Reds Books

Here is how the dispossession of the Utes really happened. Should be required reading in history classes. Fascinating account. Highly recommend!!

"Red Twilight: The Last Free Days Of The Ute Indians" is a remarkable eye-witness testament to the plight of the Ute Indians. Val FitzPatrick was born January 4, 1886 and lived to the age of 102. All his life was spent in northwestern Colorado and gave him an intimate knowledge of the Northern Utes (especially the Whiteriver band) after their encounter with the white man's culture. FitzPatrick provides the modern reader with a window into a yesteryear of the western frontier during the time of white settlers displacing the Utes from the homelands. This is an account more accurate and compelling than those of the newspaper journalists of the day were able to print. Very highly recommended for personal and academic Native American studies collections, Red Twilight is enhanced with a rare oral history by one of the Ute warriors who fought in the Battle of Milk Creek; excerpts from the diary of early cowboy Wils Rankin (nephew of Joe Rankin, scout of the ill-fated Major Thornburg); and a special section describing life on the Uintah-Ouray Reservation in the 1950s and 60s.

Red Twilight: The Last Free Days Of The Ute Indians is a remarkable eye-witness testament to the plight of the Ute Indians. Val FitzPatrick was born January 4, 1886 and lived to the age of 102. All his life was spent in northwestern Colorado and gave him an intimate knowledge of the Northern Utes (especially the Whiteriver band) after their encounter with the white man's culture. FitzPatrick provides the modern reader with a window into a yesteryear of the western frontier during the time of white settlers displacing the Utes from the homelands. This is an account more accurate and compelling that those of the newspaper journalists of the day were able to print. Very highly recommended for personal and academic Native American studies collections, Red Twilight is enhanced with a rare oral history by one of the Ute warriors who fought in the Battle of Milk Creek; excerpts from the diary of early cowboy Wils Rankin (nephew of Joe Rankin, scout of the ill-fated Major Thornburg); and a special section describing life on the Uintah-Ouray Reservation in the 1950s and 60s.

This book is unique - it tells the story of the removal of the Ute Indians from a sympathetic viewpoint, and by one who was there. Val FitzPatrick was a settler in northwest Colorado when the Utes were displaced into Utah and forced from their ancestral homelands. The real story is different from what white history records.

Well written, great reading, and fascinating first-hand stories. If you like reading about the West and its history or American Indians, you can't go wrong here. The author was there and is a great writer. He personally knew the Utes. Winner of an award from the Utah Humanities Council and used in their diversity program. I also highly recommend FitzPatrick's other book, "The Arbuckle Cafe: Classic Cowboy Stories."

How this book came to be is as fascinating as the story within its pages. Eighty-one year old Red Wells always felt the need to share his life story, especially his experiences during World War II. Likewise, his daughter Sharon always wanted to write a book, and learn more about her father's service during the war. In the time honored method of oral tradition, dad and daughter would spend leisurely hours together, drinking coffee, fishing, or going for a drive in the country. Red would tell stories, Sharon would listen, mentally take notes, and frantically try to organize them later sitting at her computer. It was a last minute decision to attend the dedication of the National World War II Memorial in Washington DC that prompted both Red and Sharon to agree to turn their efforts into book form. The result is one of the most beautifully written testimonies to emerge from the soul of a greatest generation hero through the diligent hands of a loving, caring, sympathetic daughter.

Writing in the first person, Ms Wells-Wagner turns Red's childhood and teen years into a captivating adventure, every bit, if not more interesting that his later war exploits.
Diagnosed with spinal tuberculosis as an infant, Red spent the first years of his life in a body cast, confined to a hospital bed, hundreds of miles from home. His physical defect would eventually heal itself, but not in time to save his parent's marriage. Wells-Wagner's choice to use such un-politically correct phrases as "crippled children's hospital," and "Tubercular Sanitarium" brings the bleak reality of those trying times to light.

Red's mother died prematurely and Red was sent to live with a series of relatives. Wells-Wagner's pen flows effortlessly as she introduces a cast of real life characters all struggling against a backdrop of hard times. All, especially aunt Margret treated Red as their own but having missed out on those formative years of nurturing made Red feel not wanted. By age fourteen, like a depression era Tom Sawyer or Huckleberry Finn, Red was fishing the local streams, wandering the streets of Reading, smoking Bull Durham cigarettes, and sleeping at a local mission.

Red soon ran away from home, lived a Hobo's existence, hopping trains and sleeping under bridges from New Jersey to Kansas. Along the way he honed the survival skills he had developed on the streets of Reading. A stint in Idaho with the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) would give Red a taste of the structure he so desperately needed in his life, and would soon find in the Army.

The United States was not yet at war when eighteen year old Red joined the Army in the summer of 1941. Red was assigned to the 33d Infantry Regiment stationed on Panama Canal duty. Red alternated between guard duty aboard ships passing through the canal, and jungle warfare training in the hot insect infested jungles of Panama. From there it was on to Port of Spain, Trinidad to build a base, and more jungle warfare training. The author makes the transition from depression era narrative to military history smoothly. Her weaving of anecdotes about Red's encounters with tarantulas, giant pet snakes, a pet monkey, and a stubborn mule named Devil adds humor to this little touched topic of early American involvement in World War II. Yet to quote a trite expression of the time, Red had "found a home in the Army!"
Soon after the Allies had landed in France on D-Day, Red volunteered to join the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate). Made up primarily of Norwegian-Americans, the 99th was one of four ethnic units formed during the war. From Cherbourg to Aachen, the 99th was a mop-up unit, clearing pockets of enemy that were by-passed as the front moved on. Little is written about this unit, or the deadly business of digging out hidden enemy troops, many of which preferred death to surrender. The 99th became a part of General George S. Patton's Third Army and participated in the Battle of the Bulge. In the spring of 1945, General Patton utilized the 99th unique mop-up skills to hunt down Nazi SS troops and guards that had fled the Buchenwald concentration camp. Red recounts tales of fanatically defiant Nazi SS horribly wounded but still attempting to kill with any remaining strength. In one personal encounter (which Red requested be omitted from the final draft), he confided to his daughter, "One even had red hair like me."

Red remained in the Army for three years after the war ended. As a member of the 474th Infantry Regiment (Separate), Red formed an Honor Guard for returning exiled King Haakon VII of Norway. On the GI Bill, Red took flying lessons, later became a Drill Sergeant, and participated in Task Force Williwaw in the Aleutian Islands, a Cold war training exercise in winter warfare. Red's last mission was to escort returning war dead to their hometowns and attend the funerals, which required him to fold the American flag and hand it to the fallen soldier's spouse or mother.

When Red returned to Reading, Pennsylvania and married Helen, a local girl who had always had a crush on him, he had left behind him a trail of adventure no literary author could duplicate. He was twenty-five old.

Red's military career was as unique as the life he led. Fortunate for us, Red undertook one final mission, to relate his life experiences to his daughter. The book is a family effort: Sharon's husband drew the maps, her son proofread the manuscript, and a generous sampling of photographs brings the narrative to life. Her labor of love is evident; the honesty of her prose will delight. Of the dozens of World War II memoirs I've read, this is one of the most inimitably fascinating. If you read one memoir this year, read this one! Five stars, Bravo!

This book is much more than an accounting of a soldier's action in World War 2. This book is a life story of Red Wells and it's an incredible story.

The story begins with a family history, the birth and early childhood of Red Wells. The childhood portion of the book is just so inspiring. The teenage years and his many adventures at such a young age really set the stage for what the next 10 years of his life would be like. Basically it's adventure after adventure.

The World War 2 portion of this book is very introspective. If you want graphical descriptions of gore and mayhem you'll need to look elsewhere. What is covered are lots of descriptions of what he saw and how he felt about it. This really shows you the emotional side of the soldier and is something missing in many books.

In brief, here's what I liked most. The book is VERY well written. The narrative flows like a novel. The length of the chapters is short, only a few pages each so I could read a chapter or two each night before bed. The material is so interesting that you just want to keep reading. And it's all true.

I highly recommend this book.

I finished this book in one day because I was drawn in by the important, inspiring, and dramatic story. This is the history of an American soldiers life and how he was profoundly changed by WWII. We have much to learn from the personal sacrifice of the people that lived and served in our armed forces during this era.

From the beginning of this book I realized the Patriot Red Wells had given much to a thankful country. His life was one of hardships and numerous trials. One of his defining moments in life was when he decided to join the military. From his various experiences during training, to the development of his many strong friendships, to the accounts of the horrific realities of the battlefield, I along vicariously learned from Red's life journey. The journey is itself is amazing but the master story teller Sharon Wells Wagner, Red's daughter, kept me en-rapt with each page.

Red's journey demonstrated to me valuable life lessons including:

1. No matter how bad a situation could be it could always be worse. The guy with his leg shot off in the battlefield is having a worse day than the soldier who is still walking.
2. Friends are important in our life and cannot be taken for granted. Red discovers the bad news of his military buddy losing his life during a battle. This story which caused me to reflect on the friends I need to kept in touch with.
3. As Red mentions he is very much a survivor. Through his actions during battle and in his personal life I learned that we must rely on others to succeed. Most importantly we must rely on our self determination.

Most people from a strained familial relationship with no permanent father figure normally do not succeed in life. Red Wells proves that you can overcome many obstacles, but most importantly you can become successful even if you don't have the best start in life.
I enjoyed hearing the stories of Red's life because I am able to vicariously through him. More importantly I may learn from Red's life lessons without having to live them myself. Red Wells is a noble man for sharing his life experiences, even if those experiences are painful to relate. It takes a truly brave man to let us live the triumphs and pain in their life, such has Red Wells has done in his history.

It is important to have people we can look towards and continue the legacy of this proud and diverse country. We need more heroes like Red Wells to stand up and tell their story. Red Wells has become one of my heroes. I will always remember the story of Red Wells, An American Soldier In World War II, and an American hero.

Very simply written, as a simple recitation of the facts, this book is amazingly emotional. Mr. Wells's life is almost unbelievable in the number of obstacles thrown in his path from infancy onward. His very survival is remarkable, much less his bouyant attitude. All of us should be inspired by having such a man as a fellow American.
History buffs will be enlightened by his very personal story of his life as a soldier throughout World War II. There is no better reference than the personal story of a participant. And all of us should be made aware of the trials facing ordinary people during the Depression, before the welfare, social security, unemployment compensation, or workers' compensation that we take for granted now.
This should be put on recommended reading lists in schools throughout America.

This book is for anyone who is looking for intrigue and surprise, but most of all, if you're looking to do a little soul searching, this is for you too! While not classified as a mystery or suspenseful novel, The Red Woman and Water Lilies sure will keep you on the edge of your seat.

This novel is packed with vivid descriptions of life as it was during one of the most exciting times in American history. Each word appears to be selected carefully to allow the reader to imagine that they are actually there at that time, with that person. If you have time to read the book slowly, you can savor each phrase. The book keeps you interested in finding out more about each character and what will happen next. It is a book to be enjoyed by the reader. When you read this book(and you should), it makes you feel good about how good life can be if you follow your heart. The author has a deep insight into people. This is her first published novel, however, there are more on the way. I shall look forward to reading more of these works in the future.

I thought this was an excellent novel. The detail in the book made the images come alive in my mind, and the characters were well fleshed out. They were the kind of people that are actually walking around, far from perfect yet incredibly compelling. They were just far enough away from the fairy tale story that one minute I would side with one, then the next, I would be behind another. I found myself rooting for everyone, even when I knew perhaps there was no way everyone could come out on top, especially with all the love triangles. I would reccomend this because I think it reminds us that sometimes we think we know our own hearts, and others hearts, but really, we just need to keep searching, and listening to what really is going on inside of ourselves. Anyone that has been in love, been out of love, been lonely, been scared, been through that soul searching kind of moment will be able to identify with these characters and this story.

This is a book that I enjoyed, and with some research due to my curiousity, to my surprise, found that the author is only 20 years old, which made me even more impressed! This is a book that I sat on my back porch and read while drinking my morning coffee. It's about mother and daughter bonds and family life, siblings and roles we take on. I found the love story sweet, but I thought the point was deeper than that. It was about that search I had almost forgotten, that search when we try to figure out who we are and why we are here, what the world holds for us, and how to do our best by this gift of life that we have been given. It's a wonderful reminder, and I look forward to her next works. I cannot imagine what this author may do in the future, if at 20, she has already written this. I highly would give this to my friends and family to read. And actually, already have.

Though Reed suffers from chronic name dropping and repetitive, trite expressions ("inner space" appears at least twice a page), his poetry is as visionary and original as the heroes he worships. It is in the tradition of Rimbaud, the poet as deranged rebel and tortured visionary, and Reed is clearly not pretending. "Outsiders" is one of his most iconoclastic pieces, and perhaps more than any other poem in the collection expresses his credo. It is also, despite very upbeat imaginative trips, very dark material: Reed is not praising the felicities and trivial joys of life so much as reaching for its core in his urgent, existential fashion. Some of the most haunting poems are dedications to his deceased friends who were obviously as committed to his 'live on the edge' philosophy as he is. There is no posturing involved, and it would not surprise me at all if in twenty or thirty years "Reed" is mentioned in the same breath as "Artaud".

Despite suffering, ultimately, a bit of classic British reserve, Reed's poetry is quite probably the best currently being produced by anyone, anywhere. While lacking the warmth and humanity of Desnos, for example (clearly one of his major influences), Reed's work is awash with the telltale signs of true genius; from his unrivalled use of color to his ultramodern, up-to-the-minute employment of late-century vernacular, his writing shimmers with a top-to-bottom coherence,imagination, and clarity of thought that no other current poet in my experience can equal. To find another poet of this caliber, you have to journey back to the aforementioned Robert Desnos, circa 1926-45.

Red-Haired Android is my first foray into the world of Jeremy Reed, and in reading his poetry I have discovered a voice for my generation. His vivid use of colour to describe feelings, emotions and surroundings, give words a new meaning. The imagery in his thoughts is astounding. He can create a mental picture using only a few simple words. The passion the Jeremy Reed conveys through his use of language was quickly passed on to me, and this book has been relegated to the 'favourites' shelf in my bookcase. This is a book that is is for anyone. For lovers of poetry and those who have yet to be convinced of its power.

Jeremy Reed is open and unabashed about his bisexuality, his affection for rock stars, and his fascination with science fiction. All this could, and sometimes does, make surprising, interesting, and superb poetry. Unfortunately, Reed also tends to be repetitive, meandering, and narrow in his focus. Of his sexuality, he has said, "Why be one or the other?" so many times it seems like a mantra or creed rather than a deeply held belief, and this simple piece of rhetoric disbands at one sweep all the interesting possibilities and societal challenges raised by such fluid sexuality. Still, Reed has the ability to delight and surprise his readers as well as the authors he admires most: Artaud, Rimbaud, Ashbery. His tendency to bring science-fiction staples such as androids, robots, and astronomical phenomena into his poems is one that could potentially create a whole new genre: the science fiction poem. Since the best science fiction is that which rises above the level of pulp material, and which also has a tendency to become science fact, perhaps Reed's vision isn't so farfetched as it may seem.

I purchased this book for my son, just because it was written by my favorite author. Although I immediately fell in love with it, I wasn't so sure what my 6 year old son would think of it, but, perhaps for different reasons than me, he insists on having it read to him frequently. Like any classic folktale, it uses a simple style and classic images to present timeless and complicated truths. The illustrations are gorgeous and evoke just the right feelings for the story.

I read this book to my daughters, ages 6 and 4. Several weeks later when we were visiting my in-laws, my oldest daughter ran up to me holding a "red mare", a small wooden horse that her grandparents had purchased in Sweden. She retold the entire story and then offered to rescue her brother if ever he should be abducted by trolls.

When I think of "good children's books," this is the first one I think of. I gave it to my five-year-old daughter years ago, and I read it to her first-grade class as a parent helper. I've never seen children so entranced, so silent, hanging on every word. Now I'm buying another copy to read to my own classes after I get my teaching credential.

This is a fantastic story with beautiful illustrations.

I bought it for my daughter when she was five. At the age of twelve it is still a favorite of hers, and for me as well. Since Le Guin has used techniques from oral traditions, it is simply wonderful to read aloud.

I think this is an example of a perfectly written short story. Everything in the story has a purpose. Not a word can be taken away without detracting from the story, and any additions would be superfluous.

This is one of the few books that will not be traded in or given to a library.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE Ethel Pochocki. This book is one of my favorites, but anything this gifted and tender author writes is bound to be wonderful. (No, I'm not a relative of hers!) I assumed when I first "met" her that her stories were mainly for children; it was awhile before I saw that the themes she uses are universal, and any age reader will find something to mull over. Get ready for a warm glow.

Illustrated by Mary Beth Owens, who has exquisitely captured Ethel Pochocki's wild & flowing tale, when you open ROSEBUD & RED FLANNEL you venture into the whimsical & enchanting, with an endearing ending.

A RebeccasReads heirloom family treasure.

I'm so glad to see this book still in print! This was a favorite "Bedtime Storytime" book in our public library when it first came out...and the story bears out that love is stronger than adversity, longer-lasting than physical beauty, and, in the end, the rewards of love far outweigh vanity and pride. A sweet and funny book for all ages, especially for those with a favorite pair of pajamas that are put on the clothesline to dry!

I am delighted that this book is back in print! It is an engaging story illustrated with gorgeous watercolors. Rosebud is a rather refined nightgown, and is not impressed at first with Red Flannel, the pair of long johns that adores her. How her opinion of him changes and her respect for him grows is a story that parallels many a human love. Their deep commitment to each other is a lesson in lasting love. This book would be a lovely wedding present.

I bought this book based on Amazon reviews for a first birthday. My grandson absolutely loved the book and was intrigued by the dog's disappearing, the bunnies popping up, and the duck's wings expanding. However, the pop-ups should be heavier cardboard. It wasn't long before Scruff, bunnies, and bubbles started to be ripped from the book. However, my grandson then invented a new game---sticking Scruff back into the pictures. I would have been willing to pay a little more for a more durable book.

My 19 month old son LOVES this book! I purchased it after reading such glowing reviews and noticed his great interest in doggies in our neighborhood. It is so enticing for him to see Scruff duck behind the animals as you open the pages but sometimes tries to grab him and I've had to tape him back twice. A simple task given the joy it brings to my son. He also likes the "moo", "nibble", and "baa" the animals say and finding the ball and mouse on each page. The large illustrations and cute theme of needing a bath ending with a good doggie in the bath makes me think this is a great toddler book.

My two daughters always loved lift-the-flap books, esp. Maisy books. But as they get older, finding the same old things behind the same old flaps gets boring. This book's flaps feature a disappearing dog. As you open the flaps first you don't see him, then you do, and then you don't again, as the dog slips behind a cow or under the window. Adds novelty enough to keep 5-year old "big sister" entertained as well. (Plus Mommy and Daddy.)

Nice text, as well...fun and easy for toddlers/pre-schoolers to "read along" with.

It's time for Scruffs bath. The water is ready but where is Scruff?

You get to follow his tracks through the pages as Scruff tries to hide somewhere on the farm.

As asked in the book "Has anybody here seen my dog, Scruff?" The answer "Baa-no, oink-no, nibble-no, moo-no, quack-no, squeak-no, Cock-a-doodle-do-no"

So where do we find Scruff? If only my dog would do what he did!

As far as pop-ups go, the pages are sturdy. The author understands children and little fingers as the popups are activated by turning rather then pulling strips.

I really like this book, with its easy-going voice, its sexual candor, its evocation of southern, rural family life, the links she draws to an older mythic identity (in "Senedo Mother") and to the kind of ancient, sensual and instinctual knowledge that keeps us emotionally alive in the dehumanizing world of work and modern society. The title, "Rupture" (with its punning undernote of rapture) seems to refer to all of the breaks and discontinuities involved in birth and growth, with sexual love, ("the safe place we create/ with our bodies") as a way of protecting our sanity and healing those ruptured places within. In one of my favorite poems in the volume, "City Like an Advent Calendar," a trip through space is transformed, through memory into a trip through time, with each memory providing a glimpse, a "window" into the greater mystery of change and time. The book is rich in lived reality, the texture and feel of a life both sensual and thoughtful.

Patricia Gray's poems take you inside a woman's heart and soul. She pens a picture so clearly you feel as if you were there - traveling through life feeling the loss, the passion, or joy she writes about. And in your travels with this poet, you are able to share her ability to fully look into more than one life and feel you are seeing that being as a whole. Rupture is a wonderful collection of poems.

Sue M. Bowman

Patricia Gray's Rupture is a marvelous book of poems, that cover a wonderful range of senses of the word 'rupture.' These ruptures include giving birth, relationships gone bad, sex, and dying. Ruptures can mean something gone bad, like the taste in the mouth of something bitter. They can also be something marvelous and strange, like the magic of sex, its mystery forever out of reach from those in these poems who merely stand and watch. These are also poems of Virginia and Washington, DC, and they are anything but ruptured from location. One of the strengths of these poems, but only one, is the way they take sustenance from place, and that includes a strong odor of the first person singular, the 'I' singing of its own presence in this place. These are confessional poems, in the tradition of Plath and Lowell, and one thinks about how the figures in the poet's life might find their own imprints and reflections here. The ruptures this poet writes about seem rooted in experience - this too is one of the strengths of the work. In the end, I enjoyed the language itself, its twists and turns, the lines themselves breaking across a rhythm of rupture that perfectly captures the thing it represents:

Evie smiles in pain and hope, knowing she nailed
him, even if he mashed her face for it - his tongue
tied in knots before her right words.

(From "Knowing")

When experience is this powerful, this painful, only a strong language can defend against it - and help one make it through to the other side. These are strong, smart poems, and whether they concern the poet's uncle, lover, or son, or figures drawn from a yet unnarrated history, they tell important stories worth hearing.

With an accurate and perceptive eye and an unwavering hand, Patrica Gray makes her mark in every line. Her plain spoken voice opens the door to invite people, like myself, who don't usually read poetry into the discussion. Her themes are universal, rural childhood, intelligence, technology, and motherhood, but her voice is uniquely feminine. I look forward to more from Patricai Gray!

Excellent study for the serious student of the Word. Comments are consise but thorough enough for clarity. Extra info on doctrine at the back is interesting and helpful. Several colorful maps are also included and throughout the Bible info is listed for quick reference, ie, the Ten Commandments, the Jewish calendar, the names describing God, timelines, the miracles of Jesus, etc.. The actual pages of the book are thin so take care turning pages. The maps are on good stock. Overall this is an excellent study Bible.

This is a study Bible ideal for anyone who is looking for a most acurat verion, and most indepth explanations of the Bible. This contains many maps and charts making this Bible unique.

This is the best overall study bible I have used. The type is very readable, the notes don't overwhelm you but are there where they're needed. Only advice I would give is to get the genuine leather version if you can afford it.

I received a Ryrie Study Bible about 5 years ago or so, and I have not found too many other Bibles with such an expansive variety of study helps, definitions, references, and to-the-point information. I personally like the Specific Topics that are focused on in the reference section in the back. The Miracles of Jesus, The Parables of Jesus, The Ministry of Jesus, The Topical Map of the Holy of Holies...and SO MUCH MORE! I guarantee you will not be disappointed if you pick up one of these today!

This was my first true study Bible. When I first received it, I was amazed to find the abundance of descriptive notes, and especially an appendix that contains a collection of various essays about theology. The Ryrie Study Bible has done a great job filling my intellectual curiosity while helping with my spiritual interpretation. The notes and and essays take a very careful unbiased view on controversial topics such as predestination, allowing the reader to decide for his or her self. The leather binding is very durable, giving me a book I can read and reference for years to come. I would recommend this Bible for anyone who needs occasional aid when studying and interpreting the Bible and would not like to have notes tainted with biased views and men seeking their own agenda. This Bible is well-worth the cost.

Great explanations of how the KJV version and the NIV got its start and warns about non study NIV lack of correct interpretation.

As a pastor, I have recommended the Ryrie Study Bible since it was first released in the later 1970's. The revised edition is even better than its predecessor, with in-text maps, charts, and Ryrie's most unique feature: prolific interpretative notes at the foot of almost every page.

When folks ask me Bible questions as their pastor, if I do not have the answer in my head, more times than not the notes provide the answer (makes me look good!). And the maps and indexes are unique.

The Ryrie Study Bible is doctrinally based upon a literal view of the Bible. It is Dispensational, Premillennial, Eternally Secure, and Non-charismatic. But Evangelical Christians of various positions will find it very helpful indeed. The best study version of the best Book of all time!

This is a great Bible to study, great footnotes,very user freindly and well constructed. A great Bible for a beginner or a scholar to own in a library for reference.