Books to read if you're planning a vacation in "Blue Mountain", sorted by average review score:
Reservations for Murder (Myers, Tim. Lighthouse Inn Mystery.)
Published in Mass Market Paperback by Prime Crime (04 June, 2002)
Average review score: 
A study in cliches...Want a quick course in mystery story formula writing? Look no farther: "Reservations for Murder" has them all. Here's a partial list: undeveloped main character with no real human foibles or conflicts; dumb sheriff; small town police force; good cafe where everyone gathers; nice scenery; love interest for the main character; hints of seamy sex for the secondary characters; a murder victim disliked by everybody; many motives for the killing; a lot of tea-drinking and assignations by the rosebushes. Season this recipe with 180 pages of really unimaginative writing and here you have it: a cliche of a novel, written quickly and without much skill, a Saturday afternoon time-waster if it's raining outside and there's nothing on tv.
A fine book for mystery-light loversThis books seems to go along the speed of Andy Griffith's Mayberry. Innkeeper Alex Winston forces himself into the detective business, which is a good thing, considering the lack of competence in the local sherriff. Two deaths must be explained in the light mystery. The characters are shallow in development, with the exception of Alex. Myers leaves a few red herrings along the way, so you may enjoy trying to sort the good clues from the bad, but overall, there is very little tension in this story. A pleasant read for somebody who may be recovering from an ulcer, I suppose.
Another death at the lighthouse puts Alex in the thick of it...Alex is a likeable character. I like the relationship he has with Elise, but hope it will grow. I think that's the only thing I would say negative about this book is that I missed that. With Elise gone, all he did was miss her, but yet he's not sure what type of relationship they have. There was too much of that in this book.
This series is very enjoyable. I always look forward to the next book coming out. The descriptions are very enticing. I would love to stay at The Hatteras West Inn.
I highly recommend this book and the whole series.
Beyond the last blue mountain : a life of J.R.D. Tata
Published in Unknown Binding by Viking ; Penguin Books ()
Average review score:
Poorly written book on a wonderful lifeThis book on JRD Tata is extremely one sided. Reading it gives you the impression that the author has deliberately chosen to ignore actions which are controversial or not so palatable. I do not think a biography should be written in this way. No personality is black or white, invariably it is grey; and an objective biographer should neither try to idolize nor put down his subject. Maybe it is a problem with all biographies written during the subject's lifetime. Especially in cases where the biographer has secured the cooperation of his subject and feels it would be letting him down if he were to publicize certain aspects which may not necessarily be in favourable light. Nevertheless, whatever the criticism of the way in which this book is written, I must say that there is a lot one can learn from JRD Tata's life. Here was a man who inspite of being a successful businessman and head of an industrial empire was extremely sensitive and humane. Inspite of being born into riches, he was extremely caring and considerate to the cause of his employees, shareholders and above all to his country. He always thought that economic enterprise should further and not harm the cause of a nation. Infact it is written in the book that he has probably fired an employee only once or twice in his whole lifetime. There is a lot one can learn from his life on managing men . One realises after reading this book that provided the person at the top has a conscience, capitalism and free enterprise need not be solely greed and ugliness. It can further the general good. JRD who was an extremely succesful industrialist aptly demonstrated this in his lifetime. To Lala's credit, this aspect does come out very clearly in the biography.
inspiringHis achievements are undeniable, and the book is an enlightening read even though the biographer's style does nothing to help the reader. How I wish someone like David McCullough could do justice to JRD's unique life!
Hotspur
Published in Hardcover by Thorndike Pr (Largeprint) (March, 2003)
Average review score:
BoringI found that this book got too bogged down in details that were not necessary to the story, especially what people should and shouldn't wear for foxhunting and the breeding of hunting dogs. I usually love the Sneaky Pie series, and thought I would try another by her. I was very disappointed. The characters were very likeable, especially Sister and Shaker. The mystery itself was developed as an "oh, by the way" during her account of the Wide World of Foxhunting. I also thought that if she was going to have dialogue from the animals, they should have at least played a part in solving the mystery.
Lots & lots of info on fox hunting in America!Okay, so Rita Mae indulged in her love of hunting a bit too much for some readers! I actually enjoyed learning about this, especially since I didn't know that in this country they merely chase the fox to his/her den, and try to avoid killing them. That was always the reason I avoided books on this in England, it seems an inhumane sport there on the line of cockfighting in this country. The interplay between the various animals always has me cracking up in Brown's novels. Since I have cats and dogs of my own, I am very aware they have personalities, and often consider us humans to be their pets rather than vice versa. I also remember long ago in biology they used to teach that we could not anthromorphize animals (give them human traits) like playing, but I've seen too many animals do things just for the plain fun of it rather than merely to eat and reproduce...another scientific fallacy hits the fan!
In this book, the mystery seemed more of a side plot, with the hunting information taking precedence. I am sure this is what other readers complained about. This was not a big enough flaw for me to avoid finishing the book, I actually got through it quickly because I enjoyed it. So it wasn't gory...big deal. The mystery dealt with an old cold case, that actually wasn't even a case, since no one knew what had happened to the people involved. One beautiful young woman disappears off the face of the earth, along with one of her boyfriends. Unfortunately, the inevitable change in ground and water levels, added to hunting and dogs digging brought up some old bones, proving to be human.
Sister, the head of the hunt in this area, may be older, but certainly has not lost either her riding/hunting abilities, or her concern for others. She's wise in the way we all hope we will age, losing our ability to hold grudges, finding forgiveness easier as we age, showing love when love and a kind touch are needed. She had me a bit worried at the end when she chased down the culprit of the murders, but everything worked out.
An enjoyable summer read.
Karen Sadler
Saturation is not always enjoyable.While I love Rita Mae Brown's ability to co-mingle the animal and human experience, I found her detailing of the incredible complexity of the fox hunting set to be more information than I need to read a mystery.
I love Jane "Sister" Arnold, the 71 year-old Master of the Hunt and her friends/hounds/horses, but the details in this book would appeal to only the most dedicated hunt fan. I did learn one good thing, however. Americans only hunt the fox to its den, not like their brutal British cousins who hunt to the death.
HOTSPUR's murder mystery takes a second -- or sometimes third -- seat to the machinations of the hunt season, the old money, the social climbers and all the ins and outs of hunt life. I suppose if you're a member of that set, these details and the constant fretting over your horse, your wardrobe and your standing in your club would make for good reading.
It just doesn't play in Peoria....or a small town in east Texas.
I'll continue to read Rita Mae Brown and hope she realizes she's exhausted the hunt and it's time to move on to other prey.
Forest Dreams, Forest Nightmares: The Paradox of Old Growth in the Inland West (Weyerhaeuser Environmental Books)
Published in Hardcover by University of Washington Press (October, 1995)
Average review score:
Hmmmm.I think it's wonderful that Ms. Langston has begun to evaluate some of the causes of deforestation in the western U.S. The forest service has certainly been careless and haphazard in its management of our forests. Insect infestation and diseases have undoubtedly ravaged our forests. Conspicuously undercovered in Ms. Langston's book, though, is the damage caused by unselective logging. Any honest (and I'm not trying to suggest that Ms. Langston is deliberately dishonest) tree biologist will tell you that logging, more than any other manmade activity, has had the severest impact on our wilderness.
Thorough critique, but offers no technical solutionsLangston has done a thorough job of historical research. However, what makes an environmental critique good is the solution offered. The book is very weak in this area. The author does mention society needing a better relationship with the land, but this cannot be applied to silviculture without details attatched. She may be a good historian, but she is not innovative. Langston offers no real clue as to how the Forest Service should continue in the future according to her ideals. A critique is not valid with out offering a better way, and she fails in that department.
A terrific study of the paradox between man and nature!Even though I work in the field of cultural & historic resources management, I have recommended this study of the Blue Mountains to my colleagues in the natural resources department at Montpelier, the home of James & Dolley Madison, as they struggle with several fundimental issues (clear cutting, natural re-seeding, etc.). My sister's work is clear, concise (so that a lay person can understand the principles set forth in her work), and an enjoyable read. I highly recommend this to anyone who has an interest in saving America's natural resources! Lee Langston-Harrison Director of Curatorial Operations Montpelier Montpelier Station, Virginia
An Archaeology of Social Space: Analyzing Coffee Plantations in Jamaica's Blue Mountains (Contributions to Global Historical Archaeology)
Published in Hardcover by Plenum Pub Corp (May, 1998)
Average review score:
Don't Judge a Book by Its TitleThis book talks little about archaeology and when it does, the interpretation is poor at best. The author is very repetitive with the few sources he has. Despite the lack of a credible discussion of social space, the book is well written and easily read.
Text provides a useful framework for studying capitalismThe book provides a good theoretical discussion of spatiality within the context of world systems theory. However, insufficient attention was paid to the dynamics of what was purported by Delle to be the major area of study - the Yallahs Coffee Plantations of Jamaica.
BOOK PROVIDES ENGAGING LOOK AT JAMAICA'S PASTJames Delle's book successfully explores the historical relationship between the Jamaican power structure and the physical characteristics of several coffee plantations. The book also goes beyond Jamaica, and demonstrates how the global economy is physically represented in the slave populated plantations. Delle provides a generous amount of historical background by tracing the rise and fall of the coffee industry in the 1800's. The text also includes sharp economic and social analysis. Overall, the book is packed with information that is both fascinating and comprehensive.
I Want Our Love to Last Forever: And I Know It Can If We Both Want It to:
Published in Paperback by Blue Mountain Arts (March, 1994)
Average review score:
maa chudda lai yaih book!LUND BABAI DAA BHEN CHOAD
again and again....I love her poets when I in love someone in my mind. She let the sweet words again and again. My favorite is "Love is" Its simple, easy, and touching. I send this poem to my husband Robert before we married by email and he loves it. But the other poems are I don't know, tired :(
Hey you lovers out there! Get this book...you'd like it.It's a good book for you to read if you're in love. The poems are all like someone's dream of what love really is to them. My favorite poem is title this: "We're Two Different People, and Let's Not Try to Change That." It's a great book. I love it. I read it twice a day and I rated it a 10!
Wyoming Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide
Published in Paperback by Frank Amato Publications, Inc. (08 May, 2001)
Average review score:
Wyoming Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing GuideI am very disappointed given the author's work for Fly Fisherman Magazine which is excellent. The title should substitute the word "guide" to "overview with great photography". The only map in the book is a very pretty photograph of a topo map which shows only rivers and no roads. The ledgend next to the map lists two locations, a river and a lake, with numbers assigned to them. Go to the map and you discover that number 23 (Boundary Creek) and number 30 (Lewis Lake) are not depicted on the map. Both of these editing errors are in the Yellowstone National Park area of the map. With regard to other editing errors it appears that Wordperfect 7.0 or some similar program was the proof reader. It "seems" that "seam" is the word of choice when refering to "the fish seam to like...". Wordperfect 7.0 knows that "seem" is a legitimate word as is "seam" when used refering to the joining of two parts of breathable waders. The photography is outstanding. The author should have decided what he wanted to produce. The paper is very high quality glossy finish throughout. Perfect for high quality photographs. ... for text on a "guide" to flyfishing Wyoming. The book is short on photographs if that was the intent. The book is short on details about the rivers and streams if that was the intent. I will not return the book because I can afford it however I will be going back to ... for another try because I have a Wyoming trip scheduled for this coming September.
Great Book!!I bought this book and really liked it. I read the previous review, and I guess that it's different strokes for different folks. To me, this is a great guide to the fishing possibilities within the state. It gives you enough to get you stoked up to go try a new river, or gives you the info to consider some of the small rivers you crossed over to get to the big name rivers. This book will direct you to many of the hinterland locations, and that's what I really like in a fly fishing location type book. There are great photographs throughout. I felt like I was there.
Best Thing in Life Is a Friend: A Blue Mountain Arts Collection
Published in Paperback by Blue Mountain Arts (February, 2001)
Average review score:
The Best Thing in Life Is a FriendI thought that this book was fairly good. It has a wide variety of poetry on friendship. If you are trying to find a present for a friend this is a great idea! There are poems about happiness, sadness, joy, and the loving in friendships. Overall it is a very good book.
The Language of Teaching: Thoughts on the Art of Teaching and the Meaning of Education ("Language of ... " Series)
Published in Hardcover by Blue Mountain Arts (May, 1999)
Average review score:
Pretty Book, Not a lot of SubstanceComments: This is a beautifully constructed book with a recycled bind and end pages made with real flowers and plants. The pages are made with very quality paper and is an excellent addition and display for any library. The one downfall this book has are the applicable nature of the quotes. I found I had to read some twice or even three times to try and grasp the meanings. This could be due to the age of the quote or the original language in which it was written. Two quotes really hit home, for me, as a new edition to the profession. I especially liked the quote that says teachers learn the most from their students. Another quote that hit home was about the steps of seeking knowledge, the last of which is teaching others. This is a lovely keepsake for teachers and the 'God Bless the Teacher' and 'A Message of Thanks to All the Great Teachers in This World' would make any teacher feel valuable. This book should win awards for its attempt at putting together thoughts about teaching. However, it lacks the modern day real feelings and quotes about education to hit home for today's teachers.
Idaho Blue-Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide
Published in Paperback by Frank Amato Pubns (May, 1999)
Average review score:
No praise in PhoenixPictures were very disappointing....text was far too brief and offered little or no fishing advice. Access information was almost non-existant. No index. I returned the book.