Missouri Books

I liked this book because it has a good plot and it had a good problem. This book is set in Springfeild, Missouri in 1860-61.The main character is Reeves. She is suffering with the problem of her father is a confederate and she likes a Yankee. She is pressured both ways. It teaches that war is an ugly thing. I love this book except ater the climax is a little boring. All and all I give this book 8/10 or 4 stars.

-McKenzie

From the road out front came the hard, tromping sounds of men marching. Federal Volunteers and hundreds of German immigrants from St. Luis, perfectly in-step. I ran to the window and leaned out for a closer look. I never am tired of watching them.

In Palma Smith Hill's A Voice From the Border, Margaret and Lucy experience hard times during the Civil War when their dad goes out to fight. One day she writes in her journal about this. She wants to fight also. Her dad set off to war in 1860. A few years later, Margaret visits her father. He is still alive. But one day something bad happens. She walks into her house and sees her daddy's boots lying on the floor. These are bad times for her. Something happy was missing from her life, her dad.

This story is for girls and boys because there isn't much talk about girl stuff. There is a lot of dying in this book. I recommend this book for kids 11-18 because there is a couple of bad words and a little violence. In conclusion, I really recommend this book for children 11-18.

While a lot of Civil War novels tend to focus on very well known battles or on the East coast, "A Voice From The Border" takes place in one of the most torn states during the war: Missouri, where Unionists and Secessionists battled each other and set up rival governments.

"A Voice From The Border" is about fifteen year old Reeves, whose father joins the Confederate side during the war. Reeves' neighbors are divided over the war, and even she is not entirely sure. Reeves' eleven year old sister, Lucy becomes friends with a staunchly pro-Union woman, Mrs. Brown, much to her family's distress. Reeves herself falls in love with Percy, a charming young Union officer.

Reeves' story is interwoven with quotes from writers such as Keats, George Eliot and Shakespeare and military dispatches. While "A Voice From The Border" starts out a bit slow and confusing, it gets much better later on as Reeves struggles with an increasingly difficult life. The only thing that's regrettable is that the romance between Reeves and Percy never really develops, though that is for a purpose. It's a very different take on a popular subject.

This book was Awesome. One night I read it and I cried the whole time. It was sad but good. I highly recomend this book. If you have the chance READ IT!

It was a wonderful book. Even if you are not interested in the Civil War, you cannot put this down. It's a great book for all ages. It has both interesting historical facts and human-interest issues.

I, of course, have already studied the epic journey -
it seems to be historicaly well researched and complete -
and deals with the issue of Lewis' illness with tact and compassion.
i bought this for my grandchildren - who are of the Clark family -
the book is of excellant print and binding quality -
It is rich in well presented, informative illustrations -

As a reader of "Undaunted Courage", the Steven Ambrose historical biography of Meriwether Lewis and his patron, Thomas Jefferson, I felt like I received only part of the picture of the expedition that opened the Louisiana Purchase to U.S. interests. This book completes the picture. Clark was the steady, get-the-job-done, go-to guy, who complemented the mercurial Lewis. Where Lewis made only occasional journal entries, Clark is the principal source of our non-botanical/zoological information because he reliably performed the journaling function. The only criticism I would have of the book is the repeated drubbing of Clark as a slave holder and his perceived mistreatment of York. It seems that Foley feels he has to apologize for Clark, who lived in a different age with a very different view of slavery. Once would have been enough.

The author skillfully blends history and biography to provide an absorbing look at American frontier during the early to mid 19th century,
as well as a fresh narrative of the Lewis and Clark explorations. Foley
renders Clark in a sympathetic light, even when accounting for his often
harsh treatment of African-Americans and Native Americans. A well-researched and well-written book.

It's about time someone wrote a modern full biography of William Clark (1770-1838). The second-in-command of the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition deserves a much fuller discussion than heretofore available. Born in Virginia in 1770, Clark was closely tied to frontier military and Indian affairs throughout his life. He served with Gen. Anthony Wayne at the Battle of Fallen Timbers in 1794, and between 1803 and 1806 he and Meriwether Lewis led the military expedition to explore the Louisiana Purchase to the Pacific Ocean. In 1813 Clark became Missouri Territorial governor, working during the War of 1812 to secure the frontier from British-incited Indian attacks. When Missouri was admitted to the Union in 1822, Clark was appointed by Congress superintendent of Indian affairs, serving until his death in 1838. He was fair, humane, and honest in his dealing with the western tribes.

This book is an exceptionally well researched and written life of Clark, whose career, at least in its later stages, outstripped that of Meriwether Lewis. It is must reading for anyone interested in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the settlement of the trans-Mississippi West. It replaces as the central work on the subject the biography written by Jerome O. Steffen, "William Clark: Jeffersonian Man on the Frontier" (University of Oklahoma Press, 1977).

William Clark is best known as the American explorer who joined Meriwether Lewis in heading an overland expedition to the Pacific: but as William Foley demonstrates in Wilderness Journey: The Life Of William Clark, how William Clark has many more claims to fame than his explorations with Meriwether Lewis. Studies have appeared on the two, but this is the first comprehensive biography of Clark's entire life, revealing his service as a soldier, Indian diplomat, and his involvement in US politics and policy-making in the West. College-level audiences will find Wilderness Journey a fascinating biography of a multi-faceted man.

As an avid reader of western books, I have to say Mr. West did a wonderful job with this one. This story of young Trace McCall growing from youth to manhood is epic adventure. This book was very hard to put down, I read this book in two days. I look forward to the next book in this series. If you like to read about the adventures of American mountain men you will love this one.

Trace McCall has a love relationship with a pretty Shoshoni maiden. Her father does not approve of this relationship and steels her away. The father does not know it but his daughter is with child. She marries a member of the tribe so the child will have a father. She names her son White Eagle. Several years later a renegade band of Sioux raid and kill off most of the Shoshoni people. White Eagle must now wander into the world of the white man looking for his paternal father. Mr. West gives us another great story.

This was a wonderful book, with well developed characters. I couldn't put it down. The young herois outstanding, the plot fantastic. Mr. West did an excellent job on this one. I am saving it to read again.

I have read several books by Charles G. West before, most of which have been very good. Except for the beginning this one is no exception. The first of the book is impossible for me to believe as a 14 year old could not do all the things Mr. West has him doing. If you can get past that it is a prety good book. Jim Lacey is out west with his father. His father is killed and he things it was just a band of Indians but later finds out it was not. Someone else wanted this done. He goes back home to tell his Mother about his Fathers death and while there kills someone. He then heads back west again. It is a good story about his relationship with Buck Ransom and Frank Brown, two mountain men. He spends four years with a tribe of Indians led by Buffalo Shield. His is a story of growing up and how he handles the death of his whole family. Has some good "mountain man" experiences. The ending is good and I am sure Trace McCall will be in more books.

"Wings of the Hawk" is the first book by this author I have read, and I have to start out by saying that this is a well-paced, well thought out book. Mr. West writes an excellent Western novel. The flaws (and admittedly this is a bit of nit-picking) come in some research errors, to wit: The cap-lock rifle, while defintely superior to the flintlock, was not used to any great extent prior to late 1840's. The mountain men hung on to their flintlocks long after the caplock was proven, the main reason being simply that there was no way to resupply yourself with caps if they became wet or lost, but a piece of flint (or a workable substitute) was relativly easy to find...The other problem here is that the hero, Jim Tracy, a.k.a. Trace McCall, ALWAYS wins...and always with little or no problem...As a 14 year old in the beginning of the book, he escapes Indians, "professional" hit men (so to speak), tops a horse trading con man and always without significant problems. Despite this (and I admited I was nit-picking remember)the book is well worth reading...the "downfall" of the rendevous system is acturally pictured, and the future adventures of Trace McCall are eagerly awaited...

Wow.....wow....I mean, really, this book is just amazing. Abso-f-in-lutely wonderful. It's role as the quintessential American novel is so well deserved you can't help but wonder if this is the best read you might ever have. I m currently going through all the classics of the world, and have such joys as Moby Dick, War and Peace, Robinson Crusoe, among many, many others awaiting me. However, I feel like I ve already found the love for the written word that I felt I may aquire after reading perhaps a dozen or so of the worlds finest.

To the novella: He tells the tale with such heart, such character, such life that I will attest that I dont think I ve ever felt so strongly for a character as I do for Huck Finn. He is so vivid and alive and real; its absurd.

Yes, it is quite racist on the surface, and during the 250 odd pages of the story you might read more racial slurs and statements than you have in your life, but in the heart there is nothing racist about this story. I ve heard it defended because thats just how it was in Twains time, and alas, that is how it was then, and the reason it is all so blatant, but there is really nothing racist about the portrayal of Jim. He is so loving and deep and pure. Surely one of the sweetest people you could ever want to meet.

The charm of this story, the unending humor and delight of all the dialects and wordage, the manner of conversation and the subjects....my loves for this story are unending. Its a must read. I know you ve heard that;I know you know that. But damn it, off your ass and DO IT!

Twains masterpiece, and for that matter, a masterpiece of all literature in the history of the world.

This is a collection of two books that are often considered for children. However, they are suitable for both adults and children. The kids will love the adventure, the wonderfully irreverent and humorous view of childhood and the characters with their loyalty and friendship. The adults will also enjoy the satire of life in the "proper" lower middle-class society of the South with the sendups of hypocricy, false religiousity, racism and slavery and the like.

Tom Sawyer is probably more oriented for children than the other one. Here, the focus is Tom, who is largely a child prankster. His romantic ideals of doing things like running away to be a pirate are the source of great amusement and reflection for him - and worry for his family.

Huckleberry Finn has more adult themes. Here, the mockery of society is much harsher as Huck escapes from his abusive, drunk father to sail down the Mississippi with Tom and Jim (a runaway slave). Along the way the get to see the best and worst of what America on the river has to offer.

These books should be treasured and deserve their fame. Twain informs and relates in a totally entertaining and warm way.

Back in junior high school (ie, MANY moons ago) I read Tom Sawyer and/or Huckleberry Finn. However I couldn't remember which one, nor did I know one story from the other (like most Americans, I've seen more film adaptations of these stories than I care to recall). So I decided to read these little jewels once again. And I'm so glad I did.

First of all, I don't believe either story is suitable for children really. Both Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer seem too, well, immature compared to the youths of today. And the crude racist language is certainly unfashionable nowadays. But as an adult one can appreciate these stories as Mark Twain's trip down memory lane, looking at life on the river with rose-colored glasses. No, the stories (..which we all know) are not realistic. But they are fun, harmless and well-written.

The Wordsworth Edition is very nice little package of both stories. And I certainly recommend reading both stories back-to-back since they flow together well.

So I recommed all middle-aged kids (like me) revisit Mark Twain's memorable boys. They will bring a smile to your face.

A wonderful edition which includes both Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn (very handy for the Twain lover). It also has a red bookmark attached to the binding so you can easily find your place. The book is small and light so it is ideal for travelling and reading out of your home. It also includes a nice introduction and a comparative chronology of Twain's life. For a Twain collector, this is a lovely, readable copy.

I've always been interested in all types of animals. My parents bought this for me when I was about 10 or 11. I played outside a lot, as a child, and was always discovering frogs, toads, lizards, snakes, and turtles. I was constantly referring to this book to identify the various specimens I found and sometimes caught (I always let them go immediately after). I practically had this book memorized. This is a great book for any Missouri outdoors person. Especially if they are going into areas where they might encounter snakes. I think it's important to be able to identify which snakes are venomous and which are nonvenomous. So many people mistake harmless species for venomous snakes and kill them. Anyway, this is a great book.

I do a tremendous amount of close-up photography, "critters" of all sorts, flowers, etc. I spend quite a lot of time in the field. I have found this book very handy for initial identification of species. I will grant you that there is a bit of outdated material in this volume, but for my purposes this does not matter as I use other books for further research. The photographs and distribution maps are great and for the most part the text is quite helpful in identification. The book is easy to pack (along with my flower and bird books) and as I said, it is quite useful and helpful. For an indepth study though, you will want other works to supplement this one. Recommend this one highly.

Poor choice of common names, contains some out-dated scientific taxonomy. Photographs and artwork are great. Text is good. The only book available on Missouri's herpetofauna; buy it, and wait for a newer, modern version.

This book shows pitures of every reptile and amphibian in the state of MO. It also has everything about them as well. I would really like to meet Tom R. Johnson.

When I picked up this book on Missouri River politics I hardly expected it to be so engrossing! The author is a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and he recounts here some of the stories he collected that were too in depth for that publication. He writes in a journalistic style; focusing on interviews he lets the voices of people affected by river management carry the book. In sidebars after almost every chapter he presents well-chosen histories not directly related to the politics that add a great deal to the main text.

I learned a great deal about the Missouri River from this book, from its recreational opportunities to its commercial usage. I did not know the government was still taking so much land from the natives so far into the twentieth century; it is hard to imagine that so many people could lose their way of life at the signing of a pen. If the book has any weakness, it is that the interviews necessarily focus on people whose needs are not being met by the politics, so it is something of a downer. Still, it well communicates a love of the river and the history of man's intervention to change it.

This book has it all: exquisite text, well-researched material, interesting format, a "plot" with as many twists and turns as the river itself, and an ability to haunt the reader long after the book is done. Lambrecht's book reveals the history of 20th century activities along the Missouri that is seldom (if ever) taught in our schools. From industrious ambitions, the battles over water, and an account of the indigenous tribes who have lost their culture to Western ways of industry, Big Muddy Blues also presents a hope of reclaiming the wild nature of the Missouri River. The author guides the reader along a closer examination into ways public policy, administration and private interests prioritize the work of government agencies. Lambrecht--the Washington DC Bureau Chief for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch-- travelled the River and talked with people affected by it, now and in the past. Anyone interested in the interplay among government bodies, grassroots efforts, concerned individual action and politics in general will love this book. Readers of nonfiction will appreciate the engaging manner the material is presented. People living in states that border the Missouri River or have water supplies and wildlife affected by it should add this to their reading list... sooner rather than later. One of the best books I've read in a long time. Big Muddy Blues is a gift to citizens, government agency administrators and law-makers everywhere.

In "Big Muddy Blues", Bill Lambrecht has woven intriguing, though somewhat unsettling, tales of one of our most precious resources - water. Specifically he speaks of the Missouri River, but I found myself drawing correlations to other bodies of water dotting our country. If man's need for control has so skewed the patterns of the Missouri, how many other rivers, streams, lakes and bays have suffered the same fate - and with what result? Asking questions of various individuals and groups whose livelihoods are intertwined with the Missouri, Lambrecht presents their answers, but allows the reader to draw conclusions.

Disjointed though the writing style appears from time to time, there is a pattern. Lambrecht's tales, of politics and special interest groups, take the reader back and forth through the life of the Missouri - from the days of Lewis and Clark to the present.

I praise Lambrecht for raising awareness, of the great Missouri River itself as well as of the politics and factions that are affecting our water resources and environments that rely upon them.

Bill Lambrecht's BIG MUDDY BLUES takes a timely look at the history and the future of the longest river in the United States. It is full of intriguing detail about the river's geography and its inhabitants (notably the pallid sturgeon), the characters who depend on it for their livelihoods, and the woeful land grabs, degradation, and politics that have altered the course of one of the U.S.'s greatest natural resources. But Lambrecht's admiration for and belief in his river (he comes from St. Louis) leave us with glimmers of hope for the future health of the river. His engaging style and neatly-organized chapters contribute to an excellent read.

I would have given this book 5 stars, but the writing style is a little simplistic. However, the plot is great and the tone is WONDERFUL. I hated to put this book down. I kept wanting to know whodonit - and what happens between Meg and the Detective!

prose, clean and precise, propels this mystery/bittersweet love story. The first-person narrative is vibrant and sexy: P.I. Meg Darcy and her elusive object of desire Sarah Lindstrom stay with us, whetting our appetites for the subsequent 3 volumes in the series (the 2 that are published don't disappoint in their interweaving of mystery and romance). Though the excellent J.M. Redmann's Micky Knight has more more kinks in her personality (and more baroque mysteries to solve), Meg Darcy compares well in her 3-D characterization.

P.I. Meg Darcy works for her Uncle Walter, at Miller Security where they are steadily active in both investigations and security for local unions, businesses, and individuals. When a friend, Ann Yates, comes to Meg for help in the wake of her grandmother's murder, Meg reluctantly takes on the case. The old woman had apparently wandered away from a nursing home and was strangled by a serial killer who the cops have been unable to catch.

In the course of the investigation, Meg meets up with an old acquaintance, the enigmatic and distant police detective, Sarah Lindstrom, to whom Meg has always been attracted. The further Meg delves into the case, the more contact she has with the taciturn cop, and it's only a matter of time before fireworks begin, both on the case and with Lindstrom. As it turns out, all is not as it seems in the cemetery murders.

The story is told in first person, and Meg's sense of the world around her is wry and insightful. She is particularly amusing when pondering over the remnants of her love life. The cast of characters involved in this twisty mystery, including her best friend Patrick, are richly drawn, and the writing is crisp and focused. Cemetery Murders is an excellent debut, and I look forward to reading the next three installments.
-Lori L. Lake, Midwest Book Review

Not bad, for a first time out. Characters are well defined, the story line was plossable, wished that one of the "Loose ends" would have been assisting Womens shelters or Homelessness but got theme anyway. hope to see more of these authors

As a Missourian and a professional historian, I looked forward to reading what many consider a classic (even Boatner cites Monaghan). I was misled. This is an insufferable book, almost unreadable, a waste of time. Presuming to knowledge he cannot have, the author is pleased to describe (without citations) the innermost thoughts of historical figures. He insists on calling William Clark Quantrill "Charles;" writes Elias Boudinet for Elias Boudinot. Wallows in cliches (e.g. calls James Lane "the Grim Chieftan" at every opportunity until you want to gag) and racial stereotypes (e.g. his characterization of the "primeval passions" of naturally savage Indians, p. 210; see also every reference to black people). His writing style is so florid and bombastic at times as to rob it of clarity. Thus, while he describes obscure battles covered by few other scholars (hence the second star), it's sometimes hard to tell what's going on. If you want the politics of Bleeding Kansas and the early days of the war in Missouri, see the second volume of Nevins's classic "Emergence of Lincoln" and the first volume of "War for the Union;" if you are interested in the bitterness and hatred that fueled the violence in Missouri during and after the war, Fellman's "Inside War" is the book to read. But don't bother with Monaghan.

This book explains very well why there was so much violence in the Western scenario. If you like, it also explains the violence following the civil war in the reconstruction era. If you are used to draw a gun whenever you see a political opponent one should not be surprised about the cruelties committed by the Klan after the war.

This book also shows the problematic stand the civilized (Indian) nations were confronted with, being forced to choose between Union or Confederacy.

To all Southerners, this is a ballanced account descibing that particular period of time. Buy it.

A very well written book on the history of the Civil war west of the Mississippi. Monaghan covers many of the battles I had tried in vain to locate details on. Covered are the battles of: Carthage, Wilson's Creek, Pea Ridge, Prairie Grove, and Westport. I especially found interesting the involvement of the Five Nations out of Oklahoma. Much is covered concerning the conflicts between Kansas and Missouri, but Texas, Arkansas and others are treated with some detail. Monaghan's writing style is excellent, giving you a good feeling for what happened. You will read and re-read this one.

Fanatical politics of the western frontier, immigrant abolitionists with loaded Spencer rifles funded by mysterious personages back East, cut-throats, gin heads and horse thieves, colorful character descriptions... This book ranks up there with Pea Ridge by Shea and The Civil War by Foote. Absoltuley a must read.

i thnk this was a good book except for the fact that at the ending it did not tell who the spy was it left the reader hanging too much but overall it was good like i said the ending was bad when it did not tell who the spy was!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(IM AM 13 IM NOT 12 I PUT 12 SO I CAN PUT THIS REVIEW)!!!!!

As an educator of upper elementary students, I think the whole Orphan Train Adventures series is outstanding! It tells a tale while weaving in historical events. It makes learning history more interesting because the stories are told from a young person's point of view!

This is the best book i have ever read and it is very exiting packed with adventures and friends to learn. i was so exited when i read almost every page. the only bad part was at the end when the book didn't tell you who the spy was.

The guns swirling around you make you want to turn and run, but you wont.....at least Mike wont. Want to read a wonderful story of the Civil War and the urge that gripped the teens in America during that great war and made them run and join the army? Want to know why the nickname for the Civil War is "The Boys' War"? Well, you'll find out in this wonderful book about the war that claimed the lives of so many and destroyed and brought families together. A wonderful book, that can be a curse because you wont let it down. Enjoy this wonderful tail of the bullets flying and the men dying at your side...........

DEAR PAPA, DEAR HOTCH: THE CORRESPONDENCE OF ERNEST HEMINGWAY AND A.E. HOTCHNER isn't a light introduction: it's a scholarly collection recommended as a college-level pick for any collection strong in the works of either writer, presenting for the first time the collected correspondence between writer and agent. Hotchner adapted Hemingway's works for stage, movies and TV: these letters cover the final quarter of Hemingway's life and packs in nearly two hundred letters, cables and cards between the two. The result offers plenty of intriguing details and will prove a 'must' for any serious Hemingway scholar, in particular.

In his Preface, Hotchner writes:"I was young and struggling and vulnerable." What these Letters reveal is that "Hotch" was ambitious, greedy and manipulative. Just read the exchange concerning the "True" article (pp 172-179).Though De Fazio and the University of Missouri Press are to be congratulated for their Herculean accomplishment, those familiar with other Hemingway letters/memorabilia and scholarship, published and unpublished, know why Hotchner "had fallen out of favor with Mary"(Preface 12), as well as with other family members, true friends and many Hemingway scholars. Conrad Aiken, who early on saw Hemingway's genius, wrote, on the occasion of T.S.Eliot's death 40 years ago, "that this is the age of the ex-wife and the editor."I would add a third category: the "so-called friend."

I had a hard time rating this collection of letters, postcards and cables between Hemingway and A. E. Hotchner, Papa's friend during the last decade or so of his life. If I give "Dear Papa, Dear Hotch" 5 stars, what do I give my favorite book of all time - Hemingway's "In Our Time"? Since Amazon's rating system won't allow for more than 5 stars, I plead "nolo contendere." This book deserves 5 stars because it is the best it could be. Comparison with Hemingway's crafted work is not the point.

That said, "Dear Papa, Dear Hotch" is a gift to all who love Hemingway. I congratulate DeFazio for a job well done. Gathering all the pieces of this intriguing story must have consumed countless hours and required lots of legwork. The process of deciphering Hemingway's penmanship and the necessary research to illuminate arcane references was surely daunting at times. A.E. Hotchner's Preface & DeFazio's Introduction are fascinating and admirably set the stage for what is ultimately a poignant story of friendship & loss.

_Dear Papa, Dear Hotch_ is a triumph of precise editing: of scrupulous annotations that make this record of the final years of a great American writer come to life. The reader goes along effortlessly, instructed as necessary in diverse particulars-baseball trivia, the names of well-known trapshooters (!), the identities of guests at long forgotten gatherings, advertising slogans, specs for aircraft, Hemingway's confusion of a story by James Thurber with one by Ring Lardner. Those who have ever tried to run down one such datum will appreciate the scholarship, variousness, exactness, and energy of Albert J. DeFazio in presenting this collection.

The 161 letters here were written in the final dozen years of Hemingway's life, in his decline, after he, arguably the most famous writer living, had said what he had to say. As such they make for increasingly sad reading. We see Hemingway's effort to recapture the vitality and tragic dignity that make at least two of his novels and several dozen short stories key documents in American literature and in American self-concept. The letters from A. E. Hotchner-at once a slick, opportunistic sycophant, a cheerfully dutiful factotum, willing to do whatever the once great man asks, and a competent adaptor of original work-do not brighten the picture, nor is it always easy to read "Hotch's" imitations of Hemingway's deliberately scabrous language ("Goddam but I'm glad about the [Nobel] prize," etc.) Sometimes the interplay between them has a sick fascination, "Hemingstein" trying to persuade himself "Everybody will be okay" and "Krotchner" feeding this illusion. One comes to the notes with a sense of relief. They are the real gen.

A six page appendix, in which Hemingway objects to Hotchner's proposed deletions in _The Dangerous Summer,_ reveals more about the drift of Hemingway's writing practices than anything else I have read on the topic.