A personal favourite. Captures admirably the absurdity of it all. Contains gems like 'Even as he obsessively asks himself why he is not loved, the amorous subject lives in the belief that the loved object does love him but does not tell him so.' Also has what is probably the best paragraph ever written on jealousy: 'As a jealous man, I suffer four times over: because I am jealous, because I blame myself for being so, because I fear my jealousy will wound the other, because I allow myself to be subject to a banality: I suffer from being excluded, from being aggressive, from being crazy and from being common.'

Barthes dissects Love,analyzing it whit the painstaking precision of a skilled forensic.Here you see what one feels when Love,the very hope of it,is like a fallen leaf in a cold winter morning.This is a very sad book,but illuminating,even amusing,in some parts;but alas,fragments are all that remains,when one loves too long in vain.

Some readers may find this book difficult. Barthes never attempts to give us a uniform narrative about love. Instead, as the title implies, he provides us with fragments--some of which come from literature and some from his own philisophical musings--of a lover's point of view. Since childhood, we are taught to think of love as a singualar entity. Whether it is God's love, marriage, passion, or patriotism, we are taught to think of love as a unique, and exclusive prize. But as Barthes' points out, love is built upon fragments, many of which are mundane.

The most compelling part of "Lover's Discourse" is Barthe's dissection of the phrase, "I love you". Drawing upon literary examples and common sense, Barthes asks us what we mean when we state that we love someone. Do we love what they do for us? Do we love how they make us feel? Do we love the idea of them? Are we in love with love itself? This concept is born out by the protagonist Merseault, in Camus' novel, "A Happy Death". The first thing Merseault says to his lover when she wakes up in the morning is, "hello image".

"Lover's Discourse" extracts love from ideology and examines it under a microscope. We may be confused by what we see, and we may not like it, but the view contains more than a glimmer of reality.

This book was very well thought out and was creative. Although harsh at times, it kind of brings a certain reality into perspective. I beleive that many of us live two or more lives, a professional life of today in 2001, and another life at home that has been passed to you from generation to generation. Mr. Parks put both lives together in fine print for all to see, like it or not. That's the beuty and the brutality of it. He kind of made me feel like there were hidden messages between the words that either you saw or you didn't but either way the overall outcome was what you wanted it to be. The effect this book had on me was more than just the pleasure of reading a different reality on life, but it served me as a motivator to get me to express myself somehow. It was very motivating and entertaining. It shows a true freedom of expression to it. I like how he left everything up to the reader to interpret, giving anyone and everyone a different understanding of what Mr. Parks was trying to say. This is definately one of those books that you could read over and over and truly get something different out of it everytime you read it. Motivation or simply entertainment, even a lesson or two, this book is capable of touching a wide arena of readers.

I read this entire book in ONE evening! "Someone Is Sleeping In My Bed" is a must read for those who enjoy well-written, honest, reflective poetry and prose. Mr. Parks shares his life lessons, ideas, and opinions very eloquently. This book appealed to the full gamut of my emotions... I laughed, I cried, but most importantly, I LEARNED and enjoyed!

I saw an ad for this book at a web site called Mental Satin that my wife told me about and this book was featured there. I saw the title and the artwork on the cover and i figured this was just a bit too deep for my taste. But i was pleasantly surprised. This is a funny book. Parks has his moments of deepness and the reality of his experiences stand on thier own but this young brotha made me laugh at things i never felt were humorous. His essays, "Blockbuster versus Bankbuster" and "Where Are All The Single Black Women?" had me in tears. I enjoy books that break things down to levels where we all can understand. Mr. Parks did that for me and i thank him for that. Well done sir....well done.

I read this book a few years ago when I borrowed it from my mom. I started out just curious since some of my ancestors are mentioned in the book. But soon I was pulled into the story of this great preacher's life. We need more men like him today. I plan on purchasing this book for my own library because as a Christian I can learn quite a lot from Bob Childress.

He stood six feet tall, hard as a chestnut log, and once thundered to his rock-hurling, moonshine-swilling neighbors, "If I can't preach the love of God into you, I'll beat the Devil out'n you!" At the same time, this deeply compassionate and committed man drove 50,000 miles a year over roads hardly fit for horses to serve churches and visit shut-ins, in order that his people might live free in the Spirit. In confronting a culture founded on 190-proof alcoholism, gunslinging violence, fatalistic hopelessness, and bridgeless remoteness, Bob Childress was a spiritual 'Braveheart' to the mountain folk, a Moses shouting, "Devil, let my people go!"

Seldom a week goes by that I fail to consult this book as a supplement to my Bible readings. Mr. Davids's account of Reverend Bob Childress is a laboratory manual and field guide for my spiritual exercises. To love as Christ loved means giving a ride to an enemy through the snow. To have faith in God is to believe his love never gives up, and to confront in that love a liquor peddler on church grounds. Doing God's work means to enable release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, through building schools and helping people see that religion is the way you walk, a force for good.

We need the stories of people like Bob Childress, who courageously and faithfully lived out what the Bible teaches. Much of what Bob Childress fought is still with us today, throughout America: idleness among video-gamers, gunslinging violence endemic in school and workplace, and fatalistic hopelessness in voter apathy. This book stirs me toward a working faith in a brighter future. It reminds me of the dignity of a purposeful human life and of the value of even the remotest human soul, no matter how sick and lost.

After I read this book, my family had the pleasure of finding 3 of Paster Childress rock churches, his home,and his grave site. I felt so at ease and peaceful,I thanked God for people like him that had the courage to try to encourage others to stop fueding and be as one with each other in the peace of the Lord.

Please read my review preceding this one too. Today is November 4, 2001, and the Emmy Awards have just been telecast on CBS. To close the show, the magnificent Barbra Streisand sang a tribute to the unfailing courage and spirit of the American people whose lives have been inalterably changed by the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.

Of all the great American songs which could have been chosen to comfort and hearten the American people, the one Streisand sang was "You'll Never Walk Alone" composed by the incomparable Richard Rodgers from the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical, "Carousel". The poetic, inspirational lyrics by Oscar Hammerstein II are superbly matched by the sheer eloquence, beauty and emotional power of this soaring ballad. "You'll Never Walk Alone" is one of those songs that once heard, can never ever be forgotten.

Coincidentally, airing opposite the Emmy awards tonight was the PBS special "American Masters, Richard Rodgers: The Sweetest of Sounds" a documentary on the music and career of Richard Rodgers.

In a way, tonight's televised events were a double tribute to a man who was an American genius. He was in my opinion the greatest composer of popular music ever. I venture to say that his entire body of work stands the test of time better than the music of any other great American composer including Gershwin, Berlin, Porter, or Kern, etc.

I don't think that any of these other supremely gifted American composers could have demonstrated the prolonged and consistent brilliance and unbelievable range that Rodgers had. Here is a man who wrote songs as varied and memorable as "Manhattan", "If I Loved You", "Lady is a Tramp", "Edleweiss", "My Romance", "Mountain Greenary", "Mimi", "Hello Young Lovers", "Oklahoma" which incidentally is now the official anthem of the state of "Oklahoma", "My Funny Valentine", "Shall We Dance", "Bewitched", etc., etc.

It seems impossible that one man is reponsible for so many different styles and such a consistently high level of artistry and ingenuity over many decades. And yet Rodgers was.

Rodgers has touched and illuminated audiences generation after generation. He has given people music which is infinitely accessible, yet sublimely crafted. Simply stated, no other composer can equal Rodgers' accomplishments and the impact of his musical legacy.

There are a handful of composers of American popular music whose body of work is revered generation after generation. Kern, Arlen, Gershwin, and Loewe come to mind. But at the top of the list is Richard Rodgers.

In my opinion, Rodgers is the greatest songwriter in the history of Broadway and popular music. His range was simply astonishing. He could write jubilant, folksy music as in "Oklahoma" or jazzy sophisticated tunes as found in "Pal Joey". He could create soaringly romantic melodies such as those in "The King and I" or inspirational and spiritual ballads as presented in "Carousel". Many of his songs have become popular standards as well.

Rodgers adapted brilliantly to a variety of subject matter. And the longevity of his illustrious career is enviable. "Musical Stages" not only chronicles Rodgers' life and work, but it is also an overview of the development and maturation of American musical theater to which Rodgers contributed mightily.

In this autobiography, you will get to know some of the true giants of American popular music in particular Rodgers' two lyricists: the impish, undisciplined, yet lovable genius Lorenz Hart and the wise and idealistic Oscar Hammerstein II. Both of these men wrote many of the best lyrics ever composed for Broadway or popular music.

You'll also meet acting luminaries such as Yul Brynner, Gertrude Lawrence, and Mary Martin among others. "Musical Stages" is a rich addition to any theater and popular music buff's library. Read it with delight!

I was glad to see that this book is still available, so that other people can also enjoy it. I read "Musical Stages" in the early 80's, and my admiration for Mr. Rodgers increased considerably on learning about his personal and professional life in his own words. I was particularly delighted with stories like the one about "Blue Moon", which seemed destined to oblivion, but instead became one of his greatest hits ever. Or the ones about the way he worked with his partners Lorenz Hart and Oscar Hammerstein II, and how he dealt with Broadway and Hollywood people, producers, musicians, fellow composers... Above all, what strikes the reader most is the genuine love Mr. Rodgers always had for the stage. The anxieties, curiosities and goings-on involved in the production and staging of his Broadway works made me quite envious of those who were able to see the premieres of shows such as "On Your Toes", "Pal Joey", "Oklahoma", and so on, which Mr. Rodgers relates in such a vivid way. I was lucky enough, though, to see Yul Brynner in the 1978 revival of "The King and I" at the Uris Theater in New York. It was a magic moment I will treasure forever. Every person of good taste in this world owes a lot to this determined and sensitive man that managed to create a lot of the best music of this century, regardless of national, ideological or whatever boundaries you may think of. And, on top of that, Mr. Rodgers tells us his wonderful life story in a style that echoes the irresistible charm of his immortal melodies. For better enjoyment of this book, I recommend that you read it with your CD player on with, for instance, the soundtracks of Mr. Rodgers' shows and movies, or compilations and/or albums dedicated to his music by the likes of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Anita O'Day, Bing Crosby, Maurice Chevalier, Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. Like me, you will thank God for the existence of someone like Mr. Rodgers, and for the legacy he's given us.

This book is a wonderful rareity; a collection of breathtaking photographs that doens't sink to the level of objectification or predictability. The work is a celebration! The pictures are full of life and vitality, and it's obvious that Mr. Schatz has a profound respect for the dancers. He brings out the beauty of each of his models in a unique and interesting way. I will definately look for more his work!

Passion and Line is one of my very favorite books and I have thousands of books. It inspires me. It motivates me. It is the zenith of what the human body can be. I get chills each time I view this thrilling book. The hard work, the incredible discipline of the dancers is exquisitly captured by Howard Schultz. Bravo to the Artist Schultz and bravo to his subject dancers.

Howard Schatz book of dancers photographed in the studio is a high energy look at their subtle grace. Schatz clearly was influenced by the wonderful work of Lois Greenfeild. In fact, many other photographers work comes to mind when viewing this book! But that does not diminish the overall appeal of his work. As enjoyable as his last book "Waterdance" but displayed in a larger format with top quality reproduction. My favorite photography book of 1997.

The way the author writes the story is the way he lived... Richie Burns, in his book, we were all young soldiers doing our jobs and he meant all of us that served with honor and dignity in that Vietnam War. PATHFINDERS is about setting the example. Leading soldiers in combat by courage not by rank and a deep faith in the man next to you on the "team." This book is remarkable and Richie downplays what he truly did do for all of his years on this earth. God Bless you, Richie. I know this book will do well. You wrote it with passion, honesty and integrity just as you lived your life.

This book never drags, and kept my interest throughout. Different from a Special Forces story, Burns seemed to be on the receiving end of enemy fire most of the time while he guided helicopters for landings. He knew some of the other well known authors on LRRP's and special forces in Vietnam. He was lucky to not be hurt while being blown over by mortars or lightning, and also have a dud mortar round land a foot away. Very upbeat and refreshing.

I was not in Vietnam, I wasn't even in the service, but the recent movie WE WERE SOLDIERS ONCE resparked my interest again in a war so few of us really understood. I didn't burn my draft card, protest, or march. I have read 20 books in the past 3 months about Vietnam, 1 was 9 lbs., 3 were the country as in the present. Richie put me right next to him on every page and in every situation. Where is that dog? The good and bad side of not taking gun to a chopper crash site. The Recondo school, I felt the cool breeze coming out of that rock cave as Burns looked inside. This book is writen as a young man would write, not like a middle aged mature man who had lived a good life after returning to the world. I am not sure how Burns does that, but it makes for great reading. I am truly sorry to hear that cancer has cut Richard R. Burns life short. I will make a monetary donation in his memory. Cancer has claimed many of my family members. The History Channel ran a special on Recon Teams and there sat Richie Burns talking about his weeks at Recondo.

"Pioneer, Go Home!" is great fun to read. I read it as a teen in the spring of '61 on a trip from Ohio to Florida. Mom, my Aunt and I went to the movies soon after we arrived. The movie was "Follow That Dream" starring Elvis Presley. As it turned out, the movie just happened to be based on the book I had just read on the way down to Florida! I read the Reader's Digest condensed version at the time. A few years ago, I was able to find a copy of the book. It really is that good! I have read and reread it many times. It is always fun! I would recommend it highly to anyone who loves fun books and has been to Florida in the 50's or early 60's. You will like the movie, too. This portrays a more natural Elvis than his usual movies do. The story takes you back to 50's Florida when it was unique in its own way.

I found myself keep going back and reading this book over and over again since I first read it 10 years ago. Richard Powell became one of my favourite authors of all time. "Pioneer go home" is one of his masterpiece! The story was laid out in such a genius way. You'll love it.

This is one of Richard Powell's best books. It's main characters are a family of New Jersey Piney's. As Powell grew up in Philadelphia and later retired to Florida, he obviously knew a lot about the people and the places he wrote about. The Kwimper family is hysterical. Particularly the father, who feels he is helping the government by taking advantage of their various assistance programs. The book is a true satire in that regard. The main character, Toby Kwimper (played by Elvis in the movie version "Follow that Dream") is your classic big strong dope with a heart of gold. Like all Powell novel's it's very cleverly put together with great dialogue. If you like this book, check out some of Powell's better known novels: "The Philadelphia" (later made into a movie starring Paul Newman), and my all time favorite, and Powell's last and greatest novel "Whom the Gods Would Destory" (about the Trojan War, Helen of Troy, Odyssey cycle of stories - a truly great read). Powell at one time was a creative writing teacher at Syracuse Univ and it shows. He's one of my favorite authors.

Somebody out there is cancelling sleazy TV talk shows with brutal efficiency. How?...by killing off their hosts using methods served from a juicy platter of mayhem. Things are going fine for this one-of-a-kind serial killer until he crosses paths with a pair of unforgettable NYPD detectives...Charlie Marchetti and Angela Buonfiglio...Brooklyn born and bred. Add the FBI and terrified network personalities into the mix and you have a real page turner...chills, suspense, humor. What more could you ask?

Congratulations to Richard Wolf on his first excursion into crime fiction. I'm looking forward to hearing more from Charlie and Angela.

There's a killer loose in New York City and he's targeting talk show hosts. He's brazen and clever and has law enforcement running around in circles. Detectives Charlie Marchetti and Angela Buonfiglia, lead investigators on the case are at a loss, following leads that go nowhere and hitting nothing but blank walls. But with the brass breathing down their necks, wanting this case solved, yesterday and the body count steadily rising, there finally might be a break. The murderer has decided to make the "game" a little more interesting and sends Marchetti a letter..... Richard Wolf has written a fast paced, page turner that's about to keep you up reading, all night. This is a mystery/thriller that has it all...smart, crisp writing, interesting, well drawn characters and a tight, compelling plot full of vivid, riveting scenes that sends you on a roller coaster ride to the stunning climax and very satisfying ending of the story. Host to Homicide should definitely be on every mystery/thriller fan's "must read" list and is hopefully the beginning of a terrific new series. I look forward to meeting up with Marchetti and Buonfiglio again in the near future.

A madman with a grudge decides to improve the quality of television, by murdering the hosts of trashy TV shows. This is a fast-paced novel with a very believable plot. And it's scary enough to make Jerry Springer hire a bodyguard!

This is a wonderful book! I admire the faith that Bilquis had at the time of the persecution she was facing. She stood on God's Word and remained faithful, thus she was made safe and blessed. Anyone involved in a ministry to Muslims should read this. It is also very inspiring to all Christians in keeping the faith and knowing that God still performs miracles, even today. Dare to call Him Father, remain faithful to His Word and see the life-changing miracles He will do in your life.

When I first read this book I couldn't stop reading it for I was caught up by the events that took place in Bilquis's life that would later bring her into the only faith that allowed her to call God "Father". Living in a Muslim country I dare confirm the persecutions faced by Bilquis in her book are true. We have the same persecutions happening at where I'm from. From using white Muslims as freaks to convice the potential "apostates" that even white "Christians" embrace Islam to issuing death threats in scaring the new converts to denounce their new found faith. It is not easy for a Muslim to convert to Christianity in a Muslim nation. They will lose everything (family, possesions, nationality, etc.) sometimes even their lives. The sad thing is most Muslims still believe that their faith is tolerant thus denying stories like Bilquis's as fiction. Therefore to convince these Muslims they should try and convert to Christianity and see what happens to them. Such stubborn ignorance prevents them from seeing the Truth thus it is a miracle for them to convert to Christianity. Stories like Bilquis's are an inspiration to us that God's miracles do happen. And yes I cried at every incident that brought her closer to calling God "Father". Romans 8: 14-17 "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the spirit of sonship. When we cry, "Abba! Father!" it is the Spirit himself bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."

John

This is an autobiographical book of the author ( A Muslim woman -
high class with a notable social position- mother of three kids, a grandmother who adopted her grandson as son) how Christ choose to reach her and how her whole life transformed by His touch. She is led to reread Koran in connection with her kid being treated for evil spirits by a mauli. She feels like reading earlier works to Koran; take a interest in Bible. In this period, she has a dream where she dines with Lord Jesus; When he vanishes, she finds someone whom she calls as John Baptist and asks him for guidance. Later she has an interesting a dream where a perfume saleman visits her and leaves a goldan jar of perfume on the table. When she gets up, she finds Bible at the place on the table. She meets a Chiristian missonaries couple and asks about John Baptist. Later She finds a specific passage in Bible where tha analogy of perfume and Good News is given. Now she is concevied that the dreams were from God. Once again, she is forced to visit hospital for her son's ear problem. There she meets a Christian Nun who manages the hospital. When the author expresses her confusion between Muslim belief and Christian belief, she is suggested to pray to God as father. This is the turning point. [ The book is titled on this aspect].She reminds about how her father cared for her. She dares to call God as Father. She is lead to pray for Holy Spirit and gets it. Later she is guided to take Baptism in her bath tub. She also takes traditional baptism.
Now her relatives boycot her. But she stands witness to Christ with boldness. Here one understands the rich man's problem in Bible; She has to forego her social position, security, and respect. She also has to risk losing her son. She puts Christ above anything.
Later her whole life changes. She also finds strength to forgive her husband; She acts as a medium for her relatives in crisis to taste the PEACE Given by Lord JESUS. Later she is invited to a Bill Graham's meeting in Singapore. This shows that she becomes the tool in God's hands.
Changed poticial conditions in Paktisan promotes her to visit USA for a four month tour arranged by Christian friends. Later She is forced to settle in U.S.A. She becomes an active Lord's witness in U.S.A.
I have read the book many times. Easy to read. Not a theological book; The message is is simple:

Dare to call GOD as your father.

Richard Ellmann obviously knew just about everything there was to know about Oscar Wilde; what is amazing is that he was able to put most of it in his Wilde biography and still make it a graceful, engrossing read completely free of boredom or didacticism. Wilde was one of the truly great personalities of all time, and Ellmann not only brings him to vivid life, but demonstrates why he was one of the most important literary figures of the 19th century.

Oscar Wilde was a man of paradoxes, both a man completely of his time and ahead of his time. He is also one of the most interesting, and tragic, literary figures of all-time. In our age of "information quick" (though it was the same in his own age), Wilde is often misunderstood (both his life and his works.) It's easy to get a one-sided version of Wilde the writer, or Wilde the man. That is why this extremely well-written, Pulitzer Prize-winning, masterpiece of a biography is absolutely essential for the Wilde scholar or the Wilde fan. Ellman skillfully avoids what he could've so easily done, and what so many other have done: write a sensational, tabloidistic account of Wilde's remarkable and scandalous life. Instead, he carefully, skillyfully - and, not least important, lovingly - assembles a neat balance between the sensational elements of Wilde's remarkable life and his literary legacy. Wilde, whose works are often dismissed (despite being probably the most widely quoted source in the world outside of The Bible and Shakespeare, and despite having his works widely and frequently plagarized) because of his lifestyle, and Ellman thankfully gives him his due here. Thanks to people like Ellman, Wilde's literary works rest now, finally, where they are due: at the top of the pantheon. He also goes a long way towards explaining the underlying motives behind Wilde's seemingly self-conscious descent into oblivion. Wilde, to the casual observer, seems almost to have been on a deliberate mission of artistic and personal suicide, and Ellman goes a long way here towards explaining his motives. As Wilde himself said, his life itself was his greatest work of art - it's very moving and incredibly tragic to watch his spectacular meteoric rise and even more spectacular fall, leading into his amazing decline, disgrace, and exile. One of the most famous men of his time in the 1890's, it's incredible to see how totally Wilde was shunned after his imprisonment. However, with the passage of more than a century - in which tolerance has made great bounds, both for gays and for the expulsion of literary censorship - Wilde's star can hardly be said to have ever shined brighter. Every year brings a new movie adaptation of one his plays (a movie of this book was even made a few years ago), his plays are still being staged, and his books are still widely read and discussed - not to mention that he is one of the most widely quoted invididuals in the English language. One may still well question Wilde's wanton ways and his decision to face the music, even when it was obvious and inevitable that he was going to lose both his reputation and possibly his life - but remember only what one W.B. Yeats has said of Wilde: "I never for a moment thought that he made the wrong decision" - Wilde, who lavished and delighted in pointing out the hypocrisy of his age and society won the right, by submitting to it, to critize it more. Now, a hundred years on, Wilde - poet, playwright, wit, and martyr to sexual mores - stands as tall as ever, a huge, larger-than-life, towering figure, his wit remaining, as Ellman says, "an agent of renewal."

I bought this book after seeing the movie, "Wilde" which is based on it. I have to say that I caught a bit of "Oscar Fever" while reading it. The book is incredibly thorough and well-researched; Ellman definitely knows his stuff. The book is written in an admiring, respectful tone but remains objective. Excerpts from Wilde's works that the author found particularly significant are included, as well as many wonderful pictures.

After reading this book I have a lot of admiration and fondness for Wilde, and I marvel at his fascinating but ultimately tragic life. A couple of months before I read this book I was wandering around the cemetery de Pere-Lachaise in Paris and happened upon Wilde's grave. I didn't think too much of it then but now that I have learned a bit about the man I really do want to go back and pay my respects. Ellman has written a beautiful, loving portrait of Wilde and it is thoroughly enjoyable and poignant. I'd also recommend the wonderful film starring Stephen Fry and Jude Law but to get the whole story, read the book!!!