Product Description
L'Ecume des jours (Foam of the Daze) is a jazz fueled Science Fiction story that is both romantic and nihilistic! Vian's novel is an assortment of bittersweet romance, absurdity and the frailty of life. Foam of the Daze is a nimble-fingered masterpiece that is both witty and incredibly moving. It is a story of a wealthy young man Colin and the love of his life Chloe, who develops a water lily in her lung. The supporting cast includes Chick, an obsessive collector of noted philosopher Jean-Sol Partre's books and stained pants, and Nicolas who is a combination of P.G. Wodehouse's fictional butler Jeeves and the Green Hornet's Kato. The soul of the book is about the nature of life disappearing and loving things intensely as if one was making love on a live grenade!
Customer Reviews:
Great book, poor translation.......2004-10-31
Beside this English translation I have read two other editions of this book (one in its original language -French- and another in a language other than English). I have to say that, by comparison, this one kinda dissapointed me. A lot of expressions and meanings were lost in the poor translation, some were downright stupid mistakes. "Foam of the Daze"?!? I wonder if this book was typed by dictation, since the correct translation would be "Foam of the Days". It reminded me of the typing on the TV's CC system, or listening to one of Beethoven's symphonies with a quasi-deaf conductor leading the orchestra.
I believe it takes someone with writing talent and command of both languages to translate superior literature like this and retain its original greatness. Yes, the story is very moving, but when it comes to writers like Boris Vian, I'd say there's much more than a story.
I wish I could recommend a better English translation, but so far I've only read this one. All I can do is warn you about the poor quality of the edition presented here.
WOW.......2004-10-01
I will put it in a simple way: I have read and re-read this book in French, in Spanish and now in English more than fifty times and still find it to be the best love story ever told. Vian characters are straight, pure, honest and passionate in a way that we only can dream about. They are so full of life that you can actually cry when they die (I know, sound commonplace, but how often do you really mourn a character?). Vian draws this paradox of life and death better than anyone I know. Oh, you may wonder why I've read this book so many times... well, you know, Vian is actually telling you a different story every time you lay eyes into this book of marvels. Another commonplace would be to say that your life will change dramatically after reading this book. Ok, don't take my word, just go for it yourself. And, if you can, share your thoughts...
Review from the Los Angeles Times (Feb 1, 2004).......2004-06-22
A legend throughout Europe - French musician, translator of Raymond Chandler and seminal science fiction writer, poet, songwriter, novelist and screen actor - Boris Vian remains little known in the United States. Los Angeles-based TamTam Book aims to correct this, having published a paperback edition of Vian's landmark thriller "I Spit on Your Graves" in 2001 and now a new translation of his masterful "Foam of the Daze" (L'Ecume des jours"), with the first translation of "L'Automne à Pékin" to follow.
There have been two previous English translations of "Foam": Stanley Chapman's 1967 British edition, "Froth on the Daydream," and Jon Sturrock's U.S. version, "Mood Indigo," which appeared shortly thereafter. Chapman's is by far the superior, admirably transposing Vian's rhythms into English and finding equivalents for his multi-level puns and wordplay. But Brian Harper's hip new translation, edged toward the modern U.S. reader, may well become the standard.
This is a great novel, mind you. Though on its surface, the simplest of stories - Vian summed it up as "a man loves a woman, she falls ill, she dies" - beneath are a host of ambiguities, digressions, levels of meaning. Not quite beneath actually, for subtexts keep erupting to the surface. It is in many ways a novel built of eruptions.
Simply, then, this is a tale of two couples: Colin, a rich and rather superfluous man, and Chloe, a woman dying from a lily growing in her lung; Chick, whose life is ruined by his collecting of Jean-Sol Partre's books and memorabilia, and Alise, who tries to save Chick from himself by murdering Partre. As the lily grows in Chloe's lung, Colin does all he can to keep her alive. But her bed sinks closer to the ground and the room grows ever smaller. Because Colin has no money left to pay for burial, Chloe's coffin is simply thrown out the window.
In Vian's world, nothing is simple, nothing may be taken for granted. Because people they love have died, mice persuade diffident cats to kill them; bells detach themselves from doors to come and announce visitors; neckties rebel against being knotted; some broken windowpanes grow back overnight while others darken from breathing difficulties; a piano mixes cocktails to match the music being played upon it; armchairs and sausages must be calmed before use. When Colin puts Duke Ellington's "The Mood to Be Wooed" on the phonograph, the O's on the record label cause the corners of the room to become round.
In Vian's books, the world becomes ineluctably strange, the world as a child or a madman might see it. And that's the recipe for "Foam of the Daze," a novel with paradox at its heart, as critic David Meakin has observed: one part light-hearted fantasy, one part tragedy. Add wordplay and romance to taste. Your heart will be broken. You will be confused and confounded. You will laugh aloud. And at least for a time, however hard you try, your own world will refuse to be what you think it is.
Here is Colin in church after Chloe's death:
"Why did you have her die?" asked Colin.
Oh... said Jesus, drop the subject.
He looked for a more comfortable position on his nails.
She was so sweet, said Colin. Never was she bad, neither in thought, nor in action.
That has nothing to do with religion, mumbled Jesus, yawning. He shook his head a little to change the slant of his crown of thorns.
I don't see what we've done, said Colin, we don't deserve this.
He lowered his eyes... Jesus's chest was rising softly and regularly, his features breathed calm, his eyes had closed and Colin could hear a light purr of satisfaction coming from his nostrils, like a sated cat."
Vian died June 23, 1959, at 39 as he sat watching a film version of his thriller "I Spit on Your Graves." He'd neglected to take his heart medications that morning and as the first frames ticked by on screen, he is said to have uttered, "These guys are supposed to be American? My ass!" and collapsed.
Vian's was a short, very full, very strange ride, like that of his ever-youthful characters in "Foam of the Daze."
James Sallis, Los Angeles Times Book Review (Sunday, February 1, 2004).
Average customer rating:
- Un drama de una historia de amor, lírica y surrealista...
- Pequeña corrección
- Un buen libro, aunque no grandioso
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La Espuma De Los Dias/ The Foam of the Daze (Literatura / Literature)
Boris Vian
Manufacturer: Alianza
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 8420634549 |
Customer Reviews:
Un drama de una historia de amor, lírica y surrealista..........2006-01-27
Esta novela es un drama sobre una historia de amor, pero al estar salpicada de tanto lirismo y surrealismo llega a confundir llevándote por los caminos del humor a poco que uno se descuida.
A mí me ha llamado especialmente la atención la potencia narrativa justamente de estos elementos fantásticos, con cuatro palabras, en una sola frase uno se ve trasladado a esos escenarios imposibles. Para los tiempos que corren, tanta novela histórica, tanto realismo periodístico es una bocanada de aire fresco
Carlos Ortega
2006-01-27
Pequeña corrección.......2004-10-01
Normalmente no comento acerca de lo que piensan otros lectores: cada quien su rollo. Pero siendo este libro el más cercano a mi humilde corazón, me atrevo a decir que el autor de la reseña anterior simplemente no tiene imaginación. ¿Qué tiene que ver si Chloe muere de un nenúfar en los pulmones? ¿Cambiaría en algo o sería mejor el libro si muriese de un cáncer? ¿No es un nenúfar, además de todo, un extraordinario pretexto para construir una gran metáfora llena de humor negro?
Este libro no solamente es una exaltación a la vida, al amor y a la tragedia de la muerte, es un deleite literario en sí mismo. Es uno de esos pocos libros en los que la historia, la manera en que está narrada y los recursos literarios que la adornan están a la par. Una verdadera obra maestra. Y NO, JAMÁS será aceptable equiparar su calificación con la un mugroso betseller.
Un buen libro, aunque no grandioso.......2003-08-12
Este es un libro que muestra el absurdo de la existencia, la muerte de la inocencia y del idealismo: el darse cuenta y la angustia inherente de la realidad sin adornos idealizados. Esto suena interesante, pero en sí la novela es un tanto cansona para leer, las descripciones rayan en el surrealismo y las situaciones son absurdas. Por ejemplo, la esposa del protagonista muere porque en sus pulmones crece un nenufar. Aun así, si te gusta la tragicomedia, el humor negro, las situaciones absurdas y maravillosas, el simbolismo y el existencialismo, esta novela es para tí. Ah, y si sabes quien es Jean Paul Sartre, vas a disfrutar su caricatura- referencia omnipresente en la obra-, Jean Sol Partre.
Book Description
If you are the same as your competitors, then why will anyone want to buy from you? And, therefore, how do you separate you business from the rest?
In a world where, increasingly, profits rule, Customer Is King is about putting the emphasis back on the customer - what happens to your customers when you do business with them? It's about looking at your business through your customers' eyes, understanding what they really want and, ultimately, getting them to buy more from you - and to buy again and again. This practical, hands-on-book - including case studies, checklists, worksheets and frequently asked questions - is for anyone running a business, or for professional marketers who have found their methods don't work any more.
Book Description
Branding is one of the most important aspects of marketing for any enterprise. In this straightforward and captivating guide, Paul Dickinson, who has worked to define some of the biggest brands in the world, shows how an eye for detail and design can help to re-energise any company or organisation.
In this book, you'll find out how simple brand identifiers like color and "feel" can make powerful statements about your company, no matter what its size. Paul Dickinson shows how to change the way you think about your company's identity, and how to take simple steps to increase your sales and profits through effective branding and enhanced customer satisfaction. Fascinating case studies demonstrate how the theory has been turned into practical steps - and checklists and action plans will enable you to do the same.
Book Description
Frustrated that people seem unaware of your business? Maddened that your competitors are making more money for a worse product? Take charge of the situation and create your own alternatives. Examines 14 key marketing principles to enhance sales and looks at 100 instructive and revealing case studies.
Customer Reviews:
A basic look at marketing practice.......2004-11-25
This book is a great start for people and businesses who have very little or no marketing experience at all. It covers the usual "find something you are good at" technique in differenciation.
However this book contains no ground breaking new ideas or techniques at all. Not bad, but not particularly good either.
Fun Reading But Serious Advice.......2002-06-17
The best inspiration is proven success, and that's what the case studies in "Do Something Different" provide. The idea of cherry-picking marketing examples from small, medium and large enterprises shows that what works for the goose does so for the gander, without resorting to cliches such as that, i.e. you don't need to be a big guy to apply these methods. "Do Something Different" can be read cover to cover and then periodically picked up for inspiration. Pick a story--any story. As an individual who has recently become involved in a small publishing venture, I was pleased to see that we were already doing something different and that we now have examples to do even more of that. There are many more BHAGS to be bagged ;-)
Its always time to do something different.......2002-01-03
I own my own accounting and tax prep business. Most of the businesses in my industry are just about the same. We advertise the same, and we almost use the same language in our advertisement. I was looking for some ideas to set my business apart for my competition. This book provided some excellent ideas. It is written in a clear and organized manner.
As an entreprenuer, I don't want to waste time reading through pages and pages of theories. This book is to the point, in that it gives you exactly what other owners have done, in a cause and effect format.
It is well worth the money. I gaurantee, anyone reading this book, will come away with great ideas on how to DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY.
Do Something Different.......2001-12-31
Wow, what a book - having just woken up to the limitless possibilities that I possess but that's another story - I had been searching around for reading material and ideas when I came across this book.
It was not until I got the book that I realised it was aimed at marketing people and marketing ideas - this was not want I wanted but I am very glad I read this book.
In fact I had great problems in putting it down. I was devouring the information of how companies, both large and small, have taken and solved their problems by the simple use of sharing of ideas, by accepting or saying no, and have thus expanded their company and or their product sales have increased.
I was not looking for marketing ideas, but what it has given me is ideas on how I can use some of the concepts not as marketing tools, but tools to stimulate a sense of team spirit and opportunity among the management team of the company I currently work for.
The book is currently out on loan to a friend, and what I am looking forward to now is going back and taking a more careful slower read through these examples and trying some of the exercises in more depth.
So whether you want a book to help you shift that commodity that will not sell or find an idea that could launch that new company then give this book a go.
You will not lose anything by reading this book, what you may do is copy one of the ideas or you may find that the ideas were already in your head waiting to be released!
Customer Reviews:
Review from the Publisher.......2001-03-16
Now available in English for the first time, these 13 sermons present a multitude of precious insights on Our Lady as perfect exemplar of Christian virtues. Preached by that great yet gentle Doctor of the Church, St. Francis de Sales moves easily over both New and Old Testaments, especially the Song of Songs. St. Francis shows how Our Lady's Conception, birth, infancy, childhood, Presentation, Annunciation, divine Motherhood, Visitation, Purification, death and Assumption are rich in the "perfumes" of humility, obedience, and charity - as well as in many great and special privileges given to her by God. St. Francis de Sales also shows clearly that Mary, by her holy example of the virtues, is the great Mistress or teacher for every Christian's life. Revealing the Spiritual depths of the smallest Scriptural details, he explains the great value and true meaning of these virtues, so central to holiness of life. Terrific insights! 219pp. PB. Imprimatur.
Awesome book by a great Doctor of the Church.......2000-12-19
St. Francis de Sales covers a lot of the Catholic Church's Marian feast days such as the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, the Anunciation, the Visitation, the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin, the Purification of the Blessed Virgin, her Immaculate Conception, and her glorious Assumption. He has wonderful Scriptural insight, relating many Biblical passages to Our Lady, especially verses in Song of Songs. Great book for those seeking a greater knowledge about Mary.
Customer Reviews:
Pretty Good.......2007-04-29
I just had to write a review because I thought a lot of these reviewers overreacted to some very MILD spanking in ONE scene. I agree with one of the reviewers that what happened in the book can be therapeutic for people with their backgrounds (my sister's a psychologist). Overall, it is a good book about two scarred people learning how to trust.
The UnCut Series is advertised as a more passionate read than the regular Harlequin Presents. If you are not into sex scenes in your books then please just stick to the regular series.
Some reviewers are "naughty girls" :).......2007-02-16
From reading these scandalized reviews of the spanking scene in this book, I was curious and had to read this one, even though I've never read this particular author. I had to smile as I read what some of these reviewers consider "bondage" and "soft porn."
This was so playful it couldn't be considered either of those, although I'm not into the S&M scene. Tame, very tame. No whips, no belts: just his hand and playful language about her being "a naughty girl." Whoopie! It was kinda cute, actually.
I also find it odd that some reviewers believe the two protagonists could not possibly indulge in this kind of behavior since they had both been abused as children. The woman saw or heard about "free love" in a commune, the hero was supposedly whipped as a child. Neither situation should be swept under the carpet, yet as adults this might possibly be a way those who were helpless as children could take control. That's what I've heard such bedroom games are about anyway. Since Lisa was this hard-boiled business owner, her playing the submissive to Tino's dominant would allow her to give up control to a strong man that she trusts.
I don't see anything abusive or sick in that. In fact, if you want to go into the psychological ramifications, I believe such games might even be healthy and empowering for a couple with their history.
Not a great book, but not bad. And certainly not a violation of the pristine reputation of the Harlequin Presents line.
:0).......2006-07-05
I thought it was a good book come on ppl your gonna make one kinky sex scene make you not enjoy the book they only did it once, and it was a little spanking that they both concent to and even if everyone is not into it it still leaves that its a good book...
Don't degrade the book because of that scene state that you enjoy it if you did but make it known that you didn't like that scene about the book...
its like i always say a bad reivew can really downplay a good book and a good review can really up play a bad book, because of some of the bad reviews for this book I almost didn't read it but i'm glad i change my mind
i'm glad i bought it because if i had listen to most of the reveiws and not bought it i would have missed out on a good book...
Ick!.......2006-03-13
High ick factor with this book. I almost didn't post a review. But then I read an Uncut by Sandra Marton and realized it wouldn't be fair not to.
If your into spanking, this is the book for you. But it isn't even fun, kinky sex. It's the gross sort. It's downright S&M and I don't think it has any place in a Presents.
So I was going to let it go. Whatever floats your boat, right? But when I read the next Uncut in comparison, I couldn't not say something. That one was sexy and passionate and ROMANTIC. That's what I want to read. ROMANCE. This book wasn't even decent erotica. It was embarassing. Does Stephens have kids? Would she want them reading this? Would she want them ACTING like this? I felt like I should be dragging Lisa and Constantine to a good shrink. Considering they'd both been abused (or as good as) in the past, that they'd act this way suggested they needed to sit down with Dr. Phil and have a long "are you kidding me?!?" and "how's that working for you?" talk.
Bottom line: I don't just NOT recommend this book, I suggest you RUN in the other direction. Check Sandra Martons Uncut The Desert Virgin). It gives a far better idea of what a ROMANCE should be.
Grown up sex for grown ups - great.......2006-01-25
Susan Stephens pushes the boundaries with her new Harlequin Presents, Uncut. This is a fantastic read about erotic - not pornographic sex, there's a massive difference. A great heroine with a troubled background who - joy of joys, confounds the usual perceived wisdoms about childhood trauma ruining your life - she overcomes it and enjoys adult sex in the context of, yes, romantic love. Well done author. Classy writing and a good story. Uncut tells us exactly what to expect - that's why we love it. keep pushing the boat out girl.
Book Description
Like having a cool, older sister in book form, A VIRGINS GUIDE TO EVERYTHING offers young women friendly, down-to-earth advice on how to do practically everything right the first timefrom dining at their first 4-star restaurant to dating their first single dad. A lifestyle manual for 18-34 year olds, it tells young women everything they need to know, including tips on: Dating Travel Work Spirits Sustenance Entertaining Other Peoples Puppies and Babies Health Fitness The Great Outdoors Arts Culture Money Fashion High Tech And more. Interspersed throughout are the Go To Girls, women who are experts in their fields. Irresistibly cheeky and fun, the book is two-color with hip, irreverent illustrations throughout that perfectly complement the lighthearted tone.
Customer Reviews:
Perfectly Perfect Gift!.......2007-09-12
My sister gave me this for my 30th birthday and I immediately read it cover to cover--then ran out the next day to buy copies for all of my friends. SOOOO adorable, totally hilarious, perfectly-perfect!!! If you're stuck for a stocking stuffer, hostess gift, or bachelorette trinket, THIS is the way to go!
Are you a virgin?.......2006-07-26
No, not `that' kind of a virgin, but are you facing a few firsts in your life at this moment? Maybe it's your first business luncheon, or your first spa trip, or perhaps your first internet date. The truth is, there is always a first time for many things in all our lives and having someone to walk us through those times doesn't always happen, that is until now. Author Lauren McCutcheon has put together A VIRGIN'S GUIDE TO EVERYTHING: From Sushi to Sample Sales--A Novice's Handbook to Doing it Right to help those of us who need a little extra guidance with those oh so important firsts. This handy pocket guide includes answers and witty anecdotes to fulfill all those pesky little questions you'd probably ask your big sister if you had one. McCutcheon and her "Go to Girls" provide easy instructions, advice and sisterly candor as they navigate you through things like planning your first dinner party, expectations at your first gynecological exam, and even taking that first camping trip.
This handy guide slips right in your handbag and can be an easy reference tool or girl's best friend for those times when asking questions may be embarrassing. I found the guide to be easy to understand and even encountered a few things I hadn't done yet. Where was this book twenty years ago? In any event, this guide appears to be geared toward those under the age of thirty who would be experiencing many of these situations for the first time. It would make a nice gift for any young lady contemplating leaving home for the first time.
Reviewed by Brenda M. Lisbon
of The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers
Helped This Virgin.......2006-04-10
I think this book is great. When I graduated from college last year, I realized to my dismay that I didn't automatically become that sophisticated "adult" I expected to be, and I've had a tough time finding quick answers to a lot of my "how to" questions. Thanks, Lauren, for doing the research (and finding the "go-to girls") for me! I expect I'll be referring back to the guide often.
Fun, Frothy & Sassy.......2006-04-07
This is a great book to finally ask all those questions you may not have asked or too ashamed to admit you need the answers to. I believe as strong women we can still indulge our girlie side and it's interesting to muse and ponder what some other women have found works for them. It's a great read and touches on lots of areas that are both fun and useful. Pick it up today!
Lousy, effin lousy and contemptible .......2006-03-18
Lousy book, effin lousy waste of my money, fooled like a virgin out of my money, contemptible waste of a tree
Average customer rating:
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The Blessed Mother
Rh Value Publishing
Manufacturer: Random House Value Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Rhetoric | Words & Language | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Foreign Languages | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Mariology | Catholicism | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0517124416
Release Date: 1995-10-21 |
Product Description
Popular Library #130
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- Heart of the Dragon (Atlantis, Book 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
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L'Ecume Des Jours
