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WOMEN OF SCAR CLAN

TRUE STORIES OF TRANSCENDENCE

This heartfelt, inspirational collection that focuses on remarkable women will comfort religious readers but may not attract...

A volume of true stories and motivational quotes features women who have succeeded after overcoming obstacles. 

“Come sit by my fire and let me tell you some stories,” writer and publisher Klippel (Align, Expand and Succeed, 2010, etc.) invites in a warm and familiar tone that resonates throughout the collection. In the introduction, she explains the meaning of Scar Clan. When an Australian conservation department studied tree scars, it learned that they came from the stripping of bark and from Aboriginal carvings used for communication. Though some trees wither or rot from these scars, many thrive, growing new limbs and bark. As such, the women described in the book have endured illnesses, abuse, family separation, and other issues, only to come out stronger on the other side. The author, who interviewed over 100 women for this work, also shares her own experience of following her dream to lead a simpler life in Ecuador. The subjects in these pages range in age and ethnicity, from a Native American former “career woman” who lost everything to an ex-singer whose physical issues stripped away her passion. Inspirational quotes from authors like Mary Oliver and Elizabeth Gilbert are peppered throughout, and every personal story ends with discussion questions that readers can answer in the book or in a journal available for free download. The subjects of Klippel’s tales are diverse and intriguing, particularly her daughter-in-law, Allie, a chemist who speaks about the importance of experiencing failure in both her profession and her personal life. But Allie is one of the few subjects who have sidestepped faith-based approaches to moving forward with their lives after trauma. Most of the women Klippel profiles (and the author herself) speak constantly of praying and giving thanks to a higher power, often God. This sincere volume will certainly attract religious readers. But the majority of these stories may not appeal to those who take a secular approach to daily life.

This heartfelt, inspirational collection that focuses on remarkable women will comfort religious readers but may not attract a secular audience.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: 978-1-945586-23-1

Page Count: 178

Publisher: Thomas Noble Books

Review Posted Online: Oct. 21, 2019

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NUTCRACKER

This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)

Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996

ISBN: 0-15-100227-4

Page Count: 136

Publisher: Harcourt

Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996

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TO THE ONE I LOVE THE BEST

EPISODES FROM THE LIFE OF LADY MENDL (ELSIE DE WOLFE)

An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.

Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955

ISBN: 0670717797

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955

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