North America Books

I've just finished reading "Washaka - the bear dreamer" and I simply loved it! Congratulations to the author on this wonderful book! ... it gripped me from the first to the last page. The ending made me cry, though ... as it probably does most readers. But Jamie Lee has done the ending in such a comforting way, not dark and sinister, but full of hope and perspective. Many thanks to her for such an enjoyable read! This story will stay with me for a long while :)

I loved reading Washaka - it was mesmerizing. Probably the only book that ever made me feel as if I were meditating while I read it.

This book really drew me in, reading while the kids got ready for school, while supper was cooking, before bed, anytime there was more then a few minutes free. Finally, I threw myself on the couch and let the world spin around me while I read the last 60 pages. I couldn't put it down. It was one story that I truly didn't know the end 10 pages prior to it happening. I cried, it was sad. It wasn't supposed to happen that way. But yet it was such a beautiful spiritual 'scene'. (that is not the word I want but it wasn't an ending either). To be so connected with both worlds and not at the same time - is something I always believed death would be (& hoped) but never read it with such clarity.

Thanks for the wonderful story! It is one of those books that once finished you sit back to take it all in again, while the characters slowly fade. The story and characters were all so vivid, it was like I was there, sitting on the big boulder looking down on the village myself. I want to keep sitting there, but like all good things, reality jumps in and we all know how it ended. We are coming around to that 7th generation, but not yet.

"Washaka the Bear Dreamer: A Lakota Story Based On Leon Hale's Dreamr" is an engrossing new Lakota story based on a recurring series of dreams experienced by Leon Hale. He enlisted the help of Oglala Lakota College teacher Jamie Lee to commit the story of his dreams to novel form. The effort is so successful the reader cannot put the book down. The effort of communicating and sharing the story also helped Leon Hale to recover from life-threatening health crises. This is a beautiful story of of cross cultural friendship and the necessity of the races learning to get along. It contains a heartfelt record of a collision of cultural values and the failure engendered even between dominant culture members by a loss of respect and esteem for one another. In the book, Little Chief rescues a white boy from torture and beating by his father because of a dream he had of finding a wounded white bear. Little Chief is surrounded by Lakota family who carefully teach him the sacred way to honor his dream with his life. He follows his dream even though it finally costs him his life at the hands of the Others, leaving behind his new wife and little daughter. "Washaka the Bear Dreamer" is a visionary work whose heart is the lesson of compassion. There is not a single flaw or false start in this book. It makes me very proud to be a part of the audience who will appreciate "Washaka the Bear Dreamer" by Jamie Lee.

I was charmed by this book. It is a very engaging and pleasurable read that provides much insight into the ways of Lakota Indian culture and values. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and I know for sure that others will too.

I was not prepared for the dramatic change in my outlook and self-awareness after I read Wokini. I couldn't put it down, and I even took notes. Wokini answers the who, what, where, why, when, and how, of happiness. I bought extra copies to give to my family and friends, and I hope they pass thir copies along to their loved ones. Wokini is such an easy book to read. The spiritual journey described in the book carried you from place to place looking for not only answers but questions.

By chance, I found this book in my local library, read it and had a life change. Today while looking up Nicholas Sparks I find that Wokini is in print once again. Life is good! This book will change your whole attitude and outlook on life. It begins by breaking down the old ideas (lies) about what happiness is and is not. It follows with a day by day path on how to achieve true happiness. A great book to give and to keep!

When my grandmother died I had to go through her things, and I found not one but two copies of this book. Out of curiosity I read it, and was very moved and at the same time felt enlightened. I really wish that I could talk to her about this story, and regret that I didn't know her well enough, because anyone who appreciates this story is on the right path as far as I'm concerned. I am a Christian and I am not Native American, but those things really don't matter as the only thing you need to have when reading this is your desire to search, to learn more of yourself and the world. You will get out of this book much more than you spend on it!

I can't help but wonder who the target audience is/was intended for this book. At times it read very smoothly; other times I felt like it was written in an uncreative/predictable manner. It made a lot of good points; I valued a lot of the lessons and advice. I just felt like the whole story about David, the presence of his sister's spirit, etc could have been left out and it would have been just as good. I learned quite a bit; I just wasn't awed. I think there are better motivational books out there besides Wokini.

In a very clear, simple and entertaining way Billy Mills' story leads the reader to a better understanding of true happiness. At the same time he provides a little peek into Lakota beliefs and practices. The book is easy reading by children and adults alike, and will be enjoyed by both those who are interested in the Lakota and those who've looked for happiness in all the wrong places. I too hope that there will be another printing of this book. It is a sad commentary that such a delight should be lost to future generations. This is a book that I have given (and would love to continue if reprinted) as a gift to quite a few people. But, for the present, I must be satisfied with two... one for myself and one to loan out for others to read.

The history of the WTC is traced from black and white photos and simple text regarding its design and architecture through the chilling events of 9/11. I have to say that the color photos of 9/11 capture the events totally and will leave you breathless.

I have purchased 6 copies of this book for family and friends and think it is the best WTC book out there.

I proudly keep a copy on my coffee table and leaf through it often and remember the beautiful buildings I once marveled at and loved.

As a native New Yorker who formerly had a beautiful view of the World Trade Center, and now avoids looking at the painfully flat skyline every day, I have this fabulous volume to treasure instead. .............. While disappointed with the flood of tributes to the still unfathomable tragedy of 9/11, this book was a must have the moment I thumbed through for a quick cursory look. I was immediately impressed with all the gorgeous shots of the WTCs depicted in all the ways that I loved them. Shimmering in golden sunrise yellow, blinding in midday platinum steel, glowing in the ominously blue-violet dusk, and sparkling with the thousands of tiny lights that made the New York City skyline, the awesomely spectacular sight that so sadly, won't ever be the same. ................. The most wonderful thing about this book, is not only the terrific pictoral contents, with several posters included, but the informational text that accompanies it as well. If you are interested to know the complete history of the WTCs and New York City, you will see the city before the towers were built, how and by whom they were planned, the way they were built, when and why. Also covered, their effect on New York City, as well as their role in the media and Hollywood movies. Finally, you will get the brutally shocking photos of their horrible demise. Look no further for a truly complete tribute. Every single chapter goes into wonderful detail, and is accompanied by the most breathtaking photographic treasures ever seen, of these iconic masterpieces of lost architecture. Not only is this the absolute BEST book I've seen for anyone who wants to keep their memory of the WTCs alive forever, it's also one of the most reasonably priced. This volume offers a tremendous return for your dollar. It's all printed in sharp color, on thick gauge, glossy paper. There is not one page in here that will waste your time with filler. Author Pete Skinner, British born, but a longtime resident of Greenwich Village, had, like me, watched the birth of the World Trade Center, built and completed in 1973, and like me, watched it die. People all over the world felt the pain of this unprecedented loss, but those of us who were lucky enough to live among the Twin Towers for their retrospectively short lifespan, will treasure this book. ................... If you are looking for a book about the entire gamut of events that took place in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, you may not find all of what you're looking for here. However, if you are like me, a person who will forever mourn the loss of these twin icons of prestige and success that defined the great soaring spirit of New York City, as well as the tragic loss of many wonderful hard-working New Yorkers who loved to work at the World Trade Center once upon a better time, then you have found the perfect tribute to a symbol of New York that will remain, forever in the American heart.

As a native New Yorker who formerly had a beautiful view of the World Trade Center, and now avoids looking at the painfully flat skyline every day, I have this fabulous volume to treasure instead. .............. While disappointed with the flood of tributes to the still unfathomable tragedy of 9/11, this book was a must have the moment I thumbed through for a quick cursory look. I was immediately impressed with all the gorgeous shots of the WTCs depicted in all the ways that I loved them. Shimmering in golden sunrise yellow, blinding in midday platinum steel, glowing in the ominously blue-violet dusk, and sparkling with the thousands of tiny lights that made the New York City skyline, the awesomely spectacular sight that so sadly, won't ever be the same. ................. The most wonderful thing about this book, is not only the terrific pictoral contents, with several posters included, but the informational text that accompanies it as well. If you are interested to know the complete history of the WTCs and New York City, you will see the city before the towers were built, how and by whom they were planned, the way they were built, when and why. Also covered, their effect on New York City, as well as their role in the media and Hollywood movies. Finally, you will get the brutally shocking photos of their horrible demise. Look no further for a truly complete tribute. Every single chapter goes into wonderful detail, and is accompanied by the most breathtaking photographic treasures ever seen, of these iconic masterpieces of lost architecture. Not only is this the absolute BEST book I've seen for anyone who wants to keep their memory of the WTCs alive forever, it's also one of the most reasonably priced. This volume offers a tremendous return for your dollar. It's all printed in sharp color, on thick gauge, glossy paper. There is not one page in here that will waste your time with filler. Author Pete Skinner, British born, but a longtime resident of Greenwich Village, had, like me, watched the birth of the World Trade Center, built and completed in 1973, and like me, watched it die. People all over the world felt the pain of this unprecedented loss, but those of us who were lucky enough to live among the Twin Towers for their retrospectively short lifespan, will treasure this book. ................... If you are looking for a book about the entire gamut of events that took place in New York, Washington DC, and Pennsylvania, you may not find all of what you're looking for here. However, if you are like me, a person who will forever mourn the loss of these twin icons of prestige and success that defined the great soaring spirit of New York City, as well as the tragic loss of many wonderful hard-working New Yorkers who loved to work at the World Trade Center once upon a better time, then you have found the perfect tribute to a symbol of New York that will remain, forever in the American heart.

This book is the one to get, if you want fantastic photos, interesting prose, and just an overall great pictoral commemoration of the World Trade Center, which was destroyed in the horrific terrorist attacks of September 11.

With the War on Terror continuing, sometimes it is good to be reminded of why we are fighting and what it's all for. This book will bring the memories (and the resolve) flooding back.

An excellent tribute at a great price. Five stars!

I live in the Midwest (have never visited NY) but saw a review of this book on a website. I just had to have it so I ordered the book from Amazon.com. I received the book late yesterday afternoon. The pictures and information contained in the book are truly amazing. It is amazing to see what Lower Manhattan looked like before the WTC was built. The pictures of the various models of WTC that were built. There are pictures of the construction of the twin towers. The book has some very nice posters of the WTC and New York skyline. There are many pictures taken on September 11th and in the days following. This book is a must-have for those who are interested in the World Trade Center. It's truly a remarkable book.

"The Allure of Turquoise" is made up of a collection of articles on turquoise, its history and the Native American mythology surrounding this stone. I was particularly fascinated by one article about ants and their relationship with turquoise. Nevertheless, although this is an informative and interesting book, if you are looking for a guide to collecting turquoise or turquoise jewellery, I'd begin withTurquoise Unearthed: An Illustrated Guide (Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones), which focusses more on purchasing turquoise and the different types of turquoise. "The Allure of Turquoise" is a relatively short book (only 107 pages in length), but contains color pictures throughout. Be aware, however, that this book does not contain an index, a major drawback, as far as I am concerned.

This is a wonderful in-depth examination of turquoise and its makers. It is somewhat scientific in the portion about the formation of the stone. There are terrific photographs and lots of information about the handling of turqoise and the art that turns it into expensive jewelry! Recommended for the turqoise lover.

I found this book very thorough as far as the knowledge of the types of turquoise. But, I also found a lot of good info about traditional jewelry selling, info about fakes and treatments and historical knowledge. Gorgeous pictures.

This was a birthday gift for my husband. He loved it. He said it was the perfect present since he loves turquoise and making turquoise jewelry. It even arrived on time, gift wrapped. If you love turquoise, the color pictures are worth it. The content is very good too, my husbands states.

This is the same review I gave to "Turquoise Unearthed"...and for all intents and purposes, they could be classified as companion volumes...both doing an exceptional job in words and images!

"I have been a gem and mineral dealer for over ten years...and a rockhound for a lot longer than that...but this book taught me more in a single sitting than all my years in the buisiness and in the hobby.

I have dug, traded, bought and sold a whole bunch of "Turq"...natural, treated and "color-shot"...and this book instantly became one of my favorite references for the rest of my life.

If you are planning on investing in real American or Persian turquoise jewelry or stones...and it is an investment...then this book is a "Must Have!"

No sooner did I put this book down than I called up one of my suppliers and bought all of the Blue Gem and Turquoise Mountain stones they had left in stock...I am sure they are wondering what precipitated that call!"

My many thanks to Mr. Vigil for his labor of love, a compilation of articles from New Mexico Magazine...on everything from the Lowry "Turq" Museum...to the history and significance of the Cerrillos Mines...to the myth of "Old Pawn" jewelry...and much, much more!

Good presentation of native plants, but could have more photos of some of the more obscure species. The book is slanted more toward the southeast and east U.S. Representation of western species is not as strong as it could be, but overall a very interesting book.

Really great book. I got it from the library and just couldn't get enough of it. ...so I bought it and am glad I did. Great conversational writing makes it a joy to read. Really helps you figure out what plants will work best for you.

I found this book an excellent reference to have for studying native plants. It should be in your personal library.

I gave this book as a gift and have heard wonderful things about it. This book is very useful for help planning for choosing native plants and for figuring out where to plant natives in a garden.

Very enjoyable and informative book. The enjoyment comes from the author's inclusion of personal perspectives of the native plants and the informative comes from the basic and beyond scientific information. Included is identification of the plant, habitat and propagation. Also mentioned are the cultivars of various plants. Good information for the beginning native plant gardener.

This book was fantastic! It was a great guide for the Eastern Sierra. It took us to places we wouldn't have otherwise gone and that I'm glad we didn't miss. For instance, without this book I would have had no idea that there were hot springs in the area (Hot Creek) or that the Alabama Hills would be both beautiful and interesting. The photography in the book is fantastic and it's just beautiful to look at even if you never intend to go. My only complaint is that the author didn't say more about the Little Lakes Valley. It was an absolutely spectacular hike, although I had to hear about it from a stranger at a campground. The author mentions it briefly, but in my opinion, it's a "can't miss" area that she should have said more about.

The pictures are terrific. The coverage is complete, but doesn't go into excessive detail. The only problem with this being a great coffee table book is that people will won't stop reading it. Also the maps are very high quality.

I was fortunate enough to purchase this book on the first day of two-week vacation in the Sierra. Since part of the vacation was a planned visit to Mono Lake, the title attracted me. A brief perusal demonstrated the exquisite color photography throughout the book.

After reading sections of the book, plans were changed to include much more time in the Owens Valley and kindred points. We saw and experienced many things that I had never imagined, such as the Long Valley hot springs, the Owens River Canyon, rockhounding areas galore, Fossil Falls, the Coso Domes, Convict Lake, etc., etc.

The book is well writtten, and very well organized, taking the reader from south(Mojave Desert) to North(Bridgeport area, about 100 miles south of Reno) in successive chapters. Although written for any person with a high school background, the book is particularly well suited for students of earth processes, including physical geology, weather, and field biology. Attractions such as the Ancient Bristlecone pine forest, home of the worlds oldest trees, and the Mono Lake volcanic domes, one of America's most recent sites of volcanic activity, are especiall.y well discussed.

One of the most impressive features of this work is the careful road directions included at the conclusion of each subsection discussing a particular attraction. Without these guideline, finding some of the areas would have been much more difficult.

Mixed in with the recitation of attractions, and things to see and do, is a history of the area, where you will find discussion of the various mining ventures in area mountains and dry lakebeds, as well as a narrative of the Owens Valley Earthquake of 1872. America has not experienced a quake of this magnitude since that date.

The book was a treat to possess, both during my vacation and now. Its photography and text rekindle memories of this wonderful region of our country, and I recommend it as highly as possible.

The photos in this book jumped out at me and encouraged me to purchase it, yet I was very happily surprised by the thoroughness and readability of the text. I made a road trip down highway 395 this past summer through the Eastern Sierra region and this book proved to be an invaluable resource. It turned me onto many great places to visit off the beaten path. There is excellent history, wildlife and geological info, and descriptions of the towns along the way. The photos are just great, making this both a coffee table book and a great visitors guide. I stopped at the Interagency Visitor Center in Lone Pine (which I would recommend as a good starting point for anyone exploring the area) and among their large selection of books about the region I found this book to the best single source if choosing just one. You'll be very happy with this purchase.

This book has been a good friend to us over the last dozen or so years, as we have made many trips into the east Sierra/Owens Valley area, mostly for photography. The book is well-written, well-organized, and has thoughtfully-chosen sites to visit.

The photography, of couse, is wonderful, from some of the top landscape photographers in the western U.S.

If you might ever be headed in this direction, you need this book.

As a member of a cell church, I found this book very interesting. I find that having these cells inside of the church body help to give the church a more unified feeling. This book is great for pastors that are unsure of whether to adopt the cell church philosophy, because it gives all of the information that they will need to implement this type of ministry in their church. It is well written and easy to understand and follow. If you want to learn more about this movement, then you will want to get this book.

Comiskey has done a great job of giving page after page after page of US churches that are making cell group-based ministry work well. These churches are from every background-Pentecostal to Charismatic to Conservative Southern Baptist churches.

This book complements his previous writing, published by www.cellgrouppeople.com and is a good read for pastors looking at the model from the outside. It's also a good read for pastors doing cell groups now because it corrects numerous misconceptions not found in other books.

This is a great book. As an emerging cell-church pastor I particularly appreciated the lack of focus on a "model" cell church. Joel lays out the necessary principles to become an effective, missional, cell-church without espousing a particular method or system. The principles in this book can be ingested and then given individual expression in any community of believers. I would also recommend this book to anyone seeking more information about what a cell church is, or contemplating becoming a relationship-driven community.

Wow...what a book. As a layperson I have been intrigued by the massive growth of churches in other countries especially Pastor David Cho's church in South Korea. I always wondered why not in North America? I had a suspicion that because of the United States emphasis on individuality and privacy that a massive church on par with ones in Colombia, Korea, and Chile was simply not possible here. Yet my heart longed for that revival. Joel Comiskey's groundbreaking book on transforming the North American Church is a giant and exciting step towards realizing that the church in North America will begin to "catch up."
I was so involved in the book! Chapters 1 and 2 are sobering for Christians to read. The State of the North American Church (chapter 1) is stunning to read but wait Comiskey offers hope! One can not read this book without reflecting on theirown experience but at the same time getting excited about the possibilities for the church in North America! What is lacking in the North American church is frankly discussed and offers conviction and motivation to the reader to see things differently.
Clearly discussed is the application of the Cell Church to North America. Chapters 6-14 are exceptional in helping one understand the cell church model and it's flexibility for every situation. I must pause here. The most important chapter of the book and the one Comiskey gives a paramount emphasis to is Chapter 6. In this chapter he discusses the need for prayer to be the foundation for any church. Churches that pray are seeing God do amazing things. It isn't the model that brings new believers to the church it is prayer and only prayer that brings lasting change and insight. As Comiskey writes people go to church to see Jesus. It is not the program or technique that makes a difference, it is prayer. Here I believe is the essence of the book that should reassure any skeptic about building churches for Jesus. An extremely well researched book with insightful and helpful ways to expand the church in North America has not forgotten the essence to seeing God work and that begins when we are on our knees.
I am excited to discuss this book with others including my pastor. Although I attend a rather large church (over 2000) the need to be a part of a community of believers in a small group (cell) I believe is so necessary and is the key area that is missing in the North American Church. I know now that cell churches can be successful in North America and I can't wait to see God's blessing on the North American Church. Soon we will experience God's Harvest and this book will definitely help us get there. May we all be excited about spreading the Gospel in our neighborhoods.

This explanation of cell church theory as it relates to the special conditions in North American culture makes an excellent case for why cell churches will work anywhere. Disciple making plays a key part in multiplying cell groups in this model, and this book includes helpful chapters on making disciples, training, and coaching. Comisky includes numerous examples of churches in America where the cell-based strategy is bearing impressive fruit.
Comisky's work is persuasive and thoughtful. Read this book.
- Dennis McCallum author, Organic Disciplemaking: How to promote Christian leadership development through personal relationships, biblical discipleship, mentoring, and Christian community

This book is a good primer to learning about Native American Medicine. The writing is fairly engaging, but reads somewhat as a self-help book, which is either good or bad depending on your perspective. But I like self-help, and I liked this book.

I bought this book on the basis of the recommendations and a referral. It is very well written and clearly explains the sacred hoop medicine wheel in relation to healing and wellness of spirit, emotion, and body. In fact, it does so better than any other book I've read on the subject. It also provides ways to facilitate healing circles for those who are interested in pursuing that. I look forward to reading more Garrett books.

An excellent presentation of Cherokee religion in respect to the harmony in the relationships of cycles. Easily readable, but goes into depth to give good solid understanding. A well done book on the subject!

An amazing study book. Encourages me to continue in my Native American roots search. Thank you. I have all of Garretts books.

Helps me with my meditation practices. Better to use this in the great outdoors but a very sprit building book!

I read this book when i was in 8th grade and i loved it ever since and used to own my own copy. It gave insight to the way i viewed our capitalist world. But why so expensive to buy it? this book has a knowledge that everyone should be able to get at a low cost, not because many of sellers want to make a profit off the book that is out of print, irony to those who read it and are selling and say its a great book. i passed mine on to a good friend.

I agree with both previous reviewers that the book is an extraordinary indictment of the dominant culture. But I got something else from this book as well. I read this that Forbes is saying that one of the reasons civilization is killing the planet is because of a spiritual illness with a physical vector. If I get the flu and then cough all over you, you might then get the flu, with all of its symptoms. If I have the cannibal sickness and I cough (or somehow otherwise transfer the disease to you) you will have to consume the souls of others in order to survive. You will become a vampire. Or to putthis another way, you will become a conquistador, a pornographer, a slaver, a businessman. I read this not only as a metaphor, but as a possible description of how things really are. And he makes a very convincing case. Wonderful and important book by a very wise man.

This is an incredible book. Jack Forbes brings up ideals on why we are so destructive in a whole new fashion. All of the other reviews ive read on this have been right on. Unfortunately this book is out of print and is up to 130.00 dollars. But over all this is a very important book that should demand re-printing. I recomend this book to anybody who agrees with the fact that industrial civilization is killing everything in its path...

An amazing perspective on the conditions of mankind. What Forbes tells us is that there is this negative consciousness, this spiritual sickness called "The Wetiko Psychosis" that gets passed on from being to being. It's an inherited twisted perspective on life, and feeling about life.. The bestowers for the last 500 years of the Wetiko disease have come from the European culture, although he mentions that many cultures through out history have endulged in Wetiko behavior, from Egypt, to Rome, to Russia, China. He's also mentioned that the once oppressed may carry on this mentality, this lunacy to a higher degree sometimes then the original oppressors/ colonizers.
There is authenticity in this book that isnt found that often. The reader learns so much about Native American phylosophy. It stays the course with you from beginning to end. When I first read the book, I was thinking to myself "hmm I dont know, thats stretching it isnt it? Cannibalism?" But the way he describes it, and in the way he means it, now I understand. We need to take a more compassionate and loving path. A path of power now because we're running out of time. We're all enduring the effects of it today and will for years to come. He says it wont change unless we change and heal ourselves first.

When I think of cannibalism I think of another person eating the body of another person. I don't think that way after reading this book, cannibalism has a totally different meaning to me.

Could we call it cannibalism when a Christian missionary goes into a Indian Village and gives them no other choice but to see God his way? Why couldn't the missionary just be happy in his own church with his own followers?

Is it cannibalism when a capitalist decides to turn a forest into two-by-fours? Wasn't the forest down the road that was turned into two-by-fours last week enough? Is the person with the chainsaw taking orders a cannibal to?

Forbes makes it clear that there has been, and still are, a lot of people suffering from the cannibal sickness among us who want to consume all life around them. He claims you don't have to eat another person all you have to do is control their heart and mind, you've than consumed them. And to survive in the cannibal's culture you almost have to become a cannibal yourself. It's contagious. It's the sickness that creates the pecking order were all familiar with. It's actually kind of scary, this culture just might consume itself if it isn't careful.

Forbes does show at the end of the book that there is another way. He shows that there has existed, and still exists, different "paths" to take that isn't offered by the cannibals.

A great book to help heal a sick culture.

This book is a liberal arts degree
for people who did not have the time
to get a Masters.

the information betweem the covers
is worth over 5 stars
a foundation work for individuals and their futures

for those over over 30 read it fast things jump at you
for those under 30 its an under liner

A Contemporary Mind gives a new perspective on the realities and cultural expectations that thrive in what is considered to be Latin America. The language is exuberant and finely crafted to draw the reader into a web of multiple plots. Well worth the time and effort. Great book for the beach, a must summer read.

Read it fast
it's a jazz composition