Tree of Hands

Book Description

Mopsa, driven by a past scarred by madness and violence. Benet, stricken by the most grievous loss any woman can bear. Carol, trapped in a life of crushing drabness no lover can change. Three mothers joined by a single thread of terror, whirled into a spiral of kidnapping, murder, and a final, reckless affirmation of love.

Customer Reviews:

The Mother From Hell.......2006-10-29

Eek! This novel is dark and intense--even by the standards of Ruth Rendell, the Queen of Darkness and Intensity. When a troubled young woman loses her child, her none-too-tightly-wrapped mother comes up with a horrible remedy (kidnapping) for her daughter's anguish. This shocking deed causes a large cross-section of dysfunctional Brits to intersect and interact all over London, with even more horrifying results. Imagine a novel by Charles Dickens--with a really high body count.

Nobody does this sort of thing better than Ruth Rendell. That's why we love her. And this novel is one of her best. Enjoy (if that's the right word).

Very Good Book.......2006-06-07

In the opening pages I honestly was not sure that I was going to like this book, it was slow and dull and I wanted to shake Benet for not standing up to her mother in some way. Then, I realized that the writing was making me actually feel real emotions, so I kept on reading. I was actually teary-eyed when Benet chose Jason over Ian. I became intertwined with the characters and enjoyed every minute of it.

By the end, I was blown away. I would absolutely reccommend this book to my friends. I really enjoyed it and had a difficult time not finding time to read it. Enjoy!

Like mother, like daughter.......2004-02-29

Wow, what a book!I laughed, cried, got angry and was totally shocked at this book!The characters are so believable.Here you have this sweet, lonely woman who is trying to balance a writing carrer and raising a child on her own.Her mother: Bitter, confused and lonely herself believes that if you lose something....that's okay..."I'll get you another one."The story takes off like a roller coaster ride and ends leaving the reader totally shocked.This book would make a great motion picture!Gary

more first-class fiction.......2003-12-21

Benet Archdale's selfish mother Margaret ("Mopsa") was mad. She once tried to stab her 14 year old daughter with a carving knife as they travelled in a train together. Now, after many years Mopsa is supposedly recovered, living with her husband in Spain, while Benet, now a writer, remains alone in England with her young son James.

But now Mopsa has to return to England, to undergo some final assessments at the hospital where she was treated, and she is going to stay with her daughter, who constantly has to remind herself not to hate her mother who was, after all, mentally ill. This, then, is the set-up for Rendell's CWA Dagger-winning novel. And it is a set-up that leads to a violent chain of assault, deception, the kidnap of a child, and, finally, murder.

I normally end up saying mostly the same things about Rendell's brilliant books. Brilliant character, deadly psychology, complex, skilful plotting, fearful atmosphere, etc etc etc. This, I suppose, may give the impression that Rendell's books are all rather similar, but that is not so at all. They are all, every one of them, different and original and exquisite pieces of fiction. However, it is those factors (darkness, psychological brilliance, piercing character and social insight, seamless plotting) which unite her works undoubtedly. Each novel brings a different twist to the "formula" (I use quotation marks because there is actually no real formula for anything Rendell does), though, and each one sparkles.

The Tree of Hands is another excellent book from Rendell. It seems often that she can do no wrong, and I get sick of saying "another brilliant book by Rendell", but there is little else one CAN say when all an author's books are uniformly excellent. This book is unpredictable, shocking, horrifyingly compelling. The chain of events (Rendell has always been a first-class examiner of notions of cause-and-effect) unfolds with dreadful reality, horrific certainty and strength. It is rather saddening how Rendell shows us the numerous chances people may have to escape their fate, but don't take it. The course of destruction moves relentless on in Rendell's work. It is not cheerful fiction, not for those who like an up-lifting story. Instead, it is a dark work of dreadful consequence of the most innocent of actions, where normal people's lives become at risk through the influence of those who exist on some kind of edge of normalcy. The Tree of Hands is a brilliant, intelligent, shocking, haunting and eerie work that deserves fully its accolades.

Masterful writing (if a bit bleak).......2001-10-25

This book started out a bit of a "duty" read. After all, how could I call myself a dedicated mystery reader having read only one Vine/Rendell. This book won a Dagger which seemed reason enough to chose it over others by Rendell. My recollection of my earlier read (as well as the reviews of her books in general) was that her stories tend to be a bit on the bleak side. In many ways, "The Tree of Hands" is a dark and sad story.

Still, the bleakness of the story is a small price for the chance to read this intriguing tale of three lives that are at once spiraling out of control and towards each other. Most interesting is the story of Benet. When Benet's toddler son dies of illness, Benet's mentally ill mother brings home another boy of the same age. Benet is aghast but doesn't want her mother (or herself) to be arrested for kidnapping. Then she discovers the child has been abused. At the same time, the boyfriend of the biological mother is falsely accused of the boy's murder and we watch his world unravel. A third plot is added latter which is more tangentially related.

Rendell spins this tale in a way that captured even me, a reluctant reader. In one sense it was a depressing read but at the same time I was captivated and eager to read another chapter. "The Tree of Hands" is hardly a conventional murder mystery but it is an excellant example of pyschological suspense.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Ideas

It's a GREAT children's learning book

Johnny & The Old Oak Tree (Hands on the World Environmental Series)
Rachael P. Paulson
Manufacturer: Crestmont Pub.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fiction | Nature | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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Where Does the Garbage Go?: Revised Edition (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)

ASIN: 0964229609

Book Description

Johnny's dream comes true when the majestic old oak in his backyard speaks to him. "Johnny...my friend...I need to talk to you about our earth," the tree whispers in a deep and gentle voice. As the tree house landing lifts off, join Johnny on his imaginary journey through the sky. Learn how people of all ages can help make a difference by recycling. Beautiful artwork and inspired story telling bring this book to life.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Ideas.......2000-05-16

The "Hands on the World Environmental Series" provide excellent ideas for young people. The books are easy to read and the watercolors make beautiful additions to the text. These recycling adventures are a great part of closing the loop.

It's a GREAT children's learning book.......2000-01-25

Reading this book was a great learning experience. I read a story about Johnny and his "recycling" adventure and in turn learned about recycling through the eyes of a child. Even as an adult there was an enormous amount of information, written in an easy to digest form. I highly recommend this book. We can all benefit from the knowledge this book gives.

And the Trees Clap Their Hands: Faith, Perception, and the New Physics

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And the Trees Clap Their Hands: Faith, Perception, and the New Physics
Virginia Stem Owens
Manufacturer: Wipf & Stock Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 1597520837

Smith & Hawken: Hands On Gardener: Pruning (Smith & Hawken the Hands-on Gardener)

Average customer rating:

A Good Introduction to Pruning

Smith & Hawken: Hands On Gardener: Pruning (Smith & Hawken the Hands-on Gardener)
Robert Kourik
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

Shrubs | Gardening & Horticulture | Home & Garden | Subjects | Books

ASIN: 0761108068

Book Description

Pruning takes a two-part approach to demystifying a task that fills many gardeners with trepidation. Part one covers the fundamentals of how plants grow and how to apply that knowledge to pruning; part two is a plant guide that covers the art of pruning and shaping, featuring profuse step-by-step illustrations.

Customer Reviews:

A Good Introduction to Pruning.......2000-06-07

Although this book doesn't cover the most sophisticated aspects of pruning in detail (like grafting), it will give you a firm grasp of the basics, including when to prune, and how to do it. Various general types of trees are treated, like conifers, deciduous trees, fruits, bushes, etc. Simple yet attractive line drawings fill the book and are very helpful.

Average customer rating:

seeing the trees of the forest
You Can Learn Something, Too
This is a truly beautiful book!

Shelterwood
Susan Hand Shetterly
Manufacturer: Tilbury House Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fiction | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0884482561

Book Description

What is a forest? This engaging teacher's guide explores forest diversity, from learning about different kinds of trees, to understanding how the "layers" in a forest provide habitat for all kinds of animals and insects. How do sun and shade, wind, water, and soil affect the forest? What do trees need to grow straight and strong, and how are they turned into boards or paper or other forest products? How do you read signs of wildlife in the woods, and what kinds of animals live where? Each chapter offers useful introductory material and clear objectives, followed by fun activities that encourage exploration while teaching important skills-perfect for a classroom unit on the forest, but also a wonderful teaching tool at nature centers or for homeschoolers.

Customer Reviews:

seeing the trees of the forest.......2005-07-01

Rebeccasreads highly recommends SHELTERWOOD, illustrated by Rebecca Haley McCall as a perennial joy. A story to be read every year, no matter where you live. This artist's images are endearing & memorable, as is what Susan Hand Shetterly has to teach about what timber loggers do, the forest in which they work & the creatures who live there.

Outstanding!

You Can Learn Something, Too.......2000-11-09

That's right, you can learn something, too! "Shelterwood: Discovering The Forest" is packed with information about the environment that will enlightened you as well as your students. For instance, did you know that a baby porcupine is called a porcupette? The teacher's guide contains fifteen chapters worth of creative forest related information. Within the guide, there are eighty well designed activities for children ranging from the third and sixth grade levels, including such topics as how to identify different species of trees, plants, and animals. Also, there are up to thirty three hand-outs that include anything from instructions on how to identify different animal tracks,or simple explanations on a tree's ever changing life. Included in the guide are several tree trivia questions with the ability to stump the best of environmentally educated minds. Of course, the trivia questions also come with well detailed answers that leave you full with knowledge. The teacher's guide may be designed for students, but I guarantee that the students won't be the only ones learning. This is the best source of environmental information for teachers who bring, or hope to bring, nature to the school year's curriculum.

This is a truly beautiful book!.......2000-01-11

This is a truly beautiful book! The story is simple - a grandfather teaches his granddaughter about the trees and animals in the forest. The text and superb illustrations convey the gentleness of the grandfather/granddaughter relationship as well as the beauty of the forest and need for stewardship. I loved it!

The Beach Book & the Beach Bucket (Hand in Hand with Nature)

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The Beach Book & the Beach Bucket (Hand in Hand with Nature)
Karen Dawe
Manufacturer: Workman Publishing Company
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Biology | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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More than 40 species of saltwater plants and animals are illustrated in the beach book. The beach bucket is topped with a perforated lid suitable for sifting and scooping sand.Winner of the Parent's Choice Foundation's 1988 Parents Choice Award.Suitable for ages 5-10.193,000 copies in print.

And the Trees Clapped Their Hands: Stories of Baha'i Pioneers

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And the Trees Clapped Their Hands: Stories of Baha'i Pioneers
Claire Vreeland
Manufacturer: Howard Fertig
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General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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Andorra Hand-Book of Trees & Shrubs
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Basket Pioneering a Popular Hand Book Containing concise Basketry Directions with Clear, Simple Diagrams designed for the Beginner as well as the more Experienced Basket Weaver A Complete study of Round Basketry Materials

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Basket Pioneering a Popular Hand Book Containing concise Basketry Directions with Clear, Simple Diagrams designed for the Beginner as well as the more Experienced Basket Weaver A Complete study of Round Basketry Materials
introduction Daniel Carter Beard, National Scout Commissioner of Boy Scouts of America, frontispiece campers working in woods procuring basketry material from Trees, illustrated by author Osma Palmer Couch
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Business Wire : Securing Wireless Networks: Hands-On is Newest Title in Learning Tree Network Security Curriculum.

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Manufacturer: Business Wire
ProductGroup: Book
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General | Business & Investing | Subjects | Books

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Book Description

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Customer Reviews:

Lord of the Rings desk calendar .......2006-02-21

Really nice pictures and works as a desk calendar well. Each page spans one week.

Average customer rating:

The best parenting book I've ever encountered

Simplistic

Really helped me with the toddler years

i recomend it warmly

Great

Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
Adele Faber , and Elaine Mazlish
Manufacturer: Collins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Marriage & Family | Sociology | Social Sciences | Nonfiction | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0380799006
Release Date: 2004-12-14

Amazon.com

With a title like this, it's no surprise that authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish had a monster bestseller on their hands when the book first appeared in 1988. From the subsequent deluge of readers' stories, questions, and issues, they have created nearly 50 pages of new material for this, the 10th anniversary edition. The central message remains the same, and sounds almost too simple: avoid comparisons. But parents know that's easier said than done. The value of Faber and Mazlish's discussions is precisely that they talk you through umpteen different situations and outcomes to help you teach your brawling offspring a new set of responses. The highly informative text is punctuated with helpful summary/reminder boxes and cartoons illustrating key points. It's a must-read for parents with (or planning on) multiple children. But parents of young children who get along fine (so far) should read it too--as the authors make very clear, rivalry is inevitable. The only question is how to manage the rivalry with intelligence and compassion, and on that subject they offer a wealth of good advice. --Richard Farr

Book Description

When parenting authorities Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish sat down to write the national bestseller How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, they found that they couldn't contain their chapter on sibling rivalry.No matter how much they tried to pare down their advice, they found the subject inexhaustible -- and their readers agreed!

The result is this seminal book -- revised and updated after more than ten years of feedback from parents' letters, TV and radio talk shows, and Faber and Mazlish's highly successful parenting workshops. Siblings Without Rivalry guides the way to family peace and tranquillity with humor and compassion for both parents and children. Illustrated, action-oriented, and easy to understand, it's packed with sensitive yet sensible ways to turn quarreling siblings and frustrated parents into an open, communicative family.

Customer Reviews:

The best parenting book I've ever encountered.......2007-09-13

This book reads like a novel. I literally could not put it down, staying up way past my bed time and paying the price the next day. It describes a multi-week workshop that the author held. Each week there are stories from the parents, ideas from the lecturer, questions, problems, hearts being poured out, family stories, including the tales of the adults (now parents) who survived difficult sibling situations. You get to know some of the people in the workshop, and you live through the ups and downs of applying workshop ideas to their families. You want things to end well and you wait with abated breath for what happens next.

On top of that, the ideas are eye-opening, life-changing and at the same time so obvious! Like, how could I fail to see that?!

Never have I encountered such an excellent read in parenting books, nor, come to think of it, any non-fiction that comes to mind. Just don't start reading it at night! You could be a very cranky mommy in the morning!

Simplistic.......2007-08-30

This book, proposing to teach parents how to raise siblings who don't hate each other and whose adult lives aren't still ruled by childish pain, contains a few gems. I will keep from it several bits of insight as I raise my two kids.

However, I found much of this book far too simplistic. I was turned off by the pages of cartoons that seemed to imply that with one simple phrase from mom or dad, kids would stop fighting and get along. I also found the constant description of the workshop to be distracting and contrived, like the authors were unable to put together a book that answered all of the necessary questions about their methods without having these disembodied voices posing the necessary questions. In creating these voices, too, it seemed it was always the disgruntled man who opposed and questioned everything these enlightened women had to say. The whole writing style struck me as unprofessional.

Overall, this book was decent for skimming, and it left me with a couple of ideas to ponder, but it didn't succeed in dramatically changing my parenting style, and I don't feel like it will end the sibling rivalry in our household. My search for peace continues.

Really helped me with the toddler years.......2007-08-13

I have 3 children 3 & under and this book really helped me to understand why my children were acting the way they were and gave great insight on ways to help.

What was most helpful was the examples and questions in the first couple of chapters. It was also helpful to understand that children do have strong emotions and need a way to express them.

I read this book at the same time as Kids, Parents and power struggles and they seemed to work together.

i recomend it warmly.......2007-07-29

great book!
i wish it was more easy to put it to practice, but that is not the fault of the authours.

Great.......2007-05-11

This book is just great. It is essencial in your life if you have two or more kids.

Siblings Without Rivalry/How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too

Average customer rating:

Siblings Without Rivalry/How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too

Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 9992435135

Average customer rating:

SIBLINGS WITHOUT RIVALRY HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILDREN LIVE TOGETHER SO YOU CAN LIVE TOO

Manufacturer: Avon Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000H28KEO

Average customer rating:

Siblings Without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together So You Can Live Too
Adele & Mazlish, Elaine Faber
Manufacturer: Avon
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000PG6EW2

Book Description

Spain's most popular culinary tradition -- tapas -- is enjoying a renaissance. In New Tapas, travel writer Fiona Dunlop visits Spain's most creative young chefs in a tour of the distinct regions of the country, presenting simple dishes that represent the most tempting new food being served in Spain's top tapas bars and restaurants. Some of the dishes fuse traditional Spanish cuisine with international influences, while others are earthy, fresh and indisputably Spanish. All are easy to make -- the simplicity of ingredients and preparation belies their exquisite flavors. Recipes are arranged by region imparting a cultural understanding of this magnificent, passionate country and its favorite little dishes. 150 color photographs are included.

Customer Reviews:

Great blend of traditional and modern.......2004-04-13

I searched high and low for the perfect Tapas book for my wife. She loves this one. Beautiful pictures, great recipes and not too many really-hard-to-find ingredients. Give this one a try.

I only gave it four stars instead of five because not every recipe in the book has a corresponding photo. Sometimes you have to use your imagination.

Tap Your Imagination with These:.......2003-09-17

9/16/2003

NEW TAPAS:
Today's Best Bar Food From Spain
By Fiona Dunlop, Photography by Jan Baldwin

Exquisite photography qualifies this cookbook as full-fledged coffee table book. It is also highly organized as to the geography of each region of Spain which prepares you for the ingredients chefs there use:

The Basque Country
Catalonia
Rioja and Old Castile
Madrid
The Levante
Andalucia

Each region is amply discussed, then the tapas creations of several chefs in each area appears with the name of their bar. Some savory recipes result:

Smoked Salmon and Cheese on Tomato Confit
Anchovy and Trout Caviar Toasts
Sardines Marinated in Chili, Garlic and Bay Leaves
Pumpkin, Chestnut Feta Cheese and Pomegranate Salad
Chilled Potato, Tomato and Anchovy Loaf
Ham, Artichoke, Fava Bean and Aioli Toasts
Fried Goat Cheese with Honey
Smoked Fish Tartar
Squid in Tomato, Garlic and Red Wine Sauce
Mashed Potatoes, Salt Cod and Garlic
Chicken Legs with Prunes and Nuts in Blackberry Sauce
Ratatouille with Quail Eggs

The back of the books contains a regional list of recommended tapas bars, a glossary of terms and a recipe index by ingredient.

Tapas are fun, tasty and delicious!

Great Fun.......2003-05-08

Amazing how such simple food can be so tasty. Seafood, chorizo, tomatoes and more all come alive. This book has beautiful photos too. From very simple to terribly complex, tapas cover the range. A big hit with guests.

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