I came upon this title last summer while working on a projectin Provence .... . A friend suggested that I try this book, even though Bosco is not heavily identified with provencal literature in the same way as Giono, Pagnol and Daudet.

It's a "little" story. Not a whole lot happens, yet Bosco manages a high degree of suspense, in addition to some fine character development. You don't meet many people, and you don't go many places. In thumbnail form, the novel is about some remote farms in Provence [the word "Mas" means farm in provencal], lying far from the nearest village, and the interactions between the owners and tenant farmers who work the land. Most of the book happens right on these fields and hillsides. Family history plays a part in the plot. Romance and foul play are central to the plot, but this is not a thriller or a romance novel!! It's quieter than that, slower, more subtle.

Bosco's imagery is less intense than Giono's but equally descriptive of the landscape. Forgive the analogy, but if Giono writes the way van Gogh painted, Bosco is more like Corot. I found myself increasingly drawn into this long-ago world via his descriptions of buildings, weather, seasons, clothing, people. I learned a great deal about how country people lived a century ago, how they treated one another, celebrated marriages and funerals, etc. If you happen to know the Italian film "Tree of Wooden Clogs" you'll be able to imagine the cultural riches that await you in "Le Mas Theotime."

On rare occasions, I read a book and find myself so completely and perfectly satisfied at the end, I cannot bear to start another book. Just want to exist for a time, held in the magic of the work just finished. I read "Le Mas Theotime" in July, and as i write this review in December, I am still filled with the quiet beauty of it. A wonderful experience.

"Letters of Direction" has all the hallmarks of a great spiritual guide -- it is simple, direct, and full of love. Abbe de Tourville did much of his direction by letter, as he was not a well man, but his experience gives richness to his wisdom. It is one of the few, deep works of guidance that you can turn to simply to be reminded your are loved, particularly during dark times. This is no syrupy "feel good" book, but the words of a wise spiritual advisor> He is pithy "What you need to realize once and for all is that a good state of soul can, in this world go hand in hand with a feeling of deep inward disharmony", "be open to all ideas" and he compares God to an "Alpine Guide" to whom we are roped. On the spiritual life, to one who wanted to follow the Saints, he advised: "One does not become holy by copying others but by making good use of what is truly part of yourself..." It is a book that I often pick up when I needs some good sound wisdom and a reminder that God is Love. I recommend it as a good bedside companion.

In seven Letters to Marc about Jesus, Henri Nouwen writes from the conviction that Jesus is the center of his own life. From that perspective, he shares the joys and sufferings of his own spiritual journey with his 19-year old nephew in Holland. The letters deal with deep questions of the 20th century in the light of the Gospel message, and with the spiritual search as experienced by a young adult today. (for all ages)

Letter 1: Jesus - the Heart of our existence

Letter 2: Jesus - the God Who sets us free

Letter 3: Jesus - the Compassionate God

Letter 4: Jesus - the descending God

Letter 5: Jesus - the loving God

Letter 6: Jesus - the hidden God

Letter 7: Listening to Jesus

Though written to a ninteen year old nephew, this book is for any youth or adult. The book centers on Jesus as God's revelation to man and how to personally experience being a disciple of Jesus. Each letter grows out of Nouwen's personal walk and experience during a year of searching for God's direction for himself. Each letter has truth that makes you ask 'why haven't I seen that before.' This is a five star book; a book to be re-read and turned to often for it's refreshing ideas. Persons reading Letters to Marc may also want to read Philip Yancy's What's So Amazing About Grace.

I can't remember how this book "fell" into my hands, but I COULD NOT put it down once it had. As a lover of spiders since childhood, I sat agape, mouth in my lap as I read an entomologist's experiences observing various arachnid species on several continents.

Henri Nouwen has never written a bad book. If you're a fan of Fr. Nouwen, you'll again be touched by this simple, practical and penetrating book.

I especially liked the chapter on fecundity, a word not much used these days. He focuses on the difference between being fecund or "fruitful" vs. productive. In our post modern culture, we have the daily, desperate experience of living without bearing fruit. We are busy producing but little is life giving or fruitful. He has some good thoughts and practical solutions. He is so very warm and enjoyable to read.

I'm looking forward to reading this book again.

I teaching drawing at a city college and was introduced to this book from one of my students. It's a moving illustration of what can be done with the simplicity of line, how it can create an emotional understanding as well as record what stands before you. Whether dealing with the thundering animal skeletons in the natural history museum or giving the impression of a timeless Paris street corner, Bresson's line flies about to give you the moment and movement he sensed. A must for those interested in the poetry of drawing.

History can be a very impersonal subject. The names recorded in history books are of only the most famous (or infamous) people. The events described are usually described in epic terms. "Little Pitchers Have Big Ears" describes life during two of those events (the Depression and World War II) through the eyes of a very ordinary girl growing up in small town Ohio. The intricate details included in the descriptions of these hard times gave me new insight into what life was really like.

Henri Mouron's book on the genius of art deco commercial artist, A.M. Cassandra, is the best you'll find. The color plates are beautiful, and his text is as easy to understand as the content is fascinating. A VERY comprehensive look at this artist's life's work--from his early career as a 20-something phenom through his prolific maturity. Get it!

This is a GREAT BOOK!!!! You do not have to know anything about art history to be able to appreciate and admire Manet's paintings. Lallemand is a wonderful author. He portrays his subject in an honest way without condemning or praising him, letting the reader decide. The thing I like about the books that Lallemand writes--3 that I know of--is that they are these oversized coffee table books (144 pages), filled with info on the artist, and best of all, IN COLOR PAINTINGS ON EVERY PAGE. This is not like other art books, where the majority of paintings are in black and white, rather the reader gets to savor every picture because they are in color. Plus, there are details and close ups of some of the more famous paintings. And there are over 100 paintings. (Not tiny pictures either, whole pages, two pages even, are used to show the paintings.) [...] I hope everyone who enjoys art owns this book. It is a joy to look through and see the artistry and mastery of Manet.