This book, Everyones Children, is very deep. Dr. Claire McCarthy is a breathtaking pediatrician, who tells about her patients troubles and her life. Not only does McCarthy describe her medical career, she also describes how she helps teh families psychologically, and her home life. McCarthy's way of describing her patients' problems isn't often optimistic in the begining, but sometimes her view changes. Her descriptions of her patients, home life, and family are very intense and details are given. The book is written skillfully, catching the readers attention immediately, from the very first sentence. This is a wonderful book to read if you like medical/psychological child-care, or if you are interested in reading about working with children in a poor area.

Dr. Claire McCarthy has elevated the struggles of her busy workday into an interesting and realistic account of medical practice in a poor Boston neighborhood. She describes her routine work at Martha Eliot Health Center without dramatizing her patients or the mundane aspects of care. Her descriptions of families are sensitive and clear. Her description of her own attempts to have meaningful medical relationships in the context of poverty, disease, violence and drug addiction is careful and honest. This book portrays urban social problems from the perspective of one person working to make a difference; we should all have such meaningful vocation.

This is a wonderful book about Dr. McCarthy's experiences as a pediatrician in a clinic. She writes beautifully about the patients, current welfare problems and she gives suggestions about what we - as readers, parents, etc. - can do to make things better. McCarthy writes a great column in Sesame Street Parents Guide.

Want to get outdoors and be active in the Boston area? Start by buying this book. Lee Sinai describes, in wonderful detail, many of the rides and hikes one can take within a thirty-five-mile radius of Boston. The author has organized the forty trips around geographical areas, north, south or west of Boston, so selecting one is easy. Maps of each destination are included. Each trip description includes what's important to an outdoor enthusiast.... availability of restrooms, closest access to food, degree of difficulty, directions for getting there, and a historical background of the area.
Using this book, I discovered Dogtown, a mountain biking haven in Gloucester. I also experienced Cameron's, home to the best lobster roll in Massachusetts. The author led me to Great Brook Farm in Carlisle for cycling and then to Kimball's for a memorable ice cream treat.
As a guidebook, I give Exploring In and Around Boston on Bike and Foot the highest rating.

Lee Sinai has taken a group of varied and unusual hikes and trails around Boston and compiled them into an informative and accessible guide. We refer to her book often when looking for interesting, new places to explore, and have found it invaluable in "rediscovering" Boston.

Right from the get go I found this hiking and biking guide to be a miracle of organization and indispensable information. This book not only groups locations by geographical location, but also with respect to hiking, road biking and mountain biking. I found the handy reference guide towards the beginning of the book extremely useful while including not only difficulty ratings, but also mileage for each trip, something not always available in one specific location in a guide book. The maps accompanying each site are extremely easy to follow and the descriptions really do fit the terrain perfectly, whether or not you chose to take the book along on your journeys. I found the directions to each location to be extremely useful and especially appreciated the public transportation options that help those city dwellers who lack automobiles. Other handy features include locations and descriptions of local restaurants, attractions and even restrooms. This book included an very helpful mix of locations both in the greater Boston area, as well as highlighting several gems in the neighboring suburbs. I especially appreciated the handy reference map showing the location of all the spots, as well as the ever present tips to find geater enjoyment in your outdoor adventures!

A well-researched and finely written account of the people's revolution in Massachusetts in the years before Lexington and Concord.

Raphael recounts the people's rising anger towards the Crown because of the Massachusetts Goverment Act (1774). This act, which allowed the King to appoint officials instead of allowing the citizens to elect them, turned the people against the Crown. Through acts of civil disobedience, illegal conventions, and threats against appointed officials, the people of Massachusetts effectively took control of their government from the British.

This is a great book that focuses on an aspect of the Revolution that is usually ignored or lightly touched on in any History class or book about the Revolution. It shows that the Revolution was started and won by ALL the people of America, not just Washington, Jefferson, Adams, etc.....

Highly Recommended!

The author made this book easy to read. He broke down all the chaos in a manner that anyone can enjoy and understand. You learn about what was going on prior to General/Governor Gage sending British troops to Concord. After reading this book about the farmers and artisans of Western Massachusetts getting together and overthrowing British authority you realize why the British had to head for Concord rather than Worcester. As someone who lives in the area and is a Revolution buff, this book is a valuable piece of history. I hope that more such books by any historians are forthcoming and that the history books don't forget...

Near the end of this book, the author makes the following statement......

"At Lexington, professional British soldiers fired at a handful of local farmers. This act of violence, allegedly perpetrated by the enemy, gave the Americans the moral high ground and helped mobilize support. The story had been repeated so often that it has effectively muffled the revolution of the preceding year. Leaderless, ubiquitous, and bloodless, the first transfer of political authority from the British to Americans has not been able to compete. It was not lacking as a revolution, it has only lacked an audience to comprehend and appreciate it."

Hopefully this book will help to provide the audience this neglected episode of American History deserves.

Mr. Raphael has done us a wonderful service in putting forth his research into the rebellion that took place in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1774. The "first American Revolution." He builds an impressive case not only for what took place, but also for the possible reasons why this rebellion has not received the recognition it is due. He even refers to what followed at Lexington and Concord as a "counterrevolution" on the part of the British government in an attempt to regain the colony they had already lost.

Examining what lead up to the British establishment of the Massachusetts Government Act, the response of the local farmers to it, how it spread throughout the rural communities of Massachusetts, and the resulting confrontation that came just under a year later at Lexington and Concord, the author gives factual backing to the belief that people can indeed work together without requiring "leaders" or some hierarchical structure to ensure success.

In general, people like to have individuals to hold on to when studying the past. For some this perhaps relieves them from feeling the need to take personal responsibility for their own lives. I have often heard folks say the reason they do not attend local governmental meetings - such as city council, or county commissioner meetings, is that they "elected" these officials to do the work so they wouldn't have to. It is also a bit easier to blame such individuals when things go wrong. Some of us also convince ourselves (or get the message from those who are more comfortable if we remain docile and obedient servants) that we do not have the stuff to make a difference like someone famous could or can.

This is not the story of specific individuals, even though you will learn of people you most likely have never heard of before, neither is it about a faceless mob. These were individuals who saw beyond personal celebrity status and came together with the full intention of their rebellion being based in "the body of the people." Something folks from the whole spectrum of political thought seem to suggest is sorely needed in Washington, DC today. (I happen to agree.)

Or as Mr. Raphael puts it....

" The telling of history cries out for individual protagonists. If an isolated hero or leader doesn't emerge naturally, we try to invent one. In this case, however, none could even be conjured. There was no one person, not even a small group, who could have made the Revolution of 1774 any more or less than it was. This revolution was conducted by and for the participants, giving it both power and legitimacy."

and..........

" Without entrenched leaders, there could be no chain of command. The people of each locality, although communicating with each other through their committees of correspondence, received no orders from a central authority. They did develop some shared motifs - - most notably, forcing officials to recant while passing through the ranks, hats in hand - - but the local groups operated without any coordinating body to plot a strategy or plan the various confrontations."

and finally........

" The Massachusetts Revolution of 1774 was not only decentralized but thoroughly ubiquitous. Both temporally and geographically, it lacked concrete definition. It simply erupted, everywhere and whenever. It has been as confusing, perhaps, to students of history as it was to Governor Gage, who had no idea how to respond. "

It was indeed quite confounding to folks such as Lord Dartmouth who.......

"...........found it difficult to believe that Governor Gage had lost out to ' a tumultuous Rabble, without any Appearance of general Concert, or without any Head to advise, or Leader to conduct.' Dartmouth failed to comprehend the power of the people to act in their behalf, and even today, the revelation that ordinary people, ' without any Head to advise,' toppled the British-controlled government in Massachusetts engenders blank, incredulous states."

Anyone who believes you MUST have clearly identified leaders and a hierarchical structure in order to accomplish something will be challenged by the history told in this book. Those who sometimes feel there is little chance of changing those things which they believe to be wrong with their government will perhaps find hope within these pages. At the very least, the reader will be made much more aware of a chapter of American History that up until now has received far less recognition then it deserves.

One final note.......

For anyone that might be wondering about the author's understanding of how women, Africans (slave or free), and indigenous peoples were involved and effected by the American Revolution, I highly recommend Mr. Raphael's previous book : A People's History of The American Revolution - 2001 - also by The New Press. The two, read together, serve as an excellent introduction or review of the War of Independence.

This book is wonderful! The recipes are tasty and are not difficult to follow. We used several for our Thanksgiving feast this year. The pumpkin pie and berry crisp are delicious! I also have enjoyed some of the less traditional treats, however, and I look forward to trying food from the Portuguese chapter.

From Apple Pie to Pad Thai is also interesting to read. As someone who grew up on Boston's North Shore, I really enjoyed reading about familiar places and events. The chef profiles help bring the book to life. And I loved the tips in each chapter on local ethnic markets and restaurants.

This is my favorite kind of cookbook- not only are the recipes good, the sidebars and background information are fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the biographies of various Boston North Shore cooks, and I think this project really captures the essence of American cuisine and its continual evolution. This is a great book if you enjoy cooking, history, or just a good read.

The best thing about this book is the recipes really work! I haven't been dissapointed yet! The word of mouth is getting out about this wonderful cookbook. My favorite recipe is the fried chicken (crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside). I also recommend the Peanut Soup. The history and biographies of the cooks capture the true history of the North Shore of Boston. I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who enjoy food or enjoy a good read. Its also a good tourguide for foodies because it tells all about the ethnic fairs. Hope you enjoy!

This is a book out of the ordinary for Cormier, but up to par to say the least. He takes a break from writing wonderful young-adult fiction and compiles his writing from his columns in newspapers around the country. These short stories range from his memories as a child to his memories of becoming a parent and grandparent. He relates the feelings that all of us feel in the words that most of us wish we could say. This book will touch your heart and soul.

I really enjoyed the book 'I Have Words to Spend'. I am very interested in Robert Cormier and have read most of his books, but Words to Spend showed a side of him that I never knew. Did you know that he once went through the car wash at 50 miles an hour, that his favorite word is cellophane (pronounced slowly: cel-lo-phane), or that he worries because his handwriting looks like that of a schizophrenic's? Reading this book was like looking through a window into the life of Robert Cormier, my mentor, author extraordinaire. I can just hear the words being spoken in his old, leathery voice, enthralling me with every page. One of these days I ought to go down to the Fitchburg Library and read the rest of those columns...

Opening this book is like opening a window into the life of author Robert Cormier. We find out about his childhood memories, favorite movies, family interactions, and travels. We see Cormier the journalist, who wrote every one of the columns in this book on deadline while juggling the responsibilities of also being a newspaper editor. The columns made me laugh at one turn and cry at the next. He has a way of finding something extraordinary in the everyday details of life. This is a perfect book to keep by your bed to savor over time. I find myself returning to it over and over again. The introductory comments by Cormier's wife are refreshing and give a glimpse of the wonderful relationship they seem to share. Fans of Cormier's work ought to enjoy this book as much as those who are not familiar with his other work. I'd highly recommend that everyone treat themselves to "I Have Words to Spend".

I picked this book up on a whim, since I own two neurotic miniature Dachshunds. I was captivated from the first paragraph of the preface. Dr. Dodman writes eloquently, with wit, compassion, and common sense about the pitfalls we fallible humans fall into when it comes to interacting with our beloved pets. Most importantly for me was the reassurance it gave that there are millions of dedicated animal-lovers who know that animals are not "just pets." They have feelings and emotional needs, too. Thank you, Dr. Dodman, for a wonderful read, and a confirmation that there lots of cherished doggies out there!!!

This book should be required reading for anyone contemplating getting a pet of any kind, and even those who have had pets all their lives will learn much from this latest treasure from Dr. Dodman. No one comes close to having his depth of understanding of animal behavior, and most especially, of how it is profoundly affected by the relationship of animals with humans. The beautifully-told stories in this book, at turns inspirational and heart-wrenching, will cause much reflection in readers. I thought I already understood how my feelings and behavior could affect my pets, because, after reading Dr. Dodman's book "The Cat Who Cried for Help" I sought him out to solve what other vets had written off as an impossible situation between my two cats. Dr. D. with endless patience never gave up on my cats--or on me!--and his compassionate understanding resulted in a happy ending for Peri, Dax & me. But in reading this book, I learned much about my own behavior that I could see created and contributed to perpetuating the problem (Dr. Dodman, the soul of kindness, very nicely didn't point it out at the time!)So, if you care about animals, have animals, or are contemplating getting animals, get this book today--it will make a world of difference to them, and to you. (Thanks again, Dr. D.!!!)

I am actually more of a horse person but this book if great for anyone who loves animals! Even some people who dont like animals would enjoy it. Dr. Dodman's humor and knoledge are the perfect combination of make this book a great success. The stories are great! Hope you buy this book...enjoy!

This book is one of Ralph's great. The Moody Family goes through lot's off hardships after leaving Colorado.

As a forth grader in Colorado our teacher read the first two books in Ralph Moody's series to our class. Now, almost 30 years later I'm reading the whole series to my family, we love them. Even our 3 year old asks me to read them at bed time.

Mr. Moody's descriptions and the story of his life are more than touching and heartwarming, they are important lessions in morality, life and love. You cannot help but fall in love with young Ralph, his independant mother, and all the rest of her children.

You will laugh and cry as this young cowboy and his family make a new home in Boston. Starting with almost nothing, through hard work the whole family pitches in to make their own way. Rich with history, this book is about life, both the good parts, as well as the bad and how one young man, lived it (mistakes and all).

Even if you don't think you like reading, try these books. They will change your mind.

Another inspiring account of the Moody fanily. This time the scene is Massachusetts. The earlier books were set in the American West. Mary Emma is the mother of the clan. She is determined that her family will make its own way in life. She gets a job in a sweatshop to learn how to do fancy laundering. Ralph works at a store in his spare time. Almost all of the children do something to help earn a living.At school Ralph gets in trouble for things that wouldn't have mattered in Colorado. The younger children are seen more in this book than they were previously. Grace is now a young lady who is tempted to put on airs. The whole family's work ethic stands out as refreshing compared to many young folks of today. Their grit and determination are to be admired. I recommend the reading of this book by any one of any age.

Hey! I like 'em. I've used these books for most of my trips for many years and they really are unmatchable time savers. ... With these books there is enough detail to find the feature you are looking for, yet not overly detailed as to require a lot of page flipping. ...To use as a fine detail map for driving they give terrific information about which streets to take. We used ours to try to negotiate the traffic at rush hour in Salem, Mass. ... The book was able to show us alternatives to avoid the worst of it. I also like the DelOrme software on my computer. ...

Some back roads in western MA are incorrectly named. An otherwise excellent resource.

The 80-page book is loaded with topographic maps showing in detail important information, like trails, rivers, forests, hills, and more. The Gazetteer is loaded with important information such as state and recreational areas, hiking and biking trails, paddling opportunities, golf courses, wildlife viewing areas, downhill and cross-country skiing areas, private campgrounds throughout the state, museums and attractions, and city maps of Boston, Springfield, and Worcester. For example, under wildlife viewing is liested Barre Falls Dam Project. Barre is famous for song/perching birds, upland birds, hoofed mammals, barrier free access, parking, picnic areas, restrooms, hiking, non-motorized boating, cross-country skiing, hiking. Folks! I have been here and what is listed is 100 percent true.

Armand J. Courchaine, The Mansfield Buzz, May 27, 1999

I must admit this is one of the better written "mountain bike guide" books for the Boston area. It's obvious the author did more than just hang at the trailhead to interview local riders.....he got on his bike and observed firsthand the joys and challenges of the trails he reviewed. Cutler's descriptions are awesome......he's a mountain biker's friend.

The Topo information is excellent, and in my humble opinion, a necessity for any mtb guide (why don't others do this basic research?).......If riding in Boston is in your plans or you're a local looking for new trails, this book is your starting point.....

I'm not the enthusiast for biking that author Jeff Cutler so obviously is, but I sure do like this great little guide to two-wheeling in the Boston area. I was amazed at the number of historic/relaxing/scenic/just-plain-fun trails within a few miles of where I live just west of Boston. And I enjoyed the author's readable style and enthusiastic descriptions of what you'll see - and what you'll encounter - along the way. In fact, the "trail detail" that Mr. Cutler provides is definitely reassuring. And the 15-page section up front is a remarkably helpful introduction to the joys - and pitfalls - of off-road biking. Whether you're a novice or an expert, you'll find at least one ride in here that seems designed just for you. I highly recommend this book as a great read that will show you the trail to a great ride.

Great for novice to expert riders looking for new places to ride in eastern Massachusetts. With fantastic maps, great directions and concise ride descriptions. Try the Boston ride!!

I thought that this book was a really good book. The best part about it was that it had to do with history. I think it will still keep the interest of kids while teaching them about what happened back then. It also had great pictures. While I was reading it, the pictures jumped out at me. It wasn't too lengthy either. I found that to be quite nice. I would recommend it to children if they are looking for an interesting and educational book. With this book, you can not only enjoy it, but you can also learn. That is why I gave it 5 stars.

N.C. Wyeth studied under Howard Pyle, the father of American illustration, and it clearly shows in this book about the Pilgrims. In 1940 Wyeth was commissioned by the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company in New York to paint the murals used to illustrate this book, completing fourteen murals in five years before dying in a car accident. Wyeth proposed a historical series entitled "The Ballad of America" that would begin with the Pilgrims and continue through the California gold rush, but Met Life decided to limit the series to the Plymouth colony. Wyeth challenging the prevailing belief of Pilgrim society as unremittingly grim by painting scenes that reflected his romantic and lyrical style. He expanded his original vision to include scenes of wildlife, trying to give an idea of the beautiful land the Pilgrims found in the New World.

This book was inspired in part by the restoration of the murals in 1984. The text accompanying the illustrations is by Robert San Souci, who provides details on what is known about the real pilgrims. While not as dramatic as the illustrations he did for "Treasure Island," "Robin Hood," and "The Last of the Mohicans," these murals have their moments. Particularly memorable is one of the Pilgrims standing on a hill, watching a ship sail back to England. The mural of Thanksgiving seems odd because there is only one Indian seated at the long table awaiting the turkey (while the text recalls how "Chief Massasoit arrived with ninety men, women, and children"). Young readers will learn something about the Pilgrims from reading this book, but the chief charm is clearly the murals by Wyeth. Certainly these deserve to be preserved for future generations to enjoy.

The lush, romanticized illustrations--in the same tradition as Norman Rockwell--by renowned American artist N.C. Wyeth, are what first draws young readers to this book. While the paintings taken from Wyeth's murals may not always line up with the clear, concise writing of Robert San Souci, it doesn't detract from the narrative.

This is a classy book for middle grade students, providing a readable account of the Pilgrim's journey aboard the Mayflower and first year in New England. While the illustrations may be idealized, San Souci leaves no doubt that life was difficult for the settlers of Plymouth.

Notes at the end of the book provide interesting and helpful background on the writing of the book and information about the artist, who died in 1945, and the murals that are the source of these illustrations.

This is a nice addition for information on New England colonial life, as well as the feast of Thanksgiving.