Montana Books

I found Montana Women especially engaging for its portrayal of the ongoing acts of violence that take place in the lives of women--some so subtle that they are taken for granted--and for the characters' strength and courage to thrive nonetheless. Volk's skill at rendering characters makes them memorable, believable, and, oh, so likeable. My heart even went out to Buck and his struggle to outrun the demons constantly at his heels. He is so credible, he almost steals the show. But these female characters can hold their own.

Montana Women is a beautifully written novel. Ms. Volk's portrayal of the female psyche is stunning, making her characters remarkably real. I especially love Etta. Even Buck, the story's "bad guy," is so vulnerable in Ms. Volk's hands that one can't help but forgive his humanness.

McGuane's use of the language and astonishing situation construction made this book a source of constant wonder and intense interest. Loved it. He's almost a Montana-based Patrick O'Brien.

Karen Robards did a good job of telling her story about a family in the deep south in 1769. Most of us have little knowledge of the eveyday life during that time so Robards did a good job of researching her subject. Religion plays a big part in the family life of a southern preacher. His four daughters are who the story centers around. Susannah is the key person who shows southern hospitality and sweet innocence in the matter of the heart. The scene is ripe for her to be swept off her feet by a young dashing--reprobate. Robards spins her yarn telling how these two opposites' paths cross and love blossoms. This was a quick and interesting read. It has a wonderful twist on the prince charming subject. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning about southern comfort, history, sibling rivalry and the rags to riches theme.

John Kenneth Galbraith called this book "a source of first-rate information for the layman and a fine cautionary tale for bankers."

This fascinating book about the world of big-time banking is by the same author who published previously a study of major oil companies (The Seven Sisters) and the trade in international arms (The Arms Bazaar).

While this book was first published a while ago now, in the early eighties, I find that most of the material is not dated. The machinations of the world's "superbankers" is about the same today as this author expertly describes.

Recommended for all readers interested in finance and business, particularly on a world scale.

Although part of this book is out of date, it is still an interesting look into the dealings of the international banking community.
The author begins with a survey of the most important events in world monetary matters: the creation of the big banks in the Middle Ages, the crash of 1929, the foundation of the IMF, floating exchange rates, the power of OPEC.
The second part are comments and analyses of events in the nineteen seventies and eighties of the past century:
- The New York City debt crisis (as Walter Wriston put it: We have also our LDC's : our least developed cities)
- the recycling of the OPEC money surplus (Paul Erdman: What the Arabs cleverly have done is to put the New York banks in the front row of risk. In other words, if Zaire goes kaput, Chase Manhattan is in trouble.)
- the credit card business (one Korean business man built a whole apartment block on one card)
- OPEC: Milton Friedman predicted that the OPEC cartel would soon break up.
An interesting read, not only for historians.

It's a shame that Roger & Janice didn't verify the spelling of last names. My Grandfather is Hector Deschamps & my father is Ernie Deschamps. Not Deschamp as written throughout the book. Dad's Palomino horse was Rocky, Chappy was the bay. But I must say that Aunt Stella made the best mashed potatoes this side of the Mississippi!

This book stars one of the last of the real cowboys, who lived on the cusp between the old West and our world of today. How could he know, as he herded cattle, broke broncos, befriended nomadic Indians and led pack trains into the Montana high country that his way of life was passing away forever? The author portrays nature and draws the panorama of Big Sky country with such skill you think you are there, discovering hidden wild berries, fording rivers of broken ice, and feeling the spring wind against your face. The finely drawn characters could only exist in this mountain-man world where the object was survival, and they wouldn't have it any other way. The twist ending reaches around and tugs your heart strings with compassion for this hero of the real Old West. Anyone who enjoys authentic stories of real "cowboys and Indians" would love this book!

The PREVENTION Get Thin, Get Young Plan

Look Fit, Firm, Fabulous and Younger in no time!It's true...you can Fight Fat with Fun!

Forget about deprivation-lose 10, 20, 30 pounds or more all while having FUN!. The PREVENTION Get Thin Get Young Plan shows you how to turn weight-loss into an adventure - a journey of self-discovery that leads to a slimmer, sexier, more self-confident you!

In just 12 pleasure-filled weeks, you'll feel and look years younger! You'll discover:

* Dozens of fun, exciting, no-sweat ways to shed pounds that don't feel like working out. You'll laugh your way to thin in no time!
* How to actually lose--not gain--pounds between Thanksgiving and New Year's. This simple method has been scientifically proven.
* The five-step make-more-time for yourself program and still lose weight. You deserve a strategy like this.
* PLUS dozens more tips that work-516 pages worth!

This book is a great step by step guide to weight loss and an increase of health. It goes through the weeks with you to help you to not only lose weight, but also feel more healthy. The common sense answers, that most of us do not pay attention to, are encouraged in this book. It will give you ideas on the best foods to eat, exercises to do, and lifestyle changes to make. The main focus is on living healthy and therefore becoming thin and younger feeling.

Danielle Summers and her son, Cody are having problems on their ranch - Montana.
Caleb Johnson wants her land. He has a dream of a summer resort. This man is in his seventies and has Money.

Caleb has hired Chase McEnroe to come clean up Grizzly Creek so that it can be stocked with fish for fishing parties. Caleb also wants the hot springs in the foothills. But they belong to Dani.

Caleb suggests to Chase that he might seduce Dani into selling.
But the attraction between them turns into more than desire. They still make to the floor even though Dani cannot trust Chase. [What a crock]
Mistrust - misunderstanding and confusion tends to be Dani's feelings. Then, after seven years, Blake Summers shows up, he claims to want to get to know his son. This is weird since he wanted Dani to have an abortion.

Who can Dani trust? Blake has been gone too long. Chase is Caleb's partner and always showing up on her land. She can only depend on herself [yeah! right]

Very good story - a bit of action - a bit of tension - excellent characters -
Definitely Recommended --m

A cowboy competes with a ranch owner, hoping to get her to sell
her property. But in the process, more than the heat of ire grows
between them. Fun and fast. No morbid conclusions--thank you, Ms. Jackson.

Ayako Ishigaki's wonderful fictionalized memoir is revealing for it's sometimes subtle, sometimes angry, and sometimes tender treatment of the both the culture she was born into and the culture she experienced in the U.S. It's also a remarkable historical document that presents views of Japanese women that may startle the reader. The writing is fluid and engaging. You can read it easily in a day or two.

I picked this book up on a recommendation from a friend interested in anything Japanese and I'm quite happy I did. If you're sick and tired of reading about geisha, or if you like geisha but are interested in expanding your horizons and reading about the lives and struggles of other Japanese women who haven't been given a story, you owe it to yourself to read this book.

Ayako Ishigaki gives voice in her memoir to post war Japanese women, fighting against the stereotypes and mixed messages sent to them via eastern vs western ideals. What's most intriguing about this is that I can still see this struggle played out today in the way female characters are portrayed in certain manga and anime; it gives a lot of context to modern day stories, and shows just how far Japanese women still have to go to be portrayed as humans and not mere objects of desire/ fetish.

Lest you think this story sounds too high brow, never fear: its easy to understand and read on the subway or after a hard day of work. The writing is simple, clean, and flows well. If nothing else, the tidbits of Japanese culture and traditions (post and pre war) and the personal ancedotes of the author interjected in the story will stay with you long after the last page.

Enjoy *(^_^)*

Reading the book, "The West that Was" was absolutely wonderful! Mr. Leakey tells his life story of being a real cowboy and all the experiences he had in trying to make a living. It tells of encounters with Indians and cattle drives. It is absolutely fabulous in my opinion, if the reader is interested in real Western history accounts. I'm very glad that I chose to purchase it and I will treasure it. We don't have people living who are like Mr. Leakey any more. I wish I would have had the pleasure of meeting him before he died. He had so much to tell! Reading this book makes one realize what a hard life the cowboy actually had, but how they loved it!

I had this book on the shelf for years before I finally picked it up to read. It didn't take long once I started. This is the type of first-person history that we should have more of. It is the story of the life of a man who witnessed much that was worth preserving and it was written with the assistance of someone who knew how to bring that story to life. The story is that of a man named John Leaky who becomes important to the reader but it is what he bears witness to that is important for everyone. It is the story of the life of a cowboy. It starts in Texas before the Civil War. Mr. Leaky shares with us the history his grandfather shared with him and we get an interesting glimpse of early settlements in the Lone Star State. Comanches, Texas Rangers, cattle rustling, border incidents, etc fill the first third of the book.

As the author becomes a young man, he takes a trip north herding cattle and eventually ends up in the western Dakota/eastern Montana area where he spends the rest of his life. Since this is the area I've lived in for the last 23 years, I found this part of particular interest. It can be of interest to anyone else who enjoys the history of the US cowboy. For those familiar with this part of the country, Mr. Leaky tosses out a lot of names of people he knew and worked with or for. That adds a great deal value to geneologists and local historians. As I was reading this at the local gym, I was able to go over and show someone the name of his father and grandfather.

This is a very engaging work of history and can help answer the question, what ever happened to the cowboys of the Old West?

Six months ago her fiancé jilted Suzanne Greenway at the altar, leading the reporter to renounce marriage as simply a bad deal definitely not for her. I is therefore ironic that her editor sends Suzanne to cover the Annual Matchmaking Festival in the aptly named Bliss, Montana. She is one of the only single female in town not seeking a male.

Owen Chase has no time for dating because his plate is overflowing with responsibilities from his ranch and caring for his deceased sister's children. In spite of his situation, many of the ladies in Bliss, including a visiting reporter, consider him prime marital beef. If he will only find the time for Suzanne and if she will only move past her previous rejection, this duo could share a lifetime of happiness together.

Kristine Rolofson writes an amusing light romp that stars two nice lead characters and a cast of eccentrics. A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE is funny because of the antics of the ensemble that enables the humor to overcome a shallow story line. Fans who enjoy an agreeable contemporary romance filled with mirth and a wink or two will want to relax with Ms. Rolofoson's cheerful tale.

Suzanne Greenway's fiancé left her at the altar six months ago. She sent chunks of cake home with the guests, gave the flowers to a senior citizen's home, and disavowed marriage. Then her editor sent Suzanne to Bliss, Montana to cover the annual Matchmaking Festival. Now she's the only woman in Bliss who doesn't want a man. Not even a sexy man with a heart of gold.

Owen Chase is the consummate bachelor, raising his dead sister's children while running a ranch. He wouldn't mind being married, but hasn't the time for courtship rituals and doesn't care for the fact that he's at the top of the matchmaking list. Also doesn't have the time to be the subject of Suzanne article; that is, until others offer to step in for the privilege.

A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE contains a wonderful premise. With a card club devoted to playing hearts and matchmaking, an eighty-something senior citizen ready to find a man, and a man who loves children, fun is had by all. Unfortunately, the plot's a bit thin, lacking the conflict to create a truly dazzling read. Nevertheless, A WIFE FOR OWEN CHASE is light, pleasant entertainment for poolside reading. Recommended.

Phil Callaway's book is a fascinating blend of mystery, inspiration and a coming of age story. I so enjoyed all of the different levels, particularly Terry's situation, as he struggles with his own faith while trying to minister to a boy who is ready to come to his own. The author paints a poignant picture of Terry's mother as she faces her illness and the family that has to come to terms with losing her inches at a time. The narrative was realistic and moving without being overly sentimental. Wonders Never Cease was a beautiful story that I couldn't put down.

I loved Phil's first saga of the little town of Grace, but found this one to be a more grown-up version in keeping with the fact that the lead character has aged 6 years since his last adventure. What rang especially true was the story of the bonds of legalism and how one brought up in it (as I was) tends to look at everyone else as the problem and not themselves. The story revolves around Terry uncovering another secret (it had to do with money in Edge of the World, this time it has to do with a body. In keeping with his character, he keeps mum about it and watches his best laid plans head south. His loss of faith is thoroughly believable as teenage rebellion in this environment is almost the norm. The book could have been funnier, coming from a humorist, but as it is, I laughed out loud numerous times. Much of the humor is dry and will have you grinning more than laughing. All in all this lives up to what Ellen Vaughn says about Phil Callaway, "Reading him is one of life's purest pleasures."