Amazon.com
Haruki Murakami, a writer both mystical and hip, is the West's favorite Japanese novelist. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Murakami lived abroad until 1995. That year, two disasters struck Japan: the lethal earthquake in Kobe and the deadly poison gas attacks in the Tokyo subway. Spurred by these tragic events, Murakami returned home. The stories in After the Quake are set in the months that fell between the earthquake and the subway attack, presenting a world marked by despair, hope, and a kind of human instinct for transformation. A teenage girl and a middle-aged man share a hobby of making beach bonfires; a businesswoman travels to Thailand and, quietly, confronts her own death; three friends act out a modern-day Tokyo version of Jules and Jim. There's a surreal element running through the collection in the form of unlikely frogs turning up in unlikely places. News of the earthquake hums throughout. The book opens with the dull buzz of disaster-watching: "Five straight days she spent in front of the television, staring at the crumbled banks and hospitals, whole blocks of stores in flames, severed rail lines and expressways." With language that's never self-consciously lyrical or show-offy, Murakami constructs stories as tight and beautiful as poems. There's no turning back for his people; there's only before and after the quake. --Claire Dederer
Book Description
The six stories in Haruki Murakami’s mesmerizing collection are set at the time of the catastrophic 1995 Kobe earthquake, when Japan became brutally aware of the fragility of its daily existence. But the upheavals that afflict Murakami’s characters are even deeper and more mysterious, emanating from a place where the human meets the inhuman.
An electronics salesman who has been abruptly deserted by his wife agrees to deliver an enigmatic package—and is rewarded with a glimpse of his true nature. A man who has been raised to view himself as the son of God pursues a stranger who may or may not be his human father. A mild-mannered collection agent receives a visit from a giant talking frog who enlists his help in saving Tokyo from destruction. As haunting as dreams, as potent as oracles, the stories in
After the Quake are further proof that Murakami is one of the most visionary writers at work today.
Customer Reviews:
Enjoyable but not as good as his novels.......2007-07-21
I must confess up front that short stories are not all that appealing to me. I prefer full length novels becasue of their ability to really develop the characters and plot. Right before reading these stories, I read "Kafka on the Shore". While these stories are not as mesmerizing, the six stories were very enjoyable and worth a read, especially for Murakami fans.
While all the stories center on individuals affected by the destructive 1995 Kobe earthquake, "Thailand", "Honey Pie" and "Super Frog Saves Tokyo" were my personal favorites.
Not great, but not bad or even not good.......2007-06-15
These stories are too short to appreciate the complexity that can be Haruki Murakami's writing. I would recommend The Wind Up Bird Chronicle, which was really great. Maybe I am wrong though, and it is always important to read different types of work by a writer. I guess I would suggest buying this book.
A delightful collection of short stories....highly enjoyable, but without complete closure. (who cares?).......2007-01-26
I enjoyed this book very much. While reading the stories I was completely engrossed in how they would end. In hindsight, I realize that a lot of the stories did not provide me with true closure, however, I enjoyed them so much that I hardly cared. Deep within each story I found a moral to take away and although they are not outwardly stated they are there nonetheless. This book was recommended from a friend as an introduction of Murakami's writing and it worked...
I would recommend this author and I will definitely be picking up more of his books.
Bed-time stories to soothe your soul.......2006-11-16
A set of stories depicting the life of people after the Kobe earthquake. But just on the surface.
I love Murakami's writing. Deep calmness and spirituality effervescing on each page of his.
Possibly the tallest among the magic-realists.......2006-05-20
Reality can have its moments or even decades of magic. Is not magic itself actually a reality? Magic is created out of people's (the viewers') observability or lack of it, expectations, pre-fixed ideas and many such components. Within reality an expert of magic-realism can identify events and trends which can be tremendously exploited to create literary magics wherein a whole nation's follies, shortcomings, emptyness, unanswered questions can be hurled back to them (provided they read it). In today's globalized economy and cultural trends a particular nation may stand for the whole of humanity. And yes, the stories in this book are relevant not only to just about anybody in the industrialized world but also to all societies craving for development in the present mould. Murakami seems to be one of those who call themselves "beatles generation", and the inspirations are often identifiable. But beyond that he a master of language and an extremely keen and sharp observer of society. He is preaching a kind of awareness, at least in a new version, which today's world must succeed to gain or things will, life will fall apart - everywhere. The elephant will vanish! Please do not depend on my interpretation,read this book, share it with others and then discuss among yourselves.
Customer Reviews:
"What you see with your eyes is not necessarily real.".......2005-08-31
In a simple, unpretentious, and totally accessible style, Murakami tells six tales, each with a message about life and death and love and loss. Simple, straightforward stories, haunting and hypnotic in tone, belie a complexity of themes and thought-provoking observations about the importance of creating your own identity, building relationships, sharing, and avoiding the emptiness of the "bogeyman's" box, "ready for everybody...[and] waiting with the lid open."
All the main characters are single or separated, and all feel isolated and empty, naïve in matters of love and life. In "UFO in Kashiro," an abandoned husband agrees to help a friend by delivering a box to Hokkaido, learning that the box "contains the something that was inside you. You'll never get it back." In "Landscape in Flatiron," a 40-ish artist and a young girl meet and build a bonfire. "The fire itself has to be free," he remarks, while the young girl comments on the emptiness of her life. In "All God's Children Can Dance," a young man pursues the man he believes to be his father to an abandoned baseball field, "chasing the tail of the darkness inside [him]." "Thailand" features a doctor in her 40's who is told that she must get rid of the stone inside her and that "living and dying are, in a sense, of equal value."
In the last two stories, "Superfrog Saves Tokyo," and "Honey Pie," Murakami begins to offer more hope and direction to his characters. Superfrog, a 6' tall frog who needs a plodding banker to help him fight the Worm and save Tokyo from an earthquake, teaches that "the ultimate value of our lives is decided not by how we win but by how we lose." And in "Honey Pie," which brings all these themes together, a young man has an opportunity to find happiness with the only woman he's ever loved and her young daughter.
Despite the fact that Murakami states his themes overtly, the stories themselves are enigmatic and the action unpredictable, and the reader will ponder his meanings and his images long after the stories are finished. Wonderful descriptions, small details which reflect the characters' class and educational level, sympathetic and well drawn characters, and a sense that the world is absurd and illogical make this short collection memorable. pp Mary Whipple
Book Description
This digital document is an article from World Literature Today, published by University of Oklahoma on April 1, 2003. The length of the article is 566 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.
Citation Details
Title: Haruki Murakami. After the Quake: Stories.(Book Review)(Brief Article)
Author: Erik R. Lofgren
Publication:
World Literature Today (Refereed)
Date: April 1, 2003
Publisher: University of Oklahoma
Volume: 77
Issue: 1
Page: 99(1)
Article Type: Book Review, Brief Article
Distributed by Thomson Gale
Book Description
Her breathless kiss haunts him...
Bowen MacRieve of the Lykae clan was nearly destroyed when he lost the one woman meant for him. The ruthless warrior grew even colder, never taking another to his bed -- until a smoldering encounter with his enemy, Mariketa the Awaited, reawakens his darkest desires. When sinister forces unite against her, the Highlander finds himself using all his strength and skill to keep her alive.
His slow, hot touch is irresistible...
Temporarily stripped of her powers, Mari is forced to take refuge with her sworn adversary. It's rumored that no one can tempt Bowen's hardened heart, but soon passion burns between them. Though a future together is impossible, she fears he has no intention of letting her go.
No deed is too wicked for her seduction...
If they defeat the evil that surrounds them, can Mari deny Bowen when he demands her body and soul -- or will she risk everything for her fierce protector?
Book Description
USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs now delivers the first book in a new trilogy of three extraordinary men who promise fulfillment for the women bold enough to accept their sensual challenges.
Come to the Castle of Dark Dreams, the delicious attraction in an adult amusement park where women take role-playing to new erotic heights with the three brothers-Eric, Brynn, and Conall McNair-who work there. Okay, so they're not human, but that's a secret. Tonight, Eric, the castle's resident vampire, will prove that he's everything bad should be when he drives a female talk show host absolutely wild with desire.
Download Description
"USA Today bestselling author Nina Bangs now delivers the first book in a new trilogy of three extraordinary men who promise fulfillment for the women bold enough to accept their sensual challenges. Come to the Castle of Dark Dreams, the delicious attraction in an adult amusement park where women take role-playing to new erotic heights with the three brothers-Eric, Brynn, and Conall McNair-who work there. Okay, so they're not human, but that's a secret. Tonight, Eric, the castle's resident vampire, will prove that he's everything bad should be when he drives a female talk show host absolutely wild with desire."
Customer Reviews:
I wish it wasn't the end.......2007-09-02
This is the final title in this part of Nina Bangs Castle of Dark Dreams trilogy, and I'm sorry to see it end. I love the "brothers" but was hoping that some of the other characters would get a story of their own. I enjoyed the conflicts nearly as much as the inclusion of other "Powerful beings". While the cosmic troublemakers are in other books, which I have enjoyed, I really enjoyed some of Sparkles revelations in this trilogy.
Hot Hot Hot.......2007-05-23
Wow, I love vampire romances, but this one takes the cake. Very descriptive to say the least!!! LOL
It's Hot... But..........2007-05-17
I'm a fan of Nina Bangs and have been reading her for several years. This is not her best effort. The characters are a little flat, and the secondaries are just annoying. It reads like it was thrown together in a hurry. I was very disappointed, in fact I put it down twice before forcing myself to finish it. It's been on my shelf for a long time so I don't think it was my frame of mind while reading it. I'll continue to read the next 2 in the series (I already bought them) and hope the slump is a one time thing.
Wicked Nights is HOT!.......2007-02-11
I enjoyed this book greatly. I don't know how else to say it. I am hooked on Nina Bangs I have brought 4 more of her books since reading this story.
Enjoyed it.......2006-08-01
Enjoyed it and would recommend it if you're a fan of this genre and don't limit yourself to the dark, brooding vampire stories. I am a fan of vampire romance books, and spend my time on Amazon looking for authors that are writing in the same genre. Bangs does the vampire alpha male character well, with a humorous overlay. I found the sex scenes enticing - Eric would be a keeper if he showed up in my world. The stuff with her recurring characters, Sparkle, et al, is a little annoying, they are pretty one dimensional - although they tie her stories together, and after you've read a couple, you don't need any wasted pages to understand Sparkle's purpose in the book. Donna's choice at the end is intriguing - I felt a little cheated that we didn't get to see some of what comes next.
Book Description
Night Elves - Wicked Pleasures By Nelissa Donovan Book 1 in the Night Elves series
Selena DeLaPava is just out for a little fun at her best friend's grad party. But 'fun' can't quite describe how terribly wrong the night goes. One minute she's gyrating in a circle of body-painted ancient history grads, and the next she's flat on her back, buck naked, under a bright summer sun with an equally nude golden god looming over her—commanding her to pleasure herself, and she is compelled to obey.
Serosen Isil-Gan, high prince of the Night Elves, finds her—deliciously naked, and fully enchanted by his licentious cousin. Knowing that it is forbidden to bring humans to Tir na n-Og, Serosen liberates the maid, only to realize too late, that there is much more to the lusty Terran than meets the eye…
Customer Reviews:
Erotic pleasures.......2005-12-27
Ms. Donovan has created a world where the characters come alive and are so vivid, as if you could reach out and touch them. You feel as if you are actually living the story from the hero and heroine's point of view--or at least you wish you were! An erotic read, this one's a keeper.
Book Description
In the first book of her exciting new Andersen Hall series, Sari Robins delivers another delightful and fast–paced Regency romance full of emotion and liveliness that is sure to delight her fans.
Customer Reviews:
Give this book a chance - I think you will enjoy it !.......2007-03-29
It took me a few chapters to really get into and understand the plot of this novel but once I did - I really enjoyed this book. The basics of the story is that Lillian is pretending to Dillion's mistress to be protected from her evil father (not biological) and help give Dillion a good image since he is gay. The plot does a great twist when Dillion is accused/framed for murder by Lillian father and Dillion's brother. Lillian hires Nick to gather information and clear Dillion. As the reader to know the 'who done it' but how Nick undercovers the plot is a lot of fun. Of course Lillian and Nick hit it off - you will love how Lillian talks Nick into working for her....
One Wicked Night or Two.......2006-08-16
In Sari Robin's "One Wicked Night" Lillian Kane is determined to prove her "protector" can't be responsible for the murder of another woman, so she enlists Nick Redford--the ex bow street runner turned private investigator that she's been fantasizing about since meeting him in a dark garden. He wants nothing to do with the case at first, but she finds a unique way to convince him and once he's on the trail he's apparently like a dog with a bone. Unfortunately, the story also includes another dog; the Queen's kidnapped pug, Lancelot. The story digresses from the main plot line here and I'm really not sure why. Suffice it to say, Nick finds the dog (was there any doubt?) and we're back on the main path again, working to prove that Dillon couldn't have murdered anyone and that Lillian's evil (aren't they always) stepfather was really responsible. I enjoyed the other Andersen Hall stories, this one not so much. I liked Nick, but didn't find Lillian that easy to relate to and I thought the villains were mediocre.
It started so well...........2005-08-13
even ignoring the class differences and Lillian's unaccountable acceptance by the ton...But then... along came the queen's dog. From that moment on, this book became a farce. It was so often downright silly. I swear, that dog-napping plot was one of the most ridiculous things I've ever read! Several times, I almost threw the book across the room in disgust -- and I never mishandle books.
Without that disgusting subplot, the book would have been enjoyable despite its aforementioned historical defects. But the plot and the characters actions and dialogue during that were some of the most horrid stuff I've ever read. If you read Robins, get this one from the library so that you have additional background for More Than a Scandal -- and I do like Nick -- but you either have to wade though the disgusting dog plot or skip that section. Actually, the latter may be the better idea; then the book woun't be totally spoiled for you. 1.5 to 2 stars. Could have been more without the *(*&#&^%^ dog.
a pleasant read..........2004-12-14
unlike some of the other reviewers I enjoyed this book. The hero is a decent, hardworking ex-bow street runner who now has his own agency. The heroine, a "lightstocking", a woman who is being kept by a lord as a mistress. The villans are truly villanous, the supporting cast are fun. Yes, some of the story is inplausible but it IS romance people. Just relax, and enjoy yourself:) I've read better but many more that are much worse. At least B++ sex, likable cast that you'll want to win, and great ending. If you like regency with a twist, then give this book a try.
Guarding Lancelot.......2004-10-06
I read the book. It was O.K. I did not like the fact that there was not a little more distinctions in the social classes. Lillian was (as far as the Ton was concerned) a fallen lady, but she was portrayed more like a young widow. Nick was working class, but except for a brief scene in the beginning, he was always treated like a peer of the realm. I also agree that some of the dialog was a bit modern. It was a good read, the setting just didn't feel right.
The only other problem I had with this book is the whole scene with the queen's dog. You know one of my favorite movies is called Guarding Tess. It stars Nicholas Cage and Shirley MacLaine. There is a scene where Ms. MacLaine is kidnapped by her driver in conjunction with his sister and her husband. Mr. Cage realizes that the driver committed the crime based on wounds on the driver's person. He then threatens the servant with physical violence if the whereabouts of Ms. MacLaine is not revealed. Ms. MacLaine is later found on the in law's farm buried in the ground dehydrated and dirty. Sound's familiar?
Average customer rating:
|
Wicked Wyoming Nights
Leigh Greenwood
Manufacturer: Love Spell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
 General | Romance | Subjects | Books
Greenwood, Leigh | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | Subjects | Books
General | Historical | Romance | Subjects | Books
Greenwood, Leigh | ( G ) | Authors, A-Z | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
General | Historical | Romance | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:
-
Wyoming Wildfire
-
Sweet Temptation
-
Rebel Enchantress
-
Scarlet Sunset, Silver Nights
-
Arizona Embrace
ASIN: 0505524783 |
Customer Reviews:
Wicked Wyoming Nights.......2006-04-08
I usually enjoy this author's books,but found the main characters a little unbelievable. The lead female character, Eliza, became quite unlikable as the story progressed, and frankly, annoyed me. The lead male character is written as a strong man with deep convictions, yet he seems to have no reaction when betrayed over and over again by the women he supposedly loves. Eliza's uncle commits a horrific crime in front of the sheriff and apparently is never even arrested. My opinion, pass on this one.
Product Description
An exclusive 2-in-1 hardcover edition featuring twin sisters Amanda and Amelia Cynter.
Customer Reviews:
Worth More than Five Stars Brilliant Book.......2007-07-22
I love these stories of the cynsters. These are the stories about the twins and are captivating with wonderful romance and intrigue. A real page turner I could not put it down from page one. Like others have said I too will read anything with Stephanie Laurens name on it.
Book Description
What's your fantasy tonight?
Welcome aboard the Fantasy Cruise Line, where luxurious private cabins use virtual reality to create any fantasy you've ever dreamed of -- and a few you've never imagined.
Cassidy Ferrill's fantasy is to get revenge on her teen crush, Sloan Hardt, who broke her heart when he rejected her long ago. She wants to seduce the man, then leave while he's panting for more. When she discovers they'll both be guests on a Fantasy wedding cruise, Cassidy knows she's found the perfect opportunity. If she can just keep from losing her heart all over again....
Sloan doesn't immediately recognize the curvy auburn-haired beauty as his long-ago "pity date" to the prom, but he certainly recognizes what he's feeling: pure, unadulterated lust. The fantasy-themed cabins are a perfect opportunity for some truly wicked night games with this new, grown-up Cassidy. But while Sloan has always been a love-'em-and-leave-'em kind of guy, this fling somehow seems different. Why does he find himself fantasizing about a life with Cassidy after the cruise is over?
Customer Reviews:
Was this a first draft?.......2000-09-20
I was bored, bored, bored with this book. After seeing so many 5 stars from reviewers, I looked forward to a good read. Unfortunately, the formulic plot, inspid heroine, dashing but tortured hero made for a long, long, read. Lady Serena, who married an old geezer who can't consumate their marriage (now in its third year) asks her to take a lover to beget a heir. Serena spend practically the whole book prosing morality and that was boring. Anyway, she and Lucien meet and get together (physically) in a good scene but that is about it. Her husband is murdered by his heir, the evil Alastair. Lucien marries Serena and even though it is obvious they have more than great physical chemistry, the book is one scene after the other of mis-communication and their inability to relate as a couple. Oh, let's not forget Alastair and his never ending sting of attempts to kill Serena. Don't adle you brain with this book. It would have been a much better book had Serena and Lucien married and tried to build a marriage together, and then try to deal with Alastair. In the end, Serena is not very bright and really, quite the shrew. Also, Lucien's ex-wife was just another waste of story line. Should have left her on the continent.
I didn't enjoy this at all............2000-08-29
Am I reading too many historical romances lately? Probably. Am I getting too jaded and picky? Probably not. I read only highly rated Amazon books because I haven't got time for mediocre or poorly written ones. But my advice to you is: don't trust all of the 16 favorable reviews written here. I agree with the few that said this book was definitely flawed. Serena and Lucien, the main characters in One Wicked Night, are flat and 2-dimensional. They are in constant denial, denial, denial about their feelings toward each other. The few scenes that had a glimmer of sensitivity and compassion are immediately marred by an abrupt reversal of feelings or actions. Take this for example: Serena whispers, trembling:"I killed him." Lucien answers: "He deserved to die". Immediately it's OK, so she says: "You're right. I'm not sorry." Give. Me. A. Break. There were other scenes just as shallow. Don't waste your time on this poorly written little book - go for the gusto with books like China Bride by Mary Jo Putney or Fia, The Ravishing One by Connie Brockway. You'll enjoy them soooo much more than this. And after all, who's got time for books that aren't really great?
Annoying heroine and time-worn plot sink this book.......2000-06-19
Been there, read that. This book is so full of cliches it sinks under the weight of them. Serena Boyce is married to an aging, impotent duke who insists she take a lover to give him the heir he needs in order to prevent the dukedom from going to his slimy nephew. Pious, self-righteous Serena means to refuse, but after being rescued from Lucien, Marquess of Clayborne, she finds she can't resist him. They make love, she conceives, the duke is murdered. At this point you might expect Serena to be grateful for Lucien's insistence that they marry. He wishes to protect her, but fearful ad nauseum ad infinitum of being perceived as wanton as her mother, Serena balks. I didn't like Serena. In addition to acting "too stupid to live" on more than one occasion, her over-the-top moral stand becomes old in a hurry. I liked Lucien a little more, though his insistence on seeing Serena in the same light as his first wife, continues far too long. I never understood what Lucien saw in Serena to make him want her so much. When she isn't melting in his arms, she's cold, haughty and so self-righteous you want to throw something at her. Like this book.
An Exciting New Author!.......2000-04-11
For the past thirty years, I have been an avid reader of Regency romances/historicals and have lately found most authors seem unable to put their finger on the nuances of tone, conversation and behavior that make a Regnecy so special. The reviewer who called this book longwinded obviously has no appreciation for any of these things! I'll bet also she hates all my favorite authors; Mary Balogh, Catherine Coutler and Stephanie Laurens. If you like any of these people GET THIS BOOK. I was so pleased to discover this exciting new author, I've become a devoted fan. Serena and Lucien held me spellbound as they overcame mistrust, betrayal and murder to ultimately find love.
Serena's elderly husband asked her to take a lover to conceive and carry on his dukedom. Serena refused--until she met a wonderful, lonely Lucien. After an amazing night together, Sernea is stunned by her ill-bred behavior and flees. Lucien searches for his mystery maiden until he discovers she is married to a much older man. He feels betrayed by her duplicity but cannot forget the way she moved him and eased his grief over the death of his young daughter. When Serena's husband is murdered and she realizes she carries Lucien's child, Lucien forces her to wed. He wants to protect her from her first husband's killer. He also wants her for himself. What follows is a wonderful example of love in bloom!
I finished this book in one evening. I'm hoping to see more of this author's brilliant work soon!
A paperback soap-opera.......2000-03-30
At the ripe old age of 23(!) a pretty, none-too-bright duchess has given up hope of ever having a child. Her doting husband tells her to take a lover, since he is incapable. After a few half-hearted protestations she does so, and so starts this soap opera that supposedly takes place in Regency England. It features a divorced hero (he and his ex-wife are still, unbelieveably, seen about in society) who had a daughter named Chelsea (Chelsea?) and a typically froth-at-the-mouth villian out to stab, burn, ravish, and stab our poor heroine (in that order). The poor old duke is conveniently done away with, the marriage of convenience inevitably occurs, and the heroine is stupid enough to believe what the ex-wife decides to tell her. Despite the plot, the writing is good, although a bit flowery. If you like soap opera, aren't fussy about historical details, like your heroines sweet and blonde and your heroes dark and brooding, then you should enjoy this.
Product Description
The first five books in the Malloren Family Series: My Lady Notorious; Tempting Fortune; Something Wicked; Secrets of the Night; Devilish
Product Description
Multiple books shipped as one item. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.
Books:
- Akira, Vol. 3
- Angry Black White Boy: A Novel
- Anil's Ghost: A Novel
- Another Roadside Attraction
- Any Human Heart
- Beyond Black: A Novel
- Birds Without Wings
- Casino Royale (James Bond Novels)
- Charms for the Easy Life
- Children of the Matrix: How an Interdimensional Race has Controlled the World for Thousands of Years-and Still Does
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- Things Fall Apart: A Novel
- Stunning Crystal & Glass: The Watercolorist's Guide to Capturing the Splendor of Light
- Hans Kollhoff: Architecture/Architektur/Architettura
- Not a Good Day to Die: The Untold Story of Operation Anaconda
- Kiss My Tiara: How to Rule the World as a SmartMouth Goddess
- Protein Folding Handbook 5-volume set
- Running With Angels: The Inspiring Journey of a Woman Who Turned Personal Tragedy into Triumph Over
- The Art Of New Yorker 1925-1995
- Maternal-Newborn Nursing: Theory and Practice
- Kerala. The land of palms. Followed by Through the Eyes of the Island Children by Basil Mathews
The Elephant Vanishes: Stories
Blind Willow, Sleeping Woman
Sputnik Sweetheart
Underground: The Tokyo Gas Attack and the Japanese Psyche
South of the Border, West of the Sun: A Novel
