The Yellow Wind: With a New Afterword by the Author

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I'd Hoped for More Clarity

A very talented writer and very poor moralist

Worth reading

About Peopleýs Feelings--Not About Politics or Agreements

A Great Contribution to Historiography

The Yellow Wind: With a New Afterword by the Author
David Grossman
Manufacturer: Picador
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Sleeping on a Wire: Conversations with Palestinians in Israel

The Smile of the Lamb

See Under: LOVE: A Novel

Death as a Way of Life: From Oslo to the Geneva Agreement

In the Land of Israel (Harvest in Translation)

ASIN: 0312420986

Book Description

The Israeli novelist David Grossmans impassioned account of what he observed on the West Bank in early 1987not only the misery of the Palestinian refugees and their deep-seated hatred of the Israelis but also the cost of occupation for both occupier and occupiedis an intimate and urgent moral report on one of the great tragedies of our time. The Yellow Wind is essential reading for anyone who seeks a deeper understanding of Israel today.

Customer Reviews:

I'd Hoped for More Clarity.......2004-11-11

"The Yellow Wind" is outdated - already. Also, I was expecting a more objective presentation about the lives of the current generation of Palestinians, as it seemed this would be. I was interested in the book because an Israeli wrote it, reviews said he was patriotic yet sympathetic and that the stories were the human side of Palestinian life -- at least that was my impression and what I'd hoped to read.

Grossman spent time living with Palestinians. I think he feels he did put aside his own preconceptions to learn about Palestian life from Palestinians. At first I, too, felt he succeeded. The first few chapters--each chapter is a sort of short narrative of its own--were well-crafted and combined history with in-the-moment accounts.

As I continued to read on, I couldn't help but feel Grossman's own view and anger come through. His anger wasn't, to me, generalized frustration, but patriotic and with a "pro-" and "anti-" feel to it. He writes of Palestinians that they've been taught for generations, that it's so ingrained as to be nearly inescapable, to feel and express hatred. So, too, I felt, Grossman couldn't see past his own bias. He could for certain individuals, but the deeper I read the more bias I sensed. This isn't inherently negative. What is negative about this portrait is that he proclaims non-partisanship, and seems to believe he is a neutral voice, but ultimately he isn't.

"The Yellow Wind" isn't bad, not horrible, and it's readable. It's worthwhile. But distinguishing lines between fact, fiction, humanity and nationalism became a bit too difficult -- such that I questioned, for example, his factual presentation of history or even observations at times. Given this less-than-required objectivity in order to render the book what it is, and that it is somewhat dated, I'd say it's not necessary reading. I realize I disagree with the other reviews. Perhaps due to the current time in history, it takes on a different feel, and I'm certainly open to feeling differently about Grossman's work in the future. But I felt it could have offered so much more, given how it came about--Grossman, an Israeli, living with Palestinians for awhile--but perhaps that, too, is inherent to the deep-rooted emotions between Israelis and Palestinians.

A very talented writer and very poor moralist .......2004-10-20

I remember the sensation this work made when it was first published. The Israeli left , the post- modern anti- Zionist elite waved this work as a flag against Israeli ordinary citizens, soldiers and political leaders.
Grossman is a highly skilled writer. His effort to look into ' West- Bank reality' in a supposedly even- handed way is however a thinly disguised anti- Jewish and pro- Palestinian rant. It is simplistic and it time and again is guilty of taking Arab propaganda ( even when delivered by individuals in interviews) at their word. At some point it almost becomes laughable. This is when Grossman dutifully uncritically records an old ( and therefore to Grossman necessarily wise) Arab who predicts( really threatens) the Jews with destruction if they do not leave the Holy Land to the Arabs.
So skeptical, so critical so seemingly sophisticated in its relation to Jews, and so simply gullible in relation to Arabs this work marks yet another watershed in the lemming - like march of the Israeli left to the sea.

Worth reading.......2003-11-10

This is a good book providing good insight into the human dimension of the conflict. Well worth reading. I found two chapters particularly striking. First one is about a Palestinian village divided in two after a Jordanian and Israeli border agreement, and how members of the same family could grow differing identities (and even come to be not so fond of each other) due to such cruel separation for years. Second one is about a terrorist's father. Grossman gives this poor man's account as he told him, without adding his own commentary. Briefly, the son, who was grown up and living in another town away from the father's home, got involved in a terrorist act that took innocent Israeli lives. The father was subsequently picked up from work by the Israeli authorities, and pressured to disclose whereabouts of his son, which he maintained he didn't know (of the son's whereabouts and his alleged terrorist act). Torture and all sorts of humiliation were used, including threats of rape of his wife and daughters. His house was bulldozed to ground on fifteen minute's notice. He lost his work permit, and reduced to wander as a beggar from one village to another, avoiding his own out of shame. He and his family ended up living in one bedroom at a neighbor's house, without kitchen or bathroom. The son was found and killed eventually without the help of any of this effort on the father. After telling this story, Grossman says something like (paraphrasing), "of course, one's heart doesn't go out to this man's suffering and pain" vis-a-vis, I guess, the pain suffered by the Israeli victims of the son's act. And he continues (still paraphrasing), "but I guess, it is such instances where we have to be more rational and measured." Well, maybe this was all my misreading Grossman, but why wouldn't one's heart go out to this man? Mine did. And I thought modern states and tribes would have to differ a bit in such law enforcement and crime investigation matters. What is new about this? Maybe this (i.e., Grossman's slip, as I see it) too is an indication of how tough and convoluted the Palestinian-Israeli conflict has become. Actually, throughout the book, Grossman seems to respect and listen more to those Palestinians who manage to maintain their honor and dignity no matter what, and who therefore arouse curiosity and would impress anyone. Those who are truly wretched seem to barely touch him, if they do at all. I guess such condition of theirs is their own fault, or their parents' or sons' and daughters'. In any event, the book is free from preaching; it's not like the author's value judgments will get in the way of your reading. By all accounts, Grossman did a commendable job, and my little critique is, well, mine only.

About Peopleýs Feelings--Not About Politics or Agreements.......2003-10-21

This book is more important today than when it was orginally written, in 1988. It contains a new afterward by the author. The author, a journalist, gives his impressions, and relates various converstaions, as he travels all over the West Bank, and through parts of both Israel and Palestine.

He presents views from both sides of the issue very well. The book is not about politics, or various peace agreements. It is about individual people's feelings. I have read many books on this topic, and this is one of the BEST. I feel that I understand MUCH better why all the peace agreements come to nothing. To sum it up in a nutshell, the extremists on both sides will EACH never accept less than ALL of the land-that is why nothing works.

A Great Contribution to Historiography.......2003-05-06

An excellent read, and certainly the least biased book on the subject I've ever read. I was introduced to this book while reading a passage in THE OTHER ISRAEL written by Assaf Oron, a Sergeant Major in the Israeli Defense Force Reserves. Assaf is one of the reservists who has refused to serve in the occupied territories after years of serving there.

In THE OTHER ISRAEL, Assaf wrote, "A copy of THE YELLOW WIND..., which had just come out, crossed my path. I read it, and suddenly it hit me. I finally understood what I had done over there [in the occupied territories]. What I had BEEN over there."

This powerful passage taken in context moved me to buy and read the book that moved a soldier to completely change his outlook on the conflict, and I am so fortunate I did.

Grossman's book is written from a uniquely humanist point of view in regard to what life is like for both Palestinians and Israeli citizens since 1967.

He spent 7 weeks in the occupied territories, both in the camps and in the settlements to make a genuine attempt to see the immediate world around him through the Palestinian and Gush Emunim settlers' eyes.

This book does not bog down with the intricacies and interpretations of various peace agreements, nor does it bother to delve into the well-known positions held by political leaders on both sides as so many other books on the subject do. Rather, Grossman focusses entirely on those who are most affected by the situation in the region: the people.

Customer Reviews:

5 Stars But Not My Favorite.......2007-03-29

Of course it deserves five stars because of the great author, knowledge of Chinese Culture, good characters and wonderful story. It involves the delicate balance between the old Chinese customs of ancient medicine vs science, the choosing of ones own mate vs the old custom of parents making the choice. In this case, the family is not peasant but prominent, but the culture just as interesting. There is no action in this book but more of a love story. No peasants trying to survive in poverty but a cast of the entitled and a struggle of wills.

A Beautiful Work, Understand Old vs. New Chinese Thinking.......2007-01-10

Loved this book. It had been recommended many other places for an American man who had fallen in love with a Chinese woman. It added great insight to my knowledge of her culture and especially her parents generation. Made me feel very hopeful about the unison of East and West.

I give it 4.7 stars!.......2006-12-30

This is a wonderful little book and I highly recommend it. If you enjoyed the 'The Good Earth' (one of my all-time favorites) then you will definitely enjoy this story. Ms. Buck writes with such effortless fluidity and charm. She keeps her prose simple yet elegant at the same time. The story also is quite educational in regards to Chinese culture. I can't believe that it has been 18 years between the time I've read 'The Good Earth' and 'East Wind: West Wind' (the only two Buck novels I've read). I can guaranty that I won't make that mistake again. After reading this story, I am very motivated to read something else by her. WHAT A FANTASTIC STORYTELLER BUCK IS!!! ENJOY!

Lovely.......2006-07-06

This was an eyeopening view of a chinese family to the west.We live in a flat world now and are so familiar with everything of the west. Our concept of beauty and desirable traits in the opposite sex are derived in a major way from Hollywood. It was interesting to come across how all things foreign was view by a chinese family unexposed to any but their own culture. 'Unfortunate blonde hair' a view expressed by a young chinese wife of her husband's white woman friend would be similar to what my great grand mother in India would have said of appearances she was not familiar with. Of course thanks to the global media, beauty isn't stereo typed now and we are becoming more open to other looks and cultures and rightly so too. Pearl S Buck has done us all a favour by recording what the chinese culture was like in the early part of the 20th centuary.Her writing as usual is superlative as in all her books. Id recommend it to all those who are keen to learn of a different way of life that existed prior to our 'Flat World'

a nice peek into chinese life.......2006-06-23

I've read this book in the arabic-translated-version

it was a smooth read. something u'd enjoy if u liked Good Earth

Average customer rating:

East Wind West Wind

Manufacturer: The World Pub. Co.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000GM1Q00

Birthplace of the Winds: Storming Alaska's Islands of Fire and Ice (Adventure Press)

Average customer rating:

Another yuppie blows his horn
Can't wait to get my own kayak...
Kayaking in the Aleutians - truly an adventure
In spite of being property outfitted, danger was everywhere
The Accidental Adventurer

Birthplace of the Winds: Storming Alaska's Islands of Fire and Ice (Adventure Press)
Jon Bowermaster
Manufacturer: National Geographic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Travel | Writing | Reference | Subjects | Books

Sea Kayaking | Water Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0792275063
Release Date: 2001-02-01

Book Description

The Aleutian Islands are truly a world apart, a chain of volcanic peaks rearing out of the icy Bering Sea a thousand miles from the coast of Alaska's mainland. Surrounded by some of the coldest, stormiest ocean on Earth, lashed by williwaws or shrouded in a blanket of fog, they are remote, forbidding, challenging -- and breathtakingly beautiful on the rare occasions when the sun burns through the gray sky to reveal them in all their solitary splendor. To veteran paddlers like Jon Bowermaster and his companions, the Aleutians hold a special allure, for these jagged shores and unforgiving riptides are the home waters of the kayak.

Their destination is the mythical cradle of the Aleut people, a group known as the Islands of four Mountains at the heart of this all-but-unknown archipelago. Trusting only their skill, their strength, and the seaworthiness of their fragile two-man craft, the four adventurers spent a month on these windswept, mysterious outposts of North America, risking their lives every time they launched their boats. Even a minor mishap could be deadly: a man in the water could hope to survive half an hour at most, and a team that missed landfall in the fog might be swept away by fierce currents into the trackless North Pacific. The nearest rescuers were 150 miles away -- if the radio worked, If the weather was good, if...if...if.

But if the stakes were high, so were the rewards. Bowermaster vividly evokes the adrenaline thrill of facing nature at her harshest, the stunning view of the sunlit Islands from the summit of an active volcano, and the deep, mystical power of the place Itself, an ancient stepping-stone between worlds, where humans have Hued for flue thousand years but whose only inhabitants now are the mummified bodies of prehistoric Aleuts. By the time the four are picked up, they have discovered much -about the islands, about the ocean, about themselves.

A deft blend of adventure, exploration, and history, Birthplace of the Winds is an engrossing chronicle of man against the elements, a struggle at once timeless and utterly immediate, played out before a majestic, merciless backdrop.

Customer Reviews:

Another yuppie blows his horn.......2005-04-30

The ff are summaries of the authors own statements.

He and his crew go to a place none of us have ever heard of - the ALeutian Islands. No one has ever been there - except - the US mIlitary, the Coast Guard, The Japanese, Natives and Area fisherman. They actually kayak across ten miles of open ocean - and the winds - they hit 17MPH!! Not only that it was cold! (Hmmm wonder what Peter Bray might say about all of this - Peter was (is) the world record holder for kayaking the North Atlantic solo and unsupported) And all the time they were there a volcano might have exploded! (Yes and I guess a meteor could have hit their boats as well)

The book goes on like this and gets rather boring - the author has an obsession with hypothermia mentioning it so many times I lost count and then devoting an entire chapter to the physiology of it. The fact of the matter is - anyone who goes into Northern Waters realizes they are at risk for this - every lobster man every crab fisherman, every kayaker etc etc. I dont understand the authors need to continually emphasize that "you know we could have died " - from hypothermia, starvation, drowning and volcanoes - what's the point?

You buys your ticket and takes your chances - no since continually whining about it .

You too could take this trip - If national Geographic forked over $10,000 to you as well - they paid a fisherman $8000 to take them to the islands.

The writing is nothing tremendous - for an 'adventurer' this whole story was rather sedate - there a lot of crab Fisherman who could spin a much better yarn - or better yet read the biographies of people who actually lived in Alaska from the late 1800's into the 1930's and you will see true adventure - not a yuppie's four week vacation.

Can't wait to get my own kayak..........2003-09-17

I liked this book alot, it contains adventure and information all at once. It includes amazing pictures so you can get the full affect of the remotness of the expidition. I plan on buying more Bowermaster books.

Kayaking in the Aleutians - truly an adventure.......2002-04-24

Generally, I liked the book because I love the Aleutians and seakayaking, and there are not many books on the market that describe this combined experience.

However, some statements in the book are incorrect, e.g., when explaining plate tectonis, and I agree that the Aleutians are isolated and quiet, but they are definitely not untouched. There are islands you almost don't dare to step on because of unexploded ordnance or environmental hazards - all remnants from WWII.

I must say I got a little tired from reading over and over again how far away from any help they were and how long they would survive if capsizing. I think it would have been enough to dedicate a single chapter to this, and spend more time instead describing the things that actually happened and that they discovered. I also would have liked to read more about the great kayaking they did rather than coming to the conclusion that they behaved like little boys fighting for prestige and food.

The way the historical facts are woven into the story is well done, and the photos are really great.

In spite of being property outfitted, danger was everywhere.......2001-03-25

Subtitled, "Adventuring in Alaska's Islands of Fire and Ice," this is the account of Jon Bowermaster's modern-day exploration of the four Aleutian Islands in 1999. He's a writer for National Geographic, who sponsored this trip, and he and his three traveling companions were thus able to be properly outfitted with the best outdoor gear and kayaks available for the adventure.

The trip took 25 days in mid-summer, but it sure didn't seem like summer to me. The Aleutian Islands are located in the heart of the Bering Sea, in one of the most dangerous and stormiest waters in the world. But the team Bowermaster put together were all skilled, experienced and strong men. They kayaked from island to island, camped on the beaches and hiked up the volcanic mountains that dominate this small world. They carried their food with them as well as camera equipment as one of the men was an official photographer for National Geographic.

The best part of the book was the well-researched history. I am fascinated by all things about the frozen north and wondered if the Aleutian Islands as depicted by James Michener in "Alaska" was accurate. This book confirmed the accuracy of the fictional book and even added more. There are no people who live on the Aleutian Islands anymore even though they once held a population of more than 25,000. But first the Russians and then the Americans discovered that this was a place to hunt for seal and otter and forced the people to hunt for these pelts. After being isolated for thousands of years, the Aleuts had no natural resistance to disease and many of them died. There was still a small colony in the 1940s but they were all removed from the area because they were being attacked by Japan. Most of these people were sent to internment camps in Alaska and never returned to the Aleuts.

No wonder this place attracted Bowermaster and his National Geographic crew. Of course, in spite of being properly outfitted, there was still danger everywhere, especially since they had no communication with the outside world. And they had to paddle their kayaks for as many as 7 hours without a rest through volatile and dangerous waters. Some of the time I felt I was right with them. The map could have been better, but the photographs were excellent -- definitely National Geographic quality. They captured the beauty and the isolation with a professional's eye.

Because I have a particular interest in Alaska, I did enjoy this book. But the writing reads like a National Geographic piece -- clear, concise and accurate, but lacking in real passion or interesting personal details. The author tried to introduce a small bit of description of some tension in the group, but I had never gotten to know the people enough to really care. I guess I wanted it to be more than what it was -- four modern men dressed in Gore-tex looking for adventure. Therefore, as far as my own personal taste goes, I can only give it a modest recommendation.

The Accidental Adventurer.......2001-02-14

An honest tale speeds best being plainly told. shakespeare

Perhaps `plainly' misleads. Birthplace of the Winds: Adventuring in Alaska's Islands of Fire and Ice `speeds' well because of its remarkable clarity and tightly knit narrative structure. Writer and adventurer John Bowermaster's engaging account of a sea-kayaking expedition in one of the more remote and inhospitable regions of the world benefits from the fact that Bowermaster is foremost a writer, and, by his account, only accidentally an adventurer. While ably possessed of the stamina and skills necessary to accomplish the challenge-kayak to all four "Islands of Fire" with a team of three others-it is his gift as a storyteller that sets this book apart from in the adventure travel realm.

Two elements contribute to the book's success, both of which drive the narrative forward in a smooth and graceful manner. By interweaving well-researched ethnographic and historical information with the daily accounts of his expedition, Bowermaster manages to unite two positions that often clash--the role of the adventurer and the anthropologist. By linking the past of this place with its present, through contemporary locals, and these temporary visitors, one gets a vivid sense of how this brutal and magical landscape shapes those who encounter it. As a result, the reader rides a steady wave of tension, chronic and looming. That very fine line between thrill and danger never lets up. Even during accounts of calm days and quiet seas, the reality of a tempest whipping up from nowhere keeps the reader on edge, turning pages with a combination of trepidation and excitement.

Many recent adventure travel narratives have tried to rely on exploiting the tragedy that befell the participants. While sensationalism has its base appeals, this account of danger flirted with and averted--by a blend of skill, fortune, and patience--aims higher. It provides, among other things, a welcome model in this increasingly saturated and formulaic genre-a model that provides history, ethnography and adventure with all the humanity, fear and desire intact.

The added element on top of the harsh environment is a potentially volatile team member. One thinks of those dreadful airline catalogue inspirational posters-"There is no ` I' in team". This is a place where that insipid cliché actually matters, and the threat of pride compromising safety is imminent. Someone once described the proverbial `tipping point' as "imperceptible and ominous-a thing whose identity is revealed always, and only, too late." There is a sense that Bowermaster is mapping out the anatomy of a disaster, a priori, and this gives us an acute sense of the daily fear and anxiety endemic this territory.

Customer Reviews:

Maria was a brave and courageous lady, and a great friend........1999-06-03

As a young boy, I had the privilege of knowing Maria Linke as a neighbor of her sister when she lived in the small town of Emlenton, Pennsylvania. She was an amazing woman. She shared her personal war time experiences with friends, neighbors, church groups and all who wanted to know the truth of wars devastating toll on humanity. Her book details the events of her life as a prisoner of the Russians during the war. It is a story of immense faith. After reading the book, you will wish that you had an opportunity to know her and her family first hand.

Customer Reviews:

savage tears.......2000-01-13

I have read this book and thought it was very exciting and have read many of her books. I own 30 of her romance novels and have read at the least half of them.I have not read one yet that disappoints me in anyway! I would give all the books I have read of hers 5 stars.... So to those who don't like them find something else.......Cassie Edwards YOUR THE BEST!

This is an desent book, but not the best........1997-09-08

Cassie Edwards book "Savage Tears" is a below average book. This book was borring and uninteresting!! I could put the book down in the middle of a sentence, if I was interrupted. If I would have know "Savage Tears" was as borring as it is I wouldn't even started to read it. But now you know what I think of "Savage Tears" and may be you'll take my word for it, this book is not worth looking at

5 Titles in Savage Series - Savage Trust - Savage Grace - Savage Destiny - Savage Tears - Savage Thunder

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5 Titles in Savage Series - Savage Trust - Savage Grace - Savage Destiny - Savage Tears - Savage Thunder
Cassie Edwards
Manufacturer: leisure historical romance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000QFQ828

Product Description

Multiple books shipped as one item. Save on Shipping/Handling charges.

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Savage Tears
Cassie Edwards
Manufacturer: Leisure Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000TMM91W

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SAVAGE TEARS.

Manufacturer: P/B
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000HJ5CO8

Cassie Edwards (Savage Fires - Savage Hero - Savage Pride - Savage Tears)

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Cassie Edwards (Savage Fires - Savage Hero - Savage Pride - Savage Tears)
Cassie Edwards
Manufacturer: Leisure Historical Romance
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000T2O4AG

Savage Sword of Conan Vol 1 Number 35 Black Tears (Savage Sword of Conan, Volume 1)

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Savage Sword of Conan Vol 1 Number 35 Black Tears (Savage Sword of Conan, Volume 1)
Robert E. Howard
Manufacturer: Marvel
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000OLKV18

Product Description

Fantastic black and white illustrations of the adventures of Robert E. Howard's Conan the Barbarian.

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