Washington Books

Joe Passonneau has combined history, planning and architecture in our nation's capitol that has a certain relevance to every serious, large city in the country. What you really learn here is how architecture and planning can work together in a creative relaltionshiip and both better for the experience. If the elected officials were crafting laws with the same care, concern and perhaps even love, that architects, planners and a host of other insightful non-professionals were using to build Washington, DC, we would all be better off today.

The maps alone are glorious and probably worth the price of the book itself. Study them and you will start to understand and appreciate the historic process by which cities either reinvent themselves or fail to do so. Architects, planners and history buffs should own this book. Period.

I've been looking for maps that depict DC through the years. I live in SouthWest DC in one of the few new buildings that obviously took the place of many things that were here before. This book has been so helpful in showing the development of DC through the years. Between maps I've never seen before, plans and photos, this is a must have for anyone who wants to see the changes in DC in the past two hundred years.

As the title suggests, Washington Through Two Centuries is a terrific book for those interested in examining Washington's evolution over 200 years. I would caution however that it may not be a great book for someone who wants a condensed, easy to read story. More of a reference guide than a coffee table book, it takes a bit of time to digest.

Mr. Passonneau's book on Washington successfully covers the planning history of this country's capitol city, and essentially uses it as an illustration of how planning can guide development of a city on many levels. The maps in this book are the culmination of a thirty year project which, because it involved historically accurate hand drawings of the facades of all of the buildings in the covered area, is certain never to be undertaken again. Thus this book is not only extremely informative and interesting from historical, social and political perspectives, it is in itself a beautiful work of art, a feast for the eyes.

This book does not have "Hiking" in it's title. I'm sure many people looking for hiking or trail books never find this book for that reason, too bad. This book stood out over other hiking specific titles.

Full color maps with trails and roads outlined. Great creative write-ups and stats for each trail. Really outstanding National Geographic quality photography that gives you a true sense of the trail and area, some of the best Northwest photography I have seen. Excellent general information. All on thick high quality gloss paper, not paperback paper. The author is a Northwest native, and photographer yes does work for National Geographic.

Get this book you will not be disappointed!

This is a lovely book. The color photographs are artistic and original (mountains, lakes and trees give Gurche more than standard post card poses). The writing is likewise consistently excellent. Huschke offers a taste of history, geology, and human interest with his hiking and, of course, nature commentary: he seems consistently well-informed. In addition, the book gives a sharp, though not detailed, map of each wilderness area. This puts hikes I have taken, or dream of taking, into a context one cannot always quickly grasp from detailed topographical maps. I found Huschke's description of trails I know, like the maps, not only accurate but also detailed in a useful, rather than overwhelming, way. So I feel I can trust his guidance where my own sneakers have not yet trod. At the same time, he doesn't make me feel as if actually hitting the trail for myself would be redundant.

Of course there are many other trails in each wilderness area this book does not describe. But this is a wonderful introduction to the awesome beauties of Washington state, both for those who have never visited, and for those born here, but with much left to discover.

This book is a wonderful fusion of wilderness hiking guide and photo essay, fabulously bridging the gap between funcionality and literary artwork.
I've personally hiked in over ten of the areas described by Mr. Huschke, and have not once managed to find the words to convey their beauty in as magic a manner as he. At the same time, the crisp and accurate detail of each hike-description clearly show the great deal of time spent in growing intimate with each trail and side-trail.
I've read dozens of guides to the Pacific Northwest outdoors, but the photos and background depictions in this book make it easily the finest I've ever encountered. I agree with the first review of this book in anxiously awaiting the next effort from these two gifted artists.

I was in the midst of planning a trip out west when I stumbled across "Washington's Wilderness Areas". Needless to say, we're now planning on heading to Washington. Mr. Huschke's writing gives a clear picture of what to expect and how to reach those expectations. The pictures jump off the pages!

I highly recommend this book and hope that Mr. Huschke has more in the works.

Thanks to Dr. Cosby and Renee Pouissant we now have a fabulous book allowing elders, who have lived history, to tell us the truth about American History. At last a book that respects our elders and allows them the opportunity to express the truth of their experiences. It is entertaining, historical and informative. Once you start reading you can't put it down and when finished you are ready for the next edition. It is refreshing to read about courageous people who have been given the freedom to express their truth rather than stories that pretend to know their truth. Every school should have this book in their curriculum and the pattern of this book should be the impetus to get people of all ethnicities to respect their elders and learn from them.

This is a wonderful book of advice from wise African-Americans.
I recommend this book and another book called SURVEY OF 300 A+ STUDENTS,
by a wise African-American at Harvard (Kenneth Green).

This is one of those rare books I simply could not stop reading! I highly recommend it. The interviews are intimate and illuminating, and I think young adults in particular will be inspired, though middle-aged ones like myself can take heart in how much these folks are STILL achieving well after 70. While I enjoyed getting to know some of the famous people in a new way, I was especially impressed by stories of "unfamous" elders like the educators Jayme Coleman Williams and McDonald Williams, people who have had tremendous, sustained impact in their communities. The best part is, you can access even more of the work of the National Visionary Leadership Project at their web site, VisionaryProject.com

I enjoy reading this book. Really. The reason I gave it the four stars is that there wasn't enough of them. Mostly it had stories from famous people that we already know on. What I wanted to read was from people who are not as famous. Who had a lot of things to tell. I pray there is a sequel.

This was a very good book that all people should read. It contained a live interview with me, my wife, and her family in chapter 13.

This book by Leon Dash makes you think. It not only givess accounts of interviews given to him by young girls not all of whom wer pregnant but it givees statistical data.

I read Leon Dash's book "Rosa Lee" as a college assignment. He is an exceptional writer who cuts away all the preconceived ideas and misconceptions. I was thrilled to find another book by Leon Dash. This book, "When Children Want Children" opened my eyes to the plight of many young people in poor neighborhoods. "When Children want Children" and "Rosa Lee" should both be required reading for all teachers and parents. We cannot overcome the problems of teen pregnancy and drug use until we understand where the people are coming from. Leon Dash goes straight to the source to find answers.

Dash outdid himself again I read Rosa Lee: A mother and her familiy in Urban America, and enjoyed it so greatly that I couldn't wait to get my hands on another of his books he is a great writer and his books are worthy to be read. Dash goes to the heart of the problems facing teens in poor urban communities, he looks at the future, the present and past of these children's lives in order to offer real views of their existence. The fact that he goes into and moves into the community in which these young people live, gives him great credibility because he is not writing from a far off perspective, he is right there in the eye of the volcanoe. This book was very good and deserves to be read over and over. I hope Mr. Dash continues to write about the plights of the urban poor because their's is a story that must be told and must not be forgotten.

Very funny! Amazingly detailed memories. A great read-aloud for the whole family.

The author's vivid descriptions of the mountains and terrain, the weather and the trials and tribulations of hiking, camping, building log structures and the camaraderie of such an outstanding troop is nothing but masterful ! What the author has produced should be a legend for all those presently in scouting. I truly doubt that any other troop has ever been or will be as dedicated or productive as 511. Braman has really chronicled the true spirit of scouting in a way that will inspire future generations of scouts, even though I doubt that it will ever be equaled. Where "The Fuzzy Marmots Grow" is a work of art. This book was a pleasure to read, it captivates the reader and it's hard to put down. I certainly enjoyed it

This delightful memoir of boyhood is a chronicle of humor, nostalgia and charm. It's story-telling at its best. Unequivocally recommended to those who enjoy remembering, reliving, the spirit of youth - when the miracle of adventure was an everyday occurrence. Lovingly conceived, deftly written.

James Braman's book is a delightful, charmingly-told story about Boy Scout Troop 511 of Bremerton, Washington. The boys' rollicking adventures as they explore the wilds of the Northwest and venture forth in their ancient Fageol bus to view the wonders of Grand Coulee Dam are thoroughly entertaining. At the same time, the book subtly provides a recipe for building character and a foundation for success in life--simply bring together strong, caring leaders and eager, adventurous youth, and the effect can be powerful and lasting! Where the Fuzzy Marmots Grow is an enjoyable read for everyone--from preteens to grandparents.. Highly recommended!

Sell is admittedly an outsider, always studying Boeing from the periphery of a neutral journalist, or family member of one employed there, yet he manages to deftly describe the essence and culture of Boeing as a longtime employee would. He understands and conveys the conservative approach Boeing has always taken toward state governmental affairs, and presents Boeing as above reproach in these matters, a reputation Boeing has gone to great lengths to ensure. I appreciated the detail to which Sell went to explain the legislative aspects of growth in Washington state and Boeing's occasional collisions with it - a good read whether one is interested in the evolution of Boeing from Bill Boeing's hobby shop to the economic powerhouse it is today, or if one is interested in the impact of growth. Sell also slips in delightful, but subtle witticisms.

A great read, especially considering recent events (Boeing leaving Seattle.)

This is a balanced and even-handed look at an issue that is confronting communities all over the country: How to deal with the costs of growth without losing the benefits. A good read.

Sell's book cuts through the fog of loyalty to green or greed parties and explains the paradox of growth with facts not fictions. Everyone has something to learn from this book. Sell makes both sides of the growth issue stand naked before the mirror and it isn't always pretty. "Wings of Power" is a well written and thoroughly researched book that, unlike most of this genre, is not devoid of humor.

this book centers on the life of Lue Gim Gong. he leaves his home and family to make a better life for all of them in america. the narrative switches between gong's mother, his patron in america, ms. fanny, and sheba, a daughter of slaves who comes to work in ms. fanny's house in florida. i enjoyed the different points of view and the glimpses into each woman's life, but Faith, this was SUCH a depressing read. it seemed to me that for every piece of good fortune these families experienced, they suffered yet more loss. from the prejudices of the superstitious clans in china, to those against asians, african americans and women, reading the stories of these women made me appreciate my own life, and made me realize how very much i take for granted.

I had a lot to reflect upon after reading this book. I was most surprised by when I realized about 3/4 way through that the book was essentially a biography. I wish the book jacket had highlighted the fact that Lum Gim Gong was a celebrated Chinese horticulturalist in Florida, and the author used her extensive research into his life to create this book. I would surmise that since all of his journals were destroyed, she moves the viewpoint to other characters and writes a novel to better draw the reader into the story. The book has one drawback in this hybrid form--it doesn't have a climax, as one would expect in a novel--but continues on a little long in the end to get all the biographical details in.

I loved the descriptions of life in a village in China, the New England town, and the Florida orchard. Sometimes the frequent change of view point between these very different societies feels abrupt, but it highlights the cultural disruption experienced by the characters as they move between these worlds. A strong underlying theme of the book is the dichotomy between how we treat people versus plants: 19th century society forced a separation between people of different races and between genders but the plants are improved and made stronger when they are combined and crossbred. This theme is made more poignant with the realization that the author has a Scottish American father and a Chinese mother and has probably lived with some of the discrimination described in the book.

Wooden Fish Songs is a fascinating story that weaves together the worlds 19th Century China, New England and the post-Civil War South. McCunn's extensive research makes this true story come alive and her talent makes the three women who tell the story real and believable. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Chinese literature and culture. This book portrays the difficult life not only for the Chinese immigrant in America, but also for the family left behind. I recommend this and any other of McCunn's works.

I received a copy of Wooden Fish Songs as a gift from my father, who is a familial descendent of Fanny, and the New England people with whom Lue Gim Gong lived in America. Many of my father's recollections about his relatives were given to the author as the book was written, and helped to maintain the story's factual basis. It is a moving historical account of the difficulty and pain encountered when east/west cultures came together, when differences in peoples were terribly feared, and when cultural mores and expectations within the family were not to be challenged - even for love.

Patwant Singh's book "The World According to Washington" offers an insightful look at America's foreign policy and the controversy surrounding it. Although much contemporary political writing focuses solely on the American perspective, Singh provides a unique viewpoint through which we can examine the actions of the United States. In viewing America from a global context, we are able to gain insight into the true ramifications of America's foreign policy. I highly recommend this book.

Noted Indian writer Patwant Singh's book, The World According to Washington: An Asian View, provides a welcome antidote to the self-centered world view of the Bush administration.
A friend of the U.S., he has written it in an effort to call attention to widely held opinion, here and abroad, that unilateral policies serving the military-industrial complex have undermined U.S. credibility and jeopardized its security. These policies as realized in Iraq have brought esteem for the U.S. to a low point in Asia.
After a brief review of the history of U.S. involvement in Asia, his analysis includes Asians' profound disappointment in the current administration's contempt for treaty-constraints, especially concerning nuclear non-proliferation and global warming. Further, he highlights ironies Asians see that Americans seem to miss: the U.S. warning Iran not to intervene in Iraq's internal affairs, for example. It is no wonder that other nations fear that opposition to U.S. policies will cause them to be labeled "terrorist" and treated the same as Iraq.
While many people in the world admire American freedoms and generosity, Singh says "after September 11 this dream has soured, as U.S. xenophobes have turned against fellow-citizens of different appearance and colour." Unfortunately this seems to confirm Asian suspicions that racism at various levels of decision-making underlay the way in which military power has been misused in Vietnam and elsewhere.
Denial of safeguards to the rights of prisoners labeled "enemy combatants" at Guantanamo weakens the rights and freedoms of Americans as well. It is not only the impact this has on world opinion, especially in the Muslim world, Singh says, that is important.
Asians have come a long way, and their creativity and innovation now can match the West's. Therefore they ask to be treated with respect. This important book is an appeal to U.S. policymakers' intelligent self-interest.

Criticism From a Friend of America -

Distinguished and prolific Indian Author Patwant Singh tells us in his introduction, "I admire America. I have been visiting it regularly for over 40 years. I have long and enduring friendships there, and relish the welcoming warmth I experience each time I visit." Written by a friend, this unrelenting explanation of how Washington is viewed from Asia -- and why-- is particularly urgent now as America's economic position becomes more dependant on India and China, and political tensions in Asia escalate. Globalization, an unstoppable force for both good and ill, has destroyed any possibility of American isolationism. In spite of overwhelming military might, The United States cannot control the world. In his final chapter "The Pitfalls of Power", Patwant Singh gives us a unique view of ourselves. This is how others see us; we would do well to take heed.

Pamela de Maigret

There is nothing in Patwant Singh's professional background which would give a clue to his mastery over international intrigue and geo-political issues. Yet, clearly he is in command of his facts. He also has the ability to present them clearly and in a racy, readable style.

The book also makes a persuasive case of how America, enamoured with its own power, has become a modern East India Company. Asians sometimes joke that America is not a nation, it is a corporation. Patwant Singh provides serious evidence and analysis to back that view.

What he says here is not new to Asian audiences anymore. In the recent years, an astoundingly large number of anaysts and intellectuals have more or less accepted that America is behaving irresponsibly. Many Asians are now resigned to an inevitable confrontation with America, over an issue or a non-issue, sooner or later. Patwant Singh however illustrates that this is not a recent change in American thinking - for the lst 60 years America has been consistently (and constantly) at war with the world. For USA, the 2nd world war apparently did not end in 1945.

At the same time, it must be added that the book does not offer a counterpoint. The conclusion about America does not build up through the chapters -- it is there right from the beginning. Patwant Singh then merely keeps adding the facts and analysis that would prove his point. This may make it difficult for an ordinary reader to make an informed or neutral assessment of his thesis.

Also, while the book proposes to offer an Asian view, most of the material appears to have been taken from Western sources. One can understand the reasons for this: the entire Asia does not publish half as much material as America alone does each year. Asian researchers are therefore wily-nily dependent on Western writers for their facts on international events.

Nevertheless, it is an excellent book, particularly relevant because it is written by an Asian.

This book has also been published in India by Rupa & Co., Delhi.

This book is brilliant!

The method of walking through the National Gallery of Art and through the streets of our nation's capitol has brought both into our home at a level that can be shared with my children.

As I have just written in my 5-star review of "You Can't Take a Balloon to The Metropolitan Museum,": The really good news is that the Preiss sisters HAVE written another book and are working on a third. The second in this series, You Can't Take a Balloon to The National Gallery, is also fabulous. In fact, it is so good that, up until 2 weeks ago, my 3 year old would point out about twice a week that we had not been to the "Natural Gallery" when I asked her what we should do that day.

The only thing that changed since then is that I took her and her 1 year old sister to Washington last week, using the book as a guide book. If you think you like these books now, try using them as a template for a trip with your children! WOW!!!!!! What a wonderful way to get them ready for a trip and what a wonderful thing to carry the book with you, comparing what you are seeing to what you have read!!!! How great to go back to the hotel and see what you have seen and are going to see!!!! How great to get home and have an instant scrap book!!!!

With this experience behind us, we also can't wait until next Spring when You Can't Take a Balloon to The Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is scheduled to come out!

A profound success on many fronts. I'm totally taken by its creativity, cleverness, and messages. This book has adventure, drama, historical details -- I love the "Faces from History" part (plus the learning within them), as offered ever so playfully! At the same time, "You Can't Take A Balloon..." is warm and filled with great joy. If all learning was presented so refreshingly, we'd have a different world!

Grandma is taking a little girl and her brother to the National Gallery of Art. As they walk in, the little girl hands her balloon to a nice photographer to hold for her, since balloons are not allowed inside. But as the three begin their tour of the gallery, the balloon comes loose and sails away..... You Can't Take a Balloon Into the National Gallery is a creative and inventive picture book that will entrance and mesmerize youngsters of all ages with its busy, expressive artwork, great attention to detail and famous Americans hidden in the pictures. The Preiss sister's marvelous and clever pen and ink illustrations, with bright color used only to highlight the chaos of the balloon's trip, parallels the tour inside the gallery, as life imitates art and art imitates life. This book includes a wonderfully detailed map of the balloon's route through D.C. and an answer key full of fun facts and historical notes for their hidden faces, at the end. It's impossible to open this book without finding something new and exciting that you've never seen before. For hours of fun, You Can't Take a Balloon Into the National Gallery is an adventure that will delight and amuse everyone in the family.

I thought this book was very good for children. It gave an overview of the important facts about his life and gave excellent illustrations to accompany the text.

Although I expected this book to be well over the head of my 5-year-old son, he loved it. It was an interesting book that held his attention on its own merits. The pictures, although not as many as he was used to, helped the story along. But when he learned that this was a book about a real person, someone he had heard of, he was thrilled. He's asked me to get him more books about real people. I definitely will.

I thought this book would be well over the head of my five-year-old son; it has more words on each page than he's used to (because it is geared for the young reader). This book is so well written that it kept his attention throughout. And when he realized that this was someone he had heard of, he was hooked. Now he wants to know about all the presidents. (He doesn't realize how many of them there are!)

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to start their child down the path of enjoying history.

If you love your young children who are just learning about history, you owe it to yourself and to them to rush and press the order button for this classic kids' book. Lushily and lavishly illustrated, this wonderful tome details the true story of the man who would become the first president of the United States. This book is an excellent start for any young man or woman to get a grip on the early history of our great country. I am choked up as I write these words because I know this incredible book will become an heirloom that I will pass down from generation to generation. This powerful, and moving testiment to the formation of our land will never be forgotten by this impressed reader. It's simply one of the most wonderful books ever written and I thank God for its existence.