Paradise of Bombs [Paperback]

Scott Russell Sanders (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 30, 1993 | ISBN-10: 0807063436 | ISBN-13: 978-0807063439

This award-winning collection moves from the dark and technically astonishing title essay—on growing up within the confines of a huge Army arsenal in Ohio—to reflections on mountain hikes, limestone quarries, and fathers teaching their sons.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The essays in this book underscore the theme of humanity's uncertain existence. While exposing the folly of war preparations, the arrogance of power and sophistication, they celebrate family ties, the salutary effects of nature, the virtues of simplicity and self-reliance. Having grown up on a weapons-storage base (the source of the book's title), the author learned early "the truth about our condition." He left the confines of the chain-link fence to climb mountains in Oregon, listen to owls in the Midwest, and frequent limestone quarries in Indiana, experiences he records with warmth and authenticity, with that rare but rewarding correspondence of thought and feeling. This book received the 1986 Associated Writing Programs Award for Creative Nonfiction. Recommended. Carol J. Lichtenberg, Washington State Univ. Lib., Pullman
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

Rich in emotion, memory, and concern for the world we inhabit . . . harrowing and convincing. —Chicago Tribune

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Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Beacon Press (June 30, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807063436
• ISBN-13: 978-0807063439
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.4 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #977,287 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Paradise for Lovers of the Written Word, February 21, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: Paradise of Bombs (Paperback)

As the daughter of a former U.S. Marine, I wasn't sure I'd like this book. I am pleased to say I not only like it, I fell in love with it. Scott Russell Sanders has more than a way with words, he has a love affair with words. In reading this book, I found a decent man, a thoughtful man of lively intellect. It is a pleasure to be in Mr. Sanders's company even if its only through the medium of the printed word.

10 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The personal essay form at its best, February 21, 1999

By 

Mark Brown (Hendersonville, TN) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Paradise of Bombs (Paperback)

While the philosophy underlying this work is reminiscent of Thoreau, Sanders writing is much more graceful and his personality more warm and human than the Walden Pond horned frog ever hoped to be. Sanders has a keen eye for the insightful moment and treats himself and his subjects to piercing, yet sympathetic, examinations.