Outdoors Books

I hike the Hacklebarney trails almost daily and was interested to read Petty's description of this most beautiful place. He captures the hike succinctly and accurately. I brought this book home from the library and after reading a few of the hike descriptions I decided I must have this book.

This would make a great welcome gift to new neighbors in the Highlands area.

So much more than a typical Point "A" to "B" hiking guide,George is an astute observer of all things around him as he traverses the wonderful trails of the Highlands. He is not only an expert on the local botany, he discourses on the fauna as well, while commenting on the surrounding topography and geology. If you are a beginning or a seasoned hiker in North New Jersey, I urge to purchase this book.....you're gonna love it.

This is a very useful guide to the trails of the NJ Highlands. New and old trails are well-covered, including the Highlands Trail, and there are very informative sections on the region's geology, plants, and animals.

Highly recommended for coaches and players at all levels. A truly outstanding book.

Hit Like a Big Leaguer gives great, in-depth instruction on both the physical and mental aspects of hitting. From the head to the feet and everything in between Jack walks you through the proper techniques of an effective Major League swing. Organized and easy to follow I highly recommend it for every coach at all levels.

This book was a very easy read and more importantly it helped me coach my nephew. I wish this book was out when I played baseball. It provides a bunch of tips for hitting; everything from body position (feet, eyes, legs, hands, and shoulders) to the mental approach.

I purchased the magizine accadently thinking it was a fantasy hockey magizine but i was blown away by the magizine. it had so much information on the avalanche (my favorite team) and all the other teams, great stories and other stuff. the pictures ar 10+ quality. If hockey news had a dayly subscription for $10000 a year.. i'd definately buy it

I first looked @ this magazine and thought it was just going to be a boring magazine with nothing interesting to read. Boy was I wrong. It is full of stats and pictures. So for this i give the hockey news 5 stars

I get this yearbook every year, and buy the magazine whenever possible.
Quite simply The Hockey News is the most comprehensive, analytical periodical/publication concerning hockey.
It keeps readers informed of late season trades and free agent signings, gives detailed team reports, including providing depth charts. If you are a closet statiscian this magazine is also for you with last season's stats and projected stats.
Overall a must read(subscription) for inquisitive hockey fans of all ages.

We bought Hockey the NHL Way because my son plays inline /roller hockey which is similar to ice hockey except it is done on skates. This is an excellent book that simply and succinctly lays out the basics of playing hockey. There are conditioning drills, individual skill drills, how to play as part of a team whether it be on defense or offense, and gives strategies on how to apply these skills as a part of a team. Both beginner and experienced hockey players can benefit from Hockey the NHL Way as it is a good refresher plus builds upon individual skills a player might have already developed. It is a quick read and does not get too technical. Both ice and roller hockey players will improve their game by reading this book.

VERY HELPFULL IN COACHING YOUNG KIDS JUST STARTING TO PLAY THE GAME OF HOCKEY. TIPS AND PICTURS OF ACTUAL DRILLS IS GREAT.

Makes you a better skater, shooter, goaltender, anything you can think of in hockey, it makes you better.

Home by the River by Archibald Rutledge provides on with such a down to earth experience, that Hampton Plantation seems to come to life. The author describes his days growing up on the plantation, his leaving, and his returning home to restore the house and grounds. He finds some unique treasures, such as a letter written to his great-great-grandmother from George Washington, a secret passageway inside the house, and a cache of twenty-eight Delft tiles dating from medieval times.Also described in the book are the close relationships with the resident Negroes who helped him restore portions of the house and grounds. One acquires a deep affection for the author and his "home" by the river upon reading this book. My copy of the book is signed by the author and a descendant of one of the plantation's slaves, Will Alston

"Home by the River" refers to Archibald Rutledge's home on Hampton Plantation near the Santee River near the coast of South Carolina. The river here is the Santee. (When Mr. Rutledge was young the Santee was a greater river than today, because in the 1930's much of it's flow was diverted to the Cooper River and Charleston when dams were built upstream in Berkley County.)

Hampton is no longer a plantation-the Civil War put and end to that-but when Archibald lived there it still had all the requisite amenities: a Greco-style mansion with porticos and widows walk, rice fields with floodgates and dikes, and acres of pines and hardwoods forest. Some of the blacks who lived on or near Hampton and who worked there had been Hampton slaves in their youth.

Hamton Plantation fell into disrepair during the 30 plus years that Archibald Rutledge lived in Pennsylvania where he worked as a school teacher. Much of this book describes his efforts to restore Hampton to its former splendor.

One can imagine Hampton in it's heyday when the mover and shakers of Colonial and ante-bellum society frequented the plantation. Great piles of ham, turkey, and duck greeted George Washington, the Marquis de Lafeyette, and other visitors. It seems General George Washington and his French military peer stayed in every notable house along the Carolina coast. There are signs all over reading "George Washington" slept here. I read about a Lafayette visit in a history of Edisto Island. South Carolinians are guilty of ostentatious name dropping when it comes to the father of our country. It is a point of which we are obviously proud.

Archibald Rutledge didn't have a lot of money to rebuild Hampton. (I wonder how he paid the taxes on several thousand acres of land on a teacher's pension and meager book royalties. The tax bill handed over to his heirs must be one reason the land now belongs to the state.) Yet archibald restored each dusty room of Hampton with the help of local carpenters and back-breaking work. We see the old history of the mansion revealed to us layer by layer as he peels away plaster and paint.

I found most enjoyable the sections of the book on hunting and gardening. Archibald Rutledge was a writer and poet whose hunting stories were printed in Field and Stream magazine. He also wrote for Harpers and the Saturday Evening Post. That hunting remains popular while poetry does not must account for the longevity of his printed material. Had he only written poetry his work might have fallen into obscurity-this is not to say it is not good. Rather, people simply don't revere poets like the used to. (Quick: name two poems by Robert Frost. How about Wallace Stevens?)

I read carefully as Archibald Rutledge describes how he carefully transplanted live oak trees, myrtle bushes, and planted azaleas and camellias around Hampton. He describes the tricks he discovered for making these plants thrive and survive relocation. Botanists take note. Live oaks adorned with Spanish Moss, myrtle bushes, azaleas, and camellias are the foliage that defined the Carolina coast. Their great beauty was much appreciated at Hampton.

Of course hunting was Archibald Rutledge's passion and this is where the sports enthusiast will enjoy "Home by the River" most. I read with envy his description of great clouds of ducks as they flew up out of his rice fields. (These great clouds are still there albeit diminished by market hunting which has since been outlawed and wetlands destruction which has been outlawed as well. Most of the ducks still on the Santee River flock to the government-owned Santee Gun club where they are relatively safe from the average hunter who is without political connections. There is much to be said about this government hoarding of ducks I believe.)

Archibald Rutledge hunted turkeys in the fall. Now we hunt turkeys in the spring because that is when the old toms gobble seeking to mate. Such relatively easy prey seemed unsporting in Archibald's day. Then you could only hunt them in the fall. Archibald would sleep in the swamp and crawl on his belly just to get close to one. For the whitetail deer hunter there is plenty of narrative on that sport too. Mr. Rutledge not only hunted deer he observed them as a naturalist to learn their habits. He would sit in a tree all night long to watch when they came out to feed.

It is too bad that Rutledge's book "God's Children" is out-of-print and not listed in the Amazon.com index. No doubt it has been purged from certain card catalogues because the modern reader might find it racist. In it Archibald Rutledge paints portraits of the blacks who worked at Hampton. He talks of one man's great skill with an ax. Of another he marvels at the grace with which he flings a castnet to catch fish. Of others he talks about their propensity to drink, sleep to excess, beat their wives, or fornicate. His greatest reverence is reserved for Old Tom, the man with whom Mr. Rutledge spent countless hours hunting deer, duck, and turkey. (There is a book on Old Tom listed in the amazon.com index.) Some might be aghast at his glowing admiration for the supposedly simple tasks of cutting wood, netting fish, or calling turkey--maybe that is all these simple people can do? That benevolent, paternal manner harkens back to the plantation days when the negroes look admirably on their masters with upturned eyes and cherub faces. But I find "God's Children" a heartfelt memoir and a glowing testimonial to people who Mr. Rutledge considered true friends and skilled workers. And anyone who has fell a tree, tossed a cast net, or hunted turkey will tell you that it is not simple.

In the amazon.com index I also don't see "Old Flintlock" the biography of Archibald Rutledge written by his son.

An intetresting story of the South Carolina Lowcountry, it's history and wildlife. Anyone who enjoys the outdoors, history, or wants to know more about South Carolina should read this book. It is an excellent book by the famed poet laureate of South Carolina, Archibald Rutledge.

Anyone with an interest in horseracing will enjoy Glenye Cain's behind-the-scenes look at the thoroughbred industry; and newcomers to the sport will find plenty to entertain them in these pages too. Cain has an eye for the details that make vivid this self-contained and expensive world: the quirks of the owners, breeders, trainers and horses. She conveys the atmosphere of the sales ring as wealthy owners do battle, of a stud farm late at night as a mare gives birth, of Churchill Downs racecourse as trainers prepare their expensive and fragile charges for the Kentucky Derby. In love with the industry, she does not neglect its darker side. After reading The Home Run Horse, you'll watch horseracing with new insight and enthusiasm.

A most interesting and arresting view of the Thoroughbred Horse Industry. Equally facinating to novice and experienced horsemen(women)alike. Horse racing at it's highest and lowest.

The author, Glenye Cain, has been covering Barbaro for The Daily Racing Form. She sent me her book after I had had a few conversations with her about Barbaro, a horse she adopted (indirectly) off the racetrack that had at one time been trained by Graham Motion, and horse related issues such as horse-slaughter. As someone closely involved in racing I enjoyed the book as it shed light on aspects of our industry in which I was less familiar (breeding / auctions etc). I do think, however, the book best serves those first learning about the thoroughbred industry and wanting to get a solid base of knowledge from which to then build. It is excellent.

This is a great book! The author is apparently an extremely knowledgable indoor gardener and she shares this information in an easy to read enjoyable book. All aspects of indoor gardening are covered from decorating with plants, care and requirements, planting and placement. Included in the book is an encyclopedia of common houseplants with plant requirements and pictures to help you identify all those plants you never knew the names of!! If you have houseplants this book is a MUST.

This book is GREAT!!!! Growing up my mother always had silk plants that were unattractive. Come to find out later in my life she had tried living houseplants but somehow killed them once they are in her home. If she had this book she would have not had that problem!

When I had a home of my own I vowed that I would not succumb to her tactics with plants. I love the look and ambiance of living plants and was determined to have many of my own. Over the years I have become a more avid gardener and have always loved indoor houseplants. Although I have become a better indoor gardener it seemed that I still had my mother's knack of being able to swiftly kill some plants until I came across the Black and Decker series book, "Houseplants & Indoor Gardening". This book gives you so much information for decorating your home with houseplants it is unbelievable. After reading this book I quickly was able to identify some quick targets of my plants demise. One was as simple as the selection of plants when buying them in the nursery. It is a great reference tool that I use almost daily. I really love the encyclopedia of Common Houseplants which breaks all the specifications and growing conditions needed for certain plants. Overall I have found this book to be invaluable. A must have if you want you indoor garden to flourish!!!!!!

This book is GREAT!!!! Growing up my mother always had silk plants about the house that were not attractive. Come to find out later in my life she had tried living houseplants but somehow killed them once they were in her home. If she had this book she would have not had that problem!

When I had a home of my own I vowed that I would not succumb to her tactics with plants. I love the look and ambiance of living plants and was determined to have many of my own. Over the years I have become a more avid gardener and have always loved indoor houseplants. Although I have become a better indoor gardener it seemed that I still had my mother's knack of being able to swiftly kill some plants until I came across the Black and Decker series book, "Houseplants & Indoor Gardening". This book gives you so much information for decorating your home with houseplants it is unbelievable. After reading this book I quickly was able to identify some quick targets of my plants demise. One was as simple as the selection of plants when buying them in the nursery. It is a great reference tool that I use almost daily. I really love the encyclopedia of Common Houseplants which breaks all the specifications and growing conditions needed for certain plants. Overall I have found this book to be invaluable. A must have if you want you indoor garden to flourish!!!!!!

Don't let the title mislead you. Every boy who wants to play college ball should read this book. While much of it seems funadmental attitude discussion to us adults, it is positive reenforcement to the young ones. And, it answers some tough questions, like when you should or should not play hurt or sick.

Written by Reds Senior Scouting Director Goldis and by baseball writer, commentator and coach Wolff (both former pro ballplayers), this book demystifies the process of getting that pro contract. It offers hope to those who were overlooked in the free agent draft, explains the scouting system and how scouts evaluate talent--including the specific skills needed to reach the major leagues. There are chapters on marketing yourself, frequently asked questions, and a full treatment of the workings of tryout camps. Great stuff!

This book is for the player who wants to know what pro scouts are looking for in baseball players. What is a scout looking for in a pitcher or outfielder? This book gives you the rundown on each position, as well as give the novice fan an idea of what it takes to become a major league scout. If this sparks your interest, then pick up this book.

NOTE: This review, along with the other reviews of the books devoted to the various ITF (International Tae Kwon Do Federation) hyungs, forms, or katas in this series, is identical in nature, as the subject matter for each book only differs in the actual hyungs or forms being demonstrated. The layout and format are identical and that is what these reviews are based upon.

This book, along with the rest of the books in the series, is an outstanding source of information on the correct execution of the ITF Tae Kwon Do hyungs in which this particular volume demonstrates. Now if you don't know anything about Tae Kwon Do and purchase this book, it will do you about as much good as a screen door in a submarine. However, if you are already a practicing ITF, or similar style, Tae Kwon Do student, then this book is a must have for your continued advancement in the martial arts.

Every book in this series that deal with the various hyungs, utilizes the same format throughout each book in order to show you the correct execution of each kata demonstrated. Admittedly there aren't a whole lot of words describing the various moves in the hyungs, but there are an abundance of photographs taken from various angles that pretty much show you exactly how your body should be positioned not only for each individual move, but also how your body should be positioned as you move from one position to another.

This book also demonstrates the moves in each kata to its application against an actual opponent, which is a nice addition to this already wonderful book.

If you are a student of ITF Tae Kwon Do, or a student of another style that utilizes the same hyungs, I would highly recommend that you purchase these books in order to advance your knowledge of whatever particular hyungs or forms that you are currently working on. You won't be disappointed!

Shawn Kovacich
Martial artist/Author of the Achieving Kicking Excellence series.

I have come to depend on Jhoon Rhee's forms books as I have moved from form to form. The books are compact making them easy to use and to carry in a gear bag. There are multiple angles on many positions so that you can see exactly what is needed. The only negative thing I can say is that this is the last of the books. I wish he had done all the forms. Each book only has one or two forms therefore making it more to the point. These will always be part of my TKD library.

Another excelent selection from Jhon Rhee's series of forms. The moves are all excelently shown, depicted from many angles. Steping diagrams help students learn how to transition between moves. It is present at all the classes I teach for reference.

I bought this for my daughter when she was three thinking it looked like a kids book. Its not really. But it is written in a way that a very young child could enjoy it.

It has become my daughters absolute favorite book that she has to have read to her every single night! And she has also grown to love and admire Emily Hughes from this book. She gets so excited when she sees her skate now or just sees her on tv doing an interview. Great book lots of pics!

THIS BOOK WAS A GOOD BOOK FOR ME TO READ/EMILY HUGHES (THE YOUNGER SISTER OF SARAH HUGHES, 2002 WINTER OLYMPICS IN SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH USA, LADIES SINGLES FIGURE SKATING GOLD MEDALIST), TO START HER CAREER WITH

I know I read last year, but its really good. You learn a lot from Emily, her stand point. This for kids, but parents you read this before you let your kids read it. Thank you.

Also recommended: Her sister Sarah Hughes, I Skate, by Margot Falkner (I forgot if thats her name, its out of print now), A Young Skater, by Jill Kientez (I think thats the title, I think spelt the author last name right, its also of print now)

I have met Emily Hughes a few times. She is a lovely young lady who is one of America's brightest rising figure skating stars! This is a beautiful book chock full of great pictures. It is a must have for any little girl who has a dream...they can come true!