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Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Teton", sorted by average review score:

Teewinot: A Year in the Teton Range
Published in Hardcover by St. Martin's Press (June, 2000)
Author: Jack Turner
Average review score:

intimate relationship
As I read, Turner took me on an alpine guided trip that allowed me to vicariously absorb the intimacies of nature and "sit" with him as he basked, observed and recorded the essence of nature and the Tetons. I felt like I was with him for every step and hold. This is a very sensual account of his year in the Tetons. The intimacies of his account are to be relished. He was generous to share his otherworldly view and "heightened" sense of what it is like to humbly share the earth with other beings.

Now I'll have to learn to climb
Jack Turner has yet again produced a book with a sense of place and sometimes even an aura of the Tetons where he has climbed and guided for 40 years. Although this book is more relaxed and less intense than his powerful "Abstract Wild" it nevertheless provides a mature outlook on life in the Tetons. Turner is not afraid to reveal himself in this book and yet does not fall into sentimentality, the accounts of climbing and the experiences with friends are especially moving such as the tragic consequences of a fall for his friend Kim Schmitz who suffered in incredible agony after breaking just about everything or the death of Leigh Ortenburger, and yet there are great times too like the remarkable skiing of Mark Newcombe and Turner's love of Rilke and Haiku which also appeals very much to me. Surrounding these images of lost friends and at times extreme experiences is the national park itself which never leaves the scene always providing the glue which binds the whole together. Turner has a remarkable grasp of both the scientific aspects of the park such as the geology and the biology/ecology which is added to the feel of it at the same time, I mean the sense of being experienced when the mind is stilled, something which is always enhanced in a wild area where existence is forced upon you no longer escapable such as in a big city. Through the stories of the park, the people and his own very human outlook you can't help but feel Turner loves where he is and lives for it wholeheartedly, his own journey into philosophy, Zen show how deeply he thinks about his life and the natural environment. I also feel that he loves what he does and where he is so much that he not willing to give it up to go that extra distance needed in really deep meditation. My own experiences in this mean that joy can be found everywhere whether it is a city or in natural surroundings. Jack Turner is a man that I would like to meet, his energy, his dynamic outlook, his interest in just about everything is not that common nowadays. A wonderful book of a man and his love.

A lot of nature, a little climbing
Each of the book's chapters represents a typical month during the author's decades of life in the Tetons. During each season you get up early with the author, have breakfast, go see some wildlife, experience the Tetons. The day-to-day and season-to-season details of his life were just what I was looking for: I wanted to get real close to what it would feel like to really be there. One third or less of the book covers climbing experiences, and even these accounts may have great appeal for non-climbers such as myself, because the author's attention is forever focused on the natural world around him. The book is especially rich for the author's gift at observing and describing the natural world. Other topics such as ecological issues and author's spiritual views are very subtley and concisely raised throughout the book and are only sidebars in what is an excellent journal about the wild world of the Tetons.

If someone is interested in a better understanding of conflict between game wardens and the public in Wyoming, a topic touched upon in Teewinot, I recommend "Wild Journey" by Bragonier.


Photographer's Guide to Yellowstone and the Tetons
Published in Paperback by Stackpole Books (February, 2000)
Author: Joseph K. Lange
Average review score:

Not for the pro-photographer, works for the amateur
This book is written for someone with little photography background. If your just starting in photography or if your just starting in outdoor photography it gives you some good helpful hints.

Great concept.
I found this book extremely valuable, and I wish similar books were available for every photogenic destination (a few others are). Given limited vacation time in each park (Tetons & Yellowstone), we were able to plan ahead and be at the right place at the right time(s) of day to get excellent shots and then onward to other activities.

The author was exactly accurate about what time the rainbows appear from successive North Rim overlooks, for example, and we hiked between them with great results. Ignore the recommendations about filters if you like, but select from the location descriptions to maximize your trip photos of the famous (and semi-secret) views. Yes I brought home a lot of cliche images, but my friends and family don't know that and they're thrilled with the "classic" enlargements.

Excellent book on photography in these parks!
I found this book to be an exceptional guide to both photograph and tour Yellowstome and the Tetons! The author included valuable informations such as the best times of day to take pictures in the parks, and also suggested methods to use to get the best shots! In addition to the outstanding photos in the book, the author also told how to get the best results. It turned out to be an invaluable resource in planning our visit, and I would highly recommend it those planning to take pictures and those who just want to see beautiful scenery!


Lakota Love Song
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Signet (January, 2002)
Author: Madeline Baker
Average review score:

Another wonderful story from a master of Native American rom
Courtesy of The Best Reviews

Kaylee Matthews is out riding her family's ranch one day and comes across a Lakota warrior who was wounded and left for dead. She knows she must help him, and does so while hiding him from her family. As she is helping him recover, Kaylee finds herself becoming bound to him, tighter and tighter.

Blue Hawk awakens to find himself in a white man's lodge, with a beautiful vision before him. He is an injured outsider to this world and longs to return to his village and people. All the while though, he is drawn to Kaylee and does not want to leave her. However, his people need him, and he longs for revenge against the white man who broke his word, stealing supplies meant for the Lakota, and shooting Blue hawk, leaving him for dead.

Kaylee promises to help Blue Hawk return home, getting a lot more than she bargained for in the process. Now Kaylee is the outsider among the Lakota, and must learn to live as they do. As she adapts to her new life, the passion between her and Blue Hawk grows...their love becoming stronger every day. Kaylee discovers she loves the Indian way of life, but misses her family all the same, hoping they are well.

However, the Lakota are on the run and Kaylee with them. Custer is tracking them down, to force all Indians on to reservations and free up their land for settlers to develop. The Indians decide to take a stand and defend their sacred land. Will they be successful? Will Kaylee and Blue Hawk overcome the odds to remain together?

Ms. Baker has once again proven why she is one of the reigning queens of Native American romance. Kaylee and Blue Hawk's relationship is so pure and true, each only wanting what is best for the other. The secondary characters are also a rare treat. The interaction between them and the hero and heroine is well done and adds to the story. Their growth as people is as evident as Kaylee and Blue Hawk's, but never overshadows them.

The research that went into this story is unmistakable. One will love all of the historical facts thrown in. It was wonderful to read such detailed scenes, even the violent Battle of Little Big Horn, which is a vital turning point to the story. There is even a little bit of mystery thrown in, though this reviewer had it solved as soon as it was mentioned.

This is a touching story, full of emotion. The reader will laugh, cry, scream, and grieve along with Kaylee and Blue Hawk. Their emotion is so powerful; one will feel how torn they are between their families and their love for each other. Ms. Baker's books are always a pleasure to read. It is known that each story will be unique...a masterpiece...and Lakota Love Song does not disappoint.

Amazing!
This was a really great book. I just finnished it last night, I couldn't put it down. I love Madeline Baker, she is my favorite writer. This book was so interesting and exciting, I was amazed by her detail and gift for writing.

Couldn't put it down
I throughly enjoyed this book. I liked the way the story flowed with the relationship between Kaylee and Blue Hawk. I couldn't put it down, I had to keep reading to find out more. It is a must read!


Jenny of the Tetons
Published in Hardcover by Harcourt Young Classics (May, 1989)
Author: Kristiana Gregory
Average review score:

Great book that I highly recomend
After fifteen-year-old Carrie Hill's parents are killed in an Indian attack in the Idaho territory in 1875, Carrie goes to live with Beaver Dick, an American explorer, and his family. Beaver Dick's wife is a Shoshone Indian called Jenny. Jenny and Carrie don't get along very well at first, but as the days go by, Carrie learns to respect Jenny and her ways. While living with Beaver Dick, Carrie goes on many adventures. One time Jenny, Carrie, and the children meet a grizzly bear and since Jenny has an excellent aim, she shoots the bear and then Carrie starts looking at Jenny in a new way. Meanwhile, Carrie falls in love with Miles, an explorer working with Beaver Dick. And in the spring of 1877 they are married. The next winter, Jenny gets sick from taking in a sick Indian and her child. It quickly spreads to the rest of the family including Jenny and Beaver Dick's children. It is a race for survival and they might not win.

This would be a great book for people who like adventure. It is a great book for people of all ages. If you are looking for a book that speaks highly of Indians, this would be a good choice because Jenny, is the hero in her own special way.

GREAT HISTORICAL FICTION
Carrie's family is ambushed by indians. She is put under the care of an englishman named Beaver Dick. To Carrie's horror she finds out Dicks wife is an Indian. Carrie instantly hates her. However thru time Dicks wife {jenny} displays such kindness and gentleness Carrie starts to feel love toward her and her kids. This historical tale is well written and is constantly interesting for kids and adults alike.
Word of caution for sensative youngsters, This does not have a happy ending.


Teton Tales: And Other Petzoldt Anecdotes
Published in Paperback by ICS Books (01 July, 2000)
Author: Paul Petzoldt
Average review score:

some of paul petzoldts great mountaineering stories
this book has a bunch of pauls interesting stories. he's a real character and has a great sense of humor. i got to sit down with him and talk to him about a month ago and he is one amazing man.

Terrific stories from a pioneer of American mountaineering.
This is not just another climbing narrative from an alpine athlete. Petzoldt is a fascinating character whose breezy anecdotes say a lot about the development of Wyoming in the early part of the century, about human nature, what it means to be an adventurer, and even a little about class struggle in our supposedly classless society. It's a quick read I think climbers and non-climbers alike will enjoy.


Yellowstone Country: The Enduring Wonder
Published in Hardcover by National Geographic (April, 1994)
Authors: Seymour L. Fishbein, Raymond Gehman, Donald J. Crump, and National Geographic Society
Average review score:

The land of geysers
A beautiful book. Get insight into the delicate ecosystem, the people and the wildlife in this amazing natural wonder.

A beautiful book!
Another wonderful book from National geographic. Get insight into the world's nest natural geysers. A must have for people planning to visit the beautiful park.


Hiking Grand Teton National Park (FalconGuide)
Published in Paperback by Falcon Publishing Company (June, 1999)
Author: Bill Schneider
Average review score:

Hiking Grand Teton National Park
Having read this book and just spent a week using it in hiking in the Tetons, I found it generally useful and accurate. The maps and directions for finding trailheads are good, and the mileage counter provided gives a good indication of progress on the walks. I would make several recommendations for changes, however. First, I disagree with the level of difficulty ranking for some of the trails. For instance, the Amphitheater Lake trail is clearly more strenuous and difficult than the Holly Lake trail. Second, there should be numerical figure giving the actual elevation gain in addition to the useful elevation profile graph. Finally, the book did not include the excellent Hanging Canyon trail, which though unmaintained, is still a great climb. I found the book Day Hiking Grand Teton National Park by Tom Carter to be equally useful and much more packable based on its small size.


Hiking Grand Teton Trails Topographic Map
Published in Paperback by Homestead Pub (03 December, 2001)
Author: Carl Schreier
Average review score:

Your all-in-1 guide to explore one of America's wonderlands
Who has not been at least somewhat "awestruck" by their first view, either in person or in a photograph, of the Grand Teton mountains, the rare view of majestic mountain peaks unobscured by intervening foothills? This "grand view", of course, should make you want to see more, and this map, while perhaps not perfect, is an excellent way to explore this National Park.

First of all, it should be durable, since it is printed on latex-coated stock, much better than the usual paper maps to take to the "field" with you. And, even though it is based on USGS Topo maps from the 1950's & 60's, "shrunk" from scales of 1:24000 and 1:62500 to 1:75000 (a nice scale for a hiking map), "cultural" features have been updated to 2001. Also, labels were replaced for legibility from the quad maps, and the contour interval was "standardized" at 80', whereas it was at 20, 40 & 80' on the original quads (kept at 40' on the upper tier of 15' quads).

On the opposite side of the map are contained "location" maps of each area of the park, and detailed descriptions of 33 different trails, ranging from less than a mile and level, to 20 miles and better than a 3700' elevation gain, and a little bit of everything in between. Included are accessibility by horse, skis, or boats, trail length, possible wildlife sightings, and plants and trees to be found in the area. Plus, some nice black & white photos are included. All in all, a lot of information, that should keep you busy through a long visit. There is also a list of precautions for this high mountain area, such as unpredictable weather, bear encounters, etc. It might be added that since most of us aren't used to hiking at an elevation of 6500' and up, that the easier trails be attempted first, until you have a chance to acclimate.

Even though most of the trails are shown on both the topo and location maps, apparently some were not around in the 60's, and consequently are not shown on the topo map, such as Flagg Canyon and Sheep Mountain trails, and most of Signal Mountain and Blacktail Butte trails. Also, only the beginning and end are shown of the Blue Miner Lake trail (on the area and topo map, respectively), and the first part of the Grizzly Lake/Blue Miner Lake trail, from Red Hills Campground, is missing. Another "oddity" is that the first trail shown under "Moose - Teton Village", Blacktail Butte, is actually found on the location map for "Gros Ventre". Still, these "glitches" notwithstanding, this is a fine map and guide to seeing some great country.


Lakota Hoop Dancer
Published in Hardcover by Dutton Books (May, 1999)
Authors: Jacqueline Left Hand Bull and Suzanne Haldane
Average review score:

Lakota Ways
Lakota Hoop Dancer not only explains about the dancing and dancer, but gives a feel for the land of the Lakota, their views of the world, and the people themselves and their values. The brief glossary and explanations of Lakota expressions within the book help. Students and others interested in American Indian tribes will enjoy this and gain insights. Excellent photographs enhance the text.


Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks
Published in Paperback by Eiron, Inc. ()
Author: Todd Wilkinson
Average review score:

Dissappointing
The animal descriptions are very brief and basic. This book might be good for someone with little knowledge of wildlife but doesnt go into much detail on any animal. It also spends too much time on animals that it even states are rarely found in Yellowstone(ie Lynx) and says almost nothing about more common, although less exciting animals(various bird and small mammals).

A good general guide
After buying many books like this I would suggest checking them out of the library for the length of your visit. We did not see the animals in this guide to back up the information and the locations but found it good for basic information about the animals and their habitats etc.

Very Helpful
I found the book to be very helpful. Especially paired with "Scenic Driving in Yellowstone & Grand Teton". Other than the cats, we where able to get out early and find the wolves, grizzly, moose etc.


Related Vacation Book Subjects: Idaho
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