Washington Books

I ran across this book after it was misfiled at the library, and I picked it up because I wondered what a book with a title like that was doing in the section. I read the whole thing through in one sitting. I think it is one of the most incredible anthropological studies I have ever read. As others have commented, the methods that Howell uses are extremely effective - he quite literally moves across the street from his stubjects. I get the feeling that to write this book about "blue collar" people (although the first family at least is really quite destitute) Howell does not hesitate to drink a lot of cheap beer, go deer hunting, etc.

Al Gore might have grown up there had his father been a plumber who moved north for work. Not many St.Albans boys in that neighborhood though. As in none. Gotta wonder if Harrington and Gore don't hook up once in a while what with the wellheeled intellectual Nashville/DC connection. All in all not a bad intro to a forgotten people in a very interesting time and place. I was happy to have stumbled upon it.

This book should be mandatory reading for all high school students in the United States. Poverty is indeed a virtual reality in this book. You cannot help but gain an appreciation for all you have, however little it may be.

While somewhat out of date, Hard Living on Clay Street is one of the best observations of poor white Southern working class folks ever done. Howell came to the research with some background, but more importantly with the ability to get these people to let him into their lives. He tells a compelling story. I have used the book for a Qualitative Methods class, and the students are impressed with both the writing and the characters. Anyone who wants to get a good look inside the lower middle class in this country should spend a little time on Clay Street.

Howell utilizes a "hands on " approach to drive home the reality of a very large segment of our society by literally moving in with them and living the life - in spite of peril for one year. Through this approach, he gains the trust of two families, the Shacklefords and the Mosebys, and we are able to move into their homes, travel with them on their drunken runs, and thereby gain an insight from a perspective within that no "text" could ever offer us. I applaud this book and have used it yearly in classes since 1978 with raves from the students.

Fascinating, funny, romantic, wise... This is a stunning exploration of the American Jewish experience - the heartfelt tale of every immigrant torn between the culture of his forefathers and the glorious temptations of a new land's dream. - A grand piece of storytelling-Boston Globe. Rich and compelling-The New York Times. Laugh until your side aches...Wipe away a tear...-Pittsburgh Press

Herman Wouk is an exceptional writer and this book lives up to all the others. I feel like I know the characters and I've gained a much better understanding of Jewish life in America.

There's no such thing as a bad book by Herman Wouk, and the breadth of his writing is almost as vast as the depth. To think that one man wrote MARJORIE MORNINGSTAR, THE CAINE MUTINY, THIS IS MY GOD, THE WINDS OF WAR, WAR & REMEMBRANCE, DON'T STOP THE CARNIVAL plus a half dozen others simply boggles the imagination.

Along with DON'T STOP THE CARNIVAL, Wouk's funniest book, INSIDE, OUTSIDE is an easier read than most of the other topics he has tackled. Set in a recent decade, the title refers to the fact that in Jewish families, some people use one name at home, their Hebrew, "inside" name and the Anglicized version of that same name out in the big world. Along with the name chosen go two different and distinctive aspects of their personalities.

It seemed clear on reading INSIDE, OUTSIDE that the hero's sister, Lee, is the all-grown up version of Marjorie Morningstar. This is not Herman Wouk's most important book, far from it, but it is one of his easiest works to read. The story he has told, as always, is an interesting one. There is no such thing as a bad book when Mr. Wouk is the author.

Took this book with me on a cruise and couldn't put it down. Wouk's writing so fabulous I am now reading all of his book, some a second time.

He is a masterful writer and creates characters that come alive and stay with you.Inside, Outside: A Novel

"Inside, Outside" comes as close to being an outright autobiography as Wouk is likely to write."

"Wouk demonstrates his ability to write with compassion about people both literary and historical, real and imaginary."

Wouk's 1985 saga is a social comedy of Jewish-American life reaching from New York to Jerusalem and spanning much of the 20th century.

A great book! This is a compilation of short stories representing the author's eight-year career as a Washington DC police officer. This book provided unique insight into a career that many people would shy away from, especially in a notoriously high-crime area such as Washington, DC. The author showed that even though he faced dangerous and stressful situations on a regular basis, he maintained a level head and his hope to help the community. The stories are poignant, allowing the reader to experience a range of emotions along with the author. In a job that often carries a stereotype of big egos and power trips, it is refreshing to see a portrayal of an officer with a sensitive and vulnerable side. I highly recommend this book.

Archer gives you an inside look at what it's like to be a police officer in one of America's toughest cities. He will take you on an emotional journey that many police officer's endure throughout their careers. You will see how as a police officer you see the best and the worst sides of humanity and still try to balance your own life. Overall, this is an excellent book and if you decide to take the journey with Archer, you won't put the book down until it's finished.

Miles To Go...is a quick and enjoyable read. It certainly gives the reader an interesting insight into a police officer's day to day life, as well as a new found respect for what our law enforcement does on a daily basis. More importantly, this isn't just a day to day journal, but an honest account of why the author became a police officer and how he got through his days out on the street, whether it was doing undercover work, or trying to bust down the door of a brothel. I enjoyed the fact that the author could see the different perpetrators as people and could understand and appreciate where they came from rather than just chalking them up to another "collar." I highly recommend it!

As a cop, I know that we don't like to share our emotions. Especially about the things we see or experience on the job. These things are typically sealed in compartments and packed away, too difficult to contemplate or share. Christopher Archer lifts the thin blue line and exposes what his eyes saw, his body felt, and his heart bled with sincerity. You will frequently have to pause while reading this book to laugh, gasp for air, or swallow hard. I wish that the author had woven a common theme through this collection of stories, but perhaps I'm asking too much from someone who has exposed so much.

Christopher M. Archer has written an OUTSTANDING book. Detailing the life of a cop in The Nations Capital. The stories are real and shocking. Each chapter tells you a different story of the daily life of a cop wanting to "Protect and Serve". Once you start reading this book you won't want to put it down. The stories are all true. I know first hand, I had the pleasure of working with him during our RDU days. Great Job Chris!

This cookbook is absolutely gorgeous. It is a wonderful guide to the Pacific Northwest for both locals and visitors. The recipes are fabulous (try the Chipotle Chocolate Cake) and very easy to do at home, while still elegant. And the wine pairing suggestions are spot on. Outstanding book that would make a great addition to anyone's cookbook collection - and one that you will actually use.

This book offers many exceptional recipes however there are two from Chef Maury Bennett in Idaho that are amazing his passion for local fares radiates through his ideas. I would like to see an entire cook book done by him!!

For the wine and food nut, this book is of epic proportion. Vivid and lively pictures combined with the real people and real stories of the Pac NW illustrates the connection between Braiden Rex-Johnson and her subject. The
wine country traveler's guide to the good life in the Pac NW. Bravo!

To counter the damp and dreary days of winter I surround myself with distractions that promise better days to come. At the top of my pile is Braiden Rex-Johnson's Pacific Northwest Wining and Dining. Just looking at the cover of this love letter to NW cuisine warms me. I imagine myself dining al fresco on the patio of this restaurant or a myriad of others. Then I pour over the interior pages, like a gardener pouring over a seed catalogue in winter. I indulge in the descriptions of familiar restaurants and wineries as well as intriguing new ones. I plan our next excursion into Eastern Washington or the Willamette Valley or the always promising Vancouver area, while noting the recipes from these areas that we want to make today and the wines we will want to serve with them. I smile at the quotes from favorite and unfamiliar chefs and feel as though I now know something of what makes them who they are. And then I remember another friend who I want to share this book with and I'm back online to order it. What a perfectly luscious way to wile away the winter days.

I was given this book as a gift and after sitting down with a cuppa joe and browsing through it, I feel like I've had an eye-opening close encounter with the Northwest--and I live here! With our busy lives, who has time to track down the crème de la crème of cozy inns, tucked away vineyards and to-die-for bistros? Rex-Johnson has done the work for us, with a literary roadmap of the best of the best. She entertains with quick little snippets about the lives of chefs and growers, then helps us bring the experience home with their best recipes. I've just ordered another copy to give a chef-friend, and I'm going to keep one on hand for visitors coming to the area. Whether they like to cook or not, there's gorgeous photography, a travel guide, a bit of history, and inspiration for anyone whose pulse quickens in the face of beauty, bounty and harvest.

I found this book valuable for identifying plants associated with the lichens I collect. It is easy to use, the photos are good and I really appreciate both the range maps and phisiographic map (on the inner back cover). Dana Ericson

Over all this is an excellent field guide. Two minor complaints: some of the plants have no accompanying photo, just a line drawing detailing their seed pods or flower. Also, some have very brief descriptions and say things like "Indigenous people used to eat this". Okay, why'd they stop? Is the plant considered toxic? Did the Indians get sick from it and stop using it?

This is simply an outstanding text. I used to work outdoor school in the pacific northwest, and this book ranked space in my day pack every day of the week. Very clear photos show you exactly what the plants look like, and text is clear and interesting. Highly recommended.

For anyone interested in Northwest Native Plants, this is an essential reference. Arthur Lee Jacobsen's "Wild Plants of Greater Seattle" is another useful book, although not as detailed. "Vascular plants of the Pacific Northwest", by Charles Leo Hitchcock, in 7 volumes for $300.00, is much more detailed but not as handy. I have used my "Pojar" so much that I wore it out and had to get a second copy. I found it useful when I was just beginning to learn about native plants, and now that I can identify over 200 species on sight, I still use it to learn about ethnobotany, which plants are edible, and where to plant them in my garden.

Another reviewer complained that the book does not list common names in the index. This is just plain wrong. You can look up plants in the index by common name or scientific name, or you can browse through the photos until you get a match. You can also use the keys, which is the best way to learn about the relationship of one species to another, but I'm usually too lazy to work through the process. The way the plants are grouped, it's easy to narrow it down and find your plant.

My one complaint about the book is that it is sometimes difficult to pin down whether or not a particular plant is actually a native. This is usually implied, especially when they tell how indigenous peoples used the plants in everday life, but I wish the plants were clearly marked Native and Non-Native.

I'd actually give this 4.5 stars if I could. This is a great all around guide for the west side of the Cascades. It doesn't include every plant, particularly in the sections towards the end on bryophytes, but most plants you'll want to see are in there. I'm torn on the aboriginal use data tht is presented throughout the book. On one hand, it really is quite fascinating, but on the other hand, probably several dozen more species could have been covered if these data were omitted. The maps can be a bit difficult to decipher given the range this book covers, and although most of the photos are good, a few are pretty poor. Still, it is a must-have for any nature buff in the PNW.

Kudos for J.R. Norton for pulling together our Founding Fathers and our current foundering, floundering politicians. Reading Norton's quick-minded, incisive writing is to bask in the sunlight of memory recovered--he reminds us of the progressive stance of the founders of this country. One cannot read this book and then listen to the news in the same way. Reading Norton's book will make you want to do your own careful analysis of the current war, if you haven't done it already. Norton's book is a wonderful reminder of the principles on which this country was founded and how far we have allowed our country to be pulled from those noble and ambitious principles. Should be required reading!

This fascinating, meticulously-researched book takes a biting, clever and frequently hilarious look back at the founding fathers, the revolution they fought, and the constitution they miraculously crafted. Norton deftly connects the biggest issues and controversies of today with the cultural and political ideals of the founders, arguing convincingly and passionately that, contrary to what the Right would have us believe, the founders' policies, beliefs and priorities were incredibly progressive by today's standards. In fact, it is the the Left, and modern day progressives, who are the rightful heirs to the founders' legacy.

Filled with illuminating (and often quite amusing) quotes from the founding fathers' letters, books and speeches, this book transforms the remote, infallible, wig-wearing deities of elementary school parables and the "heads" side of money into real, flesh and blood men. By the end of the book (which I devoured in a single sitting), I felt like I KNEW these guys. But more importantly, I was reminded of how much I love this country and what it stands for, despite how horrifying and frightening I find its current leadership and policies. And, above all, how vital it is that the progressive, rational, tolerant, civic-minded people of this country -- the rightful cultural and political descendents of the founders -- fight to take it back.

Saving General Washington is a cleverly written treatise calling us to task on our national lack of historical memory. Norton's is an amusing ride, simultaneously weaving history and current events into one sharp commentary on who we are, where we came from and where we ought to be going.

Norton uses his firm grasp on current political events as a hook into the excellent contemporary literature on the founding fathers, creating a text that's easy to read if you are familiar with either -- and entertaining if you're familiar with both. It's hip and full of witty references -- but never to the point where it gets cutesy or the author becomes more into himself than the idea. I was most impressed by his ability to pull from historical research to provide a concise argument without getting lost in the details or horribly glossing over the historical subject matter.

One criticism could be that it doesn't go extremely deep into the history, but I'd argue that it serves its purpose by providing a good entree into the subject matter for those interested. There's worse things one could do than convince someone to pick up the latest McCullough biography. I'd also recommend Gordon Woods for anyone into these ideas.

For an example of the style, take Norton's discussion of business and politics -- where he contrasts Bush / Cheney to Franklin. Norton's description of Franklin, 'the official funny fat guy of the founding fathres and the nation's inspirationally folksy old bastard' is on the mark and hilarious. Norton does and excellent job of doing what our schools should have done -- reveal these old codges for the fascinating, contradictory, but ultimately foresighted people that they were and suggesting what lasting principles we might learn from them.

Saving General Washington reads like an entertaining friend walking you through a compelling argument -- that modern Republicans have hi-jacked the memory of our founding fathers and now we're taking it back.

Norton's dropping Burrs and Hamiltons like Samberg, and so should you.

Like the previous reviewer, I read this text in one sitting. It's well-written, insightful, and useful for any folks like me who have a huge critique of the current administration but a less-than-perfect understanding of history to articulate why the current state of affairs is such an assault on patriotic values. Brilliant! I'd recommend it to everyone. Bought it for my father. Bought it for my friends.

It was so good, I read the entire book in one sitting. I couldn't stop. The author does an excellent job marrying history with humor and making a statement in the process. The bibliography and the end of the book I thought especially useful.

This is one of my first expedition kayaking books, bought back in '93. Many of the facts presented there still stick with me. The newest edition is the best yet. Dowd's writing is accurate, interesting, and necessary for a sport that is so much fun but has a dearth of writers able to translate that fun into print. Really makes one want to go kayak! Highly recommended.

This is a great book! I read it as a beginner, and will hold onto it as a reference. Anyone who kayaks should know the info in this book. Written with enthusiasm for the sport, it is not at all a dry read.(Pun intended.)

I am not an avid reader, and I usually lose interest in a book and place it on the shelf mid way through if the author doesn't keep my interest. John Dowd had not only captivated my interest, but made it hard for me to put it down. Some of the best and informative information about Sea Kayaking that I have read yet. It should be a "Must Read" for any person involved in the sport of Sea Kayaking, beginner to novice. 5 Star Rating above all others!!!

Dowd has a way of sounding like your dad and the tone of the book is very relaxed and easy to follow. It claims to be pitched at intermediate kayakers starting out on expeditions yet basic skills like bracing, sculling and rolling are included. Even the most basic things that are left out are assumed by their absence and that keeps the book from being patronising in an overly wordy `beginners guide' type way.

He gives a very informative overview of the sport and its locations from polar kayaking to the tropics. He also gives a reassuring overview of a sea kayak's `sea worthiness' (dependent on the paddler) explaining some hurricane force winds he has personally endured in a kayak. He also discusses at length the issue of kayaking alone and concludes that one can kayak safely alone, in fact he even suggests kayaking in numbers can give a false sense of security.

Dowd discusses buying a kayak and refreshingly advises `keep in my mind your original image - how you saw yourself with your boat' which I found to be excellent advice.

This book is a very good introduction to sea kayaking and an interesting read. It is also a bible-like source of information. As Paul Theroux said on the jacket "quiet simply the best book available on this wonderful sport"

This is a fabulous book on sea kayaking. I loved reading it because of the very useful information and mix of serious and humorous writing styles. A must read - and you'll want to read it several times to soak up all the great information. Highly recommended for any kayaker. His exploits are impressive and inspiring.

Have read every J A Jance book! They are equally well written and compelling. They have a wonderful flow to them, fascinating characters and she never gives up the mystery of who and why until the last few pages....excellent reading and nearly impossible to put down til its completely done.

J.P. Beaumont is one of the most likable and intriguing characters in the mystery genre. He is a divorced detective who has a daughter in college and enough money that he does not need to work, but he enjoys his job. J.P. is the proud owner of a long list of failures with women, not all of which were his fault. It starts with his divorce, and then follows with women with which he gets involved and who end up either dead or on the guilty side of a crime. Whenever I start a new book in this series I ask myself: will it be different this time?

This time around, the case involves a dead man by the tracks and a woman's shoe near the body with blood on its stiletto heel. This is complemented by another dead man, apparently from natural causes, in the house of the first victim. J.P. gets the case and he immediately suspects foul play in the case of the second body. And the discovery of a pack of cocaine in the victim's pillow adds timber to the fire. From then on, the plot starts moving full speed and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way to keep our interest at a maximum level.

All of the usual players are present in this story. We have the femme fatale, the annoying Maxwell Cole, who hates Beau's guts, and a new partner. Beau's new sidekick is Big Al Lindstrom, but we will soon see his old partner, Peters, help from the hospital. Peters is there due to a broken vertebrae, and after a period of depression he decides to start "living" again and pulls a "Lincoln Rhyme".

J.A. Jance has done it again. She delivers another novel that moves at a fast pace and that keeps us guessing as to what is really going on until the last few pages. The author shows how good she is at varying her style, and the contrast between this series and the one featuring Joanna Brady could not be clearer. She does a fantastic job in both series though.

I recommend this book to everyone that loves a good mystery, but I just want to give you a word of advice. Do not start this novel close to the end of your day, or you will find yourself reading well into the night. There is no letting go; trust me, I learned this from experience!

THE BOOK CAME IN GREAT CONDITION AND I AM SURE I WILL REALLY ENJOY IT. I LOVE THE AUTHOR AND HER WRITING. THANKS SO MUCH. JANICE

Buy this book and all the others.
If you want a great read Start with the first JP Beaumont book, and read them in succession.
I love JP Beaumont!

I feel that the fans of J.P. Beaumont will love this one. It is so typical J.A. Jance. I enjoyed every page of this one. Another reviewer has done a wonderful job of outlining the plot, so I will not repeat what is obvious. Jance's character developement (this author's strongest skill) holds very true to form with this work and we learn more and more of her detective Beaumont. We also get a look at the drug culture in that part of the country (Seattle of course) and some of the alternative life styles found their. This work has some fascinating twists (no spoilers here) and as one reviewer points out, just when you have things figured out, you get the rug pulled from under you. Of course, the book will be much better for those who have read the preceeding books dealing with this seattle Cop, but the book is also able to stand on it's own and is simply a good read. Recommend this one highly.

Wonderful photos from Seattle's past. Brought back a lot of memories. We had great fun looking at the photo's and sharing our own memories and good times. This book gets a lot of attention from our visitors.

Although I have now been gone longer then the duration I lived there, Seattle will always be my "hometown." This book does a lot to make me wistfully recound the 'small town' city that I grew up outside of (M.I.) from 1972-1986 (yes, my father moved us there when the famous "...turn out the lights?" billboard was up). Anyhow, the book is also a great reminder that while I can go back (and often do), it will truly never be the same. It really is unfortunate that this series is page-limited; I'm certain that more photos of other "vanished" landmarks could have been included (and that is my only gripe).

All of us boomes over 50 that grew up in Seattle loved this book. We took buses to downtown when we were in our early teens and visited the stores and resturants mentioned in the book. In our early 20's we went to the bars highlighted in the book. It was a great trip down memory lanes.

This book not only explores landmarks that have defined Seattle and given it its unique character over the years, but examines many other aspects of Seattle culture that have gone away. This includes businesses, events, commercial products, and radio and television shows. The book is complete in its listing and is well detailed. I can't think of anything that is missing, or any way that it could be improved. I came into the world in the 60's and remember much of Seattle's unique character that has vanished. Those items that are before my time are described in detail and can easily be appreciated by anyone.

I own several of these IMAGES OF AMERICA books and I'm never disappointed.

This particular (picture) book is about Seattle in the past, and shows photos of some past landmarks that helped to create Seattle.

As the book's title stated, this book is about the "Vanishing Seattle", because all the landmarks are no more.

If you grew-up in Seattle, as I did, you will love to look through this book and reflect on some of the famous landmarks that were so wonderful to visit, but that are now extinct.

It's clearly written, very informative, and enjoyable to read besides. I learned a lot from this book. I learned there are many more things to see and do in Washington than I knew. It's an invaluable planning aid, since I now know which sites will bore our son and which he will enjoy. The book also gives ideas on how children can have educational fun in our capital, tips on getting around, and more.

This book makes seeing Washington so easy and painless. The sights are grouped according to location, so you know what you can see together in a short amount of time. I discovered gems in Washington that I never knew existed! And just when the kids are getting cranky and hungry, there is a list of good places to eat. The directions by metro are very helpful and well done. I highly recommend this book to natives and visitors alike!

Washington, D.C. is the most unique city in the world. Whether you are visiting the area or live there, one cannot possibly know the wealth of information found in Washington, D.C. with Kids. I grew up in the area, but I have lived away for more than twenty years. Without this guide, I would have difficutly finding the places I want to see when I am back. I wish there had been such a book when my kids were younger. It's always such a challenge finding entertaining and worthwhile activities when on family trips. Imagine showing up in a city and having a resource that gives you a map, a subway map, addresses of places, times of operation, and even suggestions for meals! This book even indicates which venues are appropriate for various age groups. All of that and more is found in this superb volume. It's a "must have" for anyone planning a visit to Washington, D.C.

This is the only EDUCATIONAL guide to Washington, DC with kids -- and is now available in its 2nd Edition, published by Fodor's.
The second edition completely updates the sites and the restaurants and the recommendations -- based on input from readers as well as extensive research by the authors.
Washington, D.C. with Kids, 2nd Edition (Fodor's) is available on the Web and through all major bookstores!
HIGHLY recommended by its readers!

I found this book easy to read, full of useful and fun information. I have recommended to friends that do not have children and are planning a trip to the nation's capitol.
The information is interesting and concise. The book is well-written and includes many interesting and little known bits of information, as well as the more typical tourist spots.