Massachusetts Books

A person would not expect to find a history of fire fighting in Boston to be a difficult book to put down. I bought this volume mostly because I had enjoyed the author's earlier story of the Cocoanut Grove Fire and I'm delighted I did. I had no idea of all the inovations in fire fighting that were first invented or applied in Boston. I happened to start reading the book at the back when I was thumbing through it and came across a description of the fire at the Vendome Hotel on Commonwealth Avenue. I'd witnessed that fire while passing by on my way to work. I then read the book from that point to the end before starting to re-read it from the beginning. It was amazingly accurate because I'd been alive and read about many of those recent fires at the time. The great fires from the past were even more fascinating.The author did a wonderful job of making what could have been boring, boring, boring, into a history that was riviting, riviting, riviting. It's a great read even for non-sparks and fire fighters.

I loved this book. This is a carefully crafted and well researched collection of tales about fires out of control and what are very scary risks, even up to the present day.

It starts from times when there were no machines to fight fires, dirt roads downtown, little or no water available, and nobody on the payroll. Stories cover fires in and around Boston that wiped out entire neighborhoods and changed hundreds of lives. The story of the famous Cocoanut Grove fire of late 1942 is right from the front line and for me, brought the recent Station Nightclub fire to mind.

As a bridge to further study, it has detailed references to source material drawn upon, but I have to think that none of it can be more captivating than this compendium.....

Having been born and brought up in Boston I especially appreciate this contribution to understanding one of America's premier cities. I have dined at the Union Oyster House many times but now know of its 'French connection' as the one time residence of a futre king of France, Louis Philippe. I had been to Paul Revere's house but did not know of his French heritage. Readers will find this book a perennial source of information and visitors will dip into this well of lore to experience a rich history of French influence.

Historian and walking-tour guide Rhea Atwood presents Boston's French Secrets: Guided Walks That Reveal Boston's French Heritage is a tourist's guide to various areas of Boston, including downtown, waterfront, the financial district, beacon hill, and back bay, focusing especially upon Boston's French heritage. From the legacy of the Huguenots to works of French art preserved and displayed in museums to the Paul Revere House and much more, Boston's French Secrets includes directions, historical tidbits, black-and-white photographs, and more celebrating the unique contributions of French culture. A wonderful guide for anyone looking to better experience the sights, sounds, and monuments of Boston, especially francophiles.

If you've ever wondered HOW Bostonians became the most passionate fans in the country, this explains it. It's amazing to think it just started with a few people in a bar. Just like any religion, it spread until it went worldwide. And that's where we are today.
This book is the only one out there that gives you that story. Thanks to Pete Nash! -- Andy Wasif, author Green Monster University: Creating Die-Hahd Fans Since 1901

Buy this book for one reason -- the author is Pete Nice. Dig it. 3rd Bass, y'all.

My husband and I grew up around Route 128, what a great way to remember how it use to be. He borrowed this book from a friend and loved it so much that I ordered him, his own copy. Thanks for the great memories!!!!!

I like to say that I grew up on Route 128, but it isn't true--but in 28 years of living in Rhode Island, I made many trips with my parents on Route 128 to homes of relatives living in Beverly and Peabody, originally coming up Route 1 past Jolly Cholly's amusement park in Attleboro and joining 128 at the H/Motel 128 interchange in Dedham. This book chronicles the original "look" of the highway rather than the interstate-overlaid road people know today, which is all the more fascinating. Anyone remember traveling past Pleasure Island Park on 128? Or the old Northshore, which wasn't an enclosed mall? Ah, youth...

As a fellow fire chaplain I thought that this book hit the nail on the head as far as what we do and how our lives effect and are effected by the members of the fire service. Msgr. Harrington had a great influence on the firefighters he served and this came across very well in the book. His personal thoughts and the way we wrote were greatly done and adds to the color and depth of the book. This is an excellant book for anyone who is interested in the fire service and fire chaplaincy. Msgr. Harrington brings out the true aspect of this calling in conjunction to his own calling as a priest. I would recommend this book without reservation to anyone.

I admire the courage and sacrifice it took to be a fire chaplain. Helping people through such devasting tragedies is not an easy calling. God bless you, Msgr. Harrington.

I loved this cookbook. I live in Somerville have driven to the Cape many times, and grew up with New England food. The Frozen Cranberry Margarita is my favorite so far!

Compiled by accomplished chef and cookbook author Jerome Rubin, The Cape Cod Cookbook showcases 210 traditional New England recipes drawn from the culinary history and tradition of Cap Cod, Massachusetts. Organized into sections devoted to: Appetizers and Dips (Sweet Orange-Glazed Chicken Wings); Sauces, Salsas, and Jellies (Blueberry Chutney); Salads (Citrus Poppy Seed Vinaigrette Salad); Soups and Stews (Buzzards Bay Bouillabaisse); Fish (Nantucket Flounder Rollups); Shellfish (Provincetown Crab Cakes); Poultry (Maple-Glazed Chicken); Meats and Pasta (Bellflowers Pasta with White Clam Sauce); Side Dishes (Honeyed Squash and Apples); Breads and Muffins (New England Spoonbread); Cookies (Cranberry Orange Cookies); Desserts (Whiskey Cake); and Beverages (Raspberry Kiss), The Cape Cod Cookbook is thoroughly "kitchen friendly" and offers a culinary wealth of wonderful contributions for family dining menus.

My daughter purchased the book for some friends and loved it, so I decided to get one for my Grandson. Nicholas lives in Atlanta and we only get to see him once a year or so. We wanted him to have something to remember us and his visits by. He loves the book so much, we keep one at the house for him to use here, when he comes!

A lifetime Cape resident, I purchased Cape Cod For Kids Coloring and Activity book for two little friends of mine that came to visit with their parents over the summer. They completely enjoyed reliving their summer vacation by coloring the carefully chosen and depicted Cape Cod scenes. The activities range in difficulty, so you can buy it for a child of almost any age. A perfect gift for the child who loves to live on or visit the Cape!

Very nice compositions with an honest approach to presenting this landscape. I have never been to this part of the country but am able to experience it from Mr. Smestad's photographs. It seems that special attention was paid to capturing the natural area without any sign of Man's presence. This is a real treat! A very nice book!

It's amazing to me that this book has not been reviewed yet! This book is one of the very best collections of fine art I have ever seen. It beautifully preserves the natural details of an age-old paradise with the personal narrative of a brilliant photographer discovering his own truths in his surroundings.
The colors vibrant, the landscapes fantastically orchestrated, and the frankness astounding, this book makes the perfect gift for any friend, relative, art enthusiast or coffee table.

What a great find! As a photography enthusiast and a life long Cape vacationer I found this book simply delightful! The pictures really capture the spirit of the Cape and I enjoyed artist's insight and notes at the end of the book. A great gift for Cape and photography lovers alike!

I received this book from a good friend recently and find it terrific at two levels. First the panoramic images allow you to "enter" the scene as though you are actually there, something that a traditional picture never achieves.The images themselves are wonderfull, bringing back fond memories of vacationing as a child with my family and enjoying some of these same scenes. On a second level I appreciate the author's tutorial on panoramic photography, clear and concise giving me the confidence to experiment with this digital medium.

This book is a rare gem, phenomenally crafted and continuously interesting. It's a great book, enjoyable both to poets and readers who don't regularly read poetry.

This book was totally life changing. It really made me want to know the author. You should buy this book, and buy it for your mom. And your mom's mom. James Haug couldn't have described it better. A great read.