J Books

It's been several days since I've finished this amazing book, and only now, as I begin it again, can I begin to sing its praises. This is one of those rare books that one becomes lost among-- yes, we're talking missed bus stops, phone calls going unanswered, lunch hours long over-extended, and sitting in the car reading when one should be in the office doing something. J.G. Hayes is a writer whose work seems to go directly into one-- so often, even with other superlative artists, one is still aware that one is reading. But with Hayes' work, one is there, one loses the sense that one is reading-- there is no middle man. I can count on one hand the authors who have down that to me.
By no means does one have to be a GLBT person to appreciate and love this book-- I'm not-- just as one does not have to be Native American to weep at Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee, or Asian-American to get Amy Tan. Hayes' work transcends genre, if indeed he can be called a genre writer (which I'm sure he would resent.) And his verbal pyrotechnics are astonishing: "It was deep in the green tangle of June when it happened..." or "lost as we were, traversing the Timbuktu of 11-year old boy dreams..."
And, with the creation of Petey Harding, Hayes has given us a Green Man Everyman for the next century-- innocent, cynical, world-weary, joyous, subliminal, despairing and child-like and ancient, all at the same time.
Anyway...gush gush gush. Just buy this book. Then prepare to be late for things until you finish.

Hayes, J.G. "A Map of the Harbor Islands", Harrington Park Press, 2006.

Mapping the Heart

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

For the sheer pleasure of reading and the beauty of the English language, "A Map of the Harbor Islands" is the book to read. Here is such a beautiful story that literally had me weeping as I read. J.G. Hayes has written a book that just happens to be gay as he deals with the friendship between two friends--one gay and one straight.
Danny and Petey are the best of friends even though they come from very different parts of Boston and very different ways of life. Petey is the ideal boy, everyone adores him--he is prize student and star athlete. His world is changed forever during a basketball game but what caused the change I will leave to you to read the book and find out for yourselves. Anyone who has ever had a best friend will love his book. The childhood friendship of the Danny and Petey continues as they reach adulthood even though one is gay and one is straight. Through ups and downs, periods of non-communication and some rough periods, their love for each other matures and mutates but they remain true to each other. Written beautifully, the book has humor in the middle of trouble and the heart is rendered as the friends and nature are described.
It is only fair to say that this is not just a work of gay fiction--it is a wonderful addition to literature at large. Here is a book that must be read and appreciated for the beautiful tome that it is. But I digress--I cannot help but relay my praise.
Looking back at Danny and Petey--they have been friends since kindergarten and the book concentrates on their lives from the seventh grade forward. In Boston there are unwritten codes of behavioral conduct and high on that unspoken list is that there are no gay boys in south Boston. This does not affect the friendship of the two but it did require a great deal of decoding on Danny's part, especially in understanding Petey as the boys stand on the threshold of adulthood.
The core of the narrative is a study of what friendship is and the power it holds. As you read the book, you realize that, for you, Danny and Petey are not just characters on a page of a book but are real and vibrant.
When Petey comes out to Danny, Danny arranges a date for him with a woman and the results were not only disastrous but traumatic for both boys. Danny realizes later that perhaps he is also gay and in order to check himself he enlists in the Armed Services so that he can gain some perspective on his own life. This only adds more confusion and complication to the nature of the relationship.
The plot is a roller coaster ride through the entire gamut of human emotion. When in the last chapter, Danny reflects on his friendship with Petey, we see that despite their differences in sexuality, their friendship is strong and true.
This is not an easy read because of several parts written in the "stream of consciousness" but this is one of the best reads you will ever have. The language and style are intense and pack with emotion. The enchanting friendship of the two boys and the fact that they can openly speak about their own character flaws makes this book monumental. There is no let down anywhere in the book--it begins to cast its spell with the first sentence where it grabs you and holds you until the last sentence.
I felt fulfilled and so much of a better person having read this beautiful book and I am sure you will feel the same.

Quite simply I have to say this is the best published book, gay or otherwise, that I have read in quite some time. I did not want to put it down. I was quite moved by the story throughout the book and was so appreciative of the depth and spirituality of the ending I cried which I do not do easily!
Joe writes like people in South Boston talk and this takes a little getting used to at first but once the cadence is achieved it is smooth sailing (no pun intended) from then on. It is a story of love, hurt, redemption, acceptance, self awareness, friendship and life interwoven with a person's grappling with self and societal homophobia. Joe is a master of creativity dand storytelling. You will NOT be disappointed!

Hayes, J.G. "A Map of the Harbor Islands", Harrington Park Press, 2006.

Mapping the Heart

Amos Lassen and Literary Pride

For the sheer pleasure of reading and the beauty of the English language, "A Map of the Harbor Islands" is the book to read. Here is such a beautiful story that literally had me weeping as I read. J.G. Hayes has written a book that just happens to be gay as he deals with the friendship between two friends--one gay and one straight.
Danny and Petey are the best of friends even though they come from very different parts of Boston and very different ways of life. Petey is the ideal boy, everyone adores him--he is prize student and star athlete. His world is changed forever during a basketball game but what caused the change I will leave to you to read the book and find out for yourselves. Anyone who has ever had a best friend will love his book. The childhood friendship of the Danny and Petey continues as they reach adulthood even though one is gay and one is straight. Through ups and downs, periods of non-communication and some rough periods, their love for each other matures and mutates but they remain true to each other. Written beautifully, the book has humor in the middle of trouble and the heart is rendered as the friends and nature are described.
It is only fair to say that this is not just a work of gay fiction--it is a wonderful addition to literature at large. Here is a book that must be read and appreciated for the beautiful tome that it is. But I digress--I cannot help but relay my praise.
Looking back at Danny and Petey--they have been friends since kindergarten and the book concentrates on their lives from the seventh grade forward. In Boston there are unwritten codes of behavioral conduct and high on that unspoken list is that there are no gay boys in south Boston. This does not affect the friendship of the two but it did require a great deal of decoding on Danny's part, especially in understanding Petey as the boys stand on the threshold of adulthood.
The core of the narrative is a study of what friendship is and the power it holds. As you read the book, you realize that, for you, Danny and Petey are not just characters on a page of a book but are real and vibrant.
When Petey comes out to Danny, Danny arranges a date for him with a woman and the results were not only disastrous but traumatic for both boys. Danny realizes later that perhaps he is also gay and in order to check himself he enlists in the Armed Services so that he can gain some perspective on his own life. This only adds more confusion and complication to the nature of the relationship.
The plot is a roller coaster ride through the entire gamut of human emotion. When in the last chapter, Danny reflects on his friendship with Petey, we see that despite their differences in sexuality, their friendship is strong and true.
This is not an easy read because of several parts written in the "stream of consciousness" but this is one of the best reads you will ever have. The language and style are intense and pack with emotion. The enchanting friendship of the two boys and the fact that they can openly speak about their own character flaws makes this book monumental. There is no let down anywhere in the book--it begins to cast its spell with the first sentence where it grabs you and holds you until the last sentence.
I felt fulfilled and so much of a better person having read this beautiful book and I am sure you will feel the same.

Many reviewers have rehashed the plot so I won't go over any plot points in here. In my opinion JG Hayes has produced a classic of gay themed fiction here. I almost wish it did not have to be lumped in with gay fiction because I think so many people of any persuasion would be incredibly touched by the love and the friendship shown in these pages. The success of the book is the putting into words the feelings of unconditional love. With only one minor exception - near the end of the book - he never once uses the melodramatic tv movie of the week prose/storytelling that so many other writers have resorted too to tell stories of friendship.

Love it or hate it the dialougue is fresh and exciting. In the character of Petey he gives us a free thinker whose capacity for learning and loving seem endless. Teaching by example, Petey becomes the shining light that changes forever the lives of those around him.

While the book is very wordy, with many segues to the characters random thoughts - you must read every word! There are so many pearls buried in there. I found myself gasping out loud at some of turns of phrase he uses in telling this compelling story. Prepare be surprised - prepare to enjoy and prepare to meet a gifted writer who will turn your world on its head. Few books have left me this moved.

This is great trivia for those who already have a basic knowledge of the middle ages. It's filled with gross and gristly bits that will entertain and inform. Don't let the juvenile presentation of the book deter you. A really fun read for teens and adults alike. I'm looking forward to reading more in the series.

Who says history has to be boring and serious? Measly Middle Ages tells the history of the middle ages while completely entertaining the reader. The book itself is filled with lots of interesting information, surprising facts, and insider jokes. It's great fun!

Measly Middle Ages is part of a series of Horrible Histories which teaches history in a interesting, fun, and humorous way. All of these books have great titles like Rotten Romans, Awesome Egyptians, Groovy Greeks, and Vicious Vikings. A copy of these books should be in every local school library.

This great, enchanting, and captivating series attracted me since i was a child. Not only is this an educating experience, this also provides information in a very enjoyable way. Attractive to the most intelligent minds, and interesting to every child, this makes a great gift and also a great reader.
It will make you smile and even laugh out loud as you read book after book. My only question is, why would they ever stop priting? I ask Scholastic to continue print so all who desire a book can recieve one. Thank you.

The book really had no main characters. This book was an informational book covering the Middle ages. The book covered such great people in history as Queen Isabeau, King Richard II, and King Richard III.

The plot of the story is about the middle ages. Also about
how the people changed history and life as it was during the Middle Ages. The history that I learned was a lot different of how it is today. The story also focused on famous kings and Queens and important people who changes history forever and their improtant contributions to the Middle Ages.

The setting of the story is during the Middle Ages which is from 410A.D.-1453A.D.

The Measly Middle Ages is about the people in life that made a diffrence for the people of today. It also tells you about important events and the historic importance of individuals of during the middle ages.

One of the resons I liked this book is because I am realy into history. Another reason that I liked reading this book is because of the awsome illistrations throughout the book. I also enjoyed how the book kept my attention throghtout the story and this is why this was one of best books i have read in a long time.

I came across Terry Deary completely by accident ~ in a gift shop in Scotland, shoved amongst other more "scholarly" hardcovers. As my graduate area of study is the Middle Ages, I was intrigued and bought the book on a whim ~ and haven't stopped buying Terry Deary's books since! Are the books chock-full of historical facts guaranteed to allow someone to walk away thinking they know everything about the Middle Ages, Greece, Rome, France, or any of Deary's other topics? No, of course not. Are the books a wonderfully entertaining (and illustrated!) way of addressing what can admittedly be a bit of a dry topic? Of course! I say any books that can make someone, young or old, become interested in history should be embraced fully. And, hey, I learn something new from every book I read, which is an added bonus! Further, I think these books definitely appeal to adults who have an interest or education in history ~ much as what "The Reduced Shakespeare Company" teaches us about Shakepeare is true about Deary's treatment of history: the better you know the original, the more funny and entertaining the condensed versions are.

Currently living in Canada, Ms. Hovey chose to set this novel in Evansdale, a small town in Maine and home to psychologist Ellen Morgan Harris. Counseling others on problems she knows all too well, Ellen battles her own childhood demons and a predisposition to alcoholism. These, she can handle. It is grief, often underestimated as a prime motivation, which brings her to the attention of both law and outlaw. First, the premature death of her husband knocks her off balance. Then the contemptuously brutal murder of her beloved little sister, her last bit of home and hearth, drives her into a hard-edged and relentless pursuit of her sister's killer. She and the killer seem to have little choice as they follow their respective fates: the prey turns predator and the predator can't stop, even when self-interest would dictate otherwise. Hovey's realistic and understated prose carries the reader along faster and faster to a conclusion that both relieves and saddens...so many lives and so many scars. Hovey's characters are so believable that the reader closes the book after the last chapter as though returning from a visit to Evansdale. Readers who find a restrained description of terrifying events all the more chilling may see Nowhere to Hide as more thriller than mystery. In any case, we have reason to exult over Ellen's triumph and mourn her losses, in equal measure.

"...makes the reader glance nervously over her shoulder when the house gets too quiet. Start reading this book on a Saturday morning. That way, you'll have all weekend to read it, since you won't want to put it down.

Martine G. Bates Inscriptions magazine

This book is right up there with the greats, in my opinion. While I think the author could have started off with more action, then perhaps after hooking the reader, gone back to the beginning, it still nonetheless is an excellent read. Once it heated up, I couldn't put it down. It was enthralling, captivating, and I was anxiously anticipating the ending. Ms. Hovey did such a remarkable job with the keeping the reader in suspense and caring about the lead character's fate. I recommend this story without hesitation. Ms. Hovey has a refreshing writing style, which I found to be clear and to the point, and as I stated previously, an absolutely marvelous ability to keep the suspense turned up high.

Synopsis: The story takes the reader into the world of orphanage girls and the depraved persons who either prey on them or allow others to. In this story, two sisters who survive life as orphans, grow up to become professionals. The oldest, a psychologist; the younger, a singer. Unbeknownst to them, the younger sister is being trailed by a sick person from their past. When she is murdered, the older sister, Ellen, finds solace in her best friend, who also happens to have spent some time in the same orphanage. As Ellen's life begins to spin out of control, she takes up the habit which killed her parents: drinking. Her best friend, Myra, who also doubles as her patient, on occasion, has been having weird dreams of which Ellen has been trying to help her figure out for the last year or so. However, after finding out about Ellen's sister's murder, the dreams come back with a rage. Myra is concerned about them, and even asks Ellen what they could mean, but Ellen is too caught up in her own nightmare to really concentrate and focus on their meaning. After Ellen challenges the murderer to come after her a police officer is assigned to protect her. She develops a great rapport with the officer, and when things seem to be less intimidating and the killer makes no further move to contact her, she convinces the officer of her safety and need for solitude. As if right on cue, all hell breaks lose and the reader is panting to keep up with the events in the story. Ms Hovey does an excellent job of fanning the flames of suspense and thrill, page after page until the very last word.

Joan Hall Hovey's Nowhere to Hide, is a fast moving suspense thriller, that will keep you up all night to finish it. Ellen Morgan, who is still recovering from the untimely death of her husband, is shattered when her younger sister is brutally murdered. Her pain soon turns to rage when she realizes that this man has killed before and will probably kill again and that the police seem unable to catch him. When the evening news wants to interview her about her work as a psychologist, she uses the opportunity to challenge the killer and sets into motion a series of events that will leave you turning all the lights on and locking your doors as you breathlessly await the outcome. Ellen and her sister grew up in an abusive home with alcoholic parents that ended with her sister living for a time in a local orphanage. Ellen senses that the answers she seeks my lie in the old orphanage but before she can really begin to look into her theory, the killer strikes again. As Ellen races to discover the identity of the killer, she finds that in order to live, she has to confront a past she has tried very hard to put behind her. Hovey has created a disturbing look into the mind of a serial killer that will send chills up your spine.

This book is amazing, if a little daunting. It will take some time but I hope to be creating my own patterns some day. Happy folding!

This book is a MUST HAVE for the origami enthusiast - it begins with excellent coverage of the basics and each chapter builds on the last. When you finish this book, you'll be able to fold anything, except maybe time and space ;-)

By far and away the most comprehensive book on origami design and theory that I have every seen. There are thousands of books containing origami models, but few, if any, actually take the time to explain how the models were created in the first place. If Robert Lang didn't already hold a Ph.D., this book could serve as a dissertation. In addition to the theory and concepts of origami model design, this book also contains excellent models that demonstrate the principles covered in each chapter. I have always enjoyed folding Robert Lang's models in the past. They are challenging and extremely rewarding. I am a very good techincal folder but I could never really create my own models. This book has started me on my own path towards creating my own origami models to fold. While this book certainly could be useful to beginning origami folders, it best serves intermediate to advanced enthusiasts.

This is one of the best origami books ever written. Robert Lang is known for producing complex origami models and here he teaches the mathematical thought process behind the creation of these pieces. The book contains a number of chapters covering different methods of producing particular types of origami works and then each chapter ends with a series of advanced origami models for you to make with complete diagrammatical instructions.

The book is a wonderful instruction manual on how to create original origami designs but it also includes many sets of instructions for origami models which have never before been published. The exquisite Koi carp on the front cover (which I have seen in real life) is included as is the frog, and the infamous Black Forest Cuckoo Clock instructions are included at the end of the book. Don't try to make these pieces with ordinary paper - you will want to use very fine bank weight paper, tissue foil or wet folding with Canson or Elephant Hide paper to get good results.

This volume is an essential addition to any paperfolder's bookshelf and will provide many hours of interesting reading and wonderful models to fold.

Dr. Lang delves into the hows and whys of origami design exploring origami the way Alton Brown explores food and cooking.

The instructions for creating beautifully made koi decorating the cover are not included in their entirety, notably excluding the sequence for creating the scales. Instead, Lang describes the principles and techniques for creating textures on paper, leaving the creation of the fish as an exercise for the reader.

If you're looking for a recipe book for cool origami designs, then this is not the book for you. Rather, this book is for anyone curious about just how the heck someone makes a cuckoo clock out of one uncut sheet of paper.

These are the people who founded our great country. These are people who we have all heard about, but don't really know who they were. This book is a great introduction to our founders and what made them do what they did.

As always, Bennett tosses us a great story about our founding fathers. His writing is coordinated and he points out the best of the dramatic tales (real) that they endured--as individuals, as well as family heads. If only, when future historians look back on our current days, they would be able to say..."Those were great days." Alas, I doubt it. Although the founders were what might be called "normal mortals", to challenge each other to create our great nation makes one proud to be able to say "we belong!" They were clearly heroes.

I was tasked to find an appropriate book to give to outstanding high schoolers for our local Rotary Club. I felt this book well represented the ideal of the club. This book should serve as a valuable resource in future years as these young men and women matriculate to higher learning, and careers.

Bennett chose his material well. Historians may argue with some of the details in his commentary (e.g., that Burr shot to kill Hamilton, aiming directly at his chest). Others may take issue with some of the "nuclear family" biases inherent in his commentary. That isn't the meat of the book. The importance of the book rests in the quotes of the founding generation, and Bennett went beyond some of the most famous quotes and speeches, although these are represented as well, to give us a true feeling of a generation that approached life with a genuine goal of self-improvement. Most interesting were some passages from Abigail Adams, from her "tough love" to John Quincy through her disdain for french dancers. Anything regarding Bennett's personal life is irrelevant for assessing the value of this work.

The United States of America was blessed with a generation of founding fathers who were at the same time people of action, and people of thought. They were an incredibly brilliant group of political and moral thinkers. Washington, Adams, Jefferson, Franklin, Hamilton, Madison had a profound understanding of both human nature and the unique circumstances bound up with the founding of the United States. Their dream was of creating a nation like no other before, one based on principles of freedom, and dignity of the individual The ideal formulation is of course in one of the documents central to this collection, ' The Declaration of Independence' , life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
In this anthology of the founding fathers' writings in story, letter song, speech and hymn we feel the spirit of a new and great nation and vision for mankind.
God Bless America.

THIS BOOK HELPED ME ALOT TO LEARN HOW TO HELP MY CHILD AFTER WE KNEW WHAT WAS GOING ON. GREAT REFERENCE TO HAVE AROUND.

I highly recommend the book "The Highly Sensitive Child" by Elaine Aron to get a different perspective (more positive) on the out of sync child.

This is an excellent book for teachers and parents! It provides useful and very important information to work and deal with kids with sensory integration disorder

As a teacher I found that this book had many fun and functional activities. I do wish this book had more activities for older (teenage) students with moderate to severe disabilities; but, a great book overall.

I *LOVED* this book. It was such a quick read that I got through it in two days, *with* two kids underfoot, but there certainly was no lack in valuable content to read. This has transformed the way that I understand and work with my daughter, and she has had a diagnosis for sensory integration disorder for years! I reccommend this to *any* parent, even those without sensory kids....

The book had good case studies for and advice for both entrepreneurs and business people in general. His Principles and Ground Rules are good advice from the real world. I found a couple of typos here and there, but it was a good quick read.

The book has a lot of motivation on how to utilize people that come in play with your life in a positive way. It shows you how to be creative in making real estate deals to your advantage.

Great book for those who want to become real estate investors.

The book is awesome. I first skimmed it at the bookstore but after getting home without it I decided to go back and purchase it because there were so many lessons in there that needed to be mulled over and studied again.

So many other books of a similar ilk don't go into the details that Mr Peebles does and his lessons could apply to many businesses, not just real estate.

This is a great book. The main lesson I learned from this book is that there are different degrees of thinking, and if you're going to think anyway, you mind as well think BIG. Thinking big feeds upon itself, creating more and more success. Thinking BIG also helps facilitate creativity. If one thinks small, set-backs will inevitably cause them to quite before the BIG rewards come. I agree with other's comments who say that the power in this book comes from "going along" with the author, and in essence being a part of his successes and failures.

The author's writing style gives credence to the lists of principles he produces at the end of each chapter. It's written well; not too long, not too short. One of the risks of the author's writing style is that the reader might get sidetracked into viewing the book as entertaining, and not take out the numerous gems to apply to their own entrepreneurial endeavors. I've read it once for enjoyment and now will read it again to extract the numerous gems.

I appreciated and enjoyed the author's "tell it like it is" candor. I believe that is one of the traits that has made him successful. However, I got a bit uncomfortable when he would name people he claimed as being dishonest or lacking in judgment. He did this as a matter of fact, which I feel is a bit unfair to the accused. Chances are high they were dishonest and lacked judgment, but to state it as a fact in a book, I thought was a bit unfair. But that is being picky (unless you're one of the accused); all-in-all this is a great book for aspiring entrepreneurs!

I WAS UPLIFTED AND INSPIRED BY THIS BOOK. I AM IN MEDICINE NOT BUSINESS BUT THE PEEBLES PRINCIPLES ARE UNIVERSAL. THANK YOU MR. PEEBLES.

As the last of George Pickett's men limped off the battlefield on the evening of July 3rd, 1863 it was clear the Confederate Army, after three days of fighting, had been defeated. General Lee, as the commander of the Army of Northern Virginia, accepted all responsibility for the loss, but many, after the battle, blamed General J.E.B. Stuart instead. It has been 145 years since the Confederate defeat at Gettysburg, and the controversy over who is to blame for the loss has never abated.

Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi have brought the case to trial in their book, "Plenty Of Blame To Go Around: Jeb Stuart's Controversial Ride to Gettysburg." The first half of the book is an inquiry into the facts of the case, as the authors present General Lee's orders to Stuart as exhibits. Their careful and diligent research has turned up many witnesses, both Union and Confederate, who add their testimony, and together, they form a narrative of the events following Stuart's departure with his cavalry, their ride around the Federal Army and their arrival on the battlefield of Gettysburg on July 2nd.

The second half of the book enters the historiography of Stuart's ride into evidence, and breaks it down into three phases. In the first phase, immediately after the battle and war, those immediately involved in the Confederate high command, and those involved in the ride, begin the finger pointing and placing of blame. In the second, the controversy continues, and heats up, during the post war years, as the participants continue quarreling with one another. Finally, after the passing of the participants, the debate continued into the 20th & 21st centuries, when the historians took up the argument. In all three phases, JEB Stuart had his supporters and detractors. The authors have done a fine job, presenting the evidence and arguments on both sides of this complicated issue.

Was the infallible Robert E. Lee at fault for issuing vague orders to Stuart? Did Stuart disobey, either willfully or unintentionally, Lee's orders? The authors, in their conclusion, deliver their verdict and find there is no one single person entirely to blame for the Confederate loss at Gettysburg. There is enough fault for every one. Or, in other words, there's "plenty of blame to go around."

"Plenty Of Blame To Go Around" is the definitive history of Jeb Stuart's ride to Gettysburg. Eric J. Wittenberg and J. David Petruzzi's outstanding research has produced a book that is truly a joy to read.

Lots of questions answered regarding what Gen stuart did or didn't do at Gettysburg. Definitely added lots of light to dissipate the tons of heat present in the myths, rumors and inuendo surrounding Lees loss of the Battle of Gettysburg and who truly shared the blame for the loss--including rafts of evidence supporting the what and why of the blame. Gen Jeb Stuart comes off well--he was certainly not the villain of the loss.

Regardless of what one thinks of JEB Stuart, "Plenty of Blame to Go Around" is worth the time to read. The authors carefully analyze Stuart's part in the Gettysburg campaign using first hand accounts, secondary sources, and "color" commentary from beyond the written word. In regard to the later, I found it most helpful as the authors placed the realities of mounted warfare into the context of Stuart's actions. For instance few first hand accounts discuss how often horses were shod. Such was an action so common, they didn't think to mention it (as we wouldn't mention filling our gas tanks or changing oil in a narrative). Secondary accounts miss this important limitation when discussing what Stuart could or could not have accomplished. The authors here present this and other points that bear on the overall discussion. Interesting and very well written overall. The last few chapters deal directly with the "historiography" of Stuart's ride, and very professionally I might add. Clear distinction is made between the author's opinion and the secondary sources. In the end, the authors don't play their hand early with regard to conclusions. Facts are presented and different interpretations offered, then the authors make their conclusions.

Three points which prevent this from becoming a full five star submission in my opinion. First, the maps presented are not detailed enough to support the text. When I read an historical text, particularly military history, it is rather cumbersome to pull up a modern road map to place things in context of the terrain. Second, the "tour" section at the end should be more inclusive, and deal with more than just the Pennsylvania sites. Lastly, I would prefer the authors to have brought into the discussion more of the action in Loudoun Valley in the week preceding the start of Stuart's ride.

As a history of Stuart's epic ride, this book has no peer. As even-handed historiography of the critical aftermath, echoing for well over a century, it also no peer. I have two trivial criticisms: 1) the title isn't quite accurate, I think -- however many people were in the decision loop during those critical days, Stuart surely must have realized, at some point, that he had brought his command far from where it should have been; and, 2) the authors interrupt their clear narrative flow with repeated biographical digressions that should have been drastically curtailed or relegated to the endnotes (or both). The authors make the all-important point that Lee and his corps commanders marching into Pennsylvania had sufficient cavalry available for their purposes in the four brigades left behind by Stuart, but they failed to utilize these brigades properly and the brigade commanders themselves demonstrated little initiative. The biggest problem was not the absence of Stuart's three cavalry brigades but of Stuart himself, with his intuitive flair for scouting and delivering accurate reports to Lee.

I have read several books on the Stuart/Gettysburg controversy, this one covers all bases and brings into perspective a few new and relatively uncovered issues.
If you've read anythings else this tome will still be worth the read in the way it covers the information.

This book came in a timely fashion and was very well kept. Great book to read when looking for the answers to questions you may have. Awesome purchase.

This series is well worth every penny. You can find a lot of books for less but that is what you are getting. Save yourself some money and get the series that thoroughly do cover every aspect of the hobby in amazing detail. This series is amazing and you will love it. It is a bit scientific but it does not leave anything out.

New hobbyist should read this book for advice, then read it again in 6 months.

An exceptional book on the subject. It is comprehensive but I would not say not complete as no book on this subject could be. Still I believe this book to be the best work compiled in book form. Described by many as "the Bible" on the subject it indeed may be but it is not dogmatic as it offers several options and methods and leaves it for the aquarist to use.
(Note: This volume covers stony corals and not soft corals).
When I started keeping marine aquaria keeping back in 1970 one almost had to employ the skills of a chemist. In those days most people in the hobby  thought it nearly impossible to care for many of the species of coral now commonly kept. It was only through the encouragement of a local public aquarium (the John G. Shedd Aquarium) whereas a high school student I was able to participate in collecting trips that I got the encouragement to experiment. I started out with Robert Straughan's books back in 1970 which both helped to get me in trouble and helped me grow as an aquarist. both In those days there was an awful lot of trial and error. Later in the late 70's I helped to pioneer some techniques when I worked for the Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. In those days in San Francisco I worked for one of the largest marine fish wholesalers in the world. We had a lot of shipments that went off to Germany and now I wonder if some of the species that passed through my hands ended up in the hands of the authors. Somewhat of a revolution went of in the hoby in the 1980 thanks in part to the efforts of the Germans. Thankfully the hobby is now much more of a discipline and a lot more humane. It is quite amazing how far the hobby has come. I am sure the hobby will continue to evolve. This is a pricey book but it is a pricey hobby and this book is one of the best, if not the best, books on the subject available. The best place to start with the hobby is a book like this one.

The good?

This book is truly a comprehensive piece covering probably more than you want to know at times. For example, it explains the chemical reactions that occur during calcification of corals and why additions are necessary.

After reading many other references, I must say I am very happy I purchased this volume. Contained in these pages are insights you won't find anywhere else.

The book clearly explains the setup and maintenance procedures required to be successful in stony coral reef keeping.

The bad?

My main gripe is trivial. Guys, how about a larger font size and pictures? I had to do a lot of squinting.

It could do with a minor revision of some references that are dated (such as collection of live rock from Florida) as the original was 1994, but make no mistake that all information is relevant.

In summary...

Obviously at this price it is unfortunately out of reach of the casual hobbyist, which is a shame. However, one could buy this book instead of various "reference manuals" which might be the same at the end of the day.

Buy it if you can afford it.

I also highly recommend Eric Borneman's Aquarium Corals book.

A ROAD WE DO NOT KNOW takes the reader on the June 1876 campaign against "hostile" tribes that ended, as every schoolboy should know, in the defeat of the 7th Cavalry at the battle of the Little Big Horn, a river also known as the Greasy Grass to the Sioux. Mr. Chiaventone's first novel is not a great work of literature but it holds up pretty well against a lot of other historical fiction. A ROAD is told from the perspective of captain and corporal, chief and warrior, indian and trooper, white and red. Wrapped in fiction, the author provides a plausible explanation for why and how the battle developed, a puzzle debated by historicans for over a hundred years. The novel explores General Custer's decision-making prior to the battle, when presented with information from his scouts, and during the battle, when pressed by overwhelming numbers of warriors. It makes for a fascinating read to be especially enjoyed by history buffs. Mr. Chiaventone also is able to get into the motivation and thinking of the Ogala, Hunkpapa, Cheyenne, Arapaho and other Indians engaged at the Greasy Grass, showing the reader how these native Americans viewed the world without dragging down the novel with unnecessary and distracting "spiritual" discourse. A ROAD is a realistic novel, describing the rigors of the campaign as well as the violence of battle. A side note is that some 7th Cavalry survivors of the Little Big Horn were later killed at Wounded Knee, where a total of 26 troopers were killed and 35 wounded. Highly recommended.

I've read this book with great interest and excitement. I also comuunicated with the author by email several years ago, and consulted many "experts" on Custer after I read the book. Most of the stories we've heard about GAC are pure trash. GAC was a great hero in the Civil War, for which he has not been given near enough credit due to the despicable stories that have been told about him in the years since the Little Big Horn.

His dear wife, Libby, spent the rest of her life trying to correct the defaming and hostile stories written about him. Because most of his family died at the Little Big Horn, only his enemies, such as Benteen and Reno, were left to tell the story. They were both jealous of Custer, and all the evidence points to Reno as the biggest flaw in the campaign, as he and his troops turned and ran in the face of an assault. This is explained in several writings about this event.

Custer did what most any soldier would have done in his situation. This book explains some of that, so I will not repeat it here.

Suffice it to say, read the book with an open mind, forgetting all the "disinformation" you've heard about him.

Why wasn't this book made into a movie? Well, if it had been an anti-Custer, or anti-American book, it would have been The left-wing, socialist, anti-American pukes in Hollywood would have seen to it. But, it is a realistic story not indulging in mythology or hate-mongering against a true American hero in the Civil War. Custer's conflict with the Grant administration over treatment of the Indians is also a truth Hollywood would not want to tell. That would undermine their hate for him.

With "A Road We Do Not Know" Mr. Chiaventone takes us, on both banks of the Little Big Horn River, as close to what really happened there June 25, 1876 as anybody will ever get. Chiaventone achieves this partly through extensive historical research and partly through empathy for the men involved in the events, all of whom, Indians and cavalrymen, emerge from this story as real people: There are no Noble Savages in this book nor is Custer represented as a fool. Chivaentone understands the "fog of war" and how it can blind otherwise valiant and experienced commanders: Eighty-nine years after the Little Big Horn the 7th Cavalary got itself into a similar debacle at a place called the Ia Drang Valley in Viet-Nam, and in 1965 they had air support and artillery. The only quibble I have about this excellent novel is the large number of footnotes throughout. They do not belong in a novel because they distract from the flow of the story. Someone at Simon & Schuster needs to be reminded of that: put 'em in the narrative, in the mouths of the characters, or in an "Historical Note" at the end of the book, but NOT at the bottom of the page.

I gave this two stars but it is a matter of taste. I was looking for straight historical fiction. To enjoy this read you must really be an avid fan of military fiction. For people with this interest, this might be five stars. For my taste, the author dwelt too much on the details of the military custom and practice that he reconstructed for the circa 1870s Seventh Cavalry. This amounted to the first half of the book and I got bogged down in it. But this preoccupation with military details ran through the remainder of the book and I think had the effect of dampening the climax. It seemed like there was more militaria than characterization so it was hard for me to be personally drawn into the climax. But I realize that this is exactly what some people want. I also felt that the characterization of Custer was a little too charitable based on the history I have read. I am a Native American and I got the impression form this book that Custer was almost benevolent in attitude towards Indians -- just a little egotistical. That's a stretch.

Not since May 29, 1981, the day I finished The Killer Angels, have I been so overwhelmed by the ending of a military action novel as I was by this book. It is fiction only because it supplies lotsa dialogue for June 25, 1876--the day of Custer's Last Stand. This book presents all the events as very concentrated in time, whereas I before reading it had the impression the events were spread over several days. I am confident this book is pretty accurate as to what happened. This is a very poignant book, and made me feel I was with the people on that fateful day. Most worthwhile reading.