Beyond All Desiringa novel
by Judith Laura
JudithLaura.com
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Beyond All Desiring
a novel
by Judith Laura
List Price: $15.95
isbn159526017X ▪ Llumina
Press ▪ 6x9 Trade Paperback ▪ 200 pages
Publication Date: September 2005 ▪
Distributed by Ingram and Baker & Taylor
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Top Prize, 2006
Ulysses Award |
When Sara’s niece, Janice, is notified that her sharp-witted aunt, now in her 80s, hasn’t been seen for several days, Janice’s panicky drive to find out what’s happened begins our journey of discovering that Sara has led a life very different from what her relatives and friends assume.
Historical events of the 20th century form a backdrop to Sara’s often tumultuous personal life, which we follow from Trenton, NJ, to Washington, DC, (with jaunts to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and West Virginia). As Sara visits an art museum exhibit about Buddhism, we learn of her two marriages, the first to an abusive man and the second to a kind man who was involved in top secret projects and who develops a bizarre illness. We discover her long but secret love relationship with a woman. And we learn of hidden booklets which hold the key to yet another secret.
Stylistically innovative, Beyond All Desiring is realistic and magical, erotic and spiritual. It gives us a rare look into the heart of a woman who was “different” in a time of conformity, and who ultimately made a big difference in the lives of those close to her.
Reviewers and Readers Comment:
“...a fantastic book that looks into the life of a woman who didn't conform
to the rules of society in her time....A wonderfully realistic story about a
woman who's the odd one out in her family but in the end is the one who makes a
major difference in their lives.”—Rosie Bindra,
Fresh Fiction
“Beyond All Desiring is a beautiful story written by a talented Judith Laura. The plot has several twists and turns that kept this reader involved. Ms Laura has a flair for giving each character a distinct voice. Well done! I highly recommend Beyond All Desiring to fans of fiction.”—Debra Gaynor, ReviewYourBook.com
“Though there are many twists and turns in this book's story-line, it's not just the plot that makes it stand out...but also the way the author tells the story and the wonderful depth of the characters. And the passages...where the line between what we think of as ‘reality’ is crossed briefly, and in a way that we feel is ‘normal’. Beyond All Desiring is a terrific read, an unusual book about an unusual woman.”—
Internet Book List“It's a good book, with strong characters driving it.”—Rachel Pollack, award-winning author of Godmother Night
“As one would surmise from the title, sexual desire does play a significant role in [Beyond All Desiring]... Ms. Laura writes: ‘And so they became lovers, though they at first couldn't put a word to what they were. Of course they told no one. They would have lost their jobs...’ Then later, in the same passage, ‘They would double date to the movies with the boys, let them stroke and pet them, and when they got home they would rush to one of their beds and complete what the boys had started.’ There was also the following about another relationship Sara had in the book: ‘...like Tantra, Kabbalah had a tradition of sacred sex. So, now, on the rare occasion they had sex, in addition to using the Tantric techniques, Harry would tell her that she was the Shekhinah, God's wife’, and ‘She could not see Tantra as Harry did, as a way to rise above sex by becoming so fully satiated that you no longer desired it.’. . . sex and relationships aren't the only elements prominent in the book. Also a common thread...was perception and the need to achieve fulfilment "beyond all desiring" for some of the characters in the book, including Sara. ”— Robin M. Buehler, The Compulsive Reader
“What do we really know about anyone's life? What are the secrets of ordinary lives? Beyond All Desiring gives us an ordinary life described with extraordinary vision and compassion. I enjoyed the book enormously.”—Barbara Ardinger, author of Quicksilver Moon
“I was wonderfully surprised to learn that this kind of strange, uppity, retired accountant turns out to have lived a life full of challenges, loves, and secrets. . . . Well written.”—Donald S. Ellis, Creative Arts
About the Author
Excerpts
Most of Beyond All Desiring is told from Sara's point of view, which begins with Chapter 2.
Chapter 1 is told from the point of view of Sara's niece, Janice. Read
Janice's excerpt from Chapter 1. Skip to
Sara's excerpt from Chapter 2. Or live on the edge and
order it without reading any excerpts, see below.
Judith Laura donates at least a
third of her royalties |
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Beyond All Desiring is available from major online booksellers such as amazon.com, bn.com (You can compare prices major bookseller prices at Bookfinder4u.com ), and can also be purchased through independent booksellers. For a list of them go visit Booksense and key in your zipcode, then select a store and search for this book title. For example, in Washington, DC., Baltimore, Rehoboth, & Norfolk, you can buy it through Lambda Rising (everyone can order it from their website ); in Minneapolis, it's available through Amazon Bookstore Cooperative (everyone can ordered it from their website). We have compiled a list of some other U.S. independent bookstores who indicate they carry the book. (Most major chains also carry it.) If it's not yet on the shelf of your favorite brick-and-mortar bookstore, ask them to order it through the distributors Ingram or Baker & Taylor, or directly from the publisher at 1-866-229-9244 (Individuals can also order it from this toll-free number). |
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