J Landau

Thought Provoking and Intensely Human

Revisado: 09-23-19

There There takes the reader into a world unseen to most across the nation: A nation within a nation, native peoples in an urban contemporary land. Other reviewers comment on the number of characters and storylines being hard to track; others speak of the power of all the stories as they weave together. Both are true. For anyone with knowledge of Oakland, CA and its streets and neighborhoods, the setting is alive and terribly real. But the setting is translatable to any American big city. The grace and tragedy of humans, especially those within the Native American community, dominates this novel. The multiple identities of those of indigenous heritage is thought-provoking, like the many facets of a prism. It may not be literally perfection, and some characters better developed than others, and a bit too interwoven in plot and life lines -- but the message is worthy of any reader/listeners time and attention.

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Remarkable Life, Insights into Today

Revisado: 04-05-19

Well written and narrated. Through Douglass's life, the author illuminates American culture and politics that lead to the Civil War and shape the lives of Black Americans since. This is a remarkable life story, and learning of all that Douglass did and faced has left me with fresh insights into the current headlines, be it Black Lives Matter or white supremacists. The documentation is superb. Douglass is shown as both a man with weaknesses as well as strengths as well as a man who was larger than life.

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Darkover Culture & Influence of 1980's values

Revisado: 07-14-18

Thendra House differs from many of the Darkover novels with its focus on the Renunciates - a woman-defined community within the larger patriarchial Darkover society. Though not a series in the usual sense, Threndra House does move the overall story of Darkover along, deepening a sense of the culture. Good character development, engaging plot line, a believable world (except for the degree of Terran sexism mentioned below). A must for someone wanting to fully embrace the Darkover collection, and a good book to first read, as it defines many of the key things that make Darkover distinct as a world and culture.

Reencountering Thendra House decades after first reading it, I am struck by the way in which social / political values of progressive America circa 1980's are being worked out through this novel: gender roles, sexual identity, reassertion of matriarchy, in addition to the usual themes of imperialism vs local control. While these themes at some level are timeless, how they are played out in Thendra House feels a little dated. The 1950's mentality of one of the main characters, Peter, is a bit over the top, especially as he is someone who was raised on Darkover (though Terran). The insistence of the Terrans to call a woman not only Mrs. but the classic Mrs. Husband's First and Last Name gets not only tiring but unbelievable given the futuristic technology/society of Terra. But then, I have aged with these issues as well :-) and perhaps what seemed astute, ground breaking when the novel was written now feels trite and overdone due to my own years in the world! Perhaps the usefulness of Thendra House as social commentary is as a lens into American society not too long ago.

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esto le resultó útil a 3 personas

A meditative listen

Revisado: 03-25-15

I listened to this in chunks rather than straight through, as it was a book to reflect on and also one that I could pick up without feeling the loss of a driving plot. I enjoyed the descriptions of the land, as well as the soft humor of personalities and situations. It awakened memories of hiking and backpacking, and I was pleased to have that without the accompanying buzz of mosquitos. It is not an action book, nor a guide for those intending to do such a hike, though the refections involved would be a good prep.

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Entertaining and Educational

Revisado: 03-13-14

Kept my interest...listened to it over several weeks as I often do with the Great Courses. Author anchors analysis and observations in previously mentioned facts, which laces the lectures together and keeps one in the flow of the content. What emerges overall is a rich tapestry of social life through the ages. Not many surprises for one well versed in history, but keeping the focus to the "other side of history" makes a compelling story, worldview.

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The Grand Heyer

Revisado: 03-13-14

As longtime softee for Heyer, I enjoyed this quite a bit. The usual mix of lively heroine at cross purposes with the emerging suitor, this is among the best of the genre and Heyer's works.

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totally silly....and that is a plus!

Revisado: 03-13-14

Just plain fun, this story takes you on an updated ride through ancient quests. The notion that beasts mythical in our normal world are just regular folks pokes good fun at "diversity" in gender, racial and ethnic politics. The gratuitous fighting is not so violent and the moral to "be yourself" is not too heavy-handed. A fun listen.

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esto le resultó útil a 2 personas

Good mix of humor and action

Revisado: 03-13-14

Having read/listened to each of the earlier books of the series, this one continues to develop the key characters as well as give a fresh adventure. I enjoy that the Dept. Q stories are of a place and society other than the US, London, Paris -- often the locations of American novels. Good twists of plot and story, fun characters.

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Enjoyable, light yet with character

Revisado: 03-13-14

As with this entire series, this book plays with a folktale. Part of the fun is to see how the author unfolds the predictable parts in a unique or clever way. Easy to listen to, good for a younger audience if you share your books with family and want to steer away from hot romance and vivid violence.

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esto le resultó útil a 5 personas

thoughtful bursts of story

Revisado: 03-13-14

This is one I have listened to one story at a time. Each takes me into the the alternative world through a different lens, complete in its own framing and development. A thoughtful book which is a counterpoint to action-oriented fantasy/science fiction.

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