Idaho Books

A great book! More recipes than you could ever use..a true table-top addition to any kitchen. I never knew there are so many ways to cook spuds. Good eat'n stuff!

I enjoyed the pictures in this book, does Ed have any other books of the same, as my friend is an retired Rodeo Clown and I have heard that Ed had taken some pictures of him over the years in Idaho, etc., how would I find out if there is another book, calendar, etc., Terry

I used this book on a trip a couple of years ago and it was very valuable. The paper is a light grade so while the book is thick it is not heavy. If you are in a town of any decent size then there is info on what to eat, see, and where to stay. The maps are good and suggestions are too. I've read quite a few travel guides over the years and this series may be the best all around and best laid out of any of them. You might want to read more details before you leave but this is the one to carry along on the trip. I have not seen any new editions but I hope Foder's continues with this series.

Bottom line, I bought three books for my trip to NYC. In the end, this was the only book I needed during the trip. It has great summaries of all the major areas of the city, very nice detailed street and site location maps, subway maps, etc. If you want an easy to read quick review/guide book to have during your trip to NYC, this is the one I would recommend.

"Fire warms, dissolves, enlightens;
Is the great promoter of vegetation and life,
If not necessary to the support of both."
-William Paley, "On the elements"
I ordered this book because I am a fan of Mary Clearman Blew and have reviewed some of her books in the past. I also know that most years Idaho is ground zero in the never ending effort to control wildfires in the American west and figured, correctly it turns out, that this collection of essays on fire and how it affects our lives would have a fair amount of writing on wildfires. I also was intrigued with the unusual history of the book. Originally the University of Idaho Press was to publish the book but sadly it was closed shortly after the proofs were submitted by the editors and thus the book was looking for a home. The University of Oklahoma Press, not known for publishing lackluster or marginal books, recognized the quality of the submissions and reputations of the editors and agreed to publish it in cooperation with the Idaho Humanities Council. It was a wise choice and speaks well for the reputation of the folks at OU Press.
This anthology contains essays by twenty writers, both established and novice, including two prize-winning stories by Kim Barnes and Robert Coker Johnson. The book offers a variety of essays not only about wildfires and firefighting but also the affects fire has on our lives in other than a wildfire setting. For example, the frightening story by Robert Johnson, winner of a Gettysburg Review award, about a trash fire that consumed a three year old boy and his experiences in a burn unit, is about fear, courage, and coming to terms with fire in a most unforgettable way. There are stories of campfires and a longing for the past, of burning Presto-logs, stolen no less by an author's mother, the ever present fire danger to ranchers and farmers in an area so achingly beautiful it makes the danger at least acceptable, and a host of other stories that, in the words of editor Blew, "like fire will warm, frighten, and entertain the reader."
The Greeks believed fire was one of the four basic elements which combined comprised the total of creation. This is a wonderful anthology that will provide the reader with a good overview of the many facets of fire and it's place in our history. A worthy addition to the readers' bookshelf.

"Give A Boy A Gun" is the story of two boys, Gary and Brendan, who are intelligent, friendly children. As they enter junior high, a caste system emerges, and they find themselves among the undesirables. This is a result of nothing they have done, but only because they are "different." Gary and Brendan soon become the victims of pranks, teasing and increasingly cruel treatment from the "popular" kids. This treatment is virtually ignored by school staff. As a result, the boys become angrier and more volatile. Soon they are talking about killing their tormentors and a gradual plan unfolds. During their sophomore year on the night of a school dance, Gary and Brendan take the school hostage.

The book contains the voices of Gary and Brendan, their fellow students, friends, teachers and parents. This is done through interviews, e-mail messages and the boys' diaries and suicide notes. Gradually, through these voices, the reader witnesses the events that drive Gary and Brendan to their crime. It is difficult to tell that this is a work of fiction. The plot closely parallels what readers have come to know of the events of the Columbine school shooting.

Nearly every page contains facts on handgun and/or school violence. At the end of the story, Strasser has included key events in the gun control issue as well as a list of school shootings that occurred during the writing of the book.

"Give a Boy a Gun" should be required reading for teachers and other school officials. Parents should read it as well. It would be appropriate for young adults of either sex. The recommendation for adolescents must be guarded due to today's "copycat" incidents, although neither boys' actions are glorified. This is not a book with a happy ending. However, it grimly illustrates the effects of bullying, the junior high/high school caste system and the hesitation of society to accept anyone or anything outside of the dictated norms.

If you have a question about Glen Canyon, the answer is probably in this book.
If you think you know everything about Glen Canyon, read this book, and then think again.
If you like your history as factual and onrushing and unstoppable as an avalanche, read this book.
This book is brimming, crammed full, exploding with facts. It is an astoundingly complete book of Glen Canyon history, and I can find no fault with it.

By far and away the best mountain bike guidebook I've ever read, not just for Idaho, but for anywhere! The author does a great job of explaining local trailheads, has incredible maps and is just a great, fun read for either at home or on the road. Just buy this book, you'll be psyched you did!

As a lobbyist and consultant in Idaho as well as a life long resident I enjoy reading and learning about political and historical perspectives as they relate to Idaho. "Governing Idaho" has been very enlightening. The fact that Weatherby and Stapilus tie Idaho politics into the national scene at any given time provides real perspective. I would recomend this book to anyone interested in Idaho history and politics.

Winston Inouye
e-mail; Winouye@pmt.org

Smylie represents a down to earth cross section of the good ole boy football playing mentality of the local politics. The Power, Lumber and Mining interests that really control the state allow folks like Andrus to do as they please as long as they don't get in the way. It will be very interesting to see how he contrasts with Cosmopolitian Dirk Kempthorne over the next term. Definitely a read for anyone interested in Idaho Politics.