Book Description
One of Spectra's most imaginative and talented authors now takes us on a phantasmagoric journey into a strange future fueled by haunt-tech: a technology which works by harnessing energy from of the realm of the dead. But who are the mysterious race known as the Kami who brought haunt-tech to earth? Saviors from another world, or something else entirely? And how does the child named Lunae who can manipulate time with a thought fit into the puzzle? It is up to the Martian warrior Dreams-of-War to answer these questions before life as she knows it comes to an end.
Customer Reviews:
best sci-fi I've read in a long time.......2005-07-22
This is one of the best books in general I've read in a very long time. It's hard to find original fantasy or science fiction anymore, but this book is not only original, it's deeply engrossing. There are so many small details that make this book more than just a good story, including the slightly Asian flavor. The characters are brilliant and vivid; even now, months later, they're still stuck in my mind. This is a brilliant gem of a novel.
For those who delight in the truly strange..........2005-05-02
In this future world men are all but gone and the main characters are women -- and that is one of the least noteworthy things in a truly strange book. The settings span from the harsh landscape of Mars to the tiny pocket left of Earth to the nightmare depths of the galaxy. The stakes are no less than the fate of humanity. The characters are human, yet clearly alien. Her gothic themes are offset, however, by Williams's clear (and excellent) prose. Unlike most gothic fiction, there is no lugubrious writing -- or worse, language so dense (or just bad) that you can't even tell what is happening. If you like richly imagined science fiction by someone who knows how to write, pick up this book.
how many pages left?.......2005-01-27
Lots of original ideas, pretty iffy execution.
Some emphasize the feminist credentials of the book, but why? Just because there are no men left on Earth/Mars? If so, the gender aspect just doesn't seem very pronounced or relevant. Could have been all male characters and it wouldn't have made much of a difference. I certainly expected a more radically different worldview there.
But mostly, after a while I didn't really care about what happened to the protagonists. I just couldn't buy into anybody's point of view or stay interested in the plot. Or, for that matter, really understand what the plot was about.
Your mileage may very well vary however. There is so much cookie cutter sci-fi out there that the writer deserves praise for breaking out of the usual subject matters.
Anima Rising.......2005-01-17
The superb Liz Williams has another winner with her dreamy, impressionistic, but exciting "Banner of Souls." Set in a far future where Earth is mostly water and Mars is where the action is (the worlds are connected by a never fully explained piece of tech called "the Chain"), the tale revolves around Lunae, a young girl who can shift time; the Martian warrior "Dreams of War" (equipped with semi-sentient armor), who is sent to Earth as her protector; and, from "Nightshade," at the edge of the Solar System, comes Yskatarina Iye (equipped with a vast supply of prosthetic limbs along with her arachnid-like animus--ironically, pretty much all that's left of the male half of the human species). She is sent to Earth to remove Lunae from the scene.
The baroque characters are amazingly well drawn (even the minor ones) as they bash about, none quite knowing exactly what's going on (with the possible exception of Yskatarina), among creatures real and not real, alive and dead, human and mechanical.
In a previous book the author has acknowledged the influence of Jack Vance, and that influence certainly appears in this tale, too, with its vivid portrayals of strange worlds, strange creatures, and dry dialog. But this isn't a tribute by any means. It's a fine piece of work in its own right.
There's a banner on the front cover in which readers are advised that Liz Williams is "an author to watch." Just so. More important, she is an author to read. And read again.
Not for everyone.......2004-11-18
A very strange story that will not appeal to just anyone. There's a sense of detachment from the characters because they are so far removed from humanity. It is far future and humans have augmented themselves in various ways that make them seem less human, such as the kappa (taken from Japanese myth). In most of known space there is only one gender: female. Children are grown like plants and, I assume, raised by communities. So there is no mother/father/family dynamic. Everything seems detached to me; I had a hard time caring for the characters.
I did like the structure of the book, though. How it switches back and forth in short chapters from the hunter to the hunted. And it is nicely written. Liz Williams is definitely a writer to watch!
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Banner of Souls
Liz Williams
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000OAIB3E |
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Banner of Souls
Manufacturer: MACMILLAN
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000GT738C |
Book Description
This anthology provides each of the major world religions with an opportunity to explain itself in its own terms, creating a sensitive and accurate picture of its teachings and beliefs. It allows readers to gain an “inside” understanding of origins, founders, and practices—and presents the religions as living faiths. Selected extracts relate religion to such current issues as gender, environment, and politics. Chapters explore indigenous sacred ways, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Judaism, Christianity, and more. For individuals desiring to learn more about the major world religions, and their impact around the world today.
Customer Reviews:
Well Rounded Presentation.......2007-06-18
This anthology offers a well-rounded reading list from the world's religion and wisdom traditions. It does, however, provide very few of the troubling texts, instead focusing on the "kinder, gentler" readings that are -- happily -- the majority of religious writings. This book coupled with Living Religions (by the same author) provide a solid study in the world's religions.
it has good selections from various religions... but.......2004-05-10
It is baptized in feminist views. That would be okay except it isn't supposed to be a platform for feminists; it is suppose to show the richness of the various religions.
It is overly concerned with defending or proving the importance of women; this often takes up to much space pushing out writing that would be more informative of the actual heart of the religion (which would be better then the dispute over women which is such a small fraction of what religion is about. I would be just as unnerved if it focused on how important men where to religions.... it seems to miss the point; the point being the religion itself be it female or male.)
That said; it does have some good excerpts. Many worth reading again and again. But there is to much of it that comes across as feminist propaganda (can you be truly sympathetic to a religion if you take modern feminist propaganda to say Islam or past Christian monasteries where women were not allowed or where at least kept separate from the males?)
The book is corrupted by (as written on the back of the book)"Coverage of important issues such as the role of women and the relationship between religion and politics."
Your expecting a loving look into religion on the religions own terms... then why, I ask, is their a reading included dedicated to the idea of God as a female within the Christian Religion? It might as well be including excerpts from the writings of Martin Luther as representative of Catholicism; they are clearly not apart of the Religion except as fringes that are better understood as protesting what is taught in the religion itself.
A Great Survey of Religions of the World.......2000-05-23
In "An Anthology of Living Religions," Fisher and Bailey provide the reader with a great survey of the religions of the world. Each of the traditional religions, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Jainism, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Islam, and Sikhism are explained in great detail through contemporary writers who are experts in the religion they are writing about. Other religions, such as New Religious Movements and The Interfaith Movement, are also dealt with generally. This is a great text if you are looking for a survey of religions. It also satisfies the needs of those who wish to have a reference guide which outlines the basics of world religions readily available for easy reference. After explaining the basics of each religion, and including writings of those familiar with the religion, Fisher and Bailey include a reference to pertinent terms, holy days, a historical outline, and a section listing further readings. There is also a chapter which specifically deals with The Religious Response, defining the philosophy of religion and the need to have religion in our world today. I highly recommend this book.
Book Description
Based on Thich Nhat Hanh's best-selling book of the same title, this beautiful hand-designed box is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to create little moments of peace and joy in everyday life. The set includes a 60 page soft-cover book that provides detailed instructions and 52 cards, each with an inspiring verse for use with ordinary daily activities — "Waking Up," "Brushing Your Teeth," "Driving the Car" — as an opportunity to return to a state of mindfulness. Designed and hand painted full color illustrations on each card by award-winning artist Nicholas Kirsten-Honshin., these beautiful cards are keepsakes that can be used anytime and anywhere. Easy to access anytime from purse, pocket, or desk, these cards are ideal for anyone who wants to create small moments of peace and joy in their everyday life.
Customer Reviews:
Buddhism for daily living..........2004-07-15
It's bizarre that Yoda the Jedi master actually spouted some basic Buddhist wisdom: "...always dreaming of the future, never his mind on WHERE HE WAS! Humph! WHAT HE WAS DOING!" Those words sum up the idea of living in the present moment that is one of the fundamental teachings of Buddhism. This book presents small sayings (or "gathas") that can be used to allay a distraction and get back into the present moment. There are verses for opening a window, looking in the mirror, using the toilet, getting dressed, lighting a candle, sweeping, eating, walking, gardening, taking out the garbage, using the telephone, and even watching television. All gathas emphasize the interconnectedness of things, and living in the present moment: "We can be very happy just by being aware of what is in front of us." Themes of justice and injustice also permeate the section on food. This is a very good small, readable and comprehensible collection of Buddhist wisdom. Newcomers may have a little trouble, but the text is not very difficult, and unknown terms can be easily looked up. Buddhism incorporates very underrated perspectives and lifestyles that can reduce stress, conquer anger, and give meaning to daily existence.
peace and freedom in each moment -- my own peace and freedom.......2004-06-02
We live, whether we acknowledge life/action, or we simply 'go through the motions', we live.
We may live fully, capturing the moment (as we might during a carcrash or orgasm) or we might wish to 'just get this over' (as we might during a trafficjam or while on our last hour at the office on Friday). Either way, we live.
Stress (which smirks beneath many masks: anger, greed, lust, jealousy, obsession, selfishness, pride, hate) haunts, terrorizes, debilitates, consumes... if we allow stress to run wild. Living in the present moment and embracing the present moment as a wonderful, unique, meaningful moment strips stress of its power... it can even vanquish stress.
Thich Nhat Hanh compiles (and shares with us) gathas utilized at Plum Village. These gathas can help us focus our thoughts/actions, to facilitate living each moment in appreciative fullness. These gathas are not tools of rote memorization, meant to be cure all's simply because they are memorized. These gathas are methods to focus, liberating us to meaningful action: "When we focus our minds on a gatha, we return to ourselves and become more aware of each action. When the gatha ends, we continue our activity with heightened awareness," (viii). This book helps me both through the Plum Village gathas, and through the inspiration to create my own pertinent gathas (gathas for: walking my dog, opening the mailbox, charting on residents, reading books, listening to music, playing basketball, shaving my face, etc.). Hanh even encourages creating gathas: "Composing new verses is a way of enriching the tradition," (ix).
This book is inexpensive, purchase it and experience peace and freedom in each moment -- your own peace and freedom.
Short and sweet -- if you don't mind getting creative!.......2002-02-12
For a graduate school class on meditative practices, I used this book for an experiment. I took the verses and memorized many, and changed the rest to suit my particular situations. I made up new verses -- in the same style -- to complement situations not described in the book. I found this to be an effective way to minimize my daily stress. As just a book for your nightstand, this one will probably not be useful or very interesting. But for someone with stress or anxiety, or someone just interested in Eastern religions, it may be invaluable. Such a collection is certainly not easy to find, and the writing is clear and unambiguous.
Great if you are already practicing.......2001-08-22
These gathas/short poems are interesting and helpful for those who already practice meditation, but may seem skimpy and repetitive to those not already trying to pursue mindfulness.
Don't get this book if you are looking for an introduction to Buddhist thought--get it if you are looking for daily techniques to improve your appreciation of the miracle of daily life.
Present Book Wonderful Book!.......2001-05-23
Thich Nhat Hanh is simply one of the easiest, most gentle authors on the practical application of eastern thought available today. Present Moment, Wonderful Moment is a delight to read. It is a collection of useful verses to keep us mindful throughout the day, recognizing how easy it is to lose sight of the present moment when the crash of life clamors about us constantly. Thich Nhat Hanh uses the technique of memorizing "gathas" for the purpose of focusing the mind on the thing you are doing now rather than on whatever other chatter is going on in the mind. Further, with each verse there is anywhere from a paragraph to a few pages of commentary that give the reader not only insight into the application of the verse, but also insight into the mind and soul of Thich Nhat Hanh. The result is inspirational, soothing, and useful. Of particular importance is the fact that the author, while a monk, is not in the least unaware of the realities of modern life, and included in his verses are ones for talking on the phone, turning on the television, and turning on an electric light. Those not familiar with mindfulness practice might wonder at the insignificance of those daily, mundane experiences, but Thich Nhat Hanh helps us to recognize that there is life "spent" in each of those (and countless other) little activities, and without recognizing that life mindfully, it is life wasted. This man has a simple message...live life fully, abundantly, happily and peacefully, with full awareness of that life as you experience it in the moment. This is a book you will refer to often as you practice mindfulness.
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It's Really Very Simple: Uncomplicating the Message
Jack McArdle
Manufacturer: Columba Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Inspirational
| Catholicism
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
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Roman Catholicism
| Catholicism
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| Christian Living
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| Christian Living
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Ministry
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ASIN: 185607093X |
Book Description
Zen poetry about living in the modern world. Cold Heart Thawing is a collection of work both inspired and simple, a must read for all on a spiritual path.
A collection of Zen poetry from the Abbot of Ocean Eyes Zen Center in Long Beach, California. This first collection of poetry was written between 1995 and 1997, and follows the spiritual path of a Buddhist layperson searching for balance between the life of dedicated Zen practice and the life of a layperson living in this modern world. The introduction contains an interview with Do Chong's grand-teacher Zen Master Seung Sahn, the 78th Patriarch of Korean Chogye Buddhism, in which the two discuss poetry and Zen practice. Some exiting insights about Zen poetry and life are shared with the reader in this conversation.
Customer Reviews:
Cold Heart Thawing.......2002-10-12
This book, as the title suggests, has a range of temperatures, from the cold showers of Zen perception to the warm arms of a lover. The introduction contains a very illuminating conversation on poetry between the author and a Korean Zen Master, who answers the question of how he writes by saying "this moment appears, then write a poem." The author of Cold Heart Thawing does just that, writing poems on the go, in airplanes, cars, temples, restaurants and offices. There are love poems, travel poems, haikus, Zen practice poems, even freeway poems. But no matter what subject a poem is about, there is always a direction to the language, always an anchor that ties any abstraction or high-minded idea to this world we live in, this physical body. This is American Zen poetry at its best, with the pulsing, vibrant roots of Kerouac and Ginsberg not too far beneath the surface.
If you're a Zen student, this book will be a delight; if you've only heard of Zen, this book will be an eye-opener; if you've never heard of Zen, don't worry--it's just damn good poetry.
Cold Heart Thawing.......2002-10-12
This book, as the title suggests, has a range of temperatures, from the cold showers of Zen perception to the warm arms of a lover. The introduction contains a very illuminating conversation on poetry between the author and a Korean Zen Master, who answers the question of how he writes by saying "this moment appears, then write a poem." The author of Cold Heart Thawing does just that, writing poems on the go, in airplanes, cars, temples, restaurants and offices. There are love poems, travel poems, haikus, Zen practice poems, even freeway poems. But no matter what subject a poem is about, there is always a direction to the language, always an anchor that ties any abstraction or high-minded idea to this world we live in, this physical body. This is American Zen poetry at its best, with the pulsing, vibrant roots of Kerouac and Ginsberg not too far beneath the surface.
If you're a Zen student, this book will be a delight; if you've only heard of Zen, this book will be an eye-opener; if you've never heard of Zen, don't worry--it's just damn good poetry.
Ice Bricks Melting.......2001-11-26
I came to Buddhism hoping I would learn to quiet my mind but also believing, regretfully, that I would learn how not to feel either. This wonderful book, which I picked up on my first visit to my Zen Center, of free verse on all aspects of life, helped to show me that without feeling deeply, loving greatly, and living fully, we cannot awaken. As Natalie Goldberg puts it so well, no matter how peaceful and present we become, we are human beings with feelings; we are not ice bricks. Whether or not one is following a Buddhist path, these poems are not to be missed. Do Chong's poems are a delight to all hearts on the path of Life.
Not about dew drops.......2001-11-21
And you thought zen poetry had to be about dew drops and frogs jumping into a pond... As the title justfully points to these wonderful poems deal with such familiar subjects as falling in love and out of love, leaving, working, getting angry, getting over it, living life every day and waking up in the process.
Their universal appeal reside in that there is a bit of all of us in each of them. No matter who and what you are, no matter where you live, these heartfelt and intimate expressions of the poet's heart will find a way to connect with your own heart... and hopefully jumpstart it's own thawing.
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- Mostly Unlnown People But Excellent Spiritual Role Models
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Spiritual Journeys: An Anthology of Writings by People Living and Working With Those on the Margins
Manufacturer: ACTA Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Religious
| Leaders & Notable People
| Biographies & Memoirs
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Faith
| Christian Living
| Christianity
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General
| Ministry & Church Leadership
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ASIN: 1853903027 |
Customer Reviews:
Mostly Unlnown People But Excellent Spiritual Role Models.......2004-02-02
SPIRITUAL JOURNEYS is a gem of a book. It contains a number of essays, written by people active in ministry, and describes their relationships with God. The greatest value of the book is that its practicality. There are lay men and women, as well as priests and vowed religious represented in the book, all in active rather than contemplative ministry. Most of the writings are by Catholics, and most are in ministry in either Ireland and the United States. All are involved in challenging work, most often with the poor and downtrodden. Each has contributed a great deal to making the world better, and their good work is a result of their relationship with God. It can be a great help and inspiration for people who are trying to find God in their day to day lives. These writings show that God is found in the day to day, and often in places where finding God would be thought impossible.
This book is not the easiest to find, but it is truly "a pearl of great price" in the biblical sense and can be a treasure for anyone who finds this book.
Just in case you are interested, there is an essay by a Tim Kearney in this book, but this is just a coincidence, although since it is good, maybe I should take credit for it!
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Living Water: An Anthology of Letters of Direction
Manufacturer: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
General
| Christian Living
| Christianity
| Religion & Spirituality
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| Books
ASIN: 080280408X |
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The Fountain of Living Waters: The Typology of the Waters of Life in Herbert, Vaughan, and Traherne
Donald R. Dickson
Manufacturer: Univ of Missouri Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Literature & Fiction
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| Classics
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General
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Anthologies
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ASIN: 0826206395 |
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Nelson's Anthology Series: The Incarnation: an Anthology (Nelson's Anthology Series)
Nelson Reference
Manufacturer: Thomas Nelson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
General
| Christian Living
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ASIN: 0785249281 |
Book Description
Nelson's Anthology Series is a collection of genres of prose and poetry. We have compiled the best writings for a unique collection of uplifting literature. It is our hope that this series will be read in appreciation and devotion as each writing points to our Living Hope, Christ Jesus.
The Incarnation an Anthology: The birth of Jesus Christ, as told in both the opening chapters of Matthew and Luke, is the cause for celebration and praise for the glorious event of the incarnation. Writers across the centuries have profoundly written about this great event in a variety of different ways. Our book traces the birth story from the Betrothal to the announcements of Simeon and Anna. We have collected the best literature associated with each event in the story for chapters. Thus, a chronological reading allows for devotion through Advent and celebration at Christmas!
Special Features:
- Beautiful embossed 3-piece bound hardcover with dust jacket
- Ribbon marker
- Jagged-edged paper, giving it a classic feel
- Events in order, so it can be used as a devotional through the Advent Season
FUTURE TITLES:
- The Cross an Anthology (January 2003)
- TBA(August 2003)
- TBA(January 2004)
BROCHURE (25 per pack)
Available through Marketing.
Books:
- Barlowe's Guide to Extraterrestrials: Great Aliens from Science Fiction Literature
- Barrayar
- Bending the Landscape: Original Gay and Lesbian Writing: Science Fiction
- Black Storm Rising
- Bright Messengers: A New Novel Set in the Rama Universe (A Bantam Spectra Book)
- Classic Starts: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea (Classic Starts Series)
- Cleft Palate and Craniofacial Anomalies: Effects on Speech and Resonance
- Complete Fuzzy
- Deadstock (Punktown)
- Demon Download (Dark Future)
Books Index
Books Home
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The Ghost Sister
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The Demon And The City: A Detective Inspector Chen Novel (Detective Inspector Chen Novels)
