This book was given to me as a gift from a friend of mine who knows how fanatically in love with my home state I am. I was skeptical, expecting another quaintifying take on how picturesque Vermont supposedly is. Instead, I found a thoughtful, well-researched book, full of discoveries and anecdotes surprising even to a Vermonter whose family has lived in the state for generations. Husher captures what's truly amazing about the state, and any small place really - the accessibility and exhilarating simplicity of its beauty and its history.

This book describes a number of fascinating ordinary places that are tucked around the state of Vermont. What makes the places fascinating is Husher's historical details- -for each place, she tells the story of how the site came to be and what made it famous. Some of the sites, like the Donohue Sea Caves are eons old, while others like the Bread and Puppet Museum were developed only recently. Some are famous, like Champ, the monster of the deep, while others are virtually unknown, like the Fenian Raids of 1866 and 1870.

Although Husher probably didn't intend to make a statement about art, I found the juxtaposition of the state highway rest area art and the Bread and Circus Musuem quite telling. She describes how a group of artists, including some famous ones, in the 1970s created a series of sculptures to be displayed to ordinary people at rest stops. Since this was to be people's art, it was made in ordinary media such as concrete. Funny enough, even though people drive by these creations every day and walk right past them at the rest stops, nobody seems to notice them, and the concrete is rotting away in the elements. Is this a tragedy? For whom? It seems to me that if the art is so unengaging that people don't notice it even when it's placed right in front of their faces, it's not art at all but a sad Emperor's new clothes kind of waste of space. In contrast, other art described in this book, such as the puppets at the Bread and Puppet Circus are so compelling and interesting, that they draw people in to see them in such a far-off corner of the state as Glover. Likewise, the sculpted granite headstones in the Hope Cemetery in Barre were created by artists who work in a medium that would last for generations. That's because they were doing their art on commission, responding to the wishes of their patrons and communicating through their art to their entire community. The abandoned highway art seems more like taunt the audience- -give them something incomprehensible and ugly, but since the audience won't appreciate it anyway, don't bother to make it last.

This is a well-written, relaxing read that takes pleasure in common things. Far from being a guidebook in the usual sense, it guides the reader into a state of mind that helps him view his own world with more interest, even if he never visits Husher's Vermont.

If you know a boy ... have a boy ... who "doesn't like to read", read him this one. You will love it and he will be pulled into Ian's world immediately. Besides, is there a better way to turn on a non-reader than to read aloud. Do it. Then give your copy to a sixth grade teacher so he/she can read it aloud to many kids every year.

Ian has known nothing other than the dairy farm for his eleven years of life. He doesn't seem to be a farm kid--his mother always acted as a buffer between he and his father--but the chores, the cows, and the routines have become a comfort zone for Ian. When his father decides to sell their cows, Ian is surprised at how much he is against it. But ever since the ice storm broke power lines, stray voltage has plagued their farm, and the cows are sick because of the extra electricity. The farm is also suffering because Ian's mother has left. Suddenly there is one less person to help with chores or keep things clean in the house. Ian struggles with missing his mother, and finding his place on the farm without her. School saves Ian, and his teacher often provides the comfort he needs.

The emotions in this book are real and powerful--the reader is drawn into Ian's world, and can't help feeling the same things Ian is feeling. Ian's character also feasibly develops through the course of the book, and we see him change from event to event. Other characters do not suffer development at Ian's expense, though. Doyle creates each person with the same care as she does Ian. Farm kids--old and young--will be able to identify with many things in this book. Reader should know that there is undisguised swearing in the book, but it fits the scenes and characters and discussion. Overall, this book didn't disappoint me!

In language that shimmers, like the ice storm so beautifully described in it, this book brings to life some very real boys, aged 11 and 17, who live on a farm in Vermont, and grow up by doing tangible things like cleaning out the barn, playing basketball, making maple syrup, doing homework, and by having relationships with the people around them that are rich, warm, but often painful. Dad is difficult, Mom is distant(read that gone), and you can just about cut the tension created in this little world of thinking adolescents. These are people who are living and growing by doing and thinking, not standing and watching.
The best things about this book are the fact that the writer treats both her characters and readers with the greatest of respect, never talking down to them, the plot really charges to a climax, and the writing is just so..good. A great book either to read yourself(parent) or get for that child who you'd like to get interested in good writing.

Vermont has many attractions, no matter what season. Visit during the flowery summers, or in the spring when blooms are just showing their heads. Venture here in autumn when the mountains are bathed in color, or in winter when ice and snow create a winter wonderland. Whenever you visit, be sure to have this book in hand.

From cycling on backroads and hiking along ridgetops to swimming in tranquil lakes and skiing on powdery snow, Beth Dugger introduces you to the many adventures of Vermont. Recommended accommodations include family-run B&Bs, secluded log cabins and five-star resorts. Selected restaurants cover everything from roadside BBQs to intimate dining rooms to picnic suppliers.

"...intended for the adventure-minded travelers with special affection for the outdoors and nature. Each Adventure Guide packs in outdoor-oriented activities set in different regions. There's something for nearly everyone." Midwest Book Review

"The leading guide for information and activities... knowledgeable in its details." Library Booknotes

Ms. Hollingdale's work provides the reader with intensely powerful essays and pictures that almost "forces" one to stop and spend time with each picture. I couldn't just glance through this book - it takes time, emotion and a willingness to open one's heart and mind. The stories AND the pictures, when combined, create a level of understanding that I had not even experienced prior to her book. I know several of the people portrayed in her book but putting all of these faces together with their very personal journeys into ONE book lets the reader truly get a picture of this historic struggle for a more "civil union".

This book answers the question, "Why did Vermont work so hard for Civil Union?"; and it answers it from every possible point of view. Ms. Hollingdale has done a remarkable job collecting the thoughts and feelings of legislators, educators, citizens, parents and others, to explain the desire, the need, and the struggle for Civil Union. This is a beautiful book! The photographs are stunning in their simplicity and yet the emotions are overwhelming. It is a piece of history and a work of art at the same time.

Linda Hollingdale's collection of essays and photographs is absolutely amazing in how it portrays the legislative struggle for Vermont's historic Civil Union from ALL perspectives.
Not only does this book bring one the awareness of this struggle, but also gives one the opportunity to "open their minds" to common humanity as a whole. Just when you think you've become so absorbed in the process of how civil unions came to be, the challenges overcome and rewards achieved, you begin to comtemplate what equal rights of ALL citizens is really about.
I would definitely recommended this book for all.

Long ago, a creative writing teacher recommended this book to me. I've finally read it, and in turn I highly recommend it. Malamud shows a mastery of prose and an immense talent for description. His passages describing the changing seasons are incredible!

At first, the author's tendency to bend the "laws" of punctuation and grammar threw me a little. The first twenty pages didn't hold my interest, but after that I adjusted to his style and grew to appreciate it. It was worth persevering.

The book tells a story that is at once absorbing, sensual, frustrating and heartbeaking. Whatever the author's intentions, I found the title character to be rather less than admirable -- and normally a book with an unlikeable protagonist would be hard-pressed to keep my interest. This one did earn my interest, and even gained moments of insight and sympathy that brought me inside the flaws of the main character and allowed me to understand him, even if I never exactly liked the man.

I recommend this book for its deep exploration of a flawed man as he grapples with love, aging, and temptation. Well done.

A strong book that engages the reader in its story as though s/he is a character. Taking you on a rather poignant journey through the seasons, not only of the year but of William Dubin's life, his stayed yet tender relationship with his wife and his fun, youth replenishing affair with the 23yr old Fanny Bick. All the time we are reminded that life is for living and the moment for siezing.

malamud in staight away into the story.He has a prudence of verbiage! as usual this tale counter points all his other fictions. althoughI have the notion this is premised on his own encounters in life. I heartily urge thoughtful people to read this book.

My three year old loves this book--and so does my nine year old, who reads it to him. They both relate to the idea of encountering something new and coming to love it so much that, years later, you want to find it again. The beautiful, rich illustrations are a large part of the appeal of the book.

Natalie Kinsey-Warnock and Kathleen Kolb have captured the essence of Will and Ada Urie perfectly. They lived a very simple life, worked hard and enjoyed everything around them. This book tells their story in a poignant way without being too sugary sweet. It will appeal to all children, especially those lucky enough to live in Vermont. I was extremely lucky to have Will and Ada Urie for my grandparents and spent many wonderful days visiting "a farm of their own". I am also very excited that my daughter, Meredith Ada McKelvey, posed for the blonde girl in braids in the book.

I am very pleased to see memories of childhood in print and glorious color. I grew up near Will and Ada Urie, and often visited their farm. Kathleen Kolb did a magnificent job rendering both of them. As I read the pages I could smell the bread baking in the oven. Natalie's words brought me back to my own childhood on my parents farm. Every child can benefit knowing how hard these two people worked for what they believed in. Back when life seemed so simple, yet more rewarding.

Yet again, I have been enthralled, scared and drawn in by Mr. Citro's tales about my home state. He even covered my home-town ghost in this installment, which thrilled me to no end. He is truly one of our master storytellers, and I highly recommend all of his work.

Joseph Citro's collections of Vermont folklore have become as much a part of the Green Mountain State as sugaring and the Lake Champlain Monster. GREEN MOUNTAINS, DARK TALES continues this series of terrificly readable and enjoyable stories based on Vermont folklore and legend. Anyone who likes the state or just likes a good story would do well to pick up this book. It makes for addictive reading.

In the tradition of old-time Yankee yarn-spinners, Citro delivers something that's all too rare nowadays--a darn good story. Dozens of them, in fact. I got so wrapped up in the tale called "The House of the Feasting Dead" that I nearly went past my subway stop. This is a hair-raising tour "dark" side of Vermont, a place populated by ghosts, mystics, spiritualists and even a "stone-throwing devil."

I have always had a special place in my heart for the Green Mountain state and for ghost stories, so image my delight when I found them combined in one volume.

Taking all the tales of supernatural events said to have occurred in Vermont and anthologizing them, this book illustrates, to this reader anyway, what a wonderfully quirky little state Vermont really is.

Covering everything from traditional haunted houses and ghost sightings, to UFO encounters, flying silos, and Bigfoot-like creatures, "Green Mountain Ghosts, Ghouls & Unsolved Mysteries" can only be described as fun.

A warning for the easily spooked (such as myself): This book is eerie in an X-Files kind of way. There were times when I had to put it down because I was starting to scare myself. However, in the end I always picked it back up and to this day it has a prized spot on my bookshelf.

Ghosts, Ghouls, and Unsolved Mysteries by Citro is without a doubt the best book of its kind I have ever read. Indeed, this book goes much farther than telling of simple he said, they said stories, but presents a perspective that is far more truthful, far more interesting, and far more human than anything else. All the stories are from Vermont itself, and it succeeds in bringing a new layer to the vastly misunderstood 14th state, at least for us non - residents. For me, I know not to read this book late at night, or when I'm alone. For who knows what will greet me when I fall asleep.

Growing up in Chester, VT, my girlfriend thought that I'd enjoy this book. She was absolutly correct. Reading the stories behind many of the towns and woods around Chester was really interesting for this particular Vermonter, who had more than a few spooky nights of his own when he lived there. But, even those who've never been to Vermont will enjoy the spooky stories and tales contained. A great read!

Having spent a lot of time looking for information on imaginative & fun (and sometimes luxury) travel with kids, I can tell you that this is a really unique book. It is comprehensive, carefully researched and well written with loads of practical tips. Some 'travel with kids' books might as well just be bland advertising copy, this one really provides good editorial content, with positive and critical comments. It is a pleasure to read and we will use it for a long time. Fodor's should publish more of these for other parts of the US/world.

I loved this book and would recommend it to any family wanting to travel in the northeastern United States. The writers offer tips and reviews on places of interest, resorts, and campgrounds in a wide range of prices. In fact, we have visited some of those places and found a brand new vacation prospect in Lake George which we will be trying out this summer! Definitely one of the most informative travel books on the market today -- entertaining even if you do not go to these places.

I've been searching for a book like this for several years and haven't found one that fit the bill until now! I had a great time reading it - so well written - and got more useful information than I'll ever be able to use in one lifetime! Thanks so much to the writers and publishers!

Archer Mayor is like a master artistic puzzle builder. He takes a little bit here, a little bit there, weaves this into that, and what starts out as a seemingly straightforward and relatively innocuous (if crime can be innocuous) crime ends up being a complex labyrinth of events, motives, characters, and decisions that lead inexorably toward the climax and resolution. A mark of a good mystery writer is that the reader is left wondering almost until the last page, but when the answer comes, the reader says, "Of course, it fits perfectly! I should have seen that!" Mayor is one of the best at accomplishing this difficult objective. This skill also lends a sense of reality to his stories that few other mystery writers attain. That is, the complexity of his work shows how much each of us, our lives, our work, our unthinking reactions are intertwined with others - how, for example, in this story, a harmless ad for a watch on E-bay leads to the destruction of human life and paradoxically allows series regulars Kunkle and Sammie discover their need for each other. Tucker Peak is not for mystery readers who want a simple story unfettered by reality solved in 22 minutes (not counting commercials). It is an immensely satisfying read for those who not only want to escape the banality of daily life for a few hours of fiction-more-real-than-real, but who appreciate an intellectual and emotional challenge in the process.

When I first picked this up in the store, it was great to get my hands on it. I was waiting for it for so long to come out and to read it, that I thought that I was going insane. I live in Brattleboro myself, and the places that Mayor tells about are places that I go to all the time. It was much better then "The Marble Mask" which was not as well done because it didn't take place back in Brattleboro. Though, I was happy with the end, and the re-uniting of the characters. I would have liked to see Gunther return to the Brattleboro Police Department or have J.P Tyler and Ron come up to VBI. But this was a great book, and I recomend it to anyone who wants a good piece of reading.

I have been reading the Joe Gunther books ever since I started Ragman's Memory, and have read all of the books in the series. Being from Vermont, I can relate to the location that the books are featured in. I have also had the liberty of meeting Archer Mayor at a signing.
Tucker Peak is the latest book in his Joe Gunther series, set at a fictional Ski resort in southern Vermont. There, a series of robberies and crime have occured, bringing Joe and his southern VT VBI team into the picture. They begin with a simple robbery case, and end up with a homoside one, reaveling that there is much more to the book than what meets the eye. Even from the last portion of the book, Mayor gives no indication of who is guilty and who is innocent.
Mayor sets the setting, characters and plot beautifully, capturing the image that is just so close to reality that some authors struggle with. Because he is also a Vermonter, he has the chance to research for his books easily.
He sets Tucker Peak very well, exposing the 'true' Vermont. Tucker Peak is a fictional ski resort, but it is real enough so that I can invision skiing down it's slopes. The towns, roads, cities and area are all familier to me, and that makes the book so much better.