The book took me back to that time. It was very descriptive. I felt as though I were there with him every minute.

This is a beautifully written and presented book where the author transport you to a time and place before the complete assimilation of the American population. The Kennebec Valley is not home to the colorful fisherman that Mrs. Paul's fishsticks have made synonymous with Maine but with farming life that has all but vanished. The changes in the author and his family during the course of this work put you into the very frame that shaped so many from New England. A must read for any fan of early 20th century American history and for any fan of Americana in general

This large-scale, easy-to-read map of Yosemite Valley and surrounding areas is a must-have for anyone visiting Yosemite National Park, especially if you are a hiker. Instead of a straight down view, as is done in most maps, you see the valley from an oblique perspective, from south of the valley, with the mountains shown as they would look in 3-Dimensions - a very pleasing effect. All trails are shown, of course, but also bicycle paths, shuttle bus stops, campgrounds, picnic areas, restrooms, parking areas, etc.

But this is only the beginning! Each trail also has its own description, including approximate time to complete, distance, elevation gain, and trailhead location. Another really nice feature is that many "Vista Points" are included, which are shown on the map, including which direction to look, and are described in their own section, complete with a color photo. Several other parts of the park are also descibed, with photos. There are also detailed write-ups concerning Yosemite's history and geology, plus info on tourist facilities at Yosemite Village. And last, but not least, lots of Natural History information, including photos and drawings to aid in identification of mammals, birds, wildflowers and trees found in the area.

Writing as one who has been a cartographer for more than twenty years, and also as an avid hiker, I wish that I had the opportunity to produce something like this myself!

It gives you an up close view of Yosemite Valley mapped. No more squinting and turning your Yosemite park map every which way just to get a bird's eye view of the valley trails. Major trails are listed along with their milage. It even gives an adequate view of how the trails bend and curve, so you have a rough idea what to expect while out on your valley hikes. Included in the map is historical captions about some of the landmarks along with blk/wht and color photo snippets. There is even a basic park phone directory and a time line of historical events. This is a great magnified map made from a thick durable paper and easy to handle because of its smaller size, NO map folding FUSS! That's an A+ in itself. Just an overall great map to take along on your hikes.

This interpretation of the life of Mary Jemison as written by
Ranya M. Gangi is wonderful. It is one of the few versions that is actually approved by the Seneca Nation, and also features an epilogue by Pete Jemison, who I met along with Wanda Jemison as a small child. This story of Mary Jemison is focused on the harsh reality that occured when she was captured in Pennsylvania and given as a gift to the Seneca's to replace a fallen brother. Gangi's interpretation of this story teaches us many unknown facts about Jemison as well as the Seneca Indians, which people may be unaware of. After reading this touching story, I went to Letchworth State Park where Ms. Jemison is buried to pay my respect to this local heroine. This book is the best version of Jemison's life that I have read, and I strongly reccomend it for all ages.

Underrated and profound! Much more than a children's book. The story, the spirituality, and the simplicity/truth of style make this book a compelling read for anyone from age 9-100.

I picked up this book for two reasons: (1) I'd recently seen the Matachines performed, first by a Hispanic troupe from El Rancho, NM, and then at Jemez Pueblo, which presents both Spanish and Indian versions; (2) my Ph.D. dissertation was on medieval drama and the relationship between its themes and major societal concerns. This study answered many questions I had about the origins and history of the dance; in addition, her exposition of the meanings it has to the different groups who perform it was well-researched and fascinating. Starting with the same basic material, and incorporating many of the same elements (costumes, dance steps, tunes, etc.), Hispanic and Native American people living within a few miles of each other have used the dance to express very different concerns: pride in the Spanish conquest on the one hand, and ambivalence about it on the other. Rodriguez is evenhanded and objective, and presents the various dancers' points of view without gratuitious comment; her descriptions of the styles of different performing groups are vivid and clear. This is a thoroughly scholarly book, but readable too, and the photographs are well chosen.

Rodriguez looks at the Matachines dance as it is performed in two areas along the U.S./Mexico border. She discusses at great length the different structures, presentations, and meanings of this ritual procession dance to the people of these two areas, as well as examinig the Matachines' cultural background. Other books on Matachines contain similar information, but most stop short of the depth and precision of Rodriguez's work. Matachines is an old and extremely complex art form, and Rodriquez successfully tackles the task of discussing days' worth of variations in costume, execution, characterization, and finally the attitudes and beliefs of individuals in both communities towards their cultural dance. The many photographs work well to demonstrate and enhance Rodriguez's findings.

If you have never been to Maui, well you are missing out on Paradise. And if you do make it to Maui, bring this book. You should read Mitchners, "Hawaii" as well for a historical-fictional account of the islands. Also an amazing book. But this guide is a must have for touring the island.

Have Fun!
Aloha!

This easy to read book about hiking trails on the island of Maui, Hawaii, offers insight not found in a lot of Hawaiian hiking guides, many of which are outdated. If you plan to go it alone on Maui's many trails, or even if you plan to hire a guide (see Eco Maui @ supak.com), this book offers the kind of up-to-date information, easy to understand directions, and a wide variety of other important tid-bits you need.

This book is the single most comprehensive volume on the history of Mill Valley, California, from its early settlement by the Coast Miwoks and white settlers to the great fire of 1929. It is an especially pertinent book this year, the 100th anniversary of the incorporation of the town of Mill Valley, and the book includes a chapter that explains the incorporation with interesting detail and anecdotes.

This is a wonderful collection of information on Mill Valley California's History. It is a book that I have read several times. It is also a book I always give as a gift to new Mill Valley-ites.

Well, i must say that i certainly enjoyed this book. Todd reckons he's just sooo good now he is a model and also dating one too, talk about an ego problem. And simone has some nerve to be dating a high school boy! She must be pretty desperate.It's a real pity that Liz went through all the trouble of changing her looks and wardrobe for that two - faced slime Leona! Don't get me wrong, i think she looks great it just that she spent so much money and what does she get in return? A backstabing unoriginal theif that can't think of her own ideas! My favourite part in this book is the twin switch and when cameron realizes that it is Liz. But i kind of feel sorry for jessica when she has to date two people at once, i mean all she wants to do is persue her modeling career and date someone for his personality. What about maria and enid? I sorta think they shouldn't be so slack to liz after her horrible break up with todd.But overall i thought this was an excellent book and reccomend it to anyone!

First of all Jessica and Elizabeth are interning at Flair, the hottest new fashion magazine around. Jessica is working in the Art Department and Liz is working in the Editorial Department. In this book Elizabeth catches Todd kissing a supermodel named Simone (otherwise known as the Fashion Witch). She flees from the room in tears because of Todd cheating on her. Jessica finally starts her modeling career at Flair, and Enid and Maria won't even talk to Elizabeth because she ignored them. While covering for her boss, Leona Pierson, Liz finds out that her boss is stealing her idea for the magazine. Well I don't want to spoil it for you, but you should definitely read this book! If you'd like to talk about SVH or Sweet Valley Twins write to me! It is one of my favorite Series!

The book interested me initially because it was about McClures written by a McClure. I was quite amazed at how closely it resembled my own McClure family's saga. I would very much like to discuss it with the author if she reads these reviews.

My mom is a avid reader and has read the series. She will probably read them again, |But she has a question about the quilt that hangs in Indiana. She would like to see it. Could you tell me where it is at. She is a quilter still at 86. Thank you Ann Bingham

So many books attempt to capture the essence of Napa Valley. This book stands out from the rest, with a remarkable combination of photographs and words that convey the soul of the Napa Valley. If you were to choose only one introduction to Napa, this would be your best choice.

We have lived in this valley for 6 years, and buy books for our guests to familiarize themselves with the valley before they go exploring. We were pleasantly surprised to find this book as a stand-out from the crowd. The photographs by Nancy Kerby are beautiful, and the writing by Tony Kilgalin is both entertaining and enlightening. If we didn't live here, this book would tempt us to move here! We recommend this book for your library or for your new home in Napa. Enjoy!

I agree that this book is very good; however, the title is misleading. I live in northern Vermont and expected to see some nature walks in my area; however the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont was totally ignored! The title of this book should be "Nature Walks in Northwestern Vermont, Especially the Champlain Valley" because that is the area addressed.

Take a hike but bring along Nature Walks in Norhtern Vermont when you do. In clear, concise prose, Elizabeth Bassett describes natural phenomena and explores human history as she leads you through the 43 walks. The book includes maps, driving instructions and a clear set of walking directions for each walk. You will better understand the geology, flora, and fauna which surround you and have a clear picture of how this land has been used over the millenia. Historic tidbits include Native American settlements, colonial artifacts, Revolutionary War lore, and tales of the Vanderbilt Webb familiy's environmental showcase at Shelburne Farms. The walks include ecosystems not always associated with northern Vermont: sand dunes, bogs, pitch pine forest, and river chasm. More traditional walks include waterfalls, potholes, Arctic-alpine tundra, and northern forests. Grab a copy and take your sturdy shoes, snow shoes or cross-country skis and set out!