You ever listened to one of those audio books that is so bad, yet you have find out how it ends? This is it. Maybe it's because I haven't listened to the other books, but the author gives a great recap that I didn't have to worry about that. My problem was that the characters were totaly unlikeable and there were tons of inconsistantces. First of all, the characters. I didn't like anyone, though Ruby wasn't too bad. Like parts of the story, some of them get a little inconsistant. At first Fanny is a strong-willed woman and then reverts to a pathetic figure when the plot demands it. I also think Ms. Michaels wasted Celia. What could've been a decent woman who happened to be a bit of a goldigger is quickly revealed as your run-of-the-mill femme fatale. I know that I probably have a lot of the fans mad, but continue to hear me out. That over, now the consistantcies. If this family is so rich, how come they act like they're poor? I'm no expert on rich folks, but I think that a family as wealthy as them wouldn't expect their wives to clean and cook. Also, Thronton Chickens is suppose to be a multi-million dollar business then why does it seem that Ruby is doing all the work for what seems like it's described as a small farm. And Celia's baby, I think Ms. Michaels was hinting that it was Birg's even though he hadn't touched since she they got back from that jungle. There's some other things I'd mention, but I don't have the room. Let's just say the only reason this book doesn't fail is becasue of the great recap of everything and you still want to find out how it ends. Love, Yaoi Huntress Earth

I read this book without having read the 2 previous books in the series. It was fairly easy catching up on who the characters were. One thing I found annoying is that during conversations, characters would bring up things that other characters had done throughout the book, but there seemed to be no relevence to the conversation. It is almost as if Miss Michaels was trying to remind the reader what had happened previously. It seemed unnecessary to me. I am, however, looking forward to reading Vegas Heat and Vegas Rich.

Vegas Sunrise was really great. Enjoyed the whole series of these Vegas books by Fern Michaels. They just keep getting better. Loved the way she did this one though. Would love another one. Onto Finder's Keepers next.

Who would have thought that a city-dweller such as myself would enjoy reading a book that boasted such chapter titles as "Wild Cow" and "The Manure Spreader?" I certainly didn't expect to. Tales of rural life have never much appealed to me. I have lived in Nevada, the state that Gibney writes about, for 22 years now, and I suppose I try to reject the rural stereotypes that haunt Nevadans. Well, Gibney managed to enthrall me. His language is beautiful, and you will soon forget that you are reading about a man on a tractor - you are soon reading about yourself. Gibney has a way of putting you directly in his story. I know nothing of manure spreading, thus I assumed that I would reject the aforementioned chapter. But the stories are not about Nevada and living in a rural area, the stories are about the people. Gibney's ability to capture people, and transport you, the reader, into their psyche, is what makes his writing so attractive. You will see things in your mind's eye that you will see for the first time. You will experience feelings and life through his characters that you may not have ever had the luxury to feel. I would certainly recommend Skin of the Earth to those who like to become involved in their reading, and create a realationship with the characters. Good read.

Art Gibney's Skin of the Earth is a collection of fictional stories about life in the deep back country areas of Nevada. These stories describe the lives of those who are caught within the problems of urban or rural living and the resulting collision of the two. The characters are fully developed within a corner of their existence, opening the reader's eyes to a struggle that takes place when the earth meets the world. Each character is seeking something that might be almost impossible, yet so seemingly within reach. This book finds its strength in the powerful storytelling, and the reader finds himself suddenly immersed in a situation that he might never have come across or been interested in. The descriptions of the land, the life, the troubles of solitude and companionship both are vivid and memorable. The characters in these stories are people you might never get to know, never speak with, never give a second thought to. The narration seems to touch the reader into the life of a real person, just at the most important moment of truth, then whisk the reader away. Instead of a mindless, rambling tale, these stories require some reader participation, demanding that the reader interact with the ideas, leaving gaps for the reader to inquire about and piece together his own meaning. There is nothing that is directly spelled out, but rather a snapshot of a life that encourages the reader to consider what he has just witnessed. I generally enjoyed this book, although some stories stand out to me more than others. The description itself is beautiful, and I found myself reading through this book at a speedy pace, interested to read what was next.

This book is a collection of short stories that take place in Nevada's wild country. Although the landscapes are vividly portrayed, the stories focus more on the relationships of the characters, many of which are father-son relations. The stories are filled with metaphors and phrases pertaining to the state's hard country, livestock, and wildlife. Gibney does a good job showing the love many Nevadans have for their state and its outdoor lifestyle, a love that is greatly misunderstood by outsiders who view Nevada as a gambling haven littered with prostitution. I enjoyed the book, and find it gives insight into a part of Nevada that is widely unknown...the toughness the land hands its inhabitants along with a deep sage-gray character that is woven throughout the state.

I feel that the character of Skye was not as well developed as the previous characters in this series. It was a light, easy read, and amusing, but I was a bit disappointed. I am a great fan of Linda Lael Miller and was very pleased with the previous 2 books in this series, and am looking forward to the next.

This is the second set of frontier series I have read written by Linda Lael Miller. "The Women of Primrose Creek" are truly courageous, bold, and intelligent. I am eagerly awaiting the fourth book to this series.

The main character, Skye, also the name of the book, was a feisty woman, but stubborn. Skye refused to admit her feelings for the man she loved and just waited so long to express her feelings to Jake Vigil. Everyone in the town could see that Skye and Jake were in love, except the two people it mattered the most to -- Skye and Jake.

Jake had been bitten by what he assumed was love on two other occasions, one time with Skye's cousin, Christy McQuarry, who later married the town's marshall, Zachary Shaw. Jake was a little shy at admitting his feelings now. Maybe not shy, but a little reluctant to fall into the trap again. Although in the end, he and Skye, could not deny their love. They marry; Skye becomes a mother to Jake's son, whose mother abandoned him and sent him to live with Jake. Later, Skye becomes an expectant mother, and Jake is to become a father a second time.

Each book in the series gets better than the one before. It is like a new chapter unfolding in the lives of the McQuarry women. "Skye" is about a woman who is determined, yet independent. Skye does not discuss her feelings with Jake, which sometimes causes confusion, as in the scene where Skye contacts the railroad company without telling Jake. He in turn thinks of this as an act of betrayal on Skye's part. Then the fire nearly destroys the town, but the people of Primrose Creek are determined to rebuild. All in all, love and determination win afterall.

I think it is wonderful the way Ms. Miller enfolds the lives of all the McQuarry women in each book of this series. The reader gets a view of what is happening to the others and how their lives are shaping up. The McQuarry women may be apart, but they are still one family. I am looking forward to the fourth book in this series.

Definately worth the wait. Devoured the book in one afternoon! Can't wait for the fourth to come out.

I love Vegas and books about Vegas so it pains me to tell you that I truthfully hated this book. I was tempted to not even finish it, although I've never walked out on a book before.

I found the writing style to be sort of... archaic, I guess. It sounds like it was written in the 50s, or by a guy who is in his 80s (which may be the case, I don't know).

But primarily I disliked it because it simply cannot be a factual account. A few of the cheating methods he discussed are quite simply impossible. Even Madonna french-kissing Britney Spears at the craps table would not have been enough distraction to pull off what they supposedly did.

Some of the side stories were interesting, but nowhere near enough to recommend this book.

I enjoyed this book. A very quick read. It chronicles the life of a group of professional cheats who swing the odds in their favor and reaped the winnings. Most of the action takes place in the 60's and 70's in Vegas. So much has changed in Vegas since then that I don't think these tactics would work anymore. An interesting historical account nonetheless.

This is a really good book! I started to read it just for the content but found myself really LIKING this guy Soares. Another surprise was that he is actually a good writer. I would enjoy reading another book by John Soares. How about it John?

The only persons I would recommend this book to are those who may be moving to Utah from out of state and want to better understand the unique (bizarre?) Utah culture. This is what the book is good at: describing the differences between Utah and Nevada cultures. The fact that I had to fight to finish it should be telling enough. The writing is alright but the characters are not compelling. It's not a great book but may be of use to some people.

The language is fast but takes on an emptiness that reflects the Nevada desert. The story is an interesting one with sudden twists (making crop circles, drag racing on the salt flats)and takes on a slightly religious tone towards the end, but not overly so that the author becomes self-indulgent. Funny, interesting, great characters, vivid descriptions. I highly recommend it.

I gave this book to my mother, and she was reading it in her car while stopped at red lights. The book's philosophical and racy passages are equally engaging; the descriptions of the landscape open spaces in your mind.

What promise this book held. There it was smack dab before my eyes on a shelf in a store in Death Valley. I was drooling. I had to buy it. I did.

What a tremendous disappointment. Don't know if it was the ineptitude of the writers or of the editors, but this book is filled with errors and lacks continuity. On every page characters are brought into the discussion from nowhere and without as much as an introduction. Then, as soon as they appear . . . they are gone.

There are many maps, but they offer little and are not located in the appropriate places in the book.

Still there were tiny crumbs that kept me reading. To see the names of those who sought their fortune or sought a place to hide . . . forever. the book whet my appetite to go and find a better book.

Save you money and put it to a trip to DV. It is a glorious spot on earth that allows you mind to run as far as you will allow it.

Cheers,

Dave Ross

This book puts together two of the most comprehensive writings on southern California ghost towns under one cover. Both L. Burr Belden and Mary DeDecker retell the stories that many of which were told to them by first hand citizens of mining towns of the late 19th century and early 20th century. The book is historically informative and holds the interest of this reader. I highly recommend the work, but due to its early publication,(both authors originally released their books in the 60's.) I do not recommend it as a guide to the modern day ghost town visitor. Nonetheless a great and interesting read.

As an officianado of Death Valley and the surrounding area, I found this book a really great read, and in fact I couldn't put it down! Lots of fascinating true history and tales packed into a nice package. Highly recommended!

I gave this to a friend who was moving. I borrowed it back from her and read it...it is a great comprehensive book about moving to las vegas with everything the new las vegan would need to know including how to register your car and get your driver's license, how to get a job quickly and information on all the schools in las vegas. It seems very comprehensive to me.

This book cuts through the hype of coming to Las Vegas and gives newcomers a chance to see the place for what it really is. It's a land of opportunity and of opportunism. It's not an easy place to get settled and the book gives the straight story and also offers the usual list of clubs, relocation companies and so forth.

I read the older edition of this book, but the newer one caught my eye and I gave it a try. It's a lot different and contains more helpful iinformation. I especially appreciated the inside information on schools and how locals live and what they do for fun here. I keep the book with me--it even helps me shop. It helped me choose a good neighborhood too. I would highly recommend this book to anyone considering a move or extended visit to Las Vegas.

I was a big fan of Whale Music and a couple other Quarrington books, so I jumped at the chance to buy this, not knowing it existed. I have tried for weeks to get into it, but so far... after six chapters, I am just not there. There is no doubt that Paul Quarrington is an amazing writer, but this story has just not grabbed me yet.

I have to say I enjoyed this book, but saw room for improvement. While Quarrington's descriptive and narrative style is quite tasty and the plot decidedly provocative and well-researched, I found the telling a little loose and frayed around the edges and the last portion of the book seemed rushed and clumsily tied together. It takes place in a believable world (if you can call Las Vegas believable) where magic (not mere illusions) exists and animals have emotional and intellectual maturity. These devices worked and their "unrealness" was "believable" and enjoyable. Yet, for example, when one's lover/partner starts to turn literally translucent, begins wasting away before your eyes and performing ACTUAL magic learned from ancient books & scrolls and paraphernalia, one would probably react with something other than sulking, annoyance and self-centered anger. This is the sort of unbeleivability that I disliked about this book, even for it's well drawn characters, good humor and surprising twists of plot. Also, some of the out-of-chronological-order storytelling left me confused and back-tracking rather than being able to watch the subplots eventually fall satisfyingly into place. In sum: Enjoyable but not wholly satisfying.

"The Spirit Cabinet" uses the world of magicians and magic as an allegory for an exploration of self-worth. Much of the story takes place through the eyes of Rudolfo, who is the showman partner of Jurgan. The two come from colorful pasts. They are lovers as well as partners in a magic act. The novel contains several romantic graphic gay sexual encounters, one in a hail storm & one on an exercise bike. Rudolfo has a flare for working with animals, most notably Samson whose thoughts & fears are most humanely told. Samson is like the cowardly lion, although at times he's alternately bored or suffering from indigestion. The plot revolves around an auction where Jurgan buys a collection of books & magical equipment that belonged to Harry Houdini. This apparently contains secret magical information. We're not absolutely clear about what happens within the spirit cabinet, but Jurgen appears to undergo a transformation where he becomes increasingly less material, his body translucent, and less responsive to physical gravity. The culmination event reminded me of the idea of spirit fusion presented in The Urantia Book. Other magicians swirl in subplots. Preston the Adequate steals Jurgen & Rudolfo's lovely assistant Miranda. Envious magician Kaz tries to steal the Houdini collection. There is also a chauffeur from the African Dogon tribe who appears to have magical qualities. Quarrington peoples the novel with a collection of oddballs who all seem to question their self-worth. The quasi-mystical becomes magical and possible. Jurgen's climax where he seems to explode skyward into luminous bits is wonderful. The barriers to enjoyment come from the construction which is a bit hard to follow. One chapter is in the present, the next in flashback, and another in a dream. Sometimes it's hard to tell what's what, which may be the point. Overall, this is an interesting and entertaining tome, if a bit off-center. Enjoy!

This CD lets you see a lot of Las Vegas in the cool Quicktime VR format. You can take a 'virtual tour' and get a good idea about how to plan a trip to Vegas, and see a variety of perspectives on the action!

I got the CD for Chirstmas and thought that it was a great CD. It was fun and bought back some cool memories. I would recommend this CD if you love Vegas.

I bought this CD sometime ago and thought that it was a great resource for my family. If you are ever going to go to Las Vegas you should see this CD. It really helped us grasp a very confusing and overwhelming town.