this is only the 3rd book in a series of five and i can already guaruntee that no matter where you'e from, you'll love this book! living near Flint, Michigan most of my life and going to the UP a few times makes it even easier to identify with this book. i've been through the town where the writer grew up(in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan) and its a lot like my hometown. especially in the first story, the Kindergarten Chronicles, i can really agree with the writer. it felt like you were the dumbest kid in class on the first day of kindergarten, but it also felt like you were already tons smarter than everybody else and you were the only sane one there! at one point in the story, when the writer's class' assingnment was to draw a ball and color it, they could only choose from red, yellow or black. the writer uses a turquoise(sophisticated!)crayon that he brought from home and a tinkertoy can to make a perfectly round circle while the teacher isn't looking. since the kid next to him was having trouble, he thought he would help him out and tell him his secret. when he finished explaining, it said,"He gave me a blank stare." AMEN! this same thing happened to me a lot, and still does. another example of feeling like you're the only smart one there. and when their teacher tells them she'll pick the best one and the artist will be the winner. when she "judges", she says "they're all so good i can't decide! so you're all winners!" AMEN! again! i hated this when it happened to me! the writer then writes, "It was clear the school system didn't appreciate independent thinkers." this is how i always felt. then the same kid he tries to help does something that i was much too chicken to do as a little kid for fear of getting into deep trouble (that i shouldn't mention directly because i'd be spoiling it for you) to the fat kid who takes over all the toys, the writer gets blamed for it. so when the teacher keeps him after school, the kid who did it says it was him, not the narrator. after he(the narrator) is let off, the teacher tells him that his ball was actually the best, and she just didn't want to hurt the other kids' feelings. i can identify with this, too. i couldn't stand the suspense. gee,i hope i didn't spoil too much for you, but it was necessary to help get my point across of why i love this book. besides, this was only part of the first story in a book of 9 short stories. again, if you want a grab-it and read a great, quick, funny, book(with modestly clean humor), this is the book for you! do not pass this one up!!

Northern Passages is the third book in Jerry Harju's chronicles of growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It is chock full of adventures of his boyhood. Even if you grew up in the city, when reading this book you can experience growing up in rural America. Northern Passages is filled with humor, nostalgia, and sometimes sadness. Every child's first day of school is a memorable one, but in Jerry's life it was even more than that. Imagine a five-year-old explaining to his mother why he was kept after school. This book also commemorates piano recitals, the annual Fourth of July bonfire, the poignancy of changing schools in the middle of the year, Jerry's introduction to and coping with segregation, the rigors of catechism class, home economics without the girls, and finally his night out with the boys, visiting a wide open Wisconsin border town at the ripe old age of sixteen. From beginning to end, each page of Northern Passages will bring a smile and a chuckle.

I grew up hunting, fishing, and camping and I still do today. It is a rich heritage that I enjoy so much and have had the pleasure of passing on to my son. For anyone else that does so, or has ever done so, I highly recommend this book. Jerry Wilder will stir your emotions from one extreme to the other. You will laugh and you will cry. You will relive moments that you have known because Jerry speaks in words that are a common bond to all who love and appreciate the great outdoors. My wife gave me the book on the occasion of our anniversary. I have since made it a part of my devotions each morning, reading the designated page for that day. I plan to give the book to a dear friend this Christmas. Thank you Jerry for a wonderful contribution to my and others well being by allowing us to recognize that we are not alone in our emotions and feelings that you so wonderfully have penned in this book.

We should not really be too disappointed that Jerry Wilber has not written anymore books like this one. If you get it right the first time, there is nothing to add. I have never loaned out my copy without a glowing response of delight and appreciation as it is returned. I recently used one of the essays as the devotion for our Men's Prayer Breakfast at our Church. Jerry, thank you for your very special insights and for getting right inside our heads and toutching us where we live every day.

Some of the most interesting features of Ohio are now brought to light by Zurcher. Some curiosities we have heard of, but never investigated. Now it is all before us to study and then go see for ourselves. This book adds much to the appeal of traveling around Ohio. If you like adventure of a curious nature, this book is for you.

Please do not let the title of this book mislead you.The author,
Neil Zurcher, Cleveland Press Journalism Hall of Fame inductee,
and, Fox TV-8 "One Tank Trip" travel-show host, certainly
introduces the reader to many "oddities";however, he also uncovers unique and fascinating places, stories, and curiosities.
You will read of things spectacular and metaphysical, as well.
This book, for Mr. Zurcher, represents a departure from his
traditional travel theme;however,he draws from his extensive
travel writings and TV documentaries in order to present to the
reader concise accounts of his research.
The author's attention to detail is evident, as he provides the reader with clear-cut analytical historical references that
substantiate his research. Furthermore, the reader will enjoy
the clever usage of humor mixed into his story-telling, which
makes the reading less clinical and more fun. So....for all you "One-Tank_Trippers" out there, fasten your seatbelts, and,
get ready for an exciting trip through Ohio. And, for the "virtual" traveler, Neil's presentation will keep you entertained for hours!!!! This book represents an "odyssey"
that you do not want to miss. Step aside, if you please,
California and Florida.....Neil Zurcher has explored territory
which truly defines our state as the real "Magic Kingdom."

This is a beautiful book written by a writer and illustrator who grew up on an Iowa farm in the 1930's as the "age of the horse" was giving way to the "age of the tractor." The author, Bob Artley, illustrates with detailed sketches and color drawings of such things as walking through the spring mud from barn to barn carrying a bucket of feed, a birds eye view of the farmstead, one of father and son cleaning oat seed with a hand powered fanning mill, planting corn behind a team of horses, milking a cow the old fashioned way, the details of a cream separator, threshers at harvest time and much more. Mr. Artley writes a description of the work they did, what was hard, what was fun and a few of his personal memories of the feelings that he as a child had living this life. It is a touching book written with love and realism describing a lifestyle that has passed by. I especially loved his description of the barn chores where each cow had her chosen place where they were fed silage topped with ground oats and linseed oil, and where they would bed down in the straw with their heads in the stanchions feeding on clover hay. Mr. Artley is not overly sentimental in his memories. He also explains the distastefulness of cleaning out the gutters, working in the cold and the heat etc. He gives us a balanced look at farm life prior to telephones, electricity and indoor plumbing. This is a wonderful book for both those who also experienced farm life in the 1930's as well as younger people like myself who are simply interested in the lives of an older generation.

This book is incredible. It's like a technical manual for those who wish to draw back upon fond memories of a rural life they either once had, or wish they had. I picked this book up and couldn't put it down, the thoughtful attention to detail that Artley puts into this thing just blew me away. On one side, as an artist and someone who appreciates clear, instructive visual art, I loved this book, and when you combine that with the fact that I also have specific visual memories of the farm, this book delivers on a number of levels. I immediately gave it to an elderly in-law who was also fascinated by it's images and stories; I'll get myself another copy right away.

A Portrait of the Pastor as a Young Man. An intimate look at a pastor and his first church. This is a wonderful look back at Lischer's early years in ministry. It details some of his struggles as a well-educated city boy trying to relate to a rural congregation, and expertly captures the difficulties of the early years in ministry for anyone trying to reconcile many years of education with the reality of life as a pastor. Lischer's wonderfully understated sense of humor comes through in many places. Highly recommended.

With engaging wit and warm insight Richard Lischer allows us to sneak a peak behind his first pastorate from Lutheran Seminary. Being unfamiliar with Lutheranism I was awed by the profundity of belief and the rich relationships into the community that he entered. He entered as a virgin and left as a lover of his people that God graciously allowed him to pastor. Take the time to read this book and enter heartache, grace, empathy, communion and fellowship of the deepest level. Experience the privilege of a new way of seeing people.

I've lived her for 6 years and had no idea about all the great adventures around the city. The best thing about the book is that it covers so many different activities -- now I can have a true multisport day, weekend, or longer trip. It's also helpful to know learn about the different clubs and outfitters for each activity, especially for things I've never done (climbing, paddling, scuba). Wish I had this book when I had just moved here. Now I have even more ways to exercise off Chicago's other specialty, excellent food!

Complete, comprehensive, detailed and fun. This is one of those books that is just a great guide/source of information to have if you live in Chicago or just visiting. I've lived several years in Chicago and always thought that I knew everything that was available to me to do outside there. But, this book included all sorts of new activities. Considering the short "outside season" in Chicago, do yourself a favor and pick this book up to make sure that you make the most of it.

This books gives great detail about the each river, best times to go, where the crowds are(n't), basically everything you would need to know. The author explains that many of Monatana's rivers are in the western end, with a few in the dry eastern side. Many rivers described are also Class I (on the river rating system). Keep in mind that Class I can cover alot of levels, including those that are almost Class II. (for you beginners, just because it's class I it's not as smooth as a lake).

I mainly bought this book for the Flathead River routes, but discovered so many more river. The book also mentions where to get detailed maps for certain river routes, including the Flathead.

If you've got lots of time, you can even explore the route Lewis and Clark took back in the early 1800's.

The authors are competent paddlers and good writers. This is a well organized book with an excellent format. It contains helpful hydrographs and good photos. The informations is dependable. If you desire to paddle a Montana river, this is the place to start. I highly recommend it as THE guide book to get for our state.

A very much needed book. Finally updates "Whitewater/ Quietwater" with much better information and maps. Written extremely well with lots of interesting tidbits of river info. This book has become the one must have book for paddling in Northern Wisconsin. Mike's Paddling Illinois is due momentarily.

I checked this book out from our local library in Green Bay and have subsequently asked for it for my birthday. This is a wonderful compilation of information, maps and helpful hints on a wide variety of northern Wisconsin rivers.

Having just bought a canoe last year, my wife and I have poured over these pages looking for new possible places to explore in this wonderful state of ours. A trip that we've taken the past few years is noted in incredible detail in this book. It includes notes on remote islands which we camp on to which rapids are worthy of portaging around. (We're amatuers!).

The author has done a wonderful job appealing to both rookies and more advanced paddlers by not taking anything for granted and explaining each bend and turn in superb detail. He also provides fascinating information on the history of the rivers and flowages he comments on.

Overall, I must say this is a must for serious (and not-so-serious) paddlers. A great gift. (Hint, hint mom! )

This exceptional and consistent trail guide offers eighty-two different sections to paddle on thirty-two rivers in southern Wisconsin, flexible enough to be made into day trips or overnight camping trips. Each stretch of river highlighted is done with great attention to what needs to be known and little information seems to be left out. River segments are treated similarly, the number of miles are stated, the launching and landing points of access are described, where camping, rentals and shuttle services are available (just phone numbers are supplied), the general gradient (rate of descent) in average conditions, other places to paddle within the chosen area, notes of history, full page maps and many small but nice black & white pictures. A detailed dialogue of each trip is also given, providing a sufficient idea of what to expect around the next river bend.

The book has a very thorough introduction that doesn't overlook the crucial skills and dangers to be aware of. It frequently mentions the importance of being informed about changing water levels and directs the reader to websites for finding such up-to-date info. The book also has a host of reference materials relevant to Wisconsin such as a list of annual events, clubs & organizations, websites, recommended reading (including bike trails and fishing!). Recommended books and videos for improving skills and a categorized list of certain river sections suitable for beginner, intermediate or expert paddlers plus a list of what fish are found most plentiful in each river.

The information you'll find here exceeds that of an average guidebook. Revealed are the many charms of Wisconsin to be found along its waterways. Unusual rock formations, old dams, waterwheel mills, historic buildings, covered bridges, rolling hills, valleys and narrow coulees, farmland, woodland, marshes, fun riffles and rapids, wildlife and so much more. Best experienced and discovered from the unique vantage point of a canoe or kayak. [reviewed at amazon.com by tilley_traveler]

Paddling Southern Wisconsin showcases 83 fun and memorable canoe and kayak excursions on southern Wisconsin waterways. Mike Svob offers the Wisconsin canoeing enthusiasts precise maps of roads, put-ins and take-outs, significant rapids, mileage, and other practical information. A detailed description for each of the 82 suggested trips provides a reliable idea of what to expect. General summaries cover camping opportunities, water levels, shuttle routes, access points, canoe rentals, even shuttle services (when available). A very highly recommended "do-it-yourself" reference and planning guide, Paddling Southern Wisconsin is enriched further with additional sources of information on fishing opportunities, river reading and maneuvers, as well as special safety factors for the canoeist or kayaker.

This unique travel guide blends contemporary cultural attractions, parades, festivals, banquets, cotillions, tours, and ethnic museums, with a comprehensive dining and shopping guide. It also tracks the progress of diverse ethnic groups throughout their tenure in Chicago, one of America's most culturally diverse cities. Because of the natural and man-made barriers in this spacious city (25 miles long and ten miles wide), including railroad embankments, expressways and three branches of the Chicago River (extending 50 miles across the landscape), over the years different ethnic groups have lived in relative seclusion from each other, even when there has been as little as a few hundred feet between them.

This 378-page trade paperback has no index, but there is a clear table of contents listing these topics: (1) Native Americans, French traders and settlers from New England, (2) Irish Chicago, (3) German Chicago, (4) Swedish and Norwegian Chicago, (5) Jewish Chicago, (6) Czech and Slovak Chicago, (7) Baltic Chicago, (8) Hungarian, Serbo-Croatian, and Romanian Chicago, (9) Ukrainian Chicago, (10) Polish Chicago, (11) Italian Chicago, (12) Greek Chicago, (13) African-American Chicago, (14) Chinese Chicago, (15) Asian Chicago, (16) Latino Chicago, (17) Indian and Pakistani Chicago, (18) Middle Eastern Chicago, (19) Appendices with information on: multiethnic festivals, useful phone numbers and addresses, and a bibliography of suggested reading; (20) 18 maps of different areas of Chicago.

This book is not just for tourists, though they will certainly find it very useful. Anyone interested in the rich multicultural heritage of Chicago, both residents and visitors alike, will find much to appreciate in this book. I highly recommend it.

I've had this book now for several years and I refer to it often. The book is divided into ethnic chapters. Each chapter features an indepth history of the ethnic group, plus a listing of restaurants, shops and annual events. I've used this book as an aid in research for my own book "A Barfly's Guide To Chicago's Drinking Establishment." Mr. Lindberg's book has led me to many ethnic taverns in Chicago. His information is extremely valuable for anyone interested in exploring Chicago's vast ethnic neighborhoods.