Nevada Books

It seems the musics of the Sahara have become very popular on the 'world music' scene of late. One of the World Music Network's most brilliant and spirited releases, this album aims to cover the vast open deserts stretching from Africa's Atlantic coast all the way to the Sudan, from the Arab cities of the Maghreb down to the nomadic Fulani of the Sahel... an immense, culturally (and linguistically) diverse land. And they succeeded in this effort beyond your wildest imagination.

The 'desert blues' of the nomadic Tuareg people, made world famous by the band Tinariwen, feature very prominently on this compilation. Tartit, Kel Tin Lokiene, Group Oyiwane, Chet Fewet of Libya and of course Tinariwen themselves all appear on this CD. Theres also Berber poetry from Sahraoui Bachir at the end of the album. Representing the Arab world are selections as diverse as a track from Malouma's most recent release, the formal Andalous sound of Compagine Jellouli & Gdih, gnawa music from Hasna el Becharia, and the vibrant Sahraoui traditions of Nayim Alal, Mariem Hassan and Aziza Brahim. Further into the African continent, the CD includes a track from Songhai pop singer Seckou Maiga of Timbuktu. With tracks from both well-known artists and rising stars from Morocco, Algeria, Mauritania, Western Sahara, Sahra al-Gharibya (Western Sahara), Mali and Niger, this album spans much of the Sahara desert!

With the pulsing guitar riffs, strong rhythms, hand claps and stirring poetry, this CD will definitely appeal to fans of the 'desert blues' and North African Arab/Berber roots music alike. Fans of the blues and Flamenco will no doubt notice catch parallels between those styles and the musics of Toureg rock and traditional Sahraoui music as well. This is a great musical introduction to the diverse styles and cultures of the Sahara, with a very strong emphasis on the Tuareg and the cultures of the North. Well worth buying. For further forays into the Sahel, I'd recommend checking out compilations like 'Rough Guide to the African Blues,' 'Putumayo Presents: Mali,' and/or 'The Festival in the Desert.' Or, if your really adventurous, check out the deluxe two disc 'Ambiances du Sahara' boxed set!

Sometimes an author presents exactly what you want to read--the book has a beautiful, enticing cover; a little mystery; a ghost or two; strong, endearing characters, a storyline that keeps you turning pages; excellent writing; and an ending that ties up all the little issues that sometimes are left hanging! Quite simply, I found all this and loved The Secret of Lucianne Dove by first-time novelist, Roberta L. Smith!

The book opens in 1881 when Lucianne Dove is being hanged--for a murder she did not commit. Admittedly she had been a prostitute, having no other way to make money. And she had also been a lover to the man who had been killed. But that was as far as her guilt went. Even as he led her to the gallows, the sheriff felt that hanging Lucianne was wrong.

Before she was hung, she asked to speak, "Please. Please tell Janie to get in touch with her little sister."

It was a hundred years later, more or less, when Mickey McCoy started having dreams. Mickey was still working as a news reporter, though he had passed the normal retirement age years ago. His career had been his life. Mickey had received awards for his writing, but he'd never felt that his work was completed. When the dreams started, he wasn't sure what was happening, especially the one where Marjorie Main in Ma and Pa Kettle in Lake Tahoe, played for an entire night.

At about the same time but a couple hundred miles away in Lake Tahoe, a woman named Marjorie was in the midst of a quarrel with her daughter Luce. Luce had also been having dreams and her mother had refused to believe and accept anything that her daughter shared. While Marjorie wasn't aware of it, Luce had taken to walking around in Virginia City, sometimes asking the question, "Do you know Janie or where I can find her?" The dead woman who came to Luce in dreams had told her what to do and where to go.

One of the places she was to visit was the Comstock Children's Home. Though run down and threatened by individuals at the State Children's Services, who supported it, there was much love and concern provided the children who still lived in this orphanage.

And so it was the spirit of Lucianne who entered into the dreams of those who would listen and see her, who worked to reveal the secret that had never been shared. Lucianne not only cleared her own reputation for murder but also provided the way through which Mickey McCoy was able to write her story and redeem his own life.

This heartwarming tale often centers on the Children's Home and readers will soon find themselves involved in the lives of the director, staff, and the children. I have no idea whether any part of the story is based upon fact; however, if it wasn't, it is certainly written as if it answers one of the greatest mysteries of the past.

A touch of history, a touch of romance...this is a beautiful story to curl up with on a dark and cloudy weekend! I'm hoping this writer considers a sequel! In the meantime, get a copy and enjoy The Secret of Lucianne Dove! You'll be glad you did!

G. A. Bixler

Thrive on the words of this new delight to the Thoene's library. this book is very exciting and leaves you wanting to read every page.

Duane paints an interesting and comprehensive portrait of how the Sierra Nevada area has been transformed by the shift from an emphasis on resource extraction to a lifestyle choice.

His illustrations of the paradox thus created--the region's success as a recreation destination is imperiling the very qualities that are giving it that success--is particularly compelling.

Anyone with an interest in the Sierra Nevada, or mountain/recreational area living in general, will find this a fascinating read. I can't imagine anyone who is making policy for any area trying to grapple with the issues of growth and quality of life not having a copy of this work.

The scholarly component--I did find myself skimming a few areas--makes it a great reference work. It is very well indexed and clearly presented. And each time I started feeling like I was wading, I re-engaged fully at the start of the next section.

Stephen Whitney has taken most of the University of California Press guides and books and done an excellent job of condensing a wide range of biotic and abiotic topics. I highly recommend this guide to anyone interested in the Sierra Nevada, whether a teacher, backpacker, student, or amateur naturalist.

Rod Atchley B.A. Biological Science California State University Fresno

I have read and used many guide books and this one is one of the best, if not the best, concerning all species of trees found in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. It's extremely well done, and I would recommend it to any student of natural history, forestry, or botany no matter their level of academics.

This is the book for those of us who want to be able to identify wildflowers in the Sierras. The format makes it easy to find the wildflowers in question. An added bonus is the description of where each plant grows. As a avid hiker, mountain biker, and artist who lives in the Sierras, this book will stay in my daypack!

Excellent map to work out all your backpackiong trips in the Sierras while at home. Find new hikes in same areas and plan them out. AWESOME!!

Much more practical than typical travel guides, and completely unpretentious. This will be useful for regular folks looking for the most fun for their money; it would be especially great for Vegas rookies. Not aimed at really sophisticated or high end travelers.

Lots of good reference material and some solid gambling advice.

The writing style is entertaining and highly readable.

Jacob has taken a complicaged subject composed of many players and presents it in an easy-to-understand format while never swaying from academic/research discipline. I think this is a must have for all who care about or have an interest in environmental policy.