Massachusetts Books

It was on time and efficient. Wasn't overly parckaged, thank you for considering the environment!

This is a great book, the best ever written, I am sure, on the very important topic of helping maintain, and sometimes create livable communities in rural areas. The only handicap for owning the book is the rather huge price, $ 86.00, and not discounted by Amazon. We would like to have all our county planning commission members have a copy of the book, but can't afford to do so.

The bible on proper planning. I wish more planners would read it. I am an average citizen who wanted to learn more about smarter land use plans and this book really has great ideas. It is expensive, but well worth the price. Shows how poor our current clear-cutting practices are compared to the beauty of an open space subdivision design. Buy this-you will really learn a lot!

You can still buy this book from the American Planning Association (www.planning.org) for about $60, even though Amazon, and other book stores, have it listed as "out of print."

In children's literature, you are led to believe that there are good, and there are evil. The good are always the right ones and that is what you should be. No one ever decides to put themselves in the so-called "evil" side's views. The accused witches really thought they were doing right by protesting their innocence, and the townsfolk thought they were right for getting rid of those terrorizing their town. Though Patricia Hermes strays off at the end, she really does show us the mistakes we have been making, living in the illusion of pure good and evil.

There are two sides in this incredible book, of the same story that is. Books with two sides are good, it lets you get all the information. The TRUE plot in this book happened a while ago in 1692, but in my opinion, that is a good thing. I love books with a non-fiction story that happened years and years ago. A girl named Elizabeth lives in the small town of Salem. Her best friend, George, has a father who's job is a judge for court trials. Strange things start happening. People getting bewitched, having fits and saying the devil tried to make them sign his book. Georges father runs court trials with the bewitched and the people whom the bewitched said were the witches bewitching them, so Elizabeth goes and watches the trials, she thinks this is all kinda, until it gets scary when the bewitched say that she is a witch! With horror, tears, and some happiness she makes it through, well almost, they must escape get away from horrible Salem! Georges side is different and you must read it after Elizabeth side of the story. You can find out Georges side by yourself, it is very awesome! I HIGHLY recommend this book to people who like the olden days and intensifying moments!

My side of the story books make the story sooo much more interesting. You get to hear about two peoples different opinions and views on the same subject, conversations, and dillemas.The author writes the book in such a way that you feel like you are involved in everything that is going on. Educational and interesting, I love historical fiction. The discriptions and dialouge are ingeniusly written giving you every ounce of information thats needed to make the story come to life. I would reccommend this book to anyone who likes history, witches, and drama.

Salem Witch by Patricia Hermes is the first book that I've read from Kingfisher's My Side of the Story series, and I quite enjoyed it. This series features turbulent times from history (the 1665 London plague, the settling of America, World War II, etc). A story is told from the perspective of a child living during that time. The reader then flips the book over to read another perspective of the same story, told by a different child.

Salem Witch is set, as you might expect from the title, during the Salem witch trials of 1692. Elizabeth is the only child of relatively affluent and educated parents. Her father is a merchant who owns several ships, and her mother, atypical for the time, knows how to read. Because of her slightly unconventional upbringing, Elizabeth is more independent and free-thinking than most of the other Salem girls. Her best friend is a boy named George, the son of a local magistrate. George loves art and drawing, but is being pressured by his father to put aside such frivolous pursuits and take on the more practical career of law. Although the two are close friends, their different views on the witch trials put them at odds with one another.

I've always had an interest in the Salem witch trials, having grown up 20 miles from Salem. I think that Patricia Hermes did a nice job in this book of creating a fictional story, but populating it with actual people and events (and even dialog from trial transcripts) from the time. The story begins as several young girls start having fits, and claiming that witches are tormenting them. The first "witches" accused are social outcasts: a slave, a homeless woman and child, and a cantankerous old woman, all of whom have no one to speak for them. However, as the accusers start to feel more power, and as the climate of fear and dread darkens the community, more mainstream citizens are also targeted.

The outspoken Elizabeth doesn't believe in witches, and is convinced that the accusers are malicious and attention-seeking, part of a conspiracy to stir up trouble. This puts her in danger, and also puts her at odds with George, who is being pressured by his father to believe the accusations. George beseeches Elizabeth to be more careful about what she says, and she starts to wonder if she can trust him at all. This dynamic between the two friends, who care for each other, but aren't sure if they can trust one another, works well in the My Side of the Story format. We leave Elizabeth's story uncertain of George's actions, and only find resolution at the end of his story.

This book is a quick read, but one that tackles a difficult subject. It is not for the faint of heart (hangings, the imprisonment of a four-year-old girl, and references to Indian attacks), although I think that the author did a good job of conveying these events without being sensationalistic. She also does an excellent job with the atmosphere of the books, using the gray Salem weather as counterpoint to the fear and superstition that are ruining people's lives. Elizabeth is a good choice of narrator: young enough to be troubled and frightened by the events, but educated enough not to be swayed by them. George has more of an insider's view, as his father presides over some of the trials, and his story gives some peripheral insight into the influence of other recent events on the trials.

It's amazing in some ways to read this book and think that people were actually killed based on the unproven accusations of a group of discontented girls. But then again, this sort of thing has happened more recently with the epidemic of repressed memories of childhood abuse (though the accused were not generally hanged). I think that it's useful to study the Salem witch trials as a means of understanding and of preventing such out-of-control behavior from happening again.

I think that the Salem witch trials and the My Side of the Story format are a good fit, giving the reader sympathy for the accused and for the frightened majority who went along with the trials. Using a boy and a girl as narrators is also a way to make the book more accessible to boys and girls. I think that this book will be a hit with middle grade kids who enjoy historical fiction, especially those living in New England. I recommend the newly published Salem Witch for this year's Halloween reading.

This book review was originally published on my blog, Jen Robinson's Book Page, on October 14, 2006.

I am always delighted to find a work of historical fiction where the author demonstrates command not only of the facts and themes of the time, but of the metaphors and language that were used by people of that era. (The books Jem and Sam and An Instance of the Fingerpost come to mind.) The plot of this book is compelling enough, but it is the writing that is most evocative. I look forward to Beahrs' next book.

This stirring and earthy debut colorfully depicts the insularity and harshness of 17th century agrarian life from the viewpoint of Melode, a passionate and lonely 16-year-old girl. An orphan, she doesn't know who her parents were, only that they died in or fled from the tavern fire the local religious sect, the "Saints," set to drive them out when she was two. The only survivor, Melode was not adopted by the strict, dour community, but taken in as a servant.

She chafes against her lowly, outcast position in a society that claims itself egalitarian, and resentfully despises their hypocrisy, but it doesn't occur to her to renounce the only religion and community she has ever known. Where would she go? What would she do? She does her work and confines her rebellion to small things - until she falls in love and lust with Adam Stradling, son of the Saints' minister and leader and a bit of a rebel himself, who delights her with his irreverent mimicry of his father, John.

Beahrs, with a background in archaeology and anthropology, bases this community on the Plymouth Colony people, the Pilgrims, as they came to be called. Farmers (husbandmen) for the most part, they keep to themselves, shunning the world and fearful of persecution. Because they do not recognize the king as the head of their church, their religion is illegal. Within the community discipline is harsh, with the stocks employed for infractions like observing forbidden holidays or clinging to superstitions. It is a pared down religion, shorn of frills and ceremony.

But Beahrs keeps his characters human, allowing them to stray from the righteous path in one direction or another. Some, including Melode, cling to the community because it's all they know. But when their land is rented and when the owner dies and his son brings in new settlers, the Saints decide to leave behind their familiar, but no longer safe world and migrate to the New World.

John Stradling sends Adam to London to arrange passage. Although eager for the adventure, Adam promises to reunite with Melode on the ship. Naturally things do not go as smoothly as Melode hopes, but to say more would be to sacrifice some of the plot's suspense. And there is plenty of that.

Not edge-of-the-seat, nail-biting suspense, but an absorbing, character-driven desire to know what happens next. And plenty does. From stifling, smelly berths and storm-tossed leaky hulls to precarious coastal fishing camps, frightening and frightened natives, isolated bird-nesting islands and fractious, struggling settlements, the story moves through much that the journey to the New World could offer in those early days and does it well.

Beahrs has a flair for the cadence of the language. Though he readily admits that no one can know exactly what people sounded like in the early 1600s he does a good job of making the reader feel transported.

Early in the book, the young girls are raking hay:

"I slip into the rhythm of the work line. The raking is rough and tacky where the grass is cut low, tines bumping over warm earth and cropped stalks. Hay builds beneath my rake, heaping in heavy banks. I pull the wooden handle back but it's all pillowy, durable hindrance. We've missed the first cool hour, and the heat of the day is trapped beneath the layers of my clothes like flax oil. The handle is rough and unfinished, and grates against my hands. Sweat beads on my forehead."

His prose is tactile, helping us experience Melode's world, from the extreme but ordinary lack of privacy to the harangue of the meeting room, the strangeness of a new continent and the timelessness of human emotions. Well written, with a fine, melodramatic plot, "Strange Saint" is an adventure for those who like some substance to their historical novels.

--Portsmouth Herald

Absolutely a keeper, this book allows the reader entry into early 17th century life in England and beyond, to the New World.
Extremely well-written with a compelling narrative, Beahrs has re-created a fascinating time in history with a page-turning plot.

This book is totally engrossing, I couldn't wait to see what happened next. Starving for companionship, I read it aloud to my boyfriend and insisted that my best friend read it. I don't know if I am more impressed that the author wrote convincing 17th century characters or that he wrote a convincing female narrator. The author takes a woman's tragedy and turns it into a tale of hope and triumph. A must read for historical fiction readers and women aching to see strong female characters.

There are only a few books specifically on the Wampanoag Indians suited for pre-K through elementary. While the text it a bit too much for a large group of children in the pre-K range (one on one would be excellent), the photos are great. Please check out Kate Waters other books which are excellent companions to the era: Sarah Morton's Day, Samuel Eaton's Day and the Mayflower.

We are big fans of Kate Waters' books about the Pilgrims (Samuel Eaton's Day, Sarah Morton's Day and On the Mayflower). When we discovered "Tapenum's Day", we were thrilled ! I found the 'point of view' from a young Native American boy to be both fascinating and educational, as did my children. We enjoyed seeing this historically accuate slice of life, written from a balanced perspective. I think this wonderful book rounds out the collection, including the other four, that no study of the Pilgrims should be without.

I am continually amazed at how children's books offer detail and insight into daily life that no stout history book can provide.

Writing the same review for the other two in this trilogy. Excellent all!

Another great book by Kate Waters. This book shows the daily life of a Native American child during the time of the Pilgrims. This book goes great with Sarah Morton's Day and Samuel Eaton's Day. Also, check out On the Mayflower also by Kate Waters.

Great book about the Pilgrims with lots of historical detail about the different families. Cut-away of the Mayflower with labels and drawings of each of the passengers with their names, makes the story come to life.

I discovered Three Young Pilgrims by accident and had to have it. Beautifully told believable story that brings history alive for all ages and illustrations are detailed and excellent. I recommend it for ages 7 to 107!

This is a wonderful and informative book for children and adults that tells the story of the Allerton family as they travel to America. Readers will enjoy both the illustrations -- detailed cut-aways of the ships they sailed in -- and the text which does not mince words about the difficulties of the journey. For anyone who has relatives on the Mayflower, this is a lovely story of how our ancestors first came to this country. It reminds us of how brave they were.

Cheryl Harness has produced the most unusual gem of the Mayflower story that I have yet run across. The story, by adult standards is choppy in its progression, but is quite charming in its childlike perspective of the harshness that the pilgrims must have faced both on the Mayflower and in the founding of Plymouth including the time of the Thanksgiving feast. The story is sandwiched between pages that give interesting details of the ship, the voyage, and the people and events of the time that would be certain to satisfy the curious reader or listener. The artwork was beautifully illustrated in watercolor, gouache, and colored pencil and has been wonderfully reproduced in colored ink. This is both a wonderful holiday and historical book that should please all ages.

Crazy James

I liked this book. It had a lot of good recipes in it and when you make the recipes they are GOOD!

Of all the cookbooks that my wife and I have, this is the one that we treasure most. Filled with traditional and non-traditional New England recipes that make your mouth water by just reading them. I strongly encourage everyone to purchase this cookbook first and then you will have something to compare all other cookbooks with. I especially like the Macaroni and Cheese!

Since life (in rural Vermont anyway) seems to revolve around seasonal events, this cookbook was perfectly arranged for me. The recipes are grouped by month with each month represented by a type of food. For instance July is berries, August is the garden harvest, November is apples and pumpkins. This makes finding an appropriate recipe easy. A must try recipe is the Applesauce Raisin Cake. It is truly delicious! From the lovely cover, the interesting photographs of Ashfield MA, the weather statistics, the tidbits of information about the town, to the terrific down-home recipes, this book is a wonderful addition to my cookbook collection.

"Through the Front Door" is a delightful collection of old-home recipes that bring to mind -- and to the palate -- the good old-fashioned country cooking that was common a generation ago, but has practically vanished since.

I'm not a great cook, but I can handle these recipes, and they remind me of my mother, who passed away a couple of years ago. I made "Mother's Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies" and was hit with nostalgia: my mom in her apron, the kitchen full of sweet aromas, time standing still.

So I guess that's it: I turn to this little cookbook whenever I want to escape the rush of the everyday and slow down the pace.

Kerstin has compiled a wonderful book that is more than "just" the history of the UMMB. The book (especially the photos) captures the true experience of being a member of this amazing organization. Current members or alums of a high school or college marching band can relate to the stories. The book can easily hold the attention of anyone interested in history, education, and/or music (and anyone who has participated in a Drum Major Academy/Band Leadership Training seminar). The Power and Class of New England is a truly unique group defined by its history, with its excellence maintained and improved upon year after year by the band members and incredible staff.

Lisa M., Clarinet/T-bone UMMB, 1989-1993

This book is about the most inspiring part of the University of Massachusetts Amherst, the Minuteman Marching Band. Unless you have attended a football game in the past you have not witnessed the Power and Class of New England. At my first football game I was astonished when I saw more people in the stands during the half time show than were present for the entire game. The history of the band is quite amazing and is a story to be enjoyed by all. From the 4:40 practices to sleeping on gym floors the dedication and pride shown by the members of this organization should be enjoyed by all. Two enthusiastic thumbs up, way to go Kerstin.

This book covers the evolution of a marching band that, while hindered by being at Division 1AA Football School (Instead of the normal Division 1 School) still is able to wow audiences and become known wherever it goes as one of the most energetic, profesional, and downright best bands in the land.
The great work done here by Kerstin to chronicle all the ups and downs of how the band grew to become what it is today is a great read, and a great walk through the history of an amazing American Institution, The Marching Band.

Through These Doors: The History Of The University Of Massachusetts Minuteman Marching Band 1863-2003 is the true story behind an acclaimed, award-winning marching band that has even earned the honor of marching for President George W. Bush in Washington, D.C. at the Presidential Inaugural Parade. Black & white photographs as well as a smattering of color plates enrich this chronicle of an organization grounded in excellence and musical celebration, which delves deeply into the personal efforts of the individuals who shaped, taught, and led the marching band as well as the broader history of the band and the school it served.

Quite coincidentally, the second consecutive book I've read by an author with the last name of Conroy, the first the overstuffed The Prince of Tides by Pat Conroy. This is one of a series of slim books on the micro-geography of famous places:

Hallowed Ground: A Walk at Gettysburg (Crown Journeys)
Washington Schlepped Here: Walking in the Nation's Capital (Crown Journeys)

that I've read and reviewed that are not exhaustive or encyclopedic, but instead personal and intimate.

Conroy describes the small and shrinking (literally and figuratively) Nantucket Island on which he has spent some time as a near-native year-round resident, and where he still owns property.

Frank Conroy speaks from the heart. Nantucket Island has gone through some dramatic changes in
the last 30 years, most not for the better. For some of us that still live here, it`s wonderful to be able to read and remember those times when the Island felt like a place of sanctuary from all else. The stories give the reader the felling that the Grey Lady`s Skirt has been torn but her sole has not been touched.
Thank you Mr. Conroy
A Chef from the Rock

I just started this book this morning and am almost done. It made me nostalgic for my old home, the way it used to be, yes, but for those of us who have had to leave Nantucket for one reason or another, it will always be a wonderful place. Reading it I feel like I am on a wonderful visit home. It's one of those books you don't want to end but at the same time can't put down!

I'm one of the author's three sons, so I won't pretend to be unbiased. But listen, this book is great, empirically speaking. Dad light-heartedly provides a fun and fascinating window into the small island so many of us love.

This lovely book is a collector's item. The artwork and intricate design are phenomenal. A real treat for all ages.

To Live A Truer Life is the true story of the Hopedale Community, founded in 1841 by Adin and Lucy Ballou, and others who sought to understand the teachings of Jesus, and called themselves "Practical Christians" because they sought to practice their religion in daily life. Rejecting all authority based on force (to the extent that they did not vote, participate in government, or use the police or courts) the people of this unique and utopian community tested their religious principles by sheltering escaping slaves, guaranteeing jobs to all able-bodied members, and even showing charity to a burglar who tried to rob them. A strong testimony with simple color illustrations by Lindro, To Live A Truer Life was written by Lynn Gordon Hughes as a strong effort to be as accurate as possible in its depiction of history and of the community for young readers.

If parents can teach their children, from reading them this book, about a kinder way to live then the book will have made a great contribution to communities everywhere.

The illustrations are such a delight and ensure we read the book again and again because my nephews see something new in the background pictures with each reading.

Who said history and life's truths were hard to teach? This book makes learning fun.

This charming book offers a lovely, gentle tale of simpler times. It is beautifully illustrated and designed. Reading "To Live a Truer Life" is like paging through a lovely quilt.

I have never been disappointed in a Robert B. Parker book, and this is no exception. Even better when it's a Spencer story, let alone three!

Mr. Parker has a breezy, clever, laugh-out-loud humorous way of writing (although he can certainly be dramatic and even 'dark') that just pulls you in and speeds you along.

If you've never read anything by him, I suggest you try it; I'm sure you'll like it!

In Pastime, Paul Giacomin comes to Spenser asking for help in tracking down his mother, who has gone missing. Never the best of mothers - having often abandoned Paul to his own devices when he was younger, causing Paul to develop as a very neurotic youngster before Spenser took him under his wing in Early Autumn (as Paul says at one point "she used to literally hide under the bed . . . but I would find her") - Patty Giacomin had nonetheless kept in at least loose contact with her son through the years. However, when he had recently left several messages on her machine and then stopped by her house to find no one there, he became concerned. Spenser also suspects that Paul is seeking some resolution of the issues from his childhood, as he is now engaged to his significant other Paige and planning on marrying in the next year or so.

When Spenser begins investigating, he becomes concerned that he will learn something about which Paul would rather not know. Paul nonetheless insists on being involved every step of the way. Because of the nature of the investigation and the strain it puts on Paul, Spenser finds that talking about his own background and history to Paul helps distract the boy. (Up until now, much of this information has been a mystery to not only the characters, but also the reader.) Susan manages to get even more out of him. This makes for fascinating reading.

When Spenser's investigations lead to evidence that Patty's new boyfriend may have been involved with Gerry Broz, things begin to turn ugly.

This is a very revealing book, in many ways. We learn a great deal about Spenser; we learn a few things about Hawk. We see that Paul, despite all his hard work over the years, is inside still very much the insecure young boy yearning for his mother's affection and attention. We see some great interactions with Joe Broz and his son, Gerry - there are several very interesting parallels and contrasts which can be drawn between Joe Broz and Gerry's relationship vs. that of Patty Giacomin and Paul. Although Patty is not around by the end of the book, because of her dysfunctional approach to relationships (and as predicted by both Spenser and Paul in the book), I suspect this is not the last we will be seeing of her.

I have to say that my heart almost literally broke for Vinnie Morris, for the decision he had to make toward the end of the book. Vinnie may be a crook, but he is a crook with honor and I felt bad for him being put into the position he was in. I hope we'll see him again in the future, in a better situation.

In Double Deuce, when 14-year-old Devona Jefferson and her three-month-old baby Crystal are shot down near the projects at 22 Hobart St (thus called Double Deuce), a committee of the residents comprised of women, old men and the Reverend Orestes Tillis contact Hawk and ask him to help weed out the gangs who have taken over the neighborhood. Hawk agrees to help and brings in Spenser. Understandably suspicious of Spenser, many of the residents outright state that they do not want him there - the most outspoken being Tillis, who calls Spenser the White Satan and says that he will not support Spenser being there. Hawk says that Spenser is there with him and if anyone has a problem with that, then both he and Spenser will be on their way.

Spenser and Hawk spend a lot of time around the Double Deuce, trying to work out who runs the Hobarts (the local gang) as well as who spiked (shot) Devona and her baby. As they investigate, connections to their old "friend" Tony Marcus pops up - it seems that Marcus has been using the Hobarts to run drugs through the area.

In many ways, this was a very difficult book to read - not to say I did not enjoy it, but it was full of uncomfortable truths about the disenfranchised who surround us every day. It paints a very bleak picture of life in the projects.

In Paper Doll, when a prominent member of the community is murdered, Spenser is hired by her husband when he feels the police are not making headway quickly enough. Spenser quickly discovers that there is very little to discover (the police are leaning toward the "random psycho" theory), so he begins to do research into her past, finding there a tangled web of lies. He grabs an end of the web and starts to pull.

Like usual, this does not earn him any friends.

What he finds out is by turns shocking and tragic. This was a great book with a terrific twist to it that I just did not see coming at all and I can't even begin to give any more details about the plot without spoiling it.

Each of this books individually earns a strong recommend from me - put them all three together? Wow - a weekend of wonder!

I bought this book for my husband for Christmas and read it after he was finished. If you're not used to reading Parker's very detailed, descriptive, slower-paced style and pace, it takes a little while to get accustomed to his writing. But, I have to say that I enjoyed all three of the stories in this book, with each one getting successively better than the last. I'll probably buy some more Spenser...and Parker. I may try the 'Stone Cold' series since we've enjoyed the TV versions of these stories starring Tom Selleck.

some of Parker's best work. his char development is always good, but better than most here.
a must have if you are a Parker fan, if not a great place to become one.