Customer Reviews

The Persistence of Yellow: A Book of Recipes for Life

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3 star:		(1)
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1 star:		(1)

 

 

Ms. Duval had a wonderful grandmother who told her terrific stories, asked her marvelous questions, and engaged her deeply in a vivid yellow kitchen. In this series of wonderfully illustrated meditations, she recaptures those special moments when "every outrageous question I asked was elaborately answered and decorated like a birthday cake." As Ms. Duval explains, "The Persistence of Yellow is a book about a place like this (her grandmother's kitchen) that exists in all our hearts."

One of the major charms of this book comes in the form of marvelous turns of phrase with vivid imagery that first startle, then illuminate.

"She flung off her pinstriped suit and gave birth to herself."

"So, she decided that if she must have chains, she would rather be chained to her dreams."

"Last night I ate the moon . . . . I'm still hungry for you."

"Today I saw the future . . . . [which] leaves a little trail of hope."

"When you catch an angel, consider yourself fortunate."

"There is a quiet wind voice inside of me. It's the same voice inside of you."

Her summary of what the book is all about is that it is "a recipe book for the soul."

As enjoyable as the meditations are about angels, natural elements, and conversing with our true selves, the illustrations (which you can see in more detail here on Amazon.com) transform the meditations into ethereal sculptures of transcendence. Ms. Moss has created wonderfully curving line drawings complemented with bold splashes of yellow which symbolize the spirit of the meditations beautifully. You can enjoy this book just for the illustrations and be very pleased.

Although I rarely comment on book design, this one deserves mention and much credit. The theme of yellow is woven into the design in exciting and useful ways. For example, some pages are printed in yellow type. Other pages are all yellow, with white drop outs for the type. Other forms of yellow highlights are used elsewhere. These design elements continually change and pleasantly surprise, making one happy to see the next page . . . even before considering the meditations or the illustrations.

Although everyone can and should enjoy this book, I believe that it will speak more deeply to some women (because the imagery is more feminine than masculine) than to many men. But guys, give yourself a chance to enjoy this book. It's gently inspiring, like a lover's caress!

This is both a great book for lifting your own mood and a thoughtful gift to someone who may need some brightness in their day.

After you have finished enjoying this book for the 10th time, I suggest that you try to write some of your own meditations. If you like the results, have someone (or do it yourself) make complementary drawings with vivid colors that excite and inspire you. In that way, you can be doubly inspired to enjoy all the potential that life holds!

If you've ever turned a "don't you dare!" into a "daring do"; if you've ever heard the wisdom of a grandmother whispered in your ear; if you've ever found a tiny miracle tucked away just for you underneath the shelter of a tree on a rainy day --this book will help you celebrate. If you haven't shared these experieces but want them, this book will help you hope. And as much as I liked the written word, I loved the art! I found myself tracing the whimsical, skillful illustrations and the effect was almost as if I was following a labrynth taking me deeper into my creativity. I'm charmed!

I bought my first copy of this book in 2000 and have bought more for "special" friends since. It is now 2004 and I have just finished reading the Persistence of Yellow from cover to cover for the umpteenth time.

This book does not have many pages but each page has an important tale to tell. I don't know why it is called "a recipe for life" because it is not at all like a cookbook. It is all about a wonderful woman,her angels, friends, and family that are so unique and genuine that there is no way they can be copied. On the other hand, although this book does not tell you how to live, I do confess that I just repainted my kitchen. And yes, it is still a bright yellow. Not everyone likes the outrageous color but it suits me fine. Just like this wonderful book of the heart and soul.

The Persistance of Yellow is truly 'a book of recipes for life'. Although this is only one person's thoughts about life I felt like she read my mind and knew exactly how to relate it to me - and by extention, relate it to everyone. Each thought, or page, is complete in itself. They are words I want to hang up on the wall. And the illustrations are amazing - it seems the artist never lifts her pen from the page once she starts drawing. The words and pictures combine to create a book of simple yet lasting grace. I think it would make a great gift and a great coffee table book - something you leave around so everyone can look at it...

I was inspired to buy this book becuase of it's bright yellow cover, carefree graphics, and the positive emotion the few words I read inspired. I was not disappointed with it after I got home and read the rest of the book. In fact, I'm planning on purchasing several copies for my sisters and girlfriends for Christmas presents. The images of ever-present angels watching over us and the positive expression of quirky life stories that each of us have had is inspiring and well-worth reading.

This book is a real pick-me-up and the variety of quotes and anecdotes are refreshing! It's unique in the sense that the writing isn't full of cookie cutter cliche's - the content is thoughtful, humorous, inspirational and intriguing. I've been slowly savoring it and don't want it to end. Truly a good read for all.

My grandmother's best friend gave this to her, while she was living with terminal cancer. I read the book everytime I went to visit her, and clung to it for the hope and happiness within. In my grandmother's will, this little book was left to me. It was by far the most meaningful moment to me in the days after her death. I now buy this book whenever I can find it. I have a copy in my bathroom, my bedroom, and in my kitchen. I give the book to all the women who inspire me.
What is the book about? I could never tell you that! It's a different book every time I read it. The words re-arrange themselves, and teach me a different lesson each time I open the book.

I received this book as a Christmas present, the most wonderful present. When reading this book I experienced JOY and felt the love of my friend, Barbara who gave it to me. I wanted to share that feeling so I just ordered 10 more to give to my friends and family - the special women in my life I am close to. The book inspired feelings of excitement and re-awoke my sleeping inner adventuresome but delicate beautiful woman. Thank you to Monique Duval and Joanna Abbott Moss for such a treasure. I am off to start cookin'

Though the copyright date says 2000, this book feels like it came straight from the sixties.

Little prose-y, poem-y writing with lovely line drawings, lightly highlighted here and there with yellow, all loosely talking about living now.

Here's a short sample: "Everything melted, rained, unraveled, became, grew wings, attempted flight, flopped, tried again, succeeded. Just another day. #317"

This is a happy little book. It's great bedtime reading as you only need a few minutes to enjoy each page, but they're worthy of longer experiences too.

My favorite selection in the book is the first one dealing with the notion of impossible. I'm actually going to search for a used copy of the book, remove that selection (it's #230--the selections aren't in numerical order, by the way), and frame it.

Get this book, enjoy, and think of a friend to gift it too. It really needs to be shared.