Washington Books

I was managing editor for this project. The story is interesting and the suspense is well handled. It is well written. In my opinion, J L Peters is a rising star in the literary world. This is what we came up with for the book jacket:

When a young reporter sat down to interview Industrial Tycoon Danny Dowd he didn't know what to expect. He had known Danny for years and had enjoyed his confidence and trust. He had no idea how this interview would turn out. It certainly couldn't hurt his career as a writer.
The wealthy bachelor took out an old package of lemon flavored cigarettes,lit one, as he had done every Valentine's Day for the past eighteen years. He took several puffs and then snuffed the cigarette out in the ashtray.
"That's the last of them," he said, "you can't get them any more, not since early 1975."
He leaned back, suggested that the reporter set up the chessboard and he would tell him the story behind the cigarettes. He said the conversation would be taped and the reporter would get the tape at the end of the session. There would be no questions allowed.
This is how we are introduced to the story of Danny Dowd, a tale of joy and sadness, of love, tomfoolery and tragedy. It is built around the lives of two young people who meet in college and immediately fall in love.
The path they follow is not easy. They are constantly confronted with problems that challenge their love for each other. This is a story of gripping suspense that involves sex, fraternity and sorority life, a life-threatening disease
and a struggle with families that disapprove of the relationship.
This is a hard book to put down, based on a true account. You'll be torn between chuckles, tears and memories as you follow this fascinating tale.
Enjoy,
W. Olchesky

I laughed, I cried, then I laughed at myself for crying. This is a well-told and interesting story. It's nothing less than AWESOME!

I felt 30 years younger, like I was back in college in 1974!

I was managing editor for this project. The story is interesting and the suspense is well handled. It is well written. In my opinion, J L Peters is a rising star in the literary world. This is what we came up with for the book jacket:

When a young reporter sat down to interview Industrial Tycoon Danny Dowd he didn't know what to expect. He had known Danny for years and had enjoyed his confidence and trust. He had no idea how this interview would turn out. It certainly couldn't hurt his career as a writer.
The wealthy bachelor took out an old package of lemon flavored cigarettes,lit one, as he had done every Valentine's Day for the past eighteen years. He took several puffs and then snuffed the cigarette out in the ashtray.
"That's the last of them," he said, "you can't get them any more, not since early 1975."
He leaned back, suggested that the reporter set up the chessboard and he would tell him the story behind the cigarettes. He said the conversation would be taped and the reporter would get the tape at the end of the session. There would be no questions allowed.
This is how we are introduced to the story of Danny Dowd, a tale of joy and sadness, of love, tomfoolery and tragedy. It is built around the lives of two young people who meet in college and immediately fall in love.
The path they follow is not easy. They are constantly confronted with problems that challenge their love for each other. This is a story of gripping suspense that involves sex, fraternity and sorority life, a life-threatening disease
and a struggle with families that disapprove of the relationship.
This is a hard book to put down, based on a true account. You'll be torn between chuckles, tears and memories as you follow this fascinating tale.
Enjoy,
W. Olchesky

La commemoration du bi-centenaire de la vente de la Louisane a pris fin, celle de l'expédition transcontinentale du Corps of Discovery (1804-1806) bat son plein, comme on peut facilement l'imaginer. Après la monumentale publication de la Nebraska University Press, édition « definitive » de l'intégralité des journaux de Meriwether Lewis et William Clark (sept volumes de la plume des deux capitaines, quatre volumes constitués des journaux parallèles de Gass, Floyd, Ordway, Whitehouse, plus l'herbarium et un atlas...treize volumes donc depuis 1983, le tout coordonné par Gary E. Moulton...), voici Lewis and Clark Trail Maps, A Cartographic Reconstruction. En trois tomes grand format, Martin Plamondon II met splendidement à profit ses doubles compétences de spécialiste de l'expédition et de cartographe chevronné. Ce qui nous vaut un travail exceptionnel, tant au niveau de son utilité scientifique et historique (et ce sur une multitude de plans...) qu'en ce qui concerne sa capacité à ré-alimenter le rêve. Les amateurs savent ce rêve là, qui semble devoir vous quitter un jour pour revenir un autre, parfois bien plus tard, toujours en un coin du vieux Missouri, quelque part entre la rivière Dubois (Wood River depuis longtemps) et les white cliffs au delà de la Roche Jaune, ou plus loin , dans les montagnes ou en vue du grand océan. En trois volumes donc, c'est l'intégralité du périple qui est cartographiée, jour après jour, à raison d'environ quatre centimètre pour un mile.Chaque campement, chaque particularité topologique référenciée dans les journaux, chaque rencontre...tout est là. Plamondon a effectué ici ce que Clark n'avait finalement pu réaliser : une véritable reconstruction géographique de l'expédition. Au delà de son rigoureux argument historico-géographique, l'ouvrage présente sur chaque page l'état actuel des lieux, en regard de ce que voyaient et expérimentaient les membres de l'expédition : le Missouri a bougé, son cours n'a cessé de changer ( déjà Lewis et Clark ne le reconnaissaient parfois plus entre le voyage aller et le voyage retours...), il est parfois noyé sous les retenues d'eau ( Fort Peck, pour n'en citer qu'une...). Bref, le pays a changé. On le savait, pour sûr. Là, on peut le voir maintenant, on peut le voir avant, surtout avant. Comme on l'imaginait, mais en fait comme on ne l'avait jamais vu. A suivre et resuivre, les Moulton d'un côté, ces trois atlas de l'autre. Bon rêve.

With this volume, Martin Plamondon has created a wonderful resource, fulfilling a dream of William Clark. Once you see this volume, you will wonder how you ever got along without it as a companion when reading the journals. The feature of showing dual footprints of riverbeds now and then is fascinating and the list of identified campsites is truly useful for following progress of the Corps of Discovery. Martin's love of, and dedication to this "little" project of his shows clearly throughout the volume. I can't wait for volumes 2 and 3 to complete the trail.

What an immense and high quality work! I never saw a comparable one. There are the maps, and in the maps quotations of the diaries of the explorers. You can exactly follow the route in word and maps. And underled the reconstructed maps you can see side for side a modern map, who allows to find your way today. The size of the maps is perfect, also the clear print. Everyone, who is interested in the Lewis and Clark expedition needs this books (vol I and II edited) and for a fruitful scientific work it is simply a must.
I can only say: Excellent and congratulations.

Everyone with any interest in Lewis and Clark shoul own this book, and the companion Volume 2.

I find it so much more interesting to read "The Journals of Lewis and Clark" (Moulton Edition) or Stephen Ambrose's "Undaunted Courage" with these books at my side. To be able to pore over them and see where the Corps of Discovery was is great fun.

Last year I taught a class on Explorers for 6th to 8th graders and we ended the year with five weeks of Lewis and Clark. They were fascinated by these maps and spent lots of time with them.

This book is a must read for children to get a proper perspective of history. Public school textbooks will not reflect our Christian roots. Parents should read the regular version. My 9 year old granddaughter says this is her favorite book.

Great and educational book. My son loved it and he does not care to read. This is a must for all out there.

This is a good book for Christian homeschooling moms. I bought it for my daughter, who is homeschooling her children.

Like the adult book of the same title, The Light and the Glory for Children examines evidence for America's Christian roots. The authors reveal a past that is not at all smooth. The challenges of settling this land and building a new nation are shown in their harsh reality. Equally, the faith that strengthened the people for these challenges is presented as inspiration for tomorrow's citizens and leaders. Review questions in the back of the book helped my children explore their own values and beliefs about their country. There could be no better way to raise responsible citizens than to have them investigate our Christian heritage through this book.

I have read a number of books on the Civil War in Washington...Fine as those books are, they do not accomplish two things that are splendid contributions of your book on the weekend home that the Lincolns made of their cottage at the Soldiers' Home.

First, we often forget the huge personal burden that the war place on Lincoln and his belief, strong in the summer of 1864, that he would be defeated in the next election and that the gains in the war would slip back into Southern control. We can see in your book how his days and nights in the cottage helped Lincoln to hold on to and expand what he had until victory in the 1864 election was assured.

The other is the loving relationship of the President with his wife, Mary Lincoln. We often hear of her oddities and running up of debts. What we do not hear of, and what admirably is stressed in your book, is what you describe as "the mutual affection and mutual dependence" that always linked them despite their great differences in character. Respect for Mary Lincoln, and her contributions to the greatness of Abraham Lincoln, is something we could use more of in writing American history.

I will not go on expect to say that I think I have already indicated the greatness of your book, and my hope that librarians and readers everywhere will have an opportunity to benefit from its revelations and the new light it brings on the life of one of our very greatest Presidents.

The author has done a wonderful job showing what a real human being that Lincoln was. A friend of mine borrowed my book and liked it so well that
she went out and immediately bought 5 more to give as Christmas presents. It is just the right size for a gift book and so well written anyone will be proud to own it. I have also bought 6 more copies to give all my family for Christmas. Everyone should read it, everyone will enjoy it. written by Malcolm Kelly, a Kentuckian proud or both Mr and Mrs Lincoln who were born in this state.

I especially enjoyed the fresh approach to Lincoln and to his wife Mary Todd, who comes across in this new book as an elegant, urbane, and gracious `Republican Queen.' The account of the Lincolns' marriage and their home life at the White House and the Soldiers' Home, from observers such as the Union Army soldiers who guarded him for three years, is fascinating. The book is based on extensive research and is enriched by fresh anecdotes about Lincoln, by Whitman's and abolitionist Longfellow's poetry, and letters and memoirs of the diverse personalities with whom Lincoln interacted, particularly his generals and cabinet members.

It must be difficult-given the plethora of books on Lincoln-to shed new light on an old subject. However, Elizabeth Brownstein does. Through careful and thorough research, Ms. Brownstein addresses issues hitherto unexplored. Lincoln's summer home...provides a suitable setting to describe Lincoln's activities outside the White House. One learns, for instance, that the first draft of the Emancipation Proclamation was completed here. One also learns that, far from being a retreat from the hustle and bustle of Pennsylvania Avenue, the home facilitated Lincoln's open-mindedness about receiving virtual strangers at virtually any hour of the day or night and resulted in serious sleep deprivation.

However, it was in the other topics addressed in the book that Lincoln's character is at its most illuminating. His fascination with weaponry, his patience in his dealings with his wife, and his ability to establish collegial relationship with people of vastly differing temperaments are all thoughtfully explored...The characters highlighted are dispassionately analyzed in such a way as to enable the reader to be part of the scene at all times. For instance, Lincoln's wife, so often pilloried...is given a fair hearing and is properly depicted as a courageous soul confronted by agonizing choices and exaggerated expectations of the First Lady's performance as a suitable consort of the most admired President in American History...Mrs. Brownstein provides a valuable service for readers interested in the less dramatic, but no less insightful, clues about Lincoln the President, confronted, as he was, by the unprecedented challenges associated with his era.

This book provides new information about Lincoln and his family, which is highly unusual for someone as researched as Lincoln. Based on letters and recollections of the people who saw him there, this book gives a picture of Lincoln in robe and slippers away from the chaos of the war time White House. A definate addition to what is known about Lincoln.

This is a well written book and very timely as action is being taken to renovate the Lincoln Cottage. I reside on the grounds of the Soldiers' Home where the cottage is located and know the value of the cottage in our history. The facility is now known as the Armed Forces Retirement Home-Washington. The cottage has always been known as the Anderson Cottage.

This book was a wonderful find. I read it in two days on a business trip and found the writing style enjoyable, the research accurate and detailed while not at all overbearing, and the information very interesting. There are still very little details of the Lincoln's day to day activities at the Soldier's Home. None of the Lincoln's kept diaries and official documentation of purchases, visitors, and happenings were very casual compared to the entourage and details which follow a modern day president on vacation. But the author uncovered letters and diaries of the soldiers and visitors who were around the Lincoln's at this time and from these sources has discovered a wealth of information. The book parallels each of the decisive war time decisions made by Lincoln, and shows how his daily commute to the Soldiers Home from the White House and back, and the relaxing time spent with his family during summer nights and weekends, helped to shape some of his actions and achievements.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about Lincoln the person, with an interest in his politics and Civil War presidency. This book is a wonderful addition to the new writings on the Sixteenth President.

In each of the years he served as President of the United
States (minus the 11 southern states which seceded launching the Civil War!) President Abraham Lincoln, his wife Mary and family would journey to the Soldiers Retirement Home about 4 miles from the White House. Son Robert would visit on his trips home from Harvard. Youngest Lincoln son Tad enjoyed the Soldiers' Home where he had a menagerie of pets; got to know the guard troops from Pennsylvania, New York and Ohio stationed there. Wife Mary was often vacationing in New England or shopping in New York.
In this atmosphere Lincoln enjoyed the camaraderie of soldiers; received visitors and enjoyed the company of Secretary of War Edwin M. Stanton living in a nearby cottage.
It was in this location that the President agonized over his decision to issue the Emancipation Proclamation; decided to fire
George B. McClellan and help plan the 1864 presidential campaign.
Every day Lincoln would ride a horse to the White House surrounded by mounted cavalryman. His wife Mary fell from her carriage in July, 1863 while traveling to the home. She was seriously injured .
Pinsker tells us of plots against Lincoln's life. He may have even been fired upon by an unknown assassin according to a soldier who reported this incident in his postwar memoirs.
Matthew Pinsker has written an outstanding book adding to our knowledge of the heretofore little known Lincoln residence at the Soldiers Home. The Home is now a National Landmark and is being renovated and opened for the public. One can imagine how awed poet Walt Whitman was as he saw Lincoln on his daily ride from the White House to the Soldiers Home.
Pinsker draws on a vast array of first person accounts, letters,memoirs and can be complimented on adding to our knowledge of the Lincoln presidency.
The book is well illustated with maps and is an outstanding addition to anyone interested in the Civil War and the Lincoln presidency. Well recommended!

I bought this book for about 7 months when I was in Seattle for a week. The book has only 200 pages, so that europeans can read the whole book during the fly. The book give you detailed information about facts about and around Seattle. A quickly reference about the history of Seattle can be founded here, but also information about the economy, arts, language and culture. There is a section of 20 pages with color maps needed for a good orientation. This book is highly recommended for all people travelling to Seattle.

Virgilio Krumbacher

One of the nice things about the Lonely Planet guides is that they are very good about telling you which things are just tourist traps and which are genuinely worth seeing. I don't think I've yet run into any bad recommendations from this guide, and now that I live in Seattle (I bought the book several years before moving here), I've had pretty good opportunity to try out a lot of their suggestions.

There is lots of good information about interesting spots in many of Seattle's vibrant neighboorhood communities besides just the downtown and Pioneer Square areas. I also appreciated the information on various points of architectural interest, which has made me want to chase down another book about Seattle's architecture.

If you want to get to know Seattle beyond just the touristy stuff that every visitor to Seattle has seen (Pike's Place, the Needle, etc.), you can't go wrong with this book. Even if you are already familiar with Seattle, there is much you can learn from this book -- I intend to try out more of their recommended day trips to the surrounding areas soon!

The Lonely Planet Guide to Seattle is a great asset to anyone headed to the Emerald City. We found our transportation from the airport, hotel, restaurants and shops all from this book. And the trip was wonderful. The information is up to date and the maps are accurate. I relied so heavily upon this guide for my trip over a year ago, I plan to purchase another for my mother, who is headed to Seattle with me soon. This book helped to convince me that the Emerald City is definitely a place I look forward to calling home soon. Thank you Lonely Planet.

As a resident of the area, I have say that this book is a great asset to my bookshelf. I often find myself looking through the book to find new and exotic things to do around the city. Sometimes it is more useful than using the phonebook because there are tidbits on culture, restaurant styles, and where the best places are to rent bikes, canoes, and rollerblades. When friends or relatives visit, I lend them the book so they can easily find the things they need around town. I highly reccommend this book to any traveler heading to the Seattle area!!!!!

This was a great read. Ms. Golden gave us a clear view of the city through the characters eyes at a time when this, DC, was at its best in appearance. The love and struggle of this family is one that we as african americans can all relate to, not mention the voyage that carries us to and through each day of our life. Ms. Golden, as always, has done a terrific job. I could not put it down. This is much more worthy of a movie deal than some I want mention.

THIS BOOK IS FANTASTIC. WHY? BECAUSE ITS A THOUGHT PROVOKING NOVEL. IF YOU ENJOY A GOOD READ, WITH AN HONEST LOOK AT AN AFRICAN AMERICAN FAMILY, THEN THIS ONE IS IT. WE (AS A PEOPLE) SOMETIMES COMPAIN ABOUT THE NEGATIVE IMAGES THAT ARE PORTRAYED ABOUT US. WELL IN MY OPINION THE VOICE OF THIS NOVEL IS ACCURATE AND JUST. THIS IS A VERY WELL WRITTEN BOOK. PICK IT UP AND SEE FOR YOURSELF.....

I LOVE the way this lady writes. Someone passed me her most recent hardcover(I read alot, but had not even heard of this author). It affected me so deeply, that I ordered her entire backlist. Her characters are so well-drawn out (they are literally "fleshed out") and so real, her tales of ordinary life (which easily engages the reader in a world which can be related to)and her observations so stirring and poignant, that she gives the reader of each of her stories with many verbal gifts. "Affecting" is an understatement. "Long Distance Life" starts at the present and then goes backward in time, eventually ending again with the present. It is about one woman who bravely leaves her home and husband in the South, in search of herself and a life without such narrow confines. She establishes her own business, marries and gives birth to a daughter. Her daughter grows up, has a baby with a married man, and then eventually leaves her home and child to join the Civil Rights Movement and to find her own purpose. To reveal any more of this story would be unfair because the writing is simply so beautiful,it must be experienced. This author is a real gift!

This is one of those authors who makes me say, "Wow! I hope other people see MY writing this way." The story is well-paced and intersting but what's more importnat about this writer is that she get to the heart of what the characters are FEELING and shows us all of their emotions, the good, the bad and the ugly.

There are too many Black authors out there right now who are getting success based on the boom in black fiction rather than actual talent. Ms. Golden DESERVES the praise she gets and I HOPE someone is paying her what's she's worth!

first read this in 1979-80. truly an experience that stays with you. only one other book has had a lasting effect on the depths of my being: robert pirsigs'zen & the art of motorcycle maintanence'. every 'man' needs to explore Frank Waters gift. every 'man' needs to give this to his 'son'.

In this book, Martiniano, the main character, struggles to achieve a homeostasis amongst confining to the laws of the whites while still keeping the values, norms, and beliefs of his older Native American culture. There are a few sublots involving a religious sight that all come together to make a compelling conclusion to a beautifully written novel. The imagery involved within the piece make The MAn Who Killed The Deer a defined and rather extraordinary novel. It is a timeless claassic which should be read and enjoyed by all who still care about making themselves better persons.

This is a subtle, poignant novel which explores cultural conflicts and personal struggles for identity and interbeing. It concludes with an awareness of the inevitable oneness of all people within the rhythms of the earth. The novel made me contemplate my own values and relationships. It moved me to tears and quiet joy. It gave me a strong sense of my place as a human being in the web of life. I did not want the book to end. Martiniano, the man who killed the deer, is a vivd, honest character who will remain in my mind

It helps to have visited the village of Taos to appreciate this novel dealing with the tribes sacred Blue Lake and metaphysical power. Given the circumstances of the plot, its unfolding has intense meaning to all who seek their souls true identy. The narrative insidiously leads from one attitude to another, from what was learned to what is felt. Going "back to the blanket" is an imperceptible reunion with the customs of the past that moves man to become what he really is and/or wants to be. The beauty of the idea can affect deeply readers searching for their own unincumbered identity and peace.

I read The Medusa's Smile twice.
The first time rather fast just to see what really happened. But well before the end I was falling in love with the 17 year old Marina and the elusive sophisticated Marco Albrizzi.
I had also the feeling that I was missing something. That there was more than the story in the book. So I read it again, slowly. And then I was able to enjoy the atmosphere, the emotion, the restrained melancholy.
Is really more lasting the love that has not been totally fulfilled?
Is an old friendship the ultimate consolation?
Read the book and decide by yourself.

For everyone who has visited and loved Venice this intriguing novel will hold special delight and meaning.

The author's descriptions are breathtakingly real, sensitive and provocative. The juxtaposition of the heroine Marina's present and past life and the contrasting worlds of Venice in the winter and summer are compelling.

The story is particularly unique in the time-frame it spans. Italy of the 1950's and 1960's is captivating as it comes alive with the author's intimate knowledge and skillful writing.

The surprise ending holds pathos, tenderness, and the poignant reality of love lost and yet forever there. Readers of this novel will not be disappointed.

This is a novel of juxtaposition: Venice, shuttered in the cold light of winter and opulent in the heat and passion of summer--beauty, masking ugliness--innocence, becoming the handmaiden of guilt. Marina Renier Anderson,after the breakup of her 23-year marriage to a prominent American surgeon, returns to her native country, Italy. She goes to Venice and begins to relive events of a summer spent there when she was seventeen--events which culminated in a tragedy. In mythology whoever looked at the face of the Gorgon, Medusa, was turned to stone. That summer, the modern version of Medusa, beautiful and horrifying, turned hearts to stone. Marina is hoping for healing and release from her guilt. She must, however, learn to accept what cannot be altered. This novel is a tour de force, skillfully managed by a writer whose love affair with words brings to life a magical place and unforgettable personalities.

All good storytellers pull us into their world. Laura Brylawski-Miller lifts the veil to a Venice imbued with a shimmering air of unreality. Her narrator, Marina, returns for a winter visit during a time of marital crisis and reflects on a long ago summer at Venice's Lido beach in the company of wealth and glamour where much was illusion and deceit - "beyond the curtain of snow lies that summer at the Lido...blue and gold and bloody forever. "

Brylawski-Miller's descriptions are masterful. Her sense of place is only surpassed by her finely delineated characters. After my daughter-in-law finished reading the book in one gulp, she commented "I was really sad to put it down.. I am definitely going to look for her other novels because the characters in this one stayed with me for days - and I really missed them."

An engrossing coming of age tale - and so much more...

Mother Knows presents a rich collection of emotionally meaningful short stories-some by writers I hadn't heard of before, but will be looking for now-about motherhood from all directions.

The opening piece, "What's Left Behind," is a deeply moving (but not sappy) story of a pregnant woman who loses her husband and children in a flash flood. Here are the first two lines: "He sweeps by me. My husband, Dizzy, rushes past me with his arms outstretched like a preacher at altar call."

There's the woman who's trying to take care of her small "determined" son and her equally stubborn father who, after a stroke, can only speak gibberish. The realism of this story is striking: the intertwining of love and dedication with exhaustion and a powerful, though passing, desire to flee from the obligations of family.

A remarkable range of authors and perspectives are included. There are at least five immigrants in this collection-wonderful writers with backgrounds and challenges very different from my own or my children's. (One author was born in China, another in Turkey, one in Puerto Rico, and one in Zimbabwe. I mean, wow.)

For me, the best fiction gives me a larger view of the world and yet reminds me that I am a part of it. And, although it sounds sentimental, these stories reminded me that it is the urge to love and be loved that keeps us moving through this world. This powerful collection of 24 (!) stories-by big names and soon-to-be-big names-has earned a permanent spot in my library.

All of our lives are inextricably bound with our mothers' lives. What I especially appreciated about these stories was that they told the truth--from all directions--about the complicated, but love-infused bond between mothers and their children. It's a meaningful, affecting, and hopeful collection. (And I've got some great new authors to follow now, too.)

I loved reading this anthology of stories about Motherhood! Very touching. A fascinating and heartwarming read, for sure.

I got this for my wife for Mother's Day and I think I'll actually read it when she's done! Unless she lets our daughter read it first.