Montana Books

books on the battle of the Little Big Horn, and I have read them all!

Its great any time true versions of historic events are told...this does justice to this battle and I recommend it for any student of history.

I finished this book last nite. Gads, what did we do? How was this extermination of the Indians allowed by a loving god, let alone by us Christian white people? I wonder we can live with ourselves. I know it's easy to judge the dead, the times and dangers were so different,..still I can't believe our policy, even our glory, was to kill women and children and old men. As a Republican white middle class guy,..after reading this book I just feel tremendously ashamed. Like I committed a murder and never got punished for it. I want to make amends for what we did to the native americans. I want to take my family to Little Big Horn Park, ..I want to show my kids the whole story from both sides. Thank you, author, for an exceptional labor of love in this very moving book.

This is a well-documented reference that provides an interesting insight into the political workings and influences within the U.S. army at this time in history. It also provides a sad awareness of the utterly irresponsible actions of the U.S. government, and the "White Man" in general, as it pertains to the treatment of the native Indian tribes of North America------a sad tale of how "The end justifies the means." seemed to be the operational motto for the U.S. government.

Terrible Glory -- good name for a terrible book. If you are looking for someone pimping for Custer and Benteen this is the book for you. Custer can do almost nothing wrong and Reno can do almost nothing right. According to this book Reno was drunk most of the time during the Little Bighorn battle -- except Reno saved most of his command and Custer lost all of his. Save your money.

"Courage, boys, we've got them." These are reported to have been among the last known words of George Armstrong Custer as he lead 210 men of the U.S. 7th Cavalry into combat with more than a 1,000 Sioux and Cheyenne warriors.

"A Terrible Glory" is James Donovan's 388-page account of the principle Indian and non-Indian characters and their actions in the events leading up to, during and after the legendary Battle of the Little Bighorn on 25 June 1876. Donovan documents his fast moving, well crafted but almost matter of fact narrative with 83 pages of footnotes and a 24-page bibliography. There are also generalized maps showing troop movements and the location of events (most of which, apart from the largest one reproduced three times - on both end pages and just after the title page - being too small to easily read) and 48 photographs of American soldiers, civilian, Crow and Arikara army scouts and Sioux war chiefs.

In addition to his detailed telling of the 25 June combat itself, among the more interesting aspects of the story as told by Donovan, in my opinion, are:

1. The role and character of Custer's civilian, Crow and Arikara scouts: they all warned Custer that the Sioux gathering was the largest assembly of Indian warriors they had ever seen and advised him - to no effect - that it was too dangerous for him to engage such a large force. All reportedly acquitted themselves well according to their assigned tasks and the army's expectations.

2. Custer's failure to learn from prior experience leading the 7th against Indians in the Battle of Washita eight years earlier: in that action Custer skirted disaster - and lost a number of men who were detached from the main force - because he attacked without adequate reconnaissance and divided his tired troops. That experience failed to prevent him from making the same mistakes on a larger sale in 1876.

3. The lack of training and readiness among the majority of the 7th's troops: according to Donovan many of the soldiers had little or no competence in marksmanship or horsemanship, and the 7th's officers made no systematic attempt to train them prior to the 1876 campaign.

4. The whitewash of Major Reno's drunkenness and poor behavior at the Little Bighorn at the army's official 1879 court of inquiry: due to an apparent desire to preserve their regiment's honor and their personal reputations - at the expense of Custer's and that of the other men who died - the 7th's officers lied or disingenuously shaded the truth about Reno in contrast to their damning descriptions of Reno in newspaper interviews, reported conversations and private letters that have since come to light.

5. It was the 7th Cavalry, under some of the same officers who fought at Little Bighorn, that committed atrocities - that were whitewashed by the official inquiry - at Wounded Knee in 1890, apparently in an act of revenge for their prior defeat by the Sioux.

My conclusion is that "A Terrible Glory" provides an interesting and reasonably comprehensive and balanced account of Custer's last stand that will satisfy the needs of non-historians seeking an understanding of the events and context of "last great battle of the American West". Highly recommended.

I bought this thinking it was about the John Holmes Eddie Nash murders. I didn't read carefully the product info. I'm sure it's a fine book, but don't make my same mistake.

I really enjoyed this book. I met Mr. Braithwaite at the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books where he was signing this book as well as a mystery cookbook he was featured in. Mr. Braithwaite is quite a charming man, and he is an excellent mystery writer. I'm glad I bought this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

With the controversy of illegal immigration raging across this nation, Kent Braithwaite's novel, THE WONDERLAND MURDERS is the perfect mystery for today. First off, Braithwaite tells a rip-roaring story about a coastal California private eye who is working on a case involving the murder of several people at a southern California amusement park. Wonderland may be the name of the park, but Wonderland may also be viewed as a name for the United States. Braithwaite uses his fabulous story to address the contemporary themes of immigration and cultural assimilation. The protagonist is the grandson of illegal imigrants yet he is married into the moneyed establishment of the OC. His characters range across the cultural spectrum of modern America, and the story presents insights into our nation in transition. Most importantly, though, THE WONDERLAND MURDERS is one terrific mystery novel. It has a romance. It deals with family challenges. Its villians are believeable, as are the good guys. It is a fair-play whodunit. It has all of the elements of first-class crime fiction, and it is one of the best mysteries I have read in the past several years.

Kent Braithwaite is a high-profile Los Angeles-based mystery writer, and THE WONDERLAND MURDERS is an L.A. mystery at the top of its form. The author has impressive resume of short fiction, mystery convention speaking appearances, and teaching mystery writing at several colleges. He served as a judge for this year's Edgar Allan Poe Award. This novel marks an important point in Mr. Braithwaite's career.

THE WONDERLAND MURDERS tells the story of a string of homicides along the southern California coast. It is set in a fictionalized suburban L.A. beachfront community. Its lead is a Latino private eye. The novel tackles serious social issues and provides an intriguing crime puzzle. NEWSWEEK magazine wrote that it was a great book. I have to agree.

Reading this Jesse Ascencio novel is like settling down and listening to an old and reliably entertaining friend. Kent Braithwaite is the quintessential noir detective writer, and Jesse Ascencio is one of his most well-known series leads. Writing in a noirish style harking back to Hammett and Chandler, Braithwaite tells a contemporary story of modern southern California. Society has changed since the classic days, and Braithwaite has helped the PI form evolve with society. Every element of a classic mystery is in this book. Ascencio and his supporting characters make up a cast worthy of Parker's Spenser or Pronzini's Nameless. The story is a fair-play whodunit with serious social overtones. As with the rest of Braithwaite's works, this novel succeeds on many levels. I hope to soon see more of Braithwaite's Ascencio, oceanfront California, and authorial attitude. I'm also hoping to soon see more of his other series leads such as Casey McGraw and Matt Thornton, of short story fame.

Judy Blunt blew me away with this wonderful memoir. Details so crisp and clean, almost too stark. She reminds me of Annie Dillard in her ability to look at nature dispassionately while allowing the reader to absorb the sometimes horrifying details that challenge you emotionally. She also looks at her own life in that same dispassionate manner, giving the reader the same kind of space to make emotional connections. I love this book so much I talk about it when I teach memoir writing. It deserves more attention than it's getting.

Amazingly raw biography of a life about which most US citizens have no understanding. Eloquent breathtaking descriptive writing.

Judy Blunt's Breaking Clean is a clear, concise picture we get from her life in northeastern Montana, a small town called Malta. She provides great detail with vivid memories and she uses the memories of others to connect with readers. The book was awarded thePen/Jeraud Fund Award for work in progress and the 2001 Whiting Writers' Award.

She begins with her home, and engages the reader into a trip down memory lane. And if you have never read or experienced what a Montana blizzard is like, you will gain tremendous insight into one, the Blizzard of 1964, and its massive impact on the ranch and livestock. Blunt goes into enough detail and information that keeps the reader fully informed without asking more questions. A chapter on fighting fire was another of nature's forces she experienced.

We learn about the school in a small town, horses, pets, teenage lifestyle, to marriage and harvesting and divorce. The sequence of stories is told well.

This is an insightful memoir, descriptive, and emotional....MzRizz

eloquent...evocative writing.With the mid-20th century as the setting Blunt brings her land, her emotions, her experiences alive with an honesty that is at once brutal and tender. This is an all absorbing story of self awareness and liberation; I read the book through twice without stopping.

WOW. What a woman. I was especially curious to read this book since Jeff and his family are from Montana, and lived in Missoula for quite some time. It is too bad life still isn't like that in a sense. Seems more things have gotten in the way and it is falling apart. Kids don't know the meaning of "going to play".

I applaud her for not sticking with the marriage. The in-laws were a bit much. Knowing the land would never be her's was a bit much.

Good read but not one to be taken lightly and def not a beach read.

Attending a party honoring her ex-boyfriend is not on the top of Milagro de Los Santos' list! Unfortunately, she finds herself stuck at an utterly boring party until she catches the eye of the mysterious and fascinating Oswald. What follows is a vampiric comedy of errors as Milagro is caught in a war she never knew existed, between vampires and the secretive association stalking them.

HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA is sheer fun! Marta Acosta writes a book full of snarky humor with a fabulous cast of characters. Who can't help but love Milagro? She wants to fit in but just can't seem to find her niche until she meets up with Oswald and his family. It is quite refreshing to read about a character who is down on her luck and yet still has such spunk and self-esteem. And Edna, well, what can I say about Edna except that I hope to see more of her?

HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA takes the old theme of vampires versus those who hunt them and spins it totally on its head. Marta Acosta's vampires are not your typical ones; heck, they don't even want to be called vampires despite their craving for blood! HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA is easily recommended for anyone who likes their vampire stories both funny and a bit romantic. I can't wait to see what Marta Acosta has in store for Milagro in the sequel, MIDNIGHT BRUNCH.

COURTESY OF CK2S KWIPS AND KRITIQUES

I've been a little burned out on vampire characters so I was hesitant to try this book but I'm soooo glad I did because it was wonderful!! The writing is snappy and intelligent and the characters are people you really like and care about. I wasn't only happily surprised by how much I enjoyed this book, I was HOOKED! I immediately checked all my local bookstores for the next two in the series and when I couldn't find Midnight Brunch I immediately ordered it online! Head and shoulders above most of the vampire books out there, Marta Acosta has developed a series that is laugh out-loud funny, but also one that touches on so many important and sensitive issues, and she handles them with grace without being preachy. I can't recommend this series enough!! I only hope she keeps writing about the Grant clan at Casa Dracula for a long time!!

The title of this book caught my eye when a bout of depression had hit me, and I picked it up, hoping for a pick-me-up. And boy, am I glad I did! From the very first chapter, I fell in love with Milagro de los Santos, the spicy, sharp-tongued chica at the center of the tale. If there's any gal who can take on an accidental turning, a deceptively formidable dowager head of a folksy family of vampires, a pair of decadant crooked Eastern European vampires, an evil ex-boyfriend and the vampire-exploiting secret organization he's in cahoots with, she's that gal, and she handles everything that circumstance throws at her with charm, style and a well-placed tart remark. The vampirism elements are handled lightly and delicately, something very welcome in a genre that has plenty of more heavy-handed treatments. It's a gleeful screwball comedy of manners, like a nifty blend of "The Philadephia Story" and a Jane Austen novel, that never once takes itself too seriously. Marta Acosta peppers the first-person narrative with gleeful little turns of phrases and wacky similes that made me laugh and which beg to be read out loud, even to yourself, just to hear them! There are romantic tangles aplenty, but the romance never overloads the story, and the sexual elements, while present, never get too detailed. Okay, so it's not Sherrilyn Kenyon, and the story loses steam a little toward the end, but it's stil a great book to read when you need a laugh with a little bite to it.

Although I really liked this book, I wouldn't quite give it a 5 star review. It had a pretty good story line that kept you intrested and wondering what was really gonna happen between Milagro and Oswald. It was very funny in alot of parts, and Milagro had alot of depth to her character. My only wish was that the rest of the characters had been nearly as developed as her. I know she was the main character for the most part, but it would have been nice to know the other characters more. And I was very disapointed that Gabriel had not been brought into the story more. I found him an interesting, and very funny character that just made short "guest appearences". But, I would read the 2nd and 3rd books to this series, and would reccommend them to most people.

HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA
MARTA ACOSTA
Romantic Comedy

Rating: 4 Enchantments

Milagro de Los Santos isn't having much luck in the men department. But when she finds herself at a party for her successful ex-boyfriend Sebastian Beckett-Witherspoon, she can't imagine that a passionate kiss with handsome Oswald Grant will literally change her life forever--and put her on the run from her ambitious ex, who just happens to want to rid the world of her new `kind'.

Oswald Grant was only at the party to keep an eye on Sebastian, but then he kissed the beautiful Milagro and now things are quickly headed out of control. Now that she's been turned, its Oswald's duty to protect her from Sebastian and his group, all the while helping her adjust to her new way of life. Which isn't exactly easy when he brings her to his family's country home and his grandmother takes an instant dislike to Milagro and seems to be out to do whatever it takes to make sure she's miserable.

HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA is a really great spin on the old vampire tales. Caused by a `genetic condition', Ms. Acosta's vampires are being hunted by CACA, Corporate Americans for the Conservation of America, who are out to rid the world of vampires. The one scene that sticks out in my mind after reading this book is when Milagro and Oswald end up hiding in a closet after Milagro is spotted at her friend's party by Sebastian's new girlfriend. Outside the door, the devious Sebastian and said new girlfriend are arguing. It's a hilarious scene that makes me smile just thinking about it.
Milagro's struggles to fit in on the ranch with the vamps, as well as trying to come to terms with her new status made this an enjoyable read. I think though one of the biggest highlights for me in the book was the relationship between Milagro and Edna, the grandmother. I loved their dynamic. In fact, the scenes where Edna grudgingly takes Milagro shopping are some of my favorites. Overall I found HAPPY HOUR AT CASA DRACULA to be a really fun read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series, `Midnight Brunch' (also available now).

To learn more about Ms. Acosta and her books, check out her website at: http://martaacosta.com/

Lisa
Enchanting Reviews
May 2008

While this book is great for the average Star Wars fan, many casual readers may find it to be not as well written as some of the other Star Wars novels. A New Hope was ghost written by Alan Dean Foster (author of Splinter of the Mind's Eye- the first official Expanded Universe Novel). As a book, A New Hope is interesting in that given the context in which it was written, as a simple adaptation of the first film, does have that bare bones charm that the original film does. The writing is good, but lacks the depth that the other stories have. As a film, A New Hope works better. The Empire Strikes Back is written better than its predecessor and features a uniquely written sequence on the battle of Hoth. Also the training scenes of Luke on Dagobah go into more detail and many fans of the Jedi will enjoy these scenes. Return of the Jedi is the best written of them all, and as a novel holds up to the film the best. The end sequence in which Darth Vader is finally unmasked by his son is actually very well written and gives readers a fleeting glimpse of the man, Anakin Skywalker. It stands to be the best scene in the whole of the book. Moving and powerful without being cliched or sappy. Overall this is a fun read and though it may not be as exciting for the casual reader, Star Wars fans would greatly enjoy it!

These novelizations (in this book) are good, but just not great. The films are so much better written and enjoyable. But these are a good read nonetheless. Just not anywhere near as good as the film they are based on. The storyline is faithful to the films for the most part, but some of the different stuff in them was just not to my tastes. All in all, each is a solid 4 star effort and they are good to have in a Star Wars fan's collection.

This neat little anthology contains all three of the original STAR WARS novels---STAR WARS, THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK, and THE RETURN OF THE JEDI. Given the glutinous mass of material that's grown up around STAR WARS (now numbering tens of thousands of items in every media category and form of product, and an entire "Expanded Universe" beyond the six theatrical films) it is amazing to think that STAR WARS all began with one script treatment turned into a novel.

I recall reading it while sitting in the Orlando airport on my way back from Disney World on my seventeenth birthday, just before the movie opened and formally introduced us to Darth Vader, Han Solo, Luke, Leia, See Threepio and Artoo Detoo. At first I thought the cover blurb, "Luke, armed only with his father's light saber" meant a cavalry weapon.

Sci-Fi pulp fiction yes, but these are still the best STAR WARS stories, and if they've become overly familiar, it's only because they've become so much a part of our popular culture. Having all three books in one volume is like having your cake and eating it, too.

So, if you've never read the original trilogy do so. And if you read it a long, long time ago in a galaxy far, far away (that would be the Carter and Reagan Administrations), read it again. IV, V, and VI---hah! They're still numero uno in that world.

This book lets you experience the adventures of the Star Wars movies for yourself without a director's interference. That's the fun part about it--but don't expect some new revelations on characters you've known for 30 years.

It's a fun read if you're yearning to see some familiar characters.

every saga has a beginning. like "STAR WARS" a saga is a series. "STAR WARS" began with Episode I THE PHANTOM MENACE and ended with Episode VI RETURN OF THE JEDI but the film was connected from episodes I-VI by episode III REVENGE OF THE SITH. the worlds shortest episode is Episode IV A NEW HOPE and the worlds longest is Episode II ATTACK OF THE CLONES if you watched this 6-12 hour saga, you will foolow the story.

It is so difficult not to get trapped into the "name-dropping" college game. This book not only introduces you to 40 colleges you may not have heard of, it helps you realize that looking at any college with fresh eyes is the key to the application process. By discussing the salient points that make each listed college noteworthy, Pope helps to outline experiences we may have never considered that would make a college great.

Each student has a unique learning style and personality. Pope futher delves into why these mostly smaller colleges can tap into what each student needs, to help them achieve their best during the college experience. With college costs escalating rapidly, choosing a college that will help each student flourish becomes even more critical. This book will help parents and students more effectively outline what they need to find in a college.

Further, I was impressed that his list included many different types of colleges - from one whose courses consist only of classic books, to those that cater to the outdoor student - which helped me to see that any college bound student should be able to find a college that fits.

I would highly recommend this book to any high school student and their parents.

I am a High School Counselor and I have used this book several times. It is good to have a book that is not for the Straight-A Student

Why are there no entries for the West? Could the author seriously not find any California or Arizona institution that meets the criteria? Besides that, this revised edition like others have stated seems repetative. Let's have a new version, hmmm? This one is 7 years old now, I think it's time.

On the positive side, it is great to know the truth about highly regarded institutions such as Harvard. Our children all aspire to Universities such as these because it's such a long standing myth that you will be among the best and be taught by the best and that a degree from such a place virtually guarantees your success. I would never have imagined my daughter might be taught by a teacher's assistant who barely speaks English or lectured to until she falls into a boredom induced coma. I hope we can find her a school with community spirit that will inspire her!

if you know someone making a decision on where to go to college, please buy them this book. it's a critical decision and there's not a book on the market that will help more with that big decision. the focus is on liberal arts colleges around the country that do great work turning above average students into excellent, independent learners, citizens, contributors. if you are looking for a "name" college, something your identity can attach itself too, then this book may be a disappointment. but then again, it may change your life by having you think more carefully about what is really important about your development those 4-5 years after high school.

Loren's book is a fantastic review of what lies beyond the Ivy League. As a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Business School, I utilized my education to author The Interview Survival Kit and I have nothing but praise for what my undergrad and graduate experiences provided me. However, college applicants should know that finding the right college is about much more than finding the right "name" - many schools will provide students with powerful, transformational experiences that encourage personal, academic and professional growth. A fantastic book.

I read it. Finally. Reads like someone taking cheap shots to make a buck. He calls for a "fast" from politics, yet he rights a political blog. Tells you a lot. I'm just glad I was able to borrow it from someone so I didn't have to pay to read it.

The book was good in parts. I would recommend borrowing it from the library.

"Tempting Faith: An Inside Story of Political Seduction" feels a little like a tabloid or insider-reveals-all; in fact it's easy to read it simply to feed one's curiosity about the powerful. I see why so many of the powerful invited the author into their inner circle: I found Kuo winsome, his story seductive.

As I read I felt that for all his painful experience, honest musings, and sincere efforts, he was not learning the deepest most significant things in life. He was lost in a big bad world partly of his own making. As in a typical bildungsroman--journey story--he reveals more about himself than about the world he is trying to influence.

Kuo's apparent theme is the universal truism that politics is shallow and pulls toward the dark side no matter how much you cling to your religion or values. We find him failing to meet the challenge over and over again, yet we still root for him.

Kuo's politician operative side is central to his identity and thrives on the contest. His religious orientation toward seeing only black and white supports the political contest more than it challenges it. Religion is not a call to bridge the divides in society in his universe. Instead, for example, Kuo reacts conventionally to the evil enemy--Hilary Clinton--when she attempts to reach out by entering the holy sanctuary of his prayer group. Rather than going deeper and growing spiritually, he makes things worse.

Pilgrim Kuo is preoccupied with the Christian rule that he ask for her forgiveness and the political fallout on himself for doing so. He fails to see how "asking for forgiveness" may be more of a red flag in Clinton's face, drawing attention to himself and his power. He doesn't see the superficial and immature nature of clubish Christianity; hence his Christianity keeps him from understanding the nature of universal psychological temptations and common self-distortions.

Language versus reality is a thread woven throughout this story. While those on the left have almost become superstitious in their avoidance of religious language, the Right has erred in the other direction. Religious language is clogging their arteries.

Those who are not using the magic words or use a different language are not seen by Kuo as strong enough realities, they just don't count as much, and certainly none of them could be the real Christians. (Would Jesus go around use these magic insider words over and over again to mark territory? These words have been heard by most Americans so much that they appear fear-based rather than rooted in a living growing spirituality.)

This is also more broadly true. One of Kuo's first epiphanies is when he questions the words being used by his co-workers about the success of Christian programs to help the poor, those on drugs, etc. Well into their work, he surprises his co-workers by asking them to name specific programs, but it became obvious they have no idea what Christian programs are out there let alone which, if any, are successful. Their ideals had become mere words repeated over and over again to sell their agenda to others.

This could have been taken to a deeper level at this point, universalized. This is a problem not just of the Religious Right but of all activists who let their agenda come unhinged from basic reality. But for now Kuo is wedded to a more narrow struggle, and so is our country, unfortunately.

Both left and right should gain painful insight into our shared humanity from this book. Those on the left may gain a new perspective on the reality of the religious right. Neither side listens to or attempts to understand the other when the name of the game is distort to win.

My prayer is Kuo is contributing something to America's movement beyond the cultural wars. But I don't think he has the same goals as I do. It is more important to him that his religion is justified and that he renew rather than transform his faith, hence the desire to "fast" for a few years from politics. But maybe....

Why force "Tempting Faith" to be what I, and it seems Kuo also, would have it be: a message and clarion call to the culture as a whole? The book is perhaps best simply enjoyed as a Bildungsroman: the journey of an individual coming to adulthood and struggling to know and forgive himself. Kuo, like most of us, is still in process.

There are too many lessons in this book to name them all in a review. David Kuo is in the know, working in the George W. Bush White House in the Faith-Based Initiative Program. David Kuo is a deeply religious Christian, whose idle is William Wilberforce (Google him). Kuo was seduced by the Christian appearance of George W. Bush. Kuo was unaware of Machiavelli, who wrote in "The Prince" that above all, the prince must "appear" to be religious. The lies were humongous, but Kuo kept the faith in his "Christian" brother. But after two years, Kuo admitted to himself that George W. Bush was a fraud and a drunk. Welcome to reality Mr. Kuo. Trust me, the nation feels your pain...

But thank you for sharing with us everything we had suspected.

Smart bomb treatment of how Bush led himself, his country and his ethically sound religious support base (not the sleeping with Satan group that Falwell and Robertson represent) disastrously astray.

This is a very easy to read guide on what to do, and what not to do, in the rehab business. I haven't got a chance to start flipping yet, but I have all the confidence I need. Definitely worth the cash!!!

This has it all. Detailed information for each level of RE Investing. He does everything but hold your hand!

This is one of the best rehab books out there on how to flip something for profit or rent it out by fixing a broken house. Simple ideas but creates long term networth. I also read Investing Without Losing (ISBN: 0978834607 NOT on amazn, on other stores) so I could figure out how to get rehab properties.

I found this book very helpful. It was apparent early on that Kevin actually does this (yes, many real estate writers are not real estate investors). The detail that he goes into for rehab checklists and cost per items is very helpful.

I personally "buy and hold" rather than "flip," but I found the rehab information valuable since I rehab every property I buy. I really liked Kevin's exposure of the myth (generated apparently from a report by Remodeling Magazine) that remodeling rooms is not profitable. Kevin notes that the magazine stated that a major kitchen remodel would only return you 67% of your investment. Hogwash. I presume that the magazine only queried those remodeling their personal residences, rather than real estate investors.

Kevin could certainly have told them that he makes many times over his investment when he sells the property. He cites a recent kitchen remodel that he did for $1895. He doesn't give the profit on that when he sold the house, however, so we can't see his return on investment. From one who buys, rehabs, rents, and holds, here's my perspective. I just completed a kitchen rehab in a rental unit for about $1220, as follows:

$300 - new refrigerator from Appliance Direct
$380 - new stove from Appliance Direct
$ 30 - new light fixture
$150 - new counter top
$ 30 - new tile
$ 50 - new cabinet doors and hardware
$ 30 - paint
$250 - labor (handyman)

The rent on this unit before I purchased it was $625/month. My new tenant now pays $850, or $225 more per month after rehab. Granted, I did other cosmetic fix-up around the unit, but most of my costs went into the kitchen. Let's assume that the new kitchen accounted for only 60 pecent of the rent increase, or $135. If so, I've paid for my investment in 10 months and every month thereafter is gravy. That's the way a rehabber might look at it. But here's the way a real estate investor looks at it. Rental properties are valued based on the GRM, gross rent multiplier (or multiple, as some call it). What is the real value of my improvement? I increased the rent, just allocated to the kitchen, by $135/month. As such, I increased income by $1620/year. The going GRM (puchase price divided by annual income) in this area is 16, what I bought it at. We now multiply $1620 x 16 = $25,920. That is what I can recoup, based on actual rents and market values, the day after I place my new tenant in the unit. Seems to me that my $1220 investment returning $25,920 is just a bit better than the Remodeling Magazine "average."

In my own book, "Investing in Duplexes, Triplexes & Quads," I recommend the best books I've read in several real estate categories. I list Kevin's book as the best of the fix-up and flip books. In fact, it's the only one that I list!

Larry Loftis
Author: Investing in Duplexes, Triplexes & Quads: The Fastest and Safest Way to Real Estate Wealth

If you are trying to find a step by step guide for this business then this is the book for you. I recommend it to anyone who is interested or new in this type of business. It gives you a business plan and it goes through all the things that really matter, what gives you the best return on your money, how to use outside resources, etc. I looked for a long time for a book that was easy to follow and talked about the subject in a realistic manner and not like of some strange form of art. I found it, this is it.IT ACTUALLY TEACHES WHAT IT SAYS IT DOES.

It will give you the knowledge you need to gain (or in my case re-gain) confidence that you can do this business. I read "Flipping Properties" and it confused the heck out of me by telling me all about taxes and liens and paperwork and contracts before it told me anything. I got confused and intimidated.

"Buy it, Fix it, Sell it, Profit" is definately worth your time. It is the best I have found.

Fools Crow is an historical novel of the European invasion from a Native perspective. This tragedy is told through prose so hauntingly beautiful, it will stay with you for a long time to come. An exceptional book.

I finished this book, put it down, picked it up, and read it again. The historically inevitable ending (for those who know history) does nothing to detract from Welch's ability to keep you hanging on every word, right up to the the end. The seamless integration of the physical and spiritual planes provides a refreshing view into not just Native American life, but life in general.

I just can't believe I didn't discover this book sooner.

I've read a wide range of books on native americans but none have struck me, or stuck with me, like Fools Crow. This is a masterwork. It gives one the sense of living life on the high plains of what is now Montana in the years just before and then during the westward expansion of the Europeans. The gift of Welsh is his ability to transport you there, make you feel it, live and breathe it, through the glorious days before, the uncertain days leading up to, and the demoralizing days following the near obliteration of the Blackfoot culture. The use of native place names and language in the book serve to draw you in effortlessly. This is a beautiful book, powerful, heartbreaking, and memorable.

Being an enrolled Native-American myself, and having a good understanding of the history of Native/Anglo encounters, I recommend this book highly as an accurate description of life on the plains during the last days of the Blackfeet... brilliant!

The expansion and plunder of the American West permanently altered and almost eradicated the rich civilization of the Plains nations. This deliberate cultural destruction and genocide is shown with great sensitivity and detail in James Welch's novel "Fools Crow", a beautiful and accurate portrayal of a time of dramatic change (1860's - 1870's) in the American West. As is illustrated in the novel, the Pikuni; Kainahs; Siksikas (geographical-linguistic groups known as Blackfeet), and other Native American societies, rich with culture and tradition, were detrimentally impacted by white greed, ignorance, and the influx of disease. Despite the odds, the novel also conveys a sense of muted hope - the potential for a future where some aspects of native people's collective history, stories, and traditions continue.

I devoured this book, savored every word, and couldn't wait to get to the end to see if and how sweet Elisabeth would be rewarded for her life of devotion to the Lord. She endured more than anyone should have to, and yet remained faithful despite her disappointment and sadness and lack of understanding of some of God's ways. What a beautiful example! As a mom, I was especially saddened by her oldest two children turning away from her love and making her feel like a failure with them despite her devotion to them. It was very touching at the end when the prison mate of her oldest son stood up and said that Benjy had always loved his mama, and that all of them in prison knew about her and how much she had loved him. I sobbed as I read that. I was also especially happy to see that her Ben was there at her party and asked for her hand at the end. She so deserved that final happiness! The party let her see how God had used her in ways she hadn't been aware of at the time, to touch lives for Him, and that is the best reward this side of Heaven. So it was a great ending; and had this been a true story, the real ending would be eternal rewards of gigantic proportions in Heaven, and sweet reunions with all those she had lost. I loved this book!!

This book kept me wanting to go back and read more! Elizabeth seems too good to be true. Her life, from a child to adult is filled with problems none of us would ever experience. Her dedication to the Lord is amazing and leads her to do things to "walk the walk". Sometimes she seems almost "holier than thou" but it is refreshing to read about someone keeping their commitments and promises.

Jerry Jenkins' characters and scenes are marvelously vivid. He has a remarkable way of drawing the reader right into the story. I give this book as a gift and recommend it often. I've read it twice and will read it again.

This is an excellent story about every day life and the circumstances connected with living and loving and walking in obedience to the Lord's will. I recommend it highly as a tool for building your faith in God.

This is one of the most encouraging books I've ever read! It imparted to me a lot of strength to press on, no matter what. In fact--for those who said the book depressed them--the book helped bring me out of depression, for I could see so clearly the hand of God weaving all things together not just for Elizabeth's sake, but so He would be magnified and others would be drawn to Him. I loved the ending! I have a dear Christian aunt who has swam in the waters of adversity for years, having lost a husband and daughter to alcoholism, as well as burying a precious grandchild in infancy, and yet her trust in God has remained, though like Elizabeth she has questioned. A few years ago we surprised her with an 80th birthday celebration at her church and it sounded so much like Elizabeth's. My aunt didn't know why on earth all those cars were at church and why they were just "stopping by." So this book was a double blessing to me, reminding me of the faithfulness of our God and reminding me of a sweet witness He has given to me in my aunt.