The beauty of Yosemite is beyond words. Simply touring the most frequented spots gives one a sense of awe. After taking my 3 sons there for a first time visit, I wanted to plan a short backpack/fishing trip for them to enjoy a more in-depth experience with Yosemite. They were anxious to experience Yosemite more thoroughly. The Yosemite Trout Fishing Guide was just the resource I needed to plan the trip. The details in the book were incredible. It was obvious the author has a thorough knowledge of Yosemite, not to mention deep love and respect for the natural wonder of Yosemite. This is a good reference book to have on Yosemite.

I have had the opportunity of exploring some of the areas described in this well written guide. Although no words could do the beauty of the region justice, Steve Beck does an excellent job of getting you there to see it for yourself. I found his descriptions right on the money and his recommendations well worth following. I highly recommend this guide to all fisher-people, especially if you have the opportunity to go to Yosemite.

Thorough and authoritative, readable and entertaining. I know Steve personally and can vouch for the extensive research that went into making this rewarding guide. He has fished the Park top to bottom and roadside to trailside. This book is a compilation of almost two decades of love with Yosemite and the art of fly-fishing. His complete trailside descriptions ensure that getting to the fish is as much a pleasure as the fun once there. The accuracy of Steve's fishing information has stood the test of numerous presentations to fly-fishing clubs and sportsman shows. Am I biased? Undoubtedly, but that doesn't mean what I say isn't true. Check it out yourself- this is a great guide for novice (that's me) and expert alike. Steve also has a new book on fishing the John Muir Trail coming out this Feb. I suspect it will prove to be just as entertainig a read and useful a guide for that famous "walk".

This is a good "inspirational" book to look through, with great full-color photographs on at least every other page. It's great for planning a vacation around because it gives you a taste of what many different areas look like. The written information is equally good, with lots of great hikes with short, concise descriptions. With this and a local topo map, you're all set.

I love this book. The photographs make me want to visit every place and hike every trail. I have several hiking books, and I enjoy them all, but I love this one. I am hoping that John and Mark Soares are working on hiking books for Oregon!

This is an exceptionally well-designed book for hikers across the spectrum. Whether you're a neophyte or have climbed Denali, this book contains all the essential information you need to tackle the hikes listed. The photos are all in color and are breathtaking! You really get a sense of what each hike will look like before you undertake it. Every hike also has a color map to accompany the text description. The maps are easy to follow and instructive.

Equally pleasing is that the authors take the time to describe each hike in extensive detail, though they are never wordy. They list the elevation gains, give succinct but necessary directions to each trailhead and provide ample analysis of the strengths/weaknesses of each trek. The book is small and light enough to carry in your backpack, if you feel the need to consult it while on the trail.

I have over 50 hiking books in my library and it would be hard to imagine a more complete, more photographically stunning or better written guide. I enthusiastically recommend this gem!

If you are planning a winter/spring backcountry trip and want accurate, detailed information on routes, terrain, and level of difficulty for some of the best skiing/snowboarding terrain in California than this is the perfect book. The book is well organized, clearly written and beautifully illustrated. Everytime I pick up the book I find myself mentally planning new trips and plotting descent routes on the photographs. An added plus to the book is the wealth of information that it contains on preparing for a backcountry experience. The author covers everything from avalanche danger to equipment to bring on an extended trip. He even includes an excellent website for those who want more information. There always is a question in my mind when I read any backcountry guide about the accuracy of the information. Who wants to set out on a trip only to find out that the route maps or the descriptions don't match the terrain? The author is someone with extensive backcountry experience who has done each of the 50 trips described in the book at least once. We all sould be so lucky! Having taken two trips with the author that are detailed in the book, I can say that he did an excellent job of describing the routes and the terrain. If you are someone who is looking for backcountry ski/snowbaording adventure, this book will make your trip planning a whole lot easier. Enjoy

Having recently purchased Paul Richins book, ³50 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Summits in California,² I was very impressed. Like all books published by ³The Mountaineers,² it is nothing but First Class in every way. Mr. Richins has gone out of his way to provide the rest of us with a gem which will lead one to enjoy the fantastic world of the winter Sierra.

Even if one is nothing more than an arm chair cross country skier they would find this book highly enjoyable and enlightening reading. For the more adventuresome person, Mr. Richins book would be their ultimate guide to a world of adventure. The pictures, the writing, the maps are all five star. The little extras that Mr. Richins has added throughout the book, such as writings of John Muir, and others, adds the spice to this delightful book.

Mr. Richins, since he has obviously researched, personally , all 50 of the peaks listed in his guide, has been able to make a very reliable summary of each peak, from Intermediate, Advance, to Expert. This would easily allow me to select a challenge within my ability and, along with the excellent guide of the book, make winter trips I would have never thought possible.

Mr. Richins book is a veritable treasure-trove of information. From well researched check-lists to clear descriptions of everything from how to get to the trailhead to routes on the peaks; this book covers it all! Mr. Richins love of the Sierra Nevada shines through these pages. He invites his readers to share his love of the winter Sierra and imparts knowledge that makes it possible for expert and novice alike to enjoy these mountains. History of the Sierra Nevada is woven in throughout the book, creating an interestng counterpoint to the climbing routes. A must for the backpack on winter trips in the Sierras! Something to read by headlamp on those long nights in the tent!

As a former resident of the Bay Area, this book defently takes me back there. The pictures are just wonderful. Bob Cameron included almost every city in the Bay Area. I highly reccomend Above San Francisco to anyone who love great cities and great photography.

A new look at San Francisco. Mr Cameron always manages to find new ways of looking at familiar objects. With Herb Caen's writing, this is one of his best books.

This the first of at least 12 of Cameron's "Above" books.He has set the standard for any aerial photography/coffee table books. With each new edition he finds interesting, stunningly beautiful shots-each one worthy of the "Above San Francisco" calendars he also publishes. With so much beauty and so many tourist sights in everyones favorite city, "Above San Francisco" is the way to see this unique city and the entire Bay Area.

This book was a tremendous help to prepare for the CHP test. The tests provided were very similar to the ones on the actual test. The whole study program outlined in the book was excellent. All the information provided was very helpful in my success in passing the test on the first try. I would highly recommend this book to anyone thinking about taking the CHP test. Thanks for the help.

If you want to pass the California Highway Patrol's written test, buy and study this book! I bought it in August and took and passed the test at the end of August! The examples in this book mirrors what is on the C.H.P. written test. Also, if you plan on taking the written test, start doing crossword puzzles. You'll find out how that will help you when your taking the test! Good luck-

This book is incredible! I took one previous police test before buying this book. I completely bombed that test. This study guide helped me turn my attitude and aptitude around and I believe I did much better on the CHP test! The 2 practice exams in the book gave me almost an exact replica of the actual CHP exam! I was completely confident with all of my skills. This book helped me with the reading comprehension, writing, spelling, vocabulary, fill-in-the-blank, and essay. It even tells you as the reader what exactly to do to get hired. I have absolute confidence now and thanks to this book I believe that I have a chance to become a CHP Officer!!! I recommend this book to anybody who wishes to succeed in the CHP testing process!!! It is exactly like having the test in advance!!!

Melody Ermachild Chavis' book has proved to me that one person CAN make a difference. This story stayed with me, and I can't wait to read "Finding Freedom" by Jarvis Masters, the Death Row inmate Melody befrinds in "Altars." Chavis tells the story of a crumbling South Berkeley neighborhood with realistic hard-edged truths, taking the reader along with her as she struggles to fight back against the drug wars and violence taking over her community. You'll find yourself sharing her pain, joy and frustration with every page you turn. I recommend this book to anyone with an inkling for the possibility of social change. To those who are skeptics, I say give "Altars in the Street" a chance to change your mind--and your life--forever. Bravo to Melody. I just hope she continues to publish her work.

Melody Ermachild Chavis writes a thoughtful and compelling account of her commitment to an inner-city neighborhood. Weaving family, community, and personal stories, Melody recounts the joys, triumphs, and struggles she encountered in this Berkely neighborhood. Interspersed are the beginnings of her Buddhist faith which provide the graceful style of her writing. This is one of those books that will remain floating around in my brain for quite some time. It was required reading for a senior Social Work class, but I found that it speaks to all of us who find ourselves in neighborhoods or communities. We all face challenges of living closely together and this is a testament that these difficulties can be overcome in a harmonious fashion.

Alters in the Street slices through the jaded, bunker-mentality of urban life by seeping us in the war zone, giving a poignant face to the brutalized and brutalizing who are our neighbors, and delivering renewed committment and a path to making peace and quality of life right where we are. I experienced the whole range of emotions, cried while reading every chapter but ended up wanting to extend myself further into my community. I almost wanted to become a Buddhist! A moving example of travelling through discord, through the elements that separate us from ourselves and our community to reach a more integrated, whole and hopeful self.

What these other revievers said is absolutely true. Angel's Visits is an eminently readable and enjoyable book that I highly recommend. After being out of print for some time, it's now available again under the title "Zin".

Over recent years I have given copies of this excellent, entertaining book to friends because, although not large, it seemed well-rounded as well as a good read. The book explored the mystique of a wonderful grape from its mysterious beginnings to its contemporary California status. Perhaps some of my interest is parochial, as it touches on familiar San Francisco Bay Area milieus. Nonetheless, now that "Angels Visits" is now out of print, I regret that I didn't merely loan out my last give-away.

It is an insightful and interesting primer on Zinfandel. I have tried to locate copies of the book and was saddened to learn it was out of print. It is a must read for ZAP people and would be a run away best seller at their annual tasting. It would be an appreciated gift for anyone who enjoys Zinfandel.

it is amazing to see how the designs of the mid 1900's seem so contemporary even to the present day. this book captures the designs via beautiful photography and commentary.
even the layman will be amazed to find that many of the buildings have been used in the media for many years. whether in movies or magazines they have been associated with the most contemporary designs of our time.
highlights this architects mastery of a typical material palette of concrete, wood, and steel.

This book is really beautiful, the pictures are of great value. If the architecture can be said as to be a little "out of fashion" (I mean architecture of the fifties), it is anyway wonderful and inspiring to see such beautiful house. there is a lot of wonderful pictures of all the major houses build by lautner during his career. the only things that can be missed in this book is that there is no drawings but anyway, I really believe it's a good book.

In the few months since I purchased this beautifully illustrated and impecabbly written monograph, John Lautner seems to have become Hollywood's favorite posthumous architect. This month's Vanity Fair features a screenwriter and his wife showcasing their restored Lautner masterwork while virtually every fashion spread in the same issue has one emaciated model or another posing, pouting and preening against a Lautner structure. This wonderful book travels Lautner's career arc from Wright disciple employing the tools and traits of the Master to the emergence of his own distinctive blend of wood, steel, concrete and location that, ultimately, bears little resemblance to his roots at Taliesin. As the text makes clear, Lautner shared Wright's prickly self-absorption and relentless self-philosophizing. However, as the book wanders from one beautifully executed commission to the next, you end up endorsing his sense of self. Like the best of Wright, each structure seems to organically emerge from its site to envelop the owners in a beautifully scaled and very human dwelling. A worthy tribute to John Lautner's artistry and vision.

I thought that this was a good book. I read it for a history course on the Great Depression and it was definately worth reading. It can get a little bogged down in detail or a little dull ocassionally, but overall it is a good view of "okie culture". It really helped be to understand the diversity and impact of the migration. And it contains a few interesting personal stories as well!

Overall a good study of the last great westward folk migration in American history. I would add that many of their predecessors in the "classic" frontier period were just as broke and hungry as these migrants, but there was little mass media around to record them. An interesting, well-done slice of folk Americana.

James Gregory has put together a outstanding history of the migration and culture of the dust bowl migrants who settled in California. I have probably read Grapes of Wrath four or five times since first reading it in high school, but after reading Gregory's description of the way these poor south-westerners struggled with poverty and at the same time maintained family unity and cultural pride, Steinbeck's book takes on a whole new meaning. Gregory goes step by step to show what motivated many to move, and then what motivated them to stay even though they suffered great privations and predjudice. I especially enjoyed learning about the influences of country music not just upon the migrants, but on the entire nation. A must read to make Grapes more clear!

Susan Leonardi's novel "And then they were nuns" is warm, funny, wise and unexpected. Also fresh and thought-provoking. Each chapter is free-standing but the interlocking characters and progess of time unite the book into a whole. It's an engrossing read, and stays with the reader afterwards. Underneath, it's about living your values. The title is a little flippant, compared to the substance of the book.

This is a book full of wit and understanding, an engrossing story that captures acts of eccentric kindness, gems of rooted wisdom, and is laced with heated sexuality (lesbians, DO NOT go directly to chapter 10) and humor. The reader follows the lives and relationships of the women of Julian Pines Abbey over a period of twenty-some years. Julian Pines is an alternative nunnery situated in the dry, California, Sierra Mountains, envisioned as a kind of supportive collective that eschews mindless regulations and sustains a nice sense of irreverence, while practicing, mostly, a life of seclusion, ecological innovations and, yep, vegetarianism.

Even if you never imagined becoming a nun, once you read this book, you well may. I grant you the nunnery is not everyone's idea of a place to "rock on;" but, in a way, this book is not about nunneries, though the Matins and Lauds are faithfully sung, a (woman) priest presides, an abbess councils, and prayers are invoked, this book is about the possible; it is about re-envisioning a meaningful life. It is about friendship, personal conflict, loss and the negotiation of quotidian matters. More simply, it is about the flesh and the spirit, thus making it, at the same time, about faith, psychology, philosophy and, even, the commodified world. That is a lot for a small book to pull off. Thankfully, these meaningful aspects of Leonardi's book are expressed in wonderful, frequently hilarious, tales, rather than rhetoric, or worse, political harangue.

Following a modernist's love of digression and alternative narrative patterns, Leonardi's writing continually challenges and awakens. Enjoy the unexpected. At one point, delightfully, even a murder mystery, involving opera divas (!), arises in San Francisco. The mystery is swiftly solved and dispensed with by the Sisters, without guns or fistfights.. And, then, there's letters, recipes, literary references. There's time warps, healing, mysticism. There is one cantankerous nun, who, fed up after over 20 years at Julian Pines, and anxious for "bacon, men and a reliable source of hot water," is so mercilessly mean that you just have to wonder how more complete a book could be. All the players are here. Probably everyone you have ever known is in this book. Too, all your feelings are mirrored. Though there are, of course, some affecting lesbian relationships "stirring," there is universality to the conundrums of these relationships that any reader will find familiar. Only their solutions are novel.

The chapter entitled "Anne's Sixty-five Good Reasons for Being a Nun at Julian Pines Abbey and one bad one" is nearly worth the price of the book. It is a response to a meeting in which all the wrong reasons for coming to a nunnery are discussed with Sharon, a visitor who is considering joining the nuns of Julian Pines. (The list follows a very funny and poignant series of letters Sharon writes to her husband, housesitter and friends as her stay at the Abbey stretches from days to weeks and on to months.) The list is a good measure of Leonardi's wit. It also gives us a look at her appreciation for the beauty of the simplest things. Most of us might be hard pressed to make a list of sixty-five good reasons to do ANYTHING. Through Leonardi, the reader discovers more ways to see "good reasons," because Leonardi is sensitive to the world and capable of relating its goodness and fun so ably.

In her final years as the Abbess, Beatrice, writes a series of frank and moving letters. In one of them, she responds to a snooty letter, from a conservative nun who has criticized Beatrice's abbey through the years, especially for allowing a "woman priest." In this letter to her adversary, Beatrice portrays the women of Julian Pines: "They are wonderful women, smart, warm, funny, thoughtful. You wouldn't like them. Sometimes they make noise, sometimes they cry, sometimes they fight, sometimes they kiss, sometimes they shout obscenities, sometimes they see visions. Messy women; they would annoy you, irritate you, exasperate you." This ironic description underlines Leonardi's central theme: goodness is only meaningful when one confronts the whole self, honestly. Her beings are worth knowing because they are made up of many parts---the virtuous, as well as the confused and faltering. By knowing these characters, I further appreciated the value of a messy world, and, at the same time, recognized the possibilities for goodness more deeply.

Leonardi's dialogue works well, too. This reader felt like she was in the middle of the room, eavesdropping. It is personal and I suppose you could call it revealing. By "revealing," I mean, honest. These women are trying to live truly honest lives. Not pious lives or saintly lives, nor righteous or prideful, but honest ones. Something tells me this is the harder life to live, because it is more complex and examined. And, though there may be a certain wish to turn away from a difficult dilemma, honestly expressed, there is always Leonardi's humor that brings the process full circle. We struggle WITH the characters, a refreshing experience after so many contrived action figures, TV sit-com jokesters, video-game characters, comic book movie heroes, ad nausea, have left me feeling occasionally stimulated, but always empty, and, never engaged on a personal level. The media world removes us further and further from sincere engagement. But, now I am getting political, something Leonardi so aptly skirts, while still nailing the issues. So read this book and save yourself from my inept sermonizing---or anyone else's, for that matter. If there is one thing that Leonardi is not, it is a sermonizer. She's purely contemplative.

Susan Leonardi has written a delightful novel. Her story is heartfelt and hilarious. And her characters are so real, you feel as if you can reach out and touch them. A great read!