Arizona Books

It is wonderful to see this book back in print. My Mom first gave me this book in 1972. It became a favorite of mine. I would dig it out and read it every decade or so. Being an Arizona native made it all the more exciting because I had been to the places that she talked about. Even if you have never gone West, this is a great book.

In the late nineteenth century, Martha Summerhayes and her young lieutenant husband take up residence in the dusty army forts of Arizona. Vanished Arizona is a collection of memories of those days. Along the way, the reader meets a variety of characters such as a nearly-naked Indian cook and a "dentist" who accidentally extracts the wrong tooth.

We learn of treacherous travel in which mule carts overturn and people drown while crossing rivers. In one harrowing adventure, young Martha is advised by her husband to shoot herself and her baby son in preference to being captured by Indians.

What I love about this book is the guileless storytelling that seems unblemished by political correctness. She does not varnish the truth as she sees it, nor does she attempt to make her life in dusty Arizona attractive; she offers an honest appraisal of the rather brutal trials of an army wife in that era.

At times you'll love Martha Summerhayes for her courage, and at times you'll wish she didn't whine quite so much.

I recommend this book to anyone interested in frontier America and the brave people who settled the land.

This is the autobiographical story of a young army bride who accompanies her husband to Fort Apache, one of the most remote frontier outposts in the Arizona Territory, in 1874. To accomodate to the vicissitudes of the transition from a sheltered New England home to the wilderness she must endure hardships in travel, hostile Apaches, lack of even basic amenities, and inhospitable climate. Her accounts of how she survived these problems and of her interactions with soldiers and civilians provide insight into the early history of the Arizona Territory as well as into life in the frontier army. The book is nicely annotated to provide extra detail on places and persons, and there is a good selection of additional references. It is well written and, in my opinion, a must read for those interested in this mostly forgotten part of our history.

Part travelogue, part coming-of-age story, a bit of a sociological study, and entirely a memoir of a woman's encounter with the unknown, "Vanished Arizona" is an introduction to a world most of us only know from John Ford westerns. In 1874, new Army wife Martha Summerhayes made the unusual decision to head west with her husband to his post on the Wyoming frontier. Further travels take them south through Colorado, Arizona, and other parts of the West. Along the way, Martha becomes a mother, meets Apaches face-to-face, and leaves behind the prejudices and presuppositions of her New England upbringing. This is a remarkable chronicle of the American Southwest from an all-too-rare perspective. Nearly a century after it was first published, it holds up very well for the contemporary reader.

Complain, complain, complain! Nantucket born and educated in Germany, Martha Dunham married John Summerhayes, a second lieutenant attached to the 8th Infantry, and in 1874 she accompanied him west to Fort D.A. Russell and then to Fort Apache in Arizona. This memoir recounts her experiences in the West (mainly in Arizona, but also including time spent in California, Nevada, Nebraska, Santa Fe, and Texas), and there is hardly a single positive thing she can say about her experiences. Forlorn, desolate, dreadful, unkempt, and disagreeable are adjectives often employed by Mrs. Summerhayes, and she is a constant complainer about the high temperatures, dusty conditions, poor living conditions, rattlesnakes, bugs, and just about every other inconvenience encountered on a western frontier military post in the 1870s.

Clothes are important to her: one of her first observations upon reaching Arizona is how old-fashioned the women are dressed, and one of the greatest tragedies confronting her was when a steamer carrying all her clothes burns to the waterline and she is left with only the clothes on her back. At one point she is so miserable that she questions whether marrying a soldier was wise for her, and she writes, "[I] decided then and there that young army wives should stay at home with their mothers and fathers, and not go into such wild and uncouth places." Her harsh opinions are somewhat tempered over time (and when her husband is assigned to "less primitive" posts such as Fort Niobrara in Nebraska), but it's clear her experiences were more an ordeal than an adventure. She must have been a pain, too, to others, with her demands about procuring good cooks and servants. Editor Dan Thrapp finds humor enough in her complaints (and in her "flexibility" in her responses to the complaints of others about her) that the reader "warms to her," but I found that not to be my response.

Interesting is Mrs. Summerhayes's decision not to write at all about the Indian campaigns or any other chiefly historical matters of her time and place. "I have given simply the impressions made upon the mind of a New England woman who left her comfortable home ... to follow a second lieutenant into the wildest encampments of the American army." Fortunately (for us, not her) her husband transferred frequently from one post to another, which gave the author different encampments and on-the-road experiences to relate. She paints quite a different picture than one would get in a military memoir, for example. And there's value to that, despite the negativity. Life was hard for the well-bred Mrs. Summerhayes, and she makes no bones about it in this memoir.

A beautiful selection of images that trace how the Canyon has been viewed through a lens over the past cnetury and how that view has evolved. You can begin to appreciate how the Canyon got to be grand (to paraphrase the title of a book on the history of the Canyon). It was also nice to have included images of the types of cameras that were used to make the images.

I bought this as a present for my wife. We had just returned from a trip that included a visit to the Grand Canyon, and I wanted to get her a memento of the visit. This book sounded good, but was not the one that included the beautiful vistas that we wanted. There are some photos too dark to really discern why they are included. There are some photos of a boat on the bank of the river. That could be from anywhere.
Although I suppose others may find it interesting, we didn't want a book of prose, we just wanted amazing photos. This was not that book.

Yes, you would expect truly astounding photography here, and you get exactly that, in lots of different flavors too, but the stories are deft and revealing -- far more than in a book of photos alone of a place that you couldn't take a bad photo if you tried. Trimble himself is a master craftsman with the camera, but his service here is to gather some really remarkable work and voices into a tome that anyone who has gaped and prayed there will want to paw through before you get major brownie points for giving it to someone else. Terrific work.

Lasting Light is a treasure, a compilation of photographs taken of the Crand Ganyon over a broad stretch of time. The viewer/reader may gain a sense of history, passing from the old to the new. The book is an experience in images of the vast wonder of the Canyon and the smallest, most discreet detail. Because the text is direct and not-technical, anyone interested in what is grand and lit by extraordinary light, the Grand Canyon itself, will find this work a delight.

This book is so awesome, and of such high quality, that its Amazon price seems surreal...I have two copies and am ordering a third, for posterity or whatever.

Intensely beautiful photographic prints, at the very leading edge of Canyon photos....almost beyond description!

If you buy one copy of this book, you'll then want another for a gift, and another for your own collection.....etc.

This is a well written book covering the early days of Tom Horn's life. Tom Horn lead a very interesting and exciting life and he conveys that to the reader very well. Although the book does not cover his exploits as a stock detective, this book still raises doubts about whether Tom Horn was guilty of the offense for which he was hanged.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone having an interest in the old west. This book was definitly a great addition to my library

As with all autobiographies this book provides us with a fascinating picture of the adventurous life of Tom Horn. Yet it is the death of Tom Horn that has been the subject of great controversy to the present day; hanged for the murder of a fourteen year old boy, on evidence that was highly questionable.

This book is refered to as a vindication, and though many have disputed this, in some subtle ways it is. Whilst reading this narrative of Tom Horn's years as a scout and interpreter, at no point could I envisage him being the kind of man to kill a boy from ambush. He portrays himself in his autobiography as hard working, fearless, trustworthy, and as a man who served his country well. Though with any autobiography the reader has to accept an elemant of bias, it appears at times as if Tom Horn tries to minimize his own heroics and exploits. To this end the book serves its purpose.

What is most astounding about the book is where it finishes. Tom Horn makes no attempt to explain the events leading upto his conviction and execution. This is both surprising and baffling. Surly most men in his position would have taken the opportunity to plead their innocence. Not so with Tom Horn. He seems content to let the readers make their own decision, by things reported in the newspapers at that time. Maybe he was just confident that people would believe him to be innocent despite much of what was being written.

This edition of the book was supplemented with letters written to and from Tom Horn whilst he was imprisoned. These are valuable as they offer an insight into Tom's state of mind during this period. In a couple of these letters he does choose to explain a little of the events leading up to his arrest, to certain associates

Tom Horn's personal narrative is just as fascinating for what it excludes, as for what it includes. It also provides an excellent look at other celebrated and infamous characters such as Al Seiber, Geronimo and the Apache Kid. For those interested in the life of Tom Horn, or the role of government scouts/interpreters, the book will hold much interest. It is also recommended that readers have some basic knowledge of Tom Horn - particularly his latter life - for a greater understanding.

This is an exceptional autobiography that details the life of Tom Horn prior to the tragic incident in Wyoming. The book is NOT a vindication. The material added by John Coble is clearly identified, and were his personal attempts to vindicate Tom Horn. Written in jail and on his way to the gallows, Tom Horn wrote only about his life as Indian Scout and Intepretor, because this is how he wished to be remembered! "Life of Tom Horn" reflects upon his childhood, and the early adult events that shaped the most glorious and enjoyable years in the prime of his life. He probably deserved the Medal of Honor for the Apache Wars. Details of his life as a miner, Pinkerton detective, rodeo champion and mule skinner for the Spanish American War were left out, probably intentionally. His reputation in Wyoming was so thoroughly distorted and trashed by journalistic sensationalism fueled by ongoing range fueds, that it probably wasn't worth addressing. (He is still hated today by many.) I feel he believed that good would prevail and find him innocent. Time wasn't on his side when he wrote this...

The book is a fabulous historical accout of life in the southwestern frontier. The details of his life as indian scout are easy to put into perspective and supported by many factual historical accounts of the time. If one has a map and photographs of the southwestern United States and Mexico, it becomes even easier to put into perspective. The book is also a great resource for anyone researching Geronomo and the Apache wars.

To this day, Tom Horn's innocence or guilt is embroiled in controversy. Some family members still carry a burning hatred for the man, others admiration and love. Visit the Historical sections of the Denver or Cheyenne Library's, so you can read newspaper accounts of the politics of the range fueds and wars in Wyoming during Tom Horn's time, and come to your own conclusions. After the Apache Wars, Tom Horn became a drifter of various jobs or "careers," typical of many cowboys of that era. He always tried to do the right thing and worked, for the law, not against it. At over 6 feet tall, muscular and lean, he was imposing, but soft spoken, and a loner. When he went to Wyoming, he "walked softly and carried a big stick." The big stick being his reputation as indian fighter and killer, although there's no proof he murdered anyone. He always maintained his innocence, and remained defiantly brave to the very end.

this book was a pleasant surprise written by tom horn himself it reads like a good movie horn although he had only a rudimentary education is a very good writer the book is full of his adventures and colorful characters of the apache wars with GERONIMO he explains the nuts and bolts of tracking indians in the southwest usa it is ajohn wayne movie in print

This book was written by Tom Horn while waiting in a Cheyenne, Wyoming Jail to be hanged. It is a very colorful account of the Government Scout, Arizona Territory Lawman, and "foster son" of Geronimo himself. While it is a very one sided story that almost pleads with you to believe that Tom was blameless, it gives a VERY unique look into the solitary life of a scout and hired gun in the real old west. "A Must Read"

Trixie Belden was an ordinary girl who never studied or did her work has
been invited to a wonderful place in Arizona ! But she has to study all winter! So then Honey (her best friend) convinced her mother to go! So She got to go! Then at the place it wasn't all that exciting. Di, her uncle owns the place and is supposed to be the director ,is being very weird...

I've read them all - I own them all. Trixie Belden has been one of my favorites since I was very young.

This book was good to me! It didn't have a real bad guy though. I liked all the characters and all the problems Trixie and her friends encountered. It is a really fun book and I liked it! This book deserves 4 stars!

Christmas at Uncle Monty's dude ranch in Arizona sounds like heaven to the Bob-Whites, until they find that the ranch may have to close when the family of Mexicans that keeps the place going mysteriously disappears. Who can Uncle Monty ever find to tidy the guest rooms, wash the mountains of dishes, and serve the dinners? Hmmmm? On top of it all, Trixie has to bring her grades up before the midyear exams, so Brian and Jim tutor our distracted heroine. But throw in in the secrets of some unhappy guests and add the cook's little son Petey, who inexplicably wants to run away to join his Granddaddy in a surreal 'cavelike place'? and Trixie is in her sleuthing element. The book also slides in lots of Arizona and Mexican history and customs, so it gets points for being educational too!

Christmas vacation is coming, but the Bob-Whites aren't dreaming of a white Christmas. Their hopes are set on Di's Uncle Monty who has promised all of them a vacation to his dude ranch in Arizona. But the trip almost doesn't come off. Trixie needs to study to bring her grades up. And when they arrive, Monty is having a crisis. Seems most of his staff has vanished with no warning and no explanation during the busiest time of the year. Where did they go? The Bob-Whites agree to take over the chores, but with Trixie's studies, will she ever get to have any fun? And that doesn't take into account the mysteries surrounding the other staff members and a few guests. Will these distract Trixie from her studies?

This was the last book series creator Julie Campbell wrote. It's not her best with lots of background on Arizona and Indian culture slowing the story down. The mystery, once it does get going, focuses on what is going on in people's lives. There are so many things happening I found it interesting even if it's not a traditional type mystery. Spending time with Trixie and her friends is always enjoyable, and the efforts they go through to make Christmas enjoyable for all is entertaining as well.

This was the second book I read many years ago when I was first getting into the series. While it's not up there with Julie Campbell's best, it's still and entertaining read that holds a special place in my heart.

I own both vol.1 and Vol 2. of Photographing Southwest". I agree with other reviewers that they contain excellent materials and are very useful.
What I don't like is that Vol. 2 contains the following that is essential the same in Vol.1:
PREFACE (identical)
ACKNOWLWDGEMENTS (identical)
ABOUT THIS BOOK (differs in a few words)
Chapter 1 (identical)
Chapter 2 (identical)
Chapter 16 (Identical to parts of Chapter 5 in vol. 1)
APPENDIX (Majority is the same)

In other words, 30% Vol. 2 is already in Vol.1. In my opinion, it should really be a single book containing both.

Martres's two books on photographing the Southwest are remarkably useful, sensible, and affordable. He keeps his directions--both geographic and photographic--brief, relevant, and precise. Even if you don't take a camera, these books can help you reach remarkable places of which may never or only vaguely have heard of. I even enjoy just "armchair travelling" with these books.

This book, combined with Photographing the Southwest: Volume 1, which covers Colorado and Utah, is an absolutely essential tool for serious photographers who are looking to spend time photographing some of the most spectacular natural sights of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado.
I own both books, together with the accompanying cd roms, and I can honestly say, as a serious advanced photographer, I have never made a better investment. Since aquiring these guides, I have returned to the Southwest three times in three years, and each time have returned home with memories and photographic images that I had never known existed. These books are well written with great attention to details and chock full of black and white photos which excite the imagination. The cd roms provide hundreds more photos of these and nearby areas in vivid color. Together, this is a must have collection.
These books are not mere travel guides; they are an indispensable aid to photographers looking for the most photogenic spots in any given area of the Southwest. After spending hours enjoying these volumes, you will learn exactly how to get to each of these awesome spots, the best time of the year to travel to them, the preferred time of day to arrive for ideal lighting, suggested lenses and equipment and even the best spots (literally) to stand for ideal camera angles. Laurent Martres pretty much does it all for you; however, you will have to put on your own hiking boots and do your own walking, climbing, scrambling and whatever else it may take to get you to some of these hidden and often out of the way places. The rewards are great for those willing to follow his suggestions which will often include getting up well before dawn, hiking a few minutes or a few hours in some cases and a few days in others, scrambling over bolders or squeezing thru narrow canyons, wading thru waist high water or four-wheeling over back roads that will challenge the most adventureous among us.

Since getting hold of these books I have done all of the above and have always come home with more than my share of wonderful memories and prizewinning photos. I have discovered spots that I must return to over and over again because I just can't get enough of their jaw dropping beauty. I have spent time in locations you won't find in travel books or just about anywhere else for that matter. Many of these are places you would drive right by, never realizing their existence were it not for these books. A good number of the places featured in these books are generally not well publicized or often written about.
If you have interest in photographing or seriously exploring the lesser known and less often visited scenic wonders of America's Southwest, then I can't recommend both of these books and their accompanying cd roms enough. They should be on the bookshelves and in the backpacks of all serious lovers of the Southwest. They are invaluable in planning my photo trips; before I leave home, I pretty much know where I'll be going each day and what I can anticipate along the way. I have yet to be disappointed in any of the places I've spent time hiking to; quite the contrary since I am most often overwhelmed upon experiencing these spots in person. I expect to spend many future years searching out and exploring the great number of wonderful places Laurent Martres brings to our attention in both of these volumes. Thanks, Laurent; I'm looking forward to your future works.

This is a very good book with detailed information for photographors. It gives photo advices, time estimation, etc, which can be very helpful for planning your trip. I give it 4 stars for two shortcomings: the first is that it doesn't have colorful pics, although you can buy the accompanying CD; the second is that it doesn't contain any maps, so you'll have to figure out by yourself where the places are. I'd suggest you also look up one other title by Joseph K. Lange: Photographer's Guide to the Grand Canyon and Northern Arizona. In my opinion, that one is even better.

Have you ever been in "The Southwest" without looking at Laurent Martres two guide books Vol. 2 and Vol. 1, than you really have to visit the place again.
If you see landscape-pictures in magazines, calenders, on postcards or posters and you think: "Whow, this is something I want to see with my own eyes.", than you will surely find it in Martres' two books "Photographing the Southwest".
He not only shows beautiful pictures from things you have never seen before and I'm sure you like to, no, additional he gives very good way descriptions (including needed time) and a lot of tips how to take the best pictures and at which time of the day.
I visited the area and the National Parks (and the visiting tourists) in more than one vacation. Laurent Martres was able to lead me to the places I ever dreamed of, "behind the tourists".
Planning your next trip? Best buy!!!

This cookbook is one of the best I have seen for a long time (yes, the cover is very creative and fun!). It truly reflects the talent and creativity of the women belonging to the Junior League of Phoenix who spent countless volunteer hours creating this current gem of a cookbook. The recipies are very easy to follow and turn out fabulous. I especially enjoyed the menu planners located in the front section of the book. I would highly recommend this exceptional cookbook to everyone. I have also purchased several copies to give as gifts and have received rave reviews from the recipients of these gifts! Two thumbs up on this one ladies!!

I'm a lifelong collector of cookbooks. Some of my favorites are those put out by the various Junior Leagues across the country, invariably wonderful snapshots of local culture. Reflections Under the Sun, is, however, probably the single biggest disappointment that I have acquired over the years. Charleston Receipts this is definitely not!

There is very little that is local to Phoenix, Arizona or the Southwest in Reflections. The book is chock full of restaurant recipes, seafood and goat cheese, while the true flavors of Arizona are scarce at best.

Not a "bad" book - but certainly no star!

Reflections Under the Sun has to be one of my favorite cookbooks for everyday cooking to family entertaining. It is contains healthy recipes for everything from soup to nuts. Some of my favorites are the Calico Chicken Chili (wonderful on a cold winter's day) or the Pear and Blue Salad (so simple to make). I also love the Cowboy Carmel Corn and so do my kids. It is the perfect snack anytime! Reflections Under the Sun, makes a wonderful addition to any cookbook collection and I think is the perfect gift for family and friends!

This cookbook is one of the best I have seen for a long time (yes, the cover is very creative and fun!). It truly reflects the talent and creativity of the women belonging to the Junior League of Phoenix who spent countless volunteer hours creating this current gem of a cookbook. The recipies are very easy to follow and turn out fabulous. I especially enjoyed the menu planners located in the front section of the book. I would highly recommend this exceptional cookbook to everyone. I have also purchased several copies to give as gifts and have received rave reviews from the recipients of these gifts! Two thumbs up on this one ladies!!

Reflections has some wonderfully Southwestern recipes like Southwest Black Bean and Wild Rice Salad and Green Chile Cornbread. There are even wine recommendations with almost all the recipes--for people like me who don't know what to serve with dinner. And there are all kinds of menu suggestions from Fiesta to Summer dinners. The desserts are incredible. The Grand Chocolate Mint brownies are beautiful to look at and truly decadent. And my kids love the Wrangler Ranger Cookies. There are so many great recipes in the book, it's hard to decide what to make first. The San Francisco Chicken is so easy to make, and delicious too. I often make it when we have last minute dinner guests. This is a great value cookbook for all the wonderful recipes. I highly recommend it.

I just finished the book and I honestly feel that the other books were better. Road to purgatory had the right balance of dialogue and action while this book had mostly dialogue. The gore factor doesn't impress, matter of fact heads exploding from handguns at large distances gets boring after a while. Read this book if you read the others and want to find out what happens with the protagonist.

This is the third novel in Collins' 'Road' Trilogy, the first of which was the superb graphic novel, The Road to Perdition. The latter was also an excellent film, though some changes were made in the ending, the original ending being more consistent with the ending of Road to Paradise. Hint: it has to do with the importance of religion in each protagonist's life.

Road to Paradise's characters are engaging and the plot is riveting. It is Collins' intention to catch the flavor of 70's Chicago and the 70's mob. The conclusion of the novel involves a mob hit which remains unsolved but is neatly 'solved' in Collins' fictional construct. This is a fine novel, well worth a look.

"He'd been Michael O'Sullivan, Jr., a kid in Rock Island, Illinois. He'd been the Angel of Death's getaway driver, written up in newspapers all over. He'd been Michael Satariano, a teenager in DeKalb. He'd been Michael Satariano the war hero. He'd been Michael Satariano the mob enforcer. And he'd been Michael Satariano the casino boss.

"Being Michael Smith, the restaurant manager, was no strain." -- from Road to Paradise

His career comes full circle as Max Allan Collins's latest novel mirrors the plot of his first. Bait Money, published in 1973 (currently available along with its sequel as Two for the Money), featured a "fifty-year-old bank robber on the run from his former mob bosses" (writes Collins in his bibliographic afterword), and so does Road to Paradise, which is set in that same year. About this coincidence, Collins writes, "so much for progress" and "had I known I'd be writing about the mid-'70s, I'd have paid more attention."

Michael Satariano -- formerly Michael O'Sullivan, Jr., who followed his father down the Road to Perdition, taking revenge on John Looney and other Chicago mobsters; later the adopted the son of Italian immigrants and the Congressional Medal of Honor-winning World War II hero who infiltrated the Outfit from within to seek further revenge on Al Capone's role in Michael, Sr.'s murder (read Road to Purgatory for this chapter of the trilogy) -- is living comfortably as the nearly retired "entertainment manager" for the Cal-Neva casino resort when he is asked to perform a task, one that he refuses. Only you don't say no when the mob requests your services.

Road to Paradise is the story of the making of that fateful decision and its aftermath, and it closes the trilogy of Road to... stories (each named for a volume in Dante's Divine Comedy) with a level of satisfaction I was not expecting from a second sequel. Along the way, Collins paints a portrait of a loving family put yet again into the path of danger and what they have to do to escape. Collins's only real concession to the time period are a vocally feminist (though not heavyhanded) daughter and the inclusion of the Satarianos (now the Smiths) in the newly burgeoning Witness Protection Program (WITSEC), as well as the appearance of Las Vegas Outfit leader Sam "Mooney" Giancana.

Readers unfamiliar with the previous entries need not read them first (though I highly recommend them as terrifically involving historical crime novels) -- Collins fills the reader in on all the information necessary to understand the significance of the events that occur in Road to Paradise (a tactic which is also useful to those of us with poor memories). When WITSEC fails, Michael must go back on the road with what is left of his family, and, for the last time, take revenge on those who double-crossed him. It is an emotionally complex journey, and one that I look forward to retaking.

Another outing for Michael O'Sullivan Jr. is probably the last in The Road series of books. (Although the author hasn't ruled out the possibility of a fourth in the series sometime in the future.)

This novel finds Michael Satariano (O'Sullivan's adopted name) looking to the possibility of retirement with his wife and children. He's managed to stay out of the bloody side of the business for decades, managing casinos and hotels and being the acceptable face of certain investors in those various establishments.

His world is soon turned upside down in a short space of time, first by his son's decision to enlist to fight in Vietnam, and more so by a surprise visit at his workplace from former Chicago Mob boss Sam "Moony" Giancana.

Having refused to do Giancana's bidding, the Satariano family is forced to go on the run, thanks to the Mob boss' vengeful answer to Michael's refusal to kowtow.

The rest of the story is devoted to Michael's decision to exact revenge in the O'Sullivan family tradition.

This story flies off the pages. If you like this genre of fiction, you'll delight at what an easy read it is. There are no awkward moments where things don't ring true, or the characters seem to lack dimension.

Max Allan Collins has quit brilliantly woven fact and fiction together. With his first story in which the O'Sullivan family was introduced (and a Hollywood film was based,) he established a connection with the factual underworld and his fictional characters. In this book, he's extended that connection right up to the era in which this story is set, the 1970s.

I do hope that Collins returns to the O'Sullivan family again in the future as there are a few loose ends that he has left just for that purpose should he so wish. Even if he doesn't, this book is a fitting climax and conclusion to The Road series.

Armchair Interviews says: Another bull's eye!

Shall we raise a glass to Max Allan Collins? A few years ago Collins received some long overdue mainstream praise for authoring THE ROAD TO PERDITION, a gritty graphic novel that was transformed into a film almost worthy of the subject matter. While Collins was worthy of Grandmaster status well before its publication --- we're talking about the guy who took over the reins of Dick Tracy from Chester Gould, mind you --- THE ROAD TO PERDITION was, for many, his breakthrough novel, despite having written and/or edited a veritable library of novels theretofore. This led to the equally good, if lesser known, sequel titled THE ROAD TO PURGATORY, which, in turn, leads to THE ROAD TO PARADISE, a tome that is appropriately named for several reasons.

THE ROAD TO PARADISE finds Michael Satariano comfortably middle-aged in 1973, ensconced in his position as Entertainment Director of the Cal-Neva Resort in Lake Tahoe with his wife of 30 years, a son in the Army serving in Vietnam, and a daughter who is a beauty queen high school senior. His idyllic life (at least compared to his life on the run in THE ROAD TO PERDITION) is abruptly terminated by the unexpected arrival of Sam Giancana, who orders Satariano to perform a hit on Sam DeStefano, a notorious mobster who is about to stand trial. Satariano refuses. But the hit occurs anyway, and Satariano finds himself inexplicably charged with the murder.

Sought by DeStefano's associates and law enforcement personnel alike, Satariano, in the interest of protecting his family, agrees to enter a witness protection program in exchange for his testimony against the mob. The family quietly and anonymously relocates, at first successfully. But when things go suddenly and terribly awry, Satariano, in an eerie reprise of his past, finds himself on the road and on the run again, seeking swift and terrible revenge against those who have wronged him. Collins's narrative here is unequivocally first-rate, flawlessly merging the past and (the novel's) present, bringing history and fiction together to produce a believable, might-have-been story with a surprising and satisfying denouement.

Collins, a prodigious craftsman, has provided not only a worthy capstone to a fabulous trilogy but also what is arguably the summit (to date) of a marvelous career. Anyone familiar with the quality of Collins's previous work will find their expectations exceeded. Those, on the other hand, who are encountering Collins for the first time will be adding another name to their list of authors who must be read. Highly recommended.


--- Reviewed by Joe Hartlaub

this book was confusing and very not meaningfull i thought that page lambert did a bad job.

Writing Down the River grabs your heart and broadens your understanding of the power of the western landscape. The photographs are amazing in themselves; the essays stunning.

Sybil Downing, award winning author of Ladies of the Goldfield Stock Exchange

Writing Down the River grabs your heart and broadens your understanding of the power of the western landscape. The photographs are amazing in themselves; the essays stunning.

Sybil Downing, award winning author of Ladies of the Goldfield Stock Exchange

I haven't received my copy yet but I can certainly review the experience. I saw Kathleen Jo Ryan on PBS on Sunday morning and as each photograph flashed up on the screen I just gasped because I too made this journey last summer and each photo brought back to me the precious days on that journey of a lifetime, recognizing each cave, slot canyon, falls and utter and absolute peace that I found in that place. Words just can't do it. I could go on for hours about it (and often do) The only words that I can find that come close os to say simply that it touched my soul. No one who makes this journey can ever be the same again. If you do nothing else in your life -make this trip. See Ms Ryan's book for an introduction.

I plan to go again next summer. I look forward to my copy of this book of memories to keep me warm until I can be back on the river again.

Very good reading, with excellent comments on the Grand Canyon, the experiences of rafting the river and essays on how the canyon touches people in different ways. I have just completed an 8 day trip of over 280 miles in the canyon and experienced every emotion and awe-inspiring moment described in the book. The photographs are worth the purchase price alone. A must read before and after taking a trip down the wonderous Colorado in the Grand Canyon

999 Officer Down transports the reader behind the scenes into the life of Phoenix cop Russ Reiker. Written by his wife, Catherine Marfino-Reiker, the narrative is heartfelt and poignant, describing great triumphs and losses in this man's life.

Unfortunately, Mrs. Reiker is not skilled in the craft of writing. She gets her story across, but without the help of a good editor. I frequently stumbled over mid-sentence tense or point-of-view changes. I was also left feeling unsatisfied at the end because she provided few details about the cause of Russ's accident.

For the story, this is great book. If you also read to enjoy creative language and vividly painted images, you're likely to be sorely disappointed.

999 Officer Down: The Russ Reiker Story is the true tale of Russ Reiker, an heroic street cop of Phoenix, Arizona who served for twenty-one years before suffering a life-threatening injury while on duty. Against all odds, he survived, but shortly thereafter one of his closest friends and fellow officers lost his life. 999 Officer Down vivdly recounts the career of this dedicated policeman and how his job was to change his life forever. Superbly written by Catherine Marfino-Reiker, 999 Officer Down is compelling and highly recommended reading.

I found this book to be very interesting, as it was my first experience reading of an Officers life. I found it intriguing the way the chain of command is initiated and followed through. There are rules and codes of procedures when even talking to your superiors. I thought that in itself had to be stressful for the officer, always having to know what to say and how you have to say it to your superiors, as not to ruffle any feathers. I find the officers are a close knit group, they look after their own, no matter what.I would recommend this book to all people in the field of law enforcement, their families and friends.

Never have I read a story which truly focuses in on the emotions and reality that an officer of the law must endure while in the line of duty. The corruption and crime on the streets never embraced me until I read this book. One can not imagine what it must feel like to be humiliated, harassed , and even hurt, while your main objective is to uphold the law and protect the people we live with. Think about the oath they take, the intense training, the Risk???? Always having to look over their shoulders. They all have families and lives just like you and I and yet their main objective is to protect the people, uphold the law no matter what it takes. Officer Reiker was a devoted Officer of the Law, a true inspiration to mankind, a leader. He not only enforced law and order, he took the time to educate children who were not as priviledged as some. Never did predujice play a part. In Officer Reikers career, he endured more than any average human could, and survived by only a miracle. Officer Reiker can be proud ,he can hold his head up high knowing in his heart that he always did the right thing, no matter what the risk. . Yes I highly reccomend this book to the people we live with, the people we talk to every day. Take a Walk in Officer Reikers shoes and see what it feels like. Hats Off to Officer Reiker........

I found this book to be the most compelling "Cop" story read to date. The book delved behind the scenes issues of life - and all that goes with it. I felt his story was at first hard to read due to emotional understanding of just how real it all became to me. My first thoughts were that we don't pay our law enforcement enough for what they must sacrifice for the rest of us. My second thought was how did he emotionally get through his tour of duty - I know that I could never had done it. Great book and a must read!

Although Ms. Wade describes all the sections of Arizona with area maps it is lacking in the amount of where to stay info. I found the book's format hard to follow. An index divided by subject would have helped and detailed maps. I will stick with Fodors travel books.

We recently returned from AZ and we used the Arizona Guide for the third time. It was great in helping us find places from just below "the rim" to the Mexican border. It is coherently written and organized - easy to stay with even for those of us who are just learning that wonderful state!

You'll be glad you found this book, and this author! A wealth of useful, interesting and informative material. And the bonus is that it's written with style. We're using it to plan a trip, and it's the only resource we'll need. Highly recommended.

I've been seduced! I will head for Arizona and never look back! This book presents Arizona in a way that will please all types of readers . . .from those who just like to read about a wonderful place to those who will get in their cars and hop from one spot to the next with the Arizona Guide clutched in their hands. Serious historians and serious naturalists alike will find material to lure them to little-known areas of Arizona. Did you know there's "wine country" in Arizona? Animals that look like monkeys? Huge underground caverns? Apparently Arizona has it all and this book will let you know about it. Me? I am heading for Sierra Vista to see the hummingbirds!

I like The Arizona Guide because it is different from other guidebooks that attempt to cover every single hotel and restaurant. The subject matter is current and informative. Even my husband, who has lived in Arizona his whole life, told me he was surprised at how much he learned about the state from the first three pages. Filled with both well-known and unusual destinations, written in easy-to-understand prose and organized into eight geographic regions, The Arizona Guide is the perfect reference book for Arizona visitors and residents alike.