Colorado Books

Evver wonder what life was like on a Colorado ranch back when the West was still young? This book will make you feel like you were there. Well-written and hard to put down.

This book is a real sleeper. Actually, this book made me lose sleep because I couldn't put it down. Excellent writing about growing up in the West on a homestead/ranch. Entertaining. Don't miss it!

If you've ever wondered what life was like growing up on a Western ranch or homestead, read this book. It's an authentic glimpse into the Western life, a life close to nature and close to the bottom line! But a life rich in freedom and living! Great stories, good reading - what more could you ask for?

If you like anecdotal stories about life in the late 1800s/early 1900s, you will like this book. It tells the story of a family that moves from the central ozarks of Missouri to Northwestern Colorado in the 1920s. It is autobiographical in nature, but the author is a superb storyteller and the pictures he paints of life in and around Craig, Colorado during the Great Depression are poignant and vivid. (True for the telling of the trip from Missouri to Colorado, as well.) Anyone who is interested in Colorado history, life during the Great Depression, or simple human interest stories about real poepl in real life will enjoy this book. For those who are not related to the author, the brief sections about family geaneologies might be a little boring, but these are a small part of the book and do not detract from the overall book. If you are from Northwest Colorado, who knows? Your name might be in the book (or at least one of your ancestors). There are also a few stories dating before the life of the author concerning events that were told to him by the people involved.

Mr. Irby's book tells it like it was with a generous dose of humor. It also has some great genealogy info. You can really feel the cold of those winter nights, the hardships and the good times they all had. A hard book to put down!!

This is the ultimate self-help book and a perfect gift for a friend or loved one facing a scary medical diagnosis. Both my mother and my step-mother have had major surgeries. And I know that both have been intimidated by the medical field as a whole. Nothing empowers like information and that is what this book is about. Empowering the patient to have control and understanding of their diagnosis by asking the right questions and then questioning those answers even further to their satisfaction.

This book comprehensively explains the importance of what to do when one is ill. It gives a no nonsense and very helpful description of what is essential to do and how to do it. It is a must for all when considering their own health care and that of loved ones. It could save your life and those who are dear to you.

I plan to share this marvelous book with everyone I care about. The best information in this area.

This is not a good book; it's a great book--insightful, revealing, useful and very well written, a godsend for anyone that has a chronic disease or is about to see a doctor or go to the hospital.

The chapters on personal challenges and modern medicine leave the reader nodding agreement and remembering similar experiences. They also provide startling statistical evidence which leaves you shaking your head. What is said about the drug culture in medicine is particularly valuable. The chapters on taking responsibility for your own health care advocates the revolutionary but obvious idea that the patient, not the doctor, should be in charge. The chapters on educating one's self by using The World Wide Web are especially useful to anyone with access to a personal computer. The explanation of everything that is available at the Colorado HealthSite gives a complete review of that remarkable source of information. The crucially important concept of the buddy system and how to avoid the uncomfortable and dangerous pitfalls of hospital care are the focus of Chapter 6, and the final two chapters present suggestions which are vital to all patients, but especially those with chronic diseases.

The book offers statistics where available, but relies heavily upon stories from patients, giving the reader both informative and moving material. Anecdotal evidence is compelling and instructive, particularly in areas where no other information is or can be made available.

This book is a good read and should be enjoyed by anyone who has the privilege of perusing it, but it should be kept on the reference shelf for use use whenever one goes to the doctor or the hospital, or whenever a new prescription is given or purchase of an herbal remedy is being considered.

It's not because The Patients' Book tells "my story," among many others, that I recommend this book. It is because it is an excellent book, which will help many patients survive in today's medical system.

This book is all about being a smart health consumer. It talks about the crushing mysteries of illness but also gives you good questions to ask of doctors to speed recovery/treatment. The content of Hartman and McCray's book helps us to empathize with those who are tackling the health care system and raises our hackles with the inefficiencies of it. This book also gives solutions about the health care system and how our parents, friends and partners can effectively operate within that system. I give it five stars.

I bought this new book as it came out just in time for my photography journey through the four corners area of Colorado and New Mexico. I've seen some of the same sites before but Martres gave routes I've never known existed or was possible. Hence, I have new photos from angles I've never known I could get.

This book is great and a must-have for photographers in the Southwest area!

If you're planning a tour of the American Southwest these brilliant books are simply the best possible guide to what to photograph, and how. In three volumes Martrès guides you to all the photographic highlights of Arizona, Utah, Colorado and New Mexico. At the well known tourist spots he tells you what and when to shoot for best results, but he's also not afraid to take you off the beaten path to some less frequently visited scenic gems.

I've just completed a photographic holiday following roughly the traditional "grand circle" route, and I couldn't have got some of my most successful shots without these books.

The author provides consistent, detailed instructions for each location, including guidance on lenses and timing. Sometimes he even tells you which rock to stand on! Follow his instructions carefully, and you'll usually get good results, although some instructions require careful interpretation.

It's also great fun shouting "snap!" when you realise the only other souls in some lonely location are also clutching a copy of the same book.

All three volumes have recently been updated, with high quality colour photos throughout, and a comprehensive index of locations including ratings for accessibility and scenic and photographic value, invaluable if a tight schedule means making difficult choices.

I'm already planning my next trip using volume 3! Highly recommended.

This book is a fabulous guide to photographing the natural sights in Utah. Martres provided specific information on where to be for the best shots and also gives basic photographic advice. While you read, you need to remember what he says at the beginning of the book: he photographs the southwest in autumn due to the heat and light. So, use common sense when Martres says, "early afternoon is the best time to photograph..." If you are there at other times of the year, you'll need to do a little research about when the best light is available.
loved the book and will buy more of his work!

I bought all three books from the series Photographing the Southwest by author Laurent Martres. I'm preparing for 2 weeks trip to USA next year. I found these books very useful. All provide very valuable information about the best time and conditions for all the people having passion for taking fotographs at most famous places all over Southwest. Simply must have.

This series belongs in the library of every nature photographer traveling to the Southwest. My one complaint with the first edition was that it was so comprehensive as to be difficult to pick the great from the meerly good sites. The second edition offers a solution to this problem by having a comprehensive table in the back of the book rating every site for natural beauty and photographic value on a scale of 1-5. So with just a quick glance You can identify all the 5 star places and research them. Then all he 4 star sites and research them, and so on. In the same table he gives lots of practical information like road conditions. The color photographs are also a big improvement over the black and white in the first editions. Over all, a tremendous asset to anyone exploring the Southwest.

Not that more to say than the title... This book contains many great photos made by a master, and the print quality makes justice to them (well, to confirm another review, there is one image that went too far on the reds, and has a deceptive burnt look - while many are great, and the splitND use is far more unobtrusive than Rowell's eg, with due respect ;o).
Page layout is more conservative than in other Muench books I have (I think to Primal Forces, great images but layout on the kitsch side), and that suits me well.

This is the first David Muench book that i've purchased and because of the beautiful photos inside it will not be my last.

Besides the several landscape books from Muench, I have collected quite a few other landscape books from other famous photographers. By far, this is the one I like most (together with one by Apse called "New Zealand Landscape"). The photos in the book fully demonstrate that one can always breathe new life to old scenes with enough skill, perception and perseverence.

This is a gorgeous book of southwest photographs. It has many examples of how to take great photographs. An interesting feature is the photographers comments about each photograph, found in the back of the book. There are only a few flaws in my humble view. Some of the photographs were printed with very exagerated color saturation. This is painful in some cases. Another problem is Mr. Muench's use of a split density magenta filter for several of the photographs. He tries to give the scenes a warm glow but the magenta color looks totally fake, especially when one sees it only across the top of the photograph. Please throw that split density magenta filter away and let the southwest present its beauty naturally. Still a great and valuable book to own.

This book offers a breathtaking view of the Colorado plateau. The full-page color photos are so incredibly vivid they almost jump off the page. It really makes you feel like you are there.

You get a look at towering mountains & magnificent nature made stone sculptures. Cascading waterfalls, meandering steams, peaceful snowscapes, brilliant autumn leaves, beautiful flowers & endless skies take your breath away.

Muench is a master at capturing detail and light, and this setting shows off his talent to the maximum. A narrative by James Lawrence provides a history of the area and conveys the feelings inspired by this natural wonderland.

Some images have small quotes & poems under them. In the back, each photo is shown in miniature with comments from photographer and technical details. This book provides a beautiful world to get lost in.

Under the Eye of the Clock is the autobiography of Christopher Nolan, the talented young poet with cerebral palsy. He can't walk or talk or write in the usual manner. Since Nolan lacks the use of his hands, this book like Dam-Burst of Dreams, the book of poems that preceded it, was written by means of a typing stick affixed to his head. The book succeeds both as pure artistry and as a window into the world of the disabled. Nolan has re-named himself Joseph Meehan and told his story entirely in the objectivity of the third person. This brilliant stroke allows him to avoid excessive self-pity while making his sufferings and triumphs real and deep. Nolan's use of language had earned him comparisons with James Joyce, Yeats, and Dylan Thomas. Nolan stretches the meanings and implications of words, rearranges their spelling, and even invents new ones to communicate his moods and perceptions and illuminate life, his own and those he observes, with his unique poet's sensibility.

As a college English and literature instructor, I intend to make this book a required reading if it becomes available in print again. It should bless all readers because it becomes a reminder that NO matter what the circumstances, people should still be respected, loved, and appreciated. And, with this in mind, the reader may receive a self-esteem boost when being reminded of inner-personal value. I appreciate this book so much. I have three copies and continually loan them out.

Christopher Nolan's "Under The Eye Of The Clock" is an autobiographical account of his incredibly awe-inspiring and miraculous life. Born a cripple, he could have been consigned to the rubbish heap but instead and against all odds became a celebrated writer of this Whitbread Book winner, "The Banyan Tree" as well as an early book of poems. Without taking anything away from Joseph Meehan (a self portrait of Nolan), he couldn't have overcome his debilitating handicaps to scale the heights he did without the steady support and tender loving care of his family. A father, mother and sister who are such warm and emotionally intelligent human beings anybody would be blessed and proud to have them as family. The school principals, teachers and fellow students who accepted him, nurtured him and gave him the chance to prove himself equal to the best among physically whole human specimens are themselves shining examples of humanity who deserve as much recognition in Nolan's lifestory. Although it has been compared with James Joyce's "Portrait of an Artist as a Young Man", it is in reality nothing like it. Whereas Joyce's work is for the most part depressing and full of pain and harshness, Nolan's story is so morally uplifting you almost forget its grave subject matter. Nolan's dazzling and inventive writing style is also unique and something to relish. He coins and mints new words which have a yet found a conventional meaning but are so emotionally accurate you know they're right. Read this if you're feeling down and need something to restore your faith in mankind !

To learn about such an exceptional poet who, without the faith of his family, would never have been revealed to the world, gives the reader a new view of people's limitations. I bought 12 copies of this book (when it was in print)and somehow have given them all away over time.

I found my way to this book after I had read "The Banyan Tree" by Christopher Nolan. This was a book that I read and reviewed back in February, and ever since I have been mystified why the book never seemed to gain the wide acceptance of readers. All of the reviews that have been posted by readers for "The Banyan Tree" have been 5 star reviews, and the same is the case for "Under The Eye Of The Clock".

If you read you understand how difficult it is to write anything, much less a full book, and then have it selected for and win a prestigious award. In the case of the book I review now it was the 1987 Whitbred Award that was awarded to Mr. Nolan. All very impressive, but that's just the start.

This is an autobiography written by a very young man who next wrote the book "The Banyan Tree" and would take 12 years to do so. This is a painfully candid, but uplifting book about a man with the support of a wonderful Family overcomes extreme realities that are his life to become an Author of international renown.

Mr. Nolan cannot speak, he can barely move at all. He types with what he calls his "Unicorn Stick" that he wears on his head, and even then his head must be supported while he works.

An Autobiography is a courageous work if honestly presented. When you add Mr. Nolan's additional challenges he faces as a writer, and as a person living with his physical issues it becomes an extraordinary autobiographical book.

I hope more readers find Mr. Nolan, he is a unique writer of immense talent, and if you pass by his work you deprive yourself of great literature.

Wet Desert is about... the desert in the West getting wet.

Go figure.

But author Gary Hansen, writing like a Tom Clancy clone, has written a surprisingly engaging first novel. A mystery man blows up Glen Canyon Dam, and the contents of Lake Powell disappear down the Colorado River. A mid-level Bureau of Reclamation employee is the only person around when this happens, and he realizes that the reservoir behind mighty Hoover Dam, Lake Mead, will not hold an extra 8 trillion gallons of water.

If that water flows over Hoover Dam, the dam will fail, along with every dam below it.

These are the stories of people who live, work, and recreate in or around the river. What happens when you are boating and the water starts dropping in Lake Powell? What happens when you are rafting the Grand Canyon and the water rises? What happens when it is your responsibility to control floodwaters? And what happens when the "freeing"of Glen Canyon is not the real reason for blowing the dam?

When I picked this book up in the Salt Lake City International Airport's bookstore (and surrounded by books on Joseph Smith and LDS living), I have to admit that I expected it to be the "Mormon literature" style: those who believe in God (or pray like they do) and are good, live. Everyone else is on their own. Wet Desert was not this style. I think prayers were mentioned twice, and life-or-death situations sometimes bring prayers to unexpected places! "He looked up at the sky. Was there a god? He had always believed it, but now he wondered. If there was a god, would he help? David wasn't sure. But there was one thing for sure; it didn't hurt to ask" (p. 165).

A memorable quote: "'He's the only one of you that's ever tried to sneak up on a bad guy, and that was a million beers ago'" (p. 326).

Finally, the book, for the most part, avoids the politics of water conservation in the West, with this exception:

"Grant locked eyes with the FBI agent. 'It makes perfect sense if you're an environmentalist, if you've spent years demonstrating for Green Peace [sic], or the Sierra Club, or the Glen Canyon Institute. If you fought to elect liberals like Clinton and Gore, but were forced to watch when even they gave the environment lip service, establishing a couple monuments, but avoiding the real issues, the issues that might offend the farmers who receive subsidized river water, or the populations of Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Phoenix, who plant palm trees in an environment more suited for scorpions or rattlesnakes. If you dedicated your life to restoring the Colorado River and one of the most amazing deltas in the world, but deep down you knew that nothing you'd done, or ever would do, would even matter'" (p. 323).

Sounds like Ed Abbey!

This was a good thriller that revolves around cubic feet/seconds, dam construction, water use in the Western US, and BuRec politics.

Wet desert was a thrilling read, taking me from the beautiful Lake Powell through the Grand Canyon and all the way into Mexico. I became enthralled in the plot, worried about the characters, and interested in the motive of the antagonist.

The other day I saw something on the news about a controlled flood at Glen Canyon Dam and immediately my mind went to the brilliant plot behind Wet Desert. Gary Hansen did a wonderful job on this novel. It was riveting.

I sat down to have a nice cozy read, and found that I was riveted. This is one of those books that you want to read in one sitting. For once, the hero works for the government, and the bad guy is an over-the-top environmentalist. While that isn't "politically correct," it was refreshing and extremely well done. I really liked the book, and recommend it to anyone!

Hansen needs to write more books if this is an example of his talent. An amazing book for a first-time author.

This book is absolutely fantastic. Once I started to read it, I couldn't stop! I read until the early morning hours, slept for a couple of hours and picked it up to finish it. I hope Gary Hansen writes more novels.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Wet Desert. It is rare for a book to generate such a compulsion for me to turn the pages. I felt as if I was being pulled through the book. It's fast-paced, intelligent, thought-provoking, cohesive, and entertaining. Wet Desert not only met those criteria, it takes a place among my favorite books, in company with others from Clancy, Crichton, Grisham, and Cussler.

I liked the fact that it was technical enough to lend credibility, but not so much as to be tedious. Characters are well-defined and remain believable and consistent throughout the story. The book presents some thought-provoking issues and offers fascinating facts and insights, but for the most part allows the reader to draw his or her own conclusions. Specifically, the novel provides interesting historical details about the Colorado River, the Glen Canyon and Hoover dams, Lake Powell, and the Colorado River Delta. I found it so intriguing that I did further research, starting with Wikipedia. (In fact, you might want to refresh your knowledge of the Colorado River before you read.) Most importantly, I couldn't wait to set aside time to read Wet Desert and looked forward to turning each page from beginning to end.

If you ever lived in Denver, loved the Broncos, stomped your feet until they hurt and the stadium swayed, sat in freezing weather through winless seasons, but never gave up hope...this is the read for you! Terry Frei nailed it. The 70's in Denver after graduating from CSU were amazing, and nothing was better than the Orange Crush. We all looked terrible in orange, but we wore it all and often. I still have some Crush t-shirts and wear them proudly down here in Cowboys country. All the memories of Elitch's (the old, real one), greyhound races, and more came flooding back in time. I have read the book twice from front to back and especially like the chapter about "where they are now." I guarantee you it's worth the money. Go Broncos!!!

I was 10 years old at the time and my family lived in the heart of Denver. Benton street was filled with kids growing up knowing only 1 thing. The Denver Broncos were for real and Craig Morton was the real deal. If you have had any exposer to the lure of Bronco-mania you have got to check out this book. As I was humming through the pages I could almost smell the smog and feel the hope of a Superbowl victory for our mighty underdog team. Looking back I do believe everything I owned was Orange and it's a fact that Orange Crush pop was invented in honor of the team. About every trip to the mall meant meeting another team member and it was nuts how accessible these athletes were.

...and this book has allowed me to re-live the memories in more detail than I ever had access to. It was a wonderful romp down memory lane and reminded me that as a young boy living in Denver was truly special. If your from Denver or have ever seen it on the map and like the Broncos this is a must read! Totally enjoyable and complete this book delivered. For me this nugget of time and how the authors captured it struck pure gold in the heart of a great city.

This a great book about the 1977 Denver Bronco's. The book gives a history of the season from training camp to the Super Bowl and profiles the players that made it all happen. It also provides information about what was going on in Denver during this time and how the town was caught up in Broncomania and the Orange crush defense.
There are some black and white photos in the middle of the book and there are stats at the end which summaries the season. The book gives a behind the scenes look at what happened in the 1977 season from the prospectives of the players and coaches. There is much detail including a nice description of the player revolt that let to John Ralston's firing and Red Miller's hiring.
At the end of the book there is a summary of each player that tells what they did after 1977 and where they are now. Overall, this a very well written book. If you are a football fan of the 1970's, or the Denver Bronco's in general, this is a must read.

When I first heard about Mr Frei's upcoming book and the subject, I knew I had to have it. I received the book for Christmas and couldn't put it down! I have been recommending it to friends and family alike.

This newest book is a must for Broncos fans everywhere! Reading this book took me back to '77 and the excitement that the Broncos generated across the entire state, but it's not just for those who lived through that glorious season. This book will give current Broncos, and football fans in general, a fascinating look at the moment the Broncos became a "big league" team and the City of Denver evolved into a "big league" city.

Having been a Broncos fan for years and years, I was captivated by the the manner in which Mr Frei wrote about the backgrounds and histories of the players and coaches of that team and then filled us in on what those players and coaches are doing with their lives today. He also provides an inside look at the sports scene in Denver as seen through his eyes as a young reporter.

Mr Frei helped me re-live the moment and also catch up with the lives of those players who gave Broncos fans thrills for years and years!

A definite read for football fans everywhere.

If you are a Denver Broncos fan, this is a very fun read, and if you lived in Denver in 1977, then you have to have this. It brought back so many memories of that time, and the special feeling of the city that year.

Highly recommended.

So glad this type of book, filled with very helpful information and insight, has been published. Can't wait until Craig writes a book for each state and then tackles Europe. Sent an autographed copy to a good friend, a double amputee who truly appreciates the author's ability to advise most accurately.

"Congratulations to Andy Jehn and Craig Kennedy for having the foresight and creativity to publish a much needed resource for the State of Colorado. This publication will draw attention to the programs that already exist to make the Rockies accessible and inspire others to focus on breaking down barriers for the disabled. Thank you."

Amanda Boxtel is the paraplegic Co-founder and Director of Special Projects for Challenge Aspen, an all-seasons non-profit adaptive recreation provider for Aspen Mountain and the surrounding area. Formed in 1995, it has become one of the premier adaptive outfits in the country for people with disabilities.

"Written from the heart, Craig Kennedy and Andrea Jehn have managed to paint a vivid picture of adaptive programs at Colorado Ski Resorts. Descriptions are filled with specifics and "how to" tips that will get you where you need to go. It's more than just the usual maps, websites, phone numbers and lists. Their words make you want to become part of the ambiance, the experience and the fun of winter recreation. This book is a must have for anyone with special needs!"

Johanna Hall, after many years of working with and running the ski school at Vail Mountain in Colorado, has moved to Steamboat to take over as manager of the Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School. She has been an avid outdoor enthusiast and skier her entire life.

"As our communities begin to make accommodation for those who can benefit from program and facility adaptation and expansion, it becomes increasingly important to publish this vital information to those who would benefit from it. Information contained in Access Anything: Colorado has been carefully researched and validated by the authors in such a way to be presented in a realistic and practical fashion. There is thoroughness to the material, which is of value to most anyone of any level of disability. No literature can be the end all resource form any single person with a disability. This resource guide does present information in a way the reader can make an appropriate distinction as to whether or not any given subject resource within the contents would merit further exploration. This is an excellent effort to make information of value known to persons who would benefit from consideration for accommodation."

Sam Andrews has been a Craig Hospital employee as director of Therapeutic Recreation and Volunteer Services for many years, specializing in spinal cord and brain injury rehabilitation. Craig Hospital is one of the leading spinal chord and brain injury rehabilitation centers in the country.

"Craig and Andy have really done their "away from" homework in creating this bible for the wheelchair traveler. Thanks you for this great guide."

Steve Ackerman is a long-time resident of Colorado, a National spokesman for Freedom Ryder Handcycles, and owner of a medical supply company for people with disabilities.

A definitive work on the phenomenon of petrified wood. Ancient Forrests focuses on the science of petrified wood. It has an amazing wealth of photographs. Many focus on the grain patterns and the amazing detail that can be found in the many different species of petrified wood. There are also many whole specimens and overviews of famous wood collections such as the Murphy collection at the Rice Museum in Portland Oregon. If you are at all interested in Petrified wood, this is a must-have book, Beautiful!

This is a magnificently produced book with splendid photography of petrified wood. It is like the earlier book, but more so (it has a narrower focus, on wood only, and is a lot bigger). Essentially this is a coffee table book on a grand scale.

It does include information on wood identification, but of present day wood only.

This is a great book for information on petrified wood. We found it very valuable in identifying several of our specimens.

This is a wonderful book. A photographic and scientific masterpiece. The print quality is excellent.

American Forests and his earlier book Petrified Wood are amazingly beautiful books. I have seen a few of the petrified wood samples in museums which are shown in these books, and the photoimages correspond to the authentic samples. I have two other petrified wood photo books that I have loaned out but I don't remember their titles (mostly chapters by German authors). Daniels two books are the very best. Howard McPherson

This book is true to Mark Rashid's simple and entertaining writing style with some nice stories. It is a very quick read. Not fine literature, but a nice way to spend a lazy afternoon. It is not a training manual, just some nice stories about Mark's life with animals.

A typically written Mark Rashid book. Very witty and leaves the reader with a little more insite than he started with. Recommend for most ages.

This was a fun book to read. Being 'part' of Mark's life through his stories is such an adventure as well as offering wonderful teaching points. His tales of the draft horses has given me a new fondness for these hard-working giants. I'd recommend this book to not only horse lovers but also those who love to 'listen' to a good story. Mark's style of writing puts the reader right there with him in the thick of things.

Once again Mark Rashid has given us some really good stories that warm the heart. While this one does not contain much about training horses, it is a worthwhile read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. My only complaint is that is was too short. I finished it in 1 setting and could not put it down. I am on Amazon now searching for his other books and will add to my collection very soon. Highly recommended!