What would it feel like to be able to go back a couple of hundred years and experience in real life the magnificent vistas of the American west as they were then? Amazingly enough, this book of contemporary photography will magically let you feel that and then bowl you over with its message. It is simply the most moving collection of landscape images I have ever seen. The stunning beauty of these photographs of some of the American West's most spectacular vistas and the inspiration and purpose reflected in the artist's heartfelt interpretations of each image weave together a haunting sense of loss and, at the same time, a deep understanding of what we have done and must now do. It will be a long time before you make room on your coffee table for another book (probably about as long as it takes Mr. Williams to publish the next volume in the project). It will not take long, however, for you to make room in your life for its purpose. Thank you, Wayne Williams, for helping us see again with this important and beautiful work.

I have just spent an enchanted couple of hours visiting 'America's Vanishing Landscapes'. Wayne Williams has produced a visual feast and testament to the beauty of Nature. This book contains so many beautiful images, I felt compelled to write and reccomend it to you.
I am lucky enough to live by one of nature's rain forests in the West Indies. Everyday I am filled with awe and wonder by my surroundings. This book makes me feel the same way. What also impressed me too, was his mastery of the craft and it reminded me of Ansel Adams work. They have combined technological mastery of the photographic techniquies available to them; and have produced a vision that not only speaks to the senses, but also to the heart. This is a rare combination and achievement.

It's impossible to capture the grandeur and magnitude of beauty of nature in a photo but Williams comes as close as you can get in this amazing book. The greatest and worst terrorism is the terrorism against the environment. It dwarfs all the other forms. This book may give people the vision that is an antidote.

Foremost are the photographs. I would call Annerino's canyon portraits the best of a really good lot, even over big-time large-format photographers. While the large-format works are stunning artistic studies of light and color shot with impossibly huge f-stops, Annerino's canyon photographs give expression to the phrase "wearing one's heart on the sleeve." His photos have an active passion that others lack. Anyone who knows him will say he is among the "hardmen' to tackle the Southwestern mountains and canyons, but that he is definitely the most sincere in his passion for place. Perhaps, because of this he lacks a calculated commercial view of the places he photographs. His images also record his own passion, creating compelling and unique photographs. More than any other contemporary outdoor photographer, Annerino's photos mirror his love of the land's people. In the text, Annerino portrays canyonlands people as part of what makes the places special. He has a deep affection for past and present native peoples, but unlike some Anglo North Americans, Annerino isn't a lost 20th century soul. Rather, he seems to have a straightfoward and genuine admiration for native people, and has learned a great deal about them. His research on each canyon's history is impressive. Annerino writes with an immensity commensurate with his subject. His style is old-fashioned, evoking an older, more grandiose era of writing of explorers like Powell and Pattie. While many modern writers seem bent on infusing themselves into as much of the story as possible, Annerino's style is not so full of himself as full of the intensity of his canyon experiences...Annerino is at his best when he writes about Mexico, especially the Big Bend passage where he talks about the injustices served the Mexican across the river at the hands of our national park there. An optimist who sees great things in the canyons, Annerino neither ignores nor dwells on the obvious problems facing the West like pollution and development. And fortunately, CANYONS OF THE SOUTHWEST is not a treasure map guidebook to these areas. -Desert Skies

John Annerino's pictorial celebration of the canyons of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico is a handsome momento for those who have heard the wind whistling in these haunting canyons, and a beckoning invitation for those who have not yet made the journey. Annerino has spent much of his adult life exploring this territory -- as a wilderness runner, adventurer, and photojournalist -- and here combines his firsthand knowledge with his expertise as a nature photographer and author to create an intimate portrait of some of the most dramatic landscapes in the world. Scores of stunning full-color photographs make plain the basis for the region's appeal. From the centuries-old Anasazi ruins to the breathtaking buttes of Monument Valley, from the Narrows of Zion National Park to the barrancas (canyons) of the frontier of Mexico, CANYONS OF THE SOUTHWEST is a memorable record of one of the earth's most spectacular bioregions.

Everyone knows about the Grand Canyon, but what many of us don't know is that the Southwest is laced with canyons less traveled but no less spectacular. Lucky for us, Annerino spills a few secrets in this book, describing in words and fine photographs such places...an encticement to visit or revisit, in person, this stunning terrain. -Outside Magazine

Mary Urrutia captured the essence of Cuban cooking in her book, tasty and simple home fare. The recipes are easy to follow. She suggests substitute ingredients for those of us who live in areas where the "criollo" ingredients may not be readily available. Every dish I have made from the book has been greeted with rave reviews by my family and friends. Urrutia has made it possible for those who follow her recipes to be labeled a "great Cuban cook"!

I absolutely love this book! It has so many wonderful recipes and all of them are perfect. I am Cuban-American and I even managed to surprise my grandparents with some of my new Cuban dishes. They tell me that they taste is truly "Cuban" and that it reminds them of real Cuban cuisine.

The recipes are super easy to follow, the book was written very well and very easy to understand. I highly recommend this book to any cook - Cuban or not. You'll love it!

WOW!!!!
Unless you get recipes from your Cuban grandmother there is nothing better than this book. The writer's lovely descriptions of her days as a little girl in Cuba and the can't miss recipes are what make this book a true gem. I was happy to see recipes for dishes that I grew up with but never knew how to make. If you have the time and calories to spare make the Pastel De Pollo it is divino!!!
The recipe for Mojo Criollo was great, I made it with Yuca for Thanksgiving and my entire Cuban family thought it was my grandmother's recipe.
Gracias Mary your book will be treasured in my home.

I got this book from my boarding school roomate, who also introduced me to such endeavours as rock climbing and Zen poetry. Obviously, many thanks to him for broadening my world and pushing my limits. Likewise, this thin book does the same. On the Loose is one of the books I keep handy for reading when things get too dark and I need to get out of the city limits. It's a positive idea - two young men, running wild through the west, productive in the sense that they are becoming conscious of Nature, themselves, and the encroachment if 'civilization' on that fragile world, and remains an inspiration to me to hold on to my own wild places I have found. The combination of grainy photos and wonderful quotes, as well as the poetic prose, inspire and center. I have purchased copies for friends, when it was still in print, and jealously guard my copy, although I am pleased to hear that the book will once again become available, as well as a follow-up. I expect it to be as strong of a work.

My biggest mistake was in buying and loaning out one too many copies of this incredibly moving and inspirational account of two brothers growing up wild and On The Loose. After giving this book as a gift over 20 times, I loaned out my own copy and never saw it again. What will it take Sierra Club to convince you to reprint this book? I have many freinds waiting for me to find a copy of what is my version of the bible. If there is anyone out there who knows how to get a copy, please let me know.

This book changed my life. I was given a copy while in high school in the mountains of colorado. I was, and continue to be, inpired by this book. My days and nights under the open sky of the west have filled my life with joy - and this book helped get me out there after growing up a city boy in california. Buy it, read it, and give copies to everyone you know.

I was at a football clinic this past weekend and a guy comes out of one of the talks and makes the guy selling the books unpack (he had just packed up and was walking out the door). He said he needed a "West Coast Offense" book. So he opens two or three cartons and takes out "Coaching The Multiple West Coast Offense" (the second edition for what it's worth). So I decide to go ahead and get a copy for myself because it must be good? Long story short -It's the best darn book on football out there! Just a lucky timing thing and I really love the offense. We are bringing the author out to our school to install the offense..... An outstanding book that I found because of luck. It's that good........

I have read "Finding The Winning Edge", "The West Coast Offense", and "Developing An Offensive Game Plan" along with other books on football and I can say with all honesty that this book is by far the best of the group. It's a technique book, it's an offensive system book, and it even has a call sheet which will help our team. This book is well worth the money and much better than the website. The best book on the market today and I am buying his videos now as well.

Right along the lines with Coverdale and Robinson's work, even though I'm not a west coaster I found myself going back to this book again and again this season looking for new wrinkles and techniques. A very thorough book and I must agree the VERY BEST of the West Coast Offense books dare I say even superior to Bill Walsh's mammoth tome.

Game plan, technique, teaching methods, offensive line, qb and receiver play, and run game its all here!! And best of all its all very adaptable to what ever you may be running. KUDOS I say again to Coach Jenkins and Ditto with all the other positive reviewers, this books is a MUST HAVE.

I can't say enough about this book. I stumbled across it and it truely was a godsend. The authors, Kari and Nicole, seem like good friends. I was in what I thought was a good, solid marriage--my friends envied how devoted my husband was--and in the space of a week, my life blew up! My husband of 12 years blew the mind of all our family when he left me 5 weeks after my son was born. His affair was a bomb that no one who knew him ever thought he would throw. This book doesn't blame but it also reminds you that When He Leaves, God will uphold you and that the shame lies with the one who broke the covenant, not you. It is written with humor and grace by two women who have stared hell in the face and triumphed. Reading it is like a booster shot of confidence. If you can only get 1 book on divorce, this is THE ONE!!

I stumbled upon this book, and decided to give it a try, since I felt like no one could understand the pain and anger I was feeling when my ex left when our son was 3 months old. Thanks Kari and Noelle for sharing your feelings, even the negative ones, which helped me stop blaming myself. I could not make him stay, once he decided to be with his new girlfriend, and this book helped me to heal, and to be aware of the strong woman and single mom I have become. By bringing my feelings of anger and disappointment into the open, I have been able to also see how far I have come, and how much God does provide. He sure does work in mysterious ways! God has provided comfort and strength and given me the courage to go on and live a honorable life, despite this little "bump" on my journey. Thank you, Thank you, for writing this book, and letting me know I am not alone or a failure. I plan to read it again for those times I feel discouraged or alone.

I found When He Leaves at a very low time in my life; my husband of 22 years left me for a woman by the name of Delilah. I thought I'd married a Christian man, but found through the years that he was into Pornography and he ended up in an affair also. So, When He Leaves was a breath of fresh air to my soul. I've read it and read it again for the comfort and refreshing it brings my spirit. Sometimes when you are hurting and so wounded, it helps so much to know you aren't alone in those feelings. My copy of Kari and Noelle's book is now being read by a friend of mine; I miss it and I want it back so I can read it again. I will continue to pass the book around to others in need or suggest they get the book. After reading When He Leaves I was inspired to write my own love story as Kari and Noelle did in the beginning chapters of their book. I found it very helpful in the healing process. I recommend others do the same. Kari and Noelle thank you so much!

I have been a bit
disappointed with this book. It's a great starting point for finding
places that are dog friendly, but I wouldn't rely on it solely. For
example, I found the information on Santa Cruz County to be pretty
inaccurate. Contrary to what the book tells you, New Brighton Beach
does allow dogs on leash ($1 fee) on the beach; and the
"trails" mentioned are just paths between the campgrounds
and the beach itself.

We stopped at a local gas station and picked
up a map with all parks indicated and it was more accurate about which
places allow dogs and on what terms.

Perhaps the author does a
better job in the more specific "Dog Lover's Companion to the Bay
Area".

We have used the California Dog Lover's Companion for travel all over northern, central, and southern California, and it has never let us down. All recommendations for lodging, outdoor activities, restaurants have been completely accurate in terms of quality and price -- unlike some other books we have used. Also, the author provides charming anecdotes about her dogs which make the book an enjoyable read, and not just a dry reference tool. We actually wore our first copy out (our dog ate the first few pages, and then it got all wet from a romp in the snow), and had to order a second!

In our opinion and our dogs', this book is truly the best thing that ever happened to dogs, at least California dogs!!! It's written with such a sense of humor and a love of dogs that sometimes we just read through it like it's a regular reading book, not a guidebook. Our dogs want to meet the author one day and shake her paw. We took a coastal vacation, staying at only places in this book, and the dogs were in total heaven, from Mendocino down to Santa Barbara. No other dog travel books compare.

If you are looking for a book to give you general knowledge on better known trout fishing streams in Pennsylvania, then this book will meet your needs. Unfortunately, the author does not do a good job of covering remote streams in many parts of the state that are excellent producing streams and beautiful places to fish. I was especially disappointed in his lack of coverage of streams in McKean and Warren County. I would not recommend this book to an avid Pennsylvania fisherman. The book is adequate for an out-of-state fisherman who is looking to fish some of the more popular streams in PA.

Book covered all of fundamentals of Pennsylvania fly fishing.Good for novices and out of town people. Gives needed information regarding lodging and services. The book does fall short in the amount of streams visited. Many wild trout and stocked streams went unmentioned. This was a big miss.

This comprehensive book on Pennsylvania waterways and fishing holes is a must have for any fishing person and nature lover alike. Dave Wolf includes highly detailed maps, hatching dates of every type of fish alive in Pennsylvania plus advice on the best methods of catching those fish. Not only that, he gives you listings of local hotels and restaurants, hospitals, car rentals, airports and fly shops.

Best of all, this guide book is gleaned from years of personal experiences fishing in America's rivers and streams. It is filled with detailed advice and information which proves invaluable to fishermen and lovers of the great outdoors.

Blessed By Thunder: Memoir Of A Cuban Girlhood is a compelling autobiography of a Cuban childhood amidst the drama and struggle of Cuba's revolution and consequent relative isolation from the western world in general, and the United States in particular. Flor Barriors grew up in a family embittered by their treatment at the hands of Castro's government. After requesting to leave the country, her family was ostracized, and eleven-year-old Flor was sent to a rural work camp where she picked tobacco and sugar cane for two years. Headstrong and defiant, with a spirit unbroken by daily hardships, she found wisdom and comfort in the older women in her family (two grandmothers and a nanny), each of whom taught her about the power of spirits and the magical ways to seek healing. Finally able to leave Cuba, Flor was uprooted and living in exile, but used the lessons learned from the women in her family to heal her losses and make her way in a new life far from home. Blessed By Thunder is a remarkable, engaging, candid, vividly recounted autobiography of an unusual girl in unusual times.

"In the heartbreaking story of her life in Cuba and the United States, Flor Fernandez gives us one of the first accounts of this passage that does not have a political agenda. These gentle portraits of the women who loved and raised her tell us more about the situation of the people of Cuba than a hundred works of propaganda.

Flor realizes that the one thing she can salvage from the past is her don, her gift for healing, and that rather than hindering her from adapting to the United States, it offers a doorway to the future, and a focus for her life. She draws a continuous thread that links us to traditional healing and the hope that it holds for contemporary women today.

I look forward to reading more from this talented and insightful writer."

-Kathleen Alcalá, Author of Spirits of the Ordinary and The Flower in the Skull

Blessed By Thunder is a stunning achievement and a heartfelt story about what it is to grow up too quickly, what it is to lose your home and your country and to find yourself in the land of magnificent promises and deferred dreams... America! Flor Fernandez Barrios has written an exceptional memoir that recounts shocking stories of the layers and layers of betrayal and deception the Cuban people have endured through Castro's four-decade-old revolution. As the child of Cuban exiles I devour books about that mysterious jewel of an island called Cuba...so near and yet so far.... We are Blessed by writers such as Fernandez Barrios who has pierced the exotic veil of this intoxicating neighbor of ours and who has laced her stories with wrenching details of how ordinary lives have been touched by this larger world event. Her memoir is elegant and deeply provoking and her stories stay with you long after the book is done. ~ Juana de la O

This is a beautiful book of the TV show the West Wing. This slightly larger than average soft-covered book gives re-caps of each episode in the first and second season of this award winning show. The re-caps cover what happened during each episode and offer various pictures. Also intertwined into the re-caps are tid-bit insights such as alternative scenes, thoughts from the actors/creator/producers, and other fun facts. The book also contains 'bonus' material such as a picture of each of the main characters offices with brief descriptions of the sets. Also included are actor and character profiles- complete with thoughts from other cast members, quotes, and fun insight. A very nice book for any one who enjoys the show.

Buy this book.

Buy two copies of this book, come to think of it; you'll want to cannibalize one just for the photographs.

This time they got it right. This is as flawless a book as Challen's monstrosity was dismal. Buy one for your friends. Buy one for every Wingnut you know. Buy one for people who never heard of the show, it'll hook 'em. The introduction (by Martin Sheen) is a superb lead-in and almost worth the price of admission in itself.

"The West Wing" is basically an episode guide to the first two seasons of the best show on television. It is a visual delight; glossy paper and a practically limitless supply of amazingly gorgeous photographs. Each episode is summarized -- *not* reviewed, but summarized -- with snippets of dialogue thrown in, and bits of interview with everyone from the Executive Producers to the Director of Photography to the recurring bit players to the costumer. Occasionally a synopsis of a scene that never made it into the final edit is supplied, and some of those are very surprising.

The other major piece of this book are features on each of the lead actors for the second season (Lowe, Hill, Janney, Moloney, Schiff, Spencer, Whitford, and Sheen) and their characters, with just enough new information to tantalize.

If we'd had this book last month I know a hundred thousand Christmases would have been happier.

This is the ultimate fan guide to the first two seasons of The West Wing! Glossy pages, detailed episode guide, character and actor biographies and a spotlight on meaningful quotes and exchanges. Television does not get better than The West Wing and this book actually does it justice -- purchase today!