Wyoming Books

As Spence promises on the cover, this book is about himself.

You'll learn how Spence's mother's selfish suicide and religious overbearing nature have plagued him. Her death was a life-long sentence without a trial. It drove him to obsess over the innocence and justifiable mistakes of others.

In the Making of a Country Lawyer, Spence delivers what most of those who write autobiographies avoid -- a critical, honest and, at times, humorous account of his growth from an awkward youth, to married man, and ultimately to a truly mature man. He is so honest and witty and provides such rich descriptions of his teenage years, his law school "education," and his first few trials that I would be cringing one moment and laughing out loud the next. So emotionally lost was Spence at different times that it appeared he could never find his way out of the abyss, nevermind reclaim the mountain top. It is more than an autobiography, it is the story of man so tormented with guilt and feelings of inadequacy that he's desperate to escape his own skin . . . until he meets his soulmate. It's the best autobiography I've ever read and perhaps Spence's best book.

This book relates the details of the life of Gerry Spence, a well-known trial lawyer. From his earliest days of life through the beginnings of his second marriage, Spence reveals to us what his life was like, who his influences were, and how he reacted. The driving focus of the book is Spence's mother, who took her own life when he was a young man. At the time of her death, she and Spence had had a falling out, and Spence sees much of the rest of his life as trying to make peace with her. At the end of this book, some of Spence's famous cases and clients are mentioned in an epilogue; however, these topics are not discussed in the memoir section at all.

As an outsider to Spence's family, this book was extremely hard to get through. Some of the details of his early life in rural Wyoming were quite interesting, and he certainly reveals some of his character as he variously compares arguing in the courtroom to wild game hunting or playing poker. The stories of his first marriage and its breakup, and how he took up with another woman are not exactly things to be proud of, and I'm not sure his family would really want to see these details published. When his marriage was on the rocks, he decided to sell his family's home in Wyoming together with all their possessions and start life anew in Mill Valley, California. Within a month, though, he abandoned his family in Mill Valley, where they were far from relatives, friends or any other people who might provide emotional support, to go back to his mistress in Wyoming. I couldn't help thinking about Judith Wallerstein's book about children of divorce ("Second Chances") when I read this section. For her studies, she chose families facing divorce in the early 1970s living in a town in California. Was it Mill Valley where she did her studies? Did she include the four Spence children in her work? Was it the Spence children whose standard of living took a drastic nosedive when their father moved in with someone else? But it was the woe begotten prose addressed to Spence's mother that was the most difficult part of this book to get through. I had hoped to develop some sympathy for lawyers, or at least for this one, or maybe even learn something about growing up in the West during the Depression by reading this book. Instead, after reading this book, I find myself repelled even by the thought of reading any more memoirs by lawyers.

Next to "The Paper Chase",I found Gerry Spence's autobiography to be extremely inspirational, and yet, this time he offered wisdom for the rest of us who do not take up the law. One reviewer missed the point about "country lawyer"(the common man), trying to weaken Spence's building diatribe against corporate America. His vivid, meticulous storytelling ranges as wide as the landscape of his upbringing, where Horatio Alger meets Franklin and finishes with Thomas Paine. In other words, he offers hope for the little guy, the citizen, if men of his cloth would abandon their ways and the rest of us would stop acting like lemmings. This captivating, truth-telling journey to adulthood, runs from the depression to the consumptive new millenium. His many Lincolnian lessons throughout make it a deservedly classic manual for the under-taught. Spence proves Darwin wrong. It's not the fittest, the prepared truth-seekers.

It has been said that it takes a great deal of courage for a person to take both their private thoughts and sacred moments and put them down on paper for another person to read. This is what Gerry Spence has done with his autobiography, and he should be congratulated for doing so. Spence is renowned for his landmark victories in court, including the Karen Silkwood estate, The defense of Randy Weaver, and the acquittal of Imelda Marcos. This story is not about that chapter in Spence's life, it is about the life of the young man who became this lawyer. Spence spends a fair amount of time talking about personal intimate details of his youth that most people would prefer to forget about, let alone share with perfect strangers. For me, this is where Spence's courage deserves to be applauded. Spence now presents himself as a kind understanding gentleman who is capable of dealing respectfully will those from all walks of life -- one of the many reasons he is so successful at handling jury trails. To read his own story, this was not always the case. I have read other reviews of this book from people who were shocked to learn the details of this man's teenage, young adult, and middle adult years and seemed to hold it against him. To me, Spence is not ashamed, as he should not be, about the path his life has taken. He offers no apology, and does not owe us one. He simply describes in detail the story of the first half (approximately) of his life with insight as to how it created the Gerry Spence that we all now know and love.

Some parts of the book to tend to get a little long and drawn out. This is simply Spence being Spence. He is never in a hurry to tell his stories and likes to let them meander. They are his stories and this one is about his life, so he should tell it his way.

My final thoughts of this book are not so much about he book itself, but something that happen right after I finished it. I had read several of Spence's works in succession. This book was the last. Not long afterward I sat down one Saturday afternoon and send him an e-mail telling him what I had read and that I appreciated his writing and his work. I sent the mail not really expecting anything and took off for the gym. I came home a few hours later and found a reply in my Inbox from Gerry thanking me and telling me that I had made his day. It was nice to know that I was able to talk briefly with a renowned figure.

A book published in April 2008 should not have reviews dated no later than 2007. This makes no sense.

For one contemplating a trip to Yellowstone and the Tetons this book will be a fine handbook and guide.It is very detailed in regards to information about the parks and offers the reader a fine source of information for things to do on your visit.

Before my Yellowstone trip, I had purchased many books and maps and visited websites-you know the drill. This book helped with many insider tips-when talking with other visitors, they had consistently asked me how I knew these things, and I told them-the Lonely Planet guide. Even two park rangers wanted to know how I knew these lesser known tips-and they were impressed with the information. My favorites: how to get the best view of the Grand Prismatic pool (I'm not going to give that one away) and how to avoid bears on trails-which I'll let out of the bag-sing show tunes! Yes that sounds ridiculous-but when I saw a bear about 150 ft ahead of me on a trail and started singing Ethel Merman, well, bears are smart enough not to stick around for the encore!

Maybe it's because the author admits that he ventured off to complete this project only a couple days after getting married, leaving his bride behind. Perhaps a publishing deadline loomed large. I'm not sure what Lonely Planet's excuse is, but this book is the most thrown together, unhelpful guide I've ever seen in their repertoire! I've appreciated their "secret" tips and organized guides for many of my world adventures, and this one is just way below par. Abyssmal on any scale.

I did tons better researching on the internet on my own, which might be the best approach to these parks anyway, so that you're sure to get up to date information. This guide doesn't even mention the great guest ranch outside the park at which I snagged six nights a few months before my visit, how to make sure that you get tickets for special ranger-led, half-day back-country adventure hikes with 15 person limits, or that there are boat and kayak rentals/tours in Yellowstone from concessionaires.

The book literally gives you a headache, trying to figure out how to make sense of the vast amount of listings presented. A menage of maps and thrown-together tidbits are pretty meaningless without the necessary organization to figure out an orderly travel plan. It would have been a lot better if the book took you around each of Yellowstone's loops and through Grand Teton in a more logical format.

I alos found much of the information to be grossly outdated and inaccurate, and so many basic outdoor activities weren't explored in depth, and no real useful information or how-tos were given. I was thoroughly disappointed with my selection. With the vast amount of knowledge that I've accumulated through my own research, I could certainly re-write this guide myself!

If it's your first time in Yellow Stone or the Grand Tetons this'll be your bible .. the hikes listed in both places are well presented and with the maps included will help you plan you time in this wonderful part of the world .. The information on where you are likely to spot animals is really useful - Elk, Bison, Moose and Bear ... all accurate! The highlights and intineraries suggested helped with planning the trip .. but in addition to the traditional 'must sees' the book also suggests some wonderful off the beaten track experiences as well. Has info on where to stay and eat ..I stayed outside the park and would recommend either Teton Village or Jackson Hole as a good base with lots of top class accomodation. For European travellers Jackson Hole was the only place that I could get a mobile phone signal!

The Wyoming Kid by Debbie Macomber
Harlequin American Romance # 1121 - July 2006

Letty's brother Lonny is a former legendary rodeo star, The Wyoming Kid. He was smart and left the rodeo circuit while his bones were still good, and returned to help on the ranch. When his parents died, he became partners with his neighbour and best friend Chase. When Letty returns to Wyoming, she befriends a newcomer to their town; Joy and eagerly tries to match make Joy and Lonny together. But sparks fly when Joy and Lonny are together and these are not the good kind. Some how every time they are together, one or the other provokes a temper flare and suddenly things get said that never were meant to be said. That they are both stubborn leads to a lot of frustration and heartache.

This was a fun read. The clash of wills and tempers kept this story rolling along with some wonderful laugh out loud moments. Lonny sometimes came across as immature, but he soon grew out of that and realized that he'd been acting like a jackass. After the last three emotionally charged stories that I've read by Ms. Macomber, this one was pleasantly lighter. A very enjoyable read :D


read also the prequel ... Denim and Diamonds - SSE # 570 - December 1989

I enjoyed this good clean book, so many have so much sex and violence that they are no longer enjoyable, it was clean and a fast enjoyable read.

It was fun to revisit the community that was introduced in Denim and Diamonds! This follow-up story was written 18 years later, and more closely reflects the skills and values Debbie Macomber has honed over the years. Lonny is much less hostile character in this story. While still maintaining his basic gruffness, he also showed a softer romantic side by following his sister's advice in trying to woo Joy, as well as in his mentoring of Tom. I like the way his character consistently showed growth. By gradually and progressively coming to his own realizations throughout the story, his redemption seemed so much more believable then if he made a more sudden conversion (as Chase did in the first story). I genuinely liked this town and could see why both Letty and Joy felt compelled to stay there. And maybe another follow-up story is in order for Tom and Michelle!

A quick, enjoyable read. I loved the characters and the interactions between them. I love how the author doesn't just focus on the two main characters. Their friends and family are an important part of the story. I also like how you feel you are a part of the small town the story is set in.

This book was better than I expected, upbeat read and flows from page to page. Good storyline and Romance.

This book was very helpful in deciding what to see on a recent trip to Yellowstone. I really liked that it had what to do if you only have one or two days in the park and then went much more in depth if you have more time.

This book helped us alot! The information is detailed and just what we wanted. We only were in Yellowstone for 2 days, so we wanted to see all we could, and there is a chapter that is just for that. You can use this kind of like a tour guide. It tells you what you'll see, some history (not too much though), what to expect, etc. It was VERY helpful. We also used this is Grand Teton. The book also give you ideas where to eat and stay (we used the dining info, we had already made our lodging plans before I got the book). I highly recommend this book. I also purchased the Bryce and Zion book, as we were going there too on this vacation.

I found it very helpful in mapping out our trip that we will take this summer. great insight into where to stay and eat.

This book was not what I expected - I would not recommend it at all. It stayed in the car packed away. I also bought Scenic Driving Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, 2nd (Scenic Driving Series) and Outdoor Family Guide to Yellowstone & Grand Teton National Parks (Outdoor Family Guides) which were excellent.

We bought this book, but ended up using other guides. It is a fine reference for some people, but I'd recommend:
Yellowstone Treasures: The Traveler's Companion to the National Park (Great for more in-depth research)
and
National Geographic Road Guide to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks (NG Road Guides) (Quick roadside reference)
instead.

I have found this guide to hiking in the Wind River Mountains to be very informative. The author goes beyond just descibing the difficulty or lengths of hikes. He describes the geology, landscape, vegetation, and even whether a lake holds fish and what type of fish it holds. At times, I felt as if I was on the hike myself. I have been very pleased with this purchase.

This guide was a good introduction to a new hiking area for us. The trails were well described and easy to follow and the prose was useful in suggesting the prominent features of each hike.

The most complete descriptions of Wind River trails are in this book. Each trail is characterized as to its length, difficulty, and traffic volume. An elevation profile for each trail is provided as well as brief descriptions of key points along the trail and their mileage points. There are detailed driving instructions to each trailhead. There is also a fairly lengthy narrative regarding the topography of each trail. Additionally, each trail is numbered and it is fairly easy to use the maps in the book to string trails together to design a multi-day backpacking trip. The book is 262 pages long and is one the Falcon guide series. Other features of the book include brief sections on the history, vegetation, wildlife, and geology of the Wind River Mountains. There is information about US Forest Service Wilderness Regulations, and since part of the Wind River Mountains are contained in the Wind River Indian Reservation, there is information about that, too. To round things out there is a backcountry checklist (what to take), information about hiking with children, and information on zero impact camping. Drawbacks include the lack of an index, the lack of a bibliography and little, if any, information about off-trail hiking.
If you plan to hike in the Wind Rivers on established trails and you don't mind the absence of an index, then this is book is excellent.

I just completed a six day haike in Soutghern Wind River area and I found the book Hiking Wyoming's Wind River Range very informative prior to making the hike. However, it could be more complete as to the various hikes and it needs some update in regard to the tails that i took. I will at a later date give my comments in more detail

This is a frustrating book to use although the meat of it---the trail descriptions and stats---is very detailed and well written. The lack of an index, or any way to use all the maps together, and the fact that the maps are very incomplete, make it very annoying to use. Add to this that there is an almost explicit LACK of information or routes for any of the peaks, and one wonders why one bought the book at all. There is no route to the top of Square Top Peak, nor over Dinwoody Pass, or up to Gannett. Even the non-technical peaks are omitted. There is also no "About the Author" section (although it says that there is one), and this is important when one is going to rely on him to guide you into the Wind River Range.

WOW what a read, a great journey into the past filled with romance, suspense, fun, mystery its what you expect from a Cassie Edwards book. The plot is rich, the people you fall in love with and hate are wonderfuly told in this book. I love all things that Cassie does and this is just another wonderful story another wonderful book to read and enjoy and to fall in love.

Cassie Edwards has presented us with another entertaining Romance from the old west period of 1868. Her depictions of the chaos the Indian Tribes experienced during that era in history are 'right on'. "Wind Walker" is often predictable still it will keep you relaxed and content with the reading. Story line and language is suitable for teenagers and young adults as well as us older readers.
Beverly J Scott author of Righteous Revenge, Ruth Fever and Jena's Choice

This book was very entertaining. I read the entire book in one sitting and needless to say my eyes got very tired. This book is definately worth your money!

Once again they magically fell in love at first sight without knowing anything about each other. He didn't have one single fault which is fake and like living in fairy land. Even a small one would have made him more human instead of like some perfect god that is better than everyone. She gave up every aspect of her life for him and he gave up nothing. It's getting kind of old and boring very quickly. If you have read one of her books you have read all of them, they never change.

Setting - Wyoming Territory, 1868 --- With apprehension but also excitement, Maggie Tolan and her mother set out from Boston to join her Uncle Patrick on a trek across the west to Oregon. Along the way, Maggie lost her mother, so now her only living relative was Uncle Patrick, leader of the wagon train. At the encampment one night there were two visits, one from a local rancher, Archy Parrish, who gave warnings of Indian raiders that would steal white women never to be seen again. The second set of visitors included a very handsome Indian warrior, Wind Walker, who offered genuine friendship and warnings of renegades who had little scruples and less moral values. Both Maggie and Wind Walker would notice one another and both would mark it as a meaningful moment.

It would be later, in the dead of night, that Maggie would be forcefully abducted by the unscrupulous rancher Archy where he would hold her prisoner on his ranch to be both mother to his young sons and act as virtual slave to cook for his thirty cowhands. Uncle Patrick would conduct a search, swearing he wouldn't leave without her and enlisting the aid of Wind Walker after being turned down for any assistance from the unscrupulous rancher Archy. Naturally, Wind Walker, rescues Maggie and as they soon declare their undying love for one another, they set out to teach Archy a lesson he richly deserved.

I had seen many titles under this authors name and expected a really good American West historical romance, and while the story was good, it seemed to me that the dialogs were somewhat `off' for the period and especially for the main character Wind Walker. Had it not been for the brief culmination of the two protagonists making love, I could even suggest this as a very good `young adult' romance. As it stands though, I really do feel that this romance is more suited towards a younger audience as the ` sexual act' was not as graphic as some and on the mild side. I guess that what I really could not get past was the precise way Wind Walker was speaking unless he'd had a quality English education, which was not indicated in any background of his upbringing. It was a very quick read with not a lot of background and that was quickly glossed over with very little descriptive prose. Not a bad read, but not something that I think a voracious historical romance reader could sink their teeth into. --- Marilyn Rondeau (...)

Good story. I almost give it a full 5 stars. However, at one point it is annoying how immature and stubborn Egan can be.

Kate is a romance writer who is in love with this Egan character. Shes independent, strong, smart. She enjoys herself while still mainting her self-respect.

Egan on the other hand has a misconception of Kate just because she writes romance novels. He believes that Kate is easy because of the dialogue in her books. While it understandable that he thinks that way, at one point it begins to seem very annoying that he will not change his mind about her yet wants her to give in to him easily.

Basically, thats the story throughout the whole book. The only thing that makes up for it at the end, is when he confesses his love after many years. Some love, if he thinks about her that way.

A nice story, but only because of Kate. Egan saves his behind at the end, but nevertheless an annoying character.

Diana Palmer knits a delightful story including a pleasing romance. If you like---romance-writers meeting their first unlikely real love---scenarios, this one will not let you down.
It's New York to the wilderness. A touch of fun, and a lighthearted read.

This is another of those "Big Misunderstanding" novels that Diana Palmer is so famous for. Some of those actually work. This isn't one of those.

The heroine is a romance writer -- so the hero has already decided she must be a Loose Woman. He treats her rudely and makes some of the silliest assumptions I have ever seen in a romance novel. Even worse, she never really defends herself until the book is almost over.

I used to love this kind of book in the 1980s, but this one doesn't age well. Unless you're a really big fan, I'd suggest that you look for another Palmer instead. Or better yet, look for category romances by upcoming authors like Jan Freed, Margaret Early, and so forth.

Kati's friend has invited her brother, Egan, a tough western rancher, to New York for Christmas. Kati and Egan have always been at odds, but Kati resolves to try and be nice for her friend's sake. See, Kati is a romance novelist, therefore Egan automatically assumes that she is promsicuous and gets inspiration for her novels from her life. The two cannot deny their attraction to each other, so Egan invites Kati to his ranch so she can do research for her new book. Sparks fly even more, Egan learns how wrong he was, and the happy ending is wrapped up in a nice, neat, *fast* little package.

This story is packed with strong emotions and clashing personalities. Too bad Egan is so offensive that there is no way I could possibly like him. The comments he makes to Kati, calling her a [prostitute] and insinuating horrible things, are indefensible. Kati barely sticks up herself. It is also completely irrational that Egan assumes what he does about Kati. So irrational, it borders on absurd.

This is my first Palmer, and, while I don't like the book, I plan on reading more of her stuff because she writes well and knows how to elicit emotion from her reader.

I loved this book! For all of you Diana Palmer fans out there, this book is a must read! The chemistry between Katriane- (the romance writer) and Egan- (the tough rancher) is sizzling. Although I will say that there were times when I just wanted Katriane to smack Egan over the head for his snide remarks, but she gave as good as she got! This is Palmer at her best!

I read this book as part of a 2-book volume "With Open Arms". I can surely see how this was one of Nora's early works, due to the fact that it was pure drivel. Samantha was a spineless character and Jake was a pig. I'm so glad Nora has come along way from this depth-lacking story!

Song of the West is an early book by Nora Roberts which captivated me from the first page. And as only Ms. Roberts can do in her books, this title had me turning the pages all too quickly till I ended with a smile on my face.

When her sister Bree needs care duing her pregnancy, Sam gives up her job in the east and goes to help care for her in Wyoming. Sam quickly falls in love with the landscape and ranch life but never expected to fall in love with a handsome ranch owner as well. Although one knows there will be a happily ever after ending its always fun to make the jounrey of boy and girl meet and how they ultimately fall in love.

I really enjoy what I call Nora Roberts pure romances. Song of the West was written in 1982 and showed how Nora Roberts was well on her way to becoming the beloved romance author she is considered today.

WHY DID SHE FIND IT SO HARD TO LEAVE WHOMING? Family obligations had led Samantha Evans to the land of windswept plains and towering mountains. But she had every intention of returning to the East after her sister's baby was safely born.Unexpectedly, she felt like changing her mind. She found that she didn't want to say good-bye after all, evan though she knew her sister no longer needed her. Was it because she had fallen in love with the beautiful country, or should she admit to herself that a tall, commanding rancher had corraled her heart forever?

Samantha came to Wyoming to look after her pregnant twin sister, who was on medically prescribed bedrest. While she was there she fell in love with the wide-open spaces, the country air, and the lifestyle on the Wyoming ranch. She wanted to remain in Wyoming permanently, but what made it impossible to stay was that she also fell in love with the rancher next-door. She thought he was committed to a more sophisticated woman, and she couldn't bear to stay while he made a homelife with someone else, so she decided to leave as soon as possible. It's hard to imagine that someone as strong and as self-sufficient as Samantha would walk away from the challenge of another woman being interested in the man she loved.

One thing I find very annoying in romance novels is incessant and unnecessary bickering between the characters, supposedly representing sexual tension or a conflict. Samanatha started off as a giving and unselfish woman, yet I was immediately turned off by her antagonistic and hostile reaction to Jake. Yes, he was very flirtatious, but definitely not the arrogant condescending playboy he is made out to be, and Samantha seemed to overreact in such a silly negative way to his charm. In the end, Jake became quite aggresive in his pursuit of her, but quite frankly it was a welcome break in the plot, and the only way he'd get through to her stubborness and they'd finally come together and resolve the conflict.

This book reminds me of one of my favorite Nora Roberts books, "Montana Sky". Even though the plot is different, they both have that "Big Sky Country" feel to them. Samantha comes to Wyoming to help out her pregnant twin sister and falls for the attractive rancher next door. Can she give up the big city and settle in Wyoming?
Excerpt from the back of the book:
"Rugged rancher Jake Tanner was the most irascible and bossy man Samantha Evans had ever met! Though he frustrated her with his demands, she couldn't ignore the electricity in his touch. Samantha had traveled to the majestic mountains of Wyoming in order to help her very pregnant sister. She never expected the long, lean cowboy next door ro rustle up dreams of a family of her own."

I love all of Cassie Edwards novels. Every time I pick up one of her books it is hard to put down. This book is different from her others, but still equally as good.

The plot and how the story line follows through in this book, made for a great read. I enjoyed and absorbed every page and word. Cassie Edwards wrote this from her heart. Her main characters are great. They were so detailed and heart felt to me. I appreciated the endearing way that Ms. Edwards' words made the leader of the Shoshone chief and the pioneering woman in this story come together. Not wishy-washy in the least, or even predictable. A truly great read!!!!!

I will give Cassie Edwards the benefit as Spirit Warrior is the first Indian romance novel I read by Edwards. I thoroughly enjoy reading Indian romances, though I am disappointed with this book. There wasn't enough substance, the suspense is in short supply, although the love making describe by Edwards between the main characters (Spirit Warrior and Denise) is captivating, then again the plot is very predicable leading up to their union and what followed. By time I read 3/4 of this novel, I was hoping I would gain more insight into the characters as there was room for Edwards to develop the main and supporting roles better. In terms of the time frame, months appeared to turn into days in the story line. I was rushed through this book. It seemed that Edwards was hurried to publish this piece.

I usually get excited seeing a new Cassie Edwards book on the shelf, but this one has to dissapoint me. I'm not sure what was wrong with it, but it didn't...shine in my face. Her other works are very well-crafted and beautiful but something about this one just didn't work for me. Maybe the fact that Spirit Warrior was a shamon. It kept him so holy. What intrigued me in her other work was how "wild" the male of the story was. But, in a way, Spirit Warrior was too "feminine" for me. And although Edwards uses "love-at-first-sight" in most of her books, I think she overdid it this time. (or just noticed it)
I wouldn't scorn you if you read this book. There are many interesting fact that makes you still wanna believe you're the heroine of the book, but don't get your hopes up. I got mine up and came out the door dissapointed.

In 1838 Denise Russler, her father, brother, and others travel from St. Louis to the Wyoming Territory where they plan to establish a trading post. Indian Shaman and Chief Spirit Warrior accompanied by some of his braves visit the camp offering friendship. Spirit Warrior and Denise share an instantaneous attraction to one another.

After Spirit Warrior leaves, Mole and his renegade Indians attack the Russler camp killing Denise's father. Spirit Warrior and his braves locate and attack a renegade camp. Spirit Warrior captures a unique looking horse from the Indians, but that steed happens to be one stolen from the Russlers. At first Denise believes Spirit Warrior sent the raiders, but decides her heart would not desire a villain and she wants Spirit Warrior with her every breath. As they share more adventures, the white woman and the shaman chief fall in love, but must overcome enemies who have other plans for the duo.

As expected from award winning Cassie Edwards, SPIRIT WARRIOR is a strong Indian romance. The story line focuses on the growing relationship between the lead protagonists in spite of external interference to the contrary. Denise's brother is a unique character as he fully accepts Spirit Warrior as his brother. Though the heroes are too perfect and have little personal conflict between them, the love between Denise and Spirit Warrior turns this western romance into a stirring read.

Harriet Klausner

This book changed my life for the better! It was an incredible metphore for the human condition and a path to enlightenment!It was a religeous experience to read. Unbleiveable...it has "Pulitzer" written all over it.

To quote from my interview, "If Captain John C. Fremont would have had a copy of BACKCOUNTRY COOKING... he wouldn't have eaten his saddle." And, "Adare has perfected the technique to cooking along the trail. I recommend it to all those who love to tramp the great outdoors." Bob Wiseman, author HEALTHY SOUTHWESTERN COOKING

Very few of these recipies were actually usefull. this book focuses more on the authors observations of the outdoors than actual cooking. Most of the recipies involved lots of fishy tasting ingredients that you would not want to find out that you were stuck eating miles away from any re-supply areas. Good if you REALLY like lots of salty fishy flavors.

This book focuses on backcountry cooking en masse for a group of 4 or more. I travel either by myself or with small groups, in which each member brings his own food and does his own cooking. This book was not very helpful to me.