Average customer rating:
- Still her fan
- Just not a Dot Frank fan, I guess!
- A delightful and refreshing story
- Touching and funny with great characters
- The Bird has the Best Lines
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The Land of Mango Sunsets: A Novel
Dorothea Benton Frank
Manufacturer: William Morrow
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
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ASIN: 0060892382
Release Date: 2007-04-10 |
Book Description
Miriam Swanson is thoroughly provoked and she doesn't mind letting you know. Twenty years ago her husband Charles, a powerful attorney with one of the last remaining white shoe law firms in New York, dumped her for a younger woman nearly half her age. Obviously it happens all the time and it's not exactly news, but what's fascinating is to watch Miriam evolve from pathetic to spectacular. Perfectly proper Miriam's great metamorphosis results from the arrival of a little red neck school teacher, Liz, from Nowhere, Alabama. Liz is Miriam's tenant along with Kevin, a 50 something gay man who is Miriam's best friend. Liz is everything that Miriam is not: young and thin. They constantly clash. Then finally, she meets a man named Harrison who changes her into a gal named Mellie.
Miriam spins out from the revolving door of her postured life as a Manhattan quasi socialite while she thirsts, no, starves for recognition. How did she become what she hates the most and what does she endure to realize it? And where are the answers? It takes a few spins, dips and one spectacular fall until Miriam gets her head on straight. Then in a whoosh she's off to see her mother in the enchanted and mysterious land of Sullivans Island, deep in the Lowcountry of South Carolina.
Customer Reviews:
Still her fan.......2007-09-23
This one was better than the previous one but not as good as her earlier books (Sullivan's Island, Plantation). I know you can do it, Dottie, so keep on writing! But give us more of that "South Carolina moon " atmosphere.
Just not a Dot Frank fan, I guess!.......2007-09-07
Okay, here it is...loved "Sullivan's Island," haven't liked anything she's written since. STILL too many exclamation points (see my review of "Pawley's Island). Characters and plots unbelievable (main character, Miriam, a middle-aged uptight lady, has wild naked sex on beach with someone she just met, years of estrangement from her sons are overturned in an instant with everybody loving everybody, etc., etc.) and bad editing in places (in one spot a character is called "Laura," I believe and then later in the paragraph is called "Diane." There was some line about "are they regular or decaf," that I read three times and still don't get. Mirian is irritating and selfish but overnight does a complete 180 degree turnaround. It's pretty bad when the best character in the book is a parrot. I love South Carolina and would like to love this author but I just can't. Read Mary Alice Monroe instead, folks, for a Southern author who creates believable characters in plausible situations that might actually occur in real life. Oh well, at least this one didn't have the usual black servant found in most of this author's works.
A delightful and refreshing story.......2007-08-29
Dorothea Frank has created another wonderful story and I just thought Land of Mango Sunsets was just a great read. The characters are clever and appealing especially Miriam Swanson. Actually, I felt that she gave all the variety of splendid characters real feelings that I could relate too. This is a great book to take to the beach and read. It's an easy read and with the wonderful descriptive scenes of South Carolina, that Ms. Frank portrays you feel like you are roaming around in the beautiful state. I hope I haven't given away too much of the story for those who haven't read it. In summary, it's a delightful and refreshing story with humor, romance, a bit of mystery, and some valid issues concerning our environment. Highly recommend.
Another refreshing Women's Fiction story is Gathering of Cans by Robert L. Saunders. This is a stunning Women's Fiction that gives a breathtaking view in the fascinating life of Zoie Baker. This heroine is determined to build a swimming pool for the local kids by gathering aluminum cans. Unique cans that she stumbles on, i.e., Nehi, Mountain Dew, etc., takes the reader on a glorious journey in the life of Zoie from World War II where she meets Nat, a Marine, through the 1980's. This gripping story will keep you up to read just one more chapter. Check it out it's just a wonderful story. All 530 pages. You too won't be disappointed! Bye.
Touching and funny with great characters.......2007-08-11
A story about a woman of a certain age that finds herself challenging some long-held assumptions and habits. The story is filled with quirky, fun characters and will have you both laughing and crying. A very touching story with enough twists and turns to keep your interest.
The Bird has the Best Lines.......2007-08-06
As usual, Dorothea Benton Frank, presents her readers with a colorful cast of characters (bitter ex-wife, Miriam, flamboyant Kevin, damaged Lisa, and mysterious Harrison to name a few), but this time she's also added an irrepressible parrot named Harry who adds his own brand of charm and charisma to the mix. The main character, Miriam has numerous issues with her mother, her children and the circle of friends she cultivates in New York society. She travels to her childhood home in Sullivan's Island to find some sort of peace only to find her proper southern mother's gone "back to the earth" to the point where she's raising her own goats and chickens.
Hilarious and witty as always, there's also plenty of Frank's disarming dialog and descriptive prose that her readers have come to know and appreciate.
This is one of DBF's best novels and is worthy of being read in one sitting.
Customer Reviews:
excellent photos.......2007-07-05
Many drawings and many excellent, detailed photos. The book is very well layed out. I am going to order all of Spielbergers books.
Book Description
The Total Car Care series continues to lead all other do-it-yourself automotive repair manuals. This series offers do-it-yourselfers of all levels TOTAL maintenance, service and repair information in an easy-to-use format. Each manual covers all makes format. Each manual covers all makes and models, unless otherwise indicated. :Based on actual teardowns :Simple step-by-step procedures for engine overhaul, chassis electrical drive train, suspension, steering and more :Trouble codes :Electronic engine controls
Customer Reviews:
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY.......2003-07-06
I too feel fleeced by the promises made by this book. There amount of specific, useful information, if any, contained in this book totals perhaps _2_ pages. Don't be fooled like I was. Calling this book a repair manual, imho, is misrepresentation.
Worst book ever.......2002-12-25
I purchased this book to work on my 1990 4runner and it is worthless. The diagrams show very little if any detail. DO NOT PURCHASE.
Electrical system support.......2002-07-02
I bought this book specifically because it advertised electrical wiring diagrams and schematics. The diagrams it contains are virtually worthless. Examples: does not mention headlights except how to change the lamp, does not acknowledge the instrument lighting at all. If you need to troubleshoot your electrical system, DO NOT BUY THIS BOOK!
It miss many details.......2001-12-12
I have Toyota 4Runner. I had some problems and I would like to understand them. I purchased the book to help me to understand the operation and cause of problemes. If some one needs some lists of disassembly and assembly steps without requiring explanation drawings maybe he would find this book helpful. However, I am not satisfied with the drawings. There is very little about transmission. There is no diagnostic codes for transmission. The book does not have good sistematic structure.
Chilton's Toyota Pick-Ups/Land Cruiser/4Runner 89-96 Repair.......2001-01-07
THE INFORMATION IN THIS BOOK IS VERY HELPFUL TO MANY PEOPLE WHO OWN A TOYOTA. THIS BOOK IS THE "TOTAL CAR CARE" THAT MEANS YOU GET IT ALL IN ONE BOOK! GOOD AND UNDERSTANDABEL INFORMATION WITH GOOD PICTURES.
Book Description
The Chilton Total Car Care series continues to lead all other do-it-yourself automotive repair manuals. These manuals offer do-it-yourselfers of all levels TOTAL maintenance, service and repair information in an easy-to-use format. Each title covers all makes and models, unless otherwise indicated.
Book Description
Every artist can capture the stunning beauty of the seasons with Tim Deibler at their side. He teaches readers how to understand light and truly see their subjects in step-by-step lessons that include:
* Ideas and exercises for mastering the four keys to any successful painting--shape, value, color and edges
* Side-by-side comparisons of the same scene painted in all four seasons
* Tip boxes in every section that provide quick and useful bites of information
* Five practical, hands-on strategies for starting any painting
It's never been easier for beginning and advanced landscape painters to make their work more captivating!
Customer Reviews:
The best companion for an artist.......2006-07-28
As a fine arts professional and art teacher, I've bought hundreds of drawing and painting books extracting the best.
In Tim Deibler's "Capturing the seasons in Oils"I have extracted almost all the parts of the book soo useful they are!
The book have treasures of basic and indispensable topics as in Chapter 1 "The four key elements of painting" - explaining Shape, Value, Color and Edge ( The edge part its wonderfully detailed).
In "Painting methods" Tim not only describes the techniques but shows the thing with terrific illustrations!
In "plein air painting" You have a fine selection of equipment and delightful titles as "I'm outside, Now what?"
On the last part of the book you have precious step by step demonstrations with detailed materials as paints,brushes and other supplies in little tips boxes.
A clear up to the beginners and the advanced!
If you buy this book I'm sure that by itself it will be your best companion and instructor for long long time !
EXCELLENT!.......2006-02-18
I have greatly enjoyed all the works by this artist. His instructional video of this title is right up there at the top of all art videos. I've never seen an artist paint so fast and loose, and tie it all together into such inspiring pieces. His mastery of color and how he does his mixing is exciting and quite unique. Never seen anything like it.
Worth every penny!!
Sloppy.......2006-01-29
Too Loose and sloppy
Tim's DVD by the same title is especially bad. The production is good but Tim's technique is quite sloppy even for quick studies.
Better choices would be "14 Formulas for Painting Fabulous Landscapes" by Barbara Nuss and "Painting Better Landscapes" by Margaret Kessler other notable publications by Gregg Kreutz, David Leffel and Richard Schmid would be a wise investment.
Beautiful and colorful.......2005-10-05
I was very inspired by the vibrant paintings in this book. This book has a compilation of a large number landscape paintings created by the author. The artist has demonstrated the steps required to create different effects and seasons using various techniques. Some more detail into these techniques would be excellent. For example, how to create the look of branches of trees against the bright sunlight.
A solid painter.......2005-02-16
OK so a lot of books by this publisher are kind of lightweight but this is a nice exception. Tim Deibler has a lot of painting and color knowledge and shares it in this book.
His palette is spare but he gets miles out of it. He really knows how to mix color and he brings a freshness to each work. He's not one of those painters that keeps repeating the same color formula.
This is a well done book with exceptional color reproductions.
Customer Reviews:
I wish there were more books published for toyota fans.......2006-10-16
The first chapter is good for general information on Toyotas. The rest of the book is rather general information on vehicle maintenance. If you know little about vehicle mechanicals, this would be a useful book. If you are fairly competent with trouble shooting and maintenance, this isn't for you. I am a huge Toyota fan and just wanted the complete library. There is not much Toyota stuff published in printed medium. Using the Chevy small-block bulid up is good general information, but he should have at least used an overhead cam engine in a Toyota book. Listing truck before Land Cruiser in the title is misleading, considering that it seems the far less common Land Cruisers are discussed far more.
Toyota truck and land cruiser owner's bible.......2002-12-07
If you at all care about classic Toyota engineering, don't get this book. Basically I was not expecting much except a good historical perspective on toyota trucks and land cruisers. However, all of the photos in the book are "modified" trucks and land cruisers with ugly "after-factory" wheels and tires. These trucks are disturbing to the pure toyota person to look at. Also, the engine section is based around building a chevy 383 for an fj-40. Hardly worth reading. In short, Moses Ludel is a chevy guy giving you information on how to ruin your Toyota.
First class professional's insight.......2002-01-28
This is an excellent book for most Toyota truck owners. Its goal is not replace shop repair manual. How many would enjoin to read a repair manual? In the sense of how to appreciate and take care your Toyota truck, this is the best one and very easy to read. It has made Toyota truck very comprehensible for a non-mechanic like me.
non-specific.......2001-08-20
Not very specific for any toyota models. Seems like a place for the author to discuss his own experiences with his land cruiser. No technical information whatsoever.
Not very Toyota-specific.......2000-08-02
I bought his Chevy Truck Owner's Bible and found it quite good, a good overview of the line with some good, in-depth info on changes between model years and available equipment. I'm now considering purchasing a Toyota truck and looked at this book for the same info but was very disappointed. Whole sections seem lifted straight out of the Chevy book, even many of the pictures and procedures shown appear to show work being done on (early) Chevys. While this was great info for the Chevy book I was less than impressed when it was included in a book on Toyotas. Further, the book contains very little comparative information on Toyotas over the years (i.e. what model years and engines/transmissions/axles are best, problems to look out for) and didn't nearly approach the breadth of information I have found in other sources. It makes for a bit of a confused read; you can figure out what iron-case 4 speed out of a 70's American truck would be strongest were you to swap one into your Toyota but you can't figure out if there are any differences between the transmissions and axles offered stock in the vehicles. I think the basic fact is that Moses' experience probable lies closer to fullsize American vehicles than the smaller imports.
All in all, I was disappointed with the book and wouldn't recommend it except maybe for someone looking for a very general overview of the Toyota truck line.
Book Description
Architecture/Environment
How to design buildings that heat with the sun, cool with the wind, light with the sky, and move into the future using on-site renewable resources
Developed for rapid use during schematic design, this book clarifies relationships between form and energy and gives designers tools for designing sustainably. It also:
* Applies the latest passive energy and lighting design research
* Organizes information by architectural elements at three scales:
* building groups, individual buildings, and building parts
* Brings design strategies to life with examples and practical design tools
* Features:
* 109 analysis techniques and design strategies
* More than 750 illustrations, sizing graphs, and tables
* Both inch-pound and metric units
Customer Reviews:
AAE 330.......2007-08-17
I thought the book itself was really interesting although a little confusing. Especially when I actually had to use it for class assignments!
Integrated Review of Two Top Books That Mesh Well.......2007-07-11
Although I normally read books in twos and threes on the same topic to gain varied perspectives, this is the first time I am writing a single review encompassing two books. They mesh together so well that I cannot imagine studying this subject without having BOTH in hand.
The two books are Sun, Wind & Light: Architectural Design Strategies, 2nd Edition and The HOK Guidebook to Sustainable Design.
Start with the introduction in the Guidebook, which is blessed with a Foreword from Paul Hawken and see especially page 13 where the cost benefits are shown, with 48% energy savings for Gold, 30% for Silver, and 28% for Certified. See also the illustration on page 15 that I have reproduced in the image I am loading for both books: the old decision model was Cost at the top, with Schedule and Quality anchoring the triangle. the new decision model still has cost at the top, but Schedule and Human Health, Safety, & Comfort are on corners of this new pentagon, and the bottom is achored by Quality and Ecology, or what Paul Hawken would call in his books, "true cost" to the Earth and Humanitas.
NOW shift to the Contents and the Detailed Contents of Sun, Wind, & Light. As one reviewer notes, this is a course book. I did not recognize it as such, I saw it as one of the most gifted complete collection of factors to learn and apply that I have ever seen for ANY topic of study. The content and organization of this book is nothing short of Nobel-level "wow." Finish going through this book.
NOW go back to the first 218 pages of the Handbook, and study the checklists and varied helpful boxes and explanations. The rest of the book (217-459) is case studies of specific buildings, each a few pages, that can be left for last.
At this point, I went into the Glossaries and Bibliographies of both books. Each is distinct, neither supplants the other. They must be taken together. I read Glossaries, and Indices, as content, and use them as a form of "second look" (in extremely complex books, this is actually where I start).
NOW go back to the Case Studies in the Handbook, and read each from the point of view of what "take away" lessons are there for your own building.
Reading these two books was a real treat. Outside my office kitchen is a deck with an 11 point system for attracting birds from bluebirds and bluejays to cardinals, gold finches, two kinds of woodpecker, and a flicker as well as the more common birds. I believe in diversity, and I believe that if we don't get our act together and start living up to the ideals of Natural Capitalism (see other recommended books below), our world will go sterile and dark before out great-grandchilden can share in the beauty of this planet. These two books are part of the solution, and I am in serious awe of those who made them available to all of us, and at reasonable prices to boot. Well done!!!
Blessed Unrest: How the Largest Movement in the World Came into Being and Why No One Saw It Coming
Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution
The Ecology of Commerce
Ecological Economics: Principles And Applications
For the Common Good: Redirecting the Economy toward Community, the Environment, and a Sustainable Future
The Soul of Capitalism: Opening Paths to a Moral Economy
Capitalism 3.0: A Guide to Reclaiming the Commons (Bk Currents)
The Philosophy of Sustainable Design
Not so useful.......2007-03-09
So instead of getting a manual on how to design a building to maximize sun, wind, and light, what I got was a lengthy math book on how to quantitatively analyze the sun, light and wind in existing conditions.... There are some nuggets of good info but I don't see myself getting very much out of the book in general.
good info poorly written.......2007-02-26
These guys need a third author (or good editor) who knows how to present ideas clearly, directly and in an intuivive manner. This information is dense enough without unnecessarily dense language which makes the material more difficult to use.
Great book of information about one's environment.......2006-11-10
Must have for the architecture student. Very informative for those who are not. Comprehensive.
Book Description
Combining technical mastery with emotional impact to create a powerful, evocative scene is the ultimate goal of every oil landscape painter. Painting Mood and Atmosphere in Oils, the second title in North Light's Land & Light Workshop series, helps painters achieve that goal with:
-13 step-by-step demonstrations covering a variety of subjects and scenes
-A practical, down-to-earth guide to the art of capturing emotion, including valuable tips on painting from memory and painting from photos
-Resourceful sections on oil painting basics, including brushwork, composition and color mixing
Painting Mood and Atmosphere in Oils will help readers paint the landscapes of their heart.
Customer Reviews:
Very useful.......2006-10-12
This book presents some fine instruction and some fine illustrative paintings. The best part, for me, is that Ms. Lewis shows many color mixtures used to achieve many of the specific colors shown in her paintings. You can learn from this book.
Book Description
Total Car Care is the most complete, step-by-step automotive repair manual you'll ever use. All repair procedures are supported by detailed specifications, exploded views, and photographs. From the simplest repair procedure to the most complex, trust Chilton's Total Car Care to give you everything you need to do the job. Save time and money by doing it yourself, with the confidence only a Chilton Repair Manual can provide.
Customer Reviews:
Chilton for 1989 Toyota.......2003-09-08
Not the best but good for the money.
Don't wast your money, buy the Toyota factory repair manual........2002-10-10
I just finished a major suspension rebuild on my Toyota truck. I used the Chiltons for reference, which was a huge mistake. Most of the procedures were poorly written, confusing, and/or wrong. Many critical torque specifications were incorrect to the point of being dangerous or destructive. Save yourself a lot of frustration and wasted time by purchasing the Toyota factory repair manual for your specific vehicle.
Book Description
It is one of the ironies of Soviet tank development that a country opposed to free enterprise and capitalism was largely reliant on influences from Britain and the USA for many of its early designs. However, unhindered by many of the tactical constraints that affected tank development in the West, the Red Army was able to acquire and develop technology that was under-rated in both Britain and the USA. From Britain, the famous manufacturer Vickers produced a Six-Ton light tank; effectively rejected by the War Office, one example was acquired by the Russians and this formed the basis of the Russian T-26 of 1931. Further British designs also influenced the later light tanks, equipment which was pivotal to the Red Army during its campaigns in Manchuria, Finland and against the initial German assault in 1941. In the USA, Walter Christie was also largely ignored as a designer but, as with Vickers, his designs came to be highly important. His influence was seen in the 'BT' - short for 'Bystrochodri' or 'Fast Tank' - series of light-medium tanks that was first introduced in 1932. The BT series saw service in Spain, Manchuria, Finland and in the defense of Russia itself in 1941. The critical aspect of the Christie design was that the vehicles were capable of operating both with nor without tracks; in the latter case eight road wheels carried the weight of the vehicle, with steering being achieved via a steering wheel acting in conjunction with the clutch/brake system.
In the second of the new 'Soviet Tanks' series, Mikhail Baryatinsky provides the reader with a comprehensive account of the development and operational record of Soviet light tanks. Utilizing photographs, line drawings and specially prepared artworks, he provides a detailed portrait of these highly successful tanks.
Aimed at the modeler, military historian and war gamer, the new 'Soviet Tanks' series is designed to provide, probably for the first time in the English language, authoritative information on the classic Soviet tank designs of the 20th century. The series will be required reading for all those interested in the development of armored warfare over the past 100 years.
Customer Reviews:
Light tanks seriously good.......2007-09-24
Though each of the tanks covered in this small book could have its own volume, I felt that the author has done an excellent job of compressing the history of develoment, modification, production and employment of these different machines into one book. There are lots of good photos as well. I have to give this book a five if for no other reason than I learned what kind and where the engine in a T-37a was. But you will learn much more than that from this excellent book.
Light Tanks by Mikhail Baryatinskiy.......2007-03-20
This 96 page softcover volume is even more comprehensive than the title suggests, covering the tanks in the title and additionally the Russian Renault; T-18/MS-1; Vickers E; Christie Original; T-17; T-37; PPG; T-30; and T-80. For the BT section there is coverage of the BT-2, 3, 5, 7, 7M/8. In the text are lots of manufacturing, acceptance and in service numbers, and good descriptions of the development and service history. The MS-1 for example last saw combat in the Moscow campaign of 1941, and there is a photo of a BT-7 in a 1945 victory parade. The various special derivative versions (eg BT-9, BT-7, OT-7 etc) are mentioned but generally not covered in detail, although some are (eg BT-7A). There are approximately 103 BW photos (most of which I have never seen before despite many years of interest), 22 contemporay colour photos of preserved examples (from museums in Moscow, Kubinka, Kharbarovsk, and Finland), 27 BW line drawings/plans (including cross sections), and 12 coloured drawings. I would have liked better coverage of the BT-7M/BT-8: I have only seen very blurry photos appearing to show a full-width inverted 'V' glacis much like an IS-3, and this book only contains a BW side view and a 3/4 view colour overhead from the rear - neither illustration showing the glacis.
Overall, a treasured addition to my collection of armour books.
Books:
- The Living Trust : The Failproof Way to Pass Along Your Estate to Your Heirs
- The Night Club Era
- The Playmate Book: Six Decades Of Centerfolds
- The Soul of Baseball: A Road Trip Through Buck O'Neil's America
- The Thrill of the Chaste: Finding Fulfillment While Keeping Your Clothes On
- Tickle His Pickle: Your Hands-On Guide to Penis Pleasing
- Till We Have Faces: A Myth Retold
- WACK!: Art and the Feminist Revolution
- Whoosh Boom Splat: The Garage Warrior's Guide to Building Projectile Shooters
- Your First Year in Real Estate: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- The No Asshole Rule: Building a Civilized Workplace and Surviving One That Isn't
- Ship of Gold in the Deep Blue Sea
- Richard Brautigan's Trout Fishing in America, The Pill versus The Springhill Mine Disaster, and In W
- Marching Through Georgia
- Idea Mapping: How to Access Your Hidden Brain Power, Learn Faster, Remember More, and Achieve Succes
- Natural Hazards and Disasters
- Preventing and Reducing Juvenile Delinquency: A Comprehensive Framework
- The Rights of Nature: A History of Environmental Ethics
- Reach For The Ground: The Downhill Struggle of Jeffrey Bernard
- White Christmas in April: The Collapse of South Vietnam, 1975
