The somewhat haunting photographs of the interior of the asylum makes one try to imagine how life was for those souls who lived there. The beautiful architecture of those majestic buildings and well-manicured grounds is a testament to an era of compassion. There is one photograph in particular that caught my attention, on page 185 that has what appears to be a ghostly image of a man standing in the doorway of room 50. A book you can look at over and over again and see new things in the detailed photographs.

This book should be required reading in Psych 101 classes. Photography classes as well.

The author gently uses her camera and prolific writing style to tell a story that both inspires and shocks you at the same time. There are incredible amounts of patient and staff histories both touching and surprising. The book inspires one to ponder the life of each person profiled.

One can only hope that Johnson continues along the same lines and creates another masterpiece like Angels in the Architecture.

"Angels in the Architecture" is a first-rate homage to a former asylum, the Traverse City State Hospital of Michigan. Heidi Johnson has masterfully combined her hauntingly beautiful photographs with both archival material and first-hand reports from the trenches. The result is a powerfully compelling journey into the soul of a once vibrant institution that provided care to thousands of its wards.

I lived in Waco when these murders happened. The fact of mistaken identity scared everyone. I live only about a 1/2 mile from where the murders took place. Also, the young man that was murdered had the same last name as me, which is not a common last name. My mom was always being asked if it was her son and I if he was my brother. Even though I was living right there and heard it on the news and read it in the newspaper constantly, it still made the hair stand up on my arms when I read the book.

I read just about every true crime book that comes out and this one, for me, is definitely in my top five out of many. The writing itself is excellent and the details are outstanding. Truman Simons must certainly be the most dedicated investigator to ever work a murder scene and his dogged dedication alone resulted in finding the murderers and punishing them accordingly. The book was especially intriguing with psychics, one that told the police many "sightings" she had that were right on the mark most of the time. This book is so well written that the pain the victim's families felt from losing their children will haunt you for a long time. I promise this is one crime book that you will read repeatedly. If you are a dedicated true crime buff, do your best to find this book and read it! My hardback copy is one of my true crime collection treasures! I've read it three times over the years and each time I couldn't put it down.

Those readers who were greatly affected by this story might be interested to know that Deeb was later given a new trial and acquitted. Spence was finally executed in 1997. The Melendez brothers are still in prison. A Westlaw or Lexis search provides a great deal of info on the aftermath.

I was passing through Utah about 4 or 5 weeks ago, and I stopped in a bookstore to pick something up for the flight home. "Environment for Murder" looked interesting, but I wasn't expecting much from a local author, even one with the credentials of Mr. Decker. I was pleasantly surprised. As a professor of English Literature I am not easily impressed, but Decker's flowing prose and intricate characters impressed me greatly. I recommend this book to anyone.

I've never been to Utah, but I feel like I have after reading Rod Decker's incredible book! Every character leaped of the page, and the ending had me talking to my friends for months. I hope Decker will favor us with a new book soon.

Everyone else is right on, this book is amazing. I recommend it highly to anyone.

I gave this book to 25 family members and friends for Christmas and I have received most wonderful comments from everyone. They praise the photography and the text. One person wrote that she could "see" the grandparents walking down the path to the beach with their grandchildren. If you know someone who has ever summered in the Great Lakes in their own summer home or in a rented cottage this book is a must. It does capture the essence of cottage living in this area.

The Great Lakes Cottage Book is a specialty title recommended for those who love cottages and Minnesota. The authors present fine photos and recollections of Great Lakes cottages and scenes, focussing on subjects which reveal the cottage experience. The result is a coffee table book celebrating a special place and structure.

Ed Wargin's photographs capture the emotions of these much loved cottages with a sesitivity and beauty that few others could accomplish. His use of natural light is extraordinary and gives a warmth that reflects the feelings that abound in these cottages.

When you add Kathy-jo's unique ability to convey loving sentiments in short essays, this becomes an heirloom book. I will never again hear the screen door slam, or sit in on a rainy day or do any of the other normal activities in a cottage without remembering Kathy-jo's essay about that activity and how she captured emotions that I have had but never before seen expressed so beautifully. Thank you Ed and Kathy-jo for seeing into our hearts.

Now in a completely updated and expanded third edition, Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way continues to be the premier cruising guide to Lake Superior for recreational sailors and their onboard guests. A definitive and detailed guide to cruising Lake Superior, this superbly presented guide offers more than 350 new GPS Waypoints, information on improved harbor passages,. as well as new marinas and anchorages. Enhanced with more than 300 diagrams, charts and tables, this "user friendly" volume is spiral bound allowing it to be laid out flat next to the helm. If you are planning a cruise anywhere on Lake Michigan, whether as an afternoon's outing or for an extended vacation, begin your preparations and planned itinerary with acquiring your own copy of Bonnie Dahl's Superior Way!

March 22, 2001 Obviously this is not a review. I've been searching everywhere for this book without sucess. Please if you have an extra copy you would be willing to part with send me an e-mail MJBahr007@aol.com Thank you! P.S. I'm planning on bringing my 26' sailboat with a crew of 3 or 4 to the Apostle Islands the first week in August 2001. If anyone else that reads this is going to be up there during this period of time please feel free to send me an e-mail and maybe we can raft up some evening and swap dinner and tales! It does not matter if you are a power or sailboater all are welcome!

Cruising Surperior has always been a goal for my husband and myself. Three years ago I bought 5 copies of the book for ourselves and friends. We studied and planned and charted Superior the first year. The book gave us a very detailed description of approaches, anchorages, bottom holding, alternative anchorages depending on wind. We found our first summer 1999 sailing Superior a very rewarding experience and in a large way "Superior Way" gave us the confidence to approach seemingly unapproachable anchorages. In many instances we seemed familiar with the areas, having read, studied Bonnie's book. We circumnavigated Superior that year and vowed to return in 2000. We did and again Bonnie Dahl's book was invaluable. We are going again in 2001. Lake Superior is a formidable lake by many accounts but having good Navigation skills and equipment, charts and Bonnie's book; Your experience will be the highlight of your cruising experience for years to come. Motor or Sail - - BUY THE BOOK!!

I've been buying these books since the 80's. They contain Names, Sizes, & other details about any ship on the Great Lakes Also some great photos.

The only book when it comes to Great Lakes Shipping. Fascinating detail and outstanding pictures. It is as fun to use as it is informative

FROM THE EDITOR: I just wanted to clarify that this is 2000 edition, as the way it is listed here is a bit confusing. The book includes information on more than 2,500 Great Lakes and saltwater ships, full color stack and flag tables, vessel histories and dozens of color photographs. This year we also look at important milestones in Great Lakes history from the last 100 years, and honor the sisterships Arthur M. Anderson, Philip R. Clarke and Cason J. Callaway as our Vessels of the Year...Thanks

these were the images. The ability to heighten your senses. To smell the sunshine on the grass. To be alive in the breezes. Awaken to love and loyalty. Heart stopping and heart wrenching. A tale for all ages.

This is one of the best books I have ever read! I have read it several times over and the story never grows old. It holds me captivated to the very last page through every reading. (I also cry every single time.) If you are the kind of person who loves the story of Romeo and Juliet I garentee that this book is for you.

Swan Lake is a beautiful book. The story of the old man, the little girl, the true prince and the beautiful Odette is told with simple elegance through the eyes of the wise old grandfather. I read this book out loud with my friend, and we could have stayed up all night, caught up in the beautiful, heartbreaking tale of love and life and learning. We laughed and cried, and sat stiff with suspense. We were filled by turns with sorrow and joy, despair and hope and sometimes a mixture of them all. Everyone should read Swan Lake, for this book is truly a treasure, a gem that will shine brightly for years to come.

The three continued to the dangerous Lake of Tears, in the land ruled by the evil sorceress Thaegan. They need to get through her territory and to the Lake of Tears. On their way, they discover a troop of Grey Guards with a prisoner; a tiny Ralad builder named Manus. They rescue him, and move off the road to avoid capture by the angry Grey Guards. Then they see a broken sign: Ring and Enter. They see a nice cottage, and a bell. They oblige, and run to the cottage. But instead of a nice, flat lawn, is quicksand. The two inhabitants, Nij and Doj, pull them out and treat them well. But they do not speak English. Instead, they say things like "Noos taem hserf!" Which later, they discover is "Fresh meat soon!" and their names are Jin and Jod - Two of Thaegan's evil children. Can they make it to the Lake of Tears? They do, and find a beast, Soldeen. They have to get the gem from Soldeen, and when Kree, Jasmine's crow, kills Thaegan by trying to protect Jasmine, all of her evil work comes undone, including the trasfomation of the city D'Or.

You have to read this book! Almost better than Harry Potter. This is a great series and I could not put the books down. I read for at least an hour every night. This is a mind twisting adventure and the best one in the series.

It's really fun to read. The story was very exciting, and I would definitely recommend this book to my friends.

The Waddodles of Hollow Lake: Law of the Woodland was such a delightful story that took me through "the cycle of life." What a sweet and virtuous journey it was! I felt that there were so many elements of life represented in Carole's book. It really focused on family values, unity, overcoming hardships and struggles, and most importantly, the love for one's children.

The author has a passionate and fresh approach to writing and I really enjoyed the rich and colorful character development. By the end of the story, I wanted to be a part of the Waddodle family!

I would recommend this adorable tale to anyone.

Appealing to all ages, this is a delightful story!
Meet "believable" characters learning an invaluable
lesson in life while touching your heart - leaving you
anxious to meet them again...

A must read for any age. This sweet story of a raccoon family will warm your heart. Each character is unique and will remind you of the characters in your own life. Children will love the story and not even realize they are learning life lessons in the process. The writing is flawless - hard to believe this is the author's first work! I'm looking forward to the next in the series.

I have loved PHC for years, but have just recently started reading GK's work. He spins wonderful yarns, but I found this collection of stories a bit disjointed past the midway point of the book. One thing that is nearly always consistent is that "It was another quiet week in Lake Wobegon."

This has many favorites from PHC shows, including my favorite, "Pontoon Boat." Certainly, the original delivery of Keilor adds much to the presentation, but easily any of us who have heard these can still here his pace, and emphasis as we glide across the words. And, for those who haven't, this is still such entertaining tales.

"Hawaii" and the Usher competition is another fav. How about hand signals for such as "child removal" - "crossed arms and kicking motion?" Or "A Glass of Wendy" --- "if a horse got on the sauce himself, he might get mixed up, but usually they did hte job and if the sheriff came, all he found was a wagon and a horse with red eyes and bad breath."

Classic, good stuff to be cherished and shared.

Garrison Keillor is a master short story writer...unfortunately, publishers keep trying to turn him into a novelist. This is his BEST collection of stories. Wise, warm, and wonderful. A worthy successor to the string of small-town American writers.