Maryland Books

What a wonderful story! I was amazed that the author is a man. The character of Sheila Redden is so believable and your sympathy is with her even though she is about to leave her son. Ordinarily that would lose me as far as any compassion is concerned. I really enjoy Mr. Moore's style of writing and plan on reading all of his other books.

Wonderfully romantic reading, but not sappy or "unreal"......I loved this book from page one until the end.........a woman's awakening to her life. Highly recommend it.

Smart, quiet, shy, too tall, Sheila had never been on her own. She went from dependence on her parents to dependence on a husband. After 15 years of marriage, a long-planned 2nd honeymoon sets into motion the chain of events which leads her away from her safe, ordered, boring existence, and awakens a desire for autonomy.

Moore's cool, precise, detached prose steers the reader through an emotional storm. If anything, this coolness enhances the intensely erotic scenes in the story. As always with Brian Moore, the tale seems to be driven by its own internal workings, and the personalities of its characters. Yet the ending is neither staid nor predictable. You will not be able to put this book down easily, or to put it out of your mind until long after you have finished reading it.

Wow! What a book! I don't usually read romance novels, and I'm still unsure as to what compelled me to buy this one. But whatever the reason, I'm glad I did!

Had someone handed me this book to read, stripped of its cover thus leaving me no clue as to whom had written it, never in a million years would I have guessed the author to be a man!
Brian Moore should be commended for his impressive ability at bringing to life the totally believable female character portrayed in this book. Few male writers can successfully execute on paper such a vivid and candid depiction of a middle-aged woman in turmoil--the revealing of her innermost thoughts about herself and the world around her as she grapples with the sensitive issues of aging and sexuality.

Anticipating her husband's arrival in France to celebrate their second honeymoon, Sheila Redden dreams of rekindling the passions and excitement once present in their stale, sixteen-year marriage. However, disillusioned by his many excuses for not showing up to meet her, Sheila soon becomes painfully aware that her husband's busy schedule with tending patients takes precedence over her happiness. Lonely and deeply hurt, Sheila does what I guess many emotionally-neglected wives would do--she has an affair. I don't think that she intentionally went out looking to get laid--it was just something that happened quite naturally given the vulnerable state of mind she was in at the time. What starts out as a seemingly innocent enough chat with a handsome young American in a Paris diner, suddenly magnifies into something far more serious. Riddled with guilt, yet driven by the desire to walk away from her loveless marriage in favor of a more independent life, Sheila confesses to her husband (over the phone!) that she is in love with another man. What follows Sheila's confession is an unexpected train of events that will drastically change the lives of all of those she touches.

As I've said before--Wow! What a book! This is one of those
'once upon a time' fairy tale romances, but one in which no one at the end rides off into the sunset happily ever after.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to just kick back and enjoy a good ole' fashioned, brilliantly-written romance novel. But be forewarned--some of the lovemaking scenes are quite explicit.

TWO THUMBS UP FOR THIS THOROUGHLY ENJOYABLE NOVEL!

This is perhaps the most pleasurable "academic" history I have come across. Although it provides an extensive account of life in the Chesapeake through the lives and business dealings - and there are plenty of those enumerated - of the tenacious Carroll family, I was also struck by Ronald Hoffman's major theme of family continuity, of purpose driven by recollection and ambition that the Carrolls had in spades. The very tightly researched accounts of the family history in Ireland, and of all the other families like them in the chaos of the 17th century, is little short of astonishing. I'll admit to an enduring interest in Irish history, but this one illustrates why Carrolls and others left their broken aristocracy. That continuity touches on my own forebearers, one of whom was a first cousin of Charles Carroll of Carrollton's. She married another Irish immigrant Marylander and set out in 1796 to populate the then frontier in Kentucky with other Catholics, I am sure at direction of one of their neighbors in Upper Marlborough, MD, Fr. John Carroll, first Catholic bishop in America and also Charles' first cousin. A great read on many levels.

Ronald Hoffman is an excellent historian who has brought great knowledge of Chesapeake social and cultural history to this biographical work that places three generations of the Carroll family within their colonial context. It is a wonderful biography that gets the reader into the minds and lives of these three Charles Carroll's. But for me the best thing was the number of times it made me think, "Oh, that's how it was." I have read enough colonial history to know that there were lots of tenant laborers and not just slaves in the region, to know that Catholic Maryland quickly became Anglican Maryland, and to know that the Revolution was not just about ideas but also about social change. Ronald Hoffman's narrative, however, really brings these facts home. His book is not about any one of these issues in particular, but in telling the story of three generations of Carroll's in Maryland he brings home the greater circumstances of the colony better than many historians who have set out to make a case for one of the above arguments, or many of the other fascinating takes on early Chesapeake society contained in this highly readable book. I have not read any book lately that I enjoyed more.

Traditional patriotism demands that we believe that the founding fathers of America were all great democratic idealist. Although this may have been true for some, many others had no problem with the idea of an elite ruling class, so long as they were considered the elite. Thus the victory over England can be viewed as less of an American Democratic Revolution and more of a power transition from the English crown to the new American aristocracy.

A primary example of this American elite class was Maryland representative Charles Carroll of Carrollton. A signer of the American Declaration of Independence, Charles of Carrollton was a wealthy planter and businessman who became such not by his own doings but primarily through the inheritance and molding of his father, Charles Carroll of Annapolis. Ever mindful of his Irish and Catholic roots and the persecution therein by English aristocrats, the elder Charles did everything in his power to equip his son to fend off those who would attempt to cripple him politically and economically. In so doing, the elder Charles created a mindset of elitism within his son.

This irony is highlighted by Ronald Hoffman in his book, "Princes of Ireland, Planters of Europe," in which he examines the Carroll family and traces how a persecuted family from Ireland in 1500 came to be one of the prominent families in America by the time of the American Revolution

I was originally attracted to this book out of a simple curiosity about the last surviving signer of the Declaration of Independence (Charles Carroll outlived Adams and Jefferson by about six years, or about 56 years after 1776!). On a deeper level, I hoped to learn more about the kind of early capitalist that would be attracted to signing on to the American Revolution in general. What this book helped me discover was a family that had over time become focused, almost obsessed, with making a buck under fairly adverse circumstances (namely, continuing in their Roman Catholic faith that made it difficult for them to thrive, even in an enclave as seemingly sympathetic as colonial Maryland, with its relatively large Catholic population). But when the time came for this family to rise above its simple wealth building and to champion the cause of the Revolution, it did indeed rise to the occasion, however brief and painful the process might be. (Hoffman attends to both the private and public lives of the Carrolls.) The history of the Carrolls is a part of the history of the magic that was the American Revolution. It is not surprising that the book ends abruptly with the death of Charles Carroll's father and his wife, about 10 days apart from one another in 1782 (though there is a brief summing up of Carroll's remaining 50 years and the attention attracted by his death in 1832). The story is told, the dynasty pretty much complete.

What's the book like? At times it seems downright willfully prosaic, and the story proceeds much like a carefully written doctoral dissertation - all conclusions fully supported and made in as logical a context as possible, all contentions politically correct for our time. Hoffman's goal is of course to be scholarly and thorough, not to be entertaining or controversial. Thus the sweep of this history must emerge and coalesce in the mind of the reader. Leave being beaten over the head with the broader conclusions inherent in the narrative to more popularly written histories.

Suffice it to say, if you're a municipal library and you need to beef up your Revolutionary War material, this is a prime buy. If you're a true history buff, this would be an excellent choice to work into your reading list. It has the effect of immersing you into the spirit of the times and providing you with detail you could not have imagined you would find interesting (but you do). If you're a casual reader, just be advised - this is heavy stuff. It's not an easy read, but it is ultimately a rewarding one.

good chronological account of Early's 1864 campaign many interesting side notes to a little studied Confederate actio

Mr. Judge does history a great justice by writing the history of the Invasion of Washington from its inception. He covers the early phase from a confederate defeat at Cloyds Mountain in Pulaski County just south of Blacksburg (VA. Tech), takes you to Lynchburg and Early's arrival and the subsequent journey to Washington D.C. Gives the reader the complete field of study of the campaign. Wonderful description of future Baltimore Police Chief Harry Gilmore who was a colorful confederate calavary leader as well as a vivid description of the hidden valley of the Shennodoah, Fort Valley.

Season of Fire proves to be a well written and well researched book on Confederacy's last effort to do something meaningful by trying to attacked Washington DC. Led by General Jubal Early, the Confederate forces came pretty close to success and the authors were correct in saying that even if the occupation of Union capitol would only be momentary, the political and morale cost would be devastating for the north. While hindsight make this campaign almost a sideshow, the book revealed how close it really was to being a main event.

This book is must reading for anyone interested in Civil War history or who lives in the areas between Monocacy Junction and Washington, D. C. where this action occurred. The book provides a detailed synopsis of the action and is loaded with details of the local history, much of which remains intact for anyone interested in retracing the course of Early's raid.

Right when you start feeling nauseous from all the sugar-coated sentimentalism in the world, or cynical from the overbearing and stolid commercialism in many publications today, a book like "Songs of Myself" comes along and reminds you that yes, there are real people out there, with real problems, and learning real life lessons.

I picked up this collection of short memoirs on assignment for a college course in memoir writing, believing it to be another boring textbook. Instead, I found myself reading long into the night, unable to put it down, gripped with the reality of these stories.

The writers in "Episodes From the Edge of Adulthood" cannot be called children but are not your stereotypical teenagers. They are unique individuals with intense emotions. Whether they're dealing with unexpected early pregnancy, death of loved ones, life-threatening situations, or simply the first time living away from home, these writers tell their stories succinctly and with raw emotion. True, the writing is at times amaturish, but it is really the stories that grip you, that make you laugh out loud or literally cry in sympathy, pain, or horror. The fact that they really happened is what gives them their power.

I would strongly recommend this for any student of memoir looking for examples of their peers. I would also recommend this collection of stories for any teenager, or even adult, who desires to walk a while in the shoes of another - to realize the deep emotions of someone on the Edge of Adulthood.

Very insightful. This collection showed almost brutal honesty. A worthwhile read for all.

Each memoir lends a different voice to the song of these student's lives. I learned so much about myself by reading about how each person bravely faced what could have destroyed them,but instead made them stronger in spirit. I was honored to have my painting in the book.

I submitted a the only painting that was published in the book(it opens the section on pregnancy) and i was honored to have my work surrounded by such honest and heartwrenching memories of my those in my generation. This book is truly unique in that it tells the story of people just reaching the threshold of adulthood, and how they reached that point.

I orginally bought this book in 1988 and thought it a beautifully written book on not only bird watching but of a Washington that no longer exists due to modern highways and bustle. I recently purchased this book for a friend who is a bird watcher and has lived in DC. I hope he will like it as much as I do. Jenny Brake

This is one of those rare books that lifts you out of your chair and brings you along on a soaring journey to the natural world beyond the government office windows. It is written as a daily journal of nature explorations in and around Washington, D.C. and makes a perfect companion for any watcher of spring. The author was a keen observer of natural life when he wrote the book in 1945, and the watchful naturalist today will find much to celebrate in the wildlife that is still here today, and also much to mourn that has been lost in the intervening decades. No more do we have rafts of mergansers resting in the Tidal Basin, but Dyke Marsh is still the place to see waterthrushes, and herons still stop by the ponds on the Mall. Halle's eloquent musings on the question of "What is important?" are still relevant today, as the press and government continue to occupy themselves with matters of man-made events and ignore the real news happening all around us--the news of the actual world going about its business completely unconcerned with scandal or finance. Swans still fly south over government office buildings, and anyone who notices and rejoices in such happenings will find a true friend in this marvelous book.

This a book from another time which is still relevant to our day and age. The writer takes time from a boring desk job in wartime Washington to provide timeless observations about nature along the Potomac river as he experiences it in early morning bicycle rides. He indirectly puts man in his place and foretells many of the things environmentalists have rediscovered in the last 20 years. Highly recommended in general, but especially if you have any familiarity with the area around Washington, DC.

Louis Halle reveals his soul in this evocative love letter to the stirrings of spring. Though set along Rock Creek and the Potomac River in and around Washington, this work will transport you away from this world into another time and place in which the sheer joy of seeing nature burst into color will overwhelm you. Close your eyes and have someone read this book to you and you will be able to smell the tidal waters and hear the wind in the marsh grass. Halle's book is pure pleasure.

Having lived nearly my entire life under Schaefer's management, first as Mayor, then as Governor, I wanted to read about his personal qualities that made him such a success. This books explains that, as well as the many undercover forces as well. The only element missing is a discussion of why many of his successes were not enough to save the city from its current decline.

Just a terrific political history of Baltimore over the past 40 years. Wonderfully told.

If you weren't around to witness first hand the fabulous Mayor Schaefer years in Baltimore (or Governor later), or just want to reminisce this -is a must read. I was entertained and inspired, this man gives a new meaning to the word dedication. Highly recommend it, even if you're not from Baltimore!

If you are interested in the politics of American cities this marvelous biography of the four-term mayor of Baltimore should be on the top of your reading list. C. Fraser Smith, a veteran reporter for the Baltimore Sun, has used the life of William Donald Schaefer -- a lackluster ward politician who surprised almost everyone by becoming one of America's most successful big city mayors -- as a vehicle for examining the inner workings of Baltimore during the last half century. In doing so he opens up a window through which to view and better understand every American city. With a sharp eye for detail and a knack for compelling narrative, Smith guides us through the morass of city politics, introducing us up-close-and-personal to an array of interesting characters who, at one time or another, performed on center stage with Schaefer. They include members of the mayor's staff, party godfathers, business leaders, neighborhood activists, obscure but powerful civil servants, black political leaders, and owners of sports teams, to cite a few. In his ability to employ ordinary citizens to tell a city's story, one is reminded immediately of J. Anthony Lukas' Common Ground, the Pulitzer-prize winning dissection of Boston. The reader senses that Smith, as a reporter on city and state beats, knew personally and had earned the trust of most of the key players he interviewed. They felt comfortable revealing to him the most intimate stories and opinions.

Yet despite all its attention to the political context, the book stays true throughout to its basic purpose of creating a rich, reliable biography of a remarkable public servant. It will be as valuable to scholars of urban America as it will be enjoyable to persons wanting simply to immerse themselves in big city lore.

I found this book to be an entertaining story wrapped in a vivid snapshot of rural and city life on the eve of the revolutionary war. Rather than focusing on known historical figures, the main characters, Christopher Sims and his love interest Hannah, represent the lives of the common people who get pulled into the events leading up to the war. The story and characters present an interesting mix of history, intrigue, espionage and romance. I particularly enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the rural homes, taverns, and countryside of lower Frederick County Maryland, and city life in Baltimore. Conradis provides a gritty and realistic picture of life in 1776 that is more enjoyable and detailed than you will get in a history book. While this book provides a lot of historical detail, you don't have to be a history buff to enjoy it. I highly recommend this book.

Books about the American Revolution seem to focus on the big players (think Washington and Jefferson and Franklin) and people who lived in cities (think Johnny Tremain). But what about my ancestors, who were among the 95% of the population that lived on farms? How did they get the news? What did they know or think? And how on earth did their men decide to leave their farms and families to risk their lives and their families' well being to fight the domineering and powerful British oppressors? It was their blood and brawn that the big players needed to win American freedom.

John Conradis answers these questions, and many more, in his story about the beginnings of the American Revolution. His focus is on the little guys and their society and how all those great ideas (like liberty from the British) and dramatic events (like the British march on Lexington) swirled above their lives and then affected them directly. Chris Simms, a young man who doesn't particularly like his life of farming, is in love with Hannah, an indentured servant. In telling their story and how the coming Revolution complicates their lives, Conradis doesn't romanticize rural life, isn't afraid of the grittiness of colonial life, and knows his history and locations so well that I smell the taverns, hear the accents, see the backwoods settlements and dusty roads that figure into his narrative.

I'm grateful that an author has finally told the story of people like me and look forward to the next Conradis novel that promises to continue the story of Chris, Hannah, and the events and people that affect their lives.

I enjoyed this impressive, well written and researched novel of the Revolutionary war, told on the small scale. The story of our country's founding and its epic events are woven around intricate tales of the small characters and everyday people which make up Maryland life. Conradis has done fabulous research to put together this fun and intriguing work. well done!

This was the first historical novel that I have read about ordinary people. I found the book interesting and an easy read. Historical facts were incorporated into the story without being overwhelming. The author painted a vivid portrait of life for ordinary people living in rural Maryland and Baltimore prior to the American Revolution. He developed characters who were strong, likeable, patriotic and delicately developed a love interst with Christopher and Hannah, his main characters. His characters left a favorable impression on me throughout the first volume. I cannot wait for Volume II, A Vagabond Army, and travel through that journey with the characters I enjoyed so much in Volume I.

Hazel Bagwell (true name)

Book arrived much more quickly than I expected...especially it being over the holidays. Great information. A lot of recognizable wineries, close too! Good purchase.

Elisabeth Frater's lovely travel guide is great for both residents and visitors. I have lived in Northern Virginia for 13 years and don't even drink alcohol, but I found this book to be useful. Frater gives clear, concise information, but also offers opinions. You hear the facts about each winery, but you also here the stories behind each one.

I have enjoyed living in this area much more after using Frater's book to plan weekend trips. Her book was invaluable when family came to visit recently.

Comprehensive review of the wineries in Virginia and Maryland. Describes how each of the wineries got started and a bit about the owners, growers, and/or winemakers. Also offers a brief summary of the wines produced. Includes sidebar-type sections on such topics as individual varietals, wine festivals, and competitions.

A wonderful resource if you like weekend getaways, beautiful farms, and, of course, sipping wine! Indispensable for budding regional wine connoisseurs and casual travelers alike.

This book is great for people who are looking to find out what old Catonsville looked like. I love all the pictures of the homes and families and the information it includes about the Catons. It has a lot of pictures that are included from the Catonsville Library's collection. It is well organized.

I had the opportunity to purchase this book a few days ago, and I was unable to put it down until the end. It is packed full of photos and history, bringing back fond memories of my childhood, and creating some new thoughts for discovery. I thought I already knew so much, then I read the book and learned so much more. The author has done a wonderful job of gathering and creating an order of things. I'm overwhelmed at the photos she has accumulated. I hope to read more from this author. Her style is enjoyable, and very easy to follow. Thank you.

This book complements another book, "Catonsville 1880 to 1940, from Village to Suburb", previously published in 1979 in conjunction with the Catonsville Historical Society. The author brings out of the files even more photographs of our past. It could almost be titled "Catonsville Lost". Not only does it makes us mourn the loss of such magnificent homes and the "village" atmosphere, but a certain lifestyle of the residents of the long-gone era. In doing her research the author revealed finding even more material for yet another book. I look forward to a continuation of this theme.

Lucy W. McKean, President
Catonsville Historical Society

My wife and have given this book to several friends with the same reply. I pick up the book planing to read justone or two of the stories and could not put it down. Then they ask where to buy copies for a friend. A most touching book by some one who loves animals.

H.M. Shepherd

Sister Mary Winifred writes the touching stories of the cats who have sought refuge at Sanctuary House. Some will make you smile; some will bring tears to your eyes. You'll enjoy them all.

This book has wonderful stories about all different cats and how they came to Sanctuary House. It's a very easy read and makes a great gift for any cat lover.