Young people will be delighted in addition to being informed. And even adults will be charmed by the personal history of Gwinn Vivian, who grew up in glorious, mysterious Chaco Canyon and became the "living history" reporter on this amazing place. We are so lucky to have this book to enlighten our minds and our hearts.

Life on the Navaho reservation in New Mexico is never easy but this winter is particularly hard. The weather is abnormally cold, unemployment is up, and many people are forced to choose between eating and heating up their homes. The Tribal Council, responsible for the welfare of the people on the reservation, debates whether to legalize gambling as a way of bringing in revenue.

Navaho Special Investigator Ella Clah knows that the Indian Mafia is behind the wave of vandalism that is concentrated in the Shiprock area. The thugs hope to intimidate the people and the Tribal Council to vote for gambling and they are willing to escalate the level of violence to achieve their goals. Between tracking down the leaders of the criminal element and avoiding snipers and other assaults on her life, Ella has a thirty-six hour day just staying alive.

Amy and David Thurlo have created a mystery series that gets better with each book written though the previous novels are all top quality. Ella Clah is a fascinating character who endears herself to the audience by adhering true to her values even defending the rights of those who disagree with her. Fans of Tony Hillerman and Southwest mysteries will appreciate CHANGING WOMAN.

Harriet Klausner

I am not a big fan of Romance Novels; however, Ms. Bechko may have changed my way of thinking. This Historical romance was so entertaining and enlightening that I read it practically in one sitting. The facts pertaining to the Spanish overrunning the Indian lands and the cruelty of that particular period of time were wonderfully balanced by the spirit and light of the heroine. Because I am a resident of that part of the world, I was especially appreciative of Ms. Bechko portraying her characters with great accuracy. They are not super-human. They are all just trying to survive the best way they know how.
I am looking forward to reading more of the author's works. Her dedication to facts, as well as her creative imagination, make for enjoyable reading.

Coal Camp Days is of course a story about memories but also about hope, family and friends that make all those memories worth while. This fictionalized autobiography is a must-have for any serious reader of Chicano literature; especially those interested in northern New Mexico Hispano culture.

Following Matias, the fictionalized protagonist, Garcia weaves a tapestry of stories that blend local customs, traditions, and dialects as both the young boy and diverse community he lives in, grow together during one of the most chaotic times of United States history.

The text's readability is an outreach from Garcia's easy going style, attention to detail and ability to capture the moment in a language that is at once focused, yet relaxed'colloquial even. The text also serves as an ethnohistory of a specific time and group, and is an uplifting recollection about a simpler time when people of distinct backgrounds learn to live, love and face sorrow together.

Great book for data! Lists lat, lon, and elevation for thousands of named points along the CD. Not necessarily the CD Trail.

Very explanitory. Highly recomended for Mexican cooking.

As usual, Mr. Simmons takes you back in time and brings the everyday life of early New Mexico to life. He has done extensive research to enlighten us. This book covers everything from homemaking, dressing, Inidans and food. A must have for historical researchers.

Johnson has obviously used solid research in his narrative. In fact he recommends several other sources, a couple of which are out of print. The book is clearly not revisionist. Rather it seems to provide a balanced perspective on both the Spanish and Aztec beliefs, personalities and cultures. The attention to detail is exceptional, while providing a narrative which flows well and is very interesting.

This book is a wonderful historical record of New Mexico politics in the 20th Century. Filled with insightful anecdotes and provoking commentary. Bruce King is a very important figure in N.M. It's scary to think that he almost didn't write this book. I highly recommend.

I especially loved this book because two of the cowboys featured are my cousin, Randy Biebelle and his son, Brandon.