Balls Books

Farwell did an excellent job in his telling of the Battle of Ball's Bluff, fought in the Fall of 1861 on the Virginia side of the Potomac River, just upstream of Washington.....Having had an interest in this battle (especially its enormous political ramifications) for over 20 years (I lived close by), I found the book a delight to read. While much of Farwell's material about the battle obviously comes from "Battles and Leaders", the Official Records, etc., he added tidbits of information that made the book even more interesting. For example, two of Paul Revere's grandsons fought there, as did Oliver W. Holmes, Jr., a grandson of George Washington, and many others of famous lineage. Also, Ball's Bluff was so named since George Washington Ball - another descendant of our 1st President - lived nearby. In addition, Farwell interjects anecdotes which give insight into the life of the ordinary soldier in the early phases of the war.....Farwell's major contribution, however, is in presenting the enormous political consequences of this small battle, in which the extremely popular Senator, Colonel Edward Baker - Lincoln's closest friend - was killed. Federal General Stone was cast as the scapegoat, jailed, and ruined - though no charges were ever filed; and the infamous "Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War" was formed. The result was "McCarthyism" almost 100 years before the real thing.......I have only two criticisms of Farwell's work: he failed to cite his references; and the sole map provided was most inadequate. I had additional maps and my personal knowledge of the area at my disposal, but for the reader unfamiliar with the battle, the battlefield, and the surrounding area, a series of better maps would prove most useful and make the book much easier to follow......This is a book BOTH for beginners and hard-core Civil War buffs. A long time coming, it was truly a delight! Philip Szlyk, Millbury, Massachusetts

Byron farwells book is great

This is an excellent, self-contained work on a little known action of the Civil War. With so many works done on the major events of the war its refreshing to see something different for a change. Mr. Farwell is an English historian who has written many books on life in the British army during the Victorian era, which was the same time as the Civil War. The different perspective that a none-American writer has on the subject can be refreshing. Here Farwell applies his easy going and engaging style to describe the personalities and events involived in a little known battle from the early stages of the Civil War.

Balls Bluff certainly can't compare with the fame of Gettysburg or others, but it can provide an interesting look at how a small scale action was fought, as well as illustrate some of the politics that were involved with the incorporation of State troops into Federal service. This battle also provides a classic study of how things can go wrong very quickly in a military operation. The Union was looking for a fight after the debacle at Bull Run, and they found it almost accidentally at Balls Bluff. Stone, the union officer in command, failed to keep a close eye on his ameteur subordinate Baker, the result being another debacle at Balls Bluff with even more shocking results.

The fact that the Union was defeated was not half so bad as the way it happaned, a terrible rout and ensuing slaughter of helpess union troops on the cliffs of the river. The politics of the battle's aftermath show how scapegoats are often found in a Republic. What happaned to Stone was not unlike what had often occured in ancient Athens. Political witch-hunts are not a recent development. Stone was wrongly accused for the failings of Baker. Had the latter lived there might have been a different reckoning. The book wonderfully points out the politicis and history of the early war period, and stands on its own as a fine read. You don't have to know any Civil War history to enjoy this work. In that sense it would make a good high school assignment indeed!

Indepth analysis of a small,little-known,early Civil War engagement whose ramifications had poignant consequences for the Union.Farwell has written a facinating,readable account, incorporating brief character studies of many interesting participants. The only disappointment is the lack of good maps of the battle site and surrounding area. Nevertheless,it will whet your appetite for an exploratory visit to the Leesburg area.

After reading this very well written book about a small battle shortly after the first battle of Bull Run, I had to visit the battle site in Leesburg, VA., which is on the Potomac River just northwest of Washington D.C. The site is breath taking as it fits Farwell's description of this seemingly lonely site very well. The reconnaissance assignment led by Colonel Baker, a close friend of Lincoln and Senator from Oregon, becomes a total military failure. The military amateur is not at the battle front early on but over time, Baker commits virtually his complete force up the high bluffs from the river to a virtual open plain to be picked off by the unseen enemy hidden in the woods, which included forces commanded by the infamous Confederate General Evans of the later famous Tramp Brigade. Baker is picked up off early after arriving on the field in the late afternoon, virtually contributong to a full-scale rout as the Union soldiers panic to the bluffs and the river, shot down as they try to escape. Bodies fall into the Potomac and many actual float down river to Washington. This total failure after Bull Run has great political and psychological fall out for Lincoln and the government. The commanding officer, Stone, that sent Baker across the river is not at fault but he quickly becomes a scapegoat and the Committee for the Conduct of the War is born. The committee ruthlessly imprisons General Stone, whose failure to recognize the seriousness of his charges and his abandonment by the self serving McClellan (better you than me) contributes to his harsh treatment. The committee lives on to Court Martial Fitz John Porter at second Bull Run and terrorize numerous Union Officers in the future. Farwell presents a well written and readable book opn this small battle that, so shortly after Bull Run, shocked the Union and the politicians of the north.

Dr. Jeffrey Lee has two daughters who have been granted the benefit of his youthful interest in being, as he puts it, an "all-American boy". Dr. Lee's Chinese born father had no way of knowing how to, say, throw a baseball but in the face of his four sons' interests read up on the subject and gamefully worked his way through. Lee thought he'd have it easier the first time he set out to teach his daughter something and he made her cry. But she eventually learned and they had fun together, but that beginning wasn't terribly auspicious. And so Lee wrote this book, so that we wouldn't repeat his mistakes but rather could have fun from the start.

In this volume that Dr. Lee offers step by step and well-illustrated instructions on how to make and fly a kite, bake bread, catch a fish, build a fire, make a pie, juggle, skip a rock and more. He notes early on that one doesn't need to be an expert to be a good teacher, a comment designed to calm adult fears of not being "good enough". Each chapter includes a briefing on what to know before you start, what equipment/materia is needed, a section on troubleshooting and even some jokes or theme-related funny stories and trivia.

This is a wonderful book for any adult who wants to enjoy the company of a child while relearning and/or teaching these ever so critical "life skills". Your kids already think you know everything, why not have a little fun?

This book is great- filled with 21 things that in the "old days" were just assumed everyone learned and knew. Now, this book is teaching my husband a few things HE didn't even know how to do, and he's showing them all to our daughter.
It's great for those old fashioned parents where XBOX & GameBoy do not rule your household.
Made a great Father's day gift (even though my husband hasn't even opened a book since College!).

I was so excited as I read through the pages of Catch a Fish. My boys and I are going to have so much fun together in the years to come. But it will take a village to teach my boys all the activities in this book! I read the exhaustive instructions on fishing. It was obvious Lee loves it, but I never will. So call all your village people to pony up and promise to teach the kids something! The memories made while learning are worth more than the skills themselves.

I have a 4 year old. My father never spent much time with us doing stuff. Only around holidays. I learned to ride a bike by falling down. This guy actually found out there is a good way to teach kids to ride in one day! And he breaks down how to teach a scared kid how to throw a ball into managable steps. A MUST have for every parent. Most of the activities are suited for 5-8 year olds though, so my daughter is still a bit young. But I keep it near the front door for reference on the outside activity days. I will let you all know how the bike riding training goes.

I rate this a 5 out of 5. Very useful, easy to read, and a good reference that I will pick up again and again.

This is a wonderful little guide, including not only the basics of 21 great things to do with children of various ages, but an important perspective on how to teach those things.

This book is great for the absolute beginner, and no matter what is still an excellent addition to any collection. Every "ball python person" I knew sang the praises of this book, and told me it was the equivocal "ball python bible". I pined and pined after this book for months until I finally purchased it.

I sat down and promptly read it from cover to cover.

I was, a bit disappointed, actually. While it did have great information, this book is very much targeted towards beginners. It does not even touch on some issues for those of us who have been in the hobby a very long time. Then the last bit of the book is all pictures and descriptions of morphs.

I won't say I didn't enjoy it, because I did. I won't say it's useless, because it's not. I have it up on one of my racks in my reptile room, and thumb through it periodically. It is handy o have to show visitors what I'm talking about, or to loan to first-time ball python people in my life.

I suppose after reading the book, I just got a big sense of "Well... I already knew THAT..."

Maybe it's just a case of having too much buildup. I was expecting "the only book I will ever need". And this is, not everything I was told it was. Very handy, very informative, but not quintessentially necessary, or "the only book you'll ever need about ball pythons."

I do hope they'll come out with "The more complete ball python" as they did for chondros. I'll certainly buy it, and perhaps it will fill the gaps of this one. One can only hope. :)

So, overall, I could take or leave this book. Not happy having spent $50 on it, though. Should have waited until the price went down on it. ~.~

If you own or are considering buying a Ball Python then this is the book to buy. Yes, It's a bit expensive, but worth every penny. The photographs alone are worth it. Kevin McCurley almost singlehandedly started the intense breeding of different morphs of Balls. You will not be disappointed with this book.

Considering a ball python? Already have one? Don't waste your time buying all those other 40 page throw away books, you can get all the info from those books straight off the web. This book is a text book. It's huge, it's got tons of pics, and it is well worth every cent. Everything you need to know is here. Buy it now. Do a little hunting around and you can also get an autographed version.

this book is probably the best investment i have put into my snake hobby by far. It is more informative than the vets around my location and it contains beautiful full color pictures of every thing from enclosures to breeding and on to the many genetic morphs of the ball python its easy to read and contains the info for the entire aspect of owning and caring for ball pythons in my opinion and i hope other buyers will think so also.

I had purchased several smaller paperback books on ball pythons and found them to not contain very much in the way of helpful information.This book covers all that you need to know to own,raise,breed,and provide proper care for ball pythons.

well i'm a dragonball veteran and i've pretty much read the whole series, and i know all about dragonball z, i'll say that any dragonball comic is good. it does not matter which one it is. they are all just great. i gave it 5 stars because it just downright hilarious, and it has an awesome storyline. there is a lot of action and funny parts, i would not recommend this book, or volume one and three, because goku is still pretty stupid and does not know that much, and he does not get embarrassed. so you will probobly see a little bit of frontal a rear nudity, of course akira toriyama did not put much detail in. (of course), except for maybe the part with Bulma, but you'll get to that. Anyway, i'm tellin ya, if you gonna get these books, start out with the first one and work you're way up from there, you'll definitly want to keep reading these, because they are funny and are just plain great.

Ya it's the best in the WOULD no da!!!!!! this ones realy good it remond me of the T.V seris. You no what to exspet if you read the first one. I CAN'T WHAT TO READ THE 3 ONE!!!!!!

i also recomend Zatch Bell for Teens and Full Metal Panic OVERLOAD!!!!! check them out

In the secound volume of dragon ball Goku and his friends vist the ox kings home and tell him about the dragon balls. Luckly ox king has one but he will only give it to Goku if he can find his missing dughter for him. Goku sets out to find ox kings missing dughter Chi-chi but also needs to get Kame-shni(Trutle Hurmit) to help put out the fire on fry pan mountain. After Goku learns the Ka-Me-Ha-Me-Ha he Bulma and Oloung set out to find the last ball but peliaf captures them in his castle leaving them to die. Then when Goku looks at the full moon he could be just what they need to save the day. The only reason I gave this 3 stars is beacuse the volume get boring at times and isn't really good. Agian I don't recoumend this for childern this volume has alcohol nudity and some rude humor. Anyway after buying it you may only read a few times.

This is the second volume in the 42 set of Dragonball. Vol 2 continues where volume one left off, with Goku trying to get the magic fan. Included in here are Chapters 12 - 24. 181 pages of Dragonball Manga. In this volume, Bulma and Goku go about getting the last 2 dragon balls. Only, Gasp, they run into trouble. The bunny mafia and emperor pilaf both make their grand entrance here. This completes the emperor Pilaf story arc, and brings us into the training arc. The last chapter is, infact, the first chapter of the training arc, where goku is challenged to find a girl that will impress that lecherous old Turtle Hermit, to get him to train him. Kuririn is hinted at in the next title, so he makes his grand appearence then.

Db is a series for those who like lots of off color humor coupled with some action here and there. There is some pretty objectionable stuff - ball jokes, and Turtle Hermit is at his most perverted, most of the same from Vol 1. As far as nudity goes, you get a shot of Goku's rear end, and a shot of the front, but that really doesn't count since Toriyama didn't exactly detail that particular area (Can you blame the man?). Non of Bulma atleast.

As you flip through the volume, you can start to see Toriyama's art style change in some panels to the harder style of DBZ, then revert back to his bubbly, silly drawing style favored in the dragonball series. Personally, I prefer the latter, but it is interesting nontheless to see little spots of his Z-art style emerge in some of the more action oriented panels.

Overall, this is a recommended read, if you liked the first volume. Personally, I've never been one for the emperor pilaf arc, I like the tournament and training arcs myself. The next book in the series is recommended also.

Now,anyone who buys this NEEDS a strong sense of humor(and some white-out for kids like me).This comic IS rated Teen but I figured'heck,I'll just white-out the bad parts'.When I did,there was a fair amount to white-out(I even taped some pages together).By now you're probably wondering why I rated it for 5 stars,right?WELL IT'S WORTH IT!!!!!!!After my cover-up efforts,I discovered it was HILARIOUS!!!!I hope this was helpful!=)

well i'm a dragonball veteran and i've pretty much read the whole series, and i know all about dragonball z, i'll say that any dragonball comic is good. it does not matter which one it is. they are all just great. i gave it 5 stars because it just downright hilarious, and it has an awesome storyline. there is a lot of action and funny parts, i would not recommend this book, or volume one and three, because goku is still pretty stupid and does not know that much, and he does not get embarrassed. so you will probobly see a little bit of frontal a rear nudity, of course akira toriyama did not put much detail in. (of course), except for maybe the part with Bulma, but you'll get to that. Anyway, i'm tellin ya, if you gonna get these books, start out with the first one and work you're way up from there, you'll definitly want to keep reading these, because they are funny and are just plain great.

Ya it's the best in the WOULD no da!!!!!! this ones realy good it remond me of the T.V seris. You no what to exspet if you read the first one. I CAN'T WHAT TO READ THE 3 ONE!!!!!!

i also recomend Zatch Bell for Teens and Full Metal Panic OVERLOAD!!!!! check them out

In the secound volume of dragon ball Goku and his friends vist the ox kings home and tell him about the dragon balls. Luckly ox king has one but he will only give it to Goku if he can find his missing dughter for him. Goku sets out to find ox kings missing dughter Chi-chi but also needs to get Kame-shni(Trutle Hurmit) to help put out the fire on fry pan mountain. After Goku learns the Ka-Me-Ha-Me-Ha he Bulma and Oloung set out to find the last ball but peliaf captures them in his castle leaving them to die. Then when Goku looks at the full moon he could be just what they need to save the day. The only reason I gave this 3 stars is beacuse the volume get boring at times and isn't really good. Agian I don't recoumend this for childern this volume has alcohol nudity and some rude humor. Anyway after buying it you may only read a few times.

This is the second volume in the 42 set of Dragonball. Vol 2 continues where volume one left off, with Goku trying to get the magic fan. Included in here are Chapters 12 - 24. 181 pages of Dragonball Manga. In this volume, Bulma and Goku go about getting the last 2 dragon balls. Only, Gasp, they run into trouble. The bunny mafia and emperor pilaf both make their grand entrance here. This completes the emperor Pilaf story arc, and brings us into the training arc. The last chapter is, infact, the first chapter of the training arc, where goku is challenged to find a girl that will impress that lecherous old Turtle Hermit, to get him to train him. Kuririn is hinted at in the next title, so he makes his grand appearence then.

Db is a series for those who like lots of off color humor coupled with some action here and there. There is some pretty objectionable stuff - ball jokes, and Turtle Hermit is at his most perverted, most of the same from Vol 1. As far as nudity goes, you get a shot of Goku's rear end, and a shot of the front, but that really doesn't count since Toriyama didn't exactly detail that particular area (Can you blame the man?). Non of Bulma atleast.

As you flip through the volume, you can start to see Toriyama's art style change in some panels to the harder style of DBZ, then revert back to his bubbly, silly drawing style favored in the dragonball series. Personally, I prefer the latter, but it is interesting nontheless to see little spots of his Z-art style emerge in some of the more action oriented panels.

Overall, this is a recommended read, if you liked the first volume. Personally, I've never been one for the emperor pilaf arc, I like the tournament and training arcs myself. The next book in the series is recommended also.

Now,anyone who buys this NEEDS a strong sense of humor(and some white-out for kids like me).This comic IS rated Teen but I figured'heck,I'll just white-out the bad parts'.When I did,there was a fair amount to white-out(I even taped some pages together).By now you're probably wondering why I rated it for 5 stars,right?WELL IT'S WORTH IT!!!!!!!After my cover-up efforts,I discovered it was HILARIOUS!!!!I hope this was helpful!=)

This is a very entertaining book.
I have never read a book quite like this one. Some of the stories made me think that I needed to take a closer look at what goes on in the world. I particularly enjoyed Mr. Ball's Thanksgiving story, as well as his story about growing up on the farm.
The author's take on television commercials has caused me watch the ads closer than I watch the programs. Some of his stories are the funniest writings that I have read lately.
This book covers all aspects of human emotions. I sincerely hope that he has another book in the works. A most refresing read.

This book is an easy read. The author's stories range from serious to funny to causing you to sit down and think about the things that happen around you.
His thoughts on the English language are immensely thought provoking and humorous. On the other hand, his musings about the salaries of baseball players makes you wish you could get a job like that.
This book should be read by students as well as adults, as the author's thoughts on students and their trials and tribulations is very insightful.
I especially like the fact that Hanging onto the Cow's Foot is so interesting without the use of any racy or vulgar. Good job Mr. Ball.

This book caused me to remember my own days as a young man living in the rural area of Tennessee.
While I did not live on a dairy farm, we did have a couple of cows that provided us with milk for family use.
Mr. Ball's story of the "Corncrib Stomp" had me rolling in the floor with laughter. The author's stories are down to earth and should be read by everyone. I highly recommend this book to everyone, both young and not so young.

Very entertaining book
I have never read a book quite like this one. Some of the stories made me think that I needed to take a
closer look at what goes on in the world. I particularly enjoyed Mr. Ball's Thanksgiving story, as well as
his story about growing up on the farm. The author's take on television commercials has caused me
watch the ads closer than I watch the programs. Some of his stories are the funniest writings that I have
read lately. This book covers all aspects of human emotions. I sincerely hope that he has another book
in the works. A most refresing read.

This book is an easy read. The author's stories range from serious to funny to causing you to sit down and think about the things that happen around you.
His thoughts on the English language are immensely thought provoking and humorous. On the other hand, his musings about the salaries of baseball players makes you wish you could get a job like that.
This book should be read by students as well as adults, as the author's thoughts on students and their trials and tribulations is very insightful.
I especially like the fact that Hanging onto the Cow's Foot is so interesting without the use of any racy or vulgar. Good job Mr. Ball.

My munchkin LOVES the main character in this book. We started by reading Duck In Truck. Every night it was "Duckntuk Mama!". After I read "Duck In Truck" her only response was "Again! Moor Duckntuk Mama!". Like most parents you can only read a book so many times. We enjoy "Hit The Ball Duck" but it isn't as popular as "Duck In Truck" in our house. I still advise buying this book.

This is another installment in the duck seriers, but it's not as cute as some of the other duck ones. My kids still love it, but I think it lacks just a little something as a parent. Still worth it.

My son loves this book... as do I :) It offers nice illustrations and simple dialogue for the kids to follow. Lots of different animals and good story flow make it a great bedtime story.

And the ending is GREAT... !!

A duck and his animal friends have a friendly game of baseball, but the game quickly gets sidetracked when duck hits the ball into a tree and the friends need to work out how to get it down again.
The story is written in verse and has some lovely illustrations also.

My son has a new obsession-balls. He loves his t-ball set. He nadders "ball, ball, ball, ball..." whenever he spies a baseball game or any other game involving a ball. So, I searched the bookstore for a book about balls that I liked, because I knew I would have to read it over and over again! This book has done the trick for us.

It appeals to all ages. It has the animals and the sound effects (swoosh, crack, bump etc.) that toddlers love. It is comical to my daughters, as the bossy duck is cute in his ideas for retreiving the ball, and ultimately is shut down with a YOU'RE OUT! It also teaches them the value of every team member. It appeals to me, because I get a chuckle out of an A type personality exhibited in a duck and the other group dynamics which we see in play groups everywhere! The little frog is run over in the beginning because of his size, but he plays 2 very important roles later on in the book.

The illustrations aren't prize winning but certainly aren't drab brown and/or black and white. They are simply fine. I consider them cheery.

All in all, I give it 5 stars because my different aged children all love it! I give them choices, and it is one of their "go to" books. So far, I haven't gotten bored reading it to them, so that counts for something too!

P.S. Using different animal sounding voices has really been entertaining as well!

Dale C. Miles, San Carlos tribal historian

As an Apache I would like to say that I read the review about James Kaywaykla's SELECTIVE ASPECTS on Apache history and culture and was more amused than anything else. Since I've had to deal with non-tribal people for most of my life (I was born on the San Carlos tribal area and have lived in Arizona all my life)I have found that correcting white folks' misconceptions about us Apaches has been nearly a full time job (Example: Do you people pay taxes? I just say: "I wish I didn't have to.") still as an historin I have to be objective and I realize that Apaches in war could be pretty rough. Still, knowing that I still have to deal with prejuidice in nearby towns tells that in the ole' West things were even worse. The point is this, Eve Ball wrote reason for writing the is fine book on Victorio's people was for non-tribal people to see the Apaches as human beings and in this she succeeded very well. An objective reader will see Kaywaykla and his people as such. For instance, you will find that many did not want to live a life of constant warfare and refused to go out with Geronimo in the spring of 1885--they were sent to prison in Florida anyway just because they were Chiricahua and the army couldn't catch the hostile ones. Also in the passage where where his beloved step father is sent to prison one can see the pain, hurt and loss that a child can feel at such an incident. The book shows how important family was (and still is) to the Apaches. In this book Juh (pronounced Whoa), Loco and Geronimo come alive and we see the lengendary Apache woman warrior lozen, is profiled as well. I give this book five stars because as an Apache I understand where the narrantor is coming from; any open minded person would as well. I don't buy the noble red man myth either. We Apaches were people like any one else and "In the Days of Victorio" reveals this and that is the essence and value of this fine narrative. The book was never meant to be structured, formal history but a telling of history from the Apache point of view. Kawaykla also reveals how he witnessed captives dying violent deaths and its affect on him. As for Cremony, I know his book and enjoyed it very much but his view of Apaches is very biased but still he relates some various truths in it. Also, many historians (including Ed Sweeny who I know)have stated that Cremony had a tendency to draw the 'long bow' a bit in his book. Still, I believe that nearly all books from persons who were observers of that time have some value and historians and discerning people need to know how to combine all sources to get a clear view of the Southwest's history.Even General George Crook (who fought and respected Apaches) once wrote that Apaches were painted in darker colors than they were due to misunderstanding and exaggeration. I do hope that the reviewer will read my upcoming book on Apaches and not think that I'm not too SELECTIVE; after all, as an historian I have to be both objective and truthful. So I can highly recommend both Dan Thrapp's book on Victorio and this one by Eve Ball for all readers who want to understand and know the history of the eastern Chiricahua Apaches and their struggle to maintain there life way. Thank you. Dale C. Miles
First historian of the San Carlos Apache Tribe

This book is both good and bad. In some instances its quite good, but in others it is exceptionally bad and here's why. The narrative by the Apache, James Kaywaykla as given to Eve Ball, contains what must be considered as truthful facts concerning locations of camps, social customs, and SELECTIVE ASPECTS of the life the Apaches led while at war. I say "SELECTIVE ASPECTS" because the Apache narrator conveniently omits all details which would place his tribesmen in a negative light in the mind of non-Apache the reader. By this I mean details concerning how the Apaches delighted in torturing captives and how the Apaches would deliberately raid small settlements, mines, travel routes, etc. even while being offered support in terms of food, clothing, and shelter by the United States government, and much much more. This is a highly biased book in this respect. The Indians are portrayed here as simply people who had the misfortune of being besieged by larger, more technologically-advanced forces and Victorio is made into something of a tragic and heroic figure of frontier history.

Yes it is certainly true that you can get good amount of detail connected to tribal ranges, camping spots, war trails, and how many Indians chose to follow any particular leader at any given time during Kaywaykla's early life, but that's all you're going to get. You won't get any detail whatsoever about the relentless, murderous conflict that Apache had with the Comanche. You won't get any detail as to why the Apache were highly aggressive toward ALL other peoples - Whites, Indians, Mestizos, and how this aggression was literally "built-in" to their culture of "perpetual war for perpetual plunder". You won't get any detail concerning the way the Apache butchered, tortured, mutilated, and slaughtered their captives, or how they kept their captives alive in a condition of the most abject misery until these captives were exchanged for Apaches being held by the US Army. You won't get any detail regarding the FACT that toward the end of his career as a leader, Victorio was considered as a mad man by a good many of his own tribesmen, who then left him...thereby shrinking his fighting force and in so doing, making him and his remaining followers easy prey for the Mexican Armed forces which finally exterminated them. No, all this was just not mentioned by Kaywaykla and Ball, and this is precisely what is wrong with this type of book. Without ALL the facts, the reader is left with what can only be described as a sort of fragmented "Sob Story" offered by a member of a defeated fighting force - a story entirely biased and therefore inaccruate in the extreme.

By the way, I see there is a review here offered by an Apache woman who mentions this book is worth reading in order to see "what the Apache had to endure". Well, fair is fair. If this book shows "what the Apache had to endure", it should also explain ALL facts and provide all the details about WHY they had to endure it! Equally, a book like this should thoroughly explain ALL facts and details concerning what other people had to endure at the hands of the Apache and WHY the Apache made them endure it. But, of course, this book does not do that. Instead you get a simplistic and slanted piece of information which tells you that the Apache had their habitat and hunting areas invaded, and because of this the Apache went to war in an attempt to drive the intruders out, which is entirely FALSE in respect to the greater picture of Apache history and the region as a whole.

The historic facts surrounding the White/Apache struggles mentioned in this book were rooted in a point in time BEFORE Whites from eastern American States began moving westward. This was a time when the majority of Apache tribes existed on the plains of what is now eastern New Mexico and most of Texas - almost as far north as what is now Oklahoma. It was a time when those very large Apache tribal groups preyed upon the more peaceful Indians of the region and upon the Spanish who were trying to establish settlements amd missions. Those large and numerous Apache tribal units were also making sport of the Mexican mestizo peons who worked for the Spanish. However, the Comanche eventually appeared after being driven south by the Blackfoot and Crow of what is now Montana, and these fierce Comanche groups literally destroyed the Apaches while driving them from the southern plains and into the mountains of northern Mexico and what is now western New Mexico and eastern Arizona. When settled in their new habitat, the Apache were far less in number than they had previously been while living on the southern plains thanks to being slaughtered by the Comanches, but this reduction in their numbers had no impact on their aggressiveness, and the Apache immediately began raiding Spanish settlements, Mestizo villages, and peaceful Indians, like the Zuni and others. Their predatory outrages against the little towns and missions got so bad that the Spanish authorities actually hired many Comanche tribes to enter Mexico and exterminate the Apaches (6 pesos were offered by the Spanish for an Apache scalp and this brought the Comanches a total of over 18,000 pesos in just one year of war on the Apaches in one province of Northern Mexico). Naturally, the Apache tribal populations dwindled even more in numbers, but they nevertheless kept up their "war for plunder and profit" culture regardless, and they also took up guerilla tactics in their warfare since their tribes no longer had sufficient amounts of warriors to offer head-on battle with opposing forces. It was during their "guerilla phase" that the northern-most goups of Apaches began encountering the Anglo-Euro settlers and the US Army.

These are the kinds of details on the history and background of the Apaches and their life habits which Kaywaykla simply does not bother to mention and he, being an Apache, would know about such details and all aspects connected to them better than anyone! That's why I say this book certainly does NOT offer anywhere near a complete view of the Apache and their existance - it does not even offer a complete view of Victorio and his particular band (a splinter group of what was once a large and numerous tribe) and what brought this tribal fragment to their eventual end.

But this book does contain enough material that would easily be considered as POLITICALLY CORRECT in today's nutty view of frontier history, so that's probably why people who are "Dances With Wolves" enthusiasts like it so much. It endulges their beloved ideal of the North American Indian as being a victimized, almost helpless soul who "endured" and suffered at the hands of unreasonable foreign invaders - an ideal which merely happens to be the exact opposite of the truth.

For much better information on these particular Indians, read LIFE AMONG THE APACHES, by John Cremony. Its available right here at amazon.com and it is a first-hand, eye-witness narrative from someone who was present during the conflict between the sparse volunteer forces (the famed California Volunteers) and the Apaches under Mangas Coloradas, Cochise, and others (Victorio was not yet a recognized leader at this point in Apache history and only became one upon the deaths of Mangas Coloradas and other notables). Cremony was THERE and dealing with the Apache before Kaywaykla was even born, and Cremony certainly does not leave out details like Kaywakla has a habit of doing.

Also, as an excellent antidote to the rampant and insane Political Correctness spread by such atrocities as the motion picture "Dances With Wolves" and Dee Brown's book, "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee", I recommend that you read THREE YEARS AMONG THE COMANCHES ( a first-hand narrative by a White Texas Ranger who was held captive and see what he HAD TO ENDURE!) and also read SCALP DANCE, which is the best book available on Indian warfare on the high plains. All three of these books are far superior to this one and available right here at amazon.com.

As an apache woman, this is one book I would highly recommend. Not only does it tell of what The Warm Springs Apache had to endure, but of what they felt and of the internal conflicts amonst the apache people. In this book not only do they focus on Chief Victorio but all that surrounded him.
I recommend all to read this book and see what it was like from the Apache point of veiw.

This book is as good a read as any JFK biography that OMITS his multiple infidelities, and other 'bad' behavior. As the title states..."Recollections of a Warm Springs Apache" It is not assumed to be an 'unbiased' biography, therefore if we read this it is because we want to know what Kaywaykla has to say not someone named Cremony. This section is for a general review, not for writing our own novels....short and sweet!

Anyone interested in the Apache and the history of the American Southwest needs to read this book. You will likely consider the events and participants of this controversial period of history in a new light when you hear the "other side of the story" from one who was there. I wouldn't be surprised if you measure all other accounts of the "Apache Wars" period against Mr. Kaywaykla's testimony.

This book is very informative and looks at women's health from a female point of view. Situations common to women's lives are taken into account and their impact on women's health is examined. Very interesting, you'll find things you have not considered before.

Good approach to the all-encompassing mind, body and and spirit of women, but needs to go further to be a prope textbook. Consider Gangi's view of holistic health and incorporate it with this one.

This book really opens up one's self-awareness. It is a way of life to be taught and learned. I swear and live by this book when it comes to my health and wellness. Highly recommended for any motovated woman.

I have arthirtis of the spine (ankylosing sponditis) and been told by doctors that there is no cure just PT. Dr Murray gives you an explanation of what went wrong, (while my disease is genetic why doesn't everyone with the gene get it?), nutritional vitamins and finally a diet to help and somewhat reverse the tide. Has it helped? In the two weeks I bought this book it has; my pain is less, much less, and while I am not totally faithful I am beginning to become a devout convert. If you have arthrits, ulcerative colitis (ra and uc are genetically related) or uncontrolled allergies, this man knows how to handle them. I've searched everywhere and he has the answer. Get this and the Balch Natural Remedies book and mate, you'll be right :-)

I am 40 and suffer from ankylosing sponditis (a form of rheumatoid arthritis) and before I found Dr Murray my back pain was intolerable to the degree I seriously wondered if I would ever have a pain free life again. Dark thoughts entered my head and I grew despondent. Then I found this book in a local bookstore and said, Why not, what do I have to lose? Well pain was the biggest thing :-). I read the book and have in the past 3 months followed somewhat faithfully. It is high on vitamins/minerals and that's where the cost comes in BUT when you figure what pain killers promise and what they deliver it's worth it. I am virtually pain free 75% of the time, sure I have relapses but I have hope and I believe I will be happy and painfree again much less deformed. I love this man and I love this book; what he has done for me goes beyond words. He is answer to a prayer and I thank him for that. He covers all types of arthritis from osteo to ra to as. He has alot of practical suggestions and most importantly it works.

It's hard to write a comment without giving the story away, but the poetic flow to the story is enchanting. A good read. I would reccommend it to anyone who likes to curl up in front of the fireplace with a glass of wine...

This book was nominated for the Noble (Not Nobel) Prize I give each January. I was reluctant to pass on it because it is such a delightful and poetic portrait of one June, the book's protagonist. All contests put forth parameters for the judging and this book, didn't quite fit within those guidelines. Still, it is a deserving book, one I hope many--especially young women--will explore.
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Carolyn Howard-Johnson, award-winning author of "This Is the Place," "Harkening," and "Tracings"

The power of this book surprised and delighted me. Each character's life in some way, is intricately intertwined with other lives in "June of the Corn Huskers Ball". While June learns about life and it's complexities, she also learns about whispered family scandals and carefully hidden secrets. As June delves deeper into the past to get to the truth hiding behind family conversations she finds more than she ever expected to find. Sometimes it is more than she wanted to know. But June has her own secret that she must acknowledge and embrace.

"June of the Corn Huskers Ball" has a full range of characters that make you laugh and cry. Some are in denial, most of full of hope and all are passionate. There are countless visible and invisible boundaries that some will cross all for the sake of love.

Vannie(~.~)
Vannie Ryanes
Editor, Work & Family at BellaOnline

Mysteries surrounding her parents are revealed, and June learns to deal with something her heart has always understood. She finds a common ground for everyone around her: an undying love between two people can be the best medicine for everyone.

When this family's past joins its future, you get a story unlikely to be forgotten anytime soon. I truly enjoyed Ms. Mitchell's ability to bring the secondary characters to the forefront. Not only do you get a thoroughly engaging and captivating story, but you also get to see relationships find a middle ground on which to flourish. No reviewer can ever do justice to this story without giving the plot away. So I will leave you with this: June of the Corn Huskers Ball, is a definite hit with me and one I will recommend to friends and family.

Reviewed By Tammy Adams
© October 2005

I enjoyed this book so much!!! A historical saga about Southern life at several strata of society, it was fast-paced with rich, complex characterizations. Moving from genteel Virginia, to Deep South Georgia, from the "Lily White" to "Bougie Black," "June of the Corn Huskers Ball" showed how Southerners lives run parallel to run another; and what happens when they intertwine! It's a TRUE Southern novel. And it's got a WWII murder mystery! Good stuff!! I can't wait for the next B.K. Mitchell release!