It's been a while since I've read a book that I've so thoroughly enjoyed. Mr. Freda gives us a real river cruise as he extends the metaphor beautifully. His style of writing is lucid, striking, to the point, and certainly no nonsense.

Certainly, this is a "coming of age" story and rather brilliantly done. I understand the author is a product of the Defense Department's overseas schools (he graduated from Kubasaki High School in Okinawa in the late '60s). I happened to be a young marine stationed on Okinawa at the time, personally nervous about Viet Nam (as most of us were) and when I picked up "Patience of Rivers" I felt the author had more than represented an era, of course. His book transcends a single concept. This is Mr. Freda's second novel (I've also read his "Suburban Guerillas" and it's also great!) and I can hardly wait for the next one.

This is a fun and engaging book, and an easy, quick, and suspenseful read. The author is an exceptionally gifted writer and good storyteller, who I think does an excellent job of capturing one of the most unforgettable moments in recent time...the late 60's. It is nostalgic without being overly sentimental, and I found the characters to be "real" people with universal qualities that are instantly appealing. The setting takes place in a small rural town, and I especially enjoyed the author's very lush descriptions of the natural beauty of the area, and how he wove this aspect of the story into the overall plot. Anyone who is a sucker for a "first love", coming-of-age story, but perhaps seeking a fresh approach, should read this book.

I was there! Not really, but I feel like I was. The author's feel for this era transported me from dusty West Texas to the foggy, wet Delaware River Valley. I was a little older than Nick, the main character in the book when Woodstock happened, but whispers of it ran through our tight-knit farming community like wind through the corn tassles. We wanted to be there. So the first week in August, 1969, 3 of my friends and I convinced a long-haul trucker to take us "east"! We ended up near New York City, hot, hungry and dirty with no earthly idea how to get to "Woodstock." But the freaks knew. They pointed us north, and with thumbs out, battered cowboy hats and boots and dirty bandannas, we headed for our life-changing experience.
Read this book, Buy this book, love this book, share it with everyone you know over 48! We were ALL there in spirit. We all wanted "out"! We all wanted "in"! We none of us wanted to go to Vietnam but I did. And I took memories of Woodstock with me. Now with this book, the memories of how free and easy it was back then, when all we had to decide was what to eat for supper, where to go dancin' and who to sidle up to was foremost in our innocent minds.
Thank you Joseph Freda, for putting it all into focus for me and for taking me back to a better time and place.-Scott Johnson

I recently visited a friend/colleague in New Brunswick and we took some excursions to whatever the "nuclear waste" state was supposed to offer. Actually, they had grass and trees and gorgeous parks that we visited over a long weekend. This book was in the front seat and I learned as much about this wonderful part of America from reading along the way as actually seeing it!

This book is fantastic. I recently began working for a company in New Jersey, and decided to discover more about the Garden State. This is definitely the best guide book of its kind. Far superior to the others I purchased!
Buy it today. You'll love it.

The write-ups cover such a wide spectrum and the observations are right on the money that I think this is still the best guidebook on the Garden State. and those over-the border places like the Crayola Factory and Sesame Place in Pennsylvania were great when my nieces visited. Includes cruises like The Spirit of New Jersey and outlets like Westbury Commons and Flemington.I always keep a copy in the car.

For many years it has been the practice of critics and art aficionados to relegate "popular artists" the likes of Norman Rockwell and the Wyeth clan to the bin of kitsch. Time heals and alters and distance is kind as the current resurgence of appreciation of these and other artists of the land testifies. Norman Rockwell now is considered an important American artist, sensitive to basic issues of what makes America the land of the common man's dream. With this beautifully designed and written tome the same adulation should follow for the Wyeth clan. The authors (Betsy Wyeth among them) had the good idea to show the seeds of the very familiar Wyeth imagery in the work of Howard Pyle, an artist known primarily as an illustrator along the lines of over the edge fantasy adventure books. His pupil N.C. Wyeth took up the torch, primarily emulating Pyle's style but taking it to a new level. His works of isolation, thwarted desire, and simple American traditions are absorbed by his son Andrew Wyeth who won favor among collectors of realist art during the time the country was running after Modernism, Expresionism, Abstraction. And finally Jaime Wyeth, son of Andrew, has been a constant presence with his quasi-surreal take on many of the same subjects as his progenitors. The circle comes round with Pyle and Jaime Wyeth embracing the more perverse subjects - an interesting century wheel turning round and round.

The color reproductions are generous and well selected. Many of the well know Wyeth images are excluded, but in their place we are treated to images we have never seen. This is a beautiful volume and a tender one, a memento of what our childhood in the 20th Century was like before the madness currently painted hit.

The images floor me. If a picture is worth a thousand words.... then this collection speaks incalculable volumes.

For the non-art initiated, the book is a feast for the imagination as well as the eyes. I bought the book because I come from the mid-coast of Maine, like the Wyeths. But when I took the time to look at the book on a night we lost power due to a snow storm, I found the views conjured stories up in my mind to match the Wondrously Strange images. I've driven by the Wyeth Center a thousand times, but made a point to visit to see for my self. I'm also fortunate to have a copy signed by Jamie Wyeth, and hope to keep as a treasure for a long time.

This is the most complete and comprehensive book on the wing t that i have found to date. All of the others just break this one down into the various sections.

If you want to know what the wing-t is and how to use it. There's no better book. This book explains all. For the experienced coach, it helps remind why we chose this offense. For the rookie, it fills you with the basics of this offense. Even if you chose not to run it, there's going to be something you get from this book. And for the defensive coach, well, now you'll see what we want to do to you, so stop us if you can!

This is _the_ wing-t bible from perhaps the biggest innovator of this successful and long lasting offensive system. Enough said.

Delaware & Hudson describes the company that ran the first steam locomotive in this country, and operated the first integrated transportation system in 1828, when it combined the use of a railroad and canal in an audacious scheme to transport Pennsylvania coal to New York City. The D&H first used Roebling's wire cable to operate its gravity railroad, and later used the same cables to build wire suspension aqueduct bridges to carry the canal over two rivers, and did all this years before Roebling would build the Brooklyn Bridge.

The book is filled with photographs, maps and engravings, with images on virtually every page. Although it is a book for railroad fans, it also works as a history of American technology and the history an American company which rode its use of technical inonovations to become one of this country's largest corporations by the middle of the nineteenth century.

I consider this one my biblical reference of our country's oldest continually operating railroad, the Delaware & Hudson. Jim Shaughnessy has done an excellent job of relating his research, and the photos and maps bring it all together.

It's great to see this book back in print. Buy it and read it if you have any interest in canals, coal mining, or the history of one of the US's oldest railroads!

I was really happy to find such a great book :) It is so hard to find what you have in mind for your childs party. This book help me find what I was looking for and so many more ideas I could have Not thought of myself!!! This was a wonderful book that saved me alot of time. I usually spend hours calling around trying to find out information about a clown or character. I just turned the page to what I wanted and there was a list of names & numbers of who to call!!! It doesn't get any better than this!!!!!!! If you have a child any age you NEED this GREAT BOOK!!!!!!

Not only is this book packed full of information about birthday parties, it is a great reference for kids' activites in general, throughout the Delaware Valley. You will be amazed at all the things there are to do with kids in our area that many of us don't know about. Having them listed all together, in one "user friendly" format is wonderful for busy parents on the go, who don't have the time to research all this information for themselves. Whether it's a cool birthday party you are trying to plan, or a weekend activity for the kids, this book will give you what you need and more.

I was at a loss again for ideas on where to have my youngest son Andrew's birthday party. Using this book I found many great ideas and I didn't have to spend a fortune on the party. I recommend it highly to any parent who wants their child's birthday to be memorable.

As a native Delawarian born in the early 70s, I am not old enough to remember Governor Peterson's term of office, but I am thankful for the legacy he has left our State. His book is an excellent account of his ability to enter the corporate and political arena and remain true to his cause. Whenever I drive north from beautiful Lower Delaware on Rt 13, it's readily apparent when I pass the disgusting oil refineries, landfills, and chemical factories of New Castle County that his diligence in the early 70s held the line against further industrial development and destruction of the Delaware coast. Hopefully, his efforts to revamp the downtrodden waterfront of our largest city, Wilmington, will meet with the same success as his other endeavors. If you want to read about what a politician, a citizen, and a human being should strive to be then read this book. The accompanying CD ROM is also interesting, informative, and very well conceived.

In his foreword Peter Matthiessen writes that this book is an "inspiring account of an exceptionally valuable life of public service." He cites Russ Peterson as very rare and interesting, "an independent citizen who holds fervently to the democratic principles at the heart of our Constitution and applies them to the broader vision of man's place on earth which must deal with 'the global predicament' if our beleaguered world is to survive."

"Far more than most conservationists, Dr.Peterson understood that environmental problems are not separable from social problems - poverty, world populations, the growing and dangerous inequities between rich and poor - all problems to which the Grand Old Party under Regan-Bush was increasingly indifferent."

"Since Russ Peterson for many years was closely associated with large industry, his book is an invaluable resource for all those in the business world who seek to support the fight for environmental and social progress at whatever level."

"Anyone who tries to accomplish something of lasting value for the public good can learn from this inspirational book based on the author's real-life experiences, his devotion to principle." Senator Gaylord Nelson, Father of Earth Day

Fetzer has written and interesting and well researched book on Ft. Delaware, located on Pea Patch Island in the Delaware River.

For the Delaware enthusiast, this book will fascinate. For the Civil War buff, this book provides an interesting view of post life and northern prison administration -- topics not well covered in the popular literature.

Pea Patch Island was recognized as a crucial spot on which to construct a down river defense to America's great port at Philadelphia as early as the Revolution. Then bureaucracy, sloth and quabbles over funding delayed construction of this "vital" defensive bastion for more than half a century. It must be recognized though, that this was no easy constructin job. Pea Patch Island is a low lying mud deposit without solid foundation. The fort eventually came to rest on more than six thousand timber pilings, all of which had to be driven by pile drivers of the 1800's.

Immediately upon it's occupation, prisoners of state and then surrendered Confederates began arriving and Ft. Delaware's historic mission -- wholly unintended -- as a major Union prisoner of war camp was realized.

What Fetzer does well is provide this neglected story with some flavor and detail. We learn about the constructin of the Fort, daily life of both prisoners, guards and attendant civilians, the personalities who commanded, built or were remanded to the fort and the way in which Ft. Delaware did its duty in the Civil War.

Fetzer provides some interesting details and analysis. I had never known how the island got its name, an interesting story that Fetzer tells. Significantly, those who view Ft. Delaware as "the Andersonville of the North" will be enlightened and realize that while death was a possibility in such crowded conditions among the South's often diseased and malnourished troops (they arrived that way), the death rate was not even close to that realized in the South's prisoner of war camps. In addition, the commanders at Ft. Delaware provided covered housing, fresh water, regular meals, medical care and a camp hospital -- features all lacking or practically useless at the real Andersonville.

All in all, this is an iteresting little book and a must for anyone who collects Delawareanna.

With stories of men dying of disease, succumbing to the elements and living life from mouthful to mouthful one would think that Fort Delaware was indeed the "Andersonville of the North". In its heyday over 16,00 men were held prisoner on this lonely island known as "Pea Patch" with more than 30,000 Confederates passing through its gates in just over three years. Yet, the true story of life behind the stockade walls was lost to history, until Mr. Fetzer and Mr. Mowday came together and published "Unlikely Allies". By using newly found primary source material the reader gains insight into the lives of those who had to eke out an existent on the island.

Prior to the 1760's no written account indicated that there was any stretch of land in the middle of the Delaware River. However, around the same stretch of time, local legend has it that a sailing vessel loaded with peas ran aground on an uncharted shoal and spilled its contents into the Delaware. These peas found the small mud flat to their liking and took root upon the shoal and pea patches began to sprout. As they continued to grow so did the island, giving rise to the local name Pea Patch.

During an expedition to the area, Maj. Pierre Charles L'Enfant, chief engineer of the U.S. Army looked out over the Delaware River and settled his gaze upon the small bit of exposed mud and sand, he came to call "Pip Ash" Island. After his brief exploit to the island he wrote on 16 May 1794 to the secretary of war: " . . .went to the Pip Ash a bank forming an island opposite Eagle and Reedy Points. This pass should be well armed . . . I recommend a fort on Pip Ash, and batteries at New Castle . . .." He further noted, " . . . it cannot be questioned but that pass may be well armed, and that proper works erected there would protect the whole bank." So, with the wheels of defense set in motion, this desolate strip would be transformed in a community that survived all that Mother Nature threw at them, but the name Pip Ash was forgotten and the name Pea Patch stuck.

In knowing little about Fort Delaware, and going off what I've briefly read I had come to the conclusion that it was a harsh and bitter prison, but in reality life was just about the same for the guards as it was for the prisoners. Aside from the status of being labeled a prisoner, most everyone on this little island was held captive. Life was not pleasant but it was tolerable. The death rate among POWs was equal to the death rate from disease among civilians. Yet, life was not as bitter as stated by previous residents. True, some guards were ill mannered but overall the background of material presented in this work shows that the guards handed out humane treatment in most cases. In looking at the words of one prisoner, a Reverend Handly, he tells of comrades hanging by their thumbs, acute starvation, and enforced labor, yet his wife was allowed to come to Pea Patch and take up room and board at Mrs. Patterson's Inn and eventually visit with him. Not too bestial if you ask me.

This is a well-written and researched work on Fort Delaware. The authors put together sound research mirrored with quality writing to give the reader an enjoyable journey into the past. Cover to cover the reader will discover that human interest has been successfully merged with historical research. This work reads well, was hard to put down, and did not drag on into over exacting details and logistics. I highly recommend this book to anyone curious about fortifications and prisons during the Civil War.

I read the book unlikly allies,which i thought was very well written by Herr Fetzer. He truly has written a book, that is perfect for anyone who asks "Can you tell me about Fort Delaware" This book does tell you basically everything you want to know about fort delaware and what went on with the people who lived their lives on that island. this book should be number 1!

Catharine Carey Logan, or better known a Catey, is a Quaker girl living in the Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania. Catey and her family are frightened by reports of Indian raids, but they believe that the Indians will leave them alone if they show trust and love to them.
That all changes when Catey and her brother Tomas are captured while on their way to school.
Catey is determined not to keep the Indian ways, but she finds herself liking it after a while. And she falls in love with an Indian brave named Snow Hunter who was actually a captive white like her. But when given the chance to go back to her village, will Catey follow the leading of her heart?

I absolutely love this book. Even though it's sad enough to make you want to cry, it possesses a sort of charm that keeps you reading till the end.
I felt so sorry for Catey. And you will too, once you read this book. I won't spill the beans regarding the ending, so you'll just have to read it your self. I promise you, you won't be sorry!

Standing in the Light was a wonderful Dear America book, and one I could read over and over.

It tells, in diary form, about 13 year old Caty Logan who is growing up in her Quaker village in the 1760's. She is perfectly happy, with boys, learning housewifery, and schoolwork to keep her busy - but that all changes one day when she and her younger brother are captured by Lenape Indians.

At first Caty is desperate: she hates living with the rough Indians, who watch her diary writing curiously and force her to follow their Indian ways. But later, she learns that they are good people, though different than the Quakers, and she begins to make friends - and loved ones.

This was a great book! You really care about what will happen, if Caty will stay with them or return to her village. It was sad, but I love it!

I'd recommend this for ages 10 - 14, and I'd recommend some other captive stories: Trouble's Daughter, I Am Regina, Indian Captive, and Calico Captive.

The book called Standing in the Light by Mary Pope Osborne is a very good book. It is written in diary form. The story takes place in Delaware Valley, Pennsylvania in 1763. The main characters are Catharine Logan and her little brother, Thomas Logan. In Standing in the Light, Catharine realizes that she likes a guy who she's known for a long time. Later she finds out that there are Indiansnear where she lives that have beencapturing and killing people. One day when she and her brother were walking to school they get captured by Indians. They separated Catharine from Thomas. In Catharine's camp she meetsan Indian boy named Wine-lo-wich, which means Snow Hunter,who was also captured by Indians when he was young. Catharine laterrealizes that she loves Snow Hunter. Soon after that Snow Hunter disappearsafter he goes on a hunting trip. If you want to find out what happened to Snow Hunter and if Catharine and Thomas ever get home, you'll have to read Standing in the Light by Mary Pope Osborne. I thought that it was a wonderful book.

Ackerman delivers a series of short, easy-to-read essays on life on the Delaware shore. In exploring nature's finely tuned patterns in the shore's flora and fauna, the author finds insight into the human existence. The science presented is often intriguing and her perceptions moving. However, the book is ambitious in the breadth of its focus and seems to only skim the surface of a subject matter in which Ackerman has only begun to show her mastery. I would have been more satisfied with deeper detail and exposition on the science behind and insights drawn from a narrower scope of observations and events. It must be confessed, though, that Ackerman's essays have whetted my enchantment with and interest in the world around me and this alone makes the book well worth reading.

This is what a nonfiction book should be--thoughtful but packed with info. The author doesn't just give you a laundry list of flora and fauna--she adds her own layer of meaning. I loved it. Cried at the bit with her dad, and would like to know more, but it's probably just as well she didn't dwell on it. Recommended for a blustery day at the shore...or even for inlanders who wish they were there!

In Notes From the Shore, Jenny Ackerman makes her mark as an important young writer. Her educated and imaginative relationship with nature makes this a unique and lovely book. The language is lyrical and sometimes startling ("stamps mate shamelessly"). Anyone with an appreciation of the natural world or fine writing will enjoy Notes from the Shore.