The Box Man: A Novel

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The nature of identity itself is the ostensible subject of this bizarrely fascinating existential novel from the great Japanese fiction writer and dramatist Kobo Abe. In the story, a man decides to give up the self that he has been all his life to attain a state of blissful anonymity. He leaves his world behind and moves onto the streets of Tokyo. He puts a large box over his head, cuts a hole for his eyes. It is as strange as it sounds, but Abe's light touch and narrative innovation makes it compelling.

Book Description

Kobo Abe, the internationally acclaimed author of Woman in the Dunes, combines wildly imaginative fantasies and naturalistic prose to create narratives reminiscent of the work of Kafka and Beckett.

In this eerie and evocative masterpiece, the nameless protagonist gives up his identity and the trappings of a normal life to live in a large cardboard box he wears over his head. Wandering the streets of Tokyo and scribbling madly on the interior walls of his box, he describes the world outside as he sees or perhaps imagines it, a tenuous reality that seems to include a mysterious rifleman determined to shoot him, a seductive young nurse, and a doctor who wants to become a box man himself. The Box Man is a marvel of sheer originality and a bizarrely fascinating fable about the very nature of identity.

Translated from the Japanese by E. Dale Saunders.

Customer Reviews:

Don't take this out of the box.......2007-06-11

I picked this up on a whim at the library and read the back:

"...the nameless protagonist gives up his identity and the trappings of a normal life to live in a large cardboard box he wears over his head."

I thought that sounded like an intriguing concept and have enjoyed other works by Abe in the past and his Kafka-esque sense of reality so I took it out.

I was quite disappointed once I finished it. I did not enjoy reading The Box Man and struggled to finish it.

There are things I liked about it - the concept is intriguing, the intricate narrative structure, and I liked the mystery of just who the Box Man is. It is also quite original but that alone doesn't make it a good book. The Box Man simply isn't a pleasure to read, the story and the characters are about as compelling as watching grass grow, it's overwritten, pretentious, boring, and at less than 200 pages, too long. I also think that Abe explores the nature of identity much better in his other books, particularly The Ruined Map: A Novel. Here it just seems forced and muddled.

If you're going to read Abe, I recommend the aforementioned Ruined Map or The Woman in the Dunes over this.

It's hip to be square..........2006-09-01

Having put off reading this book until I moved back to Tokyo I'd say the box man mentality fits nicely with foreigners trying to understand Japan. Someone first descibed living in Tokyo to me like floating in a warm bubble. Unless you speak the language or fit in culturally you'll always be a casual observer. The longer you stay in that bubble the more distorted your view becomes. For those on the fringes of Japanese society it's easy to see how one might simply want to stick a box on their head and call it a day.

Aside from the obvious Japanese angle on things Abe weaves a nice commentary on communication in general. Mary M. Watkins' "Invisible Guests" treads a similar path by examining how we construct imaginary personas. Over time what we imagine and what we experience blend into the same thing. Part of the appeal in reading The Box Man is that we're dumped right into the main character(s) head and it's left up to us to figure how many people and scenarios are actually "real". For all we know the whole thing might be in the box man's head - or not. The uncertainty when reading it can be rather disorienting. Anyone who reads it is ultimately a box man themselves; a passive observer just trying to digest some weirdness. His reality is in now your head whether you like it or not.

Soul of the Minimalistic Realism.......2004-09-14

Accordingly to my very high standards of judgement, I give this book a Very High Rating of Four Stars which is just slightly under Excellent, Marvellous, Superb, Wonderful rating because some ratings by other readers who gave it 1 to 3 stars made sense to me, though I'd not give this book only 1 star even if I was mad on the author.

I love to read books (and watch movies) where individual's freedom is self-inflictingly limited though with a little help of the society and the people whom the individual is surrounded by as well, but not without the individual's own "guilt" for limiting his/her own freedom of movement so to speak of. This unconscious or semi-conscious masochistic limitation of one's freedom (of choice) mixed with realistic and at the same minimalistic happenings is fun to read all the way. Be it a state prison, a mandatory military service, self-exile in another country, even exile by self-guilt by committing something unacceptable by society one lives in, a creation of circumstance where one limits his amenities and pleasures or changes the values of life to a more simplistic and minimalist, but at the same time more soulful, - that all is so wonderful to discover in your own mind by reading, - to some (extent) - even experiencing it all yourself (in a physical world).

Therefore this book is worth 4 stars out of 5 - as the least, or 9 stars out of 10 as the Real.

This book has a SOUL!

Completely nonessential........2002-07-15

I think of The Box Man by Kobo Abe and I try to recall one memorable image, or one compelling character, or one trenchant observation, or indeed one particularly inventive or colourful turn of phrase. I can't come up with a single one. It baffles me how someone can write something as memorable, compelling, trenchant, inventive and colourful as Woman in the Dunes, and then write something as devoid of any of these qualities as The Box Man. My only explanation is that this was written by a Kobo Abe from a strange parallel universe where Abe never wrote anything good, and somehow made its way here through a rift in space and time.

Upon picking up The Box Man and reading the first page, I naively and laughably thought that this was to be a sort of social commentary or just a story about homeless people. No, that wasn't at all the case. Apparently, unlike a regular homeless person, a "box man" has some sort of extremely deep philosophy that singles him out as someone who lives on a higher plane of existence. Except after reading the book, I came not a bit closer to understanding what this philosophy is, or to caring about finding out. This was exacerbated by Abe's extremely self-indulgent style, in which no concern is exhibited for time or flow, random unidentified narrators come and go with no warning, pages and pages are occupied with pseudo-intellectual "societal observations" and uninteresting non sequiturs, and so forth.

Keep in mind that such a style doesn't have to be bad. Plenty of authors like to jump around in time and make up their own stylistic rules. Plenty of authors like to wax eloquent about society. Plenty of authors come up with absurd premises and make great works out of them. But there are authors who do this well, and those who do not. The Box Man has laughably been called "surreal." But something like, say, Un Chien Andalou, though it also has absolutely no actual narrative structure, is chock full of striking images, which are memorable despite having nothing to do with reality or even with each other. The Box Man tries to be like that. It tries very, very hard, and it is very self-conscious about it. But it fails, because there is nothing above the norm in it - just a desire to "break conventions" for the sake of breaking conventions, to break conventions as a substitute for narrative, commentary, characterization, originality, emotion, and any worthwhile thought. Supposedly there is a nominal narrative here (there's something about an unsolved murder in places), and supposedly there's an existential parable here (some people ask themselves and each other some wooden and ham-handed questions about existence), but really, there is nothing even original (to say nothing of "masterful") about any of this. And don't even get me started on the oh-so-affected "photo inserts" with their oh-so-affected captions.

Woman in the Dunes leaves me spellbound, but The Box Man is an utter waste of time. It's shorter than Woman in the Dunes (178 pages in my edition) but every single line is an excruciating exercise in tedium. And as you read, you'll get the feeling that Abe is deliberately insulting your intelligence by writing such pretentious nonsense when he has shown himself to be capable of masterpieces. Stay far, far away from this "novel."

a title for your review.......2002-03-07

Half the time I wasn't sure what the heck was going on so I consider this book to be, in part, a book questioning reality/ontology. The "box man" would ramble on about some scenario/reality/happening and then reveal that it was all his imagination. That's pretty much how my life goes about, more imagination than substance, so this book is a rather effective looking-glass. Given that, this plays a significant role in the play of "my dissatisfaction with the book." I don't want to be reminded of my anonymity and social lackings. I have little problem recommending this book to others--sometimes i recommend bad books to people for my own kicks--but there are other books I'd prefer to see sittin in my lap. In keeping with the question of reality, if its even addressed in this book (what the heck do i know--answer: nothing) I'd prefer to read Mark Daneilewski's House of Leaves or Joseph Heller's Catch-22 and definitely The Medusa Frequency by Russell Hoban (I list these books only to impress you. It's pure show.).

There are elements of identity problems in this book, as far as I can see anyway. The person lives in a box, he/she doesnt have a name, and he/she usually only looks at people while they in turn, people, only see a box, if that. That's pretty cut n'dry. Again, there are other books that attack this idea more vicously. See: Fight Club

My biggest problem with the book is this: I have no clue if the box man was a murder or not. I love biggest problems and I consider this to be a rather large one, unanswered questions. So, Ill give this my recommendation, but, will the joke be on you?

Product Description

Published for Spider-man's 35th Aniversary. Limited to 2500 sets. The set includes: a hardcover reprint of Amazing Fantasy #15 (Spider-Man's first appearance), a die-cut CD that looks like the Spider-Man belt light/face mask, on which Stan Lee reads the comic, and it has an interview with him as well. And it comes with a very collectible all metal gold tone ring. It all comes in a nice leatherette 8x11.5" hardcase with gold stamping on it.

Marvel TCG: Spider-Man Vs. Doc Ock 2-Player Starter Set Box (Marvel Tcg Spider-Man Vs. Doc Ock)

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Marvel TCG: Spider-Man Vs. Doc Ock 2-Player Starter Set Box (Marvel Tcg Spider-Man Vs. Doc Ock)
Various
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Superpowered Action! Upper Deck Entertainment brings the characters of the Marvel Superpowered action! Upper Deck Entertainment brings the characters of the Marvel Universe to life in this exciting new trading card game. Enlist heroes and villains such as Spider-Man, Green Goblin, or Doc Ock and battle to victory! Each 2-player Starter Set includes two 40 card Decks (80 Total Cards), 2 Variant Foil Cards, Rule Booklet, and Game Mat. 80 Cards per Set. 6 Sets Per Box.

The Ren and Stimpy Show #24 : Box Tops (Marvel Comics)

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The Ren and Stimpy Show #24 : Box Tops (Marvel Comics)
Barry Dutter
Manufacturer: Marvel Comics
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ASIN: B000W4M5MK

The black-box murder: By the man who discovered the murderer (Adventure series)

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The black-box murder: By the man who discovered the murderer (Adventure series)
William Ward
Manufacturer: A. Westbrook
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The man on the box;: A comedy in three acts, founded on Harold McGrath's novel of the same name, (French's standard library edition)

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The man on the box;: A comedy in three acts, founded on Harold McGrath's novel of the same name, (French's standard library edition)
Grace Livingston Furniss
Manufacturer: S. French; [etc., etc.]
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Binding: Unknown Binding

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Spider-Man 2 Trading Cards Box
Upper Deck
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Brand new in original factory-sealed packaging!
Spiderman 2 The Movie Trading Cards Box - 24P

ASIN: B000795OF0

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Spiderman 2 The Movie Trading Cards Box - 24P

Book Description

Writing in a highly engaging oral style from his own early struggles with legalism, Knight examines some of the most basic questions about salvation: What does it mean to sin? What is temptation? What is the law? What does it mean to "be saved"? What does it mean to "be perfect"? Special features include study questions at the end of each chapter, reference notes to sources, a topical and scripture index, and a bibliography.

Customer Reviews:

A Clear Explanation of Justification and Sanctification.......2005-04-18

Dr. George Knight is a Seventh-day Adventist seminary professor of church history. Knight draws on his early struggle with legalism. His objective is to clarify SDA teachings on sanctification and perfection that are often misunderstood.

NOTE: Seventh-day Adventists teach that we are saved (go to heaven) only by the grace of God (sola gracia), a free gift made possible by the atoning death of Jesus (sola Christe), which is accepted only by faith (sola fide). This faith is expressed in obedience to God's Law of Love, though obedience is made possibly only through faith in Christ and the working of the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, legalism is a problem that transcends ALL denominations.

Drawing on personal experience, George Knight teaches his readers how to avoid falling into the pit of legalism. Knight seeks to clearly define sin, salvation, God's law, justification, sanctification, and perfection to resolve issues that arise from misunderstanding these concepts. He describes the fundamental problem with humanity as putting self first, instead of yielding to God. All the doctrines of salvation have to do with dying to self, and letting God reign in our lives.

He writes, "Being saved is choosing to put God and His will back into the center of our lives." (p. 22)

Knight notes that Adventists often see themselves as emphasizing God's law. Yet, the author writes that while many Adventists might look at the commandments of God, some tend to overlook the underlying fundamental principle of Love. "We can be quite zealous in keeping God's laws while utterly and totally failing in keeping God's LAW," writes Knight. (p. 36) Thus, there are some Adventists who know how to keep the Sabbath and observe health principles and yet neglect the most important principles of all, to love others and God completely. Christianity is meant to be a "positive" religion, rather than a "negative" or "rules" religion. "No one will ever be saved because of what he or she has not done," (p. 35) but rather because of our love for God and others.

George Knight also looks at the reverse side of justification and sanctification that we tend to take for granted. He states that justification is not just the work of a moment, but also the work of a lifetime. And sanctification is not only the work of a lifetime, but also the work of a moment. Initial justification is when we have faith in God's grace and the death of Jesus covering our sins. Justification happened on the cross, but we must accept it in faith. Faith, or a "yes" relationship with God (p. 22), is "grabbing hold of what we don't deserve," writes Knight. (p. 43) When we are initially justified by faith, we are also adopted into the family of God, because we no longer reject or resist Him. But, as Knight puts it, "God does not bounce us in and out of salvation, in and out of His family, because we have momentary or accidental or inadvertant sins." (p. 46) We must remember that we need continuous forgiveness of sins. Because of this, "Daily justification is closely tied to Christ's ministry on our behalf in the heavenly sanctuary." (p. 43)

Sanctification is not just a lifetime pursuit, it is also instant. "That becomes clear when we realize that the very meaning of sanctification is `to be set apart for holy use,'" writes Knight. (p. 46) He adds, "In the New Testament a saint is one who is sanctified, one who is set apart for holy use, one who is consecrated to God." (p. 46) Knight demonstrates a few Bible passages that refer to sanctification as a past event. Once we accept God in faith, we are sanctified, or consecrated. But the Bible calls us to maturity in our relationship with God. The author writes, "If `initial' sanctification sets us apart for holy use, then `progressive' sanctification is what the Bible writers refer to as `growth in grace.' While initial sanctification is instantaneous, progressive sanctification is the work of a lifetime." (p. 48) Thus, "progressive sanctification" is continuous.

Having "daily justification" and "progressive sanctification" implies that humans will struggle with temptations and sins until we are resurrected and recreated. In writing about temptation, Knight could have clarified temptation by explaining that there is a difference between being tempted and giving in to temptation. Being tempted is okay (it means "tested"), but giving in to temptation is a sin. Knight describes how Jesus was tempted in far greater ways than we can imagine, but he never sinned. We are tempted to put our will in control of our lives instead of God's will. Because we are constantly tempted to follow our own desires, we must constantly die to ourselves and "crucify" our will. Knight writes, "The New Testament imperative is the crucifixion of self-centeredness for every individual disciple of Christ, coupled with a new life to be lived in resurrection power." (p. 63)

Finally, the biggest misunderstanding that we tend to have is about what perfection means in the Bible. The root of the problem is that "people bring their own definitions of perfection to the Bible rather than letting the Bible define perfection for them." (p. 72) While it is true that Christ's perfection and righteousness stands in place of ours in the final judgment, God still calls Christians to perfect their characters. Knight points out some Bible texts that speak of "a dynamic process of character development in which people really do become more and more like their `heavenly Father.'" (p. 70) However, "perfect" must not be understood in absolute terms. "Being perfect is a dynamic state in which dedicated Christians continue to advance in Christian living."
(p. 79) It "does not mean either absolute perfection or absolute sinlessness. But it does mean being free from an attitude of rebellion toward the Father and His principles set forth in the LAW of love." (p. 80)

The book raised my awareness about the importance of character perfection, with the understanding that perfection is not a point to be reached, but rather the pursuit of becoming more loving towards God and others.

The book is very clear and straightforward. Knight's writing style is intellectual and engaging. The author has a great ability for absorbing the best ideas of many great writers and making them all accessible to the reader in a single compilation. He also adds a touch of humor to occassionally spice up his writing. However, the book tends to be repetitive (though that could also be a good thing for people who might not grasp a concept the first time) and at times a little too abstract. It could have benefited from more concrete illustrations and life experiences to bring all the theory down to practical terms.

As I read this book from beginning to end, I was impressed by George Knight's insight into the subject of salvation. It was great to know that the author had struggled with being a legalist himself for awhile, so he had experience with looking at the subject from both perspectives. His insights help to give a full, complete picture of God's grace and love, and what He expects of us.

See also my reviews on "Luther the Reformer" (ISBN 0800635973) and "A Real Christian: The Life of John Wesley" (ISBN 0687082463).

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Very intense romance!
Lots of Sin Here - PreMarital Sex, Baby Out of Marriage, Adultrey and more....
Fun and Hot
Flawed but enjoyable
Absolutely smashing...!!!!!

Perfect Sin
Kat Martin
Manufacturer: St. Martin's Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0312975643

Book Description

PERFECT PLANHe was the ultimate rake. But Randall Clayton, 7th Duke of Beldon, harbors a hidden motive for seducing the fiery haired, passionate Caitlin Harmon.Rand is on a mission to find a murderer....and it's leading straight to Caitlin's father.PERFECT SEDUCTIONShe was the ultimate temptation. Cait Harmon, the feisty, intellectual daughter of an American adventurer, is certain she will never fall in love.But one dance with the powerful, compelling Duke of Beldon and Cait's heart is lost forever.PERFECT SINTheirs was the ultimate love. They were the talk of London, until passion and betrayal tore them apart.Now Rand must embark on the quest of a lifetime: proving to Caitlin that love is the most powerful treasure of all.AUTHORBIO: Award-winning, bestselling author KAT MARTIN currently resides in Missoula, Montana, and loves history, travel and snow skiing.Over six million of her books are in print and she is published in a dozen foreign countries.You can visit her website at: www.katbooks.com.

Customer Reviews:

Very intense romance!.......2007-02-23

Having read about Rand in Nicholas's story, I guess I expected him to be a little bit more honorable. Oh, I know he was a rake and so determined not to marry. Caitlin comes along and becuz she is American he assumes, quite rightly that he can get her into his bed without the commitment. They both are totally in lust with each other. I have not problem with any of that. She is committed to her father and his research, Rand is committed to being independent. She then leaves England and Rand lets her go. Fortunately he does learn she is with child. He goes after her and manages to convince her they should marry. Wow, what could possibly go wrong after this? Of course heartache and sadness just seems to be with this couple. And the way they deal with it I guess is where I found disappointing with Rand. Up until that point he was pretty much a stand up guy. But going back to his mistress was just so disappointing for me and of course when Caitlin finds out she is devisated. This book is at its most intense then and you really wonder how it can ever resolve itself. Of course Caitlin rejoins her father in the jungle a broken woman. Rand just continues to wallow for a long time in self pity. Another trait I did not expect from him. However eventually Nicholas gets him back on track to go after the woman he loves. Caitlin is not happy at all that he has returned and fights him every step of the way. Well, until he puts his life on the line for her. I guess that was finally enough to convince her that he really did love her. The sub plot of the dangerous Tallmadge taking over the exhibition is a good one. The element of danger is felt and that always hightens a good romance. I was glad this one worked out. Very emotional in certain parts. Well done by Kat Martin.

Lots of Sin Here - PreMarital Sex, Baby Out of Marriage, Adultrey and more...........2006-02-20

I recently reviewed a few other books by Kat Martin - Innocence Undone, The Devils Necklace and Wicked Promise. I gave so-so reviews to the first two and then four stars to the last one. This book, Perfect Sin, is the follow up to Wicked Promise so, you should read that one first. Trust me...it will be well worth it as it was the best so far.

This story, Perfect Sin, is the story about Rand Clayton and Cait Harmon. Rand was in Wicked Promise as the best friend of main hero Nick Warring. Rand was a dashing and kind and loyal friend in the first book and shows up in his own story this time. He is a high ranking duke with a long and well known family lineage. He is due to marry as it's time but, he isn't ready and has found no one suitable for a wife. He plays the field and enjoys the life that a high ranking member of society is allowed in his position. He meets up with our main leading lady Cait Harmon, an American in England who is with her family drumming up support and money to do further archeological excavations for a missing treasure known throughout the ages as Cleopatra's Necklace. Rand hears Cait's laughter first and is drawn in before he ever sees her. When he does lay eyes on her...it's instant attraction between the two of them.

Although I enjoyed this book quite a bit and was certainly interested in hearing Rand's story...it wasn't quite up to snuff as Nick and Elizabeth's story was in Wicked Promise. As appealing as I found Rand early on...(as we got to know him in the previous book), I did not find Cait very deep or well developed. I actually didn't think there was a lot to her besides loyalty to her father and sexual desire for Rand. This second story was still filled with lots of adventure, passion and betrayal. But...I almost think this one went a little over-board on these things, especially the betrayal section. The story started off well and I enjoyed their getting to know and becoming intimate with one another. Unfortunately, I felt their interaction happened a bit soon for me and then they go their separate ways as he is not ready to settle down and she is off to help her father at all costs. I almost felt the author took this independence the two had a bit too far. I felt their coming together and then parting was a bit much...they didn't want to leave but, did nonetheless. Clearly the author did this so, they could end up missing each other desperately while apart but, I thought this action was too dramatic and could have been written better.

Rand and Cait find each other again while she is with her father in Africa on a dig & search mission again and pregnant with his child. A friend disclosed this secret to Rand and he properly came to claim her as his own and take her and the baby back to England to be a family. Which they did - albeit reluctantly on Cait's part as she didn't want Rand rushed into anything he wasn't ready for. While their relationship grew leaps and bounds once they married and were getting set for the baby's birth...the story fell apart for awhile after Cait looses the baby.

She and Rand fall away from each other in grief and he heads back to London to return to his old rowdy and raunchy ways and he leaves her at the family estate to mourn and find her way back alone. Instead of the loss bringing them closer - it drove them apart. That was unfortunate.

I almost gave up on the book when Rand took up with his old mistress Hannah. I was sorely disappointed that the author would not only have him try to drown his sorrows and loss in booze, outings and gambling but, that he could actually take up fully with an old mistress and leave Cait on the side. I lost faith in our hero and he seemed tainted and stained at that point. Almost irrevocable so - he crossed the line of infidelity and that's not one to cross back upon easily. Other readers seemed to find this a serious "hitting a wall point" as much as I did. I felt Cait's hurt when she came back to the living after loosing the child and made a decision to help Rand finish healing so, they could be a family again. Only her attempts fell flat when she found him in London with his mistress and he didn't deny what he had been doing. She wisely left and went back to her father to return to her old life before she met Rand, try to forget him and their past and begin a new life away from England.

I was glad Rand spent months coming to terms with the loss of Cait a second time. He deserved to be put through the wringer knowing he did wrong by leaving her after the loss of their son, taking up his old sinful ways and going outside his marriage with a mistress to drown his heartache and not come to terms with how much he truly adored and loved his wife. For a sensitive man - as the author made him out to be - it took awhile for him to see himself and his emotions for what they were and make good on them. He was hurt, sad, miserable and disgusted with himself for the level he allowed himself to sink to. He beat himself up enough and with the help of wise friends, realized his mistake didn't have to be for a lifetime. He rose to the challenge to become a better man for himself and above all, for the woman he realized he adored, Cait. Rand of course redeemed himself by ending his old life and searching out Cait and not giving up on her even when she wanted no part of him the second time. He fought tooth and nail to win her back and did it the only way he could - standing loyal, barring his heart, never giving up on her, helping out her father and keeping them safe. He also was important in finding the mystery necklace that was no longer just an adventure tale told over the years. Rand almost lost his life trying to gain her favor back but, by giving everything up for Cait and giving it his all, he gained back her trust and love.

The love scenes between the two was hot and steamy - much like earlier novels. The descriptions detailed and passionate. Always on course and ever tasteful. I never felt that the outings were too much or out of context. They made sense and fit in well to the action scenes at hand. Their sexual connection was clear early on. Although the author tried to make their love seem "deep" much of their relationship felt sexual and attraction based. It did have touches of emotion to it so, it was not just sex. But...I think it will take time for their "love" to properly mature to a level they both need for it to be strong and last a lifetime and not just for a few months or a few years. We won't be there to read about this but, clearly by the stories end....they were finally on their way.

I would certainly recommend this book. Although there were some plot line drawbacks to this story that was not in Wicked Promise, the author did a fine job of getting the main character to cleanse his naughty soul and find a way to win back his leading lady with honesty, truth and a desire to only do better in the future. Some heroes who cross the line as Rand did would never be redeemed. You believe in Rand again at the end as does Cait and that makes this a worthwhile read. We all wish he wouldn't have cheated but, without a re-write...the ending cleaned up as much as it could. Enjoy the two stories - Rand and Nick - they are both worth it!

Fun and Hot.......2006-02-16

The characters are well-developed and their emotions are so real. The scenery is beautiful, and believable. The villains are hidden within, and revealed in good time. Though, this could have been a 5-star book if the beginning didn't seem to rush into the romance because of the heroine being "American". That was stupid of the author to do that to the characters. That just shows what an idiot the male is in here; looking for an easy "get-together" with a female he believes to have loose morals. I think the novel deserves 4-stars.

Flawed but enjoyable.......2005-04-26

Martin breaks one of the romance taboos in this book -- infidelity. That is the make-or-break point for many readers. I was disappointed with Rand for that, but he eventually won me over. At that point, it was like a second book; everything seemed to start over.

The whole search for the necklace was a little hokey, and the dangers in the search were glaringly obvious. Another problem was that the sex scenes were sometimes gratuitous and emotionally superficial. Rand seemed to think that sex was all he needed to win Cait -- and it was all too often true. All of that makes the book less than satisfying.

Nevertheless, there are good moments, and I certainly want to go back and read Nicholas Warring's book. When you add the pros and cons together, it's an average book, and Ms. Martin is usually better than that.

Absolutely smashing...!!!!!.......2002-05-21

I read this book like about 2 weeks ago and it was brilliant. This is the 2nd book that I've read by Kat Martin, the first one was The Fire Inside. Both of the books were really2 good. It is like as if you were there yourself experiencing the whole thing that happened in the book. It was beautiful. Keep up the good work KaT Martin!!!!

The Perfect Life?: Sin, the Soul, and Kingdom Living (Highway Visual Curriculum)

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The Perfect Life?: Sin, the Soul, and Kingdom Living (Highway Visual Curriculum)
Highway Video , and Rick Bundschuh
Manufacturer: Zondervan/Youth Specialties
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0310258383

Book Description

This video-based curriculum gets students talking and thinking about the perfect life. A blend of documentary, mockumentary, drama, comedy, and meditation give you the raw material for lessons on transformation, sin, redemption, guilt, and the problem with perfection. Includes a leader’s guide to help you tailor the curriculum for middle school, high school, or general use and small group study.

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Great Big Thoughts for Young Minds

Manufacturer: A Christian Voice Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

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ASIN: 0978658078
Release Date: 2006-08-01

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Hi, I am Sonya Lillis (formerly Sonya Zona of Ladysmith WI). My husband and I live in the small town of Silver Bay MN. God s Kids is a Christian books series that is for small children ages 1-9 years. We started writing stories for our children, Dyllan and Robert Jr. to explain Jesus love for them in ways they could understand. Many people fell in love with our stories and it has always been our prayer to reach out to others in Jesus Name so we decided to share our cute little stories with the rest of the world. My books are different from many other children s books because they are told thru the eyes of a child, making God s Kids easy to read for adults and young readers alike.

The Pharisee's Guide to Perfect Holiness: A Study of Sin and Salvation

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Criticizes judgmentalism and reliance on personal piety
A milestone book! Tells how & why GOOD PEOPLE don't get it.

The Pharisee's Guide to Perfect Holiness: A Study of Sin and Salvation
George R. Knight
Manufacturer: Pacific Pr Pub Assn
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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I Used to Be Perfect: A Study of Sin and Salvation

ASIN: 0816310750

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Criticizes judgmentalism and reliance on personal piety.......1998-03-28

The book is prophetic. The book reminds us that the Pharisees were the focus of greatest criticism of Jesus. It points out how these "religious commandos," who knew and followed every religious rite and rule, pinned their salvation and status on their own works--and continually and harshly judged others when they didn't follow in their footsteps. This book would be a good developmental book for "religious, judgmental" types. I loved this book!

A milestone book! Tells how & why GOOD PEOPLE don't get it........1998-01-07

This is one of the finest books that I've read in verbalizing why the Pharisees of old got sucked into the morass of Salvation though their own (good) works. This book, written by a contemporary theologian, clearly describes how the Pharisees got off track and how we as Christians today may fall into the same rut. This is a "must read" for Christians of all faiths who truly wish to understand the concept of God's Grace! Buy it! Read it! Absorb it!

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Being a Light in a Dark World

Manufacturer: A Christian Voice Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

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

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ASIN: 097865806X
Release Date: 2006-08-01

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The Bible and the Beauty of Sin
Chidozie
Manufacturer: Trafford Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1412075165
Release Date: 2006-07-06

Book Description

This satire considers the incredibly repeated outstanding success of almost every spiritually deviant act otherwise called sin, as a consequence of its highly beautiful and appealing nature. Beauty by the way, as defined by the oxford dictionary, is the combination of qualities that give pleasure to the senses (especially to the eyes, the ear) or the mind. These qualities could therefore be physical in which case they appeal to the sense of sight - the eyes. It could also be abstract in which case they appeal to the mind, by arousing the aesthetic power of man as they challenge his intellectual character.

The physical attractiveness of the fruit of knowledge of good and evil for instance translated into consummating bait that was irresistible to Eve. It's pleasantness to the eyes (physical beauty) backed by a seemingly simple, but highly persuasive and beautiful argument from Satan, that it can make one wise (abstract beauty) proved too powerful for her. It overwhelmed her and she capitulated. Similarly, the physical sensuality of Bathsheba ignited a flaming passion that shattered every conviction and the spiritual cloak of David.

The beauty (abstract) in the argument as manifested in the reasonableness and logicality of the conspiracy to enslave the Jews by the Pharaoh who didn't know Joseph, made the Egyptians subscribe to it. It succeeded in portraying the Jews as a potential threat to the Egyptians who must be checked. And just who would fold his hands and watch his act of benevolence turn into his waterloo? No sane person!

Every false belief, every false doctrine, false practice or superstition therefore succeeds, because of the sound logic and the sophistication of the argument upon which it is founded, complemented by general human indolence and his conformist tendency, which keep the otherwise creative mind in a perpetual state of inertia. Though deeply rooted and with long years of existence, at the appearance of TRUTH, they all crumble like a pack of cards.

Time was, for instance, when the world was believed to be flat. Time was when twins were held to be evil in various parts of the world. Even the atom was once believed to be the smallest particle. But were these beliefs correct just because people subscribed to them in those times of ignorance? People believe falsehood. People believe fiction. People believe folklore. And their lives were influenced and ruled by these beliefs. But these are the simples. For it is written "The simple believeth every word:..." Prov;14:15. Yes, the simple believe EVERYTHING! They seek no knowledge, hoping that their heart may discover itself.

Falsehood therefore succeeds because people are generally simplistic and conforming. Having chosen to consign themselves to intellectual and spiritual lethargy, they become victims of their own decision.

Consequent upon this, the futility of Christianity finds expression in the agonies and frustration of believers' inability to activate the power in the word of God, thereby creating serious doubt about truthfulness and the potency of these words.

Against the backdrop of glamour of sin, the satire x-rays the subtle but persistent manner the enemy often adopt to manipulate the human ego, the human passion and the intellect to plan his attack in this merciless game of death, as man succumbs to his thrilling and highly captivating whims and antics in pursuit of the ever-illusive life of luxury, fame, power, sensuality and scholastic excellence, all together known as the pleasures of life, at the expense of his soul.

Der Begriff Angst (Philosophische Bibliothek)

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Der Begriff Angst (Philosophische Bibliothek)
Søren Kierkegaard
Manufacturer: F. Meiner
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

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ASIN: 3787305351

Die Schulproblematik in Luise Rinsers literarischem Werk (Wurzburger Hochschulschriften zur neueren deutschen Literaturgeschichte)

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Die Schulproblematik in Luise Rinsers literarischem Werk (Wurzburger Hochschulschriften zur neueren deutschen Literaturgeschichte)
Thomas Lother
Manufacturer: P. Lang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

German | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 3631438664

Die verlorene Einheit: Die Suche nach einer philosophischen Alternative zu der Erbsundenlehre von Rousseau bis Schelling (European university studies. Series XX, Philosophy)

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Die verlorene Einheit: Die Suche nach einer philosophischen Alternative zu der Erbsundenlehre von Rousseau bis Schelling (European university studies. Series XX, Philosophy)
Jeremiah Alberg
Manufacturer: P. Lang
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Perfect Paperback

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ASIN: 3631303688

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