Book Description
A powerful memoir of war, politics, literature, and family life by one of Europe's leading intellectuals.
When George Konrád was a child of eleven, he, his sister, and two cousins managed to flee to Budapest from the Hungarian countryside the day before deportations swept through his home town. Ultimately, they were the only Jewish children of the town to survive the Holocaust.
A Guest in My Own Country recalls the life of one of Eastern Europe's most accomplished modern writers, beginning with his survival during the final months of the war. Konrád captures the dangers, the hopes, the betrayals and courageous acts of the period through a series of carefully chosen episodes that occasionally border on the surreal (as when a dead German soldier begins to speak, attempting to justify his actions).
The end of the war launches the young man on a remarkable career in letters and politics. Offering lively descriptions of both his private and public life in Budapest, New York, and Berlin, Konrád reflects insightfully on his role in the Hungarian Uprising, the notion of "internal emigration"—the fate of many writers who, like Konrád, refused to leave the Eastern Bloc under socialism—and other complexities of European identity. To read A Guest in My Own Country is to experience the recent history of East-Central Europe from the inside.
Customer Reviews:
a wonderful read.......2007-04-16
This is a lovely book, rich in historical and personal anecdotes, told with a clear, dispassionate delivery. I was in Budapest last year and my only regret is I had not yet read this memoir. It leaves you with a palpable sense of loss and longing for the missed opportunities of the past, yet hopeful toward a more benign future.
Book Description
This fifteen-unit course is ideal for both in-service and pre-service students. It deals with the many situations in which hotel employees meet guests, including reception, restaurant and bar work, answering the phone, giving directions, dealing with guests� problems, writing short e-mails and letters, suggesting places to visit and explaining how things work.
Book Description
This fifteen-unit course is ideal for both in-service and pre-service students. It deals with the many situations in which hotel employees meet guests, including reception, restaurant and bar work, answering the phone, giving directions, dealing with guests� problems, writing short e-mails and letters, suggesting places to visit and explaining how things work.
Book Description
At the age of six, Tim Guest was taken by his mother to a commune modeled on the teachings of the notorious Indian guru Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The Bhagwan preached an eclectic doctrine of Eastern mysticism, chaotic therapy, and sexual freedom, and enjoyed inhaling laughing gas, preaching from a dentist's chair, and collecting Rolls Royces.
Tim and his mother were given Sanskrit names, dressed entirely in orange, and encouraged to surrender themselves into their new family. While his mother worked tirelessly for the cause, Tim-or Yogesh, as he was now called-lived a life of well-meaning but woefully misguided neglect in various communes in England, Oregon, India, and Germany.
In 1985 the movement collapsed amid allegations of mass poisonings, attempted murder, and tax evasion, and Yogesh was once again Tim. In this extraordinary memoir, Tim Guest chronicles the heartbreaking experience of being left alone on earth while his mother hunted heaven.
Customer Reviews:
Therapist = The Rapist/ Sannyasin, sounds like Assassin.......2006-10-29
Tim Guest not only seems to have turned out remarkably well-adjusted and healthy for living through an often horrific, certainly neglected childhood, but he is also a sensible and crafty memorist as well. For all the damaging therapy encounter groups and hoards of sannyasins (those who walk the spiritual path) that Guest lived with and observed daily, his recollections and reporting are meticulous. If you want to get an innocent insider's view of what happened behind the tangerine clouds of India, London, Germany, Oregon, than this book is a must. I finished it a less than a week. For all the maternal neglect that Guest endured, he writes of his mother with great compassion and of himself with impressive self-awareness.
Fascinting.......2006-10-01
When I think about children growing up in communes, victims of cults, I think about the abuses you always hear happen in these situations. I imagined when I picked up this book that it would be a horrifying tale of sexual and physical abuse of a small child. I braced myself. Instead, I found that the child narrator, Tim, wasn't sexually or physically abused. In fact, he seemed to have many fond memories related to the commune and his life there. It was only when considered from an adult's point of view that the shocking amount of neglect comes into focus. The children in the commune did suffer in this very specific way. The damage was not as graphic and sensationalized as many people expect from a story about growing up in a cult, but it was horrifying nonetheless. Tim Guest did a fantastic job balancing this story to show why people might have been sucked into this commune in the first place, and then why they would decide to leave.
Interesting.......2006-03-11
This book is the true story of a young boy whose mother joins one of Bhagwam's communes in the early 1980s. Bhagwam's theory of reaching a higher spiritual plane heavily incorporates the idea of detachment- if you are detached from the things of this world, you will find your place. Unfortunately for Tim and the other children in the commune, they are forced to be part of their parents' new world while at the same time being kept at arms length from the love and attachment they want and need. Tim Guest tells of the years he spent in the communes, the people he knew there, and the effect the very unique lifestyle choice of his mother affected his life.
Quote: `Our parents were saving the world, but saving the world took time. While they danced, rolled their heads, swayed their arms, flailed their malas, beat cushions, broke down their social conditioning, and set themselves free, we filled our lives as best we could with the things we found around us."
I liked this book most of the time . . . it was one of those things that I couldn't read straight through (although in all fairness I have a really really short bookreading attention span and usually have several different things at once I go back and forth between) but at the same time I could never abandon it because I was really invested in Tim's story and finding out what ultimately happened to him, Bhagwam, and the commune. The story takes place in India, Britain, Germany, and the United States, and it was interesting to see the setting change. The story was certainly and unique and fascinating glimpse into commune life, from the perspective of someone who has not chosen it but instead has it thrust upon them.
Not Worth the Effort.......2006-02-09
I'll be honest -- after reading 50 pages of this book, I got off the StairMaster at the gym, put the book in my bag, and had no interest in reading any more of it. It just wasn't that interesting. It read more like a history of the Bhagwan Rajneesh, and less a story about Guest's childhood experiences. If you want to read about horrifying childhoods or kids in cults, try "Hypocrite in a Pouffy White Dress" by Susan Jane Gilman or "Running with Scissors" by Augusten Burroughs. Either one is a more entertaining and less laborious to read.
excellent book and a much needed childs perspective.......2006-01-26
I just finished this book and I felt it was money well spent. I was a member of a different cult myself but felt such an affinity with the story Mr. Guest was telling. I can't say I "enjoyed" the book, even though Mr. Guest used a lot of humor it was hard not to shudder at the horrific childhood he endured. I would like to see more books like this one by children raised in these groups. Though I don't really feel even adults make an informed choice when they join a cult a child has no choice at all. His story was compelling.
Book Description
With fifteen special events captured on film by the celebrated photographer Jessica Craig-Martin, Be My Guest is a detailed, original and practical guide to building a successful theme party written by renowned party-giver Rena Sindi. Invitations, table settings, recipes, cocktails, decorations, music - this book will show you how to make your parties unforgettable. The fifteen theme parties in this book can be adapted to two, two hundred or two thousand people. Be My Guest elaborates on the following legendary theme parties: Black and White; Art; Baby Shower; Hot Hacienda; Ladies Luncheon; 1001 Arabian Nights; Hawaiian Luau; Theatrical Heads; Signature Styles (a dinner party prepared by three famous chefs - Daniel Boulud, Nobu and Claudia Fleming); Dragon Red and Cherry Blossom Pink; Vietnamese; Jungle Fever; Tango; Disco Gold; Kids Party.
Customer Reviews:
GREAT IDEAS... GIVEN THE RIGHT CROWD.......2003-07-09
I am an event planner from Los Angeles and work for the Mandarin Oriental hotel which hosts numerous high fashion and celebrity events. I found this book to hold a number of innovative and surprisingly fun-inducing ideas ... however, i found that the ideas Rena presents are more applicable to the high society party world, where indulging in such extravagant parties is the norm. Some of the events in the book would ultimatley be hard to pull off with certain crowds b/c of the lack of enthusiasm for such parties. Thus, i receommend this book for anyone who is serious about planning events where the crowd is engaged... otherwise these parties would fail. Ultimatley, it depends on your crowd. For myself, this book has been a creative guide which has spawned a number of my own ideas and additions to rena's ideas. I love the book: pictures and presentation are pleasing to the eye... The book serves great also, as simply a coffee table book, stylish and interesting.
rena you rock.......2003-02-23
Rena's book is the perfect combo of utility and style. I have already bought a dozen book as gifts for friends and am planning on hosting a few bashs combining all Rena's ideas. Although I am an avid book lover and loyal amazon customer, I usually do not write reviews for books, but i was stunned with the creativity of this book. I hope i can one day meet this mastermind of creativity but until that day... RENA KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.
Be My Guest Book review.......2003-01-27
An excellent book with stunning photographs a must for your coffee table.
I'd be a guest anytime!.......2003-01-04
I LOVED this - although I've been to some great parties here in the city, I'd adore to make it to some of these parties. I thought the ideas for creating your own event were great and in fact, read a story on the front of the New York Times Styles section on Sunday about someone who did follow her suggestions and had the best party - despite initial reservations about it being worth the effort! The photograpy is great - it's Jessica Craig Martin's style - she pokes her camera at people - it's not supposed to be perfect - but more snapped on the go. I think this book makes a great gift - I'm also planning my Valentine's day party now!
surprised.......2002-12-13
As an event designer myself, I am surprised by this books' poor photography and lack of interesting details. It seems to be more about showing off her friends and acquaintances than about showing the theme parties she has designed. The pictures on the montage pages seem to blend together and nothing really catches your eye. I purchase all event design, tabletop and wedding books on the market and haven't seen one as of yet that has provided so few new ideas and where the photography was this substandard. I can appreciate artistic photography, but most of these photos cut people off in strange places or offer unflattering photographs of guests at the event.
Book Description
This fifteen-unit course is ideal for both in-service and pre-service students. It deals with the many situations in which hotel employees meet guests, including reception, restaurant and bar work, answering the phone, giving directions, dealing with guests� problems, writing short e-mails and letters, suggesting places to visit and explaining how things work.
Customer Reviews:
Not a great book at all.......2007-08-25
So he married Zsa Zsa Gabor. What are we supposed to think about that?? Give us a break about his 'faith and virtue', thanks! Then he leaves all his money to the Catholic nuns but his son Barron sues them. Nice respectful children he raised, I'm sure! We can only imagine what is NOT in his book.
A look at the life and time of Conrad Hiltron.......2006-12-17
This is an interesting book about the life of Conrad Hilton. It talks a little bit about the early days of the hotel chain starting and extols hard work and virtue. Overall I would have liked to have known more about the hotel challenges especially in the post world war 2 era. He does an excellent job of talking about how he built his chain during the depression in rural southwest America. His early invention of the motel was crucial and although he switched to higher end operations I think he had a glimpse of the future. Overall the book was interesting but just did not cover what I had hoped.
What a positive uplifting book about finding out what a person wants to do with his life! .......2006-04-24
I came across this book while staying at a Hilton in Pittsburgh. I opened the desk drawer and there it was. Accident or syncronicity? (from Webster's dictionary - the coincidental occurrence of events and especially psychic events (as similar thoughts in widely separated persons or a mental image of an unexpected event before it happens) that seem related but are not explained by conventional mechanisms of causality -- used especially in the psychology of C. G. Jung).
This book came to my attention just at the right time for me to read. The story is very entertaining, keeps your attention, and inspiring. Conrad Hilton defines what a man can become. He had his feet solidly on the ground. He kept his ears open to hear that still soft voice of intuition give him the answers he needed. No doubt going to church daily empowered him to be still and be centered enough to listen for inspiration and for answers as he describes it in the book (p-196). This he describes as well as I have read anywhere. The man had integrity and faith in his being and doing. He accomplished a lot, and had an impact on many people's lives. By leaving the bulk of his wealth to a foundation his vision of what can be done continues today many years after his death.
Great Stuff!.......2005-08-24
A great read, and thoroughly interesting for a hotel person! I was unable to put it down! I never realised that Hilton had overcome so many hurdles, and that as opposed to now, it used to be such a family! If anyone knows of an autobigraphy following Hilton after 1957, please let me know!
From a time gone by.... A Man of Faith and Principles.......2003-11-17
I recently finished "Be My Guest". As both a business person and a Christian, this book was a timely blessing to me. Despite all you made read in the gossip rags about his heirs (P. Hilton comes to mind), they are a world away from Conrad "Connie" Hilton. The book tells the story of a man from humble upbringings who makes something of himself. The story begins in New Mexico at the turn of the Century. From his father he learns about honor, honesty, integrity and the will to perservere. From his mother he learns about the Catholic faith "Always remember to pray and take your problems to the Lord," she tells him. While building the world famous Hilton Hotel Chain, Hilton almost always finds time to attend daily Mass and Communion. He manages to achieve what is sorely lacking these days in the modern business world, the balance of integrity with ambition, his principles girded by his faith in his God. As a business memoir it is excellent, as a testimony to one man's upbringing and faith, it is superlative.
Product Description
A complete guide to the region's best restaurants of the 1950s
Average customer rating:
- The Autobiography Of Conrad Hilton - Hotelier
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Be My Guest
conrad hilton
Manufacturer: Fireside
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000EO7MOO |
Customer Reviews:
The Autobiography Of Conrad Hilton - Hotelier.......2007-01-10
Like many others who have come by this book Be My Guest was something I found at my bedside while staying at a Hilton Hotel. Like many others who have read the book before me I found the autobiography to be surprisingly well-written and entertaining.
Be My Guest is the story of Conrad 'Connie' Hilton, the founder of the Hilton chain of hotels, of Socorro, New Mexico and how he grew a lone and insignificant hotel into a world-wide chain.
The story begins with Conrad's father and weaves through the family, New Mexico, Texas, California and beyond retelling the tribulations of the hard-working man.
While the bulk of the story is one of family and business, Hilton takes time to espouse his belief in prayer and Christianity, Capitalism and disdain for Communism. Off-putting as that may be the obviously ghost-written rags to riches tale is a thrilling and interesting time-piece in the eyes of an enthusiastic and devout man. Be My Guest is an instructional and fun read.
Average customer rating:
|
Come Be My Guest
Manufacturer: Bantam
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HAYZIQ |
Average customer rating:
- Account of Yugoslavian unification
- Exploration of Yugoslav idea
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The Contested Country: Yugoslav Unity and Communist Revolution, 1919-1953 (Russian Research Center Studies)
Aleksa Djilas
Manufacturer: Harvard University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: 067416699X |
Book Description
Published amid the unraveling of the second Yugoslavia, The Contested Country lays bare the roots of the idea of Yugoslav unity--its conflict with the Croatian and Serbian national ideologies and its peculiar alliance with liberal and progressive, especially Communist, ideologies.
Customer Reviews:
Account of Yugoslavian unification.......2001-08-05
THIS FASCINATING book is a case study of policies on nation. The League of Communists of Yugoslavia (LCY) consistently, and mistakenly, recognised no less than six South Slav `nations' as constituting Yugoslavia. These were Serbs, Montenegrins, Macedonians, Slovenes, Muslims and Croats.
Ironically, the LCY failed to recognise Yugoslavs as a nation! Further, Muslims do not constitute a nation: Islam is a religion, and no more. Serbs, Montenegrins, Bosnians and Croats are identical in ethnic and linguistic origins. Macedonians and Slovenes have their own languages, but also have the identical ethnic origin. All are South Slavs (`Yugoslavia' means the land of the South Slavs); they are all members of a nation very different in history and experience from any of its neighbours. But in the 1981 census only five per cent of the population called themselves Yugoslavs.
In 1918, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes was created, from the ruins of the Habsburg Empire. In 1919, the first Yugoslav Communist Congress called for a unified Yugoslavia, and created a party. But in the mid-1920s, the party decided to recognise the right of the country's nations to self-determination and to support the creation of separate states. This meant opposing the unity of all the country's workers. (Unfortunately, there is no word in the book about the forms of trade union organisation in Yugoslavia, which would have revealed much about the practice and prospects of national unity.)
In 1935, the party demanded separate Parliaments and started to form separate communist parties. Against this, Stalin and the Comintern refused to advocate Yugoslavia's dissolution and said that the party should openly oppose separatism. They argued that only revolution could save Yugoslavia's unity.
During World War Two, the Axis powers divided Yugoslavia and proclaimed their intention never to let it reunite. They made Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina into a puppet state, and gave power to the Croat Ustashas, who massacred hundreds of thousands of Serbs, Jews and gypsies, the worst violence in Yugoslav history. In the war, the party led the all-Yugoslav resistance movement and army, but after the war it created a federal structure for the country, which was a step backward.
The 1953 Constitution described a single Yugoslav working class, but devolution of power to the regions undercut the economic integration so vital to building a united class and nation. This decentralisation strengthened the bourgeois forces pressing first for devolution and then for separation, and hastened Yugoslavia's breakup.
In sum, the LCY was a party committed to its own breakup into separate `national' parties, and to the nation's breakup into separate nation states. Obviously, it could not hold either itself or the country together for long.
This book illustrates the hard truth that without a nation of its own, the working class has nothing. Britain has been creating itself as a nation, by uniting England, Scotland and Wales, for over 200 years (see Linda Colley's excellent book, Britons: Forging the nation 1707-1837, Yale University Press, 1992). Yugoslavia only became united in 1918, and the LCY's policies failed to keep it so.
Exploration of Yugoslav idea.......2001-06-08
This book represents an attempt to explore the history of the idea of Yugoslav unity and Yugoslavism as a national orientation. The author primarily examines the period between 1919, when Yugoslavia was first constituted as a country, to the early 1950s, the immediate post-WW2 period, when Yugoslavia was re-established as a socialist federation. Had Djilas actually concentrated on this period and its political and ideological developments, this would have been a much more focused and interesting book. Instead, however, Djilas often goes back to the 19th century, but his forays into this crucial period of ideological ferment are often superficial and his interpretations of certain (mainly Croatian) political movements are also sometimes questionable. When he does cover 20th century developments, such as the interwar years, he concentrates mainly on the Yugoslav communists, who were indeed the only consistently pan-Yugoslav political party at the time. However, this neglects other attempts at all-Yugoslav political organization, to say nothing of literary or cultural developments. Djilas offers little that's new in his consideration of the Yugoslav Communist Party's standpoints on the national question, a topic otherwise beaten to death by postwar Yugoslav Marxist scholars as well as non-Yugoslav scholars (most notably Paul Shoup in his still authoritative "Communism and the Yugoslav National Question"). The strongest and most interesting chapters in the book are those that deal with WW2 events in Yugoslavia, with a focus on the Ustasha terror (even though his exploration of the ideological roots of this Croatian quasi-fascist movement leaves much to be desired) and the political problems faced by the Yugoslav government-in-exile in London. The last chapter, which deals with the various attempts by the postwar communist government to forge a supranational Yugoslav patriotism (if not actual national identity) is also quite useful and enlightening.
Books:
- A Language Older Than Words
- A Prisoner in the Garden
- A Simple Monk: Writings on His Holiness the Dalai Lama
- About Face: Odyssey of an American Warrior
- Abraham Lincoln: The Prairie Years and The War Years
- Advice for a Young Investigator (Bradford Books)
- An Unfinished Life: John F. Kennedy, 1917-1963
- Anna and the King of Siam
- Anne Sexton: A Biography
- Ben Hogan: An American Life
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