Montana Books

well, it does tells you how to write good history lol....but i have read better books than this, in the end if you are not an advance write great book to pick up

This book has a great outline, thought process and good examples on the process of writing history.

This is a great book and I was able to get even more out it since I am one of Dr. Page's students at East Tennessee State.

History prof recommended this for help in writing research papers in history department.

Compact and inspirational, the author makes his points by way of examples and citations from historians. Passionate about his subject area, he communicates this well and infuses it into his observations and recommendations for writing about historical topics.

While the jury is still out on my first paper to utilize this resource, I already know I am a better writer of history for having utilized this fine resource. Just the idea of grabbing your reader and making him want to read the rest was useful.

Marius has written an extremely readable and informative book on the writing of history. He proceeds from showing readers what questions to ask in doing historical research into types of historical writing can be done, from discriptive to argumentitive.
However, the most useful part of the book is the chapter on sources and writing. He skillfully shows readers how to choose a topic and narrow their focus into a managable paper. He also discusses the use of CD-Rom and Internet sources, a necessity for any good book on the writing of history in the early 21st century, particularly due to the increase in the reliance on Internet research by college undergraduates and HS students that are comfortable with this technology. The book also makes actually doing research seem like not such a daunting scary task, which at first thought it seems like for many undergraduates. The one problem with this section is that Marius advocates the use of paper notes. As has been seen with many professional academic historians lately, the use of paper notes can end up costing the writer dearly, particularly with the use of a large amount of sources. Marius should have included a section on how to use a data base or other computerized note taking system.
Marius also uses many examples to back up his points throughout the book, even publishing one complete paper and then commenting on its strengths and weaknesses in order to give the reader a better understanding. The remainder of the book is an extremely useful three chapters on writing mechanics as well as quoting and citing a variety of sources. I found the section on footnotes quite good and useful. This section will be especially useful for the undergraduate who arrives on campus without ever having to use footnotes while in high school.
Overall, this is an outstanding book. The only real drawback is that since its publication (3rd edition) the sections on the Internet are in many ways obsolete. But with the ever changing technology and things available on the Internet, both good and bad, no book can keep up.

I was not prepared for the dramatic change in my outlook and self-awareness after I read Wokini. I couldn't put it down, and I even took notes. Wokini answers the who, what, where, why, when, and how, of happiness. I bought extra copies to give to my family and friends, and I hope they pass thir copies along to their loved ones. Wokini is such an easy book to read. The spiritual journey described in the book carried you from place to place looking for not only answers but questions.

By chance, I found this book in my local library, read it and had a life change. Today while looking up Nicholas Sparks I find that Wokini is in print once again. Life is good! This book will change your whole attitude and outlook on life. It begins by breaking down the old ideas (lies) about what happiness is and is not. It follows with a day by day path on how to achieve true happiness. A great book to give and to keep!

When my grandmother died I had to go through her things, and I found not one but two copies of this book. Out of curiosity I read it, and was very moved and at the same time felt enlightened. I really wish that I could talk to her about this story, and regret that I didn't know her well enough, because anyone who appreciates this story is on the right path as far as I'm concerned. I am a Christian and I am not Native American, but those things really don't matter as the only thing you need to have when reading this is your desire to search, to learn more of yourself and the world. You will get out of this book much more than you spend on it!

I can't help but wonder who the target audience is/was intended for this book. At times it read very smoothly; other times I felt like it was written in an uncreative/predictable manner. It made a lot of good points; I valued a lot of the lessons and advice. I just felt like the whole story about David, the presence of his sister's spirit, etc could have been left out and it would have been just as good. I learned quite a bit; I just wasn't awed. I think there are better motivational books out there besides Wokini.

In a very clear, simple and entertaining way Billy Mills' story leads the reader to a better understanding of true happiness. At the same time he provides a little peek into Lakota beliefs and practices. The book is easy reading by children and adults alike, and will be enjoyed by both those who are interested in the Lakota and those who've looked for happiness in all the wrong places. I too hope that there will be another printing of this book. It is a sad commentary that such a delight should be lost to future generations. This is a book that I have given (and would love to continue if reprinted) as a gift to quite a few people. But, for the present, I must be satisfied with two... one for myself and one to loan out for others to read.

I bought this book for both my beloved stay-at-home-mom sisters for Mother's Day.

They both LOVED it. Rave reviews.

One sister recieved this book after a whole night up with a teething baby -- she cried she was so happy to get it; it gave her a lot of peace and "a new breath of fresh air".

I reccomend it.

This book was so great that our church has ordered copies to be sent out to new babies in the area with a welcome to the world letter. We chose this after reviewing about 15 different books It's an easy read with joy and tears for busy new mothers. Terrific book!

I received this book from my mother when my daughter was born almost 5 years ago. She gives such incredible encouragement and simple truths to living a Christian life. I have certain pages marked that I go back to from time to time when I feel like I need to be reminded of the kind of mother and person God created me to be. Absolutely a must have for old and new Christian mothers.

I read this in one sitting. Though the settings are drawn from early-parent situations, I think it would be enriching for anyone who remembers. The inspiration and comic relief can touch anyone who longs to discover God's peace and love in each busy day.

I am the mother of two small children and LOVED this book. Lorriane relates to moms everywhere. I didn't feel so everwhelmed after reading her book. A must have for the new mom library

Dinner with Magritte engages the reader at many levels. It is a visually stimulating book with a story that imagines a child's visit to his neighbor Magritte for dinner. Through the childs's eyes you are introduced to the strange & wonderful world of the artist. Many of the illustrations are variations on actual Magritte paintings delightfully interwoven into the plot of the story. You will recognize the bowler hat, blue sky with clouds and the walk through the woods from his actual works. I use the book as part of my volunteer artist awareness class. The book enchants the children from 1st grade through 6th. What a dissappointment to find it out of stock - I was going to buy two as gifts!

Although Dinner at Magritte's is not a biography, it is a fun book for the whole family. The book tells you about two famous artists. One is Rene Magritte and the other is Salvador Dali. It is about a boy, named Pierre, who is bored, so he goes to the Magritte's for dinner. Dali also comes to dinner. They do fun things that will make you laugh.

The illustrations are as good as the writing because each one shows the kind of painting that Dali or Magritte would do, but also tells you the silly story. I would recommend this book to the young and old and artists and non-artists. It is enjoyable for everyone.

Very fun book for lots of different ages. Little kids (3-4) will think the paintings are hilarious; older ones will laugh at the wordplay. A good addition to your child's library.

This book is GREAT. If you know Rene Magritte's work, you will be absolutely delighted. A MUST for true art lovers!

Dinner At Magritte's by Michael Garland is a cool book and will evoke questions from any curious youngster. The story is simple: a bored young boy goes next door to his neighbors and the neighbors happen to be Mr. and Mrs. Rene Magritte. Salvador Dali shows up and the four spend the day together culminating in dinner and charades. However, the world the story takes place in is the surreal world of Dali's and Magritte's paintings. All the illustrations in the story except the first have surrealistic elements in them. Even after the story has been read over and over again, the pictures themselves will continue to provoke the young reader's mind. The book is a fun fantasy and a suprisingly good introduction to surrealism. I had the advantage of having parents who took me to art museums in every city we ever visited and I know that this exposure to a wide variety of art styles helped with the development of this science teacher's mind. Get this book and fire up your child's imagination.

This book is appropriate for random reading, mediation and just to experience nature. Many of the selections make the reader appreciate nature more and also be more observant of the small and subtle beauty around them.

In designing an interfaith worship service for a scout outing, I was able to use many materials from this book. There are also things in it that are not necessarily suitable for a worship service, but certainly inspirational in respect to Nature and the Earth and our role in preserving them.

I first bought this book a few years ago when, by good fortune, I was in the middle of Denali National Park in Alaska in cabins with nothing around us for about 100 miles - true wilderness as I have never experienced it before or since. And, to me, this book brings me back to that peaceful, transcendent, truly wild place. I use it as a meditation book in the early morning. I have five that I read - the first four are about peace for me, human person, and they certainly have their place. But this little book I read last because it puts things in perspective and reminds me that I am not the center of anything at all. I buy them in quantity and give them away. It is such a beautiful book. The quotes are outstanding and are from some of our most eloquent naturalists, et al, and the peace that emanates from every reading can only be experienced, not described. It's wonderful.

I read from this book to my 6th grade science class on a daily basis. It introduces them to classic environmental literature and fosters a deep appreciation of our earth.

I remember at camp our councelors read this a bedtime, and i used sit there and think about what was read. Then at closing ceremony they read a paragraph, this book has a tremendus effect on the way you think about life and the earth when your done reading it. I would recomend this to anyone not just environmentalists.

This is one of my favorite fly fishing books. It is one that I will read over and over again. I love the humor as well as the advice and lessons that Gary has learned over the years. Anyone going into the backcountry to fly fish ought to read this book. I have given this book to my sons who fly fish so that they can enjoy it too.

This is a wonderfully entertaining and informative book about fly fishing the mountain lakes. Although the book was based largely on the Montana lakes that Gary is so familiar with, I strongly believe it applies to most all mountain lakes. I read this book about four times a year, and browse through it every night before going on an excursion. Keeping it from reading like a "how-to" manual, the book has some very well written life adventures of Gary & his friends (human and not-so-human). I have read a few books on stillwater fishing for trout, and was very impressed by the techniques that were described in this text. At last, a book that doesn't teach you that certain methods are "not fly-fishing"! Great job by Gary LaFontaine and friends, and may god bless his soul.

I loved this book! Gary is a great writer and makes his books full of well researched,sound information. In this small volume he tells you where the lakes are (they really exist where he says-I checked topos!) and challenges you to go! Wonderful, fun book!!

Great reading for the flyfisher who enjoys the high country or likes to get away from river crowds. Lots of fun new methods to try out. Trying to figure out where I can keep my pack goat.

This book mixed enteraining stories with valuable information on Gary's years of observation of the behavior of trout in high country lakes. I have read numerous books and articles regarding techniques to use on high country lakes, but have rarely found such valuable information as revealed in this book. In fact, I have read this book twice over the last several months in an effort to soak up all the information, and plan to read it again before the local mountain lakes start to thaw. I would strongly recommend this book to beginning and experienced anglers alike.

I'm having a problem. I'm in a dilemma and I'd like to know what you think. I hope you'll let me know. Here's the problem. I kinda take it for granted that we have free will. It seems like some kind of defining characteristic of the human soul. Although we may breathe the same air, and although the same Spirit runs through us, it's our free will that defines our individuality. The Biblical tradition seems to point to our free will. The concept of sin sure requires it. In the Edgar Cayce readings there is the idea there is nothing more powerful than our individual will. On TV it says, "The power of one!" There you have it.
On the other hand, I've been reading a book on prayer and healing. It's the almost classic and often referred to book by Larry Dossey, M.D., Healing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine, (HarperCollins). He writes about how over one hundred experiments, exhibiting good scientific methodology, indicate that "prayer brings about significant changes in a variety of living beings." This includes fungus, bacteria, animals and humans. Moreover, the healing effects did not depend upon whether the person praying was in the presence of the organism being prayed for or at a great distance. Healing occurred whether the healing object was in a lead-lined room or a cage shielded from electromagnetic energy. It didn't seem to matter if the person (if it was a person and not a medical sample) knew about the prayer or believed in prayer.
"The fact that prayer works (at least some of the time) says something important about our nature, and how we may be connected to the Absolute," he says. It also shows that we are connected to each other. It shows that our thoughts matter. Dossey is smart and brave enough to discuss the flip side of this revelation. Call it "toxic prayer," where our negative thoughts have a negative effect on others. I'm not talking just about curses or swearing (as in asking the Absolute to squash you or condemn you to an eternity in the fires), but even those so-called "harmless" black thoughts we have about people from time to time. If we can be helped by prayers, we can be harmed by the mental negativity of others, even when we do not know they are being negative toward us, even when we are safely in our own homes, even when we are minding our own business. Sounds to me like an invasion of free will, a bruise to my autonomy, an assault on my integrity.
Now I have often heard that we are not supposed to pray for people without their permission. If Dossey is right, it is possible to pray for people without their knowledge and they still get well. We can hope that they wanted to heal! Seems like we shouldn't say to someone, "Good morning," but rather, "Good morning, by your leave, unless you have other plans!"
But I'm not joking, I'm serious and seriously confused here. I have read of experiments begun in Russia and duplicated here, where one person can mentally affect the physical functioning of another person, making that person tired, sleepy, even putting the person to sleep. It is possible to telepathically affect a person's heart rate. I guess that means that it is possible to stop a person's heart, especially if some writings on Voodoo are to be believed.
Now if it is true that we can mentally, telepathically, energetically--however you want to envision it--affect another person, even when they are in the privacy and safety of their lead lined home, then what does that mean about free will. Do we have free will if someone else can, from a distance, without our knowledge or consent, make us do their bidding, think the thoughts they want us to think, make the moves they want us to make? It is even possible to hypnotize a person at a distance, telepathically. The Russians called it "mental suggestion." Now we've all heard the soothing reminder, "you can't hypnotize a person to do something against their will." So does that mean you can't telepathically induce a person to think, feel, or do something against their will? If the telepathic influence was effective, then at some level the affected person was willing to allow it to happen? Is that how we get out of the quandry? Or is there really a hole in the protective shield of our free will?
I've met many people who complain that someone is sending them bad energy, invading their thoughts. Do we take the complaint seriously? Is the person "psychotic"? Since mental influence exists, maybe the person is right. If so, then is the real problem is that the person is willing to have it happen? The person objects to the invasion but feels helpless to stop it. Where's the free will, the willingness? Maybe not all of our free will is available for our freedom of choice. Maybe some of it is hidden in the dark depths of the soul. What do you think? Let me know. www.henryreed.com/publications/bookreviews

Dr. Dossey explains in HEALING WORDS how prayer-based healing works. It has been scientifically proven in hundreds of experiments to be a balanced part of health care that can significantly decrease health problems and significantly improve our quality and quantity of life. Dossey shares some of his own real-life stories of caring for patients... including an American Indian shaman, who requested Dr. Dossey's medical help for his aching neck! This book contains a wealth of information about prayer experiments written in Dossey's characteristically down-to-Earth style. I love the way Dossey raises questions about whether some prayer experiments are ethical, and why some scientists continue to resist the mounting body of evidence that so clearly shows how prayer has a powerful effect on healing.

This book reaffirmed my belief in prayer, and helped me to better understand its healing powers.

It's probably tempting to dismiss this book as "New Age" claptrap. That would be a mistake.

In fact Dossey is highly critical of the "New Age" movement. And despite some overblown cover blurbs, he doesn't claim to have "proven" anything about the power of prayer in healing; he's making suggestions and exploring possibilities, not laying down law.

Nor, for the most part, is his speculation wild or unfounded. His suggestions are founded on two things: empirical research that seems to show prayer is effective in promoting the biological growth of certain forms of life under controlled laboratory conditions, and the theological/philosophical view that reality is ultimately a single, universal, "nonlocal" Absolute Mind.

However controversial these foundations might be, he presents his suggestions with proper caution. And he is especially careful to avoid falling into the New Age blame-the-patient trap; he is well aware that prayer doesn't always achieve the results we might like and that this isn't because somebody has done something to "choose" or "deserve" ill health.

On the contrary, he has a healthy sense that prayer is really (though this language isn't quite his) for the purpose of adjusting us to the Divine Will rather than vice-versa. (Anthony de Mello tells a story somewhere about a man who said, "In your country it is regarded as a miracle when God does the will of a human being. In my country it is regarded as a miracle when a human being does the will of God.") On his view, the "power" of prayer is shown as much in our acceptance of our health limitations as in their elimination.

There are a couple of places where Dossey threatens to wander off the deep end (e.g. his suggestion that prayer can change the past), and there's a little bit of language (e.g. "Era I, Era II, and Era III") that recalls bad 1970s self-help books. But I really have only one bone to pick with Dossey: he tends at times to overstate the difference between his views and those of traditional, "classical" theism.

There is a tendency among those (of whom I am one, which is in part how I know this) who left their childhood religions in their early teens to assume, more or less unconsciously, that our understanding of such religion was complete at that time and none of its adherents understood any of the cool things we went on to discover for ourselves. It's hard to shake one's implicit belief that those hidebound "fundamentalists" couldn't _possibly_ have known any of this nifty "spirituality" stuff; "dogmatic" religion is, of course, the arch-enemy of "true" spirituality -- isn't it?

Dossey has a very mild tendency in this direction. In consequence I suspect he will occasionally leave more traditional religious believers with the sense that they are being misunderstood, patronized, or both.

But it doesn't happen very often, and it hardly happens at all in this book. On the whole, Dossey's approach tends to confirm rather than undermine the great theistic religions' view of prayer.

While conducting research on the power of prayer and healing, I was encouraged to get this book and I am so glad I did! I could not but this book down once I began to read it. This is a must read if you are interested in the subject. It is well written and it is based on true experiences in Dr. Dossey's practice.

This is my favorite book ever. I love the author's sense of humor and quick wit and the endless mishaps that really are true life events that happen to all of us. The dry humor describing Montana is hysterical. I read this just as my best friend moved to Montana to a ranch. The irony was unbelievable. All of the Montana men, customs, etc. that are joked about in the book are actually true and so noticeable if you've ever been to Montana. This book makes me laugh, I still read it over and over.

This is one of the best romances I've read in a long time. Kim Green is a very, very talented writer.

I bought this in San Francisco -- where part of the story is set -- and its great. Its very funny and original, it feels real without being too cute. I am buying copies for friends for XMAS.

I am woman in her late forties who loves "Sex and the City." (I also loved "Northern Exposure," and this book has a little of that quirkiness too.) In fact, I plan to go into mourning following the upcoming final episodes of S&C. If I had known how much fun "Is that a Moose in your Pocket" was going to be, I would have saved it for my mourning period. (I must confess I didn't care for the title. Too Mae West for me.) I was pleasantly surprised at how much I "got" Kim Green's numerous pop culture references laced throughout the book. (Although I am considerably older than Ms. Green, she has obviously watched a lot of Nick at Nite and old movies.)

I want to know more about Jen Brenner and her San Francisco friends. Personally, I would like a prequel before Bruce. Of course, maybe HBO should pick up the storyline to fill the void after "S&C" ends.

Jen is tired of being second best. After being passed over for a promotion at work, and tired of running into her sexy ex, she decides to shuck it all and leave San Francisco for an assignment as a reporter in a small Montana town.

Soon she is embroiled in a mystery involving dead fish, explosions, the local paper plant, and the EPA. She is also managing to reverse her drought-like love life and suddenly finds she has choices - an environmental activist and a park ranger, but it is the sexy EPA guy that she falls for. He has a young daughter and a not-so-ex-wife.

There are lots of great secondary characters, too many of them in fact, which kind of takes away from the overall story, since they are not fully developed and just sort of run together at times. I would have liked to have more depth into her relationship with her best gay husband, Robert, as well as Bruce, the older man she is reticent to get involved with (yet completely smitten). I would have liked more time with the quirky Montana folks as well.

Each chapter cleverly starts with an e-mail, which in some cases makes sense, other times I just scratched my head and said "huh?" It is a somewhat hysterical fish out of water story, a totally urban gal in the middle of the mountains.

The end is abrupt - but definitely leaves an open door for more to come. Great lazy summer or beach read. I managed to finish it in a day.

I read Sharon's book not long after I met her and was delighted and wowed to know someone who could write a book that kept me engaged from first to last page. The characters, with all their human strengths and faults, rope you in with their story of love, laughter and tears and leave you wanting more. Can't wait for Sharon Flesch's next book!

This book navigates the real world of real love. The setting and the writing are considerable bonuses, but the real power of the novel lies in its author's understanding of the depth, breadth, and sheer wonder of love.

This is truly a wonderful story of the Montana west and the hardships encountered by their residents. The story is romatic with good Christian values. Could hardly put it down. Would love to read a sequel to this wonderful story. Would recommend this book to all lovers.

I was staying in Kalispell, Montana and found this book at a local book store. A great read! Sweet characters! Good relationships! Old-time American faith and values! I recommend it for the whole family!

This book was reminiscent of the way life used to be. It showed interesting relationships between people and yet portrayed high moral standards. My copy has been passed on to other family members that have greatly enjoyed it also.

Readers beware! It's much easier to open this book than to close it. The author's obvious love of trivia, not to mention her love of Montana, is infectious. She is relentless in her pursuit of the obscure. We learn, for example, that the town of Ismay, population 20, changed its name to Joe to honor quarterback Joe Montana. Yes, but did Mr. Montana ever visit this town? And what is the montly salary of its mayor?

The result of this obsessive curiosity is a book full of quirky facts and colorful characters you will find nowhere else. It will put a smile on the face of a transplanted Montanan (like myself), but would also be a great find for anyone planning a trip to Montana. It's the kind of book that would normally be impossible to find for all those with the misfortune of living outside the state. Thank goodness for Amazon!

Packed full of facts and information you never knew you never knew. And now you know! Dazzle your friends with your new facts and accurate information. Good for bedtime, sitting time, waiting time, or just reading time. And a great price!

This is the most complete book of its type I've seen on Montana. I personally cannot believe that all city names in Montana actually start with "B", but it seems nearly so. Read this one and know "stuff" for sure. It is a lot of fun.

This book was a gift to me, and is not your usual trivia. Spencer obviously researches her stuff and puts it together with humor, irony, zest. Here are a lot of laughs and Gee Whiz moments for anyone. E. Malehorn in Illinois

I am a trivia buff and have lived in Montana for 36 years. This is hands down the best book I have read in years. The wit and humor through out the book kept me laughing the whole time I read it and I couldn't put the thing down. Kudos to Mrs. Spencer for researching and writing a book that had so many interesting facts that even an old Montanan like me had never heard. I highly recommend this book, I have read it twice and still haven't put it down.