Erdrich's novels are all about the same characters and setting, and people and stories overlap and intertwine. But this is the only novel that doesn't feel complete in and of itself. Parts of the book are simply wonderful--particularly, Lipsha's account of how he came to get a tatoo. Worth the price of admission for that story alone--but still, for an Erdrich fan, a bit of a disappointment.

I had not expected to like this book... when I began it, I was sure that I would have to force myself to the end because I tend to like the romantic happily-ever-after sort of story, but once I began, Erdrich caught me in the absurdities of the world of Lipsha. I have read many reviews that do not find Lipsha an especially likable character, but I liked him despite the fact that he was the sort who would instinctively choose the wrong way to do anything. The sheer absurdity of Erdrich's work, including a food fight in Dairy Queen between romantic rivals, a vision quest that brought forth a talking skunk, and a ghostly mother who wanted the T-bird that her insurance money bought, adds just enough humor to make even the defeats of Lipsha amusing rather than tragic. The book is worth a try, especially if seen in terms of Lipsha's returning home to find the kinship with the land that he had lost -- a slow healing process. The skunk tells him, "It ain't real estate," and at the base of all the other adventures he begins to realize this, but as with so many young people, the discovery is slow coming and fraught with disasters

Mark Talbot comes home, he thinks to piece and quite, but King Magnussen is causing trouble. He wants all the land belonging to the amall ranchers. Mark finds Jacy Kincaid who tell him his all about his brother being killed a few years ago and the trouble with King. Mark thinks he would like to be with Suzanne Magnusssen, Kings daughter but he soon finds out better. Randall Magnussen, Kings son, is the cause of a lot of the problems, he and a hired hand have killed several people but never been caught. Mark settles in to avenge his brothers death and settle down. Jose Luis del Toro appears. He is a Mexican gunman and has a list of people King wants killed, after a little Mark is at the top of the list. The book has some pages of good fast action. I thing it is about Jed Gibbon, the Sheriff, and his regaining his self respect as much as Mark. Why the three rating? It has to much sex for my taste. This is only a personal openion. I realize it will help to sell the book but could have been written without it and been much better.

Peter Brandvold is an excellent writer.Once you have read the first chapter you are hooked.Dakota Kill starts with a bang and never stops.I love reading western novels and Brandvold is the best.

My family was recently transferred to North Dakota with the Air Force. Before we moved we wanted to learn more about it, since we had never been here. It was very difficult to find ANYTHING in print about North Dakota. I finally found an older copy of this book in a book store in Anchorage, AK, and then went on-line and ordered the new edition.

While I think this book is pretty decent, I wish I could find a book with more pictures. While North Dakota is hardly considered a popular tourist destination, there IS some pretty scenery. I think this book would be better if they added some sections with pictures. Otherwise, the book is pretty good. I would recommend it to anyone considering travel in North Dakota (or South Dakota, it also has a section on that state), but then again I have not come across a single other book that focuses on North Dakota as much.

I really enjoyed reading all about the Dakotas. I plan on traveling to learn more about my roots. This book will really help me plan my travels.

This book really captures the feeling of the times when pioneers thought moving westward would make them a profit. It helps the reader understand the trials and tribulations of moving westward. The killing of a colt to the grasshopper invasion real grips the reader. The charactes being approximately the age of a fifth or sixth grader really helps youngsters who read this book to make a personal connection. It also helps the reader understand the role of the father, mother, and children during the late 1800s. Furthermore, it shows them although slavery has ended, how many still felt the African American still had his place. From crossing the mighty Mississippi River, to going to the Dakota Terriotory, this book truly captures the time and events of an interesting period in American history.

Sam's father decides to take the family to Dakota Terrotory for a new life.But Sam hates the idea of leaving his friends,grandparents for a new life.The hard journey to Dakota Terrotory doesn't compare to the surprises that await Sam and his family.

Gotta love those '70s covers that make every novel look like trash. On the cover of my copy of "Hanta Yo," there's a handsome Native American man holding out a pipe, and over his shoulder stands an upright, proud, and cute woman. On the back cover, the book blurb highlights war and "sexual initiation rites," like it's some kind of North American "Clan of the Cave Bear."

Good news. "Hanta Yo" is not "Clan of the Cave Bears."

Instead, it's like some sort of Native American "Pilgrim's Progress": a book that defines a culture's values by embodying those values in a fictitious character by the name of Ahbleza, a Shirtwearer and symbolic embodiment of Lakota tradition and values. "Hanta Yo" is the story of his life and his band, the Mahto, and his nation's demise in a whiskey rampage at a whiteman's tradingpost.

The book feels like a very authentic depiction of Lakota life in the early 1800s. The level of detail is amazing, showing all aspects of life, from hunting, child-rearing, domestic chores, to correct social graces. But all told from the perspective of Lakota viewpoint, using Lakota expressions and judgement.

What seems most authentic about the book is that, while it obviously is trying to venerate the culture, it doesn't hide the negative aspects of Lakota life. Characters are violent, stubborn, vain, greedy, and full of hatred. Women are severely oppressed, sometimes passed from husband to husband, and have little or no say in tribal matters. Children and animals are roughly treated.

The final scenes of the beginning of the end of the traditional Lakota nation were especially wrenching. As the Lakota drank themselves into a frenzy at a tradingpost, they began to turn crazy, acting like fools and fighting among themselves, raping their own women, and murdering the traders. It was as if they threw away all of their traditions in one orgiastic moment of self-destruction. But more importantly, the book held the Lakota responsible for their own behavior, and, in the end, for their own downfall.

Just finished Hanta Yo, found that it interesting, informative. It provided insight into the thought process and way of life of the American Indian that few other books I have read have done. Will be well worth reading again. Should be required reading for all American Indian youth, especially those of Lakotah, Dakotah and related families. Provides insight into many customs and values worth re-establishing. Excellent book.

The book was perfect for me. It explains mainly how to serveice your vehicle, and that was what I was looking for. If you are wanting to get into details of the 97-99 Dodge Dakotas, you may want to get the Chrysler book instead

Don't go to the shop without this manual.

I realize it has been hard to come up with enough material to write a first-class biography of this cultural icon. This book is a teaser. There are some interesting bits in it, and Laura's unique writings are part of it. Needs a bit more illustration, but to all Laura fans it will scratch an itch to learn more about her.

I am a longtime fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder. I have read many books about her life and visited most of her homesites. But I have always wanted to read a biography about who she really was, what her personality was like, her relationship with her husband Manly and her daughter Rose. It is difficult to imagine what a person is like when all you have to go by are a few books and pictures. I was thrilled by the detailed accounts in this book, it really gave an in depth peek into her likes and dislikes, her dogged determination, stubborness and unfailing love in the face of much adversity. I felt like I knew her, all of the friends and neighbors who shared thoughts of Laura and Manly paint a picture of a homey, loving atmosphere, that Laura truly lived what she wrote about. The stories made her seem more real, something tangible outside of the juvenile stories I had read (the Little House books) and several other journals and biographies. These are people who actually lived and breathed with her, amazing. I applaud the efforts made by the author, this book is truly a detailed and fascinating account of this beloved lady who has come to represent so much to so many people.

A wonderfully entertaining book that chronicles the history of one of New York City's most colorful residences. The early chapters are particularly enjoyable, with tongue-in-cheek descriptions of the (often ludicrous) rituals of high society during the Gilded Age. The last quarter of the book is not as interesting, with sometimes overlong discussion of the building's modern-day residents. As a whole, however, "Life at the Dakota" is a vibrant and ingratiating portrait: not just for history buffs and not just for New Yorkers.

Stephen Birmingham's insightful look at one of New York City's most memorable addresses will be an enjoyment to all who find great interest in the details in the history of this wonderful city. The book studies the story of this well-known landmark from the very beginning; by understanding the background of key figures like Edward Clark (founder of the Singer Co.) and architect Henry Janeway Hardenbergh (designer of the old Waldorf-Astoria and The Plaza Hotel).

In an era where 'polished society' observed presentation and 'location' as signs of refiness, the Dakota was one of the first experiments in 'modern' urban living in the United States. Wealthy upper class New Yorkers were presented with a new and less costly option in 'elegant' living to the grand homes rising in late 1800s Fifth Avenue. Although initially frowned upon by the 'Old Guard' of New York society, the Dakota instantly found it's market and was one of the pioneers in this now 'acceptable' style of living.

Throughout the years the Dakota apartments has found a vast array of 'celebrity tenants'. Individuals who have always been out of the 'mainstream' and have put little thought on which side of Central Park they resided. Boris Karloff, Zachary Scott, Leonard Bernstein, Lauren Bacall, Roberta Flack, John Lennon and Yoko Ono have been a few of the tenants that have called this historically rich building their home.

Stephen Birmingham chronicles the first hundred years of 'One 72nd Street West', capturing along the way the growth and changing trends of this vast Metropolis. Readers will also discover that by the end of this witty and insightful book the building itself gains a feisty personality of its own; by being the one that dared being 'too far up' and on the wrong side of town.

I found this book to be interesting enough that I hated for it to end. As the author took me through the rural area of the Dakotas, I could reach back in my early childhood days and visualize the community, the people, the weather and the relics of generations of hand me downs even though I come from another part of the country. I like dialogue but the descriptive scenes were not boring but entertaining and put me right there. I appreciated the togetherness of the sisters in spite of their differences and infighting and I liked the closeness of those on the fringe of the immediate family. We knew most of what was going to happen as we went along but how it unfolded and how they were going to deal with it, including the authorities, kept me reading. I would like to read more of this author.

Mavis is the first book I read by Brenda K.Marshall and I personally think that she is a very good writer. What I liked about this book is that she didn't give the story away, which I thought was very impressive, because usually in books like these, the author may give the story away a little too soon. What I didn't like about this novel is that I never found out about who got accused for the murder. I would reccommend this book for grades seven and up.

Sorry folks, but I just had a hard time with this one. I can accept a gay cowboy, as I've seen 'em around, and some of my friends fit that description. But a gay gunslinger in the Ol' West? Even if true (which I'm sure it was), it was just tough to accept this take on that idea.

Dakota Taylor had hung up his guns and settled down to farm with his lover on their ranch. When he received news that his mother had passed away, he headed into town to finish up some estate matters. As in all Westerns, he was waylayed by a bad guy, and then continued to get into trouble. Finishes what needs to be done and rides home to be with his man.

I admit, I'm somewhat of a Western snob. I love L'Amour's work, with his amazing detail of the land and people, with his strong, tough, and mean cowpokes who ride in to save the day. Cap Iverson does an admirable job here. Even tossing aside the gay angle, however, there's just something missing. The descriptions of people, nature, and the action are just a little less clear than they could be. Still, it's a good effort, and overall an entertaining read.

Dakota Taylor is a gay gunslinger in the tradition of Louis L'Amour--except that Dakota's amour is directed at other men. Don't miss Arson! and Rattler!