Kansas Books

If you like reading about the pioneer women, then you will love the diary of Martha Farnsworth. I could not put it down the first night I started reading it. I found myself actually crying for this woman and what she endured. I liked the fact that it was "her" actual writings, not someone else telling what they think about her. All I know is "Times Have Sure Changed". Don't pass this one up!

Absolutely outstanding. Easy to read and timely. Everyone in the ministry or considering ministry should have this as required reading.

The Portable Famine is an eclectic collection of the great poet Rane Arroyo's most astute and memorable work. Among other great poets of modern day, Arroyo depicts an incredible perspective of the human condition, American mentality, and his intimate encounters with life itself. Mayberry, RFD: Not even one illegal Mexican/in the body shop? No Guatemalan/maid at One Hour Motel? Not//a Puertorriquena owning/a Tex-Mex restaurant? How/white is white? Poor Opie,//taught to fear jalapeños./Even in imaginary America,/America has to be imagined.

"Portrait of America" was a popular video documentary series in the mid-eighties, a product of collaboration between Superstation/Turner Broadcasting Corporation and Ambrose Home Video. Well-researched, each video is divided into 5 segments covering most unique historical, social, and cultural aspects of each state. Watching such an interesting documentary, each being roughly about 50 minutes long, without advertisements and other interruptions seems to be a privilege in these days!

David Fitzgerald is one of Oklahoma's top photographers and this book just makes you want to travel to all the wonderful spots he's captured on film!

This is important social observation and commentary. Litowitz has done major research for this project, and it shows. The book is 230 pages, but only 177 of that is his discussion, the rest is in chapter notes and index, important if you're doing research for another book, as I am. Much of the change in our society over the past generation is because of the postmodern influence on the legal profession. It's the lawyers, courts, judges, and legislators who've changed the rules for everyone else. Whether it's medicine (my area), manufacturing, human relations, or small business, life is different because of Nietzsche, Marx, Lyotard, and Faucault.

Remember the movie Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? Butch (Paul Newman) and some other outlaw, who's about twice his size, are about to have a fight to the death to decide who will lead the outlaw band. Butch says, "Let's get the rules straight," the other guy says, "No rules in a knife fight!" Butch kicks him in the balls. That's the postmodern influence on the legal profession, no rules.

This author also has a book titled A Passion of Her Own: Life-Path Journeys with Women of Kansas. It presents 33 enthusiastic women, telling what they are passionate about. For example, Joyce Thierer, Emporia State University history lecturer, actively promotes history with a performance touring group called Ride into History.

I am awed and inspired by this book. I, too, am descended from the rugged farmers who settled this area. I found my family's name mentioned a few times plus those of other beloved extended family members. Anyone who is part of a struggling church family will perhaps at once be ashamed at the puny-by-comparison struggles to establish and maintain churches today and also inspired to be better servants of the Lord by harnessing the vast resources we do have to help further the Kingdom of God. I couldn't put this down until I had read it cover to cover. I would recommend it for anyone, related to these folks or not. It is indeed humbling and inspiring.

Johnsgard's books always excell because they are written in a way that everyone from birding experts to novices can understand. This book details the many prairie bird species in North America. Well written and illustrated, the book is a great addition to the bird enthusiast's library.

I picked up a co-workers copy of this poetry collection and was first caught up by the wonderful photography accompanying the poems. Inspired by the images, I began reading bits and pieces of the collection. Someone like myself who has grown up with inseparable ties to the Kansas ranching industry will immediately recognize the scenes portrayed by the various poets. From the ever-trustworthy cowdog, the beauty of the undisturbed range, and cantankerous horses and cattle to the realistic portraits of the men and women who've made these things their life, this book brings back fond memories of people and events I know and have known. I am eagerly awaiting my own copy of "Prairie Poetry: Cowboy Verse of Kansas." All of the authors included have ties to Kansas, whether by birth, by choice, or both. Any enthusiast of cowboy poetry and ballads should consider adding this volume to their collection.