The fantasy of self reliance doesn't just include the retreat to nature of Ralph Emerson or Ted Kosynski but it also includes the more urban counterparts of the bare bones existences lived out of a single room in a cheap hotel of Jesse Bernstein or Koon Woon; a plain trust of where they are right then despite the evidence that their current state of mind and health is not a permanent one and may come apart at any moment. Koon Woon's narrator lives in the temporary housing of an unstable mind. He organizes these poems In The Truth of Rented Room around International District dives'the names of which sound to me like vaguely familiar but exotic locales that a troubled cousin or family friend (some vague and distant acquaintance) may have lived in once but are familiar nonetheless as places where terminal failures end up like the layers of hell; Seventh Avenue South, the Morris, International Terrace, The Bush, and so have this downward appeal and even romance as places where you earn your way in with failure. This is the contemporary edge of that old, bad Seattle neighborhood, Skid Road, home to destitute madmen and hobos. And the poems in The Truth in Rented Rooms are mad poems. Mad because insanity is not mental illness or bipolar disorder or any vague and undefined malady that can be cured. Even normal people are possessed by madness but it is only contained and treated with the metal walkers of medication but it cannot be burned out of the body with radiation or dispelled with penicillin. Madness is an irrevocable state of being. Everyone has some access to the idea of madness and I'm not talking about the cartoon of Bugs Bunny's windwheel eyes but the real dead-weight that comes about in deep depression when the air because it is too wet and too cold takes too much effort to shovel into your lungs. And this isn't exactly Walden. In this wilderness holes have been burnt into the brain, bits chewed out cell by cell by whatever forces have rewired the synapses like the topography of a flooding river's sand bars and channels. The narrator of Koon Woon's poems has reconciled his state of being as something to live with like an independent element, wind and rain and whatever weather is going on inside his skull. These are not hopeful poems about recovery or conquering his condition. I found in these poems a broader acceptance of life's instability, heightened by the transient nature of the narrator's mind as well as his bed in rented rooms. This is self reliance not in the control of his environment but self-reliance in the acquiescence of control, which isn't giving-up, but is the art of getting by. In, 'I have argued my premise of isolation and sorrow: the world comes into the pallor of my room', Koon Woon writes:

It took 10 years and the destruction of
6' x 4' x 4 ' or 96 cubic feet of poetry and 10 years to make me feel better,
And I have now moved into a bigger room, room enough to blues the guitar,

Have now room for Nietszche and Immanual Kant on a corner bookshelf,
And now my phone calls someone and that somene calls someone and so on...

It's brave and lucid stuff, this book. This is the kind of poetry that can hold you together on a bad day.

I first learned about Koon Woon's poetry when he read at the annual meeting of the Washington State Tenants Union. If you ever have a chance to hear him read, be sure not to miss it. His delivery is natural, engaging, and free of that all-too-usual poetical pomposity.

The Truth In Rented Rooms is the debut collection introducing the poetic talents of Koon Woon. The poetry is drawn from the streets of Seattle's International District, to rural China, to outer space. Woon's verse arises from his battles with mental illness, his year of life on the streets, and the need for an outlet to express the feelings he was having to control during those times. The Woman In The Next Room: Has a craving for a banana/And is convinced I am a spy after her secret.//She's reading one of those paperback books where/The heroine leads a successful double life.//She works in a doctor's office/And she flies to Florida under a year to read//A book in this next hotel room/And is worried about the minimum upkeep of a spy/Which I am. I know she rinses her lettuce/Many times and she has a secret kept in a semi-/Precious gem box no one can see or open./She is slender and naked upon the hotel bed/Just reading while the potted ferns tremble/Because someone has closed a door down the hall.//We come to this hotel once a year and live/In two adjacent hotel rooms and I pretend//I don't know her and she wants me to call her/On the telephone and talk to her about stocks and real estate.

I was pretty much disappointed in this book. The other reviews I read were the sole reason for my purchase of the book, however, upon reading it, it did not live up to my expectations. The book isn't horrible, but I didn't find it to be as funny and charming as I would have liked. The characters are pretty cut and dried and after the first couple of chapters you already know what you can expect from them for the rest of the book.

I think the author has promise but still needs some work on how to give depth to the characters keep the reader interested.

This book doesn't have the same character development of Beck's Jane da Silva series, but.....I did find myself laughing out loud several times while I was reading it. The main characters are rather sketchy, but the action is fast paced, if somewhat farcical. If you want to spend a few hours reading a light and amusing book, I can recommend We Interrupt This Broadcast. I hope that Beck sees fit to write another in the da Silva series.

I found this book listed on NPR's summer reading list. I was not familiar with the author or the title, but I took a chance. The cast of characters will amaze you with their actions - always having you laughing out loud. There is a mystery, but you don't really care 'who did it' because you are asking yourself, 'why did they do that?' If you want to be entertained, amused, and read a well-written book I would recomend this one.

I've read every one of G.M Ford's books. This book covers similar territory to his second book "Cast in Stone". "A Blind Eye" is more tightly plotted and moves faster than CIS but it feels less inventive to me. There's some ok dialogue and some interesting material on isolated hill communities in the eastern US but there's some incredibly weak dialogue as well, e.g. the banter between Corso and his ex-lover Dougherty at the beginning. After three books, the Frank Corso character just doesn't interest me that much. My response to the grim subject matter tells me that it is time to read more uplifting stuff. Addicts to the genre will be not be too disappointed but for me it's really time to move on, i.e. I'll probably read the next book. Go figure.

After finishing Black River (without a doubt, a 5-star book), I rushed out to pick up A Blind Eye. Corso is a fantastic character as usual, the new setting is a nice change of pace (rural and wintry rather than urban and rainy), and the dialogue is spot-on.

However, the plot is not nearly as tight and fast-paced as the earlier book. There are a number of segways and subplots that slow it down, and are really unnecessary. Whereas Black River had its moments off the main plot (e.g. the Cambodian man's story), it never seemed to detract from the core story.

ABE was still an entertaining read. But the plot felt a little watered-down by the constant side trips.

(Quick note--the Melissa-D thing was implausible, yes, but it's *fiction*, people. A couple of speculative elements don't hurt.)

Reporter Frank Corso fell from grace when he was accused of making up a crime story. However, Frank is resourceful and easily reinvented himself into a true-crime writer who claims to have insider information on a Texas high-society murder. Rather than face the results of a subpoena demanding he talk, Frank does what comes naturally; he goes on the run. Accompanying Frank into hiding in wintry Wisconsin is his photographer, Meg Dougherty.

Following an accident caused by blizzard like weather, Frank and Meg take shelter on an abandoned farm in Avalon. In the shed, they discover the remains of the male members of the Holmes family, whom everyone thought, simply left town fifteen years ago. The local sheriff cuts a deal with Frank that he won't be handed over to Texas if he investigates the murders. Already fascinated by the grisly scene, Frank accepts the terms. He starts his inquiries by looking into the mother of the brood who's not part of the skeletal remains. He soon traces her bloody trail to other homicides, but the culprit has plans to add the writer to the pile of deaths.

The suspense is at the usual high level expected in a G.M Ford novel starring the likable antihero Frank who is accompanied by a support cast that adds exaggerated regional eccentricities. Yet with all that the tale seems off slightly because whenever Frank hits a dead end he finds this incredible Ziggy like source that moves him further along on the case. Still fans will continue reading because the rapid pace, the chilling suspense, and the quaint cast make for a strong entertaining read.

Harriet Klausner

A SHATTERED CITY:EARTHQUAKE IN SEATTLE tells the story of a major earthquake hitting Seattle, Washington. A sunny Saturday afternoon in July turns horrific as a 9.1 quake destroys the city and surrounding suburbs. Disaster junkies and Seattleites should find it compelling reading, and it should serve as a wakeup call to those who live in earthquake zones to get those disaster kits together.

A SHATTERED CITY does a decent job describing the disaster and its aftermath. Character development is a bit thin, but the story moves along well, and is compelling enough that you will want to keep reading. Amateur radio operators play a major role in the recovery, so hams will find the novel enjoyable and inspiring.

The novel is a bit over-the-top, not so much in terms of the huge earthquake, but in some of the subplots. There's a "false prophet" who inadvertently predicts the earthquake, and a beautiful private detective searching for a tycoon's long-lost wife by flying around the city in a giant helicopter. All of this just distracts from the main story: how a major city copes with an overwhelming disaster.

A SHATTERED CITY also suffers from very poor editing. I'm not sure it was proofread, let alone edited. There are wild inconsistencies in spelling and capitalization throughout, and numerous instances of poor grammar and usage. While editing isn't a high priority in most mass market paperbacks, the complete lack of it here gives the book a rather amateurish feel.

If you can overlook some of the goofier plotlines and glaring editing problems, A SHATTERED CITY is well worth a read.

Once you start A Shattered City, you won't want to put it down until the last page is turned. A winner!

If you've ever wondered what could happen if a massive earthquake ever struck a major city, here's your answer -- in stunningly heartwrenching detail.

You'll get to know the characters personally -- just everyday people, going about their everyday lives in Seattle... until hell breaks loose. Then you feel every tremor, every crumbling wall, every panicked heartbeat, as a modern city struggles to survive in the face of mind-numbing disaster.

As if that isn't enough, Ms. Talbott weaves in another storyline -- the search for a missing person and her background, that commences even before Seattle quivers with the first of many shock waves. And Ms. Talbott keeps you hanging, just like the window washer dangling from his safety harness or the man trapped under a tree on a cliff (read the book!) as she throws out clues that keep you turning the pages, all the time wondering: "Who is this woman? Where did she come from? Why is she hiding?"

A mind-piquing mystery set against a backdrop of unimaginable catastrophe, that Ms. Talbott brings to life with the magic of words. Earthquake survivors will sigh with relief that someone understands and can communicate the trauma, while people far from earthquake zones will learn a new appreciation of the solid ground beneath their feet.

All in all, a page-turning novel of suspense and emotion that should inspire people to fall to their knees and thank God that such a scenario hasn't happened... yet.

Ken Mochizuki's Beacon Hill Boys tells the story of Dan Inagaki, a typical teenage boy searching for love, acceptance, and his heritage during the 1970s. Dan's parents were forced into internment camps during World War II because of their Japanese heritage and his father fought for the United States during that same war; yet, Dan knows nothing of this history. He feels forced to petition for a comparative history class at his high school in order to discover what his parents will not reveal. While Dan and his friends worry about the Vietnam War draft, struggle to figure out girls, and make decisions about drugs, he is also fighting against the Japanese-American stereotype, his overachiever older brother's shadow, and the school administration.
While this book encourages young adults to question, it also paints a picture of victories that are easily won. Mochizuki understandably leaves out a bulky history lesson but leaves anyone without prior knowledge of that time period wondering. Hopefully, Beacon Hill Boys will motivate further reading about the internment of Japanese Americans. I recommend this book for any young adult (or adult) who has felt the pressures of identity, prejudice, or family expectations. This book could also be a starting point for anyone with no knowledge of the Japanese Internment history.

This is not the typical coming of age story; it is the story of what is was like to be a Japanese American teenager in the early 1970s. Racial issues, pressures to conform, family dynamitcs, peer pressure, and more are important to the plot. The issues of the 1970s are packaged together with the story of a junior in high school in racially diverse Beacon Hill in Seattle. While this is fiction, one cannot help but think that this is semi-autobiographical. The story seems perfect as a companion to understanding the 1970s.

I liked the book and understand the stuggles and culture of Japanese Amercians better after reading it. I do think that too many characters might have been introduced, and if I read it again feel like I should list the characters and briefly identify them so I can remember them better when they appear again in the book. That's OK, though, since this book begs to be read more than once.

This is a handy guide with lots of information about what's out there, but be warned - take a good map with you! I've only tried two of the day trips, and each had a serious typo (like transposed street and highway exit numbers). For a newcomer to the area, this is very frustrating. Ms. Feeney is a good writer who knows her destinations well, but she needs a better proofreader.

Whether the Seattle area is your home or you plan or hope to visit, take this book with you. Where else can gardener's learn how to get their fix on a rainy day,or in mid-winter? Not only does Stephanie Feeney tell you where to go to satisfy all of your garden and gardening desires in and around Seattle, but she plans your whole excursion, with driving directions, suggestions on where to eat, and even find lodging, and gives excellent and interestingly written descriptions of all the places she lists. She gives a kids tour, highlights on the islands in Puget Sound, specialty tours for book lovers, tree and shrub enthusiasts, ornaments in and for the garden, and more. Get this book; you'll love it!

I've lived in the Seattle area almost all my life. I spent 10 years working in downtown. I feel I really know the area. However, in looking for a book to give me ideas of what to do with my kids playing tourist in Seattle this one didn't help. I'm now looking for another book to inspire me in planning out a full week. If you were a kid from out of state wondering what your parents were getting you in for, this book would be okay. Other than that, it's not really that helpful in planning a vacation.

An excellent resource! I am going to use it as a 4th grade Social Studies text next year. A must have if you live in Seattle or plan to visit. Very child friendly.

If you are into historic preservation, or if you are interested in Seattle and King County landmarks, you have got to have this.

It is a well presented, well organized book and is also a pretty good general reference. The more useful items include the Seattle and King County Landmarks inventories and preservation district descriptions. This is the kind of thing you wish you had whenever you walk or drive through an historic area; I'm still looking for others like it for other cities, such as Portland OR.

Although I'm not sure it is that important, I agree that better, bigger and more abundant architectural photos would be a nice touch. As it is, though, this is a nice primer for interested folks to keep on the shelf.

This is a great book that is very well written and researched, packed full of important information that is valuable to the longtime resident as well as the first time visitor. The old photos and written information on Seattle's history was not what I expected, it's a much more modern city. One only wishes that the third edition will have many more photos of the landmarks and have them in color, the are so beautiful as evidenced by the cover. This is the only drawback but there are many more photos here than anywhere else. When its not raining, Seattle has great views. Kreisman certainly has a passion for his subject and based on the bio, lives it everyday.

This is an excellent book that covers its subject admirably. I enjoy flipping through it both for the information and the nostalgia it affords me as someone who is proud to have once lived in the Emerald City.

The problem is that the pages fall out. My particular copy is not bound terribly well - and I am not the type of person who treats books roughly!
Alas, the book is not 'bound' to last.

A fabulous history of Seattle in word and photograph. It is a Who's Who listing those that gave Seattle her flavor and distinguished character. This is a must read and study for all native Seattleites as well as for newly arrived residents. The buildings: commercial, residential and schools show the step by step progress that the city has made through the designs of noted architects. From 1853 to date the book covers Seattle's development. It is a first class read and study.

It's been a long time since I have picked up a book to read for fun but ended up learning so much. Skye Moody delivers all of this in a very humorous mystery that made me laugh so much I couldn't put it down. The main character of Rain Dance, Venus Diamond, reminds herself of Peter Pan and children think she is possibly a freak. Her family is enough to drive anyone insane and she has to deal with malaria. These aspects just make her a stronger and more outgoing person that everyone will grow to love. The Pacific Northwest is always a favorite backdrop for mysterious happenings but Moody is unique for picking the coast. This is a must-read for mystery lovers.

Skye Moody has assembled a cast of quirky and offbeat characters - the type you never believe really exist until you actually meet them - in a mystery that holds your attention from beginning to end. The twists and turns were delightful, and basing the story on the real-life issues of an endangered species added a real timeliness to the plot. I am not a "tree-hugger," but the threat to bears became very real to me. The main character, Venus Diamond, is wonderful. She is full of all the insecurities and self-doubt that most of us suffer, but is still driven to achieve her own goals on her own terms, regardless of the differing opinions of her movie star mother. She is dynamic, sardonic and combative - in other words, totally intriguing to me and I'd love to meet her. I very much look forward to finding out more about her in succeeding books.

Skye Kathleen Moody's first novel in the Venus Diamond, Fish and Wildlife agent, is exciting and suspenseful. Venus, recovering from malaria, is recalled from Bangkok in order to investigate the murder of Madge Leroux in Ozone Beach, a Puget Sound resort town. Venus is an intelligent, dynamic, humorous detective who quickly discovers a connection between the black market activities she had been investigation in Bangkok and Leroux's murder. The power of this novel resides in Moody's combination of action with interesting, believable characters. Her research into the issues surrounding poaching, endangered species, and the black market provides a depth to the novel, making it more than merely a terrific mystery.