The Persistence of Yellow: Book of Recipes for Life

Rating:
Summary: Lasting Treasure
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: One to Share
Review: 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'

Rating:
Summary: One to Share
Review: 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'

Rating:
Summary: Bless yourself and your friends with this book!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Bless yourself and your friends with this book!
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: "Listen to the Waves." "What Waves?"
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: "Listen to the Waves." "What Waves?"
Review: 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!

Rating:
Summary: Lovely book that provides a fresh perspective on life
Review: 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.