As a journalist, I'm proud of "Making a Real Killing." Its compelling attention to detail underscores its credibility. Without the detail, the book succumbs to a dull existence as an uninformed environmental screed.

As a reporter, I'm proud of the book's clear, concise explanations of highly complex nuclear technology. The workings of a nuclear bomb and the sources and effects of ionizing radiation are set forth in a clear and compelling manner.

As a storyteller, I'm proud of the fundamental organizing tools the book uses. Telling the history of Rocky Flats from the point of view of the participants in the story makes the book readable and adds a dramatic element that is effective without being cloying or sensationalistic. Also, telling the story of the land itself is a wonderful device.

As a professor of journalism, I'm reinvigorated by the book. It reflects an author in full command of his reporting and writing skills. Each semester I show one particular overhead transparency repeatedly in class: "Use more detail. Reveal more truth." I have read passages from the book to my students to demonstrate the power of carefully used detail.

As a copy editor, I'm particularly proud of the masterful editing. Believe me, I looked very, very hard for errors and even harder for ways to tighten wording or clarify organization. I found only two commas I might quibble with. The University of New Mexico Press did a superb job in designing, editing, and publishing this book.

As a person who practiced "duck and cover" in elementary school, I'm struck by the compelling arguments the book makes about the insane politics and economics of national weapons and defense policies. For this reason alone, the book should earn a Pulitzer prize.

Len Ackland produced a rich, valuable, compelling piece of book-length journalism. As a work of history, it should provide sound lessons for those who create public policy.

(Disclosure: Len Ackland served on my dissertation committee while I was a doctoral student at the University of Colorado-Boulder.)

The 'Little Britches' series is every bit as exciting, historical, and fascinating as the 'Little House on the Prarie' series, and Moody has even outdone Laura Wilder in his characterization of great American values like hard work, independence, and respect.

Continuing on after the death of father in 'Little Britches', the second book in the series tells how the Moody family pulled together to survive in turn-of-the century Littleton, Colorado. From using stilts to become the best fruit pickers in town, to outsmarting the manager of the finest hotel in Denver, to trading free coal for a Christmas goose, Moody brings the reader right into this frontier family.

My children, ages 4 to 14, all sat in rapt attention as I read from this book, and every chapter was ended with cries of "just one more, Dad, please!"

This is one of the greatest books ever written! A must read for every leader no matter what age or occupation. Superbly written with real life stories that will make you laugh and cry and when you do put down the book it will cause you to think about your life and what it is that you are living for!

If you would like to read a true story of amazing fortitude and courage, this is the book for you. A real tribute to the human spirit. This book will make you laugh, cry, and mostly, stand up and cheer.

The Marshal's Destiny by C. H. Admirand

Hats off! Two thumbs up and six stars to this book, The Marshal's Destiny. If you have yet to read it, believe me you will not be disappointed. A mind tingling, heart melting sensation that will indeed have you on the edge of your seat. Honest edge of your seat drama. It was like I was sitting in front of a big screen watching all the action. When Maggie had to drive the stagecoach when Seth was injured and her thoughts turned to Joshua when she whispered his name, it was awesome! The way they were almost miles apart from each other yet so close was incredible. It was like you were cheering, no turn here or go there and you will find each other. Then when Joshua thought of Maggie in the arms of another when he saw her being greeted by another man, my heart melted. Not to mention he didn't come to be sociable and she cornered him the same way. I can't say enough about this book! Joshua and Maggie, I will never forget. A must read! I am so glad that I bought it! This was an incredible love story. I want to read more of the brothers and others in the book and hope they perhaps have their own series down the road. This book was absolutely captivating! Ida and her husband and all of the characters were a family that sticks in your mind after you have finished the last page.
Again hats off to Ms. Admirand. I noticed that Jeffrey J. Faville did the cover illustration and design on this one too. (He also did the one for Maggie's Mistake). He does excellent cover illustration and designs.

Melinda lives with her sister, Aunt,and Uncle. Melinda goes out west for her sister's wedding. But what they don't know that a big surprise is waiting for them there. Melinda is very funny. Beatty did a good job of making it feel as if you were there. It was very hard to stop reading the book. I found myself laughing and crying with Melinda. It is one of my most favorite books of all time.

This book is a must read for everybody, whether you plan to get married or stay single all your life. It uncovers the true source of all conflict in human relationships and provides the remedy as well! Shock!.

Have you been abused? Mistreated? This book is definitely for you. It is the answer that we all need to hear whether we want to or not. It's gentle and truthful. It will knock your socks off, and massage your feet!

This is another one of the best books I've ever read.

I can't put it down. I read it over and over and each time I find something else I didn't see before. At times you'll want to read ahead to see where the author is going. It is just that intriguing. I found myself getting frustrated the first time through it. I kept asking out loud, "Will you please get to the point?" But man... woman! was it ever worth it. I'm ready to get married again! *lol*

This book took me back to the time the ancient Indians were building a massive residence that was paralleling the construction of Europe's castles and cathedrals. The Introduction places the first studies done by Fewkes in perspective. The pictures are intriguing; they assisted my mind's musing on who could create such a building in that isolated desert canyon so many years ago.

Here is a high spirited diary account of a young woman who travels across the country with her parents and young siblings. Her wonderful sence of humor and adventure are entertaining and well accounted in her pranks and hijinks. This diary provides excellent commentary on life on the road, the importance of family, and falling in love during the mid-nineteenth century. A very easy read, but you'll want to note enteries on clothing, cooking, visiting, and daily living. How sad we are not able to learn how her life continues after her diary stops....

Joy Melcher, Civil War Lady Magazine, Pipestone, MN