Canada Books

This book provides a wonderful doorway into the art of ant identification. The keys are well tested and current. The photographs of a representative ant from each genus are stunning. The lists of North American genera and species are very useful as is the list of literature for identifying species. I wish I had had this book 30 years ago when I first started learning to identify ants! This is a must have book for everyone who studies North American ants. It should also be in the libraries of all field stations and any institution of higher learning that teaches classes in the natural sciences.

I am a myrmecologist, and this is definitely the most helpful (and portable) ant key I have come across.

It is full of excellent illustrations and intuitive couplets, but aving said that, this book deals only with genera found in the USA, not whole North America.

The first part of the book is the dichotomous key, whereas the second part describes each genus in detail (ecology, morphological characteristics, the most recent literature dealing with that genus, etc.)

The authors have even managed to squeeze in a couple of (ant) jokes and funny anecdotes into this part of the text.
The last part of the book contains the list of all known species in North America.

The authors have made one mistake that I am aware of, and that is on page 111, where they state that genus Monomorium has 11 antennal segmnents while they actually have 12.

Ants are one of the groups of organisms that I found fascinating from an early age. I finally settled on spiders, but ants were always in the back of my mind on the numerous field trips on which I went to pursue my eight-legged quarry. However, guides to ants were few and far between and when I was given a copy of Creighton's "The Ants of North America" I was almost as confused as I was before. While the illustrations were good, the descriptions and keys were a bit difficult and of course even by the time I was given the book, it was quite dated.

We have long needed a book such as Brian Fisher and Stefan Cover have produced in "Ants of North America: A Guide to the Genera". Among other things the photos of actual specimens are a great help in determining the genera (and in some cases sub-genera) that anyone might encounter in a backyard or in the wild. The keys are both very good and well illustrated. A good hand lens will be sufficient with many, but the size of some requires a good binocular dissecting microscope (one reason that ants are less popular than butterflies, dragonflies or even moths). Still both professional entomologists and serious amateurs will find this book very useful as a first step in the identification of the ant fauna.

Because I am a professional biologist and an entomologist I found that, although I do not know the authors, I do know at least six of the people listed in the acknowledgements - such is the small size of the entomological community.

I recommend this book highly and only wish that something like it was available when I was becoming interested in the tiny life around us.

"Ants of North America: A Guide to the Genera" by Brian Fisher and Stefan Cover is quite simply the best identification guide (down to the genus level) available for these fascinating insects.

Combining straightforward identification keys that contain excellent line drawings of pertinent ant features with April Nobile's detailed automontage pictures, this publication functions both as a "working book" and a page-by-page display of the true beauty and diversity of these ants.

The alphabetical method of ordering the genera descriptions is also to be saluted. As the subfamily level gets re-shuffled over the years, the alphabet stays the same, and so provides a user-friendly way to thumb through the genera.

All of the genus listings contain both a head-on and lateral picture of the ant, along with diagnostic remarks and brief distribution and ecological information.

This book belongs on the bookshelf and lab workbench of every myrmecologist, and certainly any ecologist that works within the conservation field performing biodiversity surveys. It has been said that you cannot begin to understand the species you are trying to preserve if you cannot identify them, and so this book will allow any ecologist with basic entomology skills the ability to identify, as E.O. Wilson describes ants, the "little things that run the world."

This story, lovingly told, examines the bleak history of Armenian orphans transported far from home to the shores of Canada following a genocide in their homeland. Skrypuch brings the fear and wonder of the boys' experiences to life with her clear text and vivid imagery. Reading the story is a visceral experience not to be missed.

Aram's story is based on the life of an Armenian orphan brought to Canada in 1923. Aram's journey out of Turkey (with his grandmother) during the Armenian Genocide, to an orphanage in Greece, and on to a farm in rural Ontario is one of new discoveries and experiences--unforgettable are his nighttime swim around the skeleton of a sunken ship, arriving at the Port of Quebec, and eating his first banana.

Historical information is smoothly woven into the story, as golden threads enrich silk fabric. Backmatter includes maps tracing Aram's journey, a glossary, bibliography of novels about the Armenian Genocide, including two gems by Marsha Skrypuch, Internet sites and films, an index, biographical information on the author and illustrator, and a historicl note. Color illustrations enrich the pages of this historically accurate, thoroughly researched, and well-designed book. A memorable chapter book in the New Beginnings series, ARAM'S CHOICE is a must-read.

ARAM'S CHOICE takes readers on a journey into the unknown with a group of young Armenian orphans who must leave their homeland or face extermination. Such a heavy theme, written differently, could have weighed the book down but, told through the eyes of a child, blends hardship with courage, fear with wonder and discouragement with hope. Both text and illustrations are beautifully and authentically crafted, bringing alive the experience of Canada's Georgetown Boys.

Highly recommended.

I'll admit, historical fiction is not usually my first choice of genre, but this small treasure of a story was enough to change my tastes! I wasn't even aware of the Armenian genocide--another painful chapter in mankind's history. This account picks up with the rescue of some young boys who are sent to an orphanage in Corfu and then to Canada to start new lives. Aram is such a likable character, such a boyish boy in the midst of all these historical events! I once asked my mother, a history major, how she thinks children should study history. She replied that they should study the lives of intriguing people in the context of history. Aram reminded me that one young life, of such value in and of itself, could paint a vivid picture of a forgotten time in history--one that deserves to be acknowledged and remembered.

I drove to Goose Bay, Labrador from Baie Comeau, Quebec in the summer of 2003. . quite a feat for a grandmother. I loved the trip and want to return. I ran across this book almost by accident. It is very readable and provides an insight into the life of the native peoples that you would otherwise never hear about. I recommend it, highly.

This vivid look at life on the edge--about an inventive outlaw in remotest Labrador, a place in fact known as the edge of all things--reads like an excellent novel, with its assured, complex characterization and adventurous storyline. But this book is based on a true account of a couple's perilous chase by snowmobile across the subarctic Canadian barrens in pursuit of thugs who have just made an attempt on their lives. The man, a half Montagnais half Naskapi, has turned to smuggling as a way to make a living in the midst of North American society that has skewed values and despoiled his land; now at great risk, he must protect his interests. Rick Hornung tells his deeply distressing story with exhilarating skill.

In sparse and elegant prose, Hornung takes his reader through the harsh and jagged twists of an unforgiving land. By telling the story of a man who casts himself out of his homeland and into an underworld of smugglers, this book provides a unique perspective on life in the remote areas of North America. When following Martin Rouleau's journey, the reader will travel into the cracks that are etched into the rocks of Canada -- the rifts between whites and aboriginals, the fissures amongst different aboriginal communities, the tensions between French and English speaking Canadians. This is a fascinating book; and, it's a must read for anyone interested in the survival of aboriginals living in the northern climate.

The cognitive title, AT THE EDGE OF ALL THINGS, plunges the reader onto an undeniable trail. The book itself is beautious to hold with no detail overlooked -- including typesetting, cover design and binding. But the true beauty is found in Rick Hornung's fascinating narrative as he navigates through unfamiliar territory on a quest for understanding the black-market life of Martin Rouleau. Hornung artfully makes his journey and Martin's journey our own journey, taking his readers far beyond the backyard, and into the weathered rock and heart of Labrador.

i ordered the book on September 6th 2003 and recieved the book normal frieght within the next week. I'd definately buy form this seller again. The book was allmost like new, there were a few minor things wrong with it but it was used so nothing you wouldnt expect.

I've been a professional aircraft/automotive mechanic for 17 years. I use this book extensively, it has great review material along with alot of updated information on the latest technology in all areas. I used it to re-certify for my ASE ratings. This book will help novice and experienced techs alot.

This is one of the best automotive teaching books I have seen. It is up to date with the latest technology and the worksheet material gives a great hands on for learning every system in detail.

Great Book.....great explanation....great pictures ...covers every asepect of modern vehicle....

This book was a very relaxing and fufilling history of the duck hunting experiences we all have had. There were many stories which brought back memories of my own personal experiences I have had with close friends and family.

This book spans a century of waterfowling tales. It is amazing to begin your journey in time when the skies were clouded over by magnificent flocks all the way to the present. Since it is a treasury by many authors from many areas around the country from different time periods, the reader is able to see many different waterfowling scenarios. After reading this book, it has made me want to buy the works of many authors included in it!

Autumn Passages is a collection of short stories that span the last 100 years. Authors include Fred Kimble, Gordon MacQuarrie, Jimmy Robinson, Robert Ruark, Gene Hill and Zack Taylor. Any one who is a duck hunter will be touched by any one of the short stories contained in this book. The collection as a whole should be required reading for any waterfowler. It would be hard to find a better collection of stories.

Buying this book also helps support Ducks Unlimited.

The stories that make up Autumn Passages are true Duck Hunting Classics. The book takes you through time providing insights from the earliest market hunting days to the rejuvination of duck hunting in modern times. The only thing more enjoyable than curling up with this book in front of a fire is living the stories yourself in a favorite duck blind.

An excellent book! Pictures are all exquisite - very close-up so you can really see what different bats look like. In addition to the terrific pictures, the text is also superb. The writing style and level of detail makes it perfect for someone like me who does not have a science background per se but is really interested in learning more about bat behavior, their anatomy and their needs. Bats from around the world are included here. Topics such as migration, feeding habits, flight, echolocation and hibernation are covered. This is more than just an overview of bats in general though, there are examples specific to bats that we might see. For example in the section on what bats eat, there's info on the Little Brown Bat and the fact that it tends to eat small aquatic insects versus Big Brown Bats tending to eat June beetles, etc

Did you know that studying bats can teach also teach us about humans? Those with poor sight are often labeled "blind as a bat" but the simple fact is that these small animals do have eyes and several species (like the flying foxes) see well, thank you very much. So what do they do when their echolocation "sees" one thing and their eyes tell them something different? What role does color play?

This book is filled with neat information, scientific questions, and gorgeous color photographs that kids will love. The book is divided into seven chapters on everything from the basic lure of bats, their auditory "vision" and what they eat to where they live, how they look and how to conserve them.

The rich photographs show all kinds of fruit, insect-eating and vampire bats, feeding and in their roosts all over the world.

The book closes with four brief sections on bat classifications, anatomy, scientific and common names, and other books and technical publications about bats.

The type is fairly large, and the text is both scientific easy enough for independent readers aged 10 and up.

For kids who like nonfiction or nature this book is a must. And it will teach them to love these important animals, too long maligned. Alyssa A. Lappen

This book is great! I has alot of close and detailed pictures. It gives a really nice description on each species as well. I enjoy it, as well as my 5 year old.

This book has great pictures and is full of many interesting, little-known facts about bats, without being too simple. Perfect for a new bat lover, or to introduce less bat-friendly people to the diversity and value of bats.

I found this book unexpectedly in Grandma's house, and, as I've decided to start reading more, I read it. It was terrific. Leslie told exactly how he felt, and he told it well enough that I felt it too. What happened to him may as well have happened to me, reading this book. His narration took me directly into the North Woods. And, once I was there, there was no lack of a story to keep me moving along. I watched the three cubs become his family; I watched them grow up; I watched them through fun and hard times. The forest was rich with detail and poignant occasions. I am staunchly against crying, but at the end I seriously thought about considering it, and that's not something that is easy to make me do. All in all, I have to say that you really need to get your hands on this book.

In correction of the review written below, the book was made into a movie in 1974, starring Patrick Wayne. It's very hard to find, but is worth seeing. The story, both on the page on the screen, is wonderous.

Staci Layne Wilson

I have read this book for the 5th time since I was about 8 years old. I am 36 and it has never lost its' grip on me. Leslie's first hand account of communing with bears in British Columbia's remote, yet not remote enough, North Woods is truly unforgettable. How this book became out of print, and never a movie or documentary defies explanation. Leslie's descriptive language and compelling narrative is a tribute to nature writers everywhere. Readers who like Farley Mowat and Robert Redford would like this book. I plan on passing this on to my 2 year old son as my mother passed it on to me whaen old enough to comprehend. Long live the bear!

I have read this book for the 5th time since I was about 8 years old. I am 36 and it has never lost its' grip on me. Leslie's first hand account of communing with bears in British Columbia's remote, yet not remote enough, North Woods is truly unforgettable. How this book became out of print, and never a movie or documentary defies explanation. Leslie's descriptive language and compelling narrative is a tribute to nature writers everywhere. Readers who like Farley Mowat and Robert Redford would like this book. I plan on passing this on to my 2 year old son as my mother passed it on to me whaen old enough to comprehend. Long live the bear!

THIS BOOK ABOUT FRANK MAHOVLICH IS WELL WORTH READING. THE BIG M WAS ONE OF THE BEST AND CLASSIEST PLAYERS OF ALL TIME. HIS GRACE AND POWER ON THE ICE WERE A THINK TO BEHOLD. HIS SON TED, DOES A GREAT JOB TELLING HIS STORY AND HITS ON ALL 8 CYLINDERS. I ESPECIALLY ENJOYED THE PARTS CONCERNING PUNCH IMLACH AND HIS DICTATOR WAYS AND THE VARIOUS OTHER COACHES AND PLAYERS THAT THE BIG M PLAYED FOR AND AGAINST. A GREAT READ FOR ALL HOCKEY FANS.

This book has been very enjoyable. Ted Mahovlich has done an excellent job in telling us the interesting story about his father. He showed us the Punch Imlach lacked class and Frank Mahovlich had a lot of class and finally enjoyed his career when he joined the best organization in sports at the time the Montreal Canadiens. I would recommend this to any hockey fan or sports fan in general

Frank Mahovlich was one of THE great players in the history of hockey. This books gives a thoughtful and intelligent insight into the mind of the quiet giant who won four Stanley Cups with the Leafs and two more with the Canadiens.

Told alongside the biographical narrative of The Big M is the author's experience of going on the road with his father, in the touring team of NHL past masters. Not only does this expose the reader to some beautiful anecdotes about other former stars of the game, but also captures the bond between father and son in a most moving way.

Ted Mahovlich is a very accomplished writer, telling his father's story with compassion, respect and honesty in a fine style that makes the book hard to put down. A must for any fan of hockey and/or good writing.

This book is great, not your normal biography. Ted Mahovlich captures a seldom read about side of his father Frank, along with the exploits of his spectacular career. The author spent considerable time traveling and playing with the old-timer greats while interviewing them as wells as capturing moments the common fan is not privey to. If you are a hockey fan -- this books for you. (Yes I know I live in Texas, but I moved here)

This is a great book. The author has a wonderful way with words (although I sometimes think he is showing off his lexicon skills). I felt anger, compassion, and frustration at the antics of the participants in this novel. Any book that can manipulate emotions like this one deserves high praise. I cannot recommend this book highly enough.

Wonderful, moving book about the effects of the twin evils of religion and nationalism on a small Anatoliam village at the start of the 2oth centuty - the writing is perfect. 5 stars and then some. Read tis if you want to join an army!

Don't get me wrong; I loved Captain Corelli's Mandolin, but Birds without Wings is even better. Louis de Bernieres reminds me of Rohinton Mistry. Both authors take a long time between novels, but the results are so well crafted that I can't complain about the wait. I was just pleased that this book was 625 pages long, so that a good read lasted a long time.

Captain Corelli's Mandolin was really the love story between Antonio Corelli and Pelagia with some of the novel devoted to other villagers and political figures of the time. Although from the opening of Bird without Wings it would appear to be the love story of Philothei and Ibrahim, their story is just one strand of many that make up the story of their village, Eskibahce. The village is the main character of the novel and the story tells of the villagers who live harmoniously despite differences in religion and ethnic origins until the events of WWI and the ensuing war for Turkish independence disrupt their Utopian lives. Probably no one living in Eskibahce felt that they were living in a perfect world until the enforced emigrations took place.

One area that de Bernieres has really improved over Captain Corelli's Mandolin is in the integration of the outside historical detail with the main story of Eskibahce. Although I found no difficulty beginning Captain Corelli, I have heard from other readers that they grew confused with the multiple narratives and were unable to reconcile the interior monologue of the Greek Prime Minister with the other early narratives. In Birds without Wings, the story of Mustafa Kemel, the leader of the independent Turkish movement, is told from his birth and is related intermittantly throughout the novel. Although these chapters were of the least interest to me and they were often the point where I would stop reading, they were essential to convey the larger historical context of the novel. Without this information, the reader would have been as perplexed as the villagers were about the governmental decisions that affected their lives so drastically.

De Bernieres' best trait is his ability to present both sides of the story fairly and equitibly. In the end both the Greek and the Turkish sides are equally to blame as are the Allies who interfere for their own motives. The ones who come out most blameless are the Italians and the friendship between Lieutenant Granitola and Rustem Bey, the Muslim aga of Eskibahce, was reminiscent of the situation in Captain Corelli's Mandolin where the Italians were jovial and gentle occupiers.

I have visited both Greece and Turkey, yet I learned more about the history and geography of both countries from this novel than I did from my travels. Another novel that I enjoyed earlier this year is Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides. It began with the exhile of the Greeks from Smyrna, the same event that occurs near the end of Birds without Wings. However, it was only by reading de Bernieres' novel that I discovered the location of Smyrna, which I had supposed to be somewhere in northern Greece when I read Eugenides' book since the characters always spoke of themselves as Greek.

Prior to reading Captain Corelli's Mandolin, I had read de Bernieres' South American magic realism trilogy. I just think he is getting better as he writes more. In Birds without Wings, Drosoula, Pelagia's intended mother-in-law and friend from Captain Corelli's Mandolin, is depicted as a young child and woman and remembers her past in Turkey from her old age in Cephalonia. She is the only one of the Greek exiles whose fate we learn of. I hope that de Bernieres plans a subsequent novel that might help us to learn what happened to some of the others, like Mehmetcik, the boy who imitated a robin and grew up to be a bandit or Leyla, Rustem Bey's mistress who pretended to be from Eastern Turkey who was really Ionna from Ithaca.

Actually I am looking forward to the next Louis de Bernieres novel, no matter what its topic may be.

Birds Without Wings by Louis de Bernieres was worth the wait. At first glance it may not seem like a book to bring to the cottage but de Bernieres ability to create a whole village of interesting characters is a perfect book to sit back in an Adirondack chair and let the day slide by. I found myself wanting to learn more about the actual events of the novel's time-frame and I was satisfied that the book was not Captain Corelli's Mandolin but another showcase for de Bernieres' immense talent.

I love this book! It was written with a thorough grasp of the scientific aspects of matching your plants to the birds you want to attract, and creating mini-habitats where birds will feel welcome and secure. But this is obviously a labor of love too. The book is organized so that you can look up plants and birds separately, but it also helps you to understand how they relate to each other. Information about growing zones is included for each plant, so you can easily chose species suitable for your location. The line illustrations of birds are excellent-very artistic and spirited, and clear enough to make it easy to identify the birds in real life.

One pleasant surprise was how easy it change my boring backyard in an older suburb into a haven for many species of birds. A lot of the plants mentioned in the book were already there, including some I had planned to remove until I read this book. I gradually added many more bird-friendly plants, including a prairie garden which finches seem to love. The result was almost magical-the more things I planted, the more birds showed up! Another bonus was that if you have enough plants that birds like, you can get rid of conventional bird feeders-just give them a natural supply of food, and a birdbath or other water source, and you will be amazed at how many bird species you will see-all in your own back (or front) yard!

A fabulous book for beginning birders, Birdscaping your Garden acts as an all-purpose guide to identification, habitat, and feeding habits. Identification is aided by a short description as well as a black and white sketch and a full-color photo. Each two-page spread discusses one bird with details including migration and winter range, breeding range and behavior, nesting, and a short list of plants to use for bird food.
The feeding guide is garden and plant focused (rather than the typical hanging birdfeeder type focus) with the idea of using native plantings to attract and feed birds. Purchased seed options are rarely mentioned.
As organized and helpful as the individual page layouts are, the overall organization of the book is lacking. The reader is forced to browse through all 64 birds in the directory section to find what is being sought since the birds are not listed in any particular order. The book's lack of regional focus is also limiting and reduces the number of relevant entries to about 30 if you live in New Jersey, for example.
The final section of the book is a plant directory which is organized alphabetically by scientific name. The section includes photos and general cultural guidelines for plants that will shelter and feed the birds previously discussed. A list of "Birds Attracted" within the individual plant descriptions is a nice cross-reference with the bird directory section.
The dichotomy of the book should not put you off - it is clearly written and useful despite its overall lack of organization. There is no doubt it is valuable for creating a native, bird-friendly garden.

Want to "reform" your backyard? This book is a great place to start. A wonderful primer on birds and plants, this book is also a solid reference book. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in, or is serious about, creating a great place for the birds and the bees to hang out.

I first found this book at our local library and when I went to photocopy "a few pages" I realized I was about the copy the whole book so I decided to just buy the book for myself. It's terrific! It goes through all sorts of species of bushes and trees, indicates what type of wildlife is attracted to it, how they use it, etc. It has good pictures too. A real must have for the backyard gardener who wants to have some wildlife in their life. Highly highly recommended