Turn, Magic Wheel

Book Description

Dennis Orphen, in writing a novel, has stolen the life story of his friend, Effie Callingham, the former wife of a famous, Hemingway-like novelist, Andrew Callingham. Orphen’s betrayal is not the only one, nor the worst one, in this hilarious satire of the New York literary scene. (Powell personally considered this to be her best New York novel.) Powell takes revenge here on all publishers, and her baffoonish MacTweed is a comic invention worthy of Dickens. And as always in Powell’s New York novels, the city itself becomes a central character: “On the glittering black pavement legs hurried by with umbrella tops, taxis skidded along the curb, their wheels swishing through the puddles, raindrops bounced like dice in the gutter.” Powell’s famous wit was never sharper than here, but Turn, Magic Wheel is also one of the most poignant and heart-wrenching of her novels.

Customer Reviews:

A Tart New York Love Story.......2002-12-02

In this novel, written in 1936, Dawn Powell began a series of books satirizing literary life in New York City. Powells' biographer, Tim Page, has written of this book that "if there is another novel that manages simultaneously to be so funny and so sad, so riotous and so realistic, so acute and yet so accepting in the portrayal of flawed humankind, I have not yet found it." This is high praise for an obscure novel, but it is deserved.

The protagonist of the book is Dennis Orphen, a young man who, modelled on Dawn Powell herself, has left midwest Ohio to come to New York City in search of a literary career and of excitement.

Orphen begins as a "proletarian" leftist type of writer but soon achieves some popular acclaim. He then publishes a novel, "The Hunter's Wife" which satrizes sharply a famous American writer who has long lived abroad, Andrew Callingham (a Hemingway-like figure.) Orphen has learned about the details of Calligham's life through his three-year affair with Effie, Callingham's first wife whom Callingham had left 18 years earlier. (Effie is much older than Orphen.) Effie is despondent over the revelations in Orphen's book. Orphen also has affairs with other women, particularly a young married woman named Corrine, who loves Orphen but also loves her good if boring home with her husband.

The book is full of pictures of New York City streets, bars, homes and characters. It satirizes the literary establishment and literary tastes of the day unmercifully. The plot in the story turns on Orphen's attempt to reconcile what he has done as a writer -- written a fine novel -- with the betrayal of Effie. He needs to sort out his feeling for her and for Corrine.

Effie too needs to sort out her feelings towards Orphen and towards Callingham, her long-gone husband. She has the opportunity to do so when Callingham returns briefly to New York City. The title of the book, "Turn, Magic Wheel", is taken from an epigraph of Theocritus: "Turn, magic wheel, Bring homeward him I love" and is suggestive of the plot.

Some readers see this book is sharp, unremitting satire. I find it much more. It tells an unconventional love story lived by people with unconventional sexual mores. Dawn Powell brings real sympathy and understanding to the characters and their situation. The book is a beautiful portrait of New York City of the mid-1930's. It captures the allure of leaving one's youth in the midwest and seeking life in the excitement of Manhattan. Powell is a writer who deserves the acclaim she has recently received.

Another Good Powell Book.......2000-02-13

Turn, Magic Wheel provides the expected Powell wit and Powell plot and every sentence is read-out-loud perfect. This time, she places her characters in a tangled web surrounding the publication of Dennis Orphan's novel. His novel is based on the life of his only real friend who is an ex-wife of a Hemingway-type writer. Turn, Magic Wheel does not, however, match Powell's later works such as The Golden Spur or The Wicked Pavilions. Powell does not yet seem to have completely found her narrative voice and this leads to some hurky-jerk story telling. At times it seems as though she hasn't decided whether she wants to be a witty Henry James or, well, Dawn Powell.

Witty, contemporary and FABULOUS!.......1999-10-05

I feel as if I know every single character in this raucous evocation of New York night-life as it was 60 years ago. Dawn Powell is a genius and this may be her greatest book.

Witty send-up of literary scene.......1999-09-16

Ms.Powell disects the world of writers and lays them out on a slab for all to see. Takes you through one writer's bestseller and its consequences on those around him. Reminiscent of Capote's "betrayals" to his society acquaintances. Entertaining and witty as any of Ms. Powell's novels always are.

Interesting, but not engaging.......1999-03-29

The writing is very good, but somehow this story of 1935 New York City never comes to life. The characters are interesting and their situations were new to me, but I never really cared about any of them. It just didn't grab me and I was sorry about that.

Average customer rating:

Turn, Magic Wheel
Dawn Powell
Manufacturer: Farrar & Rinehart
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000LF2W46

Book Description

From New York Times bestselling author Mary Jo Putney-a classic love story that has become one of her most beloved and acclaimed historical romances...

Customer Reviews:

Now I'm officially spoiled!!!.......2006-07-31

Even now I'm still bubbling with excitement over this book.
I along with Lucien kept getting side tracked by our lovely Kit/Kristine, every time she told us one of her fabulous tales......
Lucien's story was every bit emotional, passionate, exciting and more with a little history lesson on the Hell fire club. As Ms Putney pointed out, the original hellions were no where as deadly as the ones portrayed in her book. I think one of the reasons why I'm so enamored of Ms Putney is that she always mixes historical happenings with her romance. I believe some other reviewer mentioned that Ms Putney's novels ought to be a model for Historical/Mystery Romantic movies, and I agree with that assessment whole heartedly.
I will always make absolutely sure I support Ms Putney with every new Historical/Regency book she pens.
I cannot sing enough praises for this author.
A few things that I found extra ordinarily hard to accept, one of which is the twin psychic bond between the Twins. While I'm aware that such bonds exist, I'm not sure I wanted to believe in the level portrayed in the book. The other thing was the hypnosis of Kit by Lucien when trying to tap into that same bond, that aspect was boderlining fantasy for me. The last incident was the Pendulum to find out Kira's exact location, that had me thinking I was watching a charmed episode.
Also, during one of these bonds (In a dream) Kit saw the mechanical figures Lucien loved and assumed he was the assailant, when that proved wrong, I wondered why she NEVER mentioned it to him, sure she mentioned the dreams, the whips, the beatings, but I would have thought that she would have asked him about the mechanical figures if only to hear what he had to say about it.
On the other hand, if she had done that, our bad guy would have been caught sooner and therefore ended the story too quick.
Even with all my complaints, this book still is rated high in my library. Definitely not one of those books I would ever loan anyone. Too precious!

Very dark and depressing.......2006-06-02

I've enjoyed so many of Mary Jo Putney's books that anything with her name on the cover is an auto-buy. But I think I'm about to rethink that position, as the last two books I've tried to read by her have been duds.

DANCING ON THE WIND failed with me on many counts. The biggest of these was its very dark theme. Not that I'm a "fluff" romance reader, but this story was very dark and depressing. Lucien is trying to infiltrate the Hellion League in order to unmask a spy that caused the death of a British undercover operative. A noble cause, but it means the hero is required to act like one of the Hellion League, which is a club devoted to debauchery. We're talking drug use, perverted sex acts, orgies...just about any disgusting thing you can think of. Yes, I know such things existed, and that such groups of people still do exist, but reading about it is not how I want to spend my free time.

Granted Lucien found it disgusting, but seeing him immersing himself in the club's culture (getting high on laughing gas and attending an orgy) just to keep his cover intact was a nauseating experience for me. I much preferred the way Putney portrayed such depravity in SILK AND SHADOWS, where the hero was more removed from this sickness. THE SPIRAL PATH was also a book that dealt with sexual perversions in a much better way. The perversions weren't "in your face" like they are in DANCING ON THE WIND.

Another major complaint was that I felt that the interaction between hero and heroine was very weak. It almost felt as if the love story was tacked on afterwards, instead of being the main story. The hero and heroine keep accidentally meeting, but spend probably less than 10 minutes together during the first 10 chapters. And yet I'm supposed to believe that they're falling in love? It just didn't work for me. I felt they were falling in lust, rather than in love. Usually Putney gives a satisfying romance, but it just didn't happen here.

Without a successful romance, there was no need for me to read a book that left me feeling like I should take a hot shower to wash the grime off afterwards. I read romance for entertainment and happy endings, not to feel down in the dumps. Borrow this book if you're still determined to read it. It's not worth spending money on.

must read it.......2005-01-16

This was one of my favorite books. everyone must read it cause it is so great

Just like the other books in the series: Excellent.......2004-08-15

This book, cronologically the second story of the "Fallen Angels" series is about Lucien, the Earl of Strathmore. When his spying business requires him to become a member of the Hellfire League, a club of dissolute rakes, in order to investigate his leaders,who are suspected of treason, he meets Kit Travers. Lucien is more than a little intrigued by the resourcefull girl who appears to have several personalities and the hability to fool even him, a seasoned spy. She is also investigating the club members for reasons of her own, so they both decide to become partners and help each other.

The story is engaging, sensual and fast paced, sometimes funny, and other times poignant.

I liked both main characters a lot. Lucian is not a rake, all the contrary, he is hardworking and dedicated, honorable and respectable. He hides behind his work to escape the hurts of a shattered childhood but yearns for a relatioship where he can find love and intimacy, a person with whom he can share everything.

Kit is a very likeable character too, she is intelligent, resourceful and determined, but what I liked the most about her is that although extreme circumstances have forced her into a world of danger and lies, and she is courageous enough to do what needs to be done, she is not really the adventuresome kind. She is afraid, and nervous and longs for it all to finish so that she can return to her normal life. That makes her character much more real than other heroines that are just too spirited and reckless to be believable.

The only trouble that I had with the story is the extra-sensorial connection that Kit and her sister have. It was a little hard for me to understand and accept it, perhaps because I'm not a twin, and have never experienced anything like that, although I have heard of twins that can sense each other's pain and feelings. But I think the story relied too heavily on the bond between the sisters, and while the bond between twins may be real, in this book I found it somewhat fantastical at times.

That is something I have found frecuently in Mary Jo Putney's novels. In most of them there is a magical or "spiritual" element somewhere in the story, and I'm not sure I like that completely. I like my stories more real. But that is just my personal taste. Except for this small matter I found the book extremely good. The secondary characters (Kit's sister Kira and Jason Travers) are wonderful too, and could have been the main characters of another story.

All in all an excellent book. In fact so far I have not yet read a book by this author that I don't like. Keep them coming Mary Jo Putney!

One of the best books I have read in a long time!.......2004-06-15

This is the first book I have read by Mary Jo Putney, and it looks like I just discovered a new author.

Ms. Putney seems to have done her research; at first I thought the premise of the book to be unbelievable in the extreme - but it seems that there was indeed a similar club in that time period! Well, there's something that I certainly didn't learn in school!

The book is extremely well-written, the premise is original, the characters complex - everything I look for in a good book. If I found it a little too long - well, that's only because of my time crunch (I wanted to get to the end, already!) but that's hardly something to detract from a book when it's this well written. It seems to me that Ms. Putney is one of those writers where you feel as if every word she put down on paper was meant to be there - that, combined with a daring and original story makes her one of the best.

You can't help feeling for Kit, and, although another reviewer found it odd that she would go to such great lengths to help her sister, I don't find it odd, but rather touching - and rare. I also did not find the "twin thing" unbelievable as other reviewers did - these things really do happen in real life (both that she "found" another twin, and that she could "feel" what her twin is feeling - at least to some degree).

Book Description

The Native American philosophy behind the vision of the Medicine Wheel is that all things and beings on the earth are related and, therefore, must be in harmony for the earth to be balanced. Dancing with the Wheel teaches you how to apply this philosophy to your daily life through many practical exercises and ceremonies. These exercises will help you gain energy from the spirits, which can heal both humans and the earth.

Through Dancing with the Wheel, the second book specifically devoted to the Medicine Wheel, those familiar with this vision will gain an increased understanding of the wheel and its developments over the last ten years. Those new to the Medicine Wheel will be ushered into the teachings and technique of what has come to be a source of comfort and direction for thousands of people around the world. Whether you are in the middle of the wilderness or the middle of a city, this book and its exercises will help you center yourself and establish peace with the earth and other beings.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent guide to the medicine wheel........2007-01-10

This book is an excellent guide to the medicine wheel and its applications and use in every day life. The first thing I do with any book before I buy it is read parts of it so that I can check the integrity of the information and where the author is at conscious wise in their journey (to save me buying 'new age' junk). That said, I really like the work integrity of Sun Bear's work and highly recommend it. (I also have bought his other book Walk in Balance and found it to be useful).

This book is one of the better presentations of the medicine wheel I've seen in writing. It clearly explains each of the directions in detail and all of their associations (elements, plants, minerals, animals, colors etc.). All of this is included in a very handy reference chart. It enables you to find your spot on the medicine wheel, your birth place and the associated meaning. Astrologers would find the information here very useful.

The book though is also LOADED with practical tools you can use and detailed guidelines as to how to use them (alone or in groups), it includes areas such as smudging, ceremony, ritual, chanting, receiving help from the medicine wheel, how to build a medicine wheel. The major benefit though is the clarity, simplicity and ease of presentation which makes it easy to use and refer back to and the depth of the instructions, explanations and descriptions of how to do the exercises and what the various associations are (I find usually other authors describe them in superficial ways). There are plenty of ceremonies, tasks, exercises and practices if you're a practitioner that will keep you busy for a long time. Alsoi included is a bibliography for further reading.

Other books you may want to check out are Loren Cruden's 'Spirt of Place' (one of the most practical guide to integrating the medicine wheel teachings I've come across), and her book 'Compass of the Heart'.

If you're interested in the medicine wheel, this is definately a book you would want to own.

Rather suspicious........2005-04-18

At a first glance this book seems very cool. It's a lot of book for the money. It's tidy, with picturesque schemes, drawings and pictures. However, at a more careful reading, it sounds like a Native American version of the Western zodiac astrology. The wheel is split into four quadrants (the directions), each quadrant is divided into three sectors, thus making 12 "months" (aren't there 13 moons in the Native American tradition?). Each sector is symbolized by one stone, one plant, one animal. Everything is geometrically boxed. Everything makes perfect sense. Every page is smudged with a little bit of tribal names, a little bit of tribal cosmology, a little bit of the Kokopelli stuff, a little bit of do-it-yourself ceremonies ... Of course, the Great Spirit is there, as are Mother Hearth and the Thunderbird.
Cheesey New Age at its best in my humble opinion.

What a fabulous learning tool!.......2004-07-31

I enjoyed each and every page of this book. The depth to which he explains the conecepts of and the actual construction of Medicine Wheels is mind boggling! I cannot wait to build my own Medicine Wheel out in the woods! GREAT reference book. Thank you, Sun Bear!

Super Resource.......2003-11-04

This is my first book on medicine wheels and ceremonies. I first became interested when my family and I went to Sedona for Christmas a few years ago and spent the day with a woman who took us on a hike and did a drumming ceremony and visulaization. This book has excellent info that has not only helped me understand more of the background and meaning of the different ceremonies and symbolism but also the grounding to do them myself.

The first chapter (I love the title) is called "The Dance Begins." It steps through things like what a medicine wheel looks like, what it represents and how to make one. Then there is a section on "hearing the earth's song" - this is almost a meditation of sitting quietly and listening to your own heart beat and that of the earth. Then there are pages on the different clans (I especially love the Butterfly Clan). Ceremonies like smudging are described as well as centering through use of drums & rattles. There are chants to sing, discussion of the different pathways, using the medicine wheel for healing, using stones/minerals, totem animals. Plants are also discussed. Oversll quite a comprehensive book - one that can keep you busy for quite a long time because its so full of information and activities.

A gift from Mother Earth.......2000-11-29

This book teaches us the how to communicate in a deeper and more personal way with ourselvs and the earth. It teaches us healing ceremonies and songs, it teaches us how to build our own wheels with the help of plants and stones and colors, with wonderful illustrations and instructions to guide us every step of the way. It will teach you how to see the spirit inside each living thing from the single stone on a trail to the mighty hawk high above us. I believe with the help of this book we as brothers and sisters can finially begin to heal our earth.

Mirandy and Brother Wind (Dragonfly Books)

Average customer rating:

Lush Illustrations
Can the wind be a partner?

Mirandy and Brother Wind (Dragonfly Books)
Patricia Mckissack
Manufacturer: Dragonfly Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0679883339
Release Date: 1997-01-13

Book Description

Illus. in full color."Mirandy is sure she'll win the cake walk if she can catch Brother Wind for her partner, but he eludes all the tricks her friends advise. This gets a high score for plot, pace, and characterization. Mirandy sparkles with energy and determination. Multi-hued watercolors fill the pages with patterned ferment. A treat to pass on to new generations."--(starred) Bulletin, Center for Children's Books. Cassette running time: 20 min.

Customer Reviews:

Lush Illustrations.......2005-11-24

An effort by these two terrific professionals is bound to have many good qualities. This won a Caldecott honor designation, and rightly so. Pinkney's watercolors are intricate, absorbing, a real pleasure. The multicolored dresses of girls at a dance are especially pretty. I notice he uses two motifs in his books, chickens and quilts. Both are included here.

This book begins with an author's note on the history of the cakewalk in African American culture. The story is based on a photograph of McKissack's grandparents, who won a cakewalk in 1906 before they married. The photo was taken after they won.

Mirandy is longing to win the upcoming cakewalk, but she needs a partner. Her friend, Ezel, might fit the bill but doesn't seem too keen on participating. He teases her that he is going with another girl. Mirandy thinks she will win the contest if she can capture Brother Wind, an imaginary character drawn like a bluish white ghost. His grace and speed are what she thinks it will take to finish first. Of course, Mirandy and Ezel end up together, and win the cakewalk with their sassy moves.

Can the wind be a partner?.......1999-05-29

This children's book, illustrated by Jerry Pinkney, is about a young and joyous African-American girl who hopes to win a prize at a cake walk by capturing the wind as her partner. The story takes place around 1900 and is a beautiful view of a happy people. The book was a 1989 Caldecott Honor book (i.e., a runner-up to the Medal winner) for best illustrations in a book for children.

Dancing With the Wind: A True Story of Zen in the Art of Windsurfing

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Gripping and Humane
A BRILLIANT READ!
Nothing short of wonderful

Dancing With the Wind: A True Story of Zen in the Art of Windsurfing
Laurie Nadel
Manufacturer: Paraview Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Windsurfing

ASIN: 1931044317

Customer Reviews:

Gripping and Humane.......2001-11-29

A psychologist, a wife (and former wife), a mother, a daugher, a reporter, a windsurfer and spiritual seeker are some of the roles that Dr. Nadel weaves in and out of in this courageous, funny, downright sad and insightful book. Windsurfing is the metaphor for the wild and treacherous ride we're all on. The lessons she learns and articulates to her fortunate readers are solid and sobering. This well written, fast-paced book is a must read.

A BRILLIANT READ!.......2001-11-29

Laurie Nadel's DANCING WITH THE WIND A TRUE STORY OF ZEN IN THE ART OF WINDSURFING moved me to tears, laughter, joy, and feelings of triumph! It is a fascinating read about her struggles with her health, her family, her love of windsurfing, and her ability to over come any obstacle put in front of her. Her courage is inpsirational to us all. I cheered her on thoughout the entire book! I will share this with all of my friends. This is a truly "I can do" book, one people from all walks of life should read. Thank you Dr. Nadel for sharing your very personal life story with us.

Nothing short of wonderful.......2001-10-25

Nadel examines her life through the prism of windsurfing over a number of years, and it's well worth accompanying her as she searches for meaning and balance. The book contains so much truth - personal, social, spiriitual - that its very multidimensionality adds to the richness of the subject and magnifies it.

Book Description

When plant hunter Randolph Graveson is paralyzed in an accident, the only thing that keeps his mind alive is the hope that a new variety of peony he discovered will blossom. When the plant is destroyed, he insists that his daughter Delphina return to Tibet to fetch it. But hot on her trail is Cedric Hartford —a rival plant hunter—and his nephew, Lorin Courtney. In a race for the prize, Delphina discovers Cedric's evil nature but cannot believe that Lorin could be the same. Though she dare not trust him, will Delphina ever discover Lorin's true value?

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