While the title might seem a little trite, it wasn't when the book was published and the vignettes told within are certain to hook the reader into reading and following the exploits of the members of this crew of buddies as they live their lives on the Manhattan-Fire Island axis of the 1970s. I caught myself laughing out loud on the train reading these stories, especially some of the actions of Little Kiwi; the interaction between the characters is so masterful that either Mordden is an incredible chronicler of his surroundings or has one of the most amazing imaginations of any fiction writer ever. The reader can picture the events vividly and they are believable. Highly recommended, and this book will hook you into reading the other three in the series, and hunger for more when they are completed.

Ethan Mordden's first entry in his decade-long series could easily have stood on its own as simply a collection of short stories, some of which share the same characters and continue situations. Fortunately for us, it is just the beginning, a somewhat modest introdction to his world. He lightheartedly tells of friendship and growing up and painfully yet without bitterness details the diffculty of maintaining a longterm gay relationship in a gay world that is still obsessed with sex and yet falling apart for that very reason. His characters are interesting, well drawn, and extremely well spoken always having the witty response and the snappy one-liner ready in any situation. Like real people, which no doubt they are, this group plans for the future, fears the present, and recalls its youth with fondness. I first read Ethan Mordden and "I've A Feeling We're Not In Kansas Anymore" when it was published in paperback in 1987. I was twenty and had grown up in a very rural setting and had moved to a fairly large city where here seemed to be something going on, but which I knew nothing about. I found the book at a local store and devoured it the same day having come across something I had never seen before. This wass the real life that I knew existed, but which seemed hidden and forcefully so. While it is not a book to educate the young gay male or the recently out gay male, it does tells not only of gay life in New York before AIDS, but also chronicles the universal establishment of a circle of friends that often becomes family in a most entertaining and literate fashion. Mordden is laugh-out-loud funny at times, culturally superior at times, and even lays on the line some of his great sadnesses and disappointments creating a widely multi-faceted picture of the life he knows and lives

After reading books by Felice Picano, Larry Kramer, and Andrew Holleran which in part take place in group houses on Fire Island, it seems that little is new. It isn't Morrden's fault necessarily since if you haven't read the other works, his would be quite fresh, and his characters do illuminate the nuances of relationships, be they gay or straight, more subtlely and more touchingly then those of most other writers. Still, one comes away yet again with the feeling that gay men can't be anything but "bitchy" although, at least, Morrden's aren't as shallow as most. Those who enjoyed Holleran's "Dancer From the Dance" shouldn't miss Morrden's version of the legend (included in this collection) of a man with god-like good looks who vanishes without a trace.

A native Kansan, Goodrich obviously knows the history of his state. War to the Knife provides a very vivid look at the conflict between pro-slavery and free state settlers in Kansas in the lead up to the Civil War, drawing heavily from personal accounts and local newspaper reports. This approach also helps Goodrich maintain a balance in presenting the views of both sides of the conflict, their hatred of each other and their diametrically opposed agendas. The one area where the book was lacking was in its discussion of the role of the federal military and government in the conflict. Goodrich does discuss the few times the military did intervene in the conflict and the lack of power that the multiple territorial governors had over the settlers, but I found myself wanting to know more about why the military and government did not take a stronger role in preserving law and order in the territory. Despite that, the motives of the various free state and pro-slavery leaders are discected fairly well -- especially John Brown whose raid on Harpers Ferry is used to open and close the book.

It was just a coincidence that shortly after reading the book I met the author at a civil war reenactment. This book is mainly constructed through letters and diaries from the period, and little is left to the imagination as the author chillingly describes the savagery of this particular time. An excellent read for those interested in Civil War history, and to hear a knock at the door in the middle of the night, being asked if you are "Pro-slavery or a Jayhawker", and knowing that a wrong answer would probably mean death is harrowing just thinking about it.

Goodrich adds to his works on US Western history with a well-paced history of the guerilla warfare between abolitionist and pro-slavery forces in the struggle for statehood in Kansas. The author relys extensively on personal accounts of the violent and brutal actions of both sides of the conflict. Readers will find his impartial examination a valuable asset. The more experienced historian may find the book long on drama, short on analysis, particulary the impact of these events on the Eastern political establishment. Nonetheless, a valuable addition to the literature and a great follow-on to his earlier "Black Flag" which describes the events that follow in the Civil War itself. I found this a timely book to read after Russell Banks "Cloudsplitter", a fictional account of John Brown which includes many events found in "War to the Knife".

It was sickening, the amount of details used in this short book. I have three words that explain my opinion on all of that unnecessary junk... I DON'T CARE! I don't care how exactly their water looked or how exactly the pioneers stored their food. I just want to know about Willow and her quest to survive. That's why I bought the book for goodness sakes! Not to read a textbook on pioneer life! If the author is so obsessed with putting those details in, the least she could do is put them in in an interesting way. I know these books are supposed to take place in just one day, but one day just doens't work for the Oregon Trail. The only thing I liked was that Willow was a pretty good character in that she was terrified of the river for a reason and in her feelings about her stepfather. But, I mean, where was the stinking survival in the book? WHERE?

Ever since her father drowned crossing a river the first time her family attempted to head west, twelve-year-old Willow has been terrified of water. And ever since her mother remarried and and the family headed west again, she has resented her new stepfather, Mr. Hansen. But nothing can prepare Willow for the challenges she will face in one short day. Swept out of the wagon during a river crossing, Willow is left for dead. Now she must make her way through a harsh, merciless wilderness in an attempt to find her family before they get to far ahead for her to ever catch up. This was an excellant survival story, and Willow was a well-developed character, especially considering how short this book was.

This was another great book in the American Diaries series. Willow's father was drowned the first time her family tried to head west. Now, Willow's mother has remarried, and once again the family is headed west. But when the wagon train crosses a river, Willow falls out of the wagon and must survive and search for her family. Read this book!

I have not read this book but I was told about it by someone on my Clinton Main Street Board. The book evidently does not include Clinton, Missouri in its data. I would like to visit with the author regarding her statistics and question her as to why Clinton, Missouri was not included in the 2-hour radius of Kansas City, MO. Clinton has recently received an award as an All America City for the year 2000. With a population of approx. 10,000 and close in proximity to Truman Lake, we have a lot to offer. We are approximately 1/2 way between KC and Springfield, as the "crow flies". I am Project Manager for Clinton Main Street and can be reached at the above email address or my phone # is 660-885-2121. I would like to invite Shifra to our community and would like her to reconsider Clinton, Missouri as a viable tourist area within a 2-hour radius of KCMO.

Thank you - Marsha Dark Project Manager Clinton Main Street PO Box 173 Clinton, MO 64735

Whenever I feel stressed out, I get on a two-lane highway, with this book in hand, and go to off-the-beaten path places that are great fun. Last week I went to two small towns only 30 minutes from where I live in Kansas City and shopped at antique stores, had lunch at a fabulous cafe, and got some great gifts thanks to this little guide. Indispensable. Wouldn't be without it!

He would have wanted to be remembered most as a teacher and friend; he was that and more to those that were fortunate enough to have known him. Such was the life of the great Swedish artist Birger Sandzen.

In a glowing tribute to the man and his work, Emory Lindquist has managed to capture the essence of who he was and what he has meant to Kansas art. An absolutely beautiful account of his art and influence. Sandzen was a one of a kind visionary of the beauty that surrounds us in everyday life and nature. A first rate work by a learned historian, and obvious devotee, of Sandzen.

BLUE BEAT SYNCOPATION by Stanley E. Banks chronicles his works of
poetry from 1977 to 2002. The selections are historical and
contemporary pieces that reveal much about the author in terms of
how he views life and the world.

BLUE BEAT SYNCOPATION is hard in some instances, yet real and
understandable as it defines his style of poetic writing. I was
very impressed with several of Mr. Banks' selections. He allows
you to flow along with him and visualize soft blues playing in the

background as you read and interpret the deep significance of his
writings.

My favorites were 'Introducing Myself,' which was relative to events
of the present, and of course, the selection 'Blue Beat Syncopation,'
which had me tapping my feet as I felt the beat.

Stanley E. Banks is an author to watch, as he has already made a mark
in the poetic community. His poetry collection On 10th Alley Way won
the Langston Hughes Prize for Poetry.

Reviewed by Kalaani
The RAWSISTAZ Reviewers

Every town has its secrets, and Denke is no exception. Denke has its own laws, its own traditions, the same families for a hundred years. They live on the blood of their human prey and they will do anything to keep this a secret from the outside world.This book is taught with suspense and chills. A good beach book.

This book is useful for both the studious geneologist and casual peruser, containing comprehensive, in-depth geneological information as well as a wealth of photos and anecdotes.

The rich tradition and history of Kansas basketball is captured in this book. If you are a fan of Kansas basketball, the book is a "must-have." Many of the stories I had heard from my father and grandfather, both KU basketball fans, were rekindled in reading this book. And, many of my own memories, which had grown hazy as the years past, were revitalized by reading this history.

We used this guide in our recent visit to Kansas City and found it to be helpful. Not as helpful as our friends in the area, who knocked themselves out showing us things, but it even gave them some ideas.