West of Rehoboth: A Novel

Average customer rating:

garbled to say the least

Being Black on the East Coast

Starts Slow - Ends Quick - More Than a Good Mystery

Slow Starter...Didn't Want It to End

Great Story

West of Rehoboth: A Novel
Alexs D. Pate
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Literary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 038080042X

Book Description

Set in the early 1960s, West of Rehoboth is the moving story of twelve-year-old Edward Massey. Each summer, to escape the heat of Philadelphia, Edward's family moves to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. The "coloreds only" side of a pristine resort on Rehoboth Beach offers work for his mother and a sandy playground for his sister. But for Edward -- an imaginative, inquisitive boy -- it offers the chance to understand his reclusive, curmudgeonly Uncle Rufus, a man caught in a swirl of hard luck and bad choices.

Forging a tenuous bond, their relationship will take Edward on a harrowing journey through Rufus's past, facing the violence, disappointment, and frustration that shaped his destiny. Award-winning author Alexs Pate tells a mesmerizing story -- of family, of coming of age, of reconciliation -- revealing the extraordinary compassion and healing power of one unforgettable boy.

Customer Reviews:

garbled to say the least.......2003-08-29

The question Pates asks is a worthwhile one - how can the drunks on the street feel no shame?
It wasn't worth the effort to read this book to get his partial answer.
This book needed a more heavy-handed editor than it had.

Being Black on the East Coast.......2003-07-13

Author Alexs Pate deftly depicts a post-Jim Crow '60s society where Whites and Blacks are still segregated beyond reason and the deck is stacked in the white man's favor. Pate also weaves an atmospheric tapestry so wonderful that the reader senses vividly the surroundings and lives of his characters.

12-year-old African-American Edward Massey makes his usual summer pilgrimage to West Rehoboth, Delaware. There, through the eyes of drifter Rufus C. Brown, he runs head-on into life as a mature black man in segregated America. It is Rufus' story that this novel tells.

Rufus is a likeable enough character, as are most of the characters in this book. But Rufus does not suffer well the struggles of being a black male in America. Though Rufus grows up in the 1920s and meets Edward in the '60s, many of his trials are the same many Black Americans face yet today in the 2000s : absent parents ; too much spare time ; poor job oppurtunity ; and dishonest employers and coworkers. Rufus blames his problems on the White man but creates worse problems for himself by seeking solace in alcohol.

The balance to Rufus is Edward's successful, independent Aunt Edna. Edna achieves financial success by manipulating the white man's rules and doing the best she can. She parlays this into the successful restaurant/dance club where Edward stays.

Pate's other characters represent the range of ways the African-American diaspora dealt with inferior treatment at the hands of White America.

This book is hard to categorize. Pate is a writer of magnificent talent. His depictions of characters are honest, their faults at times glaring. Unfortunately, excellent characters and magnificent writing alone cannot make this a masterpiece. A poor, hurried ending hurt a plot already hampered by the introduction of an element of extra-sensory/mystical perception that does not belong here. Those two shortcomings bring this novel back to earth.

Starts Slow - Ends Quick - More Than a Good Mystery.......2003-01-03

This is the first book I've read by Alexs Pate and I'm impressed with his writing style. West of Rehoboth starts out slow, but the time is spent introducing the reader to the 12-year old sleuth, Edward.

Edward is an atypical pre-teen from Philadelphia that spends his summers in the small "tourist-like" town Rehoboth - his hobby is reading mystery novels. The setting in during the 60's when racial tensions are high.

To hone his "detective skills" and overcome a loss from his previous Rehoboth visit, Edward is initially enthralled with the reason his weird and secluded Uncle Rufus kills his friend Mr Peabody.

The Mr Peabody killing serves as a surface level mystery for the reader while Uncle Rufus' mysterious relationship with the town of Rehoboth probes deeper into the human psyche way of dealing with anger, true love, deception, and so much more.

Pate, successfully combines reality with the supernatural to take the reader on a page-turning journey through West of Rehoboth. The book contains little violence and sex, but a very good mystery.

Slow Starter...Didn't Want It to End.......2002-12-29

To hone his "detective skills" and overcome a loss from his previous Rehoboth visit, Edward is initially enthralled with the reason his weird and secluded Uncle Rufus kills his friend Mr Peabody.

Pate, successfully combines reality with the supernatural to take the reader on a page-turning journey through West of Rehoboth. The book contains little violence and sex, but a very good mystery.

Great Story.......2002-04-27

Hats off to Alexs Pate for this great "coming of age" novel about Edward Massey, 12-year-old aspiring detective and an unusual summers in West Rehoboth, a beach in Delaware.

Every summer Edward's father take him, his mom and his younger sister to West Rehoboth to get away from the ongoing madness in their inner city surrounding. This particular summer Edward decides to put on his best detective hat and find out more about the strange man he know knows as Uncle Rufus.

One of the things that drew me into this book is that Edward reminds me of my younger days when I was always trying to figure out the what, where, how and why of everything. Edwards wants to know what his Uncle Rufus did that has him banned from his Aunt Edna's house. He wants to know where he disappears to without a trace. He wants to know how does he suddenly reappear and no one says anything and he wants to know why everyone says Uncle Rufus is crazy and why everyone tells him to stay away from him.

As Edward goes on to find the answers to this questions he also learns a couple of lessons about life and reality. Sorry, you'll have to read the book yourself and go along the journey with Edward to find out what the answers are :-D.

I really enjoyed this book for a number of reasons...I found the book to be captivating at times but I'll be honest it starts a little slow. The author developed the main characters so well that sometimes you knew what they were thinking. The book also has some suspenseful moments that will keep you turning the pages.

I recommend this book if you want to experience writing on a different level. I will surely be picking up more books by this wonderful author.

Book Description

Wisdom Bowls shows how to find and cultivate the seven sacred qualities of the soul — Wisdom, Vision, Joy, Love, Power, Intimacy, and Abundance — by visualizing a bowl for each and filling it with one’s sacred inner wisdom. The author offers a process for self-healing on all levels, allowing the reader to rewrite seemingly rigid life scripts and find peace through simple, everyday practices that strengthen both the ability and the desire to heal. Illustrations and charts aid in this book of healing based on simple but powerful visualization techniques. “Young-Sowers helps us consider new ... ways of looking at healing.” — Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., author of Love Is Letting Go of Fear

Coming of Wisdom (Book 2 of the Seventh Sword)

Average customer rating:

And the story continues....
One of the greatest fantasy worlds ever written
Wonderful Series
Best Trilogy by a Major Talent
How part 2 of a trilogy *should* be written

Coming of Wisdom (Book 2 of the Seventh Sword)
Dave Duncan
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0345352920
Release Date: 1988-07-12

Book Description

The Goddess had rescued Wallie Smith from certain death, endowed him with a magnificent new body, and gifted him with the legendary Sapphire Sword of Chioxin. She asked only one service in return...

So Wallie became the Goddess' champion -- and promptly found himself on the losing side in a battle against magics far beyond any the priests of the Goddess could hope to summon, After eons of exile, sorcerers walked the World again, claiming lands and souls for their Fire God.

Wallie quickly found that swords were no match for spells -- and how could mere mortals prevail against the powers of magic?

Customer Reviews:

And the story continues...........2004-12-27

So a goddess from another world rescues you from your deathbed, gives you the skills and the body of the most amazing barbarian swordsman to ever live, a magnificent sword of legend, a clumsy apprentice with a photographic memory, a beautiful slave girl and her baby, and an impossible quest. What do you do?
Wallie Smith is still trying to figure that out himself in the second Seventh Sword installment. He and his plucky band have escaped death at fort to sail the river, which is the only means of travel in this world, and is said to be the goddess personified. As Wallie's travels continue, he fulfills parts of a prophecy he doesn't understand, while teaching what he considers a violent backward society his own brand of compassion and tolerance, which is hard because if he violates the swordsman mantra he could be declared an abomination and killed outright, even by his own apprentice.To make matters worse, wizards have returned to complicate things, and the goddess wants Wallie to stop them. But how do you fight magic with a sword, even if it's the legendary sword of Chioxin?

One of the greatest fantasy worlds ever written.......2002-12-09

...Which I know sounds like hyperbole, but I've yet to read such a detailed world fleshed out with such elegance and ease. The writing is never intrusive--unforgettable characters like Lady Thondi and Brota make great entrances and are given thorough descriptions, but it never feels like the author is just stretching his characterisation muscles. This book seethes with tension and explodes periodically into some great action sequences, but it's perhaps most satisfying as love stories intertwined. No spoilers, but the scene where Jja washes Wallie after his humiliation, or Katanji with Diwa, or Nnanji wooing Thana--these thrill me every time I read them.

You're missing out (especially if you write fantasy) if you judge this series by its cover art. ;)

Wonderful Series.......2002-04-06

The Seventh Sword is a great series. I couldn't put the books down. Wally Smith dies on earth and wakes to find himself in the body of a master swordsman, living another man's life in another world. Suffice it to say, his 20th century values don't quite match those of the man's body he is inhabiting, which makes for some interesting turns as he runs into people who recognize him...

Best Trilogy by a Major Talent.......2000-08-15

"The Reluctant Swordsman" (Seventh Sword, Book 1)introduces the characters and world/universe the author continues with in "The Coming of Wisdom" (Seventh Sword, Book 2)and "The Destiny of the Sword" (Seventh Sword, Book 3). This is a brilliant trilogy which remains at the top of Dave Duncan's impressive body of work.

The characters remind me of Dungeons and Dragons Roll Playing Games (D&D RPG's). The hero is a 7th level swordsman who picks up a 7th level priest as a travelling companion. There is the same satisfaction of watching a companion swordsman advance through the ranks as there is developing your own character's skill levels in an RPG. There are also some other character types familiar to RPG's (archer's are held in contempt). This is not one of those cheap knockoffs on a D&D game though. This is just one element of the world the author has created which is kind of fun.

The author created a universe with a multitude of gods, like the Greek and Roman gods. While this is very common in the sword and sorcery genre, Dave Duncan has made the gods active participants in his story. One god makes repeated appearances, talks with the hero, and performs the occasional miracle. The author is able to keep the gods from completely overshadowing the human characters by stressing how they value "free will" for there own purposes. The author's brilliant use of deity characters (a recurring element throughout his best series) add facets to this story which lift it above a simple Conan type "guy with sword" story.

This trilogy has a detailed, multi-leveled plot which twists enough to keep you in suspense right up until the ending. And the ending reaches the appropriate dramatic climax, then has a satisfying denouement where the characters reap their rewards and the author ties up any loose ends. When this book ended, I was left saying, "Wow, imagine that!"

The only thing I can even think of that I didn't like about this trilogy is that it ended. The author really wrapped things up for the characters. It would be almost impossible to continue the story. I do hope that Dave Duncan comes back to this world with some new characters though. Maybe the old characters can have a cameo in the new story. . .

How part 2 of a trilogy *should* be written.......2000-06-08

Book 2 of The Seventh Sword

This book picks up where 'The Reluctant Swordsman' leaves off. It can stand on its own for fun reading, because the style remains the same, but the series really should be read in sequence to get the full effect -- it's an epic, not a collection of semi-related vignettes. Whatever.. If you read 'Reluctant' first, you won't need an invitation to read 'Wisdom. '

Book Description

A perfect gift for anyone in recovery, this book is full of profound wisdom and humor collected from many different 12-step meetings. Over 400 sayings and 54 illustrations guaranteed to inspire, amuse and uplift you.

Customer Reviews:

Some new, some old........2006-08-06

For those who have been around 12-step programs for any length of time, there's a fair amount of old material. That said, this would be a good book for newcomers who haven't heard it before and need to know that there is humor in recovery.

Gay Warrior: Transforming Betrayal into Wisdom

Average customer rating:

The Gay New Testament
Great book for all gay men seeking a better life
A VALUABLE BOOK FOR EVERY GAY MAN
This is a MUST READ for gay men their family & friends!
Incredible; "Changed my Life"

Gay Warrior: Transforming Betrayal into Wisdom
F. Jim Fickey , and Gary S. Grimm
Manufacturer: GLB Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Coming Out | Nonfiction | Gay & Lesbian | Subjects | Books

General | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 1879194376

Book Description

Written by two leading psychotherapists, it describes and discusses the elements of maturing as a gay man, using the "transforming betrayal into wisdom" principle in Initiation for promoting optimal personality development.

Customer Reviews:

The Gay New Testament.......2007-06-27

This is an easy read that comes right to the point with excellent advice and outlines on how to start the amazing change in your gay life. Be proud and love yourself.

Great book for all gay men seeking a better life.......2006-02-28

My partner and I both read this book a year ago and have gained a greater understand of our "little boy" which has enriched our lived greatly. In addition, we are fortunate to live in Santa Fe and have learned much from our couples, individual, and group psychotherapy work under the guidance of Jim and Gary. This book speaks to all gay men, their family, and their friends.

A VALUABLE BOOK FOR EVERY GAY MAN.......2003-09-29

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the book is in identifying the often subtle barriers, experiences, and issues that may prevent a gay child from developing a sense of pride, confidence, and well-being as an adult gay man.

With chapters specifically on relationships with the mother, the distant father, addictions, and various ways a gay male may experience "betrayal" because of his differences, the authors present the thoughtful material in a manner that encourages the reader to reflect on his own experiences and situation.

While the material is concisely presented, I benefited from reading it several times. With each reading the depth and wisdom in the book led to even better understanding and self-realization.

I like the way the authors use solid well-based principles of psychology but adapt them to the unique experience and perception of a gay child. That approach made it much more relevant than other books I have read.

A gay child and his parents will necessarily relate to each other differently from that of a straight child in subtle, even insidious ways, of which neither the child nor the parents may be aware. I think this book gets to the heart of that matter.

It provides a clear voice to any gay man interested in continuing to grow and develop in his understanding and way of being. I believe everyone would find it an interesting and valuable book.

This is a MUST READ for gay men their family & friends!.......2003-05-17

This book gives great insight into the process of developing into an emotionally mature, well adjusted, confident and happy gay man. It is extremely well written and clear. The authors say what they have to say, make their point and move on to the next topic. I think this book should be read by gay men of any age as well as all the people who love and care about them.

After reading this book I gave copies to several people who I thought would benefit from reading it. Without exception, everyone, gay and straight, felt they gained insight and understanding from Gay Warrior.

I am actively involved with our local PFLAG (Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays) chapter here in New Mexico, where the authors live, and can say without hesitation that these two men have made a significant contribution to the adjustment and happiness of gay men of all ages in troding the path to becoming proud gay men.

I've read many books about coming out, gay relationships, intimancy and sex, and this is THE book to have if you are only going to have one book on being gay and acceptance of the gay man's sexual orientation.

Incredible; "Changed my Life".......2003-05-06

I am fortunate to live in Santa Fe where I have been in one of Gary and Jim's Men's groups. I have been in this group for close to four years, but until I read this book many of their insights I had heard over and over had never really sunk in.
"Gay Warrior" has become a roadmap on my personal journey on what it means to be a powerful gay man; moving closer and closer to living up to my full potential and being free to live a vibrant and joyous life.
I have told many friends across the country about "Gay Warrior" and they all have thanked me profusely and had their own version of how this book is changing their lives.
In fact, one friend in Canada gave the book to his gay therapist who uses it as a reference text in working with not only gay men but all of his male clients.
I am forever in gratitude to these two warriors for writing this book.

Children Are Meant To Be Seen and Heard Gift Book: Humor and Wisdom for Honoring Children (Keep Coming Back Books)

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Children Are Meant To Be Seen and Heard Gift Book: Humor and Wisdom for Honoring Children (Keep Coming Back Books)
Meiji Stewart
Manufacturer: Hazelden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Love, Sex & Marriage | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Parenting & Families | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Substance Abuse | Recovery | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

General | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Quotations | Reference | Subjects | Books
Accessories:

ASIN: 1568383797

Book Description

For anybody interested in well-being of children. Delightful illustrations, wisdom from the ages and poignant humor to encourage anyone and everyone to love, honor and cherish children.

It's A Jungle Out There Gift Book: Humor & Wisdom for Living and Loving Life (Keep Coming Back Books)

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It's A Jungle Out There Gift Book: Humor & Wisdom for Living and Loving Life (Keep Coming Back Books)
Meiji Stewart
Manufacturer: Hazelden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books

Substance Abuse | Recovery | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Stress Management | Self-Help | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books

Quotations | Reference | Subjects | Books

Quotations | Reference | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
ASIN: 1568383827

Book Description

A survival guide for living and loving in the jungle of everyday life. Great line drawings and timeless truths to offer hope and encouragement for anyone facing the daily challenges of our fast-paced, stress-filled society.

"Most people are as happy as they make up their minds to be."
Abraham Lincoln

"You have brains in your head, You have feet in your shoes, You can steer yourself, Any direction you choose."
Dr. Seuss

Average customer rating:
The Coming of Wisdom

Manufacturer: Ballantine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GRROMO

Average customer rating:
Relax, God is in Charge Gift Book: Humor & Wisdom for Living and Loving Life (Keep Coming Back Books)
Meiji Stewart
Manufacturer: Hazelden
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Self-Help & Psychology | Humor | Entertainment | Subjects | Books
Substance Abuse | Recovery | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
Quotations | Reference | Subjects | Books
General | Commentaries | Reference | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Christianity | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Inspirational | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Similar Items:

Happiness Is An Inside Job Gift Book: Humor & Wisdom Celebrating the Art of Happiness (Keep Coming Back Books)

Keep Coming Back Gift Book: Humor & Wisdom for Living and Loving Recovery (Keep Coming Back Books)

ASIN: 1568383770

Book Description

Let Go and Let God. Please do not feel personally, totally, irrevocably responsible for everything. That's my job. Love, God You will: receive understanding, insight and support for life's challenges understand that God will never give you more than you can handle realize God loves you and wants you to delight in your spiritual nature be reminded of the importance and value of faith, prayer and compassion

Coming Home - Timeless Wisdom For Families

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Coming Home - Timeless Wisdom For Families
James C., Ph.D. Dobson
Manufacturer: Tyndale House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JZO9DA

Average customer rating:

This was a good book

Coming Home: Timeless Wisdom for Families
James C. Dobson
Manufacturer: Tyndale House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Family Relationships | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

Morals & Responsibility | Parenting | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Parenting & Families | Subjects | Books

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

Home With a Heart (Living Books)

Accessories:

ASIN: 0842314423

Book Description

In Coming Home, Dr. James Dobson offers practical wisdom and help on a wide range of marriage and family issues. These selections from Dr. Dobson's 90-second radio feature, Focus on the Family Commentary, provide wisdom and inspiration for the various family relationships. Some provide an encouraging boost, while others give a gentle nudge that we all need occasionally to maintain healthy priorities at home. Families young and old will find this lovely gift book charming and insightful.

Customer Reviews:

This was a good book.......2003-06-19

I haven't finished reading this book, but I'm more than halfway through the book. This book has interesting stories and some of them does have practical advice in them. I really enjoyed reading the stories and I loved how this book has Christian values in it. :)

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