I read Martha Washington by Jean Brown Wagoner. I liked the book a lot. I liked it because Martha said what she felt, and she was always curious. It reminded me of my grandmother, she says what she feels and she is very curious.
The book was mostly about Martha's childhood background and then "jumped" up to where she was older, there was nothing about her teenaged years. Her nickname was Patsy. Patsy had some siblings and many cousins. She got a pony and was the fastest racer that anyone knew.
When she got older one of her "head" butlers, Mammy Tuck thought she was so pretty and that was true. She had met a guy named Mr. Custis, married him, they had four children together and two died along with Mr. Custis. Patsy was so miserable for a while but she kept the farm going.
A while later she met Mr. George Washington, they got married. George had to go to war and Patsy went with him to his camp so she could help men, she did many things, knitted things for them for warmth, she made them food so they could have energy, and she bandaged them up. She lost her two other children in the war.
The war ended and the 13 colonies became the whole United States. They voted to elect George Washington to be President. Patsy and Washington lived happily ever after.

Martha Washington was a loving mother and a caring person. She supported her husband, George Washington, and spent the winters with him at Valley Forge helping the soldiers in need. This book presents Martha Washington as a caring and supportive human being. The text is simple and straight forward. The book also includes interesting photographs and side highlights of things that happened during the revolution and that time period. Martha is depicted as real life character, who had to come up with a dinner for guests after the dog ran away with the ham, and as a teenager, once rode her horse up the front steps of a relatives home. The book makes the historical person come alive.

On it's own, this book is too tiny to help anyone who's visiting seattle for more than a day. It has a paragraph or two about the most common attractions, restaurants, parks, etc. However, since it has great, detailed maps, and it's so small, it's great to tuck in a backpack. When I have friends come to visit, I give it to them to carry around during the day- it's wonderful to consult to find a good spot to grab a lunch, or to be reminded what sights there are to see in whatever neighborhood they're in. If you have a bigger guidebook that you normally use, this is a great, portable supplement.

One of the reasons why I use this book is beacause it has wonderful tidbits and stories about the people and places that influence the Seattle scene. The book is easy to read and can give travelers a quick review on Seattle customs. Descriptions of the restaurants are thorough and offer suggestions of affordable places to grab a quick bite or sit down for a luxorious meal. The authors are honest about the social mix of people found here in the city...providing a section that talks about the areas populated and visited by the gay community. The small book can easily fit into the palm of your hand and is petite enough to fit into any small side pocket of travel gear - a handy feature for the frequent traveler! I reccommend this book in combination with the Lonely Planet: Seattle book and the Fodors Compass guide for Washington (state, that is).

In the early 19th century, Washington City was a new political frontier by the time Thomas Jefferson was elected to the President's House. The new political and social elites were both taken aback by Washington's crude facilities and (at first) socially barren lifestyle yet were somewhat anxious to create a new political and social capital. The male politicians who came to Washington City were accompanied by their wives, sisters, and other female relatives and counterparts who saw enormous opportunity for not only social gain but political influence as well. Catherine Allgor's book, "Parlor Politics: In Which the Ladies of Washington Build a City and Government", convincingly portrays women as important movers and shakers in both Jeffersonian and Jacksonian society. The increasing influence that women were making in social life was beginning to play an important role in politics as well. The republican ideals of womanhood brought increasing responsibility to mothers and wives to train younger generations in civic duties. Women then used this domestic role to effectively make their presence known in the male-dominated milieu of politics. Allgor uses the examples of Dolley Payne Todd Madison, Elizabeth Cortwright Monroe, and Catherine Adams (all First Ladies) to brilliantly point out that women could make or break a person's reputation in Washington. Women were ardent lobbyists; busily preparing and grooming their husbands' careers and making sure that they were introduced to the proper people in Washington. The practice of "calling", for example, on the city's social elite illustrates a complicated network of contacts which was a way of life in the social circles of the nation's capital. While it is easy for upper-class women to busy themselves with politics and social matters (they did have servants to perform most domestic chores) they nevertheless were provided more opportunities for political advancement. Allgor's analyses of the various levees and "drawing rooms" that were held in Washington City illustrate complex social situations in which women played a vital part. Dolley Madison, for example, realized how even the most intricate of details like the color of curtains, for example, could determine if a levee would be successful or not. Allgor's monograph is short yet detailed look at social life in early Washington. So much can be gleaned from this book that can be pertained to modern times (the Jackson scandals, for example). Overall, an interesting behind-the-scenes look at Washington political and social life.

I was lucky enough to be student of Dr. Allgor's for three years and the book was everything I would expect from her. She is at times funny and serious, and capable of explaining history in academic terms that aren't so esoteric as to be incomprehensible to the non-historian while giving a fresh spin on a well documented time period.

In Parlor Politics, Allgor documents the vital role that women played in the creation of a society during (arguably) the most fragile period in our history. One wrong move and the whole deomcracy concept could've gone out the window. Women were able to step in and do things that men couldn't, and under the guise of furthering their family became real movers and shakers in the early washington scene. Allgor documents the time of Jefferson through the Jackson presidency and does so with a style that is often missing in academic texts. It is easy to see why this book is quickly becoming an influential work in the history of Washington and the construction of america.

If you enjoy this book, you may want to also read "good wives" by laurel thatcher ulrich...more dry, but also interesting.

Boller has filled his book with a number of anecdotes covering Presidential Inaugurations from Washington to George W. Bush. All of the Inaugurations are described in neatly arranged chapters from picking the day, coping with the weather to the inaugural parades and balls.

Along the way, Boller details how much inauguration day has changed from the early 1800's to today. For example: in the 1800's, the morning procession was the big event, not the balls; dancing by the president didn't become fashionable until Lyndon Johnson took to the floor (I thought they all danced); and Washington knowing that everything he did, or didn't do, would set a precedent for future presidents.

Boller also gives you an insight into the President's mood on inauguration day: Calvin Coolidge exclaiming to his wife on Hoover's inauguration that, "it always rains on moving day." JFK leaving an inaugural ball to party with Frank Sinatra; and Lincoln delivering his second inaugural address. Boller also reviews the Vice-Presidents, be sure to check out the story of Charles G. Dawes lecturing the Senate during his Vice-Presidential inaugural speech!

The book is certainly not a serious piece of work, but that just makes its all the more accessible and most importantly, enjoyable.

Presidential Inaugurations by Paul F. Boller Jr. provides an important historical account of Presidential Inaugurations from George Washington to George W. Bush. This entertaining and often humorous work is a must have for individuals interested in the human side of politics and the history of the United States. This well researched work is well worth the modest list price, and it makes an excellent addition to the libraries of individuals interested in the history of the Presidency.

Lavishly illustrated, this coffee table sized book is nicely structured by architectural eras from Federalist to Modern. Twenty-six homes are featured, mostly of private residents with a few museum-types.

My only complaints were a lack of exterior pictures. Since the book was organized by architectural eras, it left something to be desired that some of them just had interior shots. Also the captioning was a bit bizarre--pointing out objects of interest that were not in the picture and sometimes the wrong caps with the wrong picture.

Overall though, the book is a treat. I particularly liked some of the modern interior design done in older homes. The photography is magnificent. An excellent wish book!
-sweetmolly-Amazon.com Reviewer

What an outstanding piece of artwork! The text and the photographs blend beautifully to give the reader a wonderful behind the doors look at some of Washington's most captivating homes and their residents. This book is a must for a holiday gift for those who love architecture, Washington, Washington people, decorating, history, or those who just love a good book! Congratulations Jan Cigliano and Walter Smalling!

RECIPES FROM THE ROAD is a collection of recipes that celebrates the diversity of the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. The cookbook features recipes from around the world and are sure to please even the most discerning palette. One of the greatest strengths of this book is its superb organization. The recipes are sorted by continent or region and then by the specific country from which the recipes are taken. Before reading the recipes from a given country, readers are provided with a brief overview of the culinary staples, traditions and customs that are inherent to the nation. This gives readers a more in depth appreciation for the recipes that follow. At the end of each section, readers are provided with a brief biography about the woman that submitted that set of recipes. As you read about the varied accomplishments of these women, you cannot help but be further impressed by this collection.

With recipes from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, Latin America, and the Caribbean, at times I felt as if this book was taking me on a tour of the world. The addition of the information on the food culture made this cookbook educational as well as useful. If you are looking for a book that will inspire you through its stories about amazing women, introduce you to the culinary traditions of nearly 40 nations around the world, and tantalize your taste buds, then RECIPES FROM THE ROAD is the book for you.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

As one of the women highlighted in the book, I was excited to see the final product. I am always searching for a new and different recipe. I enjoy cooking and always try to collect recipes during my international travels. This book is full of interesting and delicious recipes and I look forward to trying many of them. I applaud Dr. Freeman for promoting all of us in the book and these wonderful recipes. Thank You!!!(...)

A great gift(...)

This is not a book for rockhounds -- there are no mineral lists, no collecting sites or things like that. It is aimed at a general reader with an interest in geophysical features and phenomena. I'd say it scores pretty well.

The authors focus on what can be seen along, and what underlies, many major Washington highways. They deal with both the surficial geology and the underlying basement rocks. There is an emphasis on relating what is right in front of you to "how it got that way" and how it continues to change today.

Their preface is an excellent description of plate tectonics, the engine that powers all the geologic activity. It would be easy for this description to lose the non-technical reader, but their writing makes it seem clear. Throughout the book they have a consistently light but careful prose style. More people would be interested in geology if introductory geology textbooks read like this one!

Geology has long been a hobby of mine. I own several of these books and thoroughly enjoy them all. The Washington roadside guide has the most meaning to me since I live in Washington State and have had reason to travel throughout the state for the last 12 plus years. I like the authors approach of using highways and cities as reference points. In addition, the pictures add realism. You can actually go to those places and look at the pictures in the book and see exactly what they are talking about.
I think this book is a valuable educational tool as well for people with children. What fun to drive from place to place and learn about what is really under the surface of the ground! Reading the geological story of a particular part of the state made me want to travel there as well. Great books, very easy to read.

I read this book beacause I am a Janeite. I had been looking for a volume of Juvenalia, but I bought this instead. It is a must for anyone who likes Jane Austen. It includes her juvenalia (all three volumes), her poetry, two of her prayers, leters, Sanditon, Lady Susan, and The Watsons. I liked the "History of England" and I absolutely adored Sanditon (even though it is just a fragment). There are many fragments in this volume and unfinished works, but they are wonderful to read even though they laeve you wishing that there were an ending. I also noticed that this volume included "Venta" which was written shortly before Jane Austen died. It is full of Jane Austen's delightful satire and includes many pieces which I found delightfully funny. I enjoyed reading Love and Friendship simply because of its wonderful quotes like "run mad as often as you choose but do not faint". I would reccommend this to any Jane Austen fan and even some non-fans. My best friend had never read Jane Austen before and now she is a Janeite for life. One thing that I like about this book is that it is a well-made hardcover book and will not fall apart on me after multiple readings and rereadings!

For all the people who know already Jane Austen's six published novels, this volume will be another opportunity to admire the genius of the British author. This volume begins with two unfinished novels. Sanditon, begun in the last year of Jane Austen's life, deals with issues unknown in her other novels, like the culture of commerce and hypocondria. The Watsons, begun in 1804, is a work more similar to Jane Austen's most known work. Both writings are delightful. However, perhaps even more delighful are some of the other works on this volume. Lady Susan, a short epistolary novel about a scheming widow, is one of the most ironic and original works by Jane Austen. And last but not least, there is Jane Austen's juvenilia, works created when the author was between fifteen and eighteen years old. These miniatures are a testimony that the humor and mastery of language of Jane Austen was present at an early age. Among the best of the juvenilia are Love and Friendship, the very partial history of England and Jack and Alice. All of this early works (which were occasionally quoted on the film Mansfield Park) present a very sharp humor. There are also at the end poems and three prayers.The excellent edition and introduction by Peter Washington makes this Everyman's Library volume a must for all fans of Jane Austen and English literature.

This is a gorgeous cookbook that does more than just serve up some of the best recipes the most talented chef's in Seattle have to offer but also includes wonderful stories about the chefs and about the FareStart program that trains homeless men and women in job skills and life skills and gives them their life back. The incredible success of the program is the result of great community support and this cookbook is another example of that.

My mother, the wonderful mother she is, being of great kindness had Dan Thiessen sign the copy she bought me. As a very young child, one of my first restaurant memories was eating out at the Space Needle restaurant. Since then, I took my nieces there for a girl's day out lunch and am still fascinated by the rotating restaurant.

Seattle has so many great restaurants. Palisade is also featured and we have had family parties there in the past. John Howie is an expert on Plank cooking and you might also enjoy his Cedar Plank Cookbook.

Recently we had dinner right next to the fireplace at Ray's Boathouse where Charles Ramseyer is standing! That is the best spot in the whole restaurant, right next to the fireplace.

Then, there is the Metropolitan Grill, Canlis, Painted Table, Herbfarm (really in Woodinville and look for the amazing Herb Farm Cookbook by Jerry Traunfeld), Flying Fish and so many other familiar restaurants that are all connected to my family memories.

So, if you live in Seattle you will want a copy of this cookbook for sure. If you are wondering what all the talk is about and why the restaurants are so famous, this cookbook will give you a small taste of the bounty of the Northwest.

Some of the great recipes:

Chicken in Lettuce Cups
Grilled King Salmon
Pumpkin Soup
Cajun BBQ Prawns
Eggplant Roulades
Thai Curry Sea Scallops
Winter Squash Gnocchi
Apples Baked in Pastry
Layered Goat Cheese & Vegetable Salad
Prosciutto, Spinach & Mind Wrapped Lamb
Wicked Shrimp
Huckleberry Galettes
Black Rice Cakes

If you love the recipes or are just taking a vacation in Seattle, there is a restaurant directory in the back of the book.

When purchasing this book, you are also helping to support ACCESS. Their mission is to alleviate homelessness and poverty through developing community leadership. They have a list of resources in the back of the book that also include recommended reading like: The Way Home, the Cathedral Within and Revolution of the Heart.

Your generosity and compassion
may be the turning point in someone's life. ~Access

Enjoy!

I visit Portland often and have long wanted to also spend some time in Seattle. As much as I get to Portland, I had no idea about some of the places mentioned in this book. Lots of attractions, where to eat, where to shop, what to wear in both Portland & Seattle, and so forth. With all the times I've been in the great Northwest, I had no idea how much there truly was to see in both cities. And the book is written in a casual enough style, so that not only can you read about various places to see, but also this can be used as a quick reference.

The next time I travel to Portland (and when I get up to Seattle), I'm definitely taking this book with me so I can visit some of the areas and restaurants I've missed in my previous travels there.

Anyone planning a visit to either city will enjoy this book.

A book about my two favorite cities, I was bound to like it.

This guide should be very helpful to anyone visiting the area. I have lived in both Seattle and Portland, and even I learned things in this book about these two cities that I did not know. These are the two most important cities in the Pacific Northwest of the United States, and it's nice to see a book published about them. Even residents would enjoy this book.