Massachusetts Books

In 1962 the appearance of naturalist Rachel Carson's Silent Spring not only sparked debate on pesticide and ecology issues; it helped change the nature and effectiveness of preservation efforts around the world. It first appeared as a magazine serialization, but its book version really reached out to larger audiences. Priscilla Coit Murphy's What A Book Can Do: The Publication And Reception Of Silent Spring isn't just another analysis of the book itself: it's a review of the publishing history of the Houghton Mifflion edition and the prior New Yorker serialization, incorporating the views of her editors as well as Carson herself - and her opponents. An exceptional history which is strongly recommended for any reader of Silent Spring.

In 1962 the appearance of naturalist Rachel Carson's Silent Spring not only sparked debate on pesticide and ecology issues; it helped change the nature and effectiveness of preservation efforts around the world. It first appeared as a magazine serialization, but its book version really reached out to larger audiences. Priscilla Coit Murphy's What A Book Can Do: The Publication And Reception Of Silent Spring isn't just another analysis of the book itself: it's a review of the publishing history of the Houghton Mifflion edition and the prior New Yorker serialization, incorporating the views of her editors as well as Carson herself - and her opponents. An exceptional history which is strongly recommended for any reader of Silent Spring.

Many readers might never pick up this book unless a Media or Environmental Studies professor placed it on the Required Reading List. In libraries, it probably hides behind a multi-digit call number. But lucky students! To find such an oasis in the academic desert! As far as I can tell, "What a Book Can Do" is THE thorough, scholarly, insightful study of the astonishing impact "Silent Spring" produced on our consciousness and our culture. But more than that: the stories behind the stories behind the stories, concerning not just Rachel Carson but also all the other parties affected by her work, are truly fascinating. "What a Book Can Do" is a real page-turner. Read it.

As the sub-title says, this book is primarily on the publication and reception of Silent Spring. It talks about the effort to get it published, the response of the pesticide industry, how the media handled it and so on. But there are a few points the author made that I think worth special mention.

One is the fact that now, 45 years after its publication, the book is still in print. This implies that there is still sufficient readership that the publisher finds it worth its while to keep ordering more when copies on hand run out.

Another is how could one distinguish a book like this which somehow generates such worldwide interest, in fact it could be argued that it created the environmental movement as we know it today with it's accompanying set of laws.

Finally just what is it that makes 'Silent Spring' so effective, while other books on equally important aspects of our future such as 'The Limits to Growth,' or books on Hubbard's Peak (of oil production) be so generally ignored. Was it the writing style? The media attention?

Ms. Murphy has done a fascinating job of looking at 'Silent Spring.' I think she has just scratched the surface about 'What a Book Can Do.' I hope she continues her research in this area.

**Book Description: This story of a Japanese-American show the power of one man overcoming the struggles that he faced. During a time of hatred and judgment, William Fujita found a way endure. World War II was not the best time for him and his family. Each day he faces the cruelty of people around him. But through the friendships with people he came to work with, he was able to love and prevail over evil. **Review: The book takes the reader into the mind of a man that is suffering through a lot and finding the strength to endure. Not only is this book encouraging, but it also shows a life that many chose not to see during World War II. The description shows the truth that had been hidden. However, now it has become a great story of discovery. A discovery of the lives that people tried to block out. It is not an extravagent tale of a man that went on to be famous. The story is about a simple man that still made a difference and had to face the prejudice numerous times in his life.

**Book Description: This story of a Japanese-American show the power of one man overcoming the struggles that he faced. During a time of hatred and judgment, William Fujita found a way endure. World War II was not the best time for him and his family. Each day he faces the cruelty of people around him. But through the friendships with people he came to work with, he was able to love and prevail over evil. **Review: The book takes the reader into the mind of a man that is suffering through a lot and finding the strength to endure. Not only is this book encouraging, but it also shows a life that many chose not to see during World War II. The description shows the truth that had been hidden. However, now it has become a great story of discovery. A discovery of the lives that people tried to block out. It is not an extravagent tale of a man that went on to be famous. The story is about a simple man that still made a difference and had to face the prejudice numerous times in his life.

This is an incredibly fresh and wonderful look at Asian-American issues - past present and future - as well as other issues that are universal to both adults and children of all races

Just read it and hope Mr. Ikeda keeps writing for a long time to come

Catherine Goldhammer's "Winging It: Dispatches..." is a carefully written book,told with compassionate wit and grace. It reveals how begrudgingly we let go of our children or, perhaps, relentlessly marvel at them--as if our love were a stone we try to throw at them--Hey, don't forget! I still love you!--as they move away from us. Part of the sweetness of the book is that we suspect her daughter knows that, knows how much she is loved.

Ms. Goldhammer approaches her subject with an objectivity that, I assume, must have been difficult, but any difficulties she may have had in writing about loss (if it is loss, which she suggests it isn't, quite), is subsumed by an understanding of family connections and renewal of old acquaintances, not as they once were, but as they are now, a bit tattered and rough around the edges, but present, real, and suggesting hope and possibility.

Most of all, I admire her craft, her precision in using language, metaphor, and humor, so I would be inclined to read anything she wrote. I would read a cook book, a maintenance manual, or a grocery list--maybe even poetry, if Ms. Goldhammer goes back to mine some of her other,long dormant talents. I bet she would knock readers off their feet.

I have to admit that facing the empty nest isn't nearly as daunting or complex as the media would have us believe. My friends and I are enjoying the time of our lives, now that the last child has gone off to college. (That said, helicopter parents probably do find this stage more difficult.) I enjoyed this author's first memoir even more -- but this one might be helpful for the parent who's struggling with the first few weeks after her child has left for college. A special shout-out to the author or editor who came up with the title -- it's clever and so original!

I laughed out loud! I read parts to my husband and he laughed, too. Goldhammer hits the painful funnybone of Letting the Daughter Go. No sorrow, loneliness, jealousy and self-pity is left unexamined. Not to mention middle age, dreaded Old Age, whether to keep the house or sell the damn thing and move on, health and career are hilariously described.

Who could resist a story that takes place in a town where there are more restraining orders than toilet paper? Or a writer who sees the dragon in her chicken? FYI, Goldhammer is especially good at chickens.

I was very sorry to turn the last page.

Loved this second book by Catherine Goldhammer. She has a beautiful honesty about this next phase of life and I think many people will find her observations interesting. If you have gone through any of the life changing events that Catherine writes about you will identify with how she is able to articulate the situation and the emotions associated with the event. A slight mystery---why was her only daughter's name Emma in her first book and Harper in the second?

Compiled and organized by Elaine Morrison Fitch, The 1848 Boston Cultivator: Marriages, Deaths, And Miscellaneous Readings presents articles abstracted from the Boston Cultivator weekly newspaper, carefully arranged in chronological order for the year 1848. A straightforward presentation accurately indexed for quick reference, The 1848 Boston Cultivator is a superb primary source for genealogists, historians, and non-specialist general readers curious to read anecdotes of life and death in a bygone era of American history.

This book is a terrific read for the history buff! Reading the stories truly brought 1848 America to life for me. It was nice to have all the information in chronological order as you read through them. There is a wealth of information in this book. It has a huge index with over 8,000 names making it easy for those people researching family histories. I particularly enjoyed reading the articles concerning westward expansion. It is incredible to relive those moments recounted in this book. An enjoyable and informative read!
Highly recommended to anyone interested in history, society or genealogy. Can't wait for her next one!

This is a truly excellent resource for anyone doing research on this time period, you just cannot find this information anywhere else. There are thousands of names in it. This book has birth, marriage and death announcements for the entire New England area for 1848. I found the stories so interesting, actual accounts of shipwrecks, fires, accidents and crime as they were reported in 1848. I highly recommed this book!

Dr. E. James Lieberman's Acts of Will: The Life and Work of Otto Rank is one of the finest histories of the development of psychoanalysis ever written. His meticulous research provides the reader with an opportunity to look into the personal and intellectual life of Otto Rank,the most overlooked and underrated disciple of Sigmund Freud. What I found to be most informative was Dr. Lieberman's description of the interpersonal dynamics among the Committee, Freud's closest colleagues. Dr. Lieberman's masterful work brings the reader into the every day world of the pioneers in the field of psychoanalysis. His descriptions of the personal agendas, politics,personalities, and disagreements among the "Ring" of psychoanalytic pioneers helps those interested in the field of psychotherapy clearly understand the intellectual and political foundations of modern psychology. Acts of Will is superb in its description of the intellectual, economic, and political milieu of Vienna during the first two decades of this century and the influences of these forces on Freud and Rank. The author's treatment of the issue of Rank's own "birth trauma" before and after Rank's departure (exile) from Freud's inner circle allows the reader to come to his or her own conclusions with respect to the genesis of the controversy concerning Rank's "mental health". Acts of Will should be read by every student of Psychology, Psychiatry, and Social Work, as well as anyone interested in the fascinating history of modern psychology.

Acts of Will is not only a brilliantly written biography, it is a journey of hope for both therapist and patient. As the new century draws near, it is profoundly telling that now more than ever, the psychology of Otto Rank is so relevant to the world today. Obviously, Rank was far ahead of his time. His teachings of "psychological rebirth" and "concept of will" should be mandatory reading for all mental Health professionals and their patients. Rank's honesty in dealing with his own depression and suicidal thoughts will give the reader much hope that even the most brilliant person can face death, choose life, and make living an Act of Will.

Lieberman masterfully illuminates the life and work of Otto Rank, Freud's most brilliant student and co-worker. This book expalins why Ernest Becker and Rollo May consider Rank to be the most dazzling thinker in the early circle around Freud

I have a kayak and live on Cape Cod. this book is a great source to search out places to explore via kayak. Maps, directions, general information are all provided. anyone who likes to kayak, and in search of a places to explore on the Cape will love this book. Great price too !

Adventure Kayaking: Trips On Cape Cod is "user friendly" guide to enjoying safe and fun kayaking on Cap Cod. David Weintraub showcases twenty-five exciting trips from Falmouth to Provincetown with detailed route descriptions for each trip. Also included are USGS topographic maps (showing routes, parking areas, launch sites); travel directions; parking information, as well as nearby scenic and historical attractions. Adventure Kayaking is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking out Cape Cod's impressive landscape, bird sanctuaries, flora and fauna, all within the recreational framework of the kayaking experience.

Adventure Kayaking is "user friendly" guide to enjoying safe and fun kayaking on Cap Cod. David Weintraub showcases twenty-five exciting trips from Falmouth to Provincetown with detailed route descriptions for each trip. Also included are USGS topographic maps (showing routes, parking areas, launch sites); travel directions; parking information, as well as nearby scenic and historical attractions. Adventure Kayaking is highly recommended reading for anyone seeking out Cape Cod's impressive landscape, bird sanctuaries, flora and fauna, all within the recreational framework of the kayaking experience.

Recipes are easy to follow and contain many dishes that are absolutely spectacular. The book gives a little history of the famous Beach Plum Inn on Martha's Vineyard. One of my favorites is the Ceasar salsd dressing- awesome!!

Co-written by my father and grandmother, this book is an easy to follow cookbook that offers some dishes that have made the BPI famous world wide. Delicious seafood and meat courses, fine desserts, appetizers and great vegtable dishes are what you will find. Your guests and family will appreciate you for it.

Recipes are easy to follow and contain many dishes that are absolutely spectacular. The book gives a little history of the famous Beach Plum Inn on Martha's Vineyard. One of my favorites is the Ceasar salsd dressing- awesome!!

A honest truthful story of relationships and marriage. This book is written with guidance from the Holy Spirit as Mona McQueen Dickerson tells of her struggles and breakthroughs. Her experiences relate to all men and women and how we interact daily.

Wonderful, honest book about LOVE, LOSS, HEARTBREAK AND THE LIGHT. Something everyone has dealt with at some time in their lives. GREAT READ!!! You will be unable to put it down!!!

This book touched my heart and my life. I felt that she was telling about my life and showed me how God is working for us and in us when we feel that we have been abandond. Been there and done it or just at a turning point in your life? This book will touch your life.

Wonderful book for Children. Great Photography. A must for the Christmas Stocking from Santa Claus

Living in Boston, you are constantly affected by Big Dig-related twists, turns, and upsets. One day the one-way street heads east; the next it has been re-routed west. Few of us venture into the heart of this truly amazing engineering feat, but this book shows us why we should pay more attention. Vanderwarker's spectacular photographs are thrilling to see and they give a glimpse of just why so much money has been poured into this project. We get to see things only the workers would normally see. But perhaps best of all is the glimpse it gives of cutting-edge engineering and technology. Seldom have I seen so clearly how yesterday's sci-fi has become today's "sci" and tomorrow's business as usual.

This book is so much fun to read. The photography is wonderful. Vanderwalker has such a good "eye" for beauty, even in construction.

A must buy for the kids at Christmas

Bought this book for a Italian friend who grew up in the North End of Boston. He found himself going back and reliving so much. He thoroughly enjoyed it.

I have really been enjoying this book; not only what is written, but the pictures tell a story as well.
I am half Italian born in Brockton, Ma. but live on the west coast now. I guess I can only hope that the North End will still remain quaint and special in spite of our everchanging world.

This book is like hearing your grandparent's stories, and you wouldn't believe what they have to say! Filled with short, readable stories and descriptions of life in the North End. Highly recommended!