Product Description
The Boatwrights just won 318 million dollars in the GeorgiaState lottery. It's going to be the worst day of their lives.

When Shaw McBride and Romeo Zderko pull up at a convenience store off I-95 in Georgia, their only thought is to fix a leaky tire and be on their way again to Florida-away from their dull Ohio tech-support jobs. But this happens to be the store from which a 318,000,000 million dollar Jackpot ticket has just been sold -- and when a pretty clerk accidentally reveals to Shaw the identity of the winning family, he hatches a ferociously audacious scheme: He and Romeo will squeeze the family for half their prize.

That night, he visits the Boatwright home and takes the family hostage, while Romeo patrols the streets nearby, prepared to murder the Boatwrights' loved ones at any sign of resistance. At first, the family offers none. But Shaw's plot depends on maintaining constant fear-merciless, unfaltering terror-and soon, under the pressure, everyone's sanity begins to unravel . . .

At once frightening, comic, and suspenseful, RAVENS is a wholly original and utterly compelling novel from one of our most talented writers. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (54)

Gambling in Georgia
Back when I used to travel extensively, I developed the knack for selecting books that would last me through the trip. George Dawes Green's Ravens (Grand Central Publishing; 2010), is good for a very short trip. Short flight down, an overnight with just an hour or so in your hotel, short flight back. Not only is it a quick read, but it's best for that trip when you have a lot to do--and just need a lightweight story. Fun, but not a lot of required attention.

An entertaining premise: Win the lottery--and it's all downhill from there. But you'll be asked to suspend your disbelief a bit more than what should be customary. Two grifters take a Georgia family hostage until they can swindle half of the jackpot. Plausible, right? What's implausible is Green's version of such a story. The scheme is overreaching for two losers, who happen to be passing through, stopping at a convenience store. They're suddenly competent enough to run wire taps, hack into computers, trick the police and national media, and spend quality time with their victims, fishing, playing cards, and winning over some of their hearts. The opportunities for escape and resolution are impossible to ignore. And even if you accept this barrage of improbabilities, the timeframe is simply ludicrous: seven days.

Ok, so I've decimated the plotline. Unlikely constructions bother me, especially when too many improbabilities stack up. It's still a fun read. Interesting characters. Buy it for that reason. Odds are, 1 in 195,249,054 of you will consider it a classic.

-Tom Field

Good dialogue, lame plot
George Dawes Green needs to go back the basics of novel writing. He's got dialogue down very well, and even the writing is superb, but in a so-called thriller the one thing you cannot, cannot do, is have the protagonists be so stupid that the reader doesn't care whether they live or die. In this case, there was an obvious, "hit you right between the eyes" solution to all their problems, but they didn't see it. So, DIE people; raise the IQ of the world a tiny bit. Okay then, back to the author. He's got months to think about this novel. He (should) be able to see an easy way for the good guys to defeat the bad guys early on. I can imagine him doing so, and I can also imagine him thinking, "Gee, I'm off to a terrific start here, but if I have the good guys do something quick and easy that saves them, then there's no story; this thing isn't even a decent novelette. So ... maybe my readers aren't that sharp; maybe they won't notice, so I'll just ignore this obvious way for my protagonists to get out of this jam so I can continue to write this as a novel." But, as a writer, I know that sort of thinking leaves an uneasy, hollow feeling in one's gut. You just can't do it. You've got to make the bad guys smart enough that there's no easy way for the good guys to beat them. If you don't do that, then what you've got is fluff, nonsense, pointless, disappointing reading, even if the dialogue is terrific.

But then ... the truth is that the protagonists are a bunch of high-functioning idiots, so the fact that they can't figure out how to get out of this mess is actually in character for them. It's just hard to care about a nest of dimwits, that's all.

Anyway, functioning somewhat higher (most days) than a dimwit myself, I could have brought the book to a thundering conclusion on page 69. 70 at the latest. So, George, think. What could Tara have done to do that, huh?

If you've read this far, then (in all fairness to George D. Green) you should read "The Caveman's Valentine," which is one of the most interesting novels I've read in the last twenty years.

Good Start, Bad Ending
Ravens kept me turning pages and then spoiled it with the incredibly lame ending.

*SPOILER ALERT*

The thing that bothered me the most about the ending is Burris offering to help Romeo kill himself by telling him to go for the gun on the floor so he could riddle him with 4 bullets. WHAT?!?!

By now it's clear he is an average cop at best but do you mean to tell me he's going to kill Romeo in cold blood in front of two witnesses? Why would he do that? One of those witnesses was the woman who he's loved for 40 years who doesn't even know at this point that Shaw and Romeo were bad guys. Gimme a break. Romeo posed no danger at this point, plus now that Shaw is dead he would be the number one witness besides the family to back up Burris' case and save him from getting fired.

I couldn't see Tara shooting Shaw either.

My ending would have went something like this:

Tara points the gun at Shaw but doesn't have the nerve to pull the trigger. Shaw, enraged that she would even consider it, attacks her and smacks her around in a fit of rage. Nell rushes to save Tara, Shaw struggles with Nell, and shoots her in the arm or something just as Burris busts in. He sees Shaw shoot the woman he loves, Shaw points his gun at Burris, and Burris fills him full of lead.

Romeo begs Burris to shoot him too, but since he poses no threat, Burris cuffs and arrests him just as more cops swarm to the house. Nell sees Burris as a hero and maybe falls for him at this point, who knows. He gets promoted to Sergeant, the family get's all the dough, Tara doesn't have to kill anybody etc.

Actually, now that I think about it I'm sick of the standard ending of movies and books where the bad guys always have to die at the end. It's such a cop out. I don't think either of these two clowns did anything bad enough to warrant a death sentence. Throughout the book I never got to the point where I couldn't wait for them to get their asses kicked or killed. I think it would have suited the story better to have them both go to jail instead of get killed.


One more thing that bugged me about the entire book was the way all the characters? They talked in questions? Most of them did that? For one character that would be ok because I suppose some people talk like that but not everybody!

Ho hum
I liked the concept of the story line but it didn't quite deliver the suspense and excitment I hoped.It was just ok, kind of dragged in places.I was only going to give it 2 stars but I think the ending was not completely predictable so I gave it a little more credit there.

whaaaaaaaat??
This book started out quite promising. It was hard to put down and really a good story, initially. Then the last 3/4 or so just kind of dragged and wandered. I ended up asking myself on numerous occasions: "wait, which one is Shaw (or Romeo) again?" I live in GA so I could appreciate some of the geographical references, but this book ultimately ended up to be rather disappointing, in my opinion. ... Read more

Product Description
This is an EXACT reproduction of a book published before 1923. This IS NOT an OCR'd book with strange characters, introduced typographical errors, and jumbled words.This book may have occasional imperfections such as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed works worldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Amazing
After reading Ravens, http://www.amazon.com/Ravens-George-Dawes-Green/dp/0446538973/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279287512&sr=1-3 , by the same other, I knew I had to scoop up everything he had written.

George Dawes Green is an extremely talented writer, Ive never read anything quite like his books.He literally keeps you on your toes and when you think you have everything figured out, he flips the world upside down!I love all of his books and I most definitely recommend them!In fact I came onto amazon.com to purchase more copies as Christmas gifts last year and everyone recipient loved the books!

WHAT'S THE SCORES GEORGE DAWES?
A real page turner, but too contrived.

The "teacher" is a mafia hit man who proves to be invulnerable and invincible. In fact this aspect becomes very tiresome as no matter what ploy is set against him, the teacher manages to win. Of course we know that he's going to get his in the end, but it is a long time coming. By the time it happens I had lost a bit of interest.

Nevertheless this is a well written and thought provoking book. It's not great literature, so don't expect any intricate and dazzling sentence constuction or imagery; it's a little plain in it's writing. But if crime and thrill is your game then you wont be disapointed.

This was a very good first book for the author, but I am sure he can improve on his writing style.

Good reprise
The Juror by George Dawes Green was originally released from The Hachette Book Group in '95, but has been re released this year. (It was also made into a movie in '96 with Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin)

Annie Laird is a struggling single mother. When she is called to jury duty, she accepts, determined to do her civic duty. She is approached by a man known only as The Teacher, who insists that she 'sway' the jurors to a not guilty verdict. Her inspiration? Her son and friends will remain unscathed. Fail and......

Suddenly her civic duty has become a matter of life and death. Annie isn't quite the pushover The Teacher thought she was though....

I listened to this abridged version in audio format. It was read by Lolita Davidovich and John Heard. Davidovich's voice perfectly portrays a young innocent woman. It belies the steel that exists within Annie. John Heard's carefully modulated even tones are in direct contrast with the threats he delivers, making them all the more menacing.

An excellent taut thriller, pitting two unlikely adversaries against each other. I must say as a personal preference, I do prefer unabridged audio. There is no lack of continuity with the abridged, but I always feel like I've missed something.

Fantastic
This is one of the best books I have ever read, and I read all the time.It keeps one riveted to the story right to the last word.I was actually trembling when I finished it, I was so engrossed.It is a wonderful, fabulous book without peer.I highly recommend it.I was delighted to see that there was a movie of this story, and I immediately ordered it from Amazon.I haven't watched it yet, but found that the casting was very close to the characters that I pictured as I read the book.You will never regret buying this book.It is fabulous, fantastic, riveting, and exciting.

Gripping legal thriller
Synopsis:

Single mother, struggling sculptor, and newly selected juror Annie Laird doesn't realize her danger when she agrees to participate in the murder trial of mob boss Louie Buffano. This changes quickly enough when Annie meets "the Teacher," a handsome, dangerous and volatile member of Buffano's familia. The Teacher makes it immediately apparent that if she agrees to cooperate, he can help make her career. If she refuses to do so, her life and that of her son may be forfeit. The tension rises as Annie struggles to find a way to save her family without giving in to the Teacher's increasing demands.

Review:

If the plot sounds vaguely familiar, you may have watched the 1996 movie version with Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin. The audiobook is equally fast paced and absorbing without the strength of Alec Baldwin's portrayal of the Teacher and the weaknesses of Demi Moore's Annie Laird. Overall, The Juror is action packed, suspenseful and highly entertaining. ... Read more

Product Description
Romulus Ledbetter wasnt always homeless. He once was a devoted husband, father, and Juilliard-trained musician with a bright future. He now lives in a cave in New York City, waging a strenuous one-man fight against an evil and imaginary power broker responsible for societys ills. The Cavemans Valentine is a remarkable novel form one of the freshest voices in literature. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (30)

Interesting and funny!
I enjoyed this novel from beginng to end. Although the main character has reality problems and mental illness, he slugs through delusions to find an answer to questions that baffle the police and other zanies. It is fun to read, but I would caution anyone who is a professional in Psychiatry or therapy ddto find the link to reality.
SO I guess that leaves the rest of us!The interested readers to figure out if it is a good read!I recommend this book.

Fantastic!
After reading Ravens, http://www.amazon.com/Ravens-George-Dawes-Green/dp/0446538973/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1279287512&sr=1-3 , by the same other, I knew I had to scoop up everything he had written.

George Dawes Green is an extremely talented writer, Ive never read anything quite like his books.He literally keeps you on your toes and when you think you have everything figured out, he flips the world upside down!I love all of his books and I most definitely recommend them!In fact I came onto amazon.com to purchase more copies as Christmas gifts last year and everyone recipient loved the books!

An extraordinarily original protagonist, a fascinating murder mystery and a well written narrative make for a 5 star read!
Romulus Ledbetter is one of the most usual protagonists that I have met in a long while. And I found myself not only intrigued by his complex character but liking him very much.

Rom used to be a brilliant piano student at the Julliard School of Music. He was a wonder on the keyboard and his compositions were extraordinary, according to his peers, professors and other musicians. When his girlfriend, Sheila, got pregnant, he married her and quit school to get a job that paid enough to support his new family. Then he began to manifest unusual behavior, which grew increasingly worse.

He stopped making music, left his beloved daughter and wife, and moved into a cave. That was years ago. Doctors diagnosed him as a "well compensated" paranoid, with, perhaps, some schizophrenic overtones. He is deemed "well compensated" because, although he lives in a shallow cave in New York City's Inwood Park, he is able to take care of himself. He grows his own food during the warmer months and scavenges during the winter. Of course, it helps that his daughter Lulu, a NYPD cop, keeps an eye on him. And, when he is not having "fits," his logic is just fine and his high IQ shines through. He is called "The Caveman" by all who know him or know of him.

Hallucinations, visions of his ex-wife, Sheila, looking as young as she did when they were first married, keep appearing before his eyes. She scolds him and dispenses advice as needed. Lulu visits him, in reality - not another figment of his imagination - and loves her father, who is still as kind and loving to her as he was when she was a little girl.

Rom is convinced that a man by the name of Cornelus Gould Stuyvesant controls the world with Y-rays from the top of the Chrysler Building. He believes that he was brought to Stuyvesant's attention because he is a "free" man! And this curdles Stuyvesant's blood! A "free man busting through to his own divinity, right?" "Ghetto kid making it at Julliard. Making a name for himself? Young composer? Hot, jumping? Getting his notes straight from God." He also believes that his mind is inhabited by moth-like angels.

On an especially cold night on February 14, Rom hears the sound of footsteps outside his cave. Swaddled in various coats and blankets, he leaves his shelter and finds a frozen body. He knows that this is not just another homeless man who froze to death. The person who made the sound of footsteps probably left the body at his front door, he deduces. The frozen corpse couldn't have walked there.

The dead man is handsome, and well-dressed, without a mark on his body, according to the medical examiner. His wallet ID reveals his name, Andrew Scott Gates, an unemployed model. Rom insists that he saw a man in a fancy white coat driving a fancy white car leaving the "crime scene." Rom is determined to find the murderer, even though the police, who ignore his ramblings, determine that the death was caused by accidental hypothermia. But, Romulus found Gates and his sense of justice and responsibility kicks in. Of course, he is convinced that Stuyvesant, or one of his minions, is the killer.

Rom is forced to reconnect with society because of his
investigation. He leaves the narrow confines of his cave and journeys into the wider world, trying to keep his fits at bay. A homeless ex-lover of Scott's tells him that the murder was perpetrated by the famous avant-garde photographer, David Leppenraub. Leppenraub, according to rumor, is into drugs and sadomasochistic behavior. Apparently, Scott was the model Leppenraub used in most of his bizarre photographs. Rom hooks up with a former fellow student and musician who knows Leppenraub, and manages to wangle an invitation to one of the photographer's parties with the understanding that he will play for his supper, so to speak. Of course, he hasn't touched a piano in years.

As the story unfolds, the reader is caught up in a tale of deception, violence, mystery and a man's struggle against his madness.

One of the most fascinating aspects of the novel is viewing the world through Romulus' sometimes deranged, sometimes almost normal mind. The extremely well written narrative is quirky and occasionally humorous. And the characters, especially the protagonist's, are very well developed. I really liked this most original novel and highly recommend it.
Jana Perskie

Ravens
The Juror

The most loveable caveman you'll ever encounter!
This was definitely one of the best books I've read in a very long time. I don't even particularly like thrillers, or mysteries, or whatever this was, but that's the thing: this book can't be put into one specific category because there is so much to it! Of course there's the suspense aspect as Romulus Ledbetter is trying to solve the murder case. Yet there's the poignancy of a man trying to survive the dangers of life on the street, not least of which is the invasive tyrant, Stuyvesant, who exists only within his mind. Blanketing it all is a sweet humor--never derisive or condemning--and I chuckled along with the narrator at Rom's antics.

Just as there are separate layers of genre, there are layers of reality within the story. Can we really trust what is revealed to the reader in this quirky third-person omniscient narrative? After all, isn't the protagonist a nut job? He may in fact be crazy, but he is one of the most loveable characters I've ever met. George Dawes Green's stylistic choices may be what set the story apart for me, besides the intricate plot details and exciting pace and setting. It isn't every day that the reader gets to delve into the minds of very minor characters--even the potential criminal's canine!--to come away with a well-rounded, fully explored story.

I instantly bought another copy of the book, since I'm sure I'll be reading this one again. My own well-loved copy has already been passed into the hands of another reader waiting to meet Rom, the loveable caveman.

A Mystery Solved by a Musical Genius Who is Mentally Ill
This is a unique mystery and page-turner.It is also a great read.The protagonist,
Romulus Ledbetter, likely has paranoid delusional disorder, a mental illness similar
to schizophrenia.He lives in a cave in Inwood Park, New York.In the past he was
considered a genius musician.He dropped out of the Julliard School of Music in
order to flee the perceived x-rays, z-rays, and 'Stuyvesant', all products of his de-
lusional disorder.

This protagonist is the solver of a murder, interpreter of a reality that beats to a
singular tune residing only in his head.Romulus Ledbetter makes for a book that
is well worth the read.The story is told from his perspective a provides respect for
and understanding of mental illness. ... Read more

Product Description
The messages contained in this handbook are intended to lift mankind from the entrapment of the victim consciousness that keeps the level of experience ensnared in fear and frustration. Humanity was intended to live, not in luxury, but in abundance. The information found in this book will lead all that read and reread with an open mind to the discovery of the truth of who and what they truly are. The end of the search for these answers is provided at last in clarity and conciseness. There are no recriminations or feelings of guilt to be gleaned from these pages. There is clarity and upliftment in each segment. It is the intent and purpose of this small book to encourage every reader to live in accordance with the plainly disclosed simple laws that underlay all that each comprehends as life. Each segment leads to greater understanding and to a simple application that encompasses them in entirety in a few words that guarantee absolute change in your day to day experience. You have only to think or speak to them with diligence and sincerity at every appropriate opportunity. To become is your purpose and your heritage. ... Read more

Product Description
Eight original solos with piano accompaniment by the master of xylophone ragtime music. Includes information on style, performance practices, and a discography of Green's music. ... Read more

Product Description
Having trumped Rommel in North Africa, played a reluctant supporting role to Montgomery in Italy, and fought across France after D-Day, General George S. Patton and his Third Army ran up against a desperate German counter-offensive at the Battle of the Bulge in the bitter cold of December 1944. From the panzer attacks in the Belgian forests to the Third Army's determined drive to the Rhine, the authors explain each facet of the critical battle in detail, while explicating the strategies, opinions, and thoughts of the mercurial military genius. The text is supported with a wealth of photography from before, during and after the battle, much of it previously unpublished. An excellent resource for Patton buffs and neophyte military historians alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Bastogne
What a wonderful presentation of what the men and officers endured at Bastogne. Having just completed a trip to the site, the story reminds me of the courage, sacrifice and commitment that was given by all in December 1945.
George Patton Waters

Very Good
This book does an ecellent job telling the story of the role of George Patton's Third U.S. Army in the Battle of the Bulge, the largest battle the United States ever took part in. Not only is it very detailed for a somewhat small book, it also covers the German plan of attack and operation very well despite the subject being primarily the reaction of the Third army. A very good work by a notable historian.Recommended to anyone studying the Battle of the Bulge and the Ardennes counter offensive.

Book Review
Michael Green�s �George Patton and the Battle of the Bulge� is one creative piece that explains the details of the Battle of the Bulge.Michael Green has been one of the most profound authors on military issues and World War II related books.The book provided in depth information on what Patton and his third army did when the Germans launched a desperate counter-offensive called �Wacht am Rhein�, translated to be Watch the Rhine where the Nazi defenders charged through the Ardennes.Combat maps, quotes from the soldiers, Patton himself and even from accounts of German soldiers gave highlight to strength and weaknesses of both sides of the war.Real photographs and comments from soldiers interviewed at the time, including the American third army, the German Volksgrenadier divisions making Michael Green�s �George Patton and the Battle of the Bulge� a great book for me to read.
Micheal Green is technically one of the most best authors on Patton and World War II related material, with his array of books already published like Patton's Tank Drive: D-Day to Victory and Patton: Operation Cobra and Beyond.All those experience gained from writing these previous books about Patton helped to make �George Patton and the Battle of the Bulge� better and more comprehensive.Michael�s Wife, Gladys also contributed to his works as his co-author and assistant. As we all know, two brains is always better than one.
�George Patton and the Battle of the Bulge� is one meticulously crafted book with details to many fine elements of the war many books overlooked.One hundred sixty pages in font 10 San Serif and pictures describing the war that even tells what weapons the soldiers depicted are using.
�The most important favor that influenced Hitler�s decision to attack the Ardennes was the Allied advance across France to the German boarder, between August and September 1944. Hitler Considered this a more pressing danger to Germany than the Soviet advance in the east.The American crew of a .30-calibre (air cooled) machine gun, fires at German positions somewhere in France. National Archives�
Details like this make this book an easy reading for the short time that I am pressed.
The book is divided into 4 large chapters/sections, Opening moves, The German attack and American reaction, The road to Bastogne, Clearing the Bastogne area.This concept of simplicity helps the reader to be not confused with useless details that ruin many great books and chapter titles with known settings (i.e. The road to Bastogne) help the reader to feel easy with what they already knew.A great book about the war has always been awarded for its simplicity and this one is no other.The first chapter, Opening moves starts out like this:
�Many historians and writers have suspected that the idea for the German Ardennes counteroffensive of December 16, 1944. (Know to Americans as the Battle of the Bulge) was first conceived in Adolf Hitler�s mind sometime during the last two weeks of July 1944.�
Simplicity and word choice made the book a breeze and without much pain to read.Its like one of the shows from the History channel, the book gives its information in descriptive narratives.�Despite this lack of confidence, Hitler still retained the respect and admiration of the Army�s rank and file in late 1944 till the end of the war.�This kind of writing in my opinion is much easier to read than writing with much high frequency words and have to dig through the dictionary to fully understand what the book is about.
Overall reading this book is a success and I enjoyed reading this book very much.Now I have purchased this book and that is one of the signs of my approval of its�1337ness�.Counted over 190 pictures to help out my reading and that averages out more than one picture per page. Almost a picture book and still provide enough information for me to take the information from the text and process it with efficiency.This book should definitely be published in hardcover and should be a collector�s must have for Patton enthusiasts.

Superbly written, like always!
Michael Green is hands-down the best author I have ever read on this subject. With his array of military books, I just can't seem to get enough of his well-informed and enlightening books. The pictures in this particular book are just astonishing and greatly complement the articulate and intelligent text. Green has once again taken my breath away with this book! I recommend it highly, as I do all of his books. My wife and I both know that they are at the top of my shelf! ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (2)

4 1/2George and Martha (Slight Return)
Please Note: These two stories originally appeared in "George and Martha: Rise and Shine," (1972, 48 pages, 8.6 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches) a collection of five stories that costs about 33 cents more at Amazon.com.There's also "George and Martha: The Complete Stories of Two Best Friends Collector's Edition" (368 pages, 9.4 x 8.3 x 1.5 inches). This contains all 35 George and Martha stories, and costs about $3.15 more. Absent some compelling reason, I'd advise getting one of the larger books. The decision to sell this at almost the same price as the 5-story collection prompted me to deduct one point from my rating of the book.)


The George and Martha series is one of my favorites.For all their simplicity, they're wise stories of friendship, and how one keeps friendship both because of--and despite--individual differences.

The lead figures are two large, cute hippopotami; so strongly bound in friendship that, paradoxically, they don't always say or do the right thing. For example, in Story #1, the famous "Split Pea Soup." The apron-clad Martha cooks a big pot of the stuff on the stove. A framed "Soup's On" picture decorates the wall:

"Martha was very fond of making split pea soup. Sometimes she made it all day long. Pots and pots of split pea soup."[Turn the page]
"If there was one thing George was not fond of, it was split pea soup."

This is wonderful wry/dry humor, but shows a common problem: One friend doesn't want to hurt another's feelings.However, instead of talking about it, George decides to hide his discontent, as he "carefully poured the rest of his soup into his loafers under the table." "'Now she will think I have eaten it," he mistakenly reasons.Wrong! Martha was watching from the kitchen, and without missing a beat, she asks George, "How do you exoect to walk home with your loafers full of split pea soup?"(his should elicit lots of laughter from your young audience!) The honest exchange that follows is both funny and productive, as the two friends' honesty opens the door to a happy resolution.

The next story (only 6 pages long), concerns George's attempt at ballooning so that he can become "the first of my species to fly!"Nothing that George's weight may be keeping the balloon grounded, Martha suggests that George step out. When he does, however, the balloon flies away. George is mildly distraught, but Martha reassures him, "I would rather have you down here with me."

These two stories have their own kind of levity, humorous, wry, and unburdened with heavy moral intonations. Yet, for all their whimsy, they're beautiful and warm, conveying much of the essence of friendship.

not like the original version
This book gets three stars but only because the two stories it contains are so good. The older version of "George & Martha" contains FIVE stories, not two. I checked this out of the library and was so disappointed! George and Martha stories are great -- short but not babyish. There are not a lot of words but they are _interesting_ words. The plots are simple enough for my 3-y old to understand but most of the stories have a little twist which makes them great for older kids too. But buy the complete stories or the original version of "George & Martha", don't waste your money buying two little stories at a time. ... Read more

Product Description
This novel lays bare the seductive and crippling presence of patriarchal authority in Scottish culture at large, symbolized by the terrible struggle between old John Gourlay and the weak but imaginative son who will eventually kill him. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Choppy
This book has an interesting story, and I really wanted to see this guy get his due.The writing style was so choppy with no real flow I wasn't able to finish the book. If you can handle the choppy style and 3rd person narrative I think this could be a very rewarding read.

The house with the green shutters
The novel is a bleak and uncompromising look at a great man in a small town. Very well writtten.

The Pride and the Tragedy
What is tragedy and how does it work? These are questions you will understand better after reading this book. Set sometime in the second half of the 19th century, the story concerns the fortunes of the Gourlay family in the small Scottish town of Barbie. John Gourlay, a big, domineering, but intellectualy challenged man dominates the local economy and has a monopoly of the carrying trade. He is harsh and powerful, of bull-like stature, and famous for his glower. On a brae overlooking Barbie he has built the House wIth the Green Shutters. This house is both the symbol of his dominance and an object of hatred and envy to the townsfolk.

Aristotle defined tragedy as a story depicting the downfall of a great man. At first it is hard to see this stupid, cruel, and grasping merchant as a great man, but The House With the Green Shutters will also improve your notions of what greatness is. John Gourlay is great because there is no fear or compromise in him. Although he may wish to be well thought of by the small-minded, two-faced gossips of the town, he is not prepared to go one inch out of his way for them, scorning even the banal pleasantries of small talk or phatic communication. He wants only their respect not their love, and respect him they do even though they also hate him.

With all true tragedy the tragic element comes directly from the greatness. It is his greatness that destroys John Gourlay. His stubborn pride and unflinching courage are qualities more suited to some heroic age of battles and revolutions. They do not fit into the petty, hypocritical world of 19th century Scotland. In this unheroic world his heroic qualities can only work towards his downfall. The thought constantly in one's mind as you read this novel is, 'If only he were a lesser man . . .' His inability to compromise by lowering himself to the same level as his fellow citizens, works to his disadvantage. Unable to plot, maneuver, and dissemble, his little empire is soon undermined by the arrival in town of Wilson, a glib self-seeking nobody with no real passion, but a much abler businessman in tune with the times. Affable and manipulative, false and corrupt he starts to squeeze Gourlay out of one thing after another. This is ,in effect, the triumph of style over substance that so bedevils our modern age. Although grim, proud and dour, Gourlay is an honest man, inept at chicanery, and unable to bend to suit the occasion.

The House With the Green Shutters is a tragedy in the full classical Greek sense of the word; the preordained fall of a hero who doesn't fit into an unheroic world; a great bull sacrificed to appease the Gods for human hubris. It is even more poignant from the fact that its keynote of tragedy was reflected in the life of its young author who had the misfortune to die only one year after writing such a masterpiece.

No Home for Heroes
What is tragedy and how does it work? These are questions you will understand better after reading this book. Set sometime in the second half of the 19th century, the story concerns the fortunes of the Gourlay family in the small Scottish town of Barbie. John Gourlay, a big, domineering, but intellectualy challenged man dominates the local economy and has a monopoly of the carrying trade. He is harsh and powerful, of bull-like stature, and famous for his glower. On a brae overlooking Barbie he has built the House wIth the Green Shutters. This house is both the symbol of his dominance and an object of hatred and envy to the townsfolk.

Aristotle defined tragedy as a story depicting the downfall of a great man. At first it is hard to see this stupid, cruel, and grasping merchant as a great man, but The House With the Green Shutters will also improve your notions of what greatness is. John Gourlay is great because there is no fear or compromise in him. Although he may wish to be well thought of by the small-minded, two-faced gossips of the town, he is not prepared to go one inch out of his way for them, scorning even the banal pleasantries of small talk or phatic communication. He wants only their respect not their love, and respect him they do even though they also hate him.

With all true tragedy the tragic element comes directly from the greatness. It is his greatness that destroys John Gourlay. His stubborn pride and unflinching courage are qualities more suited to some heroic age of battles and revolutions. They do not fit into the petty, hypocritical world of 19th century Scotland. In this unheroic world his heroic qualities can only work towards his downfall. The thoughtconstantly in one's mind as you read this novel is, 'If only he were a lesser man . . .' His inability to compromise by lowering himself to the same level as his fellow citizens, works to his disadvantage. Unable to plot, maneuver, and dissemble, his little empire is soon undermined by the arrival in town of Wilson, a glib self-seeking nobody with no real passion, but a much abler businessman in tune with the times. Affable and manipulative, false and corrupt he starts to squeeze Gourlay out of one thing after another. This is ,in effect, the triumph of style over substance that so bedevils our modern age. Although grim, proud and dour, Gourlay is an honest man, inept at chicanery, and unable to bend to suit the occasion.

The House With the Green Shutters is a tragedy in the full classical Greek sense of the word; the preordained fall of a hero who doesn't fit into an unheroic world; a great bull sacrificed to appease the Gods for human hubris. It is even more poignant from the fact that its keynote of tragedy was reflected in the life of its young author who had the misfortune to die only one year after writing such a masterpiece.

Character studies of astounding realism.
In his story of the downfall of an arrogant and essentially stupid man, George Douglas Brown is relentlessly unsentimental.His portrait of life in a tiny Scottish town in the late 1800's leaves the reader with noillusions about the narrow-mindedness of the inhabitants.Bleak as theirexistence is, the novel is not depressing, but fascinating.While manyreaders will have trouble with the dialect of the speakers (the narrationis standard English), the effort required to "translate" is wellrewarded. ... Read more

Product Description
This is the tale of one man's journey from the heart of the Roman Empire to a distant, rough-hewn land where warriors delight equally in the sound of the sword and the song of the poet - a world where honour is more important than life itself. This is Ireland, two thousand years ago. This is a time for Heroes, a time of battle, boasting, drinking and telling stories, a golden age when myth and history meet and mingle. The court of King Conor throngs with Heroes, but it is the boy Cuchullain, an outsider whose birth is shrouded in mystery, who will grow to be Ireland's greatest warrior. As he becomes a man, under the guidance of the long-suffering, somewhat curmudgeonly Leary, his friend, confidant, charioteer and narrator of this tale, Cuchullain's exploits become the stuff of legend. But, as the armies of the vengeful Queen Maeve gather at the gates of Emain Macha, Cuchullain must face both his greatest challenge and his dark Destiny...Retold as never before, this is a thrilling, timeless tale of heroism and friendship, of love and betrayal, of war and poetry. This is the story of Cuchullain, the Hound of Ulster. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A Saga Retold
This is the author's first novel and if this one is anything to go by I hope he keeps them coming.

The book is about one of my favourite periods of history and is well researched and written.

This is story of a man's journey across Europe (no mean feat in those days), from the Roman Empire to Ireland. a land with fierce warriors, but if anything a culture more sophisticated than its counterpart England. A land of heroes, warriors and poets.

It is the story of a young boy, an outlander, whose birth is shrouded in mystery who grows up to be the greatest warrior of them all.

As he grows to manhood his deeds become the stuff of legend, but as armies gather against him, he must face his greatest challenge of all.

This is the tale of Cuchullain, the Hound of Ulster. ... Read more

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The most comprehensive method for keyboard percussion ever written. A complete course of 50 lessons including ragtime, improvising, blues and exercises for individual hand development. ... Read more

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As we confront the challenges of climate change, author James George calls us to wake up and stop our careless treatment of our planet before it s too late. At the same time, he shares his own practice towards waking up the practice of Presence, known to all spiritual paths, and simply and eloquently presented in this book.

From The Little Green Book on Awakening:
To become aware of the omnipresence of Consciousness may be the next great leap in human evolution and the foundation of the new paradigm in which both science and spirituality can find common ground. For consciousness is the field that connects not separates everything with everything, at all levels, and everything with the All, in one Wholeness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

The Little Green Book on Awakening; an invitation to live in the moment
Taking in my experience with the window open just an inch, the birds singing, 8.33" of fresh snow on the ground, breathing and being in life on earth,I am thinking back to Jim Georges' work, The Little Green Book on Awakening. What affects me about this book is the knowledge of Mr. Georges' long and heartfelt efforts to live his love and concern for the worlds which we human beings touch. Every page I find at least one reference to someone, a tool, or some way I might connect with to take my/our terrible situation on Earth to heart, to wish, to help, to do my part.

Quoting from Parabola Vol. XV, No. 3, Liberation, pp. 93 upper left regarding the Ten Oxherding Pictures,
"the ultimate stage of the search was neither the Void nor Nirvana, but the return of the enlightened seeker to the world of men.

I find Mr. George to be in this 'ultimate stage'. He is calling to me, to humanity, to take a step. Make it simple, or not, and do it now.

Exploring the nature of help
The Little Green Book on Awakening is quietly revolutionary.On the one hand it is an urgent, 11th-hour plea for the health of the earth.But more than this, is a call to spiritual awakening on both a personal and global scale.At its core is the possibility of hope, because it invites us to open our eyes and hearts to real help.

Jim George, now 91, is considered by many to be one of the world's most spiritually and politically cosmopolitan citizens.A former ambassador to India, Iran and Greece, he has known hundreds of key figures in the political, cultural and spiritual arenas of the past century.But his book is surprisingly modest.His essays range over such varied topics as the ecological crisis, off-planet cultures, the "Akashic field" of quantum physics, the evolutionary power of love, the call to conscience.Jim George himself has been a longtime student of the teachings of G.I.Gurdjieff, and worked with Mme. Jeanne de Salzmann, Gurdjieff's closest pupil.He also has a close connection to Tibetan Buddhism, having been instrumental in relocating Tibetan refugees to Canada from India in the early 1960s.It is clear that the breadth of his vision has emerged from a spiritual practice that is truly comprehensive.

Bringing together the political, ecological, scientific and spiritual worlds -- seeing their interrelation -- Jim George raises the radical possibility of many more people, especially in the West, opening to a spiritual dimension.This he feels could well alter the course of the earth.Many rich questions also arise around this.Is there an Intelligence reaching out to us, each and all, relative to every life situation?What is being offered (in addition to what is needed) in these dangerous times?Is our responsibility external, internal, or both, and what would this mean?Are we called, and to what?What could help individual and collective conscience to have an action?

Few people in the world could have written a book like this.From Jim George's long life and wide experience, he offers a vantage point that has influence in many quarters.Particularly moved, one hopes, will be those who have already devoted themselves to public service -- the anonymous Al Gores of the world -- and who may be seeking to inculcate a deeper spiritual practice into their lives.Jim George leaves us with the unusual sense that perhaps not all is lost for us, that spiritual and political/social power can meet, might even provide a critical mass of help at this moment in time.In his sensitive hands, we are invited toward the most natural thing in the world: to turn with love and intelligence toward each other and the earth itself.

An important book with a call to us all for awakening
Please read "The Little Green Book on Awakening", by James George former Canadian ambassador to India and experienced environmental healer. I've read it twice.Jim's message touches and provokes.It disturbs my comfort and complacency. He asks us to wake up to the fact that climate change is real and is one of the two most serious problems on Earth today. The other problem is that we humans are asleep, dreaming, not living consciously.Jim asks us to wake up now, inside, spiritually, to be present within the temple of the body and heart. For the sake of humanity and the health of each of us we need to experience the vibration of Spirit in which we "live and move and have our being."Then we may hear the call that enables us to participate in the healing of the Earth. Jim asserts we can wake up, and on a large enough scale to make a difference.He says,

"YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!YES WE CAN!" ... Read more

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An inspirational photo essay profiles the work of three diverse groups of ""Earth Keepers"" who reverse environmental destruction and struggle to restore the land to its natural purity. ... Read more

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The 18th century was a wealth of knowledge, exploration and rapidly growing technology and expanding record-keeping made possible by advances in the printing press. In its determination to preserve the century of revolution, Gale initiated a revolution of its own: digitization of epic proportions to preserve these invaluable works in the largest archive of its kind. Now for the first time these high-quality digital copies of original 18th century manuscripts are available in print, making them highly accessible to libraries, undergraduate students, and independent scholars.
Western literary study flows out of eighteenth-century works by Alexander Pope, Daniel Defoe, Henry Fielding, Frances Burney, Denis Diderot, Johann Gottfried Herder, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, and others. Experience the birth of the modern novel, or compare the development of language using dictionaries and grammar discourses.
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The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to insure edition identification:
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British Library

T077692

The epistle dedicatory signed: N. W.

London : printed for Samuel Ballard, 1706. [16],63,94-109,[1]p. : ill. ; 8° ... Read more