Book Description
This groundbreaking volume applies the concepts of systemic family therapy to the emotional life of congregations and their leaders. Challenging many of the conventions of pastoral counseling, Edwin H. Friedman shows how family theory points to a less stressful approach to the full range of the clergy's responsibilities. He also illuminates how congregational dynamics can be a useful model for the study of any family enmeshed in larger systems, and how such systems can themselves be viewed as "families."
Friedman compares the emotional processes at work within individual families to those in church and synagogue, suggesting that clergy can often do more to help families by the way they lead their congregations than they can through specific counseling interventions. Specific topics examined in depth include leadership through self-differentiation, managing separations in families and in congregations, and the influence of previous generations upon life cycle events. The power of the family model is clearly demonstrated in numerous examples drawn from Friedman's own extensive experience as a rabbi and practicing family therapist and from many other rabbis, priests, nuns, and ministers with whom he worked.
Both clergy and lay leaders will find that this book directly addresses the dilemmas and crises they encounter daily, while family therapists and other helping professionals may wish to recommend it to students and clients as a lucid introduction to family processes.
Customer Reviews:
If you are a leader in a congregation, you simply have to absorb the concepts in this book.......2006-08-13
This is a book to be absorbed slowly.
I don't think I can summarize this book any better than Friedman himself does on page 1: "It is the thesis of this book that all clergymen and clergywomen, irrespective of faith, are simultaneously involved in three distinct families whose emotional forces interlock: the families within the congregation, our congregations, and our own. Because the emotional process in all of these systems is identical, unresolved issues in any one of them can produce symptoms in the others, and increased understanding of any one creates more effective functioning in all three."
This book will invite you to take a good, hard look at your own functioning. "There is an intrinsic relationship between our capacity to put families together [or, Friedman would also say, to put congregations together] and our ability to put ourselves together" (page 3). Friedman looks at family issues and congregational issues from a systems perspective, arguing that when a member of a family (or a congregation) is demonstrating "symptoms," it is necessary to look at the whole network of relationships that that individual is involved in -- because the root cause of the problem may lie in a completely different part of the system.
Friedman illustrates in detail how clergy can positively effect change in a family system or a congregational system. He also (somewhat indirectly) stresses the critical importance for clergy to resolve their own lingering family-of-origin issues.
The book is heavy reading -- full of terms that may be unfamiliar (and that, unfortunately, he doesn't directly explain, which can be confusing at first), such as "identified patient" and "self-differentiation" and "detriangulating." Frankly, I think he could have used a good editor, so that the book would be more accessible to people who are new to the concepts of Bowen family systems theory.
But don't miss this book. Read it, slowly. Digest it. Read a few pages at a time, then put it down and process what you have read before trying to proceed further. It took me months to work through the book. But I'm a heck of a lot stronger and wiser than I was when I first started. This book will help you grow.
Then, if you want to keep learning and applying the concepts in this book, read Friedman's unfinished manuscript, A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix (available through the Edwin Friedman Trust), and/or do a Google search on The Center for Family Process in Bethesda, Maryland.
Read, and Your Ministry Will Never Be the Same.......2002-02-15
This book has a reputation of revolutionizing the way its readers view congregational life. Based on his experience as a rabbi and marriage and family therapist, the late Ed Friedman gives the most comprehensive and practical understanding of congregations as emotional systems. Conflicts are explained not from a linear standpoint, i.e. "A causes B," but from a systemic perspective where all participants are contributors. Each part of the system is connected to, or has its own effect upon, every other part. This helps to explain why many "issues" that arise within a congregation cannot be settled on the level of content, but must be viewed as representations of how the persons surrounding the issues are participating in the relational system. "Issues" may seem settled, but if the relational system continues to function the same way, the same or other "issues" will reappear later, because they were merely symptomatic of the emotional dynamics among the people involved. This book begins by explaining the major concepts of family systems theory, and applies them to organizational life, leadership, and the leader's family. It is full of examples, which makes these complex ideas easier to grasp. Few books are as insightful and helpful in equipping church leaders to understand congregations. It is the standard in applying family systems theory to congregations.
A MUST READ for all persons in positions of leadership.......2001-09-26
"Generation to Generation" by Edwin Friedman is a groundbreaking book on the dynamics of organizational and religious leadership as seen through the lens of the multi-generational family systems model. In the book, Friedman uses case studies and examples drawn from his own leadership experience and uses them to illustrate how leadership can be understood and transformed by having an awareness of three major systems that directly affect organizational leadership:
1. the personal multi-generational family system of the leader
2. the organization itself as a system with both functional and dysfunctional elements
3. the family systems of those person within the organization- for a religious congregation this would be the families within the congregation; for a company it would be that of the employees; for a hospital, it would be that of the employees, volunteers and patients who comprise that organization, etc.
Friedman brilliantly shows how these three sets of systems intertwine with one another to make an organization function in a certain way. He asserts that by better understanding the dynamics of these systems and how they affect one another, leaders can move from a transactional style of leadership to one that is more transformational in the way it functions.
In addition, Friedman's book is a tremendously helpful resource in seeking to gain a better understanding of one's own family of origin issues and how these dynamics manifest themselves in our relationships throughout the life cycle.
In this sense, this book will be greatly beneficial, not only for leaders, but also for lay people as well as caregivers.
The book is challenging reading in spots, but well worth the effort- get this book of you have not done so already- it will change your perspective on leadership and life.
Life Saving.......2001-08-28
I must have read this book twenty times since I was assigned to to read it in 1992, and it has grown on me. At first reading, the concepts that Friedman presents may seem contrived and counter-intuitive. However, after being in a leadership role in my church for some time now, this book is an absolute life saver. Leadership by self-definition is the most difficult, but the only honest and edifying way to leadership.
A modern classic.......2000-06-23
Friedman's seminal work in the application of Bowen Family Systems Theory to congregational life (Jewish and Protestant) has become a modern classic. More than just "theory" Friedman's book offers examples of the application through the lens of both pastor (rabbi) and therapist. This book provides the key to both healthy leadership and functional, healthy religious systems.
Book Description
The IT Business Analyst is one of the fastest growing roles in the IT industry. Business Analysts are found in almost all large organizations and are important members of any IT team whether in the private or public sector. "UML for the IT Business Analyst" provides a clear, step-by-step guide to how the Business Analyst can perform his or her role using state-of-the-art object-oriented technology. Business analysts are required to understand object-oriented technology although there are currently no other books that address their unique needs as non-programmers using this technology. Assuming no prior knowledge of business analysis, IT, or object-orientation, material is presented in a narrative, chronological, hands-on style using a real-world case study. Upon completion of "UML for the IT Business Analyst," you will have created an actual business requirements document using all of the techniques of object-orientation required of a Business Analyst. "UML for the IT Business Analyst" puts together all of the technology pieces needed to proficiently perform the Business Analyst role.
Customer Reviews:
Business Analyst.......2007-09-16
I have heard about the book from various internet sources for BUSINESS ANALYST and when I read this book, it has a good worth which polishes the real skill the person has as a Business Analyst into the scientific approach of analysis work and clear representation. Thanks.
Teaching Collaboration At It's Best.......2007-09-08
UML for the IT Business Analyst is a great 'field guide' for Business and Systems Analysts at various levels of experience. The key thing I like about the book is that it teaches and also encourages truly "collaborative" working in building a business solution.
Collaborative Working
True collaborative working is something that I have found to be the most commonly missing ingredient on IT projects of all sizes. IT and business-side Analysts need to work with various stakeholders and players of varying levels while attempting to deliver true business solutions. Not an easy task, but from my years of experience in the field as a Business Architect I can testify that it is indeed possible.
This book goes a long way to showing you how.
UML for the IT Business Analyst is a resource that provides Business and Systems Analysts with tools and templates for success. You can pick the section that applies to your circumstances, your project or your experience level and go and implement it.
Gets a thumbs up from me 'Bayo Akinola-Odusola any day...and I don't give thumbs up that easily!
A worthwhile purchase........2007-06-27
A very informative and practical book. Definitely a worthwhile purchase that offers some practical guidance on analysis & requirements gathering using UML. The only short coming is that there could have been more examples provided.
Clean, reasonable guide to OO and UML for beginner to medium level BA.......2007-02-02
There are so many opinions about how UML should be used and none can claim universal application. It is not only the complexity of UML and OO methodologies, but the variety of software tools that support these methods and then you have to deal with an infinite variety of real life situations and people. At the end of the day, a BA must write documentation and communicate findings, outcome and models to stakeholders, users, developers, architects and sometimes to third parties involved in the project. Every single person has a different view, companies have different document templates and actors have different education and skills. How can you write a book to teach UML and make anyone happy? You can't. So, you have to get something from every book you read that suits you, your training and the project methodology used in your business.
I think that Howard manages to walk you through the complexity of all this, recognising the inherent limitations that I listed above and present a framework that you can use to expand your horizons. The author is reasonably disciplined about the UML standard, so this is not a popular book for, say, accountants or florists that want to know about UML. Another positive point of this book is that you are provided with documentation templates that you can use straight away to write business requirements for your next project. Additionally, the author combines the description of UML constructs with an induction into OO methodology. Some authors fail to make this connection between the standard and the work methodology.
The book is written by using a real life project large enough to cover almost every aspect of UML. Howard is quite practical, whenever he feels that in practice some tools are not widely used, he will say so and avoid spending too much time on something just to show you how much he knows. The examples are simplified to keep the size of the book at a sane level. The depth of the book is adjusted so that beginners are not intimidated by the complex concepts, especially when it comes to discuss static modelling.
The last section of the book talks about testing and spends sufficient on explaining the foundation of structured test methodology. Testing is becoming more and more specialised work and progressively fewer business analysts do both business requirements and test implementation. However, it is important to connect these two activities, and Howard does that very well. Testing should be based on business requirements and verify that the requirements are fulfilled.
One not so positive comment that I would make about the book, is that it mixes too much the role of the business analyst and system analysts. I believe that he should have put more emphasis on separating the roles, because they require distinct set of skills. Also he should have made the reader aware that the project management methodology has an impact on the way the business analyst works. The subject of project management is not discussed very much here. If you work in a large organisation this is an important factor to consider. On the book cover the claim is that you will learn how to use IBM Rational Rose. I think that this is a little bit exaggerated. Overall this is a clean, nice and useful book, if you fall in the right category.
The best business analyst book on the market.......2007-01-11
This book has industrial standard templates for each phase of the project. - Both the templates and steps are easy to follow.
Book Description
- New York Times best-selling author Sandra Lee brings her approach to entertaining.
- With more than 40 party themes featuring easy to duplicate, beautifully decorated and artfully arranged tabletop settings for every celebratory occasion imaginable.
- To round out every theme, Sandra offers 100 sensational Semi-Homemade recipes for quick and delicious appetizers, desserts, and signature cocktails-perfectly suited for each specific party theme.
Customer Reviews:
WHERE HAVE I BEEN??.......2007-09-20
Everyone told me to watch Sandra Lee & I was too hung up on Paula Deen and others to fit her in....well, I have visited Paula's Restaurant, met her in person on tour and I can tell you-DON"T BOTHER. Sandra is just herself & her entire menu's (drinks included) are so wonderful I am hooked. I remember her on Christopher Lowell Shows & she includes her super success as a decorator with food enhanced with fabulous tablescapes & it is a winning combination. She has proven she is a complete person unlike Martha who has never been "personally" successful. Back to the reason I am here---she is a breath of fresh air & you will thoroughly enjoy the compliments & you will not be so pooped running all over your area buying fresh etc. I have a very large veggie garden & orchard so I have access to this kind of cooking a la Barefoot Contessa but who wants to be so exhausted you can't even enjoy your own world.
This woman is for real-mother in bed for years so she raised her family, sold flowers to feed them, put herself through college working at night, etc etc she deserves her success.
I used to be a Super Woman on Wall Street - now I am showing my age and looked just like Sandra years ago--well, she will soften with age and I am looking forward to watching. Try her style & your romantic life will be incredible like hers is.
Another hit!.......2007-06-02
I happen to love Sandra's cookbooks and this one has also given me some wonderful ideas and great recipes. She adds a personal touch to all of her cookbooks and I've found all them to be keepers. She shows some beautiful table scapes in this book and offers some cool recipes that don't appear to be difficult to make. I've purchased all of her cookbooks via Amazon since the price is so great and have never been disappointed.
Semi-Homemade Gatherings.......2007-04-11
Great Reference for throwing themed Parties. Will gladly add it to my growing collection.
WASTE of money.......2007-04-04
I find her show although irritating actually helpful. her thought processes on using semi-homemade short cuts is very very well done.
HOWEVER this cookbook is really just a foray into her modeling career of hairstyles and sexy outfits. It is a disgrace as a cookbook.
SKIP IT.
However, to lessen the harshness of my review, I repeat her shows DO offer good info. Likewise, her drinks are creative and welcome in this world of everyone being so litigation sensitive and terrified of admitting cocktails are fun.
I PRAY her other books are better. I have not read any and I'm hesitant to spend the money.
I love Sandra Lee's tablescape ideas and cooking shortcuts.......2007-03-16
For all of you HATERS of Sandra Lee, you need to be more open minded. Yes, she suggests using specific products for her recipes, but I own a majority of her books and I subsistute to create healthier versions of her meals and to save money. It's not like she's going to show up at your door and scold you for using a product she didn't suggest. Please, people, these are just guidelines!! Exercise your free will for goodness sake!!!
I am no chef, by any means! In fact, I HATE to cook!! That's probably why I LOVE her books. Also, she doesn't promote alcoholism.....these are simply party drinks to along with her theme. It's not like she's promoting binge drinking. She just wants to help you plan the perfect get together....from soup to nuts! And if you don't drink.....FINE!!
I personally love Sandra Lee! She has great ideas and I can't wait to host a party using some of her theme ideas and recipes. In fact, I'll be making her Chile-Garlic Shrimp tonight for dinner and I'm sure it will be wonderful. I made her slow cooker stuffed peppers yesterday and they were AWESOME!!!
I recommend all her books for anyone who doesn't like to cook or doesn't have all the time in the world to create some gourmet masterpiece. These books are my speed and if you don't agree with the ingredients Sandra suggests, substitute!
Book Description
If the experts could point to any single book as a starting point for understanding the subject of intelligence from the late twentieth century to today, that single book would be Allen W. Dulles's The Craft of Intelligence. This classic of spycraft is based on Allen Dulles's incomparable experience as a diplomat, international lawyer, and America's premier intelligence officer. Dulles was a high-ranking officer of the CIA's predecessor-the Office of Strategic Services-and was present at the inception of the CIA, where he served eight of his ten years there as director. Here he sums up what he learned about intelligence from nearly a half-century of experience in foreign affairs.
In World War II his OSS agents penetrated the German Foreign Office, worked with the anti-Nazi underground resistance, and established contacts that brought about the Nazi military surrender in North Italy. Under his direction the CIA developed both a dedicated corps of specialists and a whole range of new intelligence devices, from the U-2 high-altitude photographic plane to minute electronic listening and transmitting equipment.
Dulles reveals much about how intelligence is collected and processed, and how the resulting estimates contribute to the formation of national policy. He discusses methods of surveillance, and the usefulness of defectors from hostile nations. His knowledge of Soviet espionage techniques is unrivaled, and he explains how the Soviet State Security Service recruited operatives and planted "illegals" in foreign countries. He spells out not only the techniques of modern espionage but also the philosophy and role of intelligence in a free society threatened by global conspiracies.
Dulles also addresses the Bay of Pigs incident, denying that the 1961 invasion was based on a CIA estimate that a popular Cuban uprising would ensue. This account is enlivened with a wealth of personal anecdotes. It is a book for readers who seek wider understanding of the contribution of intelligence to our national security.
Customer Reviews:
WAS ALLEN DULLES OUR BEST SPYMASTER? .......2006-11-06
Allen Dulles was the Director of Central Intelligence from 1953 to 1961 during the eight-year term of Dwight Eisenhower and first ten months of John Kennedy's administration. His historical memoir `The Craft of Intelligence' has been re-published by The Lyons Press.
This re-issue of Dulles' book makes one take a new examination of the function of the DCI when the CIA started all of the things it's known for today and presumed to still be doing. Even though four DCI's served under Harry Truman the tenure of Dulles for Eisenhower best typifies what the CIA has now become known for.
Dulles was the ultimate `remain in the shadows, behind the scenes, backroom negotiator' that was so prevalent in the first half of the 20th Century political world. He must have been inspired to be that way by the antics of Colonel Thomas House who was the inside advisor to President Woodrow Wilson when Dulles' own uncle Robert Lansing was the nation's Secretary of State. And Dulles was in government work when politicians were still trusted by the public yet doing the nation's dirty work that was generally not revealed to the masses at that time.
The first four DCI's to President Truman in the years 1946-1953 came directly from military service when the agency was getting started and was only seen as an intelligence gathering entity. It was when Eisenhower took over and appointed Dulles as DCI that the CIA began covert operations and inserting itself into the matters of foreign governments for America's benefit.
Dulles had his followers as he attempted to implement Ike's plan of containing the spread of communism. But he also had his detractors as he put forth America's intelligence presence throughout the world during his tenure. He was obviously well thought of by Eisenhower since he served as DCI for the entire eight years of the 34th president's term. But his career ended in forced retirement when newcomer chief executive Kennedy blamed the CIA for the April, 1961 `Bay of Pigs' fiasco after Cuban freedom fighters launched from Florida were defeated on the beaches of Cuba by Fidel Castro's Army.
Dulles never made derogatory comments about JFK after his removal even though he must have had an opinion about it. So isn't it ironic that three years later he served on a commission to investigate the assassination of the very man who fired him!
Anyway, to get a read on the real Dulles as the holder of the nation's secrets you must look at every photo of him. You will observe that he always has a smug look on his face as if he knew he wasn't telling the whole truth to the American people but recognized he was still getting away with it.
Everyone in the spy business read the book when it came out in 1963. Even 007 himself, James Bond, studied the work while on an assignment in Japan in Ian Fleming's classic novel `You Only Live Twice' so he could pick up tips on how to be a better spy!
But it's apparent from forty years of hindsight and the declassification of many CIA files from that era that Dulles wrote this book in a matter that presumed us naive citizens still believed and trusted their leaders in what was being told to them was actually true. So his tome now comes off in a somewhat condescending manner with the revelations that most of what the CIA presumed about the threat from the Soviet Union and the state of the world for the last sixty years have been proven wrong or were grossly inaccurate to justify excessive and unneeded military expenditures for our side.
It's still arguable whether Allen Dulles was the best DCI we will ever have. But he knew how to brag when necessary and stay in the shadows when needed to keep his president happy.
How information is gathered, processed, and used in the formation of national policy.......2006-06-22
If you seek a single source reference to the history of modern espionage, it should be THE CRAFT OF INTELLIGENCE: AMERICA'S LEGENDARY SPY MASTER ON THE FUNDAMENTALS OF INTELLIGENCE GATHERING FOR A FREE WORLD. Details on how intelligence is collected and processed, and how it contributes to the formation of national policy, makes for a thorough and fine review of the craft and policies of military intelligence efforts, surveying how information is gathered, processed, and used in the formation of national policy. While others could've presented the facts, it's his insider position peppered with personal anecdotes from his intelligence career - he was a high-ranking officer of the CIA's predecessor and served eight years when the CIA was created - which makes CRAFT OF INTELLIGENCE unique.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Core reading requirement for students of intelligence.......2001-10-10
As I began researching the modern intelligence community, several books (e.g. "The Night Watch" by David Atlee Philips) pointed back to "The Craft of Intelligence" as a fundamental starting point. Because this book deals with the basic intelligence methods and objectives, it maintains its relevance well into the present. In some sections Dulles also addresses the ethical implications of deceptive or clandestine intelligence collection, providing valuable thought or discussion material for individuals scrutinizing this unique, and arguably disdainful, function of government. Dulles' writing style is thoughtful, refined, yet straightforward, revealing some of those traits which earned him the moniker "The Gentleman Spy".
One of two required readings on intelligence for anyone.......2000-04-08
This is the other required reading. This gem sits on my desk with my dictionary of difficult words and my synonym dictionary. We still do not have an equal to this book. Since Dulles testified to Congress that 80% of the raw material for finished intelligence came from public sources including diplomatic reporting, this book provides an interesting benchmark for understanding the rather pathological impact of technical collection on the larger process of all-source collection and analysis.
Strategic intelligence for American world policy
Strategic Intelligence & Statecraft: Selected Essays (Brassey's Intelligence and National Security Library)
The New Craft of Intelligence: Personal, Public, & Political--Citizen's Action Handbook for Fighting Terrorism, Genocide, Disease, Toxic Bombs, & Corruption
Book Description
Eight Women on a Journey That Will Change Their Lives as Lovers, Wives, Mothers, Daughters, Friends
Just after midnight in a small town in Wisconsin, eight women begin walking together down a rural highway. Career women, housewives, mothers, divorcées, and one ex–prom queen, they are close friends who have been meeting every Thursday night for years, sharing food, wine, and their deepest secrets. But on this particular Thursday, Susan, Alice, Chris, Sandy, Gail, Mary, Joanne, and Janice decide to disappear from their own lives.
Their spontaneous pilgrimage attracts national attention and inspires other women from all across the country. As the miles fall away and the women forge ahead on their backroads odyssey—leaving small miracles in their wake—each of their histories unfolds, tales of shattered dreams and unexpected renewal, of thwarted love affairs and precious second chances.In luminous, heartwarming prose, Kris Radish deftly interweaves the women’s intimate confessions into the story of their brave, history-making walk.
A breathtaking achievement,
The Elegant Gathering of White Snows tells an incomparable tale of friendship and love, loss and liberation.
Customer Reviews:
Put this on you List of Books You Want to Read.......2007-09-05
Although this was the third of Kris Radish's books that I read, I found myself totally taken with her writing, her characters and the delightful story that she so beautifully wove. I consider myself a true admirer of both what she has to say, and how she says it. A Must Read... you'll be so glad you did!
A book about the Strength of Women!!.......2007-07-21
I purchased this book upon the recommendation of two friends of mine. Within the first 15 minutes I had laughed out loud and cried tears. This book strikes a chord with women everywhere - the pain we feel and the joy we experience. Grab a hanky and enjoy!
loved it loved it loved it!.......2007-04-13
this is not the type of book i would buy but i agreed to read it for a book club and i'm soooo glad i did! it was about a group of woman who have been meeting for once a week for years and one day decided to just get up and go walking. they walked for several days and made world headlines and most importantly talked about and got off their chest deep dark secrets that was holding them back from living and getting on with their lives. basically they decided that they were not happy and decided to start making changes in their like that would make them happy! lovely book! ronda
Every woman I know who has read this book loves it........2007-03-18
I purchased this book after it was recommended by a client. I have since recommended it to my book club and numerous other women who have read and enjoyed it and purchased copies for their friends. To me this book highlights how women can be acquainted for long periods of time but not really know one another until they begin to reveal their untold stories. As relationships are forged among the characters, we become closer to their hearts and notice the treads of their stories that mirror our own.
I found the dialogue and descriptions in this book fun. It's an easy read and one that I continue to recommend.
Extraordinarily bad.......2006-12-09
This is a book that will make you ashamed of liking women's fiction.
It's like Kris Radish did a marketing survey of what themes are of interest to the demographic that buys women's fiction, picked the ten most "serious" (ie, whiny and sad) themes, and threw together a short story about each theme, with a minimum of thought, effort, or editing. Then she sent the characters from these stories off on a pointless hike together, so she could claim her collection of short stories was really a novel. But when she read back through it she realized that it had no spark, that the characters were all boring, and the walk they were on was pointless and stupid. But rather than fixing this, she added a bunch of observers who would point at the characters in the short stories, and proclaim them to be interesting, and their walk to be deeply meaningful. This does not make any of it meaningful or interesting.
I'm waiting for some mysogyinist to pop up on the talk show circuit and tell us that Kris Radish is his pen name, and he wrote his books as a thought experiment to prove that women will buy anything that lets them believe they are the victims while claiming to empower them.
Average customer rating:
- Gathering Blue
- gathering blue student review
- Gathering Blue Review
- Amazing. If you liked the Giver you should read this.
- A Grim Future
|
Gathering Blue
Lois Lowry
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
 Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Orphans & Foster Homes
| Family Life
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Fiction
| Special Needs
| Social Issues
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| Subjects
| Books
Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Teens
| Subjects
| Books
Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Teens
| Subjects
| Books
Lowry, Lois
| ( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Teens
| Subjects
| Books
Special Needs Children
| Children's Health
| Personal Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| Subjects
| Books
General
| Literature
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic
| Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror
| Literature
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Orphans & Foster Homes
| Family Life
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Fiction
| Special Needs
| Social Issues
| People & Places
| Children's Books
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Children's Health
| Personal Health
| Health, Mind & Body
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
( L )
| Authors, A-Z
| Teens
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Fantasy
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Teens
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Science Fiction
| Science Fiction & Fantasy
| Teens
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
All 4-for-3 Deals
| 4-for-3 Books Store
| Stores
| Books
Similar Items:
-
Messenger (Readers Circle)
-
The Giver
-
Gossamer
-
The Silent Boy (Readers Circle)
-
Number the Stars
ASIN: 0385732562
Release Date: 2006-01-24 |
Amazon.com
Lois Lowry's magnificent novel of the distant future, The Giver, is set in a highly technical and emotionally repressed society. This eagerly awaited companion volume, by contrast, takes place in a village with only the most rudimentary technology, where anger, greed, envy, and casual cruelty make ordinary people's lives short and brutish. This society, like the one portrayed in The Giver, is controlled by merciless authorities with their own complex agendas and secrets. And at the center of both stories there is a young person who is given the responsibility of preserving the memory of the culture--and who finds the vision to transform it.
Kira, newly orphaned and lame from birth, is taken from the turmoil of the village to live in the grand Council Edifice because of her skill at embroidery. There she is given the task of restoring the historical pictures sewn on the robe worn at the annual Ruin Song Gathering, a solemn day-long performance of the story of their world's past. Down the hall lives Thomas the Carver, a young boy who works on the intricate symbols carved on the Singer's staff, and a tiny girl who is being trained as the next Singer. Over the three artists hovers the menace of authority, seemingly kind but suffocating to their creativity, and the dark secret at the heart of the Ruin Song.
With the help of a cheerful waif called Matt and his little dog, Kira at last finds the way to the plant that will allow her to create the missing color--blue--and, symbolically, to find the courage to shape the future by following her art wherever it may lead. With astonishing originality, Lowry has again created a vivid and unforgettable setting for this thrilling story that raises profound questions about the mystery of art, the importance of memory, and the centrality of love. (Ages 10 and older) --Patty Campbell
Book Description
Kira, an orphan with a twisted leg, lives in a world where the weak are cast aside. When she is given a task that no other community member can carry out, Kira soon realizes that she is surrounded by many mysteries and secrets. No one must know of her plans to uncover the truth about her world—and to find out what exists beyond it.
Customer Reviews:
Gathering Blue.......2007-05-16
My first Lois Lowry books were a Summer to Die, then Find a Stranger say goodbye. A friend had read Gathering Blue, she said it was really good but I was drawn away from it. Finally I read it and quikly I became confused. I found out that I was not focusing on the book. I started to re-read the book. I was amazed, the book made a huge impact on my life. I love it. Each one of Lois Lowry books come to life and make you feel the pain, happiness, joy, and guilt of your life, but expressed in different ways.
gathering blue student review.......2007-05-11
Hi I'm a six grader and I read the book Gathering Blue.This book is about a girl named Kira who's mother died and father didn't want her.This book was interesting in the middle because in the begining I really didn't understand what was happening to Kira but at the middle I started to get what was happening to her.The person who I recommend this book would be my old teacher Ms.Duphiney because she likes books that leaves you geussing.I would give this book 3 stars because this book isn't really what I was looking for,but my favorite part was when she had to build a cage for herself to live in.
DONE.
Gathering Blue Review.......2007-05-10
Hi we are a group of 5 girls and we are reading a book called Gathering Blue. All 5 of us are in Middle School 118. Any age should read this book I think it is appropriate from ages 10 and up. We are reading this book because it looked and it sounded like an interesting book so we all agreed on picking the book. All 5 of us have read the book in class and in our homes. If you read this book it will make you understand how the character Kira felt in the book and it will make you understand the book way better and the real life of the orphans in the book Gathering Blue. Trust me you will love this book it is a story that once u read it you will not forget. - CrYsTaL.
The book Gathering Blue is about a girl named kira. Kira's mother just died and now she needs to find her place in life. While kira's life changes mysteries and secrets are being discovered. Kira is an orphan with a twisted leg and lives in a world with all cast aside included her. But the all- powerful Council of Guardians spares her by giving her a task that no other community member can carry out. Kira's future is a big blur and she's scared of what the blur might be but when she finds out that's when things get clearer! - NaThALiE.
I thought the book was a good book but it got a little bit boring. And the reason I felt that way was because kira's mom died and then she didn't have anyone to stay with so finally she meets a boy name matt help kira find her dad what a surprise and then they lied to her saying that her father was killed by a bear. But that was a lie her father, left her for another reason. But that big blur came to a clear end and this book brings a lot of surprises to this book. - KeYoNnA.
We recommended this book to all the people that like to read about orphans that suffer a lot. We think that this is an appropriate for all kind of ages that can be able to read chapter books. And if u like reading about orphans. The Gathering Blue is just not a regular book it is a book u will never forget not like the other books. The kind of interest you should find in this book is how a young girl could stand a lot of suffer from a lot of things its just crazy how that girl can take all that pain and still try to be happy. - StEpHaNiE
Some question that you may ask while reading this book Gathering Blue by Lois Lowry are. One do you think that Mat really helps Kira in her problems? Two do you think that they should make a place for orphan kids? The Gathering why is it very immpotant? Read the book and find out what is the meaning of the gathering and why is it important.Well I am not going to spoil the surprise in Gathering Blue so bye.JeSsIcA
Amazing. If you liked the Giver you should read this........2007-04-29
I read this book after I read the Giver. I thought it was similar to the Giver in the way that they both had "utopian" societies. I loved this book. I cried when I read it at the end. I loved how she was the one who got to restitch the robe. I loved how she found her father. This book is so amazing. I loved Lois Lowry when I was younger. She is an amazing author.
definitely read this book
thank you for your time,
Loran
A Grim Future.......2007-04-26
Kira, an adolescent girl, is living in an awful society, where people are mean and cruel for no reason. These people are especially cruel to those who are weak or disadvantaged. This puts Kira in a bad situation. Her father disappeared a long time ago, before Kira was born, and her mother has just died. Furthermore, Kira is physically handicapped, with a twisted leg from birth.
Kira does have one thing going for her, though. Her mother was a very talented weaver, and she taught Kira much about dying thread and weaving it into patterns. So shortly after the death of her mother, Kira is given a job to do--she is to be in charge of repairing and adding to the Singer's robes. The Singer is a very important member of the community; once a year there is a huge festival everyone attends, and the Singer sings the story of their society. His robes have woven into them the pictures from the stories he sings.
At first Kira feels incredibly lucky--she is living in luxury in a huge official building with good food prepared for her and running water all the time, and she is able to make a friend. Thomas, her friend, is a talented young woodcarver chosen to be in charge of repairing and adding to the wooden staff the Singer holds to help him remember the songs to sing.
But then Kira begins to become more and more aware of her environment and the people around her. Is her job really noble, or is she simply helping things to continue on the lousy way they are going?
I loved the intricacies of this society, such as the way children's names developed. I also liked the idea of the Singer--one person who knows and shares the story of the whole world and keeps track of history. Matt was an extremely likable character.
However, parts of this story were too much like "The Giver," but "The Giver" was told better. Also, things worked out too neatly in this story, especially with Kira making such a drastic switch from one side to the other.
Book Description
Collected from knitting designers all over the world, the patterns in this guide will be a joy to create for any knitter. The lavish full-color illustrations and easy-to-follow instruction charts will make these traditional patterns an exciting addition to a lace knitter's repertoire. From beginner to advanced, the 34 projects contained include designs for sweaters, vests, shawls, scarves, gloves, and socks. With beautiful photographs of these unique patterns, this knitting book is perfect for those who love to knit lace and those who would love to learn.
Customer Reviews:
Just Luscious.......2007-10-04
I've been knitting for nearly 50 years but this book made me convert to lace knitting. What a gorgeous collection! Not only are the designs beautiful but the techniques you learn while working on them are valuable. I particularly appreciate that the designs are charted as I am horrible at following written instructions. Of course my very favorite designs are the most intricate ones, Frost Flowers and Mediterranean Lace but I also appreciate the beautiful lacy tunics and gloves.
This isn't for the faint of heart but even if you are a beginner there is much to learn and dream over. I take this book out a lot and always find inspiration. I'm not good at making other people's designs exactly as they are presented but I've learned a lot about lace-knitting and have incorporated the techniques here into many other projects. This book is a valuable reference as well as a source of inspiration.
check for corrections to avoid frustration!.......2007-08-14
I've made several of the projects in this book, and I am looking forward to making more. It has beautiful patterns. But, I would have saved myself a lot of frustration and ripping out if I'd checked first for corrections to mistakes in the directions and charts before beginning my first project. All of the patterns I chose to make have had substantial mistakes in both charts and written instructions. A four page pdf of necessary fixes is available online, but I still lowered my rating of this book - the sheer number of mistakes is inexcusable for an expensive book produces by experience knitters. And they should have been corrected before reprinting - my copy is the fourth printing, still with the same mistakes.
a valuable reference .......2007-08-07
Meg Swansen has given new knitters of lace a useful and encouraging guide and reference. The smaller projects are especially welcome, a good way to learn a new approach to knitting without committing big bucks, many hours, and extensive effort. As a seasoned needlewoman, I feel qualified to say that small projects employ all the techniques one needs in big projects, so the big ones can be done better. Beautiful designs, instructions, and pictures. I am pleased to add this book to my library.
Beautiful knit lace for the Intermediate knitter.......2007-06-08
Rich in beautiful patterns with so many wonderful choices! I am knitting my fourth shawl from this book, having progressed from a "beginner" pattern to "advanced". Directions are pithy but complete so it helps if you have prior experience with charted patterns. Use lots of stitch markers and have a go. You will be creating wonderful heirloom pieces to be cherished by your children and grandchildren. My advice to anyone attempting lace knitting -- purchase good materials! Each garment is a labor of love and requires many hours to complete so you will want them to last. One of my favorite books!
Practical lace projects that I can use.......2007-05-04
I've already made a couple of the small items in the little laces section. The patterns are easy to figure out, with a good combination of written directions and charts. I got this at the same time as the Folk Shawls book by Cheryl Oberle. Both are good, but this one has many more items that aren't just shawls or scarves. It has socks, hats, a Real purse, some very cut gloves.
And, the photography is absolutely beautiful.
Book Description
This full-color text explores the United States and Canada with a fresh, logical approach. The authors examine the regions of the United States and Canada using a thematic approach, via such topics as agriculture, industry, and population. This topical framework provides an insightful perspective for students to learn the similarities and differences that characterize the regions of these countries. Chapter 1, "Introduction," provides basic geographic background and places the United States and Canada in a global perspective. Then coverage of both countries is incorporated into each topical chapter, concluding with a separate chapter (14), "The Canadian Difference," which looks at Canadian-specific issues, such as the English/French language debate.
Customer Reviews:
Stand and Share.......2007-08-20
I sent the book to several of my friends, one of whom wrote back on May 13th, 2007 with news that says it all.
"I just had to let you know how grateful I am to you for sending me the book The Great Silent Grandmother Gathering this spring. That book was the focal point for our United Methodist Women's program yesterday on Inspirational Women of Faith. Jenny **** read the story one section at a time and we had a group of super women be the grandmothers et al in the story. What a powerful book and how it captured everyone's imagination. (Since I am program chair, I got to have a bit of a say as to the program, but none was needed since everyone on the program committee was so enthralled with the book.)
Eugene has a number of places where people will be gathering in just one hour. Many of us who are from our church at 1 p.m. will meet at the Charnel-Mulligan Park just a couple blocks south of the church and stand for peace for 5 minutes. The standingwomen web site lists places all over the world where women will be congregating for five minutes for peace! Thank you a hundred times over for sending me the book. It has inspired 50 women who attended the program yesterday, plus Debbie, our senior pastor, invited the congregation to join her at the park this afternoon. Will let you know more later.
Hugs to you, my dear peaceful friend.
Sheila"
I hope women begin to see the power they can wield over events by merely being themselves and taking a stand.
Barbara
Peace.......2007-08-06
I found this book to be very encouraging and it reminded me that one person can make a difference.
Encouragement for Alll.......2007-07-03
I bought six copies of this book and gave one to each of my five daughters and one daughter-in-law. I found the story to be most inspiring and hope-filled. We women one day will unite and do something as simple and effective as these grandmothers did. One day we women will discover our power and act upon it for the good of ALL.
I thought the author's story of how she came to write this book was very well presented. I felt highly encouraged by her words. I personally thank her for this creation.
Stupendous and Moving!.......2006-11-06
This book brought tears to my eyes. It touched me so deeply that I was moved to read it aloud at a gathering of 100 + people. Many people came up to me later expressing their appreciation of the story's simple beauty. I bought several dozen copies and sent them to women around the world -- a simple gift of appreciation for their daily dedication to peace. This book is a movement in itself.
Thank you Sharon! Karen Buckley
Living in a fantasy world.......2006-03-27
I received this as a gift because I am an older retired woman and it was assumed that I might appreciate this book. That assumption was incorrect.
You would hope that all older women would have learned something in their many years but clearly many have learned nothing. Too many older women have no understanding of men, of testosterone, of aggression or of violence. I grew up with multiple brotehrs and multiple sons. They would laugh out loud at this book if you could get any of them to read it (you couldn't).Sharon Mehdi, like many other older women dedicated to peace, hasn't the slighest idea what causes men to be aggressive.
This book will certainly provide comfort to other women of like mind but it will be ignored by men or anyone who has access to real power in the US. Mehdi lives in a fantasy world and if you live in the same world you should enjoy this book. But if you live in the real world, this is a waste of your time.
Perhaps Mehdi would like to go stand silently in a public square in North Korea and see what impact it has? I didn't think so...
Books:
- Goosebumps: The Haunted School (Goosebumps)
- Happy New Year! / Kung-Hsi Fa-Ts'ai!
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)
- Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) (Deluxe Edition)
- Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)
- Heart-Shaped Box: A Novel
- Hiring The Best Knowledge Workers, Techies & Nerds: The Secrets & Science Of Hiring Technical People
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
Books Home
Recommended Books
- How to Work a Room: The Ultimate Guide to Savvy Socializing in Person and Online
- Everything Kids' Cookbook: From Mac ' N Cheese to Double Chocolate Chip Cookies-All You Need to Have
- After the Funeral: The Posthumous Adventures of Famous Corpses
- Between Dignity and Despair: Jewish Life in Nazi Germany
- Blade Runner
- Decoding the Universe: How the New Science of Information Is Explaining Everything in the Cosmos, fr
- Culture Jam: The Uncooling of America
- Holding the Center: Memoirs of a Life in Higher Education
- Ageing And Employment Policies Czech Republic: Czech Republic
- Mexico Business Intelligence Report
Friedman's Fables
Creating a Healthier Church: Family Systems Theory, Leadership, and Congregational Life (Creative Pastoral Care and Counseling)
A Failure of Nerve: Leadership in the Age of the Quick Fix
How Your Church Family Works: Understanding Congregations as Emotional Systems
Healthy Congregations: A Systems Approach
