New Hampshire Books

This is an excellent book on the election of Bishop Gene Robinson. I just love this man and loved reading about his extrordinary journey to become Bishop. I had already read his own book "In the eye of the storm" and this one helps to fill in more information about the foundations of the Episcopal church and how an election for Bishop is conducted and how different this one was because of Gene's same gender orientation.Going to Heaven: The Life and Election of Bishop Gene Robinson

"Going to Heaven" is less a biography or life of its subject, the first openly-Gay bishop in the history of Christendom, than it is a fine piece of journalism describing the death-grip of heterosexist patriarchy. The book's audiences include LGBT Christians of any denomination, those interested in the dynamics of church schism, and ordinary Episcopal laypeople who wonder what the heck is happening to their beloved Anglican Communion.

Ms. Adams makes clear that the consecration of Gene Robinson as Bishop of New Hampshire is much more a symbol of schism than its cause. The wheels were set in motion long before anyone outside the diocese ever heard of the man. She traces the breakups within Anglicanism to the fall of the British Empire and the end of the Cold War, which left a shadowy, right-wing think tank called the Institute for Religion and Democracy, formerly aimed at destabilizing the Soviet Union, with nothing to do. So, like most such institutions, it simply traded missions and started focusing on liberal churches instead, lest they start influencing U.S. foreign policy toward such nightmares as world peace and justice for the poor.

The poor bishop ends up caught in the crossfire. Born to landless farmers in rural Kentucky, raised in fundamentalist simplicity, attracted to piety, music, books and boys, he somehow lands a scholarship at the (Episcopal) University of the South, and from there his future is set in motion. He is introduced to a whole different world of liturgy, scholarship, gentility and faded wealth, which accomodates his own gifts of energy and open gregariousness. He goes to seminary, gets ordained and happily married, has two daughters; but inevitably he must confront his own inner nature. With the help of his gracious wife, he does so successfully; the day of their divorce, they dissolve their wedding vows in church and take communion together.

He works long, hard and well as a bishop's assistant, and at some point meets the man of his dreams. Who this partner is is never quite made clear here, nor is Canon Robinson's ex-wife interviewed. Both those omissions weaken the book somewhat and keep it from being a complete biography. Privacy is respected a bit too much; some quotations fail of attribution and certain villains of the piece (other churchmen) are allowed to scamper away. But this reveals the author's real purpose: solid, insightful and original reporting on the hidden drama of church politics. There she seldom disappoints.

The book is greatly enhanced by scores of photographs by Jonathan Sa'adah showing the bishop, his lover Mark and ex-wife Boo, their daughters, various church personalities, even Sir Elton John.

What we are left with is a humble priest who has grown into the job of diocesan bishop and international symbol. In extensive, self-disclosive interviews, he shows himself to be just the sort of open personalty by whom some people come to know Christ. That he is the object of others' scorn, derision and death threats says everything we need to know about his enemies' willingness to use Gene Robinson for their own purposes.

I hope that Ms. Adams will go on from here to produce another book about the Anglicans' schisms, which continue to unfold in worldwide headlines. She already has the background and covers its complexity with clarity and insight here. The issues now go beyond Gene Robinson and the Episcopal Church; there is much to discover about the secret promoters of division, in the United States, England, Nigeria and elsewhere. A good place to start is in Falls Church, Virginia, where a breakaway megachurch is populated by conservative Baptists and Methodists in high positions in the current U.S. government.

By the time former Presiding Bishop Frank Griswold spoke out against the invasion of Iraq and consecrated Gene Robinson, the Institute for Religion and Democracy had long since been cutting the ground out from under them.++

The author of Going to Heaven is a life-long Episcopalian who is part of the Diocese of New Hampshire, so she is able to offer a lot of additional details about the process of electing Gene in this fascinating book. But what I loved most about the book is that it's not a salacious account of some flash-in-the-pan controversy; instead, it's the spiritual biography of a thought-provoking, deeply prayerful bishop.

It is particularly interesting to see how a person as unassuming and grounded as +Gene steps into his new high profile role. In the numerous direct quotes from him, taken from his interviews with the author, he stresses that he didn't see himself in either side's depictions of him -- he sees himself neither as the devil conservatives paint him as, nor the angel he has become to progressives.

I suspect the controversy over +Gene's election and consecration would be much less sharp if people on all sides were aware of who he is and what his agenda is. (Nine-tenths of that agenda is just being a good bishop for the Diocese of New Hampshire and dealing with the day-to-day needs of his flock.) This new biography is a great step toward clarifying precisely who he is and what he stands for, and I'm grateful to its author for bringing it to light.

As soon as I finished reading Elizabeth Adams' biography, Going to Heaven: The Life and Election of Bishop Gene Robinson, I gave thanks. As a lifelong supporter of human rights, a clergy wife and committed Episcopalian, I was grateful that the biography taught me so much. It taught me more about Bishop Robinson, the man, than all of the news coverage, feature articles and specials that have swirled into the popular press since the announcement of his election. It taught me about Gene Robinson, the gay man, and all that that meant for this individual. It taught me about Gene Robinson, the reluctant poster child for gay rights, and the history of the gay rights movement in the states and in the world. It taught me about Gene Robinson, the committed clergyman, and the inner workings of the church I call mine. I gave thanks, believing that Adams wrote the book with people like me in mind.

Now that I have had time to think more deeply about Adam's biography, something that her writing and approach encourage, I have another perspective. This book is also written for the many people honestly struggling with the issue of gay rights and all that means. I remember well the summer of 2003 and the small knots of committed Christians who gathered after mass despite the suspension of coffee hour to talk about Gene, gay rights and the powerful sermons my husband delivered. I remember their struggles, their confusion, their desire to know more, to go more deeply, to do and think the "right" thing. Adams' biography is for them. She gives them much to think about. She helps them see the bigger picture. She holds their hands as they get to know a not-so-perfect creation of God, the world he occupied and the church he serves. In the end, her biography talks about the power of love, not such a bad message in a time of strife.

Excellent! Great selection of trails with a variety of terrain. This guide book provides more pertinent trail information than any other I've read. Particularly helpful is the trail contour plots as well as overlaying trail lines onto accurate topo-maps. The authors writing style is unique causing me to actually read the book cover to cover.

This book has a lot of great info for both seasoned riders and the beginner. The maps, trail directions and descriptions of the rides are just the start. I have rolled over the MT. Agamenticus (Mount A) Pg. 236 trails for years and the author really hits the mark. I can't wait to hit the rest of the trails.

The book is very informative and great for anyone who wants to mountain bike or is already into mountain biking. It also has great pictures, especially page 202.

This is the finest mountain biking guide I've ever read. It gives great information about trails of all abilities, plus tips on local attractions. This type of information is good to all types of mountain bikers, from rabid racers to families on day trips. Along with some of the premier trails in Maine and New Hampshire, such as in Acadia National Park, it gives descriptions of trails off the beaten path, such as that through Jefferson Notch in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. Mr. Fitzhenry also provides local histories of the areas visited (which could be a book in itself) as well as great directions and trail descriptions. This book is good for local New Englanders and those from "away", because Bob did such a good job of finding trails throughout the two states. I highly recommend it.

This book gives very concise and complete directions to the locations of the places listed. Not only was I able to find every location that I wanted to see and with little or no problem, but also there were good places to eat and other things to do along the way.The accuracy in the distances from the starting points to the destinations is so good that with care there is almost no chance of getting lost. Obviously the authors took great care to be accurate in their discriptions and directions and have written a book that is a real joy to use. I look forward to using other guides by the same authors as I know the will be correct in their information.

This is the best series of travel books about New England that I have found. It is easy to read with information I haven't found in other travel books. The New Hampshire book didn't disappoint. It is up to the standard I expect from this series.

This book gives very concise and complete directions to the locations of the places listed. Not only was I able to find every location that I wanted to see and with little or no problem, but also there were good places to eat and other things to do alone the way.The accuracy in the distances from the starting points to the destinations is so good that with care there is almost no chance of getting lost. Obviously the authors took great care to be accurate in their discriptions and directions and have written a book that is a real joy to use. I look forward to using other guides by the same authors as I know the will be correct in their information.

Spent a week in the White Mtns and used the book extensively. Most interesting was "discovering" the old Mineral Springs resort in Conway. Book was well written, concise maps and directions were very clear. This book, combined with a good road map and a general guidebook make touring NH very enjoyable.

I have one for every state I have lived in or visit on a regular basis. They are a must for anyone traveling off the beaten path.

I highly recommend this atlas book. It has large maps, easy to use symbols, it loaded with colors and highly useful and interesting information. This atlas depicts all roads both big and small and tons of other useful information. It's nice to to look at different areas and discover new routes and attractions. I'm going leave this one in the car for all around reference and driving assistance when in a pinch.

This atlas is fabulous for driving around the back roads of New Hampshire. It has the names and route numbers of every single road in the entire state, even dirt roads, even indicates which is which. It is not very helpful for roads in cities or large towns, showing only the main ones. But in addition to that it lists canoe trips, state parks, every single private campground in the state, tons of hiking trails (in detail), national forests, snowmobile trails, downhill and cross-country skiing centers, some biking trails, fishing spots (in great detail), museums, historic sites, natural features, the arts, golf courses, covered bridges. Absolutely essential for exploring New Hampshire.

I always buy a Gazatteer when going hiking in a new state. The New Hampshire version is as helpful as the other states that I have. I like the trail detail and the elevation markings.

I found it difficult to put this book down. I thought I would like it from the reviews but turns out it was an awesome book.

Scary things? I'm from NH. Was moved to FL when I was 10 or 11. I haven't been to Alaska, but I'm smack dab in the Northwest.

The book is well written and you will definitely bond with the characters. One thing that got to me after a while was that sometimes you re-read some of the same ideas just said a bit differently, with less words and in odd places during the story. I will say that it was a nice refresher/reminder of what you had read.

You will follow five different sets of people and their situations. Robie really put the nail on the head with Northern personalities and southern heat. Read it, It's really a great book.

This one is sure to send a shiver down your spine! There are lots of crazies out there and this book does a great job of profiling just a few who happen to be wrapped up in an unsolved double murder. Rapturous reading from beginning to end.

A gripping, methodical tale with characters that leave an indelible impression -- a good read.

If you like murder mysteries, then you'll love this book! The author does an excellent job of getting the reader to really relate to the characters, some of whom you'll love and others you'll hate! I am the type of reader who is never surprised and usually figures out the ending before I reach the end of the book. Not so in this case! I thought I had an idea, then I changed my mind, and then I changed it again! I'll guarantee, once you start, you won't want to put it down!

I wish to thank all the readers that have reviewed my book! and amazon.com for the great service that provides for all of us. The making of this book was great fun and i would like to write something if I can. The art work has been done in a real ballet class,the children I have personnally hand picked in London UK and there was a great woman, exactly the same you can see painted as the teacher that for the love and passion for the art of ballet,with out any monetary compensation,held the class to allowed me to sketch and photograph the children.... thank you all Maria Teresa Meloni

The thing about this book that catches my attention is the illustrations. You feel what Rosie feels and you see what is happening so clearly. It is a great book and my daughter loves it.

I read this book to my 3 year neice who had just recently been to her first dance class. She later mimicked what she had learned from the book - pointing her toes, first & second position, etc. All in all - a fun read with very nice pictures. My five year old nephew was also interested in the book.

My granddaughter is four and taking her first series of pre-ballet classes. When she and I chose this book in the library I had great doubt as to how long it would hold her interest, because I couldn't discern much of a story, and that's what she loves. I worried for nothing. This book is filled with beautiful drawings of young dancers-in-training; of the gear they need and the garb they wear during class; of the colorful costumes for each different ballet>>>>One can almost hear the music while reading and drinking in the marvelous illustrations, each dance step carefully drawn and explained, each child of a different ethnic background or age. She asks for it again and again and I will buy it for her as soon as it becomes available-------she doesn't want me to return it to the library! >>>>>Phyl Rosokoff (lenandphyl@aol.com) Williamsville, NY

Freda gets to the very heart of suburbia with well-written quirky characters everyone can relate to. I may be from Florida, but I can definitely relate to what happened up in New Hampshire... over-development threatens everyone. I'm wondering where the sequel is, or at least another novel from the author. Note to Freda: Make your next book longer- I hated to come to the end of "Suburban Guerillas"!

While the setting is a suburban town in New Hampshire, the issues of fidelity, parenthood, identity, marriage, aging, and finding one's place in this world are germain to our every day existence; to be a suburban guerilla is to challenge the rolling pastures and strip malls of our psyche as much as those of our towns

Hurly is a small New England town, populated by small lives. But wait, there's more to life than mowed lawns, summer sun- sets, and ice cream. Just when you begin to see your own life as planned, predictable, and very common, like those in Hurly, Joe Freda and his gang of characters will teach you to peek beneath the rock to find the courageous, passionate, foolish, frustrated and loving nature that must be suburban life across America today. There's something for everyone to identify with, laugh at, and cheer for in this book. And happily, the characters of both sexes are drawn with a clear eye, simple lines, and surprising detail. Suburban Guerillas will sneak up on you and grab a piece of your heart. Read it. Keep it. Save it for your kids, because this is a snapshot of the life so many imagine and really do live today.

A wonderfully written tale. Joseph Freda has a great affection for his characters, despite their human failings. The nominal subject is the economic boom and bust cycle of southern New Hampshire in the 80's, but the real story is the lives and relationships of the people living through the disruption of their small town. Covers a broad range of experience, including the search for adventure in ordinary life and unexpected occurences of humor.

Beth Dugger finds the roads less traveled in this popular New England state. The book is broken down into six regions: White Mountains, the Lakes Region, Dartmouth and Lake Sunapee, the Monadnock Region, Merrimack Valley and the Coastal Region, each offering full details on fun things to do. Hiking, fishing, skiing and canoeing are but a few of the activities covered, with the best outfitters listed for each, along with contact numbers. Dugger says, "This book is for people who see themselves doing things, not just going places."

The New Hampshire Adventure Guide also explores the best dining options (usually off the beaten track), including small town bakeries where the steaming hot bread is to die for! Lodging choices are also profiled. 40 detailed maps plus photos throughout

"... an excellent and comprehensive guide to adventure.... The book is logically organized and well indexed, and directions and maps are clear and easy to follow. Highly recommended."

"Dugger gives interesting factoids, tells what equipment you'll need, and is clear on the difficulty of each adventure. She shares the most romantic hike to Dome Rock and also reviews what to do in cities and towns." Chicago Daily Herald

The story of Amoskeag is the story of a society...a story of a different time...a way of life that used to be. This book travels through the 1800's and the 1900's telling the tale of a factory, and the people who passed through it.
The highlights of the book occur when the factory workers are interviewed. The characters and stories they create are so funny and so real...you get such a feel for how their lives were. I laughed so many times.
The only parts I found boring were when the terms of factory making were being discussed. It was important to know to put what the workers were saying into context, but I found it boring.
Overall, the book was a gem. I am now very interested in a time period that before I thought was useless and boring. I would reccomend this book to anyone.

You'll enjoy this book even if you're not particularly interested in Manchester, NH, or mill towns, as long as you want to hear people talk about their lives.

This is a good window into life in a "factory-city" along the Merrimack River from its start in the early 1800s through the 1970s. Each chapter is an interview. You get the story through the words and memories of those who live it. Mill workers and their families talk about the founding of the town, their arrival as immigrants seeking good jobs, what their work lives were like, the strike, and the eventual shutdown of the mills. A good read.

Nineteenth century American travellers waxed enthusiastic or properly melancholic amidst the ruins of Europe. Writers such as Henry James often contrasted the youth and vigor (and innocence) of America with old, tired Europe. None of them could have imagined that less than a century later, the busy New England mills that turned out huge quantities of shoes, textiles, and useful products of all kinds would be silent, weed-strewn ruins. When I look around at cities like Salem, Lynn, Lowell, Lawrence, and Brockton, Mass., at Manchester and Nashua, New Hampshire, at a dozen small towns in Maine, I realize that I grew up during the fall of a whole civilization. I saw the tail end of it. Today so many of those thriving factories and mills have been razed to the ground, turned into condos or specialty shops, or even, into museums of industrial history.

AMOSKEAG is the story of one textile mill, once the largest in the world, along the banks of the Merrimack River in New Hampshire. The story is told through 37 interviews after an introduction of thirty-odd pages. The effect is most immediate: you feel as if you had lived the whole experience, grown up around these people. The reader is taken through the lives of management to the world of work---the varieties of tasks and social interactions to be found within the giant factory. Then we get an idea of family life, how the factory permeated every aspect of existence, and finally of the strikes, shutdowns and rising costs that eventually drove the mill out of existence (or rather, the whole textile industry to other states and countries). The text is punctuated by numerous black and white photographs which add to the atmosphere of "bygone days" that emanates from the whole book. If you are looking for a book on industrial history or early 20th century New England, you must read this one, it's unforgettable.

Sweet revenge. Those foolish young men at Dartmouth thought they'd haze the newly arrived coeds because as Dartmouth men, they were superior. Well, Barreca balances the ledger in this book--and big time. Those men are unmasked as nothing more than boys who think that by acting smart they were really smart. Think again. Barreca has seen through masculine insecurity and has shown us what a really smart, sensitive, and observing woman can make out of a difficult situation. This is a snappy, funny, really surprising and charming book. Give a copy away to that young woman heading off to college. She'll love it.

from my mom who went to school in the seventies. i love it. it's really honest. not so much has changed because i still feel weird around people who have a lot more money or who i think are smarter than me. (or is that than smarter than i?)the author deals with all this stuff but in a funny way.

that they don't want you to see? A must-read for anybody who went to college in the '70s or early 80s, and for any girl who feels she isn't welcome in Boyland even today. Short and sassy.