Vermont Books

This is a very readable and extensively researched look at the trees of Washington D.C. It's an excellent field guide for identifying trees, but the thing I like most about it is that it tells the fascinating stories behind so many of the trees planted in D.C. If you live near D.C. and have even a mild interest in its history, I strongly recommend this book!

I originally bought Melanie Choukas-Bradley's CITY OF TREES in its hardcover coffee-table edition and have followed its evolution since. As a Washingtonian of some thirty years' standing, I was originally unaware that this beautiful city was ever known as the City of Trees, but now that I've read Melanie's book, I've looked at the city through different eyes. Though the cherry blossoms are the best-known trees of the city, there's so much more, from the sights in every neighborhood through the rich diversity of our parks. DC is a beautiful city, and there's not nearly enough in print to show and share that beauty. Get this book.

I read a poem once by Louise Gluck, entitled "Gretel in Darkness." I thought it was a beautiful reflection on the life of Gretel after her childhood trauma. I looked further for poetry that views the lives of our favorite fairy tale characters AFTER "....and they lived Happily Ever After," and I found this book in my college library. It is a WONDERFUL collection of poems that show the stark reality of what the world of these characters might have been like. This book is a beautiful and diverse collection of fairy tale literature.

Mieder has gathered a large range of 20th century poetry that uses the themes from popular fairy tales. Many of the poems are obscure and would be nearly impossible to find while others are standard in the field, such as Anne Sexton, Sara Henderson Hay, and even Roald Dahl. The fairy tales explored are Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Snow White and Rose Red, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty (which has the most), The Frog Prince, Rapunzel, and Rumpelstiltskin. My only regret is that Beauty and the Beast is not included in the collection. Still, this is an excellent collection of poetry.

I bought this book after looking at the table of contents and after my own inquiries about addressing environmental problems. Many times, a state of gridlock develops between at least two polarized groups who are completely unwilling to make any compromises, and consequently, making any progress is difficult at best.

So, I was not disappointed when I started reading this book. Although I have not finished it, I was impressed with how easy it was to read, but the concepts are pretty heavy especially for those who tend to consider themselves more environmentally minded. Throughout the book, Mr. Hughes emphasizes the need for creativity and true openmindedness, as well as really trying to put yourself in the other person's place. These are not easy tasks, but he illustrates how essential these skills are in making slow but steady progress.

With regard to a job search and the role that this book played, the outcome is quite interesting. I had one job interview with an environmental consulting firm before reading the book, and incidentally did not get the job. I was actually asked in this interview what I would do as a consultant if I had someone screaming at me that what I wanted to do was ludicrous and made no sense. Revealingly, the interviewer said that he often ended up screaming back (which further escalates the situation). I was thrown off by his question and unprepared to answer it well. Now enter my reading this book and a different interview, this time with a state environmental regulatory agency. I explain my "new school" approach (what some would term this book regarding its strategies), and my emphasis on finding mutual points of consensus between polarized groups, and I get offered the job.

So, those who are interested in innovative environmental problem solving, read this, and you may just get a job because of it.

This book is clear and deep. Like a lake it covers a wide expanse and provides a rich store of information. Jeffrey Hughes is not jaded by the environmental problems he sees. His enthusiam and practical solutions are impressive. A good read that helped me look at issues with new eyes.

This is a very good book and also an excellent source for a research paper. I am a senior history major, and I found it to be very informative as well as entertaining.

Recently transplanted to Vermont, I wanted to know more about the man whose namesake is lent to everything from tourist motels to air guard squadrons to think-tanks. Jellison's narrative paints a balanced portrait of a man whose legacy among latter-day Yankees approaches sainthood. This book tells the complete story (with due reverence where applicable) while resisting the urge to canonize. Jellison provides ample historical context to help armchair historians understand the motives and context behind the events. Very readable...a scholarly work unburdened by tangential footnotes and obscure allusions. Includes an index, a map, and a chapter-by-chapter bibliography.

Both the photographer and writer successfully transport you to the dreamy world of Fern House throughout the year. Evoking glimpses of the tranquil lifestyle so mant people associate with Vermont, it is a beautiful book, both to keep AND to give!

Deborah Schenck was born in England. Surrounded by country gardens for much of her life, she promised herself that one day she would have a garden of her own. A photographer since her college years, she has spent much of her adult life capturing the gifts of nature on film.

Lauri Berkenkanp has written for magazines and newspapers throughout the United States and is the author of several books. Like Schenck, she resides in Vermont. In Fern House, she works with Schenck's thoughts, artwork and photographs to provide a reflective and quiet journey through the gardens and the seasons.

The 19th century home in Vermont provides the perfect enviroment to showcase Schenck's love of gardens. Fern House is a journal in words and pictures of the first year in the old home. Readers catch a glimpse of the garden complete with weeds as well as colorful blooms during each of the four seasons.

Schenck's illustrations and photographs are able to transplant the reader to the starkness of winter, the muddy Vermont spring, the bountiful summer, and the autumn kissed trees and flowers of fall.

Not only does she portray the contents of her garden with vivid, pleasing-to-the-senses detail, but she somehow manages to allow the reader to actually experience the season right along with her and her garden. Every human sense is stimulated and challenged while reading this unique book. It is impossible to turn the page without smelling the "heady scent of lilac bushes" or the fresh mint from the herb garden. I challenge the reader to not feel the autumn air or the summer's warmth. Listening through the book brings the sounds of native birds, the relaxing flow of water at the pond, and the crunch of fresh snow. Colors and textures leap off the page.

Because I have lived in Southwest Florida for nearly thirty years, I have on more than one occasion been heard to announce how much my soul longs for the change of seasons. Reading this book, savoring the descriptions and visual delights were a true gift to my soul. I came away from the reading experience feeling refreshed, renewed and in awe of nature's hold on our souls. It was the closest thing to really being "in" the seasonal changes as I have been in quite some time.

Come along with me as I highlight a favorite passage from each of the four seasons in Schenck's garden.

Winter: "The maples that line our garden remind me of old women dancing. They bow and swar and whisper to the paper birches that flank them as the wind blows through their bare branches."

Spring: "Spring seems to blossom overnight. Every morning I wake to find the world a bit greener than the day before. The apple trees are now in full bloom, their branches all but hidden under a canopy of pink and white. When the wind blows, showers of sweet-smelling petals drift in the air."

Summer: "Daisies and black-eyed susans are happy travelers, popping up everywhere where there is lots of sun. Originally prairie flowers, they are a cheerful reminder that no matter how carefully I plan my garden, Mother Nature has her own ideas about where flowers should bloom."

Autumn: "We have put the gardens to bed with a feeling just short of regret--I'm ready to spend less time gardening for now, but I have so enjoyed this summer that it's hard for me to let it go."

Whether you are a gardener, a photographer, a journaler, or of other creative mind, this book is one to treasure and to re-read any time your soul longs to be reminded of the beauty of nature and the wonder of the seasons.

by Lee Ambrose
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

I like to hear about seniors finding new niches, or discovering new ways to find satisfaction late in life. "Flowers for Grampa" by Donna Perron promotes the lesson that each of us has a special gift or talent, and when we discover it and begin to use it, we often do our best work and find energy and happiness that may have eluded us. "Flowers for Grampa" is being marketed as a children's book, but believe me, it's for all of us. It teaches us to ask the questions: "What gifts do I have to give the world? What will be my legacy?" My copy is for my granddaughter, but I doubt that I will want to part with it, so I'll buy another one for her.

A touching story that speaks of a sense of purpose as good medicine for the author's father, who personifies so many adults today. He had been a responsible employee at a printing company for fifty years. Now Grampa Don, formerly energetic and strong, was getting old and his heart was weakening. His arms became too weak for his favorite hobby - painting. See what happens when his grandchildren give him their favorite colored pencil set. Illustrated by Grampa Don himself, the many scenes fill the pages with bursts of color. Children love this book.

Easy to understand, good ratings system, and lots of great kid-friendly trails. (also more difficult ones). This book has something for everyone and is well written, and concise. Also helpful tips for hiking preparation.

This guidebook helps so much in planning a weekend getaway hike. Really, I don't know how I would have started without it. It's extremely useful and tells you about all the trails in the state! One of my favorites is the Robert Frost trail!

A wonderful book to read before you go backpacking to grasp what might be expected on a long trip. It was packed with information about the interactions between people and nature. It was interesting to read while giving me insight on the trail. I recommend this to anyone who enjoys nature and backpacking!

I have not read a book that more accurately describes the long (medium)distance hiking experience better. In addition it is one of the best descriptions of the LT found. I finshed a section hike of the Long Trail last October and reading this book took me back to the joys and troubles, the shelters and summits. A great read

A great read from a great new author. Well researched information-Margaret really brings the story to life!

This book is beautifully written. There has obviously been a significant of research done by the author. The book carefully chronicles the contribtions this extraordinary woman made for society. A pleasent read.

Green Mountain Farm is one of my favorite books on county living. The book focuses not on "how-to" but rather on nature, eccentric characters, contented introspection, and concise philosophical musings. The book is a collection of essays describing a life that many of us dream about: leaving the city to create a happy and successful life in a beautiful countryside. Merrick writes in excellent prose, full of crystal-clear imagery, wit, and occasional humor, easily carrying the reader into his world.

Merrick converts the tedium, never-ending farm work, and other hardships of life on a remote farm into benefits. Even mistakes are fortunate. "We did everything wrong, but it turned out right." Perhaps this rosy view of such a life was mostly due to Merrick's outlook: "It's a matter of temperament, you see."

This book tells the story of a writer who settles in Vermont in 1934 with his family. It is filled with personal stories of adventures that the family had and the people that they met. Early in the book, an immigrant ski maker convinces the family to move up to the Northeast Kingdom. Merrick describes the early days of the ski industry, when people still wore homemade equipment on the slopes. He also describes his part in the 1930s survey of farming practices, contrasting his own experiences working his farm to supplement his writing income.