Colorado Books

After hearing a lot of great things about this book, I was expecting fantastic things. The only thing that really bothered me about the story was that at some points it got rather confusing. Everything was cleared up eventually, but I just didn't like the little parts where I was left hanging. Also, Serena's character got a little annoying after a while, in how she was always trying to be like Kori and didn't discover who she herself was until the very end of the book. That being said, there were tons of things that I liked about this book. The plot was very good. Even though it was a little bit predictable, I was still anticipating the next twist and flipping pages to get to the next part of the story. I also loved the character of Anthony Beck. He's the ideal boyfriend; a good kisser, supportive, and gives you your space when you need it. I'm completely in love with him. He treated Serena so well even as she was chasing after Kori's old boy toy. The best part of Undone was the huge twist at the end. I'm not going to give it away, but let's just say that it knocked me off my feet. I wasn't expecting it at all which was the greatest part. I also liked how the PostSecret postcard project was incorporated into the book. Brooke Taylor did an excellent job of having relative pop culture references in the story which added a nice edge to the narrative. All in all, I'd definitely recommend Undone. It's dark, captivating, and edgy. You won't be able to put it down.

Serena Moore is, for the most part, your average high school student. A couple of years ago her relationship with her mom deteriorated and she doesn't know why or how to repair it. She loves her best friend Kori Kitzler who is both a good and a bad influence. She's a gamer, finding refuge in the programming she can control. Although she wishes fellow computer geek Josh didn't have a crush on her. And that she could talk to Anthony Beck normally.

Brooke Taylor swiftly sets up this high school atmosphere. Serena and her three closest friends are fringe popular, though they think of themselves as outcast, and are somewhere between being good girls or bad girls. Kori's angry and wild and confident. She drinks, she does light drugs, and she sleeps around. But she's got a good heart and works to help Serena find herself even as Serena resists finding herself by simply following Kori. But things change when Kori dies.

Serena thought the only secret in her life was her father's identity. But now she's about to find out how many things Kori kept hidden - the least of which is the attractive shaym. Every revelation allows Serena to understand her more, even as her heart breaks further.

Reading UNDONE reminded me of the first time I read LOOKING FOR ALASKA. I cried, less during UNDONE, but I had errands my mom made me run during a crucial part of the novel. I think it calmed me. But the author slowly made it better, soothing the wound as the characters healed. It's the kind of book that's a little difficult to read in parts because it gets the emotions so right.

Serena, like any teenager, is self-centered. But Taylor fleshes out her world and you can catch glimpses of the journeys other characters are going on - Parker, Marci, Cole, and Lexi especially. All of them are going through difficult times as well. Their peripheral stories interact well with Serena's, allowing the secondary characters to have depth without stealing the show.

Serena and Kori wrote five things to tempt fate in class with their favorite teacher, Kori with thought and Serena carelessly. But in a town called Kismet with a mother named Destiny, fate just might respond. Serena struggles to complete Kori's list but her own haunts her as well. UNDONE is an engrossing tale of relationships, secrets, and self-discovery.

From In Bed With Books

Kori Kitzler is the "dark angel" of the eighth grade. Serena Moore is just your average eigth grader. When Kori tells Serena that they are more alike than she thinks, Serena is instantly intriuged. What could she and bad-girl Kori possible have in common?

Fast forward to years to their sophmore year and they're now best friends.They tell each other everything and Serena has turned into Kori's twin. They look alike and seem to act alike. Serena is working her hardest are becoming a tough, fearless, and outspoken teenager, just like Kori.

But before that can happen, fate yanks Kori away in a tragic accident, leaving Serena with a list of five things she wanted to do. As Serena tries to complete those five things, she learns for the first time how alike they really are but she also learns that there were some secrets Kori had been hiding.

When I first started Undone, I was positive I wouldn't like it. I figured that after it mentioned lesbian sex, getting high, and being arrested on the first two pages that it was going to be some graphic and sex-filled book about drugs and sex. But it wasn't. It never even came close to being that. What it was, however, was a novel about friendship, love, and figuring out just who you are. I loved it.

Everything about this was great. The characterization was exactly right, the plot completely believable, and the prose just kept the reader intrigued. I couldn't wait to find out how deep the relationship between Serena and Kori really was and I was on the edge of my seat every time Kori did something daring. At one point, I was even close to tears. None of those things easily happen while I'm reading which just goes to prove how much I loved this book.

I definitely recommend reading this book when you get the chance. It'll blow you away. However, if you're under the age of 14 or are easily offended, you may not want to read this. (Then again, I'm under 14 and it blew me away so just use your own judgement.)

Undone wastes no time meandering along the surface. The very first page, containing the prologue, depicts the first acquaintance between destined-to-be-best-friends Kori and Serena. Serena runs into Kori in the bathroom and Kori, lighting a cigarette and taking a drag, tells Serena that, for some ungodly reason, they're more alike than she thinks. This statement, because of its elusiveness, still haunts Serena two years since the bathroom encounter that inaugurated her and Kori's close-knit friendship. Striking, this is; it's not until later the reader figures out this very scene is where the heart, the core, the key to the story lie.

As previously mentioned, two years have passed, and the girls--having grown so very close in the meantime--are now sophomores. They're given an assignment to list the five things they want to happen in the next six months--their five ways to tempt fate. Of course, Serena scoffs at it. But then something tragic happens to Kori, and Kori's list of five things becomes an important artifact--not only to figuring out the mystery of her tragedy, but also to following through with Kori's desire not to leave anything undone.

So, anyway, Serena is left estranged to the world and life itself without her best friend. What's more, while she's always been very mindful of her and Kori's blatant differences, the deeper she digs in making sense of what happened, the less she sees the Kori she thought she knew. This is devastating in itself because, not knowing what the entity that is Kori stands for anymore, Serena, in turn, doesn't know herself any longer, either.

However, life still goes on. At home, Serena's mother is still the same: Not trying to understand Serena or the pain she's going through. Instead, she's focused on maintaining the same flawless front she's always kept to avoid rumors from the small-town community she reckons still condemns her for getting pregnant with Serena as a teenager. Oh, and of course, she still won't let Serena on to who her father is.

At school, teachers allow a grace period for Serena to readjust, but grace periods don't last forever and Serena's not ready to go back to routine yet. There are also her two other friends, Lexi and Cole, who try to divert her attention, but to no avail. And then there's Anthony, and their "relationship", which she can't make sense of.

Serena lets it all float away while she tries to figure out Kori's secrets, and, in so, figure out herself.

To say this is a novel about finding yourself is to simultaneously hit the mark and to sell it short, because while that is precisely what it is, when I finished reading it, I felt it accomplished much more than the "finding yourself" bit. Thing is, it's hard to define Undone, if only because it fits so many categories and themes of self-discovery: mothers and daughters, best friends, first loves, first temptations, missing fathers, so on, so forth. The truth of the matter is, it touches on many topics worthy of exploration, such as parental abandonment, confusing relationships, friendships you feel are extraneous until you find out they're not, drunken hookups, and many more I won't go into detail here because it would ruin your reading experience.

Added to all of this, is ultimately what makes a sane person keep turning pages the most--a mystery. The plot is very clever (and, admittedly, sneaky) this way, filled with intricacies, and with hints right there in front of you all throughout, but that you don't take notice until the very, very end.

But all of what I have said so far doesn't even touch what struck me most about this novel, and that is its accessibility. Sure, it's crammed with lessons, messages, and morals which the reader can't help but at least consider while reading. However, the tone of Brooke Taylor's writing never wavers from that of a witty, realistic teen, one who taps into your emotions, making you laugh, cry (yes, I did, literally), and feel what she's feeling, in the purest, most pristine manner.

This book spoke very personally to me, and I'm sure it also will to many other girls (or boys, if they may be so bold as to read it) out there. I'd recommend it to anyone, but especially to reluctant readers, who are not going to be disappointed with Brooke Taylor's voice.

What happens when the only person you think understands you is gone? It happened to Serena when she lost her friend Kori.

Her friendship with Kori started just a short time ago, but the two have come to almost define each other. Serena not only adopted Kori's look and style, but also gained her protection and support. Both girls struggle with family issues, but life seemed a bit easier when they could escape together.

Kori brought out the wild side of Serena. There were late night rendezvous, smoking, tongue piercings, and plans of a tattoo. Serena became more of a risk-taker and more sure of herself when Kori was there. Serena had other friends, but everyone took a step back when the two girls were together because their connection was special. The already rocky relationship Serena had with her mother became even edgier when her mother demanded that the two girls not see each other.

The accident was a shock to everyone. The ride Kori accepted with Parker became her last, and it left Serena with a feeling of responsibility to complete the tasks left undone by her friend. It was obvious from the funeral and memorial tribute that Kori's family didn't know her like Serena did, which meant that only Serena knew what to do to honor her memory. But when Serena began to check off the tasks on Kori's list, she began to uncover secrets about her own life.

Brooke Taylor is a YA author to keep an eye on. She realistically captures the frustration of teens trying to deal with family issues, school pressure, and finding a place to fit in. Readers from all backgrounds will be able to find themselves in Taylor's characters. The teen world of insecurities, impulsive decisions, and shifting emotions is well-developed in the storyline of UNDONE. I look forward to Ms. Taylor's next book.

Reviewed by: Sally Kruger, aka "Readingjunky"

If your into hiking mountains or just like looking at them this is the must book for you. When I am locked to the city, and want to get away for a few minutes all I have to do is pickup this book. Todd is definitly a true 'Rocky Mountain High' photographer.

This book is absolutely my all time favorite coffee table book. The beauty of the photographs and depth of the writing captures the passion for the peaks that most of us mountain lovers carry inside. Todd's photography is exquisite and Walt's writing is entrancing.....

This new book written by Walter Borneman and Todd Caudle is a great addition to my coffee table! The photographs are not only breathe taking but they manage to catch a unique prospective of the 14ers, something that many other photographers can not do. The captions explain not only the photographs but they include the history and interesting facts behind each mountain. This book is not only great for those of us who love the 14ers, but will also make a great gift.

What an amazing book! The photographs are so breathtakingly beautiful. Todd Caudle has caught the wonder and beauty of nature at its very best. With Walt's writings and Todd's photographs, this is a must have for every person interested in the majestic "Fourteeners" or the Colorado mountains. I am so pleased to have this as the centerpiece of my coffee table.

I am not going to give a synoposis of the story-it has been done by more intelligent and literate than I.
however, this story is a romp of laughs in the saga of Letty and Eulis. A stand
alone story although part of a triology it is best read in bed so you have room
to laugh and kick up your heels. I highly recommend this book and the other two
readalongs. As long as Sharon does this I will be first in line to buy.

This sequel to Whippoowill is even funnier than the first book. When I read parts of The Amen Trail I was laughing so hard I was glad I was at home because if I had been in public people would have thought I was crazy. Letty and her partner are even funnier than in the original book.

I am a Sharon Sala/Diana McCall fan. I have read most of her books. When I started reading "Whippowill" I was surprised and did not know at first if I would like it. When I read it, I laughed so much I fell in love with the book. Then I read "The Amen Trail". I read it in one day because I could not put it down. I had tears rolling down my cheeks because I laughed so hard. When the book was finished I felt bad because it was finished. I think Sharon Sala out did herself with this one. I hope she adds another book to this series. Thoroughly enjoyable. Laughter is good for the soul and this book really makes you laugh.

This is quite a departure for Sharon Sala. A wonderful departure. This is a sequel to Whippoorwill. I did not read the first, and had no problem getting into this story.

Lettie and Eulis are not the quintessential heroine and hero...at the beginning of the story. However, by the end of the story they are truly hero and heroine material.

Lettie is a reformed good-time-girl. Eulis is a reformed alcoholic. They are fraudulently presenting themselves as a nun and a priest. It may sound sacrilegious, but it is truly not. They have turned their lives around and are attempting to do good, bless the lives of the people around them, and make restitution for their sins.

The people they meet along to way to Colorado are wonderful. The blessings that Lettie and Eulis bring to the lives of the people they spend time with, and vice versa are priceless.

I laughed out loud as I read this story!

Please, read it - you won't be disappointed!

Frederick Dellaenbaugh was a young man when John Wesley Powell tapped him to participate in Powell's second trip down the Colorado River. Powell had made the journey already a few years before, so the second voyage was less pure exploration and more science; the crew included Almon Harris Thompson (called affectionately "Prof." throughout), a professional geographer who also happened to be Powell's brother-in-law. With several boats and men of widely varying experience, the expedition sailed the Green river (thought at that time to be the upper Colorado) to its junction with the Colorado, and the Colorado itself as far as the middle of the Grand Canyon. Swirling rapids, maggotty food, blistering heat, sudden blizzards beset the adventurers, who still though it all made their geographical, geological, and ethnographical observations which resulted in (among other things) the first maps of the four corners region and the Grand Canyon (reproduced in the book).
While wild adventure, humor, and a real sense of the Old West permeate the book, there is a certain sadness, too. The Native Americans whom Dellenbaugh encounters are people clearly already defeated -- fearful, distrusting, sad. We catch glimpses of the Navaho trying to accommodate themselves to the new reality of white (especially Mormon) settlement, creating new networks of trade focused on growing frontier towns. But the seeds of the end are planted already in the irrigated fields of the Mormon settlers, and sometimes it seems as if the natives knew this too. Also, the topography through which the explorers travelled has now partly vanished behind the dams that have ruined Glen Canyon and other stretches of white water and canyon scenery. No one can now do what Dellenbaugh and his companions did; the sense of loss hovers unintentionally about every page.
Dellenbaugh was a keen observer (though perhaps a bit naive) with a talent for making even the monotony of running rapid after rapid spellbinding. One does feel that he may have veiled some of the conflicts that must have arisen in two (non-continuous) years of isolation, though if so this trait is refreshing in a world where we now expect everyone to tattle on everyone else. Every now and then just a shimmer of impatience with one of the crew seeps through. But the real hero who emerges from this book, somewhat surprisingly, is not the leader Powell -- the young Dellenbaugh seems never to have gotten close to him -- but rather the Prof., who rises to every challenge with decency and humaneness, and of whom Dellenbaugh seems to have been genuinely, and for good reason, in awe. Like Powell he is buried in Arlington Cemetery. He deserved that honor, but where he lives is in the pages of this book.

Love and respect for the Green and Colorado Rivers is greatly enhanced by Dellenbaugh's narritive of the 2nd Powell expadition. Well written, accurate history, and spell binding from start to finish. An adventure that can only be partially accomplished today is TOTALLY available in "A Canyon Voyage!"

This is an exceptionally well written account of a wonderful adventure through the canyons of the Colorado River. For anyone who loves the West's wildness, and writing most sensitive and humorous, this is a "must read". This book is illustrated with many fine original photographs and etchings.

At the time of the 2nd voyage down the Colorado, Dellenbaugh was on about 19 years old. He didn't write the book until many years later. What a wonderful/spellbinding look at the most beautiful place in North America (The Colorado Plateau). Not only that but I found it extremely hunorous as well. Great Great book!!!

The Chimney Tree is an engrossing book that I read in just one day. I had to keep reminding myself that it was fiction rather than fact.

The character, Breindel, illustrates the magnificent strength of the human spirit. One just marvels at her will to go on and prays for her survival.

Breindel Rutner, the heroine of "The Chimney Tree," is a beautiful young woman who seems destined for happiness. She is the daughter of Reb Mordche Rutner, the respected head of the Hasidim in the town of Krovnitz, Poland, during the 1930's. Breindel is a member of a warm and loving family and she has everything that she desires. Unfortunately, her life takes a wrong turn early on. Breindel falls in love with a gentile, and when the relationship becomes public, she is hastily married off to a man she does not love. Unfortunately, her new husband suffers from Messianic delusions, and she must flee from him to keep her own sanity. Breindel's problems escalate throughout the book. Besides having to flee from place to place to escape bad relationships, Breindel suffers horribly during WWII. The Nazis bring death and destruction to Polish Jewry. Many members of Breindel's family die, and she must use her ingenuity to keep herself and her child alive from day to day. The author of this novel, Helaine Helmreich, has created a strong and spirited heroine who evoked my sympathy and interest. "The Chimney Tree" is a sad story of a woman whose life turns out to be far less idyllic than she could ever have imagined.

This book is what people mean when they talk about "curling up with a good read". A generational novel that follows a Jewish girl(Breindal) from an innocent affair with a boy who turns out to be far more than he seems, through the horrors of Nazi and Communist terror. Breindal is a great character who combines an emotional response to her fascinating life coupled with a wisdom and insight that keeps you reading chapter after chapter. When you next need a terrific book for the beach on a sunny day or for staying in on a chilly autumn night, there's no better or more addictive read.

What a wonderful read this is. I'd call it a great page-turner--which it is--but that would leave unmentioned it's lovely style. The book offers a spellbinding story elegantly told.

You'll feel you'll know Breindal as she encounters a world that is going through massive changes and her own journey from innocence to a wisdom forged from young love and the threat of extermination.

But, above all, it is the fascinating story that explains why I, and three of my friends, each read this entire book in one sitting. You just can't put it down and are sorry that I has to end.

This book is full of great recipes which are easy to make and us ingredients that everyone has on hand.

I bought the book at a trade show, and the lady said, the recipe for "Upside Down Apple French Toast" would be a new Christmas tradition. Was she ever right!!!! It is so lucious, and painfully easy, that my family insists we have it for Christmas morning!! It's just not Christmas without it!! (And it's a secret Santa gift for mom because I can throw it together in minutes, the night before!!!) She's right,, this IS "required reading"!!!!

This cookbook contains recipes from different B&B's around the state of Colorado. The bonus of this cookbook is that there is also a short description of the bed and breakfast along with contact information should what you read strike your fancy. (Or better yet, what you cook.)

The Colorado Bed & Breakfast Cookbook is outstanding. It is two books in one, a travel guide to 85 B&B'S in the Colorado area, and a cookbook. The recipes are all tested by Carol Faino and she gives helpful hints in "Carol's Corner". Carol Faino & Doreen Hazledine are also publishing a Washington State Bed & Breakfast Cookbook, coming out in late March 1998. It to will feature 85 Bed & Breakfast in Washington State.

I liked this as much as "Sunrise". Good read, but like 'em a little hotter like my newest favorite "Anything, my Love" by Cynthia Simmons.

Tracie Peterson takes the lives of some very interesting and prevocative people, separates them into four spell-binders, and then puts one cover on all! True to style, the author lets the reader learn all about the budding romances, the extreme disappointments, the rational and irractional fears and the final triumphs of faith!

Set in the Colorado Rockies, the love stories unfold slowly, entwined with tremendous complications of suspense, suspicion and subtle sub-stories.

The characters from story one continue over to story two and so on, just the lead changes. Tracie keeps the reader comfortable with glimpses from the previous stories as she unfolds the mysteries of the subsequent ones.

This 4-story book is not only romance, it is faith in God and faith and trust in other people at its best!

Kudos again Tracie!

This book was excellent! All four stories are linked together beautifully, and when you finish one, you'll want to start the other. The mystery element was a nice, added touch. If you enjoy Tracie Peterson's work, you should NOT miss this novella collection. It's a must-read!

These four novellas are Peterson's best. I could not put the book down! Go get this book - you won't regret it.

There are places in this book that could only be found with a very detailed Internet search. Simply typing in 'things to do in Colorado' would not begin to cover the awesome things that have been put together in this one little book. I have crossed off so many things that I have done as I go along and I have yet to be disappointed! If you live in Colorado, or will be visiting Colorado (especially via road trip as many things are right off major highways) this is a must have.

I bought this book when I first moved here. I wanted to find some fun things to do. I was suprised at all the different events that this book covers. Some are more interesting than others but all in all a great book I have tried a few of there reccomendations and would agree with the author's conclusions.

Colorado's Best By Bruce Calighey and Doug Whitehead

Reviewed by Curt Peoples

With so much travel information on the Internet, I sometimes wonder: Why do authors continue to write travel books? Colorado's Best answers the question by showing that the best travel authors still write about places they've personally visited and enjoyed. If you like Colorado (or think might like Colorado), you should buy this book.

The authors are well qualified. Bruce Calighey has written The Colorado Guide, now in its fourth edition. Doug Whitehead produces Colorado Getaways, a weekly travel television show in Denver - he's like the Charles Kuralt of Colorado.

The authors take you to every corner of the state, with over 200 entries of the best cultural and historical places, outdoor activities and events, and places to eat, drink and stay. The book entertains because the "bests" listed are truly remarkable, sometimes bizarre and not always on the beaten track. My three favorites: Best Way to "Get in the Mood" at the Glen Miller Festival in Fort Morgan, Best Hot Springs at Mount Princeton, and Best Drive-In Without a Car in Monte Vista.

Most atypical, compared to many travel guides, is the writing style: personal and thoughtful with a tone that says, "I really like this place, I think you will too!" I want to take my daughter to the Kit Carson County Carousel because the authors have done it themselves, stopping for a short rest and staying for hours. I want to go to Crested Butte because it's apparent Mr. Calighey and Mr. Whitehead have been there, sampled the restaurants, and now recommend the four best in town. They suggest a few hills they've skied that I've never seen in the slick brochures.

Best piece of writing in the book: the description of the Sand Creek Massacre Memorial. It starts, "Certainly 'best' isn't the most precise word to describe this simple, yet hauntingly affecting memorial to the brutal and unjustified murder of American Indians by U.S. troops, but the event without question merits consideration." In four poignant paragraphs, you'll be compelled to learn more about the lost ways of traditional Native American life. This is what travel writing should be.

Colorado's Best By Bruce Calighey and Doug Whitehead

Reviewed by Curt Peoples

With so much travel information on the Internet, I sometimes wonder: Why do authors continue to write travel books? Colorado's Best answers the question by showing that the best travel authors still write about places they've personally visited and enjoyed. If you like Colorado (or think might like Colorado), you should buy this book.

The authors are well qualified. Bruce Calighey has written The Colorado Guide, now in its fourth edition. Doug Whitehead produces Colorado Getaways, a weekly travel television show in Denver - he's like the Charles Kuralt of Colorado.

The authors take you to every corner of the state, with over 200 entries of the best cultural and historical places, outdoor activities and events, and places to eat, drink and stay. The book entertains because the "bests" listed are truly remarkable, sometimes bizarre and not always on the beaten track. My three favorites: Best Way to "Get in the Mood" at the Glen Miller Festival in Fort Morgan, Best Hot Springs at Mount Princeton, and Best Drive-In Without a Car in Monte Vista.

Most atypical, compared to many travel guides, is the writing style: personal and thoughtful with a tone that says, "I really like this place, I think you will too!" I want to take my daughter to the Kit Carson County Carousel because the authors have done it themselves, stopping for a short rest and staying for hours. I want to go to Crested Butte because it's apparent Mr. Calighey and Mr. Whitehead have been there, sampled the restaurants, and now recommend the four best in town. They suggest a few hills they've skied that I've never seen in the slick brochures.

Best piece of writing in the book: the description of the Sand Creek Massacre Memorial. It starts, "Certainly 'best' isn't the most precise word to describe this simple, yet hauntingly affecting memorial to the brutal and unjustified murder of American Indians by U.S. troops, but the event without question merits consideration." In four poignant paragraphs, you'll be compelled to learn more about the lost ways of traditional Native American life. This is what travel writing should be.

Barbara Bean is an amazing writer who's ability to show us the cracks and fractures in our own lives and relationships through her character's is amazing if sometimes unsettling. Bean asks something of the reader when they embark on her stories -- which is what makes her work so d--n amazing.

Bought it, got it signed, and read it in less than 24 hours. This is amazing -- i feel like I know the people in these stories. Can't wait to read her next book!

Barbara Bean is one of the best short story writers I have read in a long time. I don't fancy myself a fan of short stories, but she has changed my mind. The details and storylines are absolutly amazing and I love her ideas. She is a huge assest to the writing world and needs to be featured on the ... show! Wow! what a triumph!

This book is the best compilation of short stories I've read in years. Any one could be developed into a novel.

When my mother first began work on her second book, I thought, what is she up to now? At any rate, she saw the project through, and it actually came out very good. It truly gives the reader or looker, a feel for life in Jackson Hole in the early days. My mother gave birth to me in 1951, (not the early days) and I had just opened my eyes, and she said "son, "Life" magazine is for people who can't read, and "Time" is for people who can't think. Her book covers both basis (bases), so is something an entire family can enjoy. If it passes my test, it's worth a peek. Jim Huidekoper Jackson Hole Wyoming 4/11/97

When my mother first began work on her second book, I thought, what is she up to now? At any rate, she saw the project through, and it actually came out very good. It truly gives the reader or looker, a feel for life in Jackson Hole in the early days. My mother gave birth to me in 1951, (not the early days) and I had just opened my eyes, and she said "son, "Life" magazine is for people who can't read, and "Time" is for people who can't think. Her book covers both basis, so is something an entire family can enjoy. If it passes my test, it's worth a peek. Jim Huidekoper Jackson Hole Wyoming 4/10/97

This wonderful book shows you the real spirit behind the town of Jackson. Before it became a resort and a vacation town, Jackson was a gateway through the Teton Mountains.

Through vivid photography, the author relay to the reader the struggles and hardships associated with living in a small western town during the turn of the century while also expose them to the joy and beauty that make people move to the Jackson Valley today.

Seeing Jackson in this early state makes you appreciate what is there today and what is lost of yesterday.

The photos collected in this book, about 150 of them, capture a period in time from 1872 to the early 1930s, when the area along the upper Snake River below Yellowstone was explored and settled. There are photos taken by seven photographers, the earliest of them William Henry Jackson (1843-1942) traveling with a scientific expedition and working with cumbersome equipment and 11x14 wet glass negatives.

The bios of all seven of these men recount the lives of 19th and early 20th century adventurers, intrepid trekkers across the wilderness and frontier to make a visual record of the West during its early years of settlement. Their images are joined by those of scores of amateur photographers, whose snapshots were collected for this edition and fill many of the pages of the book.

The book is organized by various themes, from rodeo (see cover) to farming and ranching, communities, dudes, hunting, and so on. An interesting sequence captures a landslide which blocked the Snake River for 2 years in the 1920s and then gave way, causing a flood that inundated the valley, wiping out the town of Kelly. Another sequence illustrates the years of change at Teton Pass, the only winter access to the valley, transport progressing from horses to automobiles.

Lest we think of this as entirely a man's world, there's a photo of the all-woman town council of Jackson, the first U.S. town to be governed entirely by women (1920-1924). There are photos of the first aeroplane landing, winter dog sled racing, and the environmental devastation caused by the damming of Lake Jackson. Photos record the vists of European royalty and the John D. Rockefellers, whose influence and money helped create Grand Teton National Park.

For lovers of the Old West and old photographs, the images reproduced here are a rich treasure. From significant and historic events to everyday life, the book is a picture album of Americana. I also recommend another excellent collection of old Western photographs in Richard Collins' "The American Cowboy."