Massachusetts Books

This book is a really pleasant surprise and states on the back that this book is for ages 11 and up, although I think younger children could read this as well. The illustrations - black & White drawings - really are wonderful and help to bring this story alive. My book is marked "Special Edition", so I don't know if this edition is the only one with the great drawings!

HI READERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Our teacher read this book to us. We couldn't stand for it to end. Once, when she stopped our class was chanting "READ IT, READ IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" we chanted so loud you could hear us down the hall. In it a sly and cunning boy (a bit like someone we know) meets a very religious, spoiled, and proper young lady by the name of Emily Ophelia Upham. It truly leaves cliffhangers.

Students of Melrose Elementry

P.S.Don't tell a lie dear children
P.S.S. This raiting is dedicated to the children at Melrose Elementry School Jamestown, RI

A book with great suspense and good cliffhangers. Excellent use of diologue and terrific description of characters. One of the best books I've read for a while. "Emily Upham's Revenge" keeps you on the edge of your seat and I couldn't put it down.Emily Upham is sent to live with her uncle but her uncle never gets the letter annoucing her arrivle. Instead,Emily meets meets Seth Marple. Emily Upham and Seth Marple rob Emily's rich uncle to get the train fare to get to back to Emily's home in Boston. Many surprising twists with an excellent surprise ending.

Want to get outdoors and be active in the Boston area? Start by buying this book. Lee Sinai describes, in wonderful detail, many of the rides and hikes one can take within a thirty-five-mile radius of Boston. The author has organized the forty trips around geographical areas, north, south or west of Boston, so selecting one is easy. Maps of each destination are included. Each trip description includes what's important to an outdoor enthusiast.... availability of restrooms, closest access to food, degree of difficulty, directions for getting there, and a historical background of the area.
Using this book, I discovered Dogtown, a mountain biking haven in Gloucester. I also experienced Cameron's, home to the best lobster roll in Massachusetts. The author led me to Great Brook Farm in Carlisle for cycling and then to Kimball's for a memorable ice cream treat.
As a guidebook, I give Exploring In and Around Boston on Bike and Foot the highest rating.

Lee Sinai has taken a group of varied and unusual hikes and trails around Boston and compiled them into an informative and accessible guide. We refer to her book often when looking for interesting, new places to explore, and have found it invaluable in "rediscovering" Boston.

Right from the get go I found this hiking and biking guide to be a miracle of organization and indispensable information. This book not only groups locations by geographical location, but also with respect to hiking, road biking and mountain biking. I found the handy reference guide towards the beginning of the book extremely useful while including not only difficulty ratings, but also mileage for each trip, something not always available in one specific location in a guide book. The maps accompanying each site are extremely easy to follow and the descriptions really do fit the terrain perfectly, whether or not you chose to take the book along on your journeys. I found the directions to each location to be extremely useful and especially appreciated the public transportation options that help those city dwellers who lack automobiles. Other handy features include locations and descriptions of local restaurants, attractions and even restrooms. This book included an very helpful mix of locations both in the greater Boston area, as well as highlighting several gems in the neighboring suburbs. I especially appreciated the handy reference map showing the location of all the spots, as well as the ever present tips to find geater enjoyment in your outdoor adventures!

The book reads like a diary, but it's a fictionalized story of the real Civil War surgeon Zabdiel Boylston, and it would make anyone grateful for modern medicine. Amputation was pretty much the treatment for everything, and that he was burned in love a couple of times during his period as a combat surgeon puts a very human face on this story.

I got it at my local library; it was part of a display in advance of the 200th anniversary of Lincoln's birth.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. The research and realism was amazing. I was fortunate to see the author lecture on the subject in Indiana. Dressed in the full civil war soldier uniform I thought the author to be an enthusiastic Civil War Buff. I was amazed to find out that the author was a modern day trauma surgeon whose interest in the civil war goes beyond the superficial, dry information one reads in text. His interest draws on real life experiences with bullet wounds and infections that he has treated in modern times.

An excellent novel of a surgeon who signs up to serve in the Union army during the Civil War. Written by a modern surgeon, Kernek obviously had researched his predecessors well. It might be a bit detailed for the squeamish, but for those who want a good "feel" for what a surgeon went through during the Civil War, I highly recommend it. It is a relatively short read, and the story line carries one right on through. This book belongs in every Civil War buff's collection, because it tells about an often overlooked part of the war and tells it very well. At this price, one can't afford not to buy it!

I'm usually quite critical of books on the traditional story of Thanksgiving. While this book is meant for young children, this book is important in that it is frank in describing the earlier history of the Wampanoag Nation and the relationship that is forged between the Pilgrims and the tribes around them. Usually, children's books talk in general about Native Americans but rarely talk about the actual nations and individuals. As a book that will give children the basics about the American celebration of Thanksgiving, this book goes beyond the normal jingoistic propaganda that was fed to earlier generations of American children. This book has nice stylized illustrations that will keep a young person's interest.

I BOUGHT THIS NOT KNOWING IF MY 4 YEAR OLD AND 2 1/2 YEAR GRANDCHILDREN WOULD SIT THROUGH THE ENTIRE READING. THEY DID AND PAID ATTENTION TO WHAT WAS BEING READ!!! OBVIOUSLY THIS BOOK IS NOT INTENDED FOR CHILDREN THIS SMALL TO READ BY THEMSELVES BUT IT'S NEVER TOO EARLY TO READ TO THEM AND TEACH THEM THE TRUE MEANINGS OF OUR VARIOUS HOLIDAYS AND THE HISTORY OF OUR COUNTRY - THIS STORY OFFERS BOTH. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IT FOR THIS AGE GROUP AND OLDER. A HINT - I READ THE STORY ALONG WITH INVOLVING THEM WITH SOME EASY THANKSGIVING CRAFT PROJECTS TO HELP REINFORCE THE STORY LINE.

I have a three year old, and this story is just right for her. It is simple enough that it keeps her attention, but it provides details such as why the Pilgrims left England, the harsh winters they had to endure, the different tribes of Native Americans they encountered and became indebted to, and it explains the harvest feast and why the pilgrims were thankful. I recommend this if you want something that gives a simple yet not overly simple explanation of the first Thanksgiving.

This book is wonderful! The recipes are tasty and are not difficult to follow. We used several for our Thanksgiving feast this year. The pumpkin pie and berry crisp are delicious! I also have enjoyed some of the less traditional treats, however, and I look forward to trying food from the Portuguese chapter.

From Apple Pie to Pad Thai is also interesting to read. As someone who grew up on Boston's North Shore, I really enjoyed reading about familiar places and events. The chef profiles help bring the book to life. And I loved the tips in each chapter on local ethnic markets and restaurants.

This is my favorite kind of cookbook- not only are the recipes good, the sidebars and background information are fascinating. I particularly enjoyed the biographies of various Boston North Shore cooks, and I think this project really captures the essence of American cuisine and its continual evolution. This is a great book if you enjoy cooking, history, or just a good read.

The best thing about this book is the recipes really work! I haven't been dissapointed yet! The word of mouth is getting out about this wonderful cookbook. My favorite recipe is the fried chicken (crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside). I also recommend the Peanut Soup. The history and biographies of the cooks capture the true history of the North Shore of Boston. I highly recommend this cookbook to anyone who enjoy food or enjoy a good read. Its also a good tourguide for foodies because it tells all about the ethnic fairs. Hope you enjoy!

Bravo and many thanks to Goodman for her painstaking research and careful compilation of an important slice of not just Boston history, but also of urban planning generally (and sometimes the lack of planning). Unlike many well researched monographs, this one is a fast read and the addition of a multitude of photos/drawings adds tremendously to the work. Read this book before you take any tour of Boston; you'll understand and appreciate what you see a whole lot more. I heartily recommend this one and look forward to more from the author.

This book provides a unique perspective on the history of Boston's garden squares. It is well-researched and carefully crafted. After providing a thorough and comprehensive historical background of these garden squares, the book compels the reader to assess not only the need for preservation of these treasures, but to also contemplate the urgency of careful urban planning in the future.

This book was my first introduction to the garden squares of Boston, and opened my eyes to their rich and fascinating history. I've heard the author speak about garden squares, and she is clearly *the* authority on the subject. I've found that these books make great gifts for family and friends who are interested in either gardening, Boston's history, or city landscaping.

This is one of the very best such collections of letters I have ever encountered, and the author's own illustrations are a
priceless addition. An excellent work and a bargain at the price.
For those who want more, Charles W. Reed also illustrated "Hardtack & Coffee," by John Billings, another Union army veteran, about the life of the average soldier in the Northern army. Another sure-fire winner.

The author did a lot of research on the references in Charles Reed's letters. And instead of putting the notes at the end of the book where few read them, the notes are in the margins. It really added to the understanding of what Reed was writing home about. The author also incorporates the drawings from Reed which further adds to the book. Also incorporated are Reed's diary entries. The overall package made this an outstanding and enjoyable read. This book should be the model for all future books of this type.

"A Grand Terrible Dramma": From Gettysburg To Petersburg, The Civil War Letters Of Charles Wellington Reed consists of more than 180 letters and hundreds of drawings covering Charles Reed's period of military service as a member of the Massachusetts volunteers in the American Civil War from 1862 to 1865. This fascinating compendium, ably edited by Eric Campbell, presents the contemporary student of the Civil War with a wealth of information on the role of the Union army in the eastern theater, the events in the life of a typical Civil War soldier, as well as the progress and of the war itself. Reed's letters chronicle the common and the extraordinary with a simple, thoughtful elegance. His drawings capture a wide variety of events to which he was a participant. "A Grand Terrible Dramma" is an outstanding, invaluable, core title addition to any personal, professional, academic, or community library Civil War studies collection.

I really enjoyed reading this. I've lived in Boston for nearly 30 years, but never really felt like I knew its history. Chaim Rosenberg provides a wealth of information about the changes the City and region have undergone in past times. Every page has some interesting fact to reveal or story to tell. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to understand how our great city emerged and came to its current form. I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the Sox beating the Yankees, but as a history of Boston, The Great Workshop hits a homerun.

This is a must read for anyone who lives in the Boston area, goes to school in Boston, or has visited (or plans on visiting) Boston. Who knew history could be so interesting? The author provides all the facts in a colorful and exciting manner. The pictures (some black-and-white, others in color) further bring the text to life. I'm sure you will enjoy this book as much I have!

"The Great Workshop: Boston's Victorian Age" is a terrific book, written in a lively and interesting style. In addition to the engaging text, there are many pictures, including some charming colorful trade cards and old postcards. The book describes how transportation, industry, commerce and society are interrelated. It's got fascinating details, but also covers a lot of ground-- Boston and beyond. A great read for anyone interested in how communities are settled and grow, whether you're from the Boston area or elsewhere.

This book is an enjoyable and excellent read. It allows greater insight to the victims as well as a view of the mindset of others who suffered and experienced this tragic event than other books I've read on this subject. I purchased this Guide after learning that it was a source and reference for the music and story in the Believers Beware CD. This book, with its pictures and well researched references, convinced me that we have much to learn about ourselves from a study of history and a reflection on those who came before. Thank you David Brown. The Reverend John Hale (1702), may have said it first - but I think you've told it best.

It is not often that you can find a magical piece of literature that allows you to view the story as if you are getting a personal tour of the event. This wonderful creation is one of the best I have read on the historic Salem Witch Trials. As it may not be the most beautiful memory in our nations past, this books allows children, teens, people interested in the Salem Witch Trials an inside look on the experience that grabbed many people by their hearts, and in many cases those few years, by thier freedom and lives. I hope you will take the time, as I have, to read this wonderful piece, and add the new-found knowledge to some use!

If you're intruiged or just interested in the Salem Witch Trials like I am I would defenitly suggest purchasing this book. I purchased this book when I was in Salem, Massachusetts and I haven't been able to put it down. I know alot about the Salem Withcraft Trials but this gave me an even better insite on what happened! Have a great read, and i know anyone who reads this will.

Richard F. Miller's HARVARD'S CIVIL WAR: THE HISTORY OF THE TWENTIETH MASSACHUSETTS VOLUNTEER INFANTRY is the best Civil War regimental history ever written. It excels in its structure, its prodigious research, its wealth of personal detail, its grasp of the 20th's internal strength - and rifts - and, not least, in the quality of Miller's lucid, trenchant writing.

Independent scholar Richard F. Miller presents Harvard's Civil War: A History Of The Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, an in-depth scholarly study of one of the most influential northern units in the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. Nicknamed "The Harvard Regiment" due to the quantity of its Crimson-connected officers, this infantry unit was destined to experience the worst of nearly every major battle of the Army of the Potomac from Ball's Bluff (1861) to Grant's Overland Campaign. Because so many of its officer corps were educated men, the Harvard Regiment left behind numerous diaries, memoirs, and letters, which form a solid base of source material for this exhaustive examination of many different personalities that comprised the unit, from abolitionists to radical German emigres that had escaped the failed revolution of 1848 to the sons of prominent Republicans and more. Ethnic tensions further exacerbated the stress of the war itself. Extensively researched and annotated with an index for quick reference, Harvard's Civil War is a superb glimpse into the sufferings, sacrifices, and triumphs of a truly courageous and hardy military unit.

Independent scholar Richard F. Miller presents Harvard's Civil War: A History Of The Twentieth Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, an in-depth scholarly study of one of the most influential northern units in the Army of the Potomac during the American Civil War. Nicknamed "The Harvard Regiment" due to the quantity of its Crimson-connected officers, this infantry unit was destined to experience the worst of nearly every major battle of the Army of the Potomac from Ball's Bluff (1861) to Grant's Overland Campaign. Because so many of its officer corps were educated men, the Harvard Regiment left behind numerous diaries, memoirs, and letters, which form a solid base of source material for this exhaustive examination of many different personalities that comprised the unit, from abolitionists to radical German emigres that had escaped the failed revolution of 1848 to the sons of prominent Republicans and more. Ethnic tensions further exacerbated the stress of the war itself. Extensively researched and annotated with an index for quick reference, Harvard's Civil War is a superb glimpse into the sufferings, sacrifices, and triumphs of a truly courageous and hardy military unit.