As a Douglas County transplant and an English teacher, I relished both Heilman's depictions of life and livelihoods as well as recognized his elevation of the spirit and humanity of this portion of the globe.

One may compare the witty short-takes of Robert Fulghum's "Kindergarten" series and Norman McClean's "River" collection to that of Heilman's "Over-stories".

This collection of writings is refreshingly simple backwoods as well as elevated highbrow. It is both for and about life, as one man has experienced it, told in such a way as to be universal in its appeal and understanding.

I use these stories in my classes to bring the world my students live in within the walls of academia. If nothing else, then to show them that it is possible to enjoy and recognize the beauty of something even when you feel you are surrounded by nothing at all.

I used this guide to hike the Oregon section of the PCT in 1993 and found it very user-friendly, highly practical while on the trail and full of interesting background information. Among the most important aspect of the guide for me was the quality and reliability of the topographic maps, thoughtfully place by the Publishers so I could take the pages out and use them in a waterproof cover for each stage as I walked it. The hints on water supplies and campsites were essential and I was able to plan my route, timings, food drops and campsites for the entire trail; this was especially important for me as my budget and time free were limited. As far as I remember, the only thing that was incorrect was that there was no longer a bus from Bridge of the Gods into Portland. Not bad. I would recommend this guide to anybody planning to hike the PCT.

Just returned from an extended camping and hiking trip in Washington and Oregon. This book was GREAT. We used it every day to find where to stay and what to expect, and to chose our evening domiciles. We found it to be totally accurate and fun to read too. Nice one. I plan to get the other Stienstra camping guides too now that I know the quality of the info.

The book is valuable and understandable. I am doing research in preparation to a move to the west coast of Oregon. Professor Komar takes a complicated issue and makes it understandable for a lay person. He is clear about what level of evidence exists for various subjects and is clear when expressing his opinion. The book very much answered just about all the questions I had.

This is the best detailed refrence of the history of settlement in the last frontier. The architectural and cultural historical value is unprecidented. The detail oriented Jusuites have left a first rate journal. A rare find indeed.

McLagan's book is out of print now. And no wonder, it addresses a small audience. In spite of that, "A Peculiar Paradise" is a book that every Oregonian should read and should be included in every school library.

As an immigrant to Oregon in 1982 from an integrated neighborhood in Michigan, the first thing I noticed on arriving was what seemed to be the "whitest" state I'd ever seen. In the city of Medford where we lived for 5 years before coming to Portland, I'm sure there were no more than 5 black people in 40,000 during those first years.

If you want to understand why, start by reading this book. Then go to the Library and dig into the Oregon Historical Quarterlies from the turn of the century. It will confirm what McLagan shows: that Oregon almost entered statehood as a Confederate member. Perhaps all that saved it from that was the fear of it's original southern pioneer settlers that a move to slave-holding would jeapordize their ability to compete economically (they had left the South for that reason). Additionally, in the 1920's there were as many as 250 thousand Klan members in the state and at one point even a Klan governor was elected. Well into the century, laws excluded blacks from owning land or even technically living in the state.

McLagan presents a view of Oregon history seldom seen. If you cannot find a used copy, be sure to check this one out at the public library.

It is now fall of 1848 when Joshua starts his second journal. Now Joshua and his family which consists of his Pa,Ma,Grandpa, sister, aunt, uncle, and cousin, Charlie, have all arrived in the Willamette Valley safely. As new challenges arise in this new, unchartered wilderness, Joshua must face many new challenges and experience numerous adventures. As the numerous days of rain brings massive flooding, the one family dream, that they would have a home by Christmas, seems diminished to bits, just like their old tents were diminished by the floods. Can Joshua work up some Christmas magic so that his whole family, including his expecting mother, can have a Christmas home? The continuation of Joshua's story was another good edition to My America. I think I liked it even better than the first one. Joshua's spirit truly shines through.

The Lorings have succeeded in writing the most complete Oregon rock art book currently available. If you are interested in rock art, especially of Oregon and southern Washington, this is definitely the book for you. The introduction by the Lorings explains how and why the book came to be written. One can't help but admire their determination to see this extensive project to completion.

Great map. Everything is there. Astoria is the best place in the world ! Goonie forever.

It is funny and it is as well written as any mystery I have read. If he keeps this up he will join an elite group of top writers such as Parker, Woods, Hillerman. Dudley Hafner