Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: The Emperor of Ocean Park by Peter Francis James, Stephen L. Carter ISBN: 0-553-71338-8 Publisher: Random House Audio Pub. Date: 04 June, 2002 Format: Audio CD Volumes: 5 List Price(USD): $29.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 3.33 (312 reviews)
Rating: 3
Summary: It's No Laughing Matter
Comment: Author Stephen Carter, in real life a black professor at Yale law school, is a talented writer with a knack for drawing the reader in by adding interesting plot twists at critical points in his novel. I found intriguing the manner in which the author crafted a work of fiction from the kinds of headlines we all have seen. And, the perspective his main characters offer on what it feels like to be black in upper middle class America is thought provoking.
The book is filled with rich portraits, but noticeably absent is any character with a sense of humor. Is the humorlessness intended to be a commentary on the black condition in America? Or is it a reflection of the legal community in general, and the legal academic community in particular? These questions were answered to me in the "Author's Note" at the end of the book. Carter says there, in effect, "You might read this book and think Yale law school is a horrible place, that today's law stuents are horrible people, and that our legal system is horribly flawed, but don't worry...this is a work of fiction". Frankly, I thought this was a cowardly way for a member of the legal establishment to try to avoid accountability for a work that makes an undeniable statement on the extent to which our legal institutions rob people of their humanity. I defy anyone to read the brilliant indictment of modern law students with which Carter opens Chapter 9 and to then accept at face value the closing apologia in which he says that he treasures and respects his students.
Bottom line: I'm glad I read it.
Rating: 4
Summary: Another Good Thriller
Comment: Stephen Carter enters the world of fiction with a bang. The Emporer of Ocean Park comes highly recommended, and does not disappoint. It's full of twists and turns, of familial discord and of mysteries unsolved.
Seen through the eyes of Talcott Garland (husband, father and now reluctant adventurer), this story will engage you from beginning to end. Tal's marital difficulties, strange siblings, chillingly dangerous "Uncle Jack" and the mystery woman who keeps popping up just when his life gets dangerously close to becoming normal again will keep you on the edge of your seat.
My only complaint is that this book is TOO LONG! 650 pages is about 200 too many, even for a book this compelling. And, while I enjoyed the way the author wove his love of chess into the storyline, after awhile, the more arcane game references began to wear on me.
Nevertheless, I recommend The Emperor of Ocean Park to anyone who enjoys a good mystery- and has a little time on his or her hands to read :-)
Rating: 5
Summary: The Emperor of Ocean Park
Comment: I was captured in chapter one and could not put the book down until I finished it. Carter's writing is eloquent while not being elaborate. He peppers the story with sometimes sardonic, humorous undertones.
The book also offers the perspective of a middle-upper class black male. As a white female, I appreciated the insight and learned by reading this book.
 |
Title: Three Junes by JULIA GLASS ISBN: 0385721420 Publisher: Anchor Pub. Date: 22 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
 |
Title: The Clothes They Stood Up In and The Lady in the Van (Today Show Book Club #5) by Alan Bennett, Alan Bennett ISBN: 0812969650 Publisher: Random House Pub. Date: 01 November, 2002 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
 |
Title: You Are Not a Stranger Here (Today Show Book Club #2) by ADAM HASLETT ISBN: 0385509529 Publisher: Doubleday Pub. Date: 05 August, 2002 List Price(USD): $21.95 |
 |
Title: Drinking Coffee Elsewhere by ZZ Packer ISBN: 1573222348 Publisher: Riverhead Books Pub. Date: 10 March, 2003 List Price(USD): $24.95 |
 |
Title: Atonement : A Novel by IAN MCEWAN ISBN: 038572179X Publisher: Anchor Pub. Date: 25 February, 2003 List Price(USD): $14.00 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
