Minnesota Books

For several months now, Mira James has been trailer-sitting for her friend Sunny in Battle Lake, Minnesota. And while her days have been occupied by working in the town library, Mira has also had to solve a few mysteries -- murder among them -- since her arrival in the spring. (See "May Day" and "June Bug.") She's gotten to know more than a few of the local characters and has even landed an extra gig as a reporter for the weekly Battle Lake Recall.

But now it's July, it's ungodly hot, and it's time for Wenonga Days. This year the townsfolk are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the installation of the Chief Wenonga statue that stands twenty-three feet tall and guards the shoreline of Battle Lake. Having a dismal past where intimate relationships are concerned, Mira has secretly projected her affections instead onto the Chief, whom she sees as the ultimate in Tall, Dark, Handsome, and Safe. He's the most stable man in her life.

And so it follows that Mira takes it personally when the fiberglass statue is stolen just before the holiday. Who could have done such an unthinkable thing, and how did they do it? Though Mira's attention is mildly diverted by real-life encounters with Johnny Leeson, the sexiest gardener she's ever met, she makes it her goal to find out just what's going on in Battle Lake. Does any guilt lie with that visiting professor who's campaigning for the rights of native peoples? What about Brando Erikkson, whose company originally made the Chief? And how is squirrelly business owner Les Pastner involved in the conspiracy? Was it part of his scalp that was found at the base of the statue?

Mira James is a quirky, likeable, and realistic protagonist / heroine. Her turns of phrase and sense of humor (especially when directed at herself) are laugh-out-loudable. Who knew that life in rural Minnesota could be so intriguing and so funny? Habitual mystery readers must leap into this series with both feet.

Although I am from Minnesota, you don't have to be to enjoy this series. I just finished Knee High by the Fourth of July and am anxious to start August Moon. It's going to be a long wait for me for September Morn (I think that's the title for the fifth book) but I will try to be patient. Keep 'em coming, Ms Lourey!

Seriously, I simply love Jess Lourey's Minnesota based series. She combines great wit with plots and sub-plots that never fail to challenge the reader. What a delight!

If you are in the market for a good laugh, at and with a local flare, Jess Lourey's "Knee High by the Fourth of July," the third installment of her 12-book Murder by Month series and follow up to "May Day" and "June Bug," may be the perfect end of summer book.

"The good news is that I'm proud of Knee High," she said. "It's fun, long on humor, romance, and red herrings."

Lourey's quirky humor plays throughout the book in her prose and dialogue, but more in her diversions on the normalcy and oddity of Battle Lake and Otter Tail County.

Lourey acknowledges her appreciation for the people and the area.

"I've been remiss in my earlier novels in not thanking the people of Battle Lake, who are good sports about the fun-poking and murder-creating I do in their beautiful town," she said.

Like the Mask of Bewildered Anger, which Lourey's protagonist sleuth Mira James describes as, "the official expression of rural Minnesotans confronted by liberal progressives."

Much like the faces of her many town characters who, in the midst of planning the celebration of Wenonga days, find the Chief himself has gone missing, a blow to Mira James, who suffers quite an obsession with the Chief.

Mira's second biggest crush, the organic gardening god and dead ringer for Brad Pitt--Johnny Leeson--has also disappeared. Her luck with men is running out, and a killer might be moving in. With something of her own to hide, Mira hopes she can avoid the police long enough to track down the object of her mega-crush--but is Mira trailing a statue-thief, a kidnapper, or a murderer?

The many characters running under Mira James' magnifying glass of suspicion range from the kooky to loony, so much so, a reader living in the area could easily mistake one of the characters for themselves.

While Lourey's book could be misconstrued, upon first glance, to appeal to women only, her humor transcends both genders and makes for a delightful romp through our own neighborhoods. But come looking for laughs. One thing about Lourey's humor, she demands the reader already have the sense to spot it or at the very least, have a clue.

This is an excellent guide, reference, and resource book for anyone in the midwest who's interested in natural landscaping or planning landscapes to support wildlife. Everything about the book is aimed at being both practical and comprehensive. The book is spiral-bound for ease of use; this suggests cheapness, but the excellent color photos and illustrations belies this impression. The first half of the book fills the role of a guidebook. Its 64 pages address the benefits and principles of landscaping for wildlife; habitat components; and how to landscape small and medium yards, farms (e.g., windbreaks), and wood lots. This is followed by a long and useful list (119 entries) of litarature cited. The list is a great resource for locating additional material. Sixteen Appendixes comprise the second half (56 pages) of the book, and form a mini-reference library that would alone have been worth the price of the book. The most useful appendix provides a tabulation of plants for use in landscaping. It specifies plant type (16 categories), wildlife value (10 categories), landscape uses (29 categories), number of wildlife species documented as using the plant, plant characteristics (12 categories), and other information about growth requirements and plant size. Furthermore, the tables are divided into eight groups of plant types such as conifers; butterfly, bee, and moth plants; nut and acorn plants; and winter plants. As if this weren't enough, four appendixes contain designs for various simple construction projects, four contain additional wildlife information, and the rest contain a collection of other useful topics. In summary, if you live in the midwest, and have any interest in natural landscaping on any scale, or any interest in the needs and preferences of our flying and furry friends with any number of legs, this book is a must-have. The quality is excellent, the contents are comprehensive and practical, it's easy to use, and the price is right.

A friend asked recently about the subject of "trees which are attractive to birds." I hadn't
used this book for a while, my garden is getting mature, but was prompted to open it again
because I recalled it has so many lists of plants arranged from every perspective
one can think of (everything from "Best butterfly nectar sources in Minnesota"
to "Midwestern mammals which use snags.") I love these lists. There
may not be a plethora of photos here, but armed with one of these lists and any good
horticulture reference, one can find a plant for any midwestern landscape need, and
bring wildlife into the garden to boot. Despite the 1987publication date, this book is timely
and up to the minute. If anything, it was ahead of it's time; gardeners and landscapers
are just now catching up to the information contained in this book.

I too was at a total loss until someone recommended this book to me. The little identification signs in the nurseries are often inaccurate with the little they do say, and they're coming from such a different ("if you want to prevent the birds from eating your berries, cover the entire tree in garish mesh") perspective, for the most part, that I never felt I was getting anywhere.

The only faults with this title all have to do with too much information. The many appendices might have been better integrated with one another. There are times when the plant tables involve an awful lot of flipping back and forth, and could have been more cleanly organized. Finally, the sheer number of species of plant involved make it impossible to do what many garden books do; often you're looking at a description like "TS" (tall shrub) and wondering what shape it is, how dense, and so on. I went to the web and used the latin names to find descriptions of everything.

You'll need to go from this book to other sources to be sure of the appearance of things, and consulting with the average nursery or landscaper will still be necessary to discover things like when to prune. But this is the place to start, without question, for anyone in the midwest.

Before finding this book, I was stumbling and haphazardly identifying and assembling the plants and trees I wanted to accomplish my goals of drawing wildlife to my property, providing for them and returning the land I have removed from from nature by building in a development (my lot is 5 acres).

This book will be ragged before I am done AND I will most probably have to buy a second copy.

The farmer on the cover of this book is my Uncle John. He died in March 2007 at the age of 91 -- still a bachelor farmer. Every time I run across this book in a bookstore I pick it up and think fondly about him and all my farming relatives. The photograph captures him in a typical stance and also captures his personality.

"Life on the Farm" is a wonderful book that capures life on the farm like no other. Dean Riggott brings you on the farm and into the lives of the farmer. "Life on the Farm" is a must have for everyone, from a person who grew up on a farm and has left, to an urban dweller that has no idea what life on the farm truly is.

An amazing book! As a former resident of Minnesota, really loved reading through Riggott's book. The pictures and accompanying text give you a great feeling for the land and the people who live there. The photos are all fantastic, evoking a sense of time and place. It is great addition to my collection of coffee table books.

Dean really has a good grasp of what farming means in this mostly rural state. The photos are crisp and informative, and I don't have to wonder if anything is missing in his picture of rural Minnesota. I can't wait until his next book!

Every so often, you read a book that makes it all come together for you. In this brilliant and densely footnoted volume, Chela Sandoval identifies the "academic apartheid" that keeps poststructuralism, postcolonial theory, ethnic studies, queer theory, hegemonic (white) feminism, and, especially, U.S. third world feminism isolated from and in limited conversation with one another, despite their common undercurrents. By introducing the concepts of "differential social movement" and "differential consciousness," she makes these spheres mutually intelligible and reconcilable in a way that can facilitate coordinated action for democratic social justice (rather than simply more academic pontification). What is particularly helpful is that she situates her analyses within postmodernity, noting how the dimensions of this historical space at once warrant, demand, and permit new and dynamic forms of activism. You will never think the same way about "theory," U.S. third world feminism, or the possibilities for a democratic future in the era of globalization after reading this book.

Chela Sandoval, a professor of Chicana/o Studies at UCSB, first introduced what she characterizes as the "methodology of the oppressed" in 1991 with her essay "U.S. Third World Feminism: The Theory and Method of Oppositional Consciousness in the Postmodern World," which is the central to her book "The Methodology of the Oppressed." In the mentioned essay she unravels the meaning of"U.S Third World Feminisms,"why and where such movimientos came about , and what different forms of feminist practice it employs to bring social justice. She labels the tactics used by the movimientos as: equal rights, revolutionary, supremacist and separatist. U.S Third World Feminism is then "differential consciousness," which means possessing the faculty of mapping the circumstances one finds herself, and acting accordingly out of the four forms of tactics. By specifically reviewing the works of Western theorists such as that of Frederic Jameson, Roland Barthes and Michael Focault, Sandoval deconstructs and challenges the hegemony of these eurocentric thinkers within 'the Academy' on postmodern resistance and consciousness. She exploits these theoretical faults so that women-of-color continue constructing U.S. Third World Feminism as a legitimized theory and practice. Such hegemonic puncturing movidas by Sandoval, are then examples of the inner/outter technologies that the oppressed use for emancipation: "radical semiology, deconstruction and meta-idealizing." Sandoval can employ these various technologies because of her "differential movement;" the ability of differential perception and deployment of consciousness, or what many Chicana/os know as "la conciencia de la Mestiza." These technologies are guided by her commitment to equity for the marginalized inside/outside the master's home, to make "the system" accountable to our voices. This commitment is what she characterizes as "democratics," the love for people which drives one to pursue social justice, which constitutes the technologies, which are essential for the methodology of the oppressed, which is the methodology of love. Although the "Methodology of The Oppressed" is a rigorous read because of the high theory, it is an extremely brilliant book that gives us hope in laying out possibilities for us to build coalitions across race, class, gender and sexualities to enact social movements to bring social change. This book masterfully makes the connection between the political struggle within the academy, as well as outside, and assist us in strategically negotiating the terms of engagement to meet our normative goals of social equity.

Chela Sandoval, a professor of Chicana/o Studies at UCSB, first introduced what she characterizes as the "methodology of the oppressed" in 1991 with her essay "U.S. Third World Feminism: The Theory and Method of Oppositional Consciousness in the Postmodern World," which is the central to her book "The Methodology of the Oppressed." In the mentioned essay she unravels the meaning of"U.S Third World Feminism,"why and where such movimiento came about , and what different forms of feminist practice it employs to bring social justice. She labels the tactics used by the movimientos as: equal rights, revolutionary, supremacist and separatist. U.S Third World Feminism is then "differential consciousness," which means possessing the faculty of mapping the circumstances one finds herself, and acting accordingly out of the four forms of tactics. By specifically reviewing the works of Western theorists such as that of Frederic Jameson, Roland Barthes and Michael Focault, Sandoval deconstructs and challenges the hegemony of these eurocentric thinkers within 'the Academy' on postmodern resistance and consciousness. She exploits these theoretical faults so that women-of-color continue constructing U.S. Third World Feminism as a legitimized theory and practice. Such hegemonic puncturing movidas by Sandoval, are then examples of the inner/outter technologies that the oppressed use for emancipation: "radical semiology, deconstruction and meta-idealizing." Sandoval can employ these various technologies because of her "differential movement;" the ability of differential perception and deployment of consciousness, or what many Chicana/os know as "la conciencia de la Mestiza." These technologies are guided by her commitment to equity for the marginalized inside/outside the master's home, to make "the system" accountable to our voices. This commitment is what she characterizes as "democratics," the love for people which drives one to pursue social justice, which constitutes the technologies, which are essential for the methodology of the oppressed, which is the methodology of love. Although the "Methodology of The Oppressed" is a rigorous read because of the high theory, it is an extremely brilliant book that gives us hope in laying out possibilities for us to build coalitions across race, class, gender and sexualities to enact social movements to bring social change. This book masterfully makes the connection between the political struggle within the academy, as well as outside, and assist us in strategically negotiating the terms of engagement to meet our normative goals of social equity.

Chela Sandoval's Methodology of the Oppressed is an eloquent and compelling explication of the revolutionary praxis of US Third World Feminism. Throughout, Sandoval provides an accessible roadmap for understanding the fameworks and limitations of a variety of modern theorists ranging from Derrida to Barthes through Haraway.

For Minnesota's Sesquicentennial, the Minnesota History Center created the acclaimed MN150 exhibit of 150 people, places and things that shaped Minnesota, chosen from over 2,700 citizen nominations. They put much time and money into developing the exhibit. (Check out the website for more interesting reading.) This enjoyable and very readable book presents brief profiles of those 150 entries. The 150 entries cover a wide range of topics covering all aspects of Minnesota history.

I believe that learning the interesting stories of people is a great way to learn about history, since history is the story of people. By reading these 150 brief profiles, you'll gain a solid overview of Minnesota in way that's interesting and actually enjoyable to read. This provides terrific snapshots of moments in Minnesota history.

You'll briefly learn about people like Hubert H. Humphrey, Charles Lindbergh, Ann Bancroft, James J. Hill, Dan Patch, Nobel Peace Prize-winner Norman Borlaug, Fredrick McGhee, Prince, Bob Dylan, American Indian Movement, Republican governors Elmer Andersen and Harold Stassen, golfer Patty Berg, baseball legend Charles Bender, GPS inventor Bradford Parkinson, Wanda Gag, heart surgery pioneer Owen Wangensteen, suffragette Clara Ueland, 3M, the first mall, Guthrie Theater, John Thomas, John Ireland, Mayo Clinic, First Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, Garrison Keillor, Itasca State Park, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Sister Kenny, US-Dakota War, space program pioneer Robert Gilruth, and many, many more facinating people. This is a fascinating read for your bedside table.

Everyone will enjoy most of the entries, love some of the profiles, and dislike a few, depending on your biases. From giants of business to radicals on the Iron Range, this is the history of Minnesota. It's all here.

I do wish that part of the winning nominations by the nominators were included. Some were excellent to read. You can read them at the MN150 website. This exhibit was supposed to be "the people have spoken." Also, I felt that Peanuts creator Charles Schultz should have been included and a couple other entries maybe should not have made it. None-the-less, these are minor quibbles.

One great thing about this book is that it's interactive. You can think of what you would include, and after you read this book, you may find yourself realizing the importance of a few things you previously would not have considered or learn about different times and the people who lived back then. In some ways, America is like a hologram, with different appearances depending your distance and perspective, or like the many facets of a diamond.

This book is extremely well written, and I highly doubt that anyone else could have done such an excellent job. Bravo to Kate Roberts. This is a great book for a great exhibit.

Highest recommendation!

When the public was asked to enter suggestions for 150 significant people, things, etc that shaped Minnesota's history and then a committee finalized the selection it is absolutely amazing what a broad spectrum of these choices turned out to be. The entire State was represented. The book captures the exhibit at the Minnesota History Center and provides snapshots of what was important during the past 150 years. Amazing how it was put together in a fun and informative mode. A great gift book for those who care about Minnesota and history buffs.

Of course, I am prejudiced on this one -- my great grandfather, Hamilton Harris Judson, is one of the Minnesota 150 (#70 on Page 93) - and one of the 150 chosen from 2,700 nominees. However, this is a very interesting book and is a must-have for anyone interested in Minnesota history. There are facts that I'm sure most people are unaware of (even those who've lived in Minnesota all their lives). A very interesting book which highlights a number of people, places and things that not only contributed to Minnesota's growth, but also the nation as a whole.

This book is a "must" for anyone who is proud to be a Minnesotan or is interested in Minnesota's history. You do not have to read it cover to cover right away -- just pick and choose. And then read some more.

Prompt service--Very satisfied.

This is the cookbook you can count on for authentic, trustworthy recipes. Such a good variety of every ethnic favorite-this is the one cookbook I own that is worn to a frazzle!

I was very pleased to see recipes from all sides of my heritage (English, Norwegian, Croatian, and German). This book possesses recipes that my family has used for years along with new variations. I was thrilled to receive this gift from my mother. It's nice to see that as my generation grows older we can still utilize the cooking ideas of years past.

I had to laugh when one reviewer mentioned that her copy of this cookbook was "worn to a frazzle"! That describes mine to a "T"! I have a paperback version and each page is now loose and just tucked in there...sometimes out of order, but in there nonetheless. It's the cookbook I reach for when I want an authentic and excellent recipe for all those wonderful ethnic dishes. Almost every recipe you can think of is in there whether you're Scandinavian, German, Cuban, Jewish or many, many others. Potato Dumplings to Psari Plake (Greek fish dish), Tourtiere (French Canadian meat pie) to Plum Pudding. Someday I'll have to buy the hardcover edition...and start messing up all those favorite pages with flour, etc. all over again!

These Minnesota Memories books just keep on getting better and better. I picked up this one last week after I heard the author talking about it on WCCO radio, and I couldn't put it down till I read the last page. Some of the stories are funny while others are poignant, historically rich or even sad, but they're all honest, true, and tremendously entertaining. These books should be designated as Minnesota's Good Will Ambassadors. If you are from Minnesota or if you know someone from that great state, you must read all three volumes. Minnesota Memories 3 is just as terrific as the first two.

This is the third "Minnesota Memories" from Joan Graham. I've read them all! This one is as delightful as its predecessors.
Graham suggests that you get together with friends and read the stories aloud--they are sure to trigger associations and soon people will be telling their own stories. Joan Graham believes that everyone has stories just waiting to be told or written. This book attests to her belief--it is a wonderful collection of real stories from real people.

I really enjoyed this book - it evokes the bittersweet memories of growing up in the midwest - and not just in Minnesota. This is the real thing, not some tongue-in-cheek send up of "hot dish & ludefisk."

I married a St. Olaf graduate who still carries her Minnesota accent after 40 years. Until I read this volume and the other two books in the series, I never really understood those North Star inhabitants who are afraid to say anything for fear of "making waves," who adore Eddie Cochran's hit "Sittin' in the Balcony," who worship Owatonna's Sullivan designed bank as a shrine, and who worry about everything from weather to the success of this year's corn crop. These books should be required reading for those who know and love Minnesotans or just want to understand the people who make the state so special. The final entry, Governor Pawlenty's Inaugural Address, made me especially appreciate Minnesotans' contributions to our daily lives.

i am a big sportsa fan, and like most people i was very sad and upset about the north stars move. it helps to have this book to go back and live the good memorites of the teaam. i would recomend this book to any hockey fan. tim pekarek

Minnesota North Stars: History and Memories with Lou Nanne
Now this is the way a book on the history of a major sports franchise should be written. This book covers the history of the team from entry into the NHL until the move to Dallas. Also covered is the construction of the Met Center and a season-by-season review. The game action photos and individual player photos make this book a great addition to any collection, especially if you are a big NHL or North Stars fan. I have only seen two other franchise history books that come close to matching the quality of this book. Those two books are Relentless, volumes 1 and 2, on the history of the Buffalo Bills.

This book is a treasure, for anyone who loves hockey, but especialy for Fans of the North Stars.
The pictures alone are worth the price of the book. Billy Robin McFarland's camera provide a "look into the past".
Way to go Louuuuu!

When the 1992-93 National Hockey League season ended, the Minnesota North Stars franchise was moved from Bloomington, Minnesota to Dallas, Texas. The word 'North' was dropped from the team's name. Shortly afterwards, the Met Center (previously home base for the old Minnesota North Stars hockey team was demolished -- ending twenty-six years of Minnesota professional hockey. "Minnesota North Stars: History And Memories With Lou Nanne" by long time fan Bob Showers is an inherently fascinating history of those many years laced with anecdotal stories combined with vintage photographs, and official team stats, all graced with the personable narrative style of Lou Nanne. The result is informed and informative reading that is a 'must' for the legions of fans who remember the glory days of professional Minnesota ice hockey.

I gave Minnesota Quilts to my sister, who was born and raised in Minnesota, but moved to Australia when she married, and lived there ever since. She has become an excellent quilter, and is also interested in historical information about quilting. She loved this book about Minnesota quilters, which includes pictures of the women and their quilts,as well as historical context for their work. I'd recommend it to anyone who loves quilting.

Greg Winter's Minnesota Quilts: Creating Connections With Our Past is a remarkable treasury of one-of-a-kind quilts and the stories of the quilters who made them. Lee Sandberg's full-color photography throughout reveals each quilt's unique features, from a quilt incorporating pages from an alphabet book to Irish Chain Quilts to cross-stitch quilts and more. The text explores the connections that quilts and quilting brought among individuals, families, and friends, as well as the histories of individual quilts and fascinating vignettes of those who owned the quilts destined to become museum pieces. A beautiful collection and the perfect giftbook for quilters of all skill and experience levels, whether as a source for inspiration or just a breathtaking assembly of style and originality that is most enjoyable to simply page through.

What a great book. It was well organized. My only sorrow was that I wish some of the quilts had patterns included because I loved them so much! The photos are wonderful, the history is even better. I definitely give this book a 5-star rating.

From the breathtaking cover to the final page, "Minnesota Quilts" is simply marvelous. Many books have been written about state quilt searches; I worked on several of the searches as a photographer and really appreciate the beautiful way the quilts are depicted and displayed.

I purchased 2 of these books. One as a gift, the other for my family. This book is a keepsake-I will hold onto it for generations! My kids (Ages-16,14,12) just loved thumbing through the pages. The quality of the book is phenomenal-the pictures are wonderful-tons of interesting facts, articles and recipes (my favorite section-) Many of which have been family recipes for years, I didn't know they were Minnesota State Fair winning recipes -many yummy "Minnesota Hot Dishes"

I would recommend this book-I leave it on my coffee table, and I cant believe how many people say-where did you get this-"I WANT ONE!" Amazon has the best price I have found too!

I have two other books this author and would recommend any of her books. The pictures are great and the book is put together wonderfully. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves history, vintage, or just loves fun reading.

State fair buffs, cultural historians, sociologists, book designers, fun lovers, gift givers: Don't miss this Amazon-priced opportunity to buy MINNESOTA STATE FAIR, AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY. It's packed with thousands of dynamic, annotated pics. It's a 213 page-turner of great Heartland Americana. It's also the perfect coffee table gift for collectors, friends, family, and clients.

We are delighted to see that the award winning Koutsky team has produced another gem in their historic trilogy about Minnesotans creating and enjoying quality of life experiences. MINNESOTA STATE FAIR preserves and celebrates the State's extraordinary heritage. This book is crafted in the outstanding design format that characterized the authors' first two books: MINNESOTA EATS OUT and MINNESOTA VACATION DAYS.

We particularly enjoy the forward by the inimitable, Garrison Keillor. Our Minnesota friends agree that this book brings back memories of their favorite experiences at the Fair, such as grandstand celebrities and bandstand performers. MINNESOTA STATE FAIR actually covers one hundred fifty years of pioneering progress and fun.

It's another visual stunner. We found pictorial chapters about harvests and technology, animals and animal husbandry, grandstand and bandstand performances, midway attractions, racing and other competitions, exhibits and education, food and dining. There's even a 24-page illustrated appendix of over 100 tested, updated recipes from Minnesota State Fair food stand classics, blue ribbon winners, and the best of Heartland cuisine, as it evolves through the Century.

We are enjoying the many facets of this extraordinary book, and think Amazon book buyers will, too.

The pictures are wonderful but some have been repeated from another book about the Minnesota State Fair. The history is very interesting. There are two mistakes in the book. Since a good editor or prof reader would have caught the first error. The second is hidden. Both are picture errors. You would really have to know the fair pritty well to catch it. Most of the history is from 1854 to around the 1990's. Since cars are a big deal at the fair in the early years, so where is the mention of the Minnesota Street Rod Association car show at fair on the eastside of the grandstand. The cheapest thing on the fair grounds for a buck before the grandstand was remodel in 2002. The Carousel is mention in the book but very brief. A small couple of lines about it. Which is very confusing. Yes, carousels have been at the fair since 1892 when they where called merry-go-rounds, but the fair didn't have a permit one until 1914. They don't mention a fire in 1939 that distroyed fancy band organ and scroched some of the hand-carved horses, but they do mention that is moved and continues to entertain adults and children a like at Como Park. So if you where looking for info on the updates of the fair, your out of luck. Very little new pictures. The book "Blue Ribbon: A Social and Pictoral History of Minnesota State Fair has more info and some cute stories. Which the writter of blue ribbon is praising this new book. This book does do some justice to major things at the state fair. But not all. Brief info on Skyride, Carousel, Space Tower, Giant Slide and Ye Old Mill are just too brief. The buildings in the book are very interesting but to me I want to know where on the fairgrounds they where and if they where still standing where would they be today. Which some are gone like most of the church dinners are. The dairy building in the book is now the Fine Arts building. Which to some people now consider Empire Commons as the Dairy building. Empire Commons is pictured as a drawing. Which doesn't do it justice since that's where the butter sculputers of Princess Kay and her court are housed. There is no mention of the Haunted House. Even the French Fries booth has picture in the book. But even the Andy's Grill isn't even in the book and that has some history at the fair since it was a dinner across the street from where it now is. My one question to the authors are have they ever been on any of the rides that are perminatly at the fair grounds. Did they talk to the owners of the ones that are left. Dosen't seem like they did. Seams like they just used info from fair board. Why not talk to some of food booth owners, some have great stories to tell. I'm sure they wanted to add so much more but they just couldn't. Why not cut the recipes. The recipes could have been a book on it's own. Since money from the sale of the book goes to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation more people whould buy a recipe book then a illustrated history book with 214 pages. The cost of the book $35. Which is expensive book. When I bought mine it was shrinked rap. So I couldn't just look at it. For me this book doesn't do the State Fair justice. But I've worked there so I know alot by talking to people who have been there for over 50 years. If you like the fair and just want to get a brief history then I would recomend it. Or just go to the Minnesota State Fair archives and museum which is housed in Haritage Square. Open during the 12 days of the fair 9 to 9.