Leather Books

Totally absorbing, wonderful read about the South Carolina Low Country and it's Gullah people. I loved it.

Written by former plantation mistress Julia Peterkin, Scarlet Sister Mary is a novel of intellect, individualism, coltish word play, tradition and most importantly, respect. The novel, like, Their Eyes Were Watching God and The Color Purple, is written in an old southern vernacular, and it tells the story of Sister Mary or Si May-e, a young and sprightly woman at the novel's start. It is some time after Lincoln's Emancipation Proclamation, and freedon (used loosely, historically speaking), has come for those individuals who were field slaves or indentured servants. Their opportunity to flee has come, to seek opportunities for self and financial betterment. For some, however, betterment is not up north or anywhere else in the country; it is exactly where it is: the native coastal terrain of South Carolina - the setting for the novel. Religion, faith, folklore, generational history and magic are the ties that bind the folksy and hard working men and women of the Quarters. Dignity and peacefulness does not come from being nomadic, as was in the case of the pioneers to the Midwest and far West; it is closer. It is in the hoeing, the field labor, the mud between the crevices of the rough and crackling flesh. It is in the earth. To combat the joyous harshness of the work is love and a family. And thus, Sister Mary comes into the picture; she is at the marrying age, and July, her suitor, is ready to be her protector and provider. Or so one would believe. Using faith in lore and mythology, Sister Mary's marriage is almost doomed from the start: "'Do, Master, look down and see what a rat is done!' Mary's heart flew up into her mouth. Cold chills ran over her as she ran to see what happened. There it was, a great hole gnawed deep into the bride's cake's tender meat...she fell into bitter dumb sobs...Such bad luck was hard to face." (p.29) And it only advances to something worse via the aid of a love charm and another woman's insatiable lust for the groom's affections. Time passes, and Mary is all alone with her son Unex (shortened for Unexpected). A suffocating cover of depression smothers Sister Mary, and as time heals old wounds, Mary rises into a life of self-satisfaction and sexual gratification. She enters the dominion of sin and religious transgression; she is altered in the eyes of those around her. From Sister Mary, she becomes Scarlet Sister Mary - red with hungry passion as the adjective implies. She has a flock of children, but they are not heart children, as in the case of Unex, but they are passion, lust children. Redemption is nil, and her destiny upon her final breath (in the eyes of her brethren) is clearly understood; her spirit, her soul, is scudding rapidly to the flaming and billowing sulphur pitts of hell. Can redemption and acceptance ever come into her grasp? Will peace ever rectify the wrongs incurred in her heart and mind? Her somewhat sardonic life philosophy and world-weary actions narrow down the chances for hope. But that hand-clenching curiosity does get solved. Banned in Boston when it was first published in 1928 and winner of the 1929 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Scarlet Sister Mary is a classic among classics - lyrical in prose and description, vivid in the intellectual exploration of the "Negro question" - (vii) and complex as well as humane. But it is by no means an accurate representation of a specific catagory of people. Consequently, the work, although brilliant, is slightly antiquated and beguiling.

This delightful story by Julie Peterkin caught the eyes and surely the hearts of the committee to garner the Pulitzer Prize in 1929. Mary has the misfortune to become besot by July, the biggest rascal in the Quarters. The love-charm that Old Daddy Cudjoe makes for her comes too late to win back July as he drops out of sight with Cinder and is lost from Mary's life for the next twenty years. Mary goes on to be the Venus of the Quarters eventually having nine children by an untold litany of befogged lovers. A word of advice Mary gives to Seraphine, her eldest daughter, is telling of her view of men. "But don' never let yousef tink on one man all de time. It'll run you crazy if it don't kill you." After the death of her first-born son, Unex, Mary undergoes a religious conversion and welcomed back into the Heaven's Gate Church. But she secretly holds something in reserve.

Scarlet Sister Mary is the story of a free-spirited woman's life in the post-Emancipation South. It is unique in its portrayal of an African-American community as capable of independent existence in the South at that time. The culture of the community is portrayed most interestingly and permeates through the religious, spiritual and even medical undertones of story. While Peterkin tells a poetic tale of an independent, strong, rebellious woman (of whom you grow dearly fond, and cannot help but cheer her on in her resistance), one finds it hard to wonder how accurate a picture Peterkin paints as one who viewed African-Americans in the South rather than lived as an African-American in the South. But all in all, this book is a must read (and if you attempt to read it as you would imagine people read the book when it was first published, you have a most scandalous story of taboo story before your eyes!)

I am again impressed with the quality construction of an Oxford University Press Bible. I am in no way a dispensation advocate but like the attention paid to "types" and "shadows."

This Bible is so beautifully made! I do enjoy the fact that it lays open easily anywhere you are reading. It would be a bit heavy to carry to church, but is a lovely, exquisitely made Bible for study at home! And such information!! Maps pertaining to the subject are scattered throughout the scriptures with larger, more detailed color maps in the back. Maps are so helpful. I have a fondness for the KJV translation and appreciate the foot notes along the side of the text. I'm very happy with my purchase!! I highly recommend this Study Bible!!!

This is an incredibly beautiful bible. The Leather is rich, smooth and soft to the touch. The gold gilded edges make this bible stand out. The new notes added are an asset to this addition. I would highly recommend it. It is a nice sized bible too....Brenda in California

This is a good place to start a study the Bible, beyond reading the english translation. It has a good concordance, interesting annotations, and a reasonable cross reference. By no means is this a comprehensive concordance, annotation, or cross reference, but it is an excellent place to start. This will help you get the tools you need to do a more advanced selection of study materials.

Seamus Heaney won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995, in large part because of this book. The poetry isn't archaic or highbrow or needing 80 pages of notes to understand. It's written comfortably and easily, about simple things from his childhood and life.

I bought this to take on a trip to Ireland, and it was fantastic reading it while walking the green meadows and rocky coastline. It breathes Irish air. If you have a love for the misty grasses, or simply enjoy rural, quiet life, read through these poems.

The poems talk of birth, and love, and death, of heather bells and boats in docks. Give them a try, and be swept away in their gentle language.

i thought i'd read a irish writer. i couldn't think of a better choice than heaney. the poems here are subtle, but infinitely brilliant. i love the way he uses mythology in some of the pieces, taking references from dante and homer. he draws from his family life, childhood, and his lifelong experiences to create poems that are wondrous in form and content.

Mr. Heaney's titled poem "Seeing Things" takes us to a fishing trip between father and son. It is a calming journey about childhood, youth and the bond between father and son, and poet and audience. I wish that learning to read poetry is as mystical and unassumingly peaceful as learning to fish with one's parent. My wish may be true.

Perhaps this book represents Heaney's finest poetry since 'Field Work.' It contains the magnificent sequence 'Squarings,' and a continuation of his Glanmore sonnets. The craftsmanship impeccable, the voice down-to-earth.

We remember especially his sonnet on Lent in which the poet deals with 'A fasted will marauding through the body,' and the poem "Wheels within Wheels," where a child spins the pedals of an inverted bicycle and notes "The way the space between the hub and rim / Hummed with transparency." Note the unobtrusive assonances, & the exact right words.

In one of the twelve-line poems of 'Squarings', Heaney counsels himself and other poets: 'Do not waver / Into language. Do not waver in it.' In this sequence, it is Heaney's happy accomplishment to have heeded that counsel in an exemplary fashion. Driving through an avenue or tunnel of trees, arching over a quarter-mile stretch of country road, Heaney sees the trees as 'Calligraphic shocks / Bushed and tufted in prevailing winds.' Could Thomas Hardy or Wallace Stevens have done as well?

Talking about it isn't good enough,

But quoting from it at least demonstrates

The virtue of an art that knows its mind.

The Four-Week Psalter provides a rythm of prayer.It is rich & draws one into the presence of God. Come, Lord Jesus~

The book contains the morning, evening, and night prayers of the Liturgy of Hours which are the Catholic Church's only required prayers for those clergy and religious men and women active in the apostolate, as opposed to the monastics who have to pray more. However, this book is also good for lay people who desire a structured way of praying that resonates, echoes, and harmonizes with the prayers of monks, nuns, priests, and religious men and women today and throughout the centuries all over the globe. The book is handy, easy to read and follow, and leatherette bound. A good gift also for people who are spiritually serious.

Whether you want to get a more steady form of Prayer, or if you just want to grow closer to God, this book is one of the best ways to do it. I first encountered this "Four Week Psalter" when I was on a Retreat, and the first time I prayed it, I immediately fell in love with it's beauty and incredible simplicity.

This book will help you to enhance your Prayer Life through a lovley, shorter form of the Liturgy of the Hours.

If you liked this book, see my review forDrink of the Stream: Prayers of Carmelites

There are many forms of prayer. This little book provides the kick-start, spiritually, for more formal and regular prayer-living. Centered on the psalms and holy scripture, any Christian or person interested in Christian prayer life can gain much for a small dollar investment. By one and get one for your closest friend. Pray together!

Louisa May Alcott wrote many books, but "Little Women" retains a special place in the heart of American literature. Her warmly realistic stories, sense of comedy and tragedy, and insights into human nature make the romance, humor and sweet stories of "Little Women" come alive.

The four March girls -- practical Meg, rambunctious Jo, sweet Beth and childish artist Amy -- live in genteel poverty with their mother Marmee; their father is away in the Civil War. Despite having little money, the girls keep their spirits up with writing, gardening, homemade plays, and the occasional romp with wealthier pals. Their pal, "poor little rich boy" Laurie, joins in and becomes their adoptive brother, as the girls deal with Meg's first romance, Beth's life-threatening illness, and fears for their father's safety.

The second half of the book opens with Meg's wedding (if not to the man of her dreams, then to the man she loves). Things rapidly go awry after the wedding, when Laurie admits his true feelings to Jo -- only to be rejected. Distraught, he leaves; Amy also leaves on a trip to Europe with a picky old relative. Despite the deterioration of Beth's health, Jo makes her way into a job as a governess, seeking to put her treasured writing into print -- and finds her destiny as well.

There's a clearly autobiographical tone to "Little Women." Not surprising -- the March girls really are like the girls next door. Alcott wrote them with flaws and strengths, and their misadventures -- like Amy's embarrassing problem with her huge lobster -- have the feeling of authenticity. How much of it is real? A passage late in the book portrays Alcott -- in the form of Jo -- "scribbling" down the book itself, and getting it published because it feels so real and true.

Sure, usually classics are hard to read. But "Little Women" is mainly daunting because of its length; the actual stories flow nicely and smoothly. Don't think it's just a book for teenage girls, either -- adults and boys can appreciate it as well. There's something for everyone: drama, romance, humor, sad and happy endings alike.

Alcott's writing itself is nicely detailed. While certain items are no longer in common use (what IS a charabanc anyway?), Alcott's stories themselves seem very fresh and could easily be seen in a modern home. And as nauseating as "heartwarming" stories sometimes are, these definitely qualify. Sometimes, especially in the beginning, Alcott is a bit too preachy and hamhanded. But her touch becomes defter as she writes on.

Jo is the quintessential tomboy, and the best character in the book: rough, gawky, fun-loving, impulsive, with a love of literature and a mouth that is slightly too big. Meg's love of luxury adds a flaw to the "perfect little homemaker" image, and Beth just avoids being shown as too saintly. Amy is an annoying little brat throughout much of the first half of the book, but by her teens she's almost as good as Jo.

"Little Women" is one of those rare classic novels that is still relevant, funny, fresh and heartbreaking today. Louisa May Alcott's best-known novel is a magnificent achievement.

This book was good for a short read. It was not as good as the original little women. The book was about 4 sisters Joe, Meg, Beth, and Amy and what their life was like. If you are looking for a good short read this is one I would sugest.

This edition of LITTLE WOMEN is great! First of all, there's the wonderful story of the March family in the years during and after the Civil War, as the 4 daughters -- Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy -- grow to womanhood, experiencing joy and overcoming obstacles and tragedy. This edition stays true to the language and grammar used in the original. I have read versions of the novel in which the girls' grammar is cleaned up for them!

In addition, the introduction by Susan Cheever is first-rate; it is neither too long or too short, and she beautifully ties it to her own experience without being cloying.

Another reason why I so highly recommend this edition is because there is a glossary at the back to explain some of the obscure (to modern readers) terms and obsolete slang. Also, there's a nice essay/review by G.K. Chesterson, who warmly praises Alcott's book.

Read the tale of four sisters Meg, Jo, Beth, & Amy as they grow up together. Learn about their hardships as they face each problem thrown at them side by side. This is a wonderfull book and is beautifully writen. I teches someone a lot about the value of family, friends, and true love. This book is more than what others amount to and would reccomend this author to anyone.

Strong collection of plays all seem to contain heavy verbal exchanges, where truth,. lies and anger all converge to form a major epiphany, like the best drama always does. Memorable characters, sad and bitter both, in each piece. The Autumn Garden is the longest and probably the most playful, 4 others: the truest examples of Hellman's cutting, near brutal dialogue, Watch on the Rhine, the most emotional... Her works should be revived more often. They still pack a solid punch generations later.

At present, it seems the Lillian Hellman's life has eclipsed her career as a playwright. Her tumultuous affair with mystery writer Dashiell Hammett and her refusal to testify before the House Un-American Affairs Committee are widely-known. Her memoir of a humanitiarian errard during World War II (filmed as the movie "Julia") spawned a great debate on the trustworthiness of her memory.

Yet we hear much less about her plays, six of which are collected in this volume. Perhaps the best known are "The Little Foxes" (in which Tallulah Bankhead starred on Broadway, with Bette Davis taking over the lead in the 1941 movie) and "The Children's Hour" (made into a 1961 film starring Audrey Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine). "The Little Foxes" and its prequel "Another Part of the Forest" trace the financial intrigues and infighting of an Alabama family at the turn of the century. Their struggles reflect the social issues facing the post-bellum South; more importantly their scheming and bask-stabbing are great fun. "The Children's Hour" shocked audiences with its frank portrayal (for 1934) of allegations of lesbianism in a girls' boarding school. (In fact, the 1936 film of the play, "These Three" substituted a heterosexual scandal.) Yet Hellman's depiction of the effects of gossip (and what we would today term "homosexual panic') still has the ring of authenticity.

A new discovery for me was the play "Watch on the Rhine," first produced in 1941. The standard description of this play as a portrayal of the effects of fascism on an American family, though true enough, may give a false impression. It's not a preachy play, but almost a comedy of manners, pitting some quaint Europeans against a "normal" American family. Hellman's craft as a playwright is evident in the ways that comedy is broken up against the realities of the current political situation. "Days to Come" also shows the effect of a political crisis (in this case, a labor strike) on a well-to-do family; this play is perhaps less successful as a political work and more successful as a portrayal of a community in crisis and the dangers that come when outsiders are brought in to settle affairs.

I was charmingly surprised by "The Autumn Garden," a 1951 play set at Gulf Coast boarding house. As summer turns to autumn and the guests depart, characters are brought face to face with the illusions of the past and forced to see things as they are.

Though we cannot and should not forget the strong force of Hellman's personality, we perhaps owe her work a reconsideration. While her plays do not stand up as well as those of Tennessee Williams or Arthur Miller, they are "well-made plays" that can still offer insight and enjoyment.

I orginally bought this just to read "The Children's Hour"; however, I truly enjoyed reading all six plays. Hellman is able to pull the reader into the scene and even if the reader is not seeing a live performance he or she is able FEEL the energy.

"The Children's Hour" was quite shocking when it was first written. It takes place in a small boarding school run by two women. One of the students claims the teachers are lesbians and the town is immediately up in arms.

"Days to Come" revolves around a small community in which all the factory employees have gone on strick. The people bring in an union organizer and the owner brings in his men to cross the picket line and to settle the strike.

"The Little Foxes" and "Another Part of the Forest" are two plays that focus on a wealthy Southern family. Together they show how money can tear a family apart.

"Watch on the Rhine" involves an American family that takes in European refugees. However, with the rise of fascism and capture of one of its leaders, the family and refugees have to struggle with its effects.

It's unclear to me how such wonderful plays could have escaped my reading for this long.

A casual conversation led me to get this book in order to read the emotionally jarring "The Children's Hour." But that ended up only being the icing on the cake. Every one of the plays in this book display Hellman's mastery of dramatic form, story development, and the anti-climax.

She is direct and yet somehow understated. It's a wonder to me that her name is not mentioned more often in the context it deserves, as a great American playwright. I believe those who see her in the shadow of other playwrights should rethink their comparisons. Hellman stands on her own and deserves careful consideration. In any event, I think everone should read these plays and decide for themselves.

Of particular interest to me is the play "Days to Come." On the surface it tells the story of a small town dealing with the pressures of Organized Labor and Organized Crime. But there is a subtext of human turmoil that is executed expertly. The second act is particularly sharp, with great dialogue that challenges you to read between the lines. While the complexity and number of character might make this a tough production for a small independant playhouse, there is much in her writing to be admired.

I'm glad I took the opportunity to read what I believe to be gems in the rough. I hope more people will do the same.

The Smythe Sewn Faux Old Leather Wraps,Foiled, Unlined Journal was even better than I expected it to be, and it was very reasonably priced. I collect journals, because I am fairly obsessive about journaling, and I go through a journal usually every 4 to 6 weeks. I have spent more on journals that were not anywhere near this quality.

I woud recommend Journals from the Paperblanks Book Company to anyone who likes to journal. The really funny thing that that happened was that my fiance bought me two journals, from the Paperblanks company as well, and their quality is just as good. These journals are well worth their cost. They make you feel like writing important thoughts, quoting important writers, being philosophical.

If you love to journal as I do, do yourself a favor and buy one from the Paperblanks Book Company.

I love this journal first because of the high quality - it's outstanding. Second, this is a great size to put in a purse or small bag if you're writing outdoors. All of my books are written first in longhand and when I can, this is the line of journals that are my favorite.

This particular journal is unlined, has a great hard cover, a close clasp that clicks in place to keep the pages protected, along with a red ribbon book mark sewn in. The paper is superior quality, thick in a nice cream color. What's so great about the paper is that you can write on both sides of the sheet and not see the writing on the reverse side of the paper.

Keep in mind this is a smaller size journal. If you want a larger one, get it from this company here on Amazon. They have the best prices for these journals and the look of the journals is estate-like beautiful!

the book is well made, and is great as a journal or book to write thoughts in or something to that effect. the pages are of top quality, thick enough to not see pen through but thin enough so that it seems that quite a few pages fit for the size of book.

Purchased this to use as gift for wedding guests at a destination wedding in Europe. It looked beautiful online but is even better in person - excellent quality and feel and magnetic close is very nice touch! Highly recommend.

This was one of the few blank journals that I could find that wasn't pocket sized. I love the paper quality, hidden magnet fastener, and the distressed look for the cover. Definitely a great buy.

These "Super size" journals made by this company (Paper Blanks) are my absolute favorite for bringing through my books in longhand.

I ordered several of another "super Size" journal, as Amazon gives a great discount on these. Now, they are not available anymore. They do have them in book stores but for full list price. Amazon ALWAYS has the BEST prices for books anywhere - usually around 32% discount.

The magnetic close clasp clicks this journal in place, protecting the pages. I have many of these in different sizes. The "super size" gives the most for the $. If you notice they are "in stock" order them while you can. It seems that once they run out of stock they are no longer available.

The quality of the paper, the old world look, everything about this journal is fantastic. After using so many different types of writing journals, this line is my favorite. I believe you'll be as delighted with the quality as I am.

My husband is an artist. He must have a hundred sketch books. Each has a few sketches in them. He seems to love to collect sketchbooks and pens. They are all over the house and he is always getting a new one. Anyway, I got this one for him as a gift and he really likes it. Says the cover is good quality, and it does look pretty. He also commented that the paper is a good weight and smoothness for both pencil and ink sketching. So, I did well!

This is the first review I have written on anything, ever. But, as an artist, I am telling you that this is the best sketchbook you will ever find...I carry it around with me everywhere...the more distressed it gets, the better it looks. I also love the way it closes (it folds over with a slightly magnetic clasp that is not visible). That attention to detail is wonderful!

Outstanding Bible. Loaded with information to help people in various crisis situations. Very importantly, this Bible provides lots of scripture so that people in these situations can turn to several places in the Bible and see how God delivered those in similar situations. This Bible is also great for pastors, lay counselors, and others who desire to help people build a spiritual foundation as they address their life issues.

This Bible is a great asset to anyone in a counseling ministry. Articles about specific counseling issues such as raising children, divorce recovery, sexual abuse, guilt, eating disorders, and many more are included in the text. Even more numerous are the "soul notes" interspersed throughout the text. These notes explain how certain verses pertain to the counseling topics. Another outstanding feature of the Bible is the extensive index which enables the reader to locate the articles, soul notes and verses about a given topic. Definitely a wonderful version of the Bible.

This is a great bible for people seeking to know the Lord. Great referances and Bible interpitation sources. Very good for young believers as they develope a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Easy to read, understand, and quench the thirst for knowledge. I recommend this Bible highly as a source to the truth we find in knowing God's Word.

Covers a wide variety of topics which a lay counselor might encounter. Format is easy to follow and very effective at getting the point across. Great resource for anyone wanting to help people.

You need to keep writing. You have so much to offer. Everyone I have given your books to really talks about your talent all the time. You will never know how many lives you have changed here at St. Joseph's (John Knox Village) in Tampa, Florida.

I loved your raps, and do did my staff and my residents. I guarantee you there are over 50 people here who love your words!

You need to keep writing. You have so much to offer. Everyone I have given your books to really talks about your talent all the time. You will never know how many lives you have changed here at St. Joseph's (John Knox Village) in Tampa, Florida.

I loved your raps, and do did my staff and my residents. I guarantee you there are over 50 people here who love your words!

I read your book and it took my breath away. I really like your style of writing. Are you planning to publish more of your work?

an inquiring mind wants to know...

Reading Ms Yohe's book was one of the most refreshing experiences I've had in a long time. As a young African-American woman, I was touched by her honest spirit and the depth of the message displayed in her work. I anticipate she will reach a sector of people with her diverse approach and her natural freeness of expression. I would love to hear and see more of her work exhibited. She is just what this generation of youth (and adults, as well) need to relay some of today's messages.

KUDOS to her!