Pretty much perfect ... so refreshing
585924
This was a great read and the author kept me interested in the content from start to finish. The book was informative, factual, entertaining and balanced with a good mix of seriousness and lighter reading. It was good on many levels actually and there were many differences that set it apart from other books of a similar nature.

Obviously her Indian background and the resultant comparisions between India and China allowed for a fresh and unique perspective, and this was a big drawcard here for me. Prior to reading this book I'd always assumed the two countries to have many parallels but the author opened my eyes to some great differences between them (and also confirmed for me other aspects which I'd assumed to be true), particularly regarding levels of poverty and differences in attitudes towards religion.

What I also really enjoyed, was that the book was written with modesty and none of the boastfulness which is prevalent in many similar "foreigner in China" books. The author didn't harp on about becoming "more and more Chinese", didn't drown the book in quotes from Confucius and others, didn't feel the need to show off her new language skills to the reader, didn't carry on as if she was the only foreigner on Chinese soil etc.  I really liked how level headed she was and didn't come with any of the "China expert" ego that often tarnishes these books for me.

There was a broad variety of topics covered within the book, but not to the point of creating an ad hoc feel to it, the continuity remained. Most things you can think of related to China were covered in the book (and often cross-examined with their counterparts in India) ... politics, travel, industry, food, religion, living conditions, health etc. etc., yet the book never became too bogged down in any one aspect. You had a bit of everything here, from Christmas in Beijing, to dam projects in Yunnan, the Qinghai-Tibet railway and all in between ...

Also of appeal to me was that she didn't bore me with endless irrelevant personal tales. There was enough of her daily life and personality given to make me warm to her and have me know that I was reading a memoir not a textbook, but the main focus remained on the bigger issues she was presenting. Yes, due to the background of the author, the book did maintain somewhat of a journalistic feel but it wasn't like watching the nightly news.

I strongly recommend this one and it is by far one of the top books in this sub-genre for me.
1791759
This was so nice and refreshing. I am sick, sick and tired of those vampire novels and the werewolves and the angels.

So move over trite mythical creatures here comes...Nick.
And Nick is awesome, so is the story line. You are sucked right into Here. Form the very beginning it has an alluring quality that makes you want to keep reading to the very end.

The love story between the two characters is sweet because it is a love story, that's the main focuse. Well that and finding out what Nick is exactally. Which I shall not reveal, but it's gooooood!
There is no love triangle Thank you God! Because let's face it those get kind of old. Just thought I'd put that out there.

I eagerly await for the next book.

But in the mean time read this one, it's good!
3446030
This is a refreshing book. It's nice. All characters, except the antagonists, are a bit too good. The prose gets the job done,  but is otherwise unremarkable.

I get why some people don't appreciate that,  but I found it enjoyable.  Even when bad things were happening it's so obviously destined for a happy end that I never felt the least bit stressed. The fast pace kept me from being bored.  It's a very pleasant and relaxing read.
2619270
I'll be honest. Had never heard of this stuff before. I was visiting a friend last summer, and he let me try it. I was impressed. The only problem was that this stuff is not sold anywhere near me. So, I had to order some for myself so I could have my own personal stash he he. Honestly, this stuff tastes pretty good, it's refreshing, and I love to drink it when it's chilled in the freezer for a few minutes. I don't feel like I'm drinking something that has a lot of sugar, or a heavy drink. Definitely recommend that you try this at least once. Trust me, I don't think you'll regret it.
38396
ok, so i'm addicted. This is no joke one the most incredibly refreshing and delicoius things i have ever drank.i bought out the local super-market and i can't find this flavor anywhere so i bought two twenty four packs. i seroiusly dream about this drink, i crave it every second of every day. the order can't come fast enough!
4205402
I don't even remember how I found this little gem but it is absolutely delightful, like a breath of fresh air.  A bit like an old black and white movie, a bit period comedy, poignant, off-beat...and a bit astonishing.  When I mentioned it to one of my best and most literate friends, she declared, "I love that book."  So read Fresh Air and pass the word on, for no other reason than for a fun change of pace!
3256422
What a breathe of fresh air!...I can get esoteric and drone on about how uplifting this collection of tunes is - let's face it: Sometimes life really sucks but your tunes shouldn't...this collection is just what the doctor ordered if you're cleaning up from a hurricane, fire, snowstorm, whatever...no whining just a focused energy to Move Along with what you're doing...are you driving? - turn it up and play along...save the dancing for the stop light...just don't try and read the lyrics: CAUTION CLICHES : the lyrics are shown on the scribbled paper format...hey guys have a word with your art director...unless you got palmed off to an intern...in which case a meeting with Interscope is in order...nice job...
1983172
I loved this book. It was refreshing. No one ever really wants to spill their feelings...especially when it's really only supposed to be a rebound. LOL!!!
3238427
This book was so refreshing... it was truly a breath of fresh air in the world of repetetiveness. You want to hate Pam, but something-you don't quite know what it is- keeps you from doing so. You want to love Paris-but something doesn't smell right. All the characters and writtes so that your emotional like to them is played with, toyed with... Triggering an emotional response from the reader is already a goal, but when you not only trigger one but shake the foundation of it, it's a wonderful thing! Loved it.

Reviewed by Deszion Nasir, Author of Untrust
1819272
Those wizards of musical alchemy, Chicago-based Tortoise, have created yet another quite delicious and refreshingly rare platter of alien/funk/jazz/breakbeat/sci-fi/ambient goodies (but it's better not to label the sounds at all)...and this one takes Tortoise's evolution to the next phase. Interestingly enough, much of their influence for this album comes from electronic music, even though real live humans play real live instruments (combined with some tech noodling as well) -- the result is quite impressive, with some of the freshest rhythms and textures I've ever heard. As with many of their individual songs, the band's progression from their debut to Standards seems natural, organic, and seemless -- even though album 1 has a completely different sound than the latest...My suggestion to the reviewer who was too embarrased to jam Standards in his car stereo: I'm sure you can get your hands on a used copy of Limp Bizkit's or Puff Daddy's latest sludge...I mean, come on, Tortoise never was a throw-your-hands-in-the-air kind of band; so don't judge art of this stature in the same category as instant-gratification-type candy pop...Peace.
2887463
4.5 Stars

I was provided an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was so refreshing. Someone on Goodreads in a review described this book and the pace like sipping a nice cup of tea  and I completely agree. The pace and the world was unfolded at a comfortable, pleasing pace  not too slow, and not too fast. The pacing, of course, builds towards the climax and ending of this novel in a way that is natural and not jarring. It was so nice to read a book that wasn't so slow in an attempt to build the world, nor too fast in an attempt to be completely action filled.

I loved all of the map making and wanderlust that was so prevalent in this novel. The setting felt like Assassins Creed II in Venice  old European style vendors and streets on this island nation. The world and the setting had charm, and while I could stand for a little more world building, I felt like we had enough to understand this story. I also found it interesting that the map featured in this novel (at least in the ARC) primarily showed the nation that are main characters reside in, and not any of the other nations mentioned  it helped build upon the mystery and intrigue about a blank map  an idea mentioned throughout the book.

I really enjoyed our characters, and the romance, that was throughout this book. The connection between our main love interest is clearly prevalent, but not extremely tension filled  which again, was actually pretty refreshing. The mystery, not the love story, takes center stage in this novel, and I also appreciated that. Elias isn't my favorite character, but I enjoyed Ulises well enough. Mercedes, however, is a queen and a force of nature  she did her own thing, stood with her head tall, and did not give a lick what others thought of her. Reyna is similar to Mercedes, in her own right. I loved the powerful ladies in this book.

IMG_9441. JPG

When thinking back on this book, I do not think that there is any mention of race at all. I remember skin being described as leathery from sun damage, but nothing of race. Eye and hair color alone seem to be distinctions of ethnicity  and the general discrimination against this is clear. However, Elias and our other main characters do not discriminate based off of this  and there even is societal growth shown at the end of the novel, which is a positive thing to see.

There is clearly-ingrained societal misogyny within this novel when it comes to female roles  women aren't really considered as true candidates for jobs such as map-makers or sailors. Women are welcome to train and work within the local confines of these people, but aren't taken seriously enough to join expeditions or become apprentices. I do love that our two female leads  Mercedes & Reyna  both defy and change some of these perceptions while not looking down upon other females who make different choices than them.

The last form of diversity in this is lepracy, and how our main characters show and treat and learn more about Lepracy throughout the novel. There was no LGBTQ+ representation in this, but its hard to ask a novel to do everything and not have it feel forced or disingenuious. I am very pleased with how Lucier tackled the issues she chose to tackle, while not having the story focus on those issues alone. These issues were a part of the world; and while they were not central, they were given the proper weight and discussion that they deserved.

Was this story the next action-packed, tension filled YA hit? No, but I loved it because of that. It was, what I would call, a chill or mellow fantasy, and I was all about it.
3238304
I have to strongly disagree with the previous reviewer.  I found Ms. Garrison's poems to be uplifting, encouraging and as bright as the noonday sun.

I came away from the book with a smile on my face and feeling optimistic about the state of Motherhood in America today.  Nobody has perfect kids, we all know that, and yet....we all want to believe our kids *are* the perfect ones.  I know my two daughters are as perfect as perfect can be...as are their children.  Don't be scared away from this book by one negative review.  The poems are refreshing and upbeat and are about one woman's unique, real life.  She doesn't claim to be Edna St. Vincent Millay...she just wrote luminous little poems about her own life experience as only she could do. I'm glad I heard Ms. Garrison on NPR and found her poetry.
4476607
...and the lack of the normal tropes is much of what makes feel fresh and interesting.

In some ways it reminds me of the best of YA novels, except that the main characters are mature adults. However,the level of curiosity and exploration is not standard in most novels aimed at adults.

I also welcomed the appearance here of a wide range of humans. Different races (and mixes between them); different sexes and genders; different chosen lifestyles- all respected with no judgement.

The basic society seems workable as depicted,while still allowing room for all non-oppressive forms of organization.

I loved the time I spent here!

Very recommended, especially if one likes the occasional meandering novel as a break from those that are very plot-focused.
3670611
Refreshing and awakening just like a morning star!
A great addition to my collection.
What else can you say, need to have 20 words ;-)
Thank you
1926782
I have been waiting patiently for quite some time for this little album.  I own It Still Moves, the Chocolate and Ice EP, and am currently ordering At Dawn.  Initially when I heard "Off The Record", I was a little dissapointed.  They sounded like they had changed their style from the ominous alternative country-rock, to a radio friendly reggae pop sound.

However, once I bought the CD, my opinion obviously changed drastically.  It was a cold rainy thursday, and I had driven 10 miles to a CD store that carried it.  I couldn't wait to listen to it on the way home.  That was one of the best car rides I have ever had.

Anyway heres my analysis of each song:

WORDLESS CHORUS:  A great opener, that captures the feel of the whole CD in a four minutes.  Damn catchy chorus.  Yep just as the name implies it is wordless.

IT BEATS 4 YOU:  One of the darker songs off the record.  This is where MMJ's new style shines brightly.  Every instrument fits together perfectly, from the delayed guitar, to the funky bass, to the spagetti western whistlin in the end.

GIDEON:  A much happier song than the previous.  Jim's singing is beautiful in this song.  I like the use of the synth strings.  Nothing wrong with this song at all.

WHAT A WONDERFUL MAN:  The song is great except for its cheesy chorus, and jangly piano.  You really get to hear Carl show off his guitar work.  It's a little short too.

OFF THE RECORD:  I wasn't too fond of it initially, but It grows on me everyday.  The part of the song that stands out to me the most is where the song changes direction about 3 minutes into it.  I turns into a bluesy jam, that reminds me heavily of Mars Volta.

INTO THE WOODS:  An odd little song you can't help but like.  The kind of music you would hear going into a creepy circus or carnival.  It's very abstract, especially when the mens choir starts to belt out.

ANYTIME:  One of my favorite songs on the CD.  Its very uplifting.  It makes me happier just listening to it.  Jim can write some damn good hooks.  This song is an example.

LAY LOW: Another one of my favorites.  It's probably the most remniscant of their earlier work.  I love that guitar riff.  Theres also a good guitar solo towards the end of the song.

THE KNOT COMES LOOSE:  The only accoustic song on the CD, which kinda makes it stand out.  It's a happier song like Gideon, but with a wider arrangement of instruments.

DONDANTE:  Has to be my favorite on the CD.  It has a lounge feel at first, but flows into a bluesy guitar solo that reminds me of David Gilmour from Pink Floyd.  Then all of a sudden BAM, it's rock city.  Jim's scream fits in so nicely followed by a heavy blues guitar solo.  As the song dies down you faintly hear a sax playing in the background.

It's weird seeing a band get popular when I've known them ever since they were a small indie group.  I believe this is the the most creative and artistic band to break out since The Mars Volta.  Like TMV they play what they want to play, not what the public wants to hear.
3631221
Oooohhhh, yeah, that's nice and smooth.  This music just settles in around you like a nice warm blanket.  Just what I needed after a long frustrating Monday.
1085888
My favorite. Bright. Clear. Quick. Clean. Amazing fun. Absolutely certain of itself, these performances are a pure joy.