I love her adventures

I truly enjoyed this book. It is one of the books I re-read every winter. I found the main character refreshing and unique from the "sleuths" I've been reading for years. The sense of humor is wry and the writer throws that quick-wit at you. I find myself chuckling out loud. The read is fast-paced. You hate to have it end. This was the first book I picked up by this author, in this series. Excellent!

I thought this book was AWSOME!!!! Because really at like the beginning I was a bit bored then i really started getting into it. then once they arrived at the ranch and they were giving you clues on who did it it let you belive a total maximum of things. i found this book great!

An interesting and well written story of one woman's life. You will not be disappointed in this book. Ida's life is written in novel form with her many triumphs and disappointments drawing the reader in. I couldn't wait to get back to Ida and her life while I was reading this book.

I am not the typical book reader you usually see in this site. I seldom read, because I get easily distracted and bored. Yet this book was great. Now I want to read more books on Western Colorado hoping to find other stories as interesting as this was.

This book should be required reading for every woman living on the Western Slope of Colorado. The format reads like a novel, but Ms McManus inserts factoids at chapter breaks to remind the reader what else was going on in the state & nationally to put Ida's travails into perspective. I thoroughly enjoyed this read & would highly recommend it to anyone interested in Western History and women's adventure stories.

John Gregory, the Georgia gold miner who saved the Pike's Peak gold rush and gave his name to the Gregory Toll Road, would have loved this book! It's all here, that terrible first road into the North Fork of Clear Creek in the Colorado mountains, the toll road tht followed, and the people who followed the roads. Full of original quotes and pictures. I was amazed to learn that the miners set the mountains on fire in order to find their way around. The fires, which were visible far out on the prairie, were called the miners' fires.

This is the only book written about the toll road named for John Hamilton Gregory. The road traveled from the prairies north of Clear Creek through the mountains to the gold mining camps in the Little Kingdom of Gilpin, in the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It was followed by thousands of goldseekers jubliant with hope. Many returned, chased away by winter and poor prospects. Theirs was a chorus of hope mingled with despair, a chorus which this book captures. I enjoyed it very much. Today's road through Golden Gate Canyon follows that old toll road.

This is a fun trip through the early days in Colorado's History. The pictures are well chosen. Anyone who has ever spent time in Colorado should pick this up! I got my copy and could not put it down.

A book about travel, wonderful places to see, a book about environmental problems, an environmental journey, a book about parenthood, expectations, a book about the realities of family life. Realistic and funny. A wonderful combination. Still every part of it quite complete.
I had doubt about going on holiday with my 1 year old daughter: will she be disturbed, will she create problems, are we going to have the very necessary rest? (first travel with her!). Then I read this book and said to myself if this dad has managed to go around the world, in the most difficult countries, with two teenagers I can go to the South of Turkey with my one year old and finally had lots of fun!

Daniel Glick's book might become a classic. While mourning the death of his brother and his rather sudden divorce from his wife, Glick finds himself alone with his two children for almost the first time. He chooses to take them around the world in an effort to see some of the planet's endangered species before it's too late. One gets the sense that it's also his effort to become a father before it's too late.
Monkey Dancing works on many levels: environmental journalism, a travelogue, a lesson in parenting. Using the metaphor of world travel, Glick journeys into the heart of fatherhood, marriage, family, loss, conflict, change, and life.

Whether you're looking for an escapist adventure, soul-searching memoir or a captivating close-up of natural wonder, Monkey Dancing will not disappoint. Dan Glick's account of his half-year global journey as a newly single dad with two kids is a humorous and moving story, full of reflection and insight about human relationships, with each other and with the planet.
After his wife left him unexpectedly for a woman and his brother died of cancer at 48, Glick sought perspective and healing through traveling and nature -- not unusual modes of solace, but decidedly different when you take 9- and 13-year-old siblings along to the python-infested jungles of Borneo or leech-laden trails in Nepal. Acutely aware that life can be short and unpredictable, Glick wanted to show his kids some of the world's endangered treasures while there was still a chance to do so
The entertaining narrative will amuse anyone who has traveled to challenging places (or wants to), especially those intrepid parents who have experienced both the exasperation and joys of discovery with children in tow. And it may well inspire parents who haven't to give it a go, even -- or maybe particularly -- in a world that currently seems so uncertain.
Monkey Dancing is also a stark tale of the grim conditions facing many of the earth's most spectacular ecosystems. Glick, who covered the environment as a journalist, weaves solid reporting among personal anecdotes for a tale that is as much about our wider connections with the natural world as our ties to our fellow humans.
When Glick learned that 40 percent of the world's coral reefs are gone, Australia's Great Barrier Reef became a top destination on his itinerary. As a father with a passion for nature, he wanted his kids to float among the technicolor fish and flora submerged beneath a turquoise ocean. As a journalist, he saw a story in the fact that even here, in a developed country where the environment is relatively protected, this reef is still gravely threatened. It wasn't inconceivable that the remaining coral reefs could disappear in his children's lifetimes.
He also chose destinations with "charismatic megafauna" that would appeal to his kids: orangutans in Borneo, rhinoceroses in Vietnam and Nepal, and the tigers of the Nepalese lowland plains. Those species, however, are on the verge of extinction, a fact apparent in how difficult it was to locate these animals.
Yet the family's observations were not without hope. Glick shares conservation success stories among the tragedies, offering encouragement that some of the marvels his children encountered may be available to their grandchildren one day as well.
It's not every kid that gets a first-hand look at the earth's vanishing wild places, let alone a chance to bond with their dad in such environs for months on end. Kolya and Zoe Glick are blessed indeed. In the pages of Monkey Dancing, fortunate readers can travel with them, gleaning inspiration to embark on journeys of their own toward deeper, more meaningful connections with the people, the creatures and the remarkable natural places we love.

My sister recommended this book to me. I was intrigued, so when I read it this last weekend I was pretty excited. Wow, what a great book!!! I loved the characters and Ramos talks about the city like someone who loves it.

I was drawn into the lives of the characters right off. They come across as very realistic and natural. I want to read more about them.

Ramos also managed to surprise me with the ending which happens less and less lately.

A beautiful, fluid and masterfully written novel. It takes what seems to be a simple act of murder in a dive bar called La Tortuga and builds, nuance by nuance, a group of characters and a series of events that are utterly real. We look through the eyes of Kiko Vigil, as he is viciously murdered while sitting across from his lover, Lorraine Garza, the wife of a crime lord. Only a drifter, in a wheelchair, knocked over by the killer as he runs to his car with a struggling woman slung over his shoulder, has the answers everyone is looking for. Danny Mora, or Moony as only his oldest friend knows him, is hired by Vigil's colleague to investigate the murder when the INS decides it would be better for time to swallow it hole. The deeper he gets into his investigation, the further he gets from the drifter and closer to a killer that puts all he knows and loves into mortal danger.

This book is a stand alone to Ramos' other books in his Luis Montez series. It's ending left me in shock, slack jawed at what had just happened. You could not find a higher standard of writing than the one found in this definitive work.

A beautiful, fluid and masterfully written novel. It takes what seems to be a simple act of murder in a dive bar called La Tortuga and builds, nuance by nuance, a group of characters and a series of events that are utterly real. We look through the eyes of Kiko Vigil, as he is viciously murdered while sitting across from his lover, Lorraine Garza, the wife of a crime lord. Only a drifter in wheelchair, knocked over by the killer as he runs to his car with a struggling woman slung over his shoulder, has the answers everyone is looking for. Danny Mora, or Moony as only his oldest friend knows him, is hired by Vigil's colleague to investigate the murder when the INS decides it would be better for time to swallow it hole. The deeper he gets into his investigation, the further he gets from the drifter and closer to a killer that puts all he knows and loves into mortal danger.

This book is a stand alone to Ramos' other books in his Luis Montez series. It's ending left me in shock, slack jawed at what had just happened. You could not find a higher standard of writing than the one found in this definitive work.

Profusely illustrated with full color photography throughout, Vera Evenson's Mushrooms Of Colorado And The Southern Rocky Mountains is a definitive and completely "user friendly" reference manual ideal for the non-specialist general reader. The beautiful photography showcases the mushrooms in their natural habitats while the text provides keys, clues, and diagrams to help identify mushrooms found in the field. The subject of poisonous mushrooms and how to avoid eating one is simply invaluable, while the basis of mushroom structure, life cycles, habitats, and names is as authoritative as it is informative. With more than 170 mushroom species represented, Mushrooms Of Colorado And The Southern Rocky Mountains is a "must" for anyone hiking through that part of the world to enjoy the region's diverse fungi.

Deals with mushrooms from the Rockies. Nice photograph & information on the same page.An essential field guide to any mushroom lover!

what a wonderful book. Inexpensive too. Beatiful photographs. It very well applies to mushrooming in the Rocky Mountain region. Many other books have pictures that don't quite match the hues, color, setting of the mushrooms I see in Colorado, but the pictures in this book does.

Mr. Lavender recently died (April '03)and his obituary in the Los Angeles Times prompted me to go out and buy this book. I could not put it down...just as the Times stated, Lavender is a wonderful writer who knows how to describe the west. This book has it all, mountains, mining, cowboys and history with a nice personal touch. I would recommend it highly. It is an "easy" read and one that will leave you feeling satisfied once you complete the book. I am going to search out more of Mr. Lavender's works.

An excellent book! Ranching and mining, rich history, not to be missed.

David Lavender is a historian whose personal account of growing up in Telluride and Ouray, Colorado is captivating. Mr Lavender documents the arrival of the 1950's "modern age" to western Colorado and Utah. During his youth, the open desert and mountain lands evolve from a setting for silver mines, lone cowboys, and vast cattle ranches into the garden of the atomic age. He documents the arrival of uranium prospectors, the departure of independent cowboy spirits, and finally, the eventual return of the nuclear boom towns to dust. It is fascinating to read him today and to see what the southern Utah desert was like 50 years ago. If you visit these areas, I recommend that you read "One Man's West" as you pass through them. It will give significance to the sight of decaying farm or mining equipment by the roadside, and fill you with appreciation for those who make an effort to preserve the wilderness. I buy this book in multiple copies and give them to my friends. It has no particular bent for environmentalism or even "wise use" in the wilderness, but gives you some historical insight. I have never met Mr. Lavender, but I admire him as an author and historian. He has authored several other books incouding and account of the Lewis and Clark expedition which, I have heard, is quite good."One Man's West" was written in the 1940's then updated in the 1950's. The New York Times published a glowing review of the book in the mid 1940's or 1950's. Its age has only helped to enhance its significance to a contemporary reader of western history.

This book is so helpful! Being a stay at home mom of 2 toddlers, I needed ideas for day trips and weekend excursions for the whole family. This book offers ideas for outings plus additional helpful information including directions, what items to bring on trips to various places, information on bathrooms and diaper changing areas, and other helpful tips. It's a great resource and it's also a nice book to give as a gift to other moms or as a shower gift for new moms.

Carolyn Sutton has written this wonderful guide with the amazement and curiosity of not just her children, but herself. The writing is terrific, and the information is well thought out and complete. I like her subjective point of view, and the bits of history she tucks into all her destinations. She gives excellent tips on what to bring, what facilities are available( for those just potty training!!), and Enrichment ideas at the beginning of each chapter. Being a Colorado Native myself, I have explored many places over the years. What I love about this book is that it tells of the major attractions (like the Zoo and Museum of Nature and Science), as well as many places that don't get mentioned much, but are wonderful (Like Hudson Gardens, Colorado Railroad Museum-a personal favorite, and Littleton Historical Museum). I'm glad that the book is the "right size" to pack into a diaper bag. Thanks, Carolyn for your thoughtful, informative book. I wish you could write one for every city, but I have to say, I'm glad it's Denver!! Good Luck!

Families of young kids - there's way more to do out there than the Museum and Zoo! This great new book highlights free or low-cost places for families with small children to get out for fun and educational adventures. All the other family guides are for older children. What to do with your pre-schooler? Here's the book. We grabbed a copy, and now all our friends are too. I've found out there are all sorts of fun, cool places to take my 4-year-old that I never dreamed existed in our area.

Pride and prejudice would also have been a fitting name for this story. Poor Logan spent his entire life being shunned by the white people, because of his Indian blood. Labeled a half-breed, he's constantly given a cruel reception everywhere he goes. Then one rainy night he shows up at Rosalee's home, needing shelter for his dying mother.

From then on, the two are drawn to each other... and Logan finds the one person in his life that didn't even consider his heritage or the consequences of their romance.

As much as Logan wants to give into the love he has for Rosalee, he doesn't want her to live to resent him, when she is surely shunned by the white people. Rosalee must fight through the stubborness of Logan, and show him he does want to give into his feelings.

In addition, Logan and Rosalee - along with Rosalee's siblings and father, are suddenly facing serious danger by the huge landowner of the town. Logan has his own reasons for taunting this landowner and purchasing the land bordering his, that he so desperately wants for himself. Mr. Clayhill, the landowner, will stop at nothing to get what he wants... and the townspeople simply look away, not wanting to get involved and endanger their own family.

From beginning to end, it's almost impossible to see a way out for Logan and Rosalee... each small victory is overshadowed by a much bigger price. Along the way, they make some unlikely friends... including Cooper Parnell, who will prove to be much more to them by the end.

Rosalee and Logan are wonderful characters, and I loved reading this story. Rosalee Spurlock is sweet and beautiful and loving. Logan Horn is strong and handsome, but emotionally vulnerable under the surface.

I was thrilled to see the next book in this trilogy will be the story of Cooper Parnell.

Yummy. Absolutely yummy. I sat down one day with a blanket and coffe and just didn't stop reading. I maneged to fall in love with Logan while I was at it. Wonderful charactors, wonderful book.

When Logan, a half-breed, finds his way to Rosalie's doorstep carrying his dying mother in his arms, she can hardly refuse, and she's drawn to him even then. Later, when he arrives at her door bloody and beaten by a Adam Cahill's henchmen, she cares for him. Logan was resigned to living alone, his indian blood made him a target, but Rosalie found her way into his heart, and was determined to stay by his side, no matter what the townspeople said. With unwavering courage and a group of loyal friends, Rosalie and Logan would face the challenge of their lives when he's accused of attacking Adam Cahill's beautiful, deceitful stepdaughter, Della. I really enjoyed this book more than the following stories Wayward Wind and Wind of Promise. The author showed how people can come together in the face of prejudice and injustice. I especially liked the fiesty Minnie, one of the supporting characters.

Really liked this book. Displays elevation at destination, altitude gain, distance one way, and which trailhead to use at the beginning of each trail description. Lots of full color photos make it easy to tell your in the right place, but can take away a bit from the element of surprise for what you're going to see when you go there. Only one map in the book, so the purchase of a trail map may also be in order. All in all a good book with short, concise descriptions of trails and what can be seen from them, as well as precautions about altitude, exposure, and other dangers on the trails.

This is an outstanding introduction for those preparing to shun the automobile for the Rocky Mountain National Park backcountry. In a brief 140 pages Jerome Malitz delivers a superb overview of 33 park trails and destinations. Malitz's introduction includes a nice survey of park flora and fauna, geology and history. There is also a concise overview of precautions before heading into the backcountry. (I've hiked extenstivley in RMNP and strongly advise heeding Malitz's cautions. However inviting the scenery and innocent appearing the trail, RMNP is not Disney World. People, especially those who casually head down the trail without forethought, can get into trouble.)

Information on destinations is logically grouped by sections corresponding to general areas of the park. Each section begins with a very legible, color USGS topographical map with trails and campsites marked. Within each section, Malitz gives a nice description of the trail including the trailhead of choice, distance, altitude gain and elevation at the destination. Narrative is punctuated by color photography of key landmarks.

This is a fine primer on RMNP backcountry and will whet the appetite of any who are ready to see what is beyond Trailridge Road or the parking lot. (For readers ready for the next level of detail, I also recommend Dannen's "Hiking Rocky Mountain National Park" (8th Ed.). Together, these two books provide the maps, photography, narrative and detail to send you on your way with zeal and confidence.

Not bad. Each hiking trail has 2 to 3 pages written about it and a couple of color pictures. The length (in miles), point to start, and elevation change is listed for each trail. We have two small children and are using this book to plan our visit to the park so we don't go to the wrong area. The shortest trail listed is 0.1 miles and the longest is 16 miles (round trip). The highlights of each trail (water fall, lake, view, etc.) are briefly described. I am happy I bought it but the maps are cut up (to cover each individual area of the park)so prior to visiting the park I still will need to purchase an overall map of the park.