Washington Books

This is a really neat book about a boy's family's Indian heritage (Tsimshian). He traces back his ancestors from Alaska and their ways of life; the pictures show him exploring the artifacts saved by his ancestors, working with his father, wearing semi-traditional clothes, helping build the totem pole, and celebrating with his fellow tribes people on the reservation. The narrative aspect is calm and touching, though never sentimental; I really enjoyed reading this and think it has some lovely lessons that are worth discussing in a classroom. There's also a little glossary in the back, so there's some vocabulary worth teaching here--great book!!

Text is written as narration by a boy who appears to be about 10 or 11 years old, and is telling us about his dad, who is a native Pacific Northwest Coast Artist and Carver.

This short book is a snapshot of a short period in time when his dad carves a totem pole, and it is raised at the entrance to an indian reseervation.

The text sounds to me like it was written by an adult trying to sound like a kid, and it doesn't sound quite right when I read it. Although this will catch the ear of an adult, I haven't noticed that kids are bothered or notice.

More importantly, it is a nice little book written from the persepective of a boy who is proud of his dad and his heritage, and is eagerly adopting his heritage and helping his dad, and wants to be like his dad, who is an excellent, positive role model.

The photos are excellent and very nicely enhance and illustrate the text. The quality of the book is very high.

I'd strongly recommend it for someone who wants a child's book to read to kids 5-12 years old, or to be read by kids ages 7 or 8 to 12 to read themselves.

Not only does the book do a nice job of telling a story and teaching a little about totem poles and Pacific Northwest Coast Indian culture, perhaps even more importantly the boy in the story provides a very positive role model for the kids who read this book.

Although the content of this novel is aimed at Washingtonians the masterful writing of Mr. Carkonen can be appreciated everywhere. Mr Carkonen's skillful prose and mastery of the english language leave the reader wanting more. I must agree with the Vashon Island reviewer that most appropriately stated, "Sweet tasty tasty!"

all i can say after reading this book is, "Sweet tasty tasty!!"

In my admiration for this fun, fascinating, fact-filled book, I yield to no authority but the eminent KIRKUS REVIEWS:

"George Saunders participated in many great cattle drives from 1871 to 1886; later, he spent years collecting and setting down his aging comrades' reminiscences. His career makes a thrilling tale, full of danger and hardship, stampedes, hostile Native Americans, rough country, and bad weather. Lightfoot also depicts Saunders's life between drives as a rancher and businessman, a solid citizen who rode with a vigilante group but also stepped forward to prevent a local massacre of Mexicans, at a time when racial tensions ran high. ...readers will get a clear idea of a cowhand's work, and of Saunders's important role in preserving the lore of a vanished era. Bibliography. (Biography. 10-12)"
-KIRKUS REVIEWS

Trail Fever brings to life the true adventures of a Texas hero, George Washington Saunders. George was a gallant cowboy who braved stampedes, storms, droughts, and outlaws. D.J. Lightfoot tells this nonfiction story with thrilling description and a narrative full of adventure and danger. This is an exceptional easy-to-read biography with plenty of rich, authentic detail--perfect for schools, libraries, and homes. I especially loved the part where 20-year-old Saunders stopped a vigilante group of nearly 80 men from mistakenly taking revenge on some Mexican people. Lightfoot makes the reading easy, but most important she makes the reading fun and exciting. This is a perfect book for youngsters or anyone who'd like to get a genuine experience of a courageous man and an interesting era!

I don't run and I don't jog, but I do hike fast. If you like dayhiking more than backpacking, but still want to see cool trails, this is a great guide! He is an excellent writer who keeps the reader intrested and doesn't ramble off onto "memory lane" like a few other guide writers.

Before I went on my trip to Washington, I was completely and utterly clueless about this area. I am a very experienced hiker and I knew that Washington not only had the best hikes but also the most difficult. Finding this book was so helpful. I not only knew exactly where to go but I knew all the little hints and shortcuts . Please, if you are interested in hiking in the WA area, take my word for it and get this book. It is a lifesaver.

The Train home was an excellent novel. I finished this in just one sitting. The sublte nuances and how each character is developed, she is a truly gifted writer.

I don't know if I should admit this confession, but I enjoyed this book immensely; Annie reminded me of myself in a lot of ways, so that may be the reason. I've always enjoyed the idea of a little bit of detective work, as long as I'm guaranteed I won't be in any REAL danger!. This book was a sweet and amusing romantic/suspense novel, and I enjoyed going with Annie on her adventures.

This is the best book available regarding the little-known and mysterious transient orcas. In addition to having a detail catolgue of each transient whale in B.C waters, the book analysis and discuss the distinct behaviour and hunting styles of the transients, which are completely different from the salmon-eating resident killer whales.

Futhermore, there are numerous rare and spectacualr photos showing transients launching into the air and attacking their preys. This shows why Killer Whales are called "killers". For while these whales do not attack or eat man, they are highly efficient predators, no marine mammal is safe from transient whales. Read this book and you will understand why.

This is the definitive source for information on the transient or mammal hunting race of killer whales of the U.S. Pacific Northwest. If you are serious about learning what there is to know about these fascinating superpredators-this is THE book to buy. I am a naturalist on a whale watch boat in the San Juan Islands and we use this book constantly to inform our guests about the "alter egos" of our salmon eating Resident Orcas. Fabulous pictures and incredible stories.

In this much-needed reprinting of Benn Pitman's transcript of the trial of the "conspirators" to assassinate President Lincoln, a new element has been added in the articles in the front. Although the trial itself remains, unfortunately, unannotated, a variety of top scholars in the field contributed articles on the conspirators and the trial itself which are both helpful & interesting. This is certainly one of the best purchases I have ever made. The list of witnesses that make Pitman the preferred version of the trial, and the charming print style left as-is, make for an enjoyable read or for helpful reference material. However, it should be kept in mind that Pitman's version is an edited copy of the original trial, with the dialogue surrounding each witness reduced to monolouge testimony, and some confusing areas eliminated or altered. Nonetheless, this is a valuable resource.

I would recommend accompanying this book with Carmen Cumming's Devil's Game: The Civil War Intrigues of Charles A. Dunham, which helps the reader understand the confusing testimony of Sanford Conover, the alias of Charles Dunham.

In 1865 President Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, this is commonly known by most people. But what is not known is that there were eight others who had a part in the conspiracy to kill the president.

Unlike the other books I have read on the subject; this one has very little plot, in fact the book spends more time talking about the trial rather than the events leading to the assassination. Rather the author has put together the actual court transcripts of the testimony against each of the conspirators.

After reading the text, which took about 5 hours, I learned more about those involved and even found out a few new things along the way. I found the discussion about Dr. Mudd so intriguing I spent several hours on the internet reading about him.

I found the book well documented and researched. The author has certainly seemed to leave no stone unturned. Overall this book is the best overall presentation into the murder and conspiracy I have read so far.

If you are looking for serious information about the Lincoln Assassination or just wondering what happened than this book is the place to start looking.

Having loved Jeffrey Frank's other books, I started Trudy Hopedale with anticipatory pleasure. And then found I could not put it down. All that's been said about its clear prose, pitch-perfect tone, cracking satire is all there, but what was a special delight was the page-turning need to find out what happens to the hapless characters that inhabit's Frank special Washington. My only regret is that it was over too soon.
Jill Bossert

Jeffrey Frank continues to turn out novels about Washington that are shrewd, funny and engaging. Like no one else, he skewers the futile ambitions, the pandering and the rampant egotism that drive the city. His characters are losers all (even the winners), adrift in a treacherous world of false values. Laugh at them you will. But in the end - and this is Frank's real achievement- you end up feeling real sorrow for them and thier misguided lives. A great book!

Another great book by David Williams on Unlimited Hydroplane racing. This one covers the recent turbine era. If your a fan of the sport you will enjoy the book.

This was a birthday gift that went over real well. I received it very quickly. The book was immediately opened and scoured for information by several people.

Enhanced with maps of the area, sketches, and photos showing the original Tyrconnel and neighboring Covington Park Maryland farms, Tyrconnel: An Antebellum Adventure Along The C&O Canal by Charles Furtney is the thrilling story of Army Lieutenant Jeff Shirley set out in 1859 on a secret mission to investigate mysterious and violent activity along the C&O Canal at the Tyrconnel farm in the vicinity of Harpers Ferry, Maryland. There the young lieutenant encounters John Brown and his band of rebels in their destined appointment with history on the eve of the American civil war. A superbly written history fiction, author Charles Furtney pays meticulous attention to history detail making Tyrconnel a welcome and highly recommended addition to any school or community library collection.

A book for all ages!! This part fact, part fiction, tale is an enjoyable read !