Collected Works of Sigurd F. Olson: The Early Writings, 1921-1934 (Olson, Sigurd F//Collected Works of Sigurd F Olson)

Book Description

Nestled in the heart of Europe, Switzerland is a feast for the eyes, with azure-blue lakes that shine brilliantly against the greenest slopes of the surrounding Alps. Its picturesque villages and chic towns are accessible via high-speed trains, which whisk travelers around at amazing speeds, though many opt to travel by longboat on some of the country's tranquil waterways. It is one of the world's most advanced industrialized nations, yet its towns and cities are incredibly clean. It also has the distinction of being one of the oldest democracies. Part-time Swiss resident Kimberly Rinker has lived and worked here for years. She tells of little-known attractions as well as major tourist draws and everything in-between. Color photos.

Download Description

A detailed guide to every aspect of the destination: history, culture, foods, restaurants, hotels, sightseeing, things to do - written by an author who knows the place intimately.

Customer Reviews:

The ultimate guide to Switzerland.......2004-03-23

Book Description

The daughter of Holocaust survivors, China scholar Vera Schwarcz explores the meaning of cultural memory in the vastly different Chinese and Jewish traditions. She finds a bridge between the two civilizations-a shared commitment to the transmission of remembrance and to witnessing to the significance of the past-and brings to life the struggles of Chinese and Jewish survivors who managed to preserve the continuity of their long traditions.

Customer Reviews:

Original and Poetic comparison of Chinese & Jewish memory.......1998-09-08

No, this is not about the strength of Chinese cuisine in the American Jewish community. It is about memory and metaphor. How do Jews and Chinese preserve and transmit their cultures. Should we begin to speak of Judeo-Confucian values rather than Judeo-Christian? What did Chinese culture do without the wrath of the god-inspired prophets? This is an original, thoughtful, poetic study from Wesleyan Professor of East Asian Studies Vera Schwarcz. In October 1979, Schwarcz, the daughter of Transylvanian Holocaust survivors, was studying in Beijing. It was Yom Kippur. Inside her dorm room, she was fasting and reading Wiesel's Les Chants des Morte." Outside, the authorities were closing the Democracy Wall. She was struck by the way both Jewish and Chinese cultures act to preserve and transmit fragments of cultural memories, in light of the powers that attempt to eradicate them, namely the Shoah and the Cultural Revolution. Amnesia is a relief from recollection. But both Jewish (if I forget thee..) and Chinese (If you lose the past, the will easily crumbles) cultures reward people for remembrance. This book enlightened me to the Judeo-Confucian tradition; the rabbi and the scholar; Halakha and Li; Rabbi Hillel and Confucius' disciple Mencius; the role of the Jewish prophets; and the lack of the socially just god in China with which one could fight imperial power. Did you know that the metaphoric poetry of Yehudah Amichai is used in China to remember Tiananmen Square? How do the concept of gesher (bridge) and kesher (tying knot) in the Midrash and Bratslaver-Hasidism compare to qiaoliang (bridge) and ren (endurance) and the writings of Yeng Shen? What can be learned from the midrash on god blessing Adam and Eve with the gift of amnesia and the Chinese tale of Old Lady Meng's Soup, which is a broth of amnesia? These are just a few of the questions she explores. I found this book fascinating.

Average customer rating:

Broken Bridge
One More River Sequel
Broken Bridge
OK book
OK book

Broken Bridge
Lynne Reid Banks
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Violence | Social Issues | Teens | Subjects | Books

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0380723840
Release Date: 1996-04-01

Book Description

The attack came suddenly and without warning, as twoyoung teenagers walked casually through the streets of Jerusalem,When it was over, one lay dead, the other mysteriously spared,yet left to face the horrendous choices and consequences thatresulted from being the sole witness.

In this gripping sequel to One More River, Lynne Reid Bankscaptures the spirit and complex passions of present-day Israelthrough the powerful voices of a new generation as they join theunrelenting struggle against the consequences of decades of war.

Customer Reviews:

Broken Bridge.......2007-01-15

Just recently started the book have found it a little hard to ead in the beginning but look forward to going forward.

One More River Sequel.......2006-09-24

This book is a sequel to "One More River" by the same author.

It is much darker and less hopeful than the first book, of course accurately reflecting the change from the optimism of the 1960's to the 1990's, when "Broken Bridge" was written. Also a more adult level book, dealing with some sad stuff. And although written in the 1990's, the portrayals of dealing with violence should hit home for people after 911.

I don't want to give away the ending to those who haven't read it yet:
but I will say that, I don't know if the author intended this, but the ending seemed to me at least, to symbolize that things (at the time she wrote) were dark but not yet totally hopeless, and could be salvaged if the two sides could reach out. (I wonder if she still feels that way?)

A few comments: it was disappointing to be introduced to Glen, who was a strong interesting character, and then have him killed off right away.
I didn't feel that Dale was a very interesting character and found myself being bored with the parts that were from Dale's point of view: it would have been more interesting if the author had instead done more with Lev and the budding romance between him and Nili, which was powerful and could have been more so.

I will end by saying that I have enjoyed reading the story of Lesley and her family in "One More River" and "Broken Bridge", and I really
hope that Ms. Banks writes two more books in this series:
a prequel to "Broken Bridge" that is set in Lesley's youth
that tells of her marriage to Ofer and also Lesley's civil rights work: as there was little in "Broken Bridge" about Ofer, and it would be interesting to read about that relationship, as he is an interesting character.

And the second book, bringing it up to date to cover the period of the current decade: how did Nili, Lev, Nimrod and the rest of the family cope with the challenges facing Israel between 1996 and 2006, including increased terrorism, etc.? What would be especially interesting would be a book that wrote about that generation and their army service and how it changed them.

Broken Bridge.......2005-01-15

Dude this book was PIMP!!! Stabbings cool man. I learned a lot in a fun way. Peace out hommie!!Nice writing to ya./

OK book.......2004-04-24

The book Broken Bridge written by Lynne Reid Banks is an exciting but sad story of a fourteen-year-old Jewish Canadian boy named Glen who goes to Israel to be with his relatives. Glen travels to Israel with his cousin Neli, but when they arrive there is no one there to pick them up. When they are not picked up, they decide to go home themselves. An Arab stabs Glen on their way home but Neli, is mysteriously saved by another Arab. The rest of the book deals with Neli's sadness about the event and how it affects many people in the Israeli community. The book also deals with the Arab side of the country and deals with the search for the two Arab murderers that kill Glen and how their lives and community are affected by their crime. The story is political and it is well written because it makes you think about how both sides of the story feel about the issues, like the war and the wall. Also perhaps Glen is murdered because he is such and innocent victim, may be used to show that some of the Arabs don't care who they kill even if they have nothing to do with the issue. And Glen may have been chosen to show how everyone came together to mourn his death. The book is a good book because it helps you learn about both sides of the conflict, and how the Arabs and Israelis both do some things that are right and some things that are wrong.

OK book.......2004-04-24

Average customer rating:

Pullman delivers again
An artist's way...
Good but not great
A wonderful book!
It was slow to start but hard to put down!

The Broken Bridge
Philip Pullman
Manufacturer: Laurel Leaf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

General | Literature & Fiction | Teens | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Teen Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books

All 4-for-3 Deals | 4-for-3 Books Store | Stores | Books
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0679847154
Release Date: 1994-11-15

Book Description

At 16, Ginny finds that her love of painting connects her to the artistic Haitian mother she never knew and eases the isolation she feels as the only mixed-race teen in her Welsh village. When she learns she has a half-brother by her father's first marriage, her world is shattered. Ginny embarks on a quest for the truth that will allow her to claim her artistic heritage--and face her father.

Customer Reviews:

Pullman delivers again.......2006-03-11

Philip Pullman will probably always be best known for the "His Dark Materials" trilogy. This may be appropriate, as this trilogy - The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife and The Amber Spyglass - are superior fantasy. But there is more to Pullman than these three books. The Broken Bridge is a standalone novel that shows Pullman's skills go beyond just a single genre.

The Broken Bridge is the story of Ginny, a black (actually mixed-race) sixteen year old girl living in Wales with her white father. Despite the disadvantages of having a long-deceased mother (who came from Haiti) and being one of the very few non-whites in her coastal community, Ginny is reasonably well-adjusted. This stable life comes to a close, however, when a social worker appears at her house. Shortly thereafter, her father reveals something that will completely upset her life: her father had a son by another woman; the woman is dying and soon her half-brother will be living with them.

This revelation is only the first of many that will completely turn Ginny's life upside-down and make her question everything and everyone she has known. The most damaged relationship, however, is with her father who still has a number of other secrets that are beginning to leak out. But there are other truths that will be learned too, regarding her friends, her grandparents and her mother.

This is classified as a "young adult" novel, as most of Pullman's books are, but like his other works, these can actually appeal to any adult readers. I would guess it gets this classification because it is tame from a sex, violence or language standpoint, but the topics - including racism, adultery and even murder - are not exactly "childish."

Pullman is as a good a writer as always. The only disappointment readers are likely to experience is if they expect something like His Dark Materials. Outside of possibly one scene, this story is completely non-fantasy. But if you realize that Pullman can do more than just that one genre, you will find this is another is another good book by him.

An artist's way..........2004-06-29

This is a wonderful book. I think it will resonate with many readers, who might relate to it even though the circumstances are unique.

Philip Pullman has a powerful gift. It convinces us to not only enter into the minds of his protagonists with sympathy, but to emerge actually caring about them. I really miss Ginny now, having finished the book. I try, in my imagination, to watch her grow up. I think she'll be brilliant, just like many of the readers who can relate to her and her step-brother.

As you begin reading the book, you're not told a whole lot; and I liked that. It made me more alert to cues in her thinking, watching her moods and the things that happen around her that she doesn't quite pay enough attention to.

On the other hand, the things she *does* notice are with the eyes of an artist, and one with a creative imagination. Readers who also like to draw and paint will find lots to like about the way Ginny thinks. It's a view of an artist's way, from an artist himself... and just like the best art, it moves something in us in a very subtle but profound way.

The book deals with feelings of isolation, which many of us encounter through race issues but everyone *could* understand, given a writer like Pullman. And then there's the matter of growing up. What happens when Ginny's secure world seems too small, but getting out of it is too scary? What happens when what she thinks she knows is not half of what's really there beneath her nose? Pullman makes her story a lot like our own story. We're hooked.

Her growing awareness of others' lives, her ability to move from a genuine and thoughtful sympathy to actual empathy - putting herself in their shoes, rather than looking at their shoes from her perspective, so to speak - is handled so well, I can't help but think we readers all benefit too.

Good but not great.......2002-05-18

Not up to the same standard as 'His Dark Materials' but it's aimed at a different market, I guess.

I found the writing good, creating that dreamlike, unreal, almost nightmarish feeling when your world is suddenly turned upside down.
The book grips you and you feel dragged along with our heroine as she tries to make sense of what is happening and the 'visions' she has; the only failing is the ending which seems a bit of an anticlimax.

Nevertheless, a very good read.

A wonderful book!.......2001-01-16

The Broken Bridge is a beautifully written book about a girl named Ginny Howard, who is one of the very few black children in Wales. Ginny lives with her father, striving to reach her goal of becoming an artist. Then she finds out that she has a white half-brother named Robert. Even worse, she is illegitimate. Knowing that her father may not be telling her the whole truth about her own life, Ginny decides to find out all that she can about herself and her mother. The plot is embellished with Ginny's unique ideas about herself and also her artistic views. This book was very inspiring and I find that I can associate many of the things discussed in it with my own life. I am definitely better off from reading it.

It was slow to start but hard to put down!.......1999-07-31

This was nice and yet it was slow to begin with. I enjoyed it very much. I have read almost all his other books and am hoping to get the one coming out in January. I got so into this book it took me one night to finish it.

The Broken Bridge: Fiction from Expatriates in Literary Japan

Average customer rating:

Unbelievable pictures of alienation
Superb selection of best foreign writing about Japan.

The Broken Bridge: Fiction from Expatriates in Literary Japan

Manufacturer: Stone Bridge Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Anthologies | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

British | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Short Stories | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1880656310

Amazon.com

The Broken Bridge showcases the literary work of 36 non-Japanese writers, expatriates in Japan who provide 36 windows looking in on the country, revealing a Japan as seen through the eyes of writers who love and live, but who will never completely belong, in Japan. Gaijin (foreigners) to the Japanese, destined always to be outsiders to a certain extent, they all find their own balance between individual identity and conforming to Japanese society. The writers represent a variety of eras (from the occupation on through to the '90s) and they deal with love, dignity, adultery, desecration, and despair in stories that are alternately full of humor and humiliation, happiness and pain. An English teacher in Frank Tuohy's "The Broken Bridge" seeks the author of a troubled essay and discovers, after a series of cultural "mistakes," that the student has killed himself. Drawn with fascination to Miss Yukiya's body and Miss Hama's mind, Morgan Gibson's protagonist in "Is There a God in Your Heart?" looks up for the Big Dipper and falls into a ditch. While the literary styles are diverse, the quality never wavers as these writers explore their adopted country, their inner demons, and their love-hate relationships with Japan.

Book Description

This collection of short stories by non-Japanese who choose to live in Japan is an absorbing look at the Outsider in a nation that does not absorb foreigners easily. Unlike that other hotbed of expatriate writing, literary Paris between the wars--which after all was not so different from home--literary Japan has confronted its expatriate writing community with a challenging mental and physical landscape. The Broken Bridge features work by 36 non-Japanese writers, including Alan Brown, Leza Lowitz, Alex Kerr, James Kirkup, and Phyllis Birnbaum.

Customer Reviews:

Unbelievable pictures of alienation.......1999-04-03

Anyone who writes for a living knows the first and foremost rule: write what you know about. The authors in this collection of short stories certainly know what it's like to be outsiders looking into a foreign culture. Anyone who has lived in a foreign country can identify with these rare glimpses into battered hearts which results from the initial over-idealisation of an adopted culture. The writing is superb and colourful and each story feels like a poignant confession. One thing which is missing; however, is the lure of the culture and the aspects which keep us all living in foreign countries. Hats off to the editor.She did a remarkable job of bringing all these stories together. If you enjoy good writing of any kind, you'll cherish this book.

Superb selection of best foreign writing about Japan........1998-10-09

This is a superb selection of the best short stories written by expatriate writers living in Japan. It is also the first such selection and promises some rare treats to readers unfamiliar with both the writers and the topic. There is a broad range of both topics and literary styles, by both well-known and previously unanthologized authors.

Yang Fudong: No Snow on the Broken Bridge

Average customer rating:

Yang Fudong: No Snow on the Broken Bridge
Hans-Ulrich Obrist , and Yang Fudong
Manufacturer: JRP Ringier
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Artists, A-Z | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books

Contemporary Art | Schools, Periods & Styles | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 3905701855
Release Date: 2007-03-01

Book Description

Though he trained as a painter at the China Academy of Fine Arts, Yang Fudong, one of the most interesting and influential young artists emerging from China today, has always preferred film. His videos and photographs combine and accumulate perspectives, investigating identity through ancient mythology, personal memory and lived experience. His subjects, often in their late 20s and early 30s, seem confused and appear to be hovering between the past and present, or perhaps China's past and present. That split gives them an expectant quality, as if something is going to happen that never quite does. Yang Fudong seeks, through vignettes, a poetics of place and people as an alternative to the politics of power. No Snow on the Broken Bridge includes in-depth coverage of the recent title piece and an overview of his oeuvre to date. Texts by Ziba de Weck and Hans-Ulrich Obrist.

Average customer rating:

At the End of the Broken Bridge
Istvan Baka , Zsofia Balla , and Laszlo Benjamin
Manufacturer: Carcanet Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Anthologies | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 1857547969

Average customer rating:

The Broken Bridge
Philip Pullman
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000W78HCE

Average customer rating:

The Broken Bridge
Pullman Philip
Manufacturer: Alfred a . Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000NV6EAQ

Average customer rating:

The Broken Bridge (The Year After Hugo)

Manufacturer: Irene Nuite Lofton
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000F39B5C

Average customer rating:

Broken Bridge 1ST Edition
Philip Pullman
Manufacturer: ALFRED A KNOPF
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000PL2R28

Books:

Books Index

Books Home

Recommended Books