Author: Donna Leon
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473505070
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
'The multiple award-winning Leon has lost none of her talent for weaving intrigue, and the atmosphere of Venice is as beguiling as ever.' Living North A Washington Post Bestseller A New York Times Bestseller A Seattle Times Best Mystery and Crime Novel of 2014 __________________________________ By Its Cover is the much anticipated twenty-third instalment in Donna Leon's bestselling crime series, where Commissario Brunetti is better than ever as he addresses questions of worth and value alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra. When several valuable antiquarian books go missing from a prestigious library in the heart of Venice, Commissario Brunetti is immediately called to the scene. The staff suspect an American researcher has stolen them, but for Brunetti something doesn't quite add up. Taking on the case, the Commissario begins to seek information about some of the library's regulars, such as the ex-priest Franchini, a passionate reader of ancient Christian literature, and Contessa Morosini-Albani, the library's chief donor, and comes to the conclusion that the thief could not have acted alone. However, when Franchini is found murdered in his home, the case takes a more sinister turn and soon Brunetti finds himself submerged in the dark secrets of the black market of antiquarian books. Alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra, he delves into the pages of Franchini's past and into the mind of a book thief in order to uncover the terrible truth.
By Its Cover
Author: Donna Leon
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473505070
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
'The multiple award-winning Leon has lost none of her talent for weaving intrigue, and the atmosphere of Venice is as beguiling as ever.' Living North A Washington Post Bestseller A New York Times Bestseller A Seattle Times Best Mystery and Crime Novel of 2014 __________________________________ By Its Cover is the much anticipated twenty-third instalment in Donna Leon's bestselling crime series, where Commissario Brunetti is better than ever as he addresses questions of worth and value alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra. When several valuable antiquarian books go missing from a prestigious library in the heart of Venice, Commissario Brunetti is immediately called to the scene. The staff suspect an American researcher has stolen them, but for Brunetti something doesn't quite add up. Taking on the case, the Commissario begins to seek information about some of the library's regulars, such as the ex-priest Franchini, a passionate reader of ancient Christian literature, and Contessa Morosini-Albani, the library's chief donor, and comes to the conclusion that the thief could not have acted alone. However, when Franchini is found murdered in his home, the case takes a more sinister turn and soon Brunetti finds himself submerged in the dark secrets of the black market of antiquarian books. Alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra, he delves into the pages of Franchini's past and into the mind of a book thief in order to uncover the terrible truth.
Publisher: Random House
ISBN: 1473505070
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 306
Book Description
'The multiple award-winning Leon has lost none of her talent for weaving intrigue, and the atmosphere of Venice is as beguiling as ever.' Living North A Washington Post Bestseller A New York Times Bestseller A Seattle Times Best Mystery and Crime Novel of 2014 __________________________________ By Its Cover is the much anticipated twenty-third instalment in Donna Leon's bestselling crime series, where Commissario Brunetti is better than ever as he addresses questions of worth and value alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra. When several valuable antiquarian books go missing from a prestigious library in the heart of Venice, Commissario Brunetti is immediately called to the scene. The staff suspect an American researcher has stolen them, but for Brunetti something doesn't quite add up. Taking on the case, the Commissario begins to seek information about some of the library's regulars, such as the ex-priest Franchini, a passionate reader of ancient Christian literature, and Contessa Morosini-Albani, the library's chief donor, and comes to the conclusion that the thief could not have acted alone. However, when Franchini is found murdered in his home, the case takes a more sinister turn and soon Brunetti finds himself submerged in the dark secrets of the black market of antiquarian books. Alongside his ever-faithful team of Ispettore Vianello and Signorina Elettra, he delves into the pages of Franchini's past and into the mind of a book thief in order to uncover the terrible truth.
Judging a Book by Its Cover
Author: Nickianne Moody
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351924672
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 317
Book Description
How do books attract their readers? This collection takes a closer look at book covers and their role in promoting sales and shaping readers' responses. Judging a Book by Its Cover brings together leading scholars, many with experience in the publishing industry, who examine the marketing of popular fiction across the twentieth century and beyond. Using case studies, and grounding their discussions historically and methodologically, the contributors address key themes in contemporary media, literary, publishing, and business studies related to globalisation, the correlation between text and image, identity politics, and reader reception. Topics include book covers and the internet bookstore; the links between books, the music industry, and film; literary prizes and the selling of books; subcultures and sales of young adult fiction; the cover as a signifier of literary value; and the marketing of ethnicity and lesbian pulp fiction. This exciting collection opens a new field of enquiry for scholars of book history, literature, media and communication studies, marketing, and cultural studies.
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351924672
Category : Literary Criticism
Languages : en
Pages : 317
Book Description
How do books attract their readers? This collection takes a closer look at book covers and their role in promoting sales and shaping readers' responses. Judging a Book by Its Cover brings together leading scholars, many with experience in the publishing industry, who examine the marketing of popular fiction across the twentieth century and beyond. Using case studies, and grounding their discussions historically and methodologically, the contributors address key themes in contemporary media, literary, publishing, and business studies related to globalisation, the correlation between text and image, identity politics, and reader reception. Topics include book covers and the internet bookstore; the links between books, the music industry, and film; literary prizes and the selling of books; subcultures and sales of young adult fiction; the cover as a signifier of literary value; and the marketing of ethnicity and lesbian pulp fiction. This exciting collection opens a new field of enquiry for scholars of book history, literature, media and communication studies, marketing, and cultural studies.
Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover
Author: Mordechai Dolinsky
Publisher: Feldheim Publishers
ISBN: 9781583305188
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
Formerly 'Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover', this book is a genuine must-have for anyone looking to start dating. Straightforward, and to-the-point, the author, the renowned mashgiach of Yeshivas Torah Ore in Jerusalem, guides young men and women through the process of conceptualizing and choosing a marriage partner. If you're looking for solid advice from an experienced, wise source, look no further than this valuable book. Topics discussed include: when to start dating, the importance of 'looks', preparing for marriage, and desirable character traits to look for. A favorite is Rabbi Dolinsky's 'Red Light System' which helps resolve the complex problem of continuing to date if and when. The practical examples in this book abound and the advice is sure to inspire all who read it.
Publisher: Feldheim Publishers
ISBN: 9781583305188
Category : Family & Relationships
Languages : en
Pages : 180
Book Description
Formerly 'Don't Judge a Book by Its Cover', this book is a genuine must-have for anyone looking to start dating. Straightforward, and to-the-point, the author, the renowned mashgiach of Yeshivas Torah Ore in Jerusalem, guides young men and women through the process of conceptualizing and choosing a marriage partner. If you're looking for solid advice from an experienced, wise source, look no further than this valuable book. Topics discussed include: when to start dating, the importance of 'looks', preparing for marriage, and desirable character traits to look for. A favorite is Rabbi Dolinsky's 'Red Light System' which helps resolve the complex problem of continuing to date if and when. The practical examples in this book abound and the advice is sure to inspire all who read it.
You Can't Judge a Body by Its Cover
Author: David Bedrick
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780999809488
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 292
Book Description
Why is today's diet industry pulling in 70 billion dollars every year, while when people go on a diet, only five percent of them succeed and the rest gain weight or stay the same? Here's why: A heavy, shamed body is a body with an unheard message and a thwarted quest, and until the secrets are unlocked and the wisdom is harvested, that impasse will be unbreachable. In these pages, Bedrick offers seventeen stories of individual women who open the door to their souls: stories of shame and self-love, victimization and empowerment, being small and being big, fear and hope. Stories that are both powerful and intimate. These are the stories from bodies impacted by sexism and racism, rape and harsh parental criticism, and by the deepest hungers for an authentic life. The women in this book were not successful or unsuccessful. They began a process of self-understanding, of dropping the shame that bound them to a self-abusing lens about their bodies. They began a process of learning to express their power, creativity, beauty, and intelligence with themselves, in relationships, and in the world. They became more empowered leaders and social agents. They began embracing their sovereignty, defining themselves as an authority, and living a more authentic path as they unfold their life project in a bolder and more self-loving manner. This book is the culmination of years of study, research, and practice. Since 2001, I've been helping women who seek me out because they're unhappy and they want to change their bodies. In the book, I've gathered the most compelling stories and share them as case studies. These case study chapters are bookended by a richly contextualizing introduction and a conclusion.--Publisher.
Publisher:
ISBN: 9780999809488
Category : Health & Fitness
Languages : en
Pages : 292
Book Description
Why is today's diet industry pulling in 70 billion dollars every year, while when people go on a diet, only five percent of them succeed and the rest gain weight or stay the same? Here's why: A heavy, shamed body is a body with an unheard message and a thwarted quest, and until the secrets are unlocked and the wisdom is harvested, that impasse will be unbreachable. In these pages, Bedrick offers seventeen stories of individual women who open the door to their souls: stories of shame and self-love, victimization and empowerment, being small and being big, fear and hope. Stories that are both powerful and intimate. These are the stories from bodies impacted by sexism and racism, rape and harsh parental criticism, and by the deepest hungers for an authentic life. The women in this book were not successful or unsuccessful. They began a process of self-understanding, of dropping the shame that bound them to a self-abusing lens about their bodies. They began a process of learning to express their power, creativity, beauty, and intelligence with themselves, in relationships, and in the world. They became more empowered leaders and social agents. They began embracing their sovereignty, defining themselves as an authority, and living a more authentic path as they unfold their life project in a bolder and more self-loving manner. This book is the culmination of years of study, research, and practice. Since 2001, I've been helping women who seek me out because they're unhappy and they want to change their bodies. In the book, I've gathered the most compelling stories and share them as case studies. These case study chapters are bookended by a richly contextualizing introduction and a conclusion.--Publisher.
Should You Judge This Book by Its Cover?
Author: Julian Baggini
Publisher: Catapult
ISBN: 1582436045
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 239
Book Description
A philosopher takes a second look at sayings, proverbs, and bits of homespun wisdom: “Every society needs its guardian of good sense: Baggini is ours.” --The Financial Times These short, stimulating, and entertaining capsules of philosophy delve into the familiar words that live in our consciousness yet are rarely examined. Should you really do as the Romans do when in Rome and practice what you preach? Is the grass always in fact greener on the other side of the fence, and is there ever smoke without fire? Is beauty always in the eye of the beholder and is it actually better to be safe than sorry? From the popular author of The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten, cofounder of The Philosophers’ Magazine, and academic director of the Royal Institute of Philosophy, this is a witty, deeply thought-provoking reminder that we should never stop asking questions.
Publisher: Catapult
ISBN: 1582436045
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 239
Book Description
A philosopher takes a second look at sayings, proverbs, and bits of homespun wisdom: “Every society needs its guardian of good sense: Baggini is ours.” --The Financial Times These short, stimulating, and entertaining capsules of philosophy delve into the familiar words that live in our consciousness yet are rarely examined. Should you really do as the Romans do when in Rome and practice what you preach? Is the grass always in fact greener on the other side of the fence, and is there ever smoke without fire? Is beauty always in the eye of the beholder and is it actually better to be safe than sorry? From the popular author of The Pig That Wants to Be Eaten, cofounder of The Philosophers’ Magazine, and academic director of the Royal Institute of Philosophy, this is a witty, deeply thought-provoking reminder that we should never stop asking questions.
Never Judge a Book by Its Cover
Author: Joanne Houghton
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1982281421
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
2020 is a year of awakening which brings with it significant change. There has been a gradual movement away from religion and a seeking of spiritual truth which has unearthed many questions leaving few with refined answers; who are we? why do we exist on planet earth? what is our purpose? This pivotal time has led to much confusion where literature is of mass yet lost in mystery and intrigue. ‘Never Judge a Book by its Cover’ delivers a powerful message to the world which identifies the who, why, what, where and when of life and the root cause for the rise in negativity across every landscape of this planet; The deactivation of our DNA many thousands of years ago which altered the mechanics of human form. Poor health, disease, terrorism, poverty, unemployment, religion, homelessness and overcrowding are a direct result of this manipulation which made human beings easy to control through structure, regime and the illusion of separation. You are more powerful than your human brain can comprehend and in sharing my own life experience and the many challenges I have faced including; severe depression, disempowerment, anxiety, abusive relationships, bankruptcy and death I reveal all, making the obvious understood and the not so obvious realised. Life is a game and it is now time to step past your fears, to move beyond the veil of separation and overcome the limitations of your perceived reality. You are a creator god in human form, you are more powerful than any machine in existence and you are here to lead a joyful and fulfilling life, to follow your passions and build your dreams, to love unconditionally and to live without fear. We all hide behind the cover of our own story but once you immerse yourself in the pages of this book you will surely realise your own innate power and rise once more in the knowing of who you are, never again, to judge a book by its cover.
Publisher: Balboa Press
ISBN: 1982281421
Category : Self-Help
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
2020 is a year of awakening which brings with it significant change. There has been a gradual movement away from religion and a seeking of spiritual truth which has unearthed many questions leaving few with refined answers; who are we? why do we exist on planet earth? what is our purpose? This pivotal time has led to much confusion where literature is of mass yet lost in mystery and intrigue. ‘Never Judge a Book by its Cover’ delivers a powerful message to the world which identifies the who, why, what, where and when of life and the root cause for the rise in negativity across every landscape of this planet; The deactivation of our DNA many thousands of years ago which altered the mechanics of human form. Poor health, disease, terrorism, poverty, unemployment, religion, homelessness and overcrowding are a direct result of this manipulation which made human beings easy to control through structure, regime and the illusion of separation. You are more powerful than your human brain can comprehend and in sharing my own life experience and the many challenges I have faced including; severe depression, disempowerment, anxiety, abusive relationships, bankruptcy and death I reveal all, making the obvious understood and the not so obvious realised. Life is a game and it is now time to step past your fears, to move beyond the veil of separation and overcome the limitations of your perceived reality. You are a creator god in human form, you are more powerful than any machine in existence and you are here to lead a joyful and fulfilling life, to follow your passions and build your dreams, to love unconditionally and to live without fear. We all hide behind the cover of our own story but once you immerse yourself in the pages of this book you will surely realise your own innate power and rise once more in the knowing of who you are, never again, to judge a book by its cover.
By Its Cover
Author: Ned Drew
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
ISBN: 9781568984971
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 204
Book Description
We all know we're not supposed to judge books by their covers, but the truth is that we do just that nearly every time we walk into a bookstore or pull a book off a tightly packed shelf. It's really not something we should be ashamed about, for it reinforces something we sincerely believe: design matters. At its best, book cover design is an art that transcends the publisher's commercial imperativesto reflect both an author's ideas and contemporary cultural values in a vital, intelligent, and beautiful way. In this groundbreaking and lavishly illustrated history, authors Ned Drew and Paul Sternberger establish American book cover design as a tradition of sophisticated, visual excellence that has put shape to our literary landscape. By Its Cover traces the story of the American book cover from its inception as a means of utilitarian protection for the book to its current status as an elaborately produced form of communication art. It is, at once, the intertwined story of American graphic design and American literature, and features the work of such legendary figures as Rockwell Kent, E. McKnight Kauffer, Paul Rand, Alvin Lustig, Rudy deHarak, and Roy Kuhlman along with more recent and contemporary innovators including Push Pin Studios, Chermayeff & Geismar, Karen Goldberg, Chip Kidd, and John Gall.
Publisher: Princeton Architectural Press
ISBN: 9781568984971
Category : Art
Languages : en
Pages : 204
Book Description
We all know we're not supposed to judge books by their covers, but the truth is that we do just that nearly every time we walk into a bookstore or pull a book off a tightly packed shelf. It's really not something we should be ashamed about, for it reinforces something we sincerely believe: design matters. At its best, book cover design is an art that transcends the publisher's commercial imperativesto reflect both an author's ideas and contemporary cultural values in a vital, intelligent, and beautiful way. In this groundbreaking and lavishly illustrated history, authors Ned Drew and Paul Sternberger establish American book cover design as a tradition of sophisticated, visual excellence that has put shape to our literary landscape. By Its Cover traces the story of the American book cover from its inception as a means of utilitarian protection for the book to its current status as an elaborately produced form of communication art. It is, at once, the intertwined story of American graphic design and American literature, and features the work of such legendary figures as Rockwell Kent, E. McKnight Kauffer, Paul Rand, Alvin Lustig, Rudy deHarak, and Roy Kuhlman along with more recent and contemporary innovators including Push Pin Studios, Chermayeff & Geismar, Karen Goldberg, Chip Kidd, and John Gall.
Amaze Every Customer Every Time
Author: Shep Hyken
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 1626340102
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 249
Book Description
You must deliver an amazing customer experience. Why? It is the competitive edge of new-era business—in any market and any economy. Renowned customer experience expert Shep Hyken explains how consistently amazing customers through stellar service can elevate your company from good to great. All transformations require a role model, and Shep has found the perfect role model to inspire your team: Ace Hardware. Ace was named as one of the top ten customer service brands in America by Businessweek and ranked highest in its industry for customer satisfaction. Through revealing stories from Ace’s over-the-top work with customers, Shep explores the five tactical areas of customer amazement: leadership, culture, one-on-one, competitive edge, and community. Delivering amazing service requires everyone in your organization to step up and be a leader. It doesn’t take a title. It takes the right set of tools and principles. To help you empower employees at all levels, Shep brings the content to a deeply practical level. His 52 Amazement Tools—like “Ask the extra question” and “Focus on the customer, not the money”—are simple, clear, useful for almost anybody, and supported with compelling research and stories. Between these covers, you will find the tools and tactics you need to transform your company into a seriously customer-focused operation that will amaze every customer every time.
Publisher: Greenleaf Book Group
ISBN: 1626340102
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 249
Book Description
You must deliver an amazing customer experience. Why? It is the competitive edge of new-era business—in any market and any economy. Renowned customer experience expert Shep Hyken explains how consistently amazing customers through stellar service can elevate your company from good to great. All transformations require a role model, and Shep has found the perfect role model to inspire your team: Ace Hardware. Ace was named as one of the top ten customer service brands in America by Businessweek and ranked highest in its industry for customer satisfaction. Through revealing stories from Ace’s over-the-top work with customers, Shep explores the five tactical areas of customer amazement: leadership, culture, one-on-one, competitive edge, and community. Delivering amazing service requires everyone in your organization to step up and be a leader. It doesn’t take a title. It takes the right set of tools and principles. To help you empower employees at all levels, Shep brings the content to a deeply practical level. His 52 Amazement Tools—like “Ask the extra question” and “Focus on the customer, not the money”—are simple, clear, useful for almost anybody, and supported with compelling research and stories. Between these covers, you will find the tools and tactics you need to transform your company into a seriously customer-focused operation that will amaze every customer every time.
Emperor of the Eight Islands
Author: Lian Hearn
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 0733635148
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
The first instalment in a magnificent epic by the creator of the global phenomenon the TALES OF THE Otori, Lian Hearn, whose books have sold over four million copies worldwide An ambitious warlord leaves his nephew for dead and seizes his lands. A stubborn father forces his younger son to surrender his wife to his older brother. A mysterious woman seeks five fathers for her children. A powerful priest meddles in the succession to the Lotus Throne. These are the threads of an intricate tapestry in which the laws of destiny play out against a backdrop of wild forest, elegant court, and savage battlefield. Set in a mythical medieval Japan inhabited by warriors and assassins, ghosts and guardian spirits, Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn is a brilliantly imagined novel, full of drama and intrigue - the beginning of an enthralling, epic adventure: The Tale of Shikanoko. 'Brutally thrilling historical fantasy' Herald Sun 'Wildly successful... Convince[s] as if being read in translation, as if Hearn is merely the medium for some lost and ancient text. Much like Game of Thrones, the book can be read as political intrigue, with great strength deriving from the character studies. Nobody is black or white, rather shades of grey' The Age 'Moves onwards with the narrative force of a flood. It is easy to let the book sweep the reader away, to engage with strange events... very compelling characters [and] huge imaginative vitality' Sydney Morning Herald 'The action comes thick and fast . . . Compelling characters and captivating worldbuilding' Japan Times 'A must-read' Aurealis 'One of the great joys of genre novels is that they usually care deeply about plot, satisfying the innately human desire for story. And there is story aplenty here. The unfolding events are so fascinating, the writing so lithe and seductive. There's no need to have read Hearn's earlier Otori series, set in the same remarkable fantasy world, to enjoy this one. Indeed, her new epic seems sure to recruit a fresh legion of fans' The Saturday Paper 'Stands alone for fine storytelling' West Australian 'Colourful and fascinating characters' Courier Mail Available now LORD OF THE DARKWOOD: Books 3 and 4 in THE TALE OF SHIKANOKO. Don't miss any of the novels in the OTORI saga ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE
Publisher: Hachette UK
ISBN: 0733635148
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 305
Book Description
The first instalment in a magnificent epic by the creator of the global phenomenon the TALES OF THE Otori, Lian Hearn, whose books have sold over four million copies worldwide An ambitious warlord leaves his nephew for dead and seizes his lands. A stubborn father forces his younger son to surrender his wife to his older brother. A mysterious woman seeks five fathers for her children. A powerful priest meddles in the succession to the Lotus Throne. These are the threads of an intricate tapestry in which the laws of destiny play out against a backdrop of wild forest, elegant court, and savage battlefield. Set in a mythical medieval Japan inhabited by warriors and assassins, ghosts and guardian spirits, Emperor of the Eight Islands by Lian Hearn is a brilliantly imagined novel, full of drama and intrigue - the beginning of an enthralling, epic adventure: The Tale of Shikanoko. 'Brutally thrilling historical fantasy' Herald Sun 'Wildly successful... Convince[s] as if being read in translation, as if Hearn is merely the medium for some lost and ancient text. Much like Game of Thrones, the book can be read as political intrigue, with great strength deriving from the character studies. Nobody is black or white, rather shades of grey' The Age 'Moves onwards with the narrative force of a flood. It is easy to let the book sweep the reader away, to engage with strange events... very compelling characters [and] huge imaginative vitality' Sydney Morning Herald 'The action comes thick and fast . . . Compelling characters and captivating worldbuilding' Japan Times 'A must-read' Aurealis 'One of the great joys of genre novels is that they usually care deeply about plot, satisfying the innately human desire for story. And there is story aplenty here. The unfolding events are so fascinating, the writing so lithe and seductive. There's no need to have read Hearn's earlier Otori series, set in the same remarkable fantasy world, to enjoy this one. Indeed, her new epic seems sure to recruit a fresh legion of fans' The Saturday Paper 'Stands alone for fine storytelling' West Australian 'Colourful and fascinating characters' Courier Mail Available now LORD OF THE DARKWOOD: Books 3 and 4 in THE TALE OF SHIKANOKO. Don't miss any of the novels in the OTORI saga ACROSS THE NIGHTINGALE FLOOR GRASS FOR HIS PILLOW BRILLIANCE OF THE MOON THE HARSH CRY OF THE HERON HEAVEN'S NET IS WIDE
The Promise of Elsewhere
Author: Brad Leithauser
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0525564128
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
A comic novel about a Midwestern professor who tries to prop up his failing prospects for happiness by setting out on the Journey of a Lifetime. Louie Hake is forty-three and teaches architectural history at a third-rate college in Michigan. His second marriage is collapsing, and he's facing a potentially disastrous medical diagnosis. In an attempt to fend off what has become a soul-crushing existential crisis, he decides to treat himself to a tour of the world's most breathtaking architectural sites. Perhaps not surprisingly, Louie gets waylaid on his very first stop in Rome--ludicrously, spectacularly so--and fails to reach most of his other destinations. He embarks on a doomed romance with a jilted bride celebrating her ruined marriage plans alone in London. And in the Arctic he finds that turf houses and aluminum sheds don't amount to much of an architectural tradition. But it turns out that there's another sort of architecture there: icebergs the size of cathedrals, bobbing beside a strange and wondrous landscape. It soon becomes clear that Louie's grand journey is less about where his wanderings have taken him and more about where his past encounters with romance have not. Whether pursuing his first wife, or his estranged current wife, or the older woman he kissed just once a quarter-century ago, Louie reveals himself to be endearing, deeply touching, wonderfully ridiculous . . . and destined to find love in all the wrong places.
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0525564128
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 354
Book Description
A comic novel about a Midwestern professor who tries to prop up his failing prospects for happiness by setting out on the Journey of a Lifetime. Louie Hake is forty-three and teaches architectural history at a third-rate college in Michigan. His second marriage is collapsing, and he's facing a potentially disastrous medical diagnosis. In an attempt to fend off what has become a soul-crushing existential crisis, he decides to treat himself to a tour of the world's most breathtaking architectural sites. Perhaps not surprisingly, Louie gets waylaid on his very first stop in Rome--ludicrously, spectacularly so--and fails to reach most of his other destinations. He embarks on a doomed romance with a jilted bride celebrating her ruined marriage plans alone in London. And in the Arctic he finds that turf houses and aluminum sheds don't amount to much of an architectural tradition. But it turns out that there's another sort of architecture there: icebergs the size of cathedrals, bobbing beside a strange and wondrous landscape. It soon becomes clear that Louie's grand journey is less about where his wanderings have taken him and more about where his past encounters with romance have not. Whether pursuing his first wife, or his estranged current wife, or the older woman he kissed just once a quarter-century ago, Louie reveals himself to be endearing, deeply touching, wonderfully ridiculous . . . and destined to find love in all the wrong places.