Odes to Common Things, Bilingual Edition

Customer Reviews:

Beautiful.......2007-05-16

I love his poetry. The translation is not as good as I expected but it's OK. The drawings are beautiful.

It began with my flatware and a buttercup..........2007-04-30

This book was recommended to me from an extended discussion of photographs I found on a beautiful blog, Throughlines. The photo's there were taken when out in a mindful way looking at life by the writer, teacher, artist. These "ordinary", simple, composed, artfelt shots he took in his wandering...and they drew me in... and remain one of my favorite places to go look at photos. I was coincidentally drawing silver tableware. One of his photo's was of forks and this related to illustrations in this book. This fleeting exchange of feeling about the work with the photographer, English teacher in Hawaii led me to order the book he suggested.His blog leads one to read. And even more coincidentally a poet I admire also recommended the volume to me. It is as good as those recommendations-better. It has been a companion.

Perhaps it is about noticing life in the ordinary, the cup, spoon, the feel of the grit, sweat and use of the things we touch everyday. Neruda is so sensual, in Spanish sublimely so. He can turn a cup into the lips that you would love to place fingertips to caress. It's in this he has so very few equals. And given your heart's mood it can be a very deep container of all of the emotions that things provoke, lost friends, family, memories, traces. I'm trying to read these in both languages cycling the poems into my days life. I carry it in my purse and find it at times I can read in my peace..restore my inner self. And took the book on my trip to Chicago enjoying it on the plane, in my room, on the way here and there, in a rather bad diner, in the joy of being away with myself. And read it over and over in the hours and hours spent over two months in doctors offices waiting help with my chest and poor tummy. The book was very comforting I felt through it..
This is a lovely volume, a beautiful book to choose as a gift, it is illustrated with tender delicate black and white pencil illustrations of just the things that are everyday, salt shaker, spoon (my favorite), table each serving to highlight the focus of the poem. Neruda rides so close to heart rhythms, sounds, smells, the crush of silk on a thigh, the sound of the morning thrush, nothing is quite like reading this poet. At one time as a younger person i just could not read him, I felt so voyeuristic. Now a poem a day or so has been very touching. Very personal and like the objects he describes inside my places and moments.

I recall now that this was all tied conversationally to mentioning my thinking of Janet Fish originally, the super realist painter of glass and objects that have meanings just for her, where light and reflection dances us through the spaces. Indeed here Neruda dances us through these objects as connections to our meanings, his meanings, the blood of life.

This is the quintessential Naruda tome........2007-01-10

I cannot be without this book. It gives one all there could be to know about love and life. It is well worth its cost and leaves the reader that much smarter about everything that matters in love (and life)

Delicious reading.......2006-11-10

Neruda's use of language is truly sensual, in both English and Spanish. I must read for word lovers.

Ode to the Odes to Common Things Book.......2004-07-15

WOW. I've never been so moved by this book. As I began to read it, I sensed so many different things. How can such wonderful feelings be sensed by such common things. Pablo Neruda is a master in poetry. Im only 16 years old and I've never been so moved by such poetry. what an amazing man he was. it takes real gift to be able and write like that. This book really touched me, that sense and feeling in every line was enchanting. read this book, and you'll appreciate almost everything in life.

Book Description

Fearless men, their allegiance is to one another, to the oppressed, and to the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Sword—and they must never surrender to the passionate yearnings of their noble hearts.

A Lady of Love

Beautiful, peace-loving Rowena knows that Stryder of Blackmoor is a warrior, and is therefore a man to be shunned.

But something burns in the eyes of this powerful knight that she has never seen in others of his kind: a tenderness, and a need to love and be loved. Yet to enter his world would be madness—against every principle by which she has lived her life—so she must resist the yearning that would draw her into his arms.

A Man of War

Duty bound to battle for right, Stryder has never desired the comforts of home and hearth—until he gazed upon the exquisite face and form of the incomparable Rowena. He dares not succumb to her sensuous charms, for Stryder is a man sworn to know no love. But when treachery and danger threaten, the noble knight must stand as the unsuspecting lady's champion—though his actions could cost him his honor, his heart. . . and his forbidden dream of happiness.

Download Description

Fearless men, their allegiance is to one another, to the oppressed, and to the secret society known as the Brotherhood of the Sword -- and they must never surrender to the passionate yearnings of their noble hearts.

A Lady of Love

Beautiful, peace-loving Rowena knows that Stryder of Blackmoor is a warrior, and is therefore a man to be shunned.

But something burns in the eyes of this powerful knight that she has never seen in others of his kind: a tenderness, and a need to love and be loved. Yet to enter his world would be madness -- against every principle by which she has lived her life -- so she must resist the yearning that would draw her into his arms.

A Man of War

Duty bound to battle for right, Stryder has never desired the comforts of home and hearth -- until he gazed upon the exquisite face and form of the incomparable Rowena. He dares not succumb to her sensuous charms, for Stryder is a man sworn to know no love. But when treachery and danger threaten, the noble knight must stand as the unsuspecting lady's champion -- though his actions could cost him his honor, his heart. . . and his forbidden dream of happiness.

Customer Reviews:

Weak plotting, but relatively fun romance.......2007-04-26

Relatively enjoyable at times, but I found the plotting suffered from the frequent shifting between the Brotherhood history/Brotherhood background and the who-done-it assassinations and the tournaments and the actual romance, all very jarring. I felt the novel lacked a seamless integration of so many of these plots, and it seemed like one plot thread was dropped and instantly resolved for another with little sense or logic.

The most entertaining portions of the novel involve Rowena & Stryder's belligerent interaction early on and then sprinkles of their growing love until the end. I liked both lead characters, and fortunately enough, I didn't find the heroine to be this uncompromising, stubborn girl who will only accept her man on all of her terms or none at all, forcing him to give up everything he is or ever wanted to be -- plotting we find all too often in romance novels towards the end.

The blurbs are a good place to gauge the general story, but again, I felt there were too many other weak and insubstantial plot threads intermingled with the romance which jarred the entire reading experience.

A Dark Champion.......2007-01-03

One Word, WoW, Kinley is a master of her craft, no doubt about it, once I finished the book I thought and sighed, what a man, and looked at the choices we have with a bit of well depression heheh. But realy, Kinley never lets me down.

Pretty good actually.......2006-10-16

The Brotherhood of the Sword is a group of men who bonded together while held in captivity in their youths. Now men, the Brotherhood follow a strict oath to help others like themselves. It is a spin off MacGregor's The MacAllisters series, which the last few books greatly lacked. Needless to say I was reluctant to start the on the Brotherhood, but, alas, I rather liked this book.

The plot sounds simple enough. Stryder is the unofficial leader of the Brotherhood, a knight who hates all things music and dance. Rowena plays music and sings about her hatred for all things connected to warfare. They are polar opposites and yet there are many who wishes to see them wed. But things soon get complicated once members of the Brotherhood start being murdered. Suspects arise everywhere, with new characters and new twists arising.

I didn't find this book too complicated to follow at all. The characters weren't hard to keep track of and the reader gets a good understanding of the secondary characters (whose mental and physical anguish alone should be made into a separate book). I so hope Damien and Kit get their own books! This isn't exactly a lazy read and the reader is going to have to pay attention to understand the twists. I'm surprised how much I liked this book despite how it had no actual physical angst on the hero, but the emotional heart-clenching moments more than made up for it. Stryder has his share of vulnerabilities that this reader loved seeing played out. It gave him depth and made him more human.

I was SO close to giving it five stars. I was somewhat disappointed with Stryder and Rowena's first love scene, which I won't spoil in this review, and the seemingly sudden disappearance of the baddest guy in the whole book. But I will recommend this book and I do plan on reading the next.

Wonderful strong Characters.......2006-09-18

This book starts out strong and stays that way until the very end where the author throws in a couple of odd twists and doesn't bother to explain them. Otherwise, I would have given it five stars.

Rowena is a minstrel who also happens to be the wealthiest heiress in England. King Henry must see her married to secure her land holdings from enemies. The problem is Rowena has vowed never to love a knight because they stand for the one thing that took her father from her, war. King Henry and Queen Elenour plan a tournament and the winner will be married to Rowena. However, they give her an out, if Knight Stryder of Blackmoor wins a song competition, Rowena will be given her choice of husband.

Stryder of Blackmoor is an extremely handsome man who is chased all over by women hoping to become his wife. He has vowed not to marry because he is the leader of the Brotherhood, a band of fellow knights like him that were kept in a Saracen prison as teenagers and tortured. When they managed to escape many had problems that made it difficult to reenter the real world. Also, Saracen assassins are picking off many of their brethern one by one. When a couple of the Brotherhood are murdered, the murderer attempts to frame Stryder. Through a series of events Stryder and Rowena meet and find that complete opposites attract. Against all odds, the knight and the women vowed never to love a knight, do just that, fall in love. However they know marriage is not for them, Stryder cannot give up on the brother hood and Rowena must have someone who will put her above their agenda.

The great thing I loved about this book is that normally the strong headed female character will never bend in her thinking and usually ends up being more irritating than admirable. Not so Rowena, although she still longs for a peaceful world, she takes the time to get to know Stryder as a person and finally comes to understand that he is not for violence but takes up the sword to protect those who are harmed by it. His unconditional love and gentleness with his not so masculine brother Kit warms her heart. Stryder loves that Rowena can care less what he looks like or what kind of land he has but seems to really like him for him. These are two of the most endearing characters I have ever enjoyed in a book. I just wish the unexplained events at the end would have made sense, but they don't and kind of leave you with unanswered questions.

I did read another in the series the Brotherhood of the Sword and that was Christopher of Acre's story in Return of the warrior. However, I haven't seen anymore in the series and hope she didn't decide to discontinue it. I would like to know what happens with all the others.

a dark champion.......2006-07-21

like all kinley macgregor books i have read( a dark champion ) is a very good read.as i read it i felt as if i was really there with the men and women in the story.could not put the book down.am now waiting for macgregor's next book.

Tempted Champions (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

Average customer rating:

a great read
Awesome Book
Awesome Buffy book
A Good Read
Good story, interesting dilemma

Tempted Champions (Buffy the Vampire Slayer)
Yvonne Navarro
Manufacturer: Simon Spotlight Entertainment
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

Contemporary | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books | ( A ) | ( B ) | ( C ) | ( D ) | ( G ) | ( H ) | ( J ) | ( K ) | ( L ) | ( M ) | ( P ) | ( R ) | ( S ) | ( W )

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0743400364

Book Description

Fallen Angels

Buffy's shaken to learn that Celina, the new girl in town, is actually a vamp who's heard of Buffy's rep. She's here to challenge the Slayer and even Angel -- in L.A. -- is concerned that this time, Buffy may be in over her head.

Celina's not the only monster skulking about the neighborhood. D'Hoffryn has returned to Sunnydale to offer Anya another chance as a vengeance demon. Can she give up her romance with Xander and the friendships she's forged as a mortal for another shot at immortality -- even if it comes with a horrific price tag? Dawn tries to explain to Anya that humanity is worth the occasional heartache, even as she has doubts of her own.

Suddenly Buffy learns the terrifying truth about Celina: she's not just any vamp -- she was once a Slayer herself. Buffy has struggled with her own dark side enough to question the subtle distinction between "Slayer" and killer. If Celina turned Buffy, and Willow restored Buffy's soul, could she possibly find love with Angel at last?

And, more importantly, would she still be a hero?

Customer Reviews:

a great read.......2007-08-06

I absolutely loved this story. This was one of my first Buffy books and I still think it is one of the best. The plot was enjoyable and suspenseful. The characterization was great. The enemy of Celina was intriguing and well-written. You should read it.

Awesome Book.......2006-03-31

This is one of my favorite buffy books ever! It has an great story (probably one of the best story lines in a buffy novel), I like how the author came up with an original story line instead of using the same tired story lines that have been used in other buffy books. I love how the author writes the characters, they act and talk just like they do in the show.( which is also rare in other buffy books)
I would recomend this book to any buffy the vampire slayer fan
P.S.(Anya lovers will enjoy this book)

Awesome Buffy book.......2005-06-27

I really enjoyed Tempted Champions. This season 5 book was amazing. Celina, the vampire who used to be a slayer, made a perfect villian for Buffy to go up against. I also loved how Anya had to chose to either become a demon again or stay human. Some other things I liked about Tempted Champions include Angel being back in town, lots of parts with Spike, and many different times that made you think about what you would've done if you were that character. There weren't really any bad parts in this book, but there were a few editing mistakes. Over all the plot was good, the characters acted like they do in the show, and the end was very climactic. I highly recommmend this book to both old and new fans of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

A Good Read.......2005-04-03

This was, overall, a good book. I bought it, though, because of Anya's major role in it. I was dissapointed, however, because the part with Anya in it was over very early in the book. It was still a good book, but don't buy it just because of Anya's role in it, because you will be dissapointed.

Good story, interesting dilemma.......2005-02-20

This book presents in interesting dilemma for both Buffy and Anya, even though Anya's temptation wasn't all that convincing to me. I could, however, feel for Buffy. The chance to be with the one you love, forever (literally).
The book itself is well written, as are the characters, for the most part. I enjoyed the part that Spike plays (tied naked to his bed nonetheless). Anya was a bit too over-written, too much sex/-money talk.
Not as great as other Buffy novels, but still a good read!

Average customer rating:

My favorite heroine
Accurately Reflects Midieval Attitudes
This one was very well done.
marvellous medieval romance
Beverley proves once again she is one of the best!

Dark Champion
Jo Beverley
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books

General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0451207661
Release Date: 2003-01-07

Book Description

Orphaned and desperate, Imogen of Carrisford flees when a brutal lord invades and takes possession of her castle. There is only one man she can turn to for help: FitzRoger of Cleeve, who is rumored to be a ruthless champion in battle. Imogen is stunned at the very sight of him, yet she dares not trust this warrior to put her desires before his own. But even as she vows independence, she finds herself succumbing to the gentle fury of a warrior's love...

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

My favorite heroine.......2007-02-17

I loved the heroine in this novel - she goes from a pampered daughter to a besieged orphan who must become a leader for her people. She develops into such a strong female character, I think this is my favorite historical romance ever. Imogen has to marry a husband strong enough to keep her home and people secure, but she makes sure to retain most of the rights to her wealth. The most memorable incident was when Imogen ends up knocking her temporarily disabled husband unconscious so he can't fight his enemy and she has the enemy killed, even though she knows this will get her into deep trouble with the king later (it's an act of love, as her husband is too injured to fight well). She cleverly talks herself out of trouble with the king, for the most part, and her husband knows it was an act of love so does his best to punish her (as the king demands) as lightly as possible.

I've read most of Jo Beverley's work and this is by far my favorite. 'The Shattered Rose' was pretty good, the other two in the same era ('Lord of Midnight' and 'Lord of My Heart') were not as interesting. There is a Regency novel with a decendent of Imogen and FitzRoger, can't recall that title, but it wasn't nearly as good as 'Dark Champion'.

Anyway, this is one novel I'll read over and over again.

Accurately Reflects Midieval Attitudes.......2006-08-12

"Dark Champion" is set in the middle ages and begins with Imogen's witnessing the rape of her servant and the taking of her castle. Imogen disguises herself as a pregnant peasant and walks to FitzRoger's castle to beg for help. Unlike most romantic heroes, FitzRoger is a hard man, not instantly smitten with the heroine; instead, he does not trust her. Imogen witnesses him whip a man for drunkenness. Later, we found out that he had also raped and killed a child; my bet is that Ms Beverley thought if the offense were just drunkenness, the reader would dislike FitzRoger too much. Imogen does not trust him, nor like him, but she needs him. Of course, he does take her castle back and they marry for political advantage. She is only 16, overwhelmed, fearful, and often behaves badly toward him. He, in turn, admits that he married her for her wealth and that he would have married anyone, of any description, with such, and he frequently warns her to behave or he may beat her. Are their behaviors historically accurate? Probably. Were they attractive? No. The book did keep my interest, however. Gradually, they change toward one another, but FitzRoger at the end is forced to lash Imogen once to save her from a much worse punishment from the king. She, in turn, is relieved that he has been so merciful. Although believable in the context and historically, it did not make me like him. So, if you want a book that reflects midieval attitudes more accurately than those in most romances, you will like "Dark Champion." If you like your history with a more romantic hue, this book probably won't appeal to you.

This one was very well done........2005-07-16

I don't usually like to read medievals - if they are realistically portrayed they are too dark, and if they are not realistically portrayed - well, I don't like unrealistic books. But I love Jo Beverley, so I tried this one out.

As far as being realistically portrayed - that's a big yes! As far as being a dark novel - that's a yes, too. There are some descriptions that are so graphic... well, I don't usually go for that, but like I said, I love Jo Beverley, and this was only a small part of the book... It was worth it. This is a very realistic novel in every way, and Ms. Beverly does not shy away from describing every aspect of medieval life, whether that is something that will offend modern sensibilities or not.

In fact, Jo Beverley doesn't shy away from exploring any issue at all, as you can tell from reading some of her other novels. One of the issues touched on in this book is the role that religion played in midieval life, and the mindset of the people who lived in those times. A large part of the plot hinges on the priest and the way his mindset affected the characters in the story, and that was absolutely realistically portrayed, and not only that but I have read many books set in the same era that bypassed this aspect of their lives totally. It's hard to understand how you can write any kind of medieval book, consider yourself an historical writer, and completely ignore the religious aspect, but many other writers do do that. Not Jo Beverley.

What I like about Jo Beverley is what I perceive to be her emotional honesty - this is someone who is very comfortable in her skin, and she is therefore able to examine all the human emotions - whether good, or bad - but never with a bias, she is always fair. She doesn't say - this emotion is good, this one is bad - rather, she brings up her characters feelings, their thoughts, and she presents them to the reader - you make your own judgments. I really like that in a writer.

I have one minor complaint to make about this book, however. Jo Beverley writes with a certain respect for her audience - she's not one of those writers to rehash what she wrote three pages ago in case the reader missed it - she assumes the reader is intelligent and did not miss it. She also does not spend a lot of time explaining why her characters do or do not do something - she assumes that you will pick that up on your own, as you read the story. That's good, but also it has its drawbacks. In this book, for instance, the whole last episode of the story - where the h/h are separated for a while - I have to admit I was somewhat confused about the whole story - as to why they both acted the way they did. Make no mistake, where Jo Beverley is concerned, there is always a *good* reason for each of her characters actions - it's just that she didn't explain it, and I spent three days racking my brains trying to figure it out.

On the other hand, this aspect of Jo Beverley's writing (that she doesn't explain everything, but shows you how the characters react and lets you make the assumptions on your own) is what I like best about her books. But in this case, maybe because this story was set a thousand years ago, and I don't generally read books set in that time period, I was somewhat more at sea than I would otherwise be. I would have liked, in this case, for her to explain how the mideival mindset towards *honor* works, and how it differs from the modern mindset of how we perceive things today - and how the hero's feelings of "honor above all else" affected this story's outcome.

I finished this book with a renewed respect for this author - a respect for someone who has such a rare and complete understanding of the both the intellect and the emotions - kudos to Ms. Beverley!

marvellous medieval romance.......2005-05-26

I loved this book as I did so many of Beverly's others. What more can I say beyond what the other reviewer's have? Well, I would like to add that if you haven't read her Malloren series you are missing something amazing. The latest book in the series 'A most unsuitable man' is about the descendant of the hero and heroine in this novel. Marvellous stuff. Can't wait for more . . .

Beverley proves once again she is one of the best!.......2005-04-12

Whatever period Beverley chooses to write about her characters are so full of depth, heart and emotion that it is always a pleasure to pick up one of her books and dive in for an emotional ride. This book about Tyron and Imogeen (although I prefer to call her Ginger) was so well done. Imogeen is 16, hard to believe so much horror could be dumped on her at such a young age. No wonder she was barely able to deal with some of it rationally. She showed great strength in going to her neighbor Tyron Fitzroger to regain her Castle but was totally unprepared in dealing with him as a woman, that he would expect to marry. The way her mind was manipulated by the priest was so frustrating to read, but Tyron's realization that she was so young and his patience with "Ginger" was beautifully written. Tyron was so strong and yet he had enough of a vulnerable streak to make him one of the best heroes I've read about recently. The Middle Ages is not usually my favorite time period to read about but this Beverley book was first rate and I highly recommend it. I also highly recommend her Malloren and Rogue series!!

Star Wars, Jedi Academy Trilogy: Jedi Search, Dark Apprentice, Champions of the Force (Set of 3)

Average customer rating:

Star Wars, Jedi Academy Trilogy: Jedi Search, Dark Apprentice, Champions of the Force (Set of 3)
Kevin J. Anderson
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

ASIN: B000O5EWBE

Average customer rating:

A Dark Champion

Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0739442694

Product Description

A Historical Romance... The beautiful Rowena detests war and all who fight it - and would never allow a knight like Stryder of Blackmoor into her heart. But even the renowened Lady of Love needs a champion...

4 Titles By Jo Beverley : St. Raven Skylark Forbidden Magic Dark Champion

Average customer rating:

4 Titles By Jo Beverley : St. Raven Skylark Forbidden Magic Dark Champion
Jo Beverley
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Romance | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000QTVZGI

Product Description

multiple books ship as one item. save on shipping/handling charges.

Average customer rating:

Champions #3 : Family (Hero Comics)
Dennis Mallonee
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Antiquarian & Rare Books | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Average customer rating:

Champions #5 : Testing (Hero Comics)
Dennis Mallonee
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Comic Strips | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

General | Graphic Novels | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books

Antiquarian & Rare Books | Books & Reading | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Batman | Media | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books

Creatures of the Night: Horror Enemies (An Enemies Sourcebook for Dark Champions)

Average customer rating:

Creatures of the Night: Horror Enemies (An Enemies Sourcebook for Dark Champions)

Manufacturer: Iron Crown Enterprises
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000I4EQXU

A Dark Champion (Avon Romantic Treasure)

Average customer rating:

A Dark Champion (Avon Romantic Treasure)
Kinley MacGregor
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OEVNQW

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books