Husband is that these characters, if realistic, are uninteresting and unlikable. Passages shedding light on the past of Francis the emasculated servant boy do not make for compelling reading. Hugo the beach novelist (any serious writer would not entitle his novel A Month With the Manigaults and betray the subtlety that makes alliteration work in the first place) is a frustrating little man I attempted to physically beat out of existence by throwing the book against a cinderblock wall. Perhaps these men are reflections of those in our everyday lives, but the author doesn't do much to make me care about them or even tolerate them.
Godwin writes about as well as I imagine Hugo would; her craft is plagued by graceless description. I could care less if Francis "wore a clean beige polo shirt." Is it necessary that Godwin portray "the president's pert-featured wife" as "crisply turned out in mint-green slacks with a matching scoop-neck tee and linen blazer"? This awkward excess of superficial description without the use of metaphor or simile makes reading The Good Husband a chore. The glut of adverbs has a similar effect. By page 240, any reader is well aware of how Leora Harris behaves and interacts with the other characters; we need not be patronized by the use of words such as "pertly" to drive this into our skulls (also note that a variation of this term was used only eight pages ago). The frequent usage of this, "demurely," and hundreds of other offenders are just as effective as Godwin's bland musings on clothing in hindering the reader's progress. Adverbs have their place in the English language, but when the author does not trust to reader to infer the climate of dialogue she has insulted her audience's intelligence.
The novel is saved from total disaster by its intriguing premise: the entwined lives of four men and women. Unfortunately, Godwin doesn't have the tools she needs to weave this tapestry, her ham-fisted writing slowing the pace of the narrative down to a crawl. The Good Husband will be enjoyed by some, but I will rest easy having finished with Magda Danvers and company.
Customer Reviews:
GOOD HUSBAND IS FABU!!!.......2003-03-02
Susan Mallery's Good Husband Material is a quick, fun read that will quench your romantic thirst. The story is about Gage and Kari two star crossed lovers whom were engaged to be married eight years prior before Kari decided she needed to leave Possum Landing, Texas (yes thats the towns name) to persue a modeling career in New York City. Well Kari finds herself back in Landing to fix up and sell her grandmothers home. Little does she know that Gage her once big time love is the sheriff in Possum Landing and he's wanting to get reacquainted with her. Yet even though Kari wants to stay only for the summer to take care of the home, she cant stop the physical attraction she has for Gage.
What I love most about the two main characters were that they had fresh and witty humor and even after eight years of being apart they were so intuned with one another. Mallery weaves an interesting storyline concerning Gage's mother and his past which makes for emotional dialogue that proves that even the perfect picture family has there troubles. But what stood out the most is the sizzling love scenes. They were erotic, sensual,and emotional. You really wanted these two to consummate there relationship the moment they hook up. There are also funny secondary characters like Ida Mae and a small town bad girl named Daisy. Mallery has done an excellent job of telling Gage and Kari's story with depth, humor and definite romance. Its the kinda book you can read in one day..(I SURE DID)..hopefully they'll will be a story about Gage's brother Quinn which I will pick up the minute I see it on the shelves. You wont regret picking this fun read..you wont want to put it down.
Average customer rating:
- One of the Best!
- Excellent!
- Marraige Masterpiece
- Wonderful book!
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Being Good to Your Husband on Purpose
Becky Hunter
Manufacturer: Creation House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 0884197891 |
Customer Reviews:
One of the Best!.......2006-08-01
I read books on marriage trying to have a better relationship with my husband. This is one of the best I have read so far. Becky explains all in a very simple and direct way. The words are easy to understand. This book has given me a peace of mind of what I am doing (which I used to be in doubt, or didn't know why). Highly recommended!
Excellent!.......2006-02-07
This is an unbelievably helpful book with many practical ways to shower love and affection on your husband. This is great encouragement and inspiring for wives to love our husbands and encourage them better than anyone else can. The comics are funny and I know my husband really appreciates the effort I take to read and implement these principles into our marriage. What a gift we are giving to our children!
Marraige Masterpiece.......2001-09-22
Being the husband of a woman who lives by these principles, I can be the first to say that Becky writes about fundamental truth rather than societal popularity. This book isn't written to fix your husband (only God can do that), it's written to allow you to give him every reason to love you and your family better. A wife who is good to her husband on purpose is a true gem. Every husband will fulfill his role better and with greater peace by having a wife who lives by these principles. Thank you Becky!
Wonderful book!.......2001-09-20
My wife bought "Being Good to Your Husband on Purpose" and loved it so much that she asked me to read it as well. Not only are the points in it well made and biblically sound, but they are truly life (and marriage) changing. Becky Hunter has revealed to us that being a good wife is the purposeful effort of a strong woman, and not the passive, weak willed process that much of current culture has portrayed it to be. This book has brought my wife and I closer together and in the process, closer to God.
Book Description
Avid hunter Steve Chapman (A Look at Life from a Deer Stand—200,000 copies sold) enthusiastically pursues a lifelong hobby while remaining passionate about his wife and home. Knowing the perils of spending too much time in the woods, he prayed, studied God’s Word, and sought advice. The result? Nine life–changing principles to balancing hobbies and marriage, including—
- investing equal finances in his spouse’s interests
- spending more time with his wife than with his hobby
- communicating desire to be with his family
- sharing the child–rearing load
- making sure hobby doesn’t cause a mess
Whether their passion is hunting, golf, or team sports, this guide will help men participate in hobbies and keep their families happy.
Average customer rating:
- faith IS the victory
- Faith in Action
- How to apply the word on God in your life
- Book packed with bible living techniques
- Excellent Read!
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How to Get Your Husband to Go to Church with You
Vivian D'Arezzo
Manufacturer: Great Revival Press
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Surviving a Spiritual Mismatch in Marriage
ASIN: 0978777603
Release Date: 2007-03-05 |
Product Description
In "How to Get Your Husband to Go to Church With You," the author shares powerful biblical principles on how to turn a marriage around so a husband may find God and consistently go to church with his wife. As a saved spouse with spiritual knowledge, God can use you to facilitate His will for your husband to attend church. The author includes anecdotal information based on her own struggle with her husband going to church. If your husband has never gone to church, if he has not been in years or attends only occasionally this book is ideal for you! God's Word does not change; He will do what seems impossible for you by changing the heart of our husband to become church goer. Jesus died on the cross and paid the price for our sins. He also purchased redemption for every area of our lives, including our marriages. God gave us a covenant of love sealed with the precious blood of His Son whereby we can live victoriously. This book will show you how to enforce the victory Jesus already won for you the victory of your husband going to church with you - the victory of your husband going to church with you!
Customer Reviews:
faith IS the victory.......2007-07-31
As a husband whose wife does not go to church with him, I read this book from the perspective of a man having a similar problem but with his wife - the same spiritual truths apply to men! If a man would implement what this book instructs, he too could learn to operate in faith and allow God to move on his situation. Armed with knowledge of the scriptures and an understanding of the actions I can take, I have every expectation that my wife will soon be going to church with me! This book provided me with the hope and tools that not only this situation but any situation I may face can be turned around by God
Faith in Action.......2007-06-25
As a single woman, never married, I was not sure how this book would apply to me. I found this book to be an outstanding account of "Faith in Action." The biblical references and examples of standing in faith for God's promises apply to all of us. I was moved by the honesty of the author to share her experience and the willingness of her husband to allow this story to be told. I also learned a lot about the importance of respecting your husband, standing on the promises of God (regardless of how the situation looks) and faith that the Lord will accomplish his plan for our life if we don't give up. It is a story of hope, perseverence and victory! I highly recommend it.
How to apply the word on God in your life.......2007-06-22
When I started reading this book I could not put it down. I was astounded by its practicality to my every day life. The principles used in this book can be applied to any situation. The book is a loaded with scriptures and also real life experiences which gives you hope that you are not alone. Loved the book, and greatly recommend it.
Book packed with bible living techniques.......2007-04-27
This book is packed with little known bible techniques to help carry out God's plan for you and your family. Don't let your denomination hinder your exploration of God's Word.
Excellent Read!.......2007-04-12
This book lends instruction on how to get the promises of God to manifest in your life. The best kind of prayer is ANSWERED PRAYER. It is a read that will get you excited about what is truly available to you through the scriptures. I have never read a book that offers instruction on 'How to be baptized in the Holy Spirit'. These principles apply to anything that you are praying for, not just a husband who isn't going to church. It's worth its weight in scriptures!
Books:
- The Invisible Wall: A Love Story That Broke Barriers
- The Last Arab Jews: The Communities of Jerba, Tunisia (Social Orders : a Series of Monographs and Tracts, Vol. 1)
- The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography (Oprah's Book Club)
- The New Saint Joseph Sunday Missal & Hymnal/Black/No. 820/22-B
- The Private Memoirs and Confessions of a Justified Sinner (New York Review Books Classics)
- The Red Badge of Courage & "The Veteran" (Modern Library Classics)
- The Saint of Incipient Insanities: A Novel
- The Sea Captain's Wife: A True Story of Love, Race, and War in the Nineteenth Century
- The Stanislaski Brothers (Two Complete Novels: Mikhail and Alex)
- The Stanley Kubrick Archives
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