Arizona Books

NEARER THAN THE SKY

Meet Indie Brown, who lives in the backwoods of Maine with her long-time boyfriend, Peter. Peter runs a restaurant and Indie is recently unemployed. Indie has built a happy, loving life and relationship with Peter. All is going well for them, until Indie receives a phone call from Arizona where her mom and sister are living.

Indie's mom is a victim of Munchausen syndrome, which, if you are not familiar with this scary, unexplained disease, is a mental disorder that causes women to make their own children ill, at any cost. This, in their minds, gives THEM attention. The moms are the afflicted, the kids are the victims. In Indie's case, her mom turns her attention to Indie's kid sister, Lily. Indie also has a mentally handicapped brother, Benny.

Indie's childhood is a living hell. However, she is a good little kid and a loving sister to Benny and Lily. The stories told of their childhood are funny and sweet. Indie and Benny are pretty much on their own, as their mom is so busy with Lily, who, as you will quickly figure out, is constantly ill. What I really liked about the format of the book is that it jumps from present to past and back again. This is good reading, a format I truly enjoy. We get sneaks into Indie, Lily, and Benny's miserable childhood at the hands of their mom.

Indie has to return to Arizona as her mom has been 'self-poisoning' herself. So, Indie is thrown back into the past while dealing with her mom and her sister. We also meet her newborn niece, Violet. Indie's radar goes on high alert when she sees her sister Lily with her own daughter.

Indie's memories coming flooding back -- her mom's illness and treatment of all her children, her dad, who owns a bar and is not around much, and how Indie breaks away from this sad/sick situation only to be drawn back into it as an adult.

I loved how the book deals with this sad and tragic illness and lets the reader see how this affects not only the victim/child, but the entire family. All of the characters were genuine and the story is very, very interesting and exciting. I read this book in one day and when I wasn't reading it, I could not stop thinking about it.

Check out this book. It will not only give you a greater understanding of Munchausen syndrome, but is also filled with great characters, a very interesting story line, and love. I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Thank you!
Pam

"Nearer Than the Sky" was well written.
I would recommend this book.
Some of the food and eating scenes were slightly dragged out, but still it's a good book.

I was excited to read this book because I knew it dealt with Munchausen by Proxy Syndrome (MBPS) and thought it would be fascinating. It was indeed somewhat interesting and certainly well-written, but I was hoping for more insight into the ways in which the mother and subsequently her daughter handled this disease and the ways in which it impacted on their own lives. I guess my only disappointment was that I was looking for more information and insight into the condition/disease itself and the ways in which the characters harmed their children and how they each of them dealt with it on an emotional level, than just how it impacted the family on a larger scale.

While I don't highly recommend this book, I thought it was certainly interesting and a good overall book. It could make an interesting book club selection too.

Greenwood's prose is subtle and sensitive in this novel...I found myself completely absorbed in the story and its characters, and would highly recommend it to anyone. While this book was heart-wrenching in many places, Indie's story is at the same time quite inspirational and beautifully told.

I am not going to give a story summary - the rest of the reviewers have done a good job at that. What I will tell you is that this book is fantastic. I could not put it down. Lately I have had a hard time focusing on reading because my books have not grabbed at me very well. Nearer Than the Sky grabbed at me. The prose is lyrical, smooth and enchanting. I did not like Greenwoods first book much, but greatly loved this one. I am going to begin Undressing the Moon tonight.

You go Tammy! Keep up the good work.

I love this book Just this April, that my wife and I visited the Grand Canyon for the first time together. For me, it was the first time ever. We mostly hiked here and there on the South rim and a bit down into the canyon, but it was nothing big, though it was pleasant. However, I was intrigued with the tales of Glen and Bessie and I wanted to know more. I got another Grand Canyon book through Inter-Library loan and it mentioned that a fellow named Dimock was in the process of publishing a book about them.

So I finally got this book and devoured it, once I got my hands on it. This guy not only heavily researched the Hydes, he also built a similar boat and took it through the Grand Canyon, albeit with a sweep boat as back up. Then he went by kayak to personally survey the area where the Hydes most likely died.

I admit to being taken aback a bit by the book cover, which shows two people in modern garb and wearing life perservers in whitewater. However, who is better to show there than the author and his wife on the replica of the Hydes' "Rain in the Face" while barreling down what is presumably the Colorado River?

I would even bet that this failed exploit provided the idea for Dana Lamb's book "Enchanted Vagabonds", in which he builds a boat and supposedly paddles it with his young wife all the way from California to Panama. However, Dana selected a route where cheating is possible.

I want to thank Brad Dimock for answering what can be reasonably argued about Glen and Bessie.

Although there are some points where the book jumps back and forth upon itself, overall this is an engaging read about an interesting couple and a man's struggle to understand their ordeal. Very easy and enjoyable read in which you become enrapt in what happens next and makes you wonder what the "real" story truly was.

Just returned from 7 day trip down the Colorado River/Glen Canyon. One of the favorite stories was of these "honeynooners". the book is a wonderful adventure and worth a read, particularly if you have the joy of rafting that water. Enjoy!

The story of Glen and Bessie Hyde is the greatest Grand Canyon mystery. They are the honeymoon couple that disappeared without a trace in 1928. Many myths and legends have evolved in the intervening years (including a segement of "Unsolved Mysteries"). Brad Dimmock is a Colorado River guide (and a very good writer) who duplicated the couples ill fated journey down the Colorado. He has interwoven the historical material with his own modern attempt using a sweepboat similiar to the one the Hyde's used. I read this while visiting the canyon again. It was great sitting on the patio at the Lodge on the North Rim reading this fascinating account. If you love a great mystery or you love Canyon lore, you'll love this book.

I think, at first, the cover scared me away, but once I started reading I was involved. I must applaud Brad Dimock's writing skill. He has written a book with the timbre and cadence of a Jon Krakauer about an episode of which we know very little. While Glen Hyde's life was well documented by his family, very little is known about Bessie Hyde or how the Hyde's marriage was holding up under the pressure of their Colorado River float. Despite this dearth of information, Dimock has succeeded in bringing Glen and Bessie to life. We care about these two people, who disappeared over 75 years ago, and we follow the scanty thread of facts that Dimock has been able to gather, hanging on to each clue in the hope of learning their fate even though we know from the beginning that the Hyde's were never found.

Sunk Without a Sound can stand side-by-side with the best of Jon Krakauer and David Roberts.

A wonderfully insightful crime story that examines the realities of the mob during the height of their Chicago power, and the lives of the people they touched. The characters are realistic and the plot is suspenseful, so one might be tempted to read this book simply for fun. That is certainly possible, but it is also possible to read it at a deeper level, considering the moral issues that plague us all. How much are we willing to sacrifice for what is right?

This book fascinated me and chilled me to the bone at the same time. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this eye opening and inspiring true story.

On September 27, 1972, Billy Logan was murdered on his front lawn. Neighbor Bobby Lowe was an eye-to-eye witness. Hit man Harry Aleman had left his car to check on the victim when Bobby's dog leapt in front of him. For a few seconds, the two men stared at one another, Bobby in shock, and then Harry broke the spell and returned to his car, which then sped away. And Bobby's life changed forever.

Though Bobby told the police he had been an eye witness (much to his family's dismay) and had identified Harry's picture in a mug book, nothing happened. It was buried. Harry Aleman was well connected with the local mob and a nephew to one of its kingpins. Authorities estimated Harry had killed over 20 people. Four years later the case was reopened, and this is when Bobby's personal hell began. Before the trial (estimated to be a slam dunk), Bobby, his wife and three children were placed in one seedy motel after another. They had to give up their jobs, the children changed schools on a weekly basis, and they lived off fast food. The trial was a farce, Aleman was found not guilty and the Lowes entered the Witness Protection Program without adequate identification to secure a decent job. Bobby spiraled down and lost his job, his family and self-respect. Finally, he got his life back together, discarded his false identity, and regained his family. In 1997, the case was reopened again, 25 years after the crime. Bobby had no choice but to testify again.

Possley and Kogan do a masterful job in presenting this complex case without wasting a word. Bobby's character is done so well, you feel like you have known him all your life. The research and documentation are meticulous. The only mystery that remains is Harry. He was an excellent husband and adoring father that just happened to be a cold-blooded killer. I would buy another book explaining to me what made Harry tick.

Sadly, the message I received was to never, ever admit to being a witness to a mob killing. The Witness Protection program, which is devastating and mind shattering even if it worked perfectly, was a farce for the Lowe family. "Everybody Pays" is true crime and investigative journalism at its finest.
-sweetmolly-Amazon Reviewer

"Everybody Pays" is the tale of two families. One is that of Harry Aleman, a heavy hitter in the Chicago mob. Here in New York City, he'd be called a "capo". The other family is that of one Bob Lowe. The fates of the two families intersected one night in the Fall of 1972 when Bob was an eyewitness to a rubout in his neighborhood. Harry was the hitman. Against his family's judgement, Bob agreed to testify at trial The story that follows is a sad one: Prosecutors are not completely straight with Bob. His family's life in a witness protection program was a disaster. It was painful just reading about it. One can imagine the daily struggle of living through it. The trial of Aleman is a second disaster. He was acquitted in a juryless trial. The judge had been bribed! Therein lies the best part of EP. The sheer cynical nature of the Chicago "justice system" is laid bare with crooked cops, jaded State's Attorneys, judges bought and sold, with shadowy "operators" greasing palms. There was a second arrest of Aleman and yet a new trial. This reviewer will end at this point in the interest of not divulging the ending. The opinion here is that EP will be better received by Midwestern readers. Eastern folks have their own criminals. And while the authors have done first rate research in composing EP, this reviewer was left with a deflated feeling at the conclusion. Others may disagree. Midwest folks and especially those in Chicagoland can safely skip over this review, adding 2 stars to the rating above. They will best appreciate the local "flavor". The rest of the world of amazon is cautioned! An interesting closing note: EP has NO(!)centerfold photos. This reviewer usually advises skipping over them since they frequently divulge endings. It is just as well. Readers will quickly realize that Mr. Lowe will not want his picture displayed anywhere, much less in a popular true crime story.

This is a true story of a hit man literally getting away with murder in 1970s Chicago because of a pyramid of power and payoffs, only to have the story come full circle more than twenty five years later and have justice prevail in the end. The hit man, neighborhood wiseguy Harry Aleman, thought that he had gotten away with murder. After all, he had been tried and acquitted, and one can't be tried for the same twice on the theory that double jeopardy would bar such a second bite of the apple. Or would it? Well, more than a quarter of a century later, the Department of Justice thought otherwise. After all, how much jeopardy could Harry Aleman have actually have been in, if the fix were in?

This is a well researched, well-written, compelling chronicle of a case that would would have great impact on an eyewitness to a murder. It also a fascinating narrative on the influence that the mob once wielded over the criminal justice system in Chicago. It is a fascinating birdseye view into a criminal justice system so rife with corruption, it will keep the reader riveted to its pages. It is also the story of one man who tried to be a stand up guy and do the right thing under this corrupt system and found himself the one paying the price for its shortcomings.

Bob Lowe, a working class stiff who worked at a gas station, had the misfortune to stumble into the murder of Billy Logan, a neighborhood acquaintance, one night. In the mean streets of Chicago's West Side, Bob saw Harry Aleman blow Billy away with a sawed-off shotgun. In that one brief moment, simply by being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Bob's life and that of his immediate family would change forever. From that moment on, it would be Bob, and not Harry, who would be on the run.

Placed with his family in a witness protection program that was ineffectual and problematic, characterized in a negative way by the corrupt judge who presided over the trial, and seeing a murderer vindicated at his expense, Bob Lowe saw his life, as he knew it, simply ebb away. He became awash in a haze of booze and drugs, doing some crime and doing some time. His life was a continual lost weekend, until he was finally able to pull himself out of the personal morass into which he had descended. Over a quarter of a century later, he would find himself finally vindicated at Harry Aleman's second trial for the murder of Billy Logan, as Harry Aleman would finally get the verdict he should have gotten over a quarter of a century earlier. The wheels of justice did, indeed, grind slowly.

This is a great book by a great man. John McCain's humor, style, and love of life are inspiring in this read. His honor, patriotism, and his words of those who have inspired him, make him one of the most inspiring public figures of his generation. He has a loving awe of what is best in America, and in ourselves.

When the 2008 GOP primary began, I was not a fan of McCain. I didn't dislike him. I just had a different preference. I'd always wanted to read Faith of My Fathers and read that one first. It took the reader from McCain's grandfather, to his father, and finally to McCain himself and his experience in Vietnam, where it concluded with his homecoming.

This book picks up with John McCain's return home. He is atypically candid for a politician and presidential candidate. He admits faults where necessary. He takes responsibility when demanded. He defers credit where due. He takes the reader into his personal struggles, in particular the Keating 5 affair. He touches on his failed first marriage -- and takes full responsibility. The reader has the privilege of being a "fly on the wall" as McCain learns from his mentors and teachers. I can't imagine an author being much more transparent. The reader does not come away with a messianic vision of John McCain. Rather, one develops an understanding of whom he is and what influenced him. There is also much history to be learned as he explains how historical figures have influenced him in his career. I was a bit surprised by the profanity used in the book, but it's a part of who he is -- part sailor, part rebel, part patriot, part leader, part humble student, part aspiring executive, part competitor -- and full time, 100% himself.

If you have an interest in politics and/or history, and want a better understanding of who this potential President of the United States is and may be as president then this is THE book. Straight from his own mouth -- warts and all -- leaving it to the reader to make their own educated decision regarding McCain's worthiness for the most powerful job in the world. You may not finish the book as a supporter -- and you may go from pro to con -- but you will have a greater respect for the man.

Highly recommended.

"Worth The Fighting For" is John McCain's political biography. In it he briefly discusses his naval heritage and the acquaintances he made through his father, an admiral in the U.S. Navy. He mentions his time as a POW, but most of the references to his naval career involve his service as the naval representative to the U.S. Senate.

McCain does a good job at weaving tales about his heroes into his own story. Generally the book involves a section about a friend whom he admired or an historical figure on whose example he modeled his life, alternating with sections pertaining to political challenges which he has faced. Among the friends whom he discusses are Scoop Jackson, John Tower, Moe Udall, Barry Goldwater and Ted Williams. Among the historical figures he emulates are Billie Mitchell and Theodore Roosevelt and a character in the movie "Zapata."

In the sections relating to his career, McCain talks about issues with which he has struggled, including the Senate Select Committee on POW-MIAs. There he became a friend and admirer of John Kerry, with whom he worked to clear the record on missing POW-MIAs and to normalize relations with Vietnam. Perhaps this was the origin of the proposed Kerry-McCain ticket. He also defended his positions on Social Security, Campaign Finance reform and the Marine deployment to Lebanon. The insight into his 2000 presidential campaign makes for interesting reading.

McCain does not shirk the hard times, providing detailed explanations of the John Tower confirmation hearings and his own involvement in the Keating 5 investigation.

McCain does not mince words in expressing his opinions on people with whom he comes in contact, be they other Senators, witnesses or lobbyists. He is open in discussing his own failings. In this he demonstrates a refreshing approach rarely seen in autobiographies.

Through much of this work, McCain is defending and explaining his own actions. At times he seems to be more overtly self defensive than is found in many autobiographies. Is this a continuation of the "Straight Talk Express" on which he campaigned, or just another campaign biography? I will let each reader decide that for himself. I will say that it makes an interesting read of a type rarely found from active politicians. I am glad that I picked it up. I am confident that you will also.

John McCain is a Republican Senator of Arizona - he is currently serving his third term as Senator. This book was written in 2002. It documents his life: during the Vietnam war, after the war, and during his terms as Senator, also his 2000 bid for the Presidency. McCain offers a lot of introspect into his life and his decisions. I sometimes get upset when I see the decisions Senators and other politicians make but after reading this book I see that there are so many different types of people and special interests that politicians have to please. They are constantly walking on a thin line.

McCain's father and grandfather were both members of the military. His ancestors also fought in the civil war. McCain's family has a rich history. After reading this book, I can see McCain has a deep love for this country. I liked how McCain takes accountability for his decisions and tries his best to be honest.

I liked McCain's feelings about how he feels poor people fought in the Vietnam war while rich privileged kids got to stay home safe. McCain feels that this country belongs to the poor people - because they have fought all of our wars.

I'm by no stretch a Republican (I am conservative though), however, if McCain was President right now - I would feel this country has an honest, patriotic American as the President. This is an inspiring book and is also well written.

As a long time admirer of John McCain, I wanted to read further about his life after having read "Faith of My Fathers". His first memoir chronicled the military experiences of both his father and grandfather, and the time that McCain spent in Vietnam as a prisoner of war. While that status has helped him in his political career, McCain has never used the term 'hero' to define who he is. In "Worth the Fighting For" he chronicles his career in politics, interspersing his recollections with portraits of men he has admired and whom he considers heroes.

After ending his Navy career, John McCain moved to Arizona and began his assent in the political arena. He moved up the ranks to state senator and has served in that capacity for twenty plus years. His writing is candid and often almost too honest for a man still practicing politics as he recounts fights over legislation and his run for the presidential nomination. But John McCain is about laying every card on the table. He doesn't hide anything and he never shirks from anything - even if it means fighting for an issue that goes against the Republican party politics. McCain seems to be one of the rare politicians who can put partisianship aside and truly work for what is best for America and the American people. He acknowledges his triumphs, as well as his failures, painting a portrait of a man who has spent his life in service to the country he loves.

An interesting blend of memoir and political science, McCain has crafted a read that extends beyond party lines. Whatever your political preference, you can admire John McCain for what he has achieved throughout his life. The title "Worth the Fighting For" is an apt description of McCain's naval and political career, but it more importantly applies to what is at stake in American politics today. For the government to truly serve the nation, there needs to be less fighting between the two main parties. And for Americans not in government to make a difference, they need to be active citizens who realize that democracy and freedom are things that are worth fighting for, (even when they come at a high price).

An ton of useful information is packed into this book. That leads to what I think is the only real fault, which is the denseness of the type and the lack of white space. But I'm not going to mark it down for that. There is more covered here than any other guidebook I've seen on the subject. Some fine photos, too, although I also find his spelling "fotos" annoying.
As to directions, in the wilder parts of the southwest it only takes one small mistake and you're off the route pretty quickly. Anyone who used the guidebook only and didn't have a good map and compass or GPS would be making a mistake.
In response to those who think guidebooks like this are a bad thing, since they expose the natural and archaeological sites to more people, I can only say: How would you feel if you hadn't yet found this treasure, and those who had tried to keep you out? I know it's an instinctive thing to want to protect certain areas from overuse, but really, not that many people will visit this area. It's too harsh and unforgiving for all but those who are serious hikers, so we don't really need to worry about hordes of people overunning the canyons.
While I'm as concerned as anyone about the effect more people will have on the Colorado Plateau, I applaud Mr. Kelsey for giving us the benefit of his many years experience in book form.

Just looking at this book makes want you to go, let alone reading it ! Clear description of all the 120 hikes on this subjects :
- Location and acces
- Trail and route
- Elevation
- Time needed
- Water
- Maps
- Main attractions
- Best time to hike
- Author's experience, adding a personal flavour.

Color photos, through coverage of hikes, lots of tips for traveling the backroads to these trails.

Michael Kelsey guide books inspire only two reactions--you love them or you hate them--and I must admit to being a fan. These are not the greatest guides ever written, those would be the Steck "Loop Hike" guides, but for this area of the planet NOBODY knows more than Kelsey. The "readability" could be better, and yes, there is no index, but this book will get you to explore places nobody else even mentions. Kelsey does appear in the "fotos" (Kelsey spelling--kind of annoying, really) but I find this provides helpful scale. If you are buying a guide book for artistic photos, buy Sandra Hinchman's book--Tom Till did most of the shooting. Alternatively, you could just buy one of Till's books--they are ALL spectacular! Kelsey's hiking times ARE quite fast, but he gives these in the "Author's Experience" section and provides more "realistic" times in the "Time Needed" section so I don't see the issue. As for the metric system, well the USGS has started printing topo maps in meters so you might want to get used to it now.... The bottom line is this--if you have the canyoneering experience to be thinking about exploring these areas this guide is your ONLY choice!

Controversy surrounds this hiking guide. On the one hand are those who criticize Kelsey for giving innacurate directions, exposing the pristine lands of southern Utah and northern Arizona to more people, and giving ridiculously fast hiking times. On the other hand are those who find this guide extremely helpful in exploring the Colorado Plateau canyon country, land which is open to all. I used different editions of this book for over a decade and found the book invaluable. This newer edition contains many beautiful color photographs and updated maps.

Admittedly, the book is a bit eccentric. Kelsey insists on giving directions in metric, though this is certainly helpful to the many foreign visitors who visit the Colorado Plateau. I agree that an index would help as well. But the amount of time and energy that went into the research for this book must have been staggering. I never had a problem finding a trailhead or route with Kelsey's directions and maps. And after one hike, I had a general idea of how my hiking times compared to Kelsey's. His books have always contained ample warning about potentially dangerous canyons like the Black Hole.

His book has helped me to explore canyons in one of the most beautiful places on earth.

Partially autobiographical, La Maravilla tells the engrossing tale of a young boy growing up in a migrant workers' "town" outside Phoenix, AZ, in the 1950s and 60s.

Speaking to some of the other reviewers' comments that the book is difficult to get into, I found that the "slow" beginning was actually the author building the base on which the wonders of the rest of the book so beautifully fit.

Rarely have I felt such a sense of wonderment and connection while reading a work of fiction. Vea's depictions of some of his characters can (and should) be labeled magical realism, but those touches make the characters even more real and allow the reader a deeper understanding of the world Vea has constructed.

Read this book. You won't regret it.

This book has become one of my all-time favorites. I didn't want it to end because I loved all the characters so much (even the seedy ones). It reminded me of a story that I loved when I was younger, Ray Bradbury's "Dandelion Wine", in the way the author created a vivid and compelling world. I will never forget Josephina and her "scorpion water" or Manual and his "caboose".
The way that the author wrapped up the story details at the end when the main character is an adult was skillful and pleasant to read.

Before reading this book, forget what you know about the southwest, about indigenous culture, european influences, and what you know about the US. Now imagine having the abilities to communicate with the dead, travelling mythical underworlds, and to live in a world where strangers combined make a community known as "Buckeye." The reader will be able to examine the dicotomies of people, but at the same time come to the realization that there are many similarities in which we live our lives. Hence a microcosm combining folklore, heritage, and tradition which continue into future.

I was only able to get about halfway into this book before putting it down. This was not because of any inherent deficiency in the book itself--Vea is a competent author, and his portrayal of a squatter's community outside of Phoenix in the 1950's is both sensitive and powerful. The problem was really me--I found the pacing in the novel to be just too leisurely--perhaps itself reflecting the more leisurely pace of life in this community in the 1950's.

However, I was still impressed enough with Vea to want to make a few comments. The novel requires a certain suspension of disbelief because of the important role magical elements play in the book, but I didn't even mind that, really. It's just not my cup of tea since I prefer more action-oriented, faster-paced plots.

However, I can still tell a fine novel when I see one (and despite my own shortcomings as a reader), so don't let my lack of patience for an otherwise good, but somewhat leisurely paced novel, put you off. Vea writes quite well and this is a more than competent novel, especially considering it was his first, and it provides a unique glimpse into what would otherwise be a forgotten community of people on the edge of Phoneix society in the 1950's.

I'm not surprised that a few reviewers had trouble staying with "La Maravilla". It is a challenging work, both in content and form...a bit like critically acclaimed art house movies that are greeted with mixed reviews from the public. I can't deny that the writing is excellent, and the subject noble, but I also can't deny that I was bored through the entire midsection of this book.

The novel vividly depicts a squatters community outside Phoenix in the 1950s. Migrant workers return from work on flatbeds, lesbian prostitutes turn tricks in the back seats of cars, elderly grandparents have waking dreams and astral episodes amidst scenes of desert life... sounds fascinating, right? The setting is, but the story is surprisingly spare. Not a lot happens among these episodic moments, and much of what happens would better lend itself to visual form.

I never entirely connected with these characters, although I could appreciate what young Beno is losing when he is taken away to California at the novel's end. There is a rich history to this community, one that is lost in mainstream America.

Believe we need more books like this - geared to fun and entertainment for family. Since I was born in Phoenix, was tickled to see such a refreshing approach for the "tourist" but in actuality there is tourist in each person residing in the Phoenix metroplex. Such a fabulous part of the world and indeed a family treat.

Thank you, Michelle, for finally providing a comprehensive, easy to read source for Phoenix fun. As a mother of three children who has barely survived 5 summers without the book, I am looking forward to a much less stressful sizzling summer. For a local Mom, this is truly the answer. I am impressed with the way the book is laid out by activity, location, season, etc. Having locations and phone numbers makes finding additional information a breeze. I would certainly recommend this book for anyone residing in the area who knows there is a life beyond thier stucco walls!

I found this book to be extreemly helpful in planning activities for my grandchildren. I enjoyed the way in which the book was written, too. Rather that give a bunch of dry facts (when, where, how much) the author used humor and interesting descriptions of the events and places in and around Phoenix. I also enjoyed the illustrations done by the author's children.

I enjoyed the book as it offered great suggestions for parents on ways to enjoy spending time with kids and explore all that the Valley has to offer. The illustrations were great!

While I think this book was written mostly for residents, we found some cool stuff in it. If you want an insider's guide to some activites that are not in the typical tourist guidebook- check it out!

More amazing history as the story continues from "These is my Words". The American west and the strong women who settled it.

I just loved These is my Words, I couldn't put it down. This book was good also but it was missing one of my favorite characters, which made it a little sad for me. Which is why it wasn't a five star.

Having read "These is my words" a short time ago I could not wait until "Sarah's Quilt" arrived. Once again I became a part of Sarah's family. Nancy Turner again provides us with a portrait of woman of courage, heart and intense family loyalty.
The grace and strength with which Sarah faces the hardships of territoty life should make ever woman proud. One realizes that life today pales compared to constant struggle to survive Sarah faced. I only hope for another book to complete the story of Sarah Agnes Prine.

I enjoyed this book SO much!! I almost didn't want to start reading it, because I knew if I did I would read it so fast and it be all over! I live in Tucson and really enjoyed the 'historical' point of view of the area in the late 1800's. I love the strong woman Sarah is in the story. If you read the first book "These is my Words"...you will really enjoy this one!!

I enjoyed reading Sarah's Quilt, but I found I didn't love it in the same way that I loved These is My Words. Possibly it was because it was written in a different style - more of a traditional novel format than a diary, although there were still dates with each chapter. I think what bothered me the most, though, is that it seemed like there were a few places where I felt like a great storyline was starting up, only to have it completely dropped a few pages later, particularly in the case of Sarah's brother Harland and his family. I realize that these characters were not important to the major plot of the book, but I found myself getting somewhat attached to them, only to have them disappear completely from the story. However, this was only a small setback for me in an otherwise good story. I think anyone who has read and enjoyed These is My Words will definitely want to read Sarah's Quilt, but it is definitely a sequel and will probably not stand on its own.

This book was not as engrossing as I had hoped, but it is still an inspiring story. It is easy to read, honest, and insightful. I recommend it to anyone interested in the outdoors and who has done or is contemplating a solo trip.

I enjoyed the portions of her stories that dealt with river experiences and less enjoyed the amount of introspection the author shared. As one who has both run the river (with guides) and back packed the canyon I'm left quite impressed with her accomplishment.

This book is beautifully written and is very insightful. It is very descriptive not only of the river and the action that awaits the adventurous but also of the woman who takes the journey . . .her strengths, vulnerabilities and determination it takes to make such a trip. I would recommend this book for anyone who loves the great outdoors, appreciates the Southwest landscape or for anyone who needs to be inspired. I purchased this book first on a vaction and have had to purchase another copy as I read it once every year.

I'm not a rafter, and have no particular interest in rafting, but this book somehow captured my interest and I read it in a couple of hours. Patricia has a poetic way of writing about nature and her adventures rafting over the Colorado, and she takes the reader along for the ride. I admire her greatly for her courageous decision to go it alone (at least most of the time) on a very hazardous journey. I hope she continues to write (and avoid that dreaded Secretaryville).

This is a wonderful read. It gracefully mixes adventure with honest self-revelation as it explores the potentials and pains of a woman at midlife. Especially meaningful to me were McCairen's meditations on solitude versus loneliness and her wrestling with fear of intimacy. Going alone into the wilderness is a radical act for a woman, and McCairen engages it with consciousness and skill. I was sorry when the book ended, I had grown to so look forward to curling up with it at the end of the day. I would welcome a sequel.

I didn't even give it much thought, it was so easy. I ordered the book for a Christmas gift and it got to my house in a very timely manner. I would definetely order more books from this person.

I hated to finish this book, yet I was compelled to so I could see if Sarah and Udell got together. I won't 'spill the beans' in this review so you avid readers don't have to worry.
The book is well written and captivating. The storyline is excellent and gives you a greater appreciation for our ancestors and their trials.
I would highly recommend this book!

I absolutely love this book. Mrs. Turner took me right back to the time period and made me feel like I was standing there watching these people's lives happen.

I approached Sarah's Quilt with some hesitation as so often sequels just don't live up to the anticipation of the first book's enjoyment. Sarah's Quilt, however, did not disappoint. The characters of the story are so fleshed out in such subtle ways, I feel as if I have come to know and love these people. The plot is, like life itself, a bit disjointed, and takes a while to get started. Certain matters occupy Sarah's mind more than others at times, but all the storylines ultimately are resolved.

I think this book had particular meaning for me because my second son recently left home for college. With two children away, and only one left at home, I felt many of Sarah's difficulties in how to resolve being a good mother to "children" who are growing up so fast, how to care for an older mother, and questions where life is heading. I am not sure if I had read this novel when I was younger (and by "younger" I mean ten years ago) if it would have had the same impact for me. It was comforting to know that the concerns of a pioneer woman over one hundred years ago can still resonate with a middle-aged woman in 2007.

Read this book if you like historical American fiction, especially involving a strong, independent woman as main character. Also, if you like reading stories where hearth and home are considered something worth fighting for.

Let me begin by saying that "These is my Words" was inspiring, and I couldn't put it down. But it feels as though the author put less effort into this novel technically, and therefore "Sarah's Quilt" didn't draw me in quite as much -- I was too busy noticing the inconsistencies in the writing.

This novel is written in diary format much like "These is my Words", but the format serves only to interrupt the flow of the story. The "diary entries" are inconsistent and cover huge chunks of time, including future days, which doesn't make sense. Also, Sarah's voice doesn't sound like she's writing in a journal, she sounds like she's writing the novel herself. I wish Turner had just written the book as a novel reflecting Sarah's history: still in Sarah's words, but without the unnecessary fictional "diary."

I found the actual story to be wholly engaging, but at the same time I agree with another reviewer who said that storylines such as Harland and his family were built up and then forgotten. I couldn't stop reading, but the disjointedness was frustrating!

My final criticism regards the title itself: Sarah's Quilt. Sarah and her mother work on this quilt throughout the story, but in the end it is just another prop. It doesn't have deep meaning or form a bond that links the story's different parts together. It's a convenient title which recalls Turner's family heirloom but has little to do with the actual story.

I DO recommend this book to people who enjoyed "Words" because Sarah Prine is such an engaging character and I enjoyed riding along with her on her journey. And I will probably buy Turner's next book based on the Prines as well. But reader beware: don't expect the same experience you had with "These is my Words."