Tristan Hawkins's first novel is a simple story of a male-female relationship which turns complicated. As such, it is not unlike High Fidelity by Nick Hornby. But while Hornby's narrator, Rob, is a kind of homme moyen sensual, Richard, the hero of Pepper, is only representative of man's worst excesses - a solipsistic, drug-taking, insecure adman besotted with the skin-challenged secretary Pepper.

As absorbing as this moral tale is, however, the book's verve is what makes it noteworthy. In contrast to Hornby's arid prose, Hawkins writes with terrific brio and a sense of invention that flirts with brilliance. A gifted pasticheur, he mimics (among other things) ads, hymns and trashy women's magazines as he satirises the junk around us which we use to add meaning to our lives.

Some will argue that High Fidelity is more 'profound'. Fair enough, but Pepper will give you a lot more laughs (not to mention a name for that sinking feeling when you say or do something regrettable after one drink too many). There are greater tragedies in life but while Hornby continues to gather plaudits for his unambitious, preachy facsimiles of Anne Tyler, spare a thought for Hawkins, dead at 31, who wrote a funnier, gutsier and virtually unknown book that has already all but vanished into the ether....

Purchased "Prime of Your Life" for my Mom. We both found that it helped us to look realistically at the common concerns of midlife such as physical & emotional changes, supporting & caring for our aging parents, and retirement income & other financial issues. Biblically-based advice that makes sense!

For anyone interested in Shelley's life, this very good book provides an engaging account of what was his first known love affair - events that took place during his often-neglected early teens. The book is short and reads like a novel, making abundant use of Harriet Grove's diaries, which (alas) were heavily deleted by an anonymous hand wishing to eradicate all references to Shelley, but still yield a lot of interesting information. Unfortunately, the letters exchanged between the teenage cousins are not extant, and all we have are Harriet's references to the epistles she received and sent. Desmond Hawkins does a good job of depicting an attachment that flourished with surprisingly little contact (the two cousins actually seem to have spent very little time together - but maybe in Regency times that fact didn't hinder a romance the way it would in modern times) and eventually withered, maybe because of Harriet's bewilderment at Shelley's radical views and increasingly unconventional behaviour. The reader is left to wonder what might have happened if Shelley had married his amiable and well-bred cousin instead of the ill-fated Harriet Westbrook and, subsequently, the dauntless, talented Mary Godwin. The history of English Romantic poetry might have been very different as a consequence.

After reading many Louis L'Amour westerns it was nice to see other issues dealt with here that L'Amour avoids--developing a relationship-sexual encounters and not just leaping to marriage without many words spoken between the parties. Hawkins deals with the harshness of the times--lawlessness and tragedy that were common to the people of the frontier. The ending would make a better impression on a television audience--i felt it was slighted somewhat--left hanging with such an abrupt end to an otherwise lengthy but not too verbose story. Makes you want to read other works by this author.

This is a very entertaining book about this groundbreaking saxophone stylist. However, the analyses of his recordings are kind of nonsense. The author himself isn't a musician instead of a devoted fan? The author does not compare the Hawk with other players of the era very critically, ie. based on musical facts. Still, a very readable book.

This manual is a no-frills Introduction to Stage Management and Theater Admistration. It can also be used as a reference guide. The check lists are complete and the language is very simple. I like the fact that it deals with what you are expected to do, how you should go about it, without being preachy. You get the job description, that's it. A great manual to build experience off of.

Charlotte Hawkins' book, "To God Be The Glory, Honor, & Praise," is a comforting collection of spiritual insights and encourgements. Mrs. Hawkins uses her own poetry, some written in a familiar King James-like manner, and related bible scriptures to sooth the reader with bible-based truths. The tone of the writings is calm and melodic. This book is great for bible study and meditation. I purchased copies for my mother and mother-in-law to enjoy as well. Thank you Mrs. Hawkins for sharing through poetry and scriptures.

Clearly written and well illustrated. Contains every bit of info you'll need from start to finish including original sketches, materials lists, coloured charts, detailed instructions for the individual pieces and blocking, framing, matting, etc.. Flowers from A to Z in projects ranging from trinket box toppers to pillows and framed wall hangings in cross stitch, embroidery and crewel. Wonderfull designs.

A great read for fans of the genre. I just wish they would reissue book one of the series so I could read how it all began.

I found this little pocket book nice because what I needed to hear was that I was okay to feel the way I was feeling. That's exactly what Dr. Hawkins says. All the emotions and ways I was feeling is how nearly all divorced people feel and act. It also gave little helpful hints and tips to making certain gloomy situations into a positive situation for all involved. This book also has scripture to help make it's points and for someone who really relies on God's word for healing and help, this worked for me. This book is quick and easy to get through and you can keep it in your purse when you need a little pick-me-up.