I read the hardcover edition of this book, interestingly, from my university library. Baker makes a compelling case for why we need paper editions in library book collections. He also dissects the anti-paper hysteria of the 1970s and 1980s when librarians believed "experts" who asserted their collections were unreadable - or worse, crumbling into dust. Yet, the librarians and experts who bought into this fear had not any examples or experiences with books turning into dust. He suggests that the assault on paper was motivated for a desire to make shelving space.

So what did librarians do with their brittle book collections? They commissioned microfilm companies to make film copies of the books. Baker also discusses why this recording system is problematic for a variety of reasons from poor microfilm, incomplete editions, etc. His discussion of how the experience of reading the paper copies has been lost to the blurry, incomplete, black and white images and noisy rattles from the microfilm machine is particularly compelling.

He asserts that all electronic projects are inherently flawed and costly. He ultimately is unsure why this assault has happened: if the object was to make shelf space because of limited funds for building repairs, switching to microfilm has been and will be more costly and detrimental than expanding buildings. Though the fight against technology is somewhat futile, he believes it is paramount to retain a paper edition somewhere. Yet, most ironically, I have found that the book is available electronically. I wonder why Baker has chosen to do this? And what is the experience of the reader who reads via computer a book on the assault of paper?

(The "score" rating is an unfortunately ineradicable feature of the page. This reviewer does not "score" books.)

Cindy Wagner walks down the aisle on her father's arm to wed a man she does not truly love. Then she listens to her heart and flees the church before taking her vows. During her escape in the limo she sees a billboard advertising the Elk Valley Dude Ranch and instantly starts to think about the man she had loved in the past. The driver takes her there and as she exits the limo she does not see the silent man but he sees her, and he remembers.


Ethan Stormwalker is a professional competitive pow wow dancer, and he works on his aunt's dude ranch. Five years ago he had been desparately in love with Cindy but what future could he have had with a beautiful and privileged young girl. Cindy had adored him as much but circumstances had succeeded in tearing them apart. But now, five years later, will their love survive?


I have read many Native American books but this is one of the best to date. DUDE RANCH BRIDE is creatively written with beautiful Native American tales woven into the story, bringing this wonderful culture to life for me. The hero, Ethan Stormwalker, is proud and strong, and his spirit shines through as his heart battles his pride, to win the love of the one woman that the Great One has chosen for him. DUDE RANCH BRIDE is endearingly fantastic!!!