Amazon.com
In some respects, Richard Powers's The Time of Our Singing is just a big, absorbing drama about an American family, with the typical ingredients of an immigrant parent and some social obstacles--in this case, a biracial marriage in the Civil Rights era--to be overcome by the talented children. But Powers's lyrical gifts lift this material far above its familiar subject matter. His descriptions of music alone will transport the reader. The Strom family were raised with this common language: "Our parents' Crazed Quotations game played on the notion that every moment's tune had all history's music box for its counterpoint. On any evening in Hamilton Heights, we could jump from organum to atonality without any hint of all the centuries that had died fiery deaths between them." The central figure of this novel is the dazzling Jonah, who makes a life from singing, and who may be the only person around him who regards his racial heritage as irrelevant to his ambitions. Powers's is such a fertile writer, however, that he can't stay with any single story, but plunges into pages and pages of family and social histories. The result is a rambling, resonant, fearless novel that pulls the reader along in its wake. --Regina Marler
Book Description
On Easter day, 1939, at Marian Anderson's epochal concert on the Washington Mall, David Strom, a German Jewish migr scientist, meets Delia Daley, a young Philadelphia Negro studying to be a singer. Their mutual love of music draws them together, and-against all odds and better judgment-they marry. They vow to raise their children beyond time, beyond identity, steeped only in song. Jonah, Joseph, and Ruth grow up, however, during the Civil Rights era, coming of age in the violent 1960s, and living out adulthood in the racially retrenched late century. Jonah, the eldest, 'whose voice could make heads of state repent,' follows a life in his parents' beloved classical music. Ruth, the youngest, devotes herself to community activism and repudiates the white culture her brother represents. Joseph, the middle child and the narrator of this generation-bridging tale, struggles to find himself and remain connected to them both.
Download Description
On Easter Day, 1939, at Marian Anderson's epochal concert on the Washington Mall, David Strom, a German Jewish émigré scientist, meets Delia Daley, a young Philadelphia Negro studying to be a concert singer. Against all odds, they marry, vowing to raise their offspring beyond time, beyond race, beyond belonging, steeped in song. But their children, Jonah, Joseph, and Ruth, must survive America's brutal here and now. As a polarized America threatens to tear the family apart, only their deep, shared love of song stands any hope of preserving them. Set against the sweeping backdrop of contemporary American history, The Time of Our Singing is nevertheless deeply personal and intimate, a heartrending tale of the power of music and the tangled loops of time that rewrite all identity.
Customer Reviews:
Time outlives everything.......2007-09-01
This is an amazing novel byRichard Powers. an ambitious generational tale of an American family with a mixed heritage of African-American and German Jew, and covers the travails, triumphs and tragedies of this family. There are three children, one with a beautiful singing voice who opts for a classical music career, a daughter who becomes involved with the civil rights struggle,and a second brother who, though gifted as well, buries his ambition to bridge the gap between his siblings. Not a perfect novel--sometimes Powers' superb style turns into a list of historical events as a means to convey the sweep of time-- but the central issues of race, identity, culture are handled well within the story. The writing is generous and frequently beautiful, especially at the moments when the description turns to the music. Powers, as well as any one, describes how notes played the right way can make one believe in heaven and the angels who live there.
An ambitious project........2007-05-07
It's a Richard Powers book concerning two brothers, both classical musicians, of different temperment and talent, born in the forties, their parents are a black Philadelphia aristocratic soprano woman and a Jewish physicist man who emigrated from Germany on the eve of World War II.
The couple homeschools their children and raises them on classical music and above race. As you can imagine, once the boys leave school, armed with music alone, the two navigate their life with a deep sense of alienation and social irresponsibility that comes with being passable black classical musicians in the nineteen fifties when there is a bloody revolution happening outside of your practice room and on the streets of America.
The book has an enormous and tumultuous span, from the 20s until the 90s, and should be considered an epic. I recommend it, but it's a qualified recommend. Powers is a bit relentless in his narrative, if you don't know anything about music, physics, or American history, he doesn't take time to catch you up. It didn't bother me, but that's because I happen to know music, physics, and American History. Had the story been about painting, chemistry, and Canadian History, I would have been looking up a lot of wikipedia.
Some of the relationships are truly touching, and at its best, the book is like the Adventures of Kavalier and Clay meets the Grapes of Wrath, which is a recipe for the Great American Novel, at its worst, Powers overwrites like Rushdie. It's a thoughtful, fantastic story of small people who never wanted to do anything big, but historical circumstance and love precluded them from living small.
There is a huge story he tries to tell. The structure necessary to contain the scope and the breadth of this story is awesome. Bravo. It wasn't an unqualified success, but I am definitely going to run out and read "The Prisoner's Dilemma."
Getting showing the impact of race in America on Black men is deeply difficult, but Powers succeeds in provocative ways.
Best read of the year to date.......2007-05-02
This is the first novel I have read by Richard Powers, and it knocked my socks off. A big book grappling with big issues: race, art, humanity's capacity to annihilate itself. What I admired most was that Powers' approach doesn't come to hard conclusions, but rather acknowledges that these issues are complex, that human beings respond to situations in myriad ways--nothing is preordained and life is finally mysterious, no matter what path you take. Besides inspiring a lot of rather philosophical musing about life, the novel is also a damned good read--I laughed, I cried, and when the book was done, I kept dreaming about these characters.
A rare treat.......2007-01-05
The most obvious attraction of this book is its language: rich and economical, often just suggestive enough to seed your imagination, something expected perhaps in a poem, but remarkable in a novel of this size.
The white man and the black woman chance upon meeting in each other a kindred soul that can equally share their singular love for music. Their love at first sound was long time in the making: they fell in love with the same music long before they met. At their catalytic encounter, they hit on new notes and surprise themselves with thinking out of the tribe. Together they discover the joy of improvisation and from that day on will never look back at scripted performance alone. This magic of the triple birth - two voices and the harmony they formed - inspires them to build a family around it.
Building up this tradition with their children, they share in daily singing sessions: creating harmony while actively helping each family member, including the youngest ones, develop their own voice. The two older brothers are defined by these early sessions, their lives governed by music. One could argue that the youngest Ruth is defined by these sessions as well, although in a different way: by the time they abruptly ended with her mother's death, Ruth needed these sessions, and her family, the most. She spent her life looking for the cause of Delia's death and fighting it. She rejected the music that, she was convinced, ultimately killed her mother, and she defined herself in opposition to the belief that brought her parents together. This book is as much about family as it is about music and race.
The intertwining stories of past and present form the DNA of the book. Their alternating chapter pattern with occasional cliff hangers at the end make up a lively and engaging structure.
Powers's special signature is his personal and poetic rendition of the art and science that he mixes in with the main characters of his books. In "Gold Bug Variations", it was molecular biology and Bach. In "Prisoner's Dilemma", it was game theory and pathology. In "The Time of Our Singing", it is music and theory of relativity. Here, for physics he chooses the most difficult delivery: in the voice of the scientist at the top of the field, explaining his work to his children. As for the music, it is not simply the inspiration bringing out the best in many characters of the book, or only the force connecting parents with children and children with each other. More importantly, it clearly inspires Powers and elevates the narrative to the state of grace.
For all the other merits of the book, for its fresh look at race in America, for its colorful characters and unexpected situations, I would most readily pick it up again for its language, for the beautifully crafted prose.
Many Old Ideas.......2006-12-17
I really like Powers - as a scientist I appreciate his ability to write intelligently about a world that includes maths and physics - and I have read many of his books. I'm unsure what order they were published in, so it may be that what follows would apply to another book if you are reading in chronological order, but this book contained many ideas (motifs? ticks?) from the work I was already familiar with.
In particular, there's a long (this is not a short book) rehash of "relationship failing due to sense of indebtedness". I assume this is taken from the author's own life (I recall something similar in (what I assume was) the semi-autobiographical Galatea 2.2). Richard Powers, if you're reading this: please, get over it. I am tired of paying to be your therapist. OK?
The historical context was fascinating - I learnt a huge amount - but both Goldberg and Galatea are better books. At least, if you read them before this one.
Book Description
Dave couldn't be any luckier. He just got engaged to Julie, the sweetest and most beautiful girl in town. His bliss doesn't last for long, however, after his friend Charlie tells him that once the wedding bells ring, the sex will stop. This puts Dave into a panic, but what's he going to do? Charlie explains that the only way to stave this off is by making Julie crave sex so much that she won't be able to think of anything else. He offers to help by taking her under his tutelage to show her the way to sexual excess. Julie gets turned out, but can Dave handle the heat? Turned Out! is the story of how sweet, innocent Julie goes from good girl to slut in no time flat.
Download Description
Dave couldn't be any luckier. He just got engaged to Julie, the sweetest and most beautiful girl in town. His bliss doesn't last for long, however, after his friend Charlie tells him that once the wedding bells ring, the sex will stop. This puts Dave into a panic, but what's he going to do? Charlie explains that the only way to stave this off is by making Julie crave sex so much that she won't be able to think of anything else. He offers to help by taking her under his tutelage to show her the way to sexual excess. Julie gets turned out, but can Dave handle the heat? Turned Out! is the story of how sweet, innocent Julie goes from good girl to slut in no time flat.
Customer Reviews:
I enjoyed it as much as the characters seemed too .......2006-11-10
I found this book to be some of the better written erotica I have come across in quite a while. It is one thing to have a decent short story, but it is another to be able to carry the plot line long enough for a novella or short novel. The basic premiss of the book is somewhat stupid, but like an erotic film - are you really watching it for the plot?
I found the characters somewhat one dimensional at times, but then again, this is not a book by Dostoeyski. It is a fun read to get ones jollies to and it accomplishes that task.
If you like erotica, if you like group get ons, then this is a book you would probably enjoy.
ABSOLUTELY PHENOMENAL!!!!.......2006-01-24
What can I say about this book? It's filthy, it's vile, it's uncompromising, it's disgusting, and it's disturbing. It's taboo in EVERY way, AND...it's one pretty quick read, also.
In a word, it's PERFECT!!!
Dave thought he had it ALL. But then, his buddy Charlie set his ass straight. And then together, they sent Dave's love Julie down the road of complete sexual EXCESS. This book is phenomenal, IMHO.
It pulled together many things in my head that I have always wanted to see written about, and it put it all together in a way that is intelligent and honest. Mr. Chesterfield writes about Julie (near the end), 'A lot of people would not like the way she was, but she didn't care.' He tempers this though, by adding, 'Most people can't handle honesty especially when it deals with human honesty and desire." I know for a FACT that this is GOSPEL.
This book breaks MANY socially accepted norms, but does so with the undercurrent of THERE'S NOTHING WRONG WITH SEEKING OUT YOUR OWN PLEASURE AS LONG AS YOU'RE NOT HURTING ANYONE.
Charlie and Dave DON'T turn Julie out just to turn her into a slut...they do it to help her enjoy life more, which she (and many others) does because of this.
Julie: "I'm kind of mad at myself because of all I was missing out on."
The Librarian: "People really limit themselves by not considering all of their options..." is the TRUE undertone of this novel. People DO limit themselves, and not just sexually, within the IMAGINARY confines of what is PERCIEVED to be 'Normal' (I know I have), and I'm SICK of it.
Who says a book about sex and 'perversions' (although happy ones) can't change your life, and make you see things in a new (and MUCH more enjoyable) way.
To Mr. Chesterfeild, if you ever read this, I want you to know that I have TWO copies of this book. The digital version was just NOT enough for me; I just HAD to have it in my hands to be able to read it again and again and again (and I've read it FOUR TIMES already) it's THAT good.
Be prepared to have what you BELIEVED to be 'normal' living challenged, because, THIS BOOK is NOT about to take ANY prisoners of your preconceived notions of life, in general.
Great from start to finish.......2005-12-09
Julie is the most beautiful girl in the world but oh so prude. She doesn't even want to enjoy sex with her soon to be husband.
Little does she know what is in store for her. Her fiances friend has big plans for her (even bigger then his large member) Soon she is putting out and servicing everyone all with the final result that Dave is the happiest man in the world once they are married!!
Get this book but keep at least one hand free so that you can pleasure yourself while you read; better yet have a loved one read it to you and pleasure yourself and them at the same time.
Kind of agree.......2005-12-07
I kind of agree with the two previous reviewers, there is a lot of sexuality in this...but wait...isn't that what an erotica book is all about? I think it is a fun, sexy and intriguing book. Add it to your collection and you'll be happy. I've recently added this book, Tie Me Up Tie Me Down, and Paco Santiago's Endless Pursuits, all three of which have kept me daydreaming.....yummy.
Couldn't let it down!.......2005-07-27
Damn what a good book!. I finished reading it in one day and a half. For being my first time reading this kind of books, I really enjoyed it.
Average customer rating:
- Great!
- FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING BOOK
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I Hope You Are Living As High on the Hog As the Pig You Turned Out to Be
Bill Anderson
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Country & Folk | Composers & Musicians | Arts & Literature | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Biographies & Memoirs | Subjects | Books
General | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Country | Musical Genres | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Theory, Composition & Performance | Music | Entertainment | Subjects | Books | Appreciation | Composition | Conducting | Exercises | Instruction & Study | MIDI, Mixers, etc. | Sheet Music & Scores | Songbooks | Songwriting | Techniques | Theory | Vocal
ASIN: 0684801744 |
Book Description
"Whisperin'" Bill Anderson weaves these classic country music tales right from the horse's mouth, delivering hilarious episodes and touching moments.
Customer Reviews:
Great!.......2007-07-19
This was a great book. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I highly recommend it to everyone, especially those who like country music and country music artists. I love reading about the older country artists and their experiences in the industry etc. It was a funny and entertaining book. Bill Anderson has a great sense of humor too and has a way with words.
FUNNY AND ENTERTAINING BOOK.......2006-11-17
I AM A country music buff, the stories and mishaps of the older country singers are so funny.....well written and easy to read.....
Book Description
In Tales from Pit Road, driving legend Buddy Baker and racing writer David Poole join forces to compile the most hilarious collection of stories, memories, and anecdotes ever published. Read about the bumps and brawls, the blood, sweat and tears, and the practical jokes that happen behind the scenes from the very drivers, owners, crew chiefs, and pit crew that make up the heart and soul of stock car racing.
Book Description
"The first book in English devoted to the great French author Henry Corbin, Tom Cheetham's The World Turned Inside Out is an excellent introduction to and survey of Corbin's work and thought. Corbin is unique among 20th century scholars of Islam in his ability to imaginatively enter the world of the Sufi gnostics and to apply their insights to the modern World. Cheetham's book provides us with a bracing and stimulating overview of this seminal author's work and its implications: this is a book for all who suspect that, to paraphrase Plato, there is more to life than that which can be grasped in one's hands." Arthus Versluis, editor of Esoterica and author of The Esoteric Origins of the American Renaissance
Customer Reviews:
My World turned inside out........2006-02-21
This book is wonderful. My copy has already suffered at the hands of a highlighter,a pencil, and many re-readings. Even in its dog-eared state this text is beautiful and leaves you just short of your own gnosis. Tom Cheetham-as Prometheus- has brought us light from the Gods. His work on Corbin was very much needed and makes Corbin accesible...well at least in the English translations ;much of Corbin's work is still in French. The title of the book is somewhat misleading. This book isn't simply about "Islamic Mysticism" or "Henry Corbin", it is much more about worldviews. I promise this book will take your worldview and "turn it inside out".
This wonderful and readable book will truely turn your world inside out!!!.......2006-01-03
We must say that this is THE book to read if you want to take personally all the esoteric Sufi material presented by the spiritual genius Henry Corbin. We take this book with us on trips, we keep it by our bedside, we talk about these lucid ideas with our campanions on the path. Wake up and die before you die....
Product Description
TURNED OUT is the astonishing sequel to MANDINGO LOVE, but don't allow yourself to think for one second that Turned Out falls anywhere short of the tantalizing energy of its predecessor. It packs a heavy dose of betrayal, conflicts, passion and eroticism. Surely, De'marco is made to pay his debt to society, however, not for long, because the winds of change are blowing in his favor. And if you think Connie acted up a tad bit in Mandingo Love, best believe she just outright shows her ass in Turned Out. Playing on Jennifer's emotions and mental weaknesses so she can stick around and get another shot at De'marco. Her devious plan works so well, that when De'marco returns home, he has not only one, but two women catering to him, willing to do whatever for and with him! Connie is having her cake and eating It too as she enjoys the pleasures of both worlds, until the quiet, innocent De'shawntu makes her presence felt, but not known. In the mdst of a whirwind of events, Connie's lustful antics are finally brought to a screeching halt. As you set out to follow this one you can guarantee that you'll end up TURNED OUT.
Customer Reviews:
awesomely Delicious.......2007-01-30
I could not wait to read this book. I thought Mandingo Love played with my emotions but this took the cake Literally. I could not put this book down, I finished it in two day and now I'm sad that's it's over but glad that it ended on a happy note. Well done Dion well Done. You tickled my Body and played with my mind and my emotions were on a roller coaster. I can't wait for the next book.
Book Description
You swore you'd never . . . swap green beans for jelly beans, skip nap time, or use TV as your babysitter. Yeah, right. If you're like most moms, you're not the paragon of "sound" parenting advice you thought you'd be. In The Kid Turned Out Fine, you'll find you're not alone. In this funny, touching collection of true-life stories, you'll find moms just like you revealing all those things they regret doing-only to realize that their kids turned out fine anyway.
A little mom-to-mom confession is good for the soul. So join moms everywhere and fess up to messing up every now and then-without disastrous results! The Kid Turned Out Fine is group parenting, stress management, and reality parenting boot camp all rolled into one!
Customer Reviews:
It's about time!.......2006-11-18
Finally, a book for real parents. Sometimes the tooth fairy forgets, chocolate cake for breakfast? Sure! No longer do parents have to do penance for not following Dr. Spock word for word. We all parent differently and how refreshing to read about the mishaps of others. Thanks!
Very, very funny.......2006-11-04
This book is not your run-of-the mill parenting book. It's just a fun book to read where other Moms tell their less-than-perfect parenting moments. You will realize that you are not alone and you are not the only one who messes up! It also makes you feel less-guilty when you know that many of these moms are speaking from when their kids were small. Their kids are now grown and "turned out fine" in spite of the Mom's mistakes. I especially enjoyed the frog-cooking story. I laughed so hard. This book will have you giggling while you hide from your kids in the bathroom. :)
Julie
Book Description
A common sense approach to identification of the disorder, symptoms, coping and treatments. An inspirational story to let you know you can survive this disorder and that you are not alone. Guide to aid you in your recovery and a guide to aid your family on how to help you and recognize that problem. A step by step process to get on with living. An in-depth journal of a bipolar family. Inspirational and informative view of the reality based life of a bipolar person, with all the regular choices to be made and laced with hope. The development and relative problems of a bipolar affected person. Effects on the surrounding persons and recommendations to help both the affected person and others involved with this person. The book contains detailed insight in the great influence that the bipolar disorder has had on my life and the lives of my family. Also, included in the book are photo illustrations and help aids. The subject of bipolar disorder is one of a national issue not just a local matter.
Customer Reviews:
Positive reinforcement for Mom's return to work.......2002-08-29
This book uses positive anecdotes to ensure women that being a working mom is fine. I bought this book when I went back to work after having my first child. It seems that new moms are wrapped up in guilt on going back to work; however in today's society, the reality is that in most partnerships, both mom and dad end up working just to make ends meet.
This book will give you a little extra boost to let you know that working will not be detrimental to your child. Love your child and be ensured that your child will benefit, whether you work or not.
Books:
- The Virgin Suicides
- The Yiddish Policemen's Union: A Novel
- Three Complete Novels: The Andromeda Strain, The Terminal Man, and The Great Train Robbery
- Tsotsi: A Novel
- Two Old Women: An Alaska Legend of Betrayal, Courage and Survival
- Veronika Decides to Die: A Novel of Redemption (P.S.)
- Where You Once Belonged
- White Guard
- Wickett's Remedy: A Novel
- Wolves of Calla: The Dark Tower V (UK)
Books Index
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Gain
