Books

Postcards from the Ledge: Collected Mountaineering Writings of Greg Child

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A MUST HAVE BOOK - RUN, DO NOT WALK, TO GET THIS!
Highly Enjoyable Collection
made me late for work
the best writer in mountaineering literature
Sent certified, insured, return receipt requested...

Postcards from the Ledge: Collected Mountaineering Writings of Greg Child
Greg Child , and Joe Simpson
Manufacturer: Mountaineers Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Similar Items:

Mixed Emotions: Mountaineering Writings of Greg Child
Thin Air: Encounters in the Himalayas
Feeding the Rat: A Climber's Life on the Edge
Escape Routes: Further Adventure Writings of David Roberts
Moments of Doubt: And Other Mountaineering Writings

ASIN: 0898865840

Book Description

Peeling back the layers to reveal the gritty truth about the elite climbing world is Greg Child's specialty. With clever wit, sharp observations, and insightful reflections Child's writing covers the full spectrum of the mountaineering experience.

Entertaining even to those who have never been above sea level, Child's stories tell of the disgusting daily habits of expedition members; a display of contrasting styles during a climb with Lynn Hill in Kyrgystan; controversies surrounding Tomo Cesen's alleged first ascent of Lhotse's south wall and Lydia Bradey's solo ascent of Everest; and early climbing days in Yosemite and Australia that helped build his career.

Customer Reviews:

A MUST HAVE BOOK - RUN, DO NOT WALK, TO GET THIS!.......2003-09-23

I just recently discovered Greg Child's books and must confess to now being completely addicted. After being in love with THE ASCENT OF RUM DOODLE, the classic [but ancient - i.e. 1950s] mountain humor classic, I thought there could be no rival. Thank God I was wrong and thanks to Greg's mum for whatever she did to contribute to his comic genes. Last week I took this book on a camping trip and each night by the fire would read aloud a few essays to my companions, who looked forward all day to the next hysterically humorous missives the evening campfire would bring from the funniest climber/writer in the world. It makes a person jealous to know that one person can be this fabulously talented, both as climber and writer. Damn, he's good! You will not be able to put this book down. PS Warning: this book often produces side effects of laughing out loud.

Highly Enjoyable Collection.......2001-03-27

This is a great book of short 'stories' about mountaineering that Child has edited from his articles published in magazines. Each of these stories is a well-written perspective on the art of climbing; they cover a wide range of his experiences ranging from sea-level (island cliffs in the Gulf of Tonkin) to the top of the world in the Himalayas. Each of the stories reflects to Child's own experiences over the last 10-20 years and the philosophy of climbing that he has developed in this time.

Many of these stories are written with a dry sense of humor (eg, the 10 rules of bivouacs) that reflect Child's personal experiences. Of course, this humor leavens the drama and tragedy that are described in several of the pieces. With the variety of stories that are included in this book, it is distinctly different from 'Thin Air' which covers three different Himalayan expeditions in depth. I'd recommend both highly; the difference in voice shows the range of perspective that Child can generate with his passion for this sport.

made me late for work.......2001-03-27

I spent most of last weekend reading this book and loving it. I was late for the bus today cause the first thing I did this morning was catch up where I left off. Funnier than hell, descriptive, intelligent, good stuff...

the best writer in mountaineering literature.......2000-07-06

I have a huge collection of mountainerring books...but none are as good as the books by Greg Child who no doubt writes with such humour and sensitivity that he can bring tears and laughter at the same time. It was a great pleasure reading this book and the other titles by him - 'Thin Air' and 'Mixed Emotions'. All these books are unputdownable and no doubt would be treasured possesions to all who loves to read mountaineering literature

Sent certified, insured, return receipt requested..........1998-11-24

Few mountaineers write with quite the prose of Greg Child. "Writer who climbs? Climber who writes?" he himself has mused and many have quoted. What he gives with his accounts of high places is an ever-clear explanation of the inherent dangers and pure exstacy of high-altitude mountaineering and big wall climbing, as easily comprehended by the armchair mountaineer as the Himalayan veteran. My collection of mountaineering literature is great, but most of the wealth therein lies between the pages of his books. Thanks, Greg. You've done it again. A future Himalayan veteran, -C.

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The Ledge: Poems
Michael Collier
Manufacturer: Mariner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

The Neighbor (Phoenix Poets Series)
Dark Wild Realm
Native Guard

ASIN: 0618219102

Amazon.com

The first poem in Michael Collier's fourth collection, The Ledge, suggests a difference between youthful readers and mature ones. The young read more quickly, as though they'll be asked to recount the plot highlights. Older readers relish the details, using literature to slide their own lives under the magnifying glass. "Argos" is an excellent prelude, which prepares us for The Ledge's roundabout insights and surprising truths.

Collier's poetry often addresses large-scale questions of faith--or at least questions that used to be large-scale and have now been deflated by ironic disbelief. Probably every century since the advent of Christianity has witnessed innumerable mock crucifixions, with girls pretending to hammer a boy onto a cross while he lolls his head "in that familiar / defeated way." In the past, the game might have provoked terror, or empathy, or at least awe at the sheer sinfulness of humans. In our era, however, the boy's penis stiffens comically, "like one of Satan's fingers":

I was dying a savior's death and yet
what my sisters called my "thing,"
struggled against extinction
as if its resurrection could not be held off
by this playful holy torture.

Using such sneaky, colloquial humor, Collier expertly discriminates between the rarefied thoughts we're supposed to have and the ones we actually have.

Elsewhere, Collier writes about the emotional burdens that fathers and sons are doomed to place on each other. In "The Hammer," an adult recalls losing his father's treasured hammer, and covering his tracks with a lie that has never fully vanished. "The Choice" finds a child struggling with a similar agony: is it better to dissemble or disappoint? Collier's voice in The Ledge is consistently that of one thoughtful, reasonable father talking to another--and maybe, some years from now, to the son who has finally become a father himself. --John Ponyicsanyi

Book Description

Michael Collier's much acclaimed fourth collection of poetry poises experience on the ledge between the everyday and the unknown. In THE LEDGE, the poems are narrative and colloquial, musical and crystalline, at once intimate and sharp-edged. The world is rendered beautifully mysterious as the poems slide into unexpected emotional territory. The artistry and directness of THE LEDGE confirm Collier's place among the most significant poets of his generation.

Average customer rating:

applause worthy
Pretty good reading here...
Fun New Series for Teens

Putting Boys on the Ledge
Stephie Davis
Manufacturer: Smooch
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0843953284

Customer Reviews:

applause worthy.......2005-07-01

Blueberry Waller is eager to start high school and get herself a boyfriend. She and her friends, Ali, Natalie, and Frances know all about how to keep their feelings and pride intact by "putting boys on the ledge", and keeping them guessing.Blue tries out for the school play, where she meets Heath. He is her dream boy, and she is thrilled when she is cast as his mother. Now she can see him everyday1 However, he's a senior, and she is a young, inexperienced freshmen. With the help of her friends, she catches Heath's eye. In anticipation, she panics because she doesn't know how to kiss. Enter Colin, her family's gardener and farm hand, who teaches her how to kiss in her barn. Who will Blue end up with: sweet Colin, who gave her her first kiss, or bad boy Heath, with his dicey reputation?

Pretty good reading here..........2004-02-02

No one wants to land on the sidewalk with their spleen splattered all over the street. That's the grim fate awaiting any girl who falls for a guy and then lets him break her heart, according to Blue's best friend's older sister. The trick is to put the guy on the ledge from which he will fall and let his spleen meet its grisly fate.

Neither Blue nor her friend has had the chance to be put or to put anyone on the ledge, but a high school musical will give her the chance. Blue finds herself reading lines opposite the perfect boy, and him smiling at her even. Unfortunately, she can't sing, so she's cast as Perfect Boy (aka Heath)'s mother. That does not keep him from asking her to dance and out on a date. The problem is, Blue has no idea how to date or kiss or anything. So, she has to ask for help in learning. Her choices are dim, either kiss the dog or let the boy her parents hired to pick up the chore slack while she's in rehearsals, Colin, teach her. Colin is willing, almost too willing. Maybe Blue's wrong about which guy is perfect.

*** The message of this book about how to define perfect is one that applies to all ages. Blue is a funny, sweet heroine coping with parents who are odd, embarrassing, and caring, and finding out that there's more to love than meets the eye, literally. Her angst is something all to identifiable for most of us, if we're honest. Love is a funny thing, it's supposed to be all hazy and romantic, but like Blue learns, is a lot of work. ***

Amanda Killgore

Fun New Series for Teens.......2004-01-30

Blueberry "Blue" Waller is cursed with many things. The most horrible name on the planet, the body of an eight-year-old, and the extremely weird parents. Thankfully, she has three best friends who help her through everything. Allie, Frances, and Natalie. Her friends, namely Allie, are the ones who taught her about The Ledge. The Ledge isn't a complicated concept. Basically, it's where guys always end up putting girls, so it's up to girls to make sure they put the guys there first. You know, keep them hanging. Make the guys fall deeply in love with you, then ignore them, and string them along, to make sure they appreciate you. But Blue doesn't want to do that with Heath, a gorgeous senior, who actually likes her. But if she doesn't will she be put on The Ledge?

Stephie Davis is a new voice to be reckoned with in the world of teen fiction. Her views on dating, are interesting and hilarious, as are her intriguing characters. PUTTING BOYS ON THE LEDGE is an empowering book for females the world over. It sends a fantastic message through the voices of four 14-year-old girls, whom readers will listen, and relate to. A must-have in any teenage girls library.

Erika Sorocco

Life on the Ledge: Reflections of a New York City Window Cleaner
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An enjoyable book. Recommended!

An absolutely inspiring, fun and wonderful read ...

Life on the Ledge: Reflections of a New York City Window Cleaner
Ivor Hanson
Manufacturer: Two Dollar Radio Movement
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0976389533

Book Description

Despite playing in legendary punk bands with Henry Rollins and Ian Mackaye, Ivor realizes that window cleaning isn't his day-job, it's his only job. While washing the windows of celebrities and using the service entrance to Manhattan buildings, Ivor reflects on where he has been, what he is doing, and where he wants to go.

Customer Reviews:

An enjoyable book. Recommended!.......2007-03-21

Ivor Hanson's "Life on the Ledge" is a very good, enjoyable read--especially for those who enjoy tales of New York City life. [It's sort of similar to the Joel Kostman's "Keys to the City" (the memoir of a NY City locksmith), in that it gives you an inside look at the way New Yorkers live their lives.]
The elements of sex, voyeurism and risk are handled deftly, and Hanson's insightful observations of the people and situations which make New York a people watcher's paradise are a treat.
I would definitely recommend this book to others, and have already sent several copies to friends who are former New Yorkers. And I think that the book has universal appeal--who hasn't watched a window cleaner without wondering, "who would ever do a job like that?"--and will be interesting to people from outside the Big Apple.

An absolutely inspiring, fun and wonderful read ..........2006-12-11

As I wrote to the author and his publisher: I'm not sure if it's because I was a window cleaner for 10 years and therefore can relate to so much of what you describe ... or if it's because I lived in the Corinthian ... or if it's because I was/am a drummer ... and a writer ... or if it's just a wonderfully told memoir filled with funny and touching stories ... but this was one wonderful read, my brother. I started yesterday morning and finished this morning. Just great fun.

It was and is an inspiring read about a guy with many creative talents working his way through the challenge of life and all the obstacles it seems to put in our way ... this memoir is touching, funny (sometimes hilarious) and always inspiring. Wonderful, wonderful stuff.

Awesome Obstacles: How To Build Your Own Skateboard Ramps And Ledges (Skateboarder's Guide to Skate Parks, Half-Pipes, Bowls, and Obstacles)

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Awesome Obstacles: How To Build Your Own Skateboard Ramps And Ledges (Skateboarder's Guide to Skate Parks, Half-Pipes, Bowls, and Obstacles)
Justin Hocking
Manufacturer: Rosen Publishing Group
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 1404203370

From a Limestone Ledge: Some Essays and Other Ruminations About Country Life in Texas

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An open window into profound treasure of simple daily joys
One of my favorites
Possibly the worst book I've ever read

From a Limestone Ledge: Some Essays and Other Ruminations About Country Life in Texas
John Graves
Manufacturer: Southern Methodist University Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Americas | History | Subjects | Books

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Hard Scrabble: Observations on a Patch of Land
Goodbye to a River: A Narrative
Myself and Strangers: A Memoir of Apprenticeship
Texas Rivers
Texas Hill Country

ASIN: 0870744852

Book Description

"Some of the most sensible, genial prose west of the Mississippi. A kind of sequel to Hard Scrabble-recounting more about his twenty years of quiet combat with the forces of nature. He tackles such everyday subjects as home repairs, fences, killing animals for food, growing grapes, making wine and collecting junk. His writing seems as natural as breathing."-People

"A native son who left home, came back and actually liked it, Graves writes about Texas and Texans with full attention to the complex peculiarities that distinguish the region; but because he so lovingly particularizes, rather than generalizes, his thoughts come to us in larger terms, made universal by the art of language and feeling. Although permeated with a sense of place, Graves's writing translates Texas as though it were Anywhere, much as E. B. White took Maine and made it the world."-Washington Post Book World

"Graves's work is full of his awareness of the Indian and Anglo past and of his eroded slope back to prehistory."-Fort Worth Star-Telegram

"Graves accomplishes what can make essays so satisfying to read: He takes the mundane observations and details of everyday life and shapes them into something not mundane at all. What otherwise would have been a fleeting response is preserved in a form that others can share."-Christian Science Monitor

Originally published by Knopf in 1980, From a Limestone Ledge has never been out of print.

Customer Reviews:

An open window into profound treasure of simple daily joys.......2004-10-05

Now in a new edition with a foreword by Bill Wittliff, From A Limestone Ledge: Some Essays And Other Ruminations About Country Life In Texas is a collection of the writings of Texas author and freelance writer John Graves. Enhanced for the reader with illustrations by Glenn Wolff, the subjects range from caring for animals such as cows, goats, bees, dogs, and chickens to growing grapes and making wine, smokeless tobacco ponderings, the day-to-day issues that face a countryman, and much more. From A Limestone Ledge reverberates with the wholehearted appreciation for Texas country life, and offers an open window into profound treasure of simple daily joys.

One of my favorites.......2004-05-30

This book is one that finds its was to my night stand again and again. The humorus manner in which the essays are written make the most mundane things become interesting. The authors ability to poke fun at his own follies while coping with country life are half the fun of reading it.

Possibly the worst book I've ever read.......2003-10-17

I bought the book because about 2 years ago I began my own project in the Texas Hill Country. My husband and I own some land there, and we've been working on it and enjoying it tremendously.

Mr. Graves' book must be the most boring piece of writing I have ever read, and I'm a serious reader. I don't usually write reviews, but this book was so bad I simply had to respond.

Customer Reviews:

A Terrific, Important Work.......2005-06-15

The best treatment of UFO evidence I've read. Completely objective. Takes pains throughout and again at the end to point out both the strengths and weaknesses of the case under investigation. Although he clearly believes in the reality of the event reported by the alleged abductees--as do I, after reading the book--he concedes that some of what they report could be embellished, or due to memory contamination as part of the hypnosis process. In the final analysis, he invites the reader to draw his own conclusions.

None of what I've written above should "spoil" this book for the reader. The book wouldn't have been written if the final conclusion was hoax, fraud, or hallucination. The value and beauty of the book and of the investigation it recounts are in the details of the investigative methodology and the reasoning applied to the case.

Webb has done the field a great service and produced an important work.

Hard work yields quality investigation.......2000-03-27

Webb is a professional astronomer who has been a UFO investigator for 42 years. He has brought the full weight of his experience to bear on this productive case. Though the experience itself is not as rich in detail as those reported these days, its special benefit is that the two people involved are not related and knew each other only briefly for a few days at a camp where the abduction happened. Such events are rarely reported and have exceptional value as evidence as do the more recent Australian multiple abduction cases. There were confirming witnesses in this case and the investigator has little doubt in his own mind these two people did indeed share some sort of intense UFO experience. The report can be considered a model for other investigators in its thorough and systematice approach.

very detailed accounts.......1998-06-08

The researcher should be commended!!

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The best autobiography I have ever read

Ledge Between the Streams
Ved Mehta
Manufacturer: W W Norton & Co Inc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Indian | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

Vedi
The Stolen Light (Continents of Exile)
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All for Love (Nation Books)

ASIN: 0393018288

Customer Reviews:

The best autobiography I have ever read.......2001-07-02

I first read one of Ved Mehta's autobiographical stories a long time ago in the New Yorker, and didn't stop until I read them all. Ved Mehta turned blind at a very young age, went to a school for the blind in India, then came to the USA, went to Oxford and later became a staff writer for the New Yorker. His autobiography starts off with the biographies of his mother and father, who had a totally different background. And then he takes off with his own story. And that's an impressive story. He not only gives you a deep look into his own life, he also tells the story of India (the partition of India and Pakistan is the background of this particular book) and gives you a fresh look at American and European culture. These are books that make you laugh, that make you cry, and The Ledge between the Streams sometimes sent shivers down my spines. You'd think this writer would be famous all over the world, and I would have expected him to get the Nobel Prize for literature (I'm serious!), but some of his books are out of print and they have hardly been translated. So grab your chance and buy this book! You'll agree with me and tell other people about it, and give this great writer some credit!

Three ledge races deserve special notice.(Election Preview): An article from: Arkansas Business

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Three ledge races deserve special notice.(Election Preview): An article from: Arkansas Business
Chip Taulbee
Manufacturer: Journal Publishing, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Arkansas Business, published by Journal Publishing, Inc. on October 18, 2004. The length of the article is 883 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Three ledge races deserve special notice.(Election Preview)
Author: Chip Taulbee
Publication: Arkansas Business (Magazine/Journal)
Date: October 18, 2004
Publisher: Journal Publishing, Inc.
Volume: 21 Issue: 42 Page: 1(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

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Great Ledge, The
Peter Davison
Manufacturer: Knopf
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

General | Poetry | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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