Small Wonder: Essays

Amazon.com

Readers familiar with Barbara Kingsolver will find that Small Wonder, a collection of 23 essays, shows the same sensitivity and thoughtfulness, the same rich knowledge of and love for the natural world, as her spellbinding novels. In "Knowing Our Place," she describes the two places in which she writes: a tin-roof cabin in Appalachia and her home in the Tucson desert. In "Setting Free the Crabs," she uses her daughter's decision not to take home a beautiful (and occupied) red conch shell from a Mexican beach to illustrate our own need to give up our sense of ownership of the earth, to resist "the hunger to possess all things bright and beautiful." Many of these pieces, like the lovely title essay, were written (or rewritten) in response to the events of September 11, which threw into relief the growing social and economic inequities that are so little remarked on in the American media. These are political essays, although Kingsolver is not a natural rhetorician; her prose is too supple and inclusive. She is more inclined to follow the turns of her mind, like water in a curving stream bed, than to hammer home a point or two. But she has a rare gift for apt allusion (from sources as wide-ranging as Robert Frost to Beanie Babies) and for the elegant use of facts and figures. And she is highly quotable. It is easy to imagine the speechwriters and activists of the next 10 years dipping into Small Wonder for inspiration and the perfect phrase. --Regina Marler

Book Description

In her new essay collection, the beloved author of High Tide in Tucson brings to us, out of one of history's darker moments, an extended love song to the world we still have.

Whether she is contemplating the Grand Canyon, her vegetable garden, motherhood, genetic engineering, or the future of a nation founded on the best of all human impulses, these essays are grounded in the author's belief that our largest problems have grown from the earth's remotest corners as well as our own backyards, and that answers may lie in both those places.

Sometimes grave, occasionally hilarious, and ultimately persuasive, Small Wonder is a hopeful examination of the people we seem to be, and what we might yet make of ourselves.

Customer Reviews:

worst book i've ever read.......2006-08-14

This book was required reading for my advanced placement english class. I consider myself a lover of the written word. I dream of someday becoming a novelist, or at least an english teacher. It usually takes me 3-5 days to finish a book, especially a good book. It has taken me 2 months to read this book. It is not only boring, but often times repetetive. Barbara Kingsolver relates everything to September 11th. Granted, this was a tragic day for our country and should always be remembered. But I dont see why Ms. Kingsolver found it necessary to write a whole novel about it. I find even less necessary for this to be required reading. Every once in a while Ms. Kingsolver finds the need to express herself with words that are a little more complicated than need be. It was a less than pleasent read and I wouldnt recommend it to my worst enemy.

A thought-provoking book......a place for reflection and solace........2006-08-09

I agree with the reviewer who cautioned to take this book in small doses. I was moved to tears by the second page, and realized I needed to pace myself. On that second page, Kingsolver was describing the story of a lost child in Iraq (who was found)....her point of view was from the parents of this child, and the heart-wrenching terror they must have felt as the babysitter came running towards them in tears, without their son. This story has an incredible ending, and an incredible message....as does each essay. Some essays are heavy and may provoke thoughts or ideology that makes you uncomfortable, or disagreeable. That is okay.....that is the point of these essays. (As for the reviewer who noted the author's "sexist" remarks - tell me how many women have started a war. Hello? Open your eyes. That is not a sexist statement, it's a fact). If more people would take Kingsolver's gentle, thoughtful manner of considering how our actions affect the global community and our future generations, maybe we could really improve upon our reputation as uncooperative, self-serving, greedy and over-consumptive Americans. Maybe.

As for reviewers who likened this to an anti-Bush or post-9/11 rant, they obviously didn't read the entire book. There are beautiful essays detailing a trip to the heart of Mexico, gardening with her daughters, and the long-term effects of the food choices we make - among many others.

All in all, I did find myself coming to this book on my lunch hour for a good dose of hope and solace. Sometimes taking time to acknowledge one small wonder in this hectic world can make your mood a little bit lighter.

Be prepared to leave your baggage at the door..........2006-06-05

When you embark on this journey with Ms. Kingsolver, if it doesn't make you squirm, you're not paying attention.
I got this book on tape because I loved Kingsolver's fiction. I didn't know it was a running commentary on political and environmental issues that are close to the author's heart. I was delighted to find that the author and I share many of the same what could be called 'liberal' views on various issues. This book will make you think about old issues in a new light... but not a glaring one... more like the light that wakes you gently through your window in the morning.

Yes, you may not agree with everything she says, but that's not the author's goal. She states her beliefs in a steady calm voice (I have the cassettes) and gives reasons she came to her current positions. Kudos to her for doing her research before making a sometimes bold statement on a sensitive issue.

Barbara Kingsolver challenges us to find our own voice in the face of the many controversial issues that face us as individuals living in a sometimes not-so-United country. I don't believe she is pushing her own agenda... more sharing her personal journalling on things that are on her mind, and maybe on yours, too. If you don't agree, don't let it ruin the book for you. Look for ways that it can inspire you to challenge or even strengthen your alternate position on an issue.

In the end, after all, aren't our differences and freedom to make our own choices part of what makes this country so great?

A great collection of reflections.......2005-12-01

I read this book in one sitting on vacation, and was intrigued the whole time. As an expectant mother, I found her candid openness about motherhood and its challenges very beautiful. I find myself thinking more and more about the world in which I will raise a family and the values I wish to instill in my children, and this was a commom theme througout the essays. Kingsolver writes the essays with the same lyrical style as her novels. I highly recommend this as a great, quick read.

An amazing woman, and an amazing book.......2005-09-05

Without being to preachy, Ms. Kingsolver discusses some of the worlds problems, all the while throwing in personal stories of the people and places she loves. She offers her beliefs and commentary in an honest and genuine way. She is truly inspirational, and this is my favorite of her books. This book will not disappoint you!

The Last Human Cannonball: And Other Small Journeys in Search of Great Men

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The Last Human Cannonball: And Other Small Journeys in Search of Great Men
Byron Rogers
Manufacturer: Aurum Press, Limited
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Curiosities & Wonders | Fun Facts | Reference | Subjects | Books

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Essays & Travelogues | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Rich & Famous | Leaders & Notable People | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1845130413

Small Voices: Heralds of Wonder in Everyday Life

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Small Voices: Heralds of Wonder in Everyday Life
James M. Apel
Manufacturer: Franciscan University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Book Description

Inspirational, insightful and entertaining, Small Voices plumbs the depths of modern-day family life in a refreshingly candid way. Unafraid to expose his own shortcomings, author Jim Apel strips away the thin veneer separating us from the wonders abounding in our everyday lives. Small Voices is a collection of 43 of Apel's best award-winning syndicated columns.

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Small Wonder
Barbara Kingsolver
Manufacturer: Thorndike Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Essays | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Literature & Fiction | Large Print | Formats | Books
ASIN: 0786246367

Book Description

A New York Times Bestseller

Book Description

In the general introduction to these first two books in the National Museum of American Art's new series, "American Scene," the series editor and series curator express a hope to "present the evolving portrait of America" in a time when "the myth of the `melting pot' has given way to a social fabric woven into a `coat of many colors.' " While that noble dream is well on its way to being realized here, the reality still does not quite feel like art. The work of Bernice Abbott and Robert Frank, referred to in the introduction, provides insights into American life but is also characterized by a particular way of seeing. These books have less the effect of art than of photojournalism-though perhaps the best sort, one encouraging contemplation rather than sensationalism. Unfortunately, the problem lies largely in the nature of series, the constraints of size and format and introduction, which here places as much weight on the editors' vision as the individual photographer's ability to see. That said, these are nonetheless valuable documents of today's middle America, by turns pleasant and disturbing, honest, and mythical. Pratt focuses on the county fairs of the Midwest, the traditions they maintain, and, most importantly, the people who attend them. Arndt photographs men, mostly working class, mostly in crumbling cities, establishing a sense of unity among his subjects that makes it the more successful of the books. In these two multiple-image portraits, public libraries will find a moving record of fading people and their traditions.-Eric Bryant Library Journal <

Customer Reviews:

Fine art photography - not some toy collector' price guide!.......2003-06-10

The only flaw with Small Wonder is that the text is about toys, which gives toy collectors the idea that Levinthal is an illustrator of books on toys. If you bought this book just to compliment your toy collection, you need to go through the book again, ignoring the text, and really look at the photographs.

I would have given Small Wonder 5 stars, were it not for David Corey's text. However, the book only grants around 25 pages to Corey's text, out of the 160 total, and it is still well worth buying. I've had the book for a few months, and I still pick it up to see a certain few photos over and over.

The irony is that nobody sees the irony...........2002-10-15

This book was intended to be a critical, artistic examination of the traditional American society of the 50's and 60's as viewed from children's playsets of that period. Ironically, it has become immensely popular among toyset collectors who either ignore, or disagree with, the critical introduction.
It is the marvelously posed and photographed Marx playsets that steal the show (Roman, western, Civil War, circus, jungle, WW2, space, etc.) The social comentary has been totally eclipsed by the pure nostalgia value. I know that is why I bought it....

Wonderful photos.......2001-02-11

If you recall with fondness the great old Louis Marx & Co. playsets of the 1950's & '60s then this book is a must. David Levinthal's color photographs are superb, bringing life to these little plastic people and animals at their eye-level, much as we saw and remember them when we were kids.

The color photographic layouts of various playsets are divided into three chapters. "Our World" contains great shots of the Marx Dollhouse, Skyscraper, Schoolhouse, Boyscouts, Jetport, Service Station, and "The Untouchables" playsets. The "World of War" chapter highlights the various Marx WWII, Civil War, Revolutionary War, Alamo, Frontier and Western playsets. "Other Worlds" concludes the book with images from the "Ben-Hur," Robin Hood, Jungle and Circus playsets. This is one of the most imaginative coffee-table photography books I've seen in ages.

Now comes my only negative comment which robbed this otherwise superb book of one star. David Corey's introduction leaves a lot to be desired. While it provides some historical information on Louis Marx and his company there really isn't enough info to satisfy the knowledge-seeking reader. The overblow and pretentious text contrasts sharply with Levinthal's photos injecting cynasism and misplaced intellectualism with photographs of a child's world where that kind of drivel has no place.

Corey's self-serving intro is a bit bizarre to say the least. He writes, "The service-station attendant in my playset was in some ways as tragic as Oedipus, as confined by time, place and action to his inescapable destiny, while I, like the Athenian spectator - or better still, the demiurge - could contemplate the conditions of..." What the heck is he talking about? This book celebrates children's playsets for crying out loud! Buy the book for the pictures and enjoy the great memories it brings back.

Average customer rating:
Small Wonder - Essays
Barbara; Illustrations by Mirocha, Paul Kingsolver
Manufacturer: Perennial / Harper-collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000K0ERB8

Average customer rating:
Small Wonder: Essays
Barbara Kingsolver
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEMAUK

Average customer rating:
Small Wonder: Essays
Barbara Kingsolver
Manufacturer: Harpercollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OHCFES

Download Description

The world of modern art is a mystery to many. But for Jim Qwilleran, it turns into a mystery of another sort when his assignment to the art beat for The Daily Fluxion leads down the path to murder. A stabbing in an art gallery, vandalized paintings, a fatal fall from a scaffolding--this is not at all what Qwilleran expects when he turns his reportorial talents to art. But Qwilleran and his newly found partner, Koko the brilliant Siamese, are back in their element--sniffing out clues and confounding criminals intent on mayhem and murder.

Customer Reviews:

Book is just fine.......2007-10-10

I am collecting all her work as Ms. Braun is over 90 now. This was one of the last ones I needed.

The Cat Who - - -, Series.......2007-09-26

The whole Series is Great. Best if read in chronological order.
Also as an X Resident of the UP it reads even funnier.

My wife likes cat books.......2007-09-24

Wife likes cat books. Wife rules. Wife says she's read it before. end of review.

The Cat That Solved a Mystery.......2007-07-09

If you are tired of mystery stories that swim in blood or are populated by foul-mouthed detectives, then this may be the story for you. Jim Qwilleran is a reporter who has just signed on to a city newspaper with the curious name of "The Daily Fluxion." Although he has been a crime reporter and knows nothing of art, the editor needs someone to report on all of the art news in the city, so Qwilleran gets the job. He quickly learns that George Mountclemens, the paper's art critic is almost universally hated for his acid reviews of most of the city's artists' work. The exception is work displayed and sold by the Lambreth Gallery. Qeilleran rents a small apartment in Mountclemens' house and meets Koko, a Siamese cat. The author's descriptions of Koko being a cat are priceless. Qwilleran and Koko are soon fast friends. Then, Earl Lambreth is found dead in the gallery by his wife, Zoe. It is murder. Soon, Qwilleran is led by Koko to the scene of the murder of George Mountclemens. The murders are related. The police are baffled. But Koko provides the clues that allow Qwilleran to solve the murders. The srory is charming and makes for pleasant reading, especially if you like cats.

Curiosity Snares The Reader.......2007-06-17

After spendning so many years browsing the Mystery aisles at bookstores and seeing the vast number of Cat Who books by Lilian Jackson Braun, curiosity finally got to me and I gave the books a try. Wanting to start at the beginning, I bought this fun novel, The Cat Who Could Read Backwards, and gave it a read. The novel is fun and easy to read. I was always curious about how the cat(s) could help the main protagonist, Jim Qwilleran, solve mysteries. This is very enoyable reading with intersting characters and a nice mystery. Qwilleran is a fun character that has a mysterious past as a former big city crime reporter.

The fact that this book was written over 30 year ago and is still a delight to read, speaks volumes as to the author's style and ability. I look forward to catching up on the whole series. This is as cozy as they get. A fun filled 4-star novel!

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards / The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern / The Cat Who Turned On and Off (3 Books in 1)

Average customer rating:

The Best !
I should have read further....
THESE 3 TALES ARE GEMS.
Two Cats, Three Tales
mr q and his cats mewow!!!

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards / The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern / The Cat Who Turned On and Off (3 Books in 1)
Lillian Jackson Braun
Manufacturer: Marboro Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0880297166

Book Description

The first three Cat Who... mysteries in one volume, from the New York Times bestselling "master of mystery" (People).

Prize-winning reporter Jim Qwilleran and his extraordinary Siamese cats Koko and Yum Yum always land on their feet. This special volume includes the first three books in this "thoroughly delightful"* series.

The Cat Who Could Read Backwards: Modern art is a mystery to many-but for Jim Qwilleran and Koko it turns into a mystery of another sort.

The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern: Reporter Qwill isn't thrilled about covering the interior design beat. Little does he know that a killer has designs on a local woman featured in one of his stories.

The Cat Who Turned On and Off: Qwill and Koko are joined by Yum Yum as they try to solve a murder in an antique shop.
Customer Reviews:

The Best !.......2007-06-27
Ms. Braun is so skillful at suspense and comedy. The "tales" are wonderful, and as Koko says "Yow !"
I should have read further...........2007-06-11
I love and have all of the "Cat Who..." series with the exception of "60 Whiskers" which I'm waiting to come out in paperback. Since I've read all the books, I was itching to continue enjoying the exploits of Qwill.... I bought this book only to find out that I have the 3 novels (3 tales) already... Next time, I won't be so hasty...
THESE 3 TALES ARE GEMS. .......2007-02-14
Great Fun! Delightful light reading. I like to open one of these after finishing a heavier drama. They're like a breath of fresh air.
This is the first in the series and was actually written by Ms. Jackson Braun. Many of the later volumns (there are around 24)lack substance, are thoroughly predictable, and are believed to be ghost written. Here the characters are well developed and the story line has a few surprises. Enjoy!
Two Cats, Three Tales.......2007-02-10
After I received this book, I discovered it was the first three of her Cat Who books, which I already have. I gave the book to my granddaughter who has enjoyed the stories.
mr q and his cats mewow!!!.......2006-11-07
Have been a van since the beginning of the cat tails. This was bought as a gift for my daugther and now she too wants more cat tails.

Average customer rating:
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
Lilian Jackson Braun
Manufacturer: Putnam Pub Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NSGFAS

Average customer rating:
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
Lilian Jackson Braun
Manufacturer: E. P. Dutton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000OKGEZQ

Average customer rating:
Cat Who...Could Read Backwards, Ate Danish Modern, Turned on and Off
Lilian Jackson Braun
Manufacturer: Dorset
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

Three Complete Novels: The Cat Who Saw Red/the Cat Who Played Brahms/the Cat Who Played Post Office

ASIN: B000K7DFS2

Average customer rating:
6 CAT WHO BOOKS BOX SET OF CAT WHO WASN'T THERE , LIVED HIGH , TALKED TO GHOSTS , WENT INTO THE CLOSET AND 2 MORE THE CAT WHO SAW RED , COULD READ BACKWARDS
LILIAN JACKSON BRAUN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000SUY3UA

Product Description
BOX SET OF THE CAT WHO WASN'T THERE THE CAT WHO LIVED HIGH THE CAT WHO TALKED TO GHOSTS THE CAT WHO WENT INTO THE CLOSET AND 2 EXTRA THE CAT WHO SAW RED AND THE CAT WHO COULD READ BACKWARDS ALL IN VERY GOOD OR BETTER CONDITION.

Average customer rating:
The Cat Who Could Read Backwards
Lilian Jackson Braun
Manufacturer: Jove Pubns
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000K6GHI8

Average customer rating:
Cat Who Could Read Backwards Ate Danish
Lilian J Braun
Manufacturer: UNSPECIFIED VENDOR
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000UC9UN6

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The Cat Who Could Read Backwards; The Cat Who Ate Danish Modern; The Cat Who Turned On And Off - Three Complete Novels
Lilian Jackson Braun
Manufacturer: Dorset Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000QE7NSC

Average customer rating:
The Cat Who.. (Played Brahms, Knew a Cardinal, Could Read Backwards, Blew the Whistle, Turned on and off ) Sold as Set
Lillian jackson Braun
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000KKBGF8

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Steppenwolf: A Novel

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Tender Is the Night

The Adventures of Augie March (Penguin Classics)

The Annotated Archy and Mehitabel (Penguin Classics)

The Annotated Brothers Grimm

The Annotated Lolita: Revised and Updated

The Annotated Wizard of Oz (Centennial Edition)

The Arabian Nights: Tales from a Thousand and One Nights (Modern Library Classics)

The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas

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