Salmon Books

I read this 8 years or so ago and I bought the book to read them again. They are humorous essays on contemporary life. Though they have been written in the 1980s their charm is lasting and for me offer an interesting illustration of how things stay the same.

For example, Eco speaks of receiving 'unsolicited faxes' that interfere with his ability to read important faxes. This reminded me of the problem we have with email spam.

I find these humorous essays much more entertaining than his novels like Foucault's Pendulum.

If you enjoy irony, satire and or parody, you will be entertained by these essays. It may surprise you that a well educated man can write so humorously and so subtly. Though I am not sure why that should come as a surprise. Enjoy.

I am a huge fan of Umberto Eco, and his novels (Rose and Foucault's Pendulum) and I had high hopes for this collection of essays. Eco is very satirical in these essays, sometimes too much so; the satirical and exaggerating style that is combined with very unusual translation style (ancient words that do not reach the nice rhythm of Eco's otherwise great storytellin in his other works) just got me tired of reading this book. These stories just do not entertain me this time.

Here and there I was able to find a nice story but only few. Language just doesn't get to its pace, and I also have say that majority of the stories are dated for readers in 2006. Stories about telefaxes, etc. are not relevant anymore. But also the general problem of satirical essays is that they are very much tied to the present day when they're written.

Overall, not a bad collection but nowhere near to my expectations.

This collection of essays combines travel with intellectual barbs. The book journeys from the surreal, such as the logistics of manipulating life-sized maps of a territory, to the all-too-real and malodorous such as the title story of the hotel with the broken computer, overly attentive housekeeping, and thus a slowly decaying fish. And the book will please word-fetishists, as the sentences are cleverly assembled.

In this collection of wonderfully sardonic essays Umberto Eco demonstrates the qualities that have made his a great novelist: attention to detail, to people, and his erudition. And to the delight of many-he displays yet another (perhaps unexpected) quality: a wicked yet welcoming wit.

For these essays about many different journeys are welcoming because they are so recognizable. There is the journey (without) a watch; the journey of a child eating ice cream; the (very literal) airplane journey with attendant gadget advertising; the journeys of modern communication via a fax machine-and many, many more.

These essays drew me into an incredible world, made me laugh and grimace at the same time. But above all, they forced me to recognize my world--and myself.

This is a good book to take with you on a journey-no matter where you are headed. I recommend it.

Michael Wood's account of the "search for the Trojan war" is distinguished by one central feature. He has an astounding gift for saying in 250 words what could be better said in 10. To say that this book is verbose is like saying that Mt. Everest is pretty darn high. This book is the model of hyperventilated verbosity...droning on and on about granular details that are at least unimportant if not downright irrelevant. In the end, it seems that Michael is more interested in hearing himself make noise than in telling the story of Troy. That is very sad, since the story is one worth telling. Moreover, the many interesting photos in the book tantalize the reader with the promise of information which Mr. Wood cannot deliver...or at least carefully hides in one truly huge mound of trivia. This story deserves an author who can tell it. But Michael Wood is not the one. If you are a reader who enjoys flipping through the pictures without really understanding what they mean, then this book may suit you well. But if you seek actual knowledge of the subject, look elsewhere. Look, in particular, for an author who can distinguish the essential from the inconsequential while telling a story that moves straightforwardly from its beginning to its end. Michael Wood is not that author.

In this excellent book, Michael Wood covers the history of the modern search for the Troy of Homer's Iliad, and makes a strong case for the Trojan War being a historical occurrence, with most of the details in the Iliad being likewise historical.

About half the book is devoted to the major archeological digs at Hisarlik, a site in northwest Turkey, that is the likely site of Troy. Wood puts the discoveries at these digs in a broad context, both geographically and economically, for example in terms of archeological discoveries about contemporaneous sites in Greece and Crete and their implications about trade and warfare, and historically, in terms of the development of the archeologists' own theories over the last century and a half. He also pinpoints which archeological layer is most likely the city that was sacked by the Greeks - specifically, a layer called Troy VI, with n grand, imposing city wall surrounding a stately central city of broad avenues.

What I found most interesting, though, was the discussion of historical accounts from the various major powers of the day - the linear B tablets from the Greek city states, the diplomatic archives of the Hittite empire in what is now Turkey, and accounts from the Egypt of Rameses II and III. To me, these really brought to life the late bronze age civilization of the Eastern Mediterranean - arguably a higher civilization than the early iron age civilization that followed.

Overall, this book does a terrific job of not only showing when and how the Trojan War actually occurred, but also why, in terms of the dynamics between the 'great powers' of the day.

This is the up-dated edition of Michael Wood's classic work on the Trojan War. The new material is important in light of recent excavations at Troy. As always, Wood's books are exceptionally interesting to anyone keen on history, archaeology and travel. But, as good as the book is, the DVD of the original television series that the book accompanied is even better. I wouldn't be without either.

It results less than impossible avoid to offer resistance this legendary story , which has become in the spark which has illuminated the radiant imagination of the mankind . Michael Wood literally engages and transports us to the insights of this powerful (legend?) and sets us in the own spirit of his personal adventure that sifts through the myths and speculations to provide a eloquent view of the riches , the reality and portentous spirit of the ancient Troy .
I simply can not imagine that one only human being around the world may remain indifferent with that fantastic story .
Please prepare to make a journey in the time and install in the middle of the facts the effects and consequences of this glorious combat where the rivalities , ancestral hates and pacts will be the essential clues to rediscover the marvelous grandiosity of this timeless and unequal battle .

If you have an interest in learning more about the Trojan War and the archeology involved in proving it wasn't a myth, then this isn't the book for you. I'm not sure who this book was written for. I've a feeling there was a good mind behind a pen that couldn't write in this case.

Stanley Greenspan is an expert in child psychology and specifically challenging children and those on the autism spectrum. Though this book is really useful for anyone with a challenging child, it's especially valuable for those learning how to interact with children on the autism spectrum and enrich their lives.

A must have for the parents who have been during with a cranky child on a daily-basis - in order to lower your blood pressure! This book provides you with the knowledge that you need to deal with a challenging child.

I think this book is has the objectivity that every parent needs, it is very clear, easy to understand and really helpful if u are at the point where words are not really enough in your relation with your kid.

I've been reading many books like this one. I have a child with attention problems and one who is defiant. This book was hard to read and didn't really give me any good stategies that I haven't already learned in other books. Honestly, I had to skim though most of it because it was so boring. So, maybe I missed some good parts.

My favorite book so far is How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk. I highly recommend this book! This book gave me strategies to use for all four of my children and has made a big difference in how my children obey me, talk to me and talk to each other. We are all much happier. It is so wonderful that I am making my husband read it. Also, it is fun to read!

This book was recommended to me by my daughter's (she's 3 now) neurological developmental pediatrician at Children's Hospital. I only regret that I just now read it. The highly sensitive child chapter outlines my daughter's life from birth through today, as well as many of the frustrating feelings I've had as a loving, yet confused parent. The book helps show how to best parent each of the five different types of children. The book states that you (the parent) are not the cause, but you can help be part of the solution via your parenting style. I started dog-earing the pages as I read the book so I could go back to the parts most on spot for my daughter. By the end of the chapter I realized that I had dog-eared almost every page. A must have for the parent of a challenging child (mine being the highly sensitive child).

This is very helpful using the Stove-top Smoker. I recommend purchasing this when you own a smoker of any kind.

Great little cookbook. Has neat recipes for the Cameron smoker (or those like it). Worth the money to provide alternatives to my sometimes routine smoking ideas!

The Cameron's tabletop smokers are cool little items. And this book is helpful, at least for those of us new to the smoking world.

This is a must-have recipe book for users of indoor smokers. I use an Emerilware 5 in 1 smoker, but the recipes that came with it were limited, and in some cases required some expensive, hard-to-find ingredients and a great deal of preparation and cooking. Not very useful for people who want to use their smoker more than once or twice a month and are limited in cooking expertise and cash flow. It seemed more of a way to push Emeril cooking products on the consumer, like spices and sauces. I'm not knocking the recipes-they are great-but there had to be some way to utilize this smoker more often.

In comes "Smokin'". This is a cookbook for anyone who wants to use their indoor smoker to the fullest. Nothing is left to guess. Everything is explained thoroughly, from how to cut up a leek to choosing and brining meats, and wood selection. Recipes for smoking vegetables and cheese are there as well.

The best part of this book is use of leftovers. Many recipes that turn smoked leftovers into tasty meals are included. I would recommend this book to anyone who has an indoor smoker.

I have a stovetop smoker and wanted a book that could help me with more recipes than just the few I received with the smoker. This book is a great resource and I have enjoyed using it. My very favorite things to cook in the smoker right now are potatoes. EXCELLENT!

This book thoroughly describes design procedures with numerous examples using both LRFD and ASD design, exactly what I need as an intern engineer. Sometimes I find the examples difficult to follow when units are not carried through and commentary left out; however, details are plentiful enough to eventually catch on. The AISC Manual of Steel Construction is constantly referred to and thus necessary to follow examples fully (I broke down and purchased it). Lastly, readers should be on the lookout for typos as I have spotted several.

Given the available books on the market for general steel structural design in the U.S., this is by far the best. The breadth of topics covered is abundant without any sacrifice in depth of full backround and commentary, which is sorely missing from other books of this kind. The layout and presentation of information is very clear and readable.

Although a new edition covering changes in the industry since the last publication would be greatly appreciated, the book taken for when it was published is still very applicable for use now (despite reviews to the contrary given below). Any competent engineer can adjust to changes in industry standards as the base material given in the book is very solid and sound.

The proof in the outstanding quality of this book is trying to use other similar books in the market today, which generally fall short in comparison.

Great book! Lots of theory and examples to support subject matter. Unfortunately, sometimes the theory and layout of the book becomes overwhelming. THE reference for P.E. exam.

This book covers the basics and fundamentals of steel design in such a way that provides a great reference for the structural engineering student or professional. Possibly the best book you can find in the field.
I've been using it since graduate school and through the years as a consultant in structural engineering.

This is simply the best book on steel design out there, and anyone interested in learning the subject needs to read it. It covers the crucial aspects of the AISC code in a unified manner and is quite readable. The authors begin each topic in the book with the detailed background mechanics behind the observed structural behavior and then proceed to verify these ideas with experimental evidence. Next the authors explain how the the code provisions result practically from these ideas. Finally, the authors offer a number of solved examples in design and analysis and explain the methods used to solve them.

This is exactly the way that a book on design should be put together. The code is not a black box, but sometimes it can be presented as such. In order to properly design or analyze a real building, you need a firm grasp of the basic and not so basic principles of structural mechanics and the empirical evidence that backs it up; you can't simply be a "Code Monkey" and expect to do a whole lot more than determining if a W10x16 or a W10x14 should be erected. Salmon and Johnson really explain steel structural engineering in this book, and if you make an effort to seriously learn the material, you will gain tremendous dividends in your understanding of these complex and interesting topics.

I bought this book to learn the basics of west coast steelhead drift fishing. While it started out OK, and the author seems to have a lot of knowledge, the book was a disappointment. It is so poorly edited it looks like several articles, pieces of articles, and even sentence fragments were swept off of someone's desk and into a book jacket, given a cursory spell check, and published. There are misspelled words, sentences that appear to mean one thing and say the opposite, and some phrases are repeated 3-4 times verbatim in different parts of the book. The photos do not have reference numbers (e.g. figure 1, 2, etc.) which would really help to be sure which one the author is talking about. And the author seems to assume that the reader already knows what a 'drift rig' is. It's a shame that between the author and Amato publishing that the editorial process got such short shrift. I would not recommend this book.. there must be better ones on this topic.

Thank you! Your book saved me a lot of time and money. I'm new to the sport and two seasons of catching some fish and wow I can't believe the difference.
The fish handling in your book opened my eyes, and to my friends, and we leave the nets at home. Thanks again for the education lesson! It is truly worth all your efforts.

I've read many fishing books, but this one surprised me. There are many great pictures and all of them have great illustrative points, but seeing the author in so many of them really gave me the confidence in what he was saying and doing. You can actually see him doing all the scientific fishing and that to me is valuable. This is the best fishing book I've ever heard of!
I learn things every time I read it. I'd like to think I'm a great fisherman, but when I get stuck on something I just crack the book and BOOM, there's the answer!

A fan of Mr. Kusherets

I love to fish. The thrill of getting a fish on is like none other. I picked this book up accidentally, so to speak, from my local sporting goods store for the sole purpose of learning how to filet a fish. The clerk said "try this one"( Meaning Timothy's book). So my next salmon fishing trip, I learned how to filet. great easy method. Then I started reading more and found that this guy really knows how to catch fish. I was really amazed at the scientific approach to weather conditions, temperature, how to read the river and presentation or " offering" to the fish. A total wealth of excellent information. Great book.

Steelhead & Salmon Drift-Fishing secrets provides a wealth of information about Steelhead and Salmon fishing and I would highly recommend it to anyone seeking to get involved in this particular area of sport fishing. Of immense value are the photographs and tips on reading water, as well as the detailed anatomy of the various fish and tips on hitting the river at the right time when fish are biting.

While specific in certain areas, it is also very general in others which is inconsistent with the thesis of the book, i.e. Kushrets does not speak in depth about any particular region although he makes it clear he is from the Northwest U.S. One thing that may turn off the novice angler is for most of the book he speaks to the reader in a very authoritative "this is how you fish" style, more like a college professor than an enthusiastic weekend warrior. Explaining things in a simple, straight forward and friendly way is not Kushrets' writing style.

I would not go so far as to say that this is 'the definitive steelhead resource' it could have definitely contained more information; you can read it in an evening. Nonetheless the author knows his stuff and will impart you with some serious knowledge on how some of the best anglers are getting it done in the world of Steelheading.

This book has really grown on me. When I first received it I was a little disappointed thinking it was a little light on content. As I've thought more about planning my own Alaska fishing vacation, I now value the author's pragmatic style. He tells you with detail and precision how to get the most out of a car-based excursion fishing for salmon. From what and how to pack, to specific milepost markers for the best fishing at specific times, to how to get your catch home, it's all there. Be aware that this book is ONLY about car-based fishing and ONLY about fishing for salmon; also many of the areas identified as hotspots are very popular and will be crowded (the author uses the local phrase "combat fishing" to describe such situations).

A bit limited in scope, but overall a good source of information on getting around. full of good resources to help you plan your trip

I purchased this book to aid in planning our first fishing trip to Alaska. The book was very helpful in providing insite in all parts of the trip. I would strongly recommend it for any first timers going fishing to Alaska.

this is a great book if you're getting ready for alaska. well written

This book is well organized and provides a great deal of useful information for the first time alaska visitor. The charts are particularly helpful as you travel along the highways. They quickly identify and rate all the major rivers and their salmon runs.

However, there is very little information here that every traveler I met on the highways didn't seem to already know. All the rivers rated as excellent are known by every highway angler in the state and they are all vying for some room at these locations. The best way to discover 'good' fishing locations is from the alaskan neighbors you meet at the campgrounds. So, I feel it's a good get acquainted book. A one trip book. A useful handbook. Keep it on your dashboard.

i loved this book! Every new Mom can relate to these stories. I wish I had something as genuine to read as Birthdaze when I was just starting out my MommyDAZE. I would recommend it as a Christmas gift/shower gift for Moms everywhere!

This was a nice collaboration of birth experiences from moms who each had their own unique take with the miracle of birth. Enjoyed reading the "misery" of Deborah Ein's birthing tale. Looking forward to reading the sequel!

There are, in these six tales of very personal childbirth experiences, clever moments of humor and enduring memories of pain. These are the kinds of stories mothers like--and need--to share. Ein and Salmon have tapped a need in the reader/mother market.

As a nurse who has spent over 11 years in labor and delivery, I'm pretty jaded about delivery stories, but I found these to be funny, well written and very true to life. I heartily enjoyed this little book and my only complaint is that it wasn't long enough!

The Birthdaze book taught me a lot! The many stories of several women's experiences during pregnancy and through labor are not only educational, but entertaining. I could not put the book down until I was finished reading the whole thing. Ein and Salmon are geniuses!

The most depressing stories in the world, yet you really connect with the characters and Reid makes you feel like you know them. The whole thing is highly reminiscent of Bukowski, but there's something less fatalistic and more positive about it. Maybe Reid's characters are Bukowski's characters when they were still young and had some hope; before they grew up and realized that life really is hell. The narration style is somewhat stylized and at times poetic, but it's not overdone and never goes over the reader's head, which is a good thing. Reid has an interesting way of ending his stories - he often ends them at a point where we don't know what's going to happen - and what he's trying to do here is get across that the protagonist of the story typically doesn't CARE what happens. The story is often never resolved, but this is realistic because stories in our real lives our often never resolved. Reid's characters, like Bukowski's and like the ones in Modest Mouse songs, just float through life, and whatever happens, happens.

Like most collections of short stories, Reid's What Salmon Know runs the gamut in quality. His ten stories here all have male protagonists, many of whom live in Alaska and work with their hands, contemptuous of the tourists who flock to Alaska in the summer and shoot anything that moves or excitedly point at the grizzly bears from their seat on the motor coach.
I really liked some of the latter stories, including "No Strings Attached", about a working class guy who is picked up in a grocery store by a beautiful girl who knows him, and who has an unusual living arrangement with her husband. "Laura Borealis" was another good one, named after a dancer who befriends our hero as he helps build a lodge for a wealthy divorced Texan who has escaped to Alaska following a nasty divorce. The Texan hires two carpenters, including our narrator and another guy with a reputation as having the foulest smelling dog in the state, from his habit of napping with his feet under the dog.
Some stories don't work so well, such as the last tale called "Random Beatings and You", which uses a bizarre present tense narration style that served no purpose. The title story, "What Salmon Know", reminded me of Reid's powerful novel Midnight Sun, in which two characters head up to a lodge in Alaska for some salmon fishing and encounter some brutal, clueless military guys who catch and then filet a live fish. Fans of tough guy short stories like Tom Franklin's Poachers and Larry Brown's Big Bad Love will undoubtedly find something here they like, as well as an occasional clunker.

The story "What Salmon Know" is outstanding and should be read first to set the standard for the remaining tales which I was disappointed with. The author's below-blue-collar characters need some further depth before they can emerge from a flat universe into something more 3-D. The gravitation to stereotype personas gave me concerns that the author was trying too hard and by doing so was attempting to convince his characters that indeed, redemption from their unenlightened lives is impossible. The Salmon story is another matter and rises to high art and deep thought...worth the cost of the book dispite my constant question with his other stories: "where's he going with this and why?"

I like reading Elwood Reid. His first novel, "If I Don't Six," was excellent. So are these stories. I am an MFA student myself, and I believe Reid was one, as well as being a college football player. His writing is unlike that of a lot of MFA students. He is clear, concise, and focuses on telling a good story. Gives vivid scenes, good action, and characters you feel for, rather than just read about. Reid is talented, and apparently, very persistent. I read it took him 10 years of dealing with rejections before GQ published his first piece, the short story that the book is titled after.

Man I od'd on baseball quite a while back but the "All That Good Stuff" story is as funny a sports piece as I've ever read. Worth the price of the book alone. Has at least a half dozen laugh out loud lines describing the characters' actions/traits. Get it.

bought this book for my husband and he has been enjoying reading it.
said it is informative. glad for the purchase

From beginners to experts this book has something new in it for everyone. The list of lakes where Kokes can be found is helpful in planning trips. It also explains several methods to fish for Kokes. Whether you are fishing on a budget or have money to burn, the book will give you a technique you can afford. The book also spends time explaining the biology and ecology of the fish. Understanding your target species will always help you catch it. If you fish Kokes get this book.

Understanding and catching the wylie Kokanee is laid out with great detail. The secrets disclosed make me anxious to get the equipment and start fishing. You can't read this book and not get excited to give his techniques a whirl. That is especially true of someone (like me) that lives a short drive from the heart of great Kokanee habitat.

I am an avid California fisherman and spend most of my time fishing for the elusive Kokanee. Dave Biser has written a book that will greatly increase my Kokanee hook up this 2000 fishing season. I appreciate his detail in discussing the many types of lures, presentations, and miscellaneous tackle. Also, at the end of the book is a listing of addresses and phone #'s where the reader can contact a manufacture listed in the book. Pay attention to the chapter on scents because using "pro cure" is an idea I've never heard of until I read this book. It was easy to relate to Daves first experience in the small 14' aluminum boat, with the smoke belching 2-stroke, the big pen reels and lead-core. I've fished that method a hundred times.

This book knocked my socks off. All I knew about kokanee when I started was a desire to fill my smoker with them. Now I feel I know more about these critters than I do about trout - and I've been fishing them for the last 5 years. Perfect blend of biology, technique, and expereince to make Kokanee fishing a reality for anyone who'd like to try. Now all I have to do is find a boat...