Connecticut Books

I am so glad that I've discovered Gladys and that this is only one of many more books she wrote. What a delight! She is a gentle, old fashioned, nostalgic, nature loving, homemaking writer full of wisdom and thoughtful moments mixed with humor and charming description. She's in the same camp with L.M. Montgomery, Louisa May Alcott, and Louise Andrews Kent. All good hearty, heartwarming writers who are full of vim. Read her...you won't regret it and you'll always want to go to Connecticut.

Gladys Taber writes of her home, Stillmeadow, in the Connecticut Hills, her parntership with college roommate, Jill, as they raise their children together, both widowed. Anything Gladys wrote is guaranteed to drop the blood pressure, calm the mind, center the heart and touch the spirit. The day I discovered Gladys was Christmas Morning in my soul!

Mark Twain gave advice to a young man who wanted to be a writer: "When you catch an adjective, ill it. No, I don't mean that utterly, but kill the most of them - then the rest will be valuable. They weaken when they are close together, they give strength whenthe are wide apart. An adjective-habit, or a wordy, diffuse, or flowery habit, once fastened upon a person, is as hard to get rid of as any other vice."

"The Stolen White Elephant" is a broad farce mocking the self-proclaimed omniscience of many fictional detectives, told entirely in the form of a series of ridiculous telegraphs. Revolving around the theft of a literal white elephant, the gift of the King of Siam, this manifestly absurd story is nevertheless modeled after the real life efforts of a blundering New York Police Department to recover the corpse of one Alexander T. Stewart, stolen from his family vault in 1878.

Although not as rich in full-bleed, high-quality photos as other books about his works, this book captures Tadao Ando's sensitivity, through his texts that accompany each project portrayed. It has a true, "studio" feel, expressing Tadao Ando's feelings towards architectural teaching that comes across as extremely personal. The insights into his teaching methods and values come across as sincere, and it is through this text that his projects achieve even more depth upon revisiting. It's regretful that this book is out-of-print.

Although not as rich in full-bleed, high-quality photos as other books about his works, this book captures Tadao Ando's sensitivity, through his texts that accompany each project portrayed. It has a true, "studio" feel, expressing Tadao Ando's feelings towards architectural teaching that comes across as extremely personal. The insights into his teaching methods and values come across as sincere, and it is through this text that his projects achieve even more depth upon revisiting. It's regretful that this book is out-of-print.

A great idea, brilliantly executed by an exceptionally capable young writer. This guy's got a bright future!

To the individual or family of one lucky enough to be embarking on a collegiate journey:

Welcome. My name is Colin Megill and I've spent the last semester composing this book especially for you. In it you'll find exclusive information which previously would have only been available from an older brother or sister who had attended the university. Now, better than just one older sibling, you'll have the resource of over 300 students who've donated their opinions towards the cause of getting you better informed about your college decisions. This series is, hands down, the greatest guide you can ever buy. The College Prowler line is fair, accurate, excruciatingly thorough and dedicated to you, our fellow students. As I and all of my peers who've written these guides for over 200 other higher education institutions will tell you, we wish with every fiber of our being that these had been available to us when we were making our college decisions. And the best thing about the guides is that they don't become obsolete once you get to school. They have information which will be of practical use to you throughout your college career, from the phone numbers and addresses of all the local restaurants to academic strategy for the types of classes you'll encounter at UConn. I hope you will take advantage of this wealth of knowledge in your consideration in choosing a school. Good luck with your college search!

Colin Megill
Author, UConn College Prowler 2004

MAKE SURE YOU ALSO CHECK OUT SAVIN ROCK AMUSEMENT PARK
BY EDITH REYNOLDS, IT IS IN THE SAME SERIES OF BOOKS, UNDER THE POSTCARD HISTORY SERIES. BOTH ARE HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND IN MY OPINION THE BEST BOOKS ON WEST HAVEN AND SAVIN ROCK SO FAR.

This is the best photo-journal of West Haven yet! Not only does the book explain each picture with a wonderful history that makes you feel like you are actually in the photographs looking at old West Haven, but the story really brings the famous and not so famous people to life. Each person and building expresses how a small deeply rooted, easy living town, grew into a city with a hidden importance in American history.

I recommend this book with its fabulous photographs and exceptional story line to everyone! I found it to be such an easy read, not for context, but due to the absorbing content.

I enjoyed the first book: What's Cooking Madison? I was impressed by the concept of compiling favorite recipes from people and businesses in the local community. What was particularly appealing was the inclusion of notes by some of the contributors about how the recipe has been used by them. There are interesting stories about how the food relates to a family or ethnic tradition mentioning fond recollections of family gatherings from days past. Others tell of how their recipe is part of their holiday, vacation, or seasonal menus. Reading the stories and looking at the photographs made using the cookbook fun and interesting when trying to find different meal ideas.

In the second book, the authors have once again used the same concept of collecting recipes and stories, and artfully presented them with photographs that make all the recipes appealing. It is difficult to decide which dish to prepare first! With a theme of Comfort Foods, the variety of recipes to choose from encompasses mealtime and snack time, as well as some seasonal favorites. The kids section is full of ideas that may appeal to the pickiest eater, or recipes that children might like to get involved with preparing.

These are cookbooks that won't sit on the bookshelf at home. The diverse collection of standard dishes, family traditions, and new and interesting ideas will be referred to often. There are excellent photos of the food interspersed with some of the New England coastline. This is a book that you will go cover to cover to read the stories, see the pictures, and get ideas for cooking and eating experiences.

"What's Cooking Connecticut Shoreline?" is a refreshing and nostalgic look at the great cooking and recipes of the Connecticut shoreline. The authors have done a superb job with thier selection and variety of choices and really offer a lot for those of us who enjoy fresh seafood and the complimentary foods that they inspire. A true New England treasure, "What's Cooking?" is a must have for connoisseurs and casual cooks alike.

I read this a while back and it is a good read for many reasons.

First of all, as one would expect from a book about the "discovery" of a new disease, there is mystery and intrigue that makes it hard to put down.

Secondly, the book reads as a tragedy since it is about a mother, herself sick, dealing with trying to help her sick kids. Anyone that knows about Lyme Disease knows that in far too many cases this scenario is still played out due lack of awareness as well as a to the manufactured "controversy" over Lyme Disease. With dozens of studies proving that the Lyme bacteria can persist despite treatment, and tests that are acknowleged to be inaccurate, we are living in the dark ages when it comes to this disease. The sad fact is that many are in the same situation Ms Murray was in so many decades ago.

You will cry as you read Ms Murray's book.

Finally, the book is about believing yourself and making a difference. It is about trusting yourself and standing up to those who tell you are wrong. While Ms Murray is not a physician, her "clinical observations" on this disease should be require reading for anyone treating patients. Over the years many of her "hunches" have proven to be correct. I am fairly certain that with time more of these will be proven. In particular, her observaton that subsequent tick bites serve to stengthen the disease in some way (not yet understood). I believe this observation is key to understadning why Lyme became more common in the 1980's despite the fact we now know it has been around since the ealry 1900's possibly earlier.

To me, Polly Murray is a hero, becuase she did what she had to do to help herself and her family.

A fascinating book, one that I will read again.

THE WIDENING CIRCLE: A Lyme Disease Pioneer Tells Her Story. By Polly Murray. St. Martin's Press, 321 pp., $23.95 By Ann Hirschberg Infectious disease sleuths are supposed to be lab-coated AIDS researchers or Dustin Hoffman types in "hot zone" suits as seen in "Outbreak." A genteel, New England landscape painter and mother of four does not fit the picture. Yet this medical pioneer uncovered Lyme disease, the fastest growing infectious disease next to AIDS and the number one vector-borne disease in our country. The "Widening Circle" in Polly Murray's title refers not only to the expanding tell-tale rash which is the sure sign of Lyme disease, but to the research that has had to reach further and further to find the answers to this insidious tick-borne scourge. The "Circle" also encompasses the incredible numbers of medical professionals to whom Lyme disease sufferers are sent by uninformed doctors who can't or won't try to treat them. After an incredible range of symptoms and many hospital stays for pain and procedures for the whole Murray family, Polly was told the illness was "all in her head." Her doctor became furious when she approached the health department with her findings that not only her family, but a large cluster of people in her Lyme, Connecticut area were afflicted. He accused her of "stirring up trouble." Murray's intelligence and persistence led her to more research and finally to Yale University in 1975 where her findings were considered researchable by the doctors there. "They were spirited, like archaeologists who'd unearthed an intriguing artifact, some bit of pottery that promises even greater riches will surface with just a few more turns of the spade. "I certainly shared their enthusiasm. On the other hand, I'd been "in the field" for a while, and I knew it wasn't going to be easy to figure everything out so fast. Whatever this illness was, it was complicated, in that it involved so many systems of the body, and my instincts told me it was going to elude definition for some time to come." Twenty years later, the search should have come to a happy ending with the advance of medical technology and millions in grants for research. The definitive test for Lyme disease and the "magic bullet" treatment should have been discovered. Sadly, there is still no conclusive, reliable test for Lyme disease. Grants are sparse and the medical archeological "spades" are turning slowly. It is known that early treatment with antibiotics can arrest the disease. Left untreated, patients face the horrific sequalae Murray and her family still endure. Though the disease has been reported in all 50 states, most doctors are not well informed and many are still saying," You can't have that in Ohio" and "There has never been a case reported here." The Ohio Department of Health Vector-borne Disease Unit figures stand at close to 500 reported cases. Though many doctors are not reporting cases (too much paperwork), the Centers for Disease Control case numbers showed a 58% increase in the U.S. in 1994. Polly Murray's measured journey through this painful odyssey continues. Her tenacity and reasoned clarity shine through her writing. Along the way, you get to know her wonderful family, two of whom became doctors: a heroic accomplishment, all things considered. Murray continues the search for answers and has become not just a symbol, but a dedicated educator. She addresses medical professionals and researchers, including an appearance at Case Western Reserve Medical School in Cleveland, where one son was a student in 1989. "The Widening Circle" goes beyond a tale of medical sleuthing. Murray knows the patient's struggle with Lyme disease and the parent's anguish. This book has much well researched and first-hand information for physicians and patients. She examines the need for education, collaboration, and respect, and explains why these are required not only of researchers, but of physicians treating Lyme disease patients in order to deal with this puzzling affliction.

probably one of the best true crime novel I ever read. definitely purchase this book and I promise you will not be sorry.

To let this book go without a review would have been a "true crime" and possibly caused many people to pass up "one great read". It's the story of a beautiful woman, and mother of two who suddenly disappears. Not a speck of evidence to be found. No leads for the police to follow. And if not for her loving friends, no one would have ever looked beyond the surface. Mr. Herzog's easy reading, enjoyable writing style and attention to detail gives you a clear picture of exactly what is taking place. Each page holds intriguing information about an unbelievable crime committed by an unbelievably arrogant criminal, who almost got away with it. This is one of those "tattered" books on the shelf that is taken back down and re-read every couple of years. It will keep you just as fascinated with every read. A definite "must have" for a true crime buff.

Connecticut residents who love the outdoors should consider this guide. The Hardy family offers an impressive array of hikes for people of all skill levels.

Each hike is thoroughly researched and includes detailed maps and photographs. I relied heavily on the maps and found them to be 100% accurate. The site descriptions are especially helpful. They include driving directions, parking instructions, and well-informed commentary about the trail itself. You will know precisely what vegetation or bird life to look for at specific points during your trip. Keep this book open during your hikes to fully appreciate the experience.

Logical organization enables efficient selection of hikes by region or length. Readers should be assured that this truly is a Connecticut book. The authors do not discriminate in favor of the oft-traversed northwest region. Connecticut hikers would do well to have this guide in their backpack.

I've been toting Elizabeth L. Dugger's new Adventure Guide to Massachusetts & Western Connecticut around for about a month now, ever since I received it. I had all the best intentions of being the first reviewer to publish my commentary on the travel guide, but with one project after another eating up my hours, I'm not sure that I can claim that honor. I have, however, really bulked up my biceps by lugging the Adventure Guide around!

In a word, the book is "massive," and before I ever lifted the cover, I was perplexed as to how Dugger could possibly have found enough bungee jumping-, cliff diving-, and vine swinging-type adventures in the stately and somewhat subdued states of Massachusetts and Connecticut to fill 496 pages! When I opened to page 113 to find a section on "Antique Shopping on Cape Cod," I was surprised and delighted to realize that the range of adventures Dugger suggests includes those that pose great danger only to my credit card balance.

In the book's introduction, Dugger explains that adventure travel "doesn't have to mean hanging from a cliff by your fingernails. " Her enormous catalog of exciting escapes includes family-friendly ideas, outdoor fun for people of all ages and abilities, out-of-the-ordinary sightseeing suggestions, and, of course, the full complement of hiking, biking, fishing, boating, and other recreational opportunities in central New England. "Adventure travel makes you feel alive, wakes you up to yourself as well as to your surroundings," Dugger explains. "Just being in open lands or along the coast, most of the time, can give you that get-away feeling. ...Adventure travel gets the blood flowing, the heart pumping."

Also the author of the Adventure Guide to New Hampshire and the Adventure Guide to Vermont, Dugger quickly debunks the notion that Massachusetts is a tamer, less challenging playground than its mountainous northern neighbors. After a brief introductory section that includes a short history of Massachusetts, a map of and information on getting to the region, road rules, and safety information on such important topics as "avoiding bears," the book is broken up into six regional chapters: the Seacoast Region, Boston and Nearby Adventures, Central Massachusetts, the Pioneer Valley, the Berkshires, and the Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Within each geographic section, adventures are organized in category groupings: On Foot, On Horseback, On Wheels, On Water, On Snow & Ice, and In the Air. Each chapter has information on Eco-Travel and where to Stay & Eat, as well.

While the emphasis of this guide is decidedly on the outdoors and on planning a Massachusetts vacation that takes you to the lesser known attractions that the state offers, it is actually one of the most comprehensive and delightful guides to the region available. While many travel guides contain the obligatory paragraph on each historic attraction and sightseeing venue, the Adventure Guide to Massachusetts & Western Connecticut artfully leads the traveler to those awe-inspiring, stimulating, and unique excursions that are likely to make for a most memorable trip. Detailed maps, black and white photos, cute graphics, and sidebars on special events, kid-friendly and accessible spots, recommended reading, and more break up the text and make it easier for the reader to find terrific tips, even when simply skimming.

In just a quick flip through the book, I uncovered a bed & breakfast just for women (Little River Farm in Worthington, MA, 413-238-4261), a cemetery famous for its art and sculpture (The Forest Hills Cemetery in Boston, 617-524-0703), and a horseback riding outfit on the beaches of Cape Cod (Nelson's, 508-487-1112).

Dugger's enthusiasm for sharing the region's best treasures percolates from every page, and as I've spent time reading her detailed descriptions of everything from trekking with llamas in Great Barrington to sea kayaking in Plymouth Harbor, I've been constantly compelled to ask myself what in the world I'm doing here on the couch with a book when all of these adventures lie just a short drive away!

If you live within easy driving distance of Massachusetts and Western Connecticut, Dugger's Adventure Guide for this region will provide an ever-flowing stream of inspiration and encourage you to explore the wonders we sometimes overlook. And, if you're planning only a short visit to this part of the world, the guide will ensure that your moments in Massachusetts are among your most exhilarating and enjoyable.