Brilliance of the Moon: Tales of the Otori, Book Three (Tales of the Otori, Book 3)

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"I Had Been Claimed by Both Sides of my Ancestry..."

Brillance of the Moon ( Tales of the Otori)

Good, not great -- bit rushed

Unbelievably crass ending.

A Decent but Unmagical Conclusion

Brilliance of the Moon: Tales of the Otori, Book Three (Tales of the Otori, Book 3)
Lian Hearn
Manufacturer: Riverhead Trade
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Similar Items:

Grass for His Pillow (Tales of the Otori, Book 2)

Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1)

The Harsh Cry of the Heron: The Last Tale of the Otori (Tales of the Otori, Book 4)

Heaven's Net Is Wide (The Tales of the Otori Series)

Cloud of Sparrows

ASIN: 1594480869

Amazon.com

Lian Hearn's third installment in the Tales of the Otori series Brilliance of the Moon brings a mystical and violent conclusion to the saga of Takeo Otori as he fulfills his destiny to reclaim the Otori lands. At the climax of Grass for his Pillow, Takeo's passion for his beloved Kaede was finally realized with their secret and forbidden wedding. As spring approaches, Takeo and Kaede prepare for war and embark on a campaign to reclaim their respective realms. But just when victory seems certain, Hearn characteristically uproots her characters with unseen treachery and the two lovers are again separated. Takeo must summon courage from his conflicted heritage as he marches towards his destiny. The fates of other Otori characters are also determined in a succinct and magical finale.

This third chapter in the Otori saga lives up its predecessors. Hearn's mythical ancient Japan is again brought to storybook life. Although the novel's climax comes suddenly and almost unexpectedly, the afterword hints at another tale to be told by the heirs of Kaede and Takeo's legendary rise. --Jeremy Pugh

Book Description

A beautiful, haunting evocation of the medieval Japan of Lian Hearn's imagination, this thrilling follow-up to Grass for His Pillow and Across the Nightingale Floor delves deeper into the complex loyalties that bind its characters from birth. Filled with adventure and surprising twists of plot and fortune, this final volume travels beyond the Three Countries, to the outside influences that threaten to intrude upon this isolated realm.

Customer Reviews:

"I Had Been Claimed by Both Sides of my Ancestry...".......2007-07-29

This is the third and final book in the "Tales of the Otori" trilogy, in that it wraps up the main plot of the previous novels, Across the Nightingale Floor (Tales of the Otori, Book 1) and Grass for His Pillow (Tales of the Otori, Book 2). However, there is a forth installment that is set fifteen years after the conclusion of this book, that deals with a couple of plot-threads that were left dangling here (namely, the prophesy that claims Takeo will die at the hands of his own son). However, for all intents and purposes, this is the grand finale of the story that has been gradually building up throughout the previous books, and Lian Hearn brings the semi-epic tale to a satisfactory and bittersweet conclusion.

Being the third novel, there is a huge amount of back-story and intrigue already set up, and so it seems pointless to summarize it here. Let's just say that there's no way you can understand this story without already having read the previous novels, so if you're thinking about buying, you need to backtrack a little bit. Basically, our main character Otori Takeo is a young warrior with allegiances to three opposing factions in the Japanese-inspired world of the Three Countries. Attempting to negotiate his ties with all three of them (both within himself and in the world itself) makes up the crux of his character, as he is torn between the honourable Otori Clan (into which he was adopted), the pacifist Hidden people (who bear a resemblance to Christians) and the devious Tribe, a secretive and devious faction who instigate their near-supernatural abilities in the art of spy-craft and assassination. Told in first-person narrative, Takeo's story is suspenseful and poignant, as the young man is called upon to make some *very* difficult decisions throughout the course of the tale. The saying that there can be no peace without war is especially apt here, as Takeo deals with a range of betrayals, alliances, intrigues, enmities and battles that threaten his attempts to secure peace. Several times I found myself asking: "What would I do in that situation?" Hearn doesn't hesitate to make his protagonist undertake some very dubious activities, which adds to the richness of the story itself.

In the final chapter of "Grass for his Pillow", Takeo was wed to his beloved Shirakawa Kaede, something I felt was a surprise move on Hearn's part (usually weddings are postpones till the *end* of a story). Unfortunately, I never felt that the romance between them was handled particularly well, but having a married couple as a story's main protagonists is an interesting change. As in the previous books, Kaede's chapters are told in third-person narrative, although she has a lesser part to play here. Hearn seems to have lost interest in her slightly, as Kaede's development from a timid young girl into an independent and powerful woman is undercut in this installment when she becomes a prisoner of a malevolent lord - remaining there for most of the book's length.

However, one cannot say the same thing about Takeo, who has fully embraced his role as a war-leader and all the responsibilities that come with it. Hearn captures the burden of leadership perfectly, as Takeo struggles to maintain power whilst placating those that answer to him, seeking out allegiances whilst knowing he can trust no one, kill those oppose him whilst suppressing his own distaste for violence. Hearn handles the action sequences and the atmosphere of war extremely well, and though we don't fear for Takeo himself, be certain that all of his friends and comrades are up for grabs. Takeo has grown convincingly from boy to man throughout the course of the three books, capable of both compassionate and merciless actions, something that finally makes him a fully three-dimensional character (being rather distant in the previous books). He struggles, he doubts, he succeeds and fails, and although I would have liked a bit more commentary on Takeo's internal thoughts (often I wasn't sure whether many of the events were due to his own upbringing, or part of the Japanese culture itself - such as the many "honour suicides" that take place, something completely foreign to Western thinking).

Although the violence and randomness of war is captured almost-perfectly, I felt that the final confrontation with the Otori was rather abrupt and anti-climactic. Perhaps this was simply because it was building for so long, but it seemed to be over quickly, with very little effort on Takeo's part. However, though I have not yet read the forth book The Harsh Cry of the Heron: The Last Tale of the Otori (Tales of the Otori, Book 4), this is certainly the best book of the trilogy, with action, suspense, intrigue, revenge and a good wrap-up to what has gone before.

Brillance of the Moon ( Tales of the Otori).......2007-04-15

I like this book( and the series) because it was not predictable.

Good, not great -- bit rushed.......2006-06-10

Like many other reviewers, I found this third book rushed in comparison to its predecessors. Also, it was one battle after another with very little time to catch breath; after a while, everything started to blur together. I've read that the author wrote all three books one after the other, as one giant tale, and think that might have contributed to the weakness of this one -- after all, if the rushed aspect and battles of this one are set against the slow pace of the previous too, it all may balance out. Could have done with some editorial advice, though.

I'm interested that this is being presented as a fantasy, since the only fastastic element is the Tribe's ability to "go invisible." If you know Japanese history, everything else is clearly drawn from that: the Hidden are the Japanese Christians, who were in fact known as "Hidden Christians," the Tribe are ninjas, the "Enlightened One" is Buddha etc. Thought selling it like this was a bit odd, and die-hard fantasy buffs might be disappointed.

There were some trite, too-obvious deus ex machina elements in the ending of this volume, but that may be unavoidable if you consider that these are supposedly Young Adult books. Also, historical reality intruded a bit unpleasantly at the end of this one in a way I thought was a bit of a cop-out in an otherwise good book.

Overall, though, a pleasant series. I look forward to the resolution, due out in September, though I'll definitely wait for it in paperback!

Unbelievably crass ending........2006-06-01

After blazing through the first two volumes, and halfway into the conclusion, my reading, and enjoyment of the series came to screeching halt.

Somewhere between the first page and 200 of the finale, Takeo and Kaede had became bumbling, inept and whining caracatures of themselves. WHAT happened to the strength and insight of the caracters I had learned to love? Their simpering and laughable "decisions" are a gross insult to the series...

Damn, and I was SO enjoying it too!

A Decent but Unmagical Conclusion.......2006-05-28

Whatever magic the first two books had, "Brilliance of the Moon" was mostly lacking. It was more of a pure action kind of story, with a much faster plot. Unfortunately, Hearn does not seem particularly skilled at writing exciting action. It did not have the quiet, contemplative moments of beauty that the first two volumes of the trilogy did, nor the epic feel. Still, there was a lot of good character development and resolution, especially with Kaede, who has really matured.
I was disappointed, but not devastated. The ending was fine, but left me neither sad or happy. I think my expectations were just too high, after "Across the Nightingale Floor" and "Grass For His Pillow", which are some of the best works of fantasy I have read. I hope that Hearn will continue to write in the genre, and I look forward to her future books. If you have read the first two "Tales of the Otori" books, you should read "Brilliance of the Moon" to see how it ends. If you haven't, start with "Across the Nightingale Floor". You are in for a treat.

Brilliance of the Moon, Episode 1: Battle for Maruyama (Tales of the Otori, Book 3)

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Brilliance of the Moon, Episode 1: Battle for Maruyama

Brilliance of the Moon, Episode 1: Battle for Maruyama (Tales of the Otori, Book 3)
Lian Hearn
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0142406236

Book Description

Peace comes at the price of bloodshed—five battles will buy you peace, four to win and one to lose. At the temple of Terayama, the words of the blind sage's prophecy continue to haunt Takeo as he readies his armies for battle. Determined to avenge Shigeru's death and claim his rightful inheritance, Takeo and Kaede, together with Takeo's forces, fight their way to the domain of Maruyama. But then they must separate. Takeo makes plans for a battle by the sea, and Kaede returns to her family's home at Shirakawa. Will they see each other again?

Customer Reviews:

Brilliance of the Moon, Episode 1: Battle for Maruyama.......2007-01-30

Enjoyable series of books. Delivery was timely.

Brilliance of the Moon, Episode 2: Scars of Victory (Tales of the Otori, Book 3)

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Brilliance of the Moon, Episode 2: Scars of Victory (Tales of the Otori, Book 3)
Lian Hearn
Manufacturer: Puffin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Action & Adventure | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0142405949

Book Description

When Kaede arrives at Shirakawa, she learns her sisters have been taken to Lord Fujiwara's house—and soon she too becomes a prisoner there. And neither Takeo nor Kaede know that Takeo's old teacher, Muto Kenji, has grievances and schemes of his own. As Takeo and Kaede face disaster at the hands of their enemies, the forces of nature are also conspiring. Are Takeo's skills of magic and his desire for revenge enough to outwit two armies? And will he and Kaede ever find a peaceful way to live their lives together?

Brilliance of the Moon: Tales of the Otori, Book 3

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Brilliance of the Moon: Tales of the Otori, Book 3
Lian Hearn
Manufacturer: audible.com
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Download
ASIN: B000NA6MEU

Across the Nightingale Floor - Book One 1 Grass for His Pillow Book Two 2 Brilliance of the Moon Book Three 3 (Tales of the Otori)

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Across the Nightingale Floor - Book One 1 Grass for His Pillow Book Two 2 Brilliance of the Moon Book Three 3 (Tales of the Otori)

Manufacturer: penguin putnam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000EYLL82

Product Description

First three books in the series Tales of the Otori.

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Brilliance Moon Child Ed (PB)
Lian Hearn
Manufacturer: Macmillan Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OUPDHQ

Brilliance of the Moon X18 Mxd Dumpbin (Tales of the Otori 3)

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Brilliance of the Moon X18 Mxd Dumpbin (Tales of the Otori 3)
Lian Hearn
Manufacturer: Macmillan
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: 1405049707

Tales of the Otori 1-3 by Lian Hearn: Across the Nightingale Floor, Grass for His Pillow, Brilliance of the Moon (Tales of the Otori)

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Tales of the Otori 1-3 by Lian Hearn: Across the Nightingale Floor, Grass for His Pillow, Brilliance of the Moon (Tales of the Otori)
Lian Hearn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000SOTCMK

Product Description

2 hardbacks & 1 paperback

Average customer rating:

simple plot perhaps but a brillaint read nonetheless

Veddy, veddy British

fine golf mystery
Hole in One (Detective Chief Inspector C.D. Sloan)
Catherine Aird
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Minotaur
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Mystery | Mystery & Thrillers | Subjects | Books
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Amendment of Life: A Mystery

Chapter and Hearse: And Other Mysteries (Detective Chief Inspector C.D. Sloan)

Little Knell

Stiff News

Injury Time

ASIN: 0312342292
Release Date: 2005-07-14

Book Description

Detective Chief Inspector (D.C.I.) C. D. Sloan works in the deceptively quiet town and county of Calleshire, where for many years he's endured the pressures of his demanding, unreasonable boss and the company of Constable Crosby, Sloan's all too constant but not very helpful sidekick. He's also solved a series of complex murders in Aird's long-running series long praised for it's literate wit, style and charm. In her first new novel in almost two years, Hole in One, a death occurs on the links, a death that is nearly impossible and is, quite improbably, is murder. But improbable is a Calleshire specialty and as far as D. C. I. Sloan is concerned, impossible is merely par for the course.

Customer Reviews:

simple plot perhaps but a brillaint read nonetheless.......2006-01-31

It's always a pleasure to read one of Catherine Aird's Inspector Sloane mystery novels: they're full of mischievous and witty asides and engaging dialogue, cleverly executed and just a joy to read. So that even though "Hole in One," mystery-wise, was a little less cunning and intricate than usual, it still was an excellent read, and well worth a 4 star rating.

Inspector Sloane's wife has been trying to get him to join the local golf club, sure that his chances of being promoted would be greatly enhanced if he joined -- especially since Sloane's boss, the demanding and irascible Superintendent Leeyes is a member of the Berebury Golf Club. So far Sloane has stood firm: he's not about to give up his beautiful rose garden in order to saunter about taking pot shots at golf balls! Unexpectedly, however, he does find himself at the golf club, investigating a murder when Leeyes calls him up to report that a body has been found buried in a bunker (sand trap). With Leeyes breathing down his neck, and the aid of the ever obtuse and unhelpful Detective Constable Crosby, Sloane must somehow identify the murder victim and discover who committed the murder and why. Time is of the essence and when one is dealing with golf club members who are rich and powerful, one must be careful as well, especially when there is a lot of money at stake...

Unlike earlier Inspector Sloane mysteries like "Henrietta Who" and "Some Die Eloquent," "Hole in One" is not that complex a read -- one is able to figure who the murder victim is fairly quickly and the motive as well. Nor was it that suspenseful a read -- the identity of the killer becomes a little obvious about two-thirds through the book. why then my high rating? Because "Hole in One" entertained me from beginning to end. I enjoyed Sloane's wry inner thoughts (esp the way in which he'd compare horticulture with golfing) and Catherine Aird's dry, mischievous humour. I found myself sniggering all too often. Also, in spite of the fact that the plot was written along simple, basic lines, this was still a very elegantly executed novel with some truly brilliant character portrayals. In the final analysis, while "Hole in One" may not be the most intriguing read of one's lifetime, it still was a very enjoyable and absorbing, and one worth a 4 star rating for excellent writing.

Veddy, veddy British.......2006-01-20

When one of those pesky lady golfers uncovers a body in the 6th hole bunker, Superintendent Lees, who is also a club member, is not best pleased. What follows is a romp across the course by Old Boys, caddies, business developers, greenskeepers, a member's beautiful young daughter, detectives, and sundry other characters, some bent on solving the murder and some on covering it up (again). The audio version of this most British of mysteries is deftly narrated by Bruce Montague, a master of the wide variety of English/Scottish/ Cockney accents. The mystery is solved within 24 hours, with another life lost and one saved. Not a bad day's work and everyone's happy to get on with the game.

fine golf mystery.......2005-07-27

At the Berebury Golf Course, female "Rabbit" Helen Ewell plays with her friend Ursula Millwood when she sinks a shot into a bunker on the sixth hole. As she struggles to dig out of the sand trap she uncovers the head of a dead person. Hysterical she tells Ursula she thinks she may have stroked an eyeball out of the trap.

Calleshire County Police Superintendent Leeyes is at the links on his day off. He calls his chief of Criminal Investigation Division Detective Inspector Sloan to get over to the country club "quicker than soonest". Sloan begins to investigate the homicide with the help of dimwitted Crosby and astute "pretty Polly" Perkins.

The pastoral setting of the country club in which the two ladies slowly (and the plot like wise) play a poor woman's brand of golf lulls the reader into expecting a serene village cozy. However, once Helen makes her chip shot, the British police procedural moves through eighteen fast holes. The story line is humorous at times but never loses sight that first and foremost is that there is an official investigation into who killed and buried the head in the sand. Catherine Aird's latest Sloan story is a fine entry in a strong series.

Harriet Klausner

Chipping: The New Stock Market Method for Surviving Turbulence and Hitting a Hole-in-One

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Enjoy it ! Practice it !!
Save Your Money
Chipping Breaks New Ground

Chipping: The New Stock Market Method for Surviving Turbulence and Hitting a Hole-in-One
Harlan D. Platt
Manufacturer: Charles L. Webster Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Counterintuitive Investing

ASIN: 0966331141

Book Description

Investors have lost a great deal of money for two reason: market turbulence and their belief in investing dogma promulgated by Wall Street such as the buy-and-hold idea. Chipping was written by a noted professor of finance at Northeastern University. It offers a new approach to stock trading that upsets old dogma and which offers investors an opportunity to act in a manner similar to the specialist at the New York Stock Exchange.

Customer Reviews:

Enjoy it ! Practice it !!.......2003-07-15

The book is easy to read while explaining a great way to trade stocks. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is a totally different approach to investing in the stock market, removing dangerous emotions. The author explains the chipping concept very well across different dimensions - stocks, mutual funds (basket of stocks) and explains very well the 'nirvana of chipping'. I have extended the learning in real life and made some decent returns. I like the chipping method, since it shatters many beliefs in stock market investing and it is different from the contrarian invest approach. It is a great book to read and learn a new technique of investing. Enjoy reading the book and don't stop there! Practice it!!

Save Your Money.......2003-03-23

As an experienced investor & trader, I am always on the look-out for any profitable trading advice or methodology. So, I was hopeful when I purchased Chipping that I'd learn something new.

By the time I got to the end of the book, I had greater confidence in flipping a coin for stock decisions than the advice given in this book. More specifically, when you isolate his decision-making, there is simply nothing there - as an example, he kind of thought the Japanese Yen had fallen far enough, so he went long. You've got to be kidding!! And it was the same for all of his examples.

I didn't find a shred of useful investment analysis, insight, or decision-making in Platt's "method". It was mind-boggling that he was risked real money on stock trades with such flimsy justification for buying at the prices he did.

I read lots of investment books, and this one is quite a disappointment. It seems the author doesn't even realize how random his investment results were over his 2-month track record, or the stock price correlation with the general market.

I predict the author will implode with any downtrending market.

Chipping Breaks New Ground.......2003-01-02

As a professional money manager and investor I have read scores of books and articles on how to invest. For the most part all of them repeat the same ideas over and over again. Harlan Platt's new book on the counter intuitive practice of Chipping is an insightful treatise on how to take advantage of stock market over reactions through short term trading. Professor Platt breaks new ground by saying that you don't need to work on Wall Street or consume reams of data to make money in stocks. Instead he articulates a simple strategy requiring discipline and steady profit taking to compile above average returns with below market risk. For its sheer innovativeness, and common sense logic on how the market works, this book is a must read.

Healing the Hole in A Heart: One Birthmother's Journey into the Adoption Triangle

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Healing the Hole in a Heart
Good insight!

Healing the Hole in A Heart: One Birthmother's Journey into the Adoption Triangle
Nancy Mac Isaac
Manufacturer: Mac Isaac Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Accessories:

ASIN: 0967249902

Book Description

HEALING THE HOLE IN A HEART. One Birthmother's Journey Into the Adoption Triangle 1998 by Nancy Mac Isaac, JD is written to help others find their way through the reunion mine field. Learn how to shift from the mania and exuberance of first contact to a love-filled friendship developed over time. HEALING THE HOLE is a guide to surviving reunion, making adjustments, and building relationships. It helps the reader to face their fears and find friendship. If you or anyone you know is touched by adoption, then this book is just what the doctor ordered. HEALING chronicles how a "childless" high-achiever, Nancy, managed the impacts of reunion on her once normal, professional, and personal life. A life that was irreparably altered by a letter. HEALING THE HOLE offers the reader a series of techniques, exercises, and resources demonstrating the ADJUSTMENTS needed to become a RECOVERED BIRTHPARENT--a fact demonstrated by Nancy finally summoning up the courage to search for and find her daughter's birthfather. It can be a template to follow for those who wish to grow a friendship based in mutual respect and trust.

EXCERPT
January 23, 1989
Dear Journal,
I looked out over a carpet of dark-haired Cubans filling the reception area at Miami International Airport. One blonde fuzzy-haired head stood taller than all the rest. We both wore new perms for the occasion. Her hair is longer than mine, but the genetics are obvious. Her eyes were wide, expectant, delft blue, searching and doubtful.

Something darted through her mind, I could see it on her face, then our eyes met and held. Our reciprocal smiles were automatic; the light in her eyes was almost blinding. Her smile started in the region of her heart and just expanded from there. She beamed. With more than fifty feet to go before I could hold her, I noticed that Janet had not come alone.

I finished the journey of 3000 miles and floated into Janet's arms as she did into mine. She felt so good. Holding her for real was amazing; simply magical.

Journal, HOW do I describe this feeling; a coming home, a completeness? Tears fill my eyes and spill. I never cry. WHAT is this reaction? As I held Janet the world around us was in a haze. I singularly focused on my magnificent daughter while resisting the urge to count her fingers and toes. I'd never seen her as an infant and now we meet when she's twenty-one years old. She is perfect. Journal, what do I do NOW?" --Excerpt: HEALING THE HOLE IN A HEART, Page 64

Customer Reviews:

Healing the Hole in a Heart.......2006-11-05

This was one of numerous books I read on adoption reunions. I think it would be more meaningful for a reunion of a fairly young adoptee 20-30. In my case I was reunited with my daughter when she was 49. It was good to read about their successful reunion. One important thing I got from the book, that we are doing, is to always set a date for the next visit before the current visit is over. (we live cross country.

Good insight!.......2000-06-17

In some way, adoption has most likely touched your life. This book offers tremendous insight into the angst of all parties concerned. It is sensitive to the adoption triangle and allows the reader a view from all perspectives. It will definitely inspire the reader to ponder how each person involved is affected by the life-changing event known as adoption. You will want to buy this book and pass it along after you've read it.

Average customer rating:

My son's favorite book
An artist shapes up

One Hole in the Road
W. Nikola-Lisa
Manufacturer: Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Picture Books | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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Can You Top That?

ASIN: 0805042857

Book Description

"A single hole in the road causes considerable commotion in this clever counting book.... The energy of Yaccarino’s retro images matches the rhythm of the text, as flagmen wave, stoplights flash, and storefronts flood, oh my!" --Booklist

Customer Reviews:

My son's favorite book.......2001-03-24

My 2 1/2 year old son loves this book. The pictures are colorful, and tell a great story. It is one of those books that is simple, yet filled with action - easy to animate as you read it and look at the pictures.

An artist shapes up.......2000-06-26

Trying to fix a small pothole is apparently no easy task. Nor, according to Dan Yaccarino, was illustrating this book. He regards it as a turning point in the way he approaches his work which includes creating images for magazines, newspapers and ad campaigns in the United States and around the world. However, as Julie Cummins points out in Children's Book Illustration and Design (II), his free-wheeling and light hearted illustrations are natural for children's books, and in 1992 he wrote and illustrated his first picture book, Big Brother Mike. Using gouache on water color paper, Yaccarino shows us what its like to be the younger sibling and the trials and tribulations of being 'the baby'. But he also hoped to show all the good things that go along with having an older brother (also called Mike) and he succeeded!

A comparison of the style Yaccarino used to make these points, and later to capture the rhythmic sounds and shapes of demolition in BamBamBam, with that emerging in Circle Dogs and achieving maturity in Deep in the Jungle, reveals the extent to which this picture book is, indeed, a 'turning point':

"It took great pains for me to pare the illustrations down to their most essential elements: shape and colour. What appears to be the simplest of images is the result of much deliberation and discarded illustrations."

One hole in the road is an early result of an artist's struggle to derive form from the pure shapes of very generic visual concepts. Recognition that young children do this naturally in their own drawings is reflected in Johnathan Fineberg's fascinating exploration of the subject. In each case, people are reduced to the alternative of frontality and profile which provides the most informative sight for each single person or object -- four spotlights flashing, five sirens blaring. Young childlren understand these translations from model to picture and recognise an artist's image as an equivalent of the former created within the condition of the medium, in this picture book, paint.

Increasingly, Yaccarino's art captures the two most important features of the kind of art that appeals to young children: on the one hand, freedom from dependence on the shapes of nature; on the other, the basic shapes and colours whereby things are visually understood. These include the geometric primaries and black, white, reds, blues and yellows from which the world composes itself.

Book Description

The golfer lines up the shot. It's a long one, and the chances of acing it are nil. He says a prayer, swings, and- hallelujah!-he scores a hole in one.Many golfers confess to murmuring earnest prayers that they, too, may join the 42,000 people a year who catch lightning in a bottle and score a hole in one. It's an excitement that many lucky golfers say they remember with more clarity than their first kiss.That's because nothing in the grand old game is as mysterious yet mundane as the ace. Scott Hoch has had 26; fellow pro Fred Couples just two. Blind men and women have hit them, as have first-time golfers, three-year-old toddlers, and hundred-year-old widows. Richard Nixon is the only president to have scored one and he said it was a greater thrill than winning an election. Filled with fun facts and anecdotes, Hole in One! is a comprehensive clearinghouse of unusual stories involving the aura and accomplishment of scoring an ace. Readers will find out how duffers call upon unusual good luck charms and customs from foreign countries to ensure their swinging success. Hole in One! is the perfect book for all golfers who love the game, whether they're accomplished players or rank amateurs.

Customer Reviews:

This book is an Ace!.......2003-05-02

With a combination of humor and interesting trivia, Chris Rodell has done it again. This well written guide is a must read for hackers and pro's alike. I read from cover to cover without putting the book down.

Once you pick it up, you won't be able to stop reading it!.......2003-04-25

If you are a golf fan, or even a fan of sports, then this is the book for you. The book is throughly entertaining, and filled with amusing anecdotes. After reading this story, my goal is to go out on the golf course, acheive a hole in one, and be featured in Mr. Rodell's next book.

Book Description

The 100 Greatest Holes along the Grand Strand is a full-color coffee table book featuring photos, illustrations and playing tips for the 100 best golf holes in and around Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. Holes were nominated by readers of The Sun News, the daily newspaper of the Myrtle Beach area. The top 100 were chosen by a panel of local golf pros. Also included in the book is a map of area courses and a course directory.

Customer Reviews:

pretty little coffee table book.......2000-03-22

Its not all that useful as a travel guide, but "the 100Greatest..." is a fun review of some of the best holes, displayedwith some good photography.

The book showcases some of the more popular and photogenic holes, but does deteriorate as the golf professionals often selected mundane looking holes simply because of their difficulty. I also was disappointed with the yardage cards of the holes. It wouldn't have ben prohibitively expensive to put in the exact yardages from all sets of tees instead of the generic "Back Middle Front" would it?

Also, the so called "playing tips" are often useless blurbs completely useless to a player or were lifted from the course's own yardage book.

Still, a few years from now a second edition, possibly extending to Hilton Head and adding trivia and historical information about some of the most popular courses could truly be spectacular.

Average customer rating:
ASIMOV'S SCIENCE FICTION - Volume 15, number 15 - Mid-December Dec 1991: Celebrate the Bullet; Cruising through Blueland; Fin de Cycle; In the Late Cretaceous; It's a Job; The Hole in Edgar's Hillside; One Night in Mulberry Court; Professionals
Gardner (editor) (Richard Paul Russo; Robert Frazier; Howard Waldrop; Connis Willis; Isaac Asimov; Gregory Frost; Peni R. Griffin; Michaelene Pendleton) Dozois
Manufacturer: Davis Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000LXJK5W

Average customer rating:
The Book of Great American Watering Holes: An Enjoyable Look at Over 100 Brew Pubs, Saloons, Inns, Taverns, and Pubs (Book One: Northeast Edition)
Michael Caldwell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000QEAVV8

Product Description

From back cover: Finally! A book that features great places to eat, drink and be merry in America. Our first book spans the Northeast States -- from Maine to Maryland. Learn all you need to know about these wonderful watering holes to make an informed decision. You will find information on the establishments that includes photographs, local history, location, and the regular customers - with their choices for the most popular beer and favorite menu selections.Book Two will profile places to be found throughout the Southeast States. Look for it next year.

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