Here's the most definitive work to date concerning the Stagecoaches that moved passengers and treasure between Yreka, CA and Eugene City, OR(1860s-1890s). The book lists the location and history of the stage stops along the "Big Road" which generations later would be known as Interstate 5. In addition information about the individual drivers and their experiences are presented in a clear and factual manner. No tall tales here...only carefully researched facts are presented. An excellent source for learning about transportation throughout Southern Oregon before the arrival of the Iron Horse.

"A very "Mutiny-on-the-Bounty" type of thing, but better. What an amazing and horrible story! This should be the next Mel Gibson or Tom Hanks epic.

"Life on the Oregon Trail" is one of the series "The Way People Live", telling events of historical significance written in prose format. Readers will identify with the families as they begin to make decisions of right and wrong in preparation for the trip from East to West in the 1840s-1850s. Details of required items are given in a format of actual reports to allow the reader to feel involved rather than to be reading "just a history" book. Pen and ink drawings throughout help give a visual image to the facts presented for those who chose to move to Oregon Country. Actual traveler accounts are included with background supporting information to help the reader feel the excitement, fear, expense, and futility of these brave souls. Written in a chapter format, with footnotes, bibliography and index, this book would be of great help to classroom teachers either as a resource for information or to be read to children. Young adults studying the Oregon Trail history will find this a useful book to support their studies.

Once again you are back in Pine Mountain for the third book in the series, and once again you will be delighted at the happenings in this small tourist town. Melody Carlson blends forgiveness and misunderstanding into a delightful tale that involves all the characters from the other two, as well as some new ones (villans of course!). You will struggle for truth with the Pine Cone news crew, want to ground Leah for her mostly unintentional actions, find yourself praying for snow and cheer for Maggie and Jed as they discover what peace God has for them. A must series for anyone who has ever lived in a small town, as well as those who want to know what it would be like to live in one!

I followed up 'Like a Hurricane' with this book. It reads quite easily, like a novel. It speaks of a case against several AIM members in Oregon. The author, Kenneth Stern, became involved in the case as a law student and thirteen years later was a bar certified attorney for one of the defendents. The book is clear on the events that took place and includes interesting discussions of people of and events surrounding the case, including Marlon Brando's role in AIM. One of the most interesting parts in near the end of the book where Stern describes the problems of Pine Ridge. He paints a wonderful, if awful, picture.

The only problem I had with the book was the use of dialogue. I will admit, that is part of what hooked me, but I was also leary of dialogue from more than a decade earlier. Overall, I felt it was a very good book.

The history of human rights abuses is a long one, and Mr. Atack's book shows how the brutal conditions at the turn of the century drove legislative reforms in the state of Oregon. Ironically enough, this book is very similar thematically to another book which is also written by an author named Atack. I found this book quite a bit more dry than Jon Atack's "A Piece of Blue Sky", but at least it has a happy ending.

Pleasant characters and reasonably good setting descriptions, make this a nice book with which to avoid any deep involvement. There are also some rather cute love scenes--and talk about your family values! I really did enjoy this book at a time when I was tired of psychological thrillers and graphic murder scenes.

MacColl obviously thoroughly researched this precise and coherent political and economic history of Portland. He is the first historian to have uncovered some of Portland's less then glorious accomplishments and explain the interworkings of a very young Rose City. I have some disagreements with MacColl on specific facts, but they are relatively minor. I hope another historian delves in with a different view on Portland during its industrious beginnings to complement what MacColl so ably began.

I was not sure what to expect when I bought this book, but I was pleasantly surprised. The authors spent a great amount of time gathering material, first-hand anecdotes, charts and other information to present a complete story of the SPs Modoc Line which ran through northeastern California and western Nevada. The production values and printing quality are typical of Oso Publishings work, in a word - excellent. The thoughtful selection of maps is a major plus, too, although somehow on one of the maps, California was placed north of Oregon. At any rate, the place names were correct and it in no way detracted from the text. The Modoc is no more, of course, but this book is certainly a fitting tribute to one of the lesser known lines of the Southern Pacific. This work will be of interest to anyone who appreciates western railroading.

After visiting many of the wineries described within the book I found the content to be very much in line with my observations. Not an exact match (we agreed on about 3/4ths of them), though differences could be explained by palate.

Even though it is difficult to remain current, I think the authors did a very good job. The only item I found lacking is a general guide to vintages, ala the tearout from some wine magazines. For example, which wines are generally best for a particular year and when it is expected to reach its peak. One specifically for the regions in the book would be helpful.

All in all, though -- good job!