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Share a detailed review of CHRISTMAS AT STONY CREEK by Stephanie Greene?

Asked by Mitana Mukhe in Books & Authors at 10:41 PM on February 05, 2009

myjunction's Answer

CHRISTMAS AT STONY CREEK written by Stephanie Greene and illustrated by Chris Sheban

Greenwillow Books; ISBN: 9780061214868; Ages 7-12; 96 pages

Pipsqueak is a mouse. Her papa calls her “Pip” for short. Because Pip was so small when she was born, Mama and Papa made a nest for her in a teacup. Pip loves to skate on the pond at Stony Creek. On winter nights, Pip and her family sit in front of the fireplace roasting chestnuts, which they all share. One night Papa tells Pip and the rest of the family that he must leave to find food. He promises to return in two days --- three at the most. While he is gone, Pip must help Mama care for the family.

Pip is the quiet one. When she isn’t outside skating, she’s reading a book. Her brother Kit likes to whittle. Twins Nan and Nibs play together, and baby Finny enjoys eating and making noise. Will is the oldest and the bravest; he walks with a limp after being mauled by a cat in the house at Land’s End, which is also where Pip’s beloved Uncle Hank died. Land’s End is “the house perched at the edge of a cliff overlooking the woods.” The people who live there built the house by cutting down trees and destroying the homes of the animals living in the woods. Food is plentiful at Land’s End, but it is also a very dangerous place. Besides the hungry cat, there is a deadly trap, which is what killed Uncle Hank. After Will’s injury and Uncle Hank’s death, Mama has made Pip promise never to go near Land’s End. Pip has always been too afraid to even think about disobeying her. After Papa is gone for more than a week, Pip is sent outside to look for food, but all she finds are some seeds and a small piece of corncob. On her way back she stops to skate and doesn’t notice how late it is. She struggles to make it home with the help of her special walking stick, which her Uncle Hank had helped make. It is made of hickory wood; he once told her there is “nothing stronger.” With two days left until Christmas, Papa has yet to return. Mama sends Pip to visit Aunt Pitty, an old rabbit, whose warren smells of apples and cinnamon. Aunt Pitty gives Pip seeds and berries to take home for the family and tells her to be brave. On her way back to the nest, Pip is stalked by a huge owl. With the help of her special walking stick, she barely escapes the owl’s talons but loses the food from Aunt Pitty and returns home empty-handed. By Christmas Eve Papa still isn’t home. Mama has saved up some food for the Christmas celebration, but the family is still hungry. Pip asks Will about Land’s End. He warns her to be careful and makes her promise not to go near the trap. After Mama falls asleep, she slips outside. It is cold and dark, but Pip knows what she must do. Will Pip make it to Land’s End? Will she bring back food for the family? And what has happened to Papa? Will he return home in time for Christmas?

CHRISTMAS AT STONY CREEK is a warm and whimsical story with a gentle message of love, bravery, sacrifice and the blessings of being a family. It is a delightful book for families to read together in front of a warm fireplace on a cold winter’s night --- and to pick up again any time of the year.

Answered at 10:42 PM on February 05, 2009

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Can you tell me about author Nicholas Blincoe?

Asked by Anne Frank in Books & Authors at 10:39 PM on February 05, 2009

myjunction's Answer

Nicholas Blincoe was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in 1965, and studied at art college and for a PhD in contemporary European philosophy at Warwick University. He is the author of several novels, has written episodes for television, including for the 'Waking the Dead' BBC series, and made his theatre debut with Cue Deadly, a noir thriller, staged in 2003.

His first novel, Acid Casuals (1995), was set in a fictionalised version of Manchester's Hacienda nightclub, and his next two novels, Jello Salad (1997), and Manchester Slingback (1998), look at the changes that clubland and gay culture have brought to the UK. The latter novel won the 1998 Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger for Fiction. The Dope Priest (1999) and his most recent novel, Burning Paris (2004), reflect life in Palestine, where he has a second home with his Palestinian-born wife.

He is also the author of a novel set in the fashion world, White Mice (2002), the short story collection, My Mother Was a Bank Robber (1998), and co-editor of the anthology, All Hail the New Puritans (2000), being a co-founder of the New Puritans movement which advocates a clean, minimalist, strongly narrative prose style. In 2003, he also co-edited Peace Under Fire: Israel/Palestine and the International Solidarity Movement.

Also a critic and journalist, Nicholas Blincoe wrote a column for the Daily Telegraph until 2006. He lives in London and Bethlehem.

Genres (in alphabetical order): Drama, Fiction, Screenplay

Bibliography:

Acid Casuals Serpent's Tail, 1995

Jello Salad Serpent's Tail, 1997

Manchester Slingback Picador, 1998

My Mother Was a Bank Robber and other stories Revolver, 1998

The Dope Priest Sceptre, 1999

All Hail The New Puritans (Editor with Matt Thorne) Fourth Estate, 2000

White Mice Sceptre, 2002

Burning Paris Sceptre, 2004

Answered at 10:41 PM on February 05, 2009

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Give a gist of the book ‘Shadow of Enid Lux’ by Louis Bascetta ?

Asked by Rachel Bhatt in Books & Authors at 11:54 PM on January 29, 2009

myjunction's Answer

Shadow of Enid Lux by Louis Bascetta

Bibliographic details for this title:
ISBN: 0741410230
ISBN-13 / EAN: 9780741410238
Binding: Paperback
Dimensions (inches): 8.10 (H) x 5.40 (W) x 1.00 (D)
Publisher: Infinity Publishing.com
Date of Publication: 01/05/2002
Pages: 464

Answered at 12:28 AM on February 03, 2009

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Give a gist of the book ‘The Second Venice (Venezia Due)’ by Prof.(Hon.) Architect Askin Ozcan?

Asked by Rachel Bhatt in Books & Authors at 11:59 PM on January 29, 2009

myjunction's Answer

The Second Venice by Askin Ozcan

I just finished reading the Second Venice and I found it very
entertaining and original.This is a very good subject for
writing a movie scenario.I am glad,I took a chance and bought the book.

Answered at 12:18 AM on February 03, 2009

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Pls share a review of CHRISTMAS AT MUD FLAT by James Stevenson?

Asked by Mitana Mukhe in Books & Authors at 10:37 PM on February 05, 2009

myjunction's Answer

CHRISTMAS AT MUD FLAT
by James Stevenson

HarperCollins/Greenwil low
ISBN: 0688173012
Age Level: 5-Up

The endearing animals of Mud Flat celebrate the season in this cheery chapter book. Grover the mouse looks for just the right present for picky Prudence; business is bustling for Freddie the duck's repair shop and Priscilla the snail longs to play Santa at the village Christmas party. Don't miss the fun.

Answered at 10:38 PM on February 05, 2009

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Give a gist of the book ‘Sharing Meals Heals: An Italian 'Menu' of Reflections For Inner Peace’ by Father William Faiella?

Asked by Rachel Bhatt in Books & Authors at 11:54 PM on January 29, 2009

myjunction's Answer

Just as Christ broke bread with all whom He encountered and used the opportunity to grow relationships, Holy Cross Father William Faiella believes that sharing meals with one another is a central part of the human experience.

Born into an Italian family, Fr. Faiella grew up around food and witnessed the healing effect of sharing meals firsthand.

He shares his love of food and stories of healing and contemplation in his first book, “Sharing Meals Heals: An Italian ‘Menu’ of Reflections for Inner Peace.”

“Italians, like people of so many cultures, are proud of their food and love to share it with family and friends,” said Fr. Faiella, associate pastor at St. Bernard of Clairvaux in Scottsdale.

“Guests walk away from our tables not necessarily cured, but healed on some level,” he said. “We all know from our culinary experiences that a lovingly prepared meal that is graciously served, in either a formal or informal setting, invites people to relax, to drop their defenses and to start sharing their joys and sorrows.”

He begins with “Antipasto” — a collection of discussions on Italian proverbs. The book then moves into the second chapter of “Zuppa e L’inslata” (soup and tossed salad), which focuses on some contemporary ideas. Fr. Faiella believes these ideas “need to be tossed upside down as ingredients in a salad or at least diluted like some soups.”

“Pasta e Polpette, etc.” (spaghetti and meatballs) follows as the main course consisting of articles on topics of a more serious and spiritual nature. Finally the book concludes with “Dolce” (dessert) in the form of poems, jokes and prayers to end the meal — and Fr. Faiella’s book — with a satisfying smile.

The book goes back and forth between personal anecdotes, reflections and actual recipes.

Fr. Faiella credits the inspiration for writing “Sharing Meals Heals” to an experience he had with a co-worker he disliked. After talking over a few shared meals, Fr. Faiella and his adversary became friends and the relationship is one that benefited the priest greatly.

“Admitting to and apologizing for our weaknesses, we became good friends during our meal, and over subsequent meals, we shared intense feelings and religious ideas,” writes Fr. Faiella, describing the encounter. He believes this connection would not have been possible without taking the time to sit and break bread.

“Jesus was always feeding people whether it was in the desert where he multiplied fishes and loaves, or at the first Mass, or on a sandy beach to provide breakfast for his hungry apostles,” Fr. Faiella said.

He hopes readers of the book will laugh, cry, accept themselves as well as challenge themselves, and above all “perceive God as all-loving, Someone not to be feared, Someone not interested in punishing, but only interested in nourishing, healing and loving us.”

“I want the book to help people have inner peace even though that may mean that they have to be at peace with their lack of peace,” Faiella said.

“Sharing Meals Heals” is best read at intervals, not straight through from beginning to end. Fr. Faiella encourages readers to open it like a refrigerator “look over the ‘shelves’ (article titles) and take what you like!”

The priest began learning the lesson of “Sharing Meals Heals” at a young age at his grandmother’s house.

“We all left Grandma’s with the same problems we had when we came, but the fun and the closeness fed our souls,” he said.

The book is not focused on the food or discussions within the novel, but instead on how people communicated on a deep level over food. “Sharing Meals Heals” can help with both food, thought and fun with energy and love poured out by the author.

Answered at 12:30 AM on February 03, 2009

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What is the plot of the mystery novel - The Burning Court?

Asked by Mitana Mukhe in Books & Authors at 1:06 AM on February 02, 2009

myjunction's Answer

Edward Stevens, an editor at Herald and Son's publishing house, is on the train home, recounting the story of the death of the uncle of his boss, Mark Despard. Mark's uncle, Miles, had died recently of gastroenteritis, which had caused him to be bedridden for days. Although Miles' death was considered death by natural causes, two strange things were reported surrounding the death. A housemaid reported spying into Despard's room, through the shade of one of the glass doors leading in, and reported that a woman had left, through a door that had been bricked up for years. After Despard died, under his pillow was found a strange piece of string, tied in nine knots.

Stevens shrugs both events off as nothing. Instead, he opens the book he is bringing home to edit. The book is a book on true crime, by famous true crime writer Gauden Cross. Cross's book is on murder trials, and the book begins with the trial and execution of Marie D'Aubray, in 1861. There is a picture of Marie D'Aubray attached to the section, which causes Stevens to jump. The picture of Marie D'Aubray, is a picture of his wife, Marie Stevens.

Stevens gets home, and confronts his wife, who tries to convince him that the picture means nothing. Stevens goes up to wash his hands, and when he returns, the picture is gone. Before Stevens can figure it out, the doorbell rings. It is Mark Despard and a doctor named Partington. Mark Despard explains he believes his uncle was murdered, and that he, Partington, and Stevens, are going to dig up the body, and do an autopsy.

Miles Despard is buried in a crypt, sealed with cement. Mark, Partington, and Stevens begin the long process of breaking up the cement. After they do, they climb down the long steps, to retrieve the body. They find Miles' coffin, open it, and reveal nothing. A quick search confirms that the body has disappeared from the sealed crypt.

Answered at 1:07 AM on February 02, 2009

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Who is the author of the famous mystery novel - The Burning Court?

Asked by Mitana Mukhe in Books & Authors at 1:05 AM on February 02, 2009

myjunction's Answer

The Burning Court (1937) is a famous locked room mystery by John Dickson Carr. However, it contains neither Gideon Fell, or Henry Merrivale, Carr's two major detectives. It was published in the United States, and was highly controversial upon its first printing, due to its unorthodox ending. Today, it is hailed as the best non-series Carr's novel.

Answered at 1:06 AM on February 02, 2009

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Is the book Beloved a continuation of another book? ?

Asked Anonymously in Books & Authors at 5:30 AM on February 01, 2009

myjunction's Answer

Morrison's truly majestic fifth novel - strong and intricate in craft; devastating in impact. Set in post-Civil War Ohio, this is the story of how former slaves, psychically crippled by years of outrage to their bodies and their humanity, attempt to "beat hack the past," while the ghosts and wounds of that past ravage the present. The Ohio house where Sethe and her second daughter, ten-year-old Denver, live in 1873 is "spiteful. Full of a [dead] baby's venom." Sethe's mother-in-law, a good woman who preached freedom to slave minds, has died grieving. It was she who nursed Sethe, the runaway - near death with a newborn - and gave her a brief spell of contentment when Sethe was reunited with her two boys and first baby daughter. But the boys have by now run off, scared, and the murdered first daughter "has palsied the house" with rage. Then to the possessed house comes Paul D., one of the "Pauls" who, along with Sethe, had been a slave on the "Sweet Home" plantation under two owners - one "enlightened," one vicious. (But was there much difference between them?) Sethe will honor Paul D.'s humiliated manhood; Paul D. will banish Sethe's ghost, and hear her stories from the past. But the one story she does not tell him will later drive him away - as it drove away her boys, and as it drove away the neighbors. Before he leaves, Paul D. will be baffled and anxious about Sethe's devotion to the strange, scattered and beautiful lost girl, "Beloved." Then, isolated and alone together for years, the three women will cling to one another as mother, daughter, and sister - found at last and redeemed. Finally, the ex-slave community, rebuilding on ashes, will intervene, and Beloved's tortured vision of a mother's love - refracted through a short nightmare life - will end with her death. Morrison traces the shifting shapes of suffering and mythic accommodations, through the shell of psychosis to the core of a victim's dark violence, with a lyrical insistence and a clear sense of the time when a beleaguered peoples' "only grace. . .was the grace they could imagine."

Synopsis
It is the mid-1800s. At Sweet Home in Kentucky, an era is ending as slavery comes under attack from the abolitionists. The worlds of Halle and Paul D. are to be destroyed in a cataclysm of torment and agony. The world of Sethe, however, is to turn from one of love to one of violence and death - the death of Sethe's baby daughter Beloved, whose name is the single word on the tombstone, who died at her mother's hands, and who will return to claim retribution.

Answered at 12:13 AM on February 03, 2009

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What was the controversy surrounding the mystery novel - The Burning Court?

Asked by Mitana Mukhe in Books & Authors at 1:08 AM on February 02, 2009

myjunction's Answer

Controversy

The ending of The Burning Court was highly controversial upon its release. Writer Gauden Cross explains that Mark Despard and his lover, Myra Corbett (who was his uncles nurse), killed his uncle and removed the body from the crypt.

Cross explains that Myra took a mirror from Miles' room, and placed it, at an angle, in front of the bricked up door, to reflect on the wooden door that opens into the hallway. When Myra left, she left through the hall door, not the bricked up door.

In the crypt, were Miles' body was placed, there were two large urns in the entrance way. Mark, who was the last one in the crypt, placed Miles body in one of the urns, then sealed the entrance. When they opened the crypt, the body was in the urn. After not finding the body, Mark told Partington and Stevens to go find help. While they did, in the three or four minute time frame, Mark took the body, and hid it elsewhere in the cemetery.

Cross then took a glass of sherry, given to him by Myra, took a single sip, and died of cyanide poisoning. Myra is arrested, tried, and sentenced to die, but has the sentence reduced to life in prison.

At the end of the novel, it is revealed that Stevens' wife Marie is the ghost of a woman who had been burned at the stake for practicing witchcraft in the 1600's. Marie had been put to death by the Despard family. She had been trying to get revenge for years, finally succeeding by killing Miles and Mark Despard.

http://en.wikipedia.org /wiki/The_Burning_Court

Answered at 1:10 AM on February 02, 2009

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