California Books

George Francis' provocative book, VIRGIN, is a sensual mystery story that focuses on interactions between one man and two women. It is a tribute to Francis that he is able to galvanize the reader's interest and take them completely by surprise at the end. The book has the ring of truth, and one can easily imagine the dialogue that thickens the plot and transfixes the reader. It is one of those tales that is hard to put down once started.

Stanley Krippner, Ph.D., Professor of Psychology
Saybrook Graduate School, San Francisco

Virgin is a beautiful love story. Yes, it's racy, but "racy" fits the personality of the characters and their circumstances. From the very first chapter it shows what excellent writing skills Francis has. I tried savoring each chapter because I didn't want it to end. I must admit, I cried at the end. But there is closure; it was a good cry!

Marjorie Stampfl, editor (retired)

George Francis tells a story of a young man who is jailed for crimes he
did not commit, and is retold through the eyes of the Sheriff's
daughter, who falls in love with him. While it is a work of imagination,
the story is based on historical events. VIRGIN takes place at
the close of the 19th century, and can be viewed as a work of romantic
historical fiction. While I find the telling itself to be candid and
forthright, it's the moments of inner-reflection of the characters that
reveal the true heart of the author.

Kent Fillmore,
College Professor
Vancouver, Washington

George Francis takes us through the heart and soul of a complex character, whose intellectual and romantic exploits intersect with the early days of California's Monterey Peninsula. But then the promise of this brilliant and handsome young artist crashes to an unexpected conclusion. Francis introduces us to a plethora of interesting characters and exciting episodes. It's a tale with film potential.
David Donnelly, Ed.D.
McCall, Idaho

A good read. The similarities between the initial phases of a large wildland fire and "combat confusion" are apparent. Too many people doing their own thing, at least in the initial phase of the fire. A tribute to the firefighters of different agencies that no one was lost on this fire.

This book tells the story of one fire in Southern California. It's not really a battle to save Southern California, only one small part. But laying the sub-title aside, it's a good inside story on how they fight a big fire.

As I read the book I find myself with several related but almost random thoughts.

First, these kinds of fires were beautifully described in John McPhee's book 'The Control of Nature,' (recommended reading) along with other things that people do that contradicts what nature wants (think New Orleans). This book is much better in discussing the fire fighting efforts, but McPhee covers other things like the Mississippi river wants to change course but the Army Corp of Engineers is keeping it where it is.

Second, when people want to live in areas like this, they should at least bear in mind what might happen. Some houses were built of fireproof materials (wood shake roofs are especially bad), remove brush from being close to their house, and so on. These houses survived.

Third, the mountain right across the valley from my house hasn't burned for 20 to 30 years. The fuel from all those years is sitting there waiting for a good lightening strike or thrown away cigarette.

Fourth, one thing mentioned in the book was firefighter management not wanting to call the airborne water tankers to put water on the fire. Here some six or seven agencies (National Forest, State Forest, Bureau of Land Management, etc.) have gotten together to fund the water tankers. The costs are automatically split between the agencies regardless of where the fire is. I wonder if this is a result of the problems discussed in this book.

All in all, this is a 'cannot put down book' that anyone living in the fire prone West should read.

I loved this book. If you want to know how it felt to be on the front lines of the Grand Prix or Old Fire during those days in October,2003. I worked in the San Bernardino Police Department mobile command post the first night of the Old Fire and remember watching the flames marching down Waterman Canyon towards us. Mr. Krauss captured the fire fighter's story quite well. He also touched on Critical Incident Stress which most authors leave out of their books. As part of the SBPD CISD Team I too was faced with dealing with Police Officers and Dispatchers who had lost their houses or were facing the loss of their homes. In fact, one of the dispatchers I worked with at the mobile command post watched the TV coverage of the Old Fire and saw his neighborhood go up in flames so I kicked him loose to make sure his house was okay. The next night, my neighborhood was evacuated but, after working through the early stages of the fire, I was too tired to evacuate. I would like to see more on the fight against the Old Fire in another book. After having lived and worked through it on the law enforcement side, it was good to read at least the small part that was included in this excellent book.

My uncle told me that I would love this book, and he was right. Although I don't fight fire, most of my family does. I grew up around firefighters as a child, but I didn't truly understand what they went through on a big fire until I read this book. It made me realize that when a big one hits, there is very little firefighters can do but steer the blaze around threatened communities. The problem is made worse by organizations such as Fish and Wildlife that doesn't let the fire departments conduct prescribed burns. The wild land fire departments have their hands tied with red tape, but when big fires happen like the grand prix , they get blaimed for not putting the blaze out in the first few hours. This book documents the battle (both with the fire and politics)that occured on the front lines of the biggest fire siege in California history back in 2003. With helicopter pilots, hotshot crews, dozer operators, municipal crews and Incident Commanders each getting their own chapters, you get to see all sides of the fire and the different opinions that are occuring out on the fire line. It shows how the lack of communication between the wild land guys and the municipal guys can cause disaster. An exceptional read!!!

Stories which are on paper do not have the magical effect. The book gives a deep insight what the art of storytelling is.

I have read this book and it was in the summer of my discontent. And it lifted my weary spirit as a successful and busy African Storyteller, not knowing that this was called 'burn out!'.

Through the reading of The Way of the Storyteller, I realized I had to write the way of the African Storyteller, trying to motivate African and African American children to see how great it was that they were from Africa even though the world consistently tries to convince them that this is a shame and we as Africans are backward and disorganized.

I realized why God had called me to be a storyteller and the great healing art of telling.

I wonder if Ms. Sawyer is still living?

Carroll Durodola

This has all the wisdom that a lifetime of storytelling can bring and it's all written down for you. All aspects of storytelling are highlighted and thoughts are discussed, and Ruth Sawyer's rich experience is given.

The literature will help you see the big picture. Life is all about the detail and it is that detail that one has to focus on when doing a story. The practice of story telling is one in where one must too have lots of experiences, such as? Going on trips and seeing the different cultures and lands of other countries for example along with socializing with people. This also includes reading a lot of books and magazines in order to get ideas. Just read it, and don't judge the book by its cover and i hope you get the material in order to make your storytelling in writing or in oral situations fruitful.

I love this guide, so much in fact that when i lost it a year ago I bought another copy. The advice is useful, though you'll need a more detailled map to accompany it, and it hits the bright spots of each little town without leaving out much. Great if you are new to the Bay Area and want to explore without feeling like a tourist.

Carole Terwilliger Myers, author of the 8th Edition of Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California, points out in her introduction that there is nothing more disappointing than returning home from a vacation and finding out that you had missed an interesting attraction or you overpaid for your hotel accommodations.
I would have to concur, and as I am a stickler for preparing my travel itineraries well in advance-I just hate surprises and disappointments.

Although there may be several travel guides available pertaining to San Francisco and Northern California, each seeking its own market niche, the Weekend Adventures in San Francisco & Northern California is built around providing information that will aid the reader to quickly ascertain what is of special interest in the area he or she is planning to visit. Moreover, the guide contains useful advice concerning bargain rates, welcoming of families, aesthetically pleasing, historic significance, etc. In addition, the author provides phone numbers, toll-free numbers, fax numbers, and websites.

The 469 pages of the guide is bigger, thicker, and longer than most and it is divided into sixteen sections, a substantial index, and many well-chosen black-and-white photos.
The author commences with San Francisco, and as pointed out, all other destinations radiate from here. Chapters are devoted to Coast South, Coast North, 101 South, 101 North, 1-80 North, 1-880 South, 1-5 North, Highway 49-Gold Rush Country, The High Sierra, Santa Cruz Mountains, The Delta, Wine Country, Lake Tahoe, Winter Snow Fun, and finally Miscellaneous Adventures such as family camps, houseboats, river trips, pack trips, and camping.

Excellent suggestions are offered as to annual events, what to do, where to stay and eat.
For example, if you read the section pertaining to Monterey, you will notice that some of the events listed are the Monterey Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, the Grand Prix auto races, the Jazz Festival, and Christmas in the Adobes.
As for the last one, we are informed, that each year a group of historic adobes are festively decked out with period decorations and illuminated only by candlelight.

Terwilliger Myers' writing is brisk and entertaining, and you can see she has done her homework, as evidenced by her well-researched and useful information.

All in all, the guide makes an excellent reference to visiting San Francisco and Northern California and is a must-have for anyone traveling in the region.

Norm Goldman Editor Bookpleasures

My husband and I bought this book along with several others after living in the Bay area for a while. We were hoping to get ideas on things to do on weekends, and we have found that this book has been incredibly useful and has inspired us to go much farther and really take advantage of the interesting destinations in the area. We usually pick a direction that looks interesting, plan a few stops along the way and take off for a fun day trip or (occasionally) overnight trip, and she never leads us astray. While we are budget travelers and thus some of her suggestions are out of our price range, especially for hotels, we've enjoyed many of the restaurants, specialty shops, museums and factories in the area and learned a lot about what Northern California has to offer thanks to this book. I highlight places as we go there and write notes in the margins- and my book is getting pretty marked up! I absolutely love this book, and think it's perfect for adventurous couples of all ages. It was the best travel book purchase I think that I have ever made, if you measure it by frequency of use and enjoyment. One thing I think could be improved on is the complete lack of maps- just having this book is not enough- You MUST also bring along road maps, and printing out some google maps pinpointing specific destinations is extremely helpful. I can't tell you how long it took us to find the Ace Cider Pub in Sebastapol- we had to ask a local for directions. Otherwise though, fabulous book.

-happy grad student traveler

If Weekend Adventures In San Francisco & Northern California sounds familiar, it should be: this latest represents its 8th updated edition, including a wide range of attractions from staying in a coastal lighthouse the night to exploring small local parks, byways, and less major attractions. Even the well-traveled California native who has seemingly covered all routes will find plenty of new adventures here, all updated thoroughly. A recommended 'staple' for both visitors and especially local residents.

What a wonderful book! I send a huge and heart-felt thank you to the author, Doug Thompson, for being such an excellent spokesperson for the friendly Grey Whales of our ocean...for writing such an important book...and at a time when their very existence is beginning to be threatened again.

Each year we watch, from our coastal town in Oregon, as these magnificent creatures make their yearly journey to and from Baja. It is a journey that we look forward to each year as they make their way down the coastline and back again.
I have had the opportunity of looking into the eyes of some of these whales and I must say, I have been changed. And now, even more so, after reading this excellent book.

It is my hope that everyone will have the chance to read this book and to learn from it. It truly needs to be in the hands of every conservationist.
'Touching the Mystery' is a thoughtful and beautiful book that not only educates folks about the wonder of these intelligent creatures and the importance of protecting them, but also about the lives of those that live near them...the keepers of the lagoons and stewards of the land and sea.

This book comes with a 30 minute DVD offering incredible footage of these Whales. Doug's many years as a film maker certainly are apparent in this documentary. It is absolutely stunning!

I am about to order several more copies (after having already purchased an armload)
Thank you again Mr. Thompson!!! You are a hero!

This book really shines a light on a world so few of us see. Doug Thompson has written one of the definitive books on whales, their history and their future. His personal connection to whales and the way he introduces us to the people and places that are so crucial to their survival takes you on a journey filled with the passion of someone who deeply cares for these amazing sea creatures. The DVD that is included adds a visual element that brings the pages of the book to life. It's also great to hear the author narrate the DVD and get a greater sense of his commitment to these smart engaging animals. Whales: Touching the Mystery is an enjoyable read and one that you'll recommend to all your friends.

Whales: Touching the Mystery entrances the reader. Complete with a DVD showing incredible footage of humans interacting with whales and whales enjoying thier ocean journeys. The book explores Gray Whales teaching us the beauty of their life and the impact of their journeys from Alaska to Baja Mexico on humans and the viabilty of ocean life. This book is for whale lovers, nature adventurous and the curious. The author tells the story of the current effords of humans to preserve the birthing lagoons of the whales, as well as the impact on the indigious folks of the area. Historical information combined with current conservation by the Mexican goverment creates an intrique of circumstances and give hopes to the future. Reading this book will have you heading towards Baja to sea for yourself and to experience the joy of our whale ancestors. READ it and Buy it for a friend or your local library.

I can't claim to be deeply familiar with the current literature about whales (my library boasts at most two or three books on the subject) but if you're looking for the one book that conveys the majesty and wonder of these incredible creatures, one that engages both the mind and the heart in ways both powerful and moving, this book and accompanying DVD is it. Mariner, naturalist and filmmaker Thompson has been leading whale watching expeditions to Baja California for 30 years--he may have been the first one to do so-- and he does an admirable job of distilling the knowledge, wisdom and deep insights gained from three decades of whale interaction into a narrative that is at once accessible, informative and fascinating.

While much has been reported about the profound, even life-changing, impact that touching a whale has on those who have had the experience, Thompson deftly steers clear of being preachy or New Age-y, leaving the spiritual experience for the reader to feel implicitly through his descriptions and the DVD. In fact, he has multiple objectives: enthrall, entice, educate, honor the stewards of the San Ignacio Lagoon, lobby, give the rich ideas for helping (and politicians reasons for voting), and gain new friends of the whale world-wide. He achieves all of these goals without losing any of his audiences. His brief history of whale hunting is especially powerful.

My wife Susan and I watched the 30 minute companion DVD. Like the book, it's pitch perfect and wonderfully complementary. We've both been fortunate to get close to whales in waters off Northern California, but Thompson's images of whale encounters in the San Ignacio Lagoon are nothing short of astonishing, truly powerful and moving. This is a beautifully produced video, with a quality worthy of network broadcast. Little wonder that Thompson and this book and DVD have garnered the respect and imprimatur of no less an icon than primatologist Jane Goodall. Like Goodall, Thompson is making an impact. Highest recommendation.
John Grissim, author of The Lost Treasure of the Concepcion and Pure Stoke

this is one of the best books i have ever read and i am a book gobbler this book has a excellent plot and is very inresting just dont read it too often or else you will memorize it and it will lose all feeling

absolutely inspiring for anyone, any age who loves whales and believes we communicate

I haven't read the other books by Katz, but this one was very good. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. I was the first to review this book and I hope that I'm not the only one.

I first read this book in 7th grade, and I continue to pick it up and read it even now in College... Katz does an amazing job with her characters in this book, as well as others I've read by her. She captures the essence of the worries and angst a teen goes through. Adding her slant, the depression and isolation that the young girl feels, is her telepathic/empathic connection to a mother whale. This amazing book connects earths pollution problem, teenage life, and the idea of first love in a compelling format! READ THIS BOOK!!!!

The book shows an amazign amount of knowledge and background concerning the subjects in the book. The Author does a great job of not only educating the reader on the findings of 30 years of research but teaches the reader what he has done. The use of non-participant observation in the book is flawless. I thought i learned a ton from the book till i read it again and learned so much more.

By far the most thorough and comprehensive text on the teen drug subculture. It's the only text I have seen that follows the subjects for an extended time period- in this case 30+ years. The depth of inside information on the subculture is second to none. You won't be disappointed.

Fr. Lowney has years of sociological real life experience all recorded in this book. I was shocked from the statistics of drug use/abuse, it certainly brought me out of "The Cave". Kudos for telling it how it is...

This book is thorough--covers 31 years of research, but presents a very human understanding of my generation. It combines the story of the young people with the author's own life journey (he even enters the priesthood during the course of his research). Brings back some great (and not so great--now that I think about them) memories!

Fine read. Makes you think hard abouth the Death Penalty

I was given Mr. Bisbort's "When You Read This They Will Have Killed Me: The Life and Redemption of Caryl Chessman, Whose Execution Shook America" as a gift, and what a gift it was. I have read many books related to the tragic nature and ultimate futility of capital punishment, but not recently. One reason, perhaps, is the dry, "cookie-cutter" publishing approach to the re-telling of these stories. One reviewer stated, "At times the spirited defense engages in hyperbole--for instance comparing Chessman with Alexander Solzhenitsyn--rather than just letting the facts of the case make the powerful argument." It's that exact sentiment that had me drifting away from the genre. Rather than re-tell a story by rote, Mr. Bisbort's lively take is sprinkled with a treasure trove of historical and pop culture references. Also, rather than having the typical all-in-one photo section, Mr. Bisbort's book is illustrated throughout with a wide range of photos, news clippings, book cover art and illustrations. All of these elements, combined with the sad tale of Mr. Chessman, make this book a true page-turner.

Alan Bisbort has delved deep into heretofore unplumbed archives to present a solid, nuanced portrait of a compelling American anti-hero: a small-time career criminal who never killed anyone but wound up being executed anyway by the state of California for reasons that, in hindsight, seem driven mainly by public hysteria and political calculation. The injustice of his execution is one matter, but what really drives Bisbort's narrative is the fascinating tale of Caryl Chessman's jailhouse redemption. During a lengthy internment preceding his trip to the electric chair, Chessman transformed himself into a legal expert and a literary figure of renown. Bisbort delves into Chessman's interior psychology, and the reader feels as if he or she is in that dim San Quentin cell with Chessman as, for the first time in his misspent life, the lights come on and burn bright within his fertile brain. It's a remarkable tale that is ripe for rediscovery in our present age, given all the debate about the death penalty. And it would make a great movie, too. Sean Penn as Caryl Chessman, perhaps?

Only now, some forty-five years after the barbaric execution of Caryl Chessman, Los Angeles' so-called, 'Red Light Bandit,' are we introduced to the man behind the myth. Bisbort brillantly mirrors Chessman's real face. Over a dozen years, on death row, we hear the voice of a soul on fire begin to cool and mature as it seeks light and finds true personal redemption. Alan Bisbort's sensitive historical postmortem stands in service of the truth."

Steve Hodel, author of Black Dahlia Avenger: A Genius for Murder

This book provides great reading of descriptions of the glory, beauty, jopys and tribulations of Yosemite explorers and travelers over the years. It is must reading for anyone with an interest in the park.

This is a wonderful collection of early writings about Yosemite, something that surely took lots of digging through lots of old books to come up with. Here they are, arranged nicely for reading straight through, or dipping into from time to time. As a Yosemite lover, I'm always amazed at how little things have changed in the park since those times when described by the first visitors.
Neider's collection is thoughtfully assembled to showcase the best available Yosemite literature, and she has provided a valuable service with her "Editor's Notes" that translate into modern language some of the archaic terms and references so that the reader can more easily understand this magnificent park.
Her artwork provides a useful companion to the text. This excellent anthology should be required reading for all visitors to Yosemite.

Yosemite is one of this country's most beautiful sites, and is simply awe-inspiring. This collection of musings about the great park is an impressive read. Not only do you get a collection of writing on Yosemite, you get some of history's best writer's talking about it. Ralph Waldo Emerson, John Muir, Theodore Roosevelt, and Mark Twain are just a few of the brilliant mind's talking about their love for this wonderful place. If you are lover of nature, or simply brilliant prose, do yourself a favor and pick this up

Living in the Mother Lode here in the beautiful Sierras I fell in love with this book the moment it hit my hands. Had just come from Sonora east of where I live and stopped on Jack Ass Hill and looked at Mark Twains small one room cabin. A place that I actually would have moved into as a squatter had I ever been able to.

And this book will tell you why he and so many others loved the area the moment they came here. And so many of the black and white photos that are at the top of each new chapter reminded me of the ones my late friend Ansel Adams had taken.

Even if you never come here to visit this area please read the book and get a glimpse of why we and those like Mark Twain, John Muir Teddy Roosevelt and others loved the place so much.

I am pleased with my purchase. My book arrived quickly and in as stated condition. The book contained all the information I need to plan my up coming trip. I will keep it with me on the trail as a reference to flora, fauna and trail head information.

It's nice to see Tim Hauserman come out with a guide to the Tahoe Rim Trail so soon after the trail's completion. The Tahoe Rim Trail is destined to be one of the elite distance hikes in the West, right next to the High Sierra Trail, John Muir Trail, and Skyline to the Sea Trail. Having been to the Tahoe area, and recently finished reading the guide, I am already planning a thru hike on the trail for next year.

This book has a number of excellent features. The use of Tom Harrison maps (and the expertise of Jeffrey Schaffer) in the trail description chapters give the prospective hiker far more detail than typical guidebooks do. This is especially important in planning the logistics of a 150+ mile hike. In addition, Hauserman has done an excellent job of breaking the trail down into managable day-hikes and/or overnight trips. Those who, like my wife, want to complete the trail in 2 or more summers will find his organization useful. Finally, the trail description of each segement begins with helpful notes on water sources, camping locations, etc, which will greatly assist both thru hikers and those sampling the trail on a day hike.

If the book has a problem, it is the amount of space it devotes to introducing the Tahoe area and the trail. Less than half the book is devoted to trail description. While the rest of the material made for fascinating, and sometimes funny reading (Hauserman has a great sense of humor) it does add to the weight of the book. I appreciate this in my armchair, but will undoubtably be less happy with it on the trail. Other Wilderness Press Guides to similar sized trails are more compact (and still have great maps). Despite this small criticism, the book is an excellent buy and Hauserman has done a good job summarizing what will surely be one of the premier hiking trails in the years to come.

The author clearly knows and loves the area; a good thing because The Tahoe Rim Trail is the only guide out on this recently completed trail. Both planning and take with you information are in the book. When you are ready to go, just cut out the trail descriptions to take with you. I would also buy a Tom Harrison Lake Tahoe Recreation Map. The book's maps are good, but not convenient for map and compass work.

About the review lead: I was just reading along, checking out the background information chapter, and the flora and fauna chapter, then hit the Lets All Get Along chapter. On this multiuse trail, hiker, horse and mountain bike interactions are common. The Sharing the Trail With Horses section led off with "A horse believes that everything will eat it until proved otherwise" (from Sonja Willits, TRT Newsletter). That phrase made me smile and instantly simplified the horse-hiker rules I have heard. It is now engraved in my brain. I - a non-biking hiker, appreciated the Dirt User's Hints (for bikers). The chapter was rounded out by the Inconsiderate Backcountry Blockhead rules for how to be a bad hiker.

Good information in Weather, Water and When to Go chapter. This is where the author's local knowledge is obvious. Snow is a factor for many months, Lightning for others. Some of the paragraph leads: Elevation, Which Way the Mountain Faces, Lee of the Mountains:..., The Wind..., Dehydration, Hypothermia, Avalanches.

The Users Guide chapter has info on, for example: what to take, where to fish, where to take the kids, lists the trailheads, and is addressed to horse people and mountain bikers as well as hikers.

The meat of the book is the Trail Descriptions chapter. The author has organized it so that the entire 165 trail can be completed in eight trips varying from about 15 to 30 miles each. Each trip write-up follows the same format, a Tom Harrison map of the route, paragraph(s) on Difficulty, Best Seasons (when to go), Highlights, Heads Up! (cautions - water, etc.), Tips for Mountain Bikers, Getting There, and the actual Trail Description.

The Trail descriptions are detailed - example: turns north and in .8 mile, switchbacks down... Sidetrips to interesting places off the TRT are boxed off from the normal text. Finally, Alternative Routes are discussed. I am familiar with the 50 mile part of the TRT that coincides with the Pacific Crest Trail and found those descriptions quite accurate.

After the trail description chapter is one on Other Tahoe Area Attractions where the author has brief information of some of his favorite trails in the area. Not the end of the book though. The book winds up with information on Resources, Recommended Reading, Mileage Tables, Tim's Top 5 Places...

Nice job on the book design - black and white photos, maps, white space and illustrations make the book pleasant reading compared to most trail guides.

An essential resource for anyone planning to hike the TRT.

Having just completed the Tahoe Rim Trail I must say that Tim Hauserman's book was, as many Appalachian Trail hikers say of Bryson's Into the Woods, my bible. The book was great for two reasons.

First and foremost, it is a truly comprehensive guide that allowed me to carefully plan my trip. For each segment he includes useful maps, dead-on descriptions of each segment, directions to your start and end points, difficulty assessments and tips for mountain bikers. The highlights described for each section give the reader just enough to whet one's pallet and make them go out and hike. His suggestions for side trips are a great way to plan longer more enjoyable journeys into the glorious Tahoe surroundings.

Tim's way of writing is both humorous and informative. This unique style makes his opening chapters a fun and pleasant read. In covering a wide array of topics such as trail history, flora and fauna, when to go and the not to be missed "getting horsey on the TRT" Tim gives his readers a taste of Lake Tahoe, back country culture, and crucial tips.

The books only flaw is that weighing in at 15 oz. no thru-hiker would actually want to carry it with them on the trail. However for a day hiker I recommend taking out the relevant pages, or perhaps making photocopies.

All in all I think this book is well worth it. In addition to being the perfect guidebook, it is a great read.