Lemon

My wife and I have been to Paleochora,the location for this book,many times.But only during the last ten years or so.Mr Webb was there in the late 60's or early 70's.( The book was published in '77). The change from the quiet little village in South West Crete which he discovered to the thriving tourist centre which it is now was inevitable tho' in the off season,bearable..... mainly because of the great charm and generosity of the people who live there. Mr Webb gives away few secrets about his past,or his age. We reckon he was in his late forties,an American,and a melancholy fellow. He rented a tiny peasant cottage,and shared it with a goat or two and a cat
or two and a few vegetables which he grew,and his neighbours
who laughed at him and scolded him and enjoyed him as he enjoyed them.
When his year or so is up he moves on...we don't know where. He doesn't tell us. Has he written more books? Is he in fact alive?
We've been searching another copy of THE LAST LEMON GROVE,(we always have to take it out of the library),but alas the only one available seems to be with an American Co. who does not as yet send material to GB......we hope that says something about his book's attraction.A gentle story for a violent time.It badly needs to be reprinted.

Paul Bowles discovered Mrabet when the latter was a young man living in Tangiers and the former was already an accomplished musician and writer. The elder Bowles took Mrabet under his wing and translated/edited several of his short stories and novels. THE LEMON is one of Mrabet's most sustainted narratives and one of his most accomplished works.

This is perhaps the most linear and "simple" novel I have read in my lifetime. It recounts the passage into manhood of a muslim youth thrust into the turbulence of a decadent society for which he has a limited appreciation and presepective, as he is only ten years old as the narrative begins, and about fourteen as the tale ends. His sole foundation of knowledge is what he has memorized of the Koran from a brief stint at a madras (or its Moroccan equivalent), as well as a few months under the supervision of a kindly French female teacher at a "Nazarene" school. So much for "formal" education. The boy's true education occurs after he flees home after having been struck by his father. Part of the charm of the story lies in the fact that it is told from the perspective of raw youth, uncluttered by any but the most essential matters (Where's he going to sleep at night? How will he find work?) As the incidents unfold, the young narrator fends for himself in one of the less savory neighborhoods of Tangiers. He finds lodging with an alcoholic longshoreman whom he despises (the Koran forbids alcohol), yet puts up with out of necessity. He also discovers the pleasures of women and kif. The former he can take or leave, the latter he seemingly can't do without.

This short novel is composed primarily of lots of little incidents. Nothing of real moment occurs until the final chapter of the book, which will also provide the reader with an explanation of the book's title. Though not much happens, the narrative is nevertheless oddly compelling. Mrabet paints such a vivid picture of Abdeslam's world and provides such a clear insight into the young protagonist's simplistic psychology, plot is not really a factor. This is definitely not earth shattering fiction, just an expertly rendered, lucidly faceted, middle-eastern gem.

Mrabet's volume of short stories, THE BOY WHO SET THE FIRE & OTHER STORIES, also translated and fine-tuned by Bowles is also highly recommended.

BEK

One of those wonderful books you randomly discover in childhood. You borrow it again and again from the local library until the librarian suggests that you should get your own copy. Then you discover it has been out of print for years! This being the pre-internet era and you being unaware of book finding services, you enter it into the "loved books" list hidden deep in your heart...

I read Lemon And A Star when I was around 10-12, and like Terrible Horrible Edie (the other Spykman book I know and adore) it's probably a title best suited for this age group. Recommended as an enjoyable, funny novel that independent young women (and maybe some young men) would relate to.

Spykman also provides a way to get kids interested in history through its vivid descriptions of early 20th city life. Edie and crew provide proof positive that kids were street-savvy, questioning and rebellious way before the era of designer sneakers, internet chat sites, MTV - or ANY kind of TV!!

This is one of the best gothic thrillers I've ever read, and I've read hundreds. This is a genre I have been reading for years. I read few other romance novels except for gothic romances, which are more mysteries where the female heroine shows strong qualities while usually in the 1800s or other era where women are supposed to be "helpless."

In "Lemon In the Basket," writer Armstrong keeps up with the genre of having troubles and secrets in the family that bubble over and often cause death of someone in the family. But she adds twists and turns that even surprised me. She has a terrific writing style and knows dialogue in a manner to be commended.

Her switching of point-of-view was easily understood and led the reader into interesting character insights not usually possible even in most third-person works.

This is a highly-recommended book for those who like to be kept on the edge. You simply cannot guess what's going to happen in this book -- even though at times it seems like you know exactly what's going to happen.

An excellent study in human nature and family relationships as well.

Here is a cookbook writer who knows what she is doing; knows how to write and be funny, and really delivers when you sample the finished product. The book makes a great present...I bought a batch of them to give away. Your life will be better after getting through the recipes in this book. And your taste buds will be happier.

This book lists fabulous ideas and how to fix some of life's everyday problems. From removing toilet bowl rings, to fixing facial blemishes, keeping pets off furniture, and even stopping hiccups! Listed in the back are great recipes that use lemons. This book is well organized & it even gives a brief "history" on the lemon. Highly recommended!

I read this book when I was younger and haven't forgotten it. It's about a cop and the dog he has to train to sniff out drugs. Unfortunately the dog tends to sniff out food instead. They have to work together and become a better team. It's a good book for kids (I read it in 5th grade) and it has humor as well as drama. I thoroughly enjoyed it because I like stories about animals working with people (The Trouble With Tuck is another great one), and the story was informative and exciting. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to give their child a good book to curl up with.

What an incredible blessing and tool for anyone who is, has recently become or may become a caregiver. No matter what the physical condition that precipitates the need for caregiving, but especially any brain related situation, this lovely book offers OPTIONS and good sound advice, always presented with warmth and humor. Not only does Ms. Collins share specific information pertinent to living day-to-day with her brain-injured son, but she is also a caregiver's "coach" and relates the importance of taking care of caregiver. Using tools that not only "lighten" the chores at hand (such as learning how to ask for help) but also including with her book another booklet for the caregiver called The Reflecting Pond, where the caregiver can keep close at hand the multiple things that bring them joy, such as sayings, pictures, etc. I have already sent copies of this book to 3 friends with totally different situations and they have all called to thank me for the wonderful blessing.

I own this and all the Country Garden series of cookbooks. They are all visually gorgeous, and all written by professional chefs. Each book surrounds a featured ingredient which is seasonal. I must admit that many of the recipes could be considered "chi-chi," but for cookbook collectors, this series is really wonderful. I'm sorry they stopped adding to these books, and very sorry that they are going out of print.

This book is very good for the beginner or experienced embroider. I found it enjoyable not only to look at, read but very imformative on the style of stitch and how to perform that stitch. A must for any serious embroider's library.