The Very Rich Hours does not merely tell; it transports. And if this is not enough, it also entertains. Hiestand has an eye for the humor innate in most situations involving human beings, a sense communicated delicately and wryly rather than broadly. The tableau which features Hiestand and her travelling companion learning how to navigate a houseboat in the Everglades is as funny as choice parts of Douglas Adams' Last Chance to See. Like Adams, Hiestand does not allow her own discomfiture to eclipse the enjoyment her audience might obtain from her experience. Hiestand also knows that the real adventure in travelling lies in discoveries like the Stromness Natural History Museum, with its "hundred frozen-in-flight, frozen-on-a-branch, or frozen-in-defense-of-their-young stuffed birds," or the sudden appearance of an herbalist shop, populated by "crones," on a busy Athens street. She finds many marvelous surprises, and she invests the time and att! ention required to appreciate and understand them. The Very Rich Hours deserves the same attention.

What fun, what vision, what a great shipwreck story. I've read plenty of sea adventures, but never one that merged grit, adrenaline, and fear with a lyrical excursion worthy of Calvino or Marquez. And that's one part of one essay. Like a travelogue shot by a feature filmmaker, this beautifully wrought book offers sharp, compelling storytelling images set in luminous portraits of the natural world.

"If one must travel, one should do it with the eyes of a child, the mind of an ecologist, the heart of a pagan, and the words of a poet. Astonishingly, Emily Hiestand has all of that." --Kirkpatrick Sale, author,The Conquest of Paradise

"The prose quivers with grace and wit as it charges the large questions with luminous details." --Bonnie Costello, author, Marianne Moore:Imaginary Possessions

"In these fresh accounts of far-flung locations, Hiestand keeps returning us to the profound questions not of exploration, but of home. That is the book's great discovery: we're in this together, wherever we are." --Patricia Hampl, author,A Romantic Education

"The most exciting travel writing I have read in years.... These pieces are, in the best sense, world-views... The poetic eye is their greatest strength; or rather, a poetic sensibility and intuitive perceptiveness combined with a remarkably cultivated and civilized intellect... The style seems to be an expression of good manners, good intellectual manners. She confronts head on some of the basic issues of writing and thinking about nature." --Robert Finch, ed.,The Norton Book of Nature Writing

"Her range of references is wide and unexpected, and she is a wonderful observer... [W]hat holds the book together is a wry and elegant dexterity of intelligence, a sense of humor that engages both the solemn revelations and the undignified exasperations of travel with precision and elan." --Franklin Burroughs, author, Billy Watson's Croker Sack

If you want to read a boook which is, at once, intelligent, lyrical and scientific, this collection of the writings of J. Henri Fabre should not be missed. He not only walks you through his many thought-provoking studies of the insect world, but also challenges you to consider from whence came the many wonders described therein. Contrary to what other reviewers have said, Fabre's education was not a hindrance to his observations. Indeed, true science (which means, after all "knowledge") is concerned with objective reality, not theoretical flights of fancy. We in the modern world have been lulled into believing that the world is composed of random collections of atoms, that all life is derived - has evolved - from some lower form of life, that all is in flux, and, ultimately, that there is no God. Read Fabre's writings - read them carefully - and dare to think otherwise. He shows, in experiment after experiment, that the insect world is not random and that "Nature acts for an end". More to the point, the results of Fabre's experiments show us that while insects act REASONABLY, they do so without the use of REASON itself (in particular, read chapter six, "The Ignorance of Instinct"). In other words, they act upon the impulse of instinct, which, is itself entirely logical and rational. Such rational ends, it becomes manifestly clear, cannot be the result of a random process of evolution, but must arise from the unseen hand of an intelligent creator. So much for Darwin. But don't believe me - read the book, and then try taking a look at DARWIN ON TRIAL and DARWIN'S BLACK BOX as well (both are excellent books which make the larger case, beyond the insect world, that Darwin was wrong).

This book tells the secrets of insect behavior. The author observes very closely the lives of the many species he studied. This is nature at her smartest and her blindest; beauty, horror and science. Highly recommended by me.

Exquisitely written, my imagination was immediately captured by Fabre's patient observations and his poetic retelling of each adventure. Once called an "incomparable observer" by Charles Darwin, Fabre's unsurpassed enthusiasm springs to life on every page. Since reading it a few short years ago I have ever since felt inspired to sit longer in the fields and to spend more time just observing. Admittedly, Fabre was self taught and isolated. He stubbornly disagreed with the theory of evolution. Looking back on his work it is easy to see the mistakes he made, blind spots in his approach to the larger aspects of biological research. Still, if you decide to read this book I'm sure you will be inspired to be with insects. What better thing to do?

A well-researched and finely written account of the people's revolution in Massachusetts in the years before Lexington and Concord.

Raphael recounts the people's rising anger towards the Crown because of the Massachusetts Goverment Act (1774). This act, which allowed the King to appoint officials instead of allowing the citizens to elect them, turned the people against the Crown. Through acts of civil disobedience, illegal conventions, and threats against appointed officials, the people of Massachusetts effectively took control of their government from the British.

This is a great book that focuses on an aspect of the Revolution that is usually ignored or lightly touched on in any History class or book about the Revolution. It shows that the Revolution was started and won by ALL the people of America, not just Washington, Jefferson, Adams, etc.....

Highly Recommended!

The author made this book easy to read. He broke down all the chaos in a manner that anyone can enjoy and understand. You learn about what was going on prior to General/Governor Gage sending British troops to Concord. After reading this book about the farmers and artisans of Western Massachusetts getting together and overthrowing British authority you realize why the British had to head for Concord rather than Worcester. As someone who lives in the area and is a Revolution buff, this book is a valuable piece of history. I hope that more such books by any historians are forthcoming and that the history books don't forget...

Near the end of this book, the author makes the following statement......

"At Lexington, professional British soldiers fired at a handful of local farmers. This act of violence, allegedly perpetrated by the enemy, gave the Americans the moral high ground and helped mobilize support. The story had been repeated so often that it has effectively muffled the revolution of the preceding year. Leaderless, ubiquitous, and bloodless, the first transfer of political authority from the British to Americans has not been able to compete. It was not lacking as a revolution, it has only lacked an audience to comprehend and appreciate it."

Hopefully this book will help to provide the audience this neglected episode of American History deserves.

Mr. Raphael has done us a wonderful service in putting forth his research into the rebellion that took place in Worcester, Massachusetts in 1774. The "first American Revolution." He builds an impressive case not only for what took place, but also for the possible reasons why this rebellion has not received the recognition it is due. He even refers to what followed at Lexington and Concord as a "counterrevolution" on the part of the British government in an attempt to regain the colony they had already lost.

Examining what lead up to the British establishment of the Massachusetts Government Act, the response of the local farmers to it, how it spread throughout the rural communities of Massachusetts, and the resulting confrontation that came just under a year later at Lexington and Concord, the author gives factual backing to the belief that people can indeed work together without requiring "leaders" or some hierarchical structure to ensure success.

In general, people like to have individuals to hold on to when studying the past. For some this perhaps relieves them from feeling the need to take personal responsibility for their own lives. I have often heard folks say the reason they do not attend local governmental meetings - such as city council, or county commissioner meetings, is that they "elected" these officials to do the work so they wouldn't have to. It is also a bit easier to blame such individuals when things go wrong. Some of us also convince ourselves (or get the message from those who are more comfortable if we remain docile and obedient servants) that we do not have the stuff to make a difference like someone famous could or can.

This is not the story of specific individuals, even though you will learn of people you most likely have never heard of before, neither is it about a faceless mob. These were individuals who saw beyond personal celebrity status and came together with the full intention of their rebellion being based in "the body of the people." Something folks from the whole spectrum of political thought seem to suggest is sorely needed in Washington, DC today. (I happen to agree.)

Or as Mr. Raphael puts it....

" The telling of history cries out for individual protagonists. If an isolated hero or leader doesn't emerge naturally, we try to invent one. In this case, however, none could even be conjured. There was no one person, not even a small group, who could have made the Revolution of 1774 any more or less than it was. This revolution was conducted by and for the participants, giving it both power and legitimacy."

and..........

" Without entrenched leaders, there could be no chain of command. The people of each locality, although communicating with each other through their committees of correspondence, received no orders from a central authority. They did develop some shared motifs - - most notably, forcing officials to recant while passing through the ranks, hats in hand - - but the local groups operated without any coordinating body to plot a strategy or plan the various confrontations."

and finally........

" The Massachusetts Revolution of 1774 was not only decentralized but thoroughly ubiquitous. Both temporally and geographically, it lacked concrete definition. It simply erupted, everywhere and whenever. It has been as confusing, perhaps, to students of history as it was to Governor Gage, who had no idea how to respond. "

It was indeed quite confounding to folks such as Lord Dartmouth who.......

"...........found it difficult to believe that Governor Gage had lost out to ' a tumultuous Rabble, without any Appearance of general Concert, or without any Head to advise, or Leader to conduct.' Dartmouth failed to comprehend the power of the people to act in their behalf, and even today, the revelation that ordinary people, ' without any Head to advise,' toppled the British-controlled government in Massachusetts engenders blank, incredulous states."

Anyone who believes you MUST have clearly identified leaders and a hierarchical structure in order to accomplish something will be challenged by the history told in this book. Those who sometimes feel there is little chance of changing those things which they believe to be wrong with their government will perhaps find hope within these pages. At the very least, the reader will be made much more aware of a chapter of American History that up until now has received far less recognition then it deserves.

One final note.......

For anyone that might be wondering about the author's understanding of how women, Africans (slave or free), and indigenous peoples were involved and effected by the American Revolution, I highly recommend Mr. Raphael's previous book : A People's History of The American Revolution - 2001 - also by The New Press. The two, read together, serve as an excellent introduction or review of the War of Independence.

Well, do you think that you don't keep up with others when you can not do something which everyone can do?

I would let you know that leave your life. Absolutely, it is not necessary to change your season for keeping up with others. There is certain rhythm to fit you. Sometimes we make ourselves the one with a sense of relief supposing we do the same thing that others do. There is not a way when you go behind someone. Also, when you go with others' shadow.

Of the books that I own, this one is the best prepared and printed. It is also very complete rather than a scattering of selections. I recommend it highly to the curious Thoreau reader.

Four of Thoreau's best works come to life in their full and unabridged versions. Thoreau portrays a land of immense natural beauty, and his keen observations focus on subjects as diverse as native plants and animals to his musings on the peculiar people he meets. Thoreau's revelations on conservation show us he was a century ahead of his time, aware of a landscape and nation which was already irreversibly changing. Yet his simple life at Walden pond shows us that we are perhaps most content with ouselves when we are the most alone and unencumbered. Contains a brief chronology of Thoreau's life which presents us with many previously unknown facts. Each work in this collection has been available before, but the Library of the America's has researched and investigated the most accurate materials and corrected errors contained in previous publishings.

This book is probably one of the most cited references of a first hand account of the events in the beginning of the American Revolution. The detailed account of the voyage to the colonies gives information unavailable in other places and his account of Lexington and Concord from the point of view of the British is extremely valuable. A rare find but a must read for any serious student of the American Revolution

This book is a great resource for the history of the 23rd Royal Welsh Fusiliers. This book also sheds some light on the battles of Lexington and Concord. The book also comes with a nice copy of the map from the battle of Lexington & Concord made by the author. The book is still available at the time of this review.

It was a hard decision to buy this Bible verses others that were offered. On the good side, this Bible is made of quality material and has a very good feel. There is plenty of room for your own notes. However, I purchased this Bible because it was supposed to have a good concordance and a reasonable glossary. Both were more incomplete than a very inexpensive Bible from [the store]. Perhaps I'll use the note pages to complete the concordance. The Bible was so highly recommended that I would have taken it if it had a picture of a building on its front cover. I was pleased to see that the cover is a normal black leather cover with Holy Bible across the front. Only its box has the picture of the buiding.

I have been a Christian for 13 years and I have had a few Scofields, Thompson Chain and even, the Cambridge competitor, the [$$] Oxford Wide Margin. All were KJV Bibles, of course, and all where nice Bibles. But, I have always admired the quality, workmanship and finish of a Cambridge WM. There is nothing like this Bible. From the lined note pages to the quality of the Calf Skin leather all the way down to the "Bible Paper."
My first Scofield lasted nine months. My second lasted through my first two semesters of Bible College. My Thompson Chain has been faithul and lasted me for 9 years! And the Oxford...I couldn't ever get used to it. But, now I must say I am ready to "settle down" with a Bible that could easily last until my new born child graduates high school and starts college!
I look forward to reading and studying God's preserved Word in this unique package!

None of the Christian book stores in the nearby metropolis seem to carry any kind of specialty bible like this. Same thing with most of the Christian book websites that I knew about. Why I had not thought to look on Amazon earlier I don't know, but I finally found this wide-margin Cambridge KJV1611 bible that I absolutely love! No messy commentaries to confuse and distract you from God's Word and I have found that the non-red letter actually adds so much to my reading. I have been able to spot check a handful of the references in the middle column with pictures of original KJV1611 leaves and the cross references are also from the original KJV1611 (in addition to other cross references). The original text of the dedication from the translators to King James, AND 18 pages of commentary about the translation from the translators to the reader is included. (According to Cambridge, this letter to the readers was rarely printed after 1611). If you are serious about growing in your Christian walk and are a person who likes to write notes, then I would encourage you to consider purchasing this bible. My comments from here would just repeat what most other reviewers have said.

The title of this review gives you an idea why this book is such an enjoyable reading experience. Although the book gives a detailed analysis of the fighting at Lexington and Concord, and the British retreat back to Boston, it is not just another military history. Mr. Tourtellot provides such intimate detail, and he quotes from sufficient primary sources, that you feel you've come to know the famous, such as Sam Adams and John Hancock, and the everyday people that lived in Lexington and Concord and got swept up in the events of April 19th, 1775. Considering that the book is about such a serious subject, it is also surprisingly funny.....up until the shooting starts. This is certainly a case of farce turning into tragedy. If you'll pardon the pun, General Gage was such an engaging fellow that he made it clear that he wanted the Colonials handled with kid gloves. Again, up until the shooting started, the British were quite accomodating. They were very polite towards the populace, even when searching for weapons and powder. They went to one house and there was a room the owner wouldn't let them go into. She said that there was a woman in that room who didn't feel well, so the British didn't press the issue and didn't search the room. Of course, that was the one room in the house where gunpowder was being stored! The British excursion from Boston was a comedy of errors. It was supposed to be a surprise, but the Colonials knew all about it. There were endless delays in leaving Boston, which gave riders such as Paul Revere plenty of time to get to Lexington and Concord to warn people to hide weapons and gunpowder. Gage had given detailed orders on what he wanted done. For example, he wanted the soldiers to take confiscated musket balls, put them in their pockets, and drop them in dribs and drabs in ponds and streams. The soldiers actually found very little, since the inhabitants had plenty of time to hide things, but instead of dropping things in small quantities the soldiers pretty much dumped whatever they found in just a few areas.....making it easy for the Colonials to retrieve most of what was confiscated! You could say there was a lack of brainpower on the "hometeam" side as well.....such as tearing up the planks of a bridge leading out from Boston so that the British could not cross it, but then leaving the planks stacked up in plain sight.....so the soldiers just had to nail them back down and they were back in business! A running gag throughout much of the book is the relationship between Sam Adams and John Hancock. The author portrays Adams as a shrewd propagandist, a man who spent 10 years trying to stir up a rebellion and finally knew the big chance when he saw it. Hancock is portrayed as none-too-bright, vain, wealthy and easily manipulated by the psychologically astute Adams. Adams and Hancock were so sure the British were after them that they acted like two crooks on-the-run. Mr. Tourtellot's thesis, from going through the primary sources on the British side, is that the British couldn't have cared less about capturing the "dynamic duo." They just wanted to confiscate some cannon and gunpowder...period! To support his appraisal of Hancock as dunderhead, Mr. Tourtellot gives many examples. However, the funniest is probably when Adams and Hancock are in hiding in Lexington on the morning of April 19th, and suddenly they heard the sound of gunfire. This is what Adams was waiting for! He knew this could be used to unite the Colonies, finally, in a drive towards independence. Adams said, "Oh, what a glorious morning is this." Hancock's reaction was that he thought it was a strange time to comment on the weather! Adams (you have to wonder whether he smacked his head in exasperation) clarified the situation: "I mean what a glorious morning for America." Adams and Hancock, convinced that the British were coming (for them!) moved on to their next "safe house." Hancock had a messenger take a note to his aunt and fiancee, asking them to come and join him. Lest you think that Hancock by now might have had an inkling as to the importance of the day's events, he made sure he included in the note the following: He directed them "to bring the fine salmon that they had had sent to them for dinner." Of course, once the fighting starts, Mr. Tourtellot does not make light of matters. The British retreat towards Boston is recorded in harrowing detail...they were surrounded by superior numbers and were fighting for their survival. They sent out flanking parties to deal with snipers and the flanking parties did what they needed to do...such as burning down homes that they suspected were being used by snipers and killing able-bodied, though unarmed men, on the assumption that they were rebels. Not a bad assumption, really, when you understand that even men in their sixties and seventies were lurking in the woods, taking potshots at the British. One remarkable part of the book is where the soldiers came upon 78 year old Samuel Whittemore, who had just killed a couple of Redcoats. They shot Whittemore and beat him severely. They were satisfied that they had "killed the old rebel." Amazingly, Mr. Whittemore lived another 18 years....not dying until the ripe, old age of 96! Mr. Tourtellot also deals with the aftermath of the battle....showing how Sam Adams and others got maximum propaganda value from the day's events, exaggerating British atrocities (which were in actuality extremely rare) in order to set the Colonies on the road to independence and to influence opinion back in England. I consider this book a welcome and necessary addition to my collection of books dealing with the American Revolution.

The book is a detailed chronology of the events that took place on April 19, 1775 in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. It is also a narrative of the people, American and British, who played vital roles in the events that lead up to that fateful day when the first shots were fired commencing the War for American Independence. The book culminates with the Continental Congress's decision eight weeks later to establish a Continental Army with George Washington as its Commander in Chief. And, so as not to leave the reader wondering what happened to those whose lives were touched in one way or another by this first battle, Tourtellot finishes their stories, too.
Tourtellot goes into great detail describing both the physical landscape and political climate of America and that of Lexington and Concord in 1775, and then skillfully weaves the lives of the townspeople and their relationships, one with the other, into his story. The genealogies of the families involved, both the common folk and the major historical figures, are fascinating and add a personal touch to the history of that first skirmish. "The little group Captain Parker mustered on Lexington Common before daybreak on April nineteenth, 1775, had some of the characteristics of a family reunion" (p. 29). He makes the towns and their people come alive for the reader and adds a depth to the story that one does not get simply by reading about the Battle of Lexington and Concord from a history text or an encyclopedia. The contrasts of Samuel Adams and John Hancock make these two "larger than life" historical figures come to life in a new light. "Hancock was handsome...Adams was dumpy and palsied...Hancock...splendidly attired...Adams was so seedy that his friends had to buy him decent clothes..."(p.62). It has made this reader want to read more in depth about their lives along with those of men like Jonas Clarke, a relative of Hancock's, a pastor and political advocate of Lexington, Dr. Joseph Warren, patriot leader, Major General William Heath, the first American field commander. He does not forget an in depth look at the British and their officers in his story as their shortcomings and training play an integral part in the final outcome of this battle.
Tourtellot details the differences between the military forces of the Americans and the British and their differing military tactics. The American military was a hodgepodge of the men of the community who seldom mustered at the same time, whose leaders were chosen from the masses, and who would leave their ranks to return home to their families and fields. The British, on the other hand, were professional soldiers, with professional leaders, who marched on, whatever the odds and whatever they faced. He presents the soldiers as proper British citizens, highly mannered and considerate of the townspeople, and as their only objective, to capture and incapacitate the arms stored in Concord. However well intended the British soldiers were, a series of mis communications turned the seeming simple task into one that would enrage the colonials and add fuel to the already smoldering fire of the War for Independence. "Thus ended this Expedition, which from beginning to end was as ill planned and ill executed as it was possible to be...(Lieutenant Barker of the King's Own at his indictment" (p. 203).
Tourtellot has done extensive research in order to bring the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord to life. The capacious "Notes" and "Bibliography" section of the book attest to his understanding of this important period in time. He has brought both sides of this conflict into perspective and offered the reader an in depth study of the story of Lexington and Concord. He has given the reader an understanding of the political, social, and emotional reasons why this conflict was so important in the birth of our nation.

The book is a detailed chronology of the events that took place on April 19, 1775 in the Massachusetts towns of Lexington and Concord. It is also a narrative of the people, American and British, who played vital roles in the events that lead up to that fateful day when the first shots were fired commencing the War for American Independence. The book culminates with the Continental Congress's decision eight weeks later to establish a Continental Army with George Washington as its Commander in Chief. And, so as not to leave the reader wondering what happened to those whose lives were touched in one way or another by this first battle, Tourtellot finishes their stories, too.
Tourtellot goes into great detail describing both the physical landscape and political climate of America and that of Lexington and Concord in 1775, and then skillfully weaves the lives of the townspeople and their relationships, one with the other, into his story. The genealogies of the families involved, both the common folk and the major historical figures, are fascinating and add a personal touch to the history of that first skirmish. "The little group Captain Parker mustered on Lexington Common before daybreak on April nineteenth, 1775, had some of the characteristics of a family reunion" (p. 29). He makes the towns and their people come alive for the reader and adds a depth to the story that one does not get simply by reading about the Battle of Lexington and Concord from a history text or an encyclopedia. The contrasts of Samuel Adams and John Hancock make these two "larger than life" historical figures come to life in a new light. "Hancock was handsome...Adams was dumpy and palsied...Hancock...splendidly attired...Adams was so seedy that his friends had to buy him decent clothes..."(p.62). It has made this reader want to read more in depth about their lives along with those of men like Jonas Clarke, a relative of Hancock's, a pastor and political advocate of Lexington, Dr. Joseph Warren, patriot leader, Major General William Heath, the first American field commander. He does not forget an in depth look at the British and their officers in his story as their shortcomings and training play an integral part in the final outcome of this battle.
Tourtellot details the differences between the military forces of the Americans and the British and their differing military tactics. The American military was a hodgepodge of the men of the community who seldom mustered at the same time, whose leaders were chosen from the masses, and who would leave their ranks to return home to their families and fields. The British, on the other hand, were professional soldiers, with professional leaders, who marched on, whatever the odds and whatever they faced. He presents the soldiers as proper British citizens, highly mannered and considerate of the townspeople, and as their only objective, to capture and incapacitate the arms stored in Concord. However well intended the British soldiers were, a series of mis communications turned the seeming simple task into one that would enrage the colonials and add fuel to the already smoldering fire of the War for Independence. "Thus ended this Expedition, which from beginning to end was as ill planned and ill executed as it was possible to be...(Lieutenant Barker of the King's Own at his indictment" (p. 203).
Tourtellot has done extensive research in order to bring the events of the Battle of Lexington and Concord to life. The capacious "Notes" and "Bibliography" section of the book attest to his understanding of this important period in time. He has brought both sides of this conflict into perspective and offered the reader an in depth study of the story of Lexington and Concord. He has given the reader an understanding of the political, social, and emotional reasons why this conflict was so important in the birth of our nation.

This book is abosolutely great! I read it about a year ago, and I've read at least five times since then. It's about two kids named Eleanor and Eddy, and a riddle they stumble upon in their own house. They got all sorts of clues, such as real dreams, to find the treasure described in it. They end up learning that it was right there in front of them.

A watershed event occured for me this weekend when my daughter asked about this book as I put it securely in a place of honor on a new bookshelf. I was lucky enough to find an older hardbound last year with the classic 'orange' cover. I explained the story in general and told her she could read this copy, just take very good care of it. She has begun to read the book and I am almost envious as she discovers the mystery of the riddle. I recall the summer that I had the good fortune to check this out from the library for the summer reading club. I clearly remember reading it in my back yard on the evening of the summer solstice. Every time I read the poem etched in the window, I still get shivers... 'transcendental treasures, which of them is best?' The whole series! My collection of the Hall books is near complete, with only "The Fledgling" to be added. Jane Langton, you are much loved by this reader's family! OUT KNAHT!

As a child, I checked this book out of my neighborhood library time after time. When in my twenties, I was determined to find the book again. Though I'd forgotten the exact title and author's name, I returned to that same library, found the librarian I remembered from my childhood, and she recalled the title and author. Now, at the ripe old age of 43, I read "The Diamond in the Window" at least once every year, have given copies as gifts and will continue to read this favorite as long as I'm able. I also had the honor of meeting the author and having her autograph a copy for my daughter, who also loves the book.

I knew Emily for a very short time when I lived in Boston. She and my sister were friends, along with a group of people whose lives centered around a triple decker on Wendell Street.

A new book from Emily is like a long letter. I get to catch up on her life and comings and goings. I always feel sheepish about not staying in touch when I'm through with it. She writes such beautiful and thoughtful things, I think. I really need to write her back.

Reading her prose is exactly like having a conversation with her. I can hear her light, sweet voice as if I'm at a reading, and can summon her laugh in my mind's ear too.

It's impossible for me to separate my acquaintance with Emily from her work, but I will say I'm always astounded with her descriptions and way with words. She is at once erudite and approachable, and her work is always informed by both these things. Being a poet, Emily brings thoughtful cadence to her essays, and very often I will read them outloud to myself.

For those of you who don't know Emily personally, you will after you read this book, and what's more, you'll want to know her better. You'll also learn that New England watersheds are not only interesting but epic in their own way, and that stories are told in the details.

Thanks Emily. I'm doing quite well and think of you often.

[An] enchanting new book of essays.... Many personal essayists today try to capture our interest by being confessional but run the risk of revealing, like clumsy strippers, what we'd really rather not see. Hiestand has taken the more unusual risk of writing about the quotidian, and produced a tour de force. "Oooouuuweee!" as her cousin Bill would say. What a good book this is. --Boston Sunday Globe Book Review

Angela the Upside-Down Girl is about how to live creatively, see life through an artist's eye. With a subversive sense of humor and a wicked ability to pierce convention, [Hiestand] takes us on her journey to discover a meaningful sense of place in a chaotic world. Her place turns out to be North Cambridge, which she describes with the freshness and originality of Joyce in Dublin...

Angela the Upside-Down Girl reveals Emily Hiestand's exceptional talents which include an artist's eye for color and form, a cu! ltural anthropologist's ability to get people to tell their stories, and a poet's facility to express what is felt but not seen. --Cambridge Chronicle

Rich, revealing, and often hilarious... This book travels between only two places...but it travels so deeply into each place, both their pasts and their presents, that you come away from it feeling enlightened and enticed, and ready to hop on the next train heading north or south. --Hope Magazine

...and I say, also, "What a good book this is!"

-Chuck Eisenhardt

Angela the Upside-Down Girl is a revelation. Emily Hiestand is one of Robert Frost's true poets, "one upon whom nothing is lost." As she trains an eye of the rarest perception on the world we thought we knew, we discover the heart of light within ordinary and not-so-ordinary things. I marvel at her scope: her Weltyesque Aunt Nan Dean; her eloquent witness to the power of faith and community at Union Baptist Church; her love affair with automotive neon, which manages (as Emerson never could) to be both transcendental and funny; and, of course, there's Angela, whose gravity-defying grace can be seen as a figure for the whole book. But perhaps most engaging of all is the voice of our guide--Hiestand herself--the unifying principle through the book's many travels, wise, witty, shimmering in its clarity, a wonderful companion.

My mom bought me this book when I was ten I immediately thought it was going to be a good book as it had a charming front cover showing an innocent looking otter. Tarka is a sweet young otter and the book is like his life story in a way his life is like a human's . He is born ,he grows up,he loves he loses and he dies. The discription of him and his surroundings create a vivid picture in the readers mind. It really is a charming story and I would recommend this to anyone who loves animals and/or reading.

I really loved this book. It really did a wonderful job of showing how joyful Tarka's life was, and how, even when he was hunted, his life was still joyful. I highly recommend this book!

Tarka the Otter is written very descriptively, from an otter's point of view. It's similar to Watership Down, but Tarka's thought is much less anthropomorphized than that of the characters in Watership Down. You'll find this book quite sad in places, perhaps even upsettingly so, because of the realistic (and unfair) interactions Tarka and others have with English hunters and their dogs a few times (such is life). If you cried at the end of Where the Red Fern Grows, beware. If you are unfamiliar with the endearing antics of members of the weasel family, you are in for an educational and fun treat. Perhaps you'll run out and get a ferret after this.